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A Girl #1
About a Girl
Tess Brookes has always been a Girl with a Plan. But when the Plan goes belly up, she’s forced to reconsider.
After accidently answering her flatmate Vanessa’s phone, she decides that since being Tess isn’t going so well, she might try being Vanessa. With nothing left to lose, she accepts Vanessa’s photography assignment to Hawaii – she used to be an amateur snapper, how hard can it be? Right?
But Tess is soon in big trouble. And the gorgeous journalist on the shoot with her, who is making it very clear he’d like to get into her pants, is an egotistical monster. Far from home and in someone else’s shoes, Tess must decide whether to fight on through, or ‘fess up and run…
After accidently answering her flatmate Vanessa’s phone, she decides that since being Tess isn’t going so well, she might try being Vanessa. With nothing left to lose, she accepts Vanessa’s photography assignment to Hawaii – she used to be an amateur snapper, how hard can it be? Right?
But Tess is soon in big trouble. And the gorgeous journalist on the shoot with her, who is making it very clear he’d like to get into her pants, is an egotistical monster. Far from home and in someone else’s shoes, Tess must decide whether to fight on through, or ‘fess up and run…
402 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2013
244 people are currently reading
5738 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey Kelk
50 books5,491 followersLindsey Kelk is the Sunday Times bestselling author of books including the I Heart series, On A Night Like This, The Christmas Wish, and One in a Million, along with the middle grade Cinders & Sparks series.
As well as writing books, Lindsey co-hosts the award-winning beauty podcast, Full Coverage, and Tight and Fights, a pro-wrestling podcast on the Maximum Fun network.
Born and raised in South Yorkshire, Lindsey lived in Nottingham, London and New York before settling in LA, where she lives with her husband and two very rude cats.
As well as writing books, Lindsey co-hosts the award-winning beauty podcast, Full Coverage, and Tight and Fights, a pro-wrestling podcast on the Maximum Fun network.
Born and raised in South Yorkshire, Lindsey lived in Nottingham, London and New York before settling in LA, where she lives with her husband and two very rude cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 502 reviews
February 25, 2015
About A Girl is solid gold when it comes to chicklit. It’s the chicklit chocolate cake with a cherry on top. I’ve only read one other book of Lindsey Kelk, but I’m glad to have added this one to my resume, and this book officially makes her an author to look out for.
It’s about a girl (GET IT), Tess, who has too much on her plate to deal with. She loses her job and her best friend in the same week and her head is reeling. So when she gets the opportunity to take her roommate’s place and go to Hawaii to take some pictures, she jumps at the chance. Sure, I can pretend to be my bitchy roommate for a week. I mean, what could possibly go wrong? Only there’s a frustrating journalist who’s too pretty for his own good, as well as some issues with the photoshoot. It’s up to Tess to deal with everything thrown her way, realising that problems will follow you around, no matter where you are.
About A Girl has got all the ingredients of a perfect chicklit. An exotic setting (Hawaii? Yes please), a ditzy main character who makes all the wrong choices, and one very handsome love interest. Two, in this case. But it’s not a love triangle just for the sake of adding drama – it’s just fun. This whole book is pure, solid fun. I found myself constantly laughing, not just at the dialogue, but at the way things were described.
That’s when you know you’ve got a good book in your hands – when it makes you laugh, when it makes you feel good, when it provides you the solace and escape you sometimes so desire. When you can put it down with a huge smile on your face and confirm that the book has, in fact, made you feel better. That’s the reason why I love chicklit.
It’s about a girl (GET IT), Tess, who has too much on her plate to deal with. She loses her job and her best friend in the same week and her head is reeling. So when she gets the opportunity to take her roommate’s place and go to Hawaii to take some pictures, she jumps at the chance. Sure, I can pretend to be my bitchy roommate for a week. I mean, what could possibly go wrong? Only there’s a frustrating journalist who’s too pretty for his own good, as well as some issues with the photoshoot. It’s up to Tess to deal with everything thrown her way, realising that problems will follow you around, no matter where you are.
About A Girl has got all the ingredients of a perfect chicklit. An exotic setting (Hawaii? Yes please), a ditzy main character who makes all the wrong choices, and one very handsome love interest. Two, in this case. But it’s not a love triangle just for the sake of adding drama – it’s just fun. This whole book is pure, solid fun. I found myself constantly laughing, not just at the dialogue, but at the way things were described.
“Hawaii did not have a bad angle. Hawaii was the Ryan Gosling of destinations.”
That’s when you know you’ve got a good book in your hands – when it makes you laugh, when it makes you feel good, when it provides you the solace and escape you sometimes so desire. When you can put it down with a huge smile on your face and confirm that the book has, in fact, made you feel better. That’s the reason why I love chicklit.
November 13, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. Nick must be the hugest reader crush I had in forever!
Oh boy the banter in this book the story is perfect, the love-hate relationship is so great!
Tessa is fun and there's a lot of humor and funny moments.
I loved this novel I immediately empathized with Tessa. She loses her job, which basically is her life. She’s helplessly in love with her best friend, and when they finally get together it’s another major screw-up. So then of course she assumes a false identity and flies away to Hawaii, where our wonderful, arrogant, incredibly handsome leading man makes his appearance. I don’t know how the story ends as the novel leaves us with a cliffhanger…so right now I’m heading to the library to borrow book #2 (being the thrifty buyer I am book #2 is a bit too expensive to buy.)
All in all, Tessa is the kind of sarcastic, humorous heroine that I like. Nick is just the cocky, boastful guy with hidden depth that I love the most in RomComs.
My favorite banter-y quote:
“So are you, sunshine,” Paige replied. “Bad night?”
Even though he didn’t take off his sunglasses, I knew he was staring straight at me.
“I’ve had better,” he said with an entirely straight face, while I coloured up from head to toe. “I’ve had worse.”
…
“Now, now children,” Paige intervened, entirely oblivious to the extreme level of bitchy subtext flying across the table. “Let’s not have fisticuffs … Can we kiss and make up?”
Nick turned up one corner of his mouth and nodded. “I’m game if you are, Vanessa.”
“I think she means figuratively,” I said, adding cream to my coffee. “I’m a professional.”
“Really?” He rested his elbows on the table and pushed his glasses up over his eyebrows. “I probably owe you some money then.”
Oh boy the banter in this book the story is perfect, the love-hate relationship is so great!
Tessa is fun and there's a lot of humor and funny moments.
I loved this novel I immediately empathized with Tessa. She loses her job, which basically is her life. She’s helplessly in love with her best friend, and when they finally get together it’s another major screw-up. So then of course she assumes a false identity and flies away to Hawaii, where our wonderful, arrogant, incredibly handsome leading man makes his appearance. I don’t know how the story ends as the novel leaves us with a cliffhanger…so right now I’m heading to the library to borrow book #2 (being the thrifty buyer I am book #2 is a bit too expensive to buy.)
All in all, Tessa is the kind of sarcastic, humorous heroine that I like. Nick is just the cocky, boastful guy with hidden depth that I love the most in RomComs.
My favorite banter-y quote:
“So are you, sunshine,” Paige replied. “Bad night?”
Even though he didn’t take off his sunglasses, I knew he was staring straight at me.
“I’ve had better,” he said with an entirely straight face, while I coloured up from head to toe. “I’ve had worse.”
…
“Now, now children,” Paige intervened, entirely oblivious to the extreme level of bitchy subtext flying across the table. “Let’s not have fisticuffs … Can we kiss and make up?”
