Not just another cute chick read...
353198
I must admit, when I first sat down with this book I thought it would be another in a recent long-line of smart-aleck chick lit like the Devil Wears Prada or Kiss my Tiara. And I wasn't fond of the footnotes at first. However this debut launch by Jen Lancaster tugs at not only your sense of humor but your heart. I read it in one weekend.

Anyone who has been through the humiliation of being unemployed for a long period of time while surviving in the gray zone between overqualified and underqualified will relate to her story. She writes the way I think, R rated language and all. It is honest and funny, sometimes tongue in cheek, but with a growing admission that perhaps it's time to put the "it's all about me" princess complex under a microscope.

I think career women in their 30's and 40's who have been through their own "ah-ha" self-evaluation will most relate to this book, but there is enough endearing honesty to entertain people of any age and gender. 50-and-beyond something's will think "yep, I was such an idiot!" and 20-something's beware, this will likely happen to you too eventually, and meanwhile everyone wiser than you is simply tolerating your ignorance...LOL.

Love it Jen, and can't wait for the next one.
483253
I can't even say how much I loved this book. I read it in one sitting! Frankie is one bad-ass chick! I aspire to be more like her when I grow up. ;-) Such relate-able characters and a very yummy bad boy to swoon over. I will warn you though, this is NOT a sweet fairy-tale love story, but a messy complicated one that depicts real life more than fiction. Kudos to the author for taking the subject-matter to heart, displaying how ugly addiction can be, life altering depression can be, and that there can be hope found in this messed up world
333378
When I was first approached by Hilary Grossman to review this book, I kind of thought it was just going to be another Chick-Lit love story. However, once I actually started reading it, I realized it was a memoir about Hilary's life and her romantic journey with her commitment-phobic boyfriend. This book was a light read while at the same time funny, honest, frustrating, and real.

  Hilary shares everything about her relationship with Marc, her boyfriend who was thirteen years older than her but none the wiser. What I appreciated about her story is the fact that she shares all of the ugly parts of her relationship, too, which would be really hard to do when writing about your life. I feel like everyone wants to remember the good parts, especially about relationships, and shies away from the frustrating, mean, and embarrassing (she has a few of those!) stories that might make us or our partner look bad.

  She falls in love with Marc pretty quickly, but Hilary realizes he is that kind of man who doesn't say the L-word and who doesn't want to label things or rush into them. She senses their relationship is going nowhere, but her feelings and her love for him outweigh her logic, which at times can be frustrating for the reader! While there were times I wanted to reach through the book and shake her, it made me realize that she was just sharing all of herself, even her mistakes, and that let's be honest, we've all made a few.

  I do have to say that there were times that I was slightly confused as the author does a lot of flashbacks about her relationship. I would be reading about one event and then she would jump back to something that happened a month or a year before and then abruptly jump back to the current time. While this wasn't distracting to the point that it ruined the plot, there were a couple of times that I had to go back a few pages before I caught on.

  Overall, this is a heartwarming story about a fun, likable, insecure girl who is not only falling in love with a stubborn man, but who is finding herself and learning to love who she is. She has gone through a lot in her life and she isn't afraid to bare it all- the good, the bad, and the ugly. I really enjoyed her comments, viewpoints and writing and I would really like to see what kind of fiction she could create. Hilary provided us with a believable and realistic love story, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

See more at:  BusyBrunettesBookshelf.blogspot.com
3289451
I don't like a lot of Christian chick lit.  The heroines are usually preachy and self-righteous -- and not a lot of fun to be around, even for 250 pages.  But I get tired of the also-unlikeable, amoral characters in secular chick lit, who have nothing better to do than sleep with their bosses and buy a pair of shoes the cost of which would feed a family in Africa for a year.

The Cubicle Next Door should be required reading for anyone considering writing Christian or non-Christian chick lit.

This book had it all.  A charming heroine.  A great cast of characters and a delightful second love story.  A love interest who is worth the angst.  Lots of uh-ohs, laughter, roller coasters of ups and downs.  A soft, but powerful, message of faith.  And Siri L. Mitchell's writing style had just the right touch for this story.

While some moments were unbelievable (come on...a blog that gets and keeps national TV coverage?  A 30-something girl that looks like Audrey Hepburn who's never been kissed? Puh-lease!), I really enjoyed this book in its entirety.  I'll look forward to reading more of Mitchell's books.
3996551
Look beyond the cliches. Beyond the "plump gal" and the "handsome hero." These two characters compliment each other. THAT is what makes this book stunning. There are some readers posting reviews who's names i won't mention, even tho i REALLY want to (!), who think that guys that look like Cal don't fall for girls that look like Min. YES THEY DO!!  Cal falls for Min because of her personality (despite her initial prickliness) AND because she is beautiful in a soft, womanly way.  Min falls for Cal because he is confident and charming (and that is some what because of the way he looks).  Once you get inside this book, you will really root for the two romantic leads. Not because one is considered handsome by society and the other plain, but because they are interesting and brilliant people. I won't linger on the plot as you;ll know it more or less by now but I will say that this is an absolutely delightful read and I would have given it 5 stars were it not for the fact that at times these characters talk too much (says me) and i prefer less wordy exhanges. However, the sexy scenes are definetely not too wordy at all! Take a chance on this book. I'll bet you love it.
1216169
When I first started reading this book, I thought it was going to go a certain way, that it was going to be a totally light-hearted romp through the world of football and the women who love the players. It was so much more than that! In fact, it was more full-bodied than I'd expected with a lot more depth to the story and characters. At the heart is the love story of Branch and Layla and though it may seem unconventional to some, it really is sweet in the long run. There's just something about Branch and the way e is with Layla that just gets to me. Lately, sad to say, I've read a few books where I didn't like one of the characters (usually the female one because she came off as too much of a bitch), which kind of spoiled the rest of the book for me - how could I truly love the book if I didn't love all the characters? I'm happy to say that is not the case with this one. I really liked all of the characters (well, except maybe Callum, the callous jerk), so that made the book so much more enjoyable for me. Definitely worth the read.
3810077
I knew I was going to like this book. The title, the cover, the synopsis  ah, yes. And I was not wrong. I laughed, I cringed, I nodded knowingly. The setting was also super cute to read about, and the romances  well, the romances had me wondering how this book would end, and wow was I surprised at the plot twist in here! But it culminated perfectly, and I commend Anna Bell on a book well written.  If you are a fan of chick lit or find yourself stuck on social media a bit too much, pick up It Started With a Tweet.
I received a review copy
1430400
I loved this book!  I thought it was a fun and interesting story about friendship between women in good times and bad times through the years.  I liked the way their monthly book club/dinner themes ran throughout the book. I enjoyed reading what each of the women came up with to serve for dinner to match the theme of the book. Also, you get to know each woman's husband and family without that being the main focus.  It was always about the women and the friendship they forged.  Even when they had disagreements, you knew they'd always find their way back to each other.  This is definitely a chick book and this is one chick who really enjoyed it.  I found it very funny but also touching at times. Each woman had a totally distinct personality and I found pieces of myself in each one of them.
295260
I have come to the conclusion that the sub-genre "Chick Lit" is an acquired taste and one that perhaps only comes with time...a long time to be exact.  Actually that's not fair to say, I've read several books within this genre and have been thoroughly entertained.  "Love: A User's Guide" was mildly entertaining with a fun premise.  The fact that I lived in England for several years aided in my understanding of several scenes and I did indeed see the humor.

Overall this is an average read.  Amy is your pro-typical "chick-lit" heroine.  A little ditzy, confused about exactly what will make her happy, and clueless as to how to go about getting "it."  She thinks that spouting nonsense and pretending to be chic will do the trick.  When confronted by having a handsome hunk of a movie star having a crush on her...plain Amy she chooses to again act the flake...not understanding Orlando's need for privacy.  This is where I thought of the movie "Notting Hill."  Loved the movie, loved the concept...problem here was execution of the concept and the style of writing.

This story did have a tendency to wander...but again this does seem to be "normal" within this genre.  So that didn't bother me...much.  Although this read was entertaining it's not one that would have gone out and bought new.  Thank heaven's I had the forethought to purchase this read second hand.  Ms. Naylor does have potential as an author.  I'm not sure where this effort falls (is it her first effort, or fifth?) in her writing career but she has room for improvement and this is a good thing.  Author's that start off with a bang tend to loose their drive early on.  Bottom line...this is not a read or an author to avoid, but I suggest that you come to this read with an open mind, remember this is not a brain surgery read and you will perhaps be okay.  Chick-lit is a popular genre for a reason but it's not for everyone.

Official Reviewer for [...]
1753806
I would not jump to classify this book as "chick lit."  The author, Sarah Dunn, tells a more realistic and gritty anti-love story through different characters throughout the novel. There are girlfriends, ex-husbands, boyfriends, boy-toys, work partners, pets, siblings - a variety of relationships are explored as the characters intertwine.  All types of relationships can lead to or lead from one's personal quest for the secrets to happiness.

It takes a few chapters to get into this book, the main characters, Holly and Amanda, are not immediately like-able possessing a somewhat chilly city charm.  By the end, though, I felt refreshed for choosing to read an interesting take on adult relationships and not another girl finds self, gets man, story.
121190
I really enjoyed this book...definitely a lot more than I thought I would. It's a light summer read; I read it in two days. I love the main character and the supporting cast. I also loved the writing...it's very simple but not in a boring kind of way. I'd definitely recommend it for those who like chick-lit that doesn't necessary focus on finding a love interest. While there is a love interest in the book, I think the book offers more substance than that.
2759508
This is a very fun read and I found myself really enjoying it. I think the fact the author turned a mundane sports romance into something much more unique added a lot to the plot and I commend her for this. All too often we readers see the same tropes being used in every novel, but this time this isn't the case (thank you!). Fans of light hearted chick lit reads, and those who enjoy a heroine that will not only delight you but grows throughout the story should definitely give this book a chance. I would certainly read many more books by the author based on this one!
3098186
I guess because this was my first read of so-called chick-lit, I didn't start to really "get" this book until I stopped taking it so seriously and started to enjoy it for the light-hearted, campy, high-energy romp it is meant to be. The book just gets better and better as it moves along.  The author writes smoothly and with confidence about a young woman's journey from glamour and superficiality to discovering who she really is what she really values. Bouyant, funny, and quirky, this book was delight to read. Just when you think you know what's going to happen, the author throws you a curve - and keeps the story open. I'll definitely be reading the follow up-novel on this to find out what happens to Mary and Jackie. An impressive first novel - well done!
1027265
Despite a great title and cover, I was unsure if I would like this book. Would it be too chick-lit, too romance-oriented, for an average white male? Within a few pages, my doubts were erased. By the end of the book, I became a loyal Burney fan.

Amanda Bell Brown is one sassy, funny, and independent woman--Dr. Brown to her counseling patients. Her psychology experience draws her into a  mystery, which soon threatens her life in a number of ways. First, she is assailed by a spontaneous combustion of the romantic kind, in her initial encounter with Jazz, a likable cop. Second, she is drawn into the dark corridors of a Scripture-twisting cult, which seems to have been involved on some level with the  victims. Third, she must face her own painful past or risk losing even more than she has already.

Humor keeps the book well-balanced, and there are some sassy, realistic handlings of the romantic moments. At the point in which I thought things would turn saccharine, Burney kicked things into a darker, grittier gear, never shrinking from some heart-wrenching scenes. Told with style and heart, these parts of the story are all too real, and Burney unveils the deceptions with masterful skill.

What's not to like? If you're searching for suspense, humor, romance, or Biblical truths applied to real-life scenarios, you'll find them all in this wonderful debut. I can't wait for the next Amanda Bell Brown mystery.
3143965
Admiring Jennifers books from afar on Goodreads - and even those on my own shelf (I own three, I believe), made me realize how much I was bound to enjoy her books. The cover art is modern and fun and sweet usually depicting an image of a silhouetted couple, obviously in love. When I received a copy of Jennifers September novel in the mail, I was beyond delighted. I had requested the book, but wasn't confident it would be something Id receive.

