Scot on the Rocks: Or, how I survived my ex-boyfriend's wedding with my dignity ever so slightly intact

Brooke Miller #1

by Brenda Janowitz

The ten year anniversary edition of the Red Dress Ink favorite

ATTENDING YOUR EX-BOYFRIEND'S WEDDING SHOULD BE AGAINST THE LAW....

When her ex-boyfriend, Trip, gets engaged to Hollywood's latest It Girl, Manhattan attorney Brooke Miller plans to attend the wedding. Who says a modern girl can't stay friends with her ex? Besides, Brooke's got her sexy Scottish fiancé, Douglas, to take as her date. Okay, so maybe he's not exactly her fiancé, but they're living together in his apartment, so she'll be getting the ring any minute, right?

Wrong.

After a fight leaves her without a boyfriend (much less a fiancé) just days before the wedding, Brooke faces the ultimate humiliation of attending her ex-boyfriend's nuptials alone. Desperate to find a replacement to fill Douglas's kilt, Brooke concocts an outrageous plan to survive the wedding and win the man of her dreams, all with her dignity ever-so-slightly intact.

“A rollicking debut…. A breezy romantic comedy with plenty of laughs.”
— Booklist

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Humor, Adult

367 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2007

About the author

Brenda is the author of eight novels, including THE GRACE KELLY DRESS, which has been optioned for film by Hallmark/ Crown Media, and THE AUDREY HEPBURN ESTATE, which was chosen as the Reader’s Choice by the CBS New York Book Club with Mary Calvi. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Real Simple, The Sunday Times (UK), Salon, Redbook, USA Today, Bustle, The Forward, the New York Post, Publisher’s Weekly, Hello Giggles, Writer’s Digest Magazine, WritersDigest.com, and xojane. She is the former Books Correspondent for PopSugar.

Brenda attended Cornell University and Hofstra Law School, where she was a member of the Law Review. Upon graduation from Hofstra, worked for the law firm Kaye Scholer, LLP, and did a federal clerkship with the Honorable Marilyn Dolan Go, United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of New York.

Reviews

[Jen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book caused me to injure myself yesterday. Seriously, it did. I finally had time to take a lunch hour, during which I found a cute little pasta joint, plopped myself down at a table with my lunchtime glass of iced tea, and opened my book. I got so caught up in the story (and in the luxury of having a full hour to read!) that I didn't realize I had to be in a meeting in 5 minutes - with a 10 minute drive/park/walk back to my office. Not a good time to be wearing three-inch heels. And full-on sprinting in three-inch heels, REALLY not a good idea. Needless to say there was tripping involved, and now I have a bruised, swollen foot to remind me: a) to never wear three-inch heels again, and b) of how much I liked this book.

Ironically, Brooke, the novel's feisty, funny, intelligent-yet-slightly-ditzy heroine manages to similarly trip and injure herself. I hadn't gotten to that point in the story yet when I had my own graceful moment, but when I did reach it, the story became all the more amusing for me - because Brooke is a real, sympathetic heroine who does all the girly/silly/downright stupid things we all do, puts her foot in her mouth, falls flat on her face (even literally) and still lives to tell about it (with her "dignity ever-so-slightly intact" ... something I aim for on a daily basis).

Brooke's cronies, Jack and Vanessa, are just as likeable as she is, and the three of them are hilarious as a trio. I'm looking forward to reading the next Brooke story (and hoping I remain uninjured the next time around)!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does a smart, savvy Manhattan attorney do when she's invited to her ex-boyfriend's wedding? She goes, of course, and then writes a fictional novel about it, right? Well, maybe not, but that’s what I did....

SCOT ON THE ROCKS is my debut novel and I hope you'll enjoy it!

xoxo
brenda

[Tera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scot on the Rocks is the debut novel by Brenda Janowitz. It is a great Chick lit book. It is a page turner and absolutely hilarious! I did not want it to end. I really loved Brooke and felt like I was right there with her throughout the whole book. Scot on the Rocks is about a New York City attorney named Brooke Miller. She gets invited to her ex-boyfriend’s wedding; he is marrying a Hollywood “it girl”. Brooke’s Scottish boyfriend of two years named Douglas was going to escort her to the wedding but he breaks up with her and immediately becomes engaged to someone else. Brooke comes up with a plan to find a replacement date for the wedding and to get the love of her life back. She enlists the help of her best friend and her co-worker Jack. She soon realizes that Jack is the guy for her. I highly recommend this book. I cannot wait to read the sequel, “Jack with a Twist”. It comes out June 24th 2008.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke Miller leads a charmed life- working with her friends at one of the best law firms in all of New York- and dating Douglas, a handsome Scot. However, the charm starts to wear off Brooke's life as soon as she gets an invitation to her ex-boyfriends wedding. Two weeks later Douglas has broken up with her, she's crashing at her best friends apartment and eating raw cookie dough. The important thing is that Brooke keeps her eye on the prize- still attending her ex-boyfriend's wedding- with Douglas in tow. Forget the fact Douglas is currently engaged to someone else- that can be fixed, right?
This is a great, fun romp- women everywhere can relate to the idea of keeping your dignity intact after a break-up and not noticing when the man of your dreams has been right under your nose all along...

[Charity · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Brooke's Scottish boyfriend dumps her mere days before her ex-boyfriend's wedding (that she has RSVP'd 'yes' to), Brooke formulates a plan to keep everyone at the wedding from finding out the truth. A plan that involves having her friend Jack memorize facts about Scotland, watch Sean Connery movies to perfect the accent, and wear a kilt. Good, fast read.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny story about life's disappointments and figuring out what and whom you really want. The characters are so well developed you feel like you know them. I couldn't put the book down, read it in one sitting.

[Heather]

I love this book! :)

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light-Hearted Entertainment
There's nothing NOT to like about this story, Scot on the Rocks. Highly readable and very funny, turning pages of this slim paperback is as easy as watching a feature film about your funniest friend getting in over her head in situation after situation--all the while checking to make sure you're still there, letting her know everything's going to be okay.

This is the story of Brooke Miller, a bumbling attorney at one of NYC's high-power big firms, and her quest to survive her ex-boyfriend's wedding, which takes place in LA. Dumped by her Scottish boyfriend, Douglas, just before the Hollywood A-list event, she manages to talk her best friend, Jack, another attorney (a partner in the making at the firm) into donning a kilt and posing as Douglas at the wedding. And this is where the fun begins as her scheme unravels bit by bit, from lost luggage to stylistic sabotage and a surprising, funny twist around every corner.

Author, Brenda Janowitz, has given this zany character a true likeability and her technique of "talking to the reader" at any given time is refreshing and delightful. It's not the first time I've seen this style, but I have to say, it's the first I've read when each time she (the main character) predicts what I (the reader) am thinking, she's spot on! Ultimately, the outcome is predictable and it's wrapped in a pretty plaid bow; however, all in all, this was simply light-hearted entertainment that I enjoyed very much.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the author's sense of humor. Typical chick lit book though.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a cute book. A little slow at first but picked it up in the middle.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! You will be laughing out loud the whole way through.

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was hilarious. Scot on the Rocks... ROCKS!!!!

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY REVIEW
I loved just everything about "Scot on the Rocks" Or, How I Survived My Ex-Boyfriend's Wedding With My Dignity Ever So Slightly Intact (The Brooke Miller Diaries) by Brenda Janowitz.  The genres of this novel are Fiction, Women's Fiction, Romance and Humor.


Wow, Kudos to Brenda Janowitz, for this  delicious, charming, delightful and enjoyable read from start to finish! How could I resist reading a novel with such an intriguing title? How many people go to their ex-boyfriend's wedding? Let alone, stay out of trouble??

