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The McGraws #1
Out of Eden
Sometimes paradise isn't all it's cracked up to be.
That's what I, Kylie McGraw, have discovered since sacrificing my dreams of traveling the world to run the family shoe store. But if I have my way, peaceful Eden, Indiana, is in for a major shake-up….
It all began on my birthday, when I got drunk and disorderly all over Eden's hunky new police chief (and my former high school crush), Jack Reynolds. Then I may have, in my Cosmo haze, witnessed a murder in progress. Now I'm almost certain I'm being stalked by the mob, while he-of-the-distracting-abs Jack continues to think I'm nuts. However, there comes a time when a girl has to kick off her sensible shoes (size 7, cushion insoles) and go after what she wants. So if I can just survive long enough to put on my sexy new red heels, that's exactly what I intend to do….
That's what I, Kylie McGraw, have discovered since sacrificing my dreams of traveling the world to run the family shoe store. But if I have my way, peaceful Eden, Indiana, is in for a major shake-up….
It all began on my birthday, when I got drunk and disorderly all over Eden's hunky new police chief (and my former high school crush), Jack Reynolds. Then I may have, in my Cosmo haze, witnessed a murder in progress. Now I'm almost certain I'm being stalked by the mob, while he-of-the-distracting-abs Jack continues to think I'm nuts. However, there comes a time when a girl has to kick off her sensible shoes (size 7, cushion insoles) and go after what she wants. So if I can just survive long enough to put on my sexy new red heels, that's exactly what I intend to do….
378 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 23, 2010
5 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Beth Ciotta
41 books470 followersStorytelling comes naturally to award-winning author Beth Ciotta. Limiting herself to one sub-genre does not. Dubbed “fun and sexy” by Publisher’s Weekly, Beth specializes in writing Romantic Comedy with a Twist of Suspense and is published in contemporary, historical, and paranormal romantic fiction. “I can’t think of anything more fulfilling than writing stories where everyone (except the villain, of course) gets a happy ending!”
Beth lives in New Jersey with her husband, two zany dogs, and one crazy cat. Although writing takes up most of her time, she still performs occasionally as a singer, character actress, emcee, and storyteller. To support literacy, Beth also works at her local library.
To learn more about her chaotic life you can visit her Web site at www.bethciotta.com
Beth lives in New Jersey with her husband, two zany dogs, and one crazy cat. Although writing takes up most of her time, she still performs occasionally as a singer, character actress, emcee, and storyteller. To support literacy, Beth also works at her local library.
To learn more about her chaotic life you can visit her Web site at www.bethciotta.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 4, 2010
Kylie McGraw has lived in Eden, Indiana her whole life. She's always dreamed of travelling to Asia, but lives in the same boring town she grew up in. She knows the same boring people and runs the same boring family-owned shoe store. She's just turned 32 and is ready for something to change. Little does she know things are about to change more than she could ever have imagined...
Jack Reynolds was Kylie's childhood crush. One of the running jokes in the book is that she's been in love with him since she was fourteen...or twelve. Jack was her older brother's best friend and moved away to join the NYPD, but after working a particularly horrific mob murder he decided to come back home to Eden and take a job as Police Chief.
As Kylie is trying to shake things up, poor Jack is charged by the town council with reigning her in - the town's annual Apple Festival is coming up and they don't want anything to ruin it. Then, Kylie witnesses something she shouldn't have seen and fears for her life. Due to the town's obsession with a Sopranos-like TV show ("Omerta"), no one believes Kylie and the town's residents think it's just another one of her attempts to break the monotony of small-town life.
What I liked about this book:
I really enjoyed the portions of the book that took place in Eden. Watching Kylie and Jack go back and forth until neither one of them could deny their feelings for each other was sweet and sexy and I really liked them both.
The small-town characters were fun. I have a soft spot for "spry, older characters" and this book had some adorable old guys - I loved the scene where they were giving Kylie sex advice!
What I didn't like:
I didn't like the mobsters. They were stereotypical Italian-Americans and the mob lingo annoyed me. Switching between the small-town Eden and mob-riddled Philadelphia felt awkward. I assume Ms. Eden did that on purpose to showcase the difference between the two lifestyles, but I didn't care for it.
All in all, I liked this book. Ms. Eden did a good job merging all the different storylines into a satisfying conclusion. I think her next book focuses on Kylie's brother, Spenser, and I'll definitely be checking it out! I give Out of Eden 3 1/2 out of 5 stars, it was a fun Contemporary read.
Jack Reynolds was Kylie's childhood crush. One of the running jokes in the book is that she's been in love with him since she was fourteen...or twelve. Jack was her older brother's best friend and moved away to join the NYPD, but after working a particularly horrific mob murder he decided to come back home to Eden and take a job as Police Chief.
As Kylie is trying to shake things up, poor Jack is charged by the town council with reigning her in - the town's annual Apple Festival is coming up and they don't want anything to ruin it. Then, Kylie witnesses something she shouldn't have seen and fears for her life. Due to the town's obsession with a Sopranos-like TV show ("Omerta"), no one believes Kylie and the town's residents think it's just another one of her attempts to break the monotony of small-town life.
What I liked about this book:
I really enjoyed the portions of the book that took place in Eden. Watching Kylie and Jack go back and forth until neither one of them could deny their feelings for each other was sweet and sexy and I really liked them both.
The small-town characters were fun. I have a soft spot for "spry, older characters" and this book had some adorable old guys - I loved the scene where they were giving Kylie sex advice!
What I didn't like:
I didn't like the mobsters. They were stereotypical Italian-Americans and the mob lingo annoyed me. Switching between the small-town Eden and mob-riddled Philadelphia felt awkward. I assume Ms. Eden did that on purpose to showcase the difference between the two lifestyles, but I didn't care for it.
All in all, I liked this book. Ms. Eden did a good job merging all the different storylines into a satisfying conclusion. I think her next book focuses on Kylie's brother, Spenser, and I'll definitely be checking it out! I give Out of Eden 3 1/2 out of 5 stars, it was a fun Contemporary read.
March 15, 2010
Overall this was a nice, funny read. If you enjoyed Victoria Dahl's Talk Me Down, then you'll enjoy 'Out of Eden.' The two books are very similiar in premise that they are both set in Small Town, USA ('Talk Me Down' set in Tumble Creek and 'Out of Eden' set in Eden) and that in both books the lead male cop falls for his best friends' little sister. But with that said, it's worth the read. I would read this author again.
December 3, 2010
Ms. Ciotta scores a winner here for me because on top of creating a believable small-town world (with all its crazy quirks and mad inhabitants. Somehow these folks should've been over the top but they fitted the picture perfectly here), she adds a heroine who wears glasses and who portrays the girl-who-wears-glasses-and-sees-nothing-without-them very well. Being one such girls, I loved the realism the author infused into Kylie, and the fact that a drop-dead-gorgeous male was not repulsed by said glasses and found Kylie hot and worth loving.
Other nice little note - shoe-holics, get to this story! Kylie owns a shoe shop, and plans to revamp the sturdy foot fare into more daring and innovative choice. What girl can resist that?
Not to mention Jack, the hero. A pure yum factor if there ever was one!
Somehow, this book, when you read the blurb and you even read the story with all its twists and turns, should've been labelled as lurid as the ideas in there are just, well, lurid. But Ms. Ciotta pulls them all together into a delightfully light and breezy little romp that runs along without you noticing you're turning the pages and getting more and more engrossed in the 'luridness'. It's like pairing Manolo Blahniks with grunge-torn jeans - doesn't make sense, but somehow the daring fashionista can pull it off. Just like Beth Ciotta pulls off 'Out of Eden'.
A read to recommend if you want light, sweet, romantic, and funny.
Other nice little note - shoe-holics, get to this story! Kylie owns a shoe shop, and plans to revamp the sturdy foot fare into more daring and innovative choice. What girl can resist that?
Not to mention Jack, the hero. A pure yum factor if there ever was one!
Somehow, this book, when you read the blurb and you even read the story with all its twists and turns, should've been labelled as lurid as the ideas in there are just, well, lurid. But Ms. Ciotta pulls them all together into a delightfully light and breezy little romp that runs along without you noticing you're turning the pages and getting more and more engrossed in the 'luridness'. It's like pairing Manolo Blahniks with grunge-torn jeans - doesn't make sense, but somehow the daring fashionista can pull it off. Just like Beth Ciotta pulls off 'Out of Eden'.
A read to recommend if you want light, sweet, romantic, and funny.
October 10, 2010
Christy’s Review
Out of Eden is a story about Kylie McGraw and the small town of Eden, Indiana. When Kylie celebrates her 32nd birthday she decides she wants to shake things up. She’s tired of the same old thing, and she wants to make several changes in her life.
When Kylie and her best friend Faye are celebrating at Boone’s bar and grill, Kylie has a few to many drinks, and she says and does a few things out of her norm. After making a spectacle of herself, her friend Faye decides to get her home. On the way out of Boone’s, she falls flat on her butt in front of Eden’s new police chief and former high school crush, Jack Reynolds. Kylie’s been pining after Jack since she was 12 years old. She tries to convince herself that she’s over him but really she’s not.
I loved Kylie. She’s strong, independent and an overall nice girl. She’s the type of woman who loves her friends and family and is always there for them. Jack Reynolds is just dreamy. He’s recently moved back to Eden from New York, where he was a police detective. He got burned out on the crime he faced on the streets of New York and decided to come back home to Eden to sort things out in his life. His best friend is Spenser, which is Kylie’s older brother. Jack’s always thought of Kylie as a little sister but finds himself attracted to her.
Out of Eden is a really great story. The characters and plot were realistic. I found myself laughing at some of the things Kylie did. She’s a really cool girl. The chemistry between Kylie and Jack was believable and I wanted them to take their relationship to the next level. There are several things that go on throughout the book that kept my interest and I kept turning page after page to find out what happened next.
Towards the end of the book, things start to heat up after Kylie witnesses a murder. There are several twists and turn throughout Out Of Eden that will keep you guessing on what’s going to happen next. Ms Ciotta has crafted a wonderful story. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
4 1/2 Tea Cups!
Out of Eden is a story about Kylie McGraw and the small town of Eden, Indiana. When Kylie celebrates her 32nd birthday she decides she wants to shake things up. She’s tired of the same old thing, and she wants to make several changes in her life.
When Kylie and her best friend Faye are celebrating at Boone’s bar and grill, Kylie has a few to many drinks, and she says and does a few things out of her norm. After making a spectacle of herself, her friend Faye decides to get her home. On the way out of Boone’s, she falls flat on her butt in front of Eden’s new police chief and former high school crush, Jack Reynolds. Kylie’s been pining after Jack since she was 12 years old. She tries to convince herself that she’s over him but really she’s not.
I loved Kylie. She’s strong, independent and an overall nice girl. She’s the type of woman who loves her friends and family and is always there for them. Jack Reynolds is just dreamy. He’s recently moved back to Eden from New York, where he was a police detective. He got burned out on the crime he faced on the streets of New York and decided to come back home to Eden to sort things out in his life. His best friend is Spenser, which is Kylie’s older brother. Jack’s always thought of Kylie as a little sister but finds himself attracted to her.
Out of Eden is a really great story. The characters and plot were realistic. I found myself laughing at some of the things Kylie did. She’s a really cool girl. The chemistry between Kylie and Jack was believable and I wanted them to take their relationship to the next level. There are several things that go on throughout the book that kept my interest and I kept turning page after page to find out what happened next.
Towards the end of the book, things start to heat up after Kylie witnesses a murder. There are several twists and turn throughout Out Of Eden that will keep you guessing on what’s going to happen next. Ms Ciotta has crafted a wonderful story. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
4 1/2 Tea Cups!
March 23, 2010
I read this via NetGalley, a great website for testing out soon-to-be-released books.
Ciotta certainly doesn't break any new ground in the chick lit/romance genre, and despite a somewhat awkward-feeling chemistry between the two lead characters and an often clunky writing style, it makes for a fun read.
She could have done a lot more in the way of character development. I always enjoy more background into the characters. All the hard things Jack experienced as a homicide detective in the NYPD were alluded to more than once, but details were never given. While I understand the "he didn't want to burden anyone with hard truths" bit, I think it would have made things more interesting and made readers more sympathetic toward him. There are so many books with the main character as a cop circulating around now, it isn't enough anymore without details establishing him as a hero.
I also didn't like the way Jack's sister Jessica came across; there were a few contradictions in her personality. She was described as a snob. The whole town thought she was stuck up and considered herself too refined for them-they were right. Yet she would occasionally still say things to the effect of "you scared the pee out of me." I didn't think that fit her too well.
Other then some of my issues with the character development, I thought the story was very well-paced. I enjoyed the way she established the small-town feeling in the beginning. That was very well done, one of the high points of her writing, in my opinion. She eased me into the story. The relationship, as well as the action, all happened in the second half of the book. The first half got me settled into the story and interested in the characters and how things would turn out.
All in all, I would recommend this to chick lit fans. Kylie was a fun heroine, and I enjoyed spending a few hours with her!
Ciotta certainly doesn't break any new ground in the chick lit/romance genre, and despite a somewhat awkward-feeling chemistry between the two lead characters and an often clunky writing style, it makes for a fun read.
She could have done a lot more in the way of character development. I always enjoy more background into the characters. All the hard things Jack experienced as a homicide detective in the NYPD were alluded to more than once, but details were never given. While I understand the "he didn't want to burden anyone with hard truths" bit, I think it would have made things more interesting and made readers more sympathetic toward him. There are so many books with the main character as a cop circulating around now, it isn't enough anymore without details establishing him as a hero.
I also didn't like the way Jack's sister Jessica came across; there were a few contradictions in her personality. She was described as a snob. The whole town thought she was stuck up and considered herself too refined for them-they were right. Yet she would occasionally still say things to the effect of "you scared the pee out of me." I didn't think that fit her too well.
Other then some of my issues with the character development, I thought the story was very well-paced. I enjoyed the way she established the small-town feeling in the beginning. That was very well done, one of the high points of her writing, in my opinion. She eased me into the story. The relationship, as well as the action, all happened in the second half of the book. The first half got me settled into the story and interested in the characters and how things would turn out.
All in all, I would recommend this to chick lit fans. Kylie was a fun heroine, and I enjoyed spending a few hours with her!
June 27, 2010
Finding that your life hasn't turned out as planned and making drastic changes to get back on course. Going after your dreams and finding new ones in the process. Even positive change can threaten those around you. These ideas made Out of Eden extremely relatable. Who hasn't examined their life only to discover dreams sacrificed for other people's benefit?
I loved the portrayal of small town life. Kylie being a woman who's never traveled out of the area Jack returning to the life after working years for the NYPD showed a great mix of the desire to escape and the need to be able to come home again. The idea of small towns is very interesting. Everyone knows your business, good and bad. It's like being stuck in high school forever and I find that horrifically entertaining.
Kylie and Jack have a great attraction going. The tension between the both of them, the sheer sexual chemistry and the denial on both sides made me root for them from word one. The sex scenes in Out of Eden are perfectly balanced. They're detailed enough to induce the sexy tingle without going into explicitly vivid territory. There's a scene in a jail cell involving handcuffs that was so hot it could set you on fire.
I wasn't a huge fan of the mob angle. Everyone in town is obsessed with Omerta, a television show that sounds a lot like The Sopranos. They talk, dress and act like the mobsters, so when the real mob guys show up in town, no one notices. I personally don't enjoy anything related to organized crime. Thankfully, this was in the background most of the time. The inclusion was key to the storyline and I found it pretty close to enjoyable.
Out of Eden is a fun romp through small town life. It's romantic, sexy, mysterious and completely satisfying.
I loved the portrayal of small town life. Kylie being a woman who's never traveled out of the area Jack returning to the life after working years for the NYPD showed a great mix of the desire to escape and the need to be able to come home again. The idea of small towns is very interesting. Everyone knows your business, good and bad. It's like being stuck in high school forever and I find that horrifically entertaining.
Kylie and Jack have a great attraction going. The tension between the both of them, the sheer sexual chemistry and the denial on both sides made me root for them from word one. The sex scenes in Out of Eden are perfectly balanced. They're detailed enough to induce the sexy tingle without going into explicitly vivid territory. There's a scene in a jail cell involving handcuffs that was so hot it could set you on fire.
