What do you think?
Rate this book
Лизи Харисън губи контрол
“Забелязали ли сте, че съвременната романтична героиня може да бъде, без да обръщате внимание на това, малко безполезна?” Лизи Харисън държи всичко под контрол... Лизи Харисън не е романтична героиня. Дори не е близо до нея. Тя не разполага с котка, притежава не повече обувки, отколкото един обикновен човек, и в никакъв случай не е безнадеждно шантава и неорганизирана. Всъщност животът ѝ е идеално подреден и така ѝ харесва да бъде. Все още не е срещнала подходящия човек, но и не разполага с време за това. Целият ѝ ден е натоварен с работата на PR и програмата ѝ е изпълнена с безброй задачи. Дневникът ѝ е планиран за месец напред и тя е убедена, че нищо спонтанно не може да нахлуе в живота ѝ. ...нали така? Но когато най-добрата ѝ приятелка Лулу подлага под въпрос нуждата от конторл в живота, Лизи започва да се чуди дали да не отпусне малко края. И когато тя е хвърлена в ръцете на клиент номер 1 на своя шеф - печално известният комик (и любовчия) Ранди Джоунс, Лизи неохотно започва да изпуска юздите на своя живот. Тя е на път да разбере, че да изгубиш контрол може да ѝ се хареса повече, отколкото някога е предполагала.
306 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
16 people are currently reading
996 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
May 13, 2019
Има чувство за хумор, но липсват диалози или са много елементарни, което я прави леко обстоятелствена и на моменти досадна.
Но за запълване на време , може да се чете.
Но за запълване на време , може да се чете.
April 11, 2011
Well. Don't know what to think. I have read a lot of reviews with 5 out of 5 or 10 out of 10... For me this book was... just ok. Surely nice and compatibly written, easy to read and with funny elements, I liked Lizzy, and Lulu, and Camilla, and Dan, and of course didn't like Jemima and didn't trust Randy... But it was so... predictable. Actually, it is usually predictable:) This book just didn't win me. I guess I will buy another book of Pippa Wright (if she writes more), just to see if she developing or keeping the same level, but I don't think I will read this book again. And reading book again is my mark for a really good book.
Read
December 29, 2021Знам,че трябва да ви кажа какво се случва по-нататък.Но ето какво - не знам.
И това е чудесно.🤗
И това е чудесно.🤗
May 28, 2022
Although predictable, it's been a while since i read a chick lit, and i enjoyed this one. Special thanks to getting me out of my rut, i loved reading something in basically one sitting.
March 15, 2011
I first heard of Lizzy Harrison Loses Control when a publicist I was emailing mentioned to me that it would be releasing in 2011. I immediately went onto Amazon, intrigued by the title, and discovered that it sounded right up my alley. When I received a proof copy of the book, it had a sticker on it saying this: “Warning. A clever romantic comedy is inside this package. Can also be enjoyed by cynics who never normally read Chick Lit” and I had no other choice to read the book. The book also claims it’s perfect for the Sophie Kinsella market, so really, I had no choice but to read it because I love Sophie Kinsella. Thankfully, the book didn’t let me down at all.
‘Have you ever noticed that the modern romantic heroine can be, not to put too fine a point on it, a bit useless?’ I love Chick Lit books that make fun of Chick Lit books, and three pages in, Lizzy gives us this corker of a line. It’s sort of breaking the fourth wall, and I always find it’s a great addition to a book, mainly because of the fact she’s a character in a Chick Lit book as well. It was a great start to the book and these references to most Chick Lit books follow throughout the book, even Pretty Woman and Sandra Bullock aren’t spared Lizzy’s scorn as typical Chick Flick characters who faff and swoon. I like a book that grabs me right from the off and Lizzy Harrison Loses Control did that easily. I liked the style, I liked the fact Lizzy wasn’t (but was really) a typical Chick Lit heroine and I thought the plot was brilliant as Lizzy finds her life spinning out of control after agreeing to be a fake girlfriend to coke-and-woman-loving comedian Randy Jones.
I loved Lizzy. Although she pretends to be a total anti-Chick-Lit heroine, she really isn’t, and I loved her for it. I loved that she didn’t faff and fawn, and was in control of her life but I also loved the Lizzy we meet when she can’t be in control of everything and she’s definitely freer when she’s not trying to control every aspect of her life. She’s someone I could totally be friends with. Although I loved Lizzy, I think I loved her best friend Lulu even more. Whereas Lizzy is very restrained and in control, Lulu is the total opposite, changing her hair colour with alarming regularity and dating the entire population of London and she really helped bring the book to life. She and Lizzy were a total breath of fresh air, and make quite the double act. Dan, Lulu’s sister, was also an amazing character, and my only wish would have been to see more of him. As for Randy, I don’t know what I made of him, I was never totally convinced of him to be honest, I just thought of him as a smellier, blonder, Russell Brand and I don’t find Russell Brand attractive in any which way.
Lizzy Harrison Loses Control is told entirely from the lovely Lizzy’s point of view, and the writing style is very reminiscent of Sophie Kinsella or Paige Toon’s style, it’s very chatty, very easy going and I thoroughly enjoy that type of novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and my only complaint is that it did veer toward predictable during the middle part of the book concerning the relationship between Lizzy and Randy. Apart from that, and the lack of laughs, I thought this was a very enjoyable debut novel. It has warmth, and it is different to a lot of Chick Lit books in some ways, but in others it’s as if parts have been taken from the Chick Lit Handbook. It’s still one I would recommend, though, and one I could easily dip into and read again at any given moment.
‘Have you ever noticed that the modern romantic heroine can be, not to put too fine a point on it, a bit useless?’ I love Chick Lit books that make fun of Chick Lit books, and three pages in, Lizzy gives us this corker of a line. It’s sort of breaking the fourth wall, and I always find it’s a great addition to a book, mainly because of the fact she’s a character in a Chick Lit book as well. It was a great start to the book and these references to most Chick Lit books follow throughout the book, even Pretty Woman and Sandra Bullock aren’t spared Lizzy’s scorn as typical Chick Flick characters who faff and swoon. I like a book that grabs me right from the off and Lizzy Harrison Loses Control did that easily. I liked the style, I liked the fact Lizzy wasn’t (but was really) a typical Chick Lit heroine and I thought the plot was brilliant as Lizzy finds her life spinning out of control after agreeing to be a fake girlfriend to coke-and-woman-loving comedian Randy Jones.
I loved Lizzy. Although she pretends to be a total anti-Chick-Lit heroine, she really isn’t, and I loved her for it. I loved that she didn’t faff and fawn, and was in control of her life but I also loved the Lizzy we meet when she can’t be in control of everything and she’s definitely freer when she’s not trying to control every aspect of her life. She’s someone I could totally be friends with. Although I loved Lizzy, I think I loved her best friend Lulu even more. Whereas Lizzy is very restrained and in control, Lulu is the total opposite, changing her hair colour with alarming regularity and dating the entire population of London and she really helped bring the book to life. She and Lizzy were a total breath of fresh air, and make quite the double act. Dan, Lulu’s sister, was also an amazing character, and my only wish would have been to see more of him. As for Randy, I don’t know what I made of him, I was never totally convinced of him to be honest, I just thought of him as a smellier, blonder, Russell Brand and I don’t find Russell Brand attractive in any which way.
Lizzy Harrison Loses Control is told entirely from the lovely Lizzy’s point of view, and the writing style is very reminiscent of Sophie Kinsella or Paige Toon’s style, it’s very chatty, very easy going and I thoroughly enjoy that type of novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and my only complaint is that it did veer toward predictable during the middle part of the book concerning the relationship between Lizzy and Randy. Apart from that, and the lack of laughs, I thought this was a very enjoyable debut novel. It has warmth, and it is different to a lot of Chick Lit books in some ways, but in others it’s as if parts have been taken from the Chick Lit Handbook. It’s still one I would recommend, though, and one I could easily dip into and read again at any given moment.
May 29, 2012
This book was one of those recommendations you get on Amazon after buying something. I was a little sceptical, but it didn't take long before I was hooked in.
The subject is interesting, fun, and quite honest. I felt for the heroine, at first, being pushed into becoming the pretend girlfriend for a disastrous celebrity client for a PR stunt, something she really didn't want to do. But then she went and ruined all my respect by actually getting involved with him, although I suppose that was the whole point and, probably, quite true to life.
But what pissed me off most was that even though the character admitted to her weakness about becoming involved with him, the author then had to make her turn into a blind fool and have her ignore everything she, as a supposedly intelligent women, already knew about this guy. Very frustrating as I kept thinking why bother spending all that time making out that she was smart, aware, the 'anti-chick-lit-heroine' and then go and turn her into a heroine that is 100 times worse than the 'chick-lit-heroine' she had mocked previously.
I'm not entirely sure what the author was trying to do with the Russell Brand/cross-dressing Eddie Izzard style character of Randy-the celebrity- although it was certainly intriguing and different. But the fact that he was a heroin (and other drug) addict, and slept with many other women during the time he was involved with the heroine, was very distasteful especially that there was no mention by the author about the heroine's health - you don't have to be too obvious but a little mention of safe sex here would have been a good thing.
Overall though, this is an enjoyable read, it certainly kept me reading despite my moans!
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
The subject is interesting, fun, and quite honest. I felt for the heroine, at first, being pushed into becoming the pretend girlfriend for a disastrous celebrity client for a PR stunt, something she really didn't want to do. But then she went and ruined all my respect by actually getting involved with him, although I suppose that was the whole point and, probably, quite true to life.
But what pissed me off most was that even though the character admitted to her weakness about becoming involved with him, the author then had to make her turn into a blind fool and have her ignore everything she, as a supposedly intelligent women, already knew about this guy. Very frustrating as I kept thinking why bother spending all that time making out that she was smart, aware, the 'anti-chick-lit-heroine' and then go and turn her into a heroine that is 100 times worse than the 'chick-lit-heroine' she had mocked previously.
I'm not entirely sure what the author was trying to do with the Russell Brand/cross-dressing Eddie Izzard style character of Randy-the celebrity- although it was certainly intriguing and different. But the fact that he was a heroin (and other drug) addict, and slept with many other women during the time he was involved with the heroine, was very distasteful especially that there was no mention by the author about the heroine's health - you don't have to be too obvious but a little mention of safe sex here would have been a good thing.
Overall though, this is an enjoyable read, it certainly kept me reading despite my moans!
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
August 13, 2013
This is the epitome of chick lit and is the perfect easy read for a lazy afternoon. Lizzy is a believable and distinctly likeable character, who has the perfect mix of bubbly personality and intelligence, and while the common theme throughout the book is the need to lose control, there is a whole lot more going on. The career woman who wants a social life, a romantic life and a high flying business life is a popular ideal in chick lit, but Pippa Wright tackles it from a new angle, with a protagonist who has it all (although she might not know it yet) and thankfully gained it through being a nice person.
Although the character of Randy is not designed to be loveable, you can’t help liking him due to the similarities between him and Russell Brand; that dirty yet charming rascal is the ideal bad boy for this book and really makes it work. There are some areas where it would have been nice to see a bit more saucy action, but the ending is so satisfying after the romantic build-up that it isn’t an issue. Well written and hugely entertaining; I’m looking forward to reading her next one.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Wright on behalf of BestChickLit.com.
Although the character of Randy is not designed to be loveable, you can’t help liking him due to the similarities between him and Russell Brand; that dirty yet charming rascal is the ideal bad boy for this book and really makes it work. There are some areas where it would have been nice to see a bit more saucy action, but the ending is so satisfying after the romantic build-up that it isn’t an issue. Well written and hugely entertaining; I’m looking forward to reading her next one.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Wright on behalf of BestChickLit.com.
April 25, 2014
I read one too many chick litts last year and felt that I didn't challenge myself enough. I made a vow not to read a chick litt this year, but promptly broke it with Those Pricey Thakur Girls by Anuja Chauhan. It was worth the guilt.
Along comes Lizzy Harrison and while the premise is fascinating, all the disdain for hopelessly disorganised women in chick litt is scrunched together in part of a chapter. The story had the premise of upturning the chick litt stereotype, but fails at it somewhere about the time Lizzy slips into an affair. I lost my respect for her after that.
Along comes Lizzy Harrison and while the premise is fascinating, all the disdain for hopelessly disorganised women in chick litt is scrunched together in part of a chapter. The story had the premise of upturning the chick litt stereotype, but fails at it somewhere about the time Lizzy slips into an affair. I lost my respect for her after that.
October 23, 2011
So far, I don't like the book. In the beginning I kinda liked it, but then there was Randy Jones. I don't like his character.
Update: This book is laying on my floor for ages. Don't now if I should finish it.
Update 2: I didn't finished the book and it's now in the library again.
Update: This book is laying on my floor for ages. Don't now if I should finish it.
Update 2: I didn't finished the book and it's now in the library again.
May 2, 2016
Gewoon een heerlijke chicklit die je snel uit hebt. Hoewel je al kan raden hoe het verhaal verder zal gaan, hoort dat ook wel een beetje bij een chicklit.
December 28, 2018
Some light reading for the holidays, a chicklit to enjoy. So, did I?
As the two stars denote: it was okay. Don't give me the 'well it was only chicklit, so what did you expect?'; every genre has its geniuses and lesser gods. As to this novel: I have read worse, I have read much better.
Summary: Lizzy is an extremely well-organised PR-assistent. She is in control of her work and her well-folded laundry, that type of thing (is there anything wrong with that? Given that she is quite succesful and certainly not unhappy, I would say no). Her best friend Lulu makes her promise, in writing, she will loosen up. Lizzy has no memory of this, having been very drunk (so much for control), but hey, that's her signature right there on that napkin.
The perfect opportunity presents itself when she has to babysit, er, look after PR-nightmare Randy Jones, a stand-up-comedian-meets-unwashed-rockstar with a substance problem. Lizzy being such a crisp clean woman, she can be the best fake girlfriend imaginable for the out-of-control Randy. She agrees to the task, but she can't tell anyone. Not her family, not her best friend. Not even the man who is so, so obviously head over heels in love with her, even if Lizzy is oblivious.
Next thing you know, predictable things happen. And something slightly less predictable in the career area. Things wrap up as you expect they would. The End.
The good things:
-The Bad Guy is a slighter shade grey then just 'bad'. He is what he is, as humans are.
-The less predictable plotpoint
-(SPOILER, such a SPOILER) Lizzy comes to term with who she is.
The less than good things:
-Lizzy does not need to lose control. At all. She is fine.
-Lizzy's love interest is crystal clear from his first appearance. Dark messy hair, please. That is just code for 'love of her life by the end of the novel'.
-The terrible jokes between Lizzy and Love Interest. They are probably supposed to click, but it wasn't for me.
-It was a bit slow. Often I was skimming the pages, waiting for the story to happen.
-The biggest turn-off: the constant reminders in the novel being a novel by repeatedly pointing out that 'this isn't a novel'. Are the references supposed to be witty? I found them annoying and frankly, a bit self-satisfied. All the 'if this were a novel, then ...' after which something different happens. As if the author is trying to show us in a not-at-all-subtle way: I am original. Much more so than my colleagues. Sorry, it did not work for me.
Does this mean I didn't like the book? As I said: it was okay. I wanted a light read and I got just that. No regrets but no surprises either.
As the two stars denote: it was okay. Don't give me the 'well it was only chicklit, so what did you expect?'; every genre has its geniuses and lesser gods. As to this novel: I have read worse, I have read much better.
Summary: Lizzy is an extremely well-organised PR-assistent. She is in control of her work and her well-folded laundry, that type of thing (is there anything wrong with that? Given that she is quite succesful and certainly not unhappy, I would say no). Her best friend Lulu makes her promise, in writing, she will loosen up. Lizzy has no memory of this, having been very drunk (so much for control), but hey, that's her signature right there on that napkin.
The perfect opportunity presents itself when she has to babysit, er, look after PR-nightmare Randy Jones, a stand-up-comedian-meets-unwashed-rockstar with a substance problem. Lizzy being such a crisp clean woman, she can be the best fake girlfriend imaginable for the out-of-control Randy. She agrees to the task, but she can't tell anyone. Not her family, not her best friend. Not even the man who is so, so obviously head over heels in love with her, even if Lizzy is oblivious.
Next thing you know, predictable things happen. And something slightly less predictable in the career area. Things wrap up as you expect they would. The End.
The good things:
-The Bad Guy is a slighter shade grey then just 'bad'. He is what he is, as humans are.
-The less predictable plotpoint
-(SPOILER, such a SPOILER) Lizzy comes to term with who she is.
The less than good things:
-Lizzy does not need to lose control. At all. She is fine.
-Lizzy's love interest is crystal clear from his first appearance. Dark messy hair, please. That is just code for 'love of her life by the end of the novel'.
-The terrible jokes between Lizzy and Love Interest. They are probably supposed to click, but it wasn't for me.
-It was a bit slow. Often I was skimming the pages, waiting for the story to happen.
-The biggest turn-off: the constant reminders in the novel being a novel by repeatedly pointing out that 'this isn't a novel'. Are the references supposed to be witty? I found them annoying and frankly, a bit self-satisfied. All the 'if this were a novel, then ...' after which something different happens. As if the author is trying to show us in a not-at-all-subtle way: I am original. Much more so than my colleagues. Sorry, it did not work for me.
Does this mean I didn't like the book? As I said: it was okay. I wanted a light read and I got just that. No regrets but no surprises either.
October 28, 2020
Lizzy harrison is a modern tale of romance.
A very poised, composed, and sober girl named Lizzy Harrison works as a PR for HOT CELEBS. Lizzy Harrison's best friend Lulu who is a complete brat consistently complaints about her composure and advises her to live life and knock herself out of the tedious and rejecting routine. Things fall into twists and turns that at last makes her lose control over herself. Our perfect heroine falls for a celebrity star.
The scenes are narrated nicely presenting giggles and chuckles. It had portions where I could not resist flipping pages, but over all it has been a fun novel. Although i felt doubtful about the end, didnot want it to end that certain way but works well somehow. The book offers chunks of comedy and romantic plots that won't let you drop the book. Lizzy Harrison's balanced life did not let herself see the bright benefactions of life.
It's sometimes important to let go, and that's when life gets generous to make you experience things you never expected. You enjoy the journey, you disintegrate, you feel heart breaks and so many more feelings come and go. And that is when you figure the best for yourself. The periods slams open the doors of sunshine you never might have seen earlier. Help yourself lose control and let happiness approach you.
Gonna miss Lizzy Harrison and the dizzy conversations with herself. I would recommend this book to the young lot. A lively book, enjoyed it!🤗
A very poised, composed, and sober girl named Lizzy Harrison works as a PR for HOT CELEBS. Lizzy Harrison's best friend Lulu who is a complete brat consistently complaints about her composure and advises her to live life and knock herself out of the tedious and rejecting routine. Things fall into twists and turns that at last makes her lose control over herself. Our perfect heroine falls for a celebrity star.
The scenes are narrated nicely presenting giggles and chuckles. It had portions where I could not resist flipping pages, but over all it has been a fun novel. Although i felt doubtful about the end, didnot want it to end that certain way but works well somehow. The book offers chunks of comedy and romantic plots that won't let you drop the book. Lizzy Harrison's balanced life did not let herself see the bright benefactions of life.
It's sometimes important to let go, and that's when life gets generous to make you experience things you never expected. You enjoy the journey, you disintegrate, you feel heart breaks and so many more feelings come and go. And that is when you figure the best for yourself. The periods slams open the doors of sunshine you never might have seen earlier. Help yourself lose control and let happiness approach you.
Gonna miss Lizzy Harrison and the dizzy conversations with herself. I would recommend this book to the young lot. A lively book, enjoyed it!🤗
July 13, 2019
Lizzy travaille dans les relations publiques, elle est l'assistante d'une responsable de communication de stars. Randy Jones est la star la plus importante de l'agence mais il enchaîne les scandales et la mauvaise presse. Lizzy se retrouve forcée de jouer les fausses petites amies pour redorer son image.
J'ai bien aimé le début, c'est drôle, bien écrit et le personnage de Lizzy me plaisait, mais... On devine très vite comment cela va se passer, c'est une comédie, le style d'écriture est fluide, agréable mais il n'y a aucune surprise, j'attendais, j’espérais, au moins un rebondissement ou un petit retournement de situation. Sur la fin, j'ai eu envie de secouer Lizzy.
Bref, il y a beaucoup de clichés sur les stars et ceux qui gravitent autour, avec les guerres de pouvoirs.
C'est une petite histoire sympa pour se changer les idées mais trop facile à mon gout, il m'a manqué quelque chose.
J'ai bien aimé le début, c'est drôle, bien écrit et le personnage de Lizzy me plaisait, mais... On devine très vite comment cela va se passer, c'est une comédie, le style d'écriture est fluide, agréable mais il n'y a aucune surprise, j'attendais, j’espérais, au moins un rebondissement ou un petit retournement de situation. Sur la fin, j'ai eu envie de secouer Lizzy.
Bref, il y a beaucoup de clichés sur les stars et ceux qui gravitent autour, avec les guerres de pouvoirs.
C'est une petite histoire sympa pour se changer les idées mais trop facile à mon gout, il m'a manqué quelque chose.
March 28, 2021
An easy read, I like the way the author tried to keep us guessing with the “fake” relationship and I was keen to know who she actually ended up with. I was able to call this book early on but then wanting clarification of whether I was right, particularly with the two love interests, kept me reading. I like that this book is told entirely from Lizzy’s perspective and she’s an easy to love character as seems relatable.
May 5, 2025
Started and finished date - 29.04.25 to 02.05.25.
My rating - Three Stars.
This book was okay read but I found is book was bit boring and the cover of book was okay. The writing was okay and it was easy read also the atmosphere was fine but bit bland. The paced of plot was well structured and the book was steady paced also the ending was okay. The characters was fine but they were bit bland and I would like them flash out bit more.
My rating - Three Stars.
This book was okay read but I found is book was bit boring and the cover of book was okay. The writing was okay and it was easy read also the atmosphere was fine but bit bland. The paced of plot was well structured and the book was steady paced also the ending was okay. The characters was fine but they were bit bland and I would like them flash out bit more.
July 17, 2025
Quite a good read that got me out of my reader's slump. Interesting to read the celeb PR and magazine culture back in the 2010s. I'm glad I found this in a thrift store because it helped me finish my other books that I'd leave because of lack of motivation and energy.
February 26, 2017
Loved it!
June 24, 2018
Quick and fun to read but didn’t like the characters nor their predicaments.
October 6, 2018
3,5 stars
May 29, 2020
Heerlijk boek om te lezen. Leest makkelijk weg. Wel voorspelbaar maar toch leuk.
August 5, 2021
J'ai trop aimé ! Ce livre est aussi touchant que drôle !
August 10, 2021
Приятна, лека и разтоварваща.
February 26, 2023
I actually give it a 3.5.
dnf
May 10, 2025DNF @ 11%. Ik houd niet van personages die op alles en iedereen neerkijken.
June 28, 2025
Fun easy read although slightly predictable
June 30, 2025
I can't really be bothered finishing this one
January 7, 2016
In ‘Lizzy Harrison Loses Control’, Lizzy is a personal assistant who works in the world of public relations (PR). She’s unlike the generic chick lit heroine as she’s incredibly controlled, organized, precise and competent. However, when her best friend Lulu suggests that she tries to lose control and see what life has to offer, Lizzy ends up seizing the opportunity to pretend to be the girlfriend of famous comedian Randy Jones in order to fulfill her agreement.
In the beginning, the story was quite promising. The first chapter itself gave me a good impression as it was funny and truthful while poking fun at stereotypical chick lit content. The subsequent chapters in which Lizzy finds out that she’s assigned to be Randy’s fake girlfriend after a chance encounter were interesting and I was eager to read about how she gradually stops being so controlling and instead learns to adapt to being more relaxed as well as carefree.
Unfortunately, despite what the title suggests, I found it to be misleading because Lizzy didn’t really lose control. The only thing she did that she normally wouldn’t do was to sleep with Randy, hence turning her into a predictable chick lit protagonist. In every other aspect, she was the same old sensible Lizzy – she arrived early at work and she continued excelling at her job. I didn’t see anything wrong with that but she apparently felt the need to change herself. I’d expected her to do things differently such as waking up later or going for longer breaks and experiencing the dire or hilarious consequences but that wasn’t explored. What a waste.
Anyhow, it was certainly engrossing as the author got straight to the point and I enjoyed the doses of humour present throughout the book. For the most part, the characters were alright. Lizzy was a refreshing change from the typical lead character you’d expect from such books – that doesn’t usually bother me though, unless the character happens to be incredibly dumb or annoying. Lulu was a stereotype but she was a believable friend and her brother Dan came across as a genuinely nice, attractive guy. Camilla (Lizzy’s boss) and Jemima (arch-enemy of the aforementioned) were wonderful minor characters.
However, I really didn’t like Randy. Plus, he was supposed to be handsome and popular with the ladies but his character wasn’t written convincingly enough. There were several times when the author mentioned that he wore plenty of make-up and combined with the descriptions of his flamboyant outfits, he just sounded over-the-top and not at all like the smouldering hunk that he was intended to be. In addition, he was a drug addict and a heavy drinker. It didn’t help that he was never remotely charming, funny or intelligent.
The ending was predictable but I liked Lizzy’s decision and her realization that she didn’t have to try to be someone she’s not. Overall, ‘Lizzy Harrison Loses Control’ started off strong but somewhere along the way it sort of lost its direction only to steer back onto the right path again in the end. Basically, it was a decent, entertaining and highly predictable read.
In the beginning, the story was quite promising. The first chapter itself gave me a good impression as it was funny and truthful while poking fun at stereotypical chick lit content. The subsequent chapters in which Lizzy finds out that she’s assigned to be Randy’s fake girlfriend after a chance encounter were interesting and I was eager to read about how she gradually stops being so controlling and instead learns to adapt to being more relaxed as well as carefree.
Unfortunately, despite what the title suggests, I found it to be misleading because Lizzy didn’t really lose control. The only thing she did that she normally wouldn’t do was to sleep with Randy, hence turning her into a predictable chick lit protagonist. In every other aspect, she was the same old sensible Lizzy – she arrived early at work and she continued excelling at her job. I didn’t see anything wrong with that but she apparently felt the need to change herself. I’d expected her to do things differently such as waking up later or going for longer breaks and experiencing the dire or hilarious consequences but that wasn’t explored. What a waste.
Anyhow, it was certainly engrossing as the author got straight to the point and I enjoyed the doses of humour present throughout the book. For the most part, the characters were alright. Lizzy was a refreshing change from the typical lead character you’d expect from such books – that doesn’t usually bother me though, unless the character happens to be incredibly dumb or annoying. Lulu was a stereotype but she was a believable friend and her brother Dan came across as a genuinely nice, attractive guy. Camilla (Lizzy’s boss) and Jemima (arch-enemy of the aforementioned) were wonderful minor characters.
However, I really didn’t like Randy. Plus, he was supposed to be handsome and popular with the ladies but his character wasn’t written convincingly enough. There were several times when the author mentioned that he wore plenty of make-up and combined with the descriptions of his flamboyant outfits, he just sounded over-the-top and not at all like the smouldering hunk that he was intended to be. In addition, he was a drug addict and a heavy drinker. It didn’t help that he was never remotely charming, funny or intelligent.
The ending was predictable but I liked Lizzy’s decision and her realization that she didn’t have to try to be someone she’s not. Overall, ‘Lizzy Harrison Loses Control’ started off strong but somewhere along the way it sort of lost its direction only to steer back onto the right path again in the end. Basically, it was a decent, entertaining and highly predictable read.
August 5, 2012
It was one of those books that I wish I'd written. It tried so hard not to be the usual run of the mill 'Chick-Lit' but in the end it was and this was exactly one of the reasons that I liked it so much. The heroine of this tale is Lizzy Harrison of course (hence the title) and freely admits herself that she is pretty adamant that she doesn't want to be like those ditsy main characters that fall for the wrong guy and get into all kinds of trouble, both emotional and physical before they get the ending that everyone agrees they should have. Lizzy is fully in control, until her good friend Lulu suggests that her life would be more fun if she let loose instead. So to everyone's surprise, mine included, she sleeps with comedy celebrity Randy Jones (yuck) when she becomes his 'fake' girlfriend. Great writing style throughout and I look forward to getting around to the other book that I have on my 'TBR' list by this same author.
January 27, 2013
It says on the back that Lizzy Harrison is not your typical romantic heroine but she is really. She's not a mother so she has a glamous job in the world or PR. Are these the only two options that are available to women? Have babies or exciting career? Can't we have a book about a girl who works in shop or something?
She falls for the bad guy who is wrong for her in everyway, when we can see that the guy she's grown up with all her life is madly in love with her. Psst she ends up with him in the end...now who saw that coming? I'm sounding mean but I actually loved the whole bloody thing. Perfect for fans of chick lit but also perfect for people who love to pick apart books in their reviews :)
She falls for the bad guy who is wrong for her in everyway, when we can see that the guy she's grown up with all her life is madly in love with her. Psst she ends up with him in the end...now who saw that coming? I'm sounding mean but I actually loved the whole bloody thing. Perfect for fans of chick lit but also perfect for people who love to pick apart books in their reviews :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews