Customer Reviews

Smart Girls Think Twice (Berkley Sensation)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book kept popping up as a probable "you'll love..." on amazon.com, and finally I gave in and bought it.

What I did NOT realize, is that the author has several books created in the same `world' as smart girls. Looking over the various reviews and descriptions, and based on the characters as I've seen them in this book... well I think I read the best one. Of course this is speculation- so instead let me share my thoughts on the book I read.

I had a lot of fun reading this book. Twists and turns, good characters and supporting cast, and of course romance. It's fairly light, but there are dramatic moments as well. I walked away with that happy content feeling that I always get from a good romance. I think it's worth mentioning that while there are previously published books in the small town (PA) world... having not read any of those did not detract from my enjoyment. In fact, at this time my plan is to leave it as 'stand alone' in my mind and collection. At some point I may change my mind and go back... but it's not a burning need I have at this point.

That said, there is a delicious preview of Cathy Linz's next book... and it looks like one to watch for. I'll be keeping my eye on this author for sure!

Boston sociologist Emma Riley returns to her hometown of Rock Creek, Pennsylvania to attend the weddings of her two sisters and to conduct some local research. However, coming home also places a strain on Emma as she is a victim of déjà vu when she is caught in the middle of her family battles, a role she is quite good at but prefers not to do anymore.

When dependable Emma meets rebel without a cause Jake, she is shocked how attracted she is to him. Jake feels likewise although he cannot understand why he wants the seemingly always mellowing too smart Emma; thus he refuses to act on his desire until he realizes she rejects him as being too rebellious, too much a hunk, and worse too stupid for her. Trying to prove he is her intellectual equal although he hides his secret agenda as to why he is in town from her, they fall in love. Yet each wonders how much they will need to compromise of their essence as they both understand how polar opposites they are in outlook.

Fascinatingly although the premise of lifestyle opposites falling in love has been done a zillion times, Cathie Linz keeps her delightful contemporary romance amusing mostly because of Emma's dilemmas that make Jake feel somewhat like a snake as he rejects family roles. Whereas Emma does not like to make waves so she effortlessly returns to her expected family function of referee and arbitrator in time for dealing with wedding nonsense; Jake relishes making tsunamis to keep his family away. Smart sub-genre fans will not have to think twice about reading this humorous opposites attract romance.

Harriet Klausner

This story has every element of a light and enjoyable read. Family, who can't relate to a crazy family; love, who doesn't want to be loved and who doesn't enjoy the act of "falling in love"; and of course there is the antagonist, it is light hearted enough that you know the conflict is there without being too overwhelming.

This book was good, but I thought I already read it. Smart Girl likes Bad Boy Guy...its to similar to the first book in the series. Which I enjoyed. It was a good read, but I wish it was a new twist on a great series. I did enjoy going back to one of my favorite fictional small towns and catching up with the people who live there.

I've been reading Ms Linz's books since she wrote Candlelight Romances and have always loved her smart dialogue, zany characters and refreshing humor. I was thrilled when she moved to a longer format. SMART GIRLS THINK TWICE is the fourth in the series and it's a delight. The small town of Rock Creek, PA is home to an assortment of characters and a place I'd love to visit. But it's the romance between smart girl Emma and bad boy Jake that grabbed and held my interest. While the hero and heroine have real issues to deal with in their lives and their relationships Ms Linz has a way of turning things around to make you laugh out loud. Next on my TBR pile is MAD, BAD AND BLONDE.

I thought that this book was a good read. First time reading this author and will definately be looking for other books by her.

This book kind of bored me a little, to be honest. I didn't feel like I knew any of the characters and they didn't feel real. At times, there was too much description. Like using three adjectives in a row that all pretty much said the same thing. Then I felt like there were some things that felt like filler. Like the part where she realized her sandals had fallen off? I just dislike when something is thrown in there that doesn't matter at all. The sex scenes felt almost clinical at some parts. It didn't tie my emotions into it at all and I think that is most important when it comes to a romance novel. If I don't really care to put myself in any of the character's shoes, then it just doesn't do it for me. My two cents.

If you're looking for a poorly written, shallow, trashy book with cliche characters, this is one for you.

Graphic sex scenes and stereotypical characters aside, one of the things that bothered me most was this book's portrayal of a relationship. It begins with each of the main characters secretly evaluating how each other might perform in bed, continues with a distinct lack of communication between the two lovers, and ends too easily without any of the relational problems resolved. The guy's been sleeping around for years and has serious problems with commitment? Great! No problem! You see, he "feels differently" about Emma. It makes all the difference, and obviously, "feeling different" means that their relationship will be just fine, even if they don't resolve these problems. Sure......

I immediately followed this book with Eugenia Price's "Bright Captivity." (Both were picked up from the library on a whim.) The difference between the two is astonishing. While "Smart Girls Think Twice" is a graphic portrayal of relational idiocy, Price's book is a refined (yet still passionate!) demonstration of what love can be.

I cannot recommend this book on any count (unless you're stuck on a deserted island and have nothing else to read). Do yourself a favor and go find something worthwhile. Even if you want a fluffy romance, at least get one that's well-written.

Emma comes home for her 2 sisters wedding and to work on her research project. She asks to interview Jake Slayter for her research project - but he ends up her date for the weddings. Jake is looking for his birth mother in this small little town and dealing with his demons from terrible 'extreme sports' accident. This book has humor, PG-13 love scenes and over all a cute story, Enjoy!

Related books by this author; Good Girls Do (Berkley Sensation), Bad Girls Don't (Berkley Sensation) and Big Girls Don't Cry (Berkley Sensation).

I felt the dialogue was very choppy and repeatitive. Eventhough I read the other books linked to this story it didn't seem as if I knew any of the past characters. I didn't really care if Jake & Emma ended up together because I didn't feel any attachment to either of them. The entire premise of the book seemed like it was an after thought. Wait and check this book out at the library.