The characters are complicated, flawed, likable, and just so much fun to visit with. Brooke Miller, successful attorney is all set to go to her ex-boyfriend's wedding with her almost engaged Scottish boyfriend. Unfortunately, the almost engaged boyfriend ends their relationship and is getting engaged to someone else. UH-OH!!!! Now what is Brooke supposed to do? Brooke is desperate to find someone to replace her Scottish boyfriend pronto.  What plans are running around in Brooke's mind to save face?

I found myself chuckling and laughing (again I had to use my inhaler). I enjoyed and would recommend this book highly as an entertaining,  humorous feel good book.  Happy Reading!!!

[Moderngirlstyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should attending your ex-boyfriend's wedding be against the law? Alright, I might be pushing things a bit too far. But, if you haven't heard yet about Brenda Janowitz's debut novel titled SCOT ON THE ROCKS: HOW I SURVIVED MY EX-BOYFRIEND'S WEDDING WITH MY DIGNITY EVER-SO-SLIGHTLY INTACT then you are clearly missing out on one of the sweetest chick lit books to hit the shelf!

The Book

Brooke Miller is a funny, ever so quick witted, and intelligent Manhattan lawyer that makes a few hard-knock choices that lead to a complete quandary. Frisky, hopeful, and ever so in love with her sexy Scottish boyfriend, Brenda plans to attend her ex-boyfriend's wedding with boyfriend, Douglas, in tow. The trouble is that her ex-boyfriend, Trip, moved to La-La Land after college and now happens to be marrying one of Hollywood's most famous It girls. Ouch! Brooke plays with fate when she assumes that Douglas is on the verge of a proposal of his own. Days before the wedding, a horrible fight leaves Brooke single and date-less for the wedding. Can one girl face an ex-boyfriend's wedding alone? Can Brooke Miller concoct a plan to save face and win back the man of her dreams? The clock is ticking and there isn't much time until the big day. Using her gifts for research, law, and litigation, Brooke Miller has a plan that might just come close to breaking the law. SCOT ON THE ROCKS is a hilarious and entertaining novel. There are the classic elements of Chick-lit but this book isn't cookie-cut. Brenda Janowitz, has attended 3 ex-boyfriends' wedding and has worked as a lawyer. She has got the experience to create a believable tale of love, madness, and hope.

If you happen to fall in love with Brooke, Vanessa, and Jack, don't fret. Brenda Janowitz signed a two-book deal with Red Dress Ink. She is currently writing the sequel to SCOT ON THE ROCKS that should be published by Red Dress Ink in April of 2008. I have to say I can't wait!

[Katy O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, frothy and indulgent, SCOT ON THE ROCKS is a bright and fast-paced story that will be sure to please fans of Bridget Jones and the Shopaholic series. While Brooke's story had its share of light moments, I was impressed with the importance of her legal career in the story - it added depth that I really appreciated. There were also laugh-out-loud moments in this story that made it a lot of fun to read and I raced through the book.

Fans of chick lit, pick this one up!

Thanks to the author for providing me with a digital copy of this book for review - all opinions are my own.

[Sadie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story that unravels a bit slowly at first. I put the book down at around chapter three or four just because I wasn't very connected to the characters or plot, but several months later I was convinced by a friend to pick it up again. She told me to keep reading it -- and, as promised, the second half of the book picks up nicely as the plot flows into a solid ending. It's well-written, and I gave it three stars due mainly to the slow start.

[Sivan Ayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let it be known that Brenda Janowitz is brilliant! Her cleverly written story of a New York lawyer in search of something that is right in front of her is hysterical and heart-warming. This is the type of book you will wish was made into a movie due to its energetic story-line and dialogue. Looking forward to the new book!!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

very cute & funny novel!
liked the characters & totally felt the humiliation of some of the parts ;)

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely chick lit (fun and madcap) but it has a strong point of view and a main character whose voice is original and appealing.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

You gotta love the things crazy girls do when they discover their ex-boyfriends have moved on. A fun and lighthearted read.

[Hisgirl85 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was obsessed with the line Red Dress Ink and bought books just because they were part of the line. I enjoyed this one, but did not picked up the second (though I bought it). I remember liking this one okay.

[Nancy Liebermann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun book for Lizzy and Jenny. However I really enjoyed this because of the author’s humor. Her quick wit and life comments were delightfully charming and true.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’ve all been there before: dumped by a not-so-great guy for someone else. Yet something inside compels us to try to win them back, dignity and common sense be damned. Brooke Miller is with us.

Brooke made the fatal mistake of doubting the sexiness of her Scottish boyfriend Douglas’s kilt, and soon found herself without a date to her ex-boyfriend Trip’s California wedding, homeless, and dumped for a white trashy woman with a name that sounds like a shampoo from the 80’s. Didn’t anybody tell her that men traditionally wear nothing under those kilts? I always wondered about rash, but whatever.

Brooke’s also a lawyer. Not the hardest working lawyer, mind you. Her best friends, Vanessa and Jack, work at the same law firm. Jack’s her superior, technically, but lets her Internet shop and leave messages for Douglas to her heart’s content. What a guy.

Did I mention that Brooke, in her haste to outdo Trip, told him that not only was Douglas Scottish, but also her fiancé? Girl, that doesn’t trump the fact that he’s marrying a Hollywood actress, so don’t cause more trouble for yourself with an unnecessary lie!

Rather than back out of the wedding like a sane and rational person, Brooke twists Jack’s arm into masquerading as Douglas for the weekend at the wedding. He must like wearing skirts. Or having an itchy crotch. Or Brooke. Or maybe he wears drawers under his kilt? Inquiring readers need to know!

Anyway, I really dug the book. It was fast-paced, funny, the characters were well drawn, and I’ve been there with Brooke’s initial predicament. Read it, people!

[Syao Chan · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's hard to read a story when I have nothing but distaste for the protagonist. I'm all for human flaws and all, but Brooke is just so... unlikable. But then again, that's probably what the author intended to do, and so in that aspect, she succeeded in arousing emotions from me for her characters.

Also, for a lawyer, Brooke sounds too much like someone from Sweet Valley High. Thank heavens her too-good-for-her-BFF Valerie is there. At least that's one person I can root for.

Jack sounds like someone I can really crush on. Yay for nice guys!

Verdict: Occasionally funny, often annoying.

[Drishi · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Stopped at page 63.

This book was not for my taste. I've outgrown books like this because I've had my fair share when i was younger.

The writing style sounded a lot like Meg Cabot and I've definitely outgrown her.

The characters were blah. The story was blah. There was no maturity. Everything was lame.

It was sorta funny, I guess. But more annoying. I wanted to tell "Shut up" at the narrator. That's a good sign that you're not gonna like the book.

The only reason why I forced myself to complete was because it had good reviews. But no more. I couldn't torture myself any longer.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the fact that I hate girls that pine after men who dump/cheat on them and don't want them, this book was funny and cute and I pretty much read it straight through. The main character was a high powered lawyer and yet she did not talk that way at all. She seemed a little juvenile, but overall she was pretty funny.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books was a spur of the moment grab while checking in books at the library, and turned out to be a very funny chick romance that I fell in love with. It's hilarious what the main character's friend/coworker will do for her, while she tries to maintain her dignity while attending her ex's wedding. Very nice quick summer read. I was very excited to hear about the sequel, "Jack with a twist."

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a quick read, with great characters, and the best narration and dialog. Really, I loved the narration, it's charming, relatable, and lively. However, the pace was a little quick during certain key moments. Overall, quite fun though.

[Kerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some parts are funny, but overall a silly book. Kind of a fun/quick read. Main character is difficult to like, even at the end.

[Rona · Rating 3 out of 5]

SO Entertaining!