As if this didn't already pique my interest  come on, you gotta admit, this one sounds cuuute  I had two really good blogging friends (shout-out to Amber and Kara) telling me, reading a book by this author was a must. Though I would have eventually gotten around to reading them, Im glad a review copy did arrive on my doorstep, forcing me to sit down, and become lost in its charms. Saying this probably isn't fair since this is the only of Jennifers Ive read, but this book, somehow seemed different.

Clare and Aiden are amazing characters. I loved how unpolished they were. They were average teenagers on the cusp of changes and bigger decisions yet they were unique. I never once questioned their love or relationship, which flows naturally and reads authentic in every situation. I was swept into their whirlwind night, flip-flopping in my opinion of what the endgame was to be (and I may or may not have read ahead but Ill never tell). The interesting side stories and memories the characters inspire is charm personified. Basically, when I turned the last page, I was left wondering why Id not read one of Jennifers books. This might have been my prologue to her works, but it won't be the epilogue. Lighthearted when it counts, poignant when it should be, and appropriately emotional, 'Hello, Goodbye and Everything In-Between' should be on your must list for this fall. In short, youll despise having to say goodbye to this charmer.

Content: I honestly don't remember much of issue in this novel. There are a few minor profanities and perhaps a sexual reference or two, and a "fade to black" type sex scene.
2222237
I wasn't sure I'd like this since it features a girl/girl storyline, but I found that it was actually sweet. This is actually a mnage story, f/f/m. You almost (almost, but not quite) feel sorry for the guy as the girls are obviously discovering they're more into each other. It's sweet that the ladies are uncovering some tender feelings and not just acting out some Penthouse letter. I will check out more from this author.
2420503
I'd heard a lot about this novel but I wasn't quite sure what to expect, really. A cute dude romance. That's all I had in my brain going into this book, and boy was I misguided in that. This novel is more than a sweet story of two boys falling in love. Much, much more. Reading this book allowed me to embark on a journey of asking questions and learning how to come to terms with feelings.

I've seen a lot of reviews criticizing Ari's character, claiming he's mean and treats people poorly, and I just have to disagree. In my opinion, Ari was painfully real and relatable. I saw a young boy who resorted to coping mechanisms and aversion tactics, who didn't know how to handle all the thoughts swirling around his head, who was often lonely and bored and insecure. I saw so many pieces of my heart in Ari, so many pieces of my fears and flaws. Maybe he wasn't a particularly likeable character, so to speak, but he was a character I really sympathized with, rooted for, and ended up loving, despite his flaws, and I think that's a truly beautiful, raw relationship to have with a fictional character.

Dante, on the other hand, was a delightful contrast to Ari. He was unabashed and so generous with his love. He was exactly the person Ari needed in his life. With that said, though, this is not really what I'd consider a romantic book. In my opinion, their relationship is more about friendship and different variations on love, and the way feelings truly affect you. Of course I shipped them together because they balanced each other out beautifully, but they didn't have the sort of relationship where I wanted to push their heads together and make them kiss like two dolls. I wanted their relationship to evolve slowly, for them both to really figure things out before they came to terms with their feelings for each other. I was more than satisfied where these characters ended up--I was grinning like a fool by the time I reached the novel's conclusion.

Now, admittedly, this is not a plot-focused book by any means. It's all about character development. I'm all on board with that, but I know a lot of people are not as gung-ho about it as myself. So, yes, this book is essentially plot-less, but it still managed to keep my attention and keep me eager to know what happens to my little babies. The writing style took me a little bit of time to get used to, but by the end, I really adored it and I think it fit the story. It was a bit jagged and jarring at first, but by the end of the novel it seemed more seamless.

This is a novel that truly explores what it means to grow up and what it means to be a person. This is a novel of juxtaposition, of beauty and ugliness. Of honesty and stifled truths. Of being happy and simply just being. Aristotle and Dante provided a unique reading experience that I know I will revisit one day. My reaction at the very end was simply to close my eyes and say "Wow."