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Opportunity Rings
Marketing executive Erica Swift tries to put her life back together after her husband leaves her for an older woman at the same time she is trying to save the launch of a new product, a smartphone called Rockit.
- GenresChick Lit
272 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2009
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75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 25, 2009
When you first begin reading the book Erica Swift is in the marketing department for a cell phone company, Rockit. The premise of the book was to I think in some fun manner, poke fun at this director who couldn't text right for the life of her, didn't understand her computer or how it worked, depended on other men to run her job and technology for her...all while remaining in charge of her job. The book highlighted Erica's lack of techno savvy ways to the point of being annoying. I got it...she's an idiot completely dependant on a man to run her equipment..wink wink. Least that's the undertone I got.
I just don't understand I guess the books who tout their characters as being strong independent characters who then lean on a man to get the job done.
Her husband leaves her for a cougar...you don't see the emotional aspect of what Erica goes through at catching her husband in his lies and the fallout from the failed marriage. The author writes blurbs about it, it's covered in maybe a chapter or two, though it's this traumatic experience for her. I didn't get how it really could be ignored to the point that it was.
The author sets things up at break neck speed, and kinda knocks you senseless with some of the "action"
I seriously got whiplash when Erica quits her job..it was out of the blue, completely random. I didn't get it AT ALL.
All this being said, the author does have magic. I laughed out loud in some spots..even earmarked my absolute favorite quote (probably because I could identify in some small part)
"...Since I moved back home, my mother has been driving me absolutely insane with her theme nights. The worst: Lambada lessons. I can't believe I dirty danced with my mother. Thank goodness she forgot her camera. She may be having the time of her life, but I need to escape. I'm starting to feel like an incestuous mom-dating lesbian...."
Steinberg's humor is the bright spot, but it happens so infrequently in a confusing, 2-dimensional book that it didn't help too much for the rating.
I just don't understand I guess the books who tout their characters as being strong independent characters who then lean on a man to get the job done.
Her husband leaves her for a cougar...you don't see the emotional aspect of what Erica goes through at catching her husband in his lies and the fallout from the failed marriage. The author writes blurbs about it, it's covered in maybe a chapter or two, though it's this traumatic experience for her. I didn't get how it really could be ignored to the point that it was.
The author sets things up at break neck speed, and kinda knocks you senseless with some of the "action"
I seriously got whiplash when Erica quits her job..it was out of the blue, completely random. I didn't get it AT ALL.
All this being said, the author does have magic. I laughed out loud in some spots..even earmarked my absolute favorite quote (probably because I could identify in some small part)
"...Since I moved back home, my mother has been driving me absolutely insane with her theme nights. The worst: Lambada lessons. I can't believe I dirty danced with my mother. Thank goodness she forgot her camera. She may be having the time of her life, but I need to escape. I'm starting to feel like an incestuous mom-dating lesbian...."
Steinberg's humor is the bright spot, but it happens so infrequently in a confusing, 2-dimensional book that it didn't help too much for the rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2020
I really enjoyed this work of fiction. It was funny, relatable, but also taught me some tech in a manageable way! I really enjoyed reading about Erica Swift and her ups and downs!
May 31, 2021
I was feeling this for the most part but it was all rushed and a lot of things just kinda didn't wrap up or get an explanation
August 22, 2009
Received this giveaway through Goodreads and started reading last night before bed. So far, so good. Having a little trouble with rhythm - maybe because the author is Canadian? Forging ahead though.
After my slow start (maybe I was distracted) I really enjoyed this book. It is a quick, light and informative read. The author uses a lot of humor and references to pop culture to make the story more interesting and relatable.
The book is about a marketing executive, Erica Swift, who works for a company who sells the Rockit, a smartphone which I'm sure is based on the iPhone or Blackberry. When Erica discovers that her husband is having an affair with an older woman (that's a new story line) she moves out of her house, stays with her mother for a couple of weeks and finally leases a loft through a friend of a friend. At the prompting of her take-charge best friend and her new friend at the local Best Buy, she begins dating three different men, each very different from the other. As she begins divorce proceedings with a her eccentric attorney (also recommended by her BFF) and is learning to live on her own, she begins working on a campaign built around "Sex in the City" to re-design the Rockit to market it to regular women who have not yet seen how it can enhance their everyday lives.
The cast of characters include Erica's nemesis Dani - a PR at work, her handsome "boy next door" single assistant named Teddy who regularly brings her his mother's homemade lasagna, her take charge BFF since childhood, her widowed mother and a few other folks.
