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beastreader's review
3.0
Fashion curator Athena Smith has dreams about getting her hands on the famed Bertha Palmer couture gowns that the John Clayworth and Company empire has locked away in their Secret Closet. She wants to get the gowns and display them for all to see and enjoy. Athena is checking out the gowns when she inhales some gases. Though not lethal.
The Smiths and The Clayworth’s have bad blood between them. Athena’s father was set up by The Clayworth’s and forced to take an early retirement. Drew Clayworth never imagined he would be back in Athena’s life, especially agreeing to help her figure out if someone has it out for her and her family, even if it means learning the truth about his family.
The Black Tie Affair takes readers into the fabulous and elite fashion world of Chicago. This is Athena’s story. Athena and Drew may have parted ways a long time ago but the chemistry between them is still hot as ever. I thought this was a fun, flirty story. I found it interesting that this story was based on true events that happened to one of Sherrill Bodine’s friends. Who knew that couture gowns could be killer! This book is a quick read. Though this book lost a little of its shimmer from the prior novel, Talk of the Town.
I still can’t wait to read Venus and Diana’s stories. Romance fans will fall for Sherrill Bovine and her books.
The Smiths and The Clayworth’s have bad blood between them. Athena’s father was set up by The Clayworth’s and forced to take an early retirement. Drew Clayworth never imagined he would be back in Athena’s life, especially agreeing to help her figure out if someone has it out for her and her family, even if it means learning the truth about his family.
The Black Tie Affair takes readers into the fabulous and elite fashion world of Chicago. This is Athena’s story. Athena and Drew may have parted ways a long time ago but the chemistry between them is still hot as ever. I thought this was a fun, flirty story. I found it interesting that this story was based on true events that happened to one of Sherrill Bodine’s friends. Who knew that couture gowns could be killer! This book is a quick read. Though this book lost a little of its shimmer from the prior novel, Talk of the Town.
I still can’t wait to read Venus and Diana’s stories. Romance fans will fall for Sherrill Bovine and her books.
jacquelinec's review
2.0
Seriously, it reminded me of a mediocre soap-opera. The problems and resolutions were so melodramatic and blown-out of proportion that they bordered on ridiculous. On top of that, they characters were difficult to warm-up to and weren't very memorable. If you're looking to take a break from life (one were all brain function ceases) then, by all means, give this fluffy bit a try. I found it diverting enough to finish it, so it's not irredeemable. It wasn't my cup of tea though and I won't be following up to find out what happens in the next books about Athena's sisters.
michellesantiago's review
2.0
I have my complaints about this book but it was an okay read. It's a very light romance involving Athena Smith, a museum curator with a flair for expensive vintage dresses, and Drew Clayworth, CEO and heir of John Clayworth and Company, an exclusive department store. The story was set in the glamorous world of Chicago, which is a welcome change from the usual glitzy world of New York where books like these are usually set.
The hero and heroine were best friends turned to something more when they were young but a betrayal in Athena's part separated them for fifteen years. They were brought together again when the vintage couture dresses (owned by Drew's family and Athena wanted to feature in the museum she works for) were stolen. However, the dresses give off a sort of poisonous "truth serum" that causes whoever comes near them hallucinations. Athena, when called to confirm the authenticity of the dresses, was the first "victim" and in the mad dash to get her to the hospital, the dresses were stolen. When Athena regained her head, she and Drew decided to work together to find the dresses and find the person who stole them. As they worked together in close proximity, feelings they thought were buried in the past start to surface and they must confront that old betrayal--as well as problems in the present like why Athena's father was fired after working for Clayworth for many years--if they ever want to have a future together.
I liked reading the romance between Athena and Drew--there was chemistry between them and I felt that they belonged together and I especially liked how they came together in the end. However, the "betrayal" felt kind of silly to me and does not warrant the fifteen years they spent apart because of it. Also, I felt that the story behind of why Athena and Drew broke up was more of a mystery than the missing dresses--they were all found by the way but who took them and why Athena's father was fired remained unsolved and I guess the that mystery would carry on to the next book in the series. This book was also laden with references to Greek mythology and I felt the Greek facts thrown in here and there were a little random and unnecessary. I don't find Greek mythology that interesting so I didn't really appreciate it in the story but others might.
Overall, this book is a light, fluffy romance and a quick weekend read. It has great leads in sweet, lovely Athena (who wasn't shallow at all!) and charming, sexy Drew and provides wonderful escape into the rich, glamorous lifestyle of the affluent Chicago society. I have my complaints about it but it was an okay read just the same.
The hero and heroine were best friends turned to something more when they were young but a betrayal in Athena's part separated them for fifteen years. They were brought together again when the vintage couture dresses (owned by Drew's family and Athena wanted to feature in the museum she works for) were stolen. However, the dresses give off a sort of poisonous "truth serum" that causes whoever comes near them hallucinations. Athena, when called to confirm the authenticity of the dresses, was the first "victim" and in the mad dash to get her to the hospital, the dresses were stolen. When Athena regained her head, she and Drew decided to work together to find the dresses and find the person who stole them. As they worked together in close proximity, feelings they thought were buried in the past start to surface and they must confront that old betrayal--as well as problems in the present like why Athena's father was fired after working for Clayworth for many years--if they ever want to have a future together.
I liked reading the romance between Athena and Drew--there was chemistry between them and I felt that they belonged together and I especially liked how they came together in the end. However, the "betrayal" felt kind of silly to me and does not warrant the fifteen years they spent apart because of it. Also, I felt that the story behind of why Athena and Drew broke up was more of a mystery than the missing dresses--they were all found by the way but who took them and why Athena's father was fired remained unsolved and I guess the that mystery would carry on to the next book in the series. This book was also laden with references to Greek mythology and I felt the Greek facts thrown in here and there were a little random and unnecessary. I don't find Greek mythology that interesting so I didn't really appreciate it in the story but others might.
Overall, this book is a light, fluffy romance and a quick weekend read. It has great leads in sweet, lovely Athena (who wasn't shallow at all!) and charming, sexy Drew and provides wonderful escape into the rich, glamorous lifestyle of the affluent Chicago society. I have my complaints about it but it was an okay read just the same.
tasha_fullybooked's review
2.0
I loved Talk of the Town, so of course I was excited to read A Black Tie Affair. I have to say I was disappointed.
Athena has been in love with Drew since she was seventeen years old, but due to her betrayal (which was not even something serious), they have not spoken to each other in fifteen years. A little too over dramatic for me, but whatever. Fast forward to present day. Athena is thrown together with Drew after some priceless vintage dresses are stolen, and they are the only two who can track them down. I could have done without that whole aspect; I din't find the mystery with the dresses entertaining at all. Then you have the whole ordeal with the Clayworth family firing Athena's dad from the company because he too has betrayed them.
Overall it's a quick read, but didn't really hold my interest. I felt no connection what-so-ever to the characters and didn't care one way or the other what became of them or the dresses. The situation with Athena's dad is left unresolved in this book, leaving it open for another book to follow up. I do believe the next one will involve Drew's cousin Conner and Athena's sister Venus.
Read more of my reviews at Book Obsessed.
Athena has been in love with Drew since she was seventeen years old, but due to her betrayal (which was not even something serious), they have not spoken to each other in fifteen years. A little too over dramatic for me, but whatever. Fast forward to present day. Athena is thrown together with Drew after some priceless vintage dresses are stolen, and they are the only two who can track them down. I could have done without that whole aspect; I din't find the mystery with the dresses entertaining at all. Then you have the whole ordeal with the Clayworth family firing Athena's dad from the company because he too has betrayed them.
Overall it's a quick read, but didn't really hold my interest. I felt no connection what-so-ever to the characters and didn't care one way or the other what became of them or the dresses. The situation with Athena's dad is left unresolved in this book, leaving it open for another book to follow up. I do believe the next one will involve Drew's cousin Conner and Athena's sister Venus.
Read more of my reviews at Book Obsessed.
mountie9's review
3.0
Mini-Review: This really wasn't my thing, as I am not much of a fan of contemporary romance books. For those who enjoy contemporary romances, you will probably like this. It is a quick lite read, with an interesting storyline involving toxin laced gowns. A good beach read. 2.5/5 Dewey's (Remember that the rating is based on MY enjoyment of the story, not on the ability of the author)
chaotic_ramblings's review
4.0
I started this book, thinking that it would just be like any other romance novel. But let me be the first to tell you that it wasn't! Sherrill kept me turning the pages just to find out what happened next. I kept asking myself "What happened?" "When will they see the light?" and many other questions throughout this book.
The ending leaves a little to be desired, but makes you want more!! I finished the book in a little less than 12 hours and I can't wait to read Sherrill's next book. Bring us some more of those Clayworth's!!!
The ending leaves a little to be desired, but makes you want more!! I finished the book in a little less than 12 hours and I can't wait to read Sherrill's next book. Bring us some more of those Clayworth's!!!
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