Plain Jayne

by Brea Brown

Jayne Greer wasn’t the looker or the comedienne in her family; she was the thinker and the writer. And ultimately, she was the survivor. When a deadly house fire claimed the lives of her parents and two sisters just hours after Jayne’s high school graduation, she was left virtually alone in the world. Writing down her personal tale of woe began as a therapeutic exercise in grieving, but the resulting book became her foray into the publishing world… and beyond.

Twelve years after the tragic fire, Jayne finds herself in Boston, thousands of miles from home and completely out of her element. With only her quirky friend, Gus, and ill-tempered editor, Lucas, as company, Jayne’s continual missteps have her ready to scrap her dream and run back to Indianapolis. Lucas demands she do things to her book that she's not willing to do. And even if she were, she's starting to wonder if she'd be able, considering she's in the midst of the worst case of writer's block she's ever experienced. A writer’s retreat to Marblehead is her last hope. But it could wind up costing her the only control she has left in her life.

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Ebooks, Contemporary

277 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 14, 2012

Reviews

[Raven · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was nice change from the Secret Keeper series. The only character I found a bit much was her gay friend. As the mother of a gay son I am always confounded as to why gay men in both movies and books are depicted as over the top divas. My son and his friends are very down to earth and are not diva like at all.

However, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

[Lucinda]

I have read all of the author's previous books and this new one didn't disappoint. Her writing style is light, entertaining and engaging. The 1st chapter pulls you in and the heroine's personal tragedy gives you the reason for all her choices, brings you closer to understanding them. The subject of publishing was very interesting to read about. The hero is passionate but almost a bit too volatile.

[Possible spoilers ahead- read at your own risk]
Since 'Daydreamer' is one of favorite novels, I was unable to stop the comparison between Libby/Jude and Jayne/Luke. I felt that the relationship between Jayne and Luke was a bit underdeveloped when thinking of Libby/Jude- I get Jayne's reasons for falling for Luke but his almost fall flat (we mainly learn of them through Gus and Blanche) and I would have preferred more interaction between them. Jayne and Luke's chemistry is not as intense (and I'm not talking about the sex or lack thereof- you can have GREAT chemistry without explicit sex scenes), and the gap in the relationship when they are apart makes it a bit harder to accept the way it progresses. I did like very much the way they meet- the tempestuous beginning just cements the attraction they are bound to feel for each other.
There is one thing I wish would have been better explained- the issue of Luke's resentment towards being assigned as Jayne's editor. Tullah hints to it, even Luke himself talks about it to Jayne, but the reason for it never comes (or maybe I missed it in my hasty reading?). Maybe I'm over analyzing it.

All in all, 'Plain Jayne' is a delightful read that I highly recommend, especially to Brea Brown's fans. And I loved the cover too, very professional and appropriate to the book!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it's a writer's biggest fear after publishing that first novel...Can I do it again or is that it?

Jayne has based her first novel on the horrific fire which burned down her home and killed her parents and sisters while she was at a high school post-graduation party. Since she doesn't want anyone's sympathy about her past, she writes the book as a work of fiction and doesn't tell anyone how real the characters are for her. While she thought writing the book over the past five years, her real work begins when she meets her editor. It seems he isn't as impressed with her novel as her friends have been when they read it.

As Jayne's work evolves into a publishable book, the reader finds her evolving also. How she handles her secret, her new relationships and the challenge of a new book makes for a very enjoyable read.

I recommend this book for those who want to get a peek into the publishing world and into the mind of a new author.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun read for me. Immediately I liked Jayne, and as someone who has always dreamed about writing books, I enjoyed her journey. Luke was a pleasant surprise. Sure, he's short tempered, and can be a bully when he's trying to get her to edit her work, but I loved the little surprising details about him. He's clumsy, a little shy, and knows how to push her buttons.

