Styling Wellywood

Wellywood #1

by Kate O'Keeffe

28-year-old Jessica Banks does not want to be back in her New Zealand hometown one little bit. Goodbye exciting London, hello old-fashioned boredom.

And she’s got a lot to deal with. There’s her overbearing mother, her new fashion career, not to mention the sudden disappearance of her best friend. Thank goodness for Ben, her reliable, cute friend who always has a broad shoulder to cry on—at least when his gorgeous girlfriend isn’t around.

Then sexy tennis pro, Scott bursts into her life, serving up a hot and steamy love match. But off the court Scott is running a different racket—one that might just open Jessica’s eyes and heart.

With everything she ever wanted and feared in front of her, will Jessica finally find her way home?

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Contemporary Romance

198 pages, Paperback

First published July 9, 2014

About the author

Kate O'Keeffe is a USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning author who writes exactly what she loves to read: laugh-out-loud romantic comedies with swoon-worthy heroes and gorgeous feel-good happily ever afters. She lives and loves in beautiful Hawke's Bay, New Zealand with her family and two scruffy but loveable dogs.

When she's not penning her latest story, Kate can be found hiking up hills (slowly), traveling to different countries around the globe (back when we used to be able to do that), and eating chocolate. A lot of it.

Get a free book when you sign up to Kate's newsletter at kateokeeffe.com.

Reviews

[Jillyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four and a half stars, rounded up.

Plain and simple, this book is a great example of women's fiction. The comparisons say that this book is in the same vein as Sophie Kinsella. I love her, so I read this, but with caution since I love Kinsella's books and I've been burned by the "if you like ____, you'll love ____" comparisons before. I'm happy to say that that comparison is totally accurate.

A large part of what made this book so lovely to enjoy was the setting. I don't often read books set in New Zealand, but I admit it's one of my top dream vacation spots. After reading this book, I only want to visit there more. It's clear the love for the country that the author has (even if lead character Jessica doesn't always see it). I liked the slang used, the sights described, and the shops that Jessica frequents. (I just found out that they're real shops. How cool is that, using real places and fashion designers!?)

I also loved Jessica. She's a complicated character that I think all women can relate to. She has big dreams of high fashion, of leading a life of London luxury. She has some facepalm worthy dating moments and is humbled a bit when she moves back in with her mother. Styling Wellywood is a roller coaster of Jess finding herself and rediscovering who she was in Wellington, getting back in the familiar groove of the city that she used to call home.

The rest of the characters were all unique and interesting too. Jess has a core group of friends that sometimes you love and sometimes you're annoyed with, much like any group of friends. Their choices (especially those of her best friend) will make you wonder what the hell is going on in their head, and you'll eagerly turn pages to find out answers. Her parents are likable and quirky. One of her love interests, an American tennis instructor named Scott, is definitely hot. And then there's her "friend" Ben. Totally just friends. Yup. She doesn't think about their drunken kiss not one bit. He's sweet and is the kind of man we all want to know.

Jess is the kind of character you can't help but to cheer for. She may not always go exactly where she wants in life, but she takes life as it comes. She grows into herself and her choices, becoming in charge of her life and what she wants out of it. I think we all want to have a bit of that mentality.

Styling Wellywood is a funny, well-written work of romantic women's fiction set in New Zealand. This is a great read to have nearby in the summer when you're lounging by the pool. I recommend it to fans of romance, chick lit, humor, and fashion. Thanks so much to author Kate O'Keeffe who gave me a copy in exchange for my honest review. This review can also be found on my new blog, Bitches n Prose.

[Tracie Banister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Styling Wellywood chronicles a transitional time in the life of twentysomething Kiwi Jessica Banks. She's at loose ends after her work visa in London expires and she has to return home to live in her childhood bedroom at her mother's house. Her best friend, Morgan, offers her a job as a personal stylist-in-training, but Jessica doesn't even get a chance to acclimate herself to her new career before Morgs takes a powder, leaving Jess to keep the business afloat in her friend's absence. Talk about trial by fire! Various professional calamities ensue while Jessica tries to make sense of her feelings for the men in her life (Sexy tennis coach Scott really revs her motor, but why is he so mysterious? And why is she suddenly obsessing over her old friend Ben?) and she's forced to work through some painful memories from the past that being back home has stirred up. In the end, Jessica finds that her biggest makeover project is herself.

This was the first book I've read that was set in New Zealand, and I was completely charmed by that aspect of the story. I felt like I got to take a trip to Wellington via the author's wonderful descriptions of the city and the Kiwi slang. Jessica is the type of heroine I really enjoy. She's likable, but flawed, and her journey of self-discovery is very compelling. I rooted for her throughout the book and wanted to see her overcome all the obstacles at both work and in her personal life. She did make some BAD decisions about men, but who didn't in their twenties and she does learn from her mistakes. She had some very brave moments in the book, and it was nice to see her be true to herself (even when she had no guarantee that the outcome would be positive). The character showed a tremendous amount of growth in all areas of her life, including her relationships with friends and family members, and I was so glad to see her in a really good place when the story wrapped.

The author's voice is reminiscent of Sophie Kinsella's in that it's very breezy and she's adept at writing comedy and romance, but she takes it one step further and does an excellent job with pathos as well. I was amazed at how she effortlessly wove all of these elements together into the tapestry of this one story. I'm so glad to have discovered this author's work and I can't wait to read the other two books in the series!

[Charanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

This book grew on me. I am a huge fan of the author's First Last Date series and hence I picked this book up on default when it was available on Kindle Unlimited

My first thoughts as I read more was it was not as good as the other series, and was a little too light. But then the book took a good turn about midway and then her career, her love life and her past all became more interesting, so much so that, I liked the latter half of this book a lot more which is always a good reading trajectory

What I liked:-
1) I don't have a fashion bone to save my life, I dress for comfort and office smarts, that's about it. This book made styling feel like a glorious life journey than just fashion so that was fun to read
2) The characters were all flawed making them behave like real people. I liked all the sub stories, almost all of them were interesting and lot of them were funny too
3) Am yet to find a book Ben who's selfish and awful. So that part was adorable! :)
4) New zealand Wellington! It's in my bucket list of places long before this book series so that automatically scores a point!

What I didn't like:-
1) Too much of pop-culture reference. The author's natural sarcasm and wit is more than enough than comparing Hollywood names maybe
2) The obliviousness of Jess, I mean come on all of us knew about Scott before she did right? The author spent too much time on him which left less for Ben
3) A few typos and spelling errors enough to catch your eye.

But Kate O'Keeffe's books have become an auto read. I love her wit, charm and ability to create wonderful characters and make for an easy cozy read

[Katherine Philbrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Katherine Williams for Readers' Favorite

Styling Wellywood by Kate O’Keeffe is a classic chick lit novel, the first in its series. After spending four years in London, Jessica never even thought of returning home. She loves the glamour that comes with being in England, and she vows she wouldn’t trade it for the world. But due to the fact that her visa expired, she must move back into her childhood home with her mother in Wellington, New Zealand. When she returns home, the only thing Jessica has to look forward to is her new business. She partners up with her best friend Morgan and together they create their own personal stylist brand. Jessica is set on bringing the glitz and glam that London has to offer straight into Wellington. Although Jessica seems occupied by her new job, she also unknowingly has to face unresolved problems that she left behind many years ago. These problems include her high school enemy, her complicated feelings for her best mate, Ben, and her relationships with some of her dearest friends. Most importantly, she must address the dark past that she desperately has been trying to ignore for a long time. Will Jessica be able to successfully run a stylist company, overcome her struggles, and face her true feelings? In the end, will she be able to move on from her past and start to live life normally again? Or will she continue to distract herself with glamour, mojitos, and even a promising, hunky tennis instructor?

I haven’t felt this passionate about a book in a long time. Styling Wellywood is a fast, fun and light read, but also successfully tackles real life issues with a certain type of benevolence. O’Keeffe is a very gifted writer as she uses her characters and setting to full advantage. New Zealand locals will love this book as the country is depicted beautifully. O’Keeffe manages to include accurate mannerisms as well as eye-catching descriptions of imagery in Wellington. She also creates very rounded, complicated and relatable characters. Every single one of Jessica’s friends reminded me of someone I know in real life. Even Jessica’s parents made an impression on me, as I felt like I had met them before. But most importantly while reading this novel, I found myself yelling at Jessica for her mistakes, crying along with her due to her misfortunes, and cheering her on as she fought for a couple of major victories in her life. She acquires strong traits that reminded me of many women in my life. At times I even felt like she and I have had similar feelings towards love. But don’t get me wrong, at first Jessica seems shallow and unimpressed by most things. Through involvement with her hometown and the people she loves, she develops and turns into a caring and level-headed young lady.

Including the great characters, setting and much more, I guarantee that you will quickly fall in love with the wit, charm and humor that this story has to offer. I know I did. Overall, I found Styling Wellywood to be a delightful, well written masterpiece and suggest that chick lit lovers read it immediately. I cannot wait to read more of O’Keeffe’s future work, as I am confident that she will not disappoint. A job well done.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Styling Wellywood is one of those books where I love the premise, but ultimately the characters ruined it for me. Jessica has just returned to her childhood home after four years in London. Her Visa has expired, and she has nowhere else to go, so she's back with her mom. Luckily, her best friend has invited her to take part in her personal styling business, so things are looking up. At least until Morgan takes off, leaving Jessica to run the business on her own after just one day on the job, not to mention her mother has a new man, and the man in her own life is a lying scumbag. Jessica is struggling to get her life on track, while letting the past go and grabbing her future.

I really liked Styling Wellywood in the beginning. I could total relate to Jessica living at home while trying to find a stable job, watching all of her friends move on with new partners. I also really liked watching her and Morgan work. Personal styling isn't a career I've come across in fiction before, so that was nice. Jessica does fumble through it at first, making some major mistakes in her haste, but it all works out for her in the end. But I couldn't help but be annoyed at how she doesn't really take anything too seriously, causing her to make these mistakes in the first place. It isn't until she nearly screws everything up and Morgan leaves her on her own that she starts whipping herself into shape.

Jessica also has the uncanny ability to make everything about her and not take responsibility for her actions. This is why Styling Wellywood started going downhill for me. Once I thought she was learning and growing, but then she'd say something that just made me groan. The weird thing is, I totally believed her character. It didn't feel like she was behaving this way for plot. That's just how she is, and that's fine, except she's not the type of character I can find myself cheering for. You screw up, own it! Don't blame everyone else, or just run away, then whine when someone does the same to you. Jessica also doesn't like when things get awkward (but who does?) when she's the one who made things get awkward! I'm all for sharing your feelings, but there is a time and a place for that! Think before you speak!

In the end, I kind of like Styling Wellywood. I loved the idea of a grown woman, crawling back to mommy and finally starting to follow her dreams a bit later in life. The personal stylist angle was also fun and refreshing. But ultimately, I could not care about Jessica and her problems, which she created for herself. Her best friend Morgan was also the definition of flaky, but Jessica doesn't really do anything about that except pick up the slack.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

[Heather Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good chick lit book from time to time and this was one I found myself thoroughly enjoying. What I loved most was the fact it takes place in New Zealand, somewhere I’ve never been, but would love to venture to one of these days. It just sounds so beautiful there!

After spending several years in London, Jessica returns home to New Zealand, somewhere she never thought she’d return to. After all, London had all of the glamour that she adored and had a faster pace than her hometown in New Zealand. Of course, reality sets in and when her visa expires, she’s left with no choice but to return home and to move in with her mother. The only thing leaving her excited to move back to Wellington, New Zealand, is the prospect of a new business. She partners up with one of her best friends to launch a styling business, which she finds herself thoroughly enjoying. but singlehandedly having to handle after her friend takes off without a warning.

While it seems Jessica will be occupied by her new job and the possibilities of a new relationship, her past can’t help but come back to haunt her. After losing a dear friend years earlier to suicide, Jessica finds herself having to face the things she once ran away from. Having to make amends with old friends and find peace and closure with herself, Jessica sets out on an adventure of self-discovery, something she didn’t think possible being in her late twenties.

I loved the ups and downs in this story and the journey Jessica found herself on when she least expected it. And while this book is a fun and light read, the fact that it tackles a few difficult real life issues makes it all the more appealing to me.

O’Keeffe has such a knack for writing her characters with such complexity, but also making them easily relatable. Jessica is such a complex character, who has quite a stubborn streak in her, yet finds herself having to face many of the skeletons she’s buried in her closet. Her voice, throughout the book, is one that is comical, yet almost as if you’re reading pages from your best friends diary. And the way in which the scenery of New Zealand is used is simply magical. I’ve always known how beautiful of a place New Zealand is, but reading about it in the way O’Keeffe describes it makes it even more so to me.

Styling Wellywood was a fun read and a spectacular debut for Kate O’Keeffe. I’m looking forward to continuing on in the Wellywood series and to see what else this author has up her sleeve.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

What attracted me to Styling Wellywood, was the setting of Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. If you have ever wondered what Wellington is really like, then I feel this book probably gives a fairly accurate representation of the place, or at least the version that is in Styling Wellywood has made me a lot more curious about visiting New Zealand, and to see the contrasts between London and Wellington.

However apart from the lovely setting, I found Styling Wellywood a typical chick lit book, with a predictable outcome. Yes there are some funny bits, and Jessica's encounters with Scott the hunky American will get your pulse racing.

Jessica though spent half the book very anti being back in Wellington, having had to return to her home, after four years in London, due to her visa expiring. She takes up a new career as a stylist, with one of her best friends Morgan (who is incredibly flaky). She seemed to resent New Zealand, and was adamant that she would be able to bring London style to Wellywood, as there wouldn't be any home grown talent at all.

Jessica's attitude to her situation started to grate on me, although I could understand, she just didn't seem to have enough "get up and go" to make me really relate to her. Most of the main characters (and there is a character list at the start of the book) felt very shallow and not that fleshed out.

That being said, as I tend to enjoy these sorts of books, I did really like Styling Wellywood, and if you enjoy chick lit, or want to read a book set in New Zealand then this isn't a bad choice...it's just that personally I feel there are better books out there.

Thanks to Kate O'Keeffe for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.

[Sarah James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awkward situation. This book was written by a friend from my school days whom I had not seen for many years. If I didn't like it, how could I admit it? If I did like it, how could I be taken as genuine given I had shared school yard antics with Kate?
I did like it! I genuinely did like it. Finally a romantic comedy that had a great story line that was complimented by romance. No waffle, just laughs, love and reality. Kate made the central character, Jess, a friend that I think we can all relate to. Jess stumbles and bumbles through the changing circumstances of her live, dealing with past sadness and waking up to the truth of growing up and realising that lust and love have quite different outcomes. All achieved without the usual waffle and weak story line that leaves you wondering what you had just learnt about the story or characters in the previous chapter.
Biased? Well just a little. Nonetheless a very well told tale that I will enjoy passing around my friends.

[Maggie Le Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love chick lit, and Styling Wellywood is classic chick lit. It was a light, feel-good read with a good mix of LOL moments, cringe moments, and some more serious issues as well. Jess annoyed me a bit to start with, but I loved the way she developed through the book into a better version of herself. I reckon she'd make a good friend! Kate O'Keeffe did a great job of making me want to shake Jess and tell her, come on, work it out and kiss him already! Very nicely done, with great tension between Jess and her ultimate hero.

[Kim Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is what a chic lit book should be about. The main character Jessica starts off weak but definitely becomes a strong women. There are a couple of characters that just make you say yuck. But you see how each and everyone of them play a part in the book and with out them it wouldn't be the same. It has splashes of comedy with huge a does fashion. I just realized there is book in front of this one that is basically like part one to the story but this is very much a standalone. Full review here: http://allnightbooks.com/2014/08/25/s...

[Aneleise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally LOVED it! Given that this is Kate O'Keefe's first novel I wasn't expecting anything amazing but boy was I wrong! The book was well written, very easy to read and the story kept me interested and wanting to go back for more. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a light-hearted, easy-to-read, romantic fiction!

[Angel Graham · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hated all the characters. No, really. Not a one was actually redeemable. Not in my opinion, anyway.

Needs an editor, especially for the chapter where the author writes about David and Lindsey in the same sentence. It comes off sounding like BOTH David, and Lindsey died by suicide. David is still alive, just left by gf for another woman.I

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

“Styling Wellywood” is a light-hearted romp centered on a young woman coming into her own, both personally and professionally.

Read full review in the 2015 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Engy Neville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Read

Delightful read with likeable and relatable characters and really enjoyed learning about Wellington through the eyes of the characters. I'll be reading more from this author.

[Agathajross · Rating 4 out of 5]

funny, easy read, well written, great cover - four stars

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, quick summer read set in New Zealand. Perfect for a vacation.

[Karen Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Styling Wellywood' was an easy to read rom/com, chick lit very similar in style to Sophie Kinsella's Becky Bloomwood in 'Confessions of a Shopaholic'. 28 year old Jessica Banks is on the wrong side of her 20s fast approaching 30 and is on the wrong side of the world. Jessica is forced to move back home after a stint away in London and return to live at her mother's house in Wellington, New Zealand. Although the book is very much about finding herself and creating a new life in New Zealand, Jessica seems to always be running from something. There are difficult themes in this book, including her close friend's suicide and how Jessica felt she couldn't deal with it, so she ran away to London for four years and ignored Lindsey's parents. Some of the grammar and spelling weren't great, which dropped my star review to 3 stars. Very similar to the Shopaholic series, it was an easy read with some truly awful characters. Her best friend completely leaves her in the lurch to run their business while she also runs away, finds herself, and explores who she is. Jessica finds herself (very quickly) involved in a fling with Scott, her tennis coach, but very soon, we learn he's also running away from his responsibilities. Book 1 of three, the second book following the life of bitch Brooke, I'd be intrigued to read more but, I dont think I will.

Themes: mental health, cry for help suicide, pregnancy, adultery, marriage, self employed, sex.

[Belinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a nice little distraction to the doom and gloom of the world at the moment. I’ve wanted to read Kate’s Wellington series for years now, but never got around to it. With having more free time lately and being in Wellington myself a few months ago, now was a good time to start

I found the dialogue in the book a little too light and soap opera-ish. I guess I’m used to hearing a lot of swearing in TV and in real life, I find it a little jarring when I don’t read it in books. It feels a little too unrealistic, especially when characters find themselves in the depths of despair. But putting that aside, this book is a nice, easy ride into the lives of 20-something Wellingtonians (is that the right term?) .

Will I read the next book in the series? I think so. It takes me back to the enjoyment o felt when I was in Wellington myself... and I was only there for a day!!!

[Parisan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Jessica was a heroine on an emotional rollercoaster which I appreciated. It’s nice to relate to a character who is also struggling and flawed. Her self confidence at first is lacking but eventually it picks up. I do wish there would have been more about the personal styling toward the second half of the book. The first half started well with her job but the second half seemed to focus too much on her man drama and friend drama. I definitely want to visit Wellington after reading this though!

[Diane Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Styling Wellywood is fun, funny, and emotionally honest. O'Keeffe finds the perfect balance between the lightness of a rom com and the substance of literature. I can't wait to read the rest of her novels.

[Suann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good easy summer read

It was an enjoyable read… Easy story to follow with a few predictable but amusing twists and turns. Something great for a rainy summer evening... light and enjoyable.

[Kathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a bit predictable, but a fun read. Some grammar issues but not to many. It was a bit slow for me in spots but I did enjoy the book. Reading about the city was interesting, does make one want to visit.

[Ilonita50 · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was ok, had a trouble finding anything common with the main character, she annoyed me too much and side characters.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny

The story is good. I felt it was a little slow in some parts. Too many details in other parts. But interesting enough to entice me to continue to the end

[deirdre · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing!

Too light & breezy for my taste, featuring a whirlwind of vapid, nonessential details, despite the novel's inspirational New Zealand location.

[Britt Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and light.

[Josi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute

This was 3 1/2 stars for me. Very enjoyable. The characters were fun, relatable and entertaining. I want to read more from this author.

[Heather Jo Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book overall but felt the use of words like “totes” and “babe” felt forced and overused. The timeline also felt a bit wonky but it it was a fun read

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wouldn't rate this as a romance or a comedy. It's more about a stylish single girl finding her way as she starts a fashion consulting business. Nearly all that's written in this book is about her struggles in the business world, and fretting about her flakey friends and equally flakey dates.

This book started off well and maintained it's comedy up until around a quarter of the way through when it just fell flat. I continued reading in hopes that it would pick back up again but it never did. There was hardly any romance at all, with exception to a date with her cardio tennis instructor, and the guy she ends up longing for isn't even developed as a potential love interest until the end which left me reeling because I wasn't able to form a connection with the character to feel any type of romance between the two in the end.

Very disappointing read. Fabulous cover though.

[Misfits farm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very easy enjoyable read. I am not usually into light romance/comedy but this has that extra depth to it. You can empathise with Jessie as she tries to fit back into life living with her mother back in New Zealand, having split from her boyfriend and recently lost a good friend as well. It is easy to see some of the characters and the lives they lead, from the mundane to the glamorous. Jessica’s relationship with her mother is written well and you can see the change as the book progresses. She misses London and finds Wellington a small time city in comparison- it sounds wonderful! Her job makes this slightly unusual and her talent for getting on with people in an advisory capacity stands out in her tact and diplomacy- even though she makes mistakes with the clothes!
An easy summer poolside read.