A Tale of Two Pretties

Hopeless in Hotlanta #1

by Magan Vernon, Dawn Pendleton

MacAllister "Mac" Barlow thought she was living the life she always dreamed of. When she catches her fiancé in the act with his secretary, she high tails it out of their apartment without looking back. Looking for a new life, she drowns her sorrows in a pitcher of beer at Tony's Pizzeria.
Darcy Pepper isn't one for long-term relationships. Bouncing from guy-to-guy to get what she wants isn't satisfying her anymore. Walking out on her current boy-toy, she finds herself at a tiny hole-in-the-wall pub. More disappointed in herself than she's ever been, she sees Mac, a girl she vaguely remembers from high school.
Left flat broke, the girls quickly enlist the help of a waiter at Tony's and before they know it, they've got an apartment, jobs, and possibly even love interests beckoning.
Maybe things aren't so hopeless after all.

*This is a new adult romantic comedy and is recommended for readers ages 17+*
This book is the first in a five book series.

Genres: New Adult, Humor, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy

275 pages, ebook

First published May 14, 2014

About the author

Magan Vernon has been living off of reader tears since she wrote her first short story in 2004. She now spends her time killing off fictional characters, pretending to plot while she really just watches Netflix, and she tries to do this all while her two young children run amok around her Texas ranch.

You can stalk or...er...find her online at all of these fun and happy places.

Amazon Author Link: http://amzn.to/1Mi23I9

Website Link: www.maganvernon.com

Facebook Page Link: www.facebook.com/authormaganvernon

Twitter: www.twitter.com/maganvernon

Instagram User Name: @maganvee

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Reviews

[Bianca Isabel · Rating 2 out of 5]

What I really like is the cover, but that's about it. An okay story. I don't like the way of writing, feels like I'm reading the minds of older women, but in fact, they're only twenty-one. Cannot connect with the characters. Also, kind of a fast-paced story. One moment they're strangers, then the next they're already roommates and knew each other. Even their relationships with their counterparts are quick. Not for me.

[Magan Vernon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uh...It's my book so I say it's pretty awesome.

What I can't be vain?

[Amy Logg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarcastic & Witty With Fun & Inetersting Characters!

REVIEW:
The story:
Mac & Darcey are both going through a rough patch in their lives, which relationships ending, no jobs and being flat broke. Although they went to high school together, they don't really know each other, but they decide to pool their money move in together, the question is where? And that's where B-Rad comes in and offers them a crappy little apartment above his family's pizzeria. And he just so happens to live down the hall.

After learning they both want to be writers they plan to write their first novels and plan to save for a trip to a writer's festival. I loved the dynamic between Mac & Darcey, they didn't just instantly become BFFs and tell each other their deepest darkest secrets while braiding each other's hair. Instead they took their time getting to know one another and actually kept a few secrets from the other.

The characters:
On the surface Mac & Darcy have similar personalities and are both survivors, doing what they have to. But as we get to know them we start to see they are quite different. Mac loves high fantasy novels, while Darcey prefers a nice contemporary romance novel. But somehow these two develop a nice balanced friendship with each other.

B-Rad came across as a bit of a douche at first, with his self-righteous attitude and cocky personality. But when it was just him and Darcey in a scene, he was a completely different guy and I preferred this kinder, sweeter side to Brad so much more.

Mac's love interest, Preston was a little more mysterious. He doesn't have as much 'screen time' as the other 3 characters, so we don't get to know that well yet. I can't wait to see more of him in the next book!

The romance:
Mac doesn't warm to B-Rad at all, seeing him as a creepy sleaze, but Darcey sees there is more to him than he's overconfident attitude. She gives him a chance to just be himself and loose his tough persona. They spent a lot of time together and are a really cute couple

After being cheated on by her ex Mac isn't looking to jump into a new relationship, but after meeting Preston at the pizzeria she can't resist his charms. Before letting things go too far with him she runs. Little does she know he's friends with B-Rad and they end up seeing a lot more of each other. I expect great hotness from these two in the next book!!

The Writing:
This book is told in dual POV, but it's different from your regular Male/Female love interest MCs. Instead we have to friends POVs with two separate love interest, which actually gives up four main characters in a way. My only small issue was the character voices of Mac & Darcey did sound very similar in the beginning, but as we get to know them their voices started to develop and take on their own sound.

FINAL WORD:
This is no sweet and sappy romance story, this is sarcastic and witty with fun and interesting characters!

CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium / some sex scenes
Violence: none
Language: strong / frequent f words
Drugs & alcohol: mild

More reviews at The Reading Realm

[Romance Readers Retreat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a comedic romp! This book gave me many a chuckle, I mean any book that has a pet hedgehog in it name Heath Ledgehog (which I gotta say might be a good porn star name) is instant gold to me, especially when he gets called “Spiny Satan”. A Tale of Two Pretties follow the antics of MacAllister “Mac” Barlow and Darcy Pepper, who went to high school together and are thrown together later in life by sheer coincidence. Mac is probably my favorite of the two; she’s fun, sassy, and oh so snarkalicious. Poor Mac got burned by her husband who she found screwing his secretary on not one but two occasions. She decides to move on with her life and runs into Darcy while trying to drown her sorrows at the local pizza place. Darcy has had a string of really really short term boyfriends. After her fallout with her last one (a drunken frat jerk name Dylan, who Mac calls the Dyl-hole) she decides she needs to get her life in order too. Darcy, I found harder to like because she seems to use men for material stuff. I think the reason behind this is that she’s never had a real relationship with a man, only ones where they give her stuff so she thinks that she’s only good for that kind of thing and that no one will want her for more. She’s so bubbly and happy; she’s a very good contrast to Mac who is much more serious. I thought it was really great when she finds B-rad (yes, your read that right) who values her for more than sex, although it takes some time for him to get through to her. B-rad (also known as Brad) seems like a joke at first. He has a stupid nickname and the fact that he’s a 30 something man that works in a pizzeria….plus he has some pretty groan-worthy pickup lines. But he’s a real softy and he’s completely loyal, which is exactly what Darcy needs after her relationship disasters. Mac’s love interest is the totally swoon inducing Preston! I swear he could give a girl the big “O’ just by talking. He’s probably the only guy who can deal with Mac’s constant snarkiness….he actually thinks that it’s cute. The book is full of witty comebacks and smart dialogue, and the characters are compelling and well developed. This is the first book in the series so it does end with a cliffy….which makes me crazy for the next book!!!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went to the release party on FB for A Tale Of Two Pretties. I wanted to read it already, but seeing the interaction between authors and best friends Dawn Pendleton and Magan Vernon (who I have already books from and liked a lot), made me want to read it even more. These two are a hoot together. Their book had to be the same way.

It was.

A Tale Of Two Pretties took off fast right from the start. We meet Mac and then Darcy shows up, Mac doesn’t even remember her from high school, and next thing you know they are roommates, thanks to B-Rad. :D

B-Rad.

What are we going to do with B-Rad and manties?

I cannot wait to read more of this series because I am know there is a lot more under the B-Rad exterior than we have seen so far.

And I get sidetracked.

A Tale Of Two Pretties was funny – how can it not be with a hedgehog named Heath Ledgehog AKA Spiny Satan. :D

There is a bit of romance going here, it is just getting started, but it is there. Both women have just busted out of relationships and aren’t quite ready to take on another man, but we can see it starting to build.

I just really liked it. I cannot wait to see what happens in Savannah for the girls, I want to see what is going on with Preston, what are his secrets? Surely he has some. I love Mac’s sarcasm, she has a snarky response to everything, sweetie, and Darcy, I think Darcy we are going to see Darcy growing as a person and hopefully gaining some self confidence.

You know what I really liked? They are normal people. This isn’t about two women going off and finding billionaires that whisk them off to beautiful penthouse suites. This is two women, living in a royally crappy apartment, meeting 2 guys, who are not the alpha males that we typically see anymore (at least not so far), just living life as best as they can.

Now to wait for Hopeless In Hotlanta #2!

Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of A Tale Of Two Pretties.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its not often I read a New Adult book with some humour in it and A Tale Of Two Pretties, (Part 1 in the Hopless in Hotlanta series) was just that. Written by Dawn Pendleton and Magan Vernon, this book is not your typical NA read, if fact it was refreshing to read a book which read almost like day to day life!

This book almost has a feel of being taking straight from a diary, or 2 friends sharing something that happened than actually being wrote as a fresh story. That's what I really liked about it. The 2 characters, Mac and Darcy also have a great dynamic with each other and are as much alike as they are different. It's almost like they balance each other out nicely.

I loved the thoughts and personal points of view that went into the writing, I actually felt like I knew the characters, could relate to them and had more than a few laugh out loud moments.

I also like the 'hotter' scenes which were done really well and again, with some humour which made them more fun than a straight sex scene can be (And let's be honest they often can be a bit boring).

There's romance, fun and great friendship in this book and although the ending which really isn't an ending (I have a feeling book 2 will lead straight off where this book ended) doesn't leave you on a cliff or anything, you will definitely want to read further books in the Hopeless in Hotlanta series.

Being a blogger I really loved that aspect of the book too and it made for interesting reading! I loved how the girls got information, especially on writing etc in the book and as I mentioned before, the realism aspect made this a better read for me.

4 out of 5 stars and worth every one of them A Tale Of Two Pretties is a great read and I look forward to reading more book in the series!

