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Avg. Rating: 4
It just didn't work for me
Allison Holloway is a reality-tv obsessed interior designer in Chicago who realizes that the world she loves so much on TV isn't quite as glamorous when she's the one living it. When her design firm signs on to participate in a reality show called Kamikaze Makeover, Allison's world is turned upside-down over the course of the show. One of the producers, a suave, successful PRINCE of all things, tries to wine and dine her. Allison doesn't know whether to resist or succumb since rich men like Nicolo are exactly her type. But then there's the everyday guy, Dave, an ad exec friend of a friend who has been courting her for weeks, but whose bank accounts can't live up to Allie's lofty standards. In the end it all comes down to whether you choose the prince you've dreamed of all your life or the everyday guy who treats you like a princess.
In short, Reality TV Bites is a story about a pretentious, trust fund baby who even at the age of 32 hasn't grown up yet. In case you can't tell, I wasn't a fan of this book. The writing was fine, and I read it pretty quickly, but if I read about Allison's fascination with rich men, designer clothes, or OPI nail lacquer one more time I thought I might scream. In short, Allison ruined the book for me. Dave deserved better than her in my opinion and I can't imagine a laid-back, normal guy like him putting up with a self-indulgent princess wannabe like her. Her decision to try to be more down-to-earth at the end of the book seemed forced and I can just imagine what would happen a week from then if that world were real. She'd be running up an outrageous bill at Neiman's while Dave would be nursing a broken heart somewhere in Wrigleyville. All in all, it just didn't work for me.
Instead of this book, I'd recommend try Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series which has basically the same premise with a better story and more tolerable characters.
Great fun
At first, I was hesitant to buy this, because I'm not really into reality shows. But I liked Shane Bolks' previous chick lit effort (The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Men I've Dated), so I picked it up. I'm glad I did.
It's the story of Allison Holloway, a girl who's always wanted to be a princess. With wealthy parents, an extravagant lake house, a glamorous model brother and a European prince who happens to be interested in her...she's well on her way.
The glitch is sexy Dave, a kind of blue-collar guy of whom her parents wouldn't approve. The chemistry between them is undeniable (it practically leaps off the page!) but he keeps pulling back and she feels rejected.
In the meantime, Allison is an interior designer for Interiors by M, and the company is invited to do an interior design competition...for reality TV. The problem is, they're asked to make people's homes worse, not better. On national television.
The reality TV aspect of the book is humorous, and doesn't take up too many pages. So if you're not into reality shows, no fear. The romance between Allison and Dave is really hot and there's some hilarious pudding wrestling. I finished this book in a few hours.
my kinda heroine and hero
For anyone who's dreamed of being a princess when she grew up, this one is one that you can relate to. I did.
Shane's humor shines in this tale of Allison, a prince who turns into a toad - or worse - and the ultimate hero, Dave.
Though all the crap, Allison learns that it isn't about what other's think about the outward persona, but the true person inside.
Colorful characters, disfunctional family and quirky friends make this a read that had me laughing, groaning, and cheering.
Great Job, Ms. Bolks -- the force was with you on this!
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