Sandy M’s review of Mad, Bad and Blonde by Cathie Linz
Contemporary Romance published by Berkley 2 Mar 10
I wanted to like this book more than I did. It starts out terrific, even though it’s a theme we’ve read before. I liked the heroine and felt for her when she’s left at the alter. But then she gets mad. And then bad. And blonde. Then I got irritated.
Faith is a librarian, in love, and it’s her wedding day. Only the groom doesn’t show up. He texts her, though. She’s just not what he’s looking for, too dull, not enough adventure and excitement. Going through the usual emotions after such a traumatic event, Faith ends up with a makeover and heads out to Italy, her honeymoon destination, on her own. She’s mad, now bad and blonde, and she’s not going to take such crap from anyone anymore.
Former marine Caine Hunter’s current job is to spy on Faith West, find out what’s she doing in Italy. His PI boss just knows she’s there to steal an important client for her father. So grabbing opportunity when it knocks, Caine insinuates himself into Faith’s week of sightseeing, relaxation, and fun. He has another agenda too, something involving both of their fathers, but that wait until their return to Chicago.
In the meantime, Caine finds himself falling for this hot and sexy woman who doesn’t act like her fiance just jilted her. But the ecstasy ends abruptly when Faith finds out who he is. Figuring her father’s bitter rival sent Caine after her, Faith heads home, quits her job at the library and goes to work for West Investigations. Not believing Caine’s version of the case her father supposedly botched, Faith is determined to prove him wrong and begins her own investigation into the old case.
So far the book had me hooked to this point. I like the characters. I enjoyed their time in Italy. I didn’t know what was going to happen to them when they were back in Chicago, but with a great setup, everything looked good. Of course, once back home Caine and Faith are in each other’s way when investigating the same case. They cross paths all the time. The first few times I can see where they’d be at each other’s throats, one-upping the other, insulting one another, etc. But that didn’t happen a few times. This went on every time they met. Even between kisses and touches and whispers, they sniped and snipped and it just got to be too much.
Faith is the worst of the two. She doesn’t know when to let up. She has to have the last word. She’s always right. Caine has his moments, but it’s usually in reaction to Faith’s insults or taking potshots at him. Even when she realizes she’s falling for the man, she still won’t give in. She keeps at him and keeps at him until I could have just shaken her silly. I wish Caine would have.
Because of that, I really don’t even remember the rest of the book. I don’t remember their love scenes. I don’t remember who the true culprit is they discover. I don’t remember how they come together and finally admit their feelings. I don’t even remember how the book ends, now that I think about it.
That’s all too bad too, because this could have been a much better book. Faith even has an Aunt Lorraine that none of the family can stand because of her insults and whatnot. Seems like they didn’t learn much from their dislike of the woman for the very reason I’ve ended up not liking most of their story.
Grade: D
Summary:
When a man’s too good to be true…
Jilted on her wedding day for being the queen of dullsville, librarian Faith West goes on her Italian honeymoon solo, hoping to leave her pain behind. That could take a miracle, but she’s about to discover miracles do happen. His name is Caine Hunter. Smart, spontaneous, hot, and sexy, he has her feeling like a real woman for the first time ever—until the truth surfaces…
A former Force Recon Marine turned PI, Caine was doing what he does best: spying. And his new target was Faith. But falling for the enemy’s daughter was never part of his plan. Caine is a man used to winning, but this time his mission is much more personal — and now that he and Faith are both back in Chicago, the rewards could be, too…
Read an excerpt.
Good review. I wanted to like this book SO BAD – in fact after reading the exerpt in the author’s previous book I’d been waiting for it’s release. Talk about LET DOWN. Seriously – I was just mad & brunette over here when I was done with it. It could have been sooo much better…
I obviously agree with you, May. The whole thing was just too antagonistic, everyone arguing with everyone else. No one was exempt. Even her mother made her feel guilty, an understated argument to get her way, for a few pages. You’re right, it could have been soooooooo much better.
I’m really sorry to hear this. I have this book in my TBR and really expected it to be great. I think I’ll skip it altogether now.
(PS, still not “subscribe to” button in the comments. Sybil, you lied.)
Wow, am I glad I kept forgetting to pick this one up. So unfortunate, too, because I usually like her books (until the last few).
OMG SandyI guess it had to happen eventually but we disagree on this one LOL. I see exactly where you’re coming from but I enjoyed it more. The angst didn’t bother me, probably because I know families like that & always like to read about people rising above it. I’ve only read this one & Smart Girls Think Twice (again with the family angst).
LOL, Mary, I bet this is probably one in a hundred that we’ll disagree on! For me, tho, it went way beyond angst. And just too much of it. I liked Faith while she was in Italy, but after that she did nothing for me. Unfortunate. But I’m glad you liked it. Maybe C2 and Holly will change their minds and try it since they both have it. It would be interesting to see what they think!
Uh oh… :X I like[d] Cathie Linz, but her more recent ones … just didn’t grasp me. I was over the small town thing (maybe because of too much Diana Palmer?) And.. hm. I had spoilers etc so I didn’t really read – but a D grade? Ouch. This book just keeps getting moved further back :X
I had been hemming and hawing on this one. The librarian jilted at the altar and going on her honeymoon alone to Italy sounds great. Plus Linz is/was a librarian, so she usually writes librarian heroines pretty well. But the whole PI angle where hero and heroine investigate the same case? Yeah, just not feeling that. Which would be why I never got around to picking this one up….
Wendy, she actually does do the librarian part of it quite well. Even though Faith does give up her job for a bit. But that seemed more of a plot ploy to get her to do the investigation. She’s someone she’s not when she’s working for her father, gets caught up in the mystery, it’s solved and she realizes being a PI is not for her and goes back to the library. Maybe all her snipping and sniping is because she knows she’s screwed her life up for the moment. LOL, I’m still trying to settle all that insulting and whatnot in my head.