Each chapter begins with a humorous quiz, much like you would find in a woman's magazine designed to test the reader's tech savviness. At the end of the book you'll find a similar quiz with answers and tips for navigating the world of smartphones, computers, the internet, protecting your identity, etc. The ending felt like it wrapped up too quickly, but it was still effective even if a little predictable.
A nice summer read with quite a few good laughs. I would definitely pick up this author's future books.
After my slow start (maybe I was distracted) I really enjoyed this book. It is a quick, light and informative read. The author uses a lot of humor and references to pop culture to make the story more interesting and relatable.
The book is about a marketing executive, Erica Swift, who works for a company who sells the Rockit, a smartphone which I'm sure is based on the iPhone or Blackberry. When Erica discovers that her husband is having an affair with an older woman (that's a new story line) she moves out of her house, stays with her mother for a couple of weeks and finally leases a loft through a friend of a friend. At the prompting of her take-charge best friend and her new friend at the local Best Buy, she begins dating three different men, each very different from the other. As she begins divorce proceedings with a her eccentric attorney (also recommended by her BFF) and is learning to live on her own, she begins working on a campaign built around "Sex in the City" to re-design the Rockit to market it to regular women who have not yet seen how it can enhance their everyday lives.
The cast of characters include Erica's nemesis Dani - a PR at work, her handsome "boy next door" single assistant named Teddy who regularly brings her his mother's homemade lasagna, her take charge BFF since childhood, her widowed mother and a few other folks.
Each chapter begins with a humorous quiz, much like you would find in a woman's magazine designed to test the reader's tech savviness. At the end of the book you'll find a similar quiz with answers and tips for navigating the world of smartphones, computers, the internet, protecting your identity, etc. The ending felt like it wrapped up too quickly, but it was still effective even if a little predictable.
A nice summer read with quite a few good laughs. I would definitely pick up this author's future books.
September 25, 2009
Erica thought that her life was great. She runs the marketing department of Rockit Wireless, has a standing "lunch at home date" with her husband, Lowell, every Wednesday and all in all everything is perfect for her. She may run the marketing department of a major wireless corporation but she is not very tech savvy. At home one evening she thought she would try and impress Lowell and set up wireless Internet all by herself. In the process she accidently stumbles upon his email. She discovers that Lowell has big news. Erica was excited, she thought it was a promotion but to her disbelief the news was that he was leaving her for his much older boss. Erica was devastated! She tries to get her life back together by focusing on herself and her career. She gets set up with different guys with the help of her best girlfriend and she cries on the shoulder of her best guy friend and fellow co-worker Teddy. You will want to laugh out loud as Erica stumbles her way through dating, work and finally finding her true love. I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked that Erica was a high level worker at a wireless corporation but knew basically zilch about how everything worked. She worked really hard at her job and only a few people knew how technology challenged she really was. I did think that the ending was kind of predictable but it was a good ending for the book.
October 18, 2009
Fast reading generic modern novel. There is a great amount of plots in the book nevertheless most of them are not thought out well.
Erica Swift, the main character, works as the Director of Marketing in the wireless industry. While it's possible that she got the job by her dress-the-part facade, it is unrealistic for a person in her position to be that horrible in text-messaging AND using out-of-date teenage lingo.
Her divorce should be the biggest 'attraction' in the whole story. Sadly I found it to be an unparallel distraction. According to the story, Erica files for a divorce because her husband Lowell is having an affair with the president of his company. She wants a fast divorce and her lawyer tries to fight for a huge divorce settlement. (No judgement here). Yet in the meantime, she sleeps with multiple men, including a junior lawyer, a senior multi-millionaire boyfriend, and her co-worker. (Adultry at the finest!) At one point, Lowell wants to atone for his action and Erica simply refuses to start a conversation. I found these approaches dislikeable and unacceptable.
The characters lack maturity and the novel lacks moral fiber. I honestly won't recommend this book to my friends.
Erica Swift, the main character, works as the Director of Marketing in the wireless industry. While it's possible that she got the job by her dress-the-part facade, it is unrealistic for a person in her position to be that horrible in text-messaging AND using out-of-date teenage lingo.
