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If Wishes Were Husbands
When Rachel invents a husband to impress her friends, they delight in stories of his meticulous housework, gourmet cooking and amazing sex. Just a bit of harmless fun - until Darren materialises on her sofa, in the flesh! Confronted with the real life version of her fantasy man, Rachel must learn to live with perfection, or discover how to dis-invent him.
A light-hearted story of a single woman's desire to join the ranks of the married, without living with a man who drives her mad!
This romantic comedy novel by Jane Killick (writing as Elizabeth Kyne) is destined to appeal to fans of Sophie Kinsella, Meg Cabot and Bridget Jones.
A light-hearted story of a single woman's desire to join the ranks of the married, without living with a man who drives her mad!
This romantic comedy novel by Jane Killick (writing as Elizabeth Kyne) is destined to appeal to fans of Sophie Kinsella, Meg Cabot and Bridget Jones.
- GenresRomance
290 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
25 people are currently reading
543 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Kyne
2 books6 followersElizabeth Kyne is a former pen name for Jane Killick
For more details about why I dropped my pseudonym, see this blog post
http://www.janekillick.com/why-i-drop...
For more details about why I dropped my pseudonym, see this blog post
http://www.janekillick.com/why-i-drop...
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 16, 2014
DID NOT FINISH AT 30%
I won a copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway. The blurb on the back made it seem promising as well as the first couple of chapters. Unfortunately, I only made it about 30% of the way in before I had to give up.
The premise of the book is that Rachel dreams up her perfect man, telling her friends she's married to him and all of his excellence to complete the lie. Then he magically appears. Poof. It's a great tale with lots of potential, if executed correctly. Sadly, after another chapter or two after said 'perfect man' appears, Rachel someone gets confused. She doesn't remember memories and she has inner monologues with herself about why she hasn't told her friend or mother she's married. And this is where my problem with the story is.
When he suddenly appears in her living room for the first time, she understands he's not really there. She's confused about where he came from, baffled about why he won't go away, and intrigued at the possibilities of dreaming up her 'perfect man' only to have him actually be created. But within a day she suddenly starts thinking as if he was there all along and their progression as a couple was real. I missed a step. That has to be it. Because that transition in Rachel's mind made absolutely no sense to me and unfortunately, spoiled the story a bit for me.
I tried to continue on... I really did. I actually read another 20 pages before the absurdity of it all made me quit. The write was lovely, but the inconsistency in the story-line made it impossible for me to read completely.
I won a copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway. The blurb on the back made it seem promising as well as the first couple of chapters. Unfortunately, I only made it about 30% of the way in before I had to give up.
The premise of the book is that Rachel dreams up her perfect man, telling her friends she's married to him and all of his excellence to complete the lie. Then he magically appears. Poof. It's a great tale with lots of potential, if executed correctly. Sadly, after another chapter or two after said 'perfect man' appears, Rachel someone gets confused. She doesn't remember memories and she has inner monologues with herself about why she hasn't told her friend or mother she's married. And this is where my problem with the story is.
When he suddenly appears in her living room for the first time, she understands he's not really there. She's confused about where he came from, baffled about why he won't go away, and intrigued at the possibilities of dreaming up her 'perfect man' only to have him actually be created. But within a day she suddenly starts thinking as if he was there all along and their progression as a couple was real. I missed a step. That has to be it. Because that transition in Rachel's mind made absolutely no sense to me and unfortunately, spoiled the story a bit for me.
I tried to continue on... I really did. I actually read another 20 pages before the absurdity of it all made me quit. The write was lovely, but the inconsistency in the story-line made it impossible for me to read completely.
Read
June 12, 2020If Wishes Were Husbands was described to me as a ‘hilarious read’ and though I do like a good rom-com, be it film or book, I’m always a little wary of anything that is described to me as hilarious. Nonetheless, the description for Elizabeth Kyne’s tale seemed genuinely funny so I decided to check it out and I’m so glad I did.
While I’ve yet to read a fiction book that had me rolling in the aisles, this fun and funny read did have me laughing out loud. The concept of a woman somehow magicking up a husband from her imagination has an edge of Bewitched to it, but subsequently finding out that her perfect man is actually far from what she wants in reality? Well, that definitely adds a whole new comic element.
As well as a funny premise, Kyne offers something that many authors struggle to provide: a genuinely humorous voice. I doubt I will ever forget the scene that sees Rachel helping her mother test-drive bondage gear (don’t ask!) or berating her husband for his wayward willy! Elizabeth Kyne has a way with words and it’s certainly a very amusing one.
So, what didn’t I like? I would genuinely love to say ‘nothing’ but there were aspects that frustrated me slightly. I didn’t find Rachel a particularly likeable character at times, which I suspect is partly the point but she really annoyed me. Yes, she was planted in a mind-boggling situation and had her whole world turned upside down overnight and you have to give her allowances for that. However, even with allowances aplenty, she behaves appallingly for large chunks of the novel. Rachel also accepts her newly married status with a remarkable minimum of fuss, quickly quelling any doubts for the sake of having this new sex-bomb in her life. However, the doubts are quickly resurrected when she decides she’s not happy. Again, this doesn’t particular add to her likeability as a character. She’s a strong woman – independent and feisty – but her behaviour belies that and instead she ends up coming across as a stroppy cow. That’s a technical term, by the way.
That notwithstanding, I’m pretty impressed by how much I enjoyed this novel, considering I couldn’t bring myself to like the main character. Perhaps this was because Darren too frustrated me (but for completely different reasons – grow a backbone man!). I didn’t really enjoy some of Rachel’s dramatic actions (such as throwing his clothes out of the window) but only in the same way as it isn’t particularly pleasant to see someone step on a slug. Thankfully, as the novel progresses, both Darren and Rachel mature and become considerably more grounded and, thus, more likeable.
I won’t spoil it for you by revealing the outcome. Let’s just say that there’s a lot of laughter in this book and the odd tear or two as well. Dealing with Darren may not be the easiest way for Rachel to learn valuable life lessons but it’s certainly an effective one.
Kyne’s novel offers two very clear messages: 1) be careful what you wish for as you just might get it and 2) nothing worth having comes easy. She’s an excellent writer and capable of producing very realistic, well paced dialogue, alongside a fantastic storyline. I certainly wouldn’t hesitate in picking another of her novels and am fully confident that there is more to be seen from this wonderfully witty storyteller.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review. I did not receive any additional compensation. All opinions are my own.
While I’ve yet to read a fiction book that had me rolling in the aisles, this fun and funny read did have me laughing out loud. The concept of a woman somehow magicking up a husband from her imagination has an edge of Bewitched to it, but subsequently finding out that her perfect man is actually far from what she wants in reality? Well, that definitely adds a whole new comic element.
As well as a funny premise, Kyne offers something that many authors struggle to provide: a genuinely humorous voice. I doubt I will ever forget the scene that sees Rachel helping her mother test-drive bondage gear (don’t ask!) or berating her husband for his wayward willy! Elizabeth Kyne has a way with words and it’s certainly a very amusing one.
So, what didn’t I like? I would genuinely love to say ‘nothing’ but there were aspects that frustrated me slightly. I didn’t find Rachel a particularly likeable character at times, which I suspect is partly the point but she really annoyed me. Yes, she was planted in a mind-boggling situation and had her whole world turned upside down overnight and you have to give her allowances for that. However, even with allowances aplenty, she behaves appallingly for large chunks of the novel. Rachel also accepts her newly married status with a remarkable minimum of fuss, quickly quelling any doubts for the sake of having this new sex-bomb in her life. However, the doubts are quickly resurrected when she decides she’s not happy. Again, this doesn’t particular add to her likeability as a character. She’s a strong woman – independent and feisty – but her behaviour belies that and instead she ends up coming across as a stroppy cow. That’s a technical term, by the way.
That notwithstanding, I’m pretty impressed by how much I enjoyed this novel, considering I couldn’t bring myself to like the main character. Perhaps this was because Darren too frustrated me (but for completely different reasons – grow a backbone man!). I didn’t really enjoy some of Rachel’s dramatic actions (such as throwing his clothes out of the window) but only in the same way as it isn’t particularly pleasant to see someone step on a slug. Thankfully, as the novel progresses, both Darren and Rachel mature and become considerably more grounded and, thus, more likeable.
I won’t spoil it for you by revealing the outcome. Let’s just say that there’s a lot of laughter in this book and the odd tear or two as well. Dealing with Darren may not be the easiest way for Rachel to learn valuable life lessons but it’s certainly an effective one.
Kyne’s novel offers two very clear messages: 1) be careful what you wish for as you just might get it and 2) nothing worth having comes easy. She’s an excellent writer and capable of producing very realistic, well paced dialogue, alongside a fantastic storyline. I certainly wouldn’t hesitate in picking another of her novels and am fully confident that there is more to be seen from this wonderfully witty storyteller.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review. I did not receive any additional compensation. All opinions are my own.
March 15, 2012
Guilty Pleasures
Rachel Gibbons is tired. Tired of always being the one that everyone talks about, the woman who at 30 isn't married and is only a PA to a finace director. Rachel is just fine with her life, but the constant questions and stares are enough to make her scream. With one little white lie, Rachel will set her whole world on it's ear. But when the lie takes on a life of it's own, will Rachel see what she has as valuable or will she regret the words that fell from her lips so easily?
Darren Gibbons is the perfect guy. Not only does he cook, clean, do laundry, is great in bed, insatisable, and completly devotional to Rachel, there is something that is off about him.If only Darren had something outside of Rachel to occupy his time that things would be so much better for her. When the truth comes out about Darren, will Rachel survive the heartbreak or will his leaving be the death of Rachel as we know it?
While in the beginning this story was a little difficult to follow, in the end I truly enjoyed the story as a whole. The characters were full bodied and each had unique senses of humor that kept me turning pages to see what new antics could happen. The ending didn't happen at all like I expected it to (I won't give anything away....) but it fit with the flow of the story. The ending came far too soon in this one, but with the ending of this book comes the opportunity to find other books by Elizabeth Kyne. If you are looking for a fun light hearted story that will jerk at your heart strings while making your blush than this is the book for you.
Rachel Gibbons is tired. Tired of always being the one that everyone talks about, the woman who at 30 isn't married and is only a PA to a finace director. Rachel is just fine with her life, but the constant questions and stares are enough to make her scream. With one little white lie, Rachel will set her whole world on it's ear. But when the lie takes on a life of it's own, will Rachel see what she has as valuable or will she regret the words that fell from her lips so easily?
Darren Gibbons is the perfect guy. Not only does he cook, clean, do laundry, is great in bed, insatisable, and completly devotional to Rachel, there is something that is off about him.If only Darren had something outside of Rachel to occupy his time that things would be so much better for her. When the truth comes out about Darren, will Rachel survive the heartbreak or will his leaving be the death of Rachel as we know it?
While in the beginning this story was a little difficult to follow, in the end I truly enjoyed the story as a whole. The characters were full bodied and each had unique senses of humor that kept me turning pages to see what new antics could happen. The ending didn't happen at all like I expected it to (I won't give anything away....) but it fit with the flow of the story. The ending came far too soon in this one, but with the ending of this book comes the opportunity to find other books by Elizabeth Kyne. If you are looking for a fun light hearted story that will jerk at your heart strings while making your blush than this is the book for you.
January 27, 2012
If we could have the perfect husband we’ve always wanted, what would we wish for? Rachel made that wish and then began to weave a fairytale. All she really wanted to do was fit in. She was tired of being labeled as a 40 something year old single female who was married to her job. Little did she realize that when she returned home that night, her fairytale would have come to life. Maybe perfect isn’t what we’re dreaming of, that is, until it fads before our very eyes.
Rachel is out with friends one night and conjures up the perfect man. Her friends are all envious of her wonderful life. She returns home to find the fairytale has come to life and as the days go by, she begins to realize perfect isn’t always perfect. She begins to resent this perfect man who is there to satisfy her every whim. The book is quite funny and I enjoyed the fast-paced story line.
The author did an excellent job in showing Darren’s confusion when Rachel becomes irritated with him when all he wants to do is please her. After all, Rachel conjured him up. It was a fun book.
I am giving this book a excellent rating because I thought the writing was good. The book had an original concept. I did not come across any grammatical errors or misspellings as I was reading (doesn’t necessarily mean there weren’t any, but I’m good at spotting them and I saw none.) I think if you are looking for a fun, light read, this book hits the mark.
Rachel is out with friends one night and conjures up the perfect man. Her friends are all envious of her wonderful life. She returns home to find the fairytale has come to life and as the days go by, she begins to realize perfect isn’t always perfect. She begins to resent this perfect man who is there to satisfy her every whim. The book is quite funny and I enjoyed the fast-paced story line.
The author did an excellent job in showing Darren’s confusion when Rachel becomes irritated with him when all he wants to do is please her. After all, Rachel conjured him up. It was a fun book.
I am giving this book a excellent rating because I thought the writing was good. The book had an original concept. I did not come across any grammatical errors or misspellings as I was reading (doesn’t necessarily mean there weren’t any, but I’m good at spotting them and I saw none.) I think if you are looking for a fun, light read, this book hits the mark.
January 1, 2012
When I read the blurb, I knew I wanted to read this. Ms Kyne is a new author to me and she had me hooked from the minute I started reading. Written in the first person this is a truly entertaining read.
You can't help but like the heroine Rachel. Who hasn't sat in the hair dresser's chair and thought of something interesting to say to all those personal questions. Okay, most of us wouldn't make up a husband, but you can see why Rachel did. Her confusion when she comes home to that made up husband is priceless.
Ms Kyne has a unique gift for drawing the reader into the story. Her descriptions are so vivid, I could almost taste them and I had a very clear mental picture in my head at all times.
I was nodding and laughing along as I was reading, eliciting a few bemused glances from those around me!
A hysterical slice of life of a single woman in the UK. Female readers everywhere will be able to identify with this tale and I loved the ending!
You can't help but like the heroine Rachel. Who hasn't sat in the hair dresser's chair and thought of something interesting to say to all those personal questions. Okay, most of us wouldn't make up a husband, but you can see why Rachel did. Her confusion when she comes home to that made up husband is priceless.
Ms Kyne has a unique gift for drawing the reader into the story. Her descriptions are so vivid, I could almost taste them and I had a very clear mental picture in my head at all times.
I was nodding and laughing along as I was reading, eliciting a few bemused glances from those around me!
A hysterical slice of life of a single woman in the UK. Female readers everywhere will be able to identify with this tale and I loved the ending!
February 11, 2012
I discovered this book on good-reads and as soon as I read the blurb about it I added it to my to-read pile. I thought it was a really cute and funny story. It is about a girl named Rachel who is tired of telling everyone she is single so instead she makes up a fake husband who then shows up at her house one night.
August 24, 2015
It took me a long time to get through this book, but overall, it was a fun and enjoyable read. I had a little bit of trouble keeping up with the whirlwind emotions of the main character, but then again, in each moment I could relate to why she was feeling the way she did. I particularly liked the idea of the story, and how the main character grew from her experience.
April 17, 2015
I received this book through a goodreads giveaway.
I really enjoyed this book, I loved how she wished and it 'came true' it was a wonderful story of knowing things might not always be greener and I felt a real connection to the characters. :)
I will go on to read more by the Author.
I really enjoyed this book, I loved how she wished and it 'came true' it was a wonderful story of knowing things might not always be greener and I felt a real connection to the characters. :)
I will go on to read more by the Author.
August 5, 2014
reviewed
July 15, 2019
great book, it made me cry near the end.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews