Review: Great ugly ducklings who fall for each other kind of tale
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 19, 2014
The PremiseThe latest in dick-lit trend, with the story told exclusively from the male POV, arrogant womanizer Kyle Manchester hates blind dates but best friend, Brad calls in a favor, insisting Kyle take out his girlfriend’s sister and his co-worker, so Kyle reluctantly agrees. When we meet Lanie Carmichael, she is possibly the most awkward, funny looking heroine, but her attitude is what draws him in and makes Kyle decide to help Lanie, who states she has no interest in Kyle but is in love with Brad and would like Kyle’s help in transforming herself to win Brad.The GoodI was concerned at the beginning of the story when Kyle is horribly judgmental and arrogant, and Lanie just takes it. But then somewhere along the way, the story turns on its head, and the predictability factor (well some of it at least) goes with it. The MCs much more nuanced and become much more likeable than first impressions would indicate, and their relationship deepens and you fall right along with them.  Kyle and Lanie’s chemistry is really great and the love scenes are fantastic without overpowering the story.  Seeing the transformations of Kyle and Lanie from ugly ducklings - Kyle transform emotionally as Lanie transforms physically - is fantastic.The Not as GoodAs well developed as I believe the MCs were, the secondary characters were pretty much cardboard cutouts, villains to serve the tale without any redeeming values.  Even Brad, Lanie’s original crush, isn’t a villain, but isn’t a fully realized character either.  It was like two solidly built set pieces set in front of a kindergartener’s drawing.The Bottom LineI really liked it and heartily recommend it if you’re looking for a charming, funny ugly duckling type of tale.