Customer Reviews

That's (Not Exactly) Amore (Drama Queens Series #3)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In Manhattan, as part of her final semester at interior design school, Laini Sullivan must do a real project. She and her project partner Jazz are assigned to make over Nick Pantalone's struggling coffee shop. Nick is all for the two young women adding zest to his shop; his nephew Joe opposes what he classifies as her intrusion and detests all her ideas. Almost as bad is the fact that while all her friends seems to have a significant other in their life, she baby-sits on Valentine's Day.

Whereas Joe is outright hostile towards her; police officer Mark Hall, who she recently met, likes her. They begin dating, which upsets Joe, who suddenly acts nice towards a confused Laini, who went from no men to two men in a heartbeat. However, she is "not exactly sure which of her studs makes her heart beat.

The third Drama Queens chick lit tale (see YOU HAD ME AT GOOD-BYE and Catch a rising star) is an amusing angst laden story that starts with Laini's jocular yet grim aside that she is five feet in seven feet of water. Her asides are humorous, but also poignant and inspirational as the heroine struggles with doubt about herself that makes the choices she has that much more difficult as she has options re her profession and her personal relationships (including with God) but lacks confidence.

Harriet Klausner

Tracey Bateman's chick lit books keep getting better and better. They are fun to read and you walk away with a better sense of the characters and yourself. Oh I loved reading about the food in this book. If I had been Laini's roommate, I think I would have gained 20 pounds just smelling the food from the kitchen. I wish I could eat her cinnamon rolls or her stuffed sandwiches. I think Laini is my favorite of the three friends because she acts the most like how I would in her situation. There are many hilarious situations throughout the book. I especially loved the cattiness between Nancy's friend and Laini as they nonchalantly fight over Joe. There are also somber scenes especially involving Laini with her new step family. I was worried at first that there were going to be two good guys for Laini to choose from (you notice how that always happens? When you want a guy they are nowhere to be found, as soon as you stop looking they swarm and fight over you.) Luckily the victor is proclaimed and yes there is a happy ending. I'm sad that this series is over. I loved reading about these three friends and their totally relatable (well maybe not Tabby's) single lives. I know I'll be definitely on the lookout for Tracey's next chick lit series.

I absolutely ADORED reading this book until (almost) the end. It was fun, witty, down-to-earth, and upbeat all the way throughout the story and I did not miss for one second the drama or nail-biting worries about how the book would come together in the end. It was well written throughout (almost) the entire book.

One pet peeve that really disappointed me (because it put a damper on the happy ending) is that the Italian hero of the book called the lead character a 'bello woman' right at the end of the book. The author translated this as beautiful woman. Now, call me nit picky, but this really bugged me just because it was the only word of Italian in the book and it was wrong. Unless the lead female character was secretly a man, the word should have been the feminine version 'bella' which actually just means 'nice' or 'cute'. If she meant to call her 'beautiful' instead, the correct translation is 'bellissima'. If the book goes to reprint I hope that they fix this little detail.

As much as that little detail irritated ME, I don't think it's a deal breaker and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a light and happy read. I will purchase other books by this author (and hope that she stays away from foreign languages or gets a translator from here on out!). :)

I read the whole Drama Queen Series, and this by far is MY FAVORITE. This was such a fun and quick read. The character Laine, what women can not relate to her in some way shape or form. She is whitty, quirky and very dramatic, just like most of us gals, but yet is very self defeating at the same time. I didn't want to put the book down. The whole time it kept you guessing, "ok, is it going to be Mark or Joe?" Looks like Mark, no looks like Joe, looks like neither. The whole series is fun and I would recommend it to anyone. Just a nice escape, lighthearted series. But I do say, Tracey saved the best for last in this one!

The first series of books of Tracey's that I read were the "I Love Claire" series. Those were hilarious, especially the first one. I didn't think she could top that series, but she proved me wrong with this series! This book, especially, was great. I had a hard time putting it down. I really felt like I got to know the characters. I was definitely wanting more when this book was finished! I have read at least ten of her books. Great Christian fiction author!

I just finished this, the third in the series, and I think this is the best of the three. The character of Lanai is very believable - doubting herself, doing things because others want her to...very easy to relate to. This book especially was fun, and I reread my favorite part (but I won't spoil it) several times - so romantic!

I thought this was a really fun read. I especially enjoyed how Tracey Bateman wrote this book first person almost diary style- "I share all of this with my friend" or "Tabby and Dancy know I have some slight trouble with colors. But it's not that bad." It is fun to be inside of Laini's head! I also enjoyed the humour in the book. This was a perfect summer read for me.

Laini Sullivan is in a pickle. Not only has she left a career that she never really wanted, she is discovering that her "passion" may not be the career for her. After all, it's kind of difficult to be a successful designer when you're color blind! But now, she finds herself in the middle of a love triangle with a police officer and a possible criminal. Whoa! Yes, Laini is in a pickle.

Tracey Bateman is brilliant! Her situations are hysterical, and her dialog is worthy of a movie script. "That's (Not Exactly) Amore" is my first "Drama Queen" series novel, but it will not be my last. I plan to go back and read the two previous books even though I know the general outcome of those stories from this third installment. This book was highly enjoyable even without having read the predecessors. I recommend this book to any romantic comedy fan for a truly enjoyable read.

I loved this book--and the whole series. It's a nice, relaxing read with great romantic tension and excitement without being dirty or overtly evangelical. It's a good Christian read because it keeps the moral code a priority, but doesn't preach something to you that you already believe. Very romantic and realistic.

This is the third book in the Drama Queens Series. It has all the main characters from the first books but this one concentrates on Laini Sullivan who is soon to graduate interior design school - if she passes this last class that is. That's why designing Nick Pantalone's coffee shop is so important. During the designing and actually putting the design into the remodeling process Laini discovers things that really matter most in life. Her world is turned upside down when two knock out hunks are interested in her. She can't believe it. There has been nothing going on in her life for years and now this. She doesn't quite know how to handle it. She keeps the main thing the main thing - school, family and her dating guidelines (she has to remember what they are - even makes up a few new ones along the way. She has to finish school and get a good job. She doesn't want to go back to accounting - boring - been there done that.

Laini discovers her passions in life (not just the two men seeking her attention). Can she make a living pursuing the passions of her heart? She's afraid to find out. In comparing these two men and what she wants in her life; what most important becomes very clear for Laini (with a little help from her friends Tabby and Dancy) and God.

I love Tracey Bateman's writing. This is a fun read with some surprising profound truths you don't expect in a book or series like this. I love how she weaves that into her stories. No sermon on the mount but just as powerful mixed in with the fun, laughter and great characters. Sit down grab a cup of coffee and let Tracey Bateman take you into the last adventure of the Drama Queens. You won't be sorry!!

Nora St.Laurent - Book Club Servant Leader
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