Nick turned up one corner of his mouth and nodded. “I’m game if you are, Vanessa.”
“I think she means figuratively,” I said, adding cream to my coffee. “I’m a professional.”
“Really?” He rested his elbows on the table and pushed his glasses up over his eyebrows. “I probably owe you some money then.”
July 20, 2013
I've never been so annoyed at a book. I'm a huge fan of chick lit and adore a good beach read during the summer months. I picked up this book during backpacking for long train rides hoping it would keep me entertained. Instead what I got was a book filled with a whiny and slightly annoying protagonist. No matter how hard I tried, I could not relate to Tess. What was even more frustrating is that the book has no ending! At the end of the book things are vague, which is all fine and dandy but the author has the nerve to basically say "if you want to find out what happens with the main dilemma of this book buy my next one." Maybe if Miss Kelk wasn't so focused on pumping out useless novels packaged in shiny paper and fantasy vacations as the backdrop to her plotless stories there could have been a decent book somewhere in there. I'm gonna have to stick with Sophie Kinsella novels from now on.
September 25, 2013
Couldn't even get past chapter 1.
I have enjoyed Lindsey Kelk's books in the past, but I feel her formula is getting old.
Each of her books feature immature heroines who get fed up with life, fly to another part of the world, screw their lives up royally, and eventually "get the guy."
Ugh. Please. Come up with something NEW!
But, I could have looked past the recycled plot if the writing were actually good. Which, it is not.
I tried, I honestly did, to enjoy it.
Alas, I could not. I was bored to tears, and couldn't even manage to finish chapter one. I didn't care about what happened to the main character (I already forget her name), but lost interest around the time she tried to smash the HR rep's coffee mug.
Okay. This display of childish rage may have worked the first time in I Heart New York (cue the smashing hand with a spike heel scene).
I did not like it, however, when she reused it in I Heart London.
I think Ms. Kelk shows promise as a writer (I did, in fact, enjoy The Single Girl's To Do List and I Heart New York). But, she needs to come up with some original ideas, rather than recycling and repackaging the same thing over and over.
I have enjoyed Lindsey Kelk's books in the past, but I feel her formula is getting old.
Each of her books feature immature heroines who get fed up with life, fly to another part of the world, screw their lives up royally, and eventually "get the guy."
Ugh. Please. Come up with something NEW!
But, I could have looked past the recycled plot if the writing were actually good. Which, it is not.
I tried, I honestly did, to enjoy it.
Alas, I could not. I was bored to tears, and couldn't even manage to finish chapter one. I didn't care about what happened to the main character (I already forget her name), but lost interest around the time she tried to smash the HR rep's coffee mug.
Okay. This display of childish rage may have worked the first time in I Heart New York (cue the smashing hand with a spike heel scene).
I did not like it, however, when she reused it in I Heart London.
I think Ms. Kelk shows promise as a writer (I did, in fact, enjoy The Single Girl's To Do List and I Heart New York). But, she needs to come up with some original ideas, rather than recycling and repackaging the same thing over and over.
July 10, 2014
what...did I just read. This book was terrible. It's a shame because I liked the idea but how it was written was just...arhhggg.
It's slow for a start, taking over 100 pages to get into her actually going to this trip and by this point, I already hate the main character aswell as all the other characters, so I don't give two shits on what's going on anyway. The plane could crash and I wouldn't a give a fuck.
She's annoying, whiny, dramatic....just everything you don't want in a main character. If I worked at her job, I'd fire her ass too. I hate her. Tess Brookes, ugh give me a break. She's been in love with her best friend aswell for 10 years and she kisses him and after that, he's like 'my place or yours?' then they have sex. After that, he's a douche and we find out he's also fucking her roommate who's probably the only character I like because she's sassy. Oh boo hoo. You're the one who just flushed ten years down the bog because you couldn't not sleep with him because he's oh so dreamy riiiiiight. I didn't like him either. She gets pissed that he's sleeping with her roommate, but really? They're not dating, her and Charlie, so it's not like he's cheating. I don't care anyway because I don't like any of them.
Her best friend's sister named her kids Bella and Katniss.................
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the Hunger Games and I love Katniss but in this book, it was stupid. It just didn't fit into the book. (I still wouldn't mind calling my own kid Katniss) Maybe because it was just in this book and I hated everything but yeah, it felt out of place.
There was also a part I wanted to point out. She got "mugged" as in a guy sat next to her and was like 'i want your phone and wallet' and she said she didn't have a phone or anything and he said - no joke - "I have a spare iPhone, do you need to use it? Here, have it I have lots" then leaves her alone
this book is set in London, UK. Can I assure you that this won't happen in London. I know, I'm british and the mugger won't be like 'I'm terribly sorry to disturb you' NO If she's been "mugged" like that then she just got lucky.
All the language and references to british culture and slang made me feel like she was writing this for an American and that she's trying to prove she's british. We get it. You're british. Move on. Nobody in England says 'Bloody' that much. This book made me ashamed to be british sometimes....
1 star. I didn't even finish. Maybe for silly reasons but I jus lost my patience with it. There's so many other books that I have that I want to read and this was wasting my time.
February 11, 2015
Tess Brookes hat 2 beste Freunde, Amy und Charley, und einen Job der ihr ganzes Leben ausfüllt. Ihr fehlt es eigentlich an nichts. Außer das sie richtig lebt. Bis zu dem Tag wo sie ins Büro zitiert wird. Mit den Gedanken ihre Beförderung zu bekommen,geht sie leider als arbeitslos wieder nach Hause. Tess verliert alles aus den Augen und weiß erstmal nichts mehr mit ihrem Leben anzufangen. Als ihre (nervige) Mitbewohnerin Vanessa, die Fotografin ist, in ihrer Abwesenheit einen Anruf bekommt,nimmt Tess diesen an! Da die Agentin am Telefon annimmt das sie mit Vanessa telefoniert,wird Tess prompt als Fotografin für ein Fotoshoot auf Hawaii eingeladen. Tess gibt sich als Vanessa aus und begibt sich auf eine abenteuerliche und spannende Reise nach Hawaii als ihr neues Ich....
Ich muß sagen,der Anfang hat mich leider kaum mitgerissen. Da dies aber der Anfang einer großen Liebe ist,hätte ich NIE erwartet. Denn ich bin nun vollends begeistert von dem Buch. Es hat mich so mitgerissen,dass ich es kaum noch aus der Hand legen wollte. Lindsey Kelk hat mit "About a Girl" eine tolle,liebesvolle,herzliche und spannende Geschichte erschaffen. Den Schreibstil fand ich als sehr begeisternd. Sie hat tolle Charaktere in dem Buch geschaffen,die man alle einfach gern haben muß! Manche sind einem Anfangs unsympathisch, aber Lindsey schafft die Wende das man jeden am Ende mögen muss.
Als ich am Ende angekommen bin,ist mir klar geworden...die Geschichte endet ja mit einem "Cliffhanger". Das zweite Buch dau heißt "What a girl wants". Ich habe es mir sofort bestellt nachdem ich mit diesem Buch fertig war. Ich möchte gerne schnell wissen wie alles weitergeht!
Toll,einfach nur großartig was Lindsey da erschaffen hat.
Sie gehört jetzt definitiv zu meinen Lieblingsautoren. Ich werde mir demnächst auch ihre "I heart" Serie zulegen!
