Unmasking Juliet by Teri Wilson (Romance Review)

Unmasking Juliet by Teri Wilson

*E-Arc from Netgalley

Ever since she was a little girl learning to make decadent truffles in her family's chocolate shop, Juliet Arabella has been aware of the bitter feud between the Arabellas and the Mezzanottes. With their rival chocolate boutiques on the same street in Napa Valley, these families never mix. Until one night, when Juliet anonymously attends the annual masquerade ball. In a moonlit vineyard, she finds herself falling for a gorgeous stranger, a man who reminds her what passion is like outside of the kitchen. But her bliss is short-lived when she discovers her masked prince is actually Leo Mezzanotte, newly returned from Paris and the heir to her archenemy's confection dynasty. 

With her mind in a whirl, Juliet leaves for Italy to represent the Arabellas in a prestigious chocolate competition. The prize money will help her family's struggling business, and Juliet figures it's a perfect opportunity to forget Leo…only to find him already there and gunning for victory. As they compete head-to-head, Leo and Juliet's fervent attraction boils over. But Juliet's not sure whether to trust her adversary, or give up on the sweetest love she's ever tasted... (Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

Unmasking Juliet is a romantic, modern day reinterpretation of  Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet by Teri Wilson. I have to admit, when I first saw the book, my interest was first piqued by the cover - which to me was both beautiful and romantic. Obviously intrigued by the cover (and already sold on: Chick Lit? yes please!), I went on to read the blurb and was very intrigued by the idea of a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet (who doesn't love some Shakespeare?). I was banking on the fact that maybe Ms. Wilson would be able to deliver a romantic and happy R + J, and I was not disappointed!

Fans of retellings or modern interpretations of classic lit, romance, and happy endings will definitely enjoy this read. For me, it was a great read and one I would definitely recommend for some light summer reading or perhaps a nice weekend book retreat from reality.

Highlights

Where to start... I really, really enjoyed this version of Romeo and Juliet for so many reasons, not the least of which was the fact that I knew this one would have a happy ending! I'm sorry, I know some people love a good tragedy, a good sob fest and what-not, I am not one of those people. While I like some seriousness to my books, I also love a book that will take me away and give me the happily ever after and sometimes everything works out.

So, my first highlight would have to be that I knew in this version of R + J, there was going to be the happy resolution. Two, I happen to be a pup lover - so the addition of adorable puppies into the mix never hurt a story as far as I'm concerned. Next, the setting - Napa Valley, and if that weren't delicious enough the two warring families Mezzenotte and Arabella are chocolatiers. (So be prepared to crave a delicious truffle or two while reading!)

Other enjoyable highlights included (for me at least) the two main characters Juliet and Leo - I enjoyed hearing both of their stories. I also really enjoyed the family feud back story and learning the ins and outs. There were some nice additions in the supporting cast as well: Allegra, Cocoa, Uncle Joe, Marco. It was fun to see the families and how the feud effected them, it was also fun to see them compete.

Wishes

This is a tough one, this story delivered what I was looking for overall. I guess one wish could have been a bit more development and page time for some of the supporting characters. However, I really enjoyed the story just the way it stands.

Overall, if you enjoy light, delicious, romantic reads and don't mind a little star-crossed lovers with a side of competition mixed in - I'd say give this one a read. I really enjoyed myself and breezed through the pages far too quickly. I can't wait to try another by Ms. Wilson and so glad to have learned of an author who takes on the challenge of reinterpreting the classics. Can't wait to try her interpretation of Pride & Prejudice (my personal favorite) next!

Recommendations:

Delicious by Susan Mallery

The Perfect Match by Kristan Higgins

Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

Rating:

4 out of 5 Doxies - Liked it a lot, definitely worth a read!!

Chick Lit Review: The Convenient Groom by Denise Hunter

The Convenient Groom by Denise Hunter

I am a big fan of Contemporary reads whether they are of the YA, Chick Lit, Romance, or Christian variety, sometimes you just need a nice getaway feel good story. This book is a Christian Romance novel, by author Denise Hunter - who I have read novels by before, and I always enjoy. Ms. Hunter's style is a bit different than many Christian authors I have read, her Christian elements are a lot more subtle and tend to be woven in to the story as more of an allegory than an overt message. I know that for some, this makes the story more enjoyable. When I read the summary, it definitely appealed to me, as it hits upon one of those plot-lines I'm always a bit of a sucker for: the arranged/marriage of convenience that becomes something more. I think fans of Denise Hunter's other works, of clean Romances, and of Contemporary Romance type reads will enjoy this one.

Highlights

Some things I usually find to be an appealing plot device in a romance were present in this novel: the marriage of convenience, a slow building romance, and opposites attracting. I really enjoyed Lucas and his family, especially his siblings and his relationship with them. It was also nice to read a romance that I could recommend to my mom or aunt without worrying about certain scenes.

I found the novel to be one that was easy to read and feel good. I wanted to see what would happen next and how things would work out for Lucas and Kate. It was also a nice switch to see the male character as the one who has developed feelings and is waiting for the woman to realize. The love story was definitely an uphill battle, and it was interesting to see their feelings grow and change- as well as to see how Kate changed.

One thing that I've always enjoyed about Denise Hunter's novels personally is the fact that they are sweet, clean romances. Her novels are Christian, but the message is more subtle and in the subtext instead, which I don't mind. This novel for instance, is a great clean, romance read that follows the story of Lucas and Kate - but is meant to represent the love God has for each of us. I think it's nice when the story is done with subtlety like his one, as it can be easier to recommend to a wider audience and will appeal to those who want a Christian novel and/or just a nice, clean romance read.

Wishes

Kate was a bit of a hard character to get used to, she was not always very likeable, and I often wanted to shake her. It didn't help that in contrast you have super sweet, caring, and patient Lucas. However, I think given the message of the novel - I understand that Kate's abrasiveness to start is kind of the point. It did make this Denise Hunter novel a bit harder for me to get into than others I've read though.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and though it was not my favorite of Ms. Hunter's works, I still found it a fun way to spend an afternoon. I look forward to reading more by her, and for those that enjoy these same plotlines and romances, I'd say it's definitely worth checking out.

Recommendations:  

If you enjoyed this book and are looking for more Contemporary Chick Lit reads try:

Just Breath – Susan Wiggs

Something Borrowed – Emily Giffin

There’s Cake in My Future – Kim Gruenenfelder

Unpredictable – Eileen Cook

When In Doubt Add Butter– Beth Harbison

For more Contemporary Christian Romance reads try:

The Princess by Lori Wick
Once Upon A Prince - Rachel Hauck
Secrets - Robin Jones Gunn
Seaside Letters  - Denise Hunter

           

Rating (for both of the above romances):

 3 out of 5 Doxies –   Really enjoyed it, definitely worth a read!

Jenn

 Tale of Two Doxies

www.taleoftwodoxies.blogspot.com

Chick Lit Reviews: Jill Mansell's Don't Want to Miss a Thing and The Unpredictable Consequences of Love

  

My Thoughts

Ok, to begin with I guess I should state that Jill Mansell is amazing! She is one of my favorite authors – I love her books so much that I order them from Amazon UK and have them shipped over so I can read them – like I said: amazing!

Anyway, with that out of the way…I have recently read to of her amazing books and will be reviewing them today. On a sad note, this means I am all caught up on her books – even the titles that were not released in the US and I special ordered…which means I will have to wait for a new one. This kind of makes me want to cry because like I said – I love her books!

If you are a fan of chick lit, story lines that revolve around multiple characters, contemporary adult, and/or UK authors – then these are definitely books for you. Go now – run, don’t walk and try out a book by Jill Mansell!

As with all Jill Mansell books, we are introduced to an assorted cast of intriguing and engaging characters, each of different ages and experiences.The settings, as to be expected, are charming English ones that just pull at you and makes you wish you were there. Each story feels real to me, has pieces and characters that feel real to life – and I often find myself wanting to be friends with the characters. Each story is filled with moments of love, laughter and tears – these books are perfect. They are the books I look forward to after a long, stressful day – I just want to sit with a warm blanket, my pups, and warm beverage and one of these books to relax with.

