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acdavi10's review
2.0
I was not a fan of this book, but it is a quick light-hearted read. The novel follows the dating “misadventures” of Caroline, a Harvard MBA and handbag designer, and her best friend Mike, who deviated from his family’s path and opened a bar after graduation. There were some funny and relatable dating moments, but overall the story was rushed. The way that Caroline met and fell for the men in the book got very repetitive, and I would have preferred the story show her dating less men and instead spending more time elaborating on each crazy date. Everyone, including the main character, felt like caricatures with minimal development, and the story line was very predictable. I guessed the ending after reading the prologue and the whole book was poorly written (how many times can one character say "you're incorrible"!). Overall, the writing was drab and the storyline overdone, but the book does fit the bill for a short rom-com beach read.
bookswritingandmore's review
5.0
I completely enjoyed this read and was physically unable to put it down until I finished it. I read this book in a day and a half and let me tell you, my sleep was not too happy with me as I did not get much of it. Lisa Becker hooked me from the first sentence of this novel. It was a great ride and I was sad to see it end.
Caroline Johnson owns her own designer bag company in LA. She's sweet, has a few good friends, including her best friend Mike who teases her unrelentlessly. The one thing she can't seem to get right is her love life. She dates man after man that seems perfect but ends up being anything but. Her dating disasters are hilarious and a little bit sad too. Through it all she seems to keep a positive attitude and keeps her heart open to the one she's been waiting for.
Three words:Must read, laugh out loud hilarious and unput downable. Add it to your tbr today!
Caroline Johnson owns her own designer bag company in LA. She's sweet, has a few good friends, including her best friend Mike who teases her unrelentlessly. The one thing she can't seem to get right is her love life. She dates man after man that seems perfect but ends up being anything but. Her dating disasters are hilarious and a little bit sad too. Through it all she seems to keep a positive attitude and keeps her heart open to the one she's been waiting for.
Three words:Must read, laugh out loud hilarious and unput downable. Add it to your tbr today!
susanthebookbag's review
5.0
What a fun story! Caroline wants to find the perfect man and she puts herself out there in the dating world trying to find him. She is a successful business woman with her own purse design company. It shouldn't be this hard to find a good man.
I love how each of the men she dates are compared to a certain type of handbag, pocketbook, purse -- whatever you want to call it, that thing we women carry around all the time. It is ingenious the way the men all fit into a category of bag.
Caroline's aunt Mimi was a great character and a wise woman. She told Caroline very early in her life, "Find something you love and hold onto it." Caroline remembers this throughout her life; when it comes to finding her career and as well as finding her man.
Clutch is a wonderful, entertaining look at the dating world and I can guarantee that you will start thinking about what category of bag the guys you meet would fall into after reading this book. What fun! Thanks for another great read, Lisa!
I love how each of the men she dates are compared to a certain type of handbag, pocketbook, purse -- whatever you want to call it, that thing we women carry around all the time. It is ingenious the way the men all fit into a category of bag.
Caroline's aunt Mimi was a great character and a wise woman. She told Caroline very early in her life, "Find something you love and hold onto it." Caroline remembers this throughout her life; when it comes to finding her career and as well as finding her man.
Clutch is a wonderful, entertaining look at the dating world and I can guarantee that you will start thinking about what category of bag the guys you meet would fall into after reading this book. What fun! Thanks for another great read, Lisa!
shedevilreads's review against another edition
5.0
Clutch by Lisa Becker is a romantic comedy that I listened to on audio narrated by Suzanne Barbetta. This is the first book by Lisa that I have read and it definitely won’t be my last. I loved her writing style and she made me fall in love with Caroline and Mike. I feel Suzanne really helped bringing the story to life with her different voices she used for each character. I will definitely be looking into other work that Suzanne has worked on. This is an amazing duo. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic comedies. It will give you all the feels.
#AudiobookObessionReviwer #AudioBookObsession
#AudiobookObessionReviwer #AudioBookObsession
hugbandit7's review
4.0
I would give this 4 1/2 stars
This book reminded me of When Harry Met Sally. Caroline and Mike meet at Harvard and become fast friends. They see each other through good times and bad and have that one time in college where they hooked up....which they tease each other about all the time.
I loved the purse references and how Caroline always had a different purse, clutch, or wristlet for each outfit. I can't imagine what her closet looked like with all those bags.
