Book Blurb:
SEEKING THE SMART ONE
Twenty-four-year-old Jen Reid had her life in good shape: an okay job, a tiny-cute Seattle apartment, and a great boyfriend almost ready to get serious. In a flash it all came apart. Single, unemployed, and holding an eviction notice, who has time to remember trying out for a reality show? Then the call comes, and Jen sees her chance to start over—by spending her summer on national TV.
Luckily The Fishbowl is all about puzzles and games, the kind of thing Jen would love even if she wasn’t desperate. The cast checks all the boxes: cheerful, quirky Birdie speaks in hashtags; vicious Ariana knows just how to pout for the cameras; and corn-fed “J-dawg” plays the cartoon villain of the house. Then there’s Justin, the green-eyed law student who always seems a breath away from kissing her. Is their attraction real, or a trick to get him closer to the $250,000 grand prize? Romance or showmance, suddenly Jen has a lot more to lose than a summer . . .
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Read on for an excerpt from the book--
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He touched my chin with two fingers, bringing my gaze up to meet his. Damn those green eyes. I searched them for answers, wishing I knew whether he was putting on an act for the audience. Even with the lights off, the cameras stationed in the yard would capture us. The producers filmed everything, day and night. Everyone in America would know if we kissed. For a moment, I struggled to remember why that was bad.“I guess it’s not your fault, since I got the question right,” I said begrudgingly, shifting slightly backward.“If that is the best I can get, I’ll take it. But I’m going to work on complete forgiveness. I’ll pay you double interest on our bet—six cents.”“Well, then,” I laughed. “Maybe I’ll have to reconsider once I get my money. I’d hate to have to send Birdie to break your kneecaps.”The image of five-foot-tall Birdie coming after Justin with a baseball bat cracked him up. I laughed, too, crossing my legs and settling more comfortably in the lounger. My knee practically touched Justin’s leg. He didn’t move.We sat quietly for a few minutes. I wondered if he heard my heart pounding. Even not wanting to get caught kissing on national television with a near-stranger, I found something
about Justin irresistible. Possibly his smile. Or his dimples. His brains. The ease of talking to him. His personality. The fact that he was practically perfect for me in every way. That line of thinking wasn’t helping. I needed to change the subject before I started calling him Mary Poppins. “It’s a beautiful night.” I gestured at the sky.“Yes, it is,” Justin said, his eyes never leaving my face. Did he lean forward slightly? Only inches separated our lips.The warmth definitely wasn’t the beer. I licked my lips nervously and leaned in, closing the gap. If he moved the tiniest bit… “So—”
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My Review:
4.5 Out Of 5 Stars
Genre: Romance, Suspense--
Jen feels like her life is not what she wants it to be, so when she sees an advertisement for a reality show for people who love puzzles, she is intrigued. The prize money would help her to pay off her medical debts as well as the competition would stimulate her mind. Taking a chance, she fills out an application, yet is surprised when she is asked to interview. Jen has to decide what she wants more, her safe boring life, or a chance at the unknown.
I loved the Chasing the Dream series by Briggs which also dealt with different characters in reality show premises, so I was excited to get my hands on this book to see if I could get my fill of reality drama (which is surprising that I like to read these kinds of books since I usually avoid watching reality tv shows, minus my obsession with America's Next Top Model, but let'd not talk about that). I found the story to be instantly engaging, I fell into the book within the first chapter and I rooted for Jen. I went into the story with no expectations and I really enjoyed the read.
Man, that girl had a LOT thrown at her in a short period of time. I also enjoyed the process of attempting to get on to the reality show, the hoops she had to jump through like personality test, IQ test, and video, as well as the strange questionnaires (shrubs???) that she had to fill out, the boring downtime and chores in the house. It put a new spin on the behind the stage process of reality TV. The challenges were quirky and interesting and the elimination kept me on my toes- seriously, nobody was safe and I loved that. I rooted for Jen, but there was no guarantee that she would win, which was half the fun. There was also a romance aspect of the book, where Jen had to determine if she wanted to fight for love or fight for money, a hard questions when everyone's motives were in question.
Overall I thought this was a super fun story and I am glad I had a chance to read it. I had assumed this was a standalone novel, but when I got to the end I saw that this is the first in a reality show themed series and I can't wait for the next installment. This is my first book by this author, but it won't be my last.
I received this title in return for my honest review.
Author Bio:
Laura Heffernan is living proof that watching too much TV can pay off. When not watching totalstrangers participate in arranged marriages, drag racing queens, or cooking competitions, Laura enjoys travel, baking, board games, helping with writing contests, and seeking new experiences. She lives in the Northeast with her amazing husband and two furry little beasts
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