by Katie MacAlister
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Nothing about Alice Wood’s life is normal right now. Her fiancé, Patrick, called off their wedding and relationship only days before their nonrefundable wedding trip. And though a luxurious European river cruise for one is just what she needs, it’s not what she gets... Due to a horrible misunderstanding, Alice is now cramped in her “romantic” suite with one of Patrick’s friends. Instead of cruising along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers sipping champagne with the love of her life, she’s navigating the waters with a strange—yet mysteriously handsome—British aristocrat. An author, Elliot is just looking for some alone time to write. But his stodgy, serious self is about to be sidetracked by a woman who seems to have jumped out of the pages of a fairy tale, one who is determined to shake up his life...and include him in her own happily ever after.
The Importance of Being Alice is a cute, sometimes humorous romance and the first of the Ainslie Brothers series by Katie MacAlister. Of course, I was immediately drawn to this by the promise of brothers. You all know by now this is a weakness of mine. While not without issues, The Importance of Being Alice was a fluffy romance with a castle, and interesting secondary characters.
Caffeinated Aspects:
- A ten day European River Cruise and a mix up with tickets got this tale off to a fun start. Alice Wood has just been dumped by her fiancé and decides to go on their nonrefundable cruise alone. Patrick gives his ticket away to a London friend. Do you see where this is going?
- Alice is quirky, and a talker. She talks all the time and at times, it was hilarious. She is one of those characters who makes goals and does not quite keep them. However, she always has the best intentions. She has a vivid imagination and Wonderland type quality. I image her as that friend who gets you to dance on a table during karaoke night.
- A castle, dueling, siblings, the ex-fiancé and talk of spies added interest to the tale.
- There were moments that were while ridiculous made me gigglesnort with laughter.
- We learn just enough about the other Ainslie brothers to peak my interest. Their home life is quite unique and certainly far from any stereotype.
Decaffeinated Aspects
- Awkwardness abounds. As I said, Alice is a talker and she never stops even during moments that are more ahem… intimate. Which would be fine except it is about other topics. I laughed and rolled my eyes. Do not expect to feel the heat between these two.
- Insta-love and a fluffy romance never allowed me to connect with Alice and Elliot despite the fact that I liked them. To be honest insta-love does not always bother me. Sometimes I am more than willing to swallow the little red pill and go with it. The storyline and character development have to feel genuine and I need to connect to them as a couple. Sadly, for me I did not feel the chemistry.
- Wavering uncertainty and low self-esteem coming from our heroine made me a tad nuts. He wants me? He doesn’t want me. He loves me, he hates me. Of course, you feel uncertain Alice, you do not really know the man.
- I struggled with the plot twists. The believability just was not there for me.
The Importance of Being Alice was a quick, light read with moments of fun. If you are looking for a little humor and a very light romance pick this one up from the library. Please check out other reviews as some of my friends found this delightful.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Sharyla
What an honest review. These types of books, those that just hit the middle line, can be a treat and struggle at the same time. I’m glad you made it through!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Sharyla..I liked aspects but learned that her characters are quirky. I will try another and see how I fair.
aurian
No, this author is really not for me.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Aurian, I wanted to love it.
Tyler H Jolley
“Sometimes I am more than willing to swallow the little red pill and go with it.” <- haha, Oh Kim, that made me LOL!!
kimbacaffeinate
can you tell I am part “geek”
Mary
I liked a lot of the story — it was very Katie MacAllister-y — but I HATED that she wouldn’t shut the hell up during sex. Seriously? You want to have an entire conversation?? WTF, man.
kimbacaffeinate
My first read and others have said it is her style characters..but glad I wasn’t alone in some of my dislikes.
Sharon - Obsession with Books
This sounds interesting, its a shame some aspects were frustrating. An uncertain MC doesnt make for an entertaining read.
A great, honest review Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Sharon and not connected made it difficult
Diana Leigh
Oh, dear, I think Alice would drive me nuts too.
kimbacaffeinate
hehe…she was however hilarious
Ramona
Hmm, I guess I won’t bother with this one then. I’m not big on the whole insta-romance thing. It was cute for about 5 min quite a few years ago, but since then has grown really annoying and strangely disappointing, right? I loved your review – coherent and comprehensive. Thanks for posting.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Ramona, a lot of folks loved this and I appreciate the feedback
Dreams
2.5? That’s a little disheartening to hear. I love her paranormal books, but I must admit the last contemporary romance I read by her was not my favorite book she has ever written. So I had high hopes for this one. But I hate instalove, especially when you cannot feel the chemistry between the characters. I’ll probably still pick up a copy, I’m just not in as much of a hurry now. Very helpful review!
kimbacaffeinate
This was my first by her, and I know others liked it and have informed me that her characters are like this. I am curious about her paranormal books. I enjoyed aspects and had a few laughs. I do hope you enjoy it.
Bookworm Brandee
Off! I’m sorry you had so many issues with this one. I like MacAlister and was hoping this was the start to a great series. Oh well, it’s not like a have time for it anytime soon anyway! LOL Happy Friday!
kimbacaffeinate
A lot of folks liked it though…like Braine and Anna so it might work for you. I was unfamiliar with the author’s style.
Angela Adams
Thanks for the post, and have a great weekend!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Angela..stay warm and enjoy your weekend as well.
Grace MyBookSnack
The insta-love thing…I don’t care too much for it either, but I appreciate it when an author pulls it off and makes the romance believable. Thanks for your review!
kimbacaffeinate
Like you said it depends on whether or not the author makes me believe. Thanks Grace
Braine Talk Supe
Sorry you didn’t like this, I get why it didn’t work for you. This is very whimsical and Alice IS very talkative, too chatty even. I just liked how Elliott was so indulging. Happy weekend!
kimbacaffeinate
I know you and Anna loved this..and aspects were hilarious. I wasn’t aware that was her style and perhaps if I did I would have felt differently. I expected a swoon.
Cyn
It’s been ages since I’ve read Katie MacAlister! I always liked her books because there’s always so much humour in them. That’s too bad this one wasn’t quite the one for you. Hopefully the next one is a better read! Thanks for the review (:
kimbacaffeinate
See I did not know that, and will probably try another..maybe it was just this protagonist.
Melissa (Books and Things)
I have been thinking about picking up more of her books because of the humor. So glad that it is in her contemporary work as well. I don’t love her work but I do like it so your problems with the book do not surprise me. Still might be worth a read.
kimbacaffeinate
This was my first, and I will try another just to see. I am glad you like her books and I guess maybe if I went in expecting humor and not heat it would have worked better
ShootingStarsMag
Sounds like a cute read at moments, but I feel like the MC would drive me a little too nuts!
kimbacaffeinate
I would hang out with her, but lord no I could never live with her..LOL
Madiha
Wow, I think this is the first review I’ve seen on your blog that has less than four star, Kim :O Will DEFINITELY stay away from this one if you didn’t like it. Insta-love. WHY. Bane of my existence!
kimbacaffeinate
hehe..no it just means you don’t stop by often enough. *giggles* I have 3’s and 2’s and 1/2 cups all the time. Although in all fairness I do tend to have more 4 ratings. I know what I like and usually I nail it.
Adriana
I think for this one the negatives outweigh the positives. If you are annoyed with an MC and the way the romance progressed than I’m sure I would feel the same.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, this is the kind of book that you will either adore or be disappointed in. There isn’t a a lot of middle ground
Heidi
Jenny reviewed this the other day and she wasn’t overly impressed either. Sounds like a book that I will skip. Thanks for the helpful review. Hope you are feeling better soon.
kimbacaffeinate
You like strong heroines and need lots of back-story this would so not work for you 🙁
Lauren
I have heard that Alice chats her way through every love scene and I think that would get on my nerves! Glad you were still able to enjoy it in spite of your issues with it. Lovely thoughtful review!
kimbacaffeinate
It was like when you are watching a show and character is so darn embarrassing you hide your eyes for because you cannot bear to see them that way…
Candace
I’ve read another review for this that was similar. It sounds like she’s a little over the top. I have read some of Katie’s other books and that’s just how her characters are. It doesn’t really work for me most of the time. The concept of this story sounds good though!
kimbacaffeinate
This my first, I may try her again to see if it was just this novel, but alas it may be we don’t mesh
Hafsah
Insta-love and an over-talkative MC? I’m not sure I’d like this one, but I’m glad it started off well 😉
kimbacaffeinate
It did and I liked elements but overall I didn’t feel it
Aubrey Wynne
Good review. I don’t like chatty sex scenes. Edited a couple of those out last week! Thanks for sharing this one.
kimbacaffeinate
Passionate talk I can handle this was weird, and funny in an awkward I wish I wasn’t here kind of way..lol
Tanya
Too bad about the chattiness during intimate moments, it sounded like this book had potential. And the waivering back and forth would get distracting. There are too many books on my TBR right now I really want to read. Might pick this one up later but not right now.
kimbacaffeinate
I really hoped I would like it and the concept was exciting but I think it was the heroine that did me in..I liked her but she also drove me batty..
kindlemom1
That low self esteem can be hard to swallow sometimes in a heroine. I don’t mind self doubts once in awhile but for the most part, I like a strong heroine. Sorry this didn’t quite work out for you.
I hope you have a nice weekend!
kimbacaffeinate
It’s ok if we see growth, but yes I prefer stronger heroines.
Nick
I don’t like the sound of this unfortunately. I’ve heard about the talking too much during the sex and that would be so awkward!
Great review, Kim and have a lovely weekend!
kimbacaffeinate
It was silly too Nick and I kept thinking REALLY? Imagine composing a shopping list out loud in the middle of a heated moment….*giggles*
Laurel-Rain Snow
Oh, it did sound good…but then, insta-love with two people forced to be together, with one of them overly talky? LOL
Probably not for me, but great review! Thanks.
kimbacaffeinate
hehe..she was a different type of bird for sure..I did laugh
Carmel
Seems like we share the some kryptonite: brothers! It’s unfortunately that you had so many issues with this novel because the potential for greatness was definitely there.
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo yes brothers and men in uniform totally my kryptonite 🙂
Jenny
I felt EXACTLY the same way about this one Kim! Her incessant talking through intimate moments drove me crazy. I did like that she was at least aware she did it, but it just made the sex scenes incredibly awkward to read. And I struggled with the believability as well. I can suspend disbelief as well as the next girl when it comes to romance, but this was a bit over the top even for me:)
kimbacaffeinate
This makes me feel so much better since two of my bloggy friends adored it and I felt like I was missing a piece of the puzzle.
anna (herding cats & burning soup)
Aw I’m bummed to see you didn’t have a good time with her. She’s one that’s hit or miss with people. She’s got a unique way about her for sure. lol
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, it was funny I just didn’t get that swoon I hoped for
Jennifer Bielman
If I am going to read a romance, I want passion! And talking during sex? Bwahahaha!
kimbacaffeinate
It was definitely different :snort:
Alreem
sound like a good book, but right now I’m not in the mood to read it 🙂 maybe in the future, Great Review as always
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Alreem, if you do I hope it resonates better with you
Melliane
People doesn’t seem really appeal by this one. I love the ones I’ve read in the PNR genre but haven’t tried something else I confess.
kimbacaffeinate
Hmm, this was my first by her, I am not opposed to trying her again
blodeuedd
Not as positive as other reviews, so I say, eh, maybe not
kimbacaffeinate
I think she fits a niche, and I while I laughed I didn’t get swept up.
Christy
Oh man, I almost grabbed this one. It sounds like it could be a lot of fun, but ugh … the wavering like that drives me nuts.
kimbacaffeinate
I liked aspects but sadly it wasn’t for me 🙁