Her divorce should be the biggest 'attraction' in the whole story. Sadly I found it to be an unparallel distraction. According to the story, Erica files for a divorce because her husband Lowell is having an affair with the president of his company. She wants a fast divorce and her lawyer tries to fight for a huge divorce settlement. (No judgement here). Yet in the meantime, she sleeps with multiple men, including a junior lawyer, a senior multi-millionaire boyfriend, and her co-worker. (Adultry at the finest!) At one point, Lowell wants to atone for his action and Erica simply refuses to start a conversation. I found these approaches dislikeable and unacceptable.
The characters lack maturity and the novel lacks moral fiber. I honestly won't recommend this book to my friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2009
Erica Swift is a woman on the go. I don't know if she always knows where she's going, but she's going to need her smartphone to help get her there.
Erica is a marketing director for a company that designs and sells phones (along the lines of a BlackBerry). She knows just enough tech-speak to get by and, for the parts she doesn't know, she has her ace-in-the-hole best friend, Teddy, to have her back. She has a "fake it 'til you make it" kind of attitude and it has taken her pretty far. She's dedicated to her job and that doesn't leave much time for much of a married life, but she's giving it her all.
Her world comes to a crashing halt shortly after we meet her but she rolls with the punches and adapts with remarkable speed. Maybe too much speed; it makes you wonder how committed she was to it in the first place.
The book has a cute spin on the busy, modern, tech-filled lives that so many of us live. But Erica's naivete and obliviousness, at times, can be as annoying as they are endearing.
This is a good summer read that was entertaining and engaging but, ultimately, not as charming as I think it hopes to be.
Erica is a marketing director for a company that designs and sells phones (along the lines of a BlackBerry). She knows just enough tech-speak to get by and, for the parts she doesn't know, she has her ace-in-the-hole best friend, Teddy, to have her back. She has a "fake it 'til you make it" kind of attitude and it has taken her pretty far. She's dedicated to her job and that doesn't leave much time for much of a married life, but she's giving it her all.
Her world comes to a crashing halt shortly after we meet her but she rolls with the punches and adapts with remarkable speed. Maybe too much speed; it makes you wonder how committed she was to it in the first place.
The book has a cute spin on the busy, modern, tech-filled lives that so many of us live. But Erica's naivete and obliviousness, at times, can be as annoying as they are endearing.
This is a good summer read that was entertaining and engaging but, ultimately, not as charming as I think it hopes to be.
August 26, 2009
I was very excited to receive this book as part of the Goodreads give away program and started reading it as soon as I received it.
This is a fun, easy, hi-tech chic lit book. The book follows Erica on two main story lines- finding out her husband is leaving her and her re-entry into the dating world, and her work life as she attempts to promote a female friendly smart phone. Both story lines are enjoyable, although I sometimes felt they were not integrated well.
I could identify with the character's technological illiteracy. Although she worked for a company selling smart phones, she was as in the dark ages technology wise as I tend to be, maybe even more so. The author did a great job making this theme fun and accessible by the use of multiple-choice technology quizes at the beginnig of each chapter. The options included the real answers as well as possible female interpretations. I was glad the answers were in the back, as I was embarassed by how many I didn't know!
Definitely worth a read, and I would read other books by this author in the future.
This is a fun, easy, hi-tech chic lit book. The book follows Erica on two main story lines- finding out her husband is leaving her and her re-entry into the dating world, and her work life as she attempts to promote a female friendly smart phone. Both story lines are enjoyable, although I sometimes felt they were not integrated well.
I could identify with the character's technological illiteracy. Although she worked for a company selling smart phones, she was as in the dark ages technology wise as I tend to be, maybe even more so. The author did a great job making this theme fun and accessible by the use of multiple-choice technology quizes at the beginnig of each chapter. The options included the real answers as well as possible female interpretations. I was glad the answers were in the back, as I was embarassed by how many I didn't know!
Definitely worth a read, and I would read other books by this author in the future.
May 29, 2009
What I learned from this book? I learned that you can't judge a book just because the alarmingly pink cover shouts Chicklit. This is no more chicklit than the devil wears prada. I only like books with sparkling dialogue sympathetic characters, moving-along plots and surprises. Plus clever turns of phrase that make me say 'damn I wish I'd thought of that."
Sheryl Steinberg's first (I think) novel is hilarious and has a delightful surprise ending.. it's one of those books you don't really want to end cuz you like the heroine so much.
Not only that but anyone who's ever clumsily thumbed a message into a tiny keyboard only to realize nanoseconds too late that they typed "Now" instead of "not" will appreciate the lead character's lovable foibles. And you won't find a word like foible anywhere in the book. There's not a pretentious syllable in the bunch.
Sheryl Steinberg's first (I think) novel is hilarious and has a delightful surprise ending.. it's one of those books you don't really want to end cuz you like the heroine so much.
Not only that but anyone who's ever clumsily thumbed a message into a tiny keyboard only to realize nanoseconds too late that they typed "Now" instead of "not" will appreciate the lead character's lovable foibles. And you won't find a word like foible anywhere in the book. There's not a pretentious syllable in the bunch.
August 8, 2009
Erica Swift is a very work-oriented twenty-something marketing director for a cell phone company - Rockit phones. The funny thing about her is she is not at all technologically savvy -- oh, and she can't hold her liquor. She is busy enough to have to schedule in Wednesday lunch sex with her husband, who unfortunately chooses a Wednesday to tell her he is leaving her for his 50-ish boss. The upcoming divorce sends Erika on a series of blind dates of wealthy, single men; primarily set up by her wealthy best friend Sloan. The changes in her life are often humerous and finding a new man during a product launch can be stressful. Cute and light.
What I didn't like - the "cutesy" quizzes at the beginning of each chapter. As someone who is also cell phone illiterate, I guess the humour went over my head.
What I didn't like - the "cutesy" quizzes at the beginning of each chapter. As someone who is also cell phone illiterate, I guess the humour went over my head.
August 14, 2009
I really enjoyed Sheryl Steinberg's humorous take on "chick lit." The story was entertaining, engaging, and very clever. I definitely related to Erica Swift's lack of techie knowledge but appreciate that the subject matter was discussed in easy to understand language. While I did find the plot and storyline familiar, the "tech" angle was fresh and unexpected. I would have enjoyed greater discussion of certain points, mostly the nature of Erica and Sloane's relationship and Erica's mother's newfound love interest. I found the ending to be a bit ubrupt. However, I loved the tech quizzes as chapter introductions; quite funny. I also enjoyed the crib notes section at the end and found it very insightful. All in all, a good read.
June 26, 2009
This book is positively brimming with the most charming characters you'll find in a working woman's life. The author is a gifted comedienne inserting many delicious, hilarious moments throughout the book. She is also masterful at throwing in about as much up to the moment tech talk as possible and weaving this quite cleverly with the story. I promise you will not be disappointed in reading this feel-good book and you will find yourself suddenly laughing out loud at the comedic twists. A word of caution when reading this on public transit . I loved it so much I'm giving it as a birthday present to all my female friends this year. Bravo Sheryl and keep more of these books coming!
August 15, 2009
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this in a goodreads giveaway. I thought the main character, Erica Swift, was easy to identify with. Chances are that if you aren't the type of person who isn't tech savvy you know someone who is. Also easy for me to identify with was her feelings about her late father.
Early on in the book I did have a pretty good idea how I thought it would end, but there were times while reading it that I second guessed myself. Each chapter begins with a tech related question and some multiple choice answers that are actually pretty comical.
It was a fun, light read to help pass some time and I would more than likely read the next book Ms. Steinberg writes.
Early on in the book I did have a pretty good idea how I thought it would end, but there were times while reading it that I second guessed myself. Each chapter begins with a tech related question and some multiple choice answers that are actually pretty comical.
It was a fun, light read to help pass some time and I would more than likely read the next book Ms. Steinberg writes.
August 18, 2009
What a great first novel for Steinberg! I enjoyed this book so much that I was sad when it ended. Erica Swift is a successful Marketing Director for a cutting-edge cell phone company that specializes in smartphones. The ironic part is that she is not very adept with technology herself. There were so many parts where I found myself laughing out loud, from her texting typos to her hilarious descriptions of the situations she finds herself in ("an oral missle!"); I loved every minute of it. Erica handles every situation that comes her way with creativity and courage. I look forward to Steinberg's next novel and will recommend this one to all of my friends in the mean time!
December 17, 2009
I was a first reads winner for this book.
Hmm...while reading this, I figured out right away that this was not really my kind of book. Although I'm always open to new genres of novels, I guess this one did not really suit my taste. Not because it was badly written or anything...I guess it is just an age thing. This book was probably targeted towards older lady audiences, and I'm only guessing that I do not fit that category.
Well, Overall, this book was okay. Funny at some points, like the texting business, but I think if I were to read this when I'm "all grown up" I'm sure I will be able to enjoy it much more.
Hmm...while reading this, I figured out right away that this was not really my kind of book. Although I'm always open to new genres of novels, I guess this one did not really suit my taste. Not because it was badly written or anything...I guess it is just an age thing. This book was probably targeted towards older lady audiences, and I'm only guessing that I do not fit that category.
Well, Overall, this book was okay. Funny at some points, like the texting business, but I think if I were to read this when I'm "all grown up" I'm sure I will be able to enjoy it much more.
November 7, 2009
Although I didn’t relate to this book, it was a cute read. Despite the fact that the main character Erica could annoy me, there were enough interesting supporting characters to carry my interest. In particular I liked Teddy, Erica’s assistant. I found the humor of their interactions added to the story. Each chapter begins with a multiple choice question, which helps set the tone for the book. I would recommend this read to people who are into the chick-lit genre. This one helped pass the time pleasantly.
April 23, 2011
Am i the only one that think this book was ludicrous? Taking up many pages to debate on whether eating the dorito chip or not..? Also, her thoughts are all over the place. I mean if you're going to be sidetracked atleast make it interesting...and not long, boring, and driven. Also I can't help to think Sheryl S. is describing herself as Erica Swift judging from the descriptions. Concieted much? People that rate this novel 5 stars is
a) Haven't read a "good" book in awhile.
b) Relates to Erica Swift
c) Likes twilight
d) understands the Canadian authors quick references.
a) Haven't read a "good" book in awhile.
b) Relates to Erica Swift
c) Likes twilight
d) understands the Canadian authors quick references.
May 29, 2009
Fantastic read! Erica Swift is my new heroine and best friend. I can relate to her - her love life, her "tech saviness" (or lack thereof) and especially her outlook on life. She is funny, quirky, goofy, serious, sexy and independent. And most of all, she makes me feel like I can do anything I want to. Truly empowering! The author certainly understands what her audience wants and delivers it in a humorous, fun manner. One of my favourite books of the year - can't wait for the sequel!!
May 29, 2009
Opportunity Rings is a nice departure from the standard format chick lit. The novel presents intersting characters that keep you reading on. The focus on techonology is a great twist even for those that have no interest in being tech - savy. Just when you think you know what's going to happen next the writer throws us a curve ball. This is a great read and look forward to reading more of Ms. Steinberg's novels in the future!
May 28, 2009
I loved this novel! Very funny, current and easy to read. Erica Swift (main character) is someone I can relate to. There are instances that I think all woman can relate to, but which have been expanded upon with an addition of humour!
This is a first novel for author Sheryl Steinberg. I can't wait for her next endeavor!
This is a first novel for author Sheryl Steinberg. I can't wait for her next endeavor!
September 11, 2009
I really liked the plot and the story line, but had a hard time reading it. In a womans head she usually has at least 10 thoughts going on in there at a time, and when I read a book I want to escape having many thoughts at once. This book had so many thoughts up in the air that it was hard to read. I liked the story line, but to annoying to read.
June 16, 2009
This book had me L.O.L . I usually read in bed and I thought i would wake my husband up on several occations. It's a super funny chicklette book that I found to be way better than the Shopaholic books and How to eat Sushi. Those were o.k, but this book hit a part of me that the others didn't.
June 30, 2009
Ugh. Terrible. I only finished this book because I needed mindless brain candy to get my mind off of my upcoming move. This was definitely MINDLESS, but the candy part was a bit lacking. Think gummi bears or twizzlers or something gross like that. No M&Ms or Twix here.
October 9, 2009
Did NOT like the writing style...I felt like I needed a tranquilizer - thoughts going this way, that way, every way! Story line was typical chick lit, nothing exceptional and completely predictable.
September 3, 2009
This is not the type of book I normally choose, but read it because I won it on a GoodReads giveaway. There's nothing real special about the book, but it's a quick fun read. It's not laugh-out-loud funny, but it's amusing. There are worse ways to spend a Saturday!
August 7, 2009
Saucy, savvy and sassy...a fun, quick read for every woman! There is a little bit of Erica in all of us.
September 18, 2009
three hours of my life I'll never get back...just glad I read this when I was sick and couldn't really do anything else!
December 4, 2009
slow to get into but was fun toward the middle
December 29, 2009
Cute! And I read this while on vaca, so of course I had to indulge in a chocolate martini after reading this!
December 27, 2011
Light, fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews