Review - - The Beast Takes a Bride

The Beast Takes a Bride

by Julie Anne Long

The Palace of Rogues - Book 8

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: October 22, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

A blue-blooded beauty bartered to a Beast…

He would pay any price to possess her. But even though Alexandra Bellamy sacrifices herself to save her family’s fortunes, a shocking betrayal sunders her marriage to a taciturn brute of a war hero, Colonel Magnus Brightwall, before it even begins. Five years of icy separation later, a scandal—with Alexandra at the middle—reunites them, and Magnus issues an edict: they will confront the ton, rescue their reputations, then Magnus will banish her to another continent—forever. 

But alone in a suite at the Grand Palace on the Thames, a new battle begins—between pride and the unexpected volcanic passion stirring between them. The danger is real: Magnus rediscovers why Alexandra is the only woman who could ever break him. And even as she lays bare the beautiful heart beating beneath the battered hide of the near-stranger she married, Alexandra knows she may have already lost him—even as she finally falls fatally, irrevocably in love.

PJ's Thoughts:

A Julie Anne Long book is like a beautiful symphony of words that transports the reader through a myriad of feelings. She is an author who can move me to laughter, tears, and a number of other emotions with equal ease of skill. She's one of the few authors I read slowly, savoring the unique flavor of each perfectly placed word. 

Marriage in trouble is not my favorite romance trope, especially when the estrangement begins with a betrayal, but in the hands of Long it's nothing short of a masterpiece. Nothing is black and white with Magnus and Alexandra. There are shades of gray, layers to be explored, reasons for actions, and suppressed feelings waiting to blossom...if tended properly. This estrangement heading for permanent separation is explored with relatable, realistic, poignant care leading to understanding, acceptance, and a deep, abiding love. I loved their growth, individually and as a couple, and cheered them on as enthusiastically as if they were personal friends. Which in a way they are. 

Every character at the Grand Palace on the Thames has become like family. I feel like I have a vested interest in the happiness of all of them. Long brings them to life with charm, wit, adorable awkwardness, humor, and relatable human flaws. They are vividly depicted, bringing a rich texture to the overall story, supporting the journey of each book's main couple without overshadowing them. It's a balance that Long pulls off with perfection. 

If you have yet to discover Julie Anne Long, in my opinion you're missing out on one of the best historical romance authors out there. Why not begin with The Beast Takes a Bride. It has my highest Top Dish recommendation. 

Review - - Magical Meet Cute

Magical Meet Cute

by Jean Meltzer

Publisher: MIRA

Release Date: August 27, 2024

Reviewed by Hellie

Faye Kaplan used to be engaged. She also used to have a successful legal practice. But she much prefers her new life as a potter in Woodstock, New York. The only thing missing is the perfect guy. 

Not that she needs one. She’s definitely happy alone. 

That is, until she finds her town papered with anti-Semitic flyers after yet another failed singles event at the synagogue. Desperate for comfort, Faye drunkenly turns to the only thing guaranteed to soothe her—pottery. A golem protector is just what her town needs…and adding all the little details to make him her ideal man can’t hurt, right? 

When a seriously hot stranger mysteriously turns up the next day, Greg seems too good to be true—if you ignore the fact that Faye hit him with her bike. And that he subsequently lost his memory… 

But otherwise, the man checks Every. Single. Box. Causing Faye to wonder if Greg’s sudden and spicy appearance might be anything but a coincidence.

Hellie’s Heeds: 

So say you had really bad luck in the dating territory and had taken yourself off the market; and say you practiced witchcraft; and say after a really harrowing event where you felt you needed a protector…and you’d had some wine, you decided to try your hand at summoning a guardian, a golem, if you will–so far, it was sounding a lot like an average pre-husband Friday night to me, where I honestly believed the perfect man did not exist and I would have to make him up. But Jean Meltzer takes it one step further: Faye Kaplan actually summoned the perfect man…or golem. Faye can’t quite pinpoint which. Greg–well, that’s what she’s calling him, she’s not sure since she’s the reason for his amnesia and she had to call him something–is definitely a man, but he also looks like her wet-dream in real life and his characteristics are alarmingly checking every single box she created in the little clay golem she buried in her backyard just last night.  

The premise is a hoot and a treat–and I thirstily read this book down like the cool drink of lemonade, sweet and tart and refreshing, that it is. The secondary characters, particularly Nelly, are hysterical and add to the antics. But besides being fun, flirty, and all the best of rom-coms, it also pulled in real emotion from real issues: like parental neglect and child abuse, anti-semitism and the escalading violence we continuously see in our communities, and the pain and trauma in always feeling like one is either too much or not enough in our relationships–that we’re inherently unlovable. ANGST! (It’s one of my favorite things about a Jean Meltzer book: the angst and emotion! Recall: it was her Mr. Perfect on Paper which had both me and my husband sobbing from a scene I read to him.) 

Representation matters–and I think these books definitely add perspective to the lived experiences of those who are treated as Other in our communities. I’m always honored and thrilled to read these review books that touch on these issues that affect all of us in one way or another and to learn new perspectives–and maybe also how to be a better ally to those around me. But don’t worry–if that’s not what you’re looking for in a book–I think the straight up rom-com feel of this story will keep you laughing and proclaiming this the perfect beach read.  

I would start offering scenes you definitely need to read, but then I’d need to add a subsequent one…and soon you’d have the whole story told to you and it wouldn’t do it justice. Just know the pacing, the emotion and pacing are well-done, and you will be rooting for Greg and Faye on every page. Apparently you can create the perfect man…and he will find you. Top Dish!

Review & Giveaway - - A Novel Love Story

A Novel Love Story

by Ashley Poston

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: June 25, 2024

Reviewed by Hellie

Eileen Merriweather loves to get lost in a good happily-ever-after. The fictional kind, anyway. Because at least imaginary men don’t leave you at the altar. She feels safe in a book. At home. Which might be why she’s so set on going her annual book club retreat this year—she needs good friends, cheap wine, and grand romantic gestures—no matter what. 

But when her car unexpectedly breaks down on the way, she finds herself stranded in a quaint town that feels like it’s right out of a novel… 

Because it is. 

This place can’t be real, and yet… she’s here, in Eloraton, the town of her favorite romance series, where the candy store’s honey taffy is always sweet, the local bar’s burgers are always a little burnt, and rain always comes in the afternoon. It feels like home. It’s perfect—and perfectly frozen, trapped in the late author’s last unfinished story. 

Elsy is sure that’s why she must be here: to help bring the town to its storybook ending. 

Except there is a character in Eloraton that she can’t place—a grumpy bookstore owner with mint-green eyes, an irritatingly sexy mouth and impeccable taste in novels. And he does not want her finishing this book. 

Which is a problem because Elsy is beginning to think the town’s happily-ever-after might just be intertwined with her own.

 

Hellie’s Heeds 

*swoons* This is the summer read I’ve been looking for. I’m sorry this review took a bit longer (since review books usually come to us before the book comes out)–but I had already pre-ordered the book when PJ asked if I’d be willing to read it* and I told her I already ordered it and would it be better to offer the review copy up for swag? She heartily agreed. We all love free swag AND great summer reads–and this is definitely both.  

I am a little picky on my rom-coms, as is evident by some of the other rom-coms I’ve reviewed of late, but this one is *chef’s kiss* Perfection. A grumpy hero, a slightly bumbling heroine, and a little magic? All my favorite tropes. Best of all, in the resolution, when I was very worried: “is this going to work out?”--when it did, I realized the author did the absolute best thing for the characters and the kind of story we need in the 21st century: a story where people have worked through their crap before hooking up and declaring they want to spend the rest of their lives with each other. It’s so healthy! It’s so novel! It’s so…nerve-wracking because I didn’t know what was going to happen. I hope I didn’t give it all away when you and I both know this IS how romance novels work. There’s a Happily Ever After. From beginning to end, it’s adorable…and a little Brigadoon-esque. (Another love story that left me with a panicky sort of Black Moment.)  

