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An Imagined Kiss #1
The List Maker
Librarian Note: Older cover of 9780473362683.
AJ Tanner. He wears a beard, tames his locks in a man bun, and a tribal type tattoo flirts across his upper arm and chest. Some days, wearing a suit and tie is a requirement, but paint splatted jeans and a seen better days t-shirt are more his style.
Liz Dobson. All curls and determination. Savvy, focused, and yet when it comes to men, newly insecure. She meets the mysterious AJ in a moody London bar. He checks every box on her ‘Hell No’ list, but she invites him into her bed anyway. After all, it’s just for one night.
Un Beso Imaginado. Strokes on canvas of an imagined kiss. Painted by Jacobs, owned by Tanner, coveted by Dobson. Will Liz ever get her hands on the work she admires so much, or will AJ continue to deny her the opportunity?
The List Maker. A standalone novel where the worlds of business and art collide. Sometimes sexy. Often funny. Occasionally emotional.
An artist - a dreamer - an imagined kiss.
AJ Tanner. He wears a beard, tames his locks in a man bun, and a tribal type tattoo flirts across his upper arm and chest. Some days, wearing a suit and tie is a requirement, but paint splatted jeans and a seen better days t-shirt are more his style.
Liz Dobson. All curls and determination. Savvy, focused, and yet when it comes to men, newly insecure. She meets the mysterious AJ in a moody London bar. He checks every box on her ‘Hell No’ list, but she invites him into her bed anyway. After all, it’s just for one night.
Un Beso Imaginado. Strokes on canvas of an imagined kiss. Painted by Jacobs, owned by Tanner, coveted by Dobson. Will Liz ever get her hands on the work she admires so much, or will AJ continue to deny her the opportunity?
The List Maker. A standalone novel where the worlds of business and art collide. Sometimes sexy. Often funny. Occasionally emotional.
An artist - a dreamer - an imagined kiss.
356 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 2017
103 people are currently reading
669 people want to read
About the author
Frances Cowie
9 books58 followersFrances Cowie is a writer of women's fiction and contemporary romance, and while happy ever after is the only way to go, she likes a certain arrogance from her heroes and a touch of angst from her heroines – just to keep things interesting.
She lives with her husband in New Zealand’s Southern Lakes district, and is known to have a passion for cupcakes and Whittaker’s coconut chocolate.
Visit Frances online at www.francescowie.com.
She lives with her husband in New Zealand’s Southern Lakes district, and is known to have a passion for cupcakes and Whittaker’s coconut chocolate.
Visit Frances online at www.francescowie.com.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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February 4, 2017
A really fun read. The List Maker is a well-written, character-driven contemporary romance that makes compulsive reading. Set in London, it reminded me of the Chick lit novels I read during the 90s - such as Sophie Kinsella and Marian Keyes. This novel has that same feel-good, contempoary style.
As with all good books, it's the characters that make this one. Liz is a bright, talented - but highly insecure - young woman who arrives in London with dreams of making it big in business. She does, but her personal life is far less successful. She has a one-night stand with AJ - a charmer with a man bun and tats - who then goes off to Japan on a journey of self-discovery without even saying goodbye. Hurt, she starts seeing the vile Peter (and man, is he vile), and so begins a self-destructive relationship that leaves her already fragile self-confidence in tatters.
AJ is great fun - sexy, arrogant but also a decent guy. Having spent years playing the field, he's determined to change his ways. However, when he returns to London after a year overseas, he finds Liz - the fling he's not been able to forget - involved with another man. In order to win her love, he's not only got to prove he's not going to hurt her again, but he's got to get over his own deep-seated insecurities and letting a woman in emotionally.
I loved the London setting, and the supporting cast of characters (Penny and Nate especially) were great. Vile Peter was such an a_hole that there were times I wondered how on earth Liz got together with him in the first place - however, the author did a convincing job of showing us just how vulnerable Liz was, and how she let Peter wear her down. Her personal journey during the story is heart-warming.
If you love coming of age romance/chick-lit with a London-setting, I highly recommend this one.
As with all good books, it's the characters that make this one. Liz is a bright, talented - but highly insecure - young woman who arrives in London with dreams of making it big in business. She does, but her personal life is far less successful. She has a one-night stand with AJ - a charmer with a man bun and tats - who then goes off to Japan on a journey of self-discovery without even saying goodbye. Hurt, she starts seeing the vile Peter (and man, is he vile), and so begins a self-destructive relationship that leaves her already fragile self-confidence in tatters.
AJ is great fun - sexy, arrogant but also a decent guy. Having spent years playing the field, he's determined to change his ways. However, when he returns to London after a year overseas, he finds Liz - the fling he's not been able to forget - involved with another man. In order to win her love, he's not only got to prove he's not going to hurt her again, but he's got to get over his own deep-seated insecurities and letting a woman in emotionally.
I loved the London setting, and the supporting cast of characters (Penny and Nate especially) were great. Vile Peter was such an a_hole that there were times I wondered how on earth Liz got together with him in the first place - however, the author did a convincing job of showing us just how vulnerable Liz was, and how she let Peter wear her down. Her personal journey during the story is heart-warming.
If you love coming of age romance/chick-lit with a London-setting, I highly recommend this one.
August 3, 2017
I was not disappointed with the second book by this New Zealand author. I Loved the story line, well done, and the characters. I found myself cheering for the likeable ones, (like AJ who sounds totally gorgeous and I would be the first to fight Liz for him! LOL ) and frustrated with the not-so-likeable ones, which of course always draws the reader into the story.
The London setting was refreshingly pleasant along with the twists and turns in the plot.
Over all a light-hearted love story and I enjoyed it immensely! I will now be eagerly awaiting the next book by this author.
The London setting was refreshingly pleasant along with the twists and turns in the plot.
Over all a light-hearted love story and I enjoyed it immensely! I will now be eagerly awaiting the next book by this author.
November 10, 2017
I know I've enjoyed a book when I pick it up on a cold Sunday morning and by the end of the day I've only moved to replenish my cup of tea and add another log onto the fire ...... Easy, enjoyable reading that leaves me looking forward to a summer's day by the lake with Francis Cowie's next book.
August 12, 2019
A quick enjoyable read. I felt that the author had the ability to convey some depth to the personalities of the characters bringing a greater sense of reality to her story.
The writing draws you in and keeps you interested until the end. The chemistry between the H and h is great plus their attitudes and events going on make the story even richer.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
The writing draws you in and keeps you interested until the end. The chemistry between the H and h is great plus their attitudes and events going on make the story even richer.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
May 29, 2021
He has two very different sides to him, one is a painter and wears stained jeans and T-shirt, while the other is a suit wearing man. She finds him in his jeans and they end up in bed as that is all she wants. Will it be anything more? Will he show his other side? How will it go? See what happens between them
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2018
What a rush! It was again something new for me to read, not just because it was a ARC but the style. Its fast pace and involves a strong heroine. I very much enjoyed AJ & Liz's story. Thank you to the author for giving me this chance, I highly recommend this book.
July 15, 2019
The book is a good romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2019
This is my first read from this author and I will be looking out for more in the future this was a good read I liked the storyline it held my interest all the way through also liked both AJ and Liz I thought they were good characters and had decent chemistry this was a good book I enjoyed
July 19, 2017
Very enjoyable and captivating read. I couldn't put this book down!
October 9, 2018
The List Maker
What a beautifully written book with worlds that flow and paint the imagination. The sweet pull and tug of the characters kept me reading non stop
What a beautifully written book with worlds that flow and paint the imagination. The sweet pull and tug of the characters kept me reading non stop
January 25, 2020
Most Excellent!
This book was well written and the story was told in such a way that you could feel the emotions of all the characters. I was sorry when it ended.
This book was well written and the story was told in such a way that you could feel the emotions of all the characters. I was sorry when it ended.
August 14, 2017
Enjoyed the story very much. I like this author and will continue to read her books.
August 4, 2019
This is the 2nd book I've read written by Frances Cowie; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2019
I am on the fence with this one. I did not hate it. There are some good moments I enjoyed and then others not so much. A little dragging in spots for me as welI. Guess it is a too each their own kinda book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2019
This is a great romance story. It's well written and engaging. This was my first book by Frances Cowie and I have found that I really enjoy this author's work!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2019
I felt drawn to the characters and the plot with their push and pull, yet it wasn't frustrating it built the story on. I really liked the chemistry between AJ and Liz.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2019
This was a nice romance story. The characters were likable and the storyline was a good one that flowed nicely.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 20, 2018
The Pilgrimage
I do believe this is my first story by Frances Cowie. Started out estranged and strange. I re-read parts I wasn't sure of for one when AJ sent out his text or email when he was on his 18 month tour, did Liz receive it? Her staying with Peter was excruciatingly painful for me to understand. I like my heroines strong! She couldn't stand up for herself to save her reputation, dignity, and it almost cost her life. Cowie writes decent sex scenes. It took way to long from their first hook up to their second. I almost threw in my reading towel. I still have no clue what Liz's Internet business was about.
I do believe this is my first story by Frances Cowie. Started out estranged and strange. I re-read parts I wasn't sure of for one when AJ sent out his text or email when he was on his 18 month tour, did Liz receive it? Her staying with Peter was excruciatingly painful for me to understand. I like my heroines strong! She couldn't stand up for herself to save her reputation, dignity, and it almost cost her life. Cowie writes decent sex scenes. It took way to long from their first hook up to their second. I almost threw in my reading towel. I still have no clue what Liz's Internet business was about.
June 17, 2017
This author writes in a tight tidy style. Gripped me from the start... . I particularly liked the way Frances introduced the intimacy between the main characters - Liz and AJ - at the beginning of their journey/arc, then held them apart until a ton of other evens occurred ...Yes parts of this story got my blood boiling, such as with Peter (the 'other' boyfriend). You know what it's like when you need to tell/suggest to your friend that "Peter" is garbage and not 'the' one for her ... because you know how Liz really felt about AJ where there was fire and passion that burned in her through this story ... and Frances held this reader engrossed.. .. On my re-reading I also notice the clues Francis gave that i hadn't notice on the first read. I loved both these characters and wanted them to attain their goal ... being together... Man!!! was that "questionable" as Liz's thoughts dragging me into her tortured thinking! I believed her with her questioning thoughts about AJ. ... . phew and much to my relief I was totally satisfied with this book ... like an unbelievable extraordinary organism that you get from a beautiful man, AJ. Yes I fell in love with him. Brilliant story. Loved the characters. Loved it. Thank you Frances for your heart throbbing story.
June 19, 2018
Wow, I was falling in love with AJ from the first page.
The mood and setting of this romance leap off the page right from the start, AJ, the very sensual, mysterious and emotionally drained artist spies a work of art in Liz as she enters the room, after weeks without inspiration he feels he needs to paint again. Liz is feeling dispirited as she tries to make a living in London, when AJ takes her world by storm. The story is an emotional ride of highs and lows as these two search for themselves and try to make sense of their connection. I love the humour and tension that fills the pages and the moody artistic tone of the story. Everything about this story held me captivated from start to finish, an unforgettable read with unforgettable characters that linger long after I closed the book. The List Maker is a beautiful work of art in itself I highly recommend.
The mood and setting of this romance leap off the page right from the start, AJ, the very sensual, mysterious and emotionally drained artist spies a work of art in Liz as she enters the room, after weeks without inspiration he feels he needs to paint again. Liz is feeling dispirited as she tries to make a living in London, when AJ takes her world by storm. The story is an emotional ride of highs and lows as these two search for themselves and try to make sense of their connection. I love the humour and tension that fills the pages and the moody artistic tone of the story. Everything about this story held me captivated from start to finish, an unforgettable read with unforgettable characters that linger long after I closed the book. The List Maker is a beautiful work of art in itself I highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews