Susan's Review of Melonie Johnson's Too Good To Be Real

She plans to prove there's a dozen reasons why life isn't like a romantic comedy, only to discover the one reason it is…

While her friends wish for meet cutes worthy of their favorite rom-coms, Julia is ready to give up on love. Swiping right has replaced getting swept off your feet and good old-fashioned romance has become, well, old-fashioned.

A writer for a popular website, love becomes the last thing on her mind when impending layoffs threaten her job. As Julia searches for the ultimate pitch to impress her boss, she stumbles upon a resort offering guests a chance to live out their romantic comedy dreams. Real life dating is so bleak, who wouldn't want to spend a week in a fantasy rom-com world with your best friends?

At the resort, Julia literally falls into a not-quite-meet-cute involving an aggressive seagull and an adorably awkward guy named Luke who is also participating in the rom-com experience. Julia hides the fact she is there to do a story, but Luke harbors a few secrets of his own. Among further encounters with thieving seagulls, a gaggle of corgis, kisses in the rain, and even a karaoke serenade, their feelings deepen quickly. But could their love be real when they haven't been honest about their true identities? Once the fantasy is over, can they have a relationship in the real world?

Romance 

Fun, Flirty Dialogue

A Pack of Corgis

Melonie Johnson combines these story elements perfectly in her novel Too Good To Be Real. Julia and Luke’s first meeting was hilarious and drew me into the story immediately.

TrendList reporter Julia Carpenter has been given the heads up that layoffs are imminent. She needs to think outside the box for the perfect story idea to bring to her boss. She finds the perfect idea and pitches it —a week at the Notting Hill resort where the guests can step into the world of romantic comedy.

Luke O’Neil and his sister Penelope and best friend Vijay have created a romantic comedy game for the Notting Hill resort owner Mrs. Weatherfork. Each guest receives a folder which contains their character name, an itinerary and a list of romance inspired activities. The author does a fabulous job crafting this piece of the storyline-it was so much fun to watch the characters come to life. I loved this trio of best friends and their over the top boss and her many, many corgis.

Loved all the references to the romantic storylines and that the author crafted similar scenarios for the main characters. The author cleverly blurred the lines between the game and the real love stories in the novel this kept me engaged in the story. Luke created the resort’s program and knew how things should play out—but, life and love doesn’t always happen like a big screen romantic comedy.

Lots of mix-ups and misunderstandings which along with the references to popular movies made the reading experience so much fun. Melonie Johnson’s voice appeals to me—just love her clever dialogue whether it’s the heart to heart conversations between Andie Julie and Kat or the laugh out loud conversations as each of the book’s characters (who are in character) discuss the nuances of popular rom coms. The chemistry between Julia and Luke sizzled and the secondary characters added so much depth and humor to the story.

Too Good To Be Real is the perfect beach read—it’s an entertaining romance filled with engaging characters and smiling, impy corgis!

Reviewed by Susan Groman

ARC from publisher

Susan's Favorite Christmas Stories -Christmas at Two Love Lane

This year, I'm featuring some of my favorite Christmas stories starting with my review from 2017 of Christmas at Two Love Lane by Kieran Kramer, .  You won't want to miss this one, it’s one of my favorites - I loved Deacon and Macy's story--and the secondary characters were awesome. Think 4 corgis!

The best gift of all is the one you share with someone else. . .

From the moment he strode through the iron gate and into the offices of Two Love Lane on a crisp December day, it was obvious that Deacon Banks was something different. He wasn’t a Charleston native, not with that adorable Yankee accent. And unlike the usual client at the elegant matchmaking agency, he had no interest in finding a woman to marry—just a few no-strings dates while he was in town.

Macy Frost takes her professional services very seriously—how could she not, when she’s rumored to be a direct descendant of Cupid? Tech entrepreneur Deacon says he’s just trying to make his social-climbing aunt happy by being seen out and about with a few prominent beauties, but Macy insists she can make her client fall in love…for real. And Deacon can’t help but think she might be right. As charming as the palmetto trees and magnificent harbor may be, it’s the beautiful, breath-of-fresh-air Macy who’s become Deacon’s favorite part of the scenery. But can the hopelessly romantic Southern belle stop trying to fix him up and just let Cupid do his work on her own heart?

Kieran Kramer is one of my go to authors. I adore her books because she excels at creating slice-of-life novels. Ms. Kramer creates characters that resonate with the reader and she crafts emotional, heartfelt storylines which draw the reader into the story. In Christmas at Two Love Lane, Ms. Kramer pairs Deacon Banks, a savvy New York City businessman with Macy Frost, a charming Charleston, South Carolina socialite and matchmaker.

I adored the premise of this holiday themed romance. Deacon is spending the month of December in Charleston visiting with his newly retired aunt. Fran Banks is a famous talk show host who has relocated to Charleston with her houseman George and four corgis. Deacon knows his aunt is a force to be reckoned with but, wants to please her because Fran raised him after his parents died. Fran’s fondest desire? She’d love Deacon to marry, preferably a southern girl, so she can be part of the Charleston society. Deacon’s gift to Fran for Christmas? A series of dates arranged by Macy’s matchmaking business.

Deacon Banks epitomizes my image of a New York business man; he’s determined, resourceful and goes after what he wants. He doesn’t believe in love and doesn’t understand Macy’s calling as a matchmaker. I enjoyed the back and forth banter between Macy and Deacon; their conversations were heartfelt, funny and honest and their chemistry sizzled from the first page of the book. The romance between the couple is well paced. Deacon was attracted to Macy and with each one of his dates it was apparent that he was falling for her. The author does a fabulous job integrating the cast of secondary characters into the story. Loved George’s relationships with Fran and Deacon; their conversations were spot on and added spice to the novel. Deacon makes a strategic error in his pursuit of Macy. Can she forgive him when she uncovers the truth?

Christmas at Two Love Lane is a delightful read! The charming, larger than life characters, the witty dialogue, the southern setting add to this sweet perfectly paced romance. I can’t wait for the next story in the series.

Thank you Kieran from the Rose-Haven corgis for the shout out! You captured the corgi spirit and fondness for snacks perfectly!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by St Martin's Press

(This interview was from 2017)

When do the holidays official start for you?
Thanksgiving Day, as soon as I turn on the TV to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade! Can’t miss the Rockettes segment, ever!

What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?
Inhaling the delicious scent of the Christmas tree, seeing the twinkling lights, hanging out with the family and our friends.

Are there any holiday traditions you do every year without fail?
I always make frosted sugar cookies, and I always try to watch as many Christmas movies as I can. I also try to go to the Holiday Boat Parade in Charleston harbor!

What’s your favorite holiday movie?
It’s a Wonderful Life; I never get tired of it!

Do you have a favorite holiday book?
Definitely How the Grinch Stole Christmas….

What’s your all-time favorite holiday song?
Away in the Manger sung by Julie Andrews–the UK version of the melody

What’s your favorite activity during fall or winter?
baking bread, using my crockpot, reading cozy books, buying myself winter clothes, going to parties, eating holiday cookies

What’s your favorite gift you’ve ever received or given?
My favorite gift is having my family all together in one place. Nothing matters more. Sometimes we can’t all be together, so I cherish the Christmases that we can celebrate under one roof.

Do you have any items on your wish list this year?
Yes, having my own little family together again–the last two years some of us have been overseas. But if I have to mention something from the store, I’d love to have some canvases and paint and painting lessons!

Any resolutions or goals for next year?
Yes, to slow down and get centered, to really look around each day and marvel at this beautiful world filled with people who all want to love and be loved. I refuse to let the haters in. Oh, and I have to keep dancing to my Alexa, haha!!

USA Today bestselling author Kieran Kramer writes fun romance novels for St. Martin's Press. SECOND CHANCE AT TWO LOVE LANE is on sale August 28, 2018! A former journalist and English teacher, Kieran's also a game show veteran, karaoke enthusiast, and general adventurer. She lives where she grew up-in the Lowcountry of South Carolina-with her family. Find her on Instagram (her favorite place to hang out), as well as on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and at her website. 

Watch Christmas at Two Love Lane's  video here;         

https://animoto.com/play/HexKofxdqY0QFECWuXSe8A