Don’t Want To Miss A Thing 

by Jill Mansell

Dexter Yates loves his fun, care-free London life; he has money, looks and girlfriends galore. But everything changes overnight when his sister dies, leaving him in charge of her eight-month-old daughter Delphi. How is he ever going to cope?

Comic-strip artist Molly Hayes lives in the beautiful Cotswold village of Briarwood. When it comes to relationships, she has a history of choosing all the wrong men. Leaving the city behind, Dex moves to Briarwood - a much better place to work on his parenting skills - and he and Molly become neighbours. There's an undeniable connection between them. But if Dexter's going to adapt, he first has a lot to learn about Molly, about other people's secrets...and about himself. (Goodreads)

Highlights:

First, I once again loved the characters, and I loved the sub-plots. I adored the village and the neighbors – I wanted to go live there while reading! I found Molly (one of the main characters) to be very relatable, and warm – I just really enjoyed her: bad decision making and all.

I really enjoyed that the story was made up of both serious and light moments. I found myself absorbed in the story from start to finish and was very sad when it came to an end. The writing flows, and really draws you in.

I really enjoyed the Molly and Dex story line; I also really adored the Dex and Delphi storyline. I loved that the story was about a love that grows, that starts as friendship and just progresses over time – I’d like to see more stories like that.

Wishes:

I know many people would state the predictability of the story and wish it was less so…however I just can’t do that. You see, I actually expect and enjoy some predictability in my Chick Lit. I want the couple to get together in the end, I want a happy ending that cheers me up and gives me hope. For me, the enjoyment of the story is in the journey the how and why of reaching the happy ending, and yeah a bit in the ending itself and it’s resolution – each one is a little different.

So I can’t really complain or have any wishes with this book. At times I found myself frustrated with characters like Dex and Frankie’s husband, but ultimately it was part of the journey and growth of the characters. I also really liked these characters and found them relatable because of their flaws and frustrating bits.

Overall, I would definitely give it a thumbs up and recommend it - so go ahead and grab yourself a copy and a cozy spot to read and relax! :)

**For Recommendations see below second review**

Rating:

 4 out of 5 Doxies –  Liked it a lot, definitely worth a read!

              The Unpredictable Consequences of Love 

                                        by Jill Mansell

When Josh Strachan, newly returned to his home in north Cornwall from sunny California, first meets Sophie Wells, he's immediately smitten. Sophie's pretty, she's funny, she has lots of friends and she clearly loves her job as a photographer, despite the sometimes tricky clients. There's just one problem: Sophie has very firmly turned her back on love. It's nothing personal, she tells Josh, but she just doesn't do dates. And no one - even Sophie's scatty best friend Tula - will tell him why. Josh is sure Sophie likes him, though, and he's just got to find out what's put her off romance. And then put things right... (Goodreads)

Highlights:

Ok, to begin with I LOVED this book. I mean, I truly love all of Jill Mansell’s books, but with any favorite author you have your favorites – this one was definitely one of mine. For me, it hit all the right notes and feels, and I just really enjoyed myself while reading it.

I adored the characters (as I so often do with Ms. Mansell’s books) but in this one I was just really attached to all of them. I really loved feeling like I was experiencing it all with them – the characters were spunky and fun. I wanted to be friends with them and hang out and I definitely wanted them all to get their happy endings – though I really didn’t want it to end!

I thought the back-stories were great in this, and particularly enjoyed Sophie’s. I really felt for her, and I was invested and interested in seeing how things would pan out for her. And I really thought the flashbacks were great, and appreciated them as a means of experiencing some of the back-story. I also really liked watching her growth throughout the book, and her getting some closure.

I appreciated once again, the delicate balance that was made between the more serious and light moments of the novel. These more serious explorations always make it feel real, but the lightness makes it enjoyable and hopeful. I also delighted in the fact that once again, various ages and generations were accounted for in the story. That is something that has always appealed to me about Ms. Mansell’s books – it isn’t all teens, or twenty-somethings, or even thirty-somethings. She strives to provide a varied cast of relatable and likeable characters with their own storylines in each book. Life isn’t all about one age group, and I enjoy seeing different points of views, and experiences across a span of people.

Wishes:

Although I enjoyed the book immensely, and would definitely recommend it (in fact I lent it to a friend already), like any great book you still usually walk away with a wish or two. In this case, I might have liked a bit more of a build up to Josh’s feelings/infatuation with Sophie. Although at the same time, the author did only make him infatuated with her – not in love – which is totally believable.

My biggest wish however would have to be with Laurence, I liked him but I also hated him. It wasn’t his personality that bothered me, in fact, based on that alone I really enjoyed and liked him. It was part of his story line/actions – I’m not a big fan of love triangles or falling in love with someone while in love with someone else. Personally I do believe in true love, I don’t believe there is more than one person out there for each of us – I believe in true love and working on a relationship over time. So, this was really just a matter of personal preference – and it wasn’t an active part of the story, it was part of his back-story. But it still irritated me throughout – mostly because I liked him and I wanted to despise and dismiss him out of hand based on the back-story.

Anyway, overall this book was an amazing read that I would definitely recommend and/or lend (or force) on others. J As my friend Lizzy can attest too. Once again, Jill Mansell has done it – left me with another book to love, a book hangover and a prevailing sadness as I realize I now have to wait for her next book to come out. Luckily I have all the others to reread in the meantime.

Recommendations:

If you enjoyed this book and are looking for more romantic, Chick Lit type reads:

I’ve Got Your Number – Sophie Kinsella

Lucky Dog Matchmaking Service – Beth Kendrick

Do or Di– Eileen Cook

The Little Lady Agency – Hester Browne

Faking It – Jennifer Crusie

Rating:

 5 out of 5 Doxies –  Loved it! A must read, reread, and own it book!

Jenn

 Tale of Two Doxies

www.taleoftwodoxies.blogspot.com

Mini-Reviews - Romance: Keep Calm and Carry a Big Drink - The Perfect Match

Title:                    Keep Calm and Carry a Big Drink

Author:               Kim Gruenenfelder

Release Date:   December 2013

Publisher:          St. Martin’s Griffin

Genre:       Adult, Contemporary, Chick Lit

Pages:           384

 In Keep Calm and Carry a Big Drink, Kim Gruenenfelder's delicious follow-up to There's Cake in My Future, Seema, Nic and Mel are back, adjusting to their new lives as a bride-to-be, a mother-to-be, and a recently single girl looking for love



   It's been almost a year since Mel, Nic and Seema pulled their magical charms out of the cake at Nic's bridal shower and most of their happily-ever-afters seemingly came true. Seema is about to marry Scott in an elaborate three-day affair. Nic is glowingly pregnant. And Mel... well, Mel feels as if she accidentally veered off the rails of her life at some point and isn't sure how to get back on. She recently became single again, she's been threatened with a layoff from her teaching job, and she has to find her own place now that Scott is moving in with her roommate, Seema.

Nic thinks Mel just needs a new cake charm to bring her good luck. . . and decides to rig the cake pull at Seema's bridal shower. 

Desperate for travel, Mel asks for the passport charm. But, once again, the cake proves to have a mind of its own, and she pulls a charm she doesn't want, and can not use. Rather than be bound by the charm's prophecy, Mel realizes she, and she alone, is responsible for her destiny. A spur of the moment decision takes her to Paris and then Maui, where she finds herself on an adventure that she never could have imagined, experiencing the trials and tribulations of a life suddenly and perfectly unplanned. And, along the way, she begins to learn that, however nonsensical it may seem, the cake is never wrong... (Amazon)

Highlights:

This book I felt, really captures that bitter-sweetness of maturing friendships. The ups and downs that go along with that: the feelings of pride and joy and at the same time wistfulness as your lives move forward and in many ways your friendship changes and life pulls you further apart. As friends start relationships, move in with significant others/get their own place, get married, have children, start focusing on careers. I think we all have that experience of being so happy for our friends as they hit the milestones and yet wanting those things for ourselves and also missing the way things used to be when the friendship seemed to come first.

I found the characters to be very likable and relatable, and I like that they were each experiencing/struggling with things that many of us do: newborns, weddings, trying to figure out what to do with our lives/what’s next, relationships, dating, burn-out.

