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Instantní macecha
Ella byla svobodná a bez závazků. A pak potkala Dana. Sexy, vtipného a rozvedeného otce dvou dětí. Všechno šlo hladce, dokud se Ella k Danovi nenastěhovala – v tu chvíli se z ní totiž stala nevlastní máma Ethana a Grace, a navíc panička hyperaktivního psa Starkyho. Jak se Ella vyrovná s Danovou perfektní ex-manželkou, kritickou tchyní a puberťačkou Grace? A uvědomí si, že se už nerozhoduje jen za sebe, ale i za rodinu, do které se přistěhovala?
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 25, 2018
63 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Caliskan
3 books11 followersPatricia Caliskan's latest novel, WHEN WE WERE US, will be released in February 2024.
GIRLFRIEND, INTERRUPTED, was released by Sapere Books, June 2018.
Her debut novel, AWFUL BY COMPARISON, was released in August 2016.
Told with mischievous humour, Patricia’s stories explore family dynamics, office politics, and the divergent roles of women throughout their lives…
Patricia Caliskan began her writing career as an arts and entertainment journalist, before joining Reach PLC as commercial editor across a portfolio of magazine titles.
Patricia likes a nice, flouncy scarf, a good pair of boots, and laughter. Lots of laughter. Otherwise life feels far too grown-up for her liking.
Follow Patricia Caliskan on Social for more...
GIRLFRIEND, INTERRUPTED, was released by Sapere Books, June 2018.
Her debut novel, AWFUL BY COMPARISON, was released in August 2016.
Told with mischievous humour, Patricia’s stories explore family dynamics, office politics, and the divergent roles of women throughout their lives…
Patricia Caliskan began her writing career as an arts and entertainment journalist, before joining Reach PLC as commercial editor across a portfolio of magazine titles.
Patricia likes a nice, flouncy scarf, a good pair of boots, and laughter. Lots of laughter. Otherwise life feels far too grown-up for her liking.
Follow Patricia Caliskan on Social for more...
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 26, 2018
I haven’t read any of Patricia’s previous books. If there’s one thing I love it’s discovering new authors and so I eagerly opened ‘Girlfriend Interrupted’. I was not to be disappointed as I really enjoyed the book but more about that in a bit.
I must say that I took to the character of Ella Shawe fairly early on in the book. She was young, free and single until she met the love of her life called Dan. After she met him, she was thrust into a life of domesticity with the partner, the house, the dog and the kids. Dan is a divorced father of two and I think that he has indulged the kids a bit too much- perhaps to make up for the fact that he and their mother split up and divorced. Back to Ella- Ella has really tried to get on with her step children and she hasn’t tried to take over the role of mother. A lot of her efforts go wrong or unappreciated or meet with severe resistance. Quite frankly the way her step daughter speaks to her is downright disgusting and if I had spoken to anybody using the ‘F word’ in the presence of my father then I would have received a few dozen clips to the ear. But what does Dan do? Absolutely zilch apart from weakly telling his daughter not to use such language but to be honest he might as well go and head butt a wall for all the good his ticking off does. Although her step daughter fires all this verbal aggression at Ella, Ella takes it on the chin, pastes a smile on her face and carries on, even though some of the comments hurt her deeply. Ella believes that her step daughter blames her for the fact that the step children’s father has not got back with their mother. I really felt for Ella here and there were a few times when I just wanted to jump inside of the pages of the book to give Ella a hug.
Oh this book took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride. There were times when I laughed out loud- usually at something inappropriate that Ella’s mother said ( my funniest part of the book has to be when Ella and her mother are at dinner and the mother is talking about sex and an old lady from a nearby table chips in with something completely unexpected) , there were times when I wanted to rattle the step daughter by the shoulders for the way she was treating Ella, there were times when I wanted to give Ella a hug as I really felt for her and there were times when I found myself getting rather annoyed at the way Dan was behaving. The author has really tuned into the feelings that arise when a child’s parent gets divorced from the other parent and then forms a relationship with a new person. I have friends, who have found themselves in such a situation and the behaviour of their eldest children match the behaviour that the step daughter in the book exhibits- feelings such as resentment, anger and the fact that she goes out of her way to misbehave in defiance of what she is told to do.
I became hooked on this book from the moment I got to the end of the first page. The pages were turning that fast that it was almost as if they were turning themselves and before I knew what was happening I had finished the book, which I was disappointed about. I was enjoying everything about the book so much that I just wanted it to continue. Despite my trying to ration how much I read at once, I failed and binge read the whole book over the course of a day. I just had to read on to see what happened to Ella, if her relationship with Dan survived and if Ella ever established a better and closer relationship with her step children.
In conclusion I have to say that I really did enjoy reading ‘Girlfriend Interrupted’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I can’t wait to read Patricia’s next book. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.
I must say that I took to the character of Ella Shawe fairly early on in the book. She was young, free and single until she met the love of her life called Dan. After she met him, she was thrust into a life of domesticity with the partner, the house, the dog and the kids. Dan is a divorced father of two and I think that he has indulged the kids a bit too much- perhaps to make up for the fact that he and their mother split up and divorced. Back to Ella- Ella has really tried to get on with her step children and she hasn’t tried to take over the role of mother. A lot of her efforts go wrong or unappreciated or meet with severe resistance. Quite frankly the way her step daughter speaks to her is downright disgusting and if I had spoken to anybody using the ‘F word’ in the presence of my father then I would have received a few dozen clips to the ear. But what does Dan do? Absolutely zilch apart from weakly telling his daughter not to use such language but to be honest he might as well go and head butt a wall for all the good his ticking off does. Although her step daughter fires all this verbal aggression at Ella, Ella takes it on the chin, pastes a smile on her face and carries on, even though some of the comments hurt her deeply. Ella believes that her step daughter blames her for the fact that the step children’s father has not got back with their mother. I really felt for Ella here and there were a few times when I just wanted to jump inside of the pages of the book to give Ella a hug.
Oh this book took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride. There were times when I laughed out loud- usually at something inappropriate that Ella’s mother said ( my funniest part of the book has to be when Ella and her mother are at dinner and the mother is talking about sex and an old lady from a nearby table chips in with something completely unexpected) , there were times when I wanted to rattle the step daughter by the shoulders for the way she was treating Ella, there were times when I wanted to give Ella a hug as I really felt for her and there were times when I found myself getting rather annoyed at the way Dan was behaving. The author has really tuned into the feelings that arise when a child’s parent gets divorced from the other parent and then forms a relationship with a new person. I have friends, who have found themselves in such a situation and the behaviour of their eldest children match the behaviour that the step daughter in the book exhibits- feelings such as resentment, anger and the fact that she goes out of her way to misbehave in defiance of what she is told to do.
I became hooked on this book from the moment I got to the end of the first page. The pages were turning that fast that it was almost as if they were turning themselves and before I knew what was happening I had finished the book, which I was disappointed about. I was enjoying everything about the book so much that I just wanted it to continue. Despite my trying to ration how much I read at once, I failed and binge read the whole book over the course of a day. I just had to read on to see what happened to Ella, if her relationship with Dan survived and if Ella ever established a better and closer relationship with her step children.
In conclusion I have to say that I really did enjoy reading ‘Girlfriend Interrupted’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I can’t wait to read Patricia’s next book. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.
July 31, 2018
First of all I need to thank Sonya over at A Lover Of Books and Sapere Books as I won an ecopy of this book in a giveaway on Sonya's blog.
This was such a fun read. I have to say though I had so much empathy for Ella. She really does have to put up with a lot in her personal life as well as her work. Raising your own children can be challenging enough but Dan's kids make it even harder, well mainly his daughter Grace. If the children arn't troublesome enough, she also has to deal with an over bearing mother in law. Like I say, I so empathised with her and cringed at plenty of parts as I felt so sorry for poor Ella.
It might sound like some sort of family drama of which it probably is to a certain extent but it is also way much more. It is a fun read with plenty of laugh out loud parts that really entertains the reader. Like the blurb says, you really get behind Ella hoping that she can win Dan's kids over as well as the mother in law. To find out if she does, well you will have to read it for yourself.
Girlfriend, Interrupted is a fun read that will make you put your own family worries to one side and make you thankful that they could be worse. A real pick me up that is guaranteed to make you smile.
This was such a fun read. I have to say though I had so much empathy for Ella. She really does have to put up with a lot in her personal life as well as her work. Raising your own children can be challenging enough but Dan's kids make it even harder, well mainly his daughter Grace. If the children arn't troublesome enough, she also has to deal with an over bearing mother in law. Like I say, I so empathised with her and cringed at plenty of parts as I felt so sorry for poor Ella.
It might sound like some sort of family drama of which it probably is to a certain extent but it is also way much more. It is a fun read with plenty of laugh out loud parts that really entertains the reader. Like the blurb says, you really get behind Ella hoping that she can win Dan's kids over as well as the mother in law. To find out if she does, well you will have to read it for yourself.
Girlfriend, Interrupted is a fun read that will make you put your own family worries to one side and make you thankful that they could be worse. A real pick me up that is guaranteed to make you smile.
August 9, 2018
This is the first I have read by Patricia Caliskan and I have to say it was a refreshing change to the usual chic-lit/contemporary that are doing the rounds, Caliskan kept me engaged from the word go with her witty way with words and story-telling.
Ella has found herself falling head over heels in love with Dan, but when she moved in with him and became a step-mother to his two children she feels that something is amiss. She is having issues connecting with the kids, her once ever so loving Dan has shifted from romantic and loving to something that more resembles and friend. Elle doesn’t want this relationship to fail, she want’s it to work, even though I do think she wants it to work for to prove the doubters wrong then for her self and Dan. Elle is adamant that they will come to some sort of happy, if dysfunctional family. The only problem is that Elle has no idea how to make all of this happen, how on earth can she be a step-mother when she knows nothing about kids?
Ella is a lovely and very normal character that so many women can relate to, in a relationship which has suddenly gone a little flat, finding herself trying to do right with his kids while juggling a job she is finding wearing a boss with an attitude problem and a mother who likes nothing better than talking about hers and her daughter’s sex lives in a public coffee shop. Yes, Elle’s mother is a real hoot, talk about embarrassing mother’s, this woman takes the award.
I think Caliskan has done a wonderful job with Elle, she is like the girl next door. She is real, even though I do think that she is a little naïve to the ways of the world, I would say that she and Dan did jump into things very suddenly, but like a lot of couples they have to deal with it now they find them self in this situation and Caliskan brings those trials and emotional moments to life.
This is a well-developed, steady and well written story. It has lots of laugh’s, usually in the shape of Elle’s mother, and the whole story is so relatable to anyone who pick’s up this book will be able to relate and empathise in some way to Elle’s life and story. Girlfriend Interrupted is a fun, romantic and light-hearted story that reader will enjoy, the only thing I will say against it was that I found it a little slow paced in places, but other than that I very enjoyable read from a new-to-me author.
Very enjoyable!
Ella has found herself falling head over heels in love with Dan, but when she moved in with him and became a step-mother to his two children she feels that something is amiss. She is having issues connecting with the kids, her once ever so loving Dan has shifted from romantic and loving to something that more resembles and friend. Elle doesn’t want this relationship to fail, she want’s it to work, even though I do think she wants it to work for to prove the doubters wrong then for her self and Dan. Elle is adamant that they will come to some sort of happy, if dysfunctional family. The only problem is that Elle has no idea how to make all of this happen, how on earth can she be a step-mother when she knows nothing about kids?
Ella is a lovely and very normal character that so many women can relate to, in a relationship which has suddenly gone a little flat, finding herself trying to do right with his kids while juggling a job she is finding wearing a boss with an attitude problem and a mother who likes nothing better than talking about hers and her daughter’s sex lives in a public coffee shop. Yes, Elle’s mother is a real hoot, talk about embarrassing mother’s, this woman takes the award.
I think Caliskan has done a wonderful job with Elle, she is like the girl next door. She is real, even though I do think that she is a little naïve to the ways of the world, I would say that she and Dan did jump into things very suddenly, but like a lot of couples they have to deal with it now they find them self in this situation and Caliskan brings those trials and emotional moments to life.
This is a well-developed, steady and well written story. It has lots of laugh’s, usually in the shape of Elle’s mother, and the whole story is so relatable to anyone who pick’s up this book will be able to relate and empathise in some way to Elle’s life and story. Girlfriend Interrupted is a fun, romantic and light-hearted story that reader will enjoy, the only thing I will say against it was that I found it a little slow paced in places, but other than that I very enjoyable read from a new-to-me author.