Ich muß sagen,der Anfang hat mich leider kaum mitgerissen. Da dies aber der Anfang einer großen Liebe ist,hätte ich NIE erwartet. Denn ich bin nun vollends begeistert von dem Buch. Es hat mich so mitgerissen,dass ich es kaum noch aus der Hand legen wollte. Lindsey Kelk hat mit "About a Girl" eine tolle,liebesvolle,herzliche und spannende Geschichte erschaffen. Den Schreibstil fand ich als sehr begeisternd. Sie hat tolle Charaktere in dem Buch geschaffen,die man alle einfach gern haben muß! Manche sind einem Anfangs unsympathisch, aber Lindsey schafft die Wende das man jeden am Ende mögen muss.
Als ich am Ende angekommen bin,ist mir klar geworden...die Geschichte endet ja mit einem "Cliffhanger". Das zweite Buch dau heißt "What a girl wants". Ich habe es mir sofort bestellt nachdem ich mit diesem Buch fertig war. Ich möchte gerne schnell wissen wie alles weitergeht!
Toll,einfach nur großartig was Lindsey da erschaffen hat.
Sie gehört jetzt definitiv zu meinen Lieblingsautoren. Ich werde mir demnächst auch ihre "I heart" Serie zulegen!
December 19, 2016
'About a Girl' is about a girl (hah-hah) called Tess Brookes. She finally tells her best friend Charlie that she's been in love with him for forever and at first it all seems very well and exactly how she wanted it to, but then everything kind of gets out of hand. Also, she loses the job she's been doing basically her entire life, instead of getting her long-awaited promotion.
When her awful flatmate Vanessa leaves for a few days, Tess accidentally answers her phone and takes on one of Vanessa's photography jobs. In Hawaii. Even though she is not a professional photographer. But as Tess' own life isn't exactly looking that positive at the moment, she just takes the chance and goes with it. What's the worst that could happen anyways..?
I did like the book, but I am positive that this is not my favourite Lindsey Kelk book so far. The story was nice, the idea was nice. But there was still something missing. It was maybe just too much stupid drinking and too much shagging the gorgeous, hot, new guy, even though one is so in love with the boring guy back home. I don't know.
We all know that Lindsey Kelk's heroines all have massive drinking problems, but it's starting to really, really annoy the hell out of me. Do you really need to drink yourself senseless and as result throw up several times in one night? Virtually every night? Even though there are super important things to be done the next day? Well.
One time Tess says: 'In all of my days, I'd never been a good drinker.' Okay, then why don't you just leave it, for god's sake? Oh I know! Because you're a very polite British person. That's why you cannot say no to a drink.
That was one of her explanations. Aha.
But anyways, back to the rest of the book. I quite liked the story in general, but I guess it was just not cute enough or something to compensate the things I didn't like. It's not that I hated it or something, but neither did I love it.
I will definitely pick up the other two books in this series, but I'm not dying to do so in the next three seconds.
When her awful flatmate Vanessa leaves for a few days, Tess accidentally answers her phone and takes on one of Vanessa's photography jobs. In Hawaii. Even though she is not a professional photographer. But as Tess' own life isn't exactly looking that positive at the moment, she just takes the chance and goes with it. What's the worst that could happen anyways..?
I did like the book, but I am positive that this is not my favourite Lindsey Kelk book so far. The story was nice, the idea was nice. But there was still something missing. It was maybe just too much stupid drinking and too much shagging the gorgeous, hot, new guy, even though one is so in love with the boring guy back home. I don't know.
We all know that Lindsey Kelk's heroines all have massive drinking problems, but it's starting to really, really annoy the hell out of me. Do you really need to drink yourself senseless and as result throw up several times in one night? Virtually every night? Even though there are super important things to be done the next day? Well.
One time Tess says: 'In all of my days, I'd never been a good drinker.' Okay, then why don't you just leave it, for god's sake? Oh I know! Because you're a very polite British person. That's why you cannot say no to a drink.
That was one of her explanations. Aha.
But anyways, back to the rest of the book. I quite liked the story in general, but I guess it was just not cute enough or something to compensate the things I didn't like. It's not that I hated it or something, but neither did I love it.
I will definitely pick up the other two books in this series, but I'm not dying to do so in the next three seconds.
August 9, 2016
Tess is a young woman experiencing turbulence in her rigid life, something unfamiliar to this bright eyed lass. She has a plan, a perfectionist, likes to be in control. When her life spins out of her comfort zone she steps out of her contained box and lives on the edge, well the edge for Tess that is. Tess is likable, a bit immature for a 28 year old. She’s hesitant but decides to be adventurous and throw caution to the wind, I like this about her. She discovers much about herself as she lets go for the first time. No such thing as accidents as Tess learns through her many tests.
The book is funny, a cast of differing characters, great for a beach read, or in my case a way to escape. The predicaments and questions Tess dealt with, most females will find themselves relating to in some way.
My one huge criticism, far too many f-bombs for my liking, way overused, deterring from its intended impact. Unnecessary. There’s a time and a place along with an effective manner in which to drop an f-bomb, clearly not applied well in this particular narrative. Also predictability was high throughout the entire story, characters actions, scenarios. Cliffhanger ending, which I hate, nothing worse than being nudged to purchase the next book to have resolution.
The book is funny, a cast of differing characters, great for a beach read, or in my case a way to escape. The predicaments and questions Tess dealt with, most females will find themselves relating to in some way.
My one huge criticism, far too many f-bombs for my liking, way overused, deterring from its intended impact. Unnecessary. There’s a time and a place along with an effective manner in which to drop an f-bomb, clearly not applied well in this particular narrative. Also predictability was high throughout the entire story, characters actions, scenarios. Cliffhanger ending, which I hate, nothing worse than being nudged to purchase the next book to have resolution.
August 25, 2017
When i finished this novel I was jumping up and down(let's say, in my mind) because this book is beyond amazing. I, hands down, haven't enjoyed a chicklit quite like this one. At the end i was pleasantly anticipating what the next book was going to turn out just like a kid before tasting its first ever Sundae
now im craving something sweet. Damn.
Let's see what you'll get from this book:
~28 year old Tess which was very human and not another quirky fictional female character.
~Situations which leads to A life altering decision
~A very HOT journalist WHO is quite broody
~Exotic location (HAWAIIIIIIIII)
~Extremely mental yet very endearing Best friend (female)
~A psychotic bitchy roomamte (I FUCKING HATE YOU VANESSA!)
I have already ordered the next two books. What more could I say?
now im craving something sweet. Damn.
Let's see what you'll get from this book:
~28 year old Tess which was very human and not another quirky fictional female character.
~Situations which leads to A life altering decision
~A very HOT journalist WHO is quite broody
~Exotic location (HAWAIIIIIIIII)
~Extremely mental yet very endearing Best friend (female)
~A psychotic bitchy roomamte (I FUCKING HATE YOU VANESSA!)
I have already ordered the next two books. What more could I say?
August 27, 2018
Tess as a main character amusing she's a little like Angela from I Heart. I love a main character like those two. Amy is her best friend and she exactly like the relationship Angela has with Jenny. In this story it's Tess and Amy however much they fall out they'll still kiss and make up. I loved this as well. The characters also have issues with running away and alcohol this must be a Kelk thing with her writing style. I loved the mention of Gloss and Delia, i love it when characters turn up from other books or are mentioned.
At the start of the book Tess is a work-aholic who thinks she's up for promotion instead, she looses her job. To make matters worse she still has to share her flat with ''Hitler'' (Amy's nickname). She is called Vanessa and is a bitch. ''They had me booked on easy jet'' and how many more classics Vanessa comes out with as an excuse to do nothing and cause annoyance for other people. Another problem Tess has is she's been in love with best friend Charlie for 10 years. Only now does he notice her and they spend a night together when quite drunk. Tess finds out Charlie slept with Vanessa. Yuck! ''Not that i'm thinking about Charlie'' becomes Tess's catchphrase.
Answering Vanessa's phone Tess makes out she is Vanessa and flies out to Hawaii to do a photography job. Now posing as Vanessa she meets a man named Nick who she finds super annoying. He knows exactly what questions to ask a person to know everything important about them in about five minutes. However Tess manages to touch a nerve back. I like how she isn't scared of telling Nick some home truths and he isn't back. Acting as Vanessa she goes in for the kill and kisses him, they do have hot chemistry. Amy has the best description of Tess's life at the moment. ''Your life is turning into a Taylor Swift song'' one song in particular I knew you were trouble. Nick is a mixed personality sort of guy.
Paige is her boss for the week and what Tess is doing to Paige is like what happened with Vanessa and Charlie. Paige likes Nick. Tess is sleeping with Nick. Tess likes Charlie but Charlie slept with Vanessa. It's very new Tess and old Tess what would each of them do in a situation.
Nearing the end of the story I am warming to Nick more than at the start least the man knows his faults and nobody's perfect that's what so great about him. He's a little grumpy but behind this he can give a heart to heart. He goes from arsehole to everything is how Tess describes him.
Back in the UK after everyone knows she is not Vanessa, Tess must face Charlie and his agency job and him declaring his love for her. I personally believe Charlie is better as Tess's friend, I am team Nick for her boyfriend. The end leaves you guessing for the next book whether she will take up a photogrpahy job in Milan with a chance of seeing Nick (Her Heart) or stay in the familiar setting of London and an agency with Charlie (Her Head). Will she follow her head and regret it? that's my guess i'll have to read the next book and see.
At the start of the book Tess is a work-aholic who thinks she's up for promotion instead, she looses her job. To make matters worse she still has to share her flat with ''Hitler'' (Amy's nickname). She is called Vanessa and is a bitch. ''They had me booked on easy jet'' and how many more classics Vanessa comes out with as an excuse to do nothing and cause annoyance for other people. Another problem Tess has is she's been in love with best friend Charlie for 10 years. Only now does he notice her and they spend a night together when quite drunk. Tess finds out Charlie slept with Vanessa. Yuck! ''Not that i'm thinking about Charlie'' becomes Tess's catchphrase.
Answering Vanessa's phone Tess makes out she is Vanessa and flies out to Hawaii to do a photography job. Now posing as Vanessa she meets a man named Nick who she finds super annoying. He knows exactly what questions to ask a person to know everything important about them in about five minutes. However Tess manages to touch a nerve back. I like how she isn't scared of telling Nick some home truths and he isn't back. Acting as Vanessa she goes in for the kill and kisses him, they do have hot chemistry. Amy has the best description of Tess's life at the moment. ''Your life is turning into a Taylor Swift song'' one song in particular I knew you were trouble. Nick is a mixed personality sort of guy.
Paige is her boss for the week and what Tess is doing to Paige is like what happened with Vanessa and Charlie. Paige likes Nick. Tess is sleeping with Nick. Tess likes Charlie but Charlie slept with Vanessa. It's very new Tess and old Tess what would each of them do in a situation.
Nearing the end of the story I am warming to Nick more than at the start least the man knows his faults and nobody's perfect that's what so great about him. He's a little grumpy but behind this he can give a heart to heart. He goes from arsehole to everything is how Tess describes him.
Back in the UK after everyone knows she is not Vanessa, Tess must face Charlie and his agency job and him declaring his love for her. I personally believe Charlie is better as Tess's friend, I am team Nick for her boyfriend. The end leaves you guessing for the next book whether she will take up a photogrpahy job in Milan with a chance of seeing Nick (Her Heart) or stay in the familiar setting of London and an agency with Charlie (Her Head). Will she follow her head and regret it? that's my guess i'll have to read the next book and see.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2013
I wish I was better at writing reviews as I don't know how to write a good enough review to do this book justice! I absolutely loved it. I think I enjoyed it more than any of the 'I Heart' books and I think Lindsey Kelk may now be my favourite chick lit author. This was probably the most readable book I have read this year, if that's the right word to use. It was just a joy to read from start to finish and I did not want it to end.
Kelk certainly has a way with words. Some of the descriptions used and one liners were some of the best I have ever read! Absolutely fabulous and extremely funny. I thought Angela Clark was a fantastic creation but I absolutely loved 'Vanessa' a.k.a Tess and was rooting for her throughout the whole book. As with Angela in 'I Heart', Tess is going through a bit of a bad patch and instead of wallowing she does something about it and flees the country. I am a bit envious of these characters to tell the truth as I wish this was something I had the bottle to do myself at times! All I can say is what a joy these books must be to write for Lindsey, she certainly has one hell of an imagination that's for sure!
This time Tess ends up in Hawaii and has to pretend to everybody that she is actually Vanessa, an uberbitch photographer who is actually not a very nice person. Tess on the other hand is a very nice person and so she finds it difficult at first trying to be Vanessa. Again it must have been fantastic writing a book like this, pretending to be somebody else and forgetting about the worries and problems of real life is surely a fantasy of most people at some point in their life. Whilst in Hawaii trying to get over her heartbreak she meets Nick, the journalist conducting the interview she is taking pictures for, and of course this is where the obligatory chick lit love story/triangle begins.
The book has a fantastic cast of characters, something with Kelk definitely excels in. She has created some brilliant characters in the 'I Heart' series, Jenny Lopez anyone? And the same is true here. And there is plenty of comedy also. But for me it was the writing that was the best thing about it. The one liners are ridiculously amazing, I wish I could write them all here in the review but it really is best to read them yourselves as part of the book.
The whole book was just amazing, I urge everybody with a love for chick lit to pick it up and read it. If you enjoyed the 'I Heart' series then believe me you will heart this book too. My sadness at reaching the end of the book has been forgotten after the cliffhanger at the end as at the end of the book there was a teaser for Summer 2014 when Kelk will release the sequel 'What A Girl Wants', I for one cannot wait! Don't miss this book whatever you do. I think it could become one of my favourite reads of 2013.
Kelk certainly has a way with words. Some of the descriptions used and one liners were some of the best I have ever read! Absolutely fabulous and extremely funny. I thought Angela Clark was a fantastic creation but I absolutely loved 'Vanessa' a.k.a Tess and was rooting for her throughout the whole book. As with Angela in 'I Heart', Tess is going through a bit of a bad patch and instead of wallowing she does something about it and flees the country. I am a bit envious of these characters to tell the truth as I wish this was something I had the bottle to do myself at times! All I can say is what a joy these books must be to write for Lindsey, she certainly has one hell of an imagination that's for sure!
This time Tess ends up in Hawaii and has to pretend to everybody that she is actually Vanessa, an uberbitch photographer who is actually not a very nice person. Tess on the other hand is a very nice person and so she finds it difficult at first trying to be Vanessa. Again it must have been fantastic writing a book like this, pretending to be somebody else and forgetting about the worries and problems of real life is surely a fantasy of most people at some point in their life. Whilst in Hawaii trying to get over her heartbreak she meets Nick, the journalist conducting the interview she is taking pictures for, and of course this is where the obligatory chick lit love story/triangle begins.
The book has a fantastic cast of characters, something with Kelk definitely excels in. She has created some brilliant characters in the 'I Heart' series, Jenny Lopez anyone? And the same is true here. And there is plenty of comedy also. But for me it was the writing that was the best thing about it. The one liners are ridiculously amazing, I wish I could write them all here in the review but it really is best to read them yourselves as part of the book.
The whole book was just amazing, I urge everybody with a love for chick lit to pick it up and read it. If you enjoyed the 'I Heart' series then believe me you will heart this book too. My sadness at reaching the end of the book has been forgotten after the cliffhanger at the end as at the end of the book there was a teaser for Summer 2014 when Kelk will release the sequel 'What A Girl Wants', I for one cannot wait! Don't miss this book whatever you do. I think it could become one of my favourite reads of 2013.
June 1, 2014
Tess’s life is turned upside down when she looses her job and on top of that she’s in love with her best friend Charlie. She has been for the last 10 years. And in a night where she’s frustrated, drunk and down, it happens. The next morning she confesses her feelings and he just says all the wrong things!!!
When she gets the opportunity to get away and be someone else, she takes it. She takes her flatmate Vanessa’s job and flies to Hawaii for a photo shoot, where she’s the photographer.
Hawaii is great!!! I loved reading about the islands and it sounds like an awesome place. The man who owns part of the island and should be in the spotlight for the photos and interviews cancels all the time. There is Kekipi, who looks after everything in the cottages and also turns out to be a great friend to Tess. He was great, I love the scenes with him, it made the story even funnier and catchier.
Now, let’s talk about Nick: sexy, smart, arrogant Nick. Somehow he is just what Tess needs. She let’s go and is herself and also he sees that. He comes across as a real macho and arrogant man, who doesn’t want a real relationship. Well, he also thinks she is Vanessa, so there’s that problem, but more about that later…
The two of them have a lot of fun together and their chemistry is great. When he wants he can be a real sweetheart and romantic as well.
Paige is there as well, she is interested in Nick… When she finds out about Nick and Tess, she’s furious and is about to tell everyone to truth about Vanessa/Tess.
Tess is lovely and I loved it, how she opened up more and more with the right people. It was lovely to read about her getting to know Al at the beach and it turned out to be great for the whole job situation.
Eventually, Nick finds out about her real name and it’s just when he seems to realise that there could be more and he also knows about her situation with Charlie.
Bach at home Tess has to figure everything out. There are some great opportunituies for her job wise and also in other directions. What about Charlie, what does he feel now? What about Nick? Does he even want to talk to her anymore? Decisions have to be made and Lindsey only let’s us know in the next book of this series: What a Girl Wants, coming out July 17th. I can’t wait!!!!
Oh and I’m deffo in Team Nick ♥
Oh and the real Vanessa, such a b****, I didn’t like her at all. Amy, tess’ best friend was great, loved having her in the story.
This book was AWESOME!!! Catchy, gripping, hilarious and brilliantly written. A bit of an unusual storyline, but I love it!!!
My favourite Lindsey Kelk book so far!!!
When she gets the opportunity to get away and be someone else, she takes it. She takes her flatmate Vanessa’s job and flies to Hawaii for a photo shoot, where she’s the photographer.
Hawaii is great!!! I loved reading about the islands and it sounds like an awesome place. The man who owns part of the island and should be in the spotlight for the photos and interviews cancels all the time. There is Kekipi, who looks after everything in the cottages and also turns out to be a great friend to Tess. He was great, I love the scenes with him, it made the story even funnier and catchier.
Now, let’s talk about Nick: sexy, smart, arrogant Nick. Somehow he is just what Tess needs. She let’s go and is herself and also he sees that. He comes across as a real macho and arrogant man, who doesn’t want a real relationship. Well, he also thinks she is Vanessa, so there’s that problem, but more about that later…
The two of them have a lot of fun together and their chemistry is great. When he wants he can be a real sweetheart and romantic as well.
Paige is there as well, she is interested in Nick… When she finds out about Nick and Tess, she’s furious and is about to tell everyone to truth about Vanessa/Tess.
Tess is lovely and I loved it, how she opened up more and more with the right people. It was lovely to read about her getting to know Al at the beach and it turned out to be great for the whole job situation.
Eventually, Nick finds out about her real name and it’s just when he seems to realise that there could be more and he also knows about her situation with Charlie.
Bach at home Tess has to figure everything out. There are some great opportunituies for her job wise and also in other directions. What about Charlie, what does he feel now? What about Nick? Does he even want to talk to her anymore? Decisions have to be made and Lindsey only let’s us know in the next book of this series: What a Girl Wants, coming out July 17th. I can’t wait!!!!
Oh and I’m deffo in Team Nick ♥
Oh and the real Vanessa, such a b****, I didn’t like her at all. Amy, tess’ best friend was great, loved having her in the story.
This book was AWESOME!!! Catchy, gripping, hilarious and brilliantly written. A bit of an unusual storyline, but I love it!!!
My favourite Lindsey Kelk book so far!!!
June 5, 2015
Lindsey Kelk has become one of my favorite chick lit authors, and this book was another of hers that I really enjoyed. There were some very touching scenes, one especially that took place with Tess in a Hawaiian paradise with a waterfall, a Valentino dress, and a handsome man. That was my favorite part of the book, and I loved the way it seemed almost out of a fairytale. This was a fun one to read, and I liked the way all worked out for Tess.
Tess has always been responsible and ultra focused on work. She goes in expecting to receive a promised promotion and is instead laid off. This isn't something she deals with well, and it doesn't help that her mother acts like she did it only to embarrass her, and she sleeps with the best guy friend she's loved for ten years, only to find that he didn't feel the same about it. As her life crumbles before her, her mean roommate gets a call to do a photo shoot in Hawaii and Tess is mistaken for her over the phone. Before Tess hardly has a chance to think, she is impersonating her roommate in Hawaii. She encounters an attractive male, Nick, and is soon involved with him. The photo shoot looks to be a disaster and Tess hasn't any idea how she will salvage the situation, as well as her entire life.
Tess was a mess, but a very lovable one. She was a very nice person who was acting in ways that were foreign to her normal behavior. I liked how deeply she took her responsibilities, and I was glad that she was able to let loose a little with Nick and come into her own a bit. The storyline was entertaining, and I look forward to more by this author.
Tess has always been responsible and ultra focused on work. She goes in expecting to receive a promised promotion and is instead laid off. This isn't something she deals with well, and it doesn't help that her mother acts like she did it only to embarrass her, and she sleeps with the best guy friend she's loved for ten years, only to find that he didn't feel the same about it. As her life crumbles before her, her mean roommate gets a call to do a photo shoot in Hawaii and Tess is mistaken for her over the phone. Before Tess hardly has a chance to think, she is impersonating her roommate in Hawaii. She encounters an attractive male, Nick, and is soon involved with him. The photo shoot looks to be a disaster and Tess hasn't any idea how she will salvage the situation, as well as her entire life.
Tess was a mess, but a very lovable one. She was a very nice person who was acting in ways that were foreign to her normal behavior. I liked how deeply she took her responsibilities, and I was glad that she was able to let loose a little with Nick and come into her own a bit. The storyline was entertaining, and I look forward to more by this author.
October 11, 2014
In most books, the characters walk off into the sunset, never to be seen again, but this awesome woman manages to intertwine her stories, making characters pop up from one story to another. I swear at times she has a link into my head of what I want in a story.
Now I guess it's time for the actual story. As much as I adore everything she's ever written, this is possibly by far my favourite. It has her usual sparkle and fun way with words, but I found myself laughing a lot more with this. Especially her charming descriptions of Nick. I do however slightly love Nick. He's not my favourite of her romantic heroes (is it, after all, possible to get better than Alex??), but surely he's better than Charlie?
Now I guess it's time for the actual story. As much as I adore everything she's ever written, this is possibly by far my favourite. It has her usual sparkle and fun way with words, but I found myself laughing a lot more with this. Especially her charming descriptions of Nick. I do however slightly love Nick. He's not my favourite of her romantic heroes (is it, after all, possible to get better than Alex??), but surely he's better than Charlie?
February 11, 2016
Published: 16/07/2013
Author: Lindsey Kelk
Reecommended for: fans of chick lit
I love Lindsey Kelk books! They are all brilliantly written, this book in particular is amazing, she writes the book in a way that makes you feel like you are right there living it your self, a must read for people who like 'chick lit' books, it will also have you laughing, with a touch of romance, another brilliant books by a very talented author! This book features the wonderful character of Tess Brookes, the author has added great depth to this character by having great detail and description which makes her feel really realistic and a very likeable character, she is one that will stick in your mind as been a great character.
Author: Lindsey Kelk
Reecommended for: fans of chick lit
I love Lindsey Kelk books! They are all brilliantly written, this book in particular is amazing, she writes the book in a way that makes you feel like you are right there living it your self, a must read for people who like 'chick lit' books, it will also have you laughing, with a touch of romance, another brilliant books by a very talented author! This book features the wonderful character of Tess Brookes, the author has added great depth to this character by having great detail and description which makes her feel really realistic and a very likeable character, she is one that will stick in your mind as been a great character.
June 13, 2017
I expected to be completely annoyed after what my friend told me about this book. I'm not a fan of awkward getting-drunk-til-vomming-and-therefore-failing-at-everything stuff etc. But I wanted it. I really wanted a rage book.
And what did I get? A pretty alright book. Damn! :D
Señora Kelk really can do a witty style of writing, I completely enjoyed reading it. Tess' adventure had the right amount of irresponsibly getting drunk but still being capable of getting her job done. I also liked the various turns and outcomes, especially towards the end when her real identity is revealed.
And what did I get? A pretty alright book. Damn! :D
Señora Kelk really can do a witty style of writing, I completely enjoyed reading it. Tess' adventure had the right amount of irresponsibly getting drunk but still being capable of getting her job done. I also liked the various turns and outcomes, especially towards the end when her real identity is revealed.
August 18, 2013
I loved this one- the first Lindsey Kelk book I've tried. Wouldn't we all love to have a week in someone else's shoes- particularly if that's happening in Hawaii. I will definately look out for more books by Lindsey.
December 25, 2023
Makes me want to fall in love💛
Makes me want to fall in love. So funny and romantic, which i am not!
Great series from Lindsey.
When is book 4 coming?
Makes me want to fall in love. So funny and romantic, which i am not!
Great series from Lindsey.
When is book 4 coming?
April 9, 2021
LOVED it! What a fun read, can't wait to read part 2 and 3
August 5, 2013
It’s fair to say that when it comes to Lindsey Kelk’s novels, I’m a bit torn. I was not a fan of the I Heart series at all, but I really loved her stand-alone novel The Single Girl’s To Do List, so when I heard about About A Girl, and knew there was no Angela in sight, I was thrilled! It’s the start of a brand new series, and it’s a series I’m really glad I’ve started reading, because it was such an enjoyable novel, very much in the The Single Girl’s to Do List vein, which makes me a very happy reader indeed.
About A Girl has a really simple concept; Tess Brookes, after losing her job and being rejected by the man she loves, Charlie, answers the phone at her flat one night and decides to suddenly become her flat-mate Vanessa, and head out to Hawaii to shoot some photos for a magazine. Easy peasy. And it is… until complications arise in the shape of hot, but arrogant, Nick Miller, and she can’t decide whether to kiss him or slap him, but finds that he is a very delicious distraction from thinking about her life back in England, either way. She manages to make some new friends, but how long can Tess keep up her secret double life and just what will she do when the truth inevitably comes out?
Now, I will admit, when I first read the synopsis for About A Girl I may have said “Uh-oh” because it sounds quite far-fetched. I will happily admit that it does, but it actually works. Firstly, because Tess’s flat-mate is the Worst Person In The World Ever. Worse than Kanye West, or y’know Osama Bin Laden. Evil with a capital E. So you don’t really feel bad about Tess stealing her identity and running off to Hawaii ‘cos she kinda deserves it big-time. If I was the type of person to applaud a book, I would totally have applauded as Tess stuck it to Vanessa big-time. I loved the fact the novel was set in Hawaii, I would so LOVE to go to Hawaii and I devour Hawaii 5-0 when it’s on the telly, so the setting was just sooooo perfect, I felt. I also actually really loved Tess, I loved Paige, the art director on the shoot, I loved Kekipi, a sort of butler person, who works where Tess is staying for the shoot. There were some pretty awesome characters in the novel, especially Tess’s best friend Amy (I smell potential for Amy to have her own book… And Paige, for that matter).
My absolute favourite character, though, was Nick Miller. I was all primed to hate him; he doesn’t come across to well in the Prologue, he acts like an idiot when we first meet him and I felt SURE I’d be rooting for the hapless Charlie, but no. I am firmly on Team Nick. I kinda sorta feel that Charlie had his chance. He had a DECADE worth of chances, and if he hadn’t realised it by now, well, it was never going to come. But, Nick. Nick was fresh, exciting blood. He had wit, he had a bit of a temper, he’s enigmatic… And did I mention hot? Of course, that means the second book, What A Girl Wants, all hinges on Tess’s decision. I am absolutely firm on who I want her to be with and I am Team Nick ALL THE WAY. I just hope that this love triangle doesn’t become the central theme of the ‘Girl’ novels. I want Tess to choose at the beginning of the next novel and have it done with, and y’know, have her choose who I want her to choose. NICK NICK NICK NICK NICK. Not that I have a preference….
About A Girl has a really simple concept; Tess Brookes, after losing her job and being rejected by the man she loves, Charlie, answers the phone at her flat one night and decides to suddenly become her flat-mate Vanessa, and head out to Hawaii to shoot some photos for a magazine. Easy peasy. And it is… until complications arise in the shape of hot, but arrogant, Nick Miller, and she can’t decide whether to kiss him or slap him, but finds that he is a very delicious distraction from thinking about her life back in England, either way. She manages to make some new friends, but how long can Tess keep up her secret double life and just what will she do when the truth inevitably comes out?
Now, I will admit, when I first read the synopsis for About A Girl I may have said “Uh-oh” because it sounds quite far-fetched. I will happily admit that it does, but it actually works. Firstly, because Tess’s flat-mate is the Worst Person In The World Ever. Worse than Kanye West, or y’know Osama Bin Laden. Evil with a capital E. So you don’t really feel bad about Tess stealing her identity and running off to Hawaii ‘cos she kinda deserves it big-time. If I was the type of person to applaud a book, I would totally have applauded as Tess stuck it to Vanessa big-time. I loved the fact the novel was set in Hawaii, I would so LOVE to go to Hawaii and I devour Hawaii 5-0 when it’s on the telly, so the setting was just sooooo perfect, I felt. I also actually really loved Tess, I loved Paige, the art director on the shoot, I loved Kekipi, a sort of butler person, who works where Tess is staying for the shoot. There were some pretty awesome characters in the novel, especially Tess’s best friend Amy (I smell potential for Amy to have her own book… And Paige, for that matter).
My absolute favourite character, though, was Nick Miller. I was all primed to hate him; he doesn’t come across to well in the Prologue, he acts like an idiot when we first meet him and I felt SURE I’d be rooting for the hapless Charlie, but no. I am firmly on Team Nick. I kinda sorta feel that Charlie had his chance. He had a DECADE worth of chances, and if he hadn’t realised it by now, well, it was never going to come. But, Nick. Nick was fresh, exciting blood. He had wit, he had a bit of a temper, he’s enigmatic… And did I mention hot? Of course, that means the second book, What A Girl Wants, all hinges on Tess’s decision. I am absolutely firm on who I want her to be with and I am Team Nick ALL THE WAY. I just hope that this love triangle doesn’t become the central theme of the ‘Girl’ novels. I want Tess to choose at the beginning of the next novel and have it done with, and y’know, have her choose who I want her to choose. NICK NICK NICK NICK NICK. Not that I have a preference….
May 21, 2017
I’ll admit I groaned when this one was announced for my book club. I thought I was above reading chick lit—British chick lit, at that—in my ripe old age. But obviously, I have forgotten how much fun it is!
It’s pretty much the story of any up-and-coming girl in the city. Girl has entry-level advertising job, where she is desperate to advance. Girl is secretly in love with her best guy friend for going on ten years. Girl works her fingers to the bone with ad agency only to be made “redundant” & let go. Girl is now without purpose & is sitting on a park bench in London, all ‘woe-is-me’ when a Nazi sympathizer tries to rob her, only to learn she has nothing to rob. Not even a phone. Nazi sympathizer converts to Tess sympathizer & gives her the latest phone he’s ripped off somebody. At least now she has a phone. Girl goes home to the apartment she shares with Satan’s mistress, Vanessa, to drown more sorrows with her girl BFF, Amy, & biscuits (read: cookies. We’re in England, you knockers). The trio of besties go to Tess’s parents for a family function, girl gets blind drunk & snogs boy best friend…and more…& boy best friend morphs into a wanker afterwards. Girl’s mother is mortified that she lost her job, slept with Charlie, & got plastered in public. Girl is now rejected thrice.
But we’re only getting warmed up. Fortunately, we don’t have to endure dreary London long. We soon jet-set to Hawaii & are off to drink tropical frozen concoctions with a sex god. I’m telling you, it doesn’t get better than this. The girl is laugh-out-loud funny and completely relatable. You will not regret indulging in this. It is wholly enjoyable to any female who needs an escape. Best part? It’s a trilogy! Oh, happy days.
This is the type of book I've always envisioned for book club. So disappointing we don't get to dress up/ take a road trip into the character's life sometimes. If I ever hit the big time, I might suggest that.
It’s pretty much the story of any up-and-coming girl in the city. Girl has entry-level advertising job, where she is desperate to advance. Girl is secretly in love with her best guy friend for going on ten years. Girl works her fingers to the bone with ad agency only to be made “redundant” & let go. Girl is now without purpose & is sitting on a park bench in London, all ‘woe-is-me’ when a Nazi sympathizer tries to rob her, only to learn she has nothing to rob. Not even a phone. Nazi sympathizer converts to Tess sympathizer & gives her the latest phone he’s ripped off somebody. At least now she has a phone. Girl goes home to the apartment she shares with Satan’s mistress, Vanessa, to drown more sorrows with her girl BFF, Amy, & biscuits (read: cookies. We’re in England, you knockers). The trio of besties go to Tess’s parents for a family function, girl gets blind drunk & snogs boy best friend…and more…& boy best friend morphs into a wanker afterwards. Girl’s mother is mortified that she lost her job, slept with Charlie, & got plastered in public. Girl is now rejected thrice.
But we’re only getting warmed up. Fortunately, we don’t have to endure dreary London long. We soon jet-set to Hawaii & are off to drink tropical frozen concoctions with a sex god. I’m telling you, it doesn’t get better than this. The girl is laugh-out-loud funny and completely relatable. You will not regret indulging in this. It is wholly enjoyable to any female who needs an escape. Best part? It’s a trilogy! Oh, happy days.
This is the type of book I've always envisioned for book club. So disappointing we don't get to dress up/ take a road trip into the character's life sometimes. If I ever hit the big time, I might suggest that.
January 16, 2015
The fact that I completed this book in less than four days is enough of a laurel for this book itself, being the sluggish reader i am. That is- its catchy, fast-paced, and brisk. The plot is actually nice for a chick-lit book. I was expecting a lot of Sophie kinsella prototype nonsensicalities. But i was surprised it had clever turns and the story did come in full circle and surprisingly there weren't any nagging holes in the storyline which the writer didnt fill up for her readers which was extremely satisfying to say the least.
This was my Lindsay Kelk's first read and I absolutely adored her writing style. Like listening to rants of a girl next door. It was extremely funny and had an all over bubbly and optimistic trill to it even in the most morbid of scenes.
Reason I didn't give it a four star(only gladwell is a five starer to date so it would always remain the undisputed king and all other books are hence rated out of four) is because I am an annoying prude. And this book was loaded with those uncomfortable scenes. So I had to skip those parts and hence i ended up finishing it at this warp speed.
But whisking that part away since most readers donot have much of a problem with that, I would def recommend it. It has it all- a high profile career, trio of super cute picture perfect best friends and their chummy lives together, a bitchy drop dead gorgeous flatmate, ah that hawain absolutely davaain vacation spots, models, parties and never ending boy drama. Perfect to fill up our chick fluff appetite.
Definitely going to venture into her other novels! Any suggestions which to pick up first?
This was my Lindsay Kelk's first read and I absolutely adored her writing style. Like listening to rants of a girl next door. It was extremely funny and had an all over bubbly and optimistic trill to it even in the most morbid of scenes.
Reason I didn't give it a four star(only gladwell is a five starer to date so it would always remain the undisputed king and all other books are hence rated out of four) is because I am an annoying prude. And this book was loaded with those uncomfortable scenes. So I had to skip those parts and hence i ended up finishing it at this warp speed.
But whisking that part away since most readers donot have much of a problem with that, I would def recommend it. It has it all- a high profile career, trio of super cute picture perfect best friends and their chummy lives together, a bitchy drop dead gorgeous flatmate, ah that hawain absolutely davaain vacation spots, models, parties and never ending boy drama. Perfect to fill up our chick fluff appetite.
Definitely going to venture into her other novels! Any suggestions which to pick up first?
August 19, 2021
I should start by disclaiming that, even though I'm not a huge fan of chick-lit genre, that fact did not affect my review. Rather, I even brought a paperback copy of this book, thinking that, as the summery promised a fun story and the whole book screamed summer, it will be a fun ride. My main problem with this book, however, the ending. Because it was not a proper ending! The story didn't wrap up in order to move on to explore other adventures with Tess. Rather, it even opens up new tabs!
Also, Tess, even though she is a likable character, she can get annoying. She has no depth, acts irresponsibly when she is presented as a stick to the rules kind of girl and she her love life is a mess. Poor choices, predictable decisions and, of course, a oh too easy outcome, were all factors that messed up a good story on paper at least. Also, the love interests were both terrible, good looking but d*bags both.
The writing, on the other hand, is light and fun.
Also, Tess, even though she is a likable character, she can get annoying. She has no depth, acts irresponsibly when she is presented as a stick to the rules kind of girl and she her love life is a mess. Poor choices, predictable decisions and, of course, a oh too easy outcome, were all factors that messed up a good story on paper at least. Also, the love interests were both terrible, good looking but d*bags both.
The writing, on the other hand, is light and fun.
May 6, 2013
This is another whooping winner by Lindsey Kelk. This is love.
July 18, 2013
Cute and entertaining escapist read.
http://www.chicklitcentral.com/2013/0...
http://www.chicklitcentral.com/2013/0...
January 26, 2017
Loved!
This book was hilarious. Snort laughing at 5am. Best way to start a day let me tell you.
Mare~Slitsread
This book was hilarious. Snort laughing at 5am. Best way to start a day let me tell you.
Mare~Slitsread
March 8, 2021
Brilliant series
April 28, 2014
I have to say that what stuck out most for me in this book- and there were many things, none good- was the blatant abuse of alcohol the protagonist engages in. She also states on page 389 that some "crack would be nice". This is meant to be flippant/cool/funny, but is akin to a freshman in college who is tasting freedom & partying for the first time. So, no, not the way a 29-year-old professional should aim for behaving. The amount of time Tess spends procuring, using, then recovering from the effects of overindulging become insulting. There is nothing glamorous or attractive about someone constantly sick from binge drinking. And believe me, I'm no prude. This woman needs rehab more than anything. Alcoholism and drug addiction kill, and being so casual about alcohol abuse, to me, is sickening, and insulting to those whose lives have been affected. Alcohol is a serious, serious drug that is way too accepted because of its legality. But I digress.
The second thing I have to say is the number of British references is WAY OVERDONE. The author, Kelk, couldn't just say her character wanted a cookie, a bag of chips, etc., it was always not only a biscuit or a bag of crisps, but she's go so far as to name the food by its brand name (ie, like saying you just had a Starbucks instead of a coffee). At one point she wanted a Wispa, which I had to Google to find that it's a chocolate bar. JUST SAY CHOCOLATE!!! WE GET IT. YOU'RE BRITISH & WRITING A BRITISH CHICK- LIT thing (I hesitate to even call it a book).
There's every stereotype you'd expect, down to the gay but fabulous friend, the agony over the man she wants to land, and the protagonist as a quirky, cute, self-deprecating heroine-in- the-end. Who OF COURSE will get her man, I don't have to read the sequel to find that out. The only diff here is there are two men, but it's pretty obvi she'll choose the one who's more aloof, albeit sexy/exciting.
Also , the word "cock" was very overused. It was a noun, verb, adjective, adverb, you name it. I found typos in the pages. Where, I ask, where was the editor????0
If it weren't for the weird rule I have about always finishing a book, I never would've made it through.
The second thing I have to say is the number of British references is WAY OVERDONE. The author, Kelk, couldn't just say her character wanted a cookie, a bag of chips, etc., it was always not only a biscuit or a bag of crisps, but she's go so far as to name the food by its brand name (ie, like saying you just had a Starbucks instead of a coffee). At one point she wanted a Wispa, which I had to Google to find that it's a chocolate bar. JUST SAY CHOCOLATE!!! WE GET IT. YOU'RE BRITISH & WRITING A BRITISH CHICK- LIT thing (I hesitate to even call it a book).
There's every stereotype you'd expect, down to the gay but fabulous friend, the agony over the man she wants to land, and the protagonist as a quirky, cute, self-deprecating heroine-in- the-end. Who OF COURSE will get her man, I don't have to read the sequel to find that out. The only diff here is there are two men, but it's pretty obvi she'll choose the one who's more aloof, albeit sexy/exciting.
Also , the word "cock" was very overused. It was a noun, verb, adjective, adverb, you name it. I found typos in the pages. Where, I ask, where was the editor????0
If it weren't for the weird rule I have about always finishing a book, I never would've made it through.
April 9, 2015
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
I received an advanced readers copy from Harper Collins via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This book is a re-release and the ratings are all over the map so I was quite interested in reading it and forming my own opinion.
The plot was a little crazy and the characters were even crazier but I found myself really liking this book. I went between laughing out loud to wanting to slap some sense into Tess. It was really over the top with some of the content and humour and I could see how it might not appeal to certain types of people but it was exactly what I was craving. It delivered what I would expect out of a chic-lit book and then some.
Some might say that Tess was a little whiny and I won't argue but I think the way she was penned made her more humorous than annoying. How many people can talk to toasters, ceilings and toilets and get away with it? She was over the top and completely out there which I found quite refreshing.
I will admit that part of the charm for me was all of the British slang and words for which I am not accustomed to hearing and reading. Some of them I'm still not sure of the meaning. I think it made the whole thing a little more funny for me.
There are many characters that you will love to hate and moments that will leave you shaking your head. Parts are terribly unrealistic but in a funny and entertaining way. I enjoyed every minute of it and my only complaint is that the story was unresolved and I need to read the next book to find out what happens. Having to read another book is a problem that I don't mind one bit!
This was my first book by Lindsey Kelk and it won't be my last.
I received an advanced readers copy from Harper Collins via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This book is a re-release and the ratings are all over the map so I was quite interested in reading it and forming my own opinion.
The plot was a little crazy and the characters were even crazier but I found myself really liking this book. I went between laughing out loud to wanting to slap some sense into Tess. It was really over the top with some of the content and humour and I could see how it might not appeal to certain types of people but it was exactly what I was craving. It delivered what I would expect out of a chic-lit book and then some.
Some might say that Tess was a little whiny and I won't argue but I think the way she was penned made her more humorous than annoying. How many people can talk to toasters, ceilings and toilets and get away with it? She was over the top and completely out there which I found quite refreshing.
I will admit that part of the charm for me was all of the British slang and words for which I am not accustomed to hearing and reading. Some of them I'm still not sure of the meaning. I think it made the whole thing a little more funny for me.
There are many characters that you will love to hate and moments that will leave you shaking your head. Parts are terribly unrealistic but in a funny and entertaining way. I enjoyed every minute of it and my only complaint is that the story was unresolved and I need to read the next book to find out what happens. Having to read another book is a problem that I don't mind one bit!
This was my first book by Lindsey Kelk and it won't be my last.
March 5, 2022
This is only my second audio book. I’ve never been able to get more than a few minutes into one before as I always got sidetracked by what I was doing and forgot to pay attention. However, cleaning out the attic turned out to be the perfect setting for finally accomplishing such a task. After enjoying my first audiobook, We were on a break, also by Kelk, I was looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, while We were on a break had excellent narrators, this book did not. When speaking as the main character, she was fine, but every other character was given such bizarre voices, you’d think they were Lurch from The Addams Family or Fran Drescher’s Nanny. The story itself was ridiculously far-fetched, but I know I would have enjoyed it more had I read it rather than listened to this travesty of a recording. WHAT were they thinking in actually following through with this audio publication?! Gah!
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