Ready Or Not [Hardcover]

Chris Manby (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 3, 2005

Every bride is entitled to some pre-wedding jitters. And what girl wouldn't think twice about marriage when her fiance gets his eyebrows shaved off just in time to look horrendous for the photographs ...But what if it's not the ceremony that freaks you out but the happy ever after? Heidi Savage is wondering whether she can really forsake all others for macho, beer-swilling Ed. And how can a couple who've never even been baby-sitters be ready to start a family of their own? Will the answer come in the form of her ex-boyfriend Steven? Grown-up, gorgeous and good-with-children. Is Heidi's dilemma simply a case of right shoes, right dress, wrong husband?

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A fast-track, fun romance full of monkey business' - Daily Mail on GIRL MEETS APE 'Nothing short of brilliant' - MARIE CLARE on SEVEN SUNNY DAYS 'Very funny, hugely feel-good and the perfect antidote for anyone who worries that the only career ladder they've achieved is a run in their tights' Fiona Walker on LIZZIE JORDAN'S SECRET LIFE 'A deliciously comical novel that's peppered with characters who are so endearing you'll want to take them home and introduce them to your mum ... GIRL MEETS APE is charming, funny and compelling as your favourite soap ... it's a rip-roaring good read' - HEAT on GIRL MEETS APE 'It's a great idea for a plot, and Manby's writing more than does it justice' Marie Clare on GETTING PERSONAL

About the Author

In 1995 Chris Manby met a New York psychic who told her she would write seven novels. This is her ninth. Which means she probably won't marry that millionaire, either. She is also editor/contributor to the Girls' Night In anthologies, which have so far raised more than GBP900,000 for humanitarian organisation War Child, and topped book charts all over the world. Raised in Gloucester, Chris now lives between London and Los Angeles. Her hobbies include reading in-flight magazines and she hopes that continually crossing time zones is an effective anti-ageing strategy.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Hodder Hb; First Edition edition (January 3, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0340828080
• ISBN-13: 978-0340828083
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,563,388 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars 3 stars, December 5, 2006

By 

AK "Bro" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ready or Not? (Paperback)

As her marriage to Ed draws near, Londoner Heidi begins to wonder if she's made a huge mistake. Ed has more than one utterly annoying habit, tending to her best friend's baby is convincing her she so does not want to be a mum, and her old flame is back in her life, hotter than ever. She only has four months to decide what she wants in life and what life she wants.

*** Though Heidi's odyssey is rather meandering, her woes will strike chords with many. American readers should be aware that there's a smattering of incomprehensible British slang, but that does not detract from the overall story. ***

Amanda Killgore

4.0 out of 5 stars unexpected ending, November 24, 2008

By 

D. K. Stokes - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ready or Not? (Paperback)

Heidi and Ed are getting married in 4 months. There's just one fly in the ointment, and that's that Ed turns into a.... well, "complete moron" would be putting it politely... when he's with his rugby pals. And then Heidi's ex, Steven, comes back into her life, as an utterly attractive single dad. And he wants her back. But then again, Ed is her soul mate, right? And Heidi does not do kids.

I'm really of two minds about this book. On the one hand, it's a lot of fun, and there's a wonderful plot thread about Heidi's best friend Kara, a single mother, who's just started dating again that provides conflict both when Heidi agrees to babysit and pawns off all the work on Ed, and again when Kara can't tell her new beau about her baby.

But on the other hand, I felt like there was a bit of bait-and-switch, and it seemed to be saying that Ed and his friends' outrageous behavior (stripping each other naked and shaving off all their body hair?) was something most guys do, and nothing to get upset about. Maybe I'm just sheltered.

Regardless, it was a fun read, and I was perversely pleased that it didn't end the way I expected it to.

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful!, March 27, 2007

By 

Deborah Wiley (Winter Haven, FL) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ready or Not? (Paperback)

Getting married can be a scary thing. While Heidi Savage started out her engagement as the ultimate Bridezilla, wedding ennui has now set in. She loves Ed Gordon, but the reappearance of her first love, Steven Gabriel, has her questioning everything. Heidi will have to decide if she is READY OR NOT for marriage.

Everyone has had at least one of those "what if" moments where they questioned their romantic choices. Chris Manby perfectly captures that feeling of indecision and crafts a story that is both thought provoking and humorous. Heidi's questioning of what might have been will resonate with readers everywhere as it is not a feeling just found with bridal jitters.

The character development of READY OR NOT? Is thoroughly fleshed out. Heidi's self doubts and quirky sense of humor are well chronicled by Chris Manby but it is Ed himself who is the real gem. Ed is steadfast and has the ability to deflect all of Heidi's angst, both of which are admirable traits. But it is his antics with the rugby team that truly make him stand out. Who can't help but love a man who calmly accepts some of the horrendous pranks played on him by his team?

READY OR NOT? is simply a delightful read! Heidi's turmoil over the fantasy she envisions versus the solid love she has with Ed is easy to relate to. Chris Manby handles a difficult subject with a light touch that makes READY OR NOT? an enjoyable read. READY OR NOT? is easily recommended!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES