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Princess of Park Avenue
You can take the girl out of Brooklyn, but can you take Brooklyn out of the girl?
Lorraine Machuchi has held on tight to her Brooklyn home, and to Tommy, the neighborhood guy she's been pining over for years. But the very guy she tossed everything away for just told her he'll never wind up with her--a girl who's not going anywhere.
That's the kick in the pants she needs to cross the bridge to Manhattan, where she starts coloring hair at a swank salon. There she meets a new and fascinating The Park Avenue Princess. Sure, their $400 cashmere sweaters, charity balls for poor girls with small boobs, and 'sexy' yoga are a bit over-the-top for someone like Lorraine, but sometimes even a Brooklyn girl can learn to love her own inner princess.
Lorraine Machuchi has held on tight to her Brooklyn home, and to Tommy, the neighborhood guy she's been pining over for years. But the very guy she tossed everything away for just told her he'll never wind up with her--a girl who's not going anywhere.
That's the kick in the pants she needs to cross the bridge to Manhattan, where she starts coloring hair at a swank salon. There she meets a new and fascinating The Park Avenue Princess. Sure, their $400 cashmere sweaters, charity balls for poor girls with small boobs, and 'sexy' yoga are a bit over-the-top for someone like Lorraine, but sometimes even a Brooklyn girl can learn to love her own inner princess.
352 pages, Paperback
First published December 6, 2005
11 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Daniella Brodsky
37 books262 followersDaniella Brodsky is the bestselling author of dozens of contemporary romance novels--one of which has been adapted by Disney as the film, Beauty & The Briefcase, starring Hilary Duff (I know, right?!).
She writes sexy, sweet, intelligent romance that often takes readers into far-off destinations. This is because she’s lived all over the world, from New York to London to Sydney and Honolulu. She lives in Australia, and lots of her alpha males are Australian because let’s face it: they’re hot. And the accent doesn’t hurt either. That’s why she married one.
Daniella is an adjunct Creative Writing Lecturer at James Cook University and edits and teaches fiction craft at her Captain Cook Studio. A native New Yorker, she lives in Canberra, Australia, where she is writing her next contemporary romance novel in the FLAME SERIES: INSANELY HOT, THEN NOT, which launches in April and features a particularly epic bad boy billionaire come good.
Do you sometimes like to have a break from your book boyfriends and keep yourself up all night with a heart-pounding twisty psychological thriller full of “oh no you didn’t!” moments? Check out her pen name: Dan Noble
She writes sexy, sweet, intelligent romance that often takes readers into far-off destinations. This is because she’s lived all over the world, from New York to London to Sydney and Honolulu. She lives in Australia, and lots of her alpha males are Australian because let’s face it: they’re hot. And the accent doesn’t hurt either. That’s why she married one.
Daniella is an adjunct Creative Writing Lecturer at James Cook University and edits and teaches fiction craft at her Captain Cook Studio. A native New Yorker, she lives in Canberra, Australia, where she is writing her next contemporary romance novel in the FLAME SERIES: INSANELY HOT, THEN NOT, which launches in April and features a particularly epic bad boy billionaire come good.
Do you sometimes like to have a break from your book boyfriends and keep yourself up all night with a heart-pounding twisty psychological thriller full of “oh no you didn’t!” moments? Check out her pen name: Dan Noble
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 22, 2019
An unexpectedly fun
First time I have read a DB book. I was a little hesitant at first. But, it was fun, an unexpected story line and so much fun. I am not American but an Australian and Daniella brought the Bronx and Park Avenue to life. Of course a HEA which is allways the best. So Now I am going to read more. I see one is set down under so I shall start with it.
First time I have read a DB book. I was a little hesitant at first. But, it was fun, an unexpected story line and so much fun. I am not American but an Australian and Daniella brought the Bronx and Park Avenue to life. Of course a HEA which is allways the best. So Now I am going to read more. I see one is set down under so I shall start with it.
November 14, 2022
Good book, a little slow in the beggining but with a good ending. The character starts as an insecure girl who's mentally stuck at highschool (and her crush) in her twenties. She ends up getting empowered, confident and ready to take over the world.
January 29, 2012
The above synopsis reads like a great little chick lit book, the premise sounds fun and the cover is great, isn't it? I wanted to like Princess of Park Avenue and I can't say I disliked it but something just didn't click for me and it left me with mixed feelings.
I found myself reading quickly through parts, as well as having to reread certain sections, because the book seemed to feel a bit lethargic. There were sections that left me questioning why they were included as they seemed to slow the pace down.
Being horribly anal about spelling and grammatical errors, the copy of Princess of Park Avenue I received made me distracted and, at times, I was busier noticing the errors rather than investing myself into the book.
I had a hard time connecting with Lorraine and considering that, it's the likeliest reason that the book just didn't do it for me. Perhaps if I had been able to relate to Lorraine, the typos would not have bothered me so much.
I didn't care for Tommy and it left me puzzled that Lorraine would devout so much of her life to him - - 20 years! While we have all had our "Mr. Wrongs" I was frustrated that a woman over thirty was pining after a man who made it so clear that he would never give her what she wanted. And while, happily, Mr. Right did show up I wanted Lorraine to realize it much sooner than she did.
I did like Lorraine's relationship with her friend Chrissy - - it was nice to read of a friendship laced with somewhat derogatory nicknames meant affectionately, and two friends who had been such for a long time. The Bobbsey Twins, indeed.
I also really enjoyed reading of Lorraine's Park Avenue apartment - - I would just love to have such incredible, borrowed digs! Even with the impossibly big Pooh-Pooh!
And I have to give Princess of Park Avenue originality points for the e-Bay style introductions to each chapter, with items from Lorraine's past up for sale. Each item somehow tied in to what happened in the chapter. It was a cute idea and did make me smile.
So although Princess of Park Avenue wasn't my cup of tea it may be an enjoyable read for you.
Review Copyright © Psychotic State Book Reviews
http://www.psychoticstate.net
I found myself reading quickly through parts, as well as having to reread certain sections, because the book seemed to feel a bit lethargic. There were sections that left me questioning why they were included as they seemed to slow the pace down.
Being horribly anal about spelling and grammatical errors, the copy of Princess of Park Avenue I received made me distracted and, at times, I was busier noticing the errors rather than investing myself into the book.
I had a hard time connecting with Lorraine and considering that, it's the likeliest reason that the book just didn't do it for me. Perhaps if I had been able to relate to Lorraine, the typos would not have bothered me so much.
I didn't care for Tommy and it left me puzzled that Lorraine would devout so much of her life to him - - 20 years! While we have all had our "Mr. Wrongs" I was frustrated that a woman over thirty was pining after a man who made it so clear that he would never give her what she wanted. And while, happily, Mr. Right did show up I wanted Lorraine to realize it much sooner than she did.
I did like Lorraine's relationship with her friend Chrissy - - it was nice to read of a friendship laced with somewhat derogatory nicknames meant affectionately, and two friends who had been such for a long time. The Bobbsey Twins, indeed.
I also really enjoyed reading of Lorraine's Park Avenue apartment - - I would just love to have such incredible, borrowed digs! Even with the impossibly big Pooh-Pooh!
And I have to give Princess of Park Avenue originality points for the e-Bay style introductions to each chapter, with items from Lorraine's past up for sale. Each item somehow tied in to what happened in the chapter. It was a cute idea and did make me smile.
So although Princess of Park Avenue wasn't my cup of tea it may be an enjoyable read for you.
Review Copyright © Psychotic State Book Reviews
http://www.psychoticstate.net
January 24, 2012
http://anovelreview.blogspot.com/2012...
Lorraine Machuchi is a twenty eight year old Brooklyn girl who still lives at home with her mom, dad and brother. She works for her Uncle Carlo and the Do Wop Shop for Hair as a colorist. She and her bosom buddy, Chrissy are still hanging out at the same places they did in high school even though they are 28 years old. Lorraine knows things will change when her long term on-again-off-again boyfriend Tommy marries her. The only problem is Tommy seems to be more off again lately. But during a late night talk, Tommy opens up and tells her how they'll never end up together because she is never going anywhere.
So when her Uncle has her go into the city for a coloring class--her life changes forever. Believing if she can succeed in Manhattan than surely Tommy will finally love her. Lorraine is soon swept up into a whirlwind of high society princesses, fancy parties, and high living...well Tommy sees the new and improved Lorraine--but does the new Lorraine want the same old Tommy? Or will Lorraine finally see her own value?
I have mixed feelings about the book, some parts I really enjoyed and other parts...not so much. I really liked Lorraine and could really understand to some extent her feelings for Tommy. I loved reading her inner dialog as she is holding her tongue from telling off her new boss knowing full well it wasn't like at her Uncle's shop where she always had a job. I also really enjoyed getting to know Don and Matt a little (though wished Brodsky would have focused on their relationship with Lorraine more).
Parts I didn't like. I thought there were a number of time when the book dragged on and nothing was really added to the story. I also found a number of typos which became distracting. I may have an unedited proof, I'm not sure. I also didn't really believe Lorraine would really enjoy hanging out with the princesses so often; she came across as a character who really enjoyed her close deep friendship with Chrissy and the princesses were so superficial.
Lorraine Machuchi is a twenty eight year old Brooklyn girl who still lives at home with her mom, dad and brother. She works for her Uncle Carlo and the Do Wop Shop for Hair as a colorist. She and her bosom buddy, Chrissy are still hanging out at the same places they did in high school even though they are 28 years old. Lorraine knows things will change when her long term on-again-off-again boyfriend Tommy marries her. The only problem is Tommy seems to be more off again lately. But during a late night talk, Tommy opens up and tells her how they'll never end up together because she is never going anywhere.
So when her Uncle has her go into the city for a coloring class--her life changes forever. Believing if she can succeed in Manhattan than surely Tommy will finally love her. Lorraine is soon swept up into a whirlwind of high society princesses, fancy parties, and high living...well Tommy sees the new and improved Lorraine--but does the new Lorraine want the same old Tommy? Or will Lorraine finally see her own value?
I have mixed feelings about the book, some parts I really enjoyed and other parts...not so much. I really liked Lorraine and could really understand to some extent her feelings for Tommy. I loved reading her inner dialog as she is holding her tongue from telling off her new boss knowing full well it wasn't like at her Uncle's shop where she always had a job. I also really enjoyed getting to know Don and Matt a little (though wished Brodsky would have focused on their relationship with Lorraine more).
Parts I didn't like. I thought there were a number of time when the book dragged on and nothing was really added to the story. I also found a number of typos which became distracting. I may have an unedited proof, I'm not sure. I also didn't really believe Lorraine would really enjoy hanging out with the princesses so often; she came across as a character who really enjoyed her close deep friendship with Chrissy and the princesses were so superficial.
January 16, 2012
Daniella Brodsky is on tour with CLP Blog Tours and her re-launch of Princess of Park Avenue. This story follows Brooklyn girl Lorraine Machuchi and her climb to be somebody. As opportunities seem to just fall in her lap, Lorraine suddenly finds herself in Manhattan, staying for free in a posh apartment, coloring hair for the elite, and buying designer clothes. But can you ever really take the Brooklyn out of the girl? The biggest downfall letting Lorraine truly embrace her new life is Tommy. Tommy, the guy that Lorraine can just not get over. Tommy, the guy who can reel Lorraine back in with just a glimpse of his unbuttoned shirt. Can Lorraine really be a Park Avenue Princess if she keeps letting Tommy sneak back into her life?
I kept going back and forth with this story. I loved the idea behind Lorraine and taking a sort of Jenny from the Block type and turning her into a successful woman trolling Park Avenue. Watching Lorraine grow and find her confidence was a lot of fun for me. I also really enjoyed the twists with the Park Avenue Princesses and their devious plans, and the beginning of the chapters was excellent foreshadowing. Some of the characters reminded me of the Jersey Shore cast, but those scenes definitely cracked me up rather than made me want to wash my mouth out like with the TV show. My downfalls came with how long it took Lorraine to break free of Tommy. I was worried right up until the last chapters that she would never figure it out. My other downfall was that the book seemed very long. There were quite a few scenes that could have been snipped to let the story read a bit quicker. Overall though, a fun chick lit story that I’m sure many readers will be able to identify with.
I kept going back and forth with this story. I loved the idea behind Lorraine and taking a sort of Jenny from the Block type and turning her into a successful woman trolling Park Avenue. Watching Lorraine grow and find her confidence was a lot of fun for me. I also really enjoyed the twists with the Park Avenue Princesses and their devious plans, and the beginning of the chapters was excellent foreshadowing. Some of the characters reminded me of the Jersey Shore cast, but those scenes definitely cracked me up rather than made me want to wash my mouth out like with the TV show. My downfalls came with how long it took Lorraine to break free of Tommy. I was worried right up until the last chapters that she would never figure it out. My other downfall was that the book seemed very long. There were quite a few scenes that could have been snipped to let the story read a bit quicker. Overall though, a fun chick lit story that I’m sure many readers will be able to identify with.
February 5, 2012
Lorraine Machuchi has a talent for hair dying, but works for uncle and though she challenges him, she doesn't challenge the quo. She still hangs out in the same places as she has since basically high school. With mostly the same people and is still waiting for Tommy the boy she has been on and off with for ears, who continues to play games with her. But, she tells herself that she is happy with her Brooklyn life.
After a day in Manhattan with opportunities opening up around her. She is training at a Park Avenue salon, has an apartment rent free with a dog to take care of, and the Princess of Park Avenue have adapted her into their group. Add a possible new Mr Right, that she is being thrown together with. And Tommy still playing his games Lorraine has some choices and decisions to make.
I personally found the start of this book a little slow. But, as I got farther into the plot and I guess a little more invested in the character of Lorraine then I didn't want to put the book down. The ebook version I did have had was peppered with some very distracting at times. At the end of the book, I am glad that I read the book and there were aspects that appealed to me. But, overall it was a little young for me, maybe if I had been in my early twenties still it might have appealed to me more. Also, I really hope that the ebook has some of the typos updated. So, you don't have to read sentences multiple times to make sure you got the meaning.
I would give it 2.5 stars, but am going to round up to 3. Read it is you find the summary interesting though and would love to hear more thoughts from others.
I was provided a copy of the book for review, but the summary and thoughts on the book are mine.
After a day in Manhattan with opportunities opening up around her. She is training at a Park Avenue salon, has an apartment rent free with a dog to take care of, and the Princess of Park Avenue have adapted her into their group. Add a possible new Mr Right, that she is being thrown together with. And Tommy still playing his games Lorraine has some choices and decisions to make.
I personally found the start of this book a little slow. But, as I got farther into the plot and I guess a little more invested in the character of Lorraine then I didn't want to put the book down. The ebook version I did have had was peppered with some very distracting at times. At the end of the book, I am glad that I read the book and there were aspects that appealed to me. But, overall it was a little young for me, maybe if I had been in my early twenties still it might have appealed to me more. Also, I really hope that the ebook has some of the typos updated. So, you don't have to read sentences multiple times to make sure you got the meaning.
I would give it 2.5 stars, but am going to round up to 3. Read it is you find the summary interesting though and would love to hear more thoughts from others.
I was provided a copy of the book for review, but the summary and thoughts on the book are mine.
February 13, 2012
Although this book took me a while to get through, It was through no fault of its own. This book was actually right up my alley, and was probably one of my favorite chick-lit books i've read in a long time. I could relate to Lorianne (the main character) because i'm almost done with hairdressing school right now, and have big dreams for my future, similar to what she had for herself.
Lorianne's romantic situation, although fustrating at times, was relatable, everyone has either gone through or knows someone who can't get over a relationship that was toxic in nature, and that always ends in hurt, because of disapointment, cheating, etc. I like how Lorianne's decisions played out in the end though.
The aspect of the Princesses in this book was a bit mean girl-esqe, which was ok with me because I loved that movie, but it also reminded me of the show "You're Cut Off", and showed this level of society girls that are used to getting whatever their hearts desired, whenever they wanted it. I love that high-society kind of story, maybe because thats so far from my own life, but I enjoy reading stories that involve that kind of character for some reason.
Overall, I really enjoyed the storyline, Lorianne's career was one that intrigued me, I've never read a chick-lit novel that's main character was in the beauty industry, in fact I feel like they are always in the jouralism or editorial fields, and thats about it, which personally gets a bit dull after a while, because it's so repetitive. I also loved the characters as well as Lorianne's romantic interests. If you like fun, hilarious, and a modern chick-lit story you'll love this one.
Lorianne's romantic situation, although fustrating at times, was relatable, everyone has either gone through or knows someone who can't get over a relationship that was toxic in nature, and that always ends in hurt, because of disapointment, cheating, etc. I like how Lorianne's decisions played out in the end though.
The aspect of the Princesses in this book was a bit mean girl-esqe, which was ok with me because I loved that movie, but it also reminded me of the show "You're Cut Off", and showed this level of society girls that are used to getting whatever their hearts desired, whenever they wanted it. I love that high-society kind of story, maybe because thats so far from my own life, but I enjoy reading stories that involve that kind of character for some reason.
Overall, I really enjoyed the storyline, Lorianne's career was one that intrigued me, I've never read a chick-lit novel that's main character was in the beauty industry, in fact I feel like they are always in the jouralism or editorial fields, and thats about it, which personally gets a bit dull after a while, because it's so repetitive. I also loved the characters as well as Lorianne's romantic interests. If you like fun, hilarious, and a modern chick-lit story you'll love this one.
January 22, 2012
Hmmm... where do I begin? Sometimes a book just isn't your taste... and I guess Princess of Park Avenue was one of those books for me. I found myself speed reading through most of it, and even skipping a few parts at times, because I felt that it was much too long and dragged on quite frequently. I just couldn't get into the characters and the plot, and was often wondering if I had missed something because I just wasn't following the storyline.
I think my main problem with the book, and the reason I didn't enjoy it, was the amount of errors, both spelling and punctuation. Most of them were just small spelling errors, but they were on almost half of the pages in the book. Since I was provided with the eBook I did find myself wondering if the hard copy had all of these errors too, or if somehow I just got a rough draft to read for my review. I'm still left to wonder if I would have enjoyed it more had there not been all of the errors throughout the entire book.
I did enjoy Lorraine's struggle between Mr. Wrong and Mr. Perfect, while learning and growing within herself. And I giggled quite often where Pooh-Pooh, the enormous dog, was involved. But overall, I just wasn't into the story as much as I wanted to be.
I really thought I was going to love this book. I'm having a hard time saying I would recommend this book to others. Assuming the hard copy doesn't have the amount of errors as the eBook copy does, maybe I should say I would ONLY recommend the hard copy of this book? I'm sorry to say this book just didn't do it for me.
I think my main problem with the book, and the reason I didn't enjoy it, was the amount of errors, both spelling and punctuation. Most of them were just small spelling errors, but they were on almost half of the pages in the book. Since I was provided with the eBook I did find myself wondering if the hard copy had all of these errors too, or if somehow I just got a rough draft to read for my review. I'm still left to wonder if I would have enjoyed it more had there not been all of the errors throughout the entire book.
I did enjoy Lorraine's struggle between Mr. Wrong and Mr. Perfect, while learning and growing within herself. And I giggled quite often where Pooh-Pooh, the enormous dog, was involved. But overall, I just wasn't into the story as much as I wanted to be.
I really thought I was going to love this book. I'm having a hard time saying I would recommend this book to others. Assuming the hard copy doesn't have the amount of errors as the eBook copy does, maybe I should say I would ONLY recommend the hard copy of this book? I'm sorry to say this book just didn't do it for me.
February 4, 2016
Hair colorist, Lorraine leaves her hometown of Brooklyn because her longtime love Tommy tells her that because she's going nowhere he can not ever be with her. She decides to pursue a career at a top hair salon in NYC. Things start to look up for Lorraine when her career takes off and Tommy comes running back to her. However Lorraine discovers that getting everything she thought she wanted may not be her dream anymore.
I always love book where the main character gets to live out her dream and mine in NYC. Unfortunately I spent most of this book being annoyed at Lorraine for failing to see how much of an idiot Tommy was. She spends 95% of this books blaming herself for the crap he does to her and I'll never understand how girls can do this. Also the writer got way too carried away with the minute detailed descriptions of anything and everything. She might have spent a little more time on fleshing out the plot of Lorraine's change in heart.
I always love book where the main character gets to live out her dream and mine in NYC. Unfortunately I spent most of this book being annoyed at Lorraine for failing to see how much of an idiot Tommy was. She spends 95% of this books blaming herself for the crap he does to her and I'll never understand how girls can do this. Also the writer got way too carried away with the minute detailed descriptions of anything and everything. She might have spent a little more time on fleshing out the plot of Lorraine's change in heart.
January 23, 2013
Lorraine is too busy obsessing over Tommy and has turned down many opportunites including a scholarship. Tommy then decides to give up on Lorraine because she is not going anywhere with her life. Lorraine then takes a job coloring hair in Manhattan at a very swanky salon. She soon discovers her inner beauty and questions why it took her so long to move past Tommy. This fun chick lit is a wonderful story of following your dreams and taking control over her life that she never imagined she could.
March 26, 2012
I really, really enjoyed Brodsky's book Diary of Working Girl and was so excited about Park Avenue Princess anticipating more of her laugh out loud surprises.... instead, I found an okay read, characters I sort of cared about, and a completely expected plot. Aside from the one twist, which was so ridiculous, it didn't even count.
July 28, 2010
It took me a while to get going on this book, but once I did, I enjoyed it. Not an author I am going to run out and buy, but entertaining all the same. Some parts tended to drag on a bit while others went so fast that they seemed very far-fetched.
February 28, 2017
I was fooled by the cover. I thought the book would be an interesting fun read but instead it was drab and boring.
I could not even finish reading this, the main character was just so pathetic, annoying and uninteresting. The story was also not very interesting.
I could not even finish reading this, the main character was just so pathetic, annoying and uninteresting. The story was also not very interesting.
July 3, 2007
This was really cute. It's about a hairdresser and makes me want to get highlights.
July 16, 2007
It took me a bit to warm up to the main character, but as I got more into the book, I liked it more and more.
March 30, 2009
If you've ever wanted to live on Park Ave. but not pay for it, feel free to live vicariously through this book.
March 7, 2011
It took a while to get into this book but the story finally developed.
January 27, 2013
the story is boring and i dont know how to get through till the end.
September 2, 2018
Frothy, but not annoying.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews