Allie Zenet has nabbed a sparkly diamond ring and the handsome studio exec fiancé that goes with it. Unfortunately that package also includes a domineering future mother-in-law and serious wedding jitters. The thirty-two-year-old Los Angeles entertainment accountant would rather elope, but fiancé Brad seems incapable of saying “no” to mommy’s wedding demands. Allie wonders if anyone knows—or cares—that she is the one who’s getting married. Her closest friends are too engrossed in their own messy love lives to offer any guidance, and Allie’s mother’s views on marriage would make a strident feminist blush. The only one who seems interested in what Allie thinks is a good- looking acquaintance by the name of Jax Montgomery. But Jax’s attentions have Allie questioning just what it is she truly wants. Beth Orsoff’s hilarious and heartfelt romp Disengaged is all about getting to “I do” by saying “I won’t.”
I don't usually write reviews but felt I had to explain my rating. The reason I liked this book was the story went in directions I didn't expect, which is sometimes hard to find in a book like this. I didn't find it engrossing or well-developed enough to give it a 4 star, but I liked that it was different than I expected it to be. Oddly enough it reminded me of The Bachelorette Party- set in L.A., a little gritty, honest, unpredictable, and with a heroine you could both laugh at and sympathize with. I'd recommend this for a quick read that's not formulaic like other chick lit books.
**spoilers below**
Brad was such a jerk and it drove me crazy that it took Allie so long to see him for what he was. And I kept waiting for his nasty mother to 'get hers' and totally expected her to get in a vicious catfight with Allie's mom, which would have been great. The engagement party had the perfect set-up for it, but it was a letdown. I did love the ending- I've been to Kauai so I liked reading the little about their trip that was written about- I wish the author would have taken us through what happened on the trip but the outcome is explained in the epilogue.
This book got 3 stars because it was an entertaining lightweight read. I read it in basically 1 sitting without getting bored with it but other than that I'm pretty apathetic about it. Allie is likable even though she's almost painfully naive and the most indecisive character I've come across in awhile. Brad is a jerk and a total momma's boy. Sylvia is awful. Michael is to be honest kind of annoying. Jax is interesting and romantic. That's about all the character development there is with the exception of Allie's mother, Barbara, who changes a little bit from her basic stock character of hippy activist. There's nothing particularly memorable about this book. I finished it last night and am already struggling to remember parts of it.
i listened on audiobook while taking my morning hikes. in that way it really did the job. i didn't have to put all my attention on listening. i could still take in my surroundings and enjoy nature. this is a conventionally vapid relationship story, set in L.A. it includes a big ass diamond ring and the other man. it's got girlfriends and horrible mother in laws. and a very likable, quirky, eccentric mother. and a fabulous male best friend.
Posted on Romancing the Book's blog Reviewed by JoAnne Review Copy Provided by the Publisher
This was a book that was filled with conflict, angst, and lies but also romance, friendships and a couple of unexpected happily ever afters. From page one, Allie didn’t seem happy or comfortable with her life but kept trying to do what she thought everyone else wanted to keep the peace. Then there would be a blowup, the problem would get swept under the rug and ultimately ignored in order to get life back on an even keel. This was a recurring theme with a few breaths of fresh air thrown in – namely Allie’s best friend Michael or her new friend Jax.
There were parts of the story that were totally predictable and then the author would throw in some very unexpected twists and turns and show us what she was really capable of. Most of the book pertained to Allie’s and Brad’s engagement and wedding planning. When this wasn’t the center of attention there were greater stories to unfold. The ending was not at all what I expected but really gave nice closure to the story and the character’s lives. I have not read books by Orsoff before but will definitely look into reading others. I hope they have less angst and more love, commitment and romance.
Favorite Quote: …I was standing behind the plate glass window, trying to pry the short veil with rhinestones off the mannequin’s head without knocking over the display, when Jax walked by. He glanced in the window and I waved, but he didn’t break his stride. He’d almost reached the entrance to the book shop next door before he stopped and turned around. I waved again and motioned for him to join me inside the store…
Jax continued to gape without saying a word.
“Don’t you like it?” I loved it, but maybe I was the only one. Maybe it really looked horrible and Madeline had kept quiet so she wouldn’t lose the sale.
Finally, he broke his silence. “You’re gorgeous.”
And that was with my hair in a ponytail and no makeup! “I would’ve settled for a nice dress.”
“I honestly didn’t know it was possible for anyone to look that good with their clothes on.”
My review originally posted on Romancing-the-Book.com is below:
This was a book that was filled with conflict, angst, and lies but also romance, friendships and a couple of unexpected happily ever afters. From page one, Allie didn’t seem happy or comfortable with her life but kept trying to do what she thought everyone else wanted to keep the peace. Then there would be a blowup, the problem would get swept under the rug and ultimately ignored in order to get life back on an even keel. This was a recurring theme with a few breaths of fresh air thrown in – namely Allie’s best friend Michael or her new friend Jax.
There were parts of the story that were totally predictable and then the author would throw in some very unexpected twists and turns and show us what she was really capable of. Most of the book pertained to Allie’s and Brad’s engagement and wedding planning. When this wasn’t the center of attention there were greater stories to unfold. The ending was not at all what I expected but really gave nice closure to the story and the character’s lives. I have not read books by Orsoff before but will definitely look into reading others. I hope they have less angst and more love, commitment and romance.
Favorite Quote: …I was standing behind the plate glass window, trying to pry the short veil with rhinestones off the mannequin’s head without knocking over the display, when Jax walked by. He glanced in the window and I waved, but he didn’t break his stride. He’d almost reached the entrance to the book shop next door before he stopped and turned around. I waved again and motioned for him to join me inside the store…
Jax continued to gape without saying a word.
“Don’t you like it?” I loved it, but maybe I was the only one. Maybe it really looked horrible and Madeline had kept quiet so she wouldn’t lose the sale.
Finally, he broke his silence. “You’re gorgeous.”
And that was with my hair in a ponytail and no makeup! “I would’ve settled for a nice dress.”
“I honestly didn’t know it was possible for anyone to look that good with their clothes on.”
A little over a year ago, I read a wonderful book by this author called How I Learned to Love the Walrus, so when the author asked if I wanted to read her newest one, Disengaged, I immediately said yes. I fully realize it's not fair to compare the two books, but it's difficult not to. Both are chicklit with some funny parts and a little romance. But that's where the similarities kind of end. Again, it's not fair, but this book falls a little short of my expectations for this author. Walrus had an amazing location which Beth was able to turn into a character in and of itself. This one lacks that extra backdrop. It also kind of goes off the rails a bit towards the predictable end.
Having said that, the book itself is not bad. I enjoyed the storyline. While I didn't like Allie (the main character), I did like most of the supporting cast. The writing is absolutely wonderful, as you would expect and the editing is just as wonderful. I liked the love interest(s) and the humor and quirky nature of the storyline. I felt like the story was perhaps a little over the top at times, but not so much that I rolled my eyes the entire time.
Where this books does really shine is in plot development. The author has a gift to keep the story moving. Unlike so many other chicklit authors that seem to be writing to just simply fill their word quota, Orsoff writes to keep the storyline moving and keep my interest intact.
I'd recommend this for fans of the authors other books and those who enjoy a quirky chicklit book now and then.
As Allie's boyfriend of two years, Brad, proposes everything seems to be falling into place and going along as it should. So, why is she suddenly not so sure about Brad anymore. Weight is just falling off her, she is picking fights with Brad, and is just not comfortable in her skin at times. And she is only excited to do wedding planning sometimes, yet she is still finding herself turn into a bridezilla at times. Could be that he Future Mother in Law is all over the wedding details and not listening to Allie (the Brides) opinion. And why isn't Brad helping her stand up for herself and their wedding. It might be time for Allie to reassess and it might be just more than her relationship with Brad that needs consideration.
As someone who has recently planned a wedding I could relate to Allie at times and things she was dealing with. She has future in law influences on the wedding, friends and family who didn't agree with the relationship, and is trying to figure out what she wants and if she is losing herself. I liked how the character grew through out the plot. All of the male characters came off as extremes, to either sides of being perfect for her or not relatable to her at all. That worked in the plot and you were still able to relate to them like real people though.
Over all, I give this book four stars. The plot flows well. The main character is relatable and though it deals with a tough issue in a simple way, the conflict is seen and makes sense.
Disengaged is a good title for a story about getting engaged and the rocky journey that follows because of it.
It starts off with a proposal by Brad to Allie at a party held in honour of a soap star's Emmy Award (cue outrageous soap plot-lines that are so outlandish they could be real). Jax Montgomery applauds the pair believing they are actors new to the soap rehearsing their first scene but embarrassingly that is not the case. And thus the main characters are introduced.
The rest of the book follows Allie as she prepares for this wedding, although the interfering mother-in-law-to-be, who Allie has an icy relationship (leading to some humorous, barbed exchanges) takes over, much to Allie's dislike. It turns the wedding into a relationship-ruining affair and makes Allie reconsider her love for Brad.
And at the same time through the process Allie seems to be innocently meeting the Jax fellow from the opening scene ("And that's how I ended up on a second non-date with Jax Montgomery.")
Throughout much of the book I had a smile on my face. It is written in a light-hearted fashion but still has length. The humour never breaks up the story and the characters are defined, although maybe some a little one-dimensional (Brad possibly, and his dad who only seems to watch televised sport).
I enjoyed the book throughout, despite me being a man and it being aimed at women, and recommend it.
The definition of the chick-lit genre is broad enough that you're never sure exactly what you're going to get and, unlike the romance genre, you're never sure how it is going to end. My preference is for stories that feel realistic and, even more important, characters who make me laugh. The basic story of Disengaged is so real as to be a cliché - doesn't every person get cold feet at some point during their engagement? But how the story plays out is anything but clichéd.
The main character, Allie, is slightly uptight (what would you expect from an accountant?), yet very likeable. The other characters are idiosyncratic, from her co-workers, who provide a perfect foil for Allie, to her stuck-in-the-sixties Mom, whose example taught Allie what she didn't want to become. Throw in an ambitious, Mama's-boy fiancé with his control-freak mother, add a best friend, who happens to be a guy, and the story can't help but be funny.
Orsoff takes the story in some directions I'd never guessed. Each time I thought I saw where it was going, she would throw a curveball I didn't anticipate. I've read each of Orsoff's books, and this is the best yet.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
Reading this book took me back to a simpler place and time: the early 2000's. Back then, there were many chick lit books about Jewish or Interfaith weddings: "Clearing the Aisles" by Karen Schwartz, "Jack with a Twist", various books by Sarah Mlynowski. . .
Today, such books are rare, but it's nice to know that the genre isn't completely dead. Allie is a Jewish girl marrying a WASP guy whose mother doesn't quite approve of her. The future mother-in-law, Sylvia, is an extremely controlling person who wants to choose the date, venue, dress and the officiant. It' s not until she doesn't want to have a rabbi officiate that Allie finally gets mad and stands up for herself. Will she and her fiance Brad work it out? Or will she marry one of the other two men in love with her?
Yes, that's correct. Allie is torn between not one other but two other men, and she refers to herself as "ugly". Is this book realistic? Not really. Is it enjoyable? For the most part. It's not great literature and there's an odd plot twist at the end where a character comes out of nowhere--I can only think that this occurred because the author may have had a sequel in mind. That will remain to be seen, but this is a cute book with no heavy or depressing themes that is perfect to read on a plane or beach.
This is a light hearted bit of chic-lit and an enjoyable read. At the start of the book Allie's boyfriend Brad proposes and she finds her life is taken over by wedding plans. Being brought up by a hippy mother has shown her that what she wants from life is a safe and secure relationship which she feels she has found with Brad. This does make Allie come across as a very shallow person, she seems to only be with Brad because he has a good job, is reliable and they have great sex! Her mother and best friend don't like Brad and her future mother-in-law is determined to take over the wedding. As she begins to wonder if she is doing the right thing she decides to try to sort out her friends love lives but her meddling doesn't go to plan. Parts of this book are great but there are also some sections which seem to be a little unbelievable, the airport scene for one, and there is an awful lot of time choosing wedding dresses. Mainly the writing is good but could probably have done with a little more editing to improve the flow of the story. It is not difficult to see what the ending will be from early on in the book. This is a nice enough read but not the best I have read of this genre.
I loved this book. I liked the plot because a lot of unexpected things happened and I had to keep reading to see what would go on with Allie next. Allie and her co-workers, friends, and family were like people I know. I loved her best friend, Michael, abd thought it was cool that her best friend was a heterosexual guy (I've read a lot of chick lit books where there is always a stereo typical gay best friend and don't like the stereotype). He reminded me of some of my guy friends, and I enjoyed reading about his dating adventures. Luckily, I don't think I'm in love with any of my guy friends, like poor, mixed-up Allie. Some scenes in this book were hilarious, and I felt like I was right there with Allie when the cop found her. The cop was obnoxious, and I've run across a few of those types, too.
Allie's mother is funny and wonderful and her future mother-in-law kind of reminded me of Marie on "Everybody Loves Raymond." (And Brad reminded me of Raymond, always giving in to his mother).
Since I've never been to California, I enjoyed reading about it through the author's eyes.
This book is definitely a keeper, and I will probably re-read it.
I actually liked this book. There are times where you want to smack the main character upside the head and ask her what the hell is she thinking! Some of the characters were very annoying, but overall it was a pretty good book. I did however, feel as though that the ending was a little rushed.
Two years after a messy breakup and move to Los Angeles, entertainment accountant Allie Zenet has finally found happiness with her handsome fiancé, Brad, an ambitious studio exec. Brad offers stability, companionship, great sex — and a domineering mother hell-bent on planning the couple’s wedding.
While her friends are busy with their own chaotic love lives, Allie works through her pre-wedding jitters with good-looking acquaintance Jax Montgomery. And soon warm feelings give way to cold feet as Allie questions whether having that gorgeous, sparkling diamond on her finger is worth spending her future with Brad — and his mother.
Disengaged is all about getting to “I do” by saying “I won’t.”
I had trouble getting through this book... kept finding that I'd find some excuse not to be reading it. I think this is because I found the protagonist so unlikeable... shallow, self-obsessed, judgmental of the people around her, and altogether someone that I wouldn't care to spend time with in real life. The outcome described by the title takes its own sweet time arriving, and then it's a bit of a letdown (I'll admit, I was expecting her to walk in on Brad in flagrante delecto with Kristen Cummings).
The writing was engaging, and the glimpses of the work world surrounding the entertainment industry were fascinating. I just wish I could have experienced it through another character's eyes, I suppose.
The book wasn't bad. Just, well, like the others said, predictable. At least most of it. When Allie caught Brad, uh, well read it and see, I have to admit I was surprised by that. I shouldn't have been because it had actually been hinted at early on. That's why I'm rating it as high as I am. The one likable female (in my opinion) got very little mention.
On a different note, Ms. Orsoff, I have to ask; are you an ABC soaps fan? If you are, you'll know what clued me in. I have to admit, that part of the story was really amusing because I recognized certain things.
I'm not giving up on Ms. Orsoff just yet. I still have two other books. I just hope they had a little more intrigue.
Beth's blurb is a fantastic example of her writing style. It's easy going, realistic and very entertaining. I genuinely loved Allie and her best friends Claire and Michael. How do you know if it is true love or not, or if it is just a case of cold feet before the wedding?
Planning a wedding is very stressful, so it is easy to imagine the questions the bride may be having. I was very pleased that Allie did not turn into a `Bridezilla'; she very easily could have, given the circumstances she faced.
None of the humor in this story is so over-the-top as to not be believable, the story is character driven and the editing and formatting is flawless. I highly recommend any of Beth's books.
I am so glad that ended the way it did. The ending felt rushed though, but at the same time I am glad it ended that way.
This is the first book in awhile that I really felt very in touch with the main character, hell there was a point in my life the main character WAS me. That all being said I am glad that I have discovered Orsoff, I really enjoy every book she has written and I wish she would write some more, because I only have two books left that I have not read of hers.
Warning: The dude in this book is an asshole, and it is going to mess with you because for the most part, we have all dated or known a Brad.
This was a nice, quick read, but the ending seemed rushed to me. I saw the Allie/Jax relationship coming from a mile away, but when they finally got together it was presented more as a fait accompli than as something that had developed over time. They had a brief conversation when she got to Hawaii and then the next thing I knew, it was their wedding day. I understand that an entire year had passed off-page, but I think I would have rather seen them getting engaged a year later than already standing at the altar.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This may be more like 4 1/2 stars. My first Beth Orsoff book, I took a chance on it and was delightfully entertained. While I thought it was easy to predict the end, it didn't matter. I enjoyed myself immensely and isn't that the point? It's wonderful to be entertained and forget the frustrations of life. And I didn't expect the little twist just before the disengaged part so kudos to Beth for that and I thank her. As a writer myself I appreciate her easy style and look forward to another Beth Orsoff book.
a witty story of a couple who get engaged with the mother in law from hell, this book is about the trials of a couple planning a wedding and the groom is a mama's boy and his fiance go thru hell dealing with working and trying to plan their wedding her mom is no help and it's like the poor bride really grows as a person and the end will have you laughing, does this wedding happen you'll have to read it to find out, it's a must read you won't regret it, their are some twist and turns you won't expect.
Disengaged PG13 Language: suggestive phrases; 65< swears, including 16 FBombs Violence: none Sex: no details except consistent comments about mind-blowing sex or incredible orgasms, suggestive and vulgar phrases/language, a reference to a nipple massage, references to masturbating. Ick. The h is a fickle, immature, doormat. I could not even begin to root for her. I like chick lit, but this woman was a pathetic, sad and ridiculous mess and seemed happy to stay that way. Not my idea of a heroine.
I loved all of the characters in this book. Allie is an amazing person and I hate that she had to go threw what she did with Brad but she ended up with an amazing guy named Jax. When they were at the engagement party and Sylvia was mad at Barbra and she was accidentally hit in the face I could not stop laughing but she was such a witch with a b and I thought that she desirved it. I think that this is one of the best book that I have read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
All good books make the reader feel like they have known the characters forever. Beth Orsoff did exactly that in this book. I felt like Allie could have been me or at least a close relative. I laughed at Allie and felt all of her embarrassment too. The entire cast of characters seemed like normal people you would know in your life. one big difference between Allie and me, I would have dropped Brad like a bad habit!
I gave it 4 stars only because it isn't exactly "great literature," but was a very enjoyable read. I read when I should have been sleeping or being productive. Had a hard time putting it down. The story was interesting from the first paragraph, and just continued to get better. This was a great break from the more serious books I've been reading. Loved it.
I loved the characters, especially Clare and Michael. Every girl should have best friends like them. I laughed, got angry, laughed, rolled my eyes, and laughed again. Very entertaining. I was hooked just enough that I had to bribe myself to get things I needed to get done. I'd do a chore, then reward myself with an hour of reading. I got everything done that I needed to and finished the book.
Super cute book! Allie is 32 years old and is planning her wedding to Brad. You read about her struggles with balancing a career and wedding planning; dealing with a Mommy's boy for a fiancee and a controlling mother-in-law to be. Also, she may be falling for another man. This book was very well written and a very fun light read!
I would give this three and a half stars, but it's not an option. I wanted something light and fun...a chick flick, if you will. And it delivered well. It was fun, easy, fast reading, but also engaging and not too mushy. It was the perfect chick flick in book form. I'll read more of her books in the future.
cute, witty, quick read. a slight departure from my beloved chic lit genre because of how the story was laid out and because there was a twist that I wasn't expecting. that rarely happens to me in chic lit. I giggled, WTF'd and OMG'd just enough to stay interested. not profound or worthy of a bulk email to friends telling them they have to read it, but it was cute.
I got this book through Boobbub but I think it's also on Kindle Unlimited. It was funny, I laughed a lot. Toward the end I wasn't sure where the author was going. There were some unusual red herrings. Also, I didn't get into the chemistry of the distraction guy. I kinda felt as though the distraction guy was only a threat because her relationship wasn't very strong.