Fashionably Late by Beth Kendrick

Genre: Chick Lit

Publication Date: January 2006

One Word Review: Okay

Author Website: www.bethkendrick.com

First Line: "I knew what was coming as soon as he handed me the teddy bear."

Synopsis: Becca Davis has always played it safe -- denying her passion for fashion design in a dead-end job and letting her pragmatic boyfriend (mastermind of the "Kevin Bradley Ten-Year Plan") make the tough decisions in life. Stunned into saying yes when Mr. Predictable springs a surprise proposal on her, Becca realizes that she's running out of time to turn her life around. She's only got one more chance to chase her dreams and no one -- not her control freak fiancé, not her dramaholic sisters, not her overprotective parents -- will talk her out of it. Terrified but determined, Becca breaks off her engagement, moves in with her sister in Los Angeles, and prepares to take the fashion world by storm. The reality of the Hollywood scene is much harsher than she anticipated -- lots of slamming doors, snooty clients, and double-crossing celebrity stylists -- but she won't give up. And while she's waiting for her big break, she meets Connor, a sexy risk-taker who's the polar opposite of her ex-fiancé. Is Becca ready for his all-or-nothing approach to love?

Kathy's Review: I really enjoyed Exes and Ohs by Beth Kendrick and was looking forward to reading some of her other books. My library happened to have Fashionably Late in, so I decided to give it a try. I admist, I was a little bored with this one. I liked Becca, although the whole fashion industry is completely foreign to me. I really liked Conner at first (especially his cheesy pick-up lines), but as they continued to get to know each other it almost felt like Becca was just trying to be something he would like, instead of being herself. Everything seems to work out though and I was happy with how everything ended up. I really didn't like Becca's sister Claire, I thought she was awful. The best word I could think of to describe thisbook was worldly. The whole fashion industry, Hollywood lifestly and lack of morals were all very unattractive and for me hard to relate to. So, for me this was just okay. I think if you enjoy chick lit you would probably enjoy this.

Content Warning: There is some swearing and a little sexual content, but otherwise its pretty clean.

Bookworm Rating: 2.5

Exes and Ohs by Beth Kendrick

Genre: Chick-Lit

Publication Date: March 2005

One Word Review: Fluffy-Fun

Author Website: www.bethkendrick.com

Synopsis: Child psychologist Gwen Traynor has learned the hard way that "perfect" men aren't always what they seem. After being dumped the night before her wedding, she's understandably wary of diving back into the dating pool. But when she meets Alex Coughlin, she's convinced her luck is changing. Just as things are heating up with Alex, Gwen meets her newest patient -- a precocious preschooler whose chaotic soap opera-actress of a mother, Harmony, sounds an awful lot like one of Alex's crazy ex-girlfriends. Mostly because she is one of Alex's crazy ex-girlfriends.

Kathy’s Review: This was a fun read; it was a nice distraction at the end of a long day. I enjoyed the story, even though I wouldn’t agree with all the choices our characters made, it was still entertaining. Gwen was a good heroine, I liked her personality and that she stood up for herself. I also liked Alex and how deep down he was more of a traditional guy who knew the importance of marriage and family. He kind of makes a few mistakes along the way, but he does have good intentions. I thought Alex and Gwen had good chemistry and it was fun watching their story unfold. Her best friend Cesca drove me a little crazy, but she was a good friend to Gwen. I was a surprised with where Cesca’s story ended up, but glad things turned out the way they did. Overall, this is a fun fluff book that was well written and I will definitely be checking out what else Kendrick has to offer.

It does contain a bit of swearing scattered here and there (including a few "f" words), as well as some mild sexual content.

Bookworm Rating: 3.5