Review: great start (60/70% was awesome) - unsure about the ending - more like 1*
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 07 16, 2013
I really enjoyed reading 60% of this book (the bedroom scenes were unnecessary for this book as it had so much comedy in it - that that alone made it entertaining, but I appreciate many reader require hanky panky).Comedy:There are too many hilarious scenes to recount - but a few of my favs (without giving too much away) is a scene at an Art Gallery party where Brie's friend Ray pretends to be Brie's lesbian lover. And another scene where clear references are made against the 50 Shades book - it's laugh out loud funny.Additionally, the analogy to the breakup film moment was funny too (Brie watches Die Hard after a break up rather than cheesy chick flicks).Cooking:I loved reading how Brie learns to cook. That was awesome. Her journey was funny, enjoyable and refreshing to read. That was the best bit about this book. The author manifests Brie's journey of Life via her cooking independence. I also enjoyed reading about the other characters in the cooking school, particularly Mary and her husband. And Christian, the divorced dad learning to cook for his kids (that was a seriously aawwwww moment).Romance:The romance was a subplot and pretty ok during the beginning. It's not the high octane, melodramatic and engrossing kind. It's sweet and fun. However, what ruined the book and the romance for me was the ending. This isn't a spoiler - but don't read it - if you'd rather not know anything:<spoiler>...Simon dumps Brie because she doesn't have a backbone to stand up against her family. But then she's the one running back to him - how is that learning to have a backbone? If a dude dumped me for such a lame a$$ reason - I would solider on and show him what he's missing.I'd be like - You say I don't have a backbone- well see how I've grown one b*tch!...</spoiler>If Brie wasn't such a push over with Simon - then I'd be happy to give this book at 5* as the comedy is awesome.Family:Brie's family are awful. Her mother has no class. She has a shrill voice and is constantly nagging. Clearly good manners are lost upon her. Someone needs to teach her that money does not buy class.However, I loved reading about Maw Maw and Paw Paw (grandparents). I also enjoyed reading about Ethan (Brie's nephew)Protagonist:Brie is a pretty, slim blonde 27 year old. Simon is a tall, dark and handsome 33 year old. But don't worry - they don't follow a cheesy Mills and Boon recipe. Both are hilarious - Brie is goofy without being stupid (klutzy but not ditsy) and Simon is hot without being a damaged playboy billionaire type.Towards the end if the book, the plot was rushed and everything fell into place a bit too neatly. It was just too contrived (Bree's career, the relationship with Simon). I also hope book 2 isn't about Emily and Trent breaking up (or if they do, they get back together) as I avoid reading about family break ups.