Wishes:

While I really enjoyed the story, there were a few things that I would have liked to see changed. For one, the story had some plot points that seemed a bit far-fetched: the broke teacher traveling about Europe, vacationing in Hawaii for free, and other bits I can’t mention for fear of spoilers. I can’t completely fault these points as it is escapism fiction, I would have enjoyed it a bit more if these came about in a bit more of a believable way. Other than that, there were a few slow points and some minor editing issues.

Overall, this book was an enjoyable escapist Chick Lit read – fluffy, light and fun. It featured fun, sweet, relatable characters and I loved getting to revisit my “old friends” again and see where they ended up. Definitely worth a read, and definitely one that any mid to late twenties or older can relate too.

**see below for rating and recommendations**

Title:              The Perfect Match

Author:         Kristan Higgins

Release Date:            October 2013

Publisher:        Harlequin HQN

Genre:      Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Pages:                  441

What if the perfect match is a perfect surprise? 

Honor Holland has just been unceremoniously rejected by her lifelong crush. And now—a mere three weeks later—Mr. Perfect is engaged to her best friend. But resilient, reliable Honor is going to pick herself up, dust herself off and get back out there…or she would if dating in Manningsport, New York, population 715, wasn't easier said than done. 

Charming, handsome British professor Tom Barlow just wants to do right by his unofficial stepson, Charlie, but his visa is about to expire. Now Tom must either get a green card or leave the States—and leave Charlie behind. 

In a moment of impulsiveness, Honor agrees to help Tom with a marriage of convenience—and make her ex jealous in the process. But juggling a fiancé, hiding out from her former best friend and managing her job at the family vineyard isn't easy. And as sparks start to fly between Honor and Tom, they might discover that their pretend relationship is far too perfect to be anything but true love…. (Amazon)

Highlights:

Things that I found really enjoyable about this book included: the characters, the plot line, the side stories, the humor and the cute animal. I really enjoyed the interactions and dialogue between Tom and Honor, I enjoyed the romantic tension and I liked the “marriage of convenience, could it grow to be more” plotline. I found the book to be light, humorous and filled with characters I could either relate to, feel like I have experienced in real life or would like to know.

I enjoyed that each of the characters had flaws and baggage, nobody was completely good or bad and they all felt real. (Even the ones that I hated). I also really enjoyed the Charlie side-story. I felt that many of the events while obviously dramatized (this is a romance novel) were relatable to things that could and do happen in real life – and I loved that the author was able to make me feel. I laughed and cried during my time reading the book.

Wishes:

Some things I wish had been a bit different: the desperation of Honor feels, Honor’s self confidence, and the story start. In the beginning Honor is feeling really desperate to get married, to have a kid – I’m not going to nit-pick about this because I do think that a lot of people especially women start to feel this pressure at some point. I felt that this was real and understandable, I just might have wished it wasn’t so played up, I mean let us know how she feels but some of the moments made me cringe in embarrassment for her a bit. As to her self-confidence, I just felt that while again this was a believable piece, I would have liked to see her have a bit more confidence and respect for herself – I get that it was part of her growth but their were a few parts (I’m looking at you Dana) that made me want to shake her and deal with it for her.

Finally, while I ended up enjoying the story overall it had a bit of a slow start for me. So I would have liked for the pace to be a bit more brisk and really grasp me sooner.

Overall, I really enjoyed the story and it is one I would have a friend read (in fact I’ve already lent it out). I enjoyed the author and the book and actually bought a few more by her to try out. The book played to its genre nicely, and it is a quick, sweet, emotional romantic read. (Plus have you seen the adorable pups on the covers?) So if you are looking for a good beach or contemporary chick lit read with a little romance, definitely check out this author.

Recommendations (based on both of the above romances):  

If you enjoyed this book and are looking for more Contemporary Chick Lit reads try:

Just Breath – Susan Wiggs

Something Borrowed – Emily Giffin

There’s Cake in My Future – Kim Gruenenfelder

Unpredictable – Eileen Cook

When In Doubt Add Butter– Beth Harbison

           

Rating (for both of the above romances):

 3 out of 5 Doxies –   Really enjoyed it, read it now!

Jenn

 Tale of Two Doxies

www.taleoftwodoxies.blogspot.com