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Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista

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Recent college graduate Avery Andrews is ready to begin a new life in the big city. She’s landed an apartment in Chicago’s famed Lincoln Park neighborhood–and has her eye on the cute commodities trader just a floor above.

If Premier Airlines knew about her fear of flying, they never would have hired her to be their marketing assistant—but it’s not like Avery wants a lifelong career. Right now she simply wants a job to pay her bills…and fund a few little shopping excursions, too.

Her new lifestyle comes with a price tag, as Avery is not only faced with paying a ridiculous rent but finds she’s perceived as one of the vacant, husband-hunting fashionistas who live in the area. Avery resents this stereotype—so she doesn’t want a lifelong career, and she loves fashions she can’t afford, but that doesn’t mean she is empty-headed and spoiled, does it?

When an opportunity to participate in a documentary at work arises, Avery finds a two-fold solution to her problems. She’ll earn extra money for it, and the documentary will show her as a serious career woman, enabling her to shed that husband-hunting fashionista label for good.

When the camera is on, Avery attempts to be a motivated professional woman. But when she is challenged by Deacon Ryan, the videographer assigned to cover her story, Avery finds herself wanting things she was never supposed to want—like a lasting career—and Deacon. And Avery might just gain more from the experience than a perfect career image and extra cash to put in her Tory Burch wallet…

223 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2014

29 people are currently reading
191 people want to read

About the author

Aven Ellis

54 books830 followers
USA Today bestselling author Aven Ellis began her publishing career in 2013 with her debut release, Connectivity. She currently writes romantic comedies featuring royals, billionaires, aristocrats, and athletes.

Her books are designed to make readers laugh out loud and fall in love. Happily-ever-after endings and good-boy heroes are guaranteed.

Aven lives in the Dallas area with her family. Aven loves shopping and fashion and can spend hours playing with fragrances in any department store. She can be found chatting it up on social media, eating speciality M&Ms, and crushing on the latest outfit the Duchess of Cambridge is wearing.


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Ana.
521 reviews363 followers
October 10, 2014

Also posted on This Chick Reads

*Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*

'Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista' is the third book by Aven Ellis, an american contemporary author whose rocking the stage since last year. Ever since her debut "Connectivity' came out last year, her books have been among the most anticipated and most talked about on twitter. What's really genuine about Aven is the fact she's a fantastic author who writes warm stories everyone can connect with, but at the same time she's gracious, kind and noble and chats to her fans every day on social medias.

I have yet to read 'Connectivity' though my blogging partner has already reviewed it for our blog. But having read and loved 'Waiting For Prince Harry', her second novel, I did have high expectations for this one. Now that I've read Fashionista I can only say Aven delivered, once again, creating a cute couple, Avery and Deke who are so different on many levels.

Avery works for Premier Airline, though funnily, she's afraid of flying. But while working for the company pays the bills, her true love is fashion. She has a good eye for details, bags, shoes and all sorts of other accessories, but at the same time she's aware that people might think she's too shallow, a typical brainless fashionista . But on the contrary, Avery is fun, intelligent and funny, and when given the chance to film a documentary for her company she gets to prove this to one of the most judgmental (yet cute) persons she's ever met, Deke.

I really enjoyed this book, it's really hard not to enjoy Aven's book. Her stories are fun and warm and her characters have this super strong chemistry. So, even if you're not the most romantic person in the world, Aven will make you believe in love at first sight, leaving you all fuzzy inside. I was team Deke from the beginning, there's something about his shyness and being so reserved which I found really appealing. I didn't like the fact he was so judgmental to Avery, but I was very intrigued with the development of their romance.

If you're looking for a fun and feel good romance, no need to look any further. Just pick any of Aven's books and curl up on your sofa, you'll have the best time ever! I am already looking forward to her next one, I already know I'm gonna enjoy it.
Profile Image for Simona.
613 reviews123 followers
September 10, 2014
*Book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

As most of you already know: I am a HUGE Aven Ellis fan. Her first two novels are one of the best books I’ve ever read, so you can all imagine how excited I was for this book. I was on the way home from a day trip when I received Aven’s email with the mobi file and I was dancing and singing around when walking home and of course I downloaded it immediately.

Let me say a few words about the gorgeous cover: It’s just real perfection in my eyes. The colours, the couple and the Chicago skyline create a wonderful atmosphere.

Avery Andrews lives in a beautiful area and has found a great job. And then there is also her sexy neighbour Sullivan. She loves fashion and shopping. Well, he roommate Sasha is a bit shallow, but other than that…
She works for Premier Airline, which seems a bit weird because of her fear of flying, but they were hiring, so she took the chance.

One morning she goes to work and is asked into the boss’s office. Thinking she’s done something wrong, she is surprised when when a travel TV team wants her to be part of their documentary. That’s where Avery meets Deke Ryan, the videographer, who will follow her around at work and also at home. Well, all she sees are his old vintage T-Shirts, but he seems to be cute.

It was very funny reading about Avery’s experiences when filming, the way she behaved and tried to show that she is a real businesswoman. However, somehow she only let herself go and showed her real self, when the camera was off and that’s also when she got to know Deke better.
He challenges her with his question, which was great and very interesting. I think he made her see the world with different eyes and he made her realise what is important in life and what she really wants.

She felt wonderful in his presence. I guess she didn’t want to admit it at first, but it came through more and more and as a reader I loved following her feelings and they were developing so vividly in front of me, it felt like watching a movie or dreaming. The way Aven includes a character’s emotions is unique. It makes you feel closer to them and you just want to be there for the character and help somehow.

Deke was a very special character to me, I like the way he was always teasing Avery and he was always so sweet. Yeah, he might have had some prejudices at first, but after getting to know Avery and seeing her in a different light that changed. He is a bit shy, doesn’t like to be in the focus, but he has an enormous heart, is caring, gorgeous and also sensitive. I fell for him myself and I just enjoyed his personality. BOOK BOYFRIEND ALARM!!!

Well, there is still Sullivan and somehow Deke knows about him and there is also Isabel. So whenever Deke and Avery were together, enjoying, talking or doing other things, the shadows of the other two was always behind them. Well, Avery soon realised what she was really feeling, but was scared to do anything because of Isabel. And Deke, oh well, sometimes I didn’t really understand his actions, but they brought the drama into the story for sure.

They had a lot of compliments for each other along the way and I always wanted them to just be honest, but oh well… Deke found a way though to encourage Avery and make her go for that project at work. It also brought the two of them closer together. And let me just say this: She went for it and suddenly had to fly out to San Francisco to present that project. Being terrified of flying made this whole situation not as exciting, but Deke was there and what he did to take her mind of this!!!! OH MY… did you think, I’d tell you now?! Of course not, buy this fabulous book and read for yourselves.

The scenes in San Francisco were great, epically when both of them finally admitted their feelings. It took them a long time, it was a emotional journey full of drama, laughter and so much more. And this story wouldn’t be great without some dramatic scenes in the end right?! Well, let me just tell you that I loved the ending.

Now, I quickly want to talk about Bree, Avery’s best friend. Avery really couldn’t have wished for a better friend and Bree was going through some rough times during this book. The two friends sticking together and being there for each other was what made this book even more special. And we will be able to read about Bree soon.

So, I couldn’t put this book down!!! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ It’s written in an exceptional brilliant and emotional way, letting the reader being part of the story like a character. There is a lot of heart in this book with some gripping and absorbing scenes. And I mean Chicago just sounds like an awesome city, I definitely want to visit it now, especially Lincoln park of course. I loved that there were some fashion mentions in the book as well, it gave the story another additional sparkly touch.

An authentic storyline with so much rhythm and flow.

Aven Ellis you’re a GENIUS!!! You’ve creaded a marvelous story with emotions, drama, spark and some real life inspiration!!!! A MUST READ!!! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥
Profile Image for Trish at Between My Lines.
1,138 reviews334 followers
October 7, 2014
This review was originally posted on Between My Lines

When I want a charming, feel-good, contemporary romance, Aven Ellis is my go-to author. Her books just make me squee and sigh and they deliver all the tender swoons that a girl could want.


First Line of Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista by Aven Ellis:
“I really don’t want to go through life being labelled as a vapid, husband-hunting fashionista.”

My thoughts on Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista by Aven Ellis:
When I open one of Aven’s book, I know I’ll get well-developed characters that quickly draw me into their lives. In this book Avery has just started her first job and is on the first rung of the career ladder. Not that she is overly focused on that, her mind is firmly fixed on all the designer clothes that she will buy instead.

When she is given an opportunity to take part in a reality show, she quickly agrees and Deke (the videographer) enters her life. You are probably thinking now, they have instant chemistry and fall madly in love. Well no! That’s not what happens. Instead we have sparks, spats and conversations and it was great fun to just sit on the sidelines and see it all unfold.

I also loved the setting of the book. It is so descriptive that it fills up all your senses with lovely scents and powerful visual images. In particular the clothes, I was lusting after every piece of clothing that Avery wore just as much I lusted after Deke. And who knew there was an Oz park in Chicago (in honour of The Wizard of Oz), not me! But it’s now on my must-see list.

I like books with good character development and I enjoyed that Avery and Deke challenged each other and helped the other move forward. They are opposites and that leads to some interesting developments! That’s all I’ll say on that :O Ohh, except to tell you there is one of the most romantic dancing scenes ever! I loved it.

And I really appreciate that there is lots of humour in the book. This stops the romance element getting sickly sweet and instead keeps it light and fun. All the tricky games of the dating ritual are examined in an entertaining way. I hate those games and am glad I’d don’t have to deal with them! But in a book, they make for good comedy.

Overall with interesting characters, a cute romance, some great settings and an atmosphere just soaked with feel-good feels, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

 



 
Who should read Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista by Aven Ellis?
I’d highly recommend this to all those looking for sweet, romantic contemporary fiction that will just make you smile. Fans of Aven’s previous books, Connectivity and Waiting for Prince Harry should appreciate this one just as much. And I would hazard a guess that fans of Sophie Kinsella and Rachel Harris would also enjoy.

Thanks to Aven Ellis for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Profile Image for Holly Martin.
Author 57 books1,540 followers
September 10, 2014
Aven Ellis is quite literally my favourite chicklit author. Every time I sit down to read an Aven Ellis book I simply don’t move until I’ve finished, her writing is completely addictive perfection and Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista is no different.

The story sees Avery being accompanied by drop dead gorgeous Deke, a videographer as he films a documentary, trying to record a behind-the-scenes of some of the Premier Airlines employees. It’s a story about having a plan in life and how when your plans fall apart, what happens instead is infinitely better.

I wasn’t sure I would like Avery at first, this was a girl who was heavily into fashion and beauty products and neither of those things are me. I shouldn’t have worried. Aven creates such wonderful, warm, rich characters that within the first few pages I already loved her. Avery was fiery, funny, sweet, inquisitive, caring, brave and determined and certainly someone you’d be proud to call your friend.

Deke was superb, almost from the very first second we meet him. The chemistry between them, even though they were both holding themselves back, was palpable from the first time they met. Although there are bumps in the road for them, they go on to develop a beautiful friendship.

He challenges her to be brave, to fight for what she believes in, to see things in a different light, he feeds her interest in the world and stokes a passion inside of her she never knew she had. She helps him to open up, to trust in friendship and love again after he has been hurt in the past.

There are some absolutely gorgeous moments in this book between these two characters that just had me smiling and left me with such a heart-warming feeling afterwards.

The secondary characters are brilliantly written and superbly placed to accentuate the emotional and humorous story that Aven has created. Sasha as the shallow flatmate, Sullivan as the preppy love interest, Rebecca the ‘overworked’ manager and the lovely Bree too. These characters were so perfectly written, you could almost feel yourself booing and hissing as in a pantomime when the ‘bad guys’ came on stage.

Aven writes absolutely flawless humour too, there were some moments in the book that literally had me laughing out loud, the silly things that befalls Avery are just hilarious.

There are also some really touching moments in the book that had me in tears, especially as Avery slowly falls in love with Deke and he seems to show no interest in returning those feelings. Avery is filled with self doubt that he could ever be interested in her and I’m not ashamed to say that in those moments when he seems to knock her back, I sobbed big snotty tears.

Their growth and friendship is a beautiful thing to watch, especially in Avery who overcomes her fears and develops a passion for her job which she never thought she would.

I absolutely loved this book. This is just the most perfect, cosy, gorgeous read and one you definitely need on your Kindle.
Profile Image for Derna.
591 reviews290 followers
September 16, 2014
*** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***

I’m always happy when I know I’m about to read an Aven Ellis book, as I know what I'm going to get a sweet, easy, romantic read. Her latest novel Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista didn’t fail to deliver.

“Life isn’t about supposed…Life is about following your heart. About following your dreams and desires and not what you are supposed to do, rather what you want to do”

Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista is the story of Avery Andrews. Avery wants to show people that there is more to her than what's perceived, simply because of where she lives, her love of fashion and not wanting a lifelong career. Deacon ‘Deke’ Ryan is the sexy videographer he makes Avery question what she really wants.

"Deke somehow manages to make me think about things in ways I’ve never consider”

Avery was sweet; she was a little self-doubting at times, but when she knew what she wanted she could strong and confident and focused. Deke was cute, sexy and a sweetheart. He can be a little serious at times, and you get the feeling he's hiding behind the camera and holding something back. There is that air of mystery about him.

“Maybe someday you will make me face up to a fear of my own”

Avery and Deke don’t get off to a great start, however the more time they spend together, the more they get on. They start to see qualities that they like it’s not all-smooth sailing, but as a friendship develops as does their attraction and chemistry with each other.

“I shouldn’t make snap judgment about people. Apparently it’s a problem I have”

“That warm, wonderful radiating feeling floats up my spine again – the feeling that I only get when I look at Deke”


I love that Deke sees more in Avery. He notices and sees the little things, believes in her, give her the push to believe in herself, and face her fears. They both seem to bring out the best in each other. Avery sees there is more to Deke than just the man behind the lens, and get him to open up.

“You have compassion and kindness for others. You’re the most insightful person I’ve ever met and best of you challenge people to be better that they are”

Overall, I enjoyed this book Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista was a sweet, funny and romantic story with just the right amount of drama that left me with a big grin on my face. Loved the characters, and when it came to the secondary characters I wasn’t a fan of like Sasha or Amanda, but I liked Bree and Zach. The storyline was written, and flowed well had that sweet ending that I love. A must for all hopeless romantics like myself. If you haven't read any of Aven Ellis’s books, start now. She's a talent writer and a great storyteller.
Profile Image for Carey.
640 reviews78 followers
September 16, 2020
I’ve loved every single book I’ve read by Aven Ellis. So when I saw that Aven was getting the rights back to this book from the publisher and it was going away for a while, I knew I had to read it while I could. I wasn’t disappointed!

Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista is about Avery who is fresh out of college working for a premier airline in their marketing department who also happens to have a fear of flying. She’s chosen to be the spotlight of a documentary showing the work and personal life of an up-and-coming professional. Deke is the videographer assigned to record Avery’s documentary. Unfortunately, Deke see’s Avery as nothing more than a husband-hunting fashionista interested in nothing more than the latest trends in fashion. Avery sees Deke as a lazy dresser with no initiative. 

 I liked the characters of both Avery and Deke. They had their own individual quarks that made them seem real. I’m not into the fashion scene, but that didn’t keep me from liking this book. I always enjoy watching a character start their life new - in this case Avery was fresh out of college and starting a new career. The fact that she’s starting it in downtown Chicago was even better.

The book flows well and I didn't have any trouble keeping my interest in it. I did tend to find Avery's character a bit annoying at times.  But as she discovered her true self, she became more likeable. I recommend this book for anyone who likes to read romance. 
31 reviews
July 6, 2018
Another hit!

Another hit for Aven Ellis! I love the instant chemistry between Deke and Avery. I love the message the story sends, how what you thought you wanted can completely change if you’re willing to be open for new opportunities and the possibilities it can bring to a person.
Author 2 books2 followers
April 19, 2023
Avery is a girl from the suburbs living her big life. A starter career in an aviation company, a Lincoln Park apartment with a sorority sister and a designer wardrobe. Next goal is a rich man to marry. But when a chance to star in a corporate documentary changes her perspective, she discovers a lot of things, the best of which is herself.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
215 reviews
October 22, 2023
Book 55 of 2023 — Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista

A cute book from an author I love! I enjoyed Avery and Deke’s story. It was a nice, easy read in between some other heavier ones.

I liked that it was set in Chicago and Sam Francisco, two places I don’t know a ton about. While the structure of the book was predictable, I actually thought the situations were pretty original!

4⭐️/5
Profile Image for Laura .
1,013 reviews25 followers
November 29, 2019
I've read almost all of the books by Aven Ellis. I've also thoroughly enjoyed the majority of them. For Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista there was something missing. I didn't connect with this story.
Profile Image for Agi.
1,680 reviews105 followers
September 10, 2014
Aven Ellis belongs to a very rare category of authors who always finds time for their readers, who are always cheery and warm and respond to every single inquire. And she also takes her time to spoil her readers with wonderful, sexy post, post that finds a place on a pinboard or in a secret notebook FOR EVER.

And. She writes wonderful, witty, warm stories. I have only read her "Waiting for Prince Harry" before and fell in love with Aven's very forthcoming, effortless, and smooth writing style and hoped very much for a replay of this in her new novel "Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista". Isn't it one of the best titles ever? Yes, it is!

Avery has just started working for airlines in the marketing department, although she forgot to add in her interview that she's totally, deathly afraid of flying. She's your average, normal girl, interested in gossip, boys and fashion and relaxing after work with a glass of wine. And that's the way she's perceived by Deke, a videographer who is assigned to film Avery's work - and private life for a documentary about the airlines.

I must be totally honest with you, I really didn't see this and didn't understand Deke's way of seeing Avery, calling her fashionista and saying she's only looking for a rich husband. Why did Deke assume something like this? When did he see it? I didn't. In my eyes Avery was a total contrast of being shallow, empty, cold, gold - diggering fashionista. I found her to be warm, funny, normal young woman! She was fun to be around and I really enjoyed the way she has developed in the story and how she learnt to go for her dreams.

Was not sure though what to do with Deke, he was sometimes behaving" better" than a woman with the worst PMS in the world. Of course I understand he was badly hurt in the past, this was the reason why he was so reserved, but dear Deke, please do not judge people by appearances. He tends to drive Avery crazy with his assumptions and she's going to prove him that she's not this kind of girl that he thinks she is. Though, hmmm, it doesn't help that he's sexy as hell. Again, Aven, you bad girl :) But he also tends to ask Avery very well - aimed questions, hidden behind his camera, and he makes her to start thinking about what's important in her life.

There are also some background characters, such as Avery's flatmate Sasha (no no no and again no), her friend Bree who has only entered very few scenes but I think you couldn't not like her, there was something in this girl that felt like a fresh spring breeze, and Avery's colleagues from work, especially her boss who gave her the big chance. No matter if they were significant or not, if they were a big or small part of the story, they were all outstanding, sharp characters, with their own personalities and wonderfully written.

And as for the plot... I haven't expected that Avery's professional career is going to take this direction! It was great to see how she slowly develops her confidence - with a little help from Deke - and how she fights for the idea that she thought is really interesting and valuable. The banter between Deke and Avery was really entertaining, their endless will they/won't they was still funny (some authors have tendency to lengthen this uncertainty, and more than often the tension is lost and the book is not interesting anymore, but Aven has used all the right proportions, nothing is too long, nothing is too short, and the tension IS there), and as we read further they both open their souls and unveil some of their most guarded secrets, especially Deacon. Aven also drops some lighter scenes here and there and we have a witty, great, heart - warming read.

As the story unfolds we see that there is much more to Avery than the "InStyle" magazines in her drawer at work and that she's not the average fashionista. She's a clever girl who only needs to be pushed a little forward and she can fight for her dreams.

"Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista" is a sweet, cute rom - com about two people, very different on the surface, falling in love against all odds. Aven again hit the spot with her novel, it's going to make you feel better for a long time, and you're going to read it with a very big grin on your face. Aven has a great talent to write warm stories, feel - good stories, and she has a very incredible way with words, she writes with a big dose of subtlety and irony together and it is a perfect mix. She can also write about reaching for your dreams in a way that you believe it is possible! It's a witty read with a message cleverly entwined into the story. Aven only confirms that she's a great writer with a lot of potential. I really heartily recommend this book to you.

And yes, the next book coming out in February will be about Bree! Roll on, February!

Copy received in exchange for a review as a part of Blog Tour.



Profile Image for Rebecca (Unbound Pages).
636 reviews52 followers
January 20, 2016
This review and more can be found on my blog, The Library Canary.

I'm always a little tentative when it comes to new adult. I've read enough terrible, cliche plot-lines that I'm pretty picky and cautious. But Wendy praised this book so highly and then when I won a copy from her (funny story, I didn't even realize I had entered her giveaway...) I decided to give it a go. I definitely don't think I liked it as much as her and some of my other blogging friends who have read it, but I did enjoy it. It's about a girl, Avery, who's just graduated college with a degree in marketing. She takes a job at a luxury airline because she can't find anything in the fashion industry. Her biggest secret? She's terrified of flying. When her company asks her to participate in a documentary about her life as a marketing assistant, she agrees. Enter Deke, the hot camera-man. Here's what I liked:

Deke!!!
Is it a surprise to anyone that I fell in love with the smoldering camera-man? Nope. Not even a little bit. Deke was all kinds of sexy. He's kind of this quiet, quirky guy. He wears vintage tees and doesn't say much and is completely not Avery's type. But that's the best thing isn't it? Phil (my husband) was so not my type when we met, but I decided to give him a chance and fell in love. I completely believe that you'll find love in the places you won't normally look. So this romance was perfection. I loved slowly getting to know Deke as he slowly let Avery in throughout the book. And when we finally got some action? Steamy!!

The Career Aspect
I actually really enjoyed following Avery's story as a new graduate in her first job. Being somewhat close to that time in my life it was really relatable and I loved watching her stretch her wings. I thought the way she carried herself at work was believable. She's kind of quiet at first and tentative, which I think we all are in any new job, but particularly straight out of college. But she gains more confidence the more she gets her feet wet and I was so proud of her at the end for what she accomplished.

The Fashion
In case you don't know, I'm a bit of a fashionista. I went to college for fashion merchandising and although career-wise I'm not really doing anything with it, I still LOVE fashion. There's something about spending a day at the mall, trying on tons of clothes, bringing it all home and adding it to your closet. There's something magical when I create a new outfit that's just perfectly me. I especially love when I haven't gone shopping in a while and create a brand new outfit out of pieces I already own. I don't own a lot of designer stuff because well...money. But I was drooling over all of Avery's pieces that she purchased and wore around the city. The Burberry scarf, her various dresses and shoes. My fashionista heart was singing.

The Setting
I'm from Chicago so I was instantly able to connect to the setting of this book. I loved reading about the places Avery visited and it really allowed me to take a trip down memory lane and fondly remember my city. I live just outside of DC now, but I miss Chicago badly.

But I also had some definite issues with this book... the biggest one being...

Avery
Avery drove me batty. The whole book she questions whether or not Deke likes her even when we got to a point where it was blatantly obvious. And she whines about it so much and I just couldn't deal with it anymore by the end. I was just so annoyed at the constant, "I can never have him." "He doesn't want me." "He's with Isabelle." Oh. My. God. Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. Sorry. I just couldn't deal with her. And because I was so annoyed with her throughout most of the book, I just never warmed up to her.

Avery's Roommate Sasha and her Coworker Rebecca
Nope. Couldn't stand these two women. They were awful. Sasha was just so superficial and shallow. She had no self-respect and I could not deal with the way she spoke to Avery. I felt like Avery never really stood up to her which is what really annoyed me. And then there was her coworker Rebecca who complains constantly about being overworked, but spends all day flirting with another coworker and making passive aggressive comments to Avery. Again, I didn't like that Avery never spoke up and tried to talk to Rebecca about the situation. In the adult world, you have to communicate with people and Avery never really did that. She didn't handle either situation poorly per se, but I think she could have handled them both better.
Profile Image for Jessica .
848 reviews164 followers
October 8, 2014
3.5/5 stars

Aven Ellis is always a good go-to author when I'm in the mood for something sweet, light, and fun. I originally wasn't sure if I would be able to relate to Avery, because I'm not really very fashion conscientious. I'm not up on the big name designers and I have no idea who Tory Burch is. LOL. That being said, as soon as I started reading, I realized that I didn't need to. Avery is a recently graduated woman who has just started her new job as a real career woman. She is offended that people would be so quick to judge her and condemn her as a vapid fashionista who is only interested in securing a wealthy husband. So what if she likes to look good? Why is that such a crime?

I like Avery because we got to see some key character growth with her throughout the novel. In the beginning, she does place too much emphasis on appearances and the type of guys she should be interested in and that really did bother me. Her company chooses her to be the focus of a new documentary, in which she will have her day to day life filmed so the world can see an inside view of the Premier Airlines up and comer. Avery is determined to use this as her opportunity to prove to the world that just because she lives in Lincoln Park, is single, and has great fashion sense doesn't mean she's some prima donna. I get that she wants to do that, but at the same time she's not being true to herself by putting on airs for the camera.

In fact, she's downright awkward on camera. I loved seeing her try to figure out what to do, with barely any direction from her oh-so-sexy cameraman Deke Ryan. Oh, I'm sorry. Did I not mention him yet?

Deacon (Deke) Ryan is one sexy hunk of man. Avery knows she shouldn't be interested in Deke, but she can't get the t-shirt wearing guy out of her mind, as much as she wants to. The two definitely don't get off on the right foot, as Deke takes her awkwardness and uncertainty of how to act on camera as shallow and makes it known on the phone- to which Avery hears and is hurt. He is apologetic for his behavior, but Avery is determined to prove more than ever she has something to offer the world.

As the two continue to work with one another, they find themselves becoming more at ease with the other, and now Avery wants to know more about him, as she really enjoys spending time with him. I liked their relationship, as it is full of sexual tension. The two are operating under a serious miscommunication that Deke waits entirely too long to put right, because he's been hurt in the past and people have disappointed him one too many times.

By the end though, Avery realizes that it doesn't matter what Deke wears or if he's not like Sullivan Preston III, her wealthy upstairs neighbor who turns out to be a big douche. He is genuine and caring and she really falls for who he is and she isn't afraid to make it known to the world.

While I enjoyed this one, I just found that it didn't quite leave a lasting impression on me. I like that Ellis is a very detailed author, but there were some every day things in Avery's life that I just felt I could have done without knowing. The storyline, while fun, just didn't resonate with me like I would have wanted. The chemistry and sexual tension between Avery and Deke and their budding relationship is what really sold me on this one. I loved seeing them get to know one another and watching them both fall for the other. While this wasn't my favorite of Ellis's books, I still suggest you give it a try and fall for the cute, quirky, sometimes awkward heroine, and the oh-so-sexy casual and rugged hero.

*Received a copy of this book via the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
Profile Image for Holly.
105 reviews135 followers
November 9, 2014


On the surface Avery Andrews appears to be your typical ‘fashionsta’ (you know the type, impressive wardrobe, a love of shopping, and intent on finding herself a husband) although there is much, much more to Avery than her love of designer labels.
She’s all set to begin her ‘grown-up’ life living in the famous Lincoln Park in Chicago and with a good job as a marketing assistant at Premier Airlines. Not that Avery’s job is all that important to her, as long as the bills get paid and she can continue her shopping habit. After all, she has a crippling fear of flying, so it’s not like she’s serious about a career working for an airline…Avery intends to ditch the job and be a stay-at-home wife just as soon as she finds the man of her dreams.
However, things take an unexpected turn for Avery when she is offered the chance to film a documentary at work. Not only will the fee for filming the show go towards that gorgeous Burberry raintcoat she’s had her eye on, but she’ll also get to come across as a serious career woman on camera, therefore banishing that embarrassing ‘fashionista’ label for good. Right?
Not exactly. Avery wasn’t banking on the videographer filming her documentary to be Deacon Ryan, who is not only DDG but also makes Avery start to see life from a different angle. Maybe she does want a career after all and after a rocky start, despite their differences, she finds herself liking Deacon more and more as he helps her concour her fears, and believe in herself.

Avery finds herself on a rollercoaster of an adventure, after her life starts taking routes that it was never supposed to take…

After hugely enjoying Aven’s previous novel, Connectivity, I was really eager to read more of her books and as soon as I read the synopsis for Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista I knew this story was going to be PERFECT for me…and it was, in every way possible.
Avery Andrews is my completely my kind of girl. She grabbed me right from the off with her love of shopping and her pink coffee maker. I could completely identify with her and warmed to her straight away as she proves that she’s not some ditzy, spoilt, air-head, but she’s caring, funny, feisty and pretty kick-ass.
I really enjoyed watching her relationship with Deke go from hate, to like, to love, with a lot of misunderstandings in-between. I loved everything about these two characters and the chemistry between them was super hot, but above all else I felt that they made an incredibly cute couple. I loved how Deke gave Avery some much needed confidence, and how he changed her outlook on life. I was completely enchanted by their story and felt as though I could read about these two wonderful characters forever. I knew they were going to be special right from the moment they first met (there’s a scene involving the changing of eye colour) and I just adored everything about Avery and Deke and their relationship.

In Avery, Aven has created a new favourite fictional character of mine. I absolutely love this girl and I would really like to read more about her (Pretty please, Aven??)
I am so thrilled to have discovered Aven Ellis and her amazing writing. There’s something very special about her stories, they have such well-formed characters and you’ll soon find yourself lost in their world. Aven’s writing is warm, clever and extremely romantic.

Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista is one of my favourite romance novels that I’ve been lucky enough to read this year and my only negative point is the fact that it had to come to an end… It’s light, heart-warming, and incredibly sweet and if you like your chick lit then it’s all round perfect
Profile Image for Emma.
87 reviews38 followers
October 19, 2014
Wow, I have no idea what to say about this book and definitely no idea how to start this review. I read this book in less than 24 hours, I didn’t mean to read the book so quickly as it was just supposed to be a book I could read on my Kindle when I didn’t have my paperback book with me. However, once I started this book I just got sucked into Avery’s life and couldn’t get out of it. I felt like crying when the book was over because I wasn’t ready to stop reading.

Avery is a recent college graduate who when we first meet her has just survived the first month in her own apartment by managing her money and has splashed out on a ridiculously priced pair of sunglasses. I loved the was Aven introduced Avery to us because from the first few lines and paragraphs you think of her as a bit of a vain, self-centred, air head. That is until she is asked to take part in a documentary for the airline company she newly works for, this gives us an insight into the real Avery, her life and her personality. She wants everyone to believe she is a career focused ambitious young woman that is dedicated to her job, not just a husband seeking fashionisa. She is pretty sure she has everything figured out, or so she thinks until Deke, the videographer assigned to record the documentary, enters her life, making her question everything she wants, needs and is supposed to do. What makes it worse is that he can see right through the façade she is putting on for the camera. At first Deke and Avery do not get along at all, their first impressions of each other aren’t the best and they just don’t like each other much. But as their relationship develops they learn more about eachother, Avery may be falling for him although Deke isn’t anything like the man she thought she would marry, he isn’t successful and he doesn’t have a great dress sence. As the story goes on we learn more and more about Avery and she grows up in front of our eyes. We realise she isn’t a self-centred fashionia at all, she is a sweet, loving, strong woman that you can’t help but like and want to support.

I loved Avery and Deke, their personalities both together and apart, the way Deke encourages and supports Avery even though he is just her cameraman. Avery is the perfect lead character and has you laughing with her and so badly wanting her and Deke to get together! We don’t get to see much from the other characters such as Avery’s flatmate Sasha, neighbour Sullivan or best friend Dee, however from the brief parts we do see I couldn’t stand Sasha or Sullivan, especially Sullivan he made me want to vomit! He was so arrogant, annoying and obsessive.

There are so many great points to this book that I don’t want to give away because this book is one of those books that you can’t find a fault in. It is perfect. There was one line that made me feel so many emotions as if I were Avery, it made me so happy, want to cry and feel all warm and fuzzy inside, I think it was just because I was enjoying the book so much and this just confirmed that everything I hoped would happen was about to. That line is ‘She wasn’t you, Isabel couldn’t be you’. Ahhhh!

Aven Ellis is such a talented writer, her writing seems so effortless, she has the power to make you smile and feel good just from reading her book. I can’t believe this is the first Aven Ellis book I have read, I have heard so many good things about them but just never got around to picking one up, well I most certainly will be now! If you are looking for a feel good, romanic novel then pick this up!
Profile Image for Wendy.
999 reviews99 followers
September 19, 2014
Originally posted on my blog: www.book-scents.com

Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista is SUCH an amazing, fun, heartfelt romance! It read like a romantic comedy movie, like I could just visualize everything playing out in my head. It's the type of book you want to pick up for a relaxing Friday night read.

Firstly, Aven always writes amazing, career driven heroines and that is just something I love about her stories. Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista is no different. Avery is working for Premier Airlines as a marketing assistant and at first, this is just something she wants to be doing for now. Something to pay the bills and support her fashion habit. However, as the story unfolds, she is driven to want more and she finds herself enjoying what she's doing.

A big part of the reason she discovers these career aspirations is because of DEKE RYAN. Oh, and no, my hand did not slip and hit the caps lock button accidentally. DEKE RYAN deserves caps lock. So, Premier Airlines decide to do a documentary and Avery is chosen as someone they want to feature on the show. DEKE RYAN is the videographer on the project and DEKE RYAN is sexy. He wears funny vintage t-shirts featuring random things he likes, from bands to food to sports teams and he is smart, funny, sweet and an all around freaking amazing guy. (And, okay, fine, I'll stop it with the caps lock now.)

So Deke and Avery don't exactly hit it off at first because he thinks she's a shallow fashionista who doesn't care about anything else and Avery thinks Deke is uncultured and not someone she's supposed to like. I have to admit, at the very beginning I totally pegged Avery incorrectly too. So I loved getting to know her and seeing what she's really like. One of my favorite aspects of this book though? The fashion. I loved Avery's wardrobe. I want it. I need it. I solemnly swear that I will NOT go out on a shopping spree. (Major sad face.) But seriously, the fashion focus was so awesome. I loved the outfits that were pieced together and the little attentions to detail that just set the scenes so well.

The development of the romance was also so well paced. Nothing seemed rushed and the conversations between these two? Oh they are the BEST. I loved their growing relationship and rooted for them so hard. Another favorite aspect? No unnecessary angst or drama. I am so over cliched drama in romance plot lines. (By the way, you won't find that in any of Aven's books so go read all of them!)

In Short:

Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista is a light, fun romance featuring a strong, career driven heroine with a fashion sense and wardrobe you will pine after! This is the absolute perfect romance to read if you are looking to settle in for a relaxing night. Trust me, you do not want to miss out on meeting DEKE RYAN. Plus, a fantastic storyline to boot! What are you waiting for! Go forth and read!
Profile Image for Emma Star Crossed Reviews .
1,022 reviews295 followers
May 8, 2018
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Oh man I have been waiting SOOO long for this book. I'm one of Aven's Beta Baes so she has been dangling this book in front of me like a piece of meat for months. Getting me to help with the cover and all the while I just wanted to read the book. (Patience is not one of my strong suits.) Anyway she finally sent it to me and I, quite obviously, bumped it to the top of my TBR pile. While I was reading this I was quite glad I wasn't a beta reader for this book because I think I would have killed Aven. The amount of times I said to myself I'll just get to the end of the chapter and it was left on a cliffhanger so I just HAD to read the next bit would have driven me insane.

Avery made me laugh a lot. She had landed her self a job at Premier Airlines but is petrified of flying, I mean talk about ironic. So her job it's just to pay the bills and buy clothes right? She doesn't care about a career she just wants to find a nice rich man and then look after their future children. The problem is that because of this she's being stereotyped as an empty-headed fashionista.

Then Avery somehow lands herself a role in the documentary about Premier Airlines. So she starts to pretend she actually cares about her work. Her videographer, DDG (Drop Dead Gorgeous) Deke sees through her pretence and really challenges her. He makes her re-evaluate what she want's from life. He makes her see that just because things don't work out how you thought they would or they are 'supposed' to doesn't mean that it's not the better outcome.

Aven has a knack for writing the perfect man. I mean in Connectivity we had William, hmmmm then we had Harrison in Waiting For Prince Harry who didn't love him, and a Aven has a  few WIP men which let me tell you are scorching, I can't wait for you to all read them!!! Deke is of course no exception. With his old t-shirts and his challenging questions how could you not fall for him. Oh and did I mention he is hot..like DDG hot! He's also a little bit damaged. I really felt for him and when he opened up to Avery. I was sitting on my sofa crying, thinking boy this man needs a hug...

The JFK scene really got me. It was so sweet but it also showed everything that Avery had learnt, that you should fight for the things that are important, no matter what it takes.

I honestly can't give this book enough praise and I don't think this review has done it enough justice but I hope you all one click this right now.
Profile Image for Isabell.
240 reviews70 followers
September 10, 2014
First published on Dreaming With Open Eyes

Original rating: 3.5

I kindly received Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista in exchange of an honest review by the author.

I have been a huge fan of Aven Ellis since I read her debut novel Connectivity. Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista is her third digital published novel. She is the kind of author I'd buy her books without even reading the blurb because she never let me down with her writing. I fell in love with her stories and characters. They stay with me until today. Therefore I was very excited to get her newest release on my kindle.

The blurb of Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista actually gives pretty much everything you need to know away, so I am not going to summaries the story for you this time.


Here starts the thoughest part now. I love Aven and her writing but Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista did not blow me away. The most important fact is that I enjoyed reading the book but there was a huge part missing to fell in love with it. The main reason was I couldn't connect to the main character Avery. Avery is a great heroine but she is so different to myself so it was very hard to connect with her. As the title says, she is a true Fashionista. Avery is devoted to fashion clothing, particularly unique or high fashion and they do not follow trends but they combine current and vintage fashionable trends. Avery seemed very shallow in the first place. I liked seeing her change along the storyline process. Deke had an huge impact on her. He brought the best out of her and made her want things she never was supposed to want. Deke seemed like a great guy but it was a bit hard to figure him out. Sometimes he was really amazing with Avery and the other second he pushed Avery away.


One of the things I love about Aven is that she put so much energy and effort in research for her books. She really knows what she is writing about. I felt it while I was reading it. I absolutely loved the idea of the plot. A marketing assistiant falls in love with a camera man during a documentary shooting for the airline she is working for. This is something new and totally refreshing. I'm very looking forward what Aven will have in store for us next. She is so creative and will of ideas.

Even though I had a few issues with this book, it was an enjoyable read. I actually devoured it because every time I finished a chapter I wanted to know what's up next for Avery and Deke. Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista is an uplifiting, compelling romance story with happyend guaranteed.
Profile Image for Dawn.
309 reviews135 followers
November 2, 2014
I was given an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour organised by JB Johnston at Brook Cottage Books. It gives me immense pleasure to be part of this tour as Aven has to be one of the kindest, most generous hearted authors I've had the pleasure to meet through blogging and tweeting.

The story centres around Avery, just out of college living in the famed, Lincoln Park area of Chicago whilst working as a marketing assistant for an airline. On the surface she appears to be living a quite shallow life - spending more than she earns on clothes, not having enough money to pay the rent and living for celebrity gossip.

As part of a documentary being made about the company she works for Avery as a newish employee is to be filmed for the show. Deacon Ryan is commissioned as the camera man to shadow her both at work and at home living her life.

Let us just say that numerous opinions are formed by both Avery and Deacon about each other and also about and by the colleagues and friends that Avery mixes with on a day to day basis.

A book about self discovery, finding trust, confidence and love along the way makes for a lovely read. It is a romance novel that makes you aahh a bit but, just like in real life it isn't a straight forward path. With every turn of the page another layer was uncovered ensuring my opinions of both Avery and Deacon changed many times throughout the book. It just goes to show appearances can be deceptive and although first impressions count sometimes interpreting them from a different angle gives a totally different impression. From the outset both appeared to be confident, carefree characters who knew their own minds and destiny and were happy with their lot. As the story develops this image becomes a little different....

I loved how and without realising it, they fought in each others corner, giving each other the confidence and security to take on challenges that alone they wouldn't even have considered. At the same time a beautiful friendship developed taking me the reader along with it - always a good sign when I find myself rooting for the characters, willing them to say and do what I think they should!

This book shows that sometimes we have to step outside our comfort zone and put ourselves out there, to stand tall and conquer our fears and most of all it's always ok to be ourselves! Thank you Aven for a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Suze.
1,884 reviews1,298 followers
September 16, 2014
Avery has just started a new job and works for Premier Airlines. She's good at marketing, but she's afraid of flying. Of course she hasn't told anyone at the company and she isn't looking for a career anyway. Her dream is to get married and stay home with her children. Meanwhile she wants to look great of course, so she needs a man with a good salary. She wants to be there for her future family and meanwhile she thinks it's nice if she can do something for the community. Just like her mother has always done. Is that really her dream or does she only think it is? Avery loves new clothes and she cares about her looks. Her favorite color is pink and she's living in the Lincoln Park area in Chicago, which is known for the money hunting young women. When an opportunity at work presents itself Avery has the chance to be on television. That will be good for her career and it means she has more money to spend on fashion. The man behind the camera, Deke, thinks she's a spoiled, empty headed fashionista. Avery doesn't like him very much, he's silent, moody and she doesn't like his ancient vintage t-shirts. Avery wants to prove that he's wrong about her and that's when she starts to think about having different goals in her life. Deke challenges her and that's exactly what she needs. Meanwhile they get to know each other a little better and they have to change their opinions about each other. What Avery didn't mean to do is falling for the good looking camera man in the process...

Aven Ellis knows how to make her characters come to life. Her writing is very believable and it makes the people she's writing about real and realistic. I liked that very much about this book. Of course I loved all the fashion talk. Avery's favorite color is pink and she cares very much about her appearance. When Deke convinces her that she should follow her intuition and speak up about her ideas Avery does things she never dreamed of doing. Everything she does is completely believable, because it could have happened in real life. Avery wants to prove she's mature and in the process she's growing up. It's not a very complex story, but it doesn't have to be, it's never shallow, it's always perfectly balanced and that's working so well. This love story is really sweet and that's exactly what makes the book so amazing. It's cute, fun and light, a book that makes the reader happy. Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista is such a joy to read!
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,815 reviews634 followers
September 23, 2014
Ready for some over the top cute, funny and heart-warming Chick Lit? Ready to have the heroine annoy the heck out of you with her excessive obsession on fashion, designer names and failure to learn to trust her inner self or her brains? I’m not saying that Avery is completely unlikable, I’m saying she is like a fungus; she grows on you, page by page as you get to know her in a definite case of first impressions gone wrong!

Pegged for a documentary revolving around her job at a major airline, Avery will be shadowed by a cameraman of and on for the next month. And how did that meeting go, you ask? Kind of like that perfect soufflé in the oven, the expectations are high, but the results are a flop. Deke is cold, aloof and distant, obviously her would rather be filming paint drying then this “hard hitting” documentary which stars an apparently vapid fashionista. What happens when two people are thrust together and the negative energy is flowing? Are people really what they seem to be or is there more underneath their labels? Can there be something more between a serious anti-fashionista and the princess of the fashion-conscious world?

Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista by Aven Ellis was like peeling back the layers of chiffon on a bridal dress! The top layer was nice, but a little light on substance and then, the breath-taking under layers are revealed and I was lost in laughter, grins and that starry-eyed thing that happens when you just know there is going to be a soul-deep ending that is going to have you clutching your heart! Ms. Ellis takes quirky and sweet to a whole new level!


I received this copy as part of a review tour promotion.

Publication Date: September 10, 2014
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Humorous Romance
Print Length: 223 pages
Available from: Amazon
http://tometender.blogspot.com/
Profile Image for Ginny  Gallagher.
277 reviews86 followers
December 1, 2014
Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista by Aven Ellis -

Ten Word Review: A charming and fun romance that will leave you smiling.

A little more....

Avery Andrews is ready to take on the world and she knows that the "right" shoes, clothes, and apartment address are the keys to success. Go ahead...roll your eyes...I did.  I'll be honest, I'm the least "fashionista" type person in the world and initially Avery and her uppity ways got on my nerves.  But it wasn't long before I was cheering her on as she too realized how shallow she and her life had become.

I loved this book. I read it in a couple of hours and enjoyed every second of it.

Deke was a great character and I enjoyed the chemistry between Avery and him.

There were several conversations between Avery and Deke about Avery wanting to be a stay at home mom. They discussed their own childhood experiences with their mothers and I really appreciated that the author presented two different view points and acknowledged that having a happy mother is the most important thing. I think that it was very insightful and well...you'll just have to read it but it was one of the things that stuck with me after reading the book.

I really want to blab about the whole story but I will refrain since I would rather you read it for yourself.

So, to sum everything up...

Aven Ellis is a wonderful romantic/chick lit author that is on my favorites list. This is the second book I've read and both have been excellent. You can find my review of Waiting for Prince Harry here. Up next on my reading list from Aven is Connectivity.

If you enjoy your romance with a nice blend of humor, fun, and character growth then you should definitely give Aven Ellis's books a try. Each story is a complete story- which means no cliff hangers and big smiles and warm fuzzies at the end.

Was this review helpful? If so, please consider voting for it on Amazon!
Profile Image for Kirsty & Erin Muir.
1,396 reviews75 followers
October 12, 2014
Firstly a massive thank you to Aven Ellis for sending me a copy of her new novel to review! I’ve been fortunate enough to read her first two novel’s Connectivity and Waiting for Prince Harry and have been eagerly awaiting book number 3!

This is the story of Avery Andrews. Avery has an avid interest in fashion, ultimately hoping to make a career out of it one day but when her stop gap job turns up trumps with the chance to appear on a documentary TV show filmed by Deke Ryan.

Ok, so I think this might be my favourite so far, and I loved Aven’s first two books! A bold statement to make but let me tell you why!

I instantly liked Avery’s character. I loved how she was budgeting her funds to afford gorgeous pieces to add to her wardrobe collection and how she was making the best of her temporary situation at the airline where she works and I really loved the part of the city where she stayed and seeing it through her eyes. I think she’s really likable and the perfect main character for the chick-lit/romance genre. The story is all told from Avery’s point of view and there just feels like there is a lot of fun injected into the narrative that runs throughout the story. Avery kind of looked like a version of Aven herself but with long hair – I love that they both love fashion!

I really enjoyed the story line – being filmed for the documentary – and how this pretty much changed Avery’s outlook on her life. I thought the story line was different to anything I had read before and this kept me hooked to the very end. I read the book quite quickly as I found it hard to put it down and I really just love Aven’s writing.

Deke Ryan, Aven’s videographer was a total test of Avery’s character in every single way. He’s gorgeous, muscular and a bit of a flirt with a sensitive and intelligent head on his shoulders. I love how he turned out to be quite different from the first impression that Avery had of him and how he was able to prove her wrong about his character.

I think this is perfect for readers who are fans of Aven’s already but I really think fans of Sophie Kinsella and Kate Harrison will also really enjoy it!
Profile Image for Amanda R.
727 reviews
November 9, 2016
A fashionista is a follower of fashion and while I think that Avery does enjoy being in the best of the best I think there is more to her then just that. Even so her outward appearances show that she is just that, a fashionista that only cares about her looks and what makes her look good. Her job at Premier Airlines is an assistant and now they've decided she's going to be a part of a documentary on the lives of employees for a travel channel. She wants to look good and do good for this. She has a videographer, Deacon, following her and he challenges her. He makes her think about more then just looks. She decides to try more at her job.

When she gets noticed for the extra effort she puts forth she's asked to go to the company retreat in San Francisco. She's excited and happy that she's doing more but there is just one little problem. She's terrified of flying. Crazy scared of it and she doesn't know if she can do it. She thinks if the company finds out she could get fired for being a fraud. Deacon is there and helps her but the way he helps confuses her. He's said he's dating someone but kissing her to distract her sends her body into overdrive. Since they've been working together the feelings have gone from disgust to warm and fuzzy.

I loved watching Avery grow up. She started out as a spoiled, airhead. Only being interested in looks and what a guy could do for her instead of looking for the one person to make her life better in a different way. Deacon makes her look inside herself instead of on the surface and she becomes a more rounded person. I hate that it took a man to make her have more substance but I'm glad that she got there. I also sound like she was a complete idiot but she wasn't. She was smart just never tapped into the potential she had just under the surface. I love the way this author writes and I'm working my way through the last of her books I've not read. If you haven't read Aven Ellis you should run and grab her books. Some of her books are on Kindle Unlimited, so if you have that you can read them for free!! As always leave the author some love in the form of a review! Its the best way to show you care!
Profile Image for Aly.
361 reviews
August 28, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book seems to be all about judging a book by its cover and stereotypes. Honestly, at first, before I knew who Avery really was, I saw her as nothing but the shallow, husband-hunting fashionista she was being judged as. Honestly before I got the chance to really understand who Avery was, I thought that. But once I got deeper into the book, it was easy to see that while Avery did want a husband and kids someday, and was interested in fashion, it wasn't all that she was. She was a bright young woman, who could do more than just go on about the latest fashion styles. It was humbling to see my opinion be changed and it definitely taught me a lesson.

Then there were the situations that Avery would get into. Honestly it seemed like fate was intervening to make things worse than it could possibly be. And I laughed almost the whole way through. Although I also felt embarrassment for her as well. It was fun and light.

Then there was Deke. He was a bit of hot and cold. I had to admit that it took me a little while to warm up to him. Especially after the first impression we were given of him. But once again, I was proven wrong. By the end of the book, I had fallen for the shy Deke that we met and I had to admit that he was really good for Avery.

The biggest thing throughout the book is different people playing games. Both Avery and Deke did in some ways as well as the other characters that we were interested in that also were in a relationship or looking for one. It was frustrating and I wasn't a big fan of seeing them play out. Mostly because in the case of Avery and Deke someone gets hurt.

But overall, Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista was a light read that also teaches readers a lesson. Aven Ellis continues with her great writing and I can't wait to read more from her!

Find this review and many more at Reading Shy With Aly
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,439 reviews35 followers
September 19, 2014
Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista is a lighthearted and entertaining story that follows the journey of Avery Andrews as she transitions from a college graduate to a working woman, and how life unexpectedly changes her outlook and plans for her life.

Author Aven Ellis weaves such a fun and flirty story that easily draws the reader into Avery's life as her journey of self-discovery takes her from a carefree and diehard fashionista with no long term career plans ... well other than finding a wealthy husband ... to a young woman who matures and unexpectedly finds herself wanting a serious career, when she is featured in a travel documentary of the behind-the-scenes look at her job as a marketing assistant at Premier Airlines. Avery's unexpected change in life plans is spurred on by sexy videographer Deke Ryan, who challenges Avery to strive to find her passion and be more than what she had originally planned.

I loved the mixture of fashion, romance, humor, and drama that was intertwined within the storyline, it kept me engaged and turning the pages. I really enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Avery and Deke, it was so much fun following how their relationship developed, they really seem to bring out the best in each other. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I loved how the author transports the reader to Chicago's trendy neighborhood of Lincoln Park, she definitely knows how to bring out the reader's inner fashionista with her rich descriptions.

Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista is a delightful romantic novel that will make you laugh, and leave a smile on your face.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Profile Image for Laura.
365 reviews338 followers
October 12, 2014
Originally posted on:> http://lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot....

3.5/5

Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista tells the story of Avery; a marketing assistant and although she should be career driven, she has her sights set on having her own family. Avery works for Premier Airlines, the one fatal flaw here being is that she has a fear of flying! If Premier Airlines had known this they never would have given her the job! Then an opportunity arises for Avery to take part in a documentary for work, it seems like the perfect way to get that extra money that she deserves. It will enable her to shed that fashionista status that she is so keen to shift and show her as a serious career woman. But she hadn't bargained on Deacon Ryan being her videographer and he seems to think he knows her more than she does and that career woman image she was hoping to show, doesn't seem so easy now.

This was an incredibly quick, easy, lighthearted read, which was just what I needed after reading quite a stressful book.

I found Avery a fairly relatable character as she is in marketing just like me, and although she wants to come across as career focused, her main goal in life is ultimately having a family. I could also really relate to her being shy in voicing her opinions in work meetings and when she actually does have the courage to voice her opinion, it is quickly downtrodden. I really really felt for her when that happened. There was also a particular colleague of hers that kept taking all the credit and claiming that she was so busy with work, when actually she was just busy flirting.

Although I did like this story, to me it felt like it took a while to get going. I think I would have liked more to happen earlier on. Also when I compare it to Aven's other two novels, I think they were better. However still an enjoyable read, but do check out Aven's other books Connectivity and Waiting for Prince Harry.
Profile Image for Jo Hughes.
253 reviews269 followers
September 9, 2014
I would like to thank HEA Book Tours and Aven Ellis for sending me a copy of this in exchange for a fair and honest review.

When we first meet Avery she is secretly pleased with herself that she had managed to stay in the black, in the first month in her apartment so has purchased some ridiculously priced sunglasses. Going off first impressions you would think Avery is the airhead she is described as, until she is asked to take part in the documentary about her company.

In walks Deke or Deacon, he is sexy, flirty and drives Avery mad with his assumptions about her (I’ve got to say Aven you have managed to write another hot man, but although I think Deke is great he can’t replace Harrison or Nate in my heart). Anyway I digress as I tend to do when talking about Avens books. Deke isn’t like the up and coming successful men Avery always thought she would marry, he wears old t-shirts and when he’s not behind the camera is quite shy.

I love the interactions between Avery and Deke, how he encourages her to be more than she thinks she is and supports her. Of course there are cross wires between them as each try to deny their feelings.

I really didn’t like Avery’s flat mate, Sasha at all, I thought she was shallow but knowing how Aven writes that is exactly how she wants me to feel about her, I also wanted Deke to deck Sullivan, he was so annoying. I did however like Bree and wished we had seen more of her in the book (hopefully we will see more of her in her own book).

As you follow Avery you begin to realise she isn’t the fashionista of the title she has depth and back bone and once pushed she even manages to face her biggest fear with a little help from Deke.

Aven writes sweet but brilliant love stories with hot men all round, these keep me interested from page one and I never want to stop reading her stories.
Profile Image for Diane Coto.
388 reviews10 followers
September 23, 2014
OK, Ladies – how do you tell a good man from a bad one? Certainly, not from their good looks! Avery Andrews thought Sullivan Preston III was really hot and he was a graduate of Notre Dame! She couldn’t wait for him to notice her – other than as just a neighbor. He lives upstairs in the same apartment complex in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Chicago. Premier Airlines, Avery’s employer, chooses her to be the focus of a new documentary. They assign Deacon (Deke) Ryan, a videographer, to follow her as she performs her daily duties. She thinks Deke is an underachiever; a poor dresser; and a bit rude.

Avery is a fashionista, but she is not a ‘diva’. She’s not attracted to the corporate world. In fact, she’d like nothing better than to meet ‘Mr. Right’; get married; have children; and be a stay-at-home mom just like her own mom was. She’s rooming with Sasha who actually has very different goals. She finally gets her wish with Sullivan. Oy Vey!! She sees he is all about impressing his friends; all about his own interests; and a ‘fishy’ kisser. As time progresses and she continues to work with Deke, she finds him warm; compassionate; but seeking shelter behind an emotional wall he’s set up from past hurts.

This romantic comedy was predictable. But that predictability is like knowing that Fall follows Summer. You know what’s coming, but you still want to read it because it is very enjoyable. In many places, it was laugh out loud funny. The characters are all very interesting. I liked Avery; she is like many of our own friends that make bad decisions, but there’s nothing you can do to help them. I really think the author hit the nail on the head with Sullivan and his ‘stuck on himself’ attitude. I rated the novel at 4 out of 5.

http://www.fictionzeal.com/chronicles...
Profile Image for Lou.
328 reviews4 followers
September 22, 2014
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book direct from the author in exchange for nothing more than an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Meet Avery. Avery has just begun working for an airline in their marketing department. She's also determined to prove that she is not obsessed with finding a rich husband to look after her and that she's not a fashionista.
Meet Deke. Deke works for the filming crew who are making a documentary about the airline. When Deke meets Avery his first impression is... That she's a fashionista looking for a loaded hubby!

As we read Deke and Avery's story we are shown that first impressions aren't always right. As Deke and Avery begin to get to know each other better, they realise that maybe their first impressions were wrong. They also learn that sometimes you just have to not do what your supposed to do.

Aven has written another feel good book. This book is packed with emotions, laughs and romance. The banter between Avery and Deke is funny, and made me giggle. Aven's writing style flows fantastically, it grabs your attention and holds it. I was drawn into Avery and Deke's world and I didn't want to leave.

Avery started off a little annoying but her character develops well, or should I say her true character becomes clearer as the book progresses. Deke... Hmmm... I think he could probably persuade me to get in front of a camera! ;) I really liked how he watched and studied Avery but kept his thoughts concealed; it gave him an air of mysteriousness.

Overall this is another great book by Aven, that I have thoroughly enjoyed reading. If you love feel good romance books then grab yourself a copy.
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