Today's review is How To Score by Robin Wells. I have to say thanks to Ames for three reasons: 1) making me buy it, 2) buddy reviewing it with me and 3) being so patient!! Thank you Ames! :)
How to Score by Robin Wells
published by Grand Central Publishing in June 2009
Her life coach...
Museum curator Sammi Matthews isn't just in a dating slump, she's putting men on the injured list. After giving one date a black eye and cracking another's rib, Sammi decides she needs professional help. Enter life coach Luke Jones, who advises Sammi on how to overcome her klutziness. And their phone sessions work! Sammi soon meets a sexy FBI agent who seems to know just what she needs.
...is changing her life
When his brother Luke goes into federal protection, FBI Special Agent Chase Jones agrees to cover for him. Then Sammi's hot voice sizzles down the line, and the usual "phone only" rule is out. With "Luke" coaching her by day, and Chase dating her by night, Sammi's confidence soars, along with her appeal. Chase falls hard, but how will Sammi feel if and when he comes clean? Chase would rather she break all his bones than risk breaking her heart.
Genre: contemporary
Series: ?
Nath: So I bought it because you said it was good and I agree, it was good :D
Ames: Yeah, it was. I really enjoyed it.
I usually don't like secret identity plots but in this case it worked really well. And the whole way it was dealt with was good too.
Nath: True, it worked well. I like the fact that Chase was conscious about the problem this was causing from the start. He didn't set out to lie to her... At first, he was simply curious and wanted to see her.
Ames: Yeah, he wasn't a bad guy. He had every intention of telling Sammi the truth but there was never a good time.
I like Sammi as a heroine. She was really smart and despite the fact that she hired a life coach, she had it pretty much together. Even her klutziness was cute.
Nath: You're right. I was actually surprised at how she had it together. All she had to deal with was a little klutziness and boost her self-confidence :) I kind of related a little bit with her about the part where she can't say "no" or doesn't know how to say "no." It's really not fun to be pushed around... So I really admired her character for taking the steps in order to change things that she was unhappy with in her life and thought she was really courageous.
As for Chase, I agree with you. There just wasn't any good time to tell her and at first, it wasn't going to be an issue because he didn't plan on getting involved with her and afterward, he didn't want to affect her self-confidence by not seeing her again... it's just unfortunate that he ended up in such a complicated situation :P What I liked about Chase though is that he was level-headed and realistic - he realized right away that she'd be angry at him and their relationship would be at risk.
Ames: What I also liked about Chase was the fact that he wasn't scared to be in a relationship with Sammi. Once he realized the way things were going, he wanted to be with her and tell her the truth. He was a good guy. It was funny how Sammi kept hurting him and yet he wasn't scared away. LOL
Nath: Hmmm, I don't know, but I thought it took him a while to take the first jump, to admit to himself that he was interested in Sammi, that she meant more... that he wasn't just helping her.
Ames: Maybe. The secondary romance was also enjoyable. Her boss's story was kind of sad and I'm glad she got an HEA too. And the house, the house and the architecture was also like a character and I found it very interesting.
Nath: I thought the secondary characters were interesting. I liked the fact that Sammi's boss and landlord weren't evil or nasty. I think their characters were well developed and circumstances in their lives shaped their current mood/action/personality. Have to say, I'm more fond of Sammi's landlord than her boss, but then her story was indeed very sad :( I think that the seriousness the secondary characters and romance provided was important because it balanced out the humor in Chase and Sammi's.
What really make How To Score stands out though was the humor! It's been a while since I've last laughed so much while reading a book... and it wasn't a chuckle at some sarcastic or cynical comments! and LOL, Horace stole the show!
Ames: Horace was so funny! I like how he turned up at the end. LOL
Nath: The part where Horace's assignment was to call for the apartments and he was re-telling how it went to Chase!! Hilarious!! And you're right, it was so funny when he turned up at the end. I'm glad he showed up and did a bit more :)
I actually really liked Chase and Sammi's characters. They were good people and interesting characters.... and Chase's SCABHOG plan! LOL as if that will ever work.
Ames: OMG! I completely forgot about SCABHOG!! And that was such a funny thing. LOL Seriously, people need to read this book just to laugh over the funniness that is SCABHOG.
I'm really glad I picked up this book. I'll definitely be looking for more by this author.
Nath: Me too :) I'm going to look for her backlist... or at least try.
I have to admit though, I would have liked some more closure at the end... That's my only complaint.
Ames: I do like what Chase did in the ending though. He did something he had a real phobia about and it was good. But yeah, there could have been a bit more.
Nath: Oh, I like his grand gesture and it was actually pretty cute and funny. Grand gesture are always nice in my opinion :) I just wished for a little more closure. Just a little.
I'm also happy that there was no sequel-baiting, although I wish we'll see the characters again :)
I'm giving it a B+. How To Score was simply a cute and fun :) Perfect to pass time or if you're in the mood for something light and fun.
Ames: It was totally light and fun, a straight up contemporary romance with no NAVY SEALS or anything like that. It made me laugh. I'm giving it a B+ too!
Nath: I know! I thought the idea of a life coach was great and original :D and although Chase was an FBI agent, it didn't overtake the storyline.
Ames: Yeah, I liked how the FBI stuff kind of took place before the story began.
