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Shopping for Love
I want to inspire you to live a new life...
Personal stylist Hayden Fox loves her job. She hopes to help her newest client, sweet, beautiful Caroline, find confidence and a new perspective with a total lifestyle change. And Hayden is all about solving other people's problems--until she's confronted with one of her own: She's falling in love with her client's fiancé.
Personal stylist Hayden Fox loves her job. She hopes to help her newest client, sweet, beautiful Caroline, find confidence and a new perspective with a total lifestyle change. And Hayden is all about solving other people's problems--until she's confronted with one of her own: She's falling in love with her client's fiancé.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2018
81 people are currently reading
616 people want to read
About the author
Renee Carlino
25 books8,666 followersComing July 9th 2024'...
THIS USED TO BE US
Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and the bestselling author of Before We Were Strangers, Swear On THIS Life, Wish You Were Here, Sweet Thing, Nowhere But Here, Sweet Little Thing, Lucian Divine, After the Rain, The Last Post, Shopping For Love, Blind Kiss, and - coming July 9th - THIS USED TO BE US.
Her books have been featured in national publications, including Cosmopolitan Magazine, InStyle Magazine, USA TODAY, Huffington Post, Latina magazine, Publisher's Weekly, Redbook, Sunset Magazine, Coastal Living and the Union Tribune.
Her adaptation with Julia Stiles for “Wish You Were Here” is currently in production and scheduled to shoot in New Jersey in January 2024'.
Renée grew up in California and lives in the San Diego area with her husband, two sons and their sweet pup John Snow Cash.
Learn more at www.reneecarlino.com
THIS USED TO BE US
Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and the bestselling author of Before We Were Strangers, Swear On THIS Life, Wish You Were Here, Sweet Thing, Nowhere But Here, Sweet Little Thing, Lucian Divine, After the Rain, The Last Post, Shopping For Love, Blind Kiss, and - coming July 9th - THIS USED TO BE US.
Her books have been featured in national publications, including Cosmopolitan Magazine, InStyle Magazine, USA TODAY, Huffington Post, Latina magazine, Publisher's Weekly, Redbook, Sunset Magazine, Coastal Living and the Union Tribune.
Her adaptation with Julia Stiles for “Wish You Were Here” is currently in production and scheduled to shoot in New Jersey in January 2024'.
Renée grew up in California and lives in the San Diego area with her husband, two sons and their sweet pup John Snow Cash.
Learn more at www.reneecarlino.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
February 26, 2023
My reaction is very similar to others who listened to this one. I’m just not sure what this was. I love Renee Carlino and this does not showcase her talent. The characters were very underdeveloped and the writing was cringy at times. This is quite different from her other work. I’d skip this one and read one of her full length books such as my favorite Swear on this Life.
February 8, 2018
What the ever loving load of crap was this?
I mean really?!
Really......
So this should be some kind of revolution in reading, short romance to read in our busy life.
Well I feel something alright.. I am so pissed. And only reason I read this is the fact that I am stubborn and hate dnf a book. But boy oh boy I wanted to push this heroine in front of racing car with big smile on my face.
One dimensional characters so idiotic and immature and robotic..I just cannot believe it. Renee Carlino stay away from this kind of books, do your own thing, I will just pretend this never happened.
I mean really?!
Really......
So this should be some kind of revolution in reading, short romance to read in our busy life.
Well I feel something alright.. I am so pissed. And only reason I read this is the fact that I am stubborn and hate dnf a book. But boy oh boy I wanted to push this heroine in front of racing car with big smile on my face.
One dimensional characters so idiotic and immature and robotic..I just cannot believe it. Renee Carlino stay away from this kind of books, do your own thing, I will just pretend this never happened.
February 8, 2018
This was so disappointing. It felt like it was written by an amateur. The story was so rushed and I didn't feel the chemistry between the characters.
.
.
February 8, 2018
Just bad, stop while you are ahead.
I hate the heroine, Hayden. I'm only 25% in and then I get this nonsense:
...Is it that hard to believe that love can transcend just appearance? What if they genuinely like each other for their *gasp* personality?!?! I guess this concept is too complex for our fashionista heroine. Clearly Blake must be a social climber to date someone like Caroline . Only possible explanation. /s
What a judgmental comment. So many things wrong with her personality.
