Customer Reviews

Love Like That (Red Dress Ink Novels)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It's about time the chick-lit genre provided a no-frills offering. The characters in this book are authentically flawed and that is what makes them believable. Like most twenty-somethings in Los Angeles, they use profanity and drink to excess, habitually smoke (habitual smokers do exist in LA) and want to live the carefree lives of young people without ties and boundaries. They don't try to adhere to any ideals or expect their friends and significant others to do the same. How refreshing to come across them in a universe of otherwise "sympathetic" characters, always striving to live up to certain standards.

I liked that at no point in the story did I think of Dalton as dumb--like I do a lot of chick-lit heroines. She may not have always made good choices, but at least she never tried to blame her wrongdoing on her own cluelessness. She didn't find herself in unflattering situations and then wonder why. I also liked that her friends weren't overly judgmental because they realized that they, too, weren't perfect.

I especially liked the author's insight into living in Los Angeles and the mentions of familiar places. It was surprising to see someone write with a real view of LA and not try to make it more dazzling, or less, than it really is.

I would recommend this book to anyone who prefers a gritty and humorous read to something tame and syrupy.

Dalton Moss (everyone calls her Doll) is a hip, modern, Southern Californian girl. Working as an assistant to a glamorous events planner, Dalton finds herself torn between two men. There is the handsome, sweet, caring and intellectual Roman, who has just proposed - and then taken off to Africa for a six month trip. Then there is Jeremy, who is irresistibly attractive, frustratingly hot-and-cold, and just somehow gets under Dalton's skin. Never mind the fact that Jeremy already has a girlfriend. Dalton never intended to keep seeing Jeremy, but somehow, she can't help herself. And her fiancé Roman seems to never be around!

Through alcohol-soaked nights, run-ins with her arch-rival from high school, dealing with her zany roommates (also going through guy troubles), Dalton must figure out which guy she really likes - before it is too late.

A Love Like That was a very interesting look at relationship angst, cheating, being alone, and what happens when you are torn between two people you really love in totally different ways. Amanda Hill's writing is witty and outrageous - the characters don't mince words or actions. Dalton as a main heroine is all at once quirky, impulsive, mixed up, and irritating at times, but you will fall in love with her.

The plot to this novel has all of the essential chick lit ingredients: laughter, tears, escapism, naughtiness, strength, and fun.

Some might be put off by the excessive cursing that the characters do and might think that Dalton is a crude and selfish main heroine. It didn't bother me though. I personally love characters that make mistakes and are human like the rest of us. Also, some will be put off by the cheating that goes on throughout the novel. However, I didn't mind because I don't read chick lit in order to find directions in my life - I read it for entertainment. Sometimes it is very interesting reading about a character doing a bunch of things you yourself would never do, right?

Overall, I highly recommend this great chick lit novel to all fans, and to anyone who loves an offbeat story.

I adored this book- the story of Dalton is real, funny and filled with twists. I couldn't put it down. A definate must read for someone looking to laugh and enjoy the life of a twenty-something looking to find herself and find love.

In Southern California, twenty-five years old assistant events planner Dalton Moss is stunned when her boyfriend Roman Duquesne gives her an engagement ring before he goes on a six month trip to Cameroon as a member of the International Center for Relief and Advancement. Dalton agrees to wed Roman when he returns to Los Angeles.

Although engaged, Dalton continues to see her other boyfriend the irresponsible roguish Jeremy Flowers, the total opposite of the dependable caring Roman. She knows she needs to move on, but enjoys Jeremy's hedonistic attitude even if he has another girlfriend. She knows she will have to choose when Roman comes home, but for now girls just want to have fun and Jeremy is where that is at.

LOVE LIKE THAT is a solid contemporary chick lit tale that takes a little time to get moving as Amanda Hill provides the background to the Southern Cal singles lifestyle. The wait for the plot to take off is worth it because the audience can better understand Dalton's dilemma as she is confused between two lovers pulling her towards totally opposite lifestyles. Fans will wonder whether she will choose commitment, wilding or perhaps she will find a third road somewhat in between the extremes of her boyfriends.

Harriet Klausner

I was very surprised as I read through this love novel at how well I had adapted to the storyline. What amazed me is how real the characters were and how I could identify with their problems and their day to day existence. The author continued to pull me deeper into the story from one chapter to the next. It has been over a week now that I have finished the book and I continually catch myself pondering different situations of the characters...that to me is a great book. This is all from the viewpoint of a 39 year old gay white male...loved your book and hope to see more of your work in the future!!

This book is not that great. It is hard to get into a book if you don't really care for the main characters.

The main character Dalton Moss is messed up. She is engaged to her boyfriend who lives back east, and sees another man who lives in L.A. who also has another serious girlfriend.

Her fience comes off like an a-hole also because he gets mad when he finds out about Dalton's boy toy, but he also had something going on with his ex-girlfriend when they were working together in Africa.

Also Dalton's friends are weird. Her friend Ava seems like a woman-child, probably due to the fact of her mob family and the step-mother almost the same age as she is who has sex with Ava's brother when their father is away. Her other friend Electra is as messed up as well.

Dalton Moss is a typical events planning assistant- She's selfish, materialistic, and does what she wants with little regard to others. However, through the course of the novel, she begins to understand how her actions and affections affect those around her. In Amanda Hill's novel, Love Like That, we see what happens when 25 year old "Doll" tries to have it all.

The book is oddly compelling, especially since we aren't sympathetic to Dalton at first. As the plot moves along, we begin to appreciate her naivete and the way she learns about love and life and everything in between.

Looking into the life of Dalton Moss is sometimes like watching a car accident, but rest assured that there is redemption in the end. This is a good afternoon read!

Amanda Hill, a first-time author, writes like a seasoned pro. Although I prefer suspense, I've read other books in the chick-lit genre just for something different, and each time I've been disappointed with what I've viewed as mindless fluff. Not so with Love Like That. The characters are eccentric and a bit jaded but realistic, and the scenes are alternately gritty, funny, and poignant. Hill writes in a refreshingly honest voice, and her main character, Dalton, is an interesting blend of confidence and vulnerability. If you are looking for the usual happily ever after, feel good type of chick-lit, this may not be for you, but if you are looking for quality writing that really makes you think, read away!

Love Like That has renewed my interest in chick lit. It is so different from the same old boring story line of being single in your late 20's in New York. You actually have a heroine who struggles through her own demons and morality in choosing between two different men that she truly loves.

I was engrossed from the moment I picked up the book. There are so many amazing characters from Doll, your heroine, to Ava, Electra, Dylan and the list goes on. The storyline is entwined with many trips down memory lane. The crazy situations these girls get themselves into are hilarious. You are reminded of how fun life can be in your mid-20's. But at the same time you see Doll's inner struggle with moving from the fun filled days of young adulthood to actually becoming an adult. You will grow to love Doll as she learns to love herself through all her
tribulations.


Overall, if you love chick lit, you will love Love Like That. It is a definite must have for your library!!!!

I thought this book was GREAT!!! It was real and funny! Looking forward to the next one Ms. Amanda Hill!!