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Necklace of Kisses by Francesca Lia Block
Chick Lit Review

Necklace of Kisses by Francesca Lia Block

Necklace of Kisses by Francesca Lia Block picks up from where YA readers left Weetzie Bat and her Secret Agent Lover Man. Now older, Weetzie and Secret Agent Lover Man, or Max as he is now referred as, are both suffering. Since 9/11, Max has lost all desire and hope, and Weetzie is struggling in the relationship. Deciding to flee to a magical pink hotel, she is on the search for her old prom date, to share the kiss she never had. While there, Weetzie meets a variety of characters through her kisses, including a kidnapped mermaid being forced to have plastic surgery and an invisible housekeeper.
I haven’t read Weetzie Bat, the first novel that came out in 1989 about these characters, but I had done some research before diving into Necklace of Kisses so I felt prepared for what I was about to read. I was all wrong though, as I remained pretty confused throughout the duration of this reading. The plot is fast-paced, but sometimes too fast so I couldn’t feel like I was grasping what I was reading. I enjoyed the magical aspect of the characters and the hotel and the journey Weetzie was putting herself on, but with so many other confusions like characters popping in and out from beyond the grave and wherever else they were appearing from was just too much for me. The best thing about Kisses was that it was very short, it only took me two sittings to complete.

April 23, 2010
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Still Thinking of You by Adele Parks
Chick Lit Review

Still Thinking of You by Adele Parks

Rich and Tash have the love that everyone craves. A completely honest relationship, these lovers have it all: trust, commitment, sensitivity, and passion in the bedroom. When Rich’s friends tag along for the private wedding at a French ski resort, one unwelcome guest tags along: one of Rich’s ex-lovers, Jane. While Tash is under the belief that Rich has been honest with her about anything and everything, including his past conquests, this is one old flame that Rich hasn’t told a soul about. Jane is the little sister of his pal Ted, and used to be a fat ugly mess during their college years. But now, Jane has transformed herself into a beauty, and has her sights set on Rich.
Still Thinking of You by Adele Parks is a luscious read filled with colorful characters, devious plot twists, and a tearful ending. I liked that each supporting character (Rich’s gang of friends) got to tell their own story from there inside point of views. Each friend is struggling with their own issues: bankruptcy, infidelity, trying to start a family, and that brings even more to the love story between Rich and Tash. The novel started off a little too slow, I think there was a lot of information that wasn’t necessarily needed, but if you keep pushing through, you will find an incredible story. Still Thinking of You gives readers romance, deception, and a bit of relationship advice as well. A fantastic read for chick lit fans.

April 12, 2010
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Scot on the Rocks by Brenda Janowitz
Chick Lit Review

Scot on the Rocks by Brenda Janowitz

Brooke Miller is in a pickle. A successful Manhattan attorney, Brooke is so sure her dashing Scottish boyfriend is about to propose any minute to her. To Brooke’s complete shock, he doesn’t propose, he dumps her, admits he’s been cheating, and kicks her out of their shared apartment! She is devastated, but sure she can win him back. It can’t really be over right?
When Brooke’s ex-boyfriend, Trip, calls to tell her he is getting married to a Hollywood movie star, she tells a teeny tiny lie. She tells him that she too is engaged- to her dashing Scottish, well, now ex-boyfriend. But she is sure they will get back together before Trip’s wedding, so it won’t be a lie for long. Except for when the wedding roles around and Douglas still hasn’t asked her back, Brooke has no choice but to come up with an outrageous plan to deceive Trip and the other wedding guests.
Scot on the Rocks, the debut novel from Brenda Janowitz is fast-paced and funny, with the heroine landing herself in more than one silly situation. Sometimes though, I did feel frustrated with the main character trying so hard to get this loser back when a real man was right in front of her. But the supporting characters really helped the scenes along, from a best friend struggling with her own marriage, a co-worker trying to win the girl, and of course the luscious Hollywood wedding. A fast and funny read that chick lit fans will enjoy.

April 9, 2010
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Second Time Around by Beth Kendrick
Chick Lit Review

Second Time Around by Beth Kendrick

Ten years after graduating from Leighton College in New York, five friends hold a reunion, where they reminisce on old times. All former English majors, the women wonder what would have become of their lives if they had chosen a different major and profession. A professor, a bartender, a copyright, and an administrative assistant all get that second chance when the fifth member of the group passes away, leaving her four friends $1,000,000 to reinvent themselves.
Now, a novelist, an event planner, a pastry chef, and a bed and breakfast owner are finding the answers to their “what if” questions. They are finally following their dreams and desires, and are doing it together back in the town of their college. Finding their true callings amidst career struggles and love battles, the four friends grow closer to one another while honoring their friend’s spirit and life along the way.
Second Time Around by Beth Kendrick is a heart-felt story on the value of friendship and finding a way to follow your heart. Each woman’s story was interesting and colorful, and the way each character could tie in with one another was excellent. A unique subplot involving the deceased friend kept the mystery up throughout the novel, and the ending will make all readers satisfied.

April 3, 2010
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The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen
Chick Lit Review

The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen

Lindsey Rose is a true workaholic. With virtually no friends besides a co-worker, she spends the nights sleeping in her office and is constantly trying to get further in her promising career as a top New York advertising executive. When she is passed over for a promotion and then fired after getting caught in a compromising position with another employee, Lindsey has no choice but to pack up her belongings and head back home to Maryland to live with her parents.
Lindsey is the complete opposite from her twin sister, Alex. While Lindsey is the smart one with mediocre looks, Alex is gorgeous, flirty, and completely selfish. With her upcoming nuptials to a wildly rich and successful man, Alex’s life dominates in greatness over Lindsey’s. Lindsey clutches furiously to hold on to her friendship with Bradley, who crushed on her all throughout high school, but she finds out Bradley has moved on- to the complete unexpected. Lindsey throws herself into a new friendship and a new job- as a matchmaker for singles. When a devastating medical diagnosis hit the family, Lindsey is forced to take a closer look at her and her twin’s lives and the stereotypes they have been leading- and finds an unexpected twist that makes her re-evaluate the way she has been living her life.
The Opposite of Me, the debut novel from Sarah Pekkanen is a heartwarming tale that brought me to tears at the end. It did seem slightly slow-paced at times, but I thought each plot twist was unpredictable. When I was positive I knew what was coming next, the opposite happened, making me enjoy this book even more. I will definitely look forward to Pekkanen’s next novel, and I am hoping maybe there will be a spin-off that follows Alex’s journey.

April 2, 2010
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The Overnight Socialite by Bridie Clark
Chick Lit Review

The Overnight Socialite by Bridie Clark

Lucy Jo Ellis is just a small town girl trying to make it in the fashion world of New York City. When disaster strikes at one of the hottest fashion shows, Lucy Jo is blackballed from the fashion community and ready to give up on her designing dreams and head back to Minnesota. Wyatt Hayes IV, a Harvard-educated anthropologist, is looking for a comeback with a possible book deal and hoping to get revenge on his socialite ex-girlfriend. He decides to conduct a social experiment- turning underdressed, uneducated, and underpaid Lucy Jo into the belle of each and every ball. The city of New York is riveted by this new arrival, except for Wyatt’s ex, who is determined to figure out Lucy’s secret and spill it to all the top magazines.
The Overnight Socialite by Bridie Clark is a modern day story of Pygmalion, and the hate the antagonists feel for one another causes some hilarious scenes throughout their journey together. The writing is solid, and just when I kept thinking I would know the ending, I was surprised at the turn the plot would take. I thought this was a charming tale, with engaging characters and over-the-top parties that will keep chick lit readers hooked throughout.

March 30, 2010
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Poor Little Bitch Girl by Jackie Collins
Chick Lit Review

Poor Little Bitch Girl by Jackie Collins

Annabelle Maestro is such a poor little rich girl. The breed from two of Hollywood’s hottest legends, Annabelle is living up life running a high priced call girl business with coke addict boyfriend, Frankie. When her mother is brutally murdered in her own home and her father is the main suspect, Annabelle is forced to fly home from New York to Los Angeles for the funeral. She is toted along by an old friend turned lawyer, Denver, who is struggling to defend the legendary Ralph Maestro in his wife’s murder, all while trying to find a suitable man. Denver’s best friend, Carolyn, has managed to get herself knocked up by the very married US senator she works for, and has now been kidnapped as part of the senator’s grand scheme.
Poor Little Bitch Girl, the 26th best-seller from acclaimed writer Jackie Collins is another great. The scandal of Hollywood, the raunchy sex scenes, and the way each character entwines with another makes this a page turner until the end. The only problem I had was the big “scandal” wasn’t really that scandalous, if you follow the Tinseltown standards. But still another fabulous novel from Collins that will drag you into that selfish, all about me world, and make you not want to come back out.

March 20, 2010
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The Nanny by Melissa Nathan
Chick Lit Review

The Nanny by Melissa Nathan

Jo Green knows she needs something more. 23 years old and still living with her parents, turning down three marriage proposals from her perfectly okay boyfriend, and living day to day with mundane tasks. When Jo finds an ad in the paper for a live-in nanny position in the big city of London, she eagerly accepts an interview with the Fitzgerald’s. After securing a position and waving good-bye to her old life, Jo begins to settle into her new adventure, not expecting what will come next.
The Fitzgerald’s lead a posh life, with Vanessa the hard working corporate mother and Dick the playful dad running a record store, his hobby. They have a Brady Bunch between them, with three children from their marriage added with two from Dick’s previous marriage- which includes 25 year old Josh. After Jo commissions Josh out of work, the eldest son moves into the family home- and is practically sharing a bedroom with Jo. Jo tries to ignore the feelings of attraction for Josh, especially when boyfriend Shaun makes the trip to visit her, but the feelings are dismissed when Jo finds out he is helping his father hide an affair from Vanessa. The dysfunctional family lifestyle ensues, and soon enough Jo finds herself enjoying her day to hectic day responsibilities within the tizzy Fitzgerald home.
The Nanny, written by the late Melissa Nathan, is a fun tale of a girl trying to find her way. The story of Jo Green trying to make something of herself is entertaining to read, and the Fitzgerald family adds much needed humor in all the right places. The air of mystery surrounding the affair keeps readers interested throughout the way, and the romance between Jo and Josh is undecided until the very end. A light but endearing read.

March 19, 2010
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Once Upon Stilettos by Shanna Swendson
Chick Lit Review

Once Upon Stilettos by Shanna Swendson

Once Upon Stiletto’s is the follow-up novel to Shanna Swendson’s Enchanted Inc. Katie Chandler is still working in the magical community, as an assistant to Merlin- yes the Merlin. Katie is an immune, meaning she is not magical and is immune to the spells and tricks around her, making her a rarity in the community. But when there is a break-in at her work and an inside spy is at large, Katie is put in charge to find out who is behind it all.
That task turns out to be harder than Katie thought, especially with the arrival of her parents from Texas. Her parents already disapprove of Katie’s move to New York City, but an even bigger issue- they are unaware that Katie works in a magical community. They don’t even think magic exists. So while Katie is juggling her parents, the impending holidays, and trying to figure out her love life, more break-ins occur on the job.
Once Upon Stilettos from Shanna Swendson is a fun novel that combines the regular world with the magical. Think Sabrina the Teenage Witch, but for chick lit lovers. The dialogue is snappy, the plot is humorous, and the mystery is engaging. Reading one will want to make you pick up all four novels in Swendson’s Enchanted series.

March 13, 2010
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