The Knockoff by Lucy Sykes and Jo Plazza | Rating: ★★★☆☆

As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

Oh, I was so looking forward to The Knockoff but felt let off short at the end of the day. Lucy Sykes and Jo Plazza’s novel was good–it really was, and HILARIOUS about 98% of the time but the truth is I wanted to love it more than I actually did. I don’t want to say it was forgettable but it wasn’t as high on my list as I thought it’d be.

It was a solid 3.5 on my scale which is a pretty damn good rating. I just wanted more from it, I guess. The Knockoff simply wasn’t my favorite read of the year nor was it my least.

Where do I begin? Lucy and Jo write stylishly. Oh, this is SO undeniable: quick wit and descriptive and indulgent and fashionable. I’d like to see more fiction penned by them because I have a feeling it will just keep getting my better.

Standouts! There so much humor in it that it’s going to appeal to a lot of women (and men) who may not typically read beyond magazines. The Knockoff has a lot of things going for and against it (sometimes it felt like it was going in circles) but its humor and style is the biggest standout of it all.

Did I mention it’s hilarious?

I Take You by Eliza Kennedy | Rating: ★★☆☆☆

As a note, a printed galley of this novel was sent to me via the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

For months I’d been anticipating the release of Eliza Kennedy’s debut novel; the blurb I’d read sounded like it had all the makings of an entertaining spring and summer, kick back and relax read. And the cover art: boy, is that cover a beauty. I couldn’t stop starring at it. I still can’t; in spite of the flaws of the book the cover art is still lovely.

I squealed a lot when I saw my request had been filled. There may have been a bit of obnoxious, neighbor's stare inducing, happy dance. I honestly couldn’t wait to dig in. It promised to be delicious and offensive in that good, fun sort of way. And while it did strike a lot of chords humor wise, it was generally a letdown. I can’t figure out where everything went wrong – Eliza’s writing is easy, descriptive, stylish and witty.

But the story was so… sigh.

And the characters are even worse.

New York for Beginners by Susann Remke | Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.8)

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

New York For Beginners was on my ultimate list of ‘wants’ when it came down to recently/to be published chick lit. There’s something about the tiny blurb that made it stand out to me instantly and it only helped spark my interest when it came down to the setting. And who can say no to that?

It just seemed to be the perfect addition to my summer reading list. As someone who loves New York City, considers it her home away from home, and frankly misses the nostalgia and warm fuzzies that came with reading books like Gossip Girl for the first time, or watching The Devil Wears Prada and Sex and the City, I feel as though I’ve been waiting for years for a new stylish, bubbly, fun novel to come my way.

At last I've found it in Susanne Remke’s debut novel which fits the type perfectly and then some. While it is not bound to be the greatest book you’ve ever read, it’s still a highly enjoyable publication. She captures the essence of life in NYC, life in fashion, and life in general perfectly. Newly re-released and translated for a batch of new American readers, New York For Beginners promises an easy to follow story for a whole new audience after already captivating German readers.