I wasn't a huge fan of the mob angle. Everyone in town is obsessed with Omerta, a television show that sounds a lot like The Sopranos. They talk, dress and act like the mobsters, so when the real mob guys show up in town, no one notices. I personally don't enjoy anything related to organized crime. Thankfully, this was in the background most of the time. The inclusion was key to the storyline and I found it pretty close to enjoyable.
Out of Eden is a fun romp through small town life. It's romantic, sexy, mysterious and completely satisfying.
May 31, 2010
Another birthday in the small town of Eden, Indiana. Kylie McGraw was so tired of the same ol’, same ol’ and decided, during her ‘traditional’ birthday celebration, that this was the time for some changes in her life and in her world. Starting with getting drunk on Cosmo’s (she normally drank only beer) and if she is not careful, ending with her life in danger. During that Cosmo haze and the following morning hangover, Kylie not only made decisions, she placed online orders. Wanting to update and upgrade the family owned shoe store she marched right into the hardware store for paint and walked out with a helper (Travis Martin). Getting away from the big crime in New York City, Jack Reynolds came home to Eden as the new Chief of Police only to find his best friends little sister the biggest problem he would have to handle. She had always been the little sister that everyone knew had a crush on him, now he started seeing her as a women and he was in trouble, with the town, himself and his friend if he couldn’t find a way to handle her and her new found need for change.
This is a new author to me, I really enjoyed this one. It was a combination of a lot of things from a suspense to action with a bit of comedy and a lot of romance. The typical hero comes to save the day. The heroine is strong and usually does the rescuing but for this time in her life, she needs to be saved. While I don’t know much about the reality of mafia type families, the rest of the story was very realistic and relatable. I enjoyed several parts of the relationships between siblings, their friends and the small town environment. Fun even for a non-shoe lover like myself.
This is a new author to me, I really enjoyed this one. It was a combination of a lot of things from a suspense to action with a bit of comedy and a lot of romance. The typical hero comes to save the day. The heroine is strong and usually does the rescuing but for this time in her life, she needs to be saved. While I don’t know much about the reality of mafia type families, the rest of the story was very realistic and relatable. I enjoyed several parts of the relationships between siblings, their friends and the small town environment. Fun even for a non-shoe lover like myself.
July 24, 2011
Out of Eden is a pretty standard romantic novel. There's nothing unique to be found here and the romance is weighed down halfway through when the mob shows up.
As for Kylie and Jack, they're very likeable. They were both well-drawn and entertaining, especially the newly adventurous Kylie. The romance was predictable but at least there was a lot of passion between the two. The backdrop of the small-town people provide some humour and entertainment to the story. While Jack and Kylie's relationship is cute, their thoughts and sentiments often come across as cheesy .
The mob showing up in Eden and what ensued was ridiculous and unrealistic with respect to what was said and what took place in town. Also, I found it weird that Kylie's best friend Faye, was written out of the novel half-way through. I didn't understand why this happened. The way everything wrapped up in the end was odd too.
It's still a cute story. I just thought there were too many mini-sub-plots within the novel.
As for Kylie and Jack, they're very likeable. They were both well-drawn and entertaining, especially the newly adventurous Kylie. The romance was predictable but at least there was a lot of passion between the two. The backdrop of the small-town people provide some humour and entertainment to the story. While Jack and Kylie's relationship is cute, their thoughts and sentiments often come across as cheesy .
The mob showing up in Eden and what ensued was ridiculous and unrealistic with respect to what was said and what took place in town. Also, I found it weird that Kylie's best friend Faye, was written out of the novel half-way through. I didn't understand why this happened. The way everything wrapped up in the end was odd too.
It's still a cute story. I just thought there were too many mini-sub-plots within the novel.
November 19, 2024
Beth Ciotta's Out of Eden is a pretty standard, small-town contemporary romance. There's nothing unique to be found here and the romance is weighed down by a silly subplot involving mob intrigue.
As far as the hero and heroine go, I liked Kylie and Jack. They were both well-drawn and entertaining, especially the newly adventurous Kylie. Part of what saved the book for me was their sweet romance. It's predictable, but I have a particular love for reunion stories set in small towns. The gossipy backdrop and characters that populate it add some fun to the development of the romance. What makes it even better is the fact that Kylie's feelings were formerly unrequited. While Jack and Kylie's relationship is cute, their thoughts and sentiments often come across as cheesy due to Ciotta's somewhat sappy prose and habit of making her characters a touch melodramatic.
Speaking of cheesy, that's an apt word to describe all of the mob-related parts of the novel, especially the wise-guy dialogue. Silly subplots in a contemporary are fine with me, as long as they are funny. Ciotta's tried to be and failed, in my opinion...
To continue reading this review, visit my blog, The Eclectic Book Lover.
As far as the hero and heroine go, I liked Kylie and Jack. They were both well-drawn and entertaining, especially the newly adventurous Kylie. Part of what saved the book for me was their sweet romance. It's predictable, but I have a particular love for reunion stories set in small towns. The gossipy backdrop and characters that populate it add some fun to the development of the romance. What makes it even better is the fact that Kylie's feelings were formerly unrequited. While Jack and Kylie's relationship is cute, their thoughts and sentiments often come across as cheesy due to Ciotta's somewhat sappy prose and habit of making her characters a touch melodramatic.
Speaking of cheesy, that's an apt word to describe all of the mob-related parts of the novel, especially the wise-guy dialogue. Silly subplots in a contemporary are fine with me, as long as they are funny. Ciotta's tried to be and failed, in my opinion...
To continue reading this review, visit my blog, The Eclectic Book Lover.
May 12, 2020
This was a definite page turner from beginning to end. I’m not going to get into the plot because you can get that from the back cover & previous reviews. When I started to read a couple of chapters, I thought the number of characters was going to be a problem keeping track along with the two plots within but they all fit together one by one.
I laughed and cried & at times wanted to hug Kylie & Jack(main characters) along with Madeline, Jack’s niece(Jessie, Jack’s sister), mostly laughed. All the characters had secrets to divulge which gave the story a little suspense too with Romance.
Recommend this book to any Contemporary Romance readers.
August 1, 2020
I listened to the audiobook. Don't. Read.the book as the narration does no favors to the book. Cute story, but not cute enough to listen to the next in the series due to narration. Main female character not only sounds like a little girl, but often she acts like one. So for me this so the end of this series.
January 12, 2019
The description on the back wasn't accurate. The story didn't pick up until half way through the book. The second half of the book was enjoyable and is what hooked me into the story.
April 14, 2019
Too cliche for me. The romance, the events, everything. I could enjoy it at times, but for the most part it was too predictable.
February 10, 2017
Not bad, but not great. By the last 100 pages I was done with the story and characters.
April 9, 2010
Imprint / Series:
HQN
Publication Date:
Apr 2010
Paperback
Contemporary Romance
Back Cover Blurb:
Sometimes paradise isn't all it's cracked up to be.
That's what I, Kylie McGraw, have discovered since sacrificing my dreams of traveling the world to run the family shoe store. But if I have my way, peaceful Eden, Indiana, is in for a major shake-up….
It all began on my birthday, when I got drunk and disorderly all over Eden's hunky new police chief (and my former high school crush), Jack Reynolds. Then I may have, in my Cosmo haze, witnessed a murder in progress. Now I'm almost certain I'm being stalked by the mob, while he-of-the-distracting-abs Jack continues to think I'm nuts. However, there comes a time when a girl has to kick off her sensible shoes (size 7, cushion insoles) and go after what she wants. So if I can just survive long enough to put on my sexy new red heels, that's exactly what I intend to do….
Excerpt at: www.bethciotta.com
My Thoughts:
I loved this story. It was engrossing, funny, and sexy. Beth created such a real slice of Mid-Western Americana it feels like you only have to map-quest to go there. Her idiosyncratic characters of the town are memorable. Most small towns have their Max and JJ’s, their sleazeball Ashe, Boone and Wanda. I loved Kylie’s interaction with the townspeople especially when all are aware she has decided to *change* her life. Of course she announces it rather emphatically in her Comos induced bravado and in front of half the town at Boone’s Bar and Grill.
The premise of the story is Kylie is bored with her life, the same ol’, same ol’ and tradition. On her birthday she decides to effect a change. She’s tired of living up to the family business motto, Sensible Shoes for Sensible People.
Kylie changes her motto: “I will act out of the ordinary in order to attract and promote change. Change is exciting. Change is good.”
In the process of changing herself she shakes up the town and Jack Reynolds, her old crush and new Chief of Police. I love the way the sparks fly between Jack and Kylie. Oh very hot, my dears. Beth tosses in some twists you won’t expect, a bit of mystery to solve, which adds to the fun to this adventurous, must read, tale.
HQN
Publication Date:
Apr 2010
Paperback
Contemporary Romance
Back Cover Blurb:
Sometimes paradise isn't all it's cracked up to be.
That's what I, Kylie McGraw, have discovered since sacrificing my dreams of traveling the world to run the family shoe store. But if I have my way, peaceful Eden, Indiana, is in for a major shake-up….
It all began on my birthday, when I got drunk and disorderly all over Eden's hunky new police chief (and my former high school crush), Jack Reynolds. Then I may have, in my Cosmo haze, witnessed a murder in progress. Now I'm almost certain I'm being stalked by the mob, while he-of-the-distracting-abs Jack continues to think I'm nuts. However, there comes a time when a girl has to kick off her sensible shoes (size 7, cushion insoles) and go after what she wants. So if I can just survive long enough to put on my sexy new red heels, that's exactly what I intend to do….
Excerpt at: www.bethciotta.com
My Thoughts:
I loved this story. It was engrossing, funny, and sexy. Beth created such a real slice of Mid-Western Americana it feels like you only have to map-quest to go there. Her idiosyncratic characters of the town are memorable. Most small towns have their Max and JJ’s, their sleazeball Ashe, Boone and Wanda. I loved Kylie’s interaction with the townspeople especially when all are aware she has decided to *change* her life. Of course she announces it rather emphatically in her Comos induced bravado and in front of half the town at Boone’s Bar and Grill.
The premise of the story is Kylie is bored with her life, the same ol’, same ol’ and tradition. On her birthday she decides to effect a change. She’s tired of living up to the family business motto, Sensible Shoes for Sensible People.
Kylie changes her motto: “I will act out of the ordinary in order to attract and promote change. Change is exciting. Change is good.”
In the process of changing herself she shakes up the town and Jack Reynolds, her old crush and new Chief of Police. I love the way the sparks fly between Jack and Kylie. Oh very hot, my dears. Beth tosses in some twists you won’t expect, a bit of mystery to solve, which adds to the fun to this adventurous, must read, tale.
July 19, 2010
I bought this book because it was the book club pick a few months ago at a independent book store. I planned on going to the meeting, but the store is 45 minutes away and I found a better club close by. I decided to read OUT OF EDEN this week just because I was in the mood for something different.
Yep. Different. I realized I don't read hardly any realistic fiction. Seriously, I could count on my fingers the number of realistic contempoary books I've read in the last ten years.
1. PERFECT CHEMISTRY - read last week
2. 13 REASONS WHY
3. BODY LANGUAGE by Suzanne Brockman
4. ANGELS & DEMONS
5. SKIN GAME (Was there a small paranormal element in this one? I can't remember.)
So, yeah. I wanted to try some realistic fiction since I always read books with a sci-fi or fantasy element in them.
OUT OF EDEN was pretty good. I enjoyed it. I'm not big on the small town atmosphere, but it worked pretty well for this book. I'm also not a huge fan of sexy cop heroes (though I haven't read any sexy cop hero books, so go figure), but I love Jack. He's a very realistic, very in control guy. Kylie is cute, too, and I love her brother. Pretty sure the brother has his own book.
The side characters are enjoyable, too. I didn't *hate* the bad guy POV. Usually, I do because it interrupts the love story. I did think it was weird, though, because it was basically The Sopranos. It's like the author loved that TV show and wanted to come up with a spin-off story. I mean, you have the head of the family having panic attacks and going to a shrink. Totally Sopranos. There was even commentary on this big mob show, Operte (or however you spell it), which everybody was watching. The whole set-up was kind of odd/funny.
The only hangup I had, plot-wise, was The Big Coincidence. Out of all the places Dixie could have sold her shoes, she sells them in Eden, Indiana? That was way too big a coincidence, and it bugged me the entire second half of the book.
But it was a good, fun read. I recommend if you're in the mood for a contemporary romance that's not too sexy (those scenes had great buildup, but they could have been hotter).
Yep. Different. I realized I don't read hardly any realistic fiction. Seriously, I could count on my fingers the number of realistic contempoary books I've read in the last ten years.
1. PERFECT CHEMISTRY - read last week
2. 13 REASONS WHY
3. BODY LANGUAGE by Suzanne Brockman
4. ANGELS & DEMONS
5. SKIN GAME (Was there a small paranormal element in this one? I can't remember.)
So, yeah. I wanted to try some realistic fiction since I always read books with a sci-fi or fantasy element in them.
OUT OF EDEN was pretty good. I enjoyed it. I'm not big on the small town atmosphere, but it worked pretty well for this book. I'm also not a huge fan of sexy cop heroes (though I haven't read any sexy cop hero books, so go figure), but I love Jack. He's a very realistic, very in control guy. Kylie is cute, too, and I love her brother. Pretty sure the brother has his own book.
The side characters are enjoyable, too. I didn't *hate* the bad guy POV. Usually, I do because it interrupts the love story. I did think it was weird, though, because it was basically The Sopranos. It's like the author loved that TV show and wanted to come up with a spin-off story. I mean, you have the head of the family having panic attacks and going to a shrink. Totally Sopranos. There was even commentary on this big mob show, Operte (or however you spell it), which everybody was watching. The whole set-up was kind of odd/funny.
The only hangup I had, plot-wise, was The Big Coincidence. Out of all the places Dixie could have sold her shoes, she sells them in Eden, Indiana? That was way too big a coincidence, and it bugged me the entire second half of the book.
But it was a good, fun read. I recommend if you're in the mood for a contemporary romance that's not too sexy (those scenes had great buildup, but they could have been hotter).
May 25, 2010
I've been making the most of my Kindle for iPhone app (even though I don't have an iPhone) and read a book called Out of Eden by Beth Ciotta. I got it because it is set in a nonexistent small town in Indiana and I was thinking of writing a story set in a nonexistent small town in Indiana myself. She chose northern Indiana while I'm planning for southern, but that's not important right now.
In the first chapter the main character talks about her brother visiting "Pitcairn - the secluded island inhabited by the ancestors of Fletcher Christian and the other mutineers of the Bounty." NO!NO!NO! DESCENDANTS DAMMIT!! If his ancestors lived there I doubt they'd still be alive and how the hell did they get there in the first place? Completely ruined the book for me. Ancestors go backward, descendants go forward. It didn't help that it ended with the super-d-duper "I can't help it, but I love you love you love you and your little dog too! Let's get married and shit!" (No that's not an exact quote, but it's close). Yet more proof that I am the one holding back my writing career.
Still, it was true to setting and the characters were likable for the most part. They'd have to be nice and likable because this is Indiana we're talking about. Canada South. You only get honked at if someone wants to wave hello to you.
Sometimes my genre and the editors whose eyes must glaze over early in their career truly embarrass me. At least this book was better than fanfic. To be fair, I've read some pretty damn fantastic fanfic, but I'm paying for this. A little effort? Maybe I'm being overly sensitive letting a little thing like word choice throw me out of a story, but it's a book. Word choice is kind of important in a book.
In the first chapter the main character talks about her brother visiting "Pitcairn - the secluded island inhabited by the ancestors of Fletcher Christian and the other mutineers of the Bounty." NO!NO!NO! DESCENDANTS DAMMIT!! If his ancestors lived there I doubt they'd still be alive and how the hell did they get there in the first place? Completely ruined the book for me. Ancestors go backward, descendants go forward. It didn't help that it ended with the super-d-duper "I can't help it, but I love you love you love you and your little dog too! Let's get married and shit!" (No that's not an exact quote, but it's close). Yet more proof that I am the one holding back my writing career.
Still, it was true to setting and the characters were likable for the most part. They'd have to be nice and likable because this is Indiana we're talking about. Canada South. You only get honked at if someone wants to wave hello to you.
Sometimes my genre and the editors whose eyes must glaze over early in their career truly embarrass me. At least this book was better than fanfic. To be fair, I've read some pretty damn fantastic fanfic, but I'm paying for this. A little effort? Maybe I'm being overly sensitive letting a little thing like word choice throw me out of a story, but it's a book. Word choice is kind of important in a book.
October 4, 2010
OUT OF EDEN by Beth Ciotta is a comtemporary romance set in modern day Eden, Indiana. It is well written with depth and details. The characters are interesting, enduring and complex.It has danger, suspense, romance, intrigue, sensuality, secrets, small town,the mob and lovable heros. The hero, Jack, is handsome,sexy, left New York City after being burned out on a horrific case, comes back home to be the police chief, was Kylie's high school crush and her brother's friend. The heroine, Kylie is smart, witty,sexy, dreams of traveling, accepts the responsibility of the families show store, and shakes things up in this small town. Kylie witnesses a murder in progress for which no one believes her at first, then things starts to happening. She is in danger. Jack, doesn't really believe her but once things starts coming together realizes just how much danger she is into.Together them shake this small town up, cause plenty of gossip and find the truth. This story is multifaceted, has dry humor and sexy characters.If you enjoy entertaining story lines with twists and turns you will enjoy this one. This book was received for review from Library Thing and details can be found at Harlequin Books and My Book Addiction and More.
August 7, 2015
Okay I won't lie I totally had no idea that Out of Eden was the first book of 2 and read Into the Wild first. But I have to say that I loved it. Beth Ciotta has a cute way of telling a story and her style is that perfect balance. I told my friend she totally PG-13 she gets stars for the adult but also for not going too far with it. I loved that this book was more about the characters which were amazing by the way. Once I figured out that Kylie was Spenser's little sister it made the best friend and younger sister thing that much more intriguing and funny. I loved Kylie from the first page. It took not time at all for me to warm up to her character. This is a wonderful book and if you like this you will truly like into the wild as well.
August 29, 2012
This book was normal. If you've ever read any other small town romance book, you would know there really wasn't anything special or new about Out of Eden. However the characters our hero and heroine were well written and kept your attention on the book. Kylie is tired of being passive aggressive and wants to spice up her life a little bit. Jack was and still is best friends with Kylie's big brother, he moves back from New York after burning out at fighting crime in the big apple. He becomes the police chief of Eden and tries to keep Kylie out of trouble.
The only thing that really made this book hard to read were the mob aspects. I understand giving it a plot, but the mob in middle of a small town in Indiana? I'm just not sure and I really liked the book, but it felt like it was dragged down by this. Still give it a chance. It was a good read.
The only thing that really made this book hard to read were the mob aspects. I understand giving it a plot, but the mob in middle of a small town in Indiana? I'm just not sure and I really liked the book, but it felt like it was dragged down by this. Still give it a chance. It was a good read.
February 20, 2014
So: does a romance *have* to be poorly written, trite, and predictable? Out of Eden does not convince me otherwise, with lines like "he ridded her of the lacy thong" (no, I don't know the proper tense of that verb, either, so I would avoid it!), and "A moment blipped in her mind. Her. Jack." (NO idea how to do that right: herself? She? So, again, my editor should tell me to avoid it if I'm not sharp enough to decide to do that myself). On top of the hokey "Got to change my life" story line (Jennifer Crusie did it so, so, so much better in Faking it), there's a stereotypical Mafia plot line that's achingly awkward.
Much as I adore my Library and its booksales, I think I have to raise my standards. And, Goodreads, one star should not be "did not like it" but should be "it was terrible."
Much as I adore my Library and its booksales, I think I have to raise my standards. And, Goodreads, one star should not be "did not like it" but should be "it was terrible."
March 9, 2014
I normally do not read romance. I have been on a mission to read new genres. Beth Ciotta is my second venture into romance and I must say I am impressed. Not only is the writing great, but this is certainly not my mother's sort of romance book. By that I am not necessarily addressing the sexual portions, but the story line.
There is an element of mystery, some tragedy, lots of humor, the family values, friendships, this book has it all. I became immersed in this town and wanted the best for my people. I do not ever go into explicit detail in a review, you can read the book jacket for that. I want you to know how the book left me feeling, as that is the reason we read.
The book kept me turning pages right from the beginning and I would recommend it to anyone. Certainly a good choice for the romance people, but so much more......
There is an element of mystery, some tragedy, lots of humor, the family values, friendships, this book has it all. I became immersed in this town and wanted the best for my people. I do not ever go into explicit detail in a review, you can read the book jacket for that. I want you to know how the book left me feeling, as that is the reason we read.
The book kept me turning pages right from the beginning and I would recommend it to anyone. Certainly a good choice for the romance people, but so much more......
October 14, 2011
Kylie McGraw is a small town “good” girl who turns thirty-two and is tired of the status quo, so she decides to turn the town upside town. At the same time Jack Reynolds moves back home from the big city to be closer to his sister and young niece. Jack’s new job as chief of police puts him smack dab in the middle of Kylie antics. The problem for Kylie is that she’s been crushing on Jack since she was twelve. The problem for Jack is that Kylie is no longer twelve. Small town life and a mob twist offer plenty of obstacles for this couple to overcome. This book is both funny and romantic, and was an enjoyable read. [return][return]This is the first book by Beth Ciotta that I have read, and it definitely won’t be my last.
August 11, 2016
It’s her birthday and Kylie McGraw decides it’s high time to shake things up and turn her life on its ear. Since she can’t have her trip to Asia, she wants the next best thing – something new! She redecorates the family’s shoe store and that’s just the beginning of her antics. Her old crush (and her brother’s best friend) is back in town as the new sheriff. Where there is smoke, there’s fire, and it’s red hot in Eden, IN.
This is a sweet, funny, and hot romantic comedy. The secondary characters are just as fun and engaging as the primary ones. At first there seems to be too many small stories going on, but they come together beautifully and with such tenderness. This is a heartwarming and lovely story that just pulls you in from Kylie’s first crazy scheme.
This is a sweet, funny, and hot romantic comedy. The secondary characters are just as fun and engaging as the primary ones. At first there seems to be too many small stories going on, but they come together beautifully and with such tenderness. This is a heartwarming and lovely story that just pulls you in from Kylie’s first crazy scheme.
December 11, 2012
I must admit, I wasn't very intrigued by the cover of this book. The story description sounding fun, though, so I thought I'd take a chance. Am I very happy that I did. This book was fun, well-written, and intriguing; it blew my fairly low expectations right out of the water.
The story kicks off from the very first page and maintains a lively, engaging pace all throughout. The characters are all interesting in their own rights, but when you toss them together, the interactions are a load of fun. This book is full of appeal -- it's romantic, sweet, sexy, funny, and dramatic.
I've never read any of Beth Ciotta's work before this, but I now plan on picking up more of her books.
The story kicks off from the very first page and maintains a lively, engaging pace all throughout. The characters are all interesting in their own rights, but when you toss them together, the interactions are a load of fun. This book is full of appeal -- it's romantic, sweet, sexy, funny, and dramatic.
I've never read any of Beth Ciotta's work before this, but I now plan on picking up more of her books.
April 9, 2011
Kylie McGraw has lived all her life in Eden, Indiana. She has taken care of people and the family business, a shoe store, without thougth to herself. But now she is ready to shake things up. Just as she is ready to bust out, the love her life, Jack Reynolds, returns home to be chief of police after burning out on his life with NYPD. Their reunion causes fireworks and Kylie's desire for change causes heartburn for just about everyone.
I really enjoyed this book. Generally I don't like this much romance, but I found the characters and the town charming. The sex is hot and based on love, not just lust, no matter what Jack may say. Enjoy!
I really enjoyed this book. Generally I don't like this much romance, but I found the characters and the town charming. The sex is hot and based on love, not just lust, no matter what Jack may say. Enjoy!
September 5, 2011
Book #56 of 2011
I originally picked up the sequel to this, but after learning that it was a sequel (even if the two books aren't very related), I had to start with the first book. I'm glad I did too because I liked this one quite a bit! Eden reminds me a bit of Mansfield - at least in that small town everyone knows everyone else kind of way. Miranda Lambert's "Famous in a Small Town" comes to mind. And who can't relate to wanting to shake things up from the boring routine!
The one complaint I have is that the book felt almost resolved and then, Oh no! We have to throw in another twist! So... pacing was a bit off.
I originally picked up the sequel to this, but after learning that it was a sequel (even if the two books aren't very related), I had to start with the first book. I'm glad I did too because I liked this one quite a bit! Eden reminds me a bit of Mansfield - at least in that small town everyone knows everyone else kind of way. Miranda Lambert's "Famous in a Small Town" comes to mind. And who can't relate to wanting to shake things up from the boring routine!
The one complaint I have is that the book felt almost resolved and then, Oh no! We have to throw in another twist! So... pacing was a bit off.
December 25, 2012
Sweet book. PG-13 rating. There are a lot of threads in this book. Sibling rivalry, family responsibility, unrequited love, mob families, witness protection program, (early) midlife crisis, career burnout and more more more!
I felt there was too much going on. But Ms. Ciotta kept all the threads going, cleared up the mysteries and made it fairly realistic. After reading the book I read some reviews and found that this is the first of two books in the series. I can see a number of possible sequels, but I don't know tat I am compelled to go out of my way to find the second book.
I felt there was too much going on. But Ms. Ciotta kept all the threads going, cleared up the mysteries and made it fairly realistic. After reading the book I read some reviews and found that this is the first of two books in the series. I can see a number of possible sequels, but I don't know tat I am compelled to go out of my way to find the second book.
August 23, 2011
A cute book with a strange sub-plot about mobsters and how we live in a world that glorifies what they do.
& while the part about the mob was a. Bit over the top, there were several interestng parts, including the opening bar scene and the water tower incident.
This book gave me great insight Into Jack & Kylie, two of the characters that Spencer refers to in the following book, "Into the Wild. "
& while the part about the mob was a. Bit over the top, there were several interestng parts, including the opening bar scene and the water tower incident.
This book gave me great insight Into Jack & Kylie, two of the characters that Spencer refers to in the following book, "Into the Wild. "
July 29, 2012
A nice light summer read... with a mob twist! Not your typical romance; it had lots of great characters and all sorts of non-romance plots. This was a random choice from the library, and I'm really glad I read it!
I will read more by Beth Ciotta. Apparently she doesn't like to limit herself to one genre when writing: she has written contemporary, historical, and paranormal fiction. Looking forward to more great books by Beth!
I will read more by Beth Ciotta. Apparently she doesn't like to limit herself to one genre when writing: she has written contemporary, historical, and paranormal fiction. Looking forward to more great books by Beth!
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