Tag Archives: Chic lit

Shopping for a Billionaire’s Fiancée by Julia Kent

Overview

Title: Shopping for a Billionaire’s Fiancée
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2015

Thoughts

Following the tone of the rest of this series, OF COURSE Declan’s proposal was going to end seriously awry. I mean, you can’t really get much worse than ending up in the ER (which is what is explained on the first page). But the journey there, as with everything in the Shopping for a Billionaire series, is absolutely priceless. It had me grinning the whole way through.

I love that the first five books in this series are written from Shannon’s point of view, and then this book is written from Delcan’s. It’s a great departure and gives a whole new perspective into their relationship. It also means that Declan touches upon his past decisions and mistakes. Again, giving a wonderful, new perspective to their relationship.

As someone who has a somewhat close-knit family, and one that isn’t always great with boundaries, Delcan’s difficulties with dealing with this are quite intriguing. Particularly as it made me understand a little more just some of the difficulties my own SO has with my family. Family dynamics are always difficult, but Shannon’s definitely take the cake.

Even though this is a story just filled with calamities, Shannon and Declan do still get their perfect moment. Actually, I find their true moment so much better than what Declan had planned. It was such a wonderful read, and I can’t wait to see how Amanda and Andrew find their own way to a HEA.

<- Christmas Shopping for a BillionaireShopping for a CEO ->

Image source: Amazon

Christmas Shopping for a Billionaire by Julia Kent

Overview

Title: Christmas Shopping for a Billionaire
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

This is a nice, funny and light Christmas story. One with plenty of steam and yum. I mean, how could it not be with Declan and Shannon taking centre stage? A couple that is definitely unorthodox and has some dramas… but one that always ends with a happily ever after and a smile on my face.

I love how, although Shannon lost her job, she manages to continuously get sucked into some seriously questionable secret shopper moments. I mean, there haven’t been many in this series that she’s actually enjoyed. Or had much pleasure in achieving, so having her say yes, yet again… you know its going to be hilarious. And filled with nonsense that, quite honestly, no one should really deal with. The fact that Declan ends up going along with it just makes it all that much better.

Sexy Santa and how quickly it goes viral online and attracts, well, the desperate, was kind of hilarious. The fact that he’s paired with the busty elf (poor Shannon) had me outright laughing. I mean, how is that not a hilarious situation? Also a reminder of how damn… creepy some people can be in their pursuit of others.

As someone who has a toddler, I’m honestly dreading the days when I have to go line up so that she can have a picture with Santa. Partly because creepy. But also because of the sheer insanity of Christmas. This story just supports that feeling… seriously dreading that in the future.

<- Shopping for a Billionaire 4Shopping for a Billionaire’s Fiancée ->

Image source: Goodreads

Shopping for a Billionaire 4 by Julia Kent

Overview

Title: Shopping for a Billionaire 4
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

I love that throughout this series, Shannon just seems to make one dopey mistake after another. None are really her fault, but they are still not necessarily great decisions… and mostly just have some not-so-great and very entertaining consequences. I get a little bit of a second-hand embarrassment from this, but mostly I just get pure and unadulterated joy and entertainment.

Although it’s the first five books in this series that are really that first major story arc, this fourth instalment kind of acted as a finale. The next book is more of a Christmas epilogue if I’m being honest. I love that Kent is able to not only resolve all of the issues throughout this, but also find a way to want you to keep diving into Shannon and Declan’s relationship.

There are a lot more epiphanies and truth-sharing than awkward moments throughout this story. At least in comparison to the first three. I like that some of those secrets are actually about Shannon’s mum and Declan’s dad. They give a little more context to the struggles that Declan and Shannon face. And also just remind us all that parents have a past that happened before they did – one that can still impact the future.

It’s nice to have the majority of the questions you’re left with at the end of Shopping for a Billionaire 3 tied up in a nice, neat bow at the end of this. Particularly, finding out just why Declan does such a full 180 on Shannon in a completely unexpected way. This story definitely gave me the feels and comfort to not just dive straight into the next book in this series (although I still want to).

<- Shopping for a Billionaire 3Christmas Shopping for a Billionaire ->

Image source: Amazon

Shopping for a Billionaire 3 by Julia Kent

Overview

Title: Shopping for a Billionaire 3
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

I love that this moment in the courtship of Shannon and Declan starts with a date that almost ends in death. It’s a hell of a way to experience a first date and to find out about Shannon’s allergies. There are also a lot of bits of Declan’s past unravelling as they’re racing to salvage literally the worst date ever.

Declan and Shannon are working really well throughout this story (death-adjacent dates not withstanding). I mean, they manage to find a way to be close to one another and embrace their new love. That, and the fact that they are both falling in love with one another. It’s kind of sweet and cute. I definitely enjoyed the ride, and spent the whole time trying to figure out just what was about to go haywire – since there is one more Shopping for a Billionaire story before the titles and blurbs begin to change tone.

Steve is honestly still a knob throughout this. I mean, wow, what an annoying and horrible ex. Seriously, he manages to constantly be horrible and undermining towards Shannon, whilst still hinting that he wants to get back with her. Chaotic and horrible behaviour to begin with. Then, there’s the whole idea that he starts to act connivingly with Jessica and his horrible mother. I mean, how can you say you want to be with someone, but constantly work at undermining them? Bleugh, truly horrible.

Of course, with things that were working so damn well, it was inevitable that things were going to come crashing down. The fact that instead of having a huge, spectacular crash. But, instead one that is so damn ambiguous. I mean, it’s a misunderstanding and a lack of response to a text message. I can’t wait to find out just how bad the fall out is going to actually be from all of this.

<- Shopping for a Billionaire 2Shopping for a Billionaire 4 ->

Image source: Kobo

Shopping for a Billionaire 2 by Julia Kent

Overview

Title: Shopping for a Billionaire 2
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

Following on from the first part of this story, this is really all about Shannon getting ready for her big date with Declan. And trying not to let that nagging voice in her head (which sounds much like her ex) from derailing the enjoyment she’s going to experience. It’s fun to get to experience the nerves along with her and how she deals with the anxiety that she’s experiencing.

Shannon’s family is legitimately insane. I really didn’t like her mother in Shopping for a Billionaire 1, but as the story unfolds and you get to know her better, she’s kind of growing on me. Maybe because she is just so damn comedic and, although kind of harmful in her actions, is also kind of well-meaning. She might not be the best or most supportive of mums, but she’s definitely one that I enjoyed reading about and getting to know better.

One thing I didn’t love about this (and is driving me to read the next instalment and quickly) is Steve. I mean, he’s a horrifying ex that is constantly, and actively trying to undermine Shannon. And now she’s agreed to go for dinner with him at some point? I mean, that just has disaster written all over it! Disaster that I’m incredibly excited for, but disaster nonetheless.

I love that there is heaps of anxiety and angst on the lead up to this story, but it actually doesn’t give you the peace of mind that you’re craving. Because this damn story finishes right as the couple are going on their first date. I mean, seriously?!?!?! Kent is just way too damn brilliant at leaving you wanting more with these stories…

<- Shopping for a Billionaire 1Shopping for a Billionaire 3 ->

Image source: Amazon

Shopping for a Billionaire 1 by Julia Kent

Overview

Title: Shopping for a Billionaire 1
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

This is a very cute and quick novel. Also a very interesting way to start a series. Rather than having one long novel that features a couple in this contemporary romance, there are a series of four novellas that slowly show you how they get together. Almost like parts to a full-length novel. And I kind of dig it. It’s totally different, very unique and oh so much fun.

This is only the very beginning of the romance between Shannon and Declan – mostly it focuses on their Meet Cute moment and the insanity that follows this couple in their instant attraction. I mean there’s also their first, unofficial date and the complications of an ex thrown in. But, mostly I can’t move on from the damn hand in the toilet beginning to this relationship. Absolutely hilarious and kind of brilliant.

On finishing this story, two things really struck me. First, I really want to know just what is going to happen with Steve. I mean, he might just seem like a bit of an egotistical dumb-ass of an ex, but he’s going to be a pretty big problem I think – the kind of idiot that doesn’t like to lose and takes everyone down with him. Then, and this was the bit that I mostly focused on after finishing this, I thought about how absolutely delicious Declan and Shannon’s make out session is. I mean, seriously, deliriously yummy. And steamy… what a high note to end this story on.

Not only is this a wonderful and fun story, but it’s probably got the funniest and best Meet Cute that I have ever read. I mean, Shannon literally has her hand down a toilet, how can you not be hooked by that single moment? Now I can’t wait to read more about this unfolding relationship and the insanity that follows.

<- More Julia KentShopping for a Billionaire 2 ->

Image source: Amazon

Just Date and See by Portia MacIntosh

Overview

Title: Just Date and See
Author: Portia MacIntosh
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

This is an incredibly cute and laugh out loud kind of romcom story. It is filled with many, many moments of misunderstandings and confusions. Ones that I enjoyed ridiculously and have made me add a whole lot of MacIntosh to my TBR. The fact that this was a festive, Christmas story filled with family mayhem and stupidity just added to my enjoyment. It’s a silly, funny, and sweet tale that isn’t just about falling in love and romance. But also accepting your family and all of their chaos – particularly when some of that chaos stems from misunderstandings.

Rocco and Billie work incredibly well as a couple together. I love all of their shenanigans and high jinks throughout the group dating adventures that they go on. Actually, I love all of the shenanigans and high jinks that Billie manages to get herself into without Rocco. When he’s added to the mix, it’s even more hilarious. In particular, I loved the scone scene and how they were able to constantly orchestrate chaos. Both meaningfully and unintentionally. Add into the group dynamic Billie’s misunderstanding with Leila… and it was honestly comedy gold. I was smiling and grinning throughout this couple’s slow graduation to their happily ever after.

I can’t imagine my whole family showing up uninvited to stay over Christmas. I mean, I love them dearly, but I need to mentally prepare myself for extended periods of time with, well, anyone. The chaos of family where all boundaries are essentially removed? That’s a whole other level of emotional overstimulation. Billie just seems to fling herself from chaotic moment to chaotic moment throughout this. First with her mother, then her sister, then her father and stepmother… and then into the world of Rocco and Leila. I was actually expecting Billie to completely lose her mind and have a huge argument with her whole family, but it didn’t actually end up like that. It was far fuzzier and sweeter. Completely opposite to what I thought I wanted, but apparently EXACTLY what I needed for the happily ever after.

Again, most of the chaos and shenanigans in this story are kind of caused by Billie not thinking things through and the misconceptions that she has about other people. Some of these are boundaries, but other moments are just pure jumping to conclusions. And, as I mentioned before, I jumped to a few conclusions of my own as I thought I knew how this story would unfold. Which made the two twists with both Rocco and Kenny towards the end of the story even more brilliant. I didn’t see them coming, but I definitely enjoyed them, and it’s made me even more obsessed with MacIntosh.

<- It’s Not You, It’s ThemLife’s a Beach ->

Image source: Goodreads

Bridget Jones’ Diary by Helen Fielding

Overview

Title: Bridget Jones’s Diary
Author: Helen Fielding
Series: Bridget Jones #1
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Year: 1996

Thoughts

I wanted to absolutely love this. After all, I seriously love the movie and normally if I love the movie, I love the book. But it just didn’t quite do it for me… I found this version of Bridget WAY too whiney and painful. Honestly, she is a total and utter ditz, and she spends the whole diary just rambling on about all of her whiney-ness. It was kind of hard to feel any connection to her whatsoever really. And I so, so wanted to. Maybe it was just my mood.

This is one of those books that I didn’t hate, but I did struggle with. Which means it goes back into the pile for a second try later down the track. I’m not going to get rid of it, but it’s a close call. Probably, because as I mentioned earlier, I really want to love this. I also found that the plot wasn’t quite moving fast enough for me. Again, it’s something that I need to allow myself to be in the right mental space for I think…

I did really love the style of writing in this. I could hear Bridget’s voice as I read each of her diary entries. It did help me to feel connected to a character that I would otherwise normally not connect to at all. The style of writing and great indication of a flawed character were really fun. After all, it’s kind of hard to write a flawed character when everything is from their point of view. But, Fielding manages to do it.

As much as I was a bit “eh” about this book, I did ultimately enjoy it enough to read it. Just in fits and starts I suppose. I think it would be a great book to read when I was feeling a little more self-indulgent and self-pitying. Which, at the time of this read, I really wasn’t.

<- More Helen FieldingBridget Jones: Edge of Reason ->

Image source: Amazon

A Beardy Bonus by Penny Reid

Overview
A Beardy Bonus, Bonus & deleted scenes from the Winston Brothers series by  Penny Reid | 9781942874652 | Booktopia

Title: A Beardy Bonus
Author: Penny Reid
Series: Winston Brothers Companion
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romanceShort story collections
Dates read: 22nd October 2021
Pace: Slow
Format: Collection
Publisher: SmartyPants Romance
Year: 2020
5th sentence, 74th page: Time.

Synopsis

Beards and bonus scenes, oh my!

All the Winston Brothers bonus scenes and deleted excerpts all in one place!

Thoughts

After the emotional intensity of Beard Necessities, this was a great way to come down and just flow out of the Winston Brothers series. It’s not intense, but it is enjoyable and easy.

The short stories in this collection are just fun. There’s not anything huge or life shattering in it. And you’d be more than filled in on the Winston Brothers if you didn’t read this. But, as I mentioned, it is a bit more of a mellow finish than Beard Necessities provides. But you kind of expect that with Billy and Scarlet as leads in that.

Like the Knitting in the City collection, I didn’t love Beardy Bonus like like did the rest of the series. That’s not to say anything bad about it… I just didn’t quite NEED this in my life as much.

Overall this is a fun, easy and engaging story that had me smiling and giggling as I got to revisit some favourites.

<- Beard NecessitiesMore Penny Reid ->

Image source: Booktopia

Beard Necessities by Penny Reid

Overview
Beard Necessities (Winston Brothers, #7) by Penny Reid

Title: Beard Necessities
Author: Penny Reid
Series: Winston Brothers #7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 22nd October 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: SmartyPants Romance
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: “Then why are you drunk?”

Synopsis

Beards, brothers, and bears! Oh my!

Billy Winston’s family is going to see him happy and in love if it’s the last thing they do.

No one deserves happily-ever-after quite as much as the second oldest Winston brother and his lady love, Claire McClure (aka Scarlet St. Claire). Cruelty and circumstance tore them apart almost twenty years ago. Secrecy and bitterness kept them separated.

But you know who’s tired of their separation and stubbornness? Everyone. Especially billy Winston’s family. And now they’re going to do something about it.

Well-meaning interference means the star-crossed lovers can’t stop tripping over each other in the hills of Tuscany, the catacombs of Rome, and the waterways of Venice. Billy and Claire find themselves thrown together and at the mercy of the Winston siblings’ shenanigans.

But will their forced proximity bring them together? Or push them even further apart?

Thoughts

It’s taken me a while to get to this story. I’ve been attached to the idea of Scarlet and Billy from fairly early on in my reading of this series. But, it’s taken this long to actually get to this book. Partly because I obviously read all of the other books in this series first. But, mostly because I knew that they had the most tragic of backstories. And sometimes I really struggle with the sad backstories. They’re just so… sad.

Having said that, I did get the worst of the “sadness” over during my reading through of Beard in Mind. But I was worried about how long Reid was going to prolong the pain. I mean we’re talking a love story that is decades in the making and filled with lots of tragedy. I was still feeling tentative reading this. Luckily, it was NO where near as painful as I was expecting.

In fact, Scarlet seems to jump on board with the whole plan fairly quickly. And she’s able to stick with Billy as all of the secrets of the oast unravel. Don’t get me wrong, she’s no dishrag – she most definitely gives him what for when she finds out what he’s been keeping secret. But, her willingness to finally get over her crap and finally try made the hard parts so much more pleasant.

I loved the plotting and scheming of the Winston family throughout this. Surprisingly, nothing hugely backfired on them. And it filled this story with many, many beautiful, lighthearted moments. Finally, the epilogue helped to tie in all of the Winston family’s happily ever afters. Leaving me feeling grateful and at peace. Now onto the next series in my Penny Reid pile…

<- Beard with MeA Beardy Bonus ->

Image source: Goodreads