Smart, funny, and romantic
595671
The characters were easy to believe as being real people. They have ups and downs, fights and make ups, and personal growth. This book is smart, funny, and I fell in love with the characters.
3972011
I am now a major fan of Penny Reid's novels which is weird because just a week ago, I'd never heard of her and I've spent the last week reading all the KITC and Winston Brothers books that are out. This is definitely one of my favourites. Marie is super likeable and witty and perfect without being obnoxiously so and Matt is odd, hilariously funny, hot and just genuinely a sweetheart. I reserve the right to roll my eyes when someone describes their novel as a "smart romance" but the joke is on me because these books ARE incredibly clever and witty and fun and still sweet. I love that beyond the obvious romantic plot, I learn something new in all her books (this one features a different kind of AI innovation in every single chapter- obviously sending me down the google wormhole as I read) AND I feel like these books and these characters make me think a little more deeply about my own identity and reflect a little more about who I am and who I want to be. And yes, I get how crazy that is- for a romance novel. But this isn't your typical romance novel. Wyd? Get this book! Read this series!!!
2314422
Its stories like this one which remind me just how much I love a good contemporary romance - and Desire by Design is one of the best I've read in a long time.

Evangeline (Eve) Douchette is a woman in a predominately male workplace - she's the project manager for a construction company. She may be short in stature but large in spirit. She won't let anyone bully her around. Since her divorce five years ago she's steered clear of professional men. That is until the mayor hires a world-famous architect for the job Eve is managing. Successful and gorgeous, Eve takes an instant dislike to Matt Brison. And Matt is shocked at how the tiny manager makes him feel. Sparks fly, drama occurs. There's no question that the two have chemistry - but does either one have what it takes to break down the walls between them?

I loved the chemistry between Eve and Matt from the start. They have a meet-cute which borders on sexual harassment but somehow it just makes me adore the two of them together. Eve is the woman with a hard shell but soft interior and Matt is her opposite - he's full of romance and gentlemanly gestures. And because of this they work so well together - both professionally and personally.

The secondary characters like Eve's family and Matt's uncle Bob which make the novel that much more entertaining - I loved the antics and misunderstandings. They really showed where the characters had come from and how much they have to overcome to be together.

This is a fun read that plays out much like a romantic comedy movie - it's cute and romantic with plenty of laughs from cover to cover.
1125689
Almost Hilarious? No way. Absolutely, a lot of the time, this book is outright hilarious. I love Kate the physicist who is way too smart to get out of her own way and totally misses basic social cues as well as Ian, the man who loves her and knows how to short-circuit her brilliant mind, allowing her libido to take over. Theirs is a funny, sexy, emotional relationship and the author had me laughing and crying. If you want fun in your romance, I highly recommend Almost Hitched. (And then make sure to read my all-time favorite book from Kylie Gilmore, Not My Romeo.)
1400985
I love these characters, the writing, everything! It's funny, sweet, touching. I have no idea if you'll like it, but I love it because its smart and sassy and hilarious
3776068
This book in one word? CUTE!

Just simply cute and adorable and sweet and funny and a brilliant way to spend an hour or two.

Roscoe and Nellie had a bit of a rough start to their friendship but Roscoe was completely charmed by Nellies weirdness. Nellie in turn has spent most of her life behind the screen of her computer and she wouldnt know if a man was hitting on her if he was using a club. So now that she has two men showing interest, life is about to get much more interesting.

Performance anxiety, two hot men, a fridge full of vitamin water, a porn star makeover, an annoyingly unstamped V-card, brightly colored clothing and a handbook of sexual euphemisms all form part of this hard and fast romantic comedy.

The banter was brilliant and I absolutely loved the interactions between characters. Every single character had their own uniquely charming quirk and I fell in love with this book from the first word.  though this book was relatively low on angst and over too quickly, I still got a taste of some very sweet romance and closed this book with a massive smile on my face.

I adored this little comedy and its collection of odd characters. Definitely recommended!

(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
3128797
I really enjoyed this story.  A light romantic comedy, but very smart writing.  This is definitely a cut above the romantic genre.  I laughed out loud many times. You don't have to have read the Outlander series to enjoy this, but anyone who has certainly enjoy this Scottish diversion.  I found the end to be very satisfying with the way threads were cleverly tied-up.  I think kc dyer has gotten me interested in looking at her other books.
3471142
I was in a reading slump when I picked up this book after remembering hearing good things about it on Twitter.  Boy, am I glad I did.

This book is smart, a little nerdy, very cute with great sexual tension and a happy sigh-worthy HEA.

I think the author did an excellent job of balancing the heroine's quirky neuroticism with enough sweet making Janie lovable, not annoying.  I loved Janie's foot-in-mouth disease, as I have that particular affliction.  I also loved that although Janie is cast as the shy quiet nerd, she has a lovely group of supportive friends and was not made out to be a loner, as is often the case.

Quinn, Sir McHotpants, is lovely as the besotted hero.

Minor quibbles:

Quinn - would have liked more background on him.  The reader knows virtually nothing aside from the fact he's rich and he used to be shady and now he's not?

There are some unbelievable points - especially the end scene with the knitting circle, but they were minor enough to just brush off.

Finally, the sexual tension was fabulous, but it would've been nice to get a paragraph or two payoff (I'm a shameless hussy).

If you need a palate cleanser between heavier books or are just looking for a fun read that will leave you with a smile, I highly recommend this read.
1852558
Kate, like so many Crusie heroines to follow her, is on a mission to fix her life. She's successful, but unsatisfied, so between Kate and her best friend Jessie, they come up with a plan to rejuvenate her love life. Kate makes a list of criteria for eligible men, and Jessie urges her to go on vacation at a resort catering to singles--the perfect place to meet men fitting Kate's list.

So she goes, and determinedly starts dating one man after another who seems just fine on paper. And every single date ends in disaster. I'm not going to list the disasters and spoil them for you, but take my word for it--they're hilarious. Kate finds herself spending more and more time relaxing with resort handyman Jake, and proving that when it comes to love, the best laid plans of women... well, in this case, they lead to unexpected results.

Even though this is early Crusie, it's still got that special something. The snappy dialogue is immediately recognizable, as is the seriousness underlying laugh-aloud humor. In this case, a lot of the seriousness comes from communication issues, and a sub-plot between Jake's brother and his girlfriend does double duty both showing Kate that maybe she doesn't really want what she thought she want, and demonstrating the follies of miscommunication.

There's also the serious issue of ambition and goals and one's definition of a full life, and that's echoed in the sub-plot about new friend Penny, who's at the resort for one last fling before getting married.

I've got to say something about the humor, because far too many authors just don't understand the concept. They'll take the idea of the dating disasters and throw them into a story thinking that the more outrageous they are, the funnier. But in Manhunting, and indeed in any Crusie novel, it's not just a silly situation--the silly situation means something. The disasters aren't just random disasters--they connect to the characters in specific ways. Jennifer Crusie does humor right.

Anyway, Manhunting is just a joy to read. It's fast-paced and short enough that it can be read in one or two sittings, which you'll want to do anyway--it's hard to put down. The perfect read for a gloomy not-yet-spring day.
3894300
A step away from many current romance stories, Jackie is in her 50s and with her friend take an enrichment course. Robert, sexy French accent wrapped in a suave and handsome late 40s man is instantly intrigued with this student in his cooking class.  We have experienced and often baggage-laden characters who know themselves well, and are able to account for differences in others.  And, despite the tendency toward being hesitant for a new relationship, they both are open to and willing to give the spark a chance to flame.

Then there is the dialogue, both interior and the banter between the two: clever and on point, the phrasing feels natural and real, with several smart and funny moments that keep readers smiling as they turn the pages.

Fast paced with several insets of very inventive food play scenes, as well as some wonderful recipes mixed in for you to try later  you cant miss enjoying this little treat.

I purchased a copy of this title for my own library. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
4527974
Spare Hearts is not only entertaining, it's endearing, sexy, and smart.  It's a cute story that will make you laugh.  It also has a few steamy surprised that won't disappoint readers.  Bowling is the backdrop, but the book itself is about learning to love again.  The authors did a great job delivering a unique take on HEA.  Good things are ahead for these two.
4919886
With a heavy helping of humor, Jennifer Crusie treats the reader to a fun and witty escapist romance. No, it's probably never going to happen this way, but it's fun, it's charming, and the dogs will warm your hearts too. The Lucy character manages to be smart, cute, sassy and independent, which is a big improvement over some of the lame ladies in romantic fiction. Zach, as the macho policeman, is a bit much but able to be taught. Crusie also allows the reader a certain amount of imagination when it comes to the lustier moments. This book might just be the answer for a cold winter evening.
264695
This book is smart and engaging. The pacing is fantastic! Jimmy is arrogant, but he is never off-putting or cruel. He seems very real. Lena is fearless and smart. There is such a great balance of humor and angst here. The story sparkles with wit and emotion!
815179
"Devious Minds," by K.F. Germaine, is well-written and funny. Laugh out loud and often funny. It's also romantic, sweet and sexy with fiendish shenanigans along the way. Sydney and Gray, the main characters, are college students who both have a lot going for them. They're talented, colorful, intelligent and, due to circumstances, use those traits to cause trouble for each other. Hilarity ensues.
4798755
This is an extremely intelligent, funny, and touchy.  You'll root for the Asperger's-afflicted protagonist who begins the novel with a mental IQ close to 150 and an emotional IQ closer to 50. Beneath his difference, however, is a heart of gold and a good human being longing to be accepted and loved. He comes to realizes that love, though inherently irrational, is what makes life worth living. He comes to this realization with the help of a quirky and attractive woman who is his perfect match. The novel forces one to think hard about social conventions, gender roles and differences, and the nature of love itself. In the end, the story is life and love-affirming without being the least cliched. Fantastic
3251234
4.25 stars

Robin Benway is the master of writing smart, thoughtful books that you don't even realize are smart or thoughtful because you're having so much fun reading them. Its been well established that I loved Also Known As, 50% because its a great book and 50% because the main characters name is Maggie and Im happy to say that I loved Going Rogue just as much, if not more, then I loved Also Known As.

Because I didn't think Also Known As needed a sequel I was slightly worried going into this, but I should have just trusted Robin. In this second book in the series The Collective has gone off script and Maggie, her parents, and Angelo must go rogue. Maggie must also break out from under her parents careful watch and start to take on missions of her own and unfortunately Roux and Jesse get dragged into all of the craziness that ensues.

In my review of Also Known As I wrote: Do I think a 16-year-old could really be a safecracker working with some of the top spies in the world? No. Do I think this book had a lot of absurd things happen? Absolutely. Did it matter? No. And I still feel the exact same way. Reading about a 17-year-old breaking into a criminal masterminds home just doesnt seem real to me, but the story is so fun and the characters are so great that it just doesnt matter.

Lets get to where I think Robin Benway really excels and thats at blending the serious with the fun. Everything about this book is fun. Even when Maggie is in tough situations shes still her smart, sarcastic self and that makes reading these books such a joy. But theres also a lot of seriousness and relatable situations hidden among all the good times. When this book starts Maggie and Jesse have been dating for a little over a year and while things seemed to mostly have been good, as Maggie gets drawn back into the spy world things get tough for them. Maggie must keep secrets from Jesse and Jesse, even though he doesnt know exactly whats going on, is worried for Maggies safety and wants to protect her (in the least misogynistic way possible). Essentially these problems are variations of problems lots of people face in relationships; sometimes you have to keep secrets from those you love and sometimes you have to let people take risks and live their lives even when you want to protect them.

The same can be said for Maggies relationship with her parents. I absolutely love the parent-kid dynamic that they have in both books, but in this book Maggie needs to strike out on her own and put some space between herself and her parents. Not only because shes entering her senior year of high school and getting ready to leave for college, but also because shes working with Angelo as part of their going rogue on things her parents cant know about. Even though the mission with Angelo is such a crazy thing it really struck me how Maggies need to assert her own independence and live her own life is just like what so many other teenagers go through.

After the perfect blend of fun and serious my favorite part of this book was obviously Angelo and Roux. So often I cant stand supporting characters and best friends, but Angelo and Roux are something special. I loved that we got to see more of Angelo in this book and more of Angelo at work. And Roux is just amazing, I don't think she was quite as wacky in this book, but she has some amazing moments. I mean, who else would have a Faberge egg hidden in their sock drawer?

Bottom Line: This book is so perfect for so many people. If you like fun, read this book. If you like contemporary YA novels, read this book. If you like spies, read this book. Robin Benways books are something truly special and if you haven't had the pleasure of reading one of her books yet I encourage you go fix that mistake ASAP.

I received an electronic review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley (thank you!). All opinions are my own.
3576608
I enjoyed this one. The heroine was smart and funny. The guy sexy  and sweet with a penchant for nasty dirty talk during sex and there was lots of both. The supporting characters were hilarious. I can't wait to read their stories. I'll be on the lookout for more from this author.