First Line Friday

Welcome to First Line Friday! This fun meme is easy to do, simply pick up the book you're currently reading and share the very first line! There are some really good first lines out there, they grab you and suck you right into the story. Make you want to keep reading. So, my selection for this week is:

The Dating Experiment by Elodia Strain

Contemporary Romance

Release Date: February 7, 2017

 

After losing her job, her house, and her guy, the last thing Gabby wants to do is be in a dating experiment—especially with her ex. Her only chance of making it through is with help from her best friend, Ian. But as the study and all its hilariously awkward dates goes on, Gabby finds herself wondering what exactly this experiment is all about.

 

"Here's the thing you need to know about me before I tell you everything else: I've never been very lucky."

 

Previously Engaged by Elodia Strain

Genre: Chick Lit

Publication Date: January 2009

One Word Review: Enjoyable

Author Website: www.elodiastrain.com

First Line: “Apparently, weddings are breeding grounds for disaster.”

GoodReads Synopsis: Annabelle Pleasanton has just been given the chance of a lifetime: A $50,000 "Dream Wedding" sponsored by posh Monterey jeweler, John Wilfred. All she has to do is sign on the dotted line. The only problem? She's not technically, 100 percent, all-the-way engaged. Her best friend Carrie has seen the ring, and her boyfriend Isaac's been dropping all kinds of hints - but something seems to be keeping him from popping the question. Could it be that Isaac's family has someone else picked out for him - perfect-haired, former model Chloe Payne? Or the fact that Annabelle's on the cusp of a huge job promotion in Monterey while Isaac's talking about moving to LA? Or maybe it has something to do with Alex, the guy who broke Annabelle's heart seven years ago, who is suddenly back in the picture with his fancy house, fancy car, and an apparent fancy for Annabelle.

Kathy’s Review: As soon as I finished Icing on the Cake last week I jumped on the internet and ordered Previously Engaged. I was so excited when it arrived today and quickly curled up in my favorite reading spot eager to see what happens with Annabelle and Isaac in this installment. Annabelle is just the same: smart, caring, hardworking girl who tends to get in embarrassing situations. There were a few times I caught myself laughing and I admit I loved reading about Annabelle and her misadventures. I do really like Isaac; there are times where he just sweeps you off your feet! He can be very romantic and thoughtful. Other times…I wanted to smack him! I suppose that is the effect the author was going for, but really he drove me crazy at times. I also noticed (and I could be wrong), but it seems like in both books Annabelle ends up apologizing and Isaac ends up forgiving…I keep waiting for him to do some apologizing of his own. He makes some mistakes along the way, and doesn’t always stick up for Annabelle like I would like, but deep down you know that he really loves Annabelle. I guess I would have liked to hear him admit or acknowledge that he’s messed up along the way as well. ANYWAY, I’ll climb down from my soap box and end by saying that I really enjoyed this one, nearly as much as the first. It has the same warm-fuzzy feelings that the first book had and I really recommend it to anyone who likes fun romantic comedies. I look forward to seeing what Strain writes next!

Bookworm Rating: 4.4

Reading Order:
Book One: The Icing on the Cake
Book Two: Previously Engaged

The Icing on the Cake by Elodia Strain

Genre: Chick Lit

Publication Date: January 2007

One Word Review: Enjoyable

Author Website: www.elodiastrain.com

First Line: "When I was twelve years old, my mom bought me a diary."

GoodReads Synopsis: It started with a cake. A rather innocent-looking cake, too, but that cake would open the door to opportunity - and disaster - for sweet-toothed, bargain-savvy Annabelle Pleasanton. In fact, between a promotion at work, her best friend's engagement, and her discovery of handsome photographer Isaac Matthews, that little cake has managed to turn Annabelle's world upside down. Things go from complicated to downright crazy as Annabelle discovers that handling her new writing assignment and plotting her friend's surprise bridal shower isn't going as easy as she'd hoped. Okay, okay - and appearing as a graceful, charming woman in the presence of Isaac is turning out to be, well, more than just a bit of a catastrophe. Not that Rona, a gorgeous boyfriend-snatching flirt, is helping things in the slightest. And just when things couldn't get any worse, smarmy womanizer Patrique worms his way into her life. Managing her life with the two of them in the picture may be more than she can handle. Then, when a misunderstanding threatens to destroy her job, her most cherished friendship, and her relationship with Isaac, Annabelle's courage and integrity are put to the test.

Kathy's Review: I've seen this book around for awhile now and finally had the opportunity to pick up a copy while I was home visiting family over the weekend. I ended up really enjoying the story and characters. I liked Annabelle; she is easy to relate to, funny, and a really good person. Annabelle ends up in a few embarrassing situations, but she handles them well. I liked our leading man Isaac, and was rooting for him throughout the story. There were a few misunderstandings along the way, and I thought the author did a good job showing that not everything is as it appears, and we should be careful before we jump to conclusions. I really enjoyed the story and look forward to reading the second book, Previously Engaged. I would totally recommend this to anyone who enjoys a fun romantic story.

Bookworm Rating: 4.5

Reading Order:

Book One: The Icing on the Cake

Book Two: Previously Engaged

What is your favorite romantic comedy novel?