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Stiletto Series #1
Stiletto Safari
Alternate cover edition for this ISBN can be found here.
Zara Hamilton has it all—a glamorous New York lifestyle, a gorgeous (and seriously rich) boyfriend, and a job as a lawyer in a prestigious city law firm. But when Zara’s boyfriend is accused of insider trading, her perfect world implodes.
Thrown out of work by security and stalked by the press, Zara’s life can’t get any worse. Or can it? A snap decision (and a few wines too many) sees Zara fleeing to Africa to work as a temporary wildlife volunteer.
But just when things start to cool down at home, Zara realizes her troubles have only just begun.
Will Zara’s designer wardrobe survive?
Will a supermodel ruin her only chance at happiness?
Can a Birkin bag really solve her problems?
And will Zara want her old life back at the end of it all…
Zara Hamilton has it all—a glamorous New York lifestyle, a gorgeous (and seriously rich) boyfriend, and a job as a lawyer in a prestigious city law firm. But when Zara’s boyfriend is accused of insider trading, her perfect world implodes.
Thrown out of work by security and stalked by the press, Zara’s life can’t get any worse. Or can it? A snap decision (and a few wines too many) sees Zara fleeing to Africa to work as a temporary wildlife volunteer.
But just when things start to cool down at home, Zara realizes her troubles have only just begun.
Will Zara’s designer wardrobe survive?
Will a supermodel ruin her only chance at happiness?
Can a Birkin bag really solve her problems?
And will Zara want her old life back at the end of it all…
258 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2012
66 people are currently reading
2193 people want to read
About the author
Kate Metz
2 books45 followersKate Metz lives in Melbourne, Australia. She has travelled widely and has spent time working as a wildlife volunteer in Namibia. She has been attacked by a leopard, gone swimming with baboons and elephants, managed to electrocute herself while feeding lions, taught in a bush school and has had plenty of wonderful experiences along the way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
August 13, 2012
First Reads
Loved Stiletto Safari!
Witty, seductive, and simply fun to read, Stiletto Safari takes the reader on a exciting adventure in this self-proclaimed Chick-lit novel.
It simply is a delicious read and very difficult to put down. I read this novel in one sitting--it was that good!
I knew I was going to love this book when I read the first page, "for once, I managed to make it into the office before Clare, the office bitch (big achievement), and grab breakfast (minor miracle)...." This line had me laughing out loud. I absolutely loved Zara. I found myself wishing she was real; along with Emi and Sal. They would be so much fun to hang out with.
This book would make the cutest movie (romantic comedy). I clearly could envision the characters (oh Hamish--ooo-la-la), the African setting, the volunteer camp, and Gabi. How cute was Gabi!
I'm not sure what Metz intentions are for future books, but I saw many opportunities for follow-up books: . Just a thought.
Metz has an amazing ability with words. Everything flowed so smoothly; the novel was never choppy. Everything came together brilliantly. I will definitely be reading Stiletto Safari again. It has already been placed on my favorite's shelf. This book had me giggling so much. Like Zara, I felt like a sixteen year old again, and I absolutely adored the sparks of romance.
I highly recommend this book to read, and I really hope that Metz continues to produce more books. She's a very gifted writer with an obvious talent of storytelling. Just from reading her profile, she could write an amazing memoir. I can just imagine how witty and exciting that would be.
Overall, a well deserved 5 star rating! I hope this book really takes off, and I will do my part in encouraging others to read it.
Great job! Great debut novel!
Loved Stiletto Safari!
Witty, seductive, and simply fun to read, Stiletto Safari takes the reader on a exciting adventure in this self-proclaimed Chick-lit novel.
It simply is a delicious read and very difficult to put down. I read this novel in one sitting--it was that good!
I knew I was going to love this book when I read the first page, "for once, I managed to make it into the office before Clare, the office bitch (big achievement), and grab breakfast (minor miracle)...." This line had me laughing out loud. I absolutely loved Zara. I found myself wishing she was real; along with Emi and Sal. They would be so much fun to hang out with.
This book would make the cutest movie (romantic comedy). I clearly could envision the characters (oh Hamish--ooo-la-la), the African setting, the volunteer camp, and Gabi. How cute was Gabi!
I'm not sure what Metz intentions are for future books, but I saw many opportunities for follow-up books: . Just a thought.
Metz has an amazing ability with words. Everything flowed so smoothly; the novel was never choppy. Everything came together brilliantly. I will definitely be reading Stiletto Safari again. It has already been placed on my favorite's shelf. This book had me giggling so much. Like Zara, I felt like a sixteen year old again, and I absolutely adored the sparks of romance.
I highly recommend this book to read, and I really hope that Metz continues to produce more books. She's a very gifted writer with an obvious talent of storytelling. Just from reading her profile, she could write an amazing memoir. I can just imagine how witty and exciting that would be.
Overall, a well deserved 5 star rating! I hope this book really takes off, and I will do my part in encouraging others to read it.
Great job! Great debut novel!
May 15, 2012
I recieved this book from the author Kate. It's been on my TBR list for a while so I was really excited to get the opportunity to read and review Stiletto Safari.
This book is the story about Zara (btw I love her name) a successful young lawyer with a wonderful boyfriend who finds out that it's not all kitty cat socks and elephant ears. Suddenly Nick is arrested for insider trading and Zara is on a leave from her office. Her relationship with Nick ends abruptly when she could use him the most. In a spot of desperation after having her name cleared but forced into a sabbatical she takes up a friends suggestion to volunteer in Africa at a wildlife preserve. Zara takes off for the Africa it's not like she was expecting she meets many people who change her life inspiring her to do more to help the people of Africa.
I found the story inspiration in a way. It made me want to be a better person. Zara is so sweet and just has a good heart, you can't help loving her. The characters are well developed and described well you can't help like the sub characters. The author creates a brilliant story perfect for anyone who's like a romance novel that makes you feel go "awww." I couldn't decide what I did more I felt myself laughing through out the crazy stuff that Zara get's into and crying with things don't go as she wanted. Over all in the end I could easily see myself reading this book over and over when I want a sweet romance. I really enjoyed everything about this book it pulled me and kept my entertained through the whole story. Plus who wouldn't want to cuddle with lion cubs.