While I kinda suspected that they would get together in the end, it was interesting to read about all the people that each dated (more so from Caroline's perspective) and how each man would be shot down by Mike for one reason or another. Of course we know why, he wanted Caroline for himself but wouldn't tell her.
Caroline did need to learn to stand up for herself and confront those. I get that it isn't easy but sometimes you just have to do it otherwise you will be taken advantage of in life.
The book was an easy read and had me laughing in various parts. There are some f* bombs but thankfully not too many.
This book reminded me of When Harry Met Sally. Caroline and Mike meet at Harvard and become fast friends. They see each other through good times and bad and have that one time in college where they hooked up....which they tease each other about all the time.
I loved the purse references and how Caroline always had a different purse, clutch, or wristlet for each outfit. I can't imagine what her closet looked like with all those bags.
While I kinda suspected that they would get together in the end, it was interesting to read about all the people that each dated (more so from Caroline's perspective) and how each man would be shot down by Mike for one reason or another. Of course we know why, he wanted Caroline for himself but wouldn't tell her.
Caroline did need to learn to stand up for herself and confront those. I get that it isn't easy but sometimes you just have to do it otherwise you will be taken advantage of in life.
The book was an easy read and had me laughing in various parts. There are some f* bombs but thankfully not too many.
lattes_lipstick_literature's review
3.0
From the very beginning of the book I knew how it was going to end. Throughout the book I was really waiting for Becker to surprise me and was slightly let down when it ended how it did. Does that mean this is a bad book, or that I didn't like it? Absolutely not.
First off Caroline, our main character. I had a love hate relationship with her. There were some moments where I was like “yes, you go girl!” And there were other times where I just signed shook my head and asked “what is wrong with you?” while I understand the whole southern charm thing I felt sometimes it was a little stereotypical.
Secondly, maybe it's because I didn't have much of a dating life before I got married, but some of Caroline's choices (this is where my frustration with her stem) were questionable. When she lamented about not being able to find a guy, or that she was going to end up alone, I rolled my eyes. I did enjoy reading about her dating escapades and she really did cycle through the list of men you typically seem to get when you are dating
Lastly this book was more mature than I thought it was going to be. Sometimes when books are unexpectedly mature it can disrupt the tempo or the mood, it didn't for clutch. It actually helped me see Caroline as a more mature and progressive women and I liked that she was not looked down upon for it either. So kudos to Becker.
Overall if you are currently dating you may relate to Caroline and love this book. Also, it's a great read for any Romance reader.
First off Caroline, our main character. I had a love hate relationship with her. There were some moments where I was like “yes, you go girl!” And there were other times where I just signed shook my head and asked “what is wrong with you?” while I understand the whole southern charm thing I felt sometimes it was a little stereotypical.
Secondly, maybe it's because I didn't have much of a dating life before I got married, but some of Caroline's choices (this is where my frustration with her stem) were questionable. When she lamented about not being able to find a guy, or that she was going to end up alone, I rolled my eyes. I did enjoy reading about her dating escapades and she really did cycle through the list of men you typically seem to get when you are dating
Lastly this book was more mature than I thought it was going to be. Sometimes when books are unexpectedly mature it can disrupt the tempo or the mood, it didn't for clutch. It actually helped me see Caroline as a more mature and progressive women and I liked that she was not looked down upon for it either. So kudos to Becker.
Overall if you are currently dating you may relate to Caroline and love this book. Also, it's a great read for any Romance reader.
cassire's review
3.0
I wasn’t obsessed with this book, but I didn’t dislike it either. It was a nice and cute middle of line listen. It did provide me with many laughs.
lovegirl30's review
3.0
Clutch was such a light, sweet, funny read. I loved the characters and the way the book was written. The thing adored the most was the chapter names correlated with the various dates the man character Caroline went on. Which I thought was a cute and sweet touch.
"...you find something you love and you just hold onto.”
Our main character Caroline is a purse addict and handbag designer. She is on the lookout for Mr. Right. Unfortunately, like most people, she is only finding losers and people that she doesn't connect with. The other character Mike is on the journey with her. He owns a bar and keeps her stocked with lots of wine for her miss adventures.
He was a character that I absolutely adored in this story. He was a fantastic friend. He was a great person all around and I really enjoyed his dialog in the book.
“Lord, give me coffee to change the things I can,” she lifted her glass, “and a tall glass of Chardonnay to accept the things I can’t. That’s about the only gospel I can get behind.”
The book had some faults though. I found it a tad bit predictable at times. Also, it was often repetitive in parts. Also quotes like the one below made me roll my eyes at times.
“It was a revelation. How had she not seen it before?”
Overall this was a cute chick lit story. It's your average love story full of hilarious anecdotes.
Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
"...you find something you love and you just hold onto.”
Our main character Caroline is a purse addict and handbag designer. She is on the lookout for Mr. Right. Unfortunately, like most people, she is only finding losers and people that she doesn't connect with. The other character Mike is on the journey with her. He owns a bar and keeps her stocked with lots of wine for her miss adventures.
He was a character that I absolutely adored in this story. He was a fantastic friend. He was a great person all around and I really enjoyed his dialog in the book.
“Lord, give me coffee to change the things I can,” she lifted her glass, “and a tall glass of Chardonnay to accept the things I can’t. That’s about the only gospel I can get behind.”
The book had some faults though. I found it a tad bit predictable at times. Also, it was often repetitive in parts. Also quotes like the one below made me roll my eyes at times.
“It was a revelation. How had she not seen it before?”
Overall this was a cute chick lit story. It's your average love story full of hilarious anecdotes.
Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
kylieeason's review
3.0
I really wanted to DNF this book a few times, but kept on reading to see if I could get fully invested... it never happened.
I found the characters hard to relate to, and Caroline just drove me batty. As a serial dater, she was way too picky and (in my opinion) gave it up too easy.
One of my biggest issues with this book is the passage of time. I felt that passage of time seemed to flow day to day, but all of a sudden the author will mention two months passing, and at one point two years passing. There’s no other indication that that much time has passed except a random comment from Caroline... like what happened in those two years?! How much did we miss?
I had really high hopes for this book, and unfortunately I was left wanting. :(
I found the characters hard to relate to, and Caroline just drove me batty. As a serial dater, she was way too picky and (in my opinion) gave it up too easy.
One of my biggest issues with this book is the passage of time. I felt that passage of time seemed to flow day to day, but all of a sudden the author will mention two months passing, and at one point two years passing. There’s no other indication that that much time has passed except a random comment from Caroline... like what happened in those two years?! How much did we miss?
I had really high hopes for this book, and unfortunately I was left wanting. :(
karen_the_baroness's review
5.0
Can Caroline find the person she can hold onto forever?
This is my second time reading Clutch by Lisa Becker. Just like the first time reading it I loved it and I still love it now. Well probably even more now than I did the first time. The reason for that is now the book feels complete. I feel like with the added five chapters it really rounded out the book and gave it a good ending as well. It’s a great book still and I don’t want to give too many things away for it but it is still awesome. Ms. Becker is an awesome author and it really shows in this book that she took the time to go back and figure out how to make it even more better.
What I liked about the book:
• It has the same chapters from before. I loved them still and they are still as fabulous as last time. They made me feel the same emotions as Caroline was feeling in them even if it’s in third person.
• That’s another thing that I liked is that it’s all in third person…mostly. It’s still a great book.
• It has five new chapters and they are amazing. They also fit in very well with the original chapters. I loved all of them especially one of them made me laugh out loud.
• I am still loving that Ms. Becker kept with the theme of using bag names as the titles of the chapters. They matched each one and sometimes you don’t even realize why she chose that name until toward the end of it.
• I loved going back to Caroline and Mike as they are really good characters that make me want to come back to them.
What I disliked about the book:
There isn’t much that I can say that I disliked about this book. The reason for that is because it’s a great one and since I got an ARC for it and we all know that those ARCs aren’t completely done with the edits. I don’t mind about that since it still made a great book and I am happy that I was asked to read an ARC of this book.
What I am curious about:
I can’t help but imagine the wedding that Caroline and Mike would have and about their kids. If they will name one of their daughters Mimi if they have one. I can’t help but think about those things after reading this book.
Five Stars
Clutch by Lisa Becker is better than the first time I read the book. This book feels more complete now than it did before and I am glad that she went back to add some more chapters to it. I am still happy for Caroline and Mike and that they are perfect for each other. I am still keeping this book as five stars as it is a really great book.
Anyways until the next time enjoy this review brought to you by
Baroness’ Book Trove.
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
If you would like to read more reviews like this one please go to baronessbooktrove.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have got to say is that the Clutch a novel by Lisa Becker is totally a book that any woman would love to stay in for the night to read and live through Caroline. This book is a really great one and something that I would love to read again. I loved how each chapter was dedicated to a purse while also reflecting the man that Caroline was going to meet in that chapter.
I loved seeing how Mike and Caroline’s friendship went through all that it did while still keeping their friendship a friendship despite the flirting that sometimes happened. I really do love Caroline’s aunt Mimi. She is such a hoot and someone that I would love to have as an aunt. I mean every girl needs a ton of handbags.
Caroline is such an interesting character and not someone that is like the girl-next-door. She also is this smart woman despite letting people walk all over her. Mike is completely different compared to Caroline, not just that he is a male. He just oozes the playboy attitude and lifestyle. Granted he gave that life up to start up his bar and he also is a good person. Sure he flirts with every woman that he meets except he has a good heart that wants to try and help Caroline out, be it with her insecurities or her current relationship at the time.
This is a total chick lit but one that is so funny while also being romantic. I am giving this book five butterflies as the book is that good and completely something that I would recommend to my friends and family.
Anyways until next time enjoy this book review brought to you by
Baroness’ Book Trove.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE AUTHOR ASKED ME TO READ AND GIVE AN HONEST REVIEW FOR THIS BOOK!
to read other reviews like this one please go to my blog: baronessbooktrove.com
This is my second time reading Clutch by Lisa Becker. Just like the first time reading it I loved it and I still love it now. Well probably even more now than I did the first time. The reason for that is now the book feels complete. I feel like with the added five chapters it really rounded out the book and gave it a good ending as well. It’s a great book still and I don’t want to give too many things away for it but it is still awesome. Ms. Becker is an awesome author and it really shows in this book that she took the time to go back and figure out how to make it even more better.
What I liked about the book:
• It has the same chapters from before. I loved them still and they are still as fabulous as last time. They made me feel the same emotions as Caroline was feeling in them even if it’s in third person.
• That’s another thing that I liked is that it’s all in third person…mostly. It’s still a great book.
• It has five new chapters and they are amazing. They also fit in very well with the original chapters. I loved all of them especially one of them made me laugh out loud.
• I am still loving that Ms. Becker kept with the theme of using bag names as the titles of the chapters. They matched each one and sometimes you don’t even realize why she chose that name until toward the end of it.
• I loved going back to Caroline and Mike as they are really good characters that make me want to come back to them.
What I disliked about the book:
There isn’t much that I can say that I disliked about this book. The reason for that is because it’s a great one and since I got an ARC for it and we all know that those ARCs aren’t completely done with the edits. I don’t mind about that since it still made a great book and I am happy that I was asked to read an ARC of this book.
What I am curious about:
I can’t help but imagine the wedding that Caroline and Mike would have and about their kids. If they will name one of their daughters Mimi if they have one. I can’t help but think about those things after reading this book.
Five Stars
Clutch by Lisa Becker is better than the first time I read the book. This book feels more complete now than it did before and I am glad that she went back to add some more chapters to it. I am still happy for Caroline and Mike and that they are perfect for each other. I am still keeping this book as five stars as it is a really great book.
Anyways until the next time enjoy this review brought to you by
Baroness’ Book Trove.
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
If you would like to read more reviews like this one please go to baronessbooktrove.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have got to say is that the Clutch a novel by Lisa Becker is totally a book that any woman would love to stay in for the night to read and live through Caroline. This book is a really great one and something that I would love to read again. I loved how each chapter was dedicated to a purse while also reflecting the man that Caroline was going to meet in that chapter.
I loved seeing how Mike and Caroline’s friendship went through all that it did while still keeping their friendship a friendship despite the flirting that sometimes happened. I really do love Caroline’s aunt Mimi. She is such a hoot and someone that I would love to have as an aunt. I mean every girl needs a ton of handbags.
Caroline is such an interesting character and not someone that is like the girl-next-door. She also is this smart woman despite letting people walk all over her. Mike is completely different compared to Caroline, not just that he is a male. He just oozes the playboy attitude and lifestyle. Granted he gave that life up to start up his bar and he also is a good person. Sure he flirts with every woman that he meets except he has a good heart that wants to try and help Caroline out, be it with her insecurities or her current relationship at the time.
This is a total chick lit but one that is so funny while also being romantic. I am giving this book five butterflies as the book is that good and completely something that I would recommend to my friends and family.
Anyways until next time enjoy this book review brought to you by
Baroness’ Book Trove.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE AUTHOR ASKED ME TO READ AND GIVE AN HONEST REVIEW FOR THIS BOOK!
to read other reviews like this one please go to my blog: baronessbooktrove.com