MY RATING GUIDE: A Satisfying 4.5 Stars. After several gritty, dark & intense novels I needed a Pick-Me-Up read so I grabbed one my Rich Amooi books from my tbrs; they are guaranteed light fare. MR CROTCHETY is an Opposites Attract, Small Town, Seasoned Characters standalone Romance novel. It soon had me smiling and snickering frequently to myself - exactly as I had hoped. (Can I say? I really dislike the title).
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good & might or might not read it again; 3.5= I enjoyed it & might read it again; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT & WILL MOST LIKELY READ IT AGAIN; 5= I Loved this; it was great! & most likely will read again ((I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Saratoga, CA ~
Local shoe shop owner Roger Hudson, a fit and handsome 60, has given up on life since the death of his beloved wife by cancer five years ago. Now he forces himself through each day with as little interaction with others as possible. Among the local townspeople Roger has gotten the reputation of being a disagreeable grump. Roger is on his best behavior with his customers, but everyone else he avoids or barely tolerates.
After experiencing life changing difficulties in her past, local successful realtor Sally Bright, 50, believes strongly in keeping a positive and grateful attitude. She has attempted friendly interaction with Roger on a number of occasions during her lunch hour but those efforts have been largely ignored. Only when Roger is in need of a real estate agent does he actively seek out Sally Bright and now he has no option but to tolerate her positivity.
Comments ~
MR CROTCHETY is a standalone book I have been putting off for a while. I guess the title put me off. But I should have known better. This is another Rich Amooi novel I really enjoyed and will be rereading in the future.
Roger is a Scrooge-like, crotchety guy but he has his reasons. I found myself smirking in agreement by certain thoughts and responses from Roger but most of his comments were quite ridiculous. What a hoot! Some of us might wish we could say such things, but Roger actually does. So I connected with Roger. I liked Sally as well. She was surprisingly authentic in a positive sense and her reasons for looking at life the way she chose to, were valid. On a side note, I would really like to know what happens with Portia and Jeffrey, and if their relationship works out.
I have previously read other novels by Rich Amooi. He has quickly become one of my “Go To” authors when I’m looking for a breath of fresh air - something bright, sweet, and positive to take me away for awhile - perfect for the end of a long day, a hard week or too much reality. Readers who prefer lots of steam with their romance should look elsewhere. I recommend MR CROTCHETY to readers who enjoy:
> Quick reading, light romantic comedies.
> Seasoned Romance (a fit 50 & 60), Opposites Attract trope novels
> Funny, slightly outrageous Pick-Me-Up fiction.
> Palate Cleansers, breaks away from the usual suspense, fantasy, thriller, dark or angst-filled novels.
> Small Town novels.
> Quick reading, Light & positive fiction.
READER CAUTIONS ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used.
VIOLENCE - None.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None during story.