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lizjames's review
4.0
3.5 This was a quick murder mystery/chick lit. My main hang up was the ending. All of a sudden Dana has these relationship fears with her new beau (no spoilers) based off previous relationships. These aren’t brought up at all throughout the story and it came out of left field at the very end. But ultimately was a fun story to read on a lazy weekend! I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review!
stephsromancebooktalk's review
4.0
4.25 Stars / 1.5 Steam Fans
A book friend saved the rating for Love Sold Separately! Had I not talked to a book friend to find out that this book was a cozy mystery more than romantic suspense, I would have been disappointed. Dana is trying to find her way in the entertainment business as an actress when she receives an opportunity on a Shopping Network show. While Dana is debating on taking the job, she hears a gunshot from the roof. As the story evolves, Dana is left trying to figure out what occurred. There is a bit of a love triangle that happens, but the romance is not the main point of the book, so do not be afraid to read this book. Just know that romance is not at the forefront.
Video review available in Week 38: Sep 13 – Sep 19 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
A book friend saved the rating for Love Sold Separately! Had I not talked to a book friend to find out that this book was a cozy mystery more than romantic suspense, I would have been disappointed. Dana is trying to find her way in the entertainment business as an actress when she receives an opportunity on a Shopping Network show. While Dana is debating on taking the job, she hears a gunshot from the roof. As the story evolves, Dana is left trying to figure out what occurred. There is a bit of a love triangle that happens, but the romance is not the main point of the book, so do not be afraid to read this book. Just know that romance is not at the forefront.
Video review available in Week 38: Sep 13 – Sep 19 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
tessa_talks_books's review
4.0
Love Sold Separately is a fun, light cross between a Romantic Comedy and a Cozy Mystery – one that packs a big entertaining punch.
What I Like
I enjoy a mystery that I cannot solve before the conclusion, and this story delivers just that. There are plenty of red herrings and misdirections that kept me guessing the whole way through. And, I wasn’t even close to solving the mystery of who killed Kitty Todd.
I found the romantic journey that Dana undergoes to be a fun adventure due to her defiant spirit, a penchant for breaking the rules, and a taste in men who also break the rules. It is a predictable love story, but I still found it enjoyable.
I loved the relationships between Dana and her dad and sister. They are sophisticated and richly developed to include both the functional and dysfunctional aspects. There is a little bit in there about her mother too, but just enough to know that she isn’t a significant presence in Dana’s life.
I found all the characters to be well-developed and many of them likable. I was not fond of Dana, but only in a way that if she were a real person, we probably wouldn’t be best friends. She makes a lot of bad choices, and I’ll even go so far as to say that she needs a mother figure in her life to help her sort through all of her options and offer advice. However, she is challenging enough not to take that advice. She would forge ahead, making her path and dealing with the consequences of poor choices.
To Read or Not to Read
If you are in the mood for a lighthearted, fun read, this is a perfect choice.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What I Like
I enjoy a mystery that I cannot solve before the conclusion, and this story delivers just that. There are plenty of red herrings and misdirections that kept me guessing the whole way through. And, I wasn’t even close to solving the mystery of who killed Kitty Todd.
I found the romantic journey that Dana undergoes to be a fun adventure due to her defiant spirit, a penchant for breaking the rules, and a taste in men who also break the rules. It is a predictable love story, but I still found it enjoyable.
I loved the relationships between Dana and her dad and sister. They are sophisticated and richly developed to include both the functional and dysfunctional aspects. There is a little bit in there about her mother too, but just enough to know that she isn’t a significant presence in Dana’s life.
I found all the characters to be well-developed and many of them likable. I was not fond of Dana, but only in a way that if she were a real person, we probably wouldn’t be best friends. She makes a lot of bad choices, and I’ll even go so far as to say that she needs a mother figure in her life to help her sort through all of her options and offer advice. However, she is challenging enough not to take that advice. She would forge ahead, making her path and dealing with the consequences of poor choices.
To Read or Not to Read
If you are in the mood for a lighthearted, fun read, this is a perfect choice.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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