Very enjoyable!
May 22, 2018
Thank you to Sapere books for asking me to review this book written by Patricia Caliskan.
I was not sure what to expect in this novel, not having read any of this authors books before. Well I was amazed at how intense and realistic I found the way the author had written the Story. You feel as if you are there with Ella as she goes through the moments of just being a girlfriend to almost a full time step mum at the weekends.
The story is so good and ends quite suddenly that I almost wish that there is going to be a following chapter/and or book to see how the blended family finally works it all out.
You feel the heartache Ella feels when things go wrong and then the inevitable feelings she has off being taken for granted by everyone and how easy it is to feel you are in the wrong place.
Highly recommended.
I was not sure what to expect in this novel, not having read any of this authors books before. Well I was amazed at how intense and realistic I found the way the author had written the Story. You feel as if you are there with Ella as she goes through the moments of just being a girlfriend to almost a full time step mum at the weekends.
The story is so good and ends quite suddenly that I almost wish that there is going to be a following chapter/and or book to see how the blended family finally works it all out.
You feel the heartache Ella feels when things go wrong and then the inevitable feelings she has off being taken for granted by everyone and how easy it is to feel you are in the wrong place.
Highly recommended.
May 18, 2024
This book gave me the ick from chapter 2 but I have a book target for the year to reach so I continued on.
December 27, 2022
— 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 —
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Girlfriend, Interrupted
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: N/A
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): Patricia Caliskan
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Romcom
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 28th June 2018
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 3/5
Ella Shawe is the 25 year old carefree girlfriend of Dan, ten years her senior, and even his kids, Grace, budding teenager and eight year old Ethan love her. However when Ella and Dan's romance goes one step further and Ella moves in to the family household, the relationship dynamics change completely, with seemingly everyone working against Ella's every effort to bond with the children, whilst Dan is frustratingly oblivious to any attempt made by Ella to include herself in the packing order.
We all know the story of the 'Wicked Stepmother', but now we get to read the 'Struggling Stepgirlfriend' version of things, and the struggles that come with adopting an entire new family, and getting them to accept you.
If you're a fan of the brutally open rom-com scene, then this book is for you. Ella could be any one of us, struggling to fit in somewhere that she feels she's not wanted, with hilarious mishaps, snooty remarks from the mother in law, and the perfect ex-wife being so bloody perfect all the time, Ella makes the best with what she's got. She's a likeable character, and the author makes her even more relatable by choosing not to filter her thoughts throughout the narrative, instead she includes crude, sexy detailing and exasperated evil thinking; that even the most shameless person would be hard pressed to admit, all making Ella an open and personable heroine.
I found this book surprisingly funny. When I read the synopsis of what appeared to be a fluffy chicklit, perfect for some light, entertaining reading, and I see the words "will have you laughing-out-loud", I don't actually expect to be laughing out loud? I'm not sure if that's just me, if I've read too many fluffy rom-coms that were more off-puttingly rom than com, but either way it was a pleasant happenstance that I found myself laughing at the incidents and remarks taking place throughout the novel. Ella's mother especially is an absolute gem of a character.
I flew through this story and read it all in one sitting, it was an easy and entertaining read, with pauses for thought on how it must be to be the 'wicked stepmother' in a familial situation. Packed with light hearted humour, and a cute storyline to boot, I really did enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🧚🏻♀️
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𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Girlfriend, Interrupted
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: N/A
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): Patricia Caliskan
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Romcom
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 28th June 2018
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 3/5
Ella Shawe is the 25 year old carefree girlfriend of Dan, ten years her senior, and even his kids, Grace, budding teenager and eight year old Ethan love her. However when Ella and Dan's romance goes one step further and Ella moves in to the family household, the relationship dynamics change completely, with seemingly everyone working against Ella's every effort to bond with the children, whilst Dan is frustratingly oblivious to any attempt made by Ella to include herself in the packing order.
We all know the story of the 'Wicked Stepmother', but now we get to read the 'Struggling Stepgirlfriend' version of things, and the struggles that come with adopting an entire new family, and getting them to accept you.
If you're a fan of the brutally open rom-com scene, then this book is for you. Ella could be any one of us, struggling to fit in somewhere that she feels she's not wanted, with hilarious mishaps, snooty remarks from the mother in law, and the perfect ex-wife being so bloody perfect all the time, Ella makes the best with what she's got. She's a likeable character, and the author makes her even more relatable by choosing not to filter her thoughts throughout the narrative, instead she includes crude, sexy detailing and exasperated evil thinking; that even the most shameless person would be hard pressed to admit, all making Ella an open and personable heroine.
I found this book surprisingly funny. When I read the synopsis of what appeared to be a fluffy chicklit, perfect for some light, entertaining reading, and I see the words "will have you laughing-out-loud", I don't actually expect to be laughing out loud? I'm not sure if that's just me, if I've read too many fluffy rom-coms that were more off-puttingly rom than com, but either way it was a pleasant happenstance that I found myself laughing at the incidents and remarks taking place throughout the novel. Ella's mother especially is an absolute gem of a character.
I flew through this story and read it all in one sitting, it was an easy and entertaining read, with pauses for thought on how it must be to be the 'wicked stepmother' in a familial situation. Packed with light hearted humour, and a cute storyline to boot, I really did enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🧚🏻♀️
♡ my bookstagram • my twitter ♡
↑ follow my socials for more bookish content. ↑
June 20, 2018
This book rates 3.5 Stars.
Girlfriend, Interrupted: From carefree twenty-something to instant mother-of-two...
by Patricia Caliskan
Ella Shawe moves in with her boyfriend Dan, and as the title of the book says, she goes from being a carefree girlfriend to being a mother of two, at least on the weekends. Her stepchildren, especially 12-year-old Grace can be hard work. Then there is their perfect mother and Dan's mother who always make Ella feel as if she can do nothing right. It soon becomes apparent to her that life as a stepmother isn't an easy one, and what makes it worse is that she has no time with Dan where they can just enjoy each other's company. He seems oblivious to how she is feeling and can't even see her point of view when she stresses out about something, or when he lets her down in order to help out his ex! Is there any chance of their relationship lasting, or will Ella decide that love isn't enough?
From what I have written you would think that this is a depressing story, at times it was, but then the author cleverly throws in a LOT of funny moments, even during some of the difficult times that Ella faces. One minute I would be fuming on her behalf then the next I would be laughing at the antics some of the characters were getting up to. If nothing else this book will definitely make you run a gamut of emotions. The characters were believable, yes, even Ella's mum who is a sex therapist with a toyboy lover. And if the author hasn't had experience herself with being a part of a stepfamily then she has certainly researched it well because sadly the stress is very real.
I was a little disappointed with the way the book ended, it just seemed too abrupt. I know it leaves the reader open to use their imagination, but I would rather have had a more conclusive ending, maybe even an epilogue. Maybe there is a part two to their story?? I don't know, but it definitely seems like the story didn't end satisfactorily.
I have to admit that this book, although well written, wasn't my cup of tea. I guess I am a reader who likes their romances set in historical times or fantasies that I can escape into rather than a contemporary romance that can be all too real and therefore despite being funny, can still leave me feeling stressed out like the characters. That said, if you like a contemporary romance with some laugh out loud moments amongst the sad, annoying, stressful moments, then you will love this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Girlfriend, Interrupted: From carefree twenty-something to instant mother-of-two...
by Patricia Caliskan
Ella Shawe moves in with her boyfriend Dan, and as the title of the book says, she goes from being a carefree girlfriend to being a mother of two, at least on the weekends. Her stepchildren, especially 12-year-old Grace can be hard work. Then there is their perfect mother and Dan's mother who always make Ella feel as if she can do nothing right. It soon becomes apparent to her that life as a stepmother isn't an easy one, and what makes it worse is that she has no time with Dan where they can just enjoy each other's company. He seems oblivious to how she is feeling and can't even see her point of view when she stresses out about something, or when he lets her down in order to help out his ex! Is there any chance of their relationship lasting, or will Ella decide that love isn't enough?
From what I have written you would think that this is a depressing story, at times it was, but then the author cleverly throws in a LOT of funny moments, even during some of the difficult times that Ella faces. One minute I would be fuming on her behalf then the next I would be laughing at the antics some of the characters were getting up to. If nothing else this book will definitely make you run a gamut of emotions. The characters were believable, yes, even Ella's mum who is a sex therapist with a toyboy lover. And if the author hasn't had experience herself with being a part of a stepfamily then she has certainly researched it well because sadly the stress is very real.
I was a little disappointed with the way the book ended, it just seemed too abrupt. I know it leaves the reader open to use their imagination, but I would rather have had a more conclusive ending, maybe even an epilogue. Maybe there is a part two to their story?? I don't know, but it definitely seems like the story didn't end satisfactorily.
I have to admit that this book, although well written, wasn't my cup of tea. I guess I am a reader who likes their romances set in historical times or fantasies that I can escape into rather than a contemporary romance that can be all too real and therefore despite being funny, can still leave me feeling stressed out like the characters. That said, if you like a contemporary romance with some laugh out loud moments amongst the sad, annoying, stressful moments, then you will love this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
June 25, 2018
This is a story with it's roots firmly in realism .. but with so many opportunities to laugh!
Ella Shawe lives with her boyfriend Dan. Each and every weekend his two children from his previous marriage live with them. It's not too long ago since Ella lived with her friend Kim and they hit the town and enjoyed life - their totally undomesticated single lives. Throw two kids into the mix though and domestication isn't so much of a choice as a requirement ...
Ella loves Dan; however as a step-mother she feels she is always out of step with everyone else's expectations. With a busy career and a demanding co-worker, Ella is being pulled in all directions. Add in his mother, her mother - who is a scream, Starky the dog, Dan's perfect ex-wife, her soon-to-be husband and his 'dreamy' twin boys (yep, sarcasm) and we begin to see why Ella always feels out of the loop.
This is a really good read; moving along at a good pace, there is always something happening. The characters are plenty and varied - Ella's very embarrassing mother Renee has to be my favourite, I have laughed so much both with and at this woman! The writing flows smoothly and the result is a very enjoyable book. However, I did feel that the ending was rather abrupt and that, for me, took the shine off a bit.
My thanks to publishers Sapere Books for providing my copy. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
Ella Shawe lives with her boyfriend Dan. Each and every weekend his two children from his previous marriage live with them. It's not too long ago since Ella lived with her friend Kim and they hit the town and enjoyed life - their totally undomesticated single lives. Throw two kids into the mix though and domestication isn't so much of a choice as a requirement ...
Ella loves Dan; however as a step-mother she feels she is always out of step with everyone else's expectations. With a busy career and a demanding co-worker, Ella is being pulled in all directions. Add in his mother, her mother - who is a scream, Starky the dog, Dan's perfect ex-wife, her soon-to-be husband and his 'dreamy' twin boys (yep, sarcasm) and we begin to see why Ella always feels out of the loop.
This is a really good read; moving along at a good pace, there is always something happening. The characters are plenty and varied - Ella's very embarrassing mother Renee has to be my favourite, I have laughed so much both with and at this woman! The writing flows smoothly and the result is a very enjoyable book. However, I did feel that the ending was rather abrupt and that, for me, took the shine off a bit.
My thanks to publishers Sapere Books for providing my copy. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
June 14, 2018
‘Girlfriend Interrupted’ by Patricia Caliskan published by Sapere Books on June 28th
So, I said I wanted a book to make me LOL, well this did, literally LOL on many occasions and real laughter not that little titter you give at a mildly funny joke but a ribald full on laugh......
Basically put into a book a woman (Ella) who falls in love with a man (Dan)...then add Dan’s kids who arrive every Friday for the weekend ( inc Grace who is almost 13 going on 40, oh and evil 😂 ) also introduce Ella’s sex therapist menopausal Mum who has her own show on the radio, Dan’s perfect ex wife and his ever critical Mum plus others and the books has all the ingredients for a perfect comedy farce....it could go either way....it goes the right way and is the rare book that left me with a big smile on my face and a really REALLY good feeling after enjoying every page
Some of the situations Ella gets into are worthy of a comedy TV series and the chapters where she organises Grace’s 13th birthday had me almost in tears laughing
The story moves on and through the characters various life changing events
Its hilarious but also emotive, touching, rude, honest and fun, real good fun
I loved it, every page of it 😃😃
10/10 5 Stars
May 26, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, so much so I found it hard to put down. Ella is trying so hard to be the perfect step mum to her boyfriends two children but at only 25 she is not cut out for all this, while struggling to hold together a mundane office job too
This story was hilarious in places and one that I’m sure so many people out there can relate to.
This story was hilarious in places and one that I’m sure so many people out there can relate to.
July 31, 2018
***I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley.***
I enjoyed Girlfriend, Interrupted: From carefree twenty-something to instant mother-of-two..., by Patricia Caliskan. It was an honest look at what it might be like to be thrown headfirst into being a stepmom for a young woman who has no experience with kids. The summary suggests it’s a romantic comedy. I only wish there’d been a little more romance.
Ella lives with her boyfriend Dan. Dan’s 2 kids spend weekends with them. His daughter is almost 13 and brimming with attitude, constantly taking digs at Ella and reminding her how perfect her mom is in comparison. Dan’s mum makes her feel equally inadequate, and her own mother is constantly passing judgements and making assumptions about Ella and her choices. Ella simply wants to make everyone happy, but in the process, she might just forget how to make herself happy.
I really liked Ella. She works hard in both her professional and personal life. Trying to keep a precocious, opiniated teen in check is hard for anyone, but even harder for a step parent, and Ella’s not even that. She’s just a live-in girlfriend. Dan’s life revolves around his business and family, but most specifically around his kids. To be honest, it broke my heart how often he excluded or ignored Ella’s needs for everyone else’s, including his ex-wife. Mind you, he’s a laidback guy just trying to wade through the chaos too, so he was bound to butt heads with Ella who was always working so hard to be perfect. There were certain scenes where I was angry at him for his priorities, and I was unsurprised when things come to a head for Ella. The book builds towards that pivotal moment where Ella finally realizes she can’t take anymore. It was after that point where it disappointed me a little. I understood that Ella needed to regroup, but I was frustrated by the amount of time she took to do it. And then I was further disappointed by Dan’s distance. There’s giving space and giving up; he was pretty much at the latter. I wanted to see him fight for her, even a little, and I just didn’t get that. The small amount we see before the end I’d have to credit to his daughter, not him. Not every romance is going to be sizzling hot, and I enjoyed the subtlety of this one, but in the end, after all the hurt feelings, my heart needed a little fire from Dan to prove he would do anything to win Ella back.
There are plenty of laughs in this book, more laughs than romance to be sure. The author throws lots of minor characters into the mix to keep the story moving and the reader laughing. There’s also a lot of judgment, but Caliskan did a good job balancing both sides of the judgments by giving us Dan’s perspective on things. If I could have changed anything about the story, it would have been for Ella to speak up to Dan when she was feeling cast aside instead of keeping her emotions inside, and for Dan to have given his daughter Grace consequences when she was out of line.
Overall this was an enjoyable read, and I’d be happy to check out more titles by this author.
I enjoyed Girlfriend, Interrupted: From carefree twenty-something to instant mother-of-two..., by Patricia Caliskan. It was an honest look at what it might be like to be thrown headfirst into being a stepmom for a young woman who has no experience with kids. The summary suggests it’s a romantic comedy. I only wish there’d been a little more romance.
Ella lives with her boyfriend Dan. Dan’s 2 kids spend weekends with them. His daughter is almost 13 and brimming with attitude, constantly taking digs at Ella and reminding her how perfect her mom is in comparison. Dan’s mum makes her feel equally inadequate, and her own mother is constantly passing judgements and making assumptions about Ella and her choices. Ella simply wants to make everyone happy, but in the process, she might just forget how to make herself happy.
I really liked Ella. She works hard in both her professional and personal life. Trying to keep a precocious, opiniated teen in check is hard for anyone, but even harder for a step parent, and Ella’s not even that. She’s just a live-in girlfriend. Dan’s life revolves around his business and family, but most specifically around his kids. To be honest, it broke my heart how often he excluded or ignored Ella’s needs for everyone else’s, including his ex-wife. Mind you, he’s a laidback guy just trying to wade through the chaos too, so he was bound to butt heads with Ella who was always working so hard to be perfect. There were certain scenes where I was angry at him for his priorities, and I was unsurprised when things come to a head for Ella. The book builds towards that pivotal moment where Ella finally realizes she can’t take anymore. It was after that point where it disappointed me a little. I understood that Ella needed to regroup, but I was frustrated by the amount of time she took to do it. And then I was further disappointed by Dan’s distance. There’s giving space and giving up; he was pretty much at the latter. I wanted to see him fight for her, even a little, and I just didn’t get that. The small amount we see before the end I’d have to credit to his daughter, not him. Not every romance is going to be sizzling hot, and I enjoyed the subtlety of this one, but in the end, after all the hurt feelings, my heart needed a little fire from Dan to prove he would do anything to win Ella back.
There are plenty of laughs in this book, more laughs than romance to be sure. The author throws lots of minor characters into the mix to keep the story moving and the reader laughing. There’s also a lot of judgment, but Caliskan did a good job balancing both sides of the judgments by giving us Dan’s perspective on things. If I could have changed anything about the story, it would have been for Ella to speak up to Dan when she was feeling cast aside instead of keeping her emotions inside, and for Dan to have given his daughter Grace consequences when she was out of line.
Overall this was an enjoyable read, and I’d be happy to check out more titles by this author.
September 20, 2018
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I almost, almost gave up on this book at the get go simply because I couldn't fathom how a young, vibrant 26 year old woman could put up with so much crap from her partner and his children. It was extremely annoying to read. However, as I moved along through the book, something changed for me. I began to understand Ella a little bit more. This became a bit of a guilty pleasure book for me although I constantly found myself rooting for Ella's freedom. I can't stand bratty children and a lazy partner.
The ending was mediocre and most of the characters were annoying. I'm not sure that I found this as funny as I probably should have. It was just ok.
I almost, almost gave up on this book at the get go simply because I couldn't fathom how a young, vibrant 26 year old woman could put up with so much crap from her partner and his children. It was extremely annoying to read. However, as I moved along through the book, something changed for me. I began to understand Ella a little bit more. This became a bit of a guilty pleasure book for me although I constantly found myself rooting for Ella's freedom. I can't stand bratty children and a lazy partner.
The ending was mediocre and most of the characters were annoying. I'm not sure that I found this as funny as I probably should have. It was just ok.
August 7, 2018
Ella Shawe met the man of her dreams--who also has two children. This isn't a story of how she wants/needs the children's approval. It is how she adapts to life after living with Dan and his children for the past seven months. Ella is trying to be the best step-girlfriend she can be but creating home-cooked meals and going on a cleaning frenzy--both things she is not comfortable doing. None of it is anything that Dan asked her to do. Ella also feels like she is competing with Dan's ex-wife, who seems to be completely perfect. She wanted the children to embrace her and become a family. But Ella also has to content with her mother--a sex therapist who has a radio show. Ella feels like that nothing she does is enough for Dan's children especially his tween daughter who is starting her teen angst early. To add to her insecurities, Dan's mother keeps making off-handed comments about how Ella isn't doing anything correctly especially when it comes to Dan's two children.
What does Ella do? She breaks up with Dan because--well a girl can only take so much. But will Dan be able to bring her back? Can they ever be together as a family? How can she measure up to all that pressure?
What does Ella do? She breaks up with Dan because--well a girl can only take so much. But will Dan be able to bring her back? Can they ever be together as a family? How can she measure up to all that pressure?
August 6, 2018
A hilarious, heartwarming and brilliantly-observed romantic comedy.
I adored this book from start to finish. The characters are wonderfully-written, authentic and extremely likeable. Even the stepdaughter from hell is written with humanity and compassion, you can't help but like and root for them all. Patricia has a sharp eye for the ridiculous which makes this book laugh-out-loud funny, but also deeply charming.
Ella is an extremely relatable character and the chemistry between her and her boyfriend Dan sizzles convincingly as she attempts to navigate the unchartered territory of becoming stepmother to two children. Her best friend Kim provides the perfect insight into the life Ella has left behind and the choices she has made. Dan's mother and ex-wife are portrayed as realistic characters who add tension but stop short of the cliched one-dimensional harpies. And Ella's mother Renee is a complete masterpiece who very nearly steals the entire show.
You will love this book, the characters and the warm, slightly absurd, chaotic but nonetheless heartwarming world it creates. I was rooting for Ella the whole way through. And don't even get me started on The Pulveriser....
I adored this book from start to finish. The characters are wonderfully-written, authentic and extremely likeable. Even the stepdaughter from hell is written with humanity and compassion, you can't help but like and root for them all. Patricia has a sharp eye for the ridiculous which makes this book laugh-out-loud funny, but also deeply charming.
Ella is an extremely relatable character and the chemistry between her and her boyfriend Dan sizzles convincingly as she attempts to navigate the unchartered territory of becoming stepmother to two children. Her best friend Kim provides the perfect insight into the life Ella has left behind and the choices she has made. Dan's mother and ex-wife are portrayed as realistic characters who add tension but stop short of the cliched one-dimensional harpies. And Ella's mother Renee is a complete masterpiece who very nearly steals the entire show.
You will love this book, the characters and the warm, slightly absurd, chaotic but nonetheless heartwarming world it creates. I was rooting for Ella the whole way through. And don't even get me started on The Pulveriser....
July 15, 2018
Girlfriend, Interrupted, Patricia Caliskan
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Humour.
I hate it when book blurbs promise “you will cry with laughter/hilarious/laugh out loud” etc. Too often I find its forced comedy at best.
This book though is different, the humour was perfect, typical British understated, so carefully tucked in I almost missed parts ;-) and that's what I love. Subtle humour, words and actions that make me smile, while still delivering a story that's interesting.
Its a slice of modern day life, “blended families” as the self help books and Sunday supplements so often say. What they mean is that part where families break up, parents meet new loves, kids are caught between two homes, two sets of parents, and can play the emotions to their best effects sometimes. Its tough, my mum used to have a saying “you can't do right for doing wrong” and I guess that fits these scenes. Whatever you do is wrong with someone.
I loved the characters, so very real, not perfect despite first impressions, and I could see this story happening easily.
I so felt for poor Ella, she loves Dan, is trying so hard to be what the family need, to help the kids, to push her career at work, to be a good friend and sometimes it seems there just aren't enough hours. Among all that where's the time for Ella?
Pippa, Dan's mum, delights in encouraging the kids memories of idyllic times with perfect Bryony, pulls out perfect family photos, refers to the home as Bryony's still, but time sneaks in the truth. Perfect Bryony though is struggling in her new marriage. Then Ella's mum and the wonderful Jeremiah, I want to be her....and maybe have a toyboy like him ;-) The kids, Ethan is a great lad, so loving and accepting while like so many kids his sister, Grace, is struggling. Of course she wants Bryony and Dan back together, most kids want their parents together, and its beyond their understanding why that can't happen. She's awful to Ella, who tries valiantly to step forward, to help her, to hold the kids weekends as something precious. Ella however spends so much of her time flying round, mending events, picking up pieces, arranging things others have dropped, forgotten, ignored, and runs herself ragged trying to be all things to all (wo)men.
Then there's Dan. Oh how I wanted to slap in at times, he loves Ella, loves his kids but seemed blindly ignorant to just how hard it was for her. The chaotic party was so illustrative of everything she was fighting. It made me wonder how often scenes like these play out every weekend.
Its a fabulous story, subtle, perfect humour, so much emotion, a feeling of real love between Dan and Ella in danger of being broken by the pressures of step parenting and fractured families. The only part that stops this from being a five is the end, its too quick, too rushed and for a romance I need, if not a HEA, then at least a very, very solid HFN. This ending suggests things will work out but I need it to be written in stone ;-)
Stars: Four, a little more on the ending and this would be a five.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and Publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Humour.
I hate it when book blurbs promise “you will cry with laughter/hilarious/laugh out loud” etc. Too often I find its forced comedy at best.
This book though is different, the humour was perfect, typical British understated, so carefully tucked in I almost missed parts ;-) and that's what I love. Subtle humour, words and actions that make me smile, while still delivering a story that's interesting.
Its a slice of modern day life, “blended families” as the self help books and Sunday supplements so often say. What they mean is that part where families break up, parents meet new loves, kids are caught between two homes, two sets of parents, and can play the emotions to their best effects sometimes. Its tough, my mum used to have a saying “you can't do right for doing wrong” and I guess that fits these scenes. Whatever you do is wrong with someone.
I loved the characters, so very real, not perfect despite first impressions, and I could see this story happening easily.
I so felt for poor Ella, she loves Dan, is trying so hard to be what the family need, to help the kids, to push her career at work, to be a good friend and sometimes it seems there just aren't enough hours. Among all that where's the time for Ella?
Pippa, Dan's mum, delights in encouraging the kids memories of idyllic times with perfect Bryony, pulls out perfect family photos, refers to the home as Bryony's still, but time sneaks in the truth. Perfect Bryony though is struggling in her new marriage. Then Ella's mum and the wonderful Jeremiah, I want to be her....and maybe have a toyboy like him ;-) The kids, Ethan is a great lad, so loving and accepting while like so many kids his sister, Grace, is struggling. Of course she wants Bryony and Dan back together, most kids want their parents together, and its beyond their understanding why that can't happen. She's awful to Ella, who tries valiantly to step forward, to help her, to hold the kids weekends as something precious. Ella however spends so much of her time flying round, mending events, picking up pieces, arranging things others have dropped, forgotten, ignored, and runs herself ragged trying to be all things to all (wo)men.
Then there's Dan. Oh how I wanted to slap in at times, he loves Ella, loves his kids but seemed blindly ignorant to just how hard it was for her. The chaotic party was so illustrative of everything she was fighting. It made me wonder how often scenes like these play out every weekend.
Its a fabulous story, subtle, perfect humour, so much emotion, a feeling of real love between Dan and Ella in danger of being broken by the pressures of step parenting and fractured families. The only part that stops this from being a five is the end, its too quick, too rushed and for a romance I need, if not a HEA, then at least a very, very solid HFN. This ending suggests things will work out but I need it to be written in stone ;-)
Stars: Four, a little more on the ending and this would be a five.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and Publishers
September 20, 2018
4.5 stars (very nearly 5!!)
This is the first book by Patricia Caliskan I've read but I'm definitely going to read more. It look me a little while to get into it but once in, I was hooked! I was even laughing out loud in places. Loved it!
This is the first book by Patricia Caliskan I've read but I'm definitely going to read more. It look me a little while to get into it but once in, I was hooked! I was even laughing out loud in places. Loved it!
July 23, 2018
Ella has recently moved in with her boyfriend Dan and she is now the step-girlfriend of his kids Grace, 12, and Ethan, 8. She also has to deal with Dan's mother who always finds her lacking and Dan's ex-wife, who is always perfect. And on top of that, she hates her boss and is missing her ex-flatmate Kim. I felt like the writing wasn't always flowing and was sometimes slightly difficult to follow, but I enjoyed the story and how Ella was able to grow throughout the story in her relationship and in her work.
July 10, 2018
GIRLFRIEND, INTERRUPTED by Patricia Caliskan is a story that will make you laugh, make you feel, and keep you gripped from beginning to end.
Ella Shawe was living her carefree life until she fell in love with Dan. But ever since she moved in something has shifted in their relationship and it isn't just the fact that Ella has become an overnight stepmother to Dan's two children at the weekends - although that has its own set of problems, let me tell you. Dan suddenly seems to have stopped seeing Ella has his lover and more like his roommate. So Ella decides that making them all a proper family will save the day but what will happen when her stepkids have their own ideas of what they would like to do with their stepmum?
Add in a mother who deems no topic inappropriate, a mother-in-law from hell, and the perfect ex-wife and GIRLFRIEND, INTERRUPTED by Patricia Caliskan has drama and mishaps aplenty around every corner.
The characters are likeable and relatable and I really loved Ella's mum even though she is a handful. The ending was a little bit abrupt for me purely because I wanted to know more but maybe there is more to come from Ella and the gang (??).
GIRLFRIEND, INTERRUPTED by Patricia Caliskan is a witty, clever, and fully entertaining read and I look forward to reading more from this author.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
Ella Shawe was living her carefree life until she fell in love with Dan. But ever since she moved in something has shifted in their relationship and it isn't just the fact that Ella has become an overnight stepmother to Dan's two children at the weekends - although that has its own set of problems, let me tell you. Dan suddenly seems to have stopped seeing Ella has his lover and more like his roommate. So Ella decides that making them all a proper family will save the day but what will happen when her stepkids have their own ideas of what they would like to do with their stepmum?
Add in a mother who deems no topic inappropriate, a mother-in-law from hell, and the perfect ex-wife and GIRLFRIEND, INTERRUPTED by Patricia Caliskan has drama and mishaps aplenty around every corner.
The characters are likeable and relatable and I really loved Ella's mum even though she is a handful. The ending was a little bit abrupt for me purely because I wanted to know more but maybe there is more to come from Ella and the gang (??).
GIRLFRIEND, INTERRUPTED by Patricia Caliskan is a witty, clever, and fully entertaining read and I look forward to reading more from this author.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
July 14, 2018
I received this book in a Good reads giveaway. I have never read this author before, but I found it to be a enjoyable read. It really put into prespective how it is being a part of a relationship that includes ex's, children and all the problems that can be involved in making things work. I would recommend it to others.
June 25, 2018
They say love is blind and they may be right. And some loves are bigger than life to not embrace, even though the love hug includes also two little kids.
Ella, the main character of the book, has her own life and professional dreams and a media star mother and a boyfriend that brought into the relationship two grown up children, one a teenager. But love is strong and Ella will learn her ways as a mother too.
By using a relatively simple life episode, the book succeeds to create an interesting story which may inspire other couples in similar situations. Besides the 'lecturing' and learning aspects, it is a nice story with a slow pace but with many unexpected changes. My favorite part of the book are the dialogues, bubbling with life and creating humorous and hilarious situations that you can't easily resist without laughing out loud. Ella's mother is by far the champion of open minded and hilarious remarks are fully in the spirit of a liberal woman as she is described.
The book is organised in small chapter a choice which creates a certain dynamic of the story, as a chain of theatre-like moments, therefore keeping the reader focused and curious to catch up with the next moments of the story.
Easy to read and with a story to remember, Girlfriend, Interrupted is a recommended lecture for the long summer days and evenings.
