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Colshannon #1
Playing James
Rules? What rules?Plucky beat reporter Holly Colshannon has a flair for the dramatic, a nose for trouble, and the remarkable ability to smile through any indignity—though her latest assignment is about to test her mettle. Newly “promoted” to crime reporter for the Bristol Gazette, she must shadow the unsmiling (though undeniably delicious) Detective James Sabine through his action-packed days, and then capture all the danger and thrills of a cop’s life in a daily column for the rag.Well, on the bright side, she gets her own byline. On the down side, delectable James is hardly overjoyed to have her around. But soon her columns are a hit with readers who can’t get enough of her personal adventures riding shotgun with the sexy crime stopper.Who ever expected law and order to be so romantic? Certainly Holly’s rugby-playing boyfriend and James’s super-gorgeous fiancée are enough to keep any sparks of electricity in check? In the end, though, love always evens the score. . . .
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2004
37 people are currently reading
9681 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Mason
32 books168 followersSarah Mason was born on 1971, and grew up near the sea in Cornwall, England. She obtained a degree in Maths from University of Bristol. At the age of 25 she began importing gourmet popcorn from USA and selling it to everyone from Sainsbury's to Virgin cinemas, she soon became a millionaire and was running a company with a seven figure turnover. When she married she sold the business on, she decided take a few months off to decide what she wanted to do next, and she started writing. She lives in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, with her husband, two children and a West Highland Terrier.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
March 5, 2013
this is being made into a rom com, right? Or has it already been done? It's one of those books that was made to be a film, with some upbeat, annoyingly smiley type blonde in the lead role and a grouchy somewhat unshaven leading man as the love interest.
It had a touch of shopaholic about it (but nowhere near as irritating as the characters can be in that particular franchise!) and Holly's optimisim never wanes, even in the midst of catastrophe.
I have to say that the end, whilst you know where the book is going from the moment you pick it up, was a little forced. For all the talk of the lovely fiance, who does such charitable deeds, the sinister ending there seemed a little out of place. I would have preferred that they kept Fleur as the woman scorned, but who takes it on the chin in her charitable fashion.
Also, Sarah's crammed a lot of romance into the last 10 pages or so of the book. I sometimes feel that authors write and write and suddenly realise oh, I have a deadline coming up better finish this! and whack it on. I like a little bit more warning, more subtlety to the critical point in a book.
That being said, its all in good fun and there's plenty of laughs to be had with this book. You're not likely to be disappointed reading it!
It had a touch of shopaholic about it (but nowhere near as irritating as the characters can be in that particular franchise!) and Holly's optimisim never wanes, even in the midst of catastrophe.
I have to say that the end, whilst you know where the book is going from the moment you pick it up, was a little forced. For all the talk of the lovely fiance, who does such charitable deeds, the sinister ending there seemed a little out of place. I would have preferred that they kept Fleur as the woman scorned, but who takes it on the chin in her charitable fashion.
Also, Sarah's crammed a lot of romance into the last 10 pages or so of the book. I sometimes feel that authors write and write and suddenly realise oh, I have a deadline coming up better finish this! and whack it on. I like a little bit more warning, more subtlety to the critical point in a book.
That being said, its all in good fun and there's plenty of laughs to be had with this book. You're not likely to be disappointed reading it!
June 10, 2013
The pacing of this book is awful! They spent so much time on the cases, the narration for which felt completely repetitive and didn't really further the relationship between James and Holly, and then the author remembered after 97% of the book was over that she forgot to throw in the romance and crammed it into the last three pages after randomly making the fiance MWAH HA HA evil and letting James experience all these revelations about how in love he is with Holly off the page.
September 16, 2009
Holly Colshannon is a young journalist who thinks her career is about to take a terminal nosedive when she is moved from covering ‘pet deaths’ for her local Bristol paper and made Crime Correspondent – a poisoned chalice if ever there was one.
However, a brilliant idea from the new police PR officer sees Holly shadowing a detective and writing a diary column about his working life. Detective James Sabine is bit of a sour puss – although he does have very nice green eyes – and he’s furious that he has been landed with magnificently accident-prone Holly especially since her arrival comes six weeks before his wedding to faultless Fleur.
Holly, however, has a career to think about and this infuriating man is not going to stand in her way. Meanwhile, her bosses at the newspaper realise that the column is proving extremely popular with the readers who are waiting for something romantic to happen between the handsome detective and the nice young reporter. With only days to go to the wedding Holly realises she’s been waiting for the same thing… Read my review underneath
Sarah Mason’s debut novel Playing James is one of my favourite debut novels I’ve read. It’s chick-lit but also has something different – a reporter following a detective and writing a diary about it. It was new, it was original and it was brilliant.
Holly Colshannon was hilarious and incredibly clumsy. Who else could trip over a fruit pastille and get hit on the head so many times? The way James and Holly first saw each other proved their wasn’t going to be an easy relationship and it proved correct as Holly kept getting herself into hair situations and making mishaps.
I read it in one sitting and even though I knew what was going to happen and knew the mishaps Holly would get herself into (this was my second time reading it – it’s that good) I still found myself laughing.
All of the characters are hilarious: Sorrel, Holly’s mum and actress is great what with her fake fainting near the end of the book and general drama-queen-ness about her. There’s Lizzie, Holly’s best friend with her madcap schemes to get her boyfriend to propose. Vince, the flamboyant – and funny – photographer. Plus everyone else; Joe, Holly’s editor, Callum and the other cops, Holly’s dad, Fleur, Ben and even Teresa-the-Holy-cow (or as it turned out Unholy-cow!).
James and Holly were the stars and Sarah Mason’s wit made me want to keep on reading. James Sabine was a brilliant character and while he hated the press, Holly helped change his mind about that. They might have had a rocky relationship to start but as the book progressed so did their relationship. I’m sure the knocks Holly received from James helped greatly, I loved the tree-trunk incident.
One of my favourite parts of the novel, apart from Sorrels’s “fainting” incident was when Holly went on TV and threw a glass of water over the host accidentally. That was just hilarious.
I liked the way Fleur was written: started off as a saint but showed her true colours towards the end of the novel. I so hoped she would get her come-uppance. I liked the Robin/James/Callum sub-plot as well but thought Robin wasn’t used enough, after Holly’s encounter she was barely in the book. I also thought it was a shame none of Holly’s siblings were mentioned. I’ve read High Society and they’re all mentioned in there but not in Playing James which was a shame.
All in all I loved the novel – and something I forgot to mention, I LOVED Tristan the car. A great name for a car, and I liked how he was a huge part of the book even though a car is an inanimate object.
I’ve enjoyed the other 2 Sarah Mason novels I’ve read but from the reviews of her newest novel, Sea Fever, I really don’t know if I’ll read it. Playing James was a great debut and a great read.
Rating: 5/5
However, a brilliant idea from the new police PR officer sees Holly shadowing a detective and writing a diary column about his working life. Detective James Sabine is bit of a sour puss – although he does have very nice green eyes – and he’s furious that he has been landed with magnificently accident-prone Holly especially since her arrival comes six weeks before his wedding to faultless Fleur.
Holly, however, has a career to think about and this infuriating man is not going to stand in her way. Meanwhile, her bosses at the newspaper realise that the column is proving extremely popular with the readers who are waiting for something romantic to happen between the handsome detective and the nice young reporter. With only days to go to the wedding Holly realises she’s been waiting for the same thing… Read my review underneath
Sarah Mason’s debut novel Playing James is one of my favourite debut novels I’ve read. It’s chick-lit but also has something different – a reporter following a detective and writing a diary about it. It was new, it was original and it was brilliant.
Holly Colshannon was hilarious and incredibly clumsy. Who else could trip over a fruit pastille and get hit on the head so many times? The way James and Holly first saw each other proved their wasn’t going to be an easy relationship and it proved correct as Holly kept getting herself into hair situations and making mishaps.
I read it in one sitting and even though I knew what was going to happen and knew the mishaps Holly would get herself into (this was my second time reading it – it’s that good) I still found myself laughing.
All of the characters are hilarious: Sorrel, Holly’s mum and actress is great what with her fake fainting near the end of the book and general drama-queen-ness about her. There’s Lizzie, Holly’s best friend with her madcap schemes to get her boyfriend to propose. Vince, the flamboyant – and funny – photographer. Plus everyone else; Joe, Holly’s editor, Callum and the other cops, Holly’s dad, Fleur, Ben and even Teresa-the-Holy-cow (or as it turned out Unholy-cow!).
James and Holly were the stars and Sarah Mason’s wit made me want to keep on reading. James Sabine was a brilliant character and while he hated the press, Holly helped change his mind about that. They might have had a rocky relationship to start but as the book progressed so did their relationship. I’m sure the knocks Holly received from James helped greatly, I loved the tree-trunk incident.
One of my favourite parts of the novel, apart from Sorrels’s “fainting” incident was when Holly went on TV and threw a glass of water over the host accidentally. That was just hilarious.
I liked the way Fleur was written: started off as a saint but showed her true colours towards the end of the novel. I so hoped she would get her come-uppance. I liked the Robin/James/Callum sub-plot as well but thought Robin wasn’t used enough, after Holly’s encounter she was barely in the book. I also thought it was a shame none of Holly’s siblings were mentioned. I’ve read High Society and they’re all mentioned in there but not in Playing James which was a shame.
All in all I loved the novel – and something I forgot to mention, I LOVED Tristan the car. A great name for a car, and I liked how he was a huge part of the book even though a car is an inanimate object.
I’ve enjoyed the other 2 Sarah Mason novels I’ve read but from the reviews of her newest novel, Sea Fever, I really don’t know if I’ll read it. Playing James was a great debut and a great read.
Rating: 5/5
July 16, 2010
I'm frankly amazed at the relatively high reviews this book has received from other reviewers. As a piece of chick lit, it was frothy, hugely contrived, tried too hard to be humourous and won't be remembered past the last page.
Holly Colshannon is a two dimensional journalist for a local paper in Bristol, who is to shadow a detective as part of a new diary feature. The two do not hit it off to begin with, but, what do you know, they start to thaw towards each other ready for a rushed finale where they end up kissing in a broken-down car.
I disliked the fact that none of the characters were really developed at all - there is nothing really to identify Holly and James from the many other chick lit protagonists out there. I disliked the way the plot seemed to shoehorn as many comic devices in as possible in order to 'entertain'.
Altogether, this was a disappointment and, with the likes of Marian Keyes, Fiona Walker and Freya north all writing far superior fiction, there is nothing to differentiate this from the many other chick lit authors.
Holly Colshannon is a two dimensional journalist for a local paper in Bristol, who is to shadow a detective as part of a new diary feature. The two do not hit it off to begin with, but, what do you know, they start to thaw towards each other ready for a rushed finale where they end up kissing in a broken-down car.
I disliked the fact that none of the characters were really developed at all - there is nothing really to identify Holly and James from the many other chick lit protagonists out there. I disliked the way the plot seemed to shoehorn as many comic devices in as possible in order to 'entertain'.
Altogether, this was a disappointment and, with the likes of Marian Keyes, Fiona Walker and Freya north all writing far superior fiction, there is nothing to differentiate this from the many other chick lit authors.
June 29, 2022
The tagline of this book was "You have the right to remain sexy". I had to read it.
Honestly, the tagline was the best part of the story. This was ok, but as far as chick-lit goes I've read better. It was fun and entertaining, but I think it really failed in the romance department. I don't think the main characters had amazing chemistry and they were both in relationships at the start of the book (one of them was even engaged!). While no actual cheating occurred, it still prevented me from really rooting for them to get together.
Honestly, the tagline was the best part of the story. This was ok, but as far as chick-lit goes I've read better. It was fun and entertaining, but I think it really failed in the romance department. I don't think the main characters had amazing chemistry and they were both in relationships at the start of the book (one of them was even engaged!). While no actual cheating occurred, it still prevented me from really rooting for them to get together.
November 7, 2013
Fun, sarcasm, adventure, romance and anything a reader can ask for..... Playing James has it all...
I started this book and I just couldn't keep it down. The way Sarah Mason presents the story, as a reader I felt living the character of Holly. I actually giggled with her and made faces on the rude, knife sharp comments of James.
Though the ending was somewhat clinched n predictable, it can be forgiven, as other than the end, the entire book was just too good to complain about.
Playing James made a special place on my bookshelf. A light, funny side of two of the most serious professions is presented in a way that I fell in love with the writer's ability to take life in a jovial manner.
Being a new reader of Sarah Mason, I may say that she has developed a fan through this piece. I'll maje sure I read all her productions. =)
All I csn say is keep up the good work! :D
I started this book and I just couldn't keep it down. The way Sarah Mason presents the story, as a reader I felt living the character of Holly. I actually giggled with her and made faces on the rude, knife sharp comments of James.
Though the ending was somewhat clinched n predictable, it can be forgiven, as other than the end, the entire book was just too good to complain about.
Playing James made a special place on my bookshelf. A light, funny side of two of the most serious professions is presented in a way that I fell in love with the writer's ability to take life in a jovial manner.
Being a new reader of Sarah Mason, I may say that she has developed a fan through this piece. I'll maje sure I read all her productions. =)
All I csn say is keep up the good work! :D
May 29, 2020
while this was hilarious, the romance sadly wasn't done well.
March 24, 2022
Loved this book. Made me giggle several times, and just a durned good story and romance
April 8, 2023
I passed most of the book forcing myself to read it, despite finding it fun, liking the narrator, liking the voice, finding it funny. I set myself pomodoros where I worked on college stuff for a few minutes, then a few minutes reading this, then a few minutes for a break, and then repeat. Maybe having to force myself has more to do with me than the book. Although certain moments in the book were definitely hard to get through due to what in portuguese we call "vergonha alheia", maybe in english we'd say "cringe".
I found it really curious how the protagonist is sloppy, a slob, a klutz: "relatable" in that they are full of flaws... I found myself comparing her to Homer Simpson when talking about the book. A kind of "everywoman". Finding herself in various troubles due to her foolishness. Foolishness is a way kinder way of phrasing it than "stupidness", and I do think she's a bit of a fool, but not perhaps an "idiot", I wonder? She's immature, foolish, she lies quite a bit... but she's very likeable.
I found it really curious how the protagonist is sloppy, a slob, a klutz: "relatable" in that they are full of flaws... I found myself comparing her to Homer Simpson when talking about the book. A kind of "everywoman". Finding herself in various troubles due to her foolishness. Foolishness is a way kinder way of phrasing it than "stupidness", and I do think she's a bit of a fool, but not perhaps an "idiot", I wonder? She's immature, foolish, she lies quite a bit... but she's very likeable.
December 7, 2015
Buku ini sukses bikin aku jejeritan (hampir, tapi sebenarnya tidak) kayak orang gila saat membaca bagian-bagian terakhirnya. karakter Holly dan James punya chemistry yang bagus. di awal cerita buku ini sama sekali benar-benar menceritakan kebencian mereka satu sama lain. walaupun James Sabine orang yang menarik tetapi Holly tetap pada pendiriannya bahwa dia tidak menyukai pria ketus itu. di tengah-tengah, cerita juga berputar di dalam kasus yang mereka tangani. yah kasus biasa sih. padahal aku lebih mengharapkan sesuatu yang lebih menegangkan seperti pembunuhan dalam proses pendekatan Holly dan James.
peristiwa sikutan James di mata Holly oke juga. menurutku aku mengerti mengapa Holly bisa beralih dari membenci James menjadi menyukainya, adegan kacang polong beku dan cokelat. manis sekali. dari menyukai menjadi sangat jatuh cinta, kira-kira mungkin terjadi sedikit demi sedikit. hehe. karena selalu bersama tentu saja. dan pribadi Holly yang bisa membuat saraf James agak santai sedikit dengan kelakuannya yang nyentrik.
walaupun James membatalkan pernikahannya pada hari H akan menikah dengan tunangannya entah mengapa rasanya tidak terkesan murahan. adegan dewasa antara pria-wanita di buku ini juga tidak banyak muncul,jadi tidak membuat ceritanya jadi ternodai (dari sudut pandangku) yah walaupun hal yang begitu sudah biasa dalam gaya berpacaran orang sana.
ah. iri setengah mati dengan Holly.dalam imajinasiku, James benar-benar tampan. Kya. entah mirip siapa. tapi dia tampan. oh mata hijau itu. Kya!
peristiwa sikutan James di mata Holly oke juga. menurutku aku mengerti mengapa Holly bisa beralih dari membenci James menjadi menyukainya, adegan kacang polong beku dan cokelat. manis sekali. dari menyukai menjadi sangat jatuh cinta, kira-kira mungkin terjadi sedikit demi sedikit. hehe. karena selalu bersama tentu saja. dan pribadi Holly yang bisa membuat saraf James agak santai sedikit dengan kelakuannya yang nyentrik.
walaupun James membatalkan pernikahannya pada hari H akan menikah dengan tunangannya entah mengapa rasanya tidak terkesan murahan. adegan dewasa antara pria-wanita di buku ini juga tidak banyak muncul,jadi tidak membuat ceritanya jadi ternodai (dari sudut pandangku) yah walaupun hal yang begitu sudah biasa dalam gaya berpacaran orang sana.
ah. iri setengah mati dengan Holly.dalam imajinasiku, James benar-benar tampan. Kya. entah mirip siapa. tapi dia tampan. oh mata hijau itu. Kya!
June 14, 2011
Holly, wartawan amatiran, tiba-tiba mendapatkan tugas dadakan utk mendampingi detektif polisi keren, James Sabine yg akan segera menikah dlm wkt 6 minggu lagi. James yang tidak menyukai Holly karena (a) Holly itu wartawati (b) koordinasi gerak tubuh Holly yang tidak sinkron dan bisa membahayakan James dan diri Holly sendiri, sehingga menjuluki Holly sebagai biang penyakit, hama, wabah dan semuanya jadi satu. Holly, dibawah tekanan editornya disuruh merayu James untuk mendapatkan detil-detil cerita yang lebih pribadi. Dasar Holly, dia malah menjuluki James itu Hannibal Lecter (gw ngakak abiss pas baca ini).
Namun akhirnya sikon memaksa mereka utk bekerjasama, Catatan harian Holly sukses besar walaupun harus dibayar dengan mata Holly lebam karena tidak sengaja tertonjok James atau pingsan gara2 ketiban pohon mati. ... dan pada saat itu Holly menyadari ia mencintai James.. namun apa daya.. seminggu lagi James dan tunangannya akan menikah. Apakah Holly berhasil mendapatkan James??? Silakan baca sendiri...
Buku ini komplit lucunya.. semua tokohnya berkarakter dan aneh-aneh pula. Sayang sekali perasaan James tidak terlalu digambarkan, namun tampaknya memang sengaja disimpan supaya ada unsur surprisenya. Semua hubungan pertemanan, kekasih, orangtua, rekan kerja bahkan musuh digambarkan secara menarik dan lucu oleh Sarah Mason. Lima bintang layak untuk buku perdana Sarah Mason ini. Two thumbs up!!!
Namun akhirnya sikon memaksa mereka utk bekerjasama, Catatan harian Holly sukses besar walaupun harus dibayar dengan mata Holly lebam karena tidak sengaja tertonjok James atau pingsan gara2 ketiban pohon mati. ... dan pada saat itu Holly menyadari ia mencintai James.. namun apa daya.. seminggu lagi James dan tunangannya akan menikah. Apakah Holly berhasil mendapatkan James??? Silakan baca sendiri...
Buku ini komplit lucunya.. semua tokohnya berkarakter dan aneh-aneh pula. Sayang sekali perasaan James tidak terlalu digambarkan, namun tampaknya memang sengaja disimpan supaya ada unsur surprisenya. Semua hubungan pertemanan, kekasih, orangtua, rekan kerja bahkan musuh digambarkan secara menarik dan lucu oleh Sarah Mason. Lima bintang layak untuk buku perdana Sarah Mason ini. Two thumbs up!!!
April 25, 2011
I downloaded Playing James to my Kindle when I was in dire need of mindless fluff. That's about what I got--and it wasn't even particularly memorably mindless fluff. Some beach reading romances at least have fun characters or catchy dialogue or something that will once in awhile come to mind again later--or, at very least, make you a little sorry when you finish the book because there's no more fun to be had there. This one didn't have any of that for me. It almost felt like Mason was trying too hard to be quirky and entertaining. I couldn't really get into any of the characters, the story line was far too unbelievable, and frankly, I was sort of glad when I finished it and could go in search of something more enjoyable. At least it was a fast read.
I won't write off entirely the possibility of reading other Mason books in the future. After all, I do hit those overload moments when all I want is something that will pass the time and not demand anything of me whatsoever. Plus, it's not beyond thought that this may be a one-off and other Mason books would be much better as a rule. It wasn't a terrible book, it just didn't stand out in any way for me.
I won't write off entirely the possibility of reading other Mason books in the future. After all, I do hit those overload moments when all I want is something that will pass the time and not demand anything of me whatsoever. Plus, it's not beyond thought that this may be a one-off and other Mason books would be much better as a rule. It wasn't a terrible book, it just didn't stand out in any way for me.
October 8, 2021
Playing James by Sarah Mason was hilarious. Holly was one of the most funny characters I've ever met. After single-handedly donating a seeing eye dog and part of another one due to her language, Holly decides that something else should be put in place. So instead of using the traditional four-letter words, Holly and the rest of her workplace has adopted the use of much hated vegetables. So it's hard not to laugh when she utters a "holy turnips" in the middle of an internal dialogue.
Holly has just been "promoted" to the less than desirable crime correspondent and finds herself paired up with one Detective James Sabine who has no desire to have him anywhere near him. They argue, the fight, and they want to be anywhere but near each other. But when a robbery turns into a series of robberies, the two find a way to work together.
I laughed so much when I was reading this book. Holly is hilarious! And she knows just how to rile James up. The tension between the two was wonderful and kept me wanting to read. The background story of the robberies wasn't cheesy and fit in perfectly with the main story. I couldn't get enough of this book and can't wait to read more by her.
Holly has just been "promoted" to the less than desirable crime correspondent and finds herself paired up with one Detective James Sabine who has no desire to have him anywhere near him. They argue, the fight, and they want to be anywhere but near each other. But when a robbery turns into a series of robberies, the two find a way to work together.
I laughed so much when I was reading this book. Holly is hilarious! And she knows just how to rile James up. The tension between the two was wonderful and kept me wanting to read. The background story of the robberies wasn't cheesy and fit in perfectly with the main story. I couldn't get enough of this book and can't wait to read more by her.
December 19, 2012
This book was exactly how I love my chick-lits - funny, quirky and with lots of heart.
We're first introduced to Holly Colshannon as she calls the casualty department on behalf of her friend who has a....situation. She makes plenty of later appearances in the ER throughout the book, all of which had me laughing out loud. Detective James Sabine doesn't know what he has done in his past life when his Chief saddles him with Holly, who has been thrown into a new job as the crime correspondent for a paper she writes for. She is to trail him for observation only! They get into loads of scrapes, mostly thanks to her, and develop a lovely camaraderie as the book develops.
A funny debut novel sure to bring a smile to your face with a quirky and endearing heroine with equally funny side characters.
We're first introduced to Holly Colshannon as she calls the casualty department on behalf of her friend who has a....situation. She makes plenty of later appearances in the ER throughout the book, all of which had me laughing out loud. Detective James Sabine doesn't know what he has done in his past life when his Chief saddles him with Holly, who has been thrown into a new job as the crime correspondent for a paper she writes for. She is to trail him for observation only! They get into loads of scrapes, mostly thanks to her, and develop a lovely camaraderie as the book develops.
A funny debut novel sure to bring a smile to your face with a quirky and endearing heroine with equally funny side characters.
July 4, 2018
UGH!! I don't like writing bad reviews, but I just felt dumb finishing this book. I love British chic lit, but this was just too over the top for me. I couldn't get into the main character, she was just too overwhelming at times with her constant clumsiness, and the self-recrimination. I was just waiting for her to say "Silly Bridget" (not that I felt this character had anything comparable to the famous Bridget Jones). Her and James really show no signs of getting on until the last few chapters, and then all of a sudden in the end she realizes she's in love with him. There seemed to be too many opportunities missed to build up to the tension between the two before the final chapter when they share their feelings for one another.
And the side plot "the fox" was underdeveloped, and I felt like the reveal came at the wrong time in the book.
And the side plot "the fox" was underdeveloped, and I felt like the reveal came at the wrong time in the book.
July 7, 2016
I am giving this 3.5 stars. This is a cute fun book that would be a great romantic comedy movie. Holly is a reporter who gets a chance to be the paper crime reporter & gets assigned to follow a rugged good looking detective on his job. Looking for a fun read one weekend that is not to serious & easy to enjoy, this book is it
November 10, 2019
Loved this mystery set in England. What luck Holly Colshannon is paired with a detective to scoop the scene by riding around in his car as he tackles cases of theft. But the beginning is daunting with Detective James Sabine not appreciating the assignment. Enter in three good looking men, a lot of accidents, a hilarious photographer, a best friend, parents, a car named Tristan, and a byline going viral. What's a girl gotta do? Three cheers for this cheeky novel. I love the use of fruits and vegetables for swearing. I personally have a few choices words and phrases to combat the naughty words too. I look forward to the future installments of this series.
October 12, 2010
Um, definitely have never had a book start off quite like this, best friend of lead female character has a condom stuck, well, um, where condoms go.
I love how Holly gives her car a name. I do to and don't understand why people think it is weird. (My car's name is Essie by the way)
So I'm guessing this author is from England or something because of the lingo I am reading here, adds a little something to the story for me.
The author does a great job of writing this story in a way where I felt like I was being given a window into Holly's life. Unfortunately the same can't be said of James. This story is written completely from Holly's point of view and I found myself missing James's perspective. The story started to drag some for me in the middle of the book. It was nice though, when Holly and James started getting along more and you could see them starting to form a relationship.
It was hard for me to get into Holly and James's budding relationship; she has a boyfriend and James was getting married in three weeks when she meets him. I could dismiss the boyfriend obstacle because it started to become apparent Holly and him weren't going last but it was hard for me to completely ignore James getting married in a couple weeks.
To be perfectly honest the aspect of the book I liked the best was all of the "British talk". As dorky as it is I would grin whenever someone would say bugger, sod off, or love. Delightful englishisms. (is that a word, it sounds like it could be and if it isn't is should be).
Having James's fiancée, Fleur, be a nutty, possessive crazy was a bit much. I know the author had to come up with someway to end that relationship, I'm just saying it was a little over the top the way Fleur acted in her little speech to Holly the night before the wedding.
This book was ok, definitely didn't impress me though. Holly's mom, father, and bestfriend Lizzie were great characters who added a little something extra. This book had some components which didn't mesh all that well; Holly's boyfriend Ben, Teresa, Robin, Dr. Kirkpatrick. These characters were clearly added to beef up the story but for me they distracted and took away from the main couple. The ending was totally abrupt; James said he had feelings for Holly, they kiss and then bam no more story. I wish the author would have taken out all those unnecessary distractions I mentioned earlier and added in James's side of the story, I'm not a big fan of one sided stories.
C
I love how Holly gives her car a name. I do to and don't understand why people think it is weird. (My car's name is Essie by the way)
So I'm guessing this author is from England or something because of the lingo I am reading here, adds a little something to the story for me.
The author does a great job of writing this story in a way where I felt like I was being given a window into Holly's life. Unfortunately the same can't be said of James. This story is written completely from Holly's point of view and I found myself missing James's perspective. The story started to drag some for me in the middle of the book. It was nice though, when Holly and James started getting along more and you could see them starting to form a relationship.
It was hard for me to get into Holly and James's budding relationship; she has a boyfriend and James was getting married in three weeks when she meets him. I could dismiss the boyfriend obstacle because it started to become apparent Holly and him weren't going last but it was hard for me to completely ignore James getting married in a couple weeks.
To be perfectly honest the aspect of the book I liked the best was all of the "British talk". As dorky as it is I would grin whenever someone would say bugger, sod off, or love. Delightful englishisms. (is that a word, it sounds like it could be and if it isn't is should be).
Having James's fiancée, Fleur, be a nutty, possessive crazy was a bit much. I know the author had to come up with someway to end that relationship, I'm just saying it was a little over the top the way Fleur acted in her little speech to Holly the night before the wedding.
This book was ok, definitely didn't impress me though. Holly's mom, father, and bestfriend Lizzie were great characters who added a little something extra. This book had some components which didn't mesh all that well; Holly's boyfriend Ben, Teresa, Robin, Dr. Kirkpatrick. These characters were clearly added to beef up the story but for me they distracted and took away from the main couple. The ending was totally abrupt; James said he had feelings for Holly, they kiss and then bam no more story. I wish the author would have taken out all those unnecessary distractions I mentioned earlier and added in James's side of the story, I'm not a big fan of one sided stories.
C
July 13, 2007
Jadi wartawan bagian berita kematian hewan pastinya bukanlah hal yang menyenangkan dan tanda sebuah karir yang bagus, tapi ketika Holly Holshanon harus menjalaninya karena boss-nya merasa itulah satu-satunya bagian yang cocok untuknya.
Ketika salah satu rekannya, reporter kriminal berhalangan, Holly diberi tugas untuk meliput pencurian obat di rumah sakit, adalah berita kriminal pertama yang harus diliput Holly.
Ternyata, Joe, boss-nya suka dengan tulisannya, dan kebetulan juga, reporter kriminal yang sok itu dapet tawaran di koran lain. Dan, kebetulan juga salah satu koran saingan mereka selalu lebih dulu dalam menyajikan berita-berita kriminal.
Maka dibikinlah terobosan baru. Holly diberi tugas untuk meliput kegiatan kriminal di kantor polisi. Mereka membuat sebuah kolom yang memuat kegiatan sehari-hari Holly bersama seorang detektif bernama James Sabine.
Sayangnya, James Sabine ini bukan detektif yang tergolong ramah sama Holly. Ada aja ‘kesialan’ Holly yang bikin James kesal. Ditambah lagi emang Holly orangnya emang rada ceroboh.
Tapi, lama-lama, meskipun kesal karena dibuntutin Holly, ternyata sedikit banyak Holly juga banyak membantu, karena ada juga hal-hal yang gak kepikiran sama James and polisi lainnya.
Holly gak hanya diajak nemenin untuk tugas-tugas yang biasa-biasa aja, tapi sempat ikut juga dalam pengejaran pencuri barang-barang antik.
Selain berurusan dengan James di kantor, ternyata Holly juga ‘diajak’ masuk ke kehidupan pribadinya. Holly jadi (terpaksa) berteman dengan calon istri James, Fleur, yang ternyata anak teman dari orang tua Holly yang nyentrik.
Mendekati akhir dari masa tugas Holly di kepolisian, banyak yang mulai curiga juga dengan hubungan mereka. Meskipun dua-duanya masih suka kesel-keselan, tapi pelan-pelan orang bisa ngeliat gimana perhatiannya James sama Holly ketika ia di rumah sakit, dan ternyata Holly juga ‘memendam’ perasaan, tapi gak bisa nunjukkin karena James udah mau nikah.
Buku ini lucu juga, kocak, kalo baca gimana Holly yang konyol tugas bareng James Sabine yang serius, dingin dan galak.
Ketika salah satu rekannya, reporter kriminal berhalangan, Holly diberi tugas untuk meliput pencurian obat di rumah sakit, adalah berita kriminal pertama yang harus diliput Holly.
Ternyata, Joe, boss-nya suka dengan tulisannya, dan kebetulan juga, reporter kriminal yang sok itu dapet tawaran di koran lain. Dan, kebetulan juga salah satu koran saingan mereka selalu lebih dulu dalam menyajikan berita-berita kriminal.
Maka dibikinlah terobosan baru. Holly diberi tugas untuk meliput kegiatan kriminal di kantor polisi. Mereka membuat sebuah kolom yang memuat kegiatan sehari-hari Holly bersama seorang detektif bernama James Sabine.
Sayangnya, James Sabine ini bukan detektif yang tergolong ramah sama Holly. Ada aja ‘kesialan’ Holly yang bikin James kesal. Ditambah lagi emang Holly orangnya emang rada ceroboh.
Tapi, lama-lama, meskipun kesal karena dibuntutin Holly, ternyata sedikit banyak Holly juga banyak membantu, karena ada juga hal-hal yang gak kepikiran sama James and polisi lainnya.
Holly gak hanya diajak nemenin untuk tugas-tugas yang biasa-biasa aja, tapi sempat ikut juga dalam pengejaran pencuri barang-barang antik.
Selain berurusan dengan James di kantor, ternyata Holly juga ‘diajak’ masuk ke kehidupan pribadinya. Holly jadi (terpaksa) berteman dengan calon istri James, Fleur, yang ternyata anak teman dari orang tua Holly yang nyentrik.
Mendekati akhir dari masa tugas Holly di kepolisian, banyak yang mulai curiga juga dengan hubungan mereka. Meskipun dua-duanya masih suka kesel-keselan, tapi pelan-pelan orang bisa ngeliat gimana perhatiannya James sama Holly ketika ia di rumah sakit, dan ternyata Holly juga ‘memendam’ perasaan, tapi gak bisa nunjukkin karena James udah mau nikah.
Buku ini lucu juga, kocak, kalo baca gimana Holly yang konyol tugas bareng James Sabine yang serius, dingin dan galak.
December 26, 2011
I found the story to be utterly delightfull. I would catch myself laughing out loud. There is a particular scene where she is involved in an accident with her foot, a wine bottle, a hen party, and an emergency room.
How it ends
How it ends
June 16, 2011
Waaah, bagusssss banget. I loved the way how Holly and James falling in love. Dari rasa sebal dan bertengkar sana sini, sampe buntutnya mereka berdua toh, gak bisa mungkirin perasaan cinta yang timbul...
Total saya dah baca 3 kali, dan tiap baca pasti mengkhayal saya sebagai Holly. James nya? bisa siapa aja yang lagi masuk tampang idola saya... kebanyakan sih pemain bola... haha, either itu Ryan Giggs, Lee Sharpe, or Chris Sutton... yah, gak ngaruh lah. yang pasti saya terbawa suasana banget...
Kisah perjalanan Holly sama James juga banyak yang bikin saya ketawa ngakak. lucu banget... dan terus terang aja, bikin saya makin penasaran sama negara Inggris. I should go there sometimes in the future...
Waaah,keempat kalinyua baca buku ini dan tetap kekeuh kasih 5 bintang. Kereeeen!!!! Baru sadar, Arsenal ama Man Utd disebut-sebut di buku ini...
Holly and James? Well, the perfect couple. Love both of them! Sarah Mason pinter menceritakan karakter keduanya, ditambah lagi dengan Lizzie, Alastair, ortunya Holly dan si Sapi Suci Teresa... I even love Ben, Holly's ex boyfriend. Kebayang deh rambut puirang, mata biru, body atletis bin sixpack, secara doi atlet rugby, olahraga yang even -buatku- lebih keras dari football...
Total saya dah baca 3 kali, dan tiap baca pasti mengkhayal saya sebagai Holly. James nya? bisa siapa aja yang lagi masuk tampang idola saya... kebanyakan sih pemain bola... haha, either itu Ryan Giggs, Lee Sharpe, or Chris Sutton... yah, gak ngaruh lah. yang pasti saya terbawa suasana banget...
Kisah perjalanan Holly sama James juga banyak yang bikin saya ketawa ngakak. lucu banget... dan terus terang aja, bikin saya makin penasaran sama negara Inggris. I should go there sometimes in the future...
Waaah,keempat kalinyua baca buku ini dan tetap kekeuh kasih 5 bintang. Kereeeen!!!! Baru sadar, Arsenal ama Man Utd disebut-sebut di buku ini...
Holly and James? Well, the perfect couple. Love both of them! Sarah Mason pinter menceritakan karakter keduanya, ditambah lagi dengan Lizzie, Alastair, ortunya Holly dan si Sapi Suci Teresa... I even love Ben, Holly's ex boyfriend. Kebayang deh rambut puirang, mata biru, body atletis bin sixpack, secara doi atlet rugby, olahraga yang even -buatku- lebih keras dari football...
April 3, 2012
I picked up this book with a need for some feel-good books after digesting a pretty intense and big book. This book did the trick, splendidly i would say.
The book started off with a bang. It was funny and i got into the book really quickly. I would have never imagined such outlandish situations that Holly got herself into. It was hilarious and i was turning pages feverishly. The plot was fresh and original even though it had a pretty cliche ending like every other mindless fluff.
The dynamic between Holly and James kept me going. Let's be honest, the guy has soul-piercing green eyes that anyone would get the hots for. The romance is very real unlike a lot of books where characters would just plunge into a relationship because once they looked into each other's eyes they could feel the depths of their soul. I thought that the relationship was well built.
In the meanwhile, i got a pretty nice perspective of what a life as a detective and writer consists of. It was nice adding a little mystery and crime solving to the book which made the book much more entertaining.
The book was splendid and a page turner. I am looking forward to more books from Sarah Mason :-)
The book started off with a bang. It was funny and i got into the book really quickly. I would have never imagined such outlandish situations that Holly got herself into. It was hilarious and i was turning pages feverishly. The plot was fresh and original even though it had a pretty cliche ending like every other mindless fluff.
The dynamic between Holly and James kept me going. Let's be honest, the guy has soul-piercing green eyes that anyone would get the hots for. The romance is very real unlike a lot of books where characters would just plunge into a relationship because once they looked into each other's eyes they could feel the depths of their soul. I thought that the relationship was well built.
In the meanwhile, i got a pretty nice perspective of what a life as a detective and writer consists of. It was nice adding a little mystery and crime solving to the book which made the book much more entertaining.
The book was splendid and a page turner. I am looking forward to more books from Sarah Mason :-)
October 22, 2008
Playing James benar2 chicklit yang menarik, tidak membosankan dan sangat menghibur. Bikin gw terkikik kikik geli pas baca niy buku.
Chicklit ini menceritakan seorang wanita muda yang bernama Holly Conshannon yang bekerja sebagai wartawan di sebuah surat kabar yang tugasnya meliput pemakaman hewan2 peliharaan. Tiba-tiba wartawan yang biasanya bertugas di berita kriminal mengundurkan diri dari kantor Holly dan sang bos menugaskan Holly untuk menggantikannya. Kemudian Holly diminta untuk membuntuti seorang detektif dalam menangani tugas-tugasnya sehingga Holly bisa memberikan laporan pandangan mata yang diharapkan bisa menaikkan penjualan surat kabar.
Namun hal ini tidak mudah untuk Holly karena sang detektif Sersan James Sabine bersikap sangat tidak bersahabat. James berpikir bahwa Holly pasti akan mengganggu kerjanya apalagi ditambah koordinasi tubuh Holly yang tidak baik. Sebentar2 jatuh, tersandung. Tetapi lama2 hal itu berubah dan mulai ada sesuatu yang bersemi di antara mereka.
Chicklit ini menceritakan seorang wanita muda yang bernama Holly Conshannon yang bekerja sebagai wartawan di sebuah surat kabar yang tugasnya meliput pemakaman hewan2 peliharaan. Tiba-tiba wartawan yang biasanya bertugas di berita kriminal mengundurkan diri dari kantor Holly dan sang bos menugaskan Holly untuk menggantikannya. Kemudian Holly diminta untuk membuntuti seorang detektif dalam menangani tugas-tugasnya sehingga Holly bisa memberikan laporan pandangan mata yang diharapkan bisa menaikkan penjualan surat kabar.
Namun hal ini tidak mudah untuk Holly karena sang detektif Sersan James Sabine bersikap sangat tidak bersahabat. James berpikir bahwa Holly pasti akan mengganggu kerjanya apalagi ditambah koordinasi tubuh Holly yang tidak baik. Sebentar2 jatuh, tersandung. Tetapi lama2 hal itu berubah dan mulai ada sesuatu yang bersemi di antara mereka.
May 3, 2016
SPOILERS:..............................................
I REALLY LOVED THIS BOOK. IT WAS SO FASCINATING. ALL THE CASES AND THEIR ROMANCE. THEN CAME ALL THE JAMES GIRLS. AND HOLLY AND HER JOKES. IT WAS SUCH A LIGHT HEADED BOOK SO HILARIOUS, I LOVED IT.ALL THE JOKES SO SERIOUSLY GENUINE. AND HOLLY AND JAMES SO LOVELY. GREAT ROMANCE. I THOUGHT THEYLL NEVER GET TOGETHER BUT THEY DID. AND THE LAST PART WAS SO NICE. SO ROMANTIC. I JUST LOVED THE PART WHERE HE WENT LIKE HE USED TO SIT AT THE PASSENGERS SEAT JUST TO SMELL HER PERFUME AFTER SHE WENT. THAT IS SO ROMANTIC. AND SHE WAS SO IN LOVE WITH HIM. OK I COULD FIND MYSELF A DETECTIVE. HOW SO CUTE AND ROMANTIC THAT WOULD BE.
GREEN EYES AND LOTS OF LOVE.ROBINS STORY WAS A SHOCK TO ME . SHE AND CALLUM NOT JAMES. I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT . AND HOLLY WAS SUCH A GREAT NARRATOR. SO FUNNY AND EMOTIONAL. I LOVE HER. OH AND HER MOM AND LIZZIE ARE THE BEST.REALLY GENUINE WAY OF WRITING. YOULL BE LEFT WITH FULL OF TEARS AND SMILES.
I REALLY LOVED THIS BOOK. IT WAS SO FASCINATING. ALL THE CASES AND THEIR ROMANCE. THEN CAME ALL THE JAMES GIRLS. AND HOLLY AND HER JOKES. IT WAS SUCH A LIGHT HEADED BOOK SO HILARIOUS, I LOVED IT.ALL THE JOKES SO SERIOUSLY GENUINE. AND HOLLY AND JAMES SO LOVELY. GREAT ROMANCE. I THOUGHT THEYLL NEVER GET TOGETHER BUT THEY DID. AND THE LAST PART WAS SO NICE. SO ROMANTIC. I JUST LOVED THE PART WHERE HE WENT LIKE HE USED TO SIT AT THE PASSENGERS SEAT JUST TO SMELL HER PERFUME AFTER SHE WENT. THAT IS SO ROMANTIC. AND SHE WAS SO IN LOVE WITH HIM. OK I COULD FIND MYSELF A DETECTIVE. HOW SO CUTE AND ROMANTIC THAT WOULD BE.
GREEN EYES AND LOTS OF LOVE.ROBINS STORY WAS A SHOCK TO ME . SHE AND CALLUM NOT JAMES. I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT . AND HOLLY WAS SUCH A GREAT NARRATOR. SO FUNNY AND EMOTIONAL. I LOVE HER. OH AND HER MOM AND LIZZIE ARE THE BEST.REALLY GENUINE WAY OF WRITING. YOULL BE LEFT WITH FULL OF TEARS AND SMILES.
October 6, 2021
A Cozy Favorite that I Always Return To
I found Playing James in the library in the new town I had just moved to, and it was the friend I needed. The characters were relatable, my parents may not have embarrassed me the same way Holly's did, but I could feel her mortification. And her unexpected emotions towards James had me seeing what road the journey would take.
As with most HEA, predictability is why we read them. We know it all turns out well, so it's the journey I love to read about. And Holly's journey isn't fraught with crazy ups and downs, but with everyday occurrences. This is what I needed when my life was taking some fast turns. And when I reread this story it puts a smile on my face.
It's a read you enjoy and helps you to smile, in the end everyone is happy, even the reader.
I found Playing James in the library in the new town I had just moved to, and it was the friend I needed. The characters were relatable, my parents may not have embarrassed me the same way Holly's did, but I could feel her mortification. And her unexpected emotions towards James had me seeing what road the journey would take.
As with most HEA, predictability is why we read them. We know it all turns out well, so it's the journey I love to read about. And Holly's journey isn't fraught with crazy ups and downs, but with everyday occurrences. This is what I needed when my life was taking some fast turns. And when I reread this story it puts a smile on my face.
It's a read you enjoy and helps you to smile, in the end everyone is happy, even the reader.
August 9, 2008
One of my early Brit Chick Lit reads. Thoroughly enjoyed it and had a good laugh especially towards the end when Holly's mistaken for a homeless person as well as her many visits to Casualty. I also loved the vile fruits & vegetables profanity in lieu of curse words - in order to cut down on the foul language (there's a fee for every expletive uttered) at her place of work the staff has resorted to substituting the names of fruits and vegetables for your everyday run-of-the-mill swear words. Unfortunately, saying "turnip" just doesn't roll off one's tongue as well as...you know...the other words. On the downside, the follow-up books to "Playing James", while a good read, just don't hold a candle to this one.
November 4, 2010
aku emang cuma ngasih 3 bintang, cuma sebenernya aku suka sama buku ini. ceritanya sih standar, tentang cewek yang ktemu sama detektif cowok yang tadinya musuhan tapi lama-lama jadi saling suka. sinetron banget deh. tapi ramuannya terasa pas, bahkan permainan emosinya juga bagus, bikin ketawa-ketawa dan serius di saat yang cukup tepat.
dan lagi, membaca si tokoh cewek kaya berkaca pada diri sendiri. di sana si cewek digambarkan ceroboh dan koordinasi tubuhnya kurang bagus. well, just like me. makanya aku jadi suka. hehhehe. katanya bukunya Sarah Mason yang satu lagi, High Society, lebih bagus dari ini. Di buku High society juga muncul si Holy Colshannon (which is tokoh utama buku ini), tapi di sana dia jadi pemeran pembantu.
dan lagi, membaca si tokoh cewek kaya berkaca pada diri sendiri. di sana si cewek digambarkan ceroboh dan koordinasi tubuhnya kurang bagus. well, just like me. makanya aku jadi suka. hehhehe. katanya bukunya Sarah Mason yang satu lagi, High Society, lebih bagus dari ini. Di buku High society juga muncul si Holy Colshannon (which is tokoh utama buku ini), tapi di sana dia jadi pemeran pembantu.
September 1, 2013
Our dear Holly is a reporter without a good story.. she is the youngest reporter at her office and therefore is given the dirt job.. to be the crime reporter and to trail after the hot Detective James Sabine.
The klutzy heroine kinda grows on you as you keep reading the book and there are parts where you will laugh out loud... and how she ends up in the hospital so often!
The story is not through our hero's eyes and therefore you only get to know him through Holly. But whatever i saw, i loved!
The fiancee was a bitch( as expected) and the detective falls for Holly at last ( predictable) but apart form those predictable bits, the books is one hilarious read.
It was fast, funny, chic and light. I enjoyed most of the part and i glazed over very few pages.
Can read once:)
The klutzy heroine kinda grows on you as you keep reading the book and there are parts where you will laugh out loud... and how she ends up in the hospital so often!
The story is not through our hero's eyes and therefore you only get to know him through Holly. But whatever i saw, i loved!
The fiancee was a bitch( as expected) and the detective falls for Holly at last ( predictable) but apart form those predictable bits, the books is one hilarious read.
It was fast, funny, chic and light. I enjoyed most of the part and i glazed over very few pages.
Can read once:)
April 6, 2013
I debated between giving this 2 or 3 stars. Truthfully, I was so ecstatic to read it, but it was wholly disappointing. I don't think I'll ever read another book by her again. For the most part, it was predicable yet erratic... The ending just came abruptly. And there was no real explanation for why... not an adequate one anyways, in my opinion. So amusing sometimes, though. All in all, not a good book. It wasn't well-developed or well-written.
July 31, 2012
if you want a light fun read a lá Bridget Jones...this would be it. also a plus, it doesnt have tawdry sex scenes so its not embarassing to read when you are out and about. seriously sometimes I get embarassed reading some of those 'spicy' scenes. sometimes all you want is a fun story which is what i was looking for when i picked this up. i laughed, smiled, and sighed....perfect chick lit book.
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