The premise lends itself to daydreaming–because we have all fallen in love with book series over the years and who wouldn’t want to go to their favorite “book story world” and meet all the characters you’ve fallen in love with over the years? (I’m sure I could find a handful of Jane Austen spin-offs where the modern day heroine got to meet the real Mr. Darcy!) Of course, I would love to explore every inch of Hogwarts, but when it comes to romance novels and romance-landia worlds, I think I would be torn between hanging out with the Bridgertons or Eloisa James’ Desperate Duchesses. Wait, I really love indoor plumbing, so maybe…Maisey Yates’ cowboy series (any of them!)  

*I love being married, but it causes havoc in my reading life. I don’t read nearly as much as I used to. Granted I also exercise (and travel) more than I used to, which my doctor is much happier about, so here we are.

Discuss: What romance-landia world would you like to wander into and meet all the characters? 

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, August 21 will receive a print copy of A NOVEL LOVE STORY.  

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

 

 

Review - - The Design of Us

The Design of Us

by Sajni Patel

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: July 16, 2024

Reviewed by Hellie

Sunshine incarnate Bhanu brings big UX energy to whatever she does, including going for the promotion where her only serious competition is her work nemesis, AKA Sunny, the grump with the Denzel voice. She expected to get a reprieve from him while visiting her family in Hawai’i, but the universe has other plans. When Bhanu runs into Sunny at the hotel and witnesses his ex criticizing him about being single, Bhanu does the first thing that comes to mind: she impetuously claims to be Sunny’s girlfriend just to get some peace and quiet. Except Sunny is on island for a friend’s wedding and his ex has already texted the entire wedding party about this mysterious girlfriend. 

Bhanu truly is the bane of Sunny’s existence. But the last thing he wants to do is cause tension during his friend’s wedding festivities, much less be the object of their pity. He has no choice except to play along, if only he and Bhanu can put aside their quarreling and act like a real couple. 

Between Bhanu’s hilariously meddling family and Sunny’s ecstatic friends, the two are pushed closer together, even as stress mounts over the impending promotion. 

They say what happens on island, stays on island. But as Sunny and Bhanu let their guards down, will either of them be able to resist this romantic getaway without crossing the line?

 

Hellie’s Heeds 

The tropes are alive and well–you have a sunshine heroine nicknamed Bane; and a grumpy hero named Sunny–and the snappy banter and situational comedy laughs are on-going. In addition to having the Pride & Prejudice Perfect Trope of “Enemies to Lovers” (and the Sunshine & Grumpy trope), we also have the “fake dating” trope which the heroine introduces when Sunny’s ex-girlfriend tries to publicly shame him in a hotel lobby–and Bane (Bhanu) just wants the woman gone. Obviously the best way to get rid of this woman is to introduce herself as Sunny’s newest flame. (Bhanu doesn’t always think things through, but it’s part of her charm.) This leads to further complications as Bhanu agrees to allow Sunny to stay in her hotel room (since the hotel is booked and has nothing available) and for her to attend the pre-wedding events as Sunny’s supposed girlfriend.  

What I really appreciated was the slow build of enemies to friends (of a kind) to lovers, allowing for the reader to get attached to both characters and appreciate the relationship that was building between them. Sometimes “enemies to lovers” runs the risk of “I actually hate this guy but he’s so hot I’m going to have sex with him anyway”--which I don’t find romantic--and I don’t bond with the characters who do things like that. Additionally, I was on board with Bhanu not liking Sunny–and I loved how like Bhanu, I slowly began to appreciate another side of Sunny and realize he’s actually a really good guy. The chapters go back and forth between the two–so the misunderstandings and miscommunications are shared. 

The writing style of the author is fun and breezy, with what I feel are distinctive voices for each of the characters. (I really wish I could have found a story or book that details Bhanu’s sister’s love story–because I loved her and her boyfriend! But all in all, all I could think was I need to find more of Ms. Patel’s books because I think I might be a little behind on the backlist.) And while the story is breezy and rom-com in nature–the emotional depth and caring I had for these characters also speaks to Ms. Patel’s ability to create likable but flawed characters who deserve a happy ending.  

Lastly, hands down: this had one of the most swoon-worthy romantic gestures of all time, topping Mr. Darcy going to London to make sure Mr. Wickham married that idiot Lydia. Bold, you may call my declaration (who tops Mr. Darcy of all things?), but I had to stop and read it to my husband and go, “Why can’t you be more eco-conscious like Sunny?” Best of all, the dark moment was quality dark moment–not just a misunderstanding between the two characters leading to them refusing to talk to each other (which is what would happen in real life) but the kind of dark moment you grow from.  

A fun beach read, preferably on a beach in Hawaii with some ube-flavored cookies or a shake to really feel like you’re there. When can I go?

Review - - A Daughter of Fair Verona

A Daughter of Fair Verona

by Christina Dodd

Daughter of Montague - Book 1

Publisher: Kensington (John Scognamiglio Books)

Release Date: June 25, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

I’m the eldest daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb. They’re alive and well and living in fair Verona with their six wildly impetuous children and me, their nineteen-year-old daughter Rosaline…

Once upon a time a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (hint: badly). Only here’s the thing: That’s not how it ended at all.

Romeo and Juliet are alive and well and the parents of seven kids. I’m the oldest, with the emphasis on ‘old’—a certified spinster at twenty, and happy to stay that way. It’s not easy to keep your taste for romance with parents like mine. Picture it—constant monologues, passionate declarations, fighting, making up, making out . . . it’s exhausting.

Each time they’ve presented me with a betrothal, I’ve set out to find the groom-to-be a more suitable bride. After all, someone sensible needs to stay home and manage this household. But their latest match, Duke Stephano, isn’t so easy to palm off on anyone else. The debaucher has had three previous wives—all of whom met unfortunate ends. Conscience forbids me from consigning another woman to that fate. As it turns out, I don’t have to . . .

At our betrothal ball—where, quite by accident, I meet a beautiful young man who makes me wonder if perhaps there is something to love at first sight—I stumble upon Duke Stephano with a dagger in his chest. But who killed him? His late wives’ families, his relatives, his mistress, his servants—half of Verona had motive. And when everyone around the Duke begins dying, disappearing, or descending into madness, I know I must uncover the killer . . . before death lies on me like an untimely frost.

PJ's Thoughts:

Ever wonder what might have happened if Romeo and Juliet had lived? If they were deeply in love and still creating drama seven children later, much to the everlasting embarrassment of their oldest, the happily single and never been in love, Rosaline "Rosie" Montague? Christina Dodd has and the result of those thoughts is A Daughter of Fair Verona, a whip-smart, witty, hilarious novel that should be on everyone's must-read list this summer. 

Five minutes into the book, I was already snort-laughing while reading passages out loud to my sister-in-law. On almost every page, I would call out, "OMG! You have to hear this!" then read a sentence, or a paragraph, or the whole darn page to her. She left after about the tenth time I did this because (a) she wants to enjoy the book in its entirety once it's published and (b) at the rate I was going I would have read the entire book out loud because it's just that good and she had things to do. 

From the character development, to the sarcastic humor, to the tightly-crafted mystery, to the time and place, to budding romance, snappy banter, and - whoa - unexpected twists, every single word in this book is perfection. Dodd transported me back to 14th century Verona with a modern-feeling yet true to the time, alternate version of the events surrounding Shakespeare's ill-fated lovers, Romeo and Juliet. She immersed me fully into their family, into the events within Verona, the challenges, the political machinations, and the romantic fate that may (or may not) be awaiting Rosie when her efforts to outwit her matchmaking parents seem to hit a brick wall. I was so invested in these characters. They had me laughing uproariously one minute and holding my breath the next. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough while also wanting to slow down and savor every perfectly placed word in the book. So. Much. Fun. 

Fair warning before you begin this book. I read the entire thing in one day. Bathroom breaks? My Kindle came with me. Meals? I need to lose weight anyway. Sleep? Pfft. Who needs sleep? All I needed was this book. It's genius. Pure genius. 

I haven't heard yet when the second book in this series is set to publish (sometime in 2025) but based on how A Daughter of Fair Verona ends, let's just say when book two finally arrives, it's going to be one very long night for this reader. I can't wait to discover what Dodd has in store for Rosie - and the rest of the Montagues - next!

Review & Giveaway - - The Summer Escape

The Summer Escape

by Jill Shalvis

The Sunrise Cove Series - Book 6

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: June 11, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

Anna Moore didn’t just wake up one day and decide to go on a wild quest—especially since her life no longer lends itself to wild anything—so how in the world does she end up racing against the clock with Owen Harris, a sexy, enigmatic adventurist, to prove her beloved dad innocent of stealing a million-dollar necklace? 

It’s all Wendy’s fault. Her older, bossy sister, who’s seven months pregnant and on bed rest in their small Lake Tahoe hometown, is desperate to clear their departed dad’s name. Owen, though, is convinced he’s guilty as hell and wants to return the jewelry back to its rightful owner—his elderly great aunt. Together Anna and Owen go on a scavenger hunt for clues to the past (with Wendy remotely along for the ride via an earbud, supplying a running wry commentary to boot).  

On opposing sides and suspicious of each other as they are, Anna and Owen still can’t deny the inexplicable and explosive chemistry between them on this heart-stopping adventure, the outcome of which will prove the necklace isn’t the only thing stolen—their hearts have been as well.

PJ's Thoughts:

The Summer Escape, the sixth (standalone) book in the Sunrise Cove series, is going straight to my personal Jill Shalvis Hall of Fame. In fact, I'd go so far as to say it's one of my top five all-time Shalvis favorites. I've already read it twice. I have no doubt I'll visit it again. It double checked all of my happy reader boxes. 

Shalvis has packed this book with everything I enjoy about her writing and them some. The book is perfectly paced. At no point in the reading did it lag or lose my interest. The snappy banter between Anna and Owen barely conceals the growing chemistry between them in an adversaries-to-lovers trope that evolves into sleuthing partners before pesky feelings show up to play and things get real. I loved these two and the way their relationship unfolded, especially with Anna's sister along for the ride. 

Let's talk about Wendy, Anna's bedridden-bored-out-of-her-mind-enornously-pregnant-with-triplets older sister. I adored the dynamics between these two. Love, snarky humor, exasperation...did I mention love? Their bond is unbreakable but also contains issues that need to be worked through. Such is the case when the older sibling has not only been your mother figure since birth but is also an unapologetic meddler/matchmaker (she just wants her sister to be happy!). Shalvis gives us all the emotion between the sisters, wrapping it up in a way that's poignant, relatable, and laugh-out-loud hilarious. Seriously, I lost count of the number of times I snort laughed when these two hit the page. 

There's also a mystery/adventure/treasure hunt element to this book that kept me on my toes right up to the breath-stealing conclusion. I'd like to see Shalvis do more of this. She's really good at it. 

And finally, is it really a Jill Shalvis book without an animal? I think not. Meet Turbo, Owen's big, fluffy, overly enthusiastic dog who is terrified of stairs, metal grates, and cats. I dare you to not fall in love with him. 

If you're looking for a fun getaway this summer, complete with romance, adventure, a bit of danger, snappy banter, laugh-out-loud humor, and endearing emotional depth, add The Summer Escape by Jill Shalvis to your reading list. It's a winner. 

Have you read Jill Shalvis?

Do you enjoy sibling dynamics in books?

Do you have a pet? I'd love to hear about him/her.

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, June 16 will receive a print copy of The Summer Escape.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Anonymous posters must include a name, screen name, or email address in their comment to be included in the giveaway.

 

Review & Giveaway - - Tomorrow is for the Brave

Tomorrow is for the Brave

by Kelly Bowen

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: May 14, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

1939, France: Lavish parties, fast cars, and a closet full of the latest fashion—to the average eye, socialite Violet St. Croix seemingly has it all. But what she truly wants is a life full of meaning and purpose. So when France falls to Germany, Violet defies her parents’ wishes and joins the war effort.  With her impeccable skill for driving under pressure, she is soon sent to North Africa to shepherd French Foreign Legion officers carrying valuable intelligence through dangerous territory.

But as the Allies encounter one mishap after another, Violet becomes convinced there is a spy in their ranks. And when her commanding officer is murdered, Violet realizes she might be the only one who can uncover the traitor and save the lives of countless soldiers on the front lines. Convincing others to believe her is difficult enough. Finding someone she can trust just might be impossible.

PJ's Thoughts:

I have a book hangover. I started reading Tomorrow is for the Brave yesterday. It didn't take long before I realized that I may as well toss my to-do list to the side. Clearly, nothing was going to be accomplished until I had read the entire book and I didn't care. I was that deeply immersed into the life of Violet St. Croix. With each chapter read, I was that much more invested in her, a woman who defied her family - and fiancé - to do what was right for her country, a woman who risked her life on the front lines of the WWII North Africa campaign, a woman who became a symbol of hope against the murderous Nazi regime, a woman who seemed to be the only person willing to entertain the idea that there might be a deadly spy among them. I simply had to know what happened next!

Kelly Bowen, a historical romance auto-buy author for years, has now become one of my go-to authors for WWII historical fiction. Her research is impeccable with fictional and actual events - and people - woven together into compelling stories that are darn near impossible to put down and a sense of place that puts the reader in the middle of whatever is occurring. Each time I looked up from the pages of this story, it took me a minute to realize that I was reading a book in the comfort of my home in 2024 and not on a twisty coastal road in southern France in 1939 or a dug-out desert bunker in North Africa in 1941. It's that immersive and realistic.

Bowen's character development is so complete that it's difficult to not think that these were actual people who lived. Violet, George, and Henri, in particular, are characters who engaged my interest - and affections - completely. I was right there with them through all of the peaks and valleys of their intertwined journeys and fully invested in what happened to them. (While all three of these characters are fictional, Violet was inspired by a real woman, Susan Travers, the only woman to ever serve in the French Foreign Legion. Be sure to read the Historical Note at the back of the book for more information about Travers as well as events depicted in the book.)

As if the trials of war weren't enough, Bowen has also woven a deadly mystery through this book with plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing as to the actual identity of the "spy among us." Just when I decided I had figured out the spy's identity, she would throw another twist into the mix that had me second guessing. I love when authors stump me like that. I did finally figure it out but even then, it in no way took anything away from the suspense and danger as events played out.  

If you're in the mood for a compelling, immersive, coming-of-age story featuring a young woman raised in the lap of luxury who leaves it all behind for a greater purpose amidst the turmoil and danger of WWII, finding courage, love, and a sense of self in the process, look no further than Tomorrow is for the Brave by Kelly Bowen. It has my highest recommendation. 

~~~~~~~~

Have you read any of Kelly Bowen's books?

In Tomorrow is for the Brave, Violet is both an accomplished driver as well as mechanic, very unusual for a woman of her time. How are your driving/mechanic skills? Any wanna-be car racers among us?

I love historical fiction, especially those set in the WWII era. Have you read any WWII books lately that you would recommend?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, May 18 will receive a print copy of Tomorrow is for the Brave. 

*U.S. / Canada only

*Must be 18

 

Review - - Happily Never After

Happily Never After

by Lynn Painter

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: March 12, 2024

Reviewed by Hellie

 

Their name? The objectors.

Their job? To break off weddings as hired.

Their dilemma? They might just be in love with each other. 

When Sophie Steinbeck finds out just before her nuptials that her fiancé has cheated yet again, she desperately wants to call it off. But because her future father-in-law is her dad’s cutthroat boss, she doesn’t want to be the one to do it. Her savior comes in the form of a professional objector, whose purpose is to show up at weddings and proclaim the words no couple (usually) wants to hear at their ceremony: “I object!” 

During anti-wedding festivities that night, Sophie learns more about Max the Objector’s job. It makes perfect sense to her: he saves people from wasting their lives, from hurting each other. He’s a modern-day hero. And Sophie wants in. 

The two love cynics start working together, going from wedding to wedding, and Sophie’s having more fun than she’s had in ages. She looks forward to every nerve-racking ceremony saving the lovesick souls of the betrothed masses. As Sophie and Max spend more time together, however, they realize that their physical chemistry is off the charts, leading them to dabble in a little hookup session or two—but it’s totally fine, because they definitely do not have feelings for each other. Love doesn’t exist, after all. 

And then everything changes. A groom-to-be hires Sophie to object, but his fiancée is the woman who broke Max’s heart. As Max wrestles with whether he can be a party to his ex’s getting hurt, Sophie grapples with the sudden realization that she may have fallen hard for her partner in crime.

 

Hellie’s Heeds: 

5 stars, Top Dish, Awesome Beach Read 

The only reason why I wasn’t able to get this review to PJ before she went a-journeying was because I kept stopping in mid-read to hit my husband in the shoulder and go, “Listen to this, listen to this…” and then read it aloud–and then we’d cackle–and I’d go back to reading. It takes me twice as long to listen to the book as it would for me to read it–and here we are. That said, this book was so funny I had to stop every other page or so and read it aloud to whatever half-willing victim (after giving them a “brief” synopsis of the story so far) so they too could enjoy Lynn Painter’s brilliance.  

The story is told in back-and-forth first person POVs of Sophie and Max. Sophie is the greater of the two nihilists, a complete believer that “love” as defined by poets and adolescent idiots does not exist. She’s certainly never felt it. Even when she was about to be married. She felt a companionship for Stuart, an intense friendship–but not “love” of the passionate, all encompassing kind…and she thought he was on the same page. He was not. Turns out he did want a more passionate kind of love–at least on the side–which is how our story starts. Sophie’s bridesmaid hires an Objector, dear Max, to break off Sophie’s wedding so she doesn’t have to marry the cheating SOB. After the failed wedding, when Max comes to collect his paycheck, the drunk almost-bride convinces him to stay and drink with her and the bridesmaid–and he’s almost immediately hooked. 

Neither of them think they’ll see each other again until Max needs her to play the part of Objector in a wedding. Soon they start going to other weddings together, playing Objectors together and having the time of their lives. Each needs the other as a sort of “relationship camouflage” to keep family and coworkers off their backs, which works really well for them until they begin to realize: I really like him/her. Which is shocking to Sophie who does NOT do feelings. Ever. Max isn’t keen on feelings either–but Sophie really doesn’t do feelings.  

As someone who also doesn’t “do feelings” in a Brene Brown kind of way (“It was a year long street fight”), Sophie was very easy for me to relate to. To those of us in the crowd who may have had less dysfunctional parents or childhoods, you may want to shake her a few times for being so obstinate of what is so clearly obvious: LOVE. It’s a nice change of pace to have the girl being the one who struggles with feelings rather than the guy–in contrast, Max is much more a romantic and is much sooner to admit to himself he loves Sophie.  

The black moment was good–but the Groveling was adorable. I *heart* a great Grovel scene…and Sophie’s presentation will have you laughing out loud. It was a quick read with great pacing and hysterical banter. I think it would be perfect in your beach reading (I know how TBR piles can be). Oh, and the secondary characters? Did I forget them? OMG, Larry! Sophie’s cats! Seriously…go read it.