Making A Difference:

by Pinar Tarhan

Everybody loves Jay. He’s that humanitarian PR guru who doesn’t live like the rich and runs a profitable company so that he’ll have more resources to help people. He defines himself through how much he and his company make a positive impact.

He's engaged to a gorgeous CEO whose purse collection could feed the homeless in NYC, but he’s only human.

If anyone notices the irony, it’s Jay’s new partner Zoe. 10 years older than her, Jay is the reason she studied PR. So when Jay's business partner/best friend takes a less pressuring position, she's delighted to return to the firm she interned for.

But Jay and Zoe have a big secret: 5 years ago, they fell hard for each other. She was a student at NYU where Jay was a lecturer. To Jay, his legacy was everything, and he'd never risk his reputation by dating a student. Moreover, he'd die before he let Zoe ruin her career. She is furious he doesn't take the risk for them. She leaves the country to get over him.

And now she’s happily coupled-up with lovely writer Colin.
Colin detests Jay, and he doesn’t even know the entire story. Zoe’s upset Colin’s turning into a whiny jerk, but he’s the first guy she has felt strongly for in a long time.

Jay can no longer dismiss his feelings as nostalgia, but Zoe's still furious at him. And the last time he tried to fix things, she left the company and the country. And now that the stakes are even higher.

Will Jay be able to follow his heart even when improving the world seems easier?

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2020

Reviews

[Gabriel Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The term "chick-lit" is often used in a derogatory way, to identify schlocky, schmoopy books that are easy to read and easy to flush and easy to forget. Pinar Tarhan's novel, "M.A.D. (Making A Difference) is definitely easy to read, but it is also easy to enjoy and easy to see why this author is making a difference in this often overlooked genre. Her characters are well-developed, her dialogue is smart and crackles, the humor is incisive and the characters are relatable and flawed-- all instantly recognizable as people we know in our own lives. Tarhan creates situations and moments that are accessible and interesting, and avoids cliches and contrivances that would otherwise make one's eyes roll. "M.A.D." is a lovely book that will affirm your belief in the possibilities of charm and love in a turbulent and toxic world.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute romantic book that was a light and easy read. Great when you want to relax a bit and not have to strain your brain. Jay was a doll baby that everybody loved as he was a great humanitarian and liked improving the lives of others. Zoe was a strong female lead who was likable. The banter between the two will keep you laughing. Plus it was heartwarming to see some wealthy people actually care about those less fortunate and truly make a difference. I received a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S.M. LANYON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced, romance in present day times. Very entertaining, enjoyable read. Looking forward to reading more by Pinar Tarhan 😊😊😊

[Olga Mecking · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun light read featuring good guys and a female character that's strong and independent but also likes doing good deeds and having fun. A great book if you want an escape from reality sometimes. And in these times, I think we all do.

[Caley Brennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

[I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for a review through Voracious Readers Only]

This was a great romance novel! All of the characters are likeable (or at least sympathetic) and I enjoyed watching them interact, especially Jay and Zoe. Tarhan also resists the temptation to make their romantic rivals (Colin and Carla, respectively) one-dimensional annoying and/or jealous types, which adds complexity to the awkward situation they all find themselves in.

The first part of the book just simmers with subtle tension as the characters are about to have some of their relationships shaken up and rearranged, though you’re never entirely sure of what’s going to happen until the end, and then angst and drama is really ramped up during the second half. I also thought that the we-can-never-date-because-it-could-ruin-our-friendship sideplot with Jenna and Bradley complemented the we-can-never-date-because-it-could-ruin-our-professional-reputations plotline with Zoe and Jay well. The ending was satisfying and the ritzy New York lifestyles of the cast gives the book a fun escapist element also, along with the spontaneous dance scenes.

Tarhan’s writing is clear and descriptive and she has a knack for great dialogue too, though my version had the occasional typo and sometimes the characters sound a little more British than American in places (ex. using “I’ve a [noun] instead of “I have a [noun]”). Overall, I really enjoyed this book!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good enjoyable, and entertaining romantic comedy read that is a fun and light. The story has a good story line. The story featuring good guys, a female that is strong, independent, and likes to have fun. They also have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mc Chanster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was really sweet, feel good romance with a really fun set of characters. With so much negativity going around, it was great to get lost in this will-they-or-won't-they love story. I thought Zoe was a great female lead - strong, independent and not afraid to speak her mind, and Jay was a good pairing. I liked that there was drama, but it wasn't over the top, and the supporting characters were well written. Overall, a fun read a great escape.

Thank you Voracious Readers and Pinar Tarhan for my copy!

[Liza Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one thing that stood out with Making a Difference was how superb the Authors characters are developed. Right from the beginning page, I felt as though I knew each character personally, and that I was sitting with them listening in on their conversations.

I adore this book. It's an astonishing story.
An up incoming young author. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
Well Done!

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to laugh a little and immerse yourself in a story about corporate life, this is your book. Talk about charismatic leaders, strong female characters, funny and intelligent people, there you have it! A very relatable tale of corporate life, written with humor and sarcastic comments that really made my day! Very entertaining!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Georgie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through voracious readers and I liked reading it. The plot was unique and not cliche at all. The characters all had soo much to them and were so interesting, I found myself relating and empathising with them in the different situations. I would have to say this is more of a drama than a romance, but it was still a good book. It was so a good length for me and the structure made it all flow nicely. I could definitely see myself recommending this book.

[Carmen Radtke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this while I was ill, and it made me forget my discomfort for a while. One of my favourite settings for a romance, an easy-to-follow plot - Pinar Tarhan has created a piece of escapism as relaxing as a bubble-bath.

[Fiona Leitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bright and breezy romance novel, easy to lose yourself in! Great setting - New York - sympathetic characters you root for - what more could you want? The perfect 'holiday' book, just the sort of thing for when you're sitting on a sandy beach in the sunshine and you want some pure escapism!

[Kate Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

refereshing to read about wealthy gorgeous intelligent people who actually care about the world instead of wealthy gorgeous intelligent super beings wrapped up in their wealth. received as a complimentary review copy from VRO.

[Melissa Carlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this lighthearted, easy-to-read romantic comedy. Jay came across as a great if sometimes a little clueless, humanitarian who enjoyed helping others. Zoe came across as a strong female who spent a lot of time trying to keep poor Jay in line when he tended to go off the rails. The book is full of adorable banter between the two and sweet works of service with some romantic tones and an engaging plot that keeps readers interested to the very end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hargun · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not like this book.
The author’s writing didn’t fit my style, and the characters didn’t respond or act the way they should in each situation I would still suggest you read this, but it didn’t fit my reading style or genre.

I received this book from Voracious readers and am voluntarily writing a review.