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Wife in the Fast Lane
Christy Hayes is a case study in successful living. She's won two Olympic gold medals, built a multimillion-dollar business, and landed a gorgeous and powerful CEO husband. But Christy's dream life begins to unravel when she inherits custody of an eleven-year-old girl named Renata. Suddenly she finds herself battling three formidable opponents: a treacherous business partner bent on ousting her from the company she founded, a ruthless stay-at-home mom who'll stop at nothing to maintain her PTA power base, and a stunning single woman scheming to steal her husband. Throw in the demands of one high-maintenance spouse and it's clear: something's got to give. But what? Her marriage? Her career? Her sanity?
424 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2006
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374 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 30, 2023
This book is so unsafe and so toxic. It’s unbelievable that it was written during this century.
November 22, 2015
AUDIO
After loving The Ivy Chronicles, I wanted to give Karen Quinn another try.
Wife in the fast lane wasn't nearly as good or funny. So disappointed.
****some might think this is a SPOILER****
First, the hero is a DICK and then he CHEATS which makes him a BIGGER DICK.
If that's going to happen, I want to see him on bloodied knees. Didn't happen here.
She forgave hime way too easily. There's even a list of reasons the heroine justified his actions, like, she quit exercising and gained 12 pounds. I hated him.
Second, the reader did the worst male voices and I wished she would have just used her regular voice.
But I gave it two stars because ever time I walked away from the book, I thought about it.
Maybe it was the constant adrenaline of angst.
After loving The Ivy Chronicles, I wanted to give Karen Quinn another try.
Wife in the fast lane wasn't nearly as good or funny. So disappointed.
****some might think this is a SPOILER****
First, the hero is a DICK and then he CHEATS which makes him a BIGGER DICK.
If that's going to happen, I want to see him on bloodied knees. Didn't happen here.
She forgave hime way too easily. There's even a list of reasons the heroine justified his actions, like, she quit exercising and gained 12 pounds. I hated him.
Second, the reader did the worst male voices and I wished she would have just used her regular voice.
But I gave it two stars because ever time I walked away from the book, I thought about it.
Maybe it was the constant adrenaline of angst.
February 3, 2013
Several things contributed to my dislike for this book:
- completely unlikeable main character
- ridiculous situation that I don't believe would ever happen
- the narrative for the 11yo made little to no sense. On one hand she would be misspelling words, then in the next instance she would be quoting too grown up phrases
Also, as a general note, why do all these books end with a pregnancy? As if the unborn child magically restores the fractured relationship, because goodness knows, it wasn't fixed in the narrative.
- completely unlikeable main character
- ridiculous situation that I don't believe would ever happen
- the narrative for the 11yo made little to no sense. On one hand she would be misspelling words, then in the next instance she would be quoting too grown up phrases
Also, as a general note, why do all these books end with a pregnancy? As if the unborn child magically restores the fractured relationship, because goodness knows, it wasn't fixed in the narrative.
September 16, 2009
It's set up to read like one of the girls about town/chick lit books that are popular, but really failed to deliver. All the pieces were there: beautiful, successful protaganist; rich and powerful husband; Manhattan; society ladies; an enemy in designer clothing times two; lots of name dropping.
I can point to many instances that didn't work. The husband that I didn't care for in the first place: who can stay in love with someone who would treat a child, no - two children, like shit?
The cliched maid with a heart of gold and precocious child from the wrong side of the tracks.
The business partner that you didn't trust from the get-go.
The stereotypical snooty, narrow-minded society matrons.
Normally savvy, just-business-types easily snowed by schoolgirl gossip and using it to make million-dollar decisions.
The final ludicrious moment was the foreign relations showing up with the goat to become the darlings of Manhattan gourmet food.
The two instances that I truly enjoyed that made me laugh was the non-stop delivery of flowers at the once luncheon and Christy finally telling Brownie off with the mike on. For that, two stars.
I can point to many instances that didn't work. The husband that I didn't care for in the first place: who can stay in love with someone who would treat a child, no - two children, like shit?
The cliched maid with a heart of gold and precocious child from the wrong side of the tracks.
The business partner that you didn't trust from the get-go.
The stereotypical snooty, narrow-minded society matrons.
Normally savvy, just-business-types easily snowed by schoolgirl gossip and using it to make million-dollar decisions.
The final ludicrious moment was the foreign relations showing up with the goat to become the darlings of Manhattan gourmet food.
The two instances that I truly enjoyed that made me laugh was the non-stop delivery of flowers at the once luncheon and Christy finally telling Brownie off with the mike on. For that, two stars.
October 7, 2013
an absolutely atrocious story. Completely and utterly unbelievable. I wouldn't call it fiction more like fantasy and fairytale. While reading this book i constantly bemoaned my inability to leave a book unfinished. It was a slow painful, cringeworthy process trying to get to the end of the story. I have to say the part about the family and the goat still has my mind reeling i can only presume the author put this in for amusement to alleviate the readers shock at such ludicrous storylines
December 16, 2011
Awful. I kept thinking this would get better since the reviews seem to be ok for the most part. Maybe I'm just not a chick lit kind of girl? This seemed to drag on forever. None of the characters were likeable (the young "daughter" Renata might have been, if we'd gotten to know her a little better) and the whole thing just seemed like a cliche.
January 15, 2014
This was an interesting read to say at the least, to start of with i was really into it but then it started to slow down a bit, then it started to pick but up but went down again but towards the end even though i was so tried and my eyes were about to pop out of my head i just couldnt put it down till i finished it
April 22, 2010
At first I was really disgusted with this book. Michael's reaction to Renata and how Christy treated him like a king was really disturbing and annoying. The book recovered a little, but it still didn't turn into a page turner or a book I would recommend to others.
November 29, 2017
This book is a guilty pleasure.
It portrays a glamorous Manhatten life of a CEO. A successful woman with fame that we all at least one point in our lives fantasise to be. Some might say this book is shallow and has no message. But it has fulfilled my fantasies and I loved every glamorous life of it.
This is the second book of Karen Quinn that I have read. The storyline is not as creative or interesting as The Ivy Chronicles but the writing style of Karen Quinn keeps it fun and engaging. And this book has its own perks too.
My favourite character in this book is Mrs. De Mille. Even her last moment made me crack up.
And as for Michael, I don't know how I feel about him.
Other than the fact that he was successful and rich, nothing really appealed to me as a lead male.
What I really liked though, was that the author focused mostly on Christy. There wasn't a complicated dilemma with men. Yes, love was part of this book but it didn't primarily focus on that. It was nice to read about Christy's career and life at home as a mother at the same time.
It portrays a glamorous Manhatten life of a CEO. A successful woman with fame that we all at least one point in our lives fantasise to be. Some might say this book is shallow and has no message. But it has fulfilled my fantasies and I loved every glamorous life of it.
This is the second book of Karen Quinn that I have read. The storyline is not as creative or interesting as The Ivy Chronicles but the writing style of Karen Quinn keeps it fun and engaging. And this book has its own perks too.
My favourite character in this book is Mrs. De Mille. Even her last moment made me crack up.
And as for Michael, I don't know how I feel about him.
Other than the fact that he was successful and rich, nothing really appealed to me as a lead male.
What I really liked though, was that the author focused mostly on Christy. There wasn't a complicated dilemma with men. Yes, love was part of this book but it didn't primarily focus on that. It was nice to read about Christy's career and life at home as a mother at the same time.
February 10, 2018
Karen Quinn's book, Wife in the East Lane, is a look at what it's like for a woman who's trying to balance marriage, work, and being a mother. Christy Hayes is doing her best to be successful at all three. Unfortunately, she has some huge obstacles: a back stabbing business partner/friend, a single woman after her husband, and a PTA leader who doesn't believe in having a democracy! Christy is constantly having to find ways to make the best use of 24 hours. Quinn's writing made it easy to dislike some of the main characters, which made the book believable! I disagree with readers who gave this book a low rating!
November 21, 2019
Started to read this, thought it looked really good and interesting initially, then read the reviews here. I just finished reading a book that really irritated me. I don't need to do that twice in a row.
October 2, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From famous Olympian to CEO to wife to mother and so on, we follow Christy Hayes as her life in the fast lane changes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2019
After a while the storyline became unbelievable.
September 29, 2019
Nice entertaining read.
January 19, 2020
it was okay and mildly entertaining.
February 8, 2025
Delightful story of life falling apart and picking it right back up
February 18, 2025
Tussendoortje. Redelijk voorspelbaar of onwaarschijnlijk. Niet echt grappig. Wel snel uitgelezen en achtergelaten in hotel in Puerto Galera.
August 12, 2020
Loved this book. Departure from my usual detective-fare. Former Olympic runner, Christy, is experiencing mutiny at the athletic company she built overthe past ten years. She pulls herself together after a huge fall from grace, finding the true joys in life.
March 26, 2008
3.5-3.75
Ever wondered what it would be like to have it all? Of course, we all have…Karen Quinn’s novel, “Wife In the Fast Lane” provides a front row, often harried view of the glamorous life, that to the average person seems far-fetched and outlandish, at best. Quinn invites us to sit back, relax and see the world from the platinum side of the coin for a few hours.
Christy Hayes knows the meaning of hard work and dedication, however, winning two Olympic gold medals did not prepare her for the cut-throat world of commerce. As founder and acting CEO of Baby G, an athletic shoe company, Christy needed to reinvent herself to look the part. Following the advice of her best friend and Baby G’s second in command, Katherine, she moves to an apartment, with the “right address,” a new wardrobe and haircut complete the transformation from athlete to successful athletic company owner. Well, superficially anyway…Christy is a beautiful, strong woman, but her lack of education and inexperience force her to rely on Katherine more and more.
Christy joins countless high profile, money makers and trend setters in Davos, Switzerland. Famous for hosting the annual World Economic Forum and global political and business elites, she looks forward to rubbing elbows with and learning the secrets of successful CEO’s. Christy is a fish out of water and finds herself star-struck at every juncture, especially with the gorgeous, media mogul, Michael Drummond. An evening of talk and sipping champagne and it is obvious Christy is in love. This whirlwind marriage creates a corporate power couple that would make others green with envy. Even with help at home from Maria, Christy’s maid and dear friend, she is unable to keep up with the demands of being CEO. So, she unwittingly turns the reigns over to her best friend, which plays right into Katherine’s diabolical plan to oust Christy from Baby G.
When Maria dies unexpectedly, Christy honors her friends’ last wish and adopts her 11 year old granddaughter, Renata. She soon discovers that cut-throat, backstabbing isn’t confined to the executive board room, there’s trouble brewing everywhere… It seems a newspaper reporter wants to have more than her eyes on Michael and the PTA leader of the private school where Christy enrolled Renata is bordering on psychotic.
From the Upper East Side of Manhattan to the luxurious village of St. Tropez, to the resorts of Aspen and Davos, readers will journey to glamorous locales, meet outrageous characters and laugh out loud more than once. Although the central theme is balanced atop a heap of coincidences which may be difficult for some, this is a good read, with light, quick wit, a few shadowy characters to add just enough shadiness to have you cheering for Christy and talking aloud, as you try to warn her of things to come. So, if you’re reading this one on a plane, subway or train don’t be surprised if, from time to time you catch the other passengers looking at you quizzically…You would do the same if the person in the seat next to you was having a conversation with their book.
I recommend “Wife In the Fast Lane” to anyone who enjoys a book that’s simply a lot of fun to read! Quinn’s quiet style and evocative characters delivers a truly distinctive reading experience. With only two novels to her credit readers are in for a real treat as she hones her craft and continues to develop that extra special something that defines a novel as a Karen Quinn original. I am on board for the long ride and anxiously await her next novel!
Ever wondered what it would be like to have it all? Of course, we all have…Karen Quinn’s novel, “Wife In the Fast Lane” provides a front row, often harried view of the glamorous life, that to the average person seems far-fetched and outlandish, at best. Quinn invites us to sit back, relax and see the world from the platinum side of the coin for a few hours.
Christy Hayes knows the meaning of hard work and dedication, however, winning two Olympic gold medals did not prepare her for the cut-throat world of commerce. As founder and acting CEO of Baby G, an athletic shoe company, Christy needed to reinvent herself to look the part. Following the advice of her best friend and Baby G’s second in command, Katherine, she moves to an apartment, with the “right address,” a new wardrobe and haircut complete the transformation from athlete to successful athletic company owner. Well, superficially anyway…Christy is a beautiful, strong woman, but her lack of education and inexperience force her to rely on Katherine more and more.
Christy joins countless high profile, money makers and trend setters in Davos, Switzerland. Famous for hosting the annual World Economic Forum and global political and business elites, she looks forward to rubbing elbows with and learning the secrets of successful CEO’s. Christy is a fish out of water and finds herself star-struck at every juncture, especially with the gorgeous, media mogul, Michael Drummond. An evening of talk and sipping champagne and it is obvious Christy is in love. This whirlwind marriage creates a corporate power couple that would make others green with envy. Even with help at home from Maria, Christy’s maid and dear friend, she is unable to keep up with the demands of being CEO. So, she unwittingly turns the reigns over to her best friend, which plays right into Katherine’s diabolical plan to oust Christy from Baby G.
When Maria dies unexpectedly, Christy honors her friends’ last wish and adopts her 11 year old granddaughter, Renata. She soon discovers that cut-throat, backstabbing isn’t confined to the executive board room, there’s trouble brewing everywhere… It seems a newspaper reporter wants to have more than her eyes on Michael and the PTA leader of the private school where Christy enrolled Renata is bordering on psychotic.
From the Upper East Side of Manhattan to the luxurious village of St. Tropez, to the resorts of Aspen and Davos, readers will journey to glamorous locales, meet outrageous characters and laugh out loud more than once. Although the central theme is balanced atop a heap of coincidences which may be difficult for some, this is a good read, with light, quick wit, a few shadowy characters to add just enough shadiness to have you cheering for Christy and talking aloud, as you try to warn her of things to come. So, if you’re reading this one on a plane, subway or train don’t be surprised if, from time to time you catch the other passengers looking at you quizzically…You would do the same if the person in the seat next to you was having a conversation with their book.
I recommend “Wife In the Fast Lane” to anyone who enjoys a book that’s simply a lot of fun to read! Quinn’s quiet style and evocative characters delivers a truly distinctive reading experience. With only two novels to her credit readers are in for a real treat as she hones her craft and continues to develop that extra special something that defines a novel as a Karen Quinn original. I am on board for the long ride and anxiously await her next novel!
June 8, 2007
a surprising let-down from her first book, The Ivy Chronicles, i felt. that book took on manhattan preschools with a scathing yet sympathetic critique - this book takes on the "power wife" concept in manhattan, and kind of strips the main character, christy, of all her agency. though she claims to have it in the beginning and the end, i found it not satisfying, and was honestly disturbed by nanny nectar's "rule of two" (you can only have two: love, career, family). the best parts of the book were renata's journal entries - seriously, i wish the whole book had been from her perspective. mrs. de mille was also hilarious. the humor was also a little lacking, and christy just seems like a woman you wouldn't really want to know, and the ending was too far-fetched for any manhattan chicklit. seriously.
(though to be honest, the idea of anyone walking a goat down a street on the upper east side cracks me up, as completely implausible as the story is.)
(though to be honest, the idea of anyone walking a goat down a street on the upper east side cracks me up, as completely implausible as the story is.)
April 6, 2010
Laugh out loud moments as the protagonist, Christy, experiences single to married life, CEO and two Olympic medals to stay-at-home-mom, best friend to nemesis, as well as many other roles.
Interesting the internal doubts and dialogue shared by such an external success and media-covered woman and lifestyle.
I thought her adjustment period to stay-at-home mom and wife the most interesting as she developed a similar loss of identity and weight gain that most going through such dramatic life changes go through (myself included).
When Christy snaps out of her funk, she starts running 6 miles daily again (the sport for which she earned her two medals in). Her looking and feeling better about herself I was reminded that taking care of myself makes me a happier, healthier, more confident and relaxed "me".
Interesting the internal doubts and dialogue shared by such an external success and media-covered woman and lifestyle.
I thought her adjustment period to stay-at-home mom and wife the most interesting as she developed a similar loss of identity and weight gain that most going through such dramatic life changes go through (myself included).
When Christy snaps out of her funk, she starts running 6 miles daily again (the sport for which she earned her two medals in). Her looking and feeling better about herself I was reminded that taking care of myself makes me a happier, healthier, more confident and relaxed "me".
January 9, 2008
This is the second novel by Karen Quinn who wrote The Ivy Chronicles. I really enjoyed The Ivy Chronicles, so I thought I'd read this one too. Plus, I needed a chick-lit break after reading Reasonable People, which was pretty heavy. Anyway, Wife in the Fast Lane is OK, some of it is pretty predictable, but it's your typical chick lit. The basic storyline is that Christy Hayes, a former Olympic athlete, is now the CEO of a successful sportswear company. She ends up meeting and marrying Michael, who also runs a very successful company, and they enjoy a jet-setting life together. Until Christy unexpectedly has to raise her god-daughter Renata, then her life as CEO, wife and new mother turns into chaos as she tries to juggle everything successfully.
February 4, 2010
Interesting story of a woman who bites off more than she can chew when she inherits custody of her housekeeper's eleven year old granddaughter on top of being CEO of a demanding multi-million dollar company and wife of a powerful mover and shaker in his own right.
The best lesson of this book is the "rule of two." Love, Career, Children: pick two. I found this to be so true of women in the world today wanting and having it all and needing to prove to themselves and everyone that they can have it all. It can be done, but unfortunately, not without consequences.
I recommend this book to all women, who are living life in the fast lane. Remember to take a moment and reflect on your life and to assess that your life's passions are the things you are devoting your time and energy to.
The best lesson of this book is the "rule of two." Love, Career, Children: pick two. I found this to be so true of women in the world today wanting and having it all and needing to prove to themselves and everyone that they can have it all. It can be done, but unfortunately, not without consequences.
I recommend this book to all women, who are living life in the fast lane. Remember to take a moment and reflect on your life and to assess that your life's passions are the things you are devoting your time and energy to.
March 30, 2010
Christy Hayes has it all: Olympic medals, a thriving business she built from the ground up, a dashing and successful CEO husband and all that comes with him. It’s more than she ever dreamed of.
But it’s all about to come crashing down after her beloved housekeeper passes leaving Christy the guardian of her 11 year old grand-daughter Renata. With Renata come responsibilities that upset the balance of Christy’s life. And she is forced to make choices that neither her Olympic training, nor her business acumen have prepared her for.
Ridiculous characterizations and unlikely business situations make this more a beach read than a book club selection, but if you can refrain from close inspection it’s still an enjoyable escape.
But it’s all about to come crashing down after her beloved housekeeper passes leaving Christy the guardian of her 11 year old grand-daughter Renata. With Renata come responsibilities that upset the balance of Christy’s life. And she is forced to make choices that neither her Olympic training, nor her business acumen have prepared her for.
Ridiculous characterizations and unlikely business situations make this more a beach read than a book club selection, but if you can refrain from close inspection it’s still an enjoyable escape.
December 5, 2012
Christy Hays is a successful CEO of her own company when she finds love. After her marriage, she gains custody of an eleven year old girl. Suddenly, this very busy woman is struggling to juggle even more balls in the air. As the balls slip, she has to redefine her roles and determine what she really wants in life.
This book is very focused on the fast line life of upper class NY and is an interesting look at a life I can't even imagine. I found the book funny and entertaining. It was hysterical to watch Christy try to figure out how to handle her unexpected motherhood with this 11 year old girl.
This book is very focused on the fast line life of upper class NY and is an interesting look at a life I can't even imagine. I found the book funny and entertaining. It was hysterical to watch Christy try to figure out how to handle her unexpected motherhood with this 11 year old girl.
December 29, 2012
It's amusing, it's sad, it's predictable but it's a brilliant book to pick up read, drop and grab again. A brilliant book for the busy woman. When you want a book that you can grab and read, much like you would a magazine, then this book is brilliant.
I loved that in an instant I could be transported into a parallel universe, a world of money and fantasy much like Dynasty or Dallas. My days are busy so it's nice to be able to switch off for a bit and not have to think too much. I haven't time for mysteries, crime books or anything which requires delving deep into my mind. I purely want to switch off and unwind and this book certainly does that!
I loved that in an instant I could be transported into a parallel universe, a world of money and fantasy much like Dynasty or Dallas. My days are busy so it's nice to be able to switch off for a bit and not have to think too much. I haven't time for mysteries, crime books or anything which requires delving deep into my mind. I purely want to switch off and unwind and this book certainly does that!
January 5, 2009
I randomly found this author when I picked up one of her books off of the reduced rack at the book store. I have since then read two of her other books. I love that they are funny and faced paced. This book was slightly less humorous overall than the other two but it really did fit the story for it to be so. Its really a story about trying to juggle working, being a wife, and a being a mother. Of course its a little over the top because the characters are all wealthy New Yorkers but its a good read. I will note that this book does have adult humor and sexual situations.
February 3, 2021
Not in the same league as The Ivy Chronicles or Holly Would Dream. I would recommend this to a fan of harmless chick lit but otherwise I was deeply disappointed with this book.
I am a fan of her work so I thought this would be in the same league, but Karen took a chick lit turn with this book and the plot development and characters became too frothy and fluffy or my taste, so this book did not hold up compare to the rest of her work. Shelf of guilty pleasures.
I am a fan of her work so I thought this would be in the same league, but Karen took a chick lit turn with this book and the plot development and characters became too frothy and fluffy or my taste, so this book did not hold up compare to the rest of her work. Shelf of guilty pleasures.
August 28, 2008
I keep getting stuck on these 'chick-lit' books. This one was about the same as the others; the first couple of chapters I wasn't sure I even wanted to keep reading because it's not spectacular, but I do keep reading and the more I read the more I get into it. If you've read 'The Ivy Chronicles' it's about the same.
June 30, 2012
I liked this book...but it was a bit slow in some chapters...I think it went on for too long and could have been 100 pages shorter but overall not too bad! When Micheal had an affair it should have gone into that a bit more she kind of brushed over the details a bit and you didnt really get a sense that it was such a bad thing. CHristy made it her fault!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews