BUY or PASS? Looking for happy books #FridayFiveChallenge

Welcome to the ‘Friday Five Challenge.’

Would you BUY or PASS if you had only a thumbnail image and five minutes to decide?

Welcome to the #FridayFiveChallenge. The original idea comes from Rosie Amber, and you can join up at https://rosieamber.wordpress.com

The rules are laid out at the end of this post if you fancy having a go.

Here is my contribution for this week:

Kids say the funniest things don’t they, in fact, I could have entered that phrase into the Amazon search bar, and I’m sure I would have discovered plenty to entertain me. As it was, I chose to type the word ‘happy’, why? Because, upon seeing my frowning face as I stood over the ironing board, my daughter told me to ‘chillax mum, be happy’. Suffice to say, I kept the four lettered mumbling to myself as she skipped off to do teen stuff in her happy space.

As I scrolled past the copious amounts of erotica (they all looked very happy), and the hundreds of non-fiction books, claiming to make me happy in just five minutes, I stopped at this one:

My Romantic Comedy by Mary Kelly

BLURB:

This is the first book of the series: MY ROMANTIC COMEDY

(PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BOOK ENDS WITH A CLIFFHANGER, THE STORY ENDS WITH THE THIRD BOOK : Happy Ending)

2nd book (Interlude) Publication date: AVAILABLE

3rd book (Happy Ending)

Publication date: AVAILABLE

ONCE UPON A TIME FOR ALL THOSE WHO ADORE ROMANTIC COMEDIES

Erin simply adores romantic comedies. Whether it be When Harry Met Sally, Two Weeks Notice or Roman Holiday, they all make her dream and believe that everything is possible in life. In order to convince her friends that they are wrong to be cynical, it is decided: She’s going to test the scenarios of her favorite romantic comedies in real life. What better way to prove that she’s right?

Whether your favorite romantic comedy happens to be Serendipity, You’ve Got Mail, or Down with Love, it’s highly likely that she has tried them out, and that she can inform you about their effectiveness. To begin with, she chooses Clueless, the most timeless of romantic comedies. After all, she could use some good karma, and to find love for her sister or her best friend seems like a good start to her. Follow her, and who knows—maybe you too, will be inspired to find your own happy ending.

EXCERPT 1 Matt takes us to a nice bistro and he recommends that we taste the grilled chicken. The truth is, I’m not very hungry, but I’m not going to show that I’m disturbed in front of his girlfriend, so I eat with a hearty appetite. “It’s great to see that rumors didn’t affect your appetite.” “Matt,” protests Elina, but I don’t give her the chance to defend me. I can manage by myself. “Let him talk. I’m used to it. It would be good, however, if you’d tell me what you’re scheming.” “You said you needed someone to sort out your reputation. What better way than being seen with my fiancée and me?” “Unless they now think that I’m after a rich man with a fiancée.” Elina bursts out with laughter. “I didn’t consider that,” chuckles Matt. “Do you think I should change my plans?” “I don’t think you should help me at all,” I whistle, although deep down I’m happy he took the time to defend me. On the other hand, there are two sides to every coin, and I’m not very happy about being forced to have lunch with his girlfriend. If only she were a bit unfriendly, then I’d feel less guilty about disliking her.

EXCERPT 2 When we enter the room and I see Lisa, who has arrived despite my prayers, I feel immediately threatened. How is it possible that photos don’t do justice to someone? I always look prettier in photos because I try to take my picture when I’m at my best. But this girl, if in photos she’s beautiful, in real life she is … stunning. I feel Matt’s hand tighten on my shoulder. “Matt!” She pounces on him and kisses him on the lips. I didn’t know that an ex-fiancée had the right to do that. “Lisa, nice to see you again.” Matt puts his hand on her arm, which I don’t think is necessary either. “Erin.” I’m not sure that the way he says my name indicates any particular attachment between us. “This is Lisa. Lisa, this is Erin.” Not my girlfriend, nothing, just Erin. I take her hand and I am of course delighted to meet her. “Matt told me all about you.” “Everything? Really?” She turns towards Matt to play the couple who has secrets to share. Maybe I don’t go out with men often, but I’ve seen so many romantic movies that I know all the ruses an ex-girlfriend can use. “Oh, I’m certain that even if he didn’t already tell me everything, he will sooner or later. Matt can’t resist my interrogation methods.” If she wants to play this game, I can, too. Matt tightens his grip on my hand; I bet that it isn’t to show that he’s proud of me. I remind you that you have no right to be possessive, you aren’t really dating Matt, whispers my voice of reason. 

My Analysis:

At first glance I liked the cover, it made me feel ‘happy’. The colour was deliciously girly, and the cartoon image led me to expect a light-hearted romance. Even though I’d not long returned from an eye exam, I still couldn’t make out the wording. I think the font and the colour of the title could use some re-working (or I need laser eye surgery).

The Stats:

The book has 347 pages, and the Kindle price is £0.00 (which makes me very happy). There are 28 reviews, an even mix of two, three, four and five star.

Here is the most helpful review (5 stars)

I loved the book but I have to admit that sometimes Erin is too stubborn and doesn’t change her mind but I also sympathise with her especially when no one defends her. Most of the time I feel that Julia is way too harsh on her sister Erin especially when she helped her find Chris. She needs to watch her words and what she says and how she says it. She’s too much of a cynical, others would describe it as realistic but to be honest she’s not my favourite character.

Here is the most critical review (2 stars)

I really tried with this book but found it heavy going as per above. Not a comedy more I want to shake this female she is doing my head in big time !! or take a headache tablet . .

I found the blurb to be a little confusing, at first I thought I’d stumbled on a dating non-fiction book. When I realised it was indeed fiction, I carried on reading. I don’t think the chosen excerpts sell the book; they are disjointed scenes that don’t show us anything about the storyline. I love reading a hook, or a cliffhanger, something that will make me rush to hit the buy button. My ‘happy’ thoughts were slowly deflating.

I’m not a huge romantic comedy fan, so it would have to be good to tempt me. I am, however, making a conscious effort to include a variety of genres to my reading list. Even though this book is free, I’m still not convinced I would enjoy it, so it’s a PASS from me.

My Romantic Comedy – buy your copy from Amazon.co.uk:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00NB3CNIK

Take a look at who else has taken part in the Friday Five Challenge:

 Liz is looking at Steampunk this week -https://lizannelloyd.wordpress.com/2015/09/11/fridayfivechallenge-4/

Cathy is getting sexy in the suburbs – https://betweenthelinesbookblog.wordpress.com/2015/09/11/friday-five-challenge-10/

Rosie isn’t taking part this week as she is busy with her Romancing September Series, check out Day 11 – https://rosieamber.wordpress.com/2015/09/11/romancingseptember-day-11-secrets-of-the-heart-by-adrienne-vaughan-adrienneauthor/

Alison searches for a birthday treat – https://alisonwilliamswriting.wordpress.com/2015/09/11/fridayfivechallenge-rosieamber1-sadlers-birthday-by-rose-tremain/

 

 

What is the Friday Five Challenge?

In today’s online shopping age, readers often base their buying decisions on small postage stamp size book covers (thumb-nails), a quick glance at the book description and the review. How much time do they spend making that buying decision?

AUTHORS – You often only have seconds to get a reader to buy your book, is your book cover and book bio up to it?

The Challenge is this… IN ONLY FIVE MINUTES…

1) Go to any online book supplier,

2) Randomly choose a category,

3) Speed through the book covers, choose one which has instantly appealed to your eye,

4) Read the book Bio/ Description of this book,

5) If there are reviews, check out a couple,

6) Make an instant decision, would you BUY or PASS?

(then write a little analysis about your decision)