Paperback
Published February 1st 2017 by Sweetwater Books
After losing her job, her house, and her guy, the last thing Gabby wants to do is be in a dating experiment—especially with her ex. Her only chance of making it through is with help from her best friend, Ian. But as the study and all its hilariously awkward dates goes on, Gabby finds herself wondering what exactly this experiment is all about.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
My Review: 4 Stars
I don't think I've ever read about a more quirky, unique, and awkward character! Gabby wears what she wants, does what she wants, and blurts things out that randomly pop into her mind without filter. I think she's a piece of what many of us wish to be--at least, I wish that I could be more comfortable with myself and not worry what others think about or see in me. And that makes her all the more uncomfortable to read about, but like a bad train wreck, I just couldn't stop myself. I laughed, I cringed, I blushed, and I wanted to move to a new state and start over, all on her behalf.
I love the comradery and love that she has with her aunt and the quilting friends. Those warm, fuzzy-type of relationships are what everyone needs. When this group decides on a way to reach outside of themselves and to step up their service to the community, my heart was truly touched.
Now for the guys. How in the world does Gabby attract such a wide variety of strange guys?! I was baffled and intrigued, especially when the only sane one just happens to be her best friend from her teenage years, Ian, and he's now engaged and famous. The dates and situations had me nearly rolling on the floor, as I tried to picture these odd experiences and characters.
I wanted more romance. This is a romance novel, but for all the dating, crushes, unrequited love on all sides, there was hardly anything. There are twists right up until the end and I wasn't sure who she'd end up with, but still...some more kissing would've been nice...or even some more of emotional attachments and connections. There's also a teensy mystery going on that I didn't even realize was happening until it's practically over. That aspect would have been fun if it played a bigger role in the book.
Overall, I love Elodia Strain's style and the way she incorporates fun, wholesome stories with atypical characters. I'll definitely be on the lookout for more.
Content: very, very mild romance
* I received a copy through the publisher with no obligation to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Content: very, very mild romance
* I received a copy through the publisher with no obligation to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Buy Links:
About the Author:
Elodia Strain was born in Alaska and grew up in the middle of California. She spent her childhood exploring Yosemite National Park, skiing—badly—at Lake Tahoe, and enjoying the beaches along California’s famed central coast. She graduated cum laude from Brigham Young University with a degree in marketing communications. She is the author of three previous books from Cedar Fort. Her debut novel, “The Icing on the Cake,” was well received by readers of all ages, and earned Elodia the Best New Fiction Author award from CFI. Her second book, “Previously Engaged,” was a Whitney Award finalist. Elodia also wrote “My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend,” the novelization of the widely successful eponymous major motion picture, starring Alyssa Milano. In addition to her creative writing pursuits, Elodia has spoken at writers’ conferences, had the privilege of signing books at national events such as her alma mater’s Women’s Conference and Education Week, and is also one of the founders of Ink Ladies Plus (formerly the Ink Ladies blog), a group of CFI and independent authors who work together to strengthen and promote each other’s work. When not writing or marketing, Elodia spends her time bargain shopping, enjoying staycations with her husband, and spoiling her nieces and nephews.
No comments:
Post a Comment