Book Review: Run Catch Kiss

Run Catch Kiss by Amy Sohn

So I have to admit, this is my second attempt at reviewing this book, the first review ended up getting accidentally deleted.  And then I just ignored it for a couple of weeks.  So here is my second attempt.

Run Catch Kiss by Amy Sohn is a contemporary/humor novel based on the main character Ariel Steiner and her ambitions on becoming a a-list actress.  The novel was published in 2000, and I read it back in March of 2014 when I was on vacation. This was one of many book that I have bought from the book store I used to work at so this book probably sat on my shelf for at least nine years.

The story starts out with an eye catching line, "I was only twenty-two and already I was infamous..."  You follow the saucy character Ariel Steiner as she returns home after college as she dreams of becoming a top actress.  But unfortunately her freshman-fifteen pounds, a talent agents who isn't all there, kind of stands in her way.  But a lucky break comes in the form of writing a sex column in a trendy new york downtown weekly magazine (a la Sex in the City).  But unfortunately the writing and articles start to turn Ariel's life upside down, and when she finally falls in love, she has to decide, settle down, or continue to be the saucy and brazen sex kitten.

I have to admit, I LOVED this book.  I started to read this book when I was on vacation last year and I couldn't put it down.  I believe I read this in a day.  I was completely enthralled by the characters Ariel, there were times where I sympathized with her, laughed with or at her, or wanted to throttle her.  You see here at the beginning as a very shallow person who is driven, but when you see events not happen to her like they should, you feel for her defeat but also think to yourself, that's karma.  The main love interests was also interesting.  Even though he wasn't the main focal point, you understood what he was to her and they were to each other so that I really liked.

In the end I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars because I couldn't put it down.  It had me laughing at some parts, and feeling sad in other and also a little angry.  This was a pleasant book to read, and I think a good vacation book.

Rating:
4 out of 5

Bakers Dozen 2013: 6

Open Season by Linda Howard

If you remember for my 2012 bakers dozen I mentioned that I almost put Open Season by Linda Howard in, but in the end I put Mr. Perfect instead since it was placed in Michigan.  But Open Season was the first book that I had ever read by Linda Howard.  Like most contemporary romance writers, Linda Howard got her start as a Harlequin author.  While most of the books that I have read from her are contemporary romance with hints of mystery and suspense, the main focus in all of her stories is the romantic connection between the lead male and female characters.

The story is focused around Daisy Minor, who on her thirty-fourth birthday decides she needs a make over on her life.  Tired of being the stereotypical small-town librarian, with boring clothes, ordinary looks and dateless.  Always the good girl, Daisy transforms her self into a party girl, dancing, flirting and laughing become a part of her life.  But she has ulterior motives, she wants to find a man.  She draws the attention of local sheriff, Jack Russo.  Attracted to her before her makeover, he sees that she's going to be trouble after the transformation.  They start a relationship, but Russo realizes that he needs to protect her from more than just herself.

This is probably the one book that I re-read the most.  This is probably my all-time favorite book by Linda Howard (my second being Mr. Perfect) and I'm kind of bummed that I bought it in a paper back because the spine is starting to deteriorate due to my constant re-reading.  This book has humor, drama, romance, and a good amount of action.  And it all seemed plausible.  This wasn't a fiction plot that seemed far fetched, it did seem kind of realistic and I think that is one of the reasons why I do reread this book  a lot.