As if it's not bad enough that I didn't win the reality design TV show I was on, try coming home to a one word note indicating that my ten-year marriage is over. So here I am, a suddenly single mother in my mid-thirties, doing what everyone advises me to do—have a fling. Except it doesn't go as planned, so I do the next best thing, which is sit on the couch and mope. But having to provide for a five-year-old doesn't let me stay home for too long. Before I know it, I'm back to dying my hair wild colors and trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my life. Except Tony, the fling that wasn't, keeps popping up in the most unlikely places and won't leave me alone. I'd like to be strong—I'm way too old for him—but he's cute and funny and sexy and oh, my ex is getting married to a girl named Bambi. All I know is the way I'm doing things isn't working. If I want to be happy again, I'm going to need to get a new attitude.
Kathryn R. Biel writes low-to-no spice contemporary romance, rom-com, sports romance, and women’s fiction full of humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters. Her books balance the drama and challenges of real life with witty banter, strong heroines, and swoony cinnamon-roll heroes. Whether she’s writing laugh-out-loud romantic comedies, emotional women’s fiction, or heartfelt sports romances, Kathryn delivers stories where resilience, love, and laughter take center stage.
Kathryn is the author of more than 20 books, including the award-winning Live for This, Made for Me, and The UnBRCAble Women Series (Ready for Whatever, Seize the Day, and Underneath It All).
A New Attitude by Kathryn R. Biel is a 2017 publication.
This second installment in the ‘New Beginnings’ series, featuers Kira, who appeared on a designing reality show with Michele, our protagonist in ‘Made for Me’.
As the story opens, Kira returns home to discover her husband has left her for a younger woman. Feeling tender and a little bit on the rebound, she resumes a flirtation with Michele’s cousin, Tony, but it doesn't exactly end well.
Now, depressed, and incredibly hard on herself, Kira tries to hide her individuality, beginning with dying her hair a mousy brown that just doesn't fit her style, and refuses to give Tony a chance at a long- term relationship, centering all her energy around her young daughter.
Kira is feeling old, frumpy, and depressed at the turn her life has taken. Yet, Tony's certain they can make it work, despite the geographical distances and the age differences between them. But, he has his work cut out for him if he's going to convince Kira of that.
I devoured the first book in this series yesterday, while cooped up over an icy weekend. I couldn’t remember how these books popped up on my radar, but now I remember signing up to review the third book in the series, which was still a long way down on the TBR list. In preparation, I checked the first two books out with the KU program.
I am really glad I was introduced to this series. The author brings up difficult topics, but never lets the story become too heavy.
In this case, Kira has self-image issues which keeps her from moving forward with her life with a new outlook. There were several comedies of errors and misunderstandings, and few screwball situations, which were frustrating, but kept me turning pages. This book is so easy and light, I read it in about an hour’s time this morning.
So, if you are looking for a fun and easy read, with a very light moral to the story, this entertaining series will satisfy your craving.
I am curious enough about what book three has in store, I've bumped it up on the TBR pile!
Definitely, not my cuppa. The romance between the hero and heroine never got off the ground. As a reader, I was frustrated with the monotonous insecurities and repeated inner musings of the heroine. She never grows. She doesn't get a new attitude.
I know I'm being overly critical. I suspect partially because I read this out of sequence. But, I have no desire to go back and read the first, or for that matter anymore in the series.
I'm actually surprised at all the great reviews. Just glad it's over.
I really enjoyed Made for Me with its delightful mixture of humor, romance, fashion, and reality TV when I read it last year, so I was excited to check out this follow-up. New Attitude picks up pretty much right where Made for Me left off, except this story focuses on one of the other contestants of the reality design show. Kira, who was Michele's roommate during the run of the show, is older (mid-thirties), wiser (she has to be since she's the mom of a five-year-old), and a lot funkier (she has a penchant for dying her hair crazy colors). When Kira returns home from her time on TV, she's shocked to discover that her husband has not only walked out on her and their daughter, but he's cleaned out all the furniture in their house! Without her husband's income, Kira is forced to move back home with her mother and she starts spiraling because she feels so betrayed and doesn't know what to do with her life.
Kira's road to getting her mojo back both as a woman and a designer is fraught with challenges, but she has the help of her mom, Michele, and Michele's sweet cousin, Tony, who was smitten with Kira the first time he saw her in Made for Me. Despite being attracted to Tony, Kira is not in the right frame of mind for romance and she doesn't see how a relationship with Tony, who's ten years her junior and lives in a different state, could ever work. These two get their wires crossed a lot, and Tony has his work cut out for him trying to get Kira to trust him. The issues in their burgeoning relationship are legit ones, and I was on the edge of my seat, flipping through pages as fast as I could, because I couldn't wait to find out how things were resolved for them. Naturally, I'm not going to spoil what happens, but I will say that there was a little twist at the end of the book that I didn't see coming. And the author didn't tie things up too neatly, so there's definitely storyline potential for these characters in a future book.
Kira is a very relatable heroine, and I thought it was fun to see characters from the first book (like Michele) through her eyes. Although Kira is her own worst enemy most of the time, I was really rooting for her to get her happy ending, especially in regards to her career because she seemed to have a great deal of talent and I hated to see her wasting it by working in a craft store! I did get a kick out of her co-workers at House of Crafts, though. And there are some amusing interludes in the book with Kira trying to dip her toe back into the dating pool.
New Attitude is a fun, fast read with some really well-developed characters. I think the author has a winner with this series and I look forward to seeing where she'll go with it next. Maybe a story about Weyler, another designer from Made for Me, who has a cameo in New Attitude?
I am having a hard time reviewing this without spoiling it for fellow readers.
Let's just say that the title promised that the book will have a happy ending. The cover told me that it will be a romantic comedy. The book met all the expectations I had, and more.
To sum it up, the book is about accepting yourself for who you are, realizing your mistakes and moving on; instead of moping and sulking about things that aren't how you expect 'em to be.
New Attitude by Kathryn Biel Source: ARC from author and purchase My Rating: 4/5 stars My Review:
When it rains, it pours . . . . Kira left home six weeks ago to participate in the Made for Me sewing competition; she left behind her husband and her daughter and when she got home, only one of them was still there. Oh, and she didn’t win the competition either. Yeah, it’s pouring in Kira’s world right now.
With her house cleaned out and her deadbeat, soon-to-be-ex-husband dropping one bombshell after another, Kira has no idea which end is up and she had better figure it out soon because her daughter needs her to be a mom more than Kira needs to be depressed.
First up on the life after divorce agenda, getting a job. Though Kira has mad sewing and designing skills, her creativity isn’t quite what it was, so the craft store is it for the time being. Thankfully, the craft store is flexible and has people who aren’t just nice, but like minded in terms of their creativity. Kira quickly begins to make friends, and with friends, comes an interest in her private life. Kira doesn’t hide what’s happened to her, and her new friends quickly start in on finding her a new man. Dating, for the first time in 15 years, is not something Kira ever saw herself doing again, so she a whole lot like a duck out of water. Seriously, who knew “Netflix and chill” really meant sex to a guy???
Um, Tony knows and he isn’t at all pleased about Kira dating someone other than himself! Tony met Kira when she helped his cousin, Michele, win the Made for Me competition. Tony was interested instantly, but knew Kira was married and wasn’t going to cross the line. Kira, comfortable in her marital status, harmlessly flirted with the decade-younger hottie, know it would never go anywhere. That is, until she came home to find herself unmarried and clueless about dating. To Kira’s way of thinking, Tony is sexy and kind, good for but way too young and about 600 miles to far away to consider as a serious dating contender. Turns out, Tony isn’t nearly as skittish as Kira and he’s willing to put in the work to convince her of their rightness 😊
Over weeks and weeks of ups and downs and more ups and downs, Kira struggles to get her life on track. From every direction, someone has advice for her, and her head and heart can’t seem to get on the same page. But, there is always one defining moment in every romance read and wowsa, is Kira’s defining moment a bog one . . . . .
The Bottom Line: I am still very much liking this series and particularly enjoying the carrying over of characters from one story to the other. Though New Attitude is Kira and Tony’s story, Michele makes several very appropriate appearances that not only enhance the story, but further the overall plot for the series. Like book one, New Attitude is a good mix humor, drama, and mild naughty bits. All of the characters are full-bodied and interesting, the conversation between them is often witty and quick, and the plot is just flush enough with all the good stuff to keep it moving at a steady, yet not too fast pace. My only complaint about this read is the presence of some unanswered questions. Maybe it’s just me, but I certainly would have enjoyed knowing what happened to Kira’s ex, especially if it’s him getting what he deserves 😊 With that being said, I still found New Attitude to be a fine addition to the series!
If you lived through a broken heart you can relate to Kira, the main character. The writer really brings to life the feelings that you go through, what it is like to enter into the dating scene after having been married for so long. You can easily see where the story is going but its worth the read especially if you are just put in that situation. It let's you know your feelings are normal and what things will be like for you.
New Attitude is a wonderful continuation of the series. This time it’s from Kira’s perspective. Her life is a complete mess right now, but there is a bright spot in her life (and I’m not just talking about her ever-changing rainbow colored hair!). She gets to go to the royal wedding with Michele. After she gets home from that, her efforts are spent trying to get out of the rut she’s in because every area of her life is in trouble and her creativity isn’t where it was at before she was on the show. Insert exciting life-changing news, and an interesting flirtation and you’ve got yourself set up for an entertaining story.
One of the main themes of the story is not jumping to conclusions because things aren’t’ always how they seem at first look. It’s important to give people a chance and sometimes all you need is a new attitude and outlook on life. This was a charming story and I can’t wait for the next one!
YAY!!! A follow up to Made For Me, a novel from Kathryn R Biel that I thought was fantastic! Now we are back with the characters, and this time following Kira. Kira’s life isn’t so great after returning from a reality show – she learns her husband has been unfaithful and is leaving her, and she’s suddenly a single mom living with her own mother. I thought it was so great to get to know Kira even better, and she was so easy to relate to. She takes quite a journey in this fast-paced read, and the ending took me totally by surprise! I always love what this author brings us, and New Attitude is no exception! I received a review copy
Great second entry in the series. I loved Kira and could totally relate to her anxiety. I read this in a single sitting because I was so drawn in. Can't wait for the next in the series!
I read this right after finishing Made for Me (the first book in the series), since I just couldn't wait to find out how Kira would arrive at her HEA. I was not disappointed - Kira is a relatable and likeable heroine, and I especially enjoyed getting to know her family. (I still don't understand why her Mom's Happy Pants would be a problem for Kira, though :) )
I had the divine pleasure of reading New Attitude by Kathryn R. Biel recently. This book fulfilled the “Book I Mean to Read Last Year” challenge for PopSugar. (Sorry, Kathryn.) I’ve read several of her books previously so I’m totally biased. My favorite of Kathryn’s books tie between Live for This and Made for Me. That said, I loved New Attitude. The novel is the second in the series, A New Beginning. The story follows Kira’s journey after being on a reality TV show and oh, her husband left her while she was gone. What I liked best about Kira is she’s an everyday woman. A real mom concerned with living her life right, keeping her weight down, and dealing with a troubling situation (total abandonment by her spouse—jerk). She’s a victim here, dealing with loss (the show) and loss (her ex-husband). All she wants to do is raise her daughter right and maybe just maybe have something for herself. I loved watching her struggle. (Wait! That doesn’t sound right…) I felt for her in every step of her journey towards a new life. Finding that new attitude ain’t easy. And Kathryn Biel illustrates the journey from failure to success beautifully.
If only this book came with pictures so I could see what Kira's hair! I can only imagine the peacock/unicorn coloring. This was a great continuation of Made for Me that gives you a glance into what happens when the reality shows stop taping. I feel that Kira suffered from the reality TV curse in that her marriage ends and drama ensues. A fast-paced read for the beach!
This is the second in the series. The first was so refreshing and a fast well written story. I immediately went and bought this book two. This was really unique as we. Many of the same characters but with Kira, instead of Michelle being the main focus. I didn't find Kira relatable but she was likeable.
Kathryn R. Biel's second novel in The New Beginnings series, "New Attitude," follows "Made for Me" contestant Kira Noles' return to normal life after the reality competition wraps. The only thing is, nothing is normal in her life anymore. She returns home to find a one-word note left for her by her soon-to-be ex-husband and most of her earthly possessions gone. She moves in with her mother along with her five-year-old daughter Fleur and begins to put her life back together again, while still processing the highs, lows, and ultimate disappointment of her brief stint on a reality show.
The novel follows Kira's adventures (or more often, misadventures) as she navigates single parenthood, a life without her partner of 15 years, a lack of creativity in the sewing and designing departments post-show, and getting back into the dating scene. Readers see her process her own abandonment as well as the feelings of abandonment harbored by her kindergarten-age daughter, her struggles with her body and appearance, her lack of career goals or focus, and her utter lack of skill in the dating department. Netflix and chill isn't what Kira thought it was - that's for sure.
Yet again, Biel crafts a flawed and quirky heroine and puts her through the ringer that is life. Kira's awkwardness, her utter inability to make a half-way decent decision in the man department, her growing appreciation and understanding of her own mother, and her fierce love of her daughter all make her a strong, if sometimes annoying (the pizza incident?!!?) character that you can't help but love. Plus, it was fun to see Michelle, the heroine in the first book of the series, through someone else's eyes.
Have you met Kathryn Biel? If not you are truly missing out. If you have read her books before New Attitude is a MUST READ!
This is the second book in the series and really should be read in order. New Attitude takes off where Made for Me left off. Michele was not the winner of the TV design show Made for Me. She comes home and finds that her husband has left her, moved the furniture out of the house, and become engaged to Bambi. Her world comes crashing down around her.
It was interesting and fun to watch Michele dig herself out of her divorcee, poor me funk and become a woman and mother again. Seeing her wear sweats every day and just do enough to get by was painful for me. I wanted to shake her and yell at her. Tell her to get off her butt and show her lousy ex that he made a mistake in leaving her. Yet, I could relate. I, luckily, am happily married but if something happens to change that I could see myself falling into a poor me state and struggling to move on with my life. Her mother was amazing in showing her support, helping with her daughter, and pushing her to start living again.
There is a new relationship for Michele with Tony. I found myself laughing at how unsure and scared she was of putting herself out there. Everything from her body image, her sex-drive, and her dating skills were put on display. Kathryn Biel did a great job of portraying how a mother could react and feel when putting herself out there with a new younger man.
I would recommend reading this after reading Made for Me. They are both wonderful, fast, and fun stories.
After Michele gets her life together in the last book, she decides to help Kira fix hers! Kira's husband walks out on them to live with his homewrecker girlfriend Bambi (please tell me people don't actually name their daughters Bambi anymore??? This is not a classic name that needs to re-surge anywhere but in romance novels where we need to hate the ex-husband's cheating girlfriend). After Kira moves home with her mom and tries to settle her daughter Fleur into kindergarten and life with a flake for a dad, she hits a major rut. Unfortunately, 15 years out of the dating game gives her a distinct disadvantage. Michele's cousin Tony does his best to help, but the two of them are realllllllly good at mucking up a good thing. The clear solution: crash his Italian family's Christmas Eve party to tell him some big news and see if she can fix the relationship that she keeps sabotaging. Romance Novel Logic! Amirightoramiright? Super cute!
I was Disappointed with this book. I enjoyed the first one quite a bit, but there was a lot of missing relationship development in the first one, or more specifically the relationship she did develop wasn’t the one that ended up being the love match. But the rest of the story was very good so I let it slide a bit.
Unfortunately this one added onto that theme. The relationship wasn’t developed at all, they were only together a few times and it was very superficial. It just wasn’t very believable and even though I liked the h, I didn’t understand what the H saw in her.
Then on top of that it ended very abruptly and there’s no resolution to many issues that are standing in the couples way. Including the fact that the H never said one word in the entire book to the h’s 5 yr old daughter.
I really enjoyed listening to the audio version of this book. It tells the story of a single mum who falls for a younger man. I won’t give the story away but I found it very enjoyable and relatable. The characters were believable and the narrator told the story well. I will look out for more by this author 😊👍🏻
This story was a sequel to another tale written by this author. The story had enough interesting twists to keep it interesting and enough reality that made the reader believe that they had similar experiences.
This book was so great! Kira is an awesome character and so relatable. Going with her on her journey to find herself, and her own life, was amazing. I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series. Highly recommended!
This time we get more from Kira. She was a fellow contestant in book one. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters work well together and the story was delightful. Looking forward to book three very much.