Review: A light, predictable easy romantic read. If you can get past the cliches - this is a cute read
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 28, 2013
This book was a very quick and easy read. But I found myself making a mental checklist of the cliches in this book. Almost like the author had a Dummy's guide to 'how to write a romance novel'. But I didn't dislike the book.Gracie is a professional matchmaker. She is a bit naive and has just come out of a horrible dysfunctional relationship. She is a strong, funny independent woman.CLICHE 1 - gorgeous woman finds the worst men, then dates themCLICHE 2 - female is strong and independent, but lets fiance verbally abuse herPatrick (Trick) is the hunky, gorgeous, SWAT neighbor. He is initially a 'player' and Gracie immediately knocks him off her list of potential men to date because of this.CLICHE 3- sexy neighbor, a SWAT member (yeah, SWAT-baby!)Gracie and Patrick become friends (yes, she friend-zones him) and they have a great relationship. He knows all her quirks and likes/dislikes. They are comfortable around each other and Gracie pushes down all of her sexual attraction that she feels around him.Trick plays an 'trick' on her which results in something way more serious and deeper than he intended. Gracie's friend, sassy, trash-talking Serena knows the secret and pushes Trick to tell the truth.CLICHE 4 - Hero has a secret that he holds on to for too long- he keeps talking himself out of telling heroineCLICHE 5 - Sweet heroine has sassy trash-talking, more sexually liberated BFF (this role is sometimes played by a gay male friend...)The dialogue between Trick and Gracie is enjoyable and comfortable.When the final scene is played out (big secret is revealed), something happens to jolt Gracie out of her depression.CLICHE 6 - something big happens to jolt main character out of feeling sorry for themselvesThe book seems to end super abruptly. Trick and Gracie make up , then bam! End of book. Would have loved another chapter or epilogue. Nothing too OTT, but end ending was too close after their break up....So...overall, this was a super light, enjoyable, predictable and sweet book to read. The characters are overall likeable and the plot keeps you reading since it's a short book.if you are looking for ANYTHING deep, meaningful, angst ridden, etc. - this is not the book for you.If you are looking for a very quick read that is sweet and a bit forgettable afterwards - this is for you. Oh, HEA+no cliffhanger+some seriously hot sex scenes. Yup.Enjoy!