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The Adventures of Anabel Axelrod #1
A Date with Fate
Meet Anabel Axelrod. She’s twenty eight, owns a bookstore, and is one determined, control freak of a woman. She’s decided to take the entire weekend off to have some fun. Except Anabel’s unapologetically single and perfectly uncomplicated life is suddenly upside down with problems!
The cheating love of her life is back in town.
Her family is meddling in her personal business.
An adulterous wife of a good friend has gone missing.
She’s been targeted for death by a homicidal serial rapist.
An evil aunt has gone fanatic.
Her sociopathic cousin has stolen her gun.
The macho police chief is driving her nuts.
And one not-too-tall, deliciously dark, and definitely not handsome stranger is enticing her to break all her ironclad rules on dating in the most intriguing of ways.
Strange things are happening in Northfield, Minnesota. But Anabel’s never met the challenge she won’t stare in the eye while daintily spitting sideways in the dirt. Will Anabel begin to believe that life is never simple, some rules are meant to be broken, and a certain mesmerizing complication may be worth the trouble--even if it kills her?
(Adult Content)
The cheating love of her life is back in town.
Her family is meddling in her personal business.
An adulterous wife of a good friend has gone missing.
She’s been targeted for death by a homicidal serial rapist.
An evil aunt has gone fanatic.
Her sociopathic cousin has stolen her gun.
The macho police chief is driving her nuts.
And one not-too-tall, deliciously dark, and definitely not handsome stranger is enticing her to break all her ironclad rules on dating in the most intriguing of ways.
Strange things are happening in Northfield, Minnesota. But Anabel’s never met the challenge she won’t stare in the eye while daintily spitting sideways in the dirt. Will Anabel begin to believe that life is never simple, some rules are meant to be broken, and a certain mesmerizing complication may be worth the trouble--even if it kills her?
(Adult Content)
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2012
784 people are currently reading
2706 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Ellen
25 books326 followersI was born in Indiana to middle-class parents, the third out of five hellions. I've lived in the Midwest my whole life--in a small town, on a farm, and in the big city. Currently, I live in the suburbs of St Paul, Minnesota. I love writing romance with a twist. I love connecting with readers, too. Comments, posts, emails, and reviews are always welcome. Sign up for my monthly newsletter and also join my street team, Opinion Minions if you love reading and reviewing. I give my members exclusive treats... www.tracyellenink.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
May 29, 2021
This was one of the worst books I read this year, no let me rephrase, this was one of the worst book I have ever read.
I'm not sure what the author was thinking when writing this book and especially when Anabel is getting raped. Oh! let me rephrase again, Anabel had this fantasy that she wants to get raped and ropes in her boyfriend to fulfill this fantasy of hers who by the way isn't revealed as her boyfriend until after this very elaborated rape scene. A big NO.
I wish I didn't finish this book entirely but I read all these great reviews that said that it's a fantastic read so I kept on reading but I wish I hadn't. I will not be continuing with the series either.
I wish I could give this a negative rating but obviously that's not possible here.
I'm not sure what the author was thinking when writing this book and especially when Anabel is getting raped. Oh! let me rephrase again, Anabel had this fantasy that she wants to get raped and ropes in her boyfriend to fulfill this fantasy of hers who by the way isn't revealed as her boyfriend until after this very elaborated rape scene. A big NO.
I wish I didn't finish this book entirely but I read all these great reviews that said that it's a fantastic read so I kept on reading but I wish I hadn't. I will not be continuing with the series either.
I wish I could give this a negative rating but obviously that's not possible here.
April 18, 2013
Talk about long-winded. I liked this book... the story, the characters, the antics. But... I caught myself skipping and skimming more in this book than any other. I am not against long books. But, with all of the back story, flashbacks and pointless dialogue, I kind of went insane.
Its like you know something is going to happen downstairs in her shop, but it takes 30 pages to get her down the stairs. So you have to read all of the pointless descriptions and inner dialogues just to find out what is happening.
To have long annoying dialogue about how some creative furniture is made and then find out she was just joking. What?
And a few pages of a brother and sister talking about guns and how they are not cute. I don't need that.
So basically, yes, I did like the book, but only because I learned (half way through it) to skip and skim.
And...yes... I am going to read the second, because I have to have closure of the story, darn it.
Its like you know something is going to happen downstairs in her shop, but it takes 30 pages to get her down the stairs. So you have to read all of the pointless descriptions and inner dialogues just to find out what is happening.
To have long annoying dialogue about how some creative furniture is made and then find out she was just joking. What?
And a few pages of a brother and sister talking about guns and how they are not cute. I don't need that.
So basically, yes, I did like the book, but only because I learned (half way through it) to skip and skim.
And...yes... I am going to read the second, because I have to have closure of the story, darn it.
July 22, 2016
I chuck up the sponge!
I.don´t.have.time.for.this!
I started reading this book about a month or so ago and took a break after some pages into the second chapter.
The story begins rather suspenseful:
Anabel lives alone in a building which houses her bookstore and one night she hears suspicious sounds from downstairs. Somebody is about to break into her building...The stranger is creeping up her stairs...
Okay, I really thought she was about to be raped or something. But it did not appal me in a way that I was considering to stop reading at this point. Because this things can happen in real life, right?
I was appalled that it took 25!!! pages and a blow-by-blow account of every movement and sound from both characters to describe this scene, which in the end wasn´t a rape scene but
Seriously?
Every single movement, every single sound Anabel and her assaulter made was described in full detail!
I felt like somebody was describing a slow motion scene from the MATRIX movie...
Then I reached the second chapter and had to find out that this 29 year-old girl is quite the chatter-box.
Prattle, prattle, prattle and then some...
Time to take a break!
On a whim I decided to continue with the story yesterday, since I wasn´t in the mood to start with a new book.
But even this second attempt was not crowned with success. :(
I am no longer willing to waste my time to find out how exactly Anabel met her boyfriend. Every time she began to elaborate, she got sidetracked: I had to read about her rules regarding relationships, her life at the bookstore, her grandmother, her parents, her brother and his house plans, about the man she grew up with after her parents died...blah, blah, blah, yada, yada, yada.
Sorry, Anabel!
I won´t stick around any longer! Too much info-dump for my taste.
You have to tell how you met Luke to somebody else...
I have better books to read!
I.don´t.have.time.for.this!
I started reading this book about a month or so ago and took a break after some pages into the second chapter.
The story begins rather suspenseful:
Anabel lives alone in a building which houses her bookstore and one night she hears suspicious sounds from downstairs. Somebody is about to break into her building...The stranger is creeping up her stairs...
Okay, I really thought she was about to be raped or something. But it did not appal me in a way that I was considering to stop reading at this point. Because this things can happen in real life, right?
I was appalled that it took 25!!! pages and a blow-by-blow account of every movement and sound from both characters to describe this scene, which in the end wasn´t a rape scene but
Seriously?
Every single movement, every single sound Anabel and her assaulter made was described in full detail!
I felt like somebody was describing a slow motion scene from the MATRIX movie...
Then I reached the second chapter and had to find out that this 29 year-old girl is quite the chatter-box.
Prattle, prattle, prattle and then some...
Time to take a break!
On a whim I decided to continue with the story yesterday, since I wasn´t in the mood to start with a new book.
But even this second attempt was not crowned with success. :(
I am no longer willing to waste my time to find out how exactly Anabel met her boyfriend. Every time she began to elaborate, she got sidetracked: I had to read about her rules regarding relationships, her life at the bookstore, her grandmother, her parents, her brother and his house plans, about the man she grew up with after her parents died...blah, blah, blah, yada, yada, yada.
Sorry, Anabel!
I won´t stick around any longer! Too much info-dump for my taste.
You have to tell how you met Luke to somebody else...
I have better books to read!
December 7, 2014
DNF 45%
1.25 stars
I know. I shouldn't be reviewing a book I didn't finish but I. Just. Couldn't.
Seriously. I'd have probably fallen asleep. You have like half a page of dialogue and then ten pages with absolutely NONE. I thought that it would get better as the book progressed. It DIDN'T. I mean the writing itself wasn't entirely stupid or anything but I just got tired of reading descriptions of places and past occurrences.
And honestly, I didn't much like what I'd read of the plot. Sure, I didn't finish the book but I read nearly half of it and it just wasn't moving anywhere; ti wasn't getting better.
I'm a firm believer of cutting my losses if I find out something isn't working. And this book WASN'T WORKING. The only good part is that I just wasted my time and not my money because I got it for free thanks to BookBub notifying me that it was on sale.
If I could go back and tell myself never to pick this book up, I would. Make of that what you will.
1.25 stars
I know. I shouldn't be reviewing a book I didn't finish but I. Just. Couldn't.
Seriously. I'd have probably fallen asleep. You have like half a page of dialogue and then ten pages with absolutely NONE. I thought that it would get better as the book progressed. It DIDN'T. I mean the writing itself wasn't entirely stupid or anything but I just got tired of reading descriptions of places and past occurrences.
And honestly, I didn't much like what I'd read of the plot. Sure, I didn't finish the book but I read nearly half of it and it just wasn't moving anywhere; ti wasn't getting better.
I'm a firm believer of cutting my losses if I find out something isn't working. And this book WASN'T WORKING. The only good part is that I just wasted my time and not my money because I got it for free thanks to BookBub notifying me that it was on sale.
If I could go back and tell myself never to pick this book up, I would. Make of that what you will.
August 21, 2015
I don't think I have ever read a book filled with more unnecessary details than this. We had to read about the life story of every single person the main character has ever met in her entire life. The actual mystery/story line took up about 10% of the book. The remaining 90% was a futile exercise in "so and so begat such and such, who begat this dude, who I knew in 3rd grade and his mom knew so and so, who's related to such and such...etc, ad nauseum".
All I wanted to know was who killed Cheryl. In the end, that answer was barely glossed over.
What a mess.
All I wanted to know was who killed Cheryl. In the end, that answer was barely glossed over.
What a mess.
February 6, 2013
rating: 4-4.25--NO! it didn't just end that way--stars
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A Date with Fate (The Adventures of Anabel Axelrod) is filled with sass and sarcasm from Anabel. You will laugh throughout the book. Anabel has a smart-ass comment for just about everything. Her inner monologue had me giggling to myself.
Anabel is a 28 year old book store owner that has sass, rules, and an inner circle of family and friends that she will fiercely protect and in return they do the same. The story takes place over a weekend and the start of this book will have you a bit twisted in knots.
As you follow Anabel throughout her weekend you will be introduced to her friends, family and her current man. Luke. Luke is a hot hunk of a man that has a mysterious job that in her mind entails some undercover/high-tech/ ninja/Rambo shit. They don't ever really talk about his occupation or any real personal details of his life but that's because she doesn't really want him asking those types of probing questions either. She regards her privacy in the highest regards and doesn't share--except of course with her BFF Anna and even then she leaves out a few details from time to time.
Anabel normally lives a regular life but this weekend it seems that everything went to hell in a hand basket! Her friends seem to have other plans for Anabel and she seems to get sucked into things and then it all snowballs and gets hugely out of control and she finds herself in predicaments that a normal women would cower in the corner while drinking herself into oblivion. Not Anabel! She takes everything thrown her way head on and doesn't really think about the repercussions or consequences to her actions.
Favorite quotes and/or excerpts from the book:
"My female parts didn't give a rip if the man could add two plus two, spell the word dog, or even get a basic knock-knock joke."
"Shooting the nail precisely into your brother's thigh? That had to take a cold, calculated aim. I believe there was the added bonus of an infection. Is that correct?" I airily waved him off. "Yes, that's correct, but enough with the compliments. You'll make me blush."
"Look, Luke, if I break my rule about being picked up can you promise not to dismember me on the first date or worse yet, bore me?"
"I'm rubbing oil on my buttocks. Gots some ground to cover, but I'll be done in a minute."
"I whispered, "Don't let me drive home." He whispered back, "We walked."
(by Tracy Ellen)
If I had on compliant it would be that the story was a bit slow in a couple of spots. The character is a hoot but sometimes some of the background information given to explain the other characters in Anabel's life made the story a bit slow. This would not deter me from recommending this book. I enjoyed the read and thought that Anabel and Luke's relationship was a good mix of hot, adventurous, and sweet. Luke really cares for Anabel and despite all her rules about men and relationships she seems to really care about him and maybe is even willing to break a few of her rules. I love their banter and I love that he goes and does what he feels is best for her even if she wants to be all independent.
There are several twists and turns and WTF moments in this book. The biggest moment for me occurred at the ending where I just couldn't believe it ended the way it did and I had to confirm this by going back and re-reading the chapter because I just couldn't believe there wasn't another page to end my suspense. I will definitely be reading the next installment of The Adventures of Anabel Axelrod--Courted by Karma (Volume II). I believe it has a spring release date but don't quote me on it. Go get it and have a good laugh and give Luke a little lovin'!
www.thebookenthusiast.net
www.facebook.com/thebookenthusiast
A Date with Fate (The Adventures of Anabel Axelrod) is filled with sass and sarcasm from Anabel. You will laugh throughout the book. Anabel has a smart-ass comment for just about everything. Her inner monologue had me giggling to myself.
Anabel is a 28 year old book store owner that has sass, rules, and an inner circle of family and friends that she will fiercely protect and in return they do the same. The story takes place over a weekend and the start of this book will have you a bit twisted in knots.
As you follow Anabel throughout her weekend you will be introduced to her friends, family and her current man. Luke. Luke is a hot hunk of a man that has a mysterious job that in her mind entails some undercover/high-tech/ ninja/Rambo shit. They don't ever really talk about his occupation or any real personal details of his life but that's because she doesn't really want him asking those types of probing questions either. She regards her privacy in the highest regards and doesn't share--except of course with her BFF Anna and even then she leaves out a few details from time to time.
Anabel normally lives a regular life but this weekend it seems that everything went to hell in a hand basket! Her friends seem to have other plans for Anabel and she seems to get sucked into things and then it all snowballs and gets hugely out of control and she finds herself in predicaments that a normal women would cower in the corner while drinking herself into oblivion. Not Anabel! She takes everything thrown her way head on and doesn't really think about the repercussions or consequences to her actions.
Favorite quotes and/or excerpts from the book:
"My female parts didn't give a rip if the man could add two plus two, spell the word dog, or even get a basic knock-knock joke."
"Shooting the nail precisely into your brother's thigh? That had to take a cold, calculated aim. I believe there was the added bonus of an infection. Is that correct?" I airily waved him off. "Yes, that's correct, but enough with the compliments. You'll make me blush."
"Look, Luke, if I break my rule about being picked up can you promise not to dismember me on the first date or worse yet, bore me?"
"I'm rubbing oil on my buttocks. Gots some ground to cover, but I'll be done in a minute."
"I whispered, "Don't let me drive home." He whispered back, "We walked."
(by Tracy Ellen)
If I had on compliant it would be that the story was a bit slow in a couple of spots. The character is a hoot but sometimes some of the background information given to explain the other characters in Anabel's life made the story a bit slow. This would not deter me from recommending this book. I enjoyed the read and thought that Anabel and Luke's relationship was a good mix of hot, adventurous, and sweet. Luke really cares for Anabel and despite all her rules about men and relationships she seems to really care about him and maybe is even willing to break a few of her rules. I love their banter and I love that he goes and does what he feels is best for her even if she wants to be all independent.
There are several twists and turns and WTF moments in this book. The biggest moment for me occurred at the ending where I just couldn't believe it ended the way it did and I had to confirm this by going back and re-reading the chapter because I just couldn't believe there wasn't another page to end my suspense. I will definitely be reading the next installment of The Adventures of Anabel Axelrod--Courted by Karma (Volume II). I believe it has a spring release date but don't quote me on it. Go get it and have a good laugh and give Luke a little lovin'!
May 27, 2019
I started reading this book and hated it - for the first few pages. I kept reading and not only did it get a whole lot better, but by 2/3 of the way through, I couldn't stop turning the pages to see what was going to happen. It isn't just a steamy romance; there is a mystery weaving through it that keeps you wanting to find out who the killer is (and it WILL surprise you!) and what happens to all the characters. By the end, I was very satisfied with this book and happy that I read it.
March 30, 2017
This book is the perfect combination of humor, drama, and "romance" one could experience! It is thoroughly enjoyable. It is full of light-humor, sarcastic characters, and an explosive romance. There are many twists and turns, the book is a page turner from beginning to end! And the cliffhanger at the end..... well I cannot wait to read the follow-up!
My Amazon Review....
“You can never tell what life may bring. Anticipation of the unknown is half the fun of living. The other half is doing it.”
Enter Miss Anabel Axelrod! Wow what a character! Sassy, confident, smart, sarcastic, successful….. And she is falling hard for on Luke Drake! And she refuses to allow herself to succumb to that realization.
Following her in the long list of characters, besides her and Luke, include (but not limited to) her sisters, her cousin, her old best friend from high school, her current co-workers and best friend…. So many characters one cannot name ALL of them. What fun would that be? And man this book is fun! The majority of the characters share a big spotlight with Anabel, and as they should!
This book is full of twists, turns, surprises, love, sarcasm, mayhem…. There is so much going on; one cannot wait to see how the story plays out. And believe me, it all ties together. At some points, you will question the relevance of some parts, trust me, the entire book is relevant!
I refuse to give away too much of the mini-plots that lead to the main plot that break off to more mini plots because I am afraid of being a spoiler!
Trust me when I say, you would be a fool to not read this entire book from start to finish…. There is action, love, seduction, a little violence here and there; did I mention sarcasm? I know that is my favorite component. Nothing like a chuckle here, a gasp there, a laugh here….What I am trying to say is, READ THE DARN BOOK, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
“I wanted to beg him to go steady, or be my valentine, or take me to a homecoming dance somewhere—I was crushing like an innocent schoolgirl that hard, that fast. It was nauseating, confusing, mesmerizing, and not to be tolerated.”
My Amazon Review....
“You can never tell what life may bring. Anticipation of the unknown is half the fun of living. The other half is doing it.”
Enter Miss Anabel Axelrod! Wow what a character! Sassy, confident, smart, sarcastic, successful….. And she is falling hard for on Luke Drake! And she refuses to allow herself to succumb to that realization.
Following her in the long list of characters, besides her and Luke, include (but not limited to) her sisters, her cousin, her old best friend from high school, her current co-workers and best friend…. So many characters one cannot name ALL of them. What fun would that be? And man this book is fun! The majority of the characters share a big spotlight with Anabel, and as they should!
This book is full of twists, turns, surprises, love, sarcasm, mayhem…. There is so much going on; one cannot wait to see how the story plays out. And believe me, it all ties together. At some points, you will question the relevance of some parts, trust me, the entire book is relevant!
I refuse to give away too much of the mini-plots that lead to the main plot that break off to more mini plots because I am afraid of being a spoiler!
Trust me when I say, you would be a fool to not read this entire book from start to finish…. There is action, love, seduction, a little violence here and there; did I mention sarcasm? I know that is my favorite component. Nothing like a chuckle here, a gasp there, a laugh here….What I am trying to say is, READ THE DARN BOOK, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
“I wanted to beg him to go steady, or be my valentine, or take me to a homecoming dance somewhere—I was crushing like an innocent schoolgirl that hard, that fast. It was nauseating, confusing, mesmerizing, and not to be tolerated.”
December 18, 2012
I vlogged about this book cause I adore it so! http://thebooktart.com/book-review/th...
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book, with a mad crazy passion. Tracy's storytelling made me giggle like a loon throughout the madcap adventures. The heroine, Anabel calls herself a magnet for trouble and that's the truth. So many misadventures were packed into a few days and it made for a rollercoaser read. I just held on for the ride and went with it.
I adore Anabel's voice. I connected with her way of viewing the world and I loved the secondary characters in her town and the potential for love interest, Luke? if she decides she doesn't want to see where that goes? I want him! lol
I can't wait for more and I so highly recommend this if you are open to a book with snark, humor, danger, BFFs, murder, mayhem, hot sex, books,car chases and cruellers!
Do not start reading this expecting a traditional romance or HEA. That's not Anabel's story. A Date With Fate is just delightful chapter in Anabel's life and I need more. I know I will pick up this book and reread when I need a break. This book makes me happy.
(((hugs))) Kat
The Queen of Tarts
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review and I'm so so glad it was!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book, with a mad crazy passion. Tracy's storytelling made me giggle like a loon throughout the madcap adventures. The heroine, Anabel calls herself a magnet for trouble and that's the truth. So many misadventures were packed into a few days and it made for a rollercoaser read. I just held on for the ride and went with it.
I adore Anabel's voice. I connected with her way of viewing the world and I loved the secondary characters in her town and the potential for love interest, Luke? if she decides she doesn't want to see where that goes? I want him! lol
I can't wait for more and I so highly recommend this if you are open to a book with snark, humor, danger, BFFs, murder, mayhem, hot sex, books,car chases and cruellers!
Do not start reading this expecting a traditional romance or HEA. That's not Anabel's story. A Date With Fate is just delightful chapter in Anabel's life and I need more. I know I will pick up this book and reread when I need a break. This book makes me happy.
(((hugs))) Kat
The Queen of Tarts
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review and I'm so so glad it was!
October 28, 2012
Great read! A new author I'm going to keep an eye for. Highly recommend if you enjoy laughing hard, action,suspense, and HOT HOT romance. Cannot wait for next book in this series!
April 28, 2014
Here's my issue with this book: Anabel's inner dialogue. She goes on and on and on and on some more about absolutely NOTHING! I admit she was funny in a quirky/weirdo sort of way but man I wanted her to shut the f*ck up just for a few pages. I'm sorry but her thoughts and monologues were just all over the place. Don't get me started on the reminiscing...really! Every other page she was reminiscing about an event or date and that memory would lead to yet another memory, for crying out loud woman, give me a break and stay in the present, unless the memory has something to do with what's currently happening! But she tends to go off in her mind and we get stuck reading like ten pages of basically crap, just her spouting off so damn much that I always forgot what the original conversation was about!
What I would like to add, some people had a problem with the beginning of the book and the fake "intent to rape/dominate" scene between Anabel and her guy. While it was in poor taste to start the book in such a way, as it misleads the reader, I don't see anything wrong with the scene itself. They weren't making fun or light of rape, they were acting out a fantasy, a fantasy to dominate, many consenting adults do it. Its about foreplay not violence. Don't be prudes, its just sex people!
With all of that being said this book could have been GREAT if it wasn't for the above mentioned problems that took up over 300 pgs. When the book began to get really good and interesting, there were only less than 100 pgs left so this author added way too much insignificant details just to fatten up these pages. I feel all the characters were really unique and interesting with some mystery added to the mix. I loved the independence of all the women despite what the men said or did. Lots of potential, too much fluff...
FYI: For those of you who claimed to like the book except for the explicit sex scenes, please read the synopsis before purchasing or downloading free books as it clearly states this series contains sexual encounters and language suitable for adults only, that means two things: SEX N CUSSING....duh...(Oh and this book does end on a major cliffhanger so be prepared to buy the rest of the series...I'm still debating...)
What I would like to add, some people had a problem with the beginning of the book and the fake "intent to rape/dominate" scene between Anabel and her guy. While it was in poor taste to start the book in such a way, as it misleads the reader, I don't see anything wrong with the scene itself. They weren't making fun or light of rape, they were acting out a fantasy, a fantasy to dominate, many consenting adults do it. Its about foreplay not violence. Don't be prudes, its just sex people!
With all of that being said this book could have been GREAT if it wasn't for the above mentioned problems that took up over 300 pgs. When the book began to get really good and interesting, there were only less than 100 pgs left so this author added way too much insignificant details just to fatten up these pages. I feel all the characters were really unique and interesting with some mystery added to the mix. I loved the independence of all the women despite what the men said or did. Lots of potential, too much fluff...
FYI: For those of you who claimed to like the book except for the explicit sex scenes, please read the synopsis before purchasing or downloading free books as it clearly states this series contains sexual encounters and language suitable for adults only, that means two things: SEX N CUSSING....duh...(Oh and this book does end on a major cliffhanger so be prepared to buy the rest of the series...I'm still debating...)
March 26, 2017
The story in A Date with Fate about the adventures of Anabel Axelrod also known to her friends and family as Junior is hilariously funny. Bel, another nick name tells of her adventuresome weekend and life previously through flashbacks that leaf me giggling as I read. She single-handedly takes on a wife beater in the act of a beating, Next she helps keeps her head when a crazy man is trying to kill her friends and family in a high-speed chase. The next morning the same man evades a police search and attacks her and her brother in her home to meet his maker at their hands. Later that day she finds out that date rape drugs can be used on guys too and was on her once upon a time boyfriend to explain his betrayal with her cousin. Her friend's wife's body is found and at a family dinner the killer confesses and dies of a heart attack. Those are the more normal parts of her weekend that started when her apartment was broken into.
The best part of the story is the thought process of Anabel and the dialog between her an all the other characters in her circle of friends and family. The small town of Northfield, Minnesota offers a wide variety of colorful locals to make the stories of Anabel Axelrod interesting and a laugh a minute. Humor, romance, suspense and good family fun make for a great story and I look forward to more adventures of Anabel Axelrod in the future, although I am not a fan of cliffhangers or series stories.
The best part of the story is the thought process of Anabel and the dialog between her an all the other characters in her circle of friends and family. The small town of Northfield, Minnesota offers a wide variety of colorful locals to make the stories of Anabel Axelrod interesting and a laugh a minute. Humor, romance, suspense and good family fun make for a great story and I look forward to more adventures of Anabel Axelrod in the future, although I am not a fan of cliffhangers or series stories.
August 8, 2015
Finally finished the worst book I've ever read in my life. Seriously. Started out with the most effed up chapter I've read in my life, then DRAGGED ON INCESSANTLY for 225 pages before I was even remotely interested in what was going on. You couldn't get through a paragraph before she'd go off on 18 different tangents and tell you all this crap that was nonsensical and pointless to the plot. I wouldn't be able to stand this person in real life, much less in a book. I had to force myself to finish it and that's happened maybe a handful of times in my life. I will not be reading this author's work any time soon. I know there's more to the series but I just don't think I could handle more of the writing. Possibly if it was a free download again, but if I couldn't make it through 50 pages of the next book without wanting to claw my eyes out, then I might consider it. Seriously awful. So glad I didn't spend money on this book.
December 13, 2014
I really tried, but by page 100ish out of 300ish I still couldn't figure out what this book was supposed to be ABOUT and I just lost patience. It starts with an extended seems-to-be-a-rape-scene described in loving detail, which (SPOILER ALERT) is not really a rape scene after all, thankfully. And then it just goes downhill from there. The narrator rambles all over the place and never gets to the point. Where is the conflict? Is it about her relationship with her boyfriend? About her work? Her best friend? Why do we have to talk to A to find out we need to talk to B and B says we need to talk to C and each of these conversations takes thirty pages because of all the tangents and exposition and flashbacks and zzzzzz I'm done?
January 21, 2017
Witty and entertaining
Tracy Ellen did a fantastic job bringing to life all the diverse characters in this book. I kept picturing whom from my life, past or present, fit into each character. It was wonderful and refreshing...and I can't wait to read the next installment. If you want to read a well written book with lots of quirkiness, drama, and devotion amongst family and friends...then, 'A Date with Fate', is a great place to start.
Now if I can just figure out what the mysterious Luke, aka: Hottie-b-Tottie is up to, then sleep would not evade me!
HAPPY READING EVERYONE!!
Tracy Ellen did a fantastic job bringing to life all the diverse characters in this book. I kept picturing whom from my life, past or present, fit into each character. It was wonderful and refreshing...and I can't wait to read the next installment. If you want to read a well written book with lots of quirkiness, drama, and devotion amongst family and friends...then, 'A Date with Fate', is a great place to start.
Now if I can just figure out what the mysterious Luke, aka: Hottie-b-Tottie is up to, then sleep would not evade me!
HAPPY READING EVERYONE!!
November 19, 2012
This definately is a MUST READ for all. This book is LOL ALOT ! The characters are hilarious and the sex scenes are very well written. Actually they were freakin HOT! A fast paced read that will leave you wanting more more more :) This author will be going places ~ This is her first book... I am certain that it will only get better!! Can't wait to read book 2!! and 3 and 4 .. hahaha
For all of you out there that have tagged this book! READ IT !
For all of you out there that have tagged this book! READ IT !
August 1, 2015
I loved this book, Anabel is crazy, hilarious, a bit of a cynic and smart, is all I like in female characters, although she's a bit neurotic at times (but what woman isn't?), it was a fun read, the end left me a bit confused as to what happened exactly between her and Mike, but there were also surprising things (like Ana's aunt), I hope the series continues in the same pace and the characters evolve, I would hate to see the characters going in circles and not moving forward.
October 31, 2016
I love the smart, sassy writing in this book and the dialogue rings true. It's a good book! My eyes do glaze over just a bit with the extreme descriptions that slow things down often but that's my issue. I know others love that type of thing. Kristin, you will like this book; very similar writing to my favorite Lisa Lutz.
I'm amending my review. The extreme description only bothered me in the first book. I ended up reading all 6 and loved them. The 7th comes out in Feb. 2017.
I'm amending my review. The extreme description only bothered me in the first book. I ended up reading all 6 and loved them. The 7th comes out in Feb. 2017.
August 10, 2015
3.5
hahahahahaha omfg
Awesome characters and crazy as hell situations, this was great!
hahahahahaha omfg
Awesome characters and crazy as hell situations, this was great!
October 23, 2016
It starts out sassy and sizzling and continues its perkiness throughout. While it's not terribly thought-provoking and is unlikely to hit the dizzying heights of any literary prize lists, I'd definitely recommend this as a perfect pool-side/holiday read. Lightweight, trashy and fun.
January 1, 2015
Funny. This book made me laugh out loud. A thoroughly delightful read.
July 24, 2021
No, thanks.
Spoiler Alerts!
This was described to me as a light-hearted/fun romance with a (likely murder) mystery. However, it felt more like a pornographic book that was short on substance (little to no plot or real character development, imho), but lots of extremely graphic sexual content, profanity, & frankly, inappropriate content (I'll get to that shortly.).
-Plot/Characters: The main plot(s) were very thinly developed. It isn't very clear why the most dangerous person continuously tries to harm (much less, knows how to locate them at all times) people he's never met (other than a repeated, offensive, homophobic suggestion that the former cellmate of an abusive ex of the protagonist's employee (who is barely discussed) is somehow beholden to the ex bc..."a*s wife," or "a*s bandit." The other plot, a murder, is explained at the end but otherwise hardly mentioned. The first plot has lots of action but little development/substance. I also have no idea why the protagonist needed to verbally abuse her staff (& in particular, an employee who'd just had her abusive ex come to kidnap her) as a way to "defend" herself/ her peers. Yea, showing cleavage can be a distraction, or trying to get someone away from a dangerous person by maybe asking them to go check inventory, but screaming at people for not being able to do anything right & telling the abuse survivor that she was fired?! Yea, ok. This book seems to lack substance in far too many respects--plot development, an actual mystery, characters, judgments made, etc.
The characters: not much development of most characters beyond a description of what they look like, whether or not they require padded bras (yes, really), how often they date/have sex, & what kind of guns they have.
-Problem Issues:
1.) Homophobia: It gets very old, very quickly to keep reading derogatory references to even the possibility of an LGBTQ+ relationship. The author decides it's appropriate to describe people (pejoratively, of course) as "di*klicker," "pansy-a*ssed/a*ses," & the terms mentioned above. Beyond gross.
2.) Slut-Shaming: The women whom the author depicts as likable shamelessly admit they had "x-rated" first dates, use men for sex, & go into great detail about just how "x-rated" their behaviors are. Fine, but then I found it more than a little frustrating that the go-to to insult for a woman was to call her a "whore," "hooker," or similar language pretty incessantly.
3.) Mental Health Stigma: The author regularly throws around words like "schizophrenic" to describe someone having conflicting feelings & uses terms like "psycho b*tch" or "psychotic" to insult people &/or describe things that bear no actual relationship to those words. Also not cool with the author's word, "b*tchtard," when we all know what the "tard" part references (& gross stigmatizing developmental disability), but she goes even farther by having the person who says such things be concerned that such insults weren't offensive enough, then congratulates herself on coming up with "di*cklicker" as an alternative.
3.) Indigenous people: The term "American Indian" should be outdated, & the one indigenous (minor) character is pretty much the epitome of every common stereotype. Of course, the protagonist dislikes him (after "knowing" him for maybe 24 hours) bc him being indigenous means he looks a certain way, wears long hair in a braid (& thankfully, she tells us, manages not to look feminine--which, ugh), & of course, his reticence makes him an inscrutable jerk.
4.) Guns/Politics: Indicating someone is brilliant bc they claim the things would be great if a handful of GOP businessmen ran the nation was odd. The prevalence of guns & calling them "sexy" is not great. Gun violence is an epidemic, so all the bragging ab sexiness, make, models, prevalence, etc. of everyone's guns is not my cup of tea. There's even a dispute ab whether a gun is masculine... (Smh).
-Sex: The author says to expect sexual references, but I really didn't need to read ab squeezing/gripping/etc. bare "a*ses" so often that it felt like this book was just porn with a tiny story. Every encounter with someone doesn't need to be so explicit. I'd prefer less precise descriptions of bodily fluids (especially when describing someone covered in the gore/etc. of someone they'd just shot). "Insert foreign objects into my orifices" is said by the protagonist in regular parlance at a "family" dinner, which her young niece, friend's elderly aunt, & entire family can hear/comment on. The beginning was so graphic & somewhat misleading as to be a potential trigger for abuse survivors. I understand a little mystery & role play, but this was overkill. It had all the earmarks of a very dangerous, violent, & abusive sexual assault & burglary. Perhaps the protagonist didn't need to talk ab her baseball bat, try so hard & in so many ways to do bodily harm to the other person, etc.? Once or twice would have been more than enough.
Finally, the grammar is bad. :(
Spoiler Alerts!
This was described to me as a light-hearted/fun romance with a (likely murder) mystery. However, it felt more like a pornographic book that was short on substance (little to no plot or real character development, imho), but lots of extremely graphic sexual content, profanity, & frankly, inappropriate content (I'll get to that shortly.).
-Plot/Characters: The main plot(s) were very thinly developed. It isn't very clear why the most dangerous person continuously tries to harm (much less, knows how to locate them at all times) people he's never met (other than a repeated, offensive, homophobic suggestion that the former cellmate of an abusive ex of the protagonist's employee (who is barely discussed) is somehow beholden to the ex bc..."a*s wife," or "a*s bandit." The other plot, a murder, is explained at the end but otherwise hardly mentioned. The first plot has lots of action but little development/substance. I also have no idea why the protagonist needed to verbally abuse her staff (& in particular, an employee who'd just had her abusive ex come to kidnap her) as a way to "defend" herself/ her peers. Yea, showing cleavage can be a distraction, or trying to get someone away from a dangerous person by maybe asking them to go check inventory, but screaming at people for not being able to do anything right & telling the abuse survivor that she was fired?! Yea, ok. This book seems to lack substance in far too many respects--plot development, an actual mystery, characters, judgments made, etc.
The characters: not much development of most characters beyond a description of what they look like, whether or not they require padded bras (yes, really), how often they date/have sex, & what kind of guns they have.
-Problem Issues:
1.) Homophobia: It gets very old, very quickly to keep reading derogatory references to even the possibility of an LGBTQ+ relationship. The author decides it's appropriate to describe people (pejoratively, of course) as "di*klicker," "pansy-a*ssed/a*ses," & the terms mentioned above. Beyond gross.
2.) Slut-Shaming: The women whom the author depicts as likable shamelessly admit they had "x-rated" first dates, use men for sex, & go into great detail about just how "x-rated" their behaviors are. Fine, but then I found it more than a little frustrating that the go-to to insult for a woman was to call her a "whore," "hooker," or similar language pretty incessantly.
3.) Mental Health Stigma: The author regularly throws around words like "schizophrenic" to describe someone having conflicting feelings & uses terms like "psycho b*tch" or "psychotic" to insult people &/or describe things that bear no actual relationship to those words. Also not cool with the author's word, "b*tchtard," when we all know what the "tard" part references (& gross stigmatizing developmental disability), but she goes even farther by having the person who says such things be concerned that such insults weren't offensive enough, then congratulates herself on coming up with "di*cklicker" as an alternative.
3.) Indigenous people: The term "American Indian" should be outdated, & the one indigenous (minor) character is pretty much the epitome of every common stereotype. Of course, the protagonist dislikes him (after "knowing" him for maybe 24 hours) bc him being indigenous means he looks a certain way, wears long hair in a braid (& thankfully, she tells us, manages not to look feminine--which, ugh), & of course, his reticence makes him an inscrutable jerk.
4.) Guns/Politics: Indicating someone is brilliant bc they claim the things would be great if a handful of GOP businessmen ran the nation was odd. The prevalence of guns & calling them "sexy" is not great. Gun violence is an epidemic, so all the bragging ab sexiness, make, models, prevalence, etc. of everyone's guns is not my cup of tea. There's even a dispute ab whether a gun is masculine... (Smh).
-Sex: The author says to expect sexual references, but I really didn't need to read ab squeezing/gripping/etc. bare "a*ses" so often that it felt like this book was just porn with a tiny story. Every encounter with someone doesn't need to be so explicit. I'd prefer less precise descriptions of bodily fluids (especially when describing someone covered in the gore/etc. of someone they'd just shot). "Insert foreign objects into my orifices" is said by the protagonist in regular parlance at a "family" dinner, which her young niece, friend's elderly aunt, & entire family can hear/comment on. The beginning was so graphic & somewhat misleading as to be a potential trigger for abuse survivors. I understand a little mystery & role play, but this was overkill. It had all the earmarks of a very dangerous, violent, & abusive sexual assault & burglary. Perhaps the protagonist didn't need to talk ab her baseball bat, try so hard & in so many ways to do bodily harm to the other person, etc.? Once or twice would have been more than enough.
Finally, the grammar is bad. :(
October 31, 2016
Probably just repeating what most others wrote, but while I liked the main character, as well as her friends and family, getting through the first half of the book was a bit of a chore. First is the "attack scene," which went on and on and on. I finally started skimming. We didn't need to know every single movement made, especially when it turned out the way it did. That was my first warning this author was overly descriptive, to say the least.
After that initial "meeting" of Anabel, we get to walk with her through her morning, and I'm not kidding when I say the character goes off on so many tangents, and tangents within tangents (many not even relevant to the story,) that it takes her almost 40-50% of the book to even get to 10am in the morning, after she woke up at six. She was like an overexcited puppy or child eager to share her life with us. I think the author was too eager to let us get to know everything about the different characters right away that she created a ton of backstory to dump on us, much of which could have either been cut, or revealed more organically during relevant parts in the book.
However, because I did find the character likable, and I did want to know more about Luke, I skimmed through some of the prattle, and the book finally settled in about 50% in, although there was still a tendency to over-describe, and it's not always easy to follow Anabel's thoughts. I found myself not always following along with where the characters thought process was going, as her thinking tended to be too random.
As for the rest of the story, it's hard to say what it's about, because the author has about 3 plots going, with no clear way to know which was the main plot, if there was one. It was mainly about things that happen to, and around, Anabel, over a weekend. The romance is very little, so if that's what you're looking for, don't bother. In fact, I felt the author kept Luke as too much of a mystery, so it was hard to invest in him or their relationship.
Having said all that, somehow, it worked, because the chaos only left me intrigued as to where the book was going, and the cliff hanger at the end will probably suck me into the next one, when I otherwise would have stopped.
If you are looking for a light read, cute heroine, and have serious patience, I'd say give this book a go. Just be prepared to skim every once-in-awhile.
After that initial "meeting" of Anabel, we get to walk with her through her morning, and I'm not kidding when I say the character goes off on so many tangents, and tangents within tangents (many not even relevant to the story,) that it takes her almost 40-50% of the book to even get to 10am in the morning, after she woke up at six. She was like an overexcited puppy or child eager to share her life with us. I think the author was too eager to let us get to know everything about the different characters right away that she created a ton of backstory to dump on us, much of which could have either been cut, or revealed more organically during relevant parts in the book.
However, because I did find the character likable, and I did want to know more about Luke, I skimmed through some of the prattle, and the book finally settled in about 50% in, although there was still a tendency to over-describe, and it's not always easy to follow Anabel's thoughts. I found myself not always following along with where the characters thought process was going, as her thinking tended to be too random.
As for the rest of the story, it's hard to say what it's about, because the author has about 3 plots going, with no clear way to know which was the main plot, if there was one. It was mainly about things that happen to, and around, Anabel, over a weekend. The romance is very little, so if that's what you're looking for, don't bother. In fact, I felt the author kept Luke as too much of a mystery, so it was hard to invest in him or their relationship.
Having said all that, somehow, it worked, because the chaos only left me intrigued as to where the book was going, and the cliff hanger at the end will probably suck me into the next one, when I otherwise would have stopped.
If you are looking for a light read, cute heroine, and have serious patience, I'd say give this book a go. Just be prepared to skim every once-in-awhile.
June 7, 2023
This book begins with a lengthy and violent scene of home invasion and rape from the POV of the main character. At the end of the chapter, the author springs on us that it's actually the MC and her boyfriend living out her fantasy. This is such a perplexing way to start a book, an egregious attempt to engage the reader through long and detailed misdirection. It's especially odd given that in many ways, this book is squarely in the "romantic comedy" camp, although it's worth noting that rape comes up again and again . . . the MC is targeted, for reasons that are never explained, by a stalker and serial rapist and it is revealed that another character previously experienced a life-altering sexual assault.
Okay, so let's say that a romantic comedy chockful of references to rape is your thing. Even this, this book is remarkably unenjoyable. Anabel Axelrod is a tedious companion, prone to frequent and detailed asides about her siblings, her employees, her friends, her exs, her car, the relatives of her friends, her business, etc. In the first half of the book, the action is constantly interrupted so you can hear her thoughts on her faux vegan niece (we're told she is unwilling to exploit animals, but that she also eats cheese because it's so yummy), the local chief of police, her brother's home renovations, basically anything the author could throw in to elevate the page count. I think the author was going for "breezy and witty," but since Anabel's thoughts are so bigoted and mean-spirited, it isn't pulled off. She has problems with gay men, Native Americans, sexually active women (despite being one herself), fat people, and people with intellectual disabilities. The book is rife with slurs, the anti-gay ones being the most notable (but not the only ones). She's extremely physically competitive with other women, even those she is friendly with. The physical appearance of her friends and family is usually described in terms of how they fall short compared to her. Her violence is played for laughs (seriously, she deliberately shoots her brother with a nail gun and it's supposed to be "quirky" and "cute").
Her entire thing is that she's supposed to be too cool for relationships or genuine feelings and hates being treated "like a girl," but she also completely absolves herself of agency when it helps her out. For example, she has an encounter with a man she is dating. He doesn't put on a condom, doesn't represent himself as putting one on, doesn't have one around, doesn't mention one . . . and then she gets upset because he supposedly violated her in some way, like it wasn't her freely made decision to let him in "Queen Vicky" (this is possibly the most off-putting pet name for one's privates I've ever encountered).
The plot is a hot mess. There's a murder, but it doesn't really factor into the plot. There's a criminal chasing Anabel, but we never find out why. There's relationship drama, but you'd have to care about any of these people for it to be engaging.
Okay, so let's say that a romantic comedy chockful of references to rape is your thing. Even this, this book is remarkably unenjoyable. Anabel Axelrod is a tedious companion, prone to frequent and detailed asides about her siblings, her employees, her friends, her exs, her car, the relatives of her friends, her business, etc. In the first half of the book, the action is constantly interrupted so you can hear her thoughts on her faux vegan niece (we're told she is unwilling to exploit animals, but that she also eats cheese because it's so yummy), the local chief of police, her brother's home renovations, basically anything the author could throw in to elevate the page count. I think the author was going for "breezy and witty," but since Anabel's thoughts are so bigoted and mean-spirited, it isn't pulled off. She has problems with gay men, Native Americans, sexually active women (despite being one herself), fat people, and people with intellectual disabilities. The book is rife with slurs, the anti-gay ones being the most notable (but not the only ones). She's extremely physically competitive with other women, even those she is friendly with. The physical appearance of her friends and family is usually described in terms of how they fall short compared to her. Her violence is played for laughs (seriously, she deliberately shoots her brother with a nail gun and it's supposed to be "quirky" and "cute").
Her entire thing is that she's supposed to be too cool for relationships or genuine feelings and hates being treated "like a girl," but she also completely absolves herself of agency when it helps her out. For example, she has an encounter with a man she is dating. He doesn't put on a condom, doesn't represent himself as putting one on, doesn't have one around, doesn't mention one . . . and then she gets upset because he supposedly violated her in some way, like it wasn't her freely made decision to let him in "Queen Vicky" (this is possibly the most off-putting pet name for one's privates I've ever encountered).
The plot is a hot mess. There's a murder, but it doesn't really factor into the plot. There's a criminal chasing Anabel, but we never find out why. There's relationship drama, but you'd have to care about any of these people for it to be engaging.
August 17, 2017
Hovered between a 1 and a 2 star rating and gave the author benefit of the doubt and went for a 2.
There were aspects of the book I liked. Characters were vibrant and lively and they all felt like real people, but a lot of the romance drama is caused by people just not talking to each other to figure things out and instead they hold grudges.
Additionally, this book could have been a third of the length that it was mostly because of Ana's inner dialogue. It rambles. A lot. Excessively so that it reminds me of the grandmother of a friend of a friend of mine who has Alzheimer's. Though to be honest it was nice and rewarding that at the end of the book all the rambling inner Ana dialogue came together.
I really dislike Luke Drake. I know the author wants me to find him sexy and appealing but he comes off more often than not as a creepy prepubescent teenager who can't keep it in his pants and to be honest Ana's not much better on that front and I doubt that her employees would put up with her shagging in the backroom that often. Heck, I wouldn't even want to hear or see it once as an employee. If I could also be honest about the sex scenes, they were not all that well written, it almost felt like the author was trying to write those scenes to a male audience instead of from Ana's point of view.
Ana also doesn't use a very large vocabulary for a bookstore owner and when the author tries to make her use complicated vocabulary, it's often incorrect in its usage. On top of that, for one who apparently loves books so much, there was never any mention of Ana reading in her adult life. Either that or it was implied and I didn't pick up on it.
When the book really picks up is closer to the latter half where things start to get interesting and all the random bits of pieces start coming together neatly.
I also did not appreciate the cliffhanger ending, and honestly since it involves Luke I don't really care enough to read the second book in the series.
I cannot think of anyone in my friend circles who would appreciate this book, apart from someone who might be new to English and is looking to read an easy book regarding adult subject matters.
There were aspects of the book I liked. Characters were vibrant and lively and they all felt like real people, but a lot of the romance drama is caused by people just not talking to each other to figure things out and instead they hold grudges.
Additionally, this book could have been a third of the length that it was mostly because of Ana's inner dialogue. It rambles. A lot. Excessively so that it reminds me of the grandmother of a friend of a friend of mine who has Alzheimer's. Though to be honest it was nice and rewarding that at the end of the book all the rambling inner Ana dialogue came together.
I really dislike Luke Drake. I know the author wants me to find him sexy and appealing but he comes off more often than not as a creepy prepubescent teenager who can't keep it in his pants and to be honest Ana's not much better on that front and I doubt that her employees would put up with her shagging in the backroom that often. Heck, I wouldn't even want to hear or see it once as an employee. If I could also be honest about the sex scenes, they were not all that well written, it almost felt like the author was trying to write those scenes to a male audience instead of from Ana's point of view.
Ana also doesn't use a very large vocabulary for a bookstore owner and when the author tries to make her use complicated vocabulary, it's often incorrect in its usage. On top of that, for one who apparently loves books so much, there was never any mention of Ana reading in her adult life. Either that or it was implied and I didn't pick up on it.
When the book really picks up is closer to the latter half where things start to get interesting and all the random bits of pieces start coming together neatly.
I also did not appreciate the cliffhanger ending, and honestly since it involves Luke I don't really care enough to read the second book in the series.
I cannot think of anyone in my friend circles who would appreciate this book, apart from someone who might be new to English and is looking to read an easy book regarding adult subject matters.
July 15, 2021
Oh Tracey, Tracey, what have you done to me, your books have hypnotised me, I can't get enough of Annabelle and Luke's steaming, sexy love story. From the perilous, mysterious escapades to the sultry, steaming hot passion and the flirtatious love and delicious mouth-watering food, this set of books has captured me from the very first page. From the moment I came across your first book I was totally smitten, every waking moment, morning until night I have raced through each book in the series. Tracey you have drawn me in so that I feel like I am one of Annabelle's sisters and I am living in her crazy, beautiful, hilarious world, sharing in the love and passion of their hot, ripped men and enveloped by the love and caring nanabel, the all seeing godmother, Jamie and sexist, opinionated police chief, Jack Banner. I love how luke interacts saucily with Annabelle and so envious of Annabelle's hilarious and flippant repartee and the banter with which all the family members have when they all get together. This series has spoilt me, it is a hard act to follow, how can I read and enjoy any other books written by any other author now Tracey?
August 13, 2017
This excruciatingly long-winded book makes you feel like you are reading the diary of the most solipsistic person on the planet. Every scene has multiple flashbacks and spin-offs and unnecessary descriptions, only returning to the main plot after the author is certain you have forgotten what was happening. Anabel is a jerk, and psychotic to boot. I finished this book out of some weird need to finish all the books I own, but I regret it heartily.
And can we talk about that ending?
And can we talk about that ending?
September 24, 2018
Like Seinfeld
A comedy with witty banter, a lot of craziness that causes laughter induced stitches, and Bel's constant conversations within her head. First chapter is in the present, then multiple chapters trying to play catch-up. I couldn't stop laughing my butt off through the first 35% only to come up frustrated because I felt like I was watching an x-rated version of Seinfeld. I really wanted to give this a 5 star rating because of the hot cover and the quality of writing, only couldn't because of the 'lot about nothing' issue. Then the ending. Cliffhanger!! Note:. There's 2 more books at least for Luke's and Bel's story. I'm not a fan of cheating and the ending gave me the idea that might be a possibility. Proofreading was good with only a few glitches. Hence why only 3 stars. I think in the synapse, the author should make note when getting this book it's part of a series. All books involving Luke and Bel should be offered in a bundle.
A comedy with witty banter, a lot of craziness that causes laughter induced stitches, and Bel's constant conversations within her head. First chapter is in the present, then multiple chapters trying to play catch-up. I couldn't stop laughing my butt off through the first 35% only to come up frustrated because I felt like I was watching an x-rated version of Seinfeld. I really wanted to give this a 5 star rating because of the hot cover and the quality of writing, only couldn't because of the 'lot about nothing' issue. Then the ending. Cliffhanger!! Note:. There's 2 more books at least for Luke's and Bel's story. I'm not a fan of cheating and the ending gave me the idea that might be a possibility. Proofreading was good with only a few glitches. Hence why only 3 stars. I think in the synapse, the author should make note when getting this book it's part of a series. All books involving Luke and Bel should be offered in a bundle.
February 3, 2018
Amazingly funny,action packed good read!
If you want a HEA one book read, this is not. If on the other hand you like to always have a good book on hand, then your set. Although I have not read the series yet I intend to. Totally hooked! This author is well written, hilarious, totally bizarre and probably has adult ADHD! The story is about Anabelle and Luke ,there adventurous sex life. Drama filled personal life and there animated family and friends. The story is told in a way that you are inside Annabelle's head. Scarry I know, she's the one that probably the one with ADHD. The things that are thought or talked about run a whole range of gammet. I would whole heartedly recommended this book. On to the store to by the series and spin offs!
If you want a HEA one book read, this is not. If on the other hand you like to always have a good book on hand, then your set. Although I have not read the series yet I intend to. Totally hooked! This author is well written, hilarious, totally bizarre and probably has adult ADHD! The story is about Anabelle and Luke ,there adventurous sex life. Drama filled personal life and there animated family and friends. The story is told in a way that you are inside Annabelle's head. Scarry I know, she's the one that probably the one with ADHD. The things that are thought or talked about run a whole range of gammet. I would whole heartedly recommended this book. On to the store to by the series and spin offs!
January 20, 2022
Rarely do I leave a negative review of a book, especially one I haven't finished but this book was just a total waste of time. I am one of those people who need to finish a book once they start but his one I just couldn't get through. I quit at 27%. The protagonist is immature and self centered and way too much time is spent with her replaying incidents from the past in her head. When an old friend shows up at her door in great distress what does she do? After letting him in she proceeds to go off into a long reminisce in her mind and then insist on making coffee and "catching up" before finding out why her friend is so upset. Improbably the friend goes along with all this even though he was beside himself . That was it for me.
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