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Susan Wade Saga #2
The Carrot
This is an alternate Cover Edition for ISBN10: 0990523624/ ISBN13: 9780990523628.
Sometimes, what a person wants is not exactly what they need. Susan’s life is perfect. Perfect image, perfect city, perfect boyfriend. But when her boss dangles the perfect promotion in front of her, she leaps for it and lands in the worst place she can imagine: Home. Taking her frustrations out on everyone in her path, she locks horns with Pete Walsh, an arrogant local businessman. Through explosive and hilarious clashes, Pete challenges her values, blind ambition, skewed conception of love, and ultimately her ignorance; that in the frenzy to achieve her professional goals, she's lost sight of what's really important in life.
Sometimes, what a person wants is not exactly what they need. Susan’s life is perfect. Perfect image, perfect city, perfect boyfriend. But when her boss dangles the perfect promotion in front of her, she leaps for it and lands in the worst place she can imagine: Home. Taking her frustrations out on everyone in her path, she locks horns with Pete Walsh, an arrogant local businessman. Through explosive and hilarious clashes, Pete challenges her values, blind ambition, skewed conception of love, and ultimately her ignorance; that in the frenzy to achieve her professional goals, she's lost sight of what's really important in life.
476 pages, Paperback
First published July 9, 2014
247 people are currently reading
515 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Gray
6 books191 followersBestselling Author Virginia Gray is a North Carolina native and a graduate of Wake Forest University. She is known for her intimate portrayals of women's lives, her attention to setting, and her trademark humor. Gray brings to life the many colorful people and compelling story layers of her North Carolina home and its beaches.
She is a great lover of humor, music, and all things food. Please visit www.virginiagray.com to learn about her new releases and giveaways.
She is a great lover of humor, music, and all things food. Please visit www.virginiagray.com to learn about her new releases and giveaways.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 10, 2014
Once in a great while a book comes along that stays in your mind long after the last page. Virginia Gray’s The Carrot is one of those books, and let me tell you why.
First, the narrative voice is crisp and fresh. Susan Wade, the twenty-nine year old protagonist and narrator is not just your average power-hungry career woman, hell-bent on climbing to the top of the ladder in her cutthroat computer company. She is someone who is incredibly funny, snarky, and flawed. For despite the wall that she’s constructed between herself and the world, this young woman soon captures the readers’ heart from her unique, yet skewed conception of the world.
Admittedly, Susan is not a completely likeable character at the beginning. She seems cold, ruthless, and incapable of human feelings and emotions. But we soon discover that is simply the front she shows to the world. Beneath her brash exterior is someone who has been hurt and is seeking to find meaning in the heartless world of her hi-tech company. We soon start to care for Susan, and we become willing to follow her life as she goes through the various travails of being sent back to her home state of North Carolina, from which she desperately sought escape several years earlier, after having her heart broken by a southern boy.
What makes this book truly remarkable is the quality of Gray’s writing. The reader is treated to gorgeous lyrical descriptions seldom seen in genre fiction. Here is one of my favorites:
Without the least warning, the heavens breached wide and the sun exploded, streaming fantastical ribbons of color in all directions. The clouds bloomed amazing shades of orange and fiery pink, and I gawked in wonder as if I’d never seen such a sight before. As quickly as it appeared, the sunset in all its magnificent perfection was gone, the light eclipsed as if a Cyclops, disturbed from slumber, closed its droopy lid once more.
This is merely one example of dozens that demonstrate Gray’s literary abilities. And she maps not only physical terrain with great skill and precision, but emotional territory as well.
Beyond the beautiful writing is a story that grabs us and won’t let go. The characters jump off the page, and we follow them willingly and whole-heartedly through a tale that is truly epic in proportions. Despite the length of this book, one keeps plowing through it as if caught up in a whirlwind romance. Each chapter ends on a perfect, lyrical note that propels the reader forward.
It is difficult to say enough good things about this book. It is truly a treat to read the work of such a gifted storyteller. Remarkably, this is Gray’s first book. One can only imagine what she has in store for the future.
First, the narrative voice is crisp and fresh. Susan Wade, the twenty-nine year old protagonist and narrator is not just your average power-hungry career woman, hell-bent on climbing to the top of the ladder in her cutthroat computer company. She is someone who is incredibly funny, snarky, and flawed. For despite the wall that she’s constructed between herself and the world, this young woman soon captures the readers’ heart from her unique, yet skewed conception of the world.
Admittedly, Susan is not a completely likeable character at the beginning. She seems cold, ruthless, and incapable of human feelings and emotions. But we soon discover that is simply the front she shows to the world. Beneath her brash exterior is someone who has been hurt and is seeking to find meaning in the heartless world of her hi-tech company. We soon start to care for Susan, and we become willing to follow her life as she goes through the various travails of being sent back to her home state of North Carolina, from which she desperately sought escape several years earlier, after having her heart broken by a southern boy.
What makes this book truly remarkable is the quality of Gray’s writing. The reader is treated to gorgeous lyrical descriptions seldom seen in genre fiction. Here is one of my favorites:
Without the least warning, the heavens breached wide and the sun exploded, streaming fantastical ribbons of color in all directions. The clouds bloomed amazing shades of orange and fiery pink, and I gawked in wonder as if I’d never seen such a sight before. As quickly as it appeared, the sunset in all its magnificent perfection was gone, the light eclipsed as if a Cyclops, disturbed from slumber, closed its droopy lid once more.
This is merely one example of dozens that demonstrate Gray’s literary abilities. And she maps not only physical terrain with great skill and precision, but emotional territory as well.
Beyond the beautiful writing is a story that grabs us and won’t let go. The characters jump off the page, and we follow them willingly and whole-heartedly through a tale that is truly epic in proportions. Despite the length of this book, one keeps plowing through it as if caught up in a whirlwind romance. Each chapter ends on a perfect, lyrical note that propels the reader forward.
It is difficult to say enough good things about this book. It is truly a treat to read the work of such a gifted storyteller. Remarkably, this is Gray’s first book. One can only imagine what she has in store for the future.
dnf
June 11, 2019He made her choose between him and her career which he knew was really important to her and why.
He refused to even try long distance. Made zero contact while she went away, and only accepted her when she was back after giving up her career she actually loved.
By the sound of it, this escalated further in the next book.
I fail to understand why he couldn’t just give up his career and move with her.
He refused to even try long distance. Made zero contact while she went away, and only accepted her when she was back after giving up her career she actually loved.
By the sound of it, this escalated further in the next book.
I fail to understand why he couldn’t just give up his career and move with her.
March 13, 2015
The Carrot is a chick lit book with a lot of heart, a lot of ups and downs, and a ton of laughs. I found myself highlighting lines on my Kindle that I found just out-right funny or that were beautifully written--much more so than you'd expect to find in a run-of-the-mill chick lit book. (I hope chick lit is not a derogatory term in any way. I say it with appreciation.) I savored the deeply flawed, yet lovable characters; the down-home setting; and pure emotion that gripped me. I even loved the secondary characters.
I loved the story. It's a rare "will read again" one for me.
I loved the story. It's a rare "will read again" one for me.
June 4, 2019
When I started reading this this book Susan did not give me a good first impression. She was rude and was always putting people in the south down. It was annoying. I felt that the book was way too long and with an unlikable character it makes it feel long. I gave this 2 stars in the end because even though it wasn't good she was still happy in the end.
April 21, 2015
Boom! What a great book! It started off a little slow, but I absolutely LOVED the story line! The hilarious banter between characters had me rolling! While I could have used a little less fluff in some places and a little more in others, I can honestly say that I enjoyed this book tremendously. It's a great read, and I would definitely recommend it!
January 24, 2019
Caught Up In Me by Virginia Gray is a marvelous book. it is best to read Suddenly Susan first. Caught Up In Me is sold as a romantic comedy, but it is so much more than that. This story has such wonderful depth to it. It is horrendously long but worth it. There is quite a bit of sex in it (one of the best ones I have ever read too). I started this on a Friday evening and finally finished it at 2 A.M. Monday morning. I would have finished it sooner, but I have people in my life who expect to eat. The selfish B’s. I loved Gray’s nose thumbing at the South. I’m a Southerner born and bred and can relate to her heroine’s qualms about the South. It is a place of contradictions. I can’t wait to read the next book in the “not a series” called Back Where I Belong. Thank you Ms. Gray for a lovely ride.
January 17, 2018
The Carrot. This book was interesting to say the least. It told the story of the life of Susan Wade. Her ups and downs as she is thrown into a job she loves but in the wrong state. She is transferred back into her southern roots a place she said she never wanted to come back to. Adjusting to southern living and small town people isn't what she thought she needed in her life. This book goes on and on about simple things. It also goes into a lot of details about everything. It describes way too much for me. The book is extremely long. There is romance in the book, it just takes a while to get to it. Susan and Pete start out with a love hate relationship that spirals into a true love affair. *** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
February 12, 2016
"I swear -- just for a split second -- I loved him; there in that green flash"
"Is this one gonna count?"
Edit:
I had it at four stars for the longest time. However, as the days go on and sometimes watching the television or reading another book this book stays with me. And, I can't help but feel a book that does that, one I really enjoyed without a doubt deserves a five star rating as it stays with me even when the last page has been flipped.
Beautifully written. As much as Pete may have frustrated me toward the ending of this book I must admit I fell for that wonderfully written man. Susan and Pete were beyond adorable, realistic, and believable. What I loved about this book was that it wasn't a rushed love story. One got to experience Susan before she met Pete and they got to look inside her family life, her work life, her social life before the love interest was even introduced. This made Susan seem so much more believable and then when Pete in all his glory finally appears their hilarious scenes, her despising him, which slowly turns into loving the man...it was written in a very realistic way. I have read so many romance novels that just rush the romance, they focus only on the romance, and it becomes so unrealistic. I applaud this author so much for giving me two characters falling in love in a seemingly real way.
The reason behind me only giving this four stars is because as much as I loved the first fifty percent of the book and the last twenty percent of the book there was about thirty percent I struggled with. I adored Susan and Pete don't get me wrong, but it started to feel as if when the two were together the book only focused on them to the point it got boring after awhile. I started to miss Susan's interaction with Mona. I started to miss her seeing Mona and Jimbo. I wanted to see more of those two, but it just started to feel as if the story was going on far too long and I was ready for Susan and Pete's story to wrap up. Of course, they had their bump which is what in the ending got me really interested in continuing to read this story.
The other issue I had with this story was that some of the Southerner's were rather... old school. They were upset with Susan for taking a job opportunity as if she should have to stay behind just for a man, as if she should give up her life for Pete. She wanted to make it work and it was Pete being stubborn. I understood where he was coming from though, and I knew that she needed to make a change in her life. However, the towns folks were all rather... stereotypical in how they viewed the world. That and as endearing and opened arms as it was said the Southerners were...they were to her, but not to outsiders which in my eyes isn't that friendly if it's selective.
I knew Susan and Pete would find their way back to one another and it was just a matter of how. I expected she'd possibly take over someone's place in the long end and she had, and I just loved the way Tom talked to her and pointed her in the right direction. He gave not only Susan great advice, but other's as well, because there are more important things out there then just a job. The ending was perfect. It was adorable. It was heartwarming. And, it was humorous as well. I'm glad I found Susan and Pete's story.
A sidenote- I also liked the Authors comments at the ending of the entire book.
4/5 and I'd definitely recommend the read to someone else, with a side note that it is a bit longer then it needed to be, but to plow through it because it was an amazing story.
"Is this one gonna count?"
Edit:
I had it at four stars for the longest time. However, as the days go on and sometimes watching the television or reading another book this book stays with me. And, I can't help but feel a book that does that, one I really enjoyed without a doubt deserves a five star rating as it stays with me even when the last page has been flipped.
Beautifully written. As much as Pete may have frustrated me toward the ending of this book I must admit I fell for that wonderfully written man. Susan and Pete were beyond adorable, realistic, and believable. What I loved about this book was that it wasn't a rushed love story. One got to experience Susan before she met Pete and they got to look inside her family life, her work life, her social life before the love interest was even introduced. This made Susan seem so much more believable and then when Pete in all his glory finally appears their hilarious scenes, her despising him, which slowly turns into loving the man...it was written in a very realistic way. I have read so many romance novels that just rush the romance, they focus only on the romance, and it becomes so unrealistic. I applaud this author so much for giving me two characters falling in love in a seemingly real way.
The reason behind me only giving this four stars is because as much as I loved the first fifty percent of the book and the last twenty percent of the book there was about thirty percent I struggled with. I adored Susan and Pete don't get me wrong, but it started to feel as if when the two were together the book only focused on them to the point it got boring after awhile. I started to miss Susan's interaction with Mona. I started to miss her seeing Mona and Jimbo. I wanted to see more of those two, but it just started to feel as if the story was going on far too long and I was ready for Susan and Pete's story to wrap up. Of course, they had their bump which is what in the ending got me really interested in continuing to read this story.
The other issue I had with this story was that some of the Southerner's were rather... old school. They were upset with Susan for taking a job opportunity as if she should have to stay behind just for a man, as if she should give up her life for Pete. She wanted to make it work and it was Pete being stubborn. I understood where he was coming from though, and I knew that she needed to make a change in her life. However, the towns folks were all rather... stereotypical in how they viewed the world. That and as endearing and opened arms as it was said the Southerners were...they were to her, but not to outsiders which in my eyes isn't that friendly if it's selective.
I knew Susan and Pete would find their way back to one another and it was just a matter of how. I expected she'd possibly take over someone's place in the long end and she had, and I just loved the way Tom talked to her and pointed her in the right direction. He gave not only Susan great advice, but other's as well, because there are more important things out there then just a job. The ending was perfect. It was adorable. It was heartwarming. And, it was humorous as well. I'm glad I found Susan and Pete's story.
A sidenote- I also liked the Authors comments at the ending of the entire book.
4/5 and I'd definitely recommend the read to someone else, with a side note that it is a bit longer then it needed to be, but to plow through it because it was an amazing story.
October 19, 2014
I read this book while I was on holiday, but it is so much more than a holiday read. The story is very much a tale of our time - Having learnt early in life that the world can be a heartless place, Susan Wade has retreated behind a protective shell and moved North to Philadelphia, there to pursue a career in a cut-throat corporation. Cynical and ambitious, Susan is obliged to return to her roots to resolve problems in the North Carolina office. But what about those North Carolina boys; the ones who broke her heart all those years ago?
What sets this book above others of its kind is the writing of Virginia Gray. Her prose is a delight to read. Witty, sharply observed, rich with numerous little passages that transform an enjoyable read into something really quite special.
Here's one such gem:- "Hovering above the ranks of fallen relatives, several flies were unsuccessfully convincing the glass to dissolve and set them free."
Her characters are satisfyingly flawed, her dialogue rich and authentic - as is her description of the area. I've never been to North Carolina, but I could identify with the people and the places in this book, and that is the mark of a truly accomplished writer.
I also enjoyed seeing the lead character gradually evolve from an ambitious hard-bitten career woman into ... Well, you'll just have to read this excellent novel to find out. Believe me, you will not be disappointed.
What sets this book above others of its kind is the writing of Virginia Gray. Her prose is a delight to read. Witty, sharply observed, rich with numerous little passages that transform an enjoyable read into something really quite special.
Here's one such gem:- "Hovering above the ranks of fallen relatives, several flies were unsuccessfully convincing the glass to dissolve and set them free."
Her characters are satisfyingly flawed, her dialogue rich and authentic - as is her description of the area. I've never been to North Carolina, but I could identify with the people and the places in this book, and that is the mark of a truly accomplished writer.
I also enjoyed seeing the lead character gradually evolve from an ambitious hard-bitten career woman into ... Well, you'll just have to read this excellent novel to find out. Believe me, you will not be disappointed.
March 6, 2015
Sit back, pour yourself a glass of wine or sweet tea and get ready to be enthralled by one woman's journey in discovering what really matters in this life. Once in a while a book comes along and leaves an indelible mark on your heart and soul and this is one of them. It is a story you want to read slowly, devouring every word, getting to know each character as though they are long lost friends and falling in love with the South. I had a difficult time not rushing through this, I wanted to take my time and indulge in the beautiful and lyrical descriptions of ambience and emotion.
Susan Wade is a head strong, career oriented woman with one goal in mind but this is all turned upside down when she is relocated to North Carolina for work, the one place she has been trying to avoid since she left for college. Stubborn and determined to keep her southern roots buried down deep, Susan meets Pete, a wonderfully, delightful Southern gent that slowly makes her realize that what she wanted all this time wasn't what she needed. Pete is the quintessential southern boy and this reader couldn't get enough of him!
Virginia Gray has a wonderful way with words, drawing you in from the get go, mind and heart. Although the story was longer than your average contemporary romance, the detail and emotion will leave you wanting more. I absolutely adored this book and cannot wait to read more of an author I am sure will capture the hearts of readers everywhere!
Susan Wade is a head strong, career oriented woman with one goal in mind but this is all turned upside down when she is relocated to North Carolina for work, the one place she has been trying to avoid since she left for college. Stubborn and determined to keep her southern roots buried down deep, Susan meets Pete, a wonderfully, delightful Southern gent that slowly makes her realize that what she wanted all this time wasn't what she needed. Pete is the quintessential southern boy and this reader couldn't get enough of him!
Virginia Gray has a wonderful way with words, drawing you in from the get go, mind and heart. Although the story was longer than your average contemporary romance, the detail and emotion will leave you wanting more. I absolutely adored this book and cannot wait to read more of an author I am sure will capture the hearts of readers everywhere!
June 8, 2015
Well, not bad! I found this book through Amazon special deals for Kindle. I paid a whopping .99 cents.
This is a long (477 pages) novel about a young woman about to turn 30 who is planning her rise in Corporate America via a computer company. She is originally from N.C. but fled the state after a painful childhood and adolescence. Thinking she was being promoted, she finds herself leaving Philadelphia, the company headquarters to spend 6 months getting the Eastern N.C. area back on track in sales and customer satisfaction. Early on she meets a charming Southern man - the kind she thinks she dislikes. Ya da ya da - things get really hot, pretty darn hot. BUT, she still can't wait to get the heck out of po-dunkville and breaks two hearts at once because alas, she is chasing The Carrot!
If you like that kind of story you'll really like this one. Not meant to be book of the year, it still gives an impressive 100% in fun and romance. I think there will be many women who will understand the choices of the main character. I thought all in all, the book was pretty real - the funny way life has of changing the best laid plans. Not as syrupy as it could have been - written by an author who loves the South, but about a woman who says she hates the South...it was pretty good.
This is a long (477 pages) novel about a young woman about to turn 30 who is planning her rise in Corporate America via a computer company. She is originally from N.C. but fled the state after a painful childhood and adolescence. Thinking she was being promoted, she finds herself leaving Philadelphia, the company headquarters to spend 6 months getting the Eastern N.C. area back on track in sales and customer satisfaction. Early on she meets a charming Southern man - the kind she thinks she dislikes. Ya da ya da - things get really hot, pretty darn hot. BUT, she still can't wait to get the heck out of po-dunkville and breaks two hearts at once because alas, she is chasing The Carrot!
If you like that kind of story you'll really like this one. Not meant to be book of the year, it still gives an impressive 100% in fun and romance. I think there will be many women who will understand the choices of the main character. I thought all in all, the book was pretty real - the funny way life has of changing the best laid plans. Not as syrupy as it could have been - written by an author who loves the South, but about a woman who says she hates the South...it was pretty good.
December 10, 2017
There are no words to describe how I feel about this book. Well, no - that's not quite true. Superlative, stupendous, sensational.
I have read thousands of novels in my life thus far. As a rough estimate, probably well over 3000. Despite enjoying many of those books immensely, I remember few authors' names and even fewer book titles: there are perhaps just over a dozen authors who have made an impact on me across their body of work, and the same number of individual books that have stayed with me as exemplary examples of storytelling.
Virginia Gray's "The Carrot"; a ballsy, brash, hilarious, romantic story set in North Carolina; will stay with me for a long time. This, I know for certain. It is a beautifully written, masterfully crafted story. Quite simply, I loved it.
I received this book as a gift.
I have read thousands of novels in my life thus far. As a rough estimate, probably well over 3000. Despite enjoying many of those books immensely, I remember few authors' names and even fewer book titles: there are perhaps just over a dozen authors who have made an impact on me across their body of work, and the same number of individual books that have stayed with me as exemplary examples of storytelling.
Virginia Gray's "The Carrot"; a ballsy, brash, hilarious, romantic story set in North Carolina; will stay with me for a long time. This, I know for certain. It is a beautifully written, masterfully crafted story. Quite simply, I loved it.
I received this book as a gift.
June 1, 2015
A fresh voice with lots of attitude makes this a very enjoyable read. The author knows her way around North Carolina and I felt like I was right there along with her. Even though she came off like a snob in the beginning, I could identify with Susan and the way that we try to convince ourselves that we know what's best for us (when it isn't) and where we think we belong (when we don't). Trying to convince herself that she truly belonged north of the Mason-Dixon line with a career-obsessed and uncaring boyfriend was almost too painful to bear. When incidents and mishaps ensue to derail her from the wrong path, they conspire to lead her into the right relationship and the right home (where she never thought she could happily return to). Unless a sequel is planned, I loved the happy ending.
February 1, 2016
I typically prefer paranormal and horror stories so it was with reluctance that I picked up, The Carrot. I stepped out of my preferred genre and into this delightful story with engaging characters and a whole lot of wit. Susan escaped the South and never looked back until she had to return, a career saving move that she hated from the word, Go. As a Southern woman, I laughed at the familiar settings and loved the endearing folks. This is a delightful find. Although it was over 400 pages, I found it a quick read.
December 16, 2014
The Carrot
Almost didn't read because of main characters singular dislike of the South. Glad I went back. Loved all these folks, they are just like all my southern friends and relatives. Hard to relate to someone who didn't want to comeback ever. OMG the hero really is the hero and the perfect guy. Really loved this book
InH
Almost didn't read because of main characters singular dislike of the South. Glad I went back. Loved all these folks, they are just like all my southern friends and relatives. Hard to relate to someone who didn't want to comeback ever. OMG the hero really is the hero and the perfect guy. Really loved this book
InH
April 10, 2015
The Carrot is not my typical read, but I enjoyed it immensely! The author is wonderfully descriptive. Her word choice and imagery had me laughing out loud more times than I can count. Susan Wade was such a fun character. I had a blast reading her and riding the ups and downs of her homecoming. The story had heart and kept me coming back. So well done. Will definitely read more from this author.
November 4, 2014
Great story
I really enjoyed this book. The author is very descriptive, which took some getting used to in the beginning. Some scenes were graphic, so not appropriate for all audiences. I will definitely try this author again.
I really enjoyed this book. The author is very descriptive, which took some getting used to in the beginning. Some scenes were graphic, so not appropriate for all audiences. I will definitely try this author again.
January 1, 2015
Great Read!
If you enjoy love stories, this is the book for you. Gotta pay close attention to her characters. Sometimes a bit confusing, but you learn who's important fairly quickly!
Keep 'em coming, Ms. Gray!
Must read if you're from the South!!!
If you enjoy love stories, this is the book for you. Gotta pay close attention to her characters. Sometimes a bit confusing, but you learn who's important fairly quickly!
Keep 'em coming, Ms. Gray!
Must read if you're from the South!!!
June 25, 2016
Loved this book. Virginia Gray really struck a chord with her protagonist who has fought for years against her "Southernness". Her characters are strong and lots of fun to be involved with. The Carrot is a fun read. I'm looking forward to more from this talented author.
June 3, 2019
Virginia Gray, ‘Caught up in Me’. A romantic comedy.
As an Hidden Gem ARC reader I received this book for free. And promised an honest review. Here it is. English isn’t my first language. Sorry for errors.
Rating: 5 stars (of 5).
In general: From enemies to lovers in North-Carolina.
Main characters:
- Susan Wade.
Born and raised in the South: Havelock, North Carolina. After her study in Chicago she got a job in Philadelphia with INTech Corporation, a computer firm. She’s intelligent, talented and very ambitious. So during her study and in her first years of her INTech career she gets rid of all the attributes of her upbringining as a southern girl. And when she’s promoted to regional service representative of her firm in a troublesome part of North-Carolina, she accepts the job. If she succeeds to get the regio branch out of the red figures it will be very good for her career. But she will keep her Northern businesslike, unpersonal and tough attitude and not return to the docile, men obeying and appearances building behaviour she learned as a good southern girl.
- Pete Walsh.
Born in North Carolina. Studied in California for architect. After a bad break up with his fiancée he returned to his beloved North Carolina and started there his own, very successful firm. Silent co-owner and bartender of the ‘Rusty Frog’ a bar in Havelock, from the outside somewhat sloppy looking but very popular because of its relaxed amosphere.
Together with an employee, her PA Mona, (quickly becoming a good girlfriend) Susan visits Pete’s bar. From the first momen it seems that they hate each other. Pete tries to impress ‘Susie-Q’ with his good looks and southern boy charm and Susan dislikes that enormously and reacts with her unpersonal, a bit bitchy, Northern attitude.
But Havelock is a very small town and the ‘Frog’ is Mona’s favorite bar (she has a crush on Pete’s friend and pub co-owner Jimbo). And Pete’s firm is a client of INTech. So - in spite of their dislikes - they meet regularly. And get accustomed to each other almost starting to like their differences. Offences are often exchanged with a smile. It results in a lot of dialogues that are sassy and funny. But sometimes Susan and Pete end up in situations in which they care for each other. So - step by step - the enemies become lovers.
The author, Virginia Gray, describes this development very extensive and explains to this reader from a foreign country in a very interesting and credible way the influences of the different mentality between North and South (the Carpetbaggers/rednecks/Yankees vs the old boys networks and anti feminism of the Southern gentlemen and ‘belles’) on the relationship between Pete and Susan. Also the author gives an interesting picture of the ‘rat race’ between managers of a big firm who are hunting for the best positions in the top of their corporation.
So, ‘Caught up in Me’ was for this reader a page turner, interesting, informative, real fun and a pleasure to read.
R. Huiszoon.
As an Hidden Gem ARC reader I received this book for free. And promised an honest review. Here it is. English isn’t my first language. Sorry for errors.
Rating: 5 stars (of 5).
In general: From enemies to lovers in North-Carolina.
Main characters:
- Susan Wade.
Born and raised in the South: Havelock, North Carolina. After her study in Chicago she got a job in Philadelphia with INTech Corporation, a computer firm. She’s intelligent, talented and very ambitious. So during her study and in her first years of her INTech career she gets rid of all the attributes of her upbringining as a southern girl. And when she’s promoted to regional service representative of her firm in a troublesome part of North-Carolina, she accepts the job. If she succeeds to get the regio branch out of the red figures it will be very good for her career. But she will keep her Northern businesslike, unpersonal and tough attitude and not return to the docile, men obeying and appearances building behaviour she learned as a good southern girl.
- Pete Walsh.
Born in North Carolina. Studied in California for architect. After a bad break up with his fiancée he returned to his beloved North Carolina and started there his own, very successful firm. Silent co-owner and bartender of the ‘Rusty Frog’ a bar in Havelock, from the outside somewhat sloppy looking but very popular because of its relaxed amosphere.
Together with an employee, her PA Mona, (quickly becoming a good girlfriend) Susan visits Pete’s bar. From the first momen it seems that they hate each other. Pete tries to impress ‘Susie-Q’ with his good looks and southern boy charm and Susan dislikes that enormously and reacts with her unpersonal, a bit bitchy, Northern attitude.
But Havelock is a very small town and the ‘Frog’ is Mona’s favorite bar (she has a crush on Pete’s friend and pub co-owner Jimbo). And Pete’s firm is a client of INTech. So - in spite of their dislikes - they meet regularly. And get accustomed to each other almost starting to like their differences. Offences are often exchanged with a smile. It results in a lot of dialogues that are sassy and funny. But sometimes Susan and Pete end up in situations in which they care for each other. So - step by step - the enemies become lovers.
The author, Virginia Gray, describes this development very extensive and explains to this reader from a foreign country in a very interesting and credible way the influences of the different mentality between North and South (the Carpetbaggers/rednecks/Yankees vs the old boys networks and anti feminism of the Southern gentlemen and ‘belles’) on the relationship between Pete and Susan. Also the author gives an interesting picture of the ‘rat race’ between managers of a big firm who are hunting for the best positions in the top of their corporation.
So, ‘Caught up in Me’ was for this reader a page turner, interesting, informative, real fun and a pleasure to read.
R. Huiszoon.
January 22, 2021
The writing here was actually top-notch. The writer has real talent and skill. I liked that the book was single-POV from the h's perspective. However, the h was the main reason my rating was not higher.
Simply put, Susan was an arsehole. She began the story as one, continued to be one throughout most of the story and did not show sufficient growth for me to believe she is capable of real change. I am hard pressed to recall a heroine as utterly selfish and self-absorbed as this one. The title of this book is spot on, so I realise it was Ms. Gray's intent to draw such a character. Nevertheless, it's my opinion that she went overboard and made her too unlikeable.
Pathologically ambitious as well as shallow, greedy, vain, up-her-arse, obtuse, judgemental, hard-headed, snobby, insensitive, rude, arrogant, childish....the list of adjectives could easily go on - but I can't be arsed and anyway, I think I made my point.
Susan is a jerk and not someone I'd want to know - ever. I couldn't find one good quality in her and absolutely do. not. understand how a lovely lad like Pete could fall for such a cow. She had so much nerve blaming him for the breakup - ENTIRELY - her fault and omygod WHY didn't Pete make her grovel more??? She treated him shite through most of the story and I waited for him to just let her fucking have it - only he never did. And she so deserved it. The bitch.
Re: the underwater sex scene.
😆😝🤣
You can always tell when a writer has never done something - in this case, shagging in the water - because if she had she'd have NEVER wrote that scene.
Sex underwater is not like that. The scene is a full-on lie. Sex underwater is a.w.f.u.l. Take it from someone who tried it a few times.
Big fat no. Just, no.
There were many proofreading errors and a couple huge editing fails, which was really disappointing. I expected better because as I said, Ms. Gray is talented. But as such, she could - no, should - do better.
Complaints notwithstanding, I did very much like this book and plan to read the next one. I want to know if Susan actually evolves and I'm anxious to get headed towards finding out.
Simply put, Susan was an arsehole. She began the story as one, continued to be one throughout most of the story and did not show sufficient growth for me to believe she is capable of real change. I am hard pressed to recall a heroine as utterly selfish and self-absorbed as this one. The title of this book is spot on, so I realise it was Ms. Gray's intent to draw such a character. Nevertheless, it's my opinion that she went overboard and made her too unlikeable.
Pathologically ambitious as well as shallow, greedy, vain, up-her-arse, obtuse, judgemental, hard-headed, snobby, insensitive, rude, arrogant, childish....the list of adjectives could easily go on - but I can't be arsed and anyway, I think I made my point.
Susan is a jerk and not someone I'd want to know - ever. I couldn't find one good quality in her and absolutely do. not. understand how a lovely lad like Pete could fall for such a cow. She had so much nerve blaming him for the breakup - ENTIRELY - her fault and omygod WHY didn't Pete make her grovel more??? She treated him shite through most of the story and I waited for him to just let her fucking have it - only he never did. And she so deserved it. The bitch.
Re: the underwater sex scene.
😆😝🤣
You can always tell when a writer has never done something - in this case, shagging in the water - because if she had she'd have NEVER wrote that scene.
Sex underwater is not like that. The scene is a full-on lie. Sex underwater is a.w.f.u.l. Take it from someone who tried it a few times.
Big fat no. Just, no.
There were many proofreading errors and a couple huge editing fails, which was really disappointing. I expected better because as I said, Ms. Gray is talented. But as such, she could - no, should - do better.
Complaints notwithstanding, I did very much like this book and plan to read the next one. I want to know if Susan actually evolves and I'm anxious to get headed towards finding out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2019
Susan Wade is a dedicated, strong, stubborn, career oriented woman with one goal in mind... to rise to the top. Her career is all thats ever mattered to her and all she's ever wanted, until an obnoxious run in with the local bartender rocked her world. She fled from her home state of North Carolina with the plan to never return to the south, however she never read the fine print of where her company was sending her. When Susan is transferred to North Carolina she thinks she's been sentenced, however they turned out to be the best months of her life. Susan doesn't see beyond her career or how her decision could ruin the best thing in her life. I loved Pete Walsh, he was such a patient, understanding, knowledgeable man who saw beyond the façade Susan portrayed. Susan is snarky, rude, unlikable at times, damaged and headstrong, with a unique view of the world. However Susan isn't all she seems to portray, beneath her hard exterior is a sweet southern girl who has been hurt. I love that we were able to go on this journey with Susan of self discovery and growth, and how she finally figure out what mattered most. Their banter is adorable, sweet and downright awful at times, however their chemistry is undeniable and true. They are such a great couple and I really loved reading about them, and all their adventures, failures and successes. I received this ARC and loved it
February 9, 2019
Susan Wade's Journey of Self discovery continues.
She went to Northwestern to recover from her Southern roots.
Now she faces the challenge of meeting and embracing them head on.
How she survived "up there" is as much a mystery to her fellow Carolinians, as why she would want to go.
Will Susan find herself asking the same questions? Especially when she re- discovers friendship and romance Southern style, and faces some Northern betrayals.
WOW!! Being from the South myself I could really relate to this story. I found this story to be very well written. I loved the descriptive narrative the author does. Admittedly the story has some sex and foul language that may put some off this novel but for me it didn't deter from the story at all.
The characters are well developed and the main one you will find yourself in a love/hate relationship at times.
There are wonderful bits of humor that will have you laughing out loud and if like me you will find yourself needing tissues as well in parts.
Really beautiful writing and I hope everyone gives this one a chance.... highly recommend!!
I received this free copy from AXP and the author and this is my honest review.
She went to Northwestern to recover from her Southern roots.
Now she faces the challenge of meeting and embracing them head on.
How she survived "up there" is as much a mystery to her fellow Carolinians, as why she would want to go.
Will Susan find herself asking the same questions? Especially when she re- discovers friendship and romance Southern style, and faces some Northern betrayals.
WOW!! Being from the South myself I could really relate to this story. I found this story to be very well written. I loved the descriptive narrative the author does. Admittedly the story has some sex and foul language that may put some off this novel but for me it didn't deter from the story at all.
The characters are well developed and the main one you will find yourself in a love/hate relationship at times.
There are wonderful bits of humor that will have you laughing out loud and if like me you will find yourself needing tissues as well in parts.
Really beautiful writing and I hope everyone gives this one a chance.... highly recommend!!
I received this free copy from AXP and the author and this is my honest review.
December 1, 2017
Susan Wade's Journey of Self discovery continues.
She went to Northwestern to recover from her Southern roots.
Now she faces the challenge of meeting and embracing them head on.
How she survived "up there" is as much a mystery to her fellow Carolinians, as why she would want to go.
Will Susan find herself asking the same questions? Especially when she re- discovers friendship and romance Southern style, and faces some Northern betrayals.
I was pleased to read an advance copy of this book.
As a female with a college degree who comes from a rural area, I understand the challenge.
What happens when you put career of various kinds first? Eventually you move on or the company does, be it thru retirement or something else.
So who sits at your bedside when you have a car accident, or even a cold?
You can't rock an IRA to bed at night, and it can last less time than a flaky beau.
Will Susan find her Happy Balance? The one that makes going to work, or staying home, ok?
We can't totally have it all, but maybe Susan gives us hope about having it our way.
She went to Northwestern to recover from her Southern roots.
Now she faces the challenge of meeting and embracing them head on.
How she survived "up there" is as much a mystery to her fellow Carolinians, as why she would want to go.
Will Susan find herself asking the same questions? Especially when she re- discovers friendship and romance Southern style, and faces some Northern betrayals.
I was pleased to read an advance copy of this book.
As a female with a college degree who comes from a rural area, I understand the challenge.
What happens when you put career of various kinds first? Eventually you move on or the company does, be it thru retirement or something else.
So who sits at your bedside when you have a car accident, or even a cold?
You can't rock an IRA to bed at night, and it can last less time than a flaky beau.
Will Susan find her Happy Balance? The one that makes going to work, or staying home, ok?
We can't totally have it all, but maybe Susan gives us hope about having it our way.
December 28, 2018
Caught Up In Me by Virginia Gray
A wonderful explosive story about Susan Wade and her determination not to ‘Southern’! No matter that she was born in Northern Carolina, and to some still had the faint traces of an accent, she had worked hard to rid herself entirely of any Southernness within her soul. Yet the love of water and sunsets was within her and Susan was more Southern than she knew. Even her professed hatred of Southern men wasn’t real like she’d thought all her life. This is the story of why she thinks as she does and why Susan is able to live with the values she created for herself. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found myself wanting to hurry to the end yet wanting to read every page beforehand. It was well written and I hope others find ‘Caught Up In Me’ as I did. This review is entirely my own.
A wonderful explosive story about Susan Wade and her determination not to ‘Southern’! No matter that she was born in Northern Carolina, and to some still had the faint traces of an accent, she had worked hard to rid herself entirely of any Southernness within her soul. Yet the love of water and sunsets was within her and Susan was more Southern than she knew. Even her professed hatred of Southern men wasn’t real like she’d thought all her life. This is the story of why she thinks as she does and why Susan is able to live with the values she created for herself. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found myself wanting to hurry to the end yet wanting to read every page beforehand. It was well written and I hope others find ‘Caught Up In Me’ as I did. This review is entirely my own.
December 8, 2017
You can’t help but fall in love with Susan Wade. She is an independent, strong, stubborn girl from the South, born and raised in North Carolina, but acting like a Yankee. When she is transferred to Havelock in order to have a promotion if she increase the numbers of the region, she is forced to face all the demons from her past. Will she get the chance to be happy while coming back to the South and all the things she hates about it? A very funny story about love, friendship and second chances in life. You will cry, lol but you won’t get bored with this book. I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it
July 15, 2016
Quite frankly, I never dreamed that I would eventually give this book a five-star rating. I started reading it almost two years ago, 21 months, to be exact. It took me that long for a couple reasons, mainly because at first I couldn't stand the protagonist, Susan Wade, whom I found horrifically irritating. I thought she was a dysfunctional, self-centered, obsessive, hot mess. Her warped views of the world made me want to slap her upside the head. She hated her roots, the small town where she'd grown up, and was willing to do anything to get ahead in the world. Her priorities were horrible. The plot moved very slowly at first, also, which tried my patience as well. I would set it aside, read something else (or two or three), yet inevitably pick it up again between other reads.
Why? Because it was so exceptionally well written. The fact the author had developed a character so completely that she got on my last nerve made me feel I owed it to her to keep reading, to see where it was going. Her prose was fantastic, at times poetic, the imagery beautifully drawn. It was a pleasure to read, pure ambrosia, even if Susan was messed up and the plot crawling at glacial speed.
At this point I need to mention that, unlike most reviewers, I try to maintain a sense of objectivity. Not liking a story or its characters is not enough for me to give a book a bad rating if the story is well-crafted within its genre. I also care about grammar, typos, and formatting, which I find distracting. Editing, in all its varieties, is important to me. If a story is clever and otherwise interesting, I might forgive some of those things, but in general, I expect a professional product when I buy a book. If a book is loaded with such annoyances I'm likely to never finish it because it's such a chore to read. There were very few such flaws in this story, certainly not enough to put me off. Rather, I was a bit surprised that they slipped past, based on the quality otherwise. One that really had me scratching my head was how one beautiful sunset painted the eastern sky. Huh? Possible, but not likely.
As I plodded through, page by page, gradually things started to make sense. I began to appreciate the fact that the slow pace was allowing me to get drawn deeply into the story and its characters. The sense of place was amazing. I love it when a book takes you someplace new; by the time I finished, I felt as if I'd spent several months in coastal North Carolina.
When it started to come out why the protagonist was the way she was, I began to be more sympathetic. Maybe Susan put me off at first because there were things about her that reminded me of myself. As her motives and life experiences became more clear, it was easier to care about her, then eventually start cheering her on. Some people are slow to come around such that it takes numerous hard knocks before they learn.
As a professional astrologer I'm a student of human nature and tend to try and place a particular sun sign on characters as I watch them unfold. Fixed signs (Taurus, Scorpio, Leo, Aquarius) rarely change, or it takes great pain and suffering from life's lessons to do so. The implications of when her birthday was in the book made me think she was a Scorpio. When it said near the end that Pete's birthday was March 15, making him a Pisces, that made sense, too. It made me laugh, since on my website I have a compatibility section where I say this love match concerns me a lot since I have often seen Piscean men injured horribly by Scorpio women, though there is often a strong attraction between them, both being emotionally driven water signs. Ditto, for this couple. BTW, astrology works amazingly well for fiction. Just ask Elle Klass.
But I digress.
From about halfway in, the story started to move and by the time I was 75% through, it was hard to put down. It was touching and I really connected with the characters. The corporate gymnastics and dog eat dog environment were well-characterized as well. Having spent over 20 years in the world of NASA contracting, I could definitely relate to some of the games people play.
Probably the underlying theme of this story is "Be careful what you wish for." Another candidate would be "What you're trying to escape is exactly where you belong."
This was an outstanding story that was beautifully written. It has numerous life lessons within that astute readers can learn vicariously. It takes a while to get moving, but all that background is essential and what draws you in until you're hopelessly hooked. I have two rather minor criticisms. One is the title. Those who aren't familiar with the tale of the donkey and the carrot may not get it, which could turn away potential readers who would love the story. The new cover helped tremendously; I've had the book long enough it has the old cover, which featured--a carrot.
The other criticism is that it wrapped up rather quickly and was a bit confusing at the end. I don't want to get into spoiler territory, so won't say more, but I'll just say I had to go back and reread a few parts to figure out who was doing what. Considering how slowly and patiently the story unfolded, it could have wound down at a less frantic pace so as not to lose track of what was going on.
That said, it was still a great read. If you love well-developed characters, outstanding imagery, and a rather common situation regarding the balance of career with relationships, I can't recommend it highly enough.
Why? Because it was so exceptionally well written. The fact the author had developed a character so completely that she got on my last nerve made me feel I owed it to her to keep reading, to see where it was going. Her prose was fantastic, at times poetic, the imagery beautifully drawn. It was a pleasure to read, pure ambrosia, even if Susan was messed up and the plot crawling at glacial speed.
At this point I need to mention that, unlike most reviewers, I try to maintain a sense of objectivity. Not liking a story or its characters is not enough for me to give a book a bad rating if the story is well-crafted within its genre. I also care about grammar, typos, and formatting, which I find distracting. Editing, in all its varieties, is important to me. If a story is clever and otherwise interesting, I might forgive some of those things, but in general, I expect a professional product when I buy a book. If a book is loaded with such annoyances I'm likely to never finish it because it's such a chore to read. There were very few such flaws in this story, certainly not enough to put me off. Rather, I was a bit surprised that they slipped past, based on the quality otherwise. One that really had me scratching my head was how one beautiful sunset painted the eastern sky. Huh? Possible, but not likely.
As I plodded through, page by page, gradually things started to make sense. I began to appreciate the fact that the slow pace was allowing me to get drawn deeply into the story and its characters. The sense of place was amazing. I love it when a book takes you someplace new; by the time I finished, I felt as if I'd spent several months in coastal North Carolina.
When it started to come out why the protagonist was the way she was, I began to be more sympathetic. Maybe Susan put me off at first because there were things about her that reminded me of myself. As her motives and life experiences became more clear, it was easier to care about her, then eventually start cheering her on. Some people are slow to come around such that it takes numerous hard knocks before they learn.
As a professional astrologer I'm a student of human nature and tend to try and place a particular sun sign on characters as I watch them unfold. Fixed signs (Taurus, Scorpio, Leo, Aquarius) rarely change, or it takes great pain and suffering from life's lessons to do so. The implications of when her birthday was in the book made me think she was a Scorpio. When it said near the end that Pete's birthday was March 15, making him a Pisces, that made sense, too. It made me laugh, since on my website I have a compatibility section where I say this love match concerns me a lot since I have often seen Piscean men injured horribly by Scorpio women, though there is often a strong attraction between them, both being emotionally driven water signs. Ditto, for this couple. BTW, astrology works amazingly well for fiction. Just ask Elle Klass.
But I digress.
From about halfway in, the story started to move and by the time I was 75% through, it was hard to put down. It was touching and I really connected with the characters. The corporate gymnastics and dog eat dog environment were well-characterized as well. Having spent over 20 years in the world of NASA contracting, I could definitely relate to some of the games people play.
Probably the underlying theme of this story is "Be careful what you wish for." Another candidate would be "What you're trying to escape is exactly where you belong."
This was an outstanding story that was beautifully written. It has numerous life lessons within that astute readers can learn vicariously. It takes a while to get moving, but all that background is essential and what draws you in until you're hopelessly hooked. I have two rather minor criticisms. One is the title. Those who aren't familiar with the tale of the donkey and the carrot may not get it, which could turn away potential readers who would love the story. The new cover helped tremendously; I've had the book long enough it has the old cover, which featured--a carrot.
The other criticism is that it wrapped up rather quickly and was a bit confusing at the end. I don't want to get into spoiler territory, so won't say more, but I'll just say I had to go back and reread a few parts to figure out who was doing what. Considering how slowly and patiently the story unfolded, it could have wound down at a less frantic pace so as not to lose track of what was going on.
That said, it was still a great read. If you love well-developed characters, outstanding imagery, and a rather common situation regarding the balance of career with relationships, I can't recommend it highly enough.
November 28, 2017
Virginia Gray delivers again with another awesome installment into the chaotic but charming southern life. As Susie and Pete's relationship evolves, the carrot dangling before Susie threatens to change the dynamic forever. Will Susie stop being stubborn and let love in? Also, what about her future with the company? Definitely another roller coaster ride of reading.
December 11, 2017
This is a book I really enjoyed reading. At first I wasn't sure I was going to like the main character/ She seemed to be a snob full of attitude. As I read I found engaging characters that were likable. I enjoyed the snarky banter, humor, emotional ups and downs and the wonderful story line. It's a book I can honestly recommend.
January 17, 2018
I have not read the first book of Susan Wade's Saga...but I am going to now. The way this book is written is better than watching a movie or tv show!
The characters really come to life and you feel their emotions both bad and good. I really enjoyed this story very much! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
The characters really come to life and you feel their emotions both bad and good. I really enjoyed this story very much! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
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