Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Natural Born Charmer
Book Review: A star is born.
Summary: 5 Stars
I love to read. Moreover, I love to read romantic comedies. So I am at a loss as to why it took me so long to discover an author who, for good reason, has had legions of loyal fans for years! I was first introduced to Susan Elizabeth Phillips (or SEP which those of us "in the know" [wink, wink] like to call her) a couple of years ago when `AINT SHE SWEET' was first published. I bought it, I loved it. I then could not wait for her next book `MATCH ME IF YOU CAN' which immediately became one of my all time favorite books. So it was obvious that when `NATURAL BORN CHARMER' came out I ordered it on the spot. Regretfully it took me almost a year to the day of purchasing it to actually read it, but let me tell you it was well worth the wait!
SEP has a way of creating characters that her readers genuinely care about, a story that engulfs you and can weave a tale of romance that will leave even the ficklest of readers wanting more, and more, and more. In `NATURAL BORN CHARMER' she reintroduces us to Dean Rolbillard star player for the Chicago Stars football team who, in search of a much needed respite from the chaos of his everyday life, heads down to his Tennessee vacation home. He soon meets Blue Bailey who is also in need. She needs a roof over her head, a job and time to sort out the mess her life has become. These two soon find out that they have more in common than an instant attraction. They both come from similar childhoods and they both are stubborn, headstrong and not willing to give an inch. All of which makes this novel a ton of fun.
At the heart of this story, yes, it is a romance but there is so much more to it than that. It is about family, reconciliation, willingness to forgive and being able to look past some serious rough edges in order to see the good in people. All of which may sound a bit cheesy but believe me SEP makes it work.
I have a list of "go to authors" as I like to call them. They are the authors that I can always count on to produce quality work, who I know will never let me down. Now Susan Elizabeth Phillips, you my friend, are definitely on that list, I thank you.
Book Review: Another winner from SEP
Summary: 4 Stars
After reading alot of the 1-3 star reviews I approached this book with reservations. I actually got the unabridged audio version as well as the actual book and perhaps that helped alot. The reader was very engaging and entertaining and I believe it helped with some interpretations that many may have misread in type. Oftentimes, I'm not particularly into the secondary characters which SEP always has a giant sideline of, but this time, I really enjoyed them all. Although the story starts somewhat unbelievably, it slowly transforms into lessons learned, family values and new beginnings. Blue and Dean are both self protective, sarcastic, but wonderful people who deal with things the only way they know how. Thier chemistry together is great and I laughed out loud alot. Some felt the ending was disastisfying because you couldn't tell that Dean really loves Blue until the end. I didn't see it that way, and during the scene where his friends show up and Dean misleads them into thinking that Blue is just the help and not his romantic interest, I actually found it somewhat realistic. When you're thrown into a situation that you're not prepared for and you want to protect someone instead of throwing them helplessly into a possibly caustic confrontation without any warning, sometimes doing nothing and talking about it after is the way to go. They had never actually discussed their relationship and with Dean being so high profile, announcing that Blue is his girlfriend could have had her running for the hills. She was consistently skittish throughout the book and the way it was handled was likely the best way to go at the time. It's a happily ever after all around, and I had a smile on my face for almost all of it.Book Review: 1 Stars
Too many characters with problems. The dialog between the two main characters, Dean & Blue, was unrealistic, wisecracking all the time. Who really talks like that? I believe the best character in the story was Nita, the mean old woman yet a softy inside. Her friendship with Blue was most entertaining to read (therefore the one star rating).Book Review: Charmed from start to finish!
Summary: 5 Stars
If you haven't tried a Susan E. Phillips novel yet and want something funny and enjoyable with good writing and sharp dialogue then this is for you. I have to admit I loved this book from start to finish. I loved everything in it and can't wait to pick up another novel by SEP. I have read most of her books since 1999 but skipped Ain't She Sweet. I think I enjoyed this one the most. After reading other reviews I think I will have to search out her earlier books to see if they are truly better. The humor was great and I loved the blend of quirky characters in this book. (don't want to give anything away but I thin I even fell for Jack Patriot by the end!!). Aside from the romance between Dean and Blue that is spicey to say the least - If you like art, old home redo's, dancing and good music, nice clothes, puppies and small towns coming to life again you'll enjoy this one.
Book Review: Charming and Witty
Summary: 4 Stars
Like most of SEP's books, this one was full of charm and wit and great lines. I love to laugh out loud when I read and I do that more with SEP's books than any other. I thought the characters were flawless in all their idiosyncrasies. Each person was quirkier than the next which made for a very fun read.
And yes, I agree with some of the reviews that SEP's heroes tend to get away with a lot and her heriones seem to take it, but that's what makes it fiction. I'd forgive a lot too if I had a Dean or Bobby Tom Denton or Dan Calbow wanting only me!
I think Lady Be Good, Heaven Texas, and Natural Born Charmer are the best. SEP's others are really good as well.