One thing I really enjoyed? It doesn't end where you expect, but instead you get to see several chapters of their current situation. As someone who always feels like epilogues are too short, I was thrilled that this wasn't even an epilogue, but still part of the story.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. Not my usual choice but came across it on Pixel of Ink and thought I would try it. I am glad I did. The story is indirectly about a girl that lost her family in a fire. The main story line is about how she writes a book, gets it published, has a crazy, goofy friend that keeps her going, falls in love and finally in some way excepts what her past dished out to her. Although, sad is some ways, this book will make you chuckle just when you aren't expecting it. A nice quick read. Definitely worth the time. (one negative: the Kindle edition does not have a table on contents. May seem petty, but I like having a table of contents!)

[Purple · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story with very likable main characters. I also liked the writing style and the flow of the story. There was definitely need of more relationship development. The characters were nicely shaped and had interesting backgrounds. Knowing the situations they had to go throughout their life (especially Jayne!!) I just couldn't settle with how the author rushed with the scenes to finish the book.
Nonetheless the story is enjoyable and I'm sure I'll re-read it sometime.

[Whitebeard Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an extremely well written and sweet story that takes the reader from one extreme to another and hooks the beginning and the end so totally that it's a pleasure to read. Don't worry about learning any earth shattering lessons, just relax and let it take you on a pleasing journey with all kinds of folks, each one developed just enough to make them real. Good work Brea Brown!

[Kelsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that the characters were so human--deeply flawed and emotional and breathtakingly vulnerable. The plot is more of an emotional journey, but there was still plenty of suspense to keep me from setting it down. Despite some foul language, I'd recommend it.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really really liked it. I wasn't sure at first, but the more I read the more I couldn't put it down. I loved the fact that the main characters were not "all about me". They were so human and down to earth...well done! My first read by this author, will not be my last!

[Rich-and · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can not get enough of Jayne and Lucas! Very engaging and fun read! Well done Brea Brown, Well done!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an easy read that had me laughing out loud at parts (mainly at her friend Gus.) I found Jayne to be really frustrating at times, but overall I liked it.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

bonus star for having a character that has a Paleo blog

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read. Enjoyed the characters.

[Tiffany Wiechman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always...great job! The characters were so well written! Finished this book in less than 24 hours, and I loved it!

[Chineka Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plain Jayne was a great book with unforgettable characters and real life circumstances. Brea Brown makes you wish the there was a part 2.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book. I liked the characters and it was free on Kindle.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light and enjoyable

3-1/2 ⭐️I liked this book. But, I kept waiting for it to dig a little deeper. It would feel like it was getting to a big moment and then just kept skimming the surface. The characters were likable and fun, which really saved the book for me.

[Beth Peninger · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got almost halfway through this book before I decided to abandon it. It wasn't good. I'm perplexed by the favorable reviews because in my opinion it was slow, clunky, and lacking in development. It's about a new novelist trying to get her first book published. And it caused me to wonder how the actual book got published. The novelist in the book writes her first "fiction" book about the deaths of her family members (therefore making it non-fiction) but doesn't want her editor to know it's actually a true story. She is an awkward character and Brown didn't convince me that her character's book would have ever been considered by a publishing house much less a movie option as the agent claims. I finally gave up because I was so bored and I've got better titles to spend my time reading.

[Megs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. At first I thought it was just written to see how many times one could squeeze the F word in a book, but it got better. It starts off as one kind of story, becomes the modern version of Jane Eyre, and then changes into something else completely. I enjoyed the last 2/3 of the book tons more than the beginning, but it ended rather abruptly for me. I'm a little confused and not sure whether I really liked it or not.

[Amber Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out with a fairly good plot line. The setting is a young woman struggling to get her book published. The book is supposed to be fiction but is really more of an autobiography. This book could have been good, but it just rambled on and on. I felt like it was a rather short story that just kept dragging on.

[Glenda · Rating 1 out of 5]

did not like it! tOO much profanity..not very interesting.

[Darinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light and easy read.

[Ginny · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't want to waste my time finishing this book. The subject matter (the problems the author has getting her book published) could be interesting, but Brown comes across boring and lack-luster.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how down to earth the characters are. So many ways you can relate to them. Just loved this book! Thanks for a great read and I can't wait to read your next books!