What the Heck, Dec?!

by Elizabeth Dudak

Marti Karnawski is waiting in the front office of Noteah Middle School trying to land first her teaching position, not a man. Yet one casual glance at Declan Reed - the school's droolicious social worker with bad boy looks and cocky attitude - and she can't help but fall head over in heels in crush. The fact he returns her interest, despite the other woman on his arm, poses a problem. Marti spent a lifetime trying to forgive a philandering father and understanding a mother in constant denial. She will not be the other woman - not even for one Declan Reed. Now all she has to do is convince her heart.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Humor

264 pages, Paperback

First published March 29, 2012

Reviews

[Keith Cornell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never have gotten into novels however, this one was AWESOME. I related to all the character due to great details that I could wrap my mind around. I found the book funny, smart and very sensual. I had to hide it sometimes while I was reading it (on a plane). This author shows great promise and I can not wait for the next edition! Quick great read. Don't pass it up!

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm kind of having a hard time rating this one... The first half was a little on the detailed side... Ok the whole thing had lots and lots of details. So much so, that the first 40% I found myself skimming some of them... I hate to admit that because I feel bad, but I was also distracted by my daughter and I just wanted to get to the good stuff. However, in between all those details, there was a really funny as hell story here. I found myself cracking up throughout the whole book! Martina was such a goof yet so serious and Declan was just [image error] and and ... Ok I think you get my point! ;) The chemistry between these two was so hot it had my heart going a flutter! (I really wanted to say something else but felt it might be a little tmi.. ya know! :P ) While I loved the bantering between them I also wanted to smack them both so many times for not communicating! I could tell they both cared about the other but they kept getting their wires crossed and not just saying straight out "I like you I want to be with you!" I mean yeah, they worked in a middle school but still... Lol. I guess that's the way of things though. :) So after all the beating around the bush (and not the sexy kind) when they do finally get together it was explosive! I almost had to run a cold shower for myself! The next best thing about this book was the supporting characters. They were all awesome! From Marti and Declan's co-workers, to Marti's mom and sister and Declan's family. They were all great additions to the book! The writing was good here. There were very few errors and the story did flow nicely. Yeah I had issues with the extra details, but I am kind of an instant gratification person when it comes to my books and I just really wanted to get to the main event! :-) Which leads me to my biggest complaint. Not only did I have to wait until around 80% to get said main event, there was only one! :( Yes, it was a good one but still... I guess that's just the perv in me though! ;) Overall, this was a great read, especially for a free one, and I finished in one day. I liked the author's style and would like to see more books about some of the other characters, namely the other Reed boys! [image error]

[Susan Ashcraft · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martina Karnawski, red haired and freckled, is quite tall and she carries most of her weight around the boob and hip areas. She's a week away from graduating with her teaching degree and needs a job badly. She applies for a position at Noteah North Middle School as a grade 6 teacher. The school is reputed to be the Beverly Hills of Illinois and the teacher turnover rate is higher then a coaching position with the Chicago Cubs. But they pay very well and Marti needs to start paying off her bills.

Waiting at the school office for her interview she meets the two Dawns, two gossipy women employees at the school. They show little interest in Marti until a very gorgeous man comes. Declan Reed is late for his appointment, he was once a teacher but is now a social worker and is here for a job interview. After a few embarrassing moments with him and the two Dawns, Marti and Declan say good luck to each other and head off for their individual meetings.

Marti is nervous, this is her first professional interview. She is shocked, but very happy to accept the job offer at the end of her interview.

On her first day at her new school, she sees Declan again. He's been hired too. She also meets the very handsome gym teacher, Josh York who seems very interested in her. After a series of humorous events, Marti makes a decision about the men that will change her life. If its the right decision, as she keeps telling herself, why then is she constantly thinking of the other man? And why does she keep thinking that there is something more going on then what she knows about.

This is a great chick lit read. A very humorous, strong female lead character with loads of personality and 2 gorgeous men, both smart but with different attributes, both interested in Marti. Good romantic flavor throughout. The story is set at a posh school and is filled with quite the collection of people, including the two Dawns, Harper and Esther. A smooth story line that leads up to some surprising revelations.

I received my copy through the author and was asked for my honest review

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off you should know that romance novels aren't usually my thing. However, every now and then one catches my eye and I give it a shot. I'm happy to say that What the Heck, Dec?! was one of those random reads. Even happier, it turns out that it was a great choice! I thourougly enjoyed it!

Still not convinced? Think romantic comedy, because that is what unfolds between these pages. Martina (Marti) Karnawski is one feisty female lead! From the moment I first met her, I knew I was destined to love reading about her. Witty, sarcastic, and downright scandalous at times, Marti is a pleasure to follow! Trying to land her first teaching position is hard enough, even navigating the two Dawns was tough, but getting by while there's a smoking hot guy in your periphery? Now that's torture!

When Declan comes into the picture, things get spicy. One of the things that makes Marti's point of view so much fun is her blatantly honest, and always humorous, descriptions of things. I know I had a crush on Declan Reed, so I can see why Marti did too. The story that develops between these two is pure book candy! Add in another gorgeous guy for Marti to swoon over, and you have a recipe for fun!

This is good old fashioned chick lit at its finest. Great characters, smoldering scenes, and tons of witty observations that will have you giggling out loud. As I said, I'm not generally a fan of this genre. However Elizabeth Dudak's book had me chomping at the bit for more! Marti alone makes this read entirely worth while. If you're a fan of romantic romps, give What the Heck Dec?! a shot!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the end of a long day sometimes the only thing I want to read is something lite and fun. I call these books “brain candy” because they aren’t exactly edifying but they are a treat. This is what I had the pleasure of reading last night with: WHAT THE HECK, DEC! by Elizabeth Dudak. What a great surprise!

My parents are both teachers and I have always known that the school environment is chalk full of these funny, awkward moments HOWEVER, I never thought of a school as a hotbed of romance or lustful longings but Ms. Dudak has convinced me otherwise.

This contemporary Chic Lit novel was well written, with very likeable characters and a witty voice; I couldn’t help but smile the entire time I read. Ms. Dudak has without a doubt the greatest sense of humor! She grabs you with her quirky way of looking at life and love from the very first page and maintains the momentum until the end. There is nothing dark or demanding, no plots to decipher, just the steady pacing of humor, sexual tension, and the follies of relationships.

If you are looking for a fun, fast paced summer read, this is it!

My only question after reading this is: What can I read next from Elizabeth Dudak? Maybe follow on book starring one of the Reed brothers? (Think about it Ms. Dudak. No pressure. :) )

Mentor books (these are books I’ve read, that reminded me of this book): BRIDGET JONES’S DIARY, THE CORSET DIARIES (anything by Katie MacAlister has this witty humor)

[Nakeesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick, light read that packed an emotional punch. I loved the author's voice that came through loud and clear through her heroine, Marti. Marti had diarrhea of the mouth along with trust issues. But really you can't blame her. She fell for a playa-playahh in the form of one motorcycle boot wearing, pierced eared, Irish/Scottish swirly bad boy named Declan. Declan got my hackles up. He was apologetically flirtations with any woman with a pulse. I no-likey-ed -until Dudak revealed his wounds. Then I grudgingly started to swoon. Dudak presented some real, serious, and common relationship issues that arise when one party is a snake-charmer with the ladies. I wasn't happy with Dudak's resolution of how these two would move forward in dealing with their trust and flirty issues. Their assent to coupling was rife with TSTL moments and BMs (big misunderstandings) and dashes where if they just let the other finish a sentence then the problem would have never--. However, it was such a 'complicated' climb that when they finally got there I was just so happy for them that I forgave it all. Just be prepared to hear about Marti's pooling panties...a lot!

Gonna keep my eye out for Dudak because I really enjoyed her writing style (though the middle could have used some grammar editing) and her heroine's voice.

[Jeanie V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good, funny read. Loved Martina and her POV. The story was realistic and was easily relate-able. The book shows how things can go wrong when there is a lack of verbal communication going on. Yes, actions can speak louder than words, but words need to be spoken too. Enjoyable read! I hope there is a spinoff series hopefully about any of Dec's brothers! Please? Hint! Hint!!!

[KStar · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a crazy mixed up sweet little, but oh so sexy romance story. Just so funny and quirky, with a great cast of extremely crazy, kooky, hot and sexy characters. This was the best, truly could not stop reading until I finished it. I just had to get to the end and kind of sad it's over now. I would most definitely recommend this story. Fun, sweet and sexy all in one. Loved it!!! :)

[Sharon Wemett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally not the type of book I would be drawn to......but-I picked it up and started reading-yep-I couldn't stop! Loved it! The character development made me feel I knew them.
Waiting on a sequel!

[Super*BETA*Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know how sometimes you just need a light, funny read? Well this is the perfect book for that. I finished it in one sitting.

Elizabeth does an amazing job of describing everything. I know some reviews have mentioned there were too many details, but I liked being able to picture things so clearly in my mind. Personally, I thought there was a good balance.

I loved both main characters, even though there were moments I wanted to bash them over the head for not communicating properly...and especially Dec, for starting to date Brooke when he already had feelings for Marti, I mean what the heck, Dec???! (which is why it's such a great title for the book). However, my annoyance with the characters just goes to show my emotional involvement in the book, which is the sign of a great book.

Can't wait to read more from Elizabeth.

[Brenda · Rating 1 out of 5]

"What the Heck, Dec?!" is something I call a wallbanger. A wallbanger is a book that becomes so annoying you want to throw it against a wall. I don't encounter them often and I try to avoid them if possible. Kindles don't handle the impact of a wall as well as a paperback.

I grew to dislike Marti (the heroine) fairly early in the book. Her constantly poking, popping and perking nipples made me think "turkey's done!" Then came the womb squeezing and uterus clenching. She had these reactions to Declan's apple ass, pillowed lips and jazzy voice (whatever the hell that means!) whenever and where ever she encountered him - usually at the middle school at which they both work. It didn't matter if they were in the parking lot, gym, teacher's lounge or in the midst of a student crisis. Marti was such a shallow, horny juvenile that she flirted with Declan even while escorting a tearful student to his office. Declan was really no better than Marti.

Marti and Declan constantly referred to each other as Ms. Karnawski and Mr. Reed even after they were well acquainted. They used the terms to flirt, express annoyance and create distance. Mr. and Ms. Passive-Aggressive would have been more appropriate. Their relationship can be described as flirtation followed by cold shoulder.

I finished this book out of pure stubborn determination. At some point I hoped Marti would end up with one of Declan's brothers because I liked them more. Disappointment, you became my friend by the end of this book.

If you have kids in middle school, hopefully their teachers and counselors aren't hopeless horndogs using their work days trying to get into the other's pants.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marti did not expect to meet the schools hottie, social worker Declan while landing her first teaching position. There introduction was not exactly her coolest moment and Declan has that confident bad boy turned good charm in spades.

They just might be a perfect match but there always seems to be something or someone getting in the way like teachers, students, family or Declans penchant for dating gorgeous teachers who are not Marti.

Bookswagger Marcia: Five Crowns, major swagger a must read. I loved What the Heck, Dec?! It has everything I love about romance, it was funny and the supporting cast drew me in, what more can you ask for but a series. Marti has just graduated college so she is broke. She has just landed her dream job although while on her interview the hot guy Declan had to tell her she had food in her teeth! The two had great chemistry but they did not fall in love immediately although you know they wanted to, life or bull-headed Marti got in the way. Just like in real life, sometimes we block our own hunks with self-doubt or watch our friends do it. The book was funny and heartwarming you also have Declans equally hot Irish/Scottish brothers to enjoy.

[TMDGReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book and liked Marti right off the bat. Her off the cuff, say what ever is on your mind attitude is awesomely refreshing. The fact that she is a little awkward makes her human. I was definitely able to relate to her sarcastic wit and sense of humor. The settings and people are so well described you can picture them as if you are sitting amongst the characters while the story unfolds. The chemistry between Marti and Dec is explosive. He is portrayed very much the romance hunk that is required for a convincing male lead in an "Awwwww" inspiring love story. Even though the real sex scenes don't come in until toward the end of the book, the culmination of their need for eachother is palpable through each chapter. You can experience it, as though you are the heroine yourself.
I absolutely loved this book. I found myself tugged by the desire to ignore obligations, and even the call of my rumbling stomach when I had missed breakfast by several hours because I did not want to put it down, and picked it back up as quickly as I could thereafter. I look forward to future titles by this author.
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Maya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was frustrated with this book. The attention to detail was amazing (visual, auditory, olfactory). The author captures so much and has many great descriptions. But there was too much and it was repetitive, slowing down the action. For example, in ch 1 the main character describes herself - how tall she is, busty but thin because she can fit in kid clothes, her hair, her car, etc. Then in ch 5, Marti describes herself again, this time with an anecdote for each facial feature, her hair, her chest again, etc. It was overwhelming. The novel goes on this way - two steps forward in action, then three steps sideways to describe everything and either give an anecdote or analyze why the character had this quirk or performed that action. UGH.
I also felt there was a strong under current of self loathing which turns into humor at others expense. Very odd in a romance novel. Basically, the subtext ruined it for me. I found it tedious, sort of chick lit, but flat.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This could have been really cute. There WAS a lot of cute but it was drawn out for WAY too long. I swear I don't have reading ADHD or anything...I CAN focus on long stories as long as they're fun or original or so good that you're stuck on every word but when the same misunderstanding keeps happening over and over again...which could've been cleared up if one of the people would have just listened to the other person (OR some of the other people around them)...it gets old quick.

I really liked Declan though...and I enjoyed "meeting" his brothers. I'd like a book of the Reed boys' (and Bryn's!) exploits. That'd be fun.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Loved this romantic comedy. I was laughing hysterically out loud. I'm sure my two little boys thought their mommy was bonkers.

I especially loved the whole a**less/pancake thing. I seriously thought I would pee my pants.

Susan is a talented author. I look forward to reading more of her work.

[Laura Lee McKellips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The beginning did drag in places but it was okay. I want to just tell Marti to listen to Dec for once. Their conversations were pretty funny though and I really enjoyed her sister and his brothers and sister. Also this book is complete, no cliffhanger in sight which is a bonus.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, quick read. I needed something without a lot of angst and drama so this was a nice change.