Book Review: Getting Rid Of Bradley

Author: Jennifer Crusie
Title: Getting Rid Of Bradley
Publisher: HQN
Publish Date: 1994
Buy: Amazon

Book Blurb:  High school physics teacher Lucy Savage is finally getting rid of Bradley--and his hideous green recliner. In fact, her front lawn is littered with her cheating ex-husband's belongings. Because despite standing her up in divorce court, Bradley is out of her life for good. Or so she thinks. When her sister takes her to lunch to celebrate Lucy's single status, all their talk of a no-good louse named Bradley catches the attention of a cop--who wants to arrest the very same Bradley for embezzlement. And Officer Zach Warren figures the lovely Lucy can lead him straight to his target. When someone shoots at Lucy and then blows up her car, Zach insists she needs twenty-four-hour protection. What does he think her three dogs and attack cat are for? Still, he insists on moving right in to Lucy's house... Now there's danger lurking outside and in her own kitchen, bathroom--and bedroom. Or maybe Zach, who looks like a bad boy with that shaggy dark hair and black leather jacket, is really one of the good guys, and just what Lucy needs.

Review: If you like romantic suspense that is heavy on the laughter, and you haven't tried one of Jennifer Crusie's books, why haven't you?

Jennifer's books are full of fun, laughs, romance and suspense. Her characters are always quirky and the stories are never ever boring.

Getting Rid Of Bradley was originally released in 1994 as a Harlequin Temptation! How did I miss it back then? I loved the Temptation line. Except well, if this was a temptation it was pretty tame. Jennifer does fun romance, not hot steamy romance, though Lucy and Zach do their fair share of gettin' it on.

The mystery in this one is a little light but very Janet Evanovich. (Hey Stephanie Plum's series started in 94 too) There are a lot of bombs in this book. And a hot cop! But enough of the comparisons. Getting Rid Of Bradley is a fun story. Lucy is adorably insecure since her divorce from Bradley. She only married him for the house! He cheated on her and then didn't show for the divorce. And as she finds out later, he's had some shady things going on in his life.

Oh and like all of Jennifer's books there are animals, in this case some very quirky dogs and a cat.

I think what draws me to Jennifer's books the most is the sense of fun in them. They are light and fluffy, like cotton candy. Something you devour quickly no matter what.

I had fun reading this one and it reminded me why I always pick up Jennifer's books when there's a new one.

Rating: 4 flowers

Book Review: Manhunting

Author: Jennifer Crusie
Title: Manhunting
Publisher: HQN originally Harlequin Temptation
Publish Date: 1993
Rating: 5 Stars
Book Blurb: Kate Svenson was challenged by a friend to go manhunting. After all, she certainly wasn't getting anywhere looking for Mr. Right. Why not a resort that catered to the type of man she wanted? And what she wants is handsome, tall, distinguished, and successful. The first man to fill that bill gets pushed into the pool. The second is stabbed with a fork. And so on. Kate was getting nowhere, but Jake Templeton, the laid back, nonaggressive keeper of the grounds, was beginning to worry about the men getting hurt. He didn't mind Kate looking for Mr. Right, but he wanted her to keep the damage to a minimum.

Review: If you are having a bad day, go out and find this book. It will have you laughing out loud while you read it. It isn't often that you can find a romance novel that has a lot of humor, but Jennifer Crusie delivers every time and this is her first novel. Her characters are real, even if the wealthy financial planner (Kate) isn't someone that I would usually identify with. You could also feel for the underachiever, Jake, who spent his days getting people to mow the lawns around the resort that he owns with his brother Will.

Crusie doesn't skimp of the characters. She makes them all an important part of the story, from the losers that Kate picks up on her quest to find a husband, to the townspeople and even the character's you aren't supposed to like become friends, like Will's live in Valerie.

Yes, you will know who Kate will end up with when you turn the last page long before you do, but that's what makes it a romance, the obvious happily ever after. Plus, there are so many laughs along the way that you really can't help but enjoy this book.

Book Review: Anyone But You

Anyone But You is a hilarious story about a 40 year old divorcee, her dog, Fred and her downstairs neighbor, who happens to be a doctor and happens to be only 30.

The cast of characters is absolutely hilarious, from Nina and her hangups about dating a much younger guy, to her friend Charity who she convinces to write a book about her dating experiences, to Alex the neighbor she's falling for and his crazy family of doctors. Oh but the real star of the show is Fred, the bassett/beagle mix with a fondness for Oreos.

You may not immediately identify with this group, but by the time the last page is turned you will love them all. especially Fred, who has a funny way of getting Nina and Alex together.

This book isn't your typical romance, though that is certainly part of the story. This story is about life and friendships and coming to grips with yourself; making the most of what you've got.

This book is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and make you wish that Nina's story could be yours, even if you aren't 40 and divorced and unsure of whether you want another man in your life again.

Jennifer's book shows you that love can happen to you at any age and it really knows no limits. If you need to giggle a little bit to get over the cares of the day, this book will be a good one to read.

Book Review: Chalie All Night

I've got a new favorite author after reading Charlie All Night. This book had everything that I like in a good chicklit, its got a bit of mystery, a love affair, but not too hot and heavy, its got music and its funny.

Alice "Allie" is a producer at a radio station who was just demoted from her job in the morning drive, and dumped by the DJ that just happened to be the guy who DJ'd the morning drive. But that's where Charlie Tenniel comes in. He's the new late night DJ and Allie wants to make him famous. (Charlie wants none of it) He doesn't get his wish though, through some blunders and sabotage Charlie's show becomes one of the hottest things on the air. But he's not there to be famous, he's there to help out his father's friend he didn't expect to have strong feelings for Alice.

Jennifer Crusie has created a book that's funny and fun and a quick read. Allie and her friends Joe and Harry and Grady are so lovable and their foibles make them more endearing. Even the dweeby, Mark of the morning show is likable when he's being a sneaky creep.

Plus when the mystery is solved, it works out well for everyone concerned, but I won't give that part away, you'll just have to read the book to find out what happens.

Charlie All Night was the first Jennifer Crusie book that I've read, but it certainly won't be my last.