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Ainslie Brothers #1
Flitterwochen mit einem Unbekannten
In Alice Woods Leben läuft nichts nach Plan! Ihr Verlobter bläst von einem Tag auf den anderen die Hochzeit ab. Und die Hochzeitsreise auf Rhein, Main und Donau lässt sich nicht stornieren. Schicksalsergeben tritt Alice sie trotzdem an, in der Hoffnung, ein bisschen Zeit zum Nachdenken zu finden. Doch durch ein schreckliches Missverständnis muss sie sich die Hochzeitssuite mit einem steifen – wenn auch durchaus gutaussehenden – britischen Aristokraten teilen. Elliot Ainslie erhoffte sich von der Kreuzfahrt vor allem Ruhe zum Schreiben seines nächsten Romans. Dass er nun auf engstem Raum mit der quirligen Alice zusammenleben muss, trägt nicht gerade zur Überwindung seiner Schreibblockade bei – aber vielleicht zu seinem ganz persönlichen Happy End?
350 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
97 people are currently reading
2704 people want to read
About the author
Katie MacAlister
121 books5,975 followersFor as long as she can remember, Katie MacAlister has loved reading. Growing up in a family where a weekly visit to the library was a given, Katie spent much of her time with her nose buried in a book. Despite her love for novels, she didn't think of writing them until she was contracted to write a non-fiction book about software. Since her editor refused to allow her to include either witty dialogue or love scenes in the software book, Katie swiftly resolved to switch to fiction, where she could indulge in world building, tormenting characters, and falling madly in love with all her heroes.
Two years after she started writing novels, Katie sold her first romance, Noble Intentions. More than thirty books followed during the years after Noble's publication. Her novels have been translated into numerous languages, been recorded as audiobooks, received several awards, and placed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She also writes for the young adult audience as Katie Maxwell, and for the mystery world as Kate Marsh.
Katie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dogs, and can often be found lurking around online.
Two years after she started writing novels, Katie sold her first romance, Noble Intentions. More than thirty books followed during the years after Noble's publication. Her novels have been translated into numerous languages, been recorded as audiobooks, received several awards, and placed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She also writes for the young adult audience as Katie Maxwell, and for the mystery world as Kate Marsh.
Katie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dogs, and can often be found lurking around online.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
January 10, 2015
2.5 Stars
The Importance of Being Alice was an unlikely romance between opposites, full of madcap fun, spies, and crazy family.
Alice has just been dumped right before taking a European river cruise that she thought would end in marriage. At first she plans on forgetting her travel plans, but then decides to go on the cruise alone, not knowing that her dirt-bag ex, Patrick, gave his ticket to a college friend, Elliot.
Elliot has many responsibilities being the Lord of Ainslie Castle and those responsibilities are making it impossible to write finish his book and meet his deadline. Something that’s imperative because the castle is sucking him dry financially and he needs that money for repairs. With a loving, but dramatic mother and many siblings it seems interruptions are endless. When his old college mate offers his river cruise ticket, Elliot jumps at the chance for some peace and quiet not knowing that he’ll be sharing the cabin with hurricane Alice. She’s spontaneous, boisterous and proves to be a significant distraction. But she’s also irresistible and fun, coaxing Elliot off the ship and into embracing and living life. Their mutual attraction makes it impossible to keep their hands off each other and soon their having a lusty affair.
Alice was a free spirit and having just come off a long time relationship with Patrick, you’d think she’d be more upset, but it seems she was more upset at losing the idea of marriage and Patrick and not really the man himself. So she falls easily and quickly for the sweet and serious Elliot. Opposites really do attract.
This is an insta-love situation and it does sort of fit with Alice’s personality, yet, insta-love is a hard sell for me and would’ve had an easier time buying it if Elliot and Alice had intense sessions of talking about love and life. Have you ever had a friend you just met and you instantly bonded, talking until the wee hours about everything? I have, and so if that were the case here I would’ve totally been on board, but Alice and Elliot’s relationship was more whacky dates as they traveled, and then BAM: Love. In spite of that the romance was fun, and full of some pretty steamy scenes. Saucy, playful and very HOT! Could’ve done without Alice’s endless commentary during more intimate moments, but it did fit with her personality, I guess.
Also, wasn’t a big fan about how Elliot handled the situation when an accident happens at his home/castle. Lack of communication led to a miserable experience for Alice and was completely unnecessary. I hate issues that stem from lack of communication.
The Importance of Being Alice was a light, funny romance, best enjoyed by just rolling with it and having a good time.
I’ve seen a lot of love for Katie MacAlister’s writing so I’d like to give another book a try.
A copy was kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The Importance of Being Alice was an unlikely romance between opposites, full of madcap fun, spies, and crazy family.
Alice has just been dumped right before taking a European river cruise that she thought would end in marriage. At first she plans on forgetting her travel plans, but then decides to go on the cruise alone, not knowing that her dirt-bag ex, Patrick, gave his ticket to a college friend, Elliot.
Elliot has many responsibilities being the Lord of Ainslie Castle and those responsibilities are making it impossible to write finish his book and meet his deadline. Something that’s imperative because the castle is sucking him dry financially and he needs that money for repairs. With a loving, but dramatic mother and many siblings it seems interruptions are endless. When his old college mate offers his river cruise ticket, Elliot jumps at the chance for some peace and quiet not knowing that he’ll be sharing the cabin with hurricane Alice. She’s spontaneous, boisterous and proves to be a significant distraction. But she’s also irresistible and fun, coaxing Elliot off the ship and into embracing and living life. Their mutual attraction makes it impossible to keep their hands off each other and soon their having a lusty affair.
Alice was a free spirit and having just come off a long time relationship with Patrick, you’d think she’d be more upset, but it seems she was more upset at losing the idea of marriage and Patrick and not really the man himself. So she falls easily and quickly for the sweet and serious Elliot. Opposites really do attract.
This is an insta-love situation and it does sort of fit with Alice’s personality, yet, insta-love is a hard sell for me and would’ve had an easier time buying it if Elliot and Alice had intense sessions of talking about love and life. Have you ever had a friend you just met and you instantly bonded, talking until the wee hours about everything? I have, and so if that were the case here I would’ve totally been on board, but Alice and Elliot’s relationship was more whacky dates as they traveled, and then BAM: Love. In spite of that the romance was fun, and full of some pretty steamy scenes. Saucy, playful and very HOT! Could’ve done without Alice’s endless commentary during more intimate moments, but it did fit with her personality, I guess.
Also, wasn’t a big fan about how Elliot handled the situation when an accident happens at his home/castle. Lack of communication led to a miserable experience for Alice and was completely unnecessary. I hate issues that stem from lack of communication.
The Importance of Being Alice was a light, funny romance, best enjoyed by just rolling with it and having a good time.
I’ve seen a lot of love for Katie MacAlister’s writing so I’d like to give another book a try.
