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Love in the Suburbs #1
About Face
My grandma is trying to hook me up. To be painfully specific, my seventy-five-year-old grandmother thinks a little hanky-panky would cheer me up. Direct quote. Since I'm currently living with her, I can't escape the endless line of grandchildren of friends who keep 'dropping by' for dinner. Literally, I can't escape. I can barely manage the trek to the dining room at this point. While Grandma's determined to find me a husband, I'm determined to learn how to walk again so I can walk away from her matchmaking skills. Spoiler alert: She has no matchmaking skills. But then I get a brilliant idea. I can fake date my physical therapist. Only he wants a real date. Gulp. A real date with me? Is he for real? I'm no longer the stylish girl with the glamorous job. Now, I'm a woman with a shattered leg and a scarred face. If I'm going to learn to live with my new reality and give love a chance, my attitude needs to do an about-face. Easier said than done.
188 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 2019
322 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
D.E. Haggerty
134 books985 followersD.E. Haggerty is actually just plain old Dena, but she thinks using initials makes her sound like one of the cool kids. She was born and raised in the U.S. but has spent the majority of her adult life abroad living in cool-sounding places like Istanbul, Heidelberg, and The Hague. She has job hopped from military policewoman to lawyer to B&B owner. She finally jumped off the job hopping bandwagon a few years ago when she decided to turn her addiction to romance novels into a career. If anyone has ideas on how to turn a love of wine into a job, she's all ears.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
August 29, 2019
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
ABOUT FACE (Love in the Suburbs Book 1) by D.E. Haggerty is a new romantic comedy/contemporary romance by a new to me author that is also the start of a new series. I love all the characters in this book and cannot wait for more!
Francis “Frankie” McMillan is living it up in the big city. At 35, she is the top event planner in the firm she works for. Life is long hours of work, checking out hip venues while dancing and drinking with her three girlfriends. She is beautiful with designer clothes, stiletto heels and a third floor walk-up.
And then…. she wakes up in the hospital after a horrible car accident with a leg that was barely saved and a two inch scar on her cheek. Upon release, she moves in with her Grandpa and Grandma in the suburbs. Now, she is facing physical therapy and going out in public. She does not want to do either, but she has to learn to walk again to get her job back. Facing the world with her scars has her terrified, but she can hide the scars on her leg with clothes and she always wears a bandage on her face.
She is surprised when her physical therapist is a burly Viking with a beard named Brodie. She also cannot believe that she is very interested in him, but what man wants to be with someone as ugly and scarred as she is now? With laugh-out-loud help from her Grandma, her new best-friend Shelby and Brodie, Frankie learns things about her old life and self she is not very happy with and maybe with the help of some real friends, she just may live happily-ever-after after all.
This is a laugh-out-loud entertaining romance that also has some very poignant scenes. Frankie is on a very sharp learning curve, not just physically but also emotionally. Brodie has his job cut out for him trying to convince this “city girl” that she is still beautiful inside and out. The sex scenes are appropriate to the story and realistic. Shelby, who Frankie meets in physical therapy is a true friend and I love her snark. Almost every time I laughed-out-loud while reading this book is when Grandma makes an appearance. She is “THE BEST”!
I highly recommend this romantic comedy/contemporary romance! You will laugh-out-loud and be cheering Frankie on throughout. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.
ABOUT FACE (Love in the Suburbs Book 1) by D.E. Haggerty is a new romantic comedy/contemporary romance by a new to me author that is also the start of a new series. I love all the characters in this book and cannot wait for more!
Francis “Frankie” McMillan is living it up in the big city. At 35, she is the top event planner in the firm she works for. Life is long hours of work, checking out hip venues while dancing and drinking with her three girlfriends. She is beautiful with designer clothes, stiletto heels and a third floor walk-up.
And then…. she wakes up in the hospital after a horrible car accident with a leg that was barely saved and a two inch scar on her cheek. Upon release, she moves in with her Grandpa and Grandma in the suburbs. Now, she is facing physical therapy and going out in public. She does not want to do either, but she has to learn to walk again to get her job back. Facing the world with her scars has her terrified, but she can hide the scars on her leg with clothes and she always wears a bandage on her face.
She is surprised when her physical therapist is a burly Viking with a beard named Brodie. She also cannot believe that she is very interested in him, but what man wants to be with someone as ugly and scarred as she is now? With laugh-out-loud help from her Grandma, her new best-friend Shelby and Brodie, Frankie learns things about her old life and self she is not very happy with and maybe with the help of some real friends, she just may live happily-ever-after after all.
This is a laugh-out-loud entertaining romance that also has some very poignant scenes. Frankie is on a very sharp learning curve, not just physically but also emotionally. Brodie has his job cut out for him trying to convince this “city girl” that she is still beautiful inside and out. The sex scenes are appropriate to the story and realistic. Shelby, who Frankie meets in physical therapy is a true friend and I love her snark. Almost every time I laughed-out-loud while reading this book is when Grandma makes an appearance. She is “THE BEST”!
I highly recommend this romantic comedy/contemporary romance! You will laugh-out-loud and be cheering Frankie on throughout. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.
March 31, 2020
This is what I think of as the perfect 3* read.
I should probably point out at this point. For people not familiar with my reviews. That 3* is not a negative.
This is a cute little romance. I really liked Brodie along with Shelby and Jackson. And Grandma was just nuts.
Frankie however took more getting used to. I did warm to her in the end but it took most of the book to get me there.
But I’m picky so feel free to ignore me.
It’s a humorous romance and I will be continuing on with this series. After reading the blurbs I’m particularly looking forward to the third book Hands Off.
September 20, 2019
After suffering a horrific accident, Frankie leaves the big city and moves in with her grandparents to rehab. With a scar on her face and a brace on her leg, she thinks everyone will judge her. Just her luck, Frankie’s physical therapist is the sexiest man she’s ever met. To get her grandmother from setting her up on blind dates, she asks Brodie, her physical therapist, to go out with her. He says yes but what she doesn’t realize is he really wants to date her. It must be out of pity, she assumes but she’s be wrong. As one date turns to several, Frankie must take a good hard look at her life, her friends and her career. Can she turn about face and change her life for the better or will she let her scars dictate her life?
About Face is more than a romance/romantic comedy. It’s a heartfelt journey dealing with issues such as scars, self esteem, taking leaps of faith and true beauty. Frankie starts out as very shallow but the more she’s around Brodie and her new best friend, the more she develops into a caring woman. She overcomes a lot of obstacles, the biggest is her own self-image. D. E. Haggerty’s humorous banter balances the dramatic angst nicely.
Why is this a five-star book? The characters leap off the page with their own laugh-tracks. I don’t know how the author comes up with all these funny lines but it’s hysterical. Frankie’s interactions with her grandmother is worth reading again and again. The pacing of the plot is fairly fast-moving, and the ending is so sweet. The romance between Brodie and Frankie is realistic with its fair share of drama.
If you’re looking for a small-town romance with dashes of women’s fiction, pick up About Face. I loved it and can’t wait for book two.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
About Face is more than a romance/romantic comedy. It’s a heartfelt journey dealing with issues such as scars, self esteem, taking leaps of faith and true beauty. Frankie starts out as very shallow but the more she’s around Brodie and her new best friend, the more she develops into a caring woman. She overcomes a lot of obstacles, the biggest is her own self-image. D. E. Haggerty’s humorous banter balances the dramatic angst nicely.
Why is this a five-star book? The characters leap off the page with their own laugh-tracks. I don’t know how the author comes up with all these funny lines but it’s hysterical. Frankie’s interactions with her grandmother is worth reading again and again. The pacing of the plot is fairly fast-moving, and the ending is so sweet. The romance between Brodie and Frankie is realistic with its fair share of drama.
If you’re looking for a small-town romance with dashes of women’s fiction, pick up About Face. I loved it and can’t wait for book two.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
July 30, 2019
4.5 Scarred Stars
Absolutely loved this heartfelt romance!
Absolutely loved this heartfelt romance!
March 15, 2020
The entire book is Frankie being backed into a corner by everyone around her, who "know what's best for her"
The whole 'ignore someone when they say no, because you know better or you think they don't really mean it' is wrong. Even when it's based off delusions of good intentions.
Maybe if the convos of Brodie and Frankie getting to know each other/flirting were actually written and not just referred to, he would seem less like a controlling man shaped blob. All we get is Frankie saying no to things and Brodie ignoring it.
Example: He TELLS Frankie to pack a bag to spend the night, she says no, so he contacts her grandmother to pack it, and takes the decision from her. Don't worry he doesn't sexually assault her, because he decides they aren't there yet.
It isn't just Brodie obviously. Her Grandmother, Shelby, and Jackson are all boundary ignoring manipulative assholes.
Frankie spends the entire time being railroaded.
Things the secondary characters decide to force Frankie to change:
1. Her body type
2. What her job is
3. Where she works, both physical location and actual company
4. Her friends
5. Where she lives
6. Her relationship (or lack of)
Every single one of them tell her that she's better off with a scarred face, because it gives her character because before she was a self absorbed bitch.
Maybe she was reveling in being away from her manipulative grandmother, and surrounded herself with shallow connections out of fear of ending up in a life where none of her choices were actually hers?
Look, I made a more complex character in a paragraph than anyone gets in the whole book.
Tell me one thing about Brodie that isn't his job or food. ANYTHING? He liked how Frankie looked and saw an emotional project to date.
Honestly everyone gets the shit end of the stick, issue being they all take turns hitting Frankie with it.
I wanted to like it. That did not go well.
The whole 'ignore someone when they say no, because you know better or you think they don't really mean it' is wrong. Even when it's based off delusions of good intentions.
Maybe if the convos of Brodie and Frankie getting to know each other/flirting were actually written and not just referred to, he would seem less like a controlling man shaped blob. All we get is Frankie saying no to things and Brodie ignoring it.
Example: He TELLS Frankie to pack a bag to spend the night, she says no, so he contacts her grandmother to pack it, and takes the decision from her. Don't worry he doesn't sexually assault her, because he decides they aren't there yet.
It isn't just Brodie obviously. Her Grandmother, Shelby, and Jackson are all boundary ignoring manipulative assholes.
Frankie spends the entire time being railroaded.
Things the secondary characters decide to force Frankie to change:
1. Her body type
2. What her job is
3. Where she works, both physical location and actual company
4. Her friends
5. Where she lives
6. Her relationship (or lack of)
Every single one of them tell her that she's better off with a scarred face, because it gives her character because before she was a self absorbed bitch.
Maybe she was reveling in being away from her manipulative grandmother, and surrounded herself with shallow connections out of fear of ending up in a life where none of her choices were actually hers?
Look, I made a more complex character in a paragraph than anyone gets in the whole book.
Tell me one thing about Brodie that isn't his job or food. ANYTHING? He liked how Frankie looked and saw an emotional project to date.
Honestly everyone gets the shit end of the stick, issue being they all take turns hitting Frankie with it.
I wanted to like it. That did not go well.
September 9, 2019
3.5*
I can't imagine how hard it would be to suffer a life-altering accident that caused your world to turn upside down. That's exactly what happened to our heroine Frankie- she was in a devastating car accident (which I wish we had learned more about), causing her to move in with her grandparents during her rehabilitation. Now imagine, as a thirty-something woman, on top of basically having to learn to walk again and accept that you'll be scarred for life, having your GRANDMOTHER trying to set you up on dates with the grandsons of her friends. Lord help her!
Life really has thrown Frankie for a loop and she’s trying to sort through it all- a new love interest, coming to some harsh realizations about people she thought were friends, developing new friendships, and reevaluating what she wants out of life. Yeah, our gal Frankie had a lot to deal with! What ensued was a story that was at times funny, sweet, frustrating, and when it came to Frankie, slightly exasperating!
While I could empathize with her, I did find Frankie to be just a little irritating when it came to how she was coping with her injuries, especially the scar on her face. She placed a lot of value on her looks, which was understandable to a point. But even at the end she was putting so much emphasis on her scars, it made her seem very shallow and more than a little vain.
Luckily for Frankie she had a sweetheart of PT who was more than happy to show her that, no matter the scars she bore, she was still beautiful and worthy, inside and out. Brodie was a doll- at times I wasn't sure Frankie was really deserving of him!
A meddling grandma, mean girls who were old enough to know, and be, better, a hunky love interest, and a couple of really good friends, made About Face an enjoyable read, even with my issues with Frankie. I’m so used to reading Ms. Haggerty’s cozy mysteries, this was a bit of a sexier change of pace!
I can't imagine how hard it would be to suffer a life-altering accident that caused your world to turn upside down. That's exactly what happened to our heroine Frankie- she was in a devastating car accident (which I wish we had learned more about), causing her to move in with her grandparents during her rehabilitation. Now imagine, as a thirty-something woman, on top of basically having to learn to walk again and accept that you'll be scarred for life, having your GRANDMOTHER trying to set you up on dates with the grandsons of her friends. Lord help her!
Life really has thrown Frankie for a loop and she’s trying to sort through it all- a new love interest, coming to some harsh realizations about people she thought were friends, developing new friendships, and reevaluating what she wants out of life. Yeah, our gal Frankie had a lot to deal with! What ensued was a story that was at times funny, sweet, frustrating, and when it came to Frankie, slightly exasperating!
While I could empathize with her, I did find Frankie to be just a little irritating when it came to how she was coping with her injuries, especially the scar on her face. She placed a lot of value on her looks, which was understandable to a point. But even at the end she was putting so much emphasis on her scars, it made her seem very shallow and more than a little vain.
Luckily for Frankie she had a sweetheart of PT who was more than happy to show her that, no matter the scars she bore, she was still beautiful and worthy, inside and out. Brodie was a doll- at times I wasn't sure Frankie was really deserving of him!
A meddling grandma, mean girls who were old enough to know, and be, better, a hunky love interest, and a couple of really good friends, made About Face an enjoyable read, even with my issues with Frankie. I’m so used to reading Ms. Haggerty’s cozy mysteries, this was a bit of a sexier change of pace!
May 6, 2020
I have to start by saying I didn't finish the book. I got to 77% and I was just done with Frankie's "deformity" being the front and center issue of the book. So read my review with that in mind.
Four years ago I was the passenger of an auto accident that broke my wrist and shattered my lower leg and ankle. I had surgery on my leg/ankle and was bed-bound for 6 weeks and then I had EXTENSIVE physical therapy for 12 weeks. After PT, it took months of walking with a walker/cane to regain the mobility I have and Frankie's injuries appeared to be even more extensive than mine since she needed multiple surgeries. So I immediately felt a kindred spirit in Frankie's struggles and pain, however, our connection ended when I realized how absolutely shallow and self-centered Frankie and 90% of the people in her life were. Obviously the author has known someone who's been through something similar or she asked the right people the right questions to get some first-hand knowledge, but some things made no sense and wouldn't have really happened how it was written. I can totally forgive and overlook those issues because people don't want to read how your injured leg doesn't talk to your brain so you would never be able to "jump up" or in a moment of forgetfulness try to take a step...which Frankie did from the beginning before she even started therapy...it just doesn't even register as a limb. It takes MONTHS of walking and using the leg for it to finally walk/move without conscious effort taking place. Maybe I'm different than other accident survivors, but I had extreme anxiety riding in a car after the accident for almost a year. I had nightmares about the wreck for months. It's been 4 years and I still get anxious riding/driving in the rain. I was physically in a ton of pain for months because of the bruising from the airbag and seatbelt, so the idea of going to a club with my girls...I call bullshit! I had to have help going to the bathroom, rearranging myself on the bed, getting dressed, going from the bed to the table, etc... as would Frankie because you can't walk, sit, undress enough with your leg locked out straight from hip to ankle...but she bounced back and went clubbing, called an Uber and walked herself out of the club, went to a party, went on dates to a public pool/farmers market...but I digress.
So why didn't I finish the book? A 1.5" scar on your face is NOT a deformity, having scars on your leg does NOT negate your beauty, your ability to work, people's willingness to be your friend/date you unless you are a supermodel OR you are shallow, narcissistic, and/or you hang out with self-centered assholes who only like you for your looks. So I'll say it, Frankie is a self-centered, shallow woman who obviously is more worried about her scar than the fact that she still has her life/ability to walk at all. Frankie has also surrounded herself with witches, narcissists, and spoiled brats in adult bodies.
Aside from the wreck/injury, I thought Frankie was fun, quirky, and had such potential but she just couldn't get over her "deformity" fast enough for me.
Brodie is fun, handsome, thoughtful, and believes in Frankie more than she believes in herself, which is what you need when you are going through something like this. However, he is NOT a physical therapist. He wouldn't take her to a Farmer's Market on a date months after major surgery when taking a shower is a full-body workout that causes pain and exhaustion...
Jackson...I don't even know what he is. He is Frankie's assistant but in reality, he is acting as the boss. Where and why did he get the idea of her owning her own firm into his head? If it was Frankie's dream or she had mentioned it at some point, it would make sense for him to be dead set on her starting a firm in the suburbs...which FYI has 150,000 and is NOT backwoods/small town/ boondocks as they kept calling it, which was annoying...but I wanted to ask him "What part of pressuring an injured/scared/already going through a ton of shit/your boss into starting a business sounds appropriate while she's unable to walk on her own and probably taking pain meds? And then for everyone to jump on board with the plan of pressuring her...it just makes ZERO sense.
Grandma...while I truly LOVE the idea of the grandma setting her granddaughter up on dates and it had such funny/cute potential...once again refer to my question to Jackson, except ask "why would you be trying to find your drugged, in pain granddaughter a life mate when she is struggling in every other area of her existence?" Grandma is my favorite character in the story if I take the injury out of it. She is a hoot, sassy, and headstrong but has a huge heart and lots of love for her granddaughter. Maybe she needs another story where she's setting up her otherwise healthy and happy Granddaughter with potential suitors?
Shelby is the only character that had the guts to tell Frankie to suck it up and stop being a shallow witch...and she's missing part of her arm! How blind and self-centered is Frankie for complaining about a 1.5" scar to a girl that was born without part of her arm???? If Frankie truly believes that people won't find her beautiful or won't be able to overlook her scars (because she can't even do it for herself) then how is Shelby/her friend supposed to be confident that Frankie even finds her attractive since she's missing a limb??
I HATE giving low reviews and I normally don't even review books if I am giving less than 3 stars because it's subjective and I don't want my opinion to dissuade someone from finding their next favorite author. But this time it hit me how damaging this type of character is to women/young girls. How everything in her, for the first 77% of the book, is about her looks, her job, what people think about her, and her absolutely shallow existence. I'm sure she had a huge breakthrough and now realizes that it's more about what's on the inside and not about her looks, but holy smokes...I'm guessing the word deformity was in there 40 times over a 1.5" scar!!! Be upset that your face is scared, mourn the situation, and then be a grown-up and realize that you could have lost an eye or died...and move on!
So I guess that's my reason for getting to 77% and then being 100% happy to return the book to KU. I have DNF'ed less than 5 books in my life (43 years) but I'm ok with this one being added to that list. I am going to give Haggerty another go with book 2 in the series since this one could be a little too close to home for me.
Pippa, My Secret Book Spot
Four years ago I was the passenger of an auto accident that broke my wrist and shattered my lower leg and ankle. I had surgery on my leg/ankle and was bed-bound for 6 weeks and then I had EXTENSIVE physical therapy for 12 weeks. After PT, it took months of walking with a walker/cane to regain the mobility I have and Frankie's injuries appeared to be even more extensive than mine since she needed multiple surgeries. So I immediately felt a kindred spirit in Frankie's struggles and pain, however, our connection ended when I realized how absolutely shallow and self-centered Frankie and 90% of the people in her life were. Obviously the author has known someone who's been through something similar or she asked the right people the right questions to get some first-hand knowledge, but some things made no sense and wouldn't have really happened how it was written. I can totally forgive and overlook those issues because people don't want to read how your injured leg doesn't talk to your brain so you would never be able to "jump up" or in a moment of forgetfulness try to take a step...which Frankie did from the beginning before she even started therapy...it just doesn't even register as a limb. It takes MONTHS of walking and using the leg for it to finally walk/move without conscious effort taking place. Maybe I'm different than other accident survivors, but I had extreme anxiety riding in a car after the accident for almost a year. I had nightmares about the wreck for months. It's been 4 years and I still get anxious riding/driving in the rain. I was physically in a ton of pain for months because of the bruising from the airbag and seatbelt, so the idea of going to a club with my girls...I call bullshit! I had to have help going to the bathroom, rearranging myself on the bed, getting dressed, going from the bed to the table, etc... as would Frankie because you can't walk, sit, undress enough with your leg locked out straight from hip to ankle...but she bounced back and went clubbing, called an Uber and walked herself out of the club, went to a party, went on dates to a public pool/farmers market...but I digress.
So why didn't I finish the book? A 1.5" scar on your face is NOT a deformity, having scars on your leg does NOT negate your beauty, your ability to work, people's willingness to be your friend/date you unless you are a supermodel OR you are shallow, narcissistic, and/or you hang out with self-centered assholes who only like you for your looks. So I'll say it, Frankie is a self-centered, shallow woman who obviously is more worried about her scar than the fact that she still has her life/ability to walk at all. Frankie has also surrounded herself with witches, narcissists, and spoiled brats in adult bodies.
Aside from the wreck/injury, I thought Frankie was fun, quirky, and had such potential but she just couldn't get over her "deformity" fast enough for me.
Brodie is fun, handsome, thoughtful, and believes in Frankie more than she believes in herself, which is what you need when you are going through something like this. However, he is NOT a physical therapist. He wouldn't take her to a Farmer's Market on a date months after major surgery when taking a shower is a full-body workout that causes pain and exhaustion...
Jackson...I don't even know what he is. He is Frankie's assistant but in reality, he is acting as the boss. Where and why did he get the idea of her owning her own firm into his head? If it was Frankie's dream or she had mentioned it at some point, it would make sense for him to be dead set on her starting a firm in the suburbs...which FYI has 150,000 and is NOT backwoods/small town/ boondocks as they kept calling it, which was annoying...but I wanted to ask him "What part of pressuring an injured/scared/already going through a ton of shit/your boss into starting a business sounds appropriate while she's unable to walk on her own and probably taking pain meds? And then for everyone to jump on board with the plan of pressuring her...it just makes ZERO sense.
Grandma...while I truly LOVE the idea of the grandma setting her granddaughter up on dates and it had such funny/cute potential...once again refer to my question to Jackson, except ask "why would you be trying to find your drugged, in pain granddaughter a life mate when she is struggling in every other area of her existence?" Grandma is my favorite character in the story if I take the injury out of it. She is a hoot, sassy, and headstrong but has a huge heart and lots of love for her granddaughter. Maybe she needs another story where she's setting up her otherwise healthy and happy Granddaughter with potential suitors?
Shelby is the only character that had the guts to tell Frankie to suck it up and stop being a shallow witch...and she's missing part of her arm! How blind and self-centered is Frankie for complaining about a 1.5" scar to a girl that was born without part of her arm???? If Frankie truly believes that people won't find her beautiful or won't be able to overlook her scars (because she can't even do it for herself) then how is Shelby/her friend supposed to be confident that Frankie even finds her attractive since she's missing a limb??
I HATE giving low reviews and I normally don't even review books if I am giving less than 3 stars because it's subjective and I don't want my opinion to dissuade someone from finding their next favorite author. But this time it hit me how damaging this type of character is to women/young girls. How everything in her, for the first 77% of the book, is about her looks, her job, what people think about her, and her absolutely shallow existence. I'm sure she had a huge breakthrough and now realizes that it's more about what's on the inside and not about her looks, but holy smokes...I'm guessing the word deformity was in there 40 times over a 1.5" scar!!! Be upset that your face is scared, mourn the situation, and then be a grown-up and realize that you could have lost an eye or died...and move on!
So I guess that's my reason for getting to 77% and then being 100% happy to return the book to KU. I have DNF'ed less than 5 books in my life (43 years) but I'm ok with this one being added to that list. I am going to give Haggerty another go with book 2 in the series since this one could be a little too close to home for me.
Pippa, My Secret Book Spot
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2019
If I could give this more than 5 stars I would. I started this book and could not put it down until I finished the last word. This book had me laughing so hard I was crying, misty over some touching moments, and frustration with Frankie over her self-pity act.
There are so many quirky characters that you can't help but love. Grandma likes to set Frankie up with her friend's sons but let's just say they are no real winners. Shelby who Frankie meets her first day of PT and they become fast friends. Jackson who has the ultimate belief in Frankie's event planning talents even if she can't see it for herself. And of course, Brodie, the smoking hot physical therapist that falls for Frankie from the first moment.
This story is reflective of what someone might endure after a tragic accident. While the details of the accident are never revealed, Frankie was in a cast and now has some major scars on her leg and one on her cheek. Living a somewhat superficial life has brought on a feeling of inadequacy no matter what anyone else tells her. Over the course of the book, she learns to let go a little bit and learn to love who she has become since the accident. It takes a long time because she is self-absorbed and more concerned about how she looks rather than being thankful for just being alive.
At times, Frankie's attitude does get to be a bit much and thankfully she has a friend or two that set her straight and open her eyes to life.
I loved this book and highly recommend that you add it to your list to read soon.
There are so many quirky characters that you can't help but love. Grandma likes to set Frankie up with her friend's sons but let's just say they are no real winners. Shelby who Frankie meets her first day of PT and they become fast friends. Jackson who has the ultimate belief in Frankie's event planning talents even if she can't see it for herself. And of course, Brodie, the smoking hot physical therapist that falls for Frankie from the first moment.
This story is reflective of what someone might endure after a tragic accident. While the details of the accident are never revealed, Frankie was in a cast and now has some major scars on her leg and one on her cheek. Living a somewhat superficial life has brought on a feeling of inadequacy no matter what anyone else tells her. Over the course of the book, she learns to let go a little bit and learn to love who she has become since the accident. It takes a long time because she is self-absorbed and more concerned about how she looks rather than being thankful for just being alive.
At times, Frankie's attitude does get to be a bit much and thankfully she has a friend or two that set her straight and open her eyes to life.
I loved this book and highly recommend that you add it to your list to read soon.
January 31, 2021
The writing was really stilted and felt awkward. At one point the spelling of the main characters name switched from “Brodie” to “Brody” and then back again. There was a super problematic scene where the main character was really mean about a mention of an addict in recovery. And if there’s anything I can’t stand, it’s a character who is skinny and tiny talking incessantly about how she’s gained a few pounds.
The romance between the two characters came out of nowhere and wasn’t all that interesting.
1/5, finished purely out of spite.
The romance between the two characters came out of nowhere and wasn’t all that interesting.
1/5, finished purely out of spite.
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September 27, 2019
About Face, (Love in the Suburbs #1)by D.E. Haggerty is a wonderful little romance featuring Francis McMillan, a lovely 35 year old woman who is staying with her grandparents because she was in a horrendous car wreck that left her with a scar on her face and an almost unusable leg. She is an event planner in the city and lives in a third floor walkup, which obviously she can't use right now as she can't walk. Her grandmother is taking this opportunity to lavish on her all the affection (food) that she has missed since Francis left home, and to find her a husband, in the form of one of her friend's grandsons, of which there appear to be an unending supply. The potential husbands go from bad to worse, but that doesn't deter Grandma. And she's gained at least twenty pounds since she's been there, but that doesn't really matter because she can't wear any clothing that would expose her leg, just as she can't leave her room without a bandage on her face. This is a laugh-out-loud funny book in spots. I know it sounds unreasonable to laugh at someone in this situation, but the reader can't help it.
About Face is a novel describing Francis becoming the person she was meant to be. She discovers that she has been selfish and self-centered, just like her mother. Something she had never intended. She also discovers that her friends are not really her friends, but that she does, in fact, have friends she never anticipated. She is charming, self-deprecating, talented, and unassuming; all the things that make a fabulous heroine, which she is. This book is totally character driven, and revolves around Francis, but not to the exclusion of her friends, Brodie, Jackson, and Shelby, primarily. Of course, Grandma is a driving force as well, and always good for a laugh. I don't usually laugh while reading a book, but I did this one so most people will probably laugh more and more often. I recommend About Face.
I received a free ARC of About Face from the Cozy Mystery Crew. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.
About Face is a novel describing Francis becoming the person she was meant to be. She discovers that she has been selfish and self-centered, just like her mother. Something she had never intended. She also discovers that her friends are not really her friends, but that she does, in fact, have friends she never anticipated. She is charming, self-deprecating, talented, and unassuming; all the things that make a fabulous heroine, which she is. This book is totally character driven, and revolves around Francis, but not to the exclusion of her friends, Brodie, Jackson, and Shelby, primarily. Of course, Grandma is a driving force as well, and always good for a laugh. I don't usually laugh while reading a book, but I did this one so most people will probably laugh more and more often. I recommend About Face.
I received a free ARC of About Face from the Cozy Mystery Crew. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.
September 24, 2019
Having previously read and enjoyed DE Haggerty’s Not So Reluctant Detective series, I was pleased to be able to read and review About Face. After a serious car crash, Frankie is recuperating in the suburbs at her grandparents’ house. She is now facing months of physiotherapy to enable her to walk again on her injured leg. As a distraction, her grandma tries to set her up with her friends’ grandsons, much to Frankie’s dismay (and our amusement). Brodie is her physio and when she asks him to pretend to be her date, to stop Grandma inviting any more weirdos to dinner, he surprises her by asking her out for real. Frankie is on a steep learning curve, gradually coming to terms with how shallow her life and her friends were before her accident. It turns out they were not true friends after all. With the support of her grandma, her assistant, Jackson, and her new friends Shelby and Brodie, will she be able to move on? The story is narrated in the first person so we only get Frankie’s view of what’s happening. I would have quite liked a bit of insight into what some of the other characters were thinking. My only slight criticism is that I would have expected the writer to fill in some of the backstory about the car accident. Frankie seems a bit fixated on her facial scar and takes a lot of convincing that it’s not the first thing people notice about her, but I suppose that’s only to be expected. I also thought that Francis was the male version of her name, but maybe that’s only in the UK? There is a lot of humour, and a cinematic quality to the story – I think it would make a great rom-com. I also hope we hear more about Shelby in another book. Thanks to the author for a copy that I review on behalf of Rosie’s Book Review Team #RBRT #AboutFace #DEHaggerty
August 29, 2019
This book had me laughing hysterically!
Frankie is a mid-thirties city girl that is recovering from a serious accident and then necessary surgeries. She’s in the ‘burbs with her grandparents since there’s no way she can hobble up three flights of stairs to her apartment in the city. She has major scarring on one leg and a scar on her face that she can’t seem to get over.
Frankie’s grandma is absolutely priceless! She thinks Frankie’s depressed and thinks setting her up with her friends’ grandsons might lead her to some fun *wink, wink* and subsequent happiness. The shenanigans that happen during these dinners with potential suitors are ridiculous and hilarious!
What happens when her delicious physical therapist tells her she’s beautiful? Get this book and devour it like I did to find out!
I loved this book! There were parts that were funny (huge understatement), sad, infuriating, and hopeful. This book definitely gave me “THE FEELS”. There was a great message in this story about how we view ourselves and others, and about what’s really important. The only thing that I would have liked was more info regarding the accident.
I’m really hoping, begging even, for a book with Jackson & Shelby! Major tension there!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review, which is my honest opinion.
Frankie is a mid-thirties city girl that is recovering from a serious accident and then necessary surgeries. She’s in the ‘burbs with her grandparents since there’s no way she can hobble up three flights of stairs to her apartment in the city. She has major scarring on one leg and a scar on her face that she can’t seem to get over.
Frankie’s grandma is absolutely priceless! She thinks Frankie’s depressed and thinks setting her up with her friends’ grandsons might lead her to some fun *wink, wink* and subsequent happiness. The shenanigans that happen during these dinners with potential suitors are ridiculous and hilarious!
What happens when her delicious physical therapist tells her she’s beautiful? Get this book and devour it like I did to find out!
I loved this book! There were parts that were funny (huge understatement), sad, infuriating, and hopeful. This book definitely gave me “THE FEELS”. There was a great message in this story about how we view ourselves and others, and about what’s really important. The only thing that I would have liked was more info regarding the accident.
I’m really hoping, begging even, for a book with Jackson & Shelby! Major tension there!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review, which is my honest opinion.
September 12, 2019
Paperback. D.E Haggerty is a new author to me but OMG I loved this book. I want Grandma so badly. She was absolutely hilarious as she tries to set up her granddaughter with varying degrees of blind date. Frankie has had to live with her Grandma after an accident leaves her injured enough that she can’t manage the stairs at home. A career minded person meets a sheer bloody minded grandma who is determined to see her happy like she was for 50 years. With a fake/real date set up with her physiotherapist, will this be the happy ever after she needs???? Or will her attitude be the stumbling bloke that will see her alone and unhappy for ever? I loved this book. Going in I am always a little wary when deciding to read new authors but my I was so not disappointed. Any other books from this author I know I will enjoy them.
August 30, 2019
I really enjoyed this one. I loved the humor. It had me laughing quite often. I just loved Frankie's grandma. She's a hoot. Her shenanigans were hilarious. The one thing I wished was I could have gotten into Brodie's head. Otherwise this book had me hooked right from the beginning. Frankie has a lot of recovering to do, but she also needs some soul searching. She has a chance to find her happy place. Frankie's friends in the city are less than to be desired except for one. I wanted to shake some sense into them. The secondary characters were just as great. I loved Shelby and I'm glad she's getting a book. This book is one the makes you laugh a ton, but also one that brings the feels. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 5, 2019
This is the first book that I have read by D. E. Haggerty and I liked her writing style and the characters. Frankie is a wonderful, realistic main character and her grandma is so funny! Frankie is a city girl with a fast paced career, but was in a car accident and is living with her grandparents in the suburbs. While she is recovering she must not only work to get herself back physically, but she will have to reevaluate her career and her life as well. This book had me cheering for Frankie, laughing out loud at grandma's antics and hoping for a happy ending.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the The Review Crew. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the The Review Crew. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 12, 2019
3.5*
This book has humour and a persistent H. Frankie was living with her grandparents after an accident, which we as a reader do not really get the details of, I think this would have helped to see Frankie's point of view. Her Grandma is meddling and sets her up with her friends' grandsons which is very amusing as they are not a good bunch! She dates her physical therapist slightly under duress but it all goes good in the end. Brodie was great - kind, considerate and understanding, This was a book with humour and very likable characters. The Grandma was a hoot!
This book has humour and a persistent H. Frankie was living with her grandparents after an accident, which we as a reader do not really get the details of, I think this would have helped to see Frankie's point of view. Her Grandma is meddling and sets her up with her friends' grandsons which is very amusing as they are not a good bunch! She dates her physical therapist slightly under duress but it all goes good in the end. Brodie was great - kind, considerate and understanding, This was a book with humour and very likable characters. The Grandma was a hoot!
September 23, 2022
Hard to root for this book when I disliked the main character so intensely. She hates herself so much and she occasionally attacks others to make herself feel slightly better. And then they get hurt and then just forgive her. Never once does anyone ever suggest therapy. The main character desperately needs it.
Wasn't the best book I've ever read, but definitely don't recommend reading this.
Wasn't the best book I've ever read, but definitely don't recommend reading this.
December 12, 2019
Frankie's physical therapist is all Viking hot and she's surprised to find she's attracted to him since he's so not her normal type. But it doesn't matter anyway considering he'd never be interested in her with her scarred face and leg. After all, they're the reason why she needs a PT anyway.
But somehow, she finds that he's not nearly as shallow as perhaps she used to be in the very near past. Can they make a go of it? Perhaps, if Frankie can grow and learn that it's not really the surface things that are so important.
About Face was pretty damn funny. Frankie's Grandma is freakin hilarious! Her meddling and her shenanigans honestly made the story for me. Well, her and Brodie because Brodie is an absolute sweetheart. I didn't connect as much with Frankie but I did appreciate how much she grew and developed as a character. I'm hoping there's more to come in the burbs, because her friends Shelby and Jackson are verrrry interesting!
ARC via Buoni Amici Press for an honest review.
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August 29, 2019
A new author for me and I've really enjoyed the characters, the storyline, the chemistry and connection between Frankie and Brodie and the personal development that Frankie went through! This was an incredible read!
Frankie believes she knows what she wants out of her life until life throws her a major curve ball. She got into an accident that she doesn’t know how she will fit back into her old life. Her grandmother keeps trying to find her a boyfriend with scary results. I loved her grandmother so much that I wish I had just one like her. She keeps on bringing her friend's grandson to match-make with Frankie. When Frankie decides to ask her physical therapist, Brodie, to fake date her, she never dreams he wanted a real date. This is where it gets really sweet and romantic. The way Brodie treat her was just everything and you'll be jealous of her!
Living with her grandmother, everything she had and tried to achieve in the city seem so irrelevant and unimportant. She truly find what life really means, not just in terms of love and family, but also friendship.
Everything about this book was just perfect! 5 stars and more!
Frankie believes she knows what she wants out of her life until life throws her a major curve ball. She got into an accident that she doesn’t know how she will fit back into her old life. Her grandmother keeps trying to find her a boyfriend with scary results. I loved her grandmother so much that I wish I had just one like her. She keeps on bringing her friend's grandson to match-make with Frankie. When Frankie decides to ask her physical therapist, Brodie, to fake date her, she never dreams he wanted a real date. This is where it gets really sweet and romantic. The way Brodie treat her was just everything and you'll be jealous of her!
Living with her grandmother, everything she had and tried to achieve in the city seem so irrelevant and unimportant. She truly find what life really means, not just in terms of love and family, but also friendship.
Everything about this book was just perfect! 5 stars and more!
August 26, 2019
Frankie believes she knows what she wants out of her life until life throws her a major curve ball. Now she is relearning to walk after an intense accident and is fearful of the scar on her face, she doesn’t know how she will fit back into her old life. As she faces these new challenges, her grandmother keeps trying to find her a boyfriend with scary results. When she decides to ask her physical therapist, Brodie, to fake date her, she never dreams he wants a real date. I was pulled into Frankie’s journey as she faces the changes that have happened in her life. It allowed her to look at where and who she was before the accident to decide if that was the right path for her. She had to face some hard truths all while her grandmother kept meddling in her life. Add in Shelby, Brodie and Jackson as great supporting characters that were willing to give her the hard and honest truth when needed to help her find her way. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
July 2, 2020
Annoying heroine
Frankie was in a car accident which we have very few details regarding other than her damaged leg and a scar on her face. She spends the majority of the book thinking that this scar has left her disfigured and hideous while everyone who supports her insists the scar is small. Her self perception gets annoying. She typically wears a bandage over the scar which really just draws more attention.
Her friends from "the city" (we never actually find out where the story takes place) are heinous. Even toward the end of the book after 2 of her friends betrayed her, she continues to defend them to Brodie. It makes no sense.
Brodie wants to date her although I don't know why as she hadn't shown any redeeming qualities. Many characters point out that Frankie is selfish and self absorbed and they're all correct.
Frankie was in a car accident which we have very few details regarding other than her damaged leg and a scar on her face. She spends the majority of the book thinking that this scar has left her disfigured and hideous while everyone who supports her insists the scar is small. Her self perception gets annoying. She typically wears a bandage over the scar which really just draws more attention.
Her friends from "the city" (we never actually find out where the story takes place) are heinous. Even toward the end of the book after 2 of her friends betrayed her, she continues to defend them to Brodie. It makes no sense.
Brodie wants to date her although I don't know why as she hadn't shown any redeeming qualities. Many characters point out that Frankie is selfish and self absorbed and they're all correct.
August 25, 2019
Frankie and Brodie make a great story. Frankie is a recovering from a serious accident. It bad enough she has to live with the scars and learn to walk again with physical therapy. She has to do all this while living with her match maker grandma in the dreaded suburbs. the best part is her hot therapist, Brodie. this story is a romcom, however, there is more to it. There is good character growth and great supporting characters. Grandma is great. the new BFF,Shelby, works her way into Frankie's world and Brodie is fabulous. Between Grandma, Shelby, Brodie and others, Frankie learns good and bad things about herself. The comedy, romance, and good writing come together for an entertaining read.
September 3, 2019
When an accident happens and leaves your future on shaky ground, a girl quickly figures out who her real friends are and where her priorities lie especially when a hunky fellow decides that you are a part of his future! A fun romance with a bit of a "moral of the story" depth to it that is not only entertaining, but a bit enlightening as well. Interesting characters, especially grandma, that connect well with the plot and will enhance your reading pleasure! This is my first read by this author and I can say that I am definitely intrigued as I quite enjoyed the author's voice and am now looking forward to other books by this author and hopefully a sequel to this book as I am quite interested to see what happens in the lives of the supporting characters.
January 5, 2020
This book was such a fun book. It was a mixture of emotions from happy, to sad, to anger, to frustration, ending with the perfect degree of joy! I can't imagine suffering an injury that would change my entire life, but sometimes out of something bad comes something awesome! It truly was eye-opening to her as to how she led her life and who her true friends really were. Her grandmother made the book! She cracked me up! She was so meddling, and the parade of guys she brought before her just cracked me up. The book read like a movie script so I hope that one day I will see it on the big screen! The only thing I really wish the book would've touched on was how the accident happened, or how she got injured to begin with. Other than that, it was a fun book!
May 19, 2021
I enjoyed listening to Valley Parker, perfect for this book.
I loved this book. Frankie finds herself now living with her grandmother, after a serious accident, left her with unable to walk and a scar on her face. Her life has completely turned upside down.
But grandma, has plans for her.. oh yes this sweet old lady, keeps trying to set her up on my dates. The only way Frankie can see out of this, is to ask her very hot physical therapist Brodie to go on a fake date...
Between her hilarious grandmother and Brodie who doesn't do fake, this is a great listen.
I loved this book. Frankie finds herself now living with her grandmother, after a serious accident, left her with unable to walk and a scar on her face. Her life has completely turned upside down.
But grandma, has plans for her.. oh yes this sweet old lady, keeps trying to set her up on my dates. The only way Frankie can see out of this, is to ask her very hot physical therapist Brodie to go on a fake date...
Between her hilarious grandmother and Brodie who doesn't do fake, this is a great listen.
August 28, 2019
I found this to be a well written story which made me laugh, smile and tear up. I really enjoyed the characters, the storyline, the chemistry and connection between Frankie and Brodie and the personal development that Frankie went through. A new author for me, I'll be looking out for the follow up story about Shelby and Jackson for definite. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an ARC.
September 1, 2019
I loved this book and can't wait for the next one! Frankie reminds me a lot of myself and the things she goes through hit home for me, although my Grandma isn't as meddling. I really enjoyed all of the humor in the book and it kept me entertained the whole time. I actually couldn't put it down and I finished it in a day. D.E. Haggerty is a new author for me, and I must say I will be looking into more of their books now.
September 27, 2019
This is a wonderful book! I really enjoyed how the author wrote about serious issues and showed that anything can be overcome!. That beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that it is what is inside of you that is most important. Relationships with family and friends and so-called friends. It is written in a way that draws you in and that at times you just want to shake the main character and say get with it! A lot of humor, family love and new friendships. Definitely a must read!
July 25, 2020
Inner Beauty is more important
I adore the character of Frankie in this story, she rose from the tragic situation. Though she obviously became insecure due to her injuries and scars, she overcome them with tremendous support from her grandparents, new found friend and love.Shes learned so much valuable lessons as she heal and focussed more on her inner beauty and strength. Very fun and heartwarming to read. Been LOL by my self its no joke.Thank you!
I adore the character of Frankie in this story, she rose from the tragic situation. Though she obviously became insecure due to her injuries and scars, she overcome them with tremendous support from her grandparents, new found friend and love.Shes learned so much valuable lessons as she heal and focussed more on her inner beauty and strength. Very fun and heartwarming to read. Been LOL by my self its no joke.Thank you!
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