Review also featured on my blog - http://www.bewitchedbooks.co.uk/

[Chelly Peeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, what do you get when two amazingly fabulous, hilarious, real-life BFFs get together and decide to write a book? You get Hopeless in Hotlanta – A Tale of Two Pretties. And it is great!

First, we have Mac Barlow – the fowl-mouthed blonde who isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. She finds herself sitting alone in a pizzeria, not long after finding her fiancé with his secretary. Then, in walks Darcy Pepper, who claims she knows Mac from high school. She’s beautiful, and uses those looks to get what she wants from guys. Both are essentially homeless now and have no clue as to what to do with their lives.

Cue B-Rad, the pretty hot, tattooed, near-30 waiter at the pizzeria, who couldn’t help but overhear the girls’ problems. He offers to let them rent the one-bedroom apartment above the shop, and with no other options, the girls decide why the hell not? But Darcy’s going to have to use some of her “talents” to negotiate an affordable price.

Neither girl wants a relationship after the crappy ones they just got out of, but B-Rad and his friend Preston won’t give up on either one. They could prove to be exactly what the girls’ need in their lives.

Embark on a journey with two strangers (who quickly become best friends), and a pet hedgehog, as they follow their dreams to self-publish their own books, learn to rely only on themselves, and possibly find love along the way.

If you haven’t met Dawn Pendleton or Magan “Twerkin’” Vernon, you’re missing out on a good time. I’ve read stuff from both of them, individually, and loved it. Having met them, when I heard they were collaborating, I knew we were in for a hilarious treat…and they didn’t disappoint! I can’t wait for the next book in this series, Catch Her in the Lie!

[Shauna Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot tell you how surprised I was that it sucked me in. In the midst of work and finals ~ I dropped everything to finish. This is the first book I have read by Dawn Pendleton and Magan Vernon. I met these two lovely ladies at the Chicago Author Event. They were so funny and real that I am glad I found them & their writings! This book is a MUST READ! Mac and Darcy are old friends who really have lost touch and just happen to meet in a bar on a day they both needed each other. Who doesn't have a friend they lost touch with and when you needed them most there they were? Enter B-Rad. Enough said! You will literally laugh out loud! This is a story about picking up the pieces and moving on. The dynamic between all the characters flow & you can feel the chemistry that works so well between them all. You really can't ask for more in this book ~ it has it all. Love, angst, comedy, sexual tension, and so much more! The only thing I could ask for more in this book is MORE OF THE STORY! I can't wait to read more of Mac, Darcy, B-Rad, & Preston! Pick up this book ~ you will not be disappointed!

~Shauna~

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omigosh! Dawn and Magan had me laughing so hard! This book is hilarious! And there were times that my heart raced as Mac or Darcy had a close encounter with the opposite sex.

MacAllister and Darcy are both down on their luck and complete strangers to each other basically. Darcy remembers Mac from high school. They ended up meeting on a stroke of luck at a pizzeria. One said pizzeria that is ran by B-Rad (Brad really). He overhears their dilemma and offers them a place to stay. It isn't much, but it's all they can afford right now. It just so happens to be right across the hall from B-Rad too. Lucky for him!

At first both girls think that B-Rad is creepy, but soon Darcy realizes there is more to him than meets the eye and his friend Preston seems to have his eye on Mac.

They both decide to delve into the world of self publishing together hoping to make it big! Or just big enough to make it through life on more than ramen noodles.

Reading through their turmoil was a hilarious trip! I can't wait to read the next book!

[Carrie Stadtler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopeless in Hotlanta (The tale of two pretties)..

Well what can I say about Hopeless in Hotlanta?! Other than when you put two amazing writers together you get a fantastic story. This was a book about fun! This was about nothing more than laugh out loud fun. No sappy love story here, this was actually entertaining to say the least.

Two girls reconnect in the big city, Darcy and Mac *hence the initials* yeah totally got that wrong but you'll see when you start reading it... two girls reconnect from the past and decide after two very bad break-ups that they are going to live together- both not looking for love- but both cant resist the charming men that come into the picture.. Both are inspiring English majors and decide to be inspiring writers, out to publish there first novel.. Its so realistic that you almost believe this is really Dawn and Magan....

This is was a fun read make sure you grab it!!!

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book for an honest review. To start off I hope that this is the first in a series. If a review starts with a hope of a sequel then you should know that it is good read. The characters were very quirky individually, but blended well together. The authors left the reader wanting to know about each of their back stories and to know where Mac and Darcy were going next… and I don’t mean Savannah, Georgia. Brad and Preston were very interesting in their own right and deserve to have their stories told as well. All I can say is I hope we don’t have to wait too long to find out about more about these four characters and what happens with their new friendships.

[Briana Pacheco · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

I didn't expect to love this but I did. It was funny most of the times and Mac and Darcy were relatable. They're both young women who haven't had the best of luck in life then one day they find each other at a bar with a broken heart, flat-out broke and no place to live. Fate hands them a waiter who helps out way more than they expected and life seems to start getting better.

I wished it was longer but this is part 1 in a 5 part series so it's understandable.

I loved this and highly recommend it. Can't wait for the next one!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting seeing these two girls form a friendship even if they were so different from each other. They are spunky, moody, and funny. I liked how real they felt...does that even make sense? What I mean is that they feel like characters they the readers can relate to. I thought the characters well developed and this book was very fun to read. If you are looking for a laid back book that's easy to read this would be the book for you. I'll be sure to follow what happens next for these girls. 4.5 of 5 s

[Melissa Cheslog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book about two girls trying to start over. Mac works for a temp agency and has left her cheating fiancee. Darcy is sick of the jerks she keeps finding. Both of them meet up at the pizzeria and decide to be roommates. Brad is in charge of the pizzeria and offers Darcy a job. He has already rented the girls the vacant apartment. The girls are fun and hilarious throughout the book. I cannot wait for the next installment!

[Sara Kiplinger Atwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, light-hearted contemporary read. I enjoyed the characters of Mac and Darcy and they were easily relatable for almost anyone. This book fits nicely into the New Adult genre, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to any of my high school students because of sexual content. I will most likely try to read the others in the series as they are released.

[Katarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun to read. Funny, cute, hot guys, smart girls, a bit of chaos and a bit of love. I look forward to the next one.

[A. Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book... OMG Completely epic.

[Shawna Shauntia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this. While I am a fan of both authors. I was somewhat skeptical on how these two creative minds would work together.

As I started to get into ATOTP I’ll admit again I was a little on the fence. This has to be the very first story I’ve read with dual POV of the heroines. For some reason I couldn’t wrap my mind on how this would play out. I mean let’s be honest how many people from your high school days are you willing to move in with after reconnecting with them years later at a bar. Nah I thinks not. I will admit that I had a GTFOH moment , but yeah for me these talented ladies was able to pull in off and cause me to fangirl over this awesome read.

I can’t wait for this adventure to develop more and of course I will be impatiently waiting for more

[Anja]

MacAllister "Mac" Barlow thought she was living the life she always dreamed of. When she catches her fiancé in the act with his secretary, she high tails it out of their apartment without looking back. Looking for a new life, she drowns her sorrows in a pitcher of beer at Tony's Pizzeria.
Darcy Pepper isn't one for long-term relationships. Bouncing from guy-to-guy to get what she wants isn't satisfying her anymore. Walking out on her current boy-toy, she finds herself at a tiny hole-in-the-wall pub. More disappointed in herself than she's ever been, she sees Mac, a girl she vaguely remembers from high school.
Left flat broke, the girls quickly enlist the help of a waiter at Tony's and before they know it, they've got an apartment, jobs, and possibly even love interests beckoning.
Maybe things aren't so hopeless after all.

This book is the first in a five book series.

[Caitlin Janke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy through netgalley. A tale of two pretties is about two young women named Mac and Darcy. Both girls just came out of relationships and places to live so they get an apartment above a pizzeria/bar. This is book is the first in a series about there adventure as they try and put their lives together.
I liked the first book, it was interesting to see the girls as they figure out what they want to do. The writing style was really good and I like how it had the date, time and location at the beginning of every chapter. Made it easier to keep track of if it skipped a day or two. It's a good book for a shorter read and didn't drag which I always hate. Looking forward to the next one.

[phoebess · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's highly possible I was in some kind of trance while reading it. I was so into this story about two pretty crazy girls I forgot about time and everything. It surprised me, to be honest, how much I liked it. I did not expect that because I was a little bit skeptical after reading a blurb. But now I'm glad I went with my gut and got to enjoy this great book.

[Kelly Teague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious!! Two girls with a lot of spirit and Not so great past trying to make the best of their situation!! Characters were easy to identify with, guys were hunky, girls were funny, can't wait for the next book!

[Brandy Corona · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT! I'm already a huge Magan fan, but I had never read Dawn's work before. With this you can't even distinguish that it was co written, it flows together beautifully! Laughed my butt off with some of the dialogue. You won't be disappointed with this HOT story!

[Roxanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Delta]

Free 07-09-14 (NA Romantic Comedy)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IIS1MDU?i...

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book it was an enjoyable read. The characters were ones you can't help but like and by the end of the book I was sad that I have to wait till Sept for more

[Jan Mcclung-short · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually a very good book. Just trash mouth rather than really sexy sex scenes. I enjoyed this book.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Jessica Raley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a wonderful book. It kind of felt like I could have been there mostly for the sarcasm and whit of this book.