First of all, the heroine is basically from a working class family. She KNOWS how harmful it is to make these types of comments since she basically been judged her whole life about her choices - her weight (leading to anorexia) and her decision to drop out of college to pursue her happiness. I get that she only THOUGHT this about Caroline, and sometimes you can't control your thoughts - good or bad. But my main concern is that this felt very PETTY. Why?
Because, Hayden basically looks down on Caroline - solely because Caroline is not conventionally stylish. She's surprised that Caroline even HAS a boyfriend - thinking that if someone like herself can't get a boyfriend, its surprising that Caroline can.
At least she realizes she's a terrible person. That's good and all...but how about trying to BE a better person than just making meaningless "oh shit, I'm a bad person" but continue with the same terrible behavior.
To top that off, you get this kind of comment literally sentences after.
It was so messed up how Hayden automatically thought, upon minutes of meeting Caroline [...not even meeting Blake himself or seeing his wardrobe] that the only boyfriend Caroline could possibly land would have to be as much of a "fashion disaster" as she is. How presumptuous of our heroine. It's bad enough that Hayden has these judgmental thoughts upon meeting her new clients, she even voiced them, thinking she was doing them a favour by being magnanimous enough to help "correct" out their POTENTIAL dowdiness.
It felt like the main reason she had this sort of "lol there is no way someone like Caroline can bag someone like Blake" reaction was that she was in lust with Blake. Hayden even admitted a few pages earlier that Caroline is not that bad - and is actually a good person with a nice personality despite being rich. But despite Hayden's profound epiphany, she still thinks Caroline and the only people she has the ability to attract are complete duds.
So yeah, Caroline is all good and great until she is able to snag some hot stuff that Hayden can only dream off. Then it becomes a complete mystery as to why anyone like Blake would want someone like Caroline. (Refer to opening quote)
I'm not really in the mood to deal with a shallow, superficial, judgmental individual, just because she's some ritzy-classy "well dressed" stylist, especially considering her own past with negative comments regarding her weight and her struggles with anorexia. She was underestimated by everyone around her - her grandmother (about her weight), her ex-boyfriend (for her inability to make being a stylist a real career), etc, but it looks like our hypocritical heroine has no problems with passing these sort of hurtful judgements about other people.
When the characters are this bad and the writing style isn't doing the book any favours, you know you should just jump ship.
DNF. I don't even care if she changes. If anything, Blake is an idiot for going after this vapid lady. Thank god 25% of this book is pretty short.
I hate the heroine, Hayden. I'm only 25% in and then I get this nonsense:
"Why is Blake [hero] into Caroline [heroine's client]? They seem very different from each other. Was this his way out of a working-class life?"
...Is it that hard to believe that love can transcend just appearance? What if they genuinely like each other for their *gasp* personality?!?! I guess this concept is too complex for our fashionista heroine. Clearly Blake must be a social climber to date someone like Caroline . Only possible explanation. /s
What a judgmental comment. So many things wrong with her personality.
First of all, the heroine is basically from a working class family. She KNOWS how harmful it is to make these types of comments since she basically been judged her whole life about her choices - her weight (leading to anorexia) and her decision to drop out of college to pursue her happiness. I get that she only THOUGHT this about Caroline, and sometimes you can't control your thoughts - good or bad. But my main concern is that this felt very PETTY. Why?
Because, Hayden basically looks down on Caroline - solely because Caroline is not conventionally stylish. She's surprised that Caroline even HAS a boyfriend - thinking that if someone like herself can't get a boyfriend, its surprising that Caroline can.
"Boyfriend? I'm surprised and its terrible, but I think the feeling comes with the pang of jealousy that sits at the bottom of my stomach. I couldn't even get an Uber driver to talk to me on a Friday night."
At least she realizes she's a terrible person. That's good and all...but how about trying to BE a better person than just making meaningless "oh shit, I'm a bad person" but continue with the same terrible behavior.
To top that off, you get this kind of comment literally sentences after.
"I wonder what Blake's wardrobe could look like. Do they both dress like this?
"Maybe Blake would like some shopping pointers, too." [to Caroline]
It was so messed up how Hayden automatically thought, upon minutes of meeting Caroline [...not even meeting Blake himself or seeing his wardrobe] that the only boyfriend Caroline could possibly land would have to be as much of a "fashion disaster" as she is. How presumptuous of our heroine. It's bad enough that Hayden has these judgmental thoughts upon meeting her new clients, she even voiced them, thinking she was doing them a favour by being magnanimous enough to help "correct" out their POTENTIAL dowdiness.
It felt like the main reason she had this sort of "lol there is no way someone like Caroline can bag someone like Blake" reaction was that she was in lust with Blake. Hayden even admitted a few pages earlier that Caroline is not that bad - and is actually a good person with a nice personality despite being rich. But despite Hayden's profound epiphany, she still thinks Caroline and the only people she has the ability to attract are complete duds.
"I'm [Hayden] curious to meet the guy. My mind goes to a distinct mental image - a plain guy wearing khakis and an argyle sweater vest. Maybe even an awkward comb-over. I instantly feel bad for the thought. After all, it's poor Caroline wardrobe that's lacking...not her. She's quite pretty and pleasant, underneath the wall she's put up."
So yeah, Caroline is all good and great until she is able to snag some hot stuff that Hayden can only dream off. Then it becomes a complete mystery as to why anyone like Blake would want someone like Caroline. (Refer to opening quote)
I'm not really in the mood to deal with a shallow, superficial, judgmental individual, just because she's some ritzy-classy "well dressed" stylist, especially considering her own past with negative comments regarding her weight and her struggles with anorexia. She was underestimated by everyone around her - her grandmother (about her weight), her ex-boyfriend (for her inability to make being a stylist a real career), etc, but it looks like our hypocritical heroine has no problems with passing these sort of hurtful judgements about other people.
When the characters are this bad and the writing style isn't doing the book any favours, you know you should just jump ship.
DNF. I don't even care if she changes. If anything, Blake is an idiot for going after this vapid lady. Thank god 25% of this book is pretty short.
Read
February 7, 2018O.M.G! What did I just read?
Renee Carlino wrote this?
No way😱. Guys and gals, these characters were supposed to be twenty something, city living, successful in their careers adults but they sounded like my friends and I when we were 12?I'm strongly recommending you not to read this book.
Renee Carlino wrote this?
No way😱. Guys and gals, these characters were supposed to be twenty something, city living, successful in their careers adults but they sounded like my friends and I when we were 12?I'm strongly recommending you not to read this book.
Want to read
January 19, 2018I can't wait <3 <3
February 7, 2018
Short & sweet, a perfectly paced novella with the ultimate HEA for all parties involved.
February 8, 2018
Sweet, quick and easy read. Blake's character was typical Renee Carlino.
February 15, 2018
2.5 stars
March 22, 2022
what a lovely short story! happy ending!
February 17, 2018
Renee is one of my favorites and I was very excited about this book. But I was extremely disappointed, the whole thing was too shallow. If you're going to make your main character fall in love with a character who is in a relationship please do not demonize the relationship. Make it perfect so that the struggle is real, I really need an author who is ballsy enough to make the main character break up a perfect relationship and the character must be one we love to hate. That aside in my opinion this book did not live up to the standard I expect from such a talent as Renee Carlino. That's all.
February 11, 2018
Everyone are being haters about this book!! It wasn't the common in depth characters that Renee normally writes but it was still a good story and that's why I gave it 5 stars. She knew her readers would not want to see any type of cheating and I think she wrote that perfectly.
Short sweet and to the point ❤️
I will still always read a Renee Carlino book.
Short sweet and to the point ❤️
I will still always read a Renee Carlino book.
March 1, 2018
Shopping for Love was a sweet short story by Renee Carlino. It was exactly what I was looking for; something that I could easily squeeze in within one or two days and an easy page turner.
When getting into a short story you have to know that your character's are not going to be as developed, their storyline not as detailed and the pace will be faster. I found that this book made me still feel as though I was getting the whole story without feeling cut short.
You got a feel of each character and a bit about their background.
Hayden was our main character and really in a place of uncertainty. She was figuring out how to maintain on the path of success that she had started on. We know already that somehow she will fall for her client’s boyfriend but I thought it was interesting how it all played out. I expected there to be this betrayal of sorts but really most of the betrayal was in her head and I mean it’s not so bad. There were a few times a line was skated across but I loved the play on their attraction.
While Caroline was a fun character I wouldn't say that she is one that I would want to read another story about. For me she was bland and a bit boring but honestly that was her character and not anything to do with the writing. I think she was just stuck and you felt that reading along.
"I don't know why I ever doubted that we were right for each other."
Okay so there were a few times where Hayden was thinking and some things I just was like uhhhh okkkay... I mean sure sometimes with love or lust we go to extremes but this was one of those times that I was like calm down homie. I think she was just so desperate for love that she just latched on.
"You want to take care of me, Hayden?"
Blake hits all the boxes for love interest. He's crazy attractive, artistic, flirty and rides a motorcycle. He's a bad boy that is not a bad boy at all. I was completely drawn into this character.
If you are looking for a fulfilling short read, I’d recommend this book.
"There is no such thing as being overqualified if it's something you want to do."
When getting into a short story you have to know that your character's are not going to be as developed, their storyline not as detailed and the pace will be faster. I found that this book made me still feel as though I was getting the whole story without feeling cut short.
You got a feel of each character and a bit about their background.
Hayden was our main character and really in a place of uncertainty. She was figuring out how to maintain on the path of success that she had started on. We know already that somehow she will fall for her client’s boyfriend but I thought it was interesting how it all played out. I expected there to be this betrayal of sorts but really most of the betrayal was in her head and I mean it’s not so bad. There were a few times a line was skated across but I loved the play on their attraction.
While Caroline was a fun character I wouldn't say that she is one that I would want to read another story about. For me she was bland and a bit boring but honestly that was her character and not anything to do with the writing. I think she was just stuck and you felt that reading along.
"I don't know why I ever doubted that we were right for each other."
Okay so there were a few times where Hayden was thinking and some things I just was like uhhhh okkkay... I mean sure sometimes with love or lust we go to extremes but this was one of those times that I was like calm down homie. I think she was just so desperate for love that she just latched on.
"You want to take care of me, Hayden?"
Blake hits all the boxes for love interest. He's crazy attractive, artistic, flirty and rides a motorcycle. He's a bad boy that is not a bad boy at all. I was completely drawn into this character.
If you are looking for a fulfilling short read, I’d recommend this book.
"There is no such thing as being overqualified if it's something you want to do."
February 9, 2018
If you want a book to spend your afternoon with, then this is your title. If you want a book to fall in love with, this is not it.
It's the story about a university drop out, that chose following her dreams as a stylist, instead of finishing her sociology degree. [Side note here: this is something that comes up a lot in the book. Her studies in sociology. The main character believes that she can apply everything she learned about the human being, into her understanding of how their personalities work out, and how that matches their own personal styles. I don't think this is a bad idea, if anything, totally doable. But the way she talked about, as if she were an expert on the subject, when in reality she didn't even finish her studies, bothered me on another level. Everything she described as her "using her knowledge on sociology", was something any human being with common sense, could've figured out. And by the end of the book, sociology has long been forgotten. I'm guessing the author wanted to give the character depth, but forgot all about it once she started having a romantic relationship with someone... Ok I've had my peace with this]
She struggles to grow her clientele, but is lucky enough to have one or two major clients that allow her to live by. In doing so, she meets a couple, that could not have been more unsuited for each other, and ends up crushing on the guy. Obsessing over their relationship is more like it. At times, I felt like she really needed a life of her own. Because all she ever did was wait for client's to contact her, otherwise, she didn't do much.
Long story short, she gets her happily ever after. Even if it meant walking over some people in doing so.
It's the story about a university drop out, that chose following her dreams as a stylist, instead of finishing her sociology degree. [Side note here: this is something that comes up a lot in the book. Her studies in sociology. The main character believes that she can apply everything she learned about the human being, into her understanding of how their personalities work out, and how that matches their own personal styles. I don't think this is a bad idea, if anything, totally doable. But the way she talked about, as if she were an expert on the subject, when in reality she didn't even finish her studies, bothered me on another level. Everything she described as her "using her knowledge on sociology", was something any human being with common sense, could've figured out. And by the end of the book, sociology has long been forgotten. I'm guessing the author wanted to give the character depth, but forgot all about it once she started having a romantic relationship with someone... Ok I've had my peace with this]
She struggles to grow her clientele, but is lucky enough to have one or two major clients that allow her to live by. In doing so, she meets a couple, that could not have been more unsuited for each other, and ends up crushing on the guy. Obsessing over their relationship is more like it. At times, I felt like she really needed a life of her own. Because all she ever did was wait for client's to contact her, otherwise, she didn't do much.
Long story short, she gets her happily ever after. Even if it meant walking over some people in doing so.
February 12, 2018
Shopping For Love is a quick and fun novella that’s perfect if you only have a couple of hours to squeeze in a book! I finished in about two hours and with a smile on my face.
Now I’m not normally a big stand alone novella fan but I’ll read anything Renee writes so I had to give this a whirl. It’s very different from her regular novels but I was already expecting that. So please don’t go in thinking you’re going to get the development and emotion your used to. This IS a novella.
What you will get is a fast, fun read with cute characters and just enough story to make you root for an HEA for Hayden and Blake. They have good chemistry from the first time they meet and Caroline was a good addition as a character as well. It’s not a love triangle and there’s no cheating so don’t worry about that.
The entire story is Hayden’s POV and even though she’s lusting after her client’s (and kinda new friend) it doesn’t feel sleazy. Caroline and Blake are so obviously not in love anymore I had no ill feelings with the storyline.
The heat factor is relatively low but still present, mostly in the form of tension. I thought Hayden was a little quirky and definite someone I’d want to be friends with in real life. And Blake is a total charmer and easy to swoon over.
The short nature of the book does make for a bit of a rushed ending and story but as I said, there was enough meat to the story to get invested. The writing style was different from Renee’s norm and I’m chalking that up a huge difference in the type of story it is. Still enjoyable, just different and perfect for a novella.
Just go in with the right expectations and you’ll be fine!
Now I’m not normally a big stand alone novella fan but I’ll read anything Renee writes so I had to give this a whirl. It’s very different from her regular novels but I was already expecting that. So please don’t go in thinking you’re going to get the development and emotion your used to. This IS a novella.
What you will get is a fast, fun read with cute characters and just enough story to make you root for an HEA for Hayden and Blake. They have good chemistry from the first time they meet and Caroline was a good addition as a character as well. It’s not a love triangle and there’s no cheating so don’t worry about that.
The entire story is Hayden’s POV and even though she’s lusting after her client’s (and kinda new friend) it doesn’t feel sleazy. Caroline and Blake are so obviously not in love anymore I had no ill feelings with the storyline.
The heat factor is relatively low but still present, mostly in the form of tension. I thought Hayden was a little quirky and definite someone I’d want to be friends with in real life. And Blake is a total charmer and easy to swoon over.
The short nature of the book does make for a bit of a rushed ending and story but as I said, there was enough meat to the story to get invested. The writing style was different from Renee’s norm and I’m chalking that up a huge difference in the type of story it is. Still enjoyable, just different and perfect for a novella.
Just go in with the right expectations and you’ll be fine!
February 8, 2018
What is a Bookshot? James Patterson tells us they are 100 percent story-driven, at 150 pages or fewer they are meant to be read in one night, commute or even on your phone during breaks at work. And I think they are a brilliant idea. I picked up this novella after having just finished a book and not sure what to read next. Enter my first Bookshot experience (and bonus - it's by an author I have come to love) and I curled up for a quick, adorable read.
If you have not read Renee Carlino you will get a sense of her signature style here but I hope you are left wanting more. This little book was the perfect appetizer for me while I impatiently await her next novel, usually to be released at the end of summer.
The characters in Shopping for Love are young, artsy, trendy, and fun. The story made me want to shop ;). And fall in love. And pull out my camera. And take a walk. And go to an art gallery. And listen to vinyl.
Was it the usual heartfelt and thought-provoking angst we have come to love by this author? No. Was it meant to be? No. Was it a super-fun read that made me smile and happy to have a little piece of Renee's writing in my hand while I wait for the next book? Absolutely!
Cheers to your and my first Bookshot :)
If you have not read Renee Carlino you will get a sense of her signature style here but I hope you are left wanting more. This little book was the perfect appetizer for me while I impatiently await her next novel, usually to be released at the end of summer.
The characters in Shopping for Love are young, artsy, trendy, and fun. The story made me want to shop ;). And fall in love. And pull out my camera. And take a walk. And go to an art gallery. And listen to vinyl.
Was it the usual heartfelt and thought-provoking angst we have come to love by this author? No. Was it meant to be? No. Was it a super-fun read that made me smile and happy to have a little piece of Renee's writing in my hand while I wait for the next book? Absolutely!
Cheers to your and my first Bookshot :)
February 8, 2018
So this really breaks my heart to rate this a 2 star, because I love Renee Carlino so much, and I have never given anything other than a 4 or 5 star for her books, but this book didn't work for me at all. I think to start the length may have been the biggest issue. It's a very short book, so it felt like I was on fast forward the whole time, not getting the entire story. Things were moving so quickly, nothing really developed. I also really did not like any of the characters, which is surprising for me. Maybe it was that we couldn't really get to know them in such a short time or maybe I just did not vibe with these characters. Either way, it just didn't work for me, perhaps it will work for others though. However, this will not stop me from reading anything Renee Carlino writes in the future.
February 8, 2018
Renee Carlino is an automatic one click for me. This story was really fast paced for the Renee books I'm used to.
Now that's not to say I did not enjoy it. I did very much. It was just different. I smiled I sighed I did all I usually do with Renee book. I just did it this time very quickly.
I loved Blake, Caroline and Hayden oh also Diana. I would have enjoyed more of them. More character development, more time with certain characters together. A little more sexual tension.
I thought the story was cute it just needed more and development. However, Im thinking the book was written to be a fast paced story, like a novella
If your looking for a quick light hearted read give this story a click.
Now that's not to say I did not enjoy it. I did very much. It was just different. I smiled I sighed I did all I usually do with Renee book. I just did it this time very quickly.
I loved Blake, Caroline and Hayden oh also Diana. I would have enjoyed more of them. More character development, more time with certain characters together. A little more sexual tension.
I thought the story was cute it just needed more and development. However, Im thinking the book was written to be a fast paced story, like a novella
If your looking for a quick light hearted read give this story a click.
August 22, 2019
A personal stylist is hired to work with a young lady to update her wardrobe. Hayden adds jazzy outfits and accessories to the drab clothes worn by Caroline, who loves her new look. Then she introduces Hayden to her long-time boyfriend Blake and Hayden finds herself tongue-tied. She looks at the relationship between Caroline and Blake and it seems more like brother and sister than romantic love. Caroline’s aunt Diana tells Hayden the romantic relationship is over and has been for a while and the only ones who don’t know it are Caroline and Blake. But Caroline is Hayden’s client and she can’t just move in on her boyfriend can she?
February 8, 2018
I love Renee Carlino and her books! This was a quick and sweet read.
I wish there was more backstory for the characters. we get quick snippets but I wanted more so I could understand them.
I love the idea of this story and it was a sweet read. This book felt different than her other books. Not in a bad way, I still enjoyed the simplicity of this quick romance read. You get the connection between Blake and Hayden like in other books by Renee Carlino. It just seemed rushed and sudden. I love a slow build up.
I wish there was more backstory for the characters. we get quick snippets but I wanted more so I could understand them.
I love the idea of this story and it was a sweet read. This book felt different than her other books. Not in a bad way, I still enjoyed the simplicity of this quick romance read. You get the connection between Blake and Hayden like in other books by Renee Carlino. It just seemed rushed and sudden. I love a slow build up.
November 29, 2018
4/5. I really liked this story. I though it was a quick and fun read. I thought Hayden's relationship with Caroline was really fun and sweet and I loved how they both wanted the best for each other. Blake was such a sweet guy and really cared for both women. I also liked how Caroline really became her own person and Hayden really got to see what she could do for women. I would have liked to see more about the characters past, but since it is a short story, I understand why. Overall, I really enjoyed the book and am still a fan of Renee's writing.
August 19, 2025
A very cute and super quick read. There’s nothing better than a novella!
Hayden is a stylist who ends up falling for her client’s boyfriend. And I anticipated getting a little angry at Hayden and Blake (said boyfriend) because I thought it would be a cheating situation, but their story was tasteful! I am happy with the way things turned out.
I am beginning to work through all of Renee Carlino’s book, as the only two I’ve ever read ended up on my favorites list and I need more of her! This one was a good start to my journey.
My rating: 17+ - sexual content (closed door)
Spice: 2/5
Hayden is a stylist who ends up falling for her client’s boyfriend. And I anticipated getting a little angry at Hayden and Blake (said boyfriend) because I thought it would be a cheating situation, but their story was tasteful! I am happy with the way things turned out.
I am beginning to work through all of Renee Carlino’s book, as the only two I’ve ever read ended up on my favorites list and I need more of her! This one was a good start to my journey.
My rating: 17+ - sexual content (closed door)
Spice: 2/5
February 12, 2018
A quick read
The book totally lived to its name but title aside, it was just another book on a girl having the hots for her friend's boyfriend. It was normal. I expected normal so that was fine. Just needed a quick read. Unlike the others, I did not have much recollection of this author so I guessed I did not feel as disappointed.
As the saying goes, the greater your expectation, the greater the disappointment.
The book totally lived to its name but title aside, it was just another book on a girl having the hots for her friend's boyfriend. It was normal. I expected normal so that was fine. Just needed a quick read. Unlike the others, I did not have much recollection of this author so I guessed I did not feel as disappointed.
As the saying goes, the greater your expectation, the greater the disappointment.
July 29, 2018
“I do and I don’t. I don’t know what I want.”
Thoughts on Shopping for Love:
1. It’s a really good short story. It’s entertaining and interesting. You can literally finish it in one sitting because it’s just a hundred page.
2. I think it could work as a full on novel since there are a lot of backstory about each characters.
3. I would love to check out some other bookshots, I’m now curious about them.
“She deserves to be happy. We all do.”
Thoughts on Shopping for Love:
1. It’s a really good short story. It’s entertaining and interesting. You can literally finish it in one sitting because it’s just a hundred page.
2. I think it could work as a full on novel since there are a lot of backstory about each characters.
3. I would love to check out some other bookshots, I’m now curious about them.
“She deserves to be happy. We all do.”
December 10, 2021
I was looking for a quick read/listen to since it's the busy season.
There's really not much to say about this story. All the characters have things in their lives that makes them vulnerable. They're all imperfect individuals. The two main characters had a strong attraction for each other at first meet but the guy was in a relationship with the girl's client. What a predicament!
Yeah, this book was a bit predictable. Not much more to say.
There's really not much to say about this story. All the characters have things in their lives that makes them vulnerable. They're all imperfect individuals. The two main characters had a strong attraction for each other at first meet but the guy was in a relationship with the girl's client. What a predicament!
Yeah, this book was a bit predictable. Not much more to say.
March 15, 2018
2.5 stars. I like the idea of a short standalone book that you can read at the airport or in one afternoon. However, it's difficult to really develop characters in such a short amount of time. The story was ok, but some things were a bit repetitive, I didn't love the characters, and certain plot points were pretty cliche. This is definitely not Carlino's usual quality of work.
March 17, 2018
I adore Renee Carlino and I love the premise of a "book shot" but for me the execution of this was lacking in all areas. Character development was non-existent (even for a short), the heroine was shallow and superficial and was not endearing at all.
"Why does it all have to be this hard? Why do I want the one man I can’t have?"
June 8, 2021
a short love funny heart warming story , i needed this after a moth full of sad books
this one has really lighten up the mood
the characters were just on the edge until they were able to go pass the unspoken reality they had inside.
really some times it is better to just give in and work with the chances you have
this one has really lighten up the mood
the characters were just on the edge until they were able to go pass the unspoken reality they had inside.
really some times it is better to just give in and work with the chances you have
February 10, 2018
I think this book would've been for me as a longer length novel. I didn't care for the heroine Hayden or Caroline. But I think Renee has the writing magic that had it been longer she could've turned around my feelings towards Hayden. Blake was good and had fictional boyfriend written all over him.
February 18, 2018
This was a delightfully fun novella. I loved the characters of Blake, Caroline, and Hayden. They were real to me and developed well for a shorter story. It was a refreshing break to read something shorter in between other novels I've been reading. Despite its shortness, it was still in the usual writing style of Carlino's previous works, just without the more graphic sexual content. I would highly recommend it for people wanting a quick, well-written story for a two-hour break from reality.
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