Contact email: mesreads AT gmail.com
###Winner Announcement Posts are linked here.###

GIVEAWAYS ARE NOW LOCATED ON THEIR OWN PAGE - CLICK ON TAB ABOVE; Giveaways also linked on right sidebar.
Showing posts with label Romantic Comedy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romantic Comedy. Show all posts

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Believe it or Not by Tawna Fenske

This story is really great fun!

Believe It or Not
by Tawna Fenske

  • Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Original edition (March 6, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 140225718X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1402257186 
      Genre:  Romantic Comedy
      My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
Do you believe in...accounting?
Numbers never lie, so Violet McGinn found safe haven in the most boring profession she could find. Until her renowned psychic mother lands in the hospital and Violet has to run her business. Now you can have your taxes filed and your aura read, in one convenient location.
Do you believe in...music?
Drew Watson is the jaded owner of the local hot spot next door, and doesn't need a single thing except a good crowd to dance to what he's spinning on Saturday night.
Do you believe in...love?
The only thing Violet and Drew seem to have in common is that neither believes in that psychic hoo—hah. Except Drew seems to play exactly the right song at exactly the right time. And truth be told, it makes Violet's heart dance just a little ...


Review:
Violet has returned from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon to help her mother, Moonbeam. Violet selected a career in accounting and moved far away to distance herself from her rather eccentric mother who is a new age, hippy type psychic.  Moonbeam fell and is in the hospital so Violet has to manage her psychic business. The problem is that Violet doesn’t really believe in psychics.  The only way she is managing the psychic appointments is with fitting clues provided by the music she hears from the neighboring bar.

Drew owns the bar that shares building space with Moonbeam’s shop/parlor.  He doesn’t believe in Moonbeam’s abilities and she complains because he has male strippers at the bar and he makes a habit of dating bimbos.  Drew is impressed with Violet’s vibrant, violet eyes but he thinks he’ll keep his distance since she seems like such a business professional; too much like his lawyer ex-wife.  And he isn’t too happy that she is going to be faking to carry on her mother’s business. For fun though he gives her a magic 8 ball to help out.

Violet thinks Drew lives an alternative lifestyle considering he runs a bar with male strippers and his main helper is “Sam.”  She is rather disappointed since she finds him very attractive!  It’s a good thing that Moonbeam’s doctor is interested in Violet and he is wholesome, healthy, single and “normal.”

The exchange between Violet and Drew is deliciously fun. She asks four questions in a row and he gives the answers in a row... which is much more fun than that sounds. They would be all over each other if they weren’t fighting the attraction so hard.

Violet has done a reading that has angered the landlord and he’s threatening to sell the building.   She’s also influenced one of Drew’s employees upsetting him and she has another reading that might effect his business. Meanwhile Moonbeam continues making mischief from her hospital room.

The writing is light and the momentum snappy.  Ms. Fenske shares a lot of humor with her quirky characters and unique plot circumstances.  My only disappointment was the ending because I wanted more multiple questions with multiple answers and more background music for psychic answers. :-)  I recommend this fun, easy story, and Ms. Fenske's first novel, Making Waves, as perfect reading to bring smiles and chuckles.



The first meeting question and answer routine (at page 9):
     He saw her blink in the dim light as she gripped the statue in one hand. “Who’s that? Are you looking for money? How did you get in here? What do you want?"
     He cocked his head to one side. “Drew. No. Key. Mice.”

A later question and answer routine (at page 289):
     Drew covered the distance to the end of the bar in just a few steps, his heart racing stupidly. “Is everything okay? Are you hurt? Drunk? Why are you here?”
     She grinned at him .... “Yes. No. No. To seduce you.” 

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

This is set in Portland, Oregon for my Where Are You Reading Challenge.  I will also add it to my ARC Challenge.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC copy: 
 1. Visit the author's website and tell me something that interests you there. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two more entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

THERE WILL BE ONE WINNER.
* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* Limit one win per household.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on April 6, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries and announced on April 7 with 72 hours to complete the winners form.
CymLowell

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Book Review and Giveaway 2 Copies: A Match Made in Heaven by Shari MacDonald

Get ready to laugh at an unexpected match for a wacky match maker.


by Shari MacDonald
  • Paperback: 256 pages
  • Publisher: WaterBrook Press (February 16, 1999)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 157856137X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1578561377
 Genre:  Romantic Comedy (Christian Fiction)
My Rating:  4.0 of 5.0
Book Description
Publication Date: February 16, 1999
The Salinger Sisters Series spins the tales of four sisters who find love–in spite of themselves. The love–and laughs–began in Love on the Run and continue in Book Two, A Match Made in Heaven. Lucy Salinger has always been brilliant at making matches–for everyone else. But though she is owner and leading “matchmaker” at one of the most prestigious dating services in Los Angeles, Lucy finds herself withdrawing from every man who might be interested in dating her.

Then handsome and successful behavioral psychologist Dr. Campbell Howard comes into her office…and Lucy proceeds to set him up on the most disastrous dates in dating history! Is Lucy just losing her touch? Or is she, on a subconscious level, choosing women she knows aren’t right for Cam…just so she can save him for herself?
Review: This is a sweet, fun, and light romance.
Lucy has surprised herself, her family and the public by being a successful match maker. She seeks God’s guidance in her business which is ironically called “Rent-a-Yenta.” She has three sisters who are close and somewhat concerned that Lucy can find a match for others but not herself. Lucy has a vivacious assistant, Gabby, who wants to take on some match making duties if only Lucy would loosen up the controls.  Lucy claims that being left at the altar by her college sweetheart has nothing to do with the fact she barely dates.  Her loved ones and friends suspect she has some trust and control issues.

One morning an eccentric woman comes in seeking Lucy’s services for her brother, a shy, stay at home psychologist. The case is presented as an emergency because her brother stands to lose a substantial inheritance if he doesn’t marry by the age of 30 which is coming up in a month!  Lucy’s ethics object to rushing a match. Besides she isn’t sure she can help the man based on the geeky picture the sister presents.

Dr. Campbell Howard steps in the office to find Lucy with head on her desk and drooling! Let the craziness begin! Campbell is a handsome, trim fellow and Lucy has no idea of his identity as they begin to talk and banter. There is immediate easy exchange between them and although Lucy agrees to accept him as a client  she senses some reluctance within herself. 

Campbell and Lucy are clearly drawn to each other but Lucy insists on sending him on dates. She is somewhat relieved that the dates aren’t going well even though she knows she isn’t being fair to his search.

There is a lot of wackiness in Lucy’s behavior and sweet tenderness in Campbell’s. But it seems that Lucy’s fear may sabotage her own chances to have a meaningful relationship. 

I liked that the faith expressed in the story is presented as part of the lives of the characters. The emotions and lessons are natural and not preachy.  The story is very cute and my book club group agreed it was a nice, easy read - no deep thinking required - that was just what they needed for a break in their busy lives.

I have two copies of this book left over from the group I purchased for book club.
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for print copy - TWO WINNERS:
1. Tell me if you ever tried a dating service or if you know of anyone who had success with a match maker. :-) This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on December 2, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on December 3. Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Ex-Girlfriends United by Matt Dunn

This story is a romantic comedy portraying relationship woes from a male perspective.
  • Paperback: 336 pages
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark; Original edition (June 1, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1402245041
  • ISBN-13: 978-1402245046
Genre: Romantic Comedy
 My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Product Description
Praise for Matt Dunn:
"Full of great one-liners...a terrifying eye-opener into what men really think."-Company

"Witty, astute, but tender too."-Freya North

Ever wish you could let the world know just what you think of your ex?

Thanks to SlateYourDate.com, Dan Davis has discovered that long after he's dumped them, ex- after ex-girlfriend is dumping on him-all over the Internet. And it's ruining his dating life.

Faced with the prospect of a lifetime of singledom, Dan must track down his many exes in order to put things right. Along the way, he discovers he has much to learn about himself. Particularly when he meets up again with Polly-and realizes he wants her back. Can Dan convince his former love he's changed? Can his friend Ed convince him he needs to change in the first place? And can the two friends use their newfound knowledge to help other men in the same boat?

Review: A fun read, if convoluted thinking!
This story is told in first person by Edward who is a likeable, friendly character. He is trying to find balance in his relationship with his new girlfriend, Sam. They seem to be doing well but it is not clear where their commitment level stands.  Ed met Sam, a personal trainer, when he went to the gym after being unexpectedly dumped by his girlfriend of 10 years, Jane.

Ed’s best buddy, Dan, is not so likeable. He is a small time actor and womanizer. All of a sudden he can’t get a date much less any action and he is clueless what has occurred.  He and Ed discover that Dan has gained a horrendous reputation from bad ratings at SlateYourDate.com.

Dan enlists Ed’s help to locate his exes and turn around his rating and his ‘love’ - okay really it’s his ‘lust’- life. Along the way, Dan, who has never committed to a relationship, gives advice to Ed on how to deal with Sam. A bit ironic that!  These seem like unlikely friends as Dan’s view of life is that it is all about scoring and scoring points while Ed ponders issues of partnership, cooperation and commitment. The thought process that Dan presents, and Ed has to argue with, is convoluted, game playing  from a male mind set.

When Ed bumps into Jane and decides to meet with her, without telling Sam up front, he begins to dig himself into a bit of a hole.  Meanwhile, as Ed challenges Dan to face the one really good relationship he lost with Polly, Ed is at risk of losing Sam when she discovers that Jane has been pursing Ed.

The book blurb in the product description isn’t quite accurate, as the story is more about Ed with Dan as a character foil to show the worst of the male ego! The quote that the story is “full of great one-liners” is quite true. There are also some gems of wisdom that come through Ed’s efforts to make his relationship last and his challenge to Dan to face his fear of the pain and struggle that are likely to be part of any relationship.

I enjoyed the easy flow and crisp British humor with the subtle double entendres. It was different to read a romance from a male perspective and nice that the author made it light, fun and somewhat introspective. The ARC does have quite a few typographical errors (more than I usually find) which I trust will be cleared before final print. The story is solidly good entertainment.
xxx
Thank you to Sourcebooks for the book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1.  Visit the Author's Website and tell me something you like there. Please leave your e-mail!

2.  For two extra entries comment on the Author's Q&A Interview.

3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Six total entries possible.)
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on July 1, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails