A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

 

First Line:

 

"Sometimes, no matter how independent and self-assured a young lady believes herself to be, certain situations demand a good dose of screaming."

 

My thoughts:

 

The title of this novel fits the characters perfectly. A Match of Wits is full of wit and hilarity. You can tell that from just the first sentence, can't you?

Every once and awhile, I'll review a book that is a tad...boring. This, however, is not one of those books. Jen Turano's writing voice is one of my absolute favorites. In fact, I'm going to browse Amazon for a couple of her other novels that I haven't yet had the pleasure to read.

This novel has romance, humor, a layer of suspense, and a pig named Matilda. Honestly, what more could you want?

Agatha Watson has appeared in Turano's previous novels, and she is a heroine to love and giggle over. She's excellent at finding trouble which makes her a joy to follow. Zayne Beckett is the perfect guy for Agatha. He matches her wit (hence the title). I can't give too much away, but as Zayne uncovers the art of romance, I guarantee you will laugh. He is such a guy.

 

Another reason I love this book is because it breaks the rules. Don't use too many adverbs? Well, Turano uses them...and they fit her style perfectly! She's a skilled writer, one that I've grown to respect.

I cannot wait to see what she releases next!

 

From the Back Cover:

 

After his departure from New York two years ago to meet up with his almost-fiancée, Zayne Beckett is the last person Agatha Watson wanted to stumble upon in her travels as a reporter with the New York Tribune. Quite pathetically bedraggled, he clearly needs to be taken in hand and sent back East to his family. Although she no longer has feelings for him, Agatha realizes--by hook or by crook--she'll have to be the one to get the obstinate man home.

 

Zayne has no desire to be taken anywhere and is prepared to drag his heels all the way home. . . until he finds himself slipping back into the familiar banter of his former friendship with Agatha. Once they arrive in New York, Zayne realizes Agatha's determined nose for news has earned her a few enemies, and he hopes to repay her help with some help of his own. When she rebuffs his attempts to prove himself a knight in shining armor, the lengths to which they'll go to win this battle of wills lead to some memorable antics.

 

Everyone else may think them a match, but nothing could be further from the truth--until Agatha finds herself in real trouble. Have these two stubborn, too-smart-for-their-own-good people been meant for each other all along?

*I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

I'm Reading...

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 A Match of Wits by Jen Turano is one of those novels with enough humorous situations and witty dialogue to keep you cheerful even while you wonder who is determined to murder the heroine.

This is my second full novel by this author, and I'm loving it. Y'all probably know I'm a huge fan of sarcasm (when done well), and Turano's books don't lack in it by any means.

Writers tend to want to avoid adverbs, right? But Turano uses them in the most delightful way possible. I love her verbose writing style.

And I'm not a fan of pigs, but Matilda is awesome.



What I Want To Read:



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This is not the type of novel I normally read, but I've heard a ton of positive things about Kristy Cambron's novel. Plus, isn't the cover beautiful? So unique. I definitely need to add this book to my Wishlist.



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Sarah Loudin Thomas's novella is free on Amazon, so you should head over there now and grab it for your Kindle. Miracle In A Dry Season is her full length novel I'm highly anticipating after reading the excerpt released at the end of her novella. Her descriptions and settings are so authentic that you will truly feel as if you're living the story--perhaps that's cliché, but it's true.

 

Well, that's what I'm reading and what I want to read, folks.

Any other book recommendations?

As if my bookshelves need any more occupants.



A Talent For Trouble by Jen Turano

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Jen Turano writes with an unique voice that I loved. I'm a fan of witty, sarcastic heroines with sass, and that is what I found in A Talent for Trouble. This being the first novel I've read by this author, I had no clue if I would enjoy the style or find it dry.

This book is, by no means, dry. I would call the writing verbose, but in a way that fits the time period. I loved that the heroine Felicia Murdock wasn't presented as perfect. There are no flawless people this side of heaven, so I appreciated Felicia's, er, "talent for trouble."

Humor is something I always appreciate in a story, and this does not lack in that aspect.

And Grayson Sumner. . .such a gentleman. Easy to like, despite his dangerous past.

Also, I did not guess the ending. Not at all.

Jen Turano will be staying on my bookshelf. Now I need to go find some more of her stories. . .

Backcover Blurb:

For years, Miss Felicia Murdock's every thought and action have been in pursuit of becoming a minister's wife. When the minister she'd set her sights on has other ideas, she decides something in her life needs to change--and soon--before she wastes any more time pretending to be someone she's not. If that means spreading her wings and embracing a more lively way of life, who's to say nay?

Grayson Sumner, Lord Sefton, has had his fill of spreading his wings and only hopes to settle into the life of a respectable New York gentleman. Prompted by friends to lift the spirits of the disappointed-in-love Miss Murdock, he is surprised to encounter an adventurous young lady with an unfortunate knack for stumbling into troublesome situations.

Just as Grayson decides he's had quite enough of her antics, his past comes back to haunt him and his presence in Felicia's life endangers her. As they work together to extricate themselves from this latest complication, will Grayson and Felicia decide they want to spend the rest of their lives keeping each other out of trouble.

***I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.