This book is the story about Zara (btw I love her name) a successful young lawyer with a wonderful boyfriend who finds out that it's not all kitty cat socks and elephant ears. Suddenly Nick is arrested for insider trading and Zara is on a leave from her office. Her relationship with Nick ends abruptly when she could use him the most. In a spot of desperation after having her name cleared but forced into a sabbatical she takes up a friends suggestion to volunteer in Africa at a wildlife preserve. Zara takes off for the Africa it's not like she was expecting she meets many people who change her life inspiring her to do more to help the people of Africa.
I found the story inspiration in a way. It made me want to be a better person. Zara is so sweet and just has a good heart, you can't help loving her. The characters are well developed and described well you can't help like the sub characters. The author creates a brilliant story perfect for anyone who's like a romance novel that makes you feel go "awww." I couldn't decide what I did more I felt myself laughing through out the crazy stuff that Zara get's into and crying with things don't go as she wanted. Over all in the end I could easily see myself reading this book over and over when I want a sweet romance. I really enjoyed everything about this book it pulled me and kept my entertained through the whole story. Plus who wouldn't want to cuddle with lion cubs.
April 29, 2012
Zara Hamilton has a life many only dream of. An Aussie girl, she lives in New York and works as a lawyer for Harvey and Rose, one of New York's premier law firms. Her boyfriend, Nick Hansen, is a handsome, wealthy, good looking man whom she adores. She shops on 5th Avenue, wearing gorgeous cashmere Ralph Lauren dresses, carries Jimmy Choo totes, and wears Prada sunglasses. With her best friends Emi and Sal, at her side to take yoga classes, hash out a bad day and have brunch every weekend, Zara's life is almost picture perfect. Then one day it all comes crashing down!
In one fell swoop, Zara goes from happily thinking of her future with Nick, in a job she's good at, in a city she loves, with expensive clothes she covets, and best friends who love her to an unemployed (temporarily they tell her) lawyer, with a boyfriend arrested for insider trading who isn't answering her calls, and crying for 2 weeks over The Bold and the Beautiful reruns. Could life get any worse?
Emi decides that Zara needs to get away, perhaps do some volunteer work involving animals or people, preferably far away, Africa would be good. Severely depressed, with her job in limbo for 6 months, and her boyfriend dumping her for her "own good", Zara decides that doing volunteer work in Africa would be just the right thing for her. She can get a beautiful tan, take care of cute and cuddly baby lions, and heal from her wounds. If only she could fit all the clothes and accessories she will need in the one mid size suitcase she's allowed.
With her ego still severely bruised by the treatment of the firm she works for, and Nick's rejection, not to mention the brutally insulting way Nick's father treated her, she is woefully unprepared to deal with life as a volunteer in Namibia.
Excerpt
In the end it came down to a choice between my snakeskin stilettos, a travel guide to Namibia, or a $100 penalty for excess luggage. Needless to say, the travel guide didn't make the flight. Namibia would have to remain a mystery for a bit longer. You just never know when a pair of snakeskin stilettos will come in handy!
Meeting handsome Hamish, she can't believe how incredibly rude he is to her. She overhears him calling her a bimbo, which on top of everything else that has happened to her just seems to be the icing on the cake. When he approaches her to apologize, she blows him off, never dreaming that he will show up later in a most embarrassing way. Getting to the volunteer camp she finds out that she's the new teacher and even worse, she's the new dorm monitor for 60 little girls!
With her beautiful snakeskin stilettos, her Prada sunglasses, her over the top expensive silk dresses and horror of germs and dirt, she'll just have to dig down deep to make this volunteer experience work.
Kate Metz's debut novel Stiletto Safari, is filled with humor, fashion, friendships and self realization. At times the wording was a little stiff, which had a small impact on the flow of the story. But overall a great chick lit book for anyone who likes a humorous, well told story reminiscent of a Beth Harbison novel.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
In one fell swoop, Zara goes from happily thinking of her future with Nick, in a job she's good at, in a city she loves, with expensive clothes she covets, and best friends who love her to an unemployed (temporarily they tell her) lawyer, with a boyfriend arrested for insider trading who isn't answering her calls, and crying for 2 weeks over The Bold and the Beautiful reruns. Could life get any worse?
Emi decides that Zara needs to get away, perhaps do some volunteer work involving animals or people, preferably far away, Africa would be good. Severely depressed, with her job in limbo for 6 months, and her boyfriend dumping her for her "own good", Zara decides that doing volunteer work in Africa would be just the right thing for her. She can get a beautiful tan, take care of cute and cuddly baby lions, and heal from her wounds. If only she could fit all the clothes and accessories she will need in the one mid size suitcase she's allowed.
With her ego still severely bruised by the treatment of the firm she works for, and Nick's rejection, not to mention the brutally insulting way Nick's father treated her, she is woefully unprepared to deal with life as a volunteer in Namibia.
Excerpt
In the end it came down to a choice between my snakeskin stilettos, a travel guide to Namibia, or a $100 penalty for excess luggage. Needless to say, the travel guide didn't make the flight. Namibia would have to remain a mystery for a bit longer. You just never know when a pair of snakeskin stilettos will come in handy!
Meeting handsome Hamish, she can't believe how incredibly rude he is to her. She overhears him calling her a bimbo, which on top of everything else that has happened to her just seems to be the icing on the cake. When he approaches her to apologize, she blows him off, never dreaming that he will show up later in a most embarrassing way. Getting to the volunteer camp she finds out that she's the new teacher and even worse, she's the new dorm monitor for 60 little girls!
With her beautiful snakeskin stilettos, her Prada sunglasses, her over the top expensive silk dresses and horror of germs and dirt, she'll just have to dig down deep to make this volunteer experience work.
Kate Metz's debut novel Stiletto Safari, is filled with humor, fashion, friendships and self realization. At times the wording was a little stiff, which had a small impact on the flow of the story. But overall a great chick lit book for anyone who likes a humorous, well told story reminiscent of a Beth Harbison novel.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
October 16, 2014
This review originally appeared on Chick Lit Central.
Are you looking for some fun chick-lit that will hook you at page one and hold you all the way through until the very last page? Then I highly recommend STILETTO SAFARI by debut author, Kate Metz. Kate’s novel arrived in my mailbox as I teetered on the verge of nervous breakdown. Being a book reviewer that was exactly the situation that would put me over or be the remedy to my situation! Thank God for the absolutely side-splitting story Kate put to pages in her novel, STILETTO SAFARI.
“Today was the worst day of my life. Of course, it didn’t start that way, but by 11:30 a.m. my almost perfect world had ended.” That’s the opening and her protagonist Zara Hamilton is carrying a brand new snakeskin Bulgari handbag while it’s happening. How is that even possible? Trust me, Zara is about to come face to face with reality and it’s so not Bulgari!
Zara Hamilton is a lawyer at one of Manhattan’s top law firms. She has the perfect life including a fabulous apartment, designer clothes, a super rich boyfriend, Nick but when he’s accused of insider trading her life, along with his is taken down too. She isn’t fired, but the press hounds her and the firm makes it clear they’d like her to stay clear of the office for a while. With the help of some good girlfriends (can’t have enough of those) the idea of volunteering in Africa comes up. What could go wrong volunteering with wildlife? Well as Zara is about to find out, plenty!
She finds herself in Namibia over packed, overdressed, overstressed and wanting to leave before she even arrives and the volunteer camp with a negative attitude that all volunteers initially have before they realize it’s not about them and it’s about the needy children and animals. She quickly falls in with the other volunteers, Ismail, Sam, Amy, including a young local girl, Gabi and there’s the complicated relationship with the blue-eyed British hunk named, Hamish. You’ll have to read STILETTO SAFARI to get more on him, but he’s delish!
Kate Metz lives in Melbourne, Australia. That may explain why she flips back and forth in her novel between American, British and Aussie slang. She’s a lawyer and has volunteered several times in Namibia. She’s been attacked by a leopard and has gone swimming with baby baboons. Her novel and Kindle is available on Amazon.
Are you looking for some fun chick-lit that will hook you at page one and hold you all the way through until the very last page? Then I highly recommend STILETTO SAFARI by debut author, Kate Metz. Kate’s novel arrived in my mailbox as I teetered on the verge of nervous breakdown. Being a book reviewer that was exactly the situation that would put me over or be the remedy to my situation! Thank God for the absolutely side-splitting story Kate put to pages in her novel, STILETTO SAFARI.
“Today was the worst day of my life. Of course, it didn’t start that way, but by 11:30 a.m. my almost perfect world had ended.” That’s the opening and her protagonist Zara Hamilton is carrying a brand new snakeskin Bulgari handbag while it’s happening. How is that even possible? Trust me, Zara is about to come face to face with reality and it’s so not Bulgari!
Zara Hamilton is a lawyer at one of Manhattan’s top law firms. She has the perfect life including a fabulous apartment, designer clothes, a super rich boyfriend, Nick but when he’s accused of insider trading her life, along with his is taken down too. She isn’t fired, but the press hounds her and the firm makes it clear they’d like her to stay clear of the office for a while. With the help of some good girlfriends (can’t have enough of those) the idea of volunteering in Africa comes up. What could go wrong volunteering with wildlife? Well as Zara is about to find out, plenty!
She finds herself in Namibia over packed, overdressed, overstressed and wanting to leave before she even arrives and the volunteer camp with a negative attitude that all volunteers initially have before they realize it’s not about them and it’s about the needy children and animals. She quickly falls in with the other volunteers, Ismail, Sam, Amy, including a young local girl, Gabi and there’s the complicated relationship with the blue-eyed British hunk named, Hamish. You’ll have to read STILETTO SAFARI to get more on him, but he’s delish!
Kate Metz lives in Melbourne, Australia. That may explain why she flips back and forth in her novel between American, British and Aussie slang. She’s a lawyer and has volunteered several times in Namibia. She’s been attacked by a leopard and has gone swimming with baby baboons. Her novel and Kindle is available on Amazon.
August 9, 2012
I hate to give a low review for a book that I won as a Goodreads giveaway, but I have to be honest. I found Zara, the main character, a bit self-obsessed and a label whore. She didn't seem to evolve much as a person who is experiencing this amazing adventure volunteering in Africa. I didn't like her at all. Overall, the book is standard fare romantic comedy chick lit. Girl doesn't like guy. Gets to know him, falls in love. Something happens where she doubts the relationship, they are together by the end of the story in some fanciful, happily ever after way.
I would recommend if you need something light, fluffy,borderline mind-numbing, and you generally enjoy movies that star Sandra Bullock or Kate Hudson.
I would recommend if you need something light, fluffy,borderline mind-numbing, and you generally enjoy movies that star Sandra Bullock or Kate Hudson.
December 26, 2012
I absolutely loved this book. Zara captured me from the very beginning. She is an incredible character. I felt her pain when she was escorted from her job and then when her boyfriend broke up with her. I loved the volunteering in Africa.
This was a quick, easy read, which was captivating with wonderful characters and a tantalizing plot. Kate Metz is a great author, who just pulls the reader right into the story from page one. I had a hard time putting this book down.
This was a quick, easy read, which was captivating with wonderful characters and a tantalizing plot. Kate Metz is a great author, who just pulls the reader right into the story from page one. I had a hard time putting this book down.
February 26, 2016
- My Description -
Zara Hamilton runs into a bit of trouble, rather her boyfriend Nick runs into trouble.
Nick is accused of insider trading, and Zara is accused of helping him.
As a result, Zara calls it quits with Nick because he lied to her.
An investigation is done, and finds Zara is not at fault.
By then, she is hounded by reporters.
She just needs to get outta town!
That's just what she does, but not the way one might think.
She decides to volunteer in Africa.
She flies over to Africa, and she is almost ready to board the next flight back to New York.
She agrees to give it a month with the agreement that the principal of the school find replacements for her.
She's the new head mistress at an all girls dorm overseeing 60 girls.
She's also the new teacher at the school.
She's like a fish out of water.
What does she know about children or teaching?
Well, she learns pretty quickly that children learn better when they are rewarded for good behavior/listening.
After her month long tenure is up, she volunteers to help with the animals at the wildlife camp.
She makes friends and even has a boyfriend.
She decides to stay a little longer...
- My Review -
At first, I had reservations about this book.
I can't pinpoint it, I just did.
This book turned out so much better than I hoped.
I really loved it.
There were twists and turns. I never knew which way this book was going to go.
It was everything you'd want in chick lit.
It was different than other books I've read.
Almost like it really happened or could really happen.
Excellent job, Ms. Kate! Bravo! Thanks for letting me read it. =)
I hope there's a sequel!
January 17, 2014
I really enjoyed reading Stiletto Safari. In the beginning of the story, Zara Hamilton has it all. She has a good career, has great friends, and is in love and ready to get married. Then, her boyfriend does something incredibly stupid, which jeopardizes her job, which makes her start to reconsider marrying him. When her job puts her on a leave of absence until things get resolved, Zara decides to take a step back to remove herself from the spotlight of her life, and she ends up going to Africa to do 6 months of volunteer work. Once she gets there, she realizes that this is not really something she wants to do, but she agrees to hang in for at least a month to try it out. As much as she thinks she is not that great at volunteer work, she ends up being amazing and stays longer, all while she is falling for someone while in Africa. Stiletto Safari is a very cute read and if I had the time, I would have finished it within a day.
June 9, 2012
Wowsers! I think this has to be the best chick-lit book I have EVER read. It's witty, romantic, adventurous, everything a girl could want in a book.
I started Stiletto Safari this afternoon & read it cover to cover without putting it down.
The main character Zara is absolutely adorable & I really did feel sorry for her for the first few chapters after being suspended from work & breaking up with her boyfriend Nick but things start perking up for her when she flies to Africa to do some volunteer work where she meets the sexy Hamish.
I very highly recommend this book to any chick-lit lover. I guarantee you will not regret reading this at all!!
Thank you to the author Kate Metz for sending me a copy for review.
I started Stiletto Safari this afternoon & read it cover to cover without putting it down.
The main character Zara is absolutely adorable & I really did feel sorry for her for the first few chapters after being suspended from work & breaking up with her boyfriend Nick but things start perking up for her when she flies to Africa to do some volunteer work where she meets the sexy Hamish.
I very highly recommend this book to any chick-lit lover. I guarantee you will not regret reading this at all!!
Thank you to the author Kate Metz for sending me a copy for review.
June 11, 2012
Didn't win the goodreads giveaway, but the author sent me a link to download it on my kindle!
Fun, witty, smart read. Zara's life is practically perfect. Great job, great boyfriend, good friends. Until her boyfriend is arrested, accused of insider trading. Her bosses decide she should take a sabbatical. With six months to fill, she goes to Africa to volunteer. And the fun is just beginning for Zara!
Lots of laugh-out loud moments, definitely worth the read!
Fun, witty, smart read. Zara's life is practically perfect. Great job, great boyfriend, good friends. Until her boyfriend is arrested, accused of insider trading. Her bosses decide she should take a sabbatical. With six months to fill, she goes to Africa to volunteer. And the fun is just beginning for Zara!
Lots of laugh-out loud moments, definitely worth the read!
February 15, 2013
Chick lit lite. I have to give it a bump up from a "3", if only for how very knowledgeable and inspirational Metz is about life in Africa. And, hey, it's a fun read!
My Take
The Good Bits
The story idea was cute, and Metz was generally accurate about the reality of Africa. Gotta give her a big thumbs up for that one. In fact, if any of you readers are considering a trip, this isn't a bad inside look.
I liked her stance on the village and how the lodge impacts village life. Very nicely delivered without being preachy. Oh, lord, I thoroughly commiserate with Zara and her first day of teaching. I was really impressed with her incentives program, LOL. Brilliant.
It's a nice cast of characters, and very few who are hate-able. Those that are, really go the distance. The romance was sweet without any great swings of drama. Embarrassing moments? Oh, yeah. Trust Zara to be stupid.
My Whining
Zara is an idiot and too shallow for words—fortunately, she eventually, slowly, loses that shallow mien. She's a lawyer, and she's freaking because she doesn't have her Blackberry, and she can't get to her voicemail… One, there's always remote access...I mean, duhhh. Two, buy another phone, even if it's just a throwaway? Then there's her wardrobe planning for her new volunteer position in Africa. Oh my god. How incredibly lame is she?
Considering that Zara's favorite part of being a lawyer in New York is all the clothes shopping, you can imagine how well she'll do in Namibia with her stilettos and designer dresses. Although, she does put them to good use, and certainly not one I would have ever imagined, LOL.
I was a bit torn on Zara's African experience. She was such an American (hey, I can say that. I'm American). Admittedly, I had a leg up on Zara as my then-husband had been telling me tales of expat living in various parts of Africa before we moved there, but you would think in this day and age with Internet access and all that she'd have done a bit more research. Or am I reaching in believing that if you can make it through law school and pass the bar, that one is automatically smarter than the average??
Oh...then she goes and gets stupid about the ex-girlfriend. Be an adult for godsakes. Then there's that email list---take it as a lesson yourselves, folks, set that group up ahead of time and check it twice!
All in all, in spite of my whining about Zara's idiocies, it was a cute read and well worth the money.
The Story
Nick's...ahem...altruism brings questions as to where he got his information, and Zara is implicated by association. Threatened with a six-month sabbatical, one of her friends talks her into volunteering in Africa.
Oh. Boy.
The Characters
Zara Hamilton is one of the new lawyers at Harvey and Rose in New York City with a fab boyfriend who has an even fabber bank account. Her best friend, Sal, works at the same firm.
Nick Hansen is the boyfriend of two years. Rich, charming, and arrested. Bill Hansen is his jerk of a dad. Teddy Bennett and Josh Jones, a spoiled rich kid, are Nick's friends, his fellow felons.
Hamish Walters is a friend of Michael and JoJo's and a jerk. Seems he's also a wildlife biologist come to eat crow.
Emi is another of Zara's best friends and totally infatuated with her yoga instructor, Henri. Asha is a friend of Emi's who has just returned from a stint with a charity in Africa. JoJo, she hosts a prime-time morning to midday slot on the radio, and her husband Michael, a senior man in the Department of Foreign Affairs, are friends of Asha's in Jo'burg. Craig, Laura, Steph, and Bec are yet more friends on Zara's email list destined to receive tales of her African and romantic adventures.
Namibia
The organization which Zara is volunteering with consists of a clinic and a school, both of which are funded by an exclusive resort. Ismail and Amy are a couple of the volunteer clinic doctors. Gabi is their unofficial greeter and a tiny terror. Nelson is the school principal. Mr. Kwilwha is in charge of the boys' dorm; snicker...Zara has been put in charge of the girls' dorm. All sixty of the girls. Pip seems to be Hamish's mean second-in-command. Henriette has a thing for Hamish; Sam, a Scotland Yard detective who needed to get away; Mille Lee, a Broadway costume designer; Patricia from Brazil; and, Im from Switzerland are a few of the wildlife volunteers.
Shakira and Umbilly are the female and male cubs at the refuge.
Mark and Kelly are scouting locations for a fashion shoot with Sasha Friend, the supermodel---Hamish's maybe-not-so-ex-girlfriend.
Harvey and Rose
Heather is Zara's secretary at work. Janice is the PA for Ed, the managing partner. George is the head of litigation. There are two Clares in the office: evil Clare Lay, who is sleeping with George, and nice Clare Levy.
The Cover
The cover is a zebra print background tinted in a gradated pink with the silhouettes of a high-heeled society chick hauling her Hermès Picotin Lock tote while walking her lion on a leash.
Oh, yeah, LOL, it is definitely a Stiletto Safari when Zara Hamilton packs for a volunteer stint in the bush!
My Take
The Good Bits
The story idea was cute, and Metz was generally accurate about the reality of Africa. Gotta give her a big thumbs up for that one. In fact, if any of you readers are considering a trip, this isn't a bad inside look.
I liked her stance on the village and how the lodge impacts village life. Very nicely delivered without being preachy. Oh, lord, I thoroughly commiserate with Zara and her first day of teaching. I was really impressed with her incentives program, LOL. Brilliant.
It's a nice cast of characters, and very few who are hate-able. Those that are, really go the distance. The romance was sweet without any great swings of drama. Embarrassing moments? Oh, yeah. Trust Zara to be stupid.
My Whining
Zara is an idiot and too shallow for words—fortunately, she eventually, slowly, loses that shallow mien. She's a lawyer, and she's freaking because she doesn't have her Blackberry, and she can't get to her voicemail… One, there's always remote access...I mean, duhhh. Two, buy another phone, even if it's just a throwaway? Then there's her wardrobe planning for her new volunteer position in Africa. Oh my god. How incredibly lame is she?
Considering that Zara's favorite part of being a lawyer in New York is all the clothes shopping, you can imagine how well she'll do in Namibia with her stilettos and designer dresses. Although, she does put them to good use, and certainly not one I would have ever imagined, LOL.
I was a bit torn on Zara's African experience. She was such an American (hey, I can say that. I'm American). Admittedly, I had a leg up on Zara as my then-husband had been telling me tales of expat living in various parts of Africa before we moved there, but you would think in this day and age with Internet access and all that she'd have done a bit more research. Or am I reaching in believing that if you can make it through law school and pass the bar, that one is automatically smarter than the average??
Oh...then she goes and gets stupid about the ex-girlfriend. Be an adult for godsakes. Then there's that email list---take it as a lesson yourselves, folks, set that group up ahead of time and check it twice!
All in all, in spite of my whining about Zara's idiocies, it was a cute read and well worth the money.
The Story
Nick's...ahem...altruism brings questions as to where he got his information, and Zara is implicated by association. Threatened with a six-month sabbatical, one of her friends talks her into volunteering in Africa.
Oh. Boy.
The Characters
Zara Hamilton is one of the new lawyers at Harvey and Rose in New York City with a fab boyfriend who has an even fabber bank account. Her best friend, Sal, works at the same firm.
Nick Hansen is the boyfriend of two years. Rich, charming, and arrested. Bill Hansen is his jerk of a dad. Teddy Bennett and Josh Jones, a spoiled rich kid, are Nick's friends, his fellow felons.
Hamish Walters is a friend of Michael and JoJo's and a jerk. Seems he's also a wildlife biologist come to eat crow.
Emi is another of Zara's best friends and totally infatuated with her yoga instructor, Henri. Asha is a friend of Emi's who has just returned from a stint with a charity in Africa. JoJo, she hosts a prime-time morning to midday slot on the radio, and her husband Michael, a senior man in the Department of Foreign Affairs, are friends of Asha's in Jo'burg. Craig, Laura, Steph, and Bec are yet more friends on Zara's email list destined to receive tales of her African and romantic adventures.
Namibia
The organization which Zara is volunteering with consists of a clinic and a school, both of which are funded by an exclusive resort. Ismail and Amy are a couple of the volunteer clinic doctors. Gabi is their unofficial greeter and a tiny terror. Nelson is the school principal. Mr. Kwilwha is in charge of the boys' dorm; snicker...Zara has been put in charge of the girls' dorm. All sixty of the girls. Pip seems to be Hamish's mean second-in-command. Henriette has a thing for Hamish; Sam, a Scotland Yard detective who needed to get away; Mille Lee, a Broadway costume designer; Patricia from Brazil; and, Im from Switzerland are a few of the wildlife volunteers.
Shakira and Umbilly are the female and male cubs at the refuge.
Mark and Kelly are scouting locations for a fashion shoot with Sasha Friend, the supermodel---Hamish's maybe-not-so-ex-girlfriend.
Harvey and Rose
Heather is Zara's secretary at work. Janice is the PA for Ed, the managing partner. George is the head of litigation. There are two Clares in the office: evil Clare Lay, who is sleeping with George, and nice Clare Levy.
The Cover
The cover is a zebra print background tinted in a gradated pink with the silhouettes of a high-heeled society chick hauling her Hermès Picotin Lock tote while walking her lion on a leash.
Oh, yeah, LOL, it is definitely a Stiletto Safari when Zara Hamilton packs for a volunteer stint in the bush!
September 24, 2012
Stiletto Safari follows Zara Hamilton, a NY lawyer and city girl who ends up in the wilds of Africa.
The book opens: “Today was the worst day of my life. Of course, it didn't start that way, but by 11:30 a.m. my almost perfect world had ended.” When her boyfriend is accused of insider trading Zara decides to escape for a while and heads for Africa as a wildlife volunteer. What could go wrong volunteering with wildlife? Well as Zara is about to find out, plenty!
She finds herself in Namibia over packed, overdressed, overstressed and wanting to leave before she even arrives. But then she discovers Hamish, a hot British biologist. A first it is a love hate relationship. Meanwhile the challenges of life as a volunteer grow on her.
How does chick-lit work on safari in Africa? Kate Metz does it really well! Despite being in the middle of Africa, Kate brings together all the ingredients for great chick-lit. There is style, fashion, a Vogue photo shoot (for Hamish’s ex-super model girlfriend), a complicated relationship, throw in some wild animals and you have Stiletto Safari.
I can see why it won an award for Chick-lit of the Year. It is like Sophie Kinsella at her best (think
The Undomestic Goddess.
The book opens: “Today was the worst day of my life. Of course, it didn't start that way, but by 11:30 a.m. my almost perfect world had ended.” When her boyfriend is accused of insider trading Zara decides to escape for a while and heads for Africa as a wildlife volunteer. What could go wrong volunteering with wildlife? Well as Zara is about to find out, plenty!
She finds herself in Namibia over packed, overdressed, overstressed and wanting to leave before she even arrives. But then she discovers Hamish, a hot British biologist. A first it is a love hate relationship. Meanwhile the challenges of life as a volunteer grow on her.
How does chick-lit work on safari in Africa? Kate Metz does it really well! Despite being in the middle of Africa, Kate brings together all the ingredients for great chick-lit. There is style, fashion, a Vogue photo shoot (for Hamish’s ex-super model girlfriend), a complicated relationship, throw in some wild animals and you have Stiletto Safari.
I can see why it won an award for Chick-lit of the Year. It is like Sophie Kinsella at her best (think
The Undomestic Goddess.
Want to read
June 13, 2012Zara's life has just been turned on it's head. Her boyfriend has been arrested for insider trading. Zara is being forced into a six week sabbatical. The press is camped outside of her door. She decides to volunteer in Africa after all that's the farthest away she can get from New York. When she arrives at the place that where she will be volunteering for the next six months. She doesn't want to stay but she promises to give it a month. Through her stay she meets a guy who she hates yet can't help but be attracted to. She learns a lot about herself through her time in Africa. You will laugh, cry, and blush right along with Zara! Her adventure is a fun read!
January 18, 2013
I was able to download this book while it was on its free promo. I found it to be satisfying in the same way a cheesy chick-flic is. It has a wonderful, fast pace - constantly holding your interest plot. My favorite part was how it subtly bashes the elite-st type person that Zara was, Showing that just because you have a high end job and life, doesn't mean you actually have smarts. Seriously, Zara, your doing volunteer work in the slums of a third world country, how many designer clothes do you need? It was a really fun read.
In short, It was a really fun read. And if there were a squeal to this "Zara and Hamish" I would read it
In short, It was a really fun read. And if there were a squeal to this "Zara and Hamish" I would read it
July 17, 2012
Was a bit dubious about this one to start with, but it really sucked me in. Loved every indulgent minute of it.....books like this are why I read strictly for fun and relaxation... This is an easy read. I read in a couple of sittings. Good beach read.
June 29, 2012
It is such a page turner and quite an easy read. I hope there is a sequel to this book!
August 1, 2024
Zara Hamilton has the kind of life many dream of. Lawyer, living in New York, great group of friends and a lovely boyfriend. Unfortunately, things come seriously off the rails when her boyfriend is arrested for insider trading and she’s given leave while her company investigate.
Rather than languish in her apartment watching rubbish TV she finds herself volunteering in Africa. Despite showing no interest in this kind of role previously, she finds herself teaching and slowly charming those around her.
From the moment she meets enigmatic Hamish she thinks he’s the most irritating person to walk the earth. So, naturally, it doesn’t take long before she’s developed a huge crush and trying to work out if she has a chance.
Very predictable. The focus on clothing and overpriced handbags made me feel like I was watching something Sex and the City spin-off. Not to be taken seriously, but it was an entertaining diversion.
Rather than languish in her apartment watching rubbish TV she finds herself volunteering in Africa. Despite showing no interest in this kind of role previously, she finds herself teaching and slowly charming those around her.
From the moment she meets enigmatic Hamish she thinks he’s the most irritating person to walk the earth. So, naturally, it doesn’t take long before she’s developed a huge crush and trying to work out if she has a chance.
Very predictable. The focus on clothing and overpriced handbags made me feel like I was watching something Sex and the City spin-off. Not to be taken seriously, but it was an entertaining diversion.
July 26, 2015
Let me start off by saying that usually when you read/see people that are very materialistic, who then go off (like with volunteering) to some place where 95% of the people basically have nothing....that person usually is different by the end. But not in this story. Zara was just as materialistic in the beginning as she was by the end.
Needless to say, this was an alright read. I wasn't really a fan of Zara whatsoever though. I did like the doctor guy (sorry I forgot his name).
Like always with my reviews I have a few comments/questions:
1. I would love to have known how much money Zara had to where she could afford to go without work for 6 months. It sort of seemed like any money she'd be making as a lawyer she would be spending on clothes and whatnot.
2. So after Zara wakes up, after her night of drinking, she mentions that she's a germaphobe. This is while she's picking up her dirty clothes off the floor as if they're covered in, I don't know what, something really gross. I find that funny later on when she decides to go to Africa, to maybe help with sick people and all.
3. Something question here: How did Zara not know about hair weaves? I'm a hermit (haha) and know about them. That didn't make sense to me. Yet later on she comments about hypochondria and knows what that is?
4. When everyone (volunteers) are gathered around the campfire chatting and hanging out...Sam tells Zara that he didn't know she already knew Hamish. Yet the story she tells is the one of Hamish catching her washing her hair in the tap, not when they first meet at JoJos.
5. At one point Zara is reading emails and comes across the first email sent by Nick. Why in the world did she think it was his fault that she was in Africa? Um hello....since she's got lots of $$ she could have gone somewhere else. I understand she's not that excited at first about everything going on but still.
6. While Zara is teaching she decides to have an exercise class for the kids. Why? Are all the kids like skin and bones basically? How would forcing them to exercise help out? It's like they would be burning extra calories that bodies would probably need.
7. When Zara comes up with the school uniform idea, what would a "too Versace" one look like? It's a uniform! In the end she wants something that the kids can wear during the colder weather too....yeah, a skirt is perfect for the cold weather!
8. Like I said above, I'm not a fan of Zara. Doesn't realize that the kids will miss her when she leaves. Doesn't realize at that Hamish likes her. Why else would he be spending so much time with her? Assumes that since Hamish and Sasha 'go way back' means that they're dating. She acts stupid/clueless way too much for my taste.
9. Zara doesn't want to seem too desperate on her first date with Hamish. Okay...BUT why was it that when she ran into him in the laundry room, she was all eager to have sex with him right then?
10. When Zara gets Nick's 2nd email, she's still not wanting to talk to him. I forgot what the message was but it basically said something along the lines of, the message was sent to the wrong person. She had to have just typed the message, yet how would he believe that? He'd be able to see who sent the message to him.
11. Hamish tells Zara that he 'has to' take Sasha around. How is that possible? Obviously Sasha wants to get back with him but still. She's a model, doing a shoot for Vogue...what do either have to do with him? He could have just swapped with Sam.
12. Zara's disguise....ridiculous. Of course she didn't want anyone to realize it was her but seriously? Either way she'd be drawing attention to herself. Very stupid. It's like the author just pick random pieces of clothing and all for her.
13. It is possible to delete stuff off the internet. Like with Zara's emails. NOT!! Once something is loaded onto the internet, it's there forever!
14. Okay so Zara is at a club with Kelly and Sasha. The whole time Sasha is blowing smoke into Zara's face. Of course the sensible thing to do is to just sit there. Don't beat the crap out of Sasha or anything. Nope. It's best just to keep her mouth shut.
15. I don't remember Zara saying anything in her emails about the company she works for. So why would she had to quit....before she was fired?
16. Earthwatch. So apparently that job and her lawyer job, she'd be getting around the same amount of money. Really?! Of course the company just happens to be in London....where Hamish is.
17. How was it possible that it wasn't until the end of the story that she realized Sasha knew her and Hamish were dating? Does her brain only randomly work? And not that great to begin with. haha
18. Last question...why did she think that Hamish broke up with her because of her spying on him and Sasha? Again is this a brain/mental issue? Was this an unknown reason for all her stupidity throughout the story?
In the end, I gave 3 stars. There's wasn't anything 'Wow!' about this story. I'm not really sure how this story got such good reviews?!
July 9, 2013
This book was alright. My issues with it were that a) There were lines I would read and they would be eerily similar to Sophie Kinsella's Undomestic Goddess. And b) I was very confused about Zara's origin for almost 1/3 of the book. She opens up talking about getting on the lift (elevator in America) and SMS's some friends (texts in America) and some of the ways the lawyers are referred to reminded me of British terms. So I assumed I was reading a British book. Then all the sudden we're in New York. So then I thought- oh this must just be a British author writing this book. I thought it was strange that she would set it in New York but whatever. So then about 1/3 of the way in we learn that she's Australian but living in New York. But she somehow no longer has an Australian accent? But has a New York accent? But she still talks about lifts and SMS's and junior lawyers? It was very distracting.
I did like the fact that Zara was a pretty strong woman. She wasn't weak in the knees for the guy right away. We got to see her accomplish things she never thought she could and that was a plus.
Overall I'm not disappointed I read this book. It was a light chick lit read. I got it as a free download on kindle.
I did like the fact that Zara was a pretty strong woman. She wasn't weak in the knees for the guy right away. We got to see her accomplish things she never thought she could and that was a plus.
Overall I'm not disappointed I read this book. It was a light chick lit read. I got it as a free download on kindle.
June 22, 2012
3.5 stars!!! Review to follow....
I was asked to give an honest review of this book, and so I shall. I really really enjoyed this book. It is a great beach/summer read. I read it pretty much in one sitting.
Zara was a fantastic character, who I really enjoyed meeting and seeing her grow. The situation she found her self in was crazy and fun.
It was really interesting seeing Africa from her point of view. As well as seeing the volunteer experience from her pov, made for a great story.
The only thing that I wished for was more time with the wildlife aspect of Africa. There was lots of talk of it, but we only saw her with the lion cubs the once. Being a wildlife lover, I would have enjoyed more. Other than that I really have no complaints!!!
If you are looking for a quick fun read this summer (or anytime really), I would highly recommend this book.
I was asked to give an honest review of this book, and so I shall. I really really enjoyed this book. It is a great beach/summer read. I read it pretty much in one sitting.
Zara was a fantastic character, who I really enjoyed meeting and seeing her grow. The situation she found her self in was crazy and fun.
It was really interesting seeing Africa from her point of view. As well as seeing the volunteer experience from her pov, made for a great story.
The only thing that I wished for was more time with the wildlife aspect of Africa. There was lots of talk of it, but we only saw her with the lion cubs the once. Being a wildlife lover, I would have enjoyed more. Other than that I really have no complaints!!!
If you are looking for a quick fun read this summer (or anytime really), I would highly recommend this book.
May 1, 2013
A heart warming story of a young women, Zara, who takes the lemons she's given and makes lemonade. When her boyfriend, and hoped for fiancé, is accused of a crime, she is unfortunately dragged into the situation. When her employer forces her to take a "sabbatical" and the press start hounding her, she decides to embark on a mission trip to escape her life. She ends up in Africa on the adventure of a lifetime that changes her plans for her future.
I enjoyed the book and reading about Zara mistakes and missteps. I especially like books with happy endings!
I enjoyed the book and reading about Zara mistakes and missteps. I especially like books with happy endings!
September 27, 2012
I spent a very happy long weekend immersed in this book. If you are looking for an enjoyable relaxing read on a weekend, this is the book for you. The story is fun and the characters irresistable. I lent it to my boss who devoured it. Then I caught my boyfriend reading it. This is the perfect chick-lit book if you can hold onto it!
April 27, 2014
ENTERTAINING Read!
The plot was just a smidge too predictable, but very well written and humorous. It would be great to be able to follow the next series of events in Zara and Hamish' lives.
The plot was just a smidge too predictable, but very well written and humorous. It would be great to be able to follow the next series of events in Zara and Hamish' lives.
June 26, 2024
Exactly the read I needed after the DNF of my last book. Is it world changing dynamic writing that blew my mind away? Nope. Was it meant to be? Also nope. Was it the chick lit comedy romance light binge I needed before entering into another epic fantasy series? Absolutely yes.
The long and short of it is Zara has a boyfriend who gets done for insider trading and - guess what - she's also a suspect and gets put on a forced sabbatical. So as you do the girl ends up signing up to volunteer in the middle of nowhere in Africa. You know you're getting set up for this girl going on a RIDE when multiple pages are spent explaining her packing dilemma and which dresses, designer stilettos and handbags she is going to bring. To Africa. To volunteer. Yes it is really that predictable but where a thriller or fantasy or ... Most genres tbh would have me groaning at the sheer level of predictable, this book had me grinning ear to ear waiting to the shit show to begin.
A fun enjoyable read with a good dose of romance and comedy to keep me turning the pages into the night and keep me engaged. Thank you! 4 stars ❤️
The long and short of it is Zara has a boyfriend who gets done for insider trading and - guess what - she's also a suspect and gets put on a forced sabbatical. So as you do the girl ends up signing up to volunteer in the middle of nowhere in Africa. You know you're getting set up for this girl going on a RIDE when multiple pages are spent explaining her packing dilemma and which dresses, designer stilettos and handbags she is going to bring. To Africa. To volunteer. Yes it is really that predictable but where a thriller or fantasy or ... Most genres tbh would have me groaning at the sheer level of predictable, this book had me grinning ear to ear waiting to the shit show to begin.
A fun enjoyable read with a good dose of romance and comedy to keep me turning the pages into the night and keep me engaged. Thank you! 4 stars ❤️
January 13, 2021
The story had fashion, adventure, humor, and romance. I love the chic meets Africa setting. It gave a whole new feel to the storyline and made the plot dynamic. Zara was spontaneous and funny. Our Heroine packed a punch and relied on her friends and family to help her figure out the issues she had in her life. Zara also gets a new love interest. You have to read the story to get more details (He's Sexy!!). This story is a great chick-lit and a wonderful beach read. Bravo Kate!! Delish story ;)
July 2, 2021
I hate criticizing but that was terrible. It seemed like it was written by a 12 year old with her overly used phrases and obvious plot. I wouldn’t have finished it but I have a terrible habit of finishing what I start.
August 13, 2018
What’s with all the exclamation marks?
November 29, 2023
Fun, fast read. Great beach book.
May 3, 2024
I loved this fabulous romantic adventure with laughs, tears, and all the feel goods I look for and more because we are in the wilds of Africa with some fantastic Sex in the City type characters that quickly drew me into Kate Metz’s debut novel and left me wanting to read Book II, Stiletto Sunset.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
May 8, 2013
Usually I adore these kinds of books but this time I was hoping the main character (Zara) would get trampled by an elephant. Zara starts off as a materialistic 20-something who thinks Africa will be a nice place to escape from the press and get tan and skinny. That's fine starting point for a story... but unfortunately by the end she's an equally materialistic 30-year-old who only seemed to care that Africa made her look "tanned, skinny, and gorgeous". I would have liked to see some character development throughout her time in Africa, but instead it's all lip service. She uses her stilettos as a teaching prop and escapes to civilization (a fancy lodge) whenever possible. Except for one small local girl, Zara befriends no actual Africans, only expats.
And speaking of the stilettos, here's the silliest wtf ever- instead of paying a $100 overweight luggage fee at the airport, she chucks her Africa guidebook in order to keep the shoes... yet a few chapters later she decides to donate $5,000 of her own money to ensure designed school uniforms for the schoolchildren. I understand why this was in the plot- to show her unwavering donation to fashion- but it didn't seem very believable, especially since her comfy financial situation was mentioned several times throughout the book.
I'm giving this book an extra star (from 1 to 2 stars) because the writing is good and well-edited and because (for once!) there wasn't the obligatory gay best friend, but a negative nine-billion stars for the main character. It's disappointing that the author has been to Namibia herself and is probably a lot more caring and thoughtful than the frivolous and shallow characters she created.
If you want to read words of wisdom like "A good hair weave is every African woman's secret weapon", then this is your kind of book. If you want a more real, heartfelt book about a woman living in Africa, check out Trailing: A Memoir by Kristin Louise Duncombe.
And speaking of the stilettos, here's the silliest wtf ever- instead of paying a $100 overweight luggage fee at the airport, she chucks her Africa guidebook in order to keep the shoes... yet a few chapters later she decides to donate $5,000 of her own money to ensure designed school uniforms for the schoolchildren. I understand why this was in the plot- to show her unwavering donation to fashion- but it didn't seem very believable, especially since her comfy financial situation was mentioned several times throughout the book.
I'm giving this book an extra star (from 1 to 2 stars) because the writing is good and well-edited and because (for once!) there wasn't the obligatory gay best friend, but a negative nine-billion stars for the main character. It's disappointing that the author has been to Namibia herself and is probably a lot more caring and thoughtful than the frivolous and shallow characters she created.
If you want to read words of wisdom like "A good hair weave is every African woman's secret weapon", then this is your kind of book. If you want a more real, heartfelt book about a woman living in Africa, check out Trailing: A Memoir by Kristin Louise Duncombe.
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