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Ella, the main character of the book, has her own life and professional dreams and a media star mother and a boyfriend that brought into the relationship two grown up children, one a teenager. But love is strong and Ella will learn her ways as a mother too.
By using a relatively simple life episode, the book succeeds to create an interesting story which may inspire other couples in similar situations. Besides the 'lecturing' and learning aspects, it is a nice story with a slow pace but with many unexpected changes. My favorite part of the book are the dialogues, bubbling with life and creating humorous and hilarious situations that you can't easily resist without laughing out loud. Ella's mother is by far the champion of open minded and hilarious remarks are fully in the spirit of a liberal woman as she is described.
The book is organised in small chapter a choice which creates a certain dynamic of the story, as a chain of theatre-like moments, therefore keeping the reader focused and curious to catch up with the next moments of the story.
Easy to read and with a story to remember, Girlfriend, Interrupted is a recommended lecture for the long summer days and evenings.
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
January 1, 2019
Great read
Great read, lovely cast of characters, some very funny bits. My only gripe was it ended to soon!
Looking for more books by this author, a cheerful romance at its best👍
Great read, lovely cast of characters, some very funny bits. My only gripe was it ended to soon!
Looking for more books by this author, a cheerful romance at its best👍
August 17, 2018
Elle falls in love with Dan, a divorcee with two kids. This book is about Elle coping with life after moving in with Dan. With the age difference and the sudden upheaval from single girl life to a live-in girlfriend seem to be too much for Elle to handle. What with Dan's kids turning against her, and Dan's mom turning up at every corner, it is a crowded life. Finally, Elle breaks up with Dan when things get out of control and then the rest of the book is her figuring things out.
What did I love about this book, it was a very light read. It was not one of those heavy family dramas and instead had plenty of lighthearted humour. I did feel a little bit difficult to connect with Elle though. Perhaps that is just me.
On the whole, it was a great book, a good story and a few laughs included.
For more book reviews, visit Frost At Midnite.
What did I love about this book, it was a very light read. It was not one of those heavy family dramas and instead had plenty of lighthearted humour. I did feel a little bit difficult to connect with Elle though. Perhaps that is just me.
On the whole, it was a great book, a good story and a few laughs included.
For more book reviews, visit Frost At Midnite.
May 28, 2018
I loved this!! Ella becomes a stepmother to her boyfriend Dans children when she moves into his flat. Ella is absolutely clueless in dealing with a teenage girl who's anger gets the best of her at times and a sweet boy she can't get enough of. Ella is also dealing with work issues, a levherous potential client and a pregnant best friend. There are so many laugh out loud moments in this that it will be hard to put down.
December 16, 2025
I liked the book, it’s very nicely written when it comes to the responsibilities of an adult who’s with children. On the other side, what I was missing was more of emotions from a twenty year old. Over all, I’d give it a 4/5 because the vibe wasn’t really there for some reason.
December 27, 2025
this book was very fast paced for me.
it was ok, the romance wasn’t very present and the ending annoyed me.
it was just an okay book for me
it was ok, the romance wasn’t very present and the ending annoyed me.
it was just an okay book for me
July 11, 2022
Funny and witty, but the story and chatacters did not touch me at al.
August 27, 2018
Title: Girlfriend, Interrupted
Author: Patricia Caliskan
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Blended Families, Drama
Plot: Twenty-six year old Ella is quite happy being Dan's girlfriend and seeing his kids on the weekends when they visit and all go out on adventures. But since moving in together, the dynamic has changed and Ella doesn't know what to do about it. Throughout the week they are a happy overworked couple. But on the weekend, Dan retreats and spoils his kids to the point where they use Ella as a verbal boxing bag. All of which leaves Ella drained and feeling distanced from her dreamy boyfriend. The only one who really loves her is the dog.
Throw in some in-laws, her sex therapist mother and Dan's icy ex-wife and we have a recipe for a big family meltdown. Will Ella come out stronger or crumble under all the pressure and responsibility she never asked for?
Likes/Dislikes: I liked the cover and was really hoping for a nice sweet romance. And I did try hard to actually read this book. It got a lot of good reviews. But sadly, it wasn't my cup of tea. We are thrown into the romantic relationship several months after Ella and Dan have moved in together. We meet Ella and a ton of described jumbled co-workers in the first chapter before she goes off to lunch with her mother who is the best described character so far in the story. Then we meet Dan who is barely there at all and his children, one of which is a horrible little pre-teen girl. Pre-teen girls don't act like that in my experience. And it's all written in first person with a jumble of past and present tense which was hard to read.
Rating: PG-14 and up; conversations about sex, etc.
Date Review Written: August 27th, 2018
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley for my opinion and I wasn't required to write a positive review. the opinions expressed in the above review are my own.
Author: Patricia Caliskan
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Blended Families, Drama
Plot: Twenty-six year old Ella is quite happy being Dan's girlfriend and seeing his kids on the weekends when they visit and all go out on adventures. But since moving in together, the dynamic has changed and Ella doesn't know what to do about it. Throughout the week they are a happy overworked couple. But on the weekend, Dan retreats and spoils his kids to the point where they use Ella as a verbal boxing bag. All of which leaves Ella drained and feeling distanced from her dreamy boyfriend. The only one who really loves her is the dog.
Throw in some in-laws, her sex therapist mother and Dan's icy ex-wife and we have a recipe for a big family meltdown. Will Ella come out stronger or crumble under all the pressure and responsibility she never asked for?
Likes/Dislikes: I liked the cover and was really hoping for a nice sweet romance. And I did try hard to actually read this book. It got a lot of good reviews. But sadly, it wasn't my cup of tea. We are thrown into the romantic relationship several months after Ella and Dan have moved in together. We meet Ella and a ton of described jumbled co-workers in the first chapter before she goes off to lunch with her mother who is the best described character so far in the story. Then we meet Dan who is barely there at all and his children, one of which is a horrible little pre-teen girl. Pre-teen girls don't act like that in my experience. And it's all written in first person with a jumble of past and present tense which was hard to read.
Rating: PG-14 and up; conversations about sex, etc.
Date Review Written: August 27th, 2018
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Netgalley for my opinion and I wasn't required to write a positive review. the opinions expressed in the above review are my own.
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