A copy was kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2018
I'm a bit over halfway and I'm quitting. Yeah, it's unusual for me to give three stars to something I dnf. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these two fall for each other. I like their personalities and their banter is a lot of fun. I particularly liked their unconventional (i.e. unsexy) conversations during sex and how it illustrated both their characters and how they connect so well.
What I didn't like was the stupid spy idiocy. Alice isn't stupid but I feel like MacAlister manipulated her to be so that she can have angst episodes that should have been ordinary. It doesn't help that Elliot was manipulated a couple of times to skip details that would have resolved things early.
And yes, it's still three stars even though I hate author manipulation and induced stupidity. I just liked these two when they were together that much.
A note about Steamy: A good deal of their relationship is built through their attraction. Including sex. There are three explicit scenes in that first half so this was on a trajectory to blow through my steam tolerance. I'm pretty sure that plot shenanigans were going to overtake that, though, and that the pace was on the brink of slowing there (not least because they were physically separated when I stopped).
What I didn't like was the stupid spy idiocy. Alice isn't stupid but I feel like MacAlister manipulated her to be so that she can have angst episodes that should have been ordinary. It doesn't help that Elliot was manipulated a couple of times to skip details that would have resolved things early.
And yes, it's still three stars even though I hate author manipulation and induced stupidity. I just liked these two when they were together that much.
A note about Steamy: A good deal of their relationship is built through their attraction. Including sex. There are three explicit scenes in that first half so this was on a trajectory to blow through my steam tolerance. I'm pretty sure that plot shenanigans were going to overtake that, though, and that the pace was on the brink of slowing there (not least because they were physically separated when I stopped).
May 6, 2017
A delightful contemporary romance! Lots of humor and quirky characters. Also, it was just a little different from my standard romance. The will they or won't they element was dealt with quickly. The man admitted he loved the woman long before the last 10 pages. Nothing split the couple up other than injury.
Still, it had some wonderful elements. Though, I do wonder about the conflict in the last chapter. It seemed a little awkward.
Still, it had some wonderful elements. Though, I do wonder about the conflict in the last chapter. It seemed a little awkward.
January 9, 2015
Caffeinated Aspects:
A ten day European River Cruise and a mix up with tickets got this tale off to a fun start. Alice Wood has just been dumped by her fiancé and decides to go on their nonrefundable cruise alone. Patrick gives his ticket away to a London friend. Do you see where this is going?
Alice is quirky, and a talker. She talks all the time and at times, it was hilarious. She is one of those characters who makes goals and does not quite keep them. However, she always has the best intentions. She has a vivid imagination and Wonderland type quality. I image her as that friend who gets you to dance on a table during karaoke night.
A castle, dueling, siblings, the ex-fiancé and talk of spies added interest to the tale.
There were moments that were while ridiculous made me gigglesnort with laughter.
We learn just enough about the other Ainslie brothers to peak my interest. Their home life is quite unique and certainly far from any stereotype.
Decaffeinated Aspects
Awkwardness abounds. As I said, Alice is a talker and she never stops even during moments that are more ahem... intimate. Which would be fine except it is about other topics. I laughed and rolled my eyes. Do not expect to feel the heat between these two.
Insta-love and a fluffy romance never allowed me to connect with Alice and Elliot despite the fact that I liked them. To be honest insta-love does not always bother me. Sometimes I am more than willing to swallow the little red pill and go with it. The storyline and character development have to feel genuine and I need to connect to them as a couple. Sadly, for me I did not feel the chemistry.
Wavering uncertainty and low self-esteem coming from our heroine made me a tad nuts. He wants me? He doesn't want me. He loves me, he hates me. Of course, you feel uncertain Alice, you do not really know the man.
I struggled with the plot twists. The believability just was not there for me.
Copy provided by publisherThis review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
A ten day European River Cruise and a mix up with tickets got this tale off to a fun start. Alice Wood has just been dumped by her fiancé and decides to go on their nonrefundable cruise alone. Patrick gives his ticket away to a London friend. Do you see where this is going?
Alice is quirky, and a talker. She talks all the time and at times, it was hilarious. She is one of those characters who makes goals and does not quite keep them. However, she always has the best intentions. She has a vivid imagination and Wonderland type quality. I image her as that friend who gets you to dance on a table during karaoke night.
A castle, dueling, siblings, the ex-fiancé and talk of spies added interest to the tale.
There were moments that were while ridiculous made me gigglesnort with laughter.
We learn just enough about the other Ainslie brothers to peak my interest. Their home life is quite unique and certainly far from any stereotype.
Decaffeinated Aspects
Awkwardness abounds. As I said, Alice is a talker and she never stops even during moments that are more ahem... intimate. Which would be fine except it is about other topics. I laughed and rolled my eyes. Do not expect to feel the heat between these two.
Insta-love and a fluffy romance never allowed me to connect with Alice and Elliot despite the fact that I liked them. To be honest insta-love does not always bother me. Sometimes I am more than willing to swallow the little red pill and go with it. The storyline and character development have to feel genuine and I need to connect to them as a couple. Sadly, for me I did not feel the chemistry.
Wavering uncertainty and low self-esteem coming from our heroine made me a tad nuts. He wants me? He doesn't want me. He loves me, he hates me. Of course, you feel uncertain Alice, you do not really know the man.
I struggled with the plot twists. The believability just was not there for me.
Copy provided by publisherThis review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
January 6, 2015
Alice is dumped by her kind-of fiance, Patrick, right before they are taking a European river cruise. Patrick gives his ticket to his friend Elliot to use since he and his ex won't be going. What Patrick doesn't realize is that Alice paid too much money to let her ticket go to waste and she shows up at her cabin and meets Elliot. My favorite thing about this book was how humorous it was. It is really funny and there were some situations that really had me laughing out loud. The thing I didn't like was that it was almost over the top funny and it took away from the romance and the storyline. I liked the characters but didn't really feel any chemistry between them because of all the craziness. Still, if you are looking for a book that is fun and lighthearted, this would be a good pick.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Read
January 11, 2015DNF at 49%
Too cheesy/awkward for me. Romance wasn't really believable and didn't see the connection between them.
Too cheesy/awkward for me. Romance wasn't really believable and didn't see the connection between them.
November 2, 2025
When I finished reading The Importance of Being Alice my first thought was this book was just “flat out fun”.
This is a story of a broken engagement, between Alice Wood and her ex-almost-finance', Patrick. They had planned a once in a life time trip to cruise Europe but when their relationship fell apart (Patrick's doing) Alice decides to take the trip without him... What she never expected was Patrick giving his ticket to his old college buddy (Elliot) adding an unwelcome roommate for this adventure.
Elliot comes across as the typical stogy English Lord while Alice is a go with the flow kind of gal. It was fun watching Alice slowly chip away at Elliot's reserve only to have her fall head over heals for Elliot.
I will say it again...this was a fun, feel good, HEA with just the right amount of spice, English charm and family bonding. The characters are highly entertaining and quite humorous. Simiply great, entertaining read.
I received this ARC copy of Te Importance of Being Alice from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication January 6, 2015.
This is a story of a broken engagement, between Alice Wood and her ex-almost-finance', Patrick. They had planned a once in a life time trip to cruise Europe but when their relationship fell apart (Patrick's doing) Alice decides to take the trip without him... What she never expected was Patrick giving his ticket to his old college buddy (Elliot) adding an unwelcome roommate for this adventure.
Elliot comes across as the typical stogy English Lord while Alice is a go with the flow kind of gal. It was fun watching Alice slowly chip away at Elliot's reserve only to have her fall head over heals for Elliot.
I will say it again...this was a fun, feel good, HEA with just the right amount of spice, English charm and family bonding. The characters are highly entertaining and quite humorous. Simiply great, entertaining read.
I received this ARC copy of Te Importance of Being Alice from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication January 6, 2015.
Read
August 9, 2020DNF
I can see why people like this author, she's got a fun and light tone that works well for the Rom Com vibe she has going.
However it just doesn't work for me. I also don't like the whole shifting points of view thing she does (third person pov for the hero and first for the heroine). I'm sure she has a great audience, I'm just not it. I didn't like the American slang the teenage brother used...it felt way older than 2015 when this book was written. It's stuff I used in the late '90s and early oughts.
I bet if this were a Rom Com movie, the plot would be hilarious and fun and cute. But her voice doesn't work for me. Luckily it works for lots of other readers :)
I can see why people like this author, she's got a fun and light tone that works well for the Rom Com vibe she has going.
However it just doesn't work for me. I also don't like the whole shifting points of view thing she does (third person pov for the hero and first for the heroine). I'm sure she has a great audience, I'm just not it. I didn't like the American slang the teenage brother used...it felt way older than 2015 when this book was written. It's stuff I used in the late '90s and early oughts.
I bet if this were a Rom Com movie, the plot would be hilarious and fun and cute. But her voice doesn't work for me. Luckily it works for lots of other readers :)
April 19, 2015
Katie McAlister was one of my first introductions to the Vampire Romance Genre, way back in the day with A Girl's Guide to Vampires, the first book in her Dark Ones series. Those led me to her contemporary and historical romance. I quickly discovered that I enjoyed her witty dialogue and the way each of her characters has a quirky piece that makes them unique and very relatable no matter the genre. So whenever I see that Ms. McAlister has a new book, it is an auto add to my TBR pile.
The book starts with the introduction of Elliot, and some of his - let's call them - "interesting" extended family. Including his mother, the Baroness Ainslie. He is trying to manage his family, falling down castle and it's repairs around his writing schedule. You know, the thing that pays for everything else, when Elliot gets a call from an old pal Patrick offering him his ticket on a European River Cruise. Patrick tells Elliot that he wasn't going to be using it since he had broken it off with Alice after his 2 year relationship limit had expired. He assured Elliot that Alice wouldn't be going, so he could use the quiet to get some writing done.
True, Alice hadn't planned on using the tickets after Patrick dumped her. And by dumped, she meant firing her from her job as his assistant, kicking her out of the condo they shared and telling her they would not longer be needing the information about getting married in Budapest at the end of the river cruise. So there she is - jobless, in a cramped rundown apartment feeling sorry for her self, when her best friend convinces her to go ahead and use the non-refundable ticket that she had already paid for. Both Alice and Elliot get a surprise when neither one will back down. Enforced proximity and an unwanted attraction get the best of both of them.
I really liked that the characters had some great communication going. Plus, the romantic side of things had some incredibly funny, yet realistic moments. They were self aware about how they each complimented the other, and though they hadn't known each other long, they just seemed to click. There were several times I was pleasantly surprised with the direction the book would go.
I'm not normally a fan of multiple voices. But as each chapter was alternately told by Alice and Elliot, having different narrator's really helped to get me in the correct person's headspace. Both narrator's did a good job with the emotional side of things and really bringing their character to life.
Overall, this was an easy listen. I found myself smiling and laughing, even wiping away a few tears during some particularly emotionally scary moments. I will be adding book 2, A Midsummer's Night Romp to my TBR pile and hope the same narrators return. This was a 4 star read.
Thanks to Audiobook Jukebox and Recorded Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The book starts with the introduction of Elliot, and some of his - let's call them - "interesting" extended family. Including his mother, the Baroness Ainslie. He is trying to manage his family, falling down castle and it's repairs around his writing schedule. You know, the thing that pays for everything else, when Elliot gets a call from an old pal Patrick offering him his ticket on a European River Cruise. Patrick tells Elliot that he wasn't going to be using it since he had broken it off with Alice after his 2 year relationship limit had expired. He assured Elliot that Alice wouldn't be going, so he could use the quiet to get some writing done.
True, Alice hadn't planned on using the tickets after Patrick dumped her. And by dumped, she meant firing her from her job as his assistant, kicking her out of the condo they shared and telling her they would not longer be needing the information about getting married in Budapest at the end of the river cruise. So there she is - jobless, in a cramped rundown apartment feeling sorry for her self, when her best friend convinces her to go ahead and use the non-refundable ticket that she had already paid for. Both Alice and Elliot get a surprise when neither one will back down. Enforced proximity and an unwanted attraction get the best of both of them.
I really liked that the characters had some great communication going. Plus, the romantic side of things had some incredibly funny, yet realistic moments. They were self aware about how they each complimented the other, and though they hadn't known each other long, they just seemed to click. There were several times I was pleasantly surprised with the direction the book would go.
I'm not normally a fan of multiple voices. But as each chapter was alternately told by Alice and Elliot, having different narrator's really helped to get me in the correct person's headspace. Both narrator's did a good job with the emotional side of things and really bringing their character to life.
Overall, this was an easy listen. I found myself smiling and laughing, even wiping away a few tears during some particularly emotionally scary moments. I will be adding book 2, A Midsummer's Night Romp to my TBR pile and hope the same narrators return. This was a 4 star read.
Thanks to Audiobook Jukebox and Recorded Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 2, 2019
Yes, Katie's books seem to follow a certain sort of formula and MOST of her books follow this. Maybe formula is the wrong word -I'll give you an example of what I mean : "nnrng and foowah" using these non-words during sex, this sort of thing is found in most of her books, think Noble Intentions (Noble series) for one. The first few times this is amusing even maybe snort worthy, after a few years it gets to be almost expected. It may be amusing to new readers but what happens to us old timers who have been there from the very first book? It has gotten old to us.
This particular book was a little harder for me to swallow than many of Katies past efforts. Some scenes just seem to go on forever, I did not feel much empathy or sympathy with the main characters and I actually disliked them at times. suspending disbelief is a must when you are reading fiction, but in this book I felt I needed to suspend it too much; to the point of wanting to just put the book aside instead of finishing it.
This is being called a "sweet romance" -trust me, Katie proves that she can get down and dirty with the best of them with this book. No, the sex is basically shrouded in euphemisms like usual - but some of the sex seems to go on forever and ever. Plus there are more scenes in this book than I am used to with one of Katies novels.
I think I've grown too old for these newer offerings. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
This particular book was a little harder for me to swallow than many of Katies past efforts. Some scenes just seem to go on forever, I did not feel much empathy or sympathy with the main characters and I actually disliked them at times. suspending disbelief is a must when you are reading fiction, but in this book I felt I needed to suspend it too much; to the point of wanting to just put the book aside instead of finishing it.
This is being called a "sweet romance" -trust me, Katie proves that she can get down and dirty with the best of them with this book. No, the sex is basically shrouded in euphemisms like usual - but some of the sex seems to go on forever and ever. Plus there are more scenes in this book than I am used to with one of Katies novels.
I think I've grown too old for these newer offerings. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
dnf
January 14, 2018DNFed at 50%
Great hero and great narration but a really foolish heroine. I just can't take her POV and her crazy leaps in logic: she meets a writer who writes spy books and she immediately reaches the conclusion that he's a spy! Because she saw him talking to a guy she didn't know and he didn't want to give her details. Oh and he didn't like the fact that she took pictures of him (without his consent) and posted them on FB. So OF COURSE that means he's a SPY!!
I freaking hate stupid heroines so this is it for me.
Great hero and great narration but a really foolish heroine. I just can't take her POV and her crazy leaps in logic: she meets a writer who writes spy books and she immediately reaches the conclusion that he's a spy! Because she saw him talking to a guy she didn't know and he didn't want to give her details. Oh and he didn't like the fact that she took pictures of him (without his consent) and posted them on FB. So OF COURSE that means he's a SPY!!
I freaking hate stupid heroines so this is it for me.
February 5, 2015
Sweet, cheeky and charmingly quirky. The Importance of Bring Alice is just what I love about MacAlister--a fun lighthearted read full of romance, humor and endless heart. It was a fun time as Elliott and Alice land themselves on a cruise and...sharing a cabin despite being total strangers. See. She's determined to take the trip she planned with her ex. And her ex...gave his ticket to Elliott who is just trying to find some peace and quiet to finish writing his book. And so...the adventure begins.
These two were adorable together. Alice is very, herm, spirited? She's lively and jumps into things often without thinking, is full of life and curiosity and just a sweet woman who is trying to find herself again. And Elliot, well, he's a little more reserved. Likes plans and structure and can get a little flustered by his lively shipmate. One that no matter how hard he tries to resist he's just drawn to. They were great as a pair. Balanced out each others foibles in a nice way and still got into some entertaining scenarios--hello German sex club and parrot nipple clamps! heh I really couldn't help smiling over these two and so many of their moments together.
"You are such a stick-in-the-mud sometimes, you know that?" My annoyance faded. Elliott, poor man, truly believe what he was saying. He thought life was better when it was organized and structured until all the fun had been squeezed out of it. "Look, one of the things I've learned from life is that you have to grab what you can take, because you never know if it'll be there later. I'm here right now. So are you. And I just bet you if I stick my hands down your pants, you'll be ready for a little fun in no time."
His nostrils flared, and his voice took on that haughty lord-of-the-manor tone that made me want to giggle. "I assure you, madam, that I am in full control of my libido. If I did not wish to become aroused by you, I wouldn't."
I put my hand on his fly. Just that, no caressing, no stroking, just my palm on his zipper. I could feel him getting hard within seconds. I cocked an eyebrow at him.
"As it happens, I want to be aroused," he said with an attempt at dignity. "I have decided that I will, just this once, bend my inviolable rule about not stopping until I am done with my daily quota of writing."
Romance-wise things move crazy fast. But somehow for these two it kinda works. They really just were meant for each other. Though their speedy courtship did come with some pitfalls and some misunderstandings--nothing awful just surprises along the way for them (and that could be dang funny) Things heat up too and though they get at some good loving they're pretty funny scenes just like the rest of the book and tended to be more gigglesnort than fan yourself ;)
With a wee little bit of mystery and a pretty good twist at the end that had me going 'well damn. did not see that coming'!, Elliott's many siblings and a gregarious mother, a falling down castle, spies, those German sex clubs and hussies out for Alice's man... yeah...The Importance of Being Alice was a laugh out loud riot that had me smiling, gigglesnorting and just enjoying the fluffy fun that was Alice and Elliott as they found love, laughter and what their hearts truly needed.
dnf-set-aside-for-later
May 25, 2016DNF
I was very excited to read this book because the blurb sounded cute, but by about forty pages in, I lost my excitement. At fifty pages after a particularly annoying scene where the heroine shows an exaggerated ignorant American, I pulled the plug. It's meant to be fun and funny, but it didn't find my funny bone.
Alice is enamored by the fact that she is sharing space with a specimen of the British aristocracy. She's not processing it well and gets down right silly about her assumptions and questions. The quote is probably just her teasing Elliott, but I'm not sure since she displayed other evidences of ignorance that I was pretty sure weren't teases.
"Do you get to do that droit thing?"
"What droit thing?"...
"That thing where the lord of the land gets to sleep with all the newly married women." I eyed him. I could just imagine all those lusty brides ogling him and hopping into his bed in order to get their motor's started. So to speak.
He gave me a look that spoke volumes. "Droit du seigneur is a myth, Alice. It didn't really exist."
"It was in Braveheart!"
"As were a great many other events that bore no resemblance to what actually took place during William Wallace's life..." p. 42 Alice and Elliott from The Importance of Being Alice
I know its meant to be funny- even slapstick funny, but I just...no, can't do it any longer. Elliott seems cute and sweet while very put upon by his family. Alice has my sympathies for the way Patrick treated her. However, Alice's comedic character isn't doing it for me and she's just grating on my nerves so I'm going to give this a pass at least for now. Maybe later I'll try and see if this was just my mood.
I didn't get far enough along to feel comfortable offering a recommendation or a non-recommendation. Just be prepared for more a mad-cap humor style and a book that begs for the reader to laugh with it and at it. I'm not that reader it seems though I do like some madcap-style humor, but others might be.
I was very excited to read this book because the blurb sounded cute, but by about forty pages in, I lost my excitement. At fifty pages after a particularly annoying scene where the heroine shows an exaggerated ignorant American, I pulled the plug. It's meant to be fun and funny, but it didn't find my funny bone.
Alice is enamored by the fact that she is sharing space with a specimen of the British aristocracy. She's not processing it well and gets down right silly about her assumptions and questions. The quote is probably just her teasing Elliott, but I'm not sure since she displayed other evidences of ignorance that I was pretty sure weren't teases.
"Do you get to do that droit thing?"
"What droit thing?"...
"That thing where the lord of the land gets to sleep with all the newly married women." I eyed him. I could just imagine all those lusty brides ogling him and hopping into his bed in order to get their motor's started. So to speak.
He gave me a look that spoke volumes. "Droit du seigneur is a myth, Alice. It didn't really exist."
"It was in Braveheart!"
"As were a great many other events that bore no resemblance to what actually took place during William Wallace's life..." p. 42 Alice and Elliott from The Importance of Being Alice
I know its meant to be funny- even slapstick funny, but I just...no, can't do it any longer. Elliott seems cute and sweet while very put upon by his family. Alice has my sympathies for the way Patrick treated her. However, Alice's comedic character isn't doing it for me and she's just grating on my nerves so I'm going to give this a pass at least for now. Maybe later I'll try and see if this was just my mood.
I didn't get far enough along to feel comfortable offering a recommendation or a non-recommendation. Just be prepared for more a mad-cap humor style and a book that begs for the reader to laugh with it and at it. I'm not that reader it seems though I do like some madcap-style humor, but others might be.
January 6, 2015
Leigh‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
3 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
With a cute plot and quirky characters, I had high hopes for this story. Unfortunately, this book was not for me.
At first, Alice seemed to be flighty and odd, but I assumed that the awkwardness would become endearing. For me, it never did. It always remained just…awkward. I think the author was trying for a lighthearted story with funny, Bridget Jones type characters, but it just never made it quite to that level.
Elliot was a disappointment for me as well. At first portrayed as stuffy and fussy, I kept reading and expecting there to be a sexy, mysterious Mr. Darcy smoldering away underneath the stodgy exterior. But constantly having a man be so serious and describing himself as weak did nothing for me.
I will admit that Alice and Elliot did get themselves into some amusing situations with their second hand marijuana smoke high and pirate porn, but together, these two strange characters had some cringe-inducing sex talk that literally had my libido coming to a screeching halt.
With far-fetched situations that ranged from comical to just plain unbelievable, I found my ability to take anything these two did seriously. I was truly looking forward to enjoying the romance between a quirky American and a stuffy Brit. But, sadly it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
3 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
With a cute plot and quirky characters, I had high hopes for this story. Unfortunately, this book was not for me.
At first, Alice seemed to be flighty and odd, but I assumed that the awkwardness would become endearing. For me, it never did. It always remained just…awkward. I think the author was trying for a lighthearted story with funny, Bridget Jones type characters, but it just never made it quite to that level.
Elliot was a disappointment for me as well. At first portrayed as stuffy and fussy, I kept reading and expecting there to be a sexy, mysterious Mr. Darcy smoldering away underneath the stodgy exterior. But constantly having a man be so serious and describing himself as weak did nothing for me.
I will admit that Alice and Elliot did get themselves into some amusing situations with their second hand marijuana smoke high and pirate porn, but together, these two strange characters had some cringe-inducing sex talk that literally had my libido coming to a screeching halt.
With far-fetched situations that ranged from comical to just plain unbelievable, I found my ability to take anything these two did seriously. I was truly looking forward to enjoying the romance between a quirky American and a stuffy Brit. But, sadly it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
August 29, 2016
The Importance of Being Alice
A light, quirky romance that satisfies
Katie MacAlister writes paranormal, historical and contemporary romance books. Through all her books, there are heroes, heroines, wit, charm and a bit of danger. Katie’s new series is A Matchmaker in Wonderland. The Importance of Being Alice is the first book of the Ainslie Brothers.
Lord Baron Elliot Ainslie is a writer burdened with producing an income for his large family. His parents have adopted many children and they all live in a run down castle. His now adult siblings depend on him emotionally and financially. A friend recently dumped his fiancée just before the wedding and offers Elliot a ticket for a cruise and a chance to get away. Needing peace and quiet to finish a book and assured that he would be alone, he accepts.
Alice is shocked that she will not be a bride. Patrick was not only her intended, but her boss, too. No wedding, no job and no home, a friend persuades her to go on the cruise anyway. She needs to re-assert herself and take charge of her life again. Alice and Elliott are forced to share a cabin ---- and neither is happy about it! And the fun begins --- sex clubs, hussies, wrong assumptions and the Ainslie family. Witty banter…funny scenes… chemistry and bonding … a satisfying ending. Sigh. I so enjoyed this book!
Look for the next book in the series of A Matchmaker in Wonderland and another Ainslie brother: A Midsummer Night’s Romp.
A light, quirky romance that satisfies
Katie MacAlister writes paranormal, historical and contemporary romance books. Through all her books, there are heroes, heroines, wit, charm and a bit of danger. Katie’s new series is A Matchmaker in Wonderland. The Importance of Being Alice is the first book of the Ainslie Brothers.
Lord Baron Elliot Ainslie is a writer burdened with producing an income for his large family. His parents have adopted many children and they all live in a run down castle. His now adult siblings depend on him emotionally and financially. A friend recently dumped his fiancée just before the wedding and offers Elliot a ticket for a cruise and a chance to get away. Needing peace and quiet to finish a book and assured that he would be alone, he accepts.
Alice is shocked that she will not be a bride. Patrick was not only her intended, but her boss, too. No wedding, no job and no home, a friend persuades her to go on the cruise anyway. She needs to re-assert herself and take charge of her life again. Alice and Elliott are forced to share a cabin ---- and neither is happy about it! And the fun begins --- sex clubs, hussies, wrong assumptions and the Ainslie family. Witty banter…funny scenes… chemistry and bonding … a satisfying ending. Sigh. I so enjoyed this book!
Look for the next book in the series of A Matchmaker in Wonderland and another Ainslie brother: A Midsummer Night’s Romp.
February 18, 2015
The Importance of Being Alice
The Characters
Alice Wood
Elliot Edmund Richard Ainslie, eighth Baron Ainslie
The Story
My intentions were good when I started this books. I took notes all through the first chapter but somewhere in chapter 2 I let go and just enjoyed. I don’t think I can even do a summary justice. I’d just like to say Alice and Elliot are A-freaking-dorable. They are in for an interesting ride. Elliot’s family delighted me and I’ll be very happy to see more from them in the future.
The Random Thoughts
I feel such relief at liking maybe even loving this book. My last few Katie MacAlister reads have been less than stellar but this book brings me back to when I first discovered and loved this author.
4 Stars
The Characters
Alice Wood
Elliot Edmund Richard Ainslie, eighth Baron Ainslie
The Story
My intentions were good when I started this books. I took notes all through the first chapter but somewhere in chapter 2 I let go and just enjoyed. I don’t think I can even do a summary justice. I’d just like to say Alice and Elliot are A-freaking-dorable. They are in for an interesting ride. Elliot’s family delighted me and I’ll be very happy to see more from them in the future.
The Random Thoughts
I feel such relief at liking maybe even loving this book. My last few Katie MacAlister reads have been less than stellar but this book brings me back to when I first discovered and loved this author.
4 Stars
March 17, 2015
My sides hurt so much after finishing this book from trying desperately to hold in the giggles so that everyone wouldn't think I was losing my mind. Yet again, Katie MacAlister does a wonderful job creating a light, fluffy romance that thoroughly succeeds in pulling you out of whatever reality is worrying you into a world where everything is great. Alice is completely ridiculous in a completely realistic way and Elliot is her exact opposite. At first, even though I am an avid reader of romances and can suspend belief for how quickly people fall in love in them, I had some issues with how quickly Alice and Elliot fall in love, but honestly, with them- in this story- it works. They even say that it seems ridiculous which just makes it that much better.
If you are looking for a book that is not at all serious and lots of fun to read, I highly recommend The Importance of Being Alice.
If you are looking for a book that is not at all serious and lots of fun to read, I highly recommend The Importance of Being Alice.
September 26, 2017
Schade!
Ich hoffe, es liegt nur an diesem Buch oder ich komme mit der Schreibweise und dem Erzählstil der Autorin einfach nicht mehr klar. Ihre Aisling Grey-Reihe habe ich ja vor gut 10 Jahren verschlungen, aber bei "Flitterwochen mit einem Unbekannten" passte einfach nichts.
Die Charaktere haben sich sehr merkwürdig verhalten und Chemie zwischen der Amerikanerin und dem englischen Lord gab es für mich fast keine durch ihr abruptes Verhalten.
Blöd fand ich schon Alice Unkenntnis eines Coffeeshops in Amsterdam und dann als die beiden in den deutschen Swingerclub gingen, ging es nur noch bergab mit der Story - Stichwort Penis-Hutbild, dass sie auf Instagramm sofort posten musste. Nein, schon klar, in einem Paralleluniversum oder so hätte es bestimmt eine Version von Elliot gegeben, der sich über so was freut, nackt im Internet verbreitet zu werden.
Ich war oftmals knapp davor das Buch abzubrechen, aber das Auftauchen ihres Exes hat dann doch noch einen Hauch Neugier in mir erweckt. Im Nachhinein betrachtet aber trotzdem Zeitverschwendung.
In dem Buch war einfach nichts stimmig, weder mochte ich die Ich-Perspektive, die Charaktere und auch seine Familie war eher nervtötend als witzig.
Schräg fand ich auch Alice Wunsch den Liebesakt schnell über die Bühne zu bringen. Ich mag ja eigentlich keine seitenlangen Sexszenen, aber die war selbst mir etwas zu rasch beendet.
Das Cover ist ja recht süß, den Koffer kann man ein wenig auf den Inhalt beziehen, aber Hamster kommt keiner in der Handlung vor. Generell empfand ich das Buch nicht so witzig, wie das Cover suggeriert. Zumindest kamen die "Witze" bei mir nicht an.
FAZIT: Das war nix trotz interessanter Ausgangssituation. Schade, lieber etwas anderes lesen!
Ich hoffe, es liegt nur an diesem Buch oder ich komme mit der Schreibweise und dem Erzählstil der Autorin einfach nicht mehr klar. Ihre Aisling Grey-Reihe habe ich ja vor gut 10 Jahren verschlungen, aber bei "Flitterwochen mit einem Unbekannten" passte einfach nichts.
Die Charaktere haben sich sehr merkwürdig verhalten und Chemie zwischen der Amerikanerin und dem englischen Lord gab es für mich fast keine durch ihr abruptes Verhalten.
Blöd fand ich schon Alice Unkenntnis eines Coffeeshops in Amsterdam und dann als die beiden in den deutschen Swingerclub gingen, ging es nur noch bergab mit der Story - Stichwort Penis-Hutbild, dass sie auf Instagramm sofort posten musste. Nein, schon klar, in einem Paralleluniversum oder so hätte es bestimmt eine Version von Elliot gegeben, der sich über so was freut, nackt im Internet verbreitet zu werden.
Ich war oftmals knapp davor das Buch abzubrechen, aber das Auftauchen ihres Exes hat dann doch noch einen Hauch Neugier in mir erweckt. Im Nachhinein betrachtet aber trotzdem Zeitverschwendung.
In dem Buch war einfach nichts stimmig, weder mochte ich die Ich-Perspektive, die Charaktere und auch seine Familie war eher nervtötend als witzig.
Schräg fand ich auch Alice Wunsch den Liebesakt schnell über die Bühne zu bringen. Ich mag ja eigentlich keine seitenlangen Sexszenen, aber die war selbst mir etwas zu rasch beendet.
Das Cover ist ja recht süß, den Koffer kann man ein wenig auf den Inhalt beziehen, aber Hamster kommt keiner in der Handlung vor. Generell empfand ich das Buch nicht so witzig, wie das Cover suggeriert. Zumindest kamen die "Witze" bei mir nicht an.
FAZIT: Das war nix trotz interessanter Ausgangssituation. Schade, lieber etwas anderes lesen!
September 15, 2021
DNF at about halfway through - Alice does not have two brain cells to rub together, and once an author starts personifying body parts, I am out of there.
January 26, 2015
Previously reviewed at The Good, The Bad and The Unread:
Humour is a very subjective matter, romantic comedy perhaps more so than some other forms, since what some regard as romantic, others may regard as irritating. So while I enjoy some romantic comedies, others just leave me cold – even when the basic elements ought to be in line with other plots I’ve found both amusing and heart-warming. There’s also the suspension of disbelief aspect; romantic comedies thrive on unlikely events, but I generally feel that there ought to be a grain of truth at the bottom of each unexpected plot twist, or at least some evidence that the author knows the background to her subject.
Sadly that wasn’t the case here. Elliott, Baron Ainsley, is struggling to pay for the upkeep of his ancestral home – a likely enough scenario – but is thwarted by the combined efforts of his mother and adoptive siblings, the latter seeming to have joined the family in a manner and in numbers more akin to the lifestyles of US Hollywood royalty than the British aristocracy. I’m sure adoption has never worked like that over here, no matter how privileged and influential the would-be parents. Then I almost gave up and threw my e-reader across the room when Elliot mentioned that his estate is entailed – that law was abolished in the 1920s. But I persevered, in the hope that the story might pick up at some point.
All Elliott wants at the beginning of the story is some peace and quiet in which to get the first draft of his novel finished by its deadline. So he snaps up a spare cruise ticket, resulting from his friend Patrick’s latest relationship disaster, assuming that Patrick’s ex-girlfriend, Alice, won’t want to use her half of the ticket. But, of course, she does – and proceeds to interrupt Elliot’s work at every opportunity, which he increasingly lets her get away with. Alice would have driven me up the wall – except she was too bland even for that – and the rest of the cruise ship’s inhabitants were a bunch of forgettable stock characters with personality quirks that other readers might have found amusing but I just found annoying, if not downright offensive.
The story almost picked up towards the end, when Alice came up with an almost sensible idea as to how Elliott could gain a better income from the visitors to his castle without his writing time being any more disturbed than it is already – except that the figures she quoted didn’t add up. Again, a case of me being thrown out of a story because I know the background details of something that other readers might not, but that an author could easily – and really should – research.
All in all, a bit of a disappointment, although not a total failure since I did like one of the few properly developed supporting characters, whom I believe is the hero of the next book in the series. As that one seems to be set back at Elliott’s castle, I don’t think I’ll be reading it, for fear of encountering more inaccuracies that wouldn’t bother other readers.
Humour is a very subjective matter, romantic comedy perhaps more so than some other forms, since what some regard as romantic, others may regard as irritating. So while I enjoy some romantic comedies, others just leave me cold – even when the basic elements ought to be in line with other plots I’ve found both amusing and heart-warming. There’s also the suspension of disbelief aspect; romantic comedies thrive on unlikely events, but I generally feel that there ought to be a grain of truth at the bottom of each unexpected plot twist, or at least some evidence that the author knows the background to her subject.
Sadly that wasn’t the case here. Elliott, Baron Ainsley, is struggling to pay for the upkeep of his ancestral home – a likely enough scenario – but is thwarted by the combined efforts of his mother and adoptive siblings, the latter seeming to have joined the family in a manner and in numbers more akin to the lifestyles of US Hollywood royalty than the British aristocracy. I’m sure adoption has never worked like that over here, no matter how privileged and influential the would-be parents. Then I almost gave up and threw my e-reader across the room when Elliot mentioned that his estate is entailed – that law was abolished in the 1920s. But I persevered, in the hope that the story might pick up at some point.
All Elliott wants at the beginning of the story is some peace and quiet in which to get the first draft of his novel finished by its deadline. So he snaps up a spare cruise ticket, resulting from his friend Patrick’s latest relationship disaster, assuming that Patrick’s ex-girlfriend, Alice, won’t want to use her half of the ticket. But, of course, she does – and proceeds to interrupt Elliot’s work at every opportunity, which he increasingly lets her get away with. Alice would have driven me up the wall – except she was too bland even for that – and the rest of the cruise ship’s inhabitants were a bunch of forgettable stock characters with personality quirks that other readers might have found amusing but I just found annoying, if not downright offensive.
The story almost picked up towards the end, when Alice came up with an almost sensible idea as to how Elliott could gain a better income from the visitors to his castle without his writing time being any more disturbed than it is already – except that the figures she quoted didn’t add up. Again, a case of me being thrown out of a story because I know the background details of something that other readers might not, but that an author could easily – and really should – research.
All in all, a bit of a disappointment, although not a total failure since I did like one of the few properly developed supporting characters, whom I believe is the hero of the next book in the series. As that one seems to be set back at Elliott’s castle, I don’t think I’ll be reading it, for fear of encountering more inaccuracies that wouldn’t bother other readers.
January 9, 2015
2.5 Stars
Alice was all set to go on a dream European river cruise when boyfriend Patrick breaks up with her. Having paid for half of the trip, and knowing he’s not going anymore, she decides to go herself. What she doesn’t expect is for Patrick to give his ticket to a friend. Elliot is a British Baron and author whose family fortune has seen better days. He’s looking for a good place to get some work done on a novel and when Patrick calls he decides a cruise couldn’t hurt. When Alice walks into the room he is forced into having a roommate on the trip.
MacAlister is known for her humor and quirky characters and The Importance of Being Alice delivers just that. It’s the first book in a new series called, Ainslie Brothers. The story switches from Alice and Elliot. The setup feels classic and enjoyable but the couple moves a little too fast for my taste.
As the story starts Alice isn’t that bothered by finding Elliot in a cabin. In fact readers quickly discover that Alice is one of those people who talks too much, but is also bouncy and fun. In essence she reminded me of a cartoon character, in a good way. Elliot is a little stuffy, cute, and anal. Elliot finds Alice as entertaining as I do and decides to go with her sightseeing.
It isn’t long before Alice and Elliot decide to jump into bed. The two bound off on a relationship that feels a little too forced. As in all romances no one sits down and has normal conversations, which means that when things go really wrong it’s because of simple communication errors.
Despite the miscommunication drama there is also external drama built on the miscommunication. These are some of the things that felt highly unlikely. We have spies, gun shots, towers falling on top of people, a couple who moves too fast without giving one another their phone numbers. I mean really! Oh, the really fun kicker that had me twitching: Apparently two characters who are hyper sensitive to marijuana in a way that, I’m pretty, sure is scientifically impossible.
In wrap up, I’m not sure I’ll continue this series. The pace is fast and the writing sometimes clever, but it doesn’t hold much weight. It’s also not as funny or striking as some of MacAlister’s previous novels. The story will continue with one of Elliot’s many brothers. While quirky to the point of insanity it wasn’t absorbing, and the flaws outweighed the good for me.
- Elizabeth
Alice was all set to go on a dream European river cruise when boyfriend Patrick breaks up with her. Having paid for half of the trip, and knowing he’s not going anymore, she decides to go herself. What she doesn’t expect is for Patrick to give his ticket to a friend. Elliot is a British Baron and author whose family fortune has seen better days. He’s looking for a good place to get some work done on a novel and when Patrick calls he decides a cruise couldn’t hurt. When Alice walks into the room he is forced into having a roommate on the trip.
MacAlister is known for her humor and quirky characters and The Importance of Being Alice delivers just that. It’s the first book in a new series called, Ainslie Brothers. The story switches from Alice and Elliot. The setup feels classic and enjoyable but the couple moves a little too fast for my taste.
As the story starts Alice isn’t that bothered by finding Elliot in a cabin. In fact readers quickly discover that Alice is one of those people who talks too much, but is also bouncy and fun. In essence she reminded me of a cartoon character, in a good way. Elliot is a little stuffy, cute, and anal. Elliot finds Alice as entertaining as I do and decides to go with her sightseeing.
It isn’t long before Alice and Elliot decide to jump into bed. The two bound off on a relationship that feels a little too forced. As in all romances no one sits down and has normal conversations, which means that when things go really wrong it’s because of simple communication errors.
Despite the miscommunication drama there is also external drama built on the miscommunication. These are some of the things that felt highly unlikely. We have spies, gun shots, towers falling on top of people, a couple who moves too fast without giving one another their phone numbers. I mean really! Oh, the really fun kicker that had me twitching: Apparently two characters who are hyper sensitive to marijuana in a way that, I’m pretty, sure is scientifically impossible.
In wrap up, I’m not sure I’ll continue this series. The pace is fast and the writing sometimes clever, but it doesn’t hold much weight. It’s also not as funny or striking as some of MacAlister’s previous novels. The story will continue with one of Elliot’s many brothers. While quirky to the point of insanity it wasn’t absorbing, and the flaws outweighed the good for me.
- Elizabeth
December 29, 2014
After her sort of fiance, Peter, decides to call it quits out of the blue, to say Alice is hurt is an understatement. Still, she decides to go on the cruise her and Peter booked. Unbeknownst to Alice Peter gave his ticket away to his friend Elliott.
Elliott's a writer and a baron. But with his overly large family and running the estate, he's fallen behind on his deadline and needs the peace and quiet to finish his book. Peter ensures Elliott that he'll have the cabin to himself, so when Alice shows up unexpectedly, Elliott is a little put out. What takes him by complete surprise is the undeniably quirky and spontaneous Alice.
When I say quirky and spontaneous that pretty much sums up the entirety of the story. It's a fast-paced in-your-face kind of romance but I found that it worked pretty well. Sometimes writing such off-the-wall humorous situations can get overwhelming and quickly lose its charm, but Katie MacAlister does a great job keeping everything just below the level of too much.
Elliott's family fits this bill pretty well and I'm happy to know that this is going to be a new series because there are just too many Ainslies running around the story begging to have their adventures told.
If you're looking for a fun escape that can often leave you scratching your head wondering if you just read that passage correctly and then smiling when you figured out that yes you did read it right, then this is the book for you.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Elliott's a writer and a baron. But with his overly large family and running the estate, he's fallen behind on his deadline and needs the peace and quiet to finish his book. Peter ensures Elliott that he'll have the cabin to himself, so when Alice shows up unexpectedly, Elliott is a little put out. What takes him by complete surprise is the undeniably quirky and spontaneous Alice.
When I say quirky and spontaneous that pretty much sums up the entirety of the story. It's a fast-paced in-your-face kind of romance but I found that it worked pretty well. Sometimes writing such off-the-wall humorous situations can get overwhelming and quickly lose its charm, but Katie MacAlister does a great job keeping everything just below the level of too much.
Elliott's family fits this bill pretty well and I'm happy to know that this is going to be a new series because there are just too many Ainslies running around the story begging to have their adventures told.
If you're looking for a fun escape that can often leave you scratching your head wondering if you just read that passage correctly and then smiling when you figured out that yes you did read it right, then this is the book for you.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2015
So, I finished The Importance of Being Alice and I still don't know how I feel about the book. I have read Katie MacAlister, and liked her books but I don't think this is one of them. It was okay. At times it was funny, but mostly it was silly. Usually when I read romances and get to the happy ending, I'm happy - I like happy endings. I'm just more blank, this book requires a total absence of thought and the ability to totally disregard reality which I can sometimes do, but this time no go. A lot of it was just unbelievable, from the relationship to the characters to situations these two got into.
I liked Alice and Elliott generally, though I didn't understand the actions (and even the thoughts) of these two sometimes, but I didn't really bond with them and I didn't get their insta-love relationship (which can be touch or go with me, sometimes I go for it, sometimes I don't - this time I didn't), the story didn't allow for either character development or a relationship development it was too busy throwing them into these awkward situations while struggling with having any sense of being believable. It was just too awkward and disjointed for me to really enjoy on the other hand I didn't hate it. It just wasn't for me.
I liked Alice and Elliott generally, though I didn't understand the actions (and even the thoughts) of these two sometimes, but I didn't really bond with them and I didn't get their insta-love relationship (which can be touch or go with me, sometimes I go for it, sometimes I don't - this time I didn't), the story didn't allow for either character development or a relationship development it was too busy throwing them into these awkward situations while struggling with having any sense of being believable. It was just too awkward and disjointed for me to really enjoy on the other hand I didn't hate it. It just wasn't for me.
February 25, 2015
1.5 stars, rounded up since I actually did finish it, a fact I doubted would be possible many times while reading. I grabbed this book from the library, because 1) super clever title, 2) its set on a cruise in Europe, and 3) it claimed to be the first in the new Wonderland series. I still don't see how this will be a series, unless its with the male character's siblings, or how that relates to Wonderland. These characters were completely ridiculous and unbelievable - and the scenarios they found themselves in were even worse. I kept reading because I felt certain that Alice in Wonderland, or Oscar Wilde's story would factor in somehow and turn the book around. It never did. Save yourselves the agony, my friends.
November 14, 2014
I really had mixed feelings about this book. I did love how Alice decided to go on the cruise without the ex and try to enjoy it. I loved how Elliott started to genuinely like her and wanted to spend time with her and get to know each other better. This book had some really funny parts as well. I didn't really care for the ex showing up and following them around to win her back. The marriage was rushed. The journey to find Elliott was a bit much. Overall I didn't really like the plot of the story. It was too far fetched for a romance. But I am interested to see if his brothers and sisters get their own book.
February 15, 2015
rating 2.5 This book reads like Midsummer Night's Dream on crack.The protagonist Alice's dialogue rambles and she has no filters and that was my problem with the book. Every time the book would pick up there would be random stream of consciousness sentences that turned it into a hot mess. Alas, I wanted this book to work but the romantic timing seemed off. I actually want to read the next book in the series. I hope she pulls it together because the secondary character (the brother Gunner) is the romantic lead in the next book and he was the most interesting in this one.
April 24, 2015
Katie MacAlister never fail to deliver an amusing and delightful romp.
Elliot is a proper British aristocrat with a gorgeous upper crust accent who takes his responsibilities seriously.
Alice is an outgoing, funny and off' times sassy mouthed young lady who was recently dumped by her fiance.
When these two get together fireworks as well as laughter explode, not only from the characters but from the reader as well. ( warning: do not eat tomatoes while reading in public...they squirt.)
Take my advice and grab this book. It will improve your day and make a diehard Katie fan of you.
Elliot is a proper British aristocrat with a gorgeous upper crust accent who takes his responsibilities seriously.
Alice is an outgoing, funny and off' times sassy mouthed young lady who was recently dumped by her fiance.
When these two get together fireworks as well as laughter explode, not only from the characters but from the reader as well. ( warning: do not eat tomatoes while reading in public...they squirt.)
Take my advice and grab this book. It will improve your day and make a diehard Katie fan of you.
December 31, 2014
Don't take this seriously because its insta-rebound love (the good kind). However DO have fun with it, be entertained, and just go with Katie MacAlister's flow. Lots of LOL moments, bawdiness, and the crazy characters round THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ALICE up. If you want to start the year in a fun way, keep Ainslie Brothers 1 in mind.
June 9, 2015
I didn't hate the plot. (Well, except for the last chapter.) I absolutely abhorred the dialogue. The author used words/phrases like: YOLO, owie, mmrowr, holy crapballs, etc... It was not done in an amusing way, either. Elliot's mother was also an incredibly annoying character.
I will pass on future books by this author.
I received a copy via the Goodreads First Reads program.
I will pass on future books by this author.
I received a copy via the Goodreads First Reads program.
September 2, 2016
I loved this book! it was amazing and I loved the premise. Both characters were fun and I I liked some of the shenanigans they got into were downright hilarious! I highly recommend this book to everyone who likes romance.
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