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Over the Edge
In six weeks Zoe Harper will marry Dan Costi in an over-the-top Sydney society wedding, complete with fire-eaters and belly dancers. But when she receives an unexpected gift from her future mother-in-law, Zoe realises she’s making a huge mistake. In a blazing sidewalk argument, she breaks up with her fiance, and his mother--who has joined the fight via conference call.
Following the advice of friends and co-workers, along with some inspiration from late-night-television self-help guru Dr. Pam, Zoe sets out to find the life she thinks she should be living. Always a planner, she makes a list of goals: travel, career, tattoos, and no relationships. It’s all carefully laid out, until she meets Angus Creed.
In six weeks Angus is supposed to lead the opening waltz at a charity ball in New York City. Only problem is, the handsome billionaire construction magnate with the tabloid past can’t dance. Not one step.
Tainted by gossip and with a well-publicised failed engagement behind him, Angus has become a master at keeping an emotional distance. Until he meets Zoe.
What starts as dancing lessons, slowly becomes something more. Angus begins to let down his guard and open his heart, even when his past makes an unexpected and unwelcome return. As Zoe discovers the real man behind the headlines, she questions where her new choices are taking her. Her goals look good on paper, but are they what she really wants? And by the time she realises where her heart lies, will it be too late?
Following the advice of friends and co-workers, along with some inspiration from late-night-television self-help guru Dr. Pam, Zoe sets out to find the life she thinks she should be living. Always a planner, she makes a list of goals: travel, career, tattoos, and no relationships. It’s all carefully laid out, until she meets Angus Creed.
In six weeks Angus is supposed to lead the opening waltz at a charity ball in New York City. Only problem is, the handsome billionaire construction magnate with the tabloid past can’t dance. Not one step.
Tainted by gossip and with a well-publicised failed engagement behind him, Angus has become a master at keeping an emotional distance. Until he meets Zoe.
What starts as dancing lessons, slowly becomes something more. Angus begins to let down his guard and open his heart, even when his past makes an unexpected and unwelcome return. As Zoe discovers the real man behind the headlines, she questions where her new choices are taking her. Her goals look good on paper, but are they what she really wants? And by the time she realises where her heart lies, will it be too late?
250 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Carroll
4 books72 followersSuzanne lives in Sydney with her husband and children. By day she works in an office where she quietly scribbles plot ideas on yellow sticky notes and hopes they don't accidentally end up on the departmental monthly report. Through some incredible good fortune, some of those sticky notes have turned into her first novel, Over the Edge, and a novella, Starcrossed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 9, 2013
**3.5 stars**
I have to admit, I was nervous when I started this book. An indie chick-lit book with a low budget cover? Odds are that this book was going to be a poorly edited mess. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
Zoe is at odds with her controlling future mother-in-law and her fiance doesn't seem to give a crap. She is at the end of her rope when something just makes her snap and reassess everything that she is doing with her life. After calling off her wedding, she takes a weekend getaway to escape her worries and think about her next move. While there, she meets a handsome man that she immediately recognizes as her high powered, billionaire (of course, right??) boss, Angus Creed. Sparks fly between them, but when she fesses up that she works for him, they both shut down and go their separate ways. However, will Zoe be able to maintain her distance when the pull to Angus is so strong?
I'll be the first to admit that I am SICK of billionaire bosses. So so sick of them. However, I didn't hate it here. I liked that Angus was at least in his 30s (a HUGE pet peeve of mine is self-made billionaires in their 20s in books ::cough cough 50 Shades::). I liked that there wasn't insta-love between Angus and Zoe. It develops very slowly over the course of the book. The romance was sweet and I was really rooting for them as a couple.
The heat level here is pretty non-existent, but it didn't bother me as much as I would have guessed. There is a few hand brushes and heated looks, but very little of anything else. Still, because the story was so engaging, I didn't mind the chaste-ness of the romance.
Overall, I liked the author's style. I think she did a great job for her debut book and I'll be looking for more of her stuff in the future.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I have to admit, I was nervous when I started this book. An indie chick-lit book with a low budget cover? Odds are that this book was going to be a poorly edited mess. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
Zoe is at odds with her controlling future mother-in-law and her fiance doesn't seem to give a crap. She is at the end of her rope when something just makes her snap and reassess everything that she is doing with her life. After calling off her wedding, she takes a weekend getaway to escape her worries and think about her next move. While there, she meets a handsome man that she immediately recognizes as her high powered, billionaire (of course, right??) boss, Angus Creed. Sparks fly between them, but when she fesses up that she works for him, they both shut down and go their separate ways. However, will Zoe be able to maintain her distance when the pull to Angus is so strong?
I'll be the first to admit that I am SICK of billionaire bosses. So so sick of them. However, I didn't hate it here. I liked that Angus was at least in his 30s (a HUGE pet peeve of mine is self-made billionaires in their 20s in books ::cough cough 50 Shades::). I liked that there wasn't insta-love between Angus and Zoe. It develops very slowly over the course of the book. The romance was sweet and I was really rooting for them as a couple.
The heat level here is pretty non-existent, but it didn't bother me as much as I would have guessed. There is a few hand brushes and heated looks, but very little of anything else. Still, because the story was so engaging, I didn't mind the chaste-ness of the romance.
Overall, I liked the author's style. I think she did a great job for her debut book and I'll be looking for more of her stuff in the future.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
May 9, 2013
Available today!
Up front, I read portions of this lovely book while it was being written. I laughed many times!
Reading it now, with those scenes connected in Zoe's life, was a joy. Ms. Carroll gave Zoe such a humorous voice. I loved the "Drunken Zoe" moments. I agree with her, I would not want to use a BUSH when I had a $300 room!
This book is about Zoe finding what she wants from her life after she breaks her engagement to a mama's boy. Now THAT was a scene!!! As the blurb says, her fiance invites his mother to the break-up! She's a witch, that's for sure. And you will enjoy a much later scene with her! Ah, sweet justice...lol
The times Zoe spent with Kevin and Jeffrey also made me smile.
Angus is a sweetheart. I wanted to give him a hug a few times, and was glad that Zoe was there for him. I wish there had been a bit more of him. Never can have enough of the GOOD GUYS.
As Zoe tried to decide what she wants to be as a grownup, I thought back over my own life. We all need to make choices, and I think that her trying so many things was a good way to go about it. You never know if you will want to be a sushi chef or a hang glider instructor if you don't at least try it. That makes sense to me.
This is most definitely FIVE BOOKMARKS from me.
I loved seeing Zoe grow and learn to love.
And I loved laughing while reading many scenes!
*Thank you, NetGalley and TWCS, for the opportunity to read this book.
Up front, I read portions of this lovely book while it was being written. I laughed many times!
Reading it now, with those scenes connected in Zoe's life, was a joy. Ms. Carroll gave Zoe such a humorous voice. I loved the "Drunken Zoe" moments. I agree with her, I would not want to use a BUSH when I had a $300 room!
This book is about Zoe finding what she wants from her life after she breaks her engagement to a mama's boy. Now THAT was a scene!!! As the blurb says, her fiance invites his mother to the break-up! She's a witch, that's for sure. And you will enjoy a much later scene with her! Ah, sweet justice...lol
The times Zoe spent with Kevin and Jeffrey also made me smile.
Angus is a sweetheart. I wanted to give him a hug a few times, and was glad that Zoe was there for him. I wish there had been a bit more of him. Never can have enough of the GOOD GUYS.
As Zoe tried to decide what she wants to be as a grownup, I thought back over my own life. We all need to make choices, and I think that her trying so many things was a good way to go about it. You never know if you will want to be a sushi chef or a hang glider instructor if you don't at least try it. That makes sense to me.
This is most definitely FIVE BOOKMARKS from me.
I loved seeing Zoe grow and learn to love.
And I loved laughing while reading many scenes!
*Thank you, NetGalley and TWCS, for the opportunity to read this book.
May 2, 2013
Suzanne Carroll's debut novel, Over the Edge is a fun, quick read.
Having first-person access to Zoe's (Our Heroine) head, we get a strong sense of who she is as the story begins. She's got good friends, a great relationship with her mother, and a solid job. She's also got a fiancé who looks nice on the outside, but isn't so nice on the inside. To avoid spoilers, I will only say that Dan Costi's serious deficiencies in character are so utterly obvious from the initial conversation we hear as the book begins that I am astonished Zoe didn't send him packing on their third date, long ago.
We find out later what made him so appealing to her, but I will confess I wasn't sold on her engagement. However, the way the break-up was written was outstanding. My whole body was taut with tension and it was only when the ring had been returned that I could relax. Very well done. I was so proud of Our Heroine and applauded the author right there as I finished that scene.
Enter Angus (Our Hero). Billionaires under forty years of age are largely the product of an internet mega-explosion (Google, Facebook) or they inherited some or all of their fortune through a family connection. The young, sexy billionaire idea had me wincing a little, but it is clear that Angus works his tail off and has always done so, so I let the improbability of this set-up slide. (Suspension of disbelief and all, yeah?)
Carroll does a nice job of introducing the two in an amusing manner, and she makes Our Heroine believable in her nerves and attraction. The UST is tangible throughout the duration of the story. The comedic moments are cute, the eventual spats (nicely conceived and executed) between Our Hero and Heroine make sense and did not extend into lengthy periods of "Miscommunication Angst" which can be so very annoying. One of the strongest points of this romance, to me, was the ability of both Zoe and Angus to talk to one another, disagree, part, but come back quite soon and discuss the situation while coming to an amicable understanding.
I enjoyed the small details in this story that kept the relationship moving and kept Zoe smiling while Angus was very busy. His unique hobbies, her nail polish colors, and of course the list of things Zoe wants to do that is mentioned in the book's summary.
The resolution of the romance was sweet and honest and even "clean" - which I totally appreciated. I came to admire Angus even though I would have liked to have ventured into his head a bit. Ah, the limits of first-person narration.
Altogether a light, engaging romance with a taste of Australia that made me smile.
I received an ARC for this title from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Suzanne Carroll will be making an appearance on my blog on May 7th with a peek into her writing schedule! It's adorable.
Having first-person access to Zoe's (Our Heroine) head, we get a strong sense of who she is as the story begins. She's got good friends, a great relationship with her mother, and a solid job. She's also got a fiancé who looks nice on the outside, but isn't so nice on the inside. To avoid spoilers, I will only say that Dan Costi's serious deficiencies in character are so utterly obvious from the initial conversation we hear as the book begins that I am astonished Zoe didn't send him packing on their third date, long ago.
We find out later what made him so appealing to her, but I will confess I wasn't sold on her engagement. However, the way the break-up was written was outstanding. My whole body was taut with tension and it was only when the ring had been returned that I could relax. Very well done. I was so proud of Our Heroine and applauded the author right there as I finished that scene.
Enter Angus (Our Hero). Billionaires under forty years of age are largely the product of an internet mega-explosion (Google, Facebook) or they inherited some or all of their fortune through a family connection. The young, sexy billionaire idea had me wincing a little, but it is clear that Angus works his tail off and has always done so, so I let the improbability of this set-up slide. (Suspension of disbelief and all, yeah?)
Carroll does a nice job of introducing the two in an amusing manner, and she makes Our Heroine believable in her nerves and attraction. The UST is tangible throughout the duration of the story. The comedic moments are cute, the eventual spats (nicely conceived and executed) between Our Hero and Heroine make sense and did not extend into lengthy periods of "Miscommunication Angst" which can be so very annoying. One of the strongest points of this romance, to me, was the ability of both Zoe and Angus to talk to one another, disagree, part, but come back quite soon and discuss the situation while coming to an amicable understanding.
I enjoyed the small details in this story that kept the relationship moving and kept Zoe smiling while Angus was very busy. His unique hobbies, her nail polish colors, and of course the list of things Zoe wants to do that is mentioned in the book's summary.
The resolution of the romance was sweet and honest and even "clean" - which I totally appreciated. I came to admire Angus even though I would have liked to have ventured into his head a bit. Ah, the limits of first-person narration.
Altogether a light, engaging romance with a taste of Australia that made me smile.
I received an ARC for this title from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Suzanne Carroll will be making an appearance on my blog on May 7th with a peek into her writing schedule! It's adorable.
May 4, 2013
This review, and a chance to win the ebook of OVER THE EDGE, can be found at:
www.beyondthesquee.com
Just fill out the Rafflecopter form at the bottom of the blog piece to enter to win. The raffle will end at midnight EST on May 7, 2013.
Up front, I read portions of this lovely book while it was being written. I laughed many times!
Reading it now, with those scenes connected in Zoe's life, was a joy. Ms. Carroll gave Zoe such a humorous voice. I loved the "Drunken Zoe" moments. I agree with her, I would not want to use a BUSH when I had a $300 room!
This book is about Zoe finding what she wants from her life after she breaks her engagement to a mama's boy. Now THAT was a scene!!! As the blurb says, her fiance invites his mother to the break-up! She's a witch, that's for sure. And you will enjoy a much later scene with her! Ah, sweet justice...lol
The times Zoe spent with Kevin and Jeffrey also made me smile.
Angus is a sweetheart. I wanted to give him a hug a few times, and was glad that Zoe was there for him. I wish there had been a bit more of him. Never can have enough of the GOOD GUYS.
As Zoe tried to decide what she wants to be as a grownup, I thought back over my own life. We all need to make choices, and I think that her trying so many things was a good way to go about it. You never know if you will want to be a sushi chef or a hang glider instructor if you don't at least try it. That makes sense to me.
This is most definitely FIVE BOOKMARKS from me.
I loved seeing Zoe grow and learn to love.
And I loved laughing while reading many scenes!
*Thank you, NetGalley and TWCS, for the opportunity to read this book.
www.beyondthesquee.com
Just fill out the Rafflecopter form at the bottom of the blog piece to enter to win. The raffle will end at midnight EST on May 7, 2013.
Up front, I read portions of this lovely book while it was being written. I laughed many times!
Reading it now, with those scenes connected in Zoe's life, was a joy. Ms. Carroll gave Zoe such a humorous voice. I loved the "Drunken Zoe" moments. I agree with her, I would not want to use a BUSH when I had a $300 room!
This book is about Zoe finding what she wants from her life after she breaks her engagement to a mama's boy. Now THAT was a scene!!! As the blurb says, her fiance invites his mother to the break-up! She's a witch, that's for sure. And you will enjoy a much later scene with her! Ah, sweet justice...lol
The times Zoe spent with Kevin and Jeffrey also made me smile.
Angus is a sweetheart. I wanted to give him a hug a few times, and was glad that Zoe was there for him. I wish there had been a bit more of him. Never can have enough of the GOOD GUYS.
As Zoe tried to decide what she wants to be as a grownup, I thought back over my own life. We all need to make choices, and I think that her trying so many things was a good way to go about it. You never know if you will want to be a sushi chef or a hang glider instructor if you don't at least try it. That makes sense to me.
This is most definitely FIVE BOOKMARKS from me.
I loved seeing Zoe grow and learn to love.
And I loved laughing while reading many scenes!
*Thank you, NetGalley and TWCS, for the opportunity to read this book.
May 1, 2013
This review is also available on My Fiction Nook.
It's a rare book that is romantic, funny and swoony-sweet all at once. This was one of them. And it didn't need any full-blown steamy scenes to deliver exactly what I was looking for in a romance.
The setting of this novel is Sydney, Australia, and the surrounding areas. The author has wisely chosen to set her novel in her own backyard.
It's written entirely from Zoe's first person perspective, which limits the insights into the hero's motives, but lets the reader fully into her head at all times.
Zoe Harper, 28, is engaged to be married. Her future mother-in-law Marie Costi has taken over the wedding planning, much to Zoe's distress. When her manipulative ways jerk Zoe into seeing what her life will be like if she continues on her path, Zoe takes decisive action. Her fiance Dan Costi, a whiny, self-absorbed, manipulative weasel, is shocked at Zoe ending the engagement and the relationship when the scales fall off her eyes. I was immediately impressed with the heroine, for having some real backbone, no matter the consequences.
Angus Creed, 32, is the owner of the international company for which Zoe works as a PA in the Sydney offices. He's a well-known feature on gossip pages, most recently due to breaking up with his fiancee in a manner that paints him in a bad light. He's come to visit the Sydney office, which sends the entire staff into a frenzy. Lots of giggle-snorts were to be had as the employees gossip and titter about. Rumors abound in regards to Angus' reasons for the visit as well as his recent un-engagement and the ensuing aftermath.
Zoe meets Angus under somewhat embarrassing circumstances away from the office, without knowing who's come to her rescue. There's an immediate attraction between them that neither acts upon.
When Zoe returns to the office and is confronted with the fact that her knight in shining armor is actually her boss's boss, she's having a small crisis. Again, much giggle-snorting ensued from this reader.
I was immensely impressed with this author's ability to let the romance unfold slowly and realistically. Angus being the owner and Zoe being his subordinate put a huge wrench into the romantic relationship, obviously, but the author showed us from the get-go that both of them are very interested in the other.
Angus' personality, as seen through the eyes of Zoe, is forceful when need be, but also vulnerable when it comes to her and the rumors that are floating around about his former fiancee.
AS the two become closer and secrets are revealed, the author shows, rather than tells, that his feelings for Zoe run much deeper than Zoe realizes (at which point I wanted to smack her for her obliviousness).
The supporting cast was also well-developed, with Zoe's family and friends being realistic and supportive of her endeavors. Kevin and Jeffrey, two standard poodles that Zoe dog-sits for a while, provide much comic relief and a few head-shaking moments at the dogs' owner for reasons you'll see when you read the book.
The writing is exquisite. Suzanne Carroll crafts a wonderful love story that unfolds in a realistic time frame and never feels forced or contrived. It was a joy to watch these two people fall effortlessly in love, while dealing with mishaps and miscommunication nonetheless. The story flows naturally, which is one of the reasons I finished this book in one day, and the author inserts many laugh out loud moments when writing Zoe's inner thoughts.
There are no explicit scenes in this book, and it truly didn't need them. The book is about Angus and Zoe falling in love, about Zoe finding herself and figuring out what she truly needs. It's a journey the reader gets to take with them.
And what a journey it is.
Run, don't walk, to pick up this book when it's available. The caliber of writing is outstanding, especially considering that this is a debut novel, and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
I received a free ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
It's a rare book that is romantic, funny and swoony-sweet all at once. This was one of them. And it didn't need any full-blown steamy scenes to deliver exactly what I was looking for in a romance.
The setting of this novel is Sydney, Australia, and the surrounding areas. The author has wisely chosen to set her novel in her own backyard.
It's written entirely from Zoe's first person perspective, which limits the insights into the hero's motives, but lets the reader fully into her head at all times.
Zoe Harper, 28, is engaged to be married. Her future mother-in-law Marie Costi has taken over the wedding planning, much to Zoe's distress. When her manipulative ways jerk Zoe into seeing what her life will be like if she continues on her path, Zoe takes decisive action. Her fiance Dan Costi, a whiny, self-absorbed, manipulative weasel, is shocked at Zoe ending the engagement and the relationship when the scales fall off her eyes. I was immediately impressed with the heroine, for having some real backbone, no matter the consequences.
Angus Creed, 32, is the owner of the international company for which Zoe works as a PA in the Sydney offices. He's a well-known feature on gossip pages, most recently due to breaking up with his fiancee in a manner that paints him in a bad light. He's come to visit the Sydney office, which sends the entire staff into a frenzy. Lots of giggle-snorts were to be had as the employees gossip and titter about. Rumors abound in regards to Angus' reasons for the visit as well as his recent un-engagement and the ensuing aftermath.
Zoe meets Angus under somewhat embarrassing circumstances away from the office, without knowing who's come to her rescue. There's an immediate attraction between them that neither acts upon.
When Zoe returns to the office and is confronted with the fact that her knight in shining armor is actually her boss's boss, she's having a small crisis. Again, much giggle-snorting ensued from this reader.
I was immensely impressed with this author's ability to let the romance unfold slowly and realistically. Angus being the owner and Zoe being his subordinate put a huge wrench into the romantic relationship, obviously, but the author showed us from the get-go that both of them are very interested in the other.
Angus' personality, as seen through the eyes of Zoe, is forceful when need be, but also vulnerable when it comes to her and the rumors that are floating around about his former fiancee.
AS the two become closer and secrets are revealed, the author shows, rather than tells, that his feelings for Zoe run much deeper than Zoe realizes (at which point I wanted to smack her for her obliviousness).
The supporting cast was also well-developed, with Zoe's family and friends being realistic and supportive of her endeavors. Kevin and Jeffrey, two standard poodles that Zoe dog-sits for a while, provide much comic relief and a few head-shaking moments at the dogs' owner for reasons you'll see when you read the book.
The writing is exquisite. Suzanne Carroll crafts a wonderful love story that unfolds in a realistic time frame and never feels forced or contrived. It was a joy to watch these two people fall effortlessly in love, while dealing with mishaps and miscommunication nonetheless. The story flows naturally, which is one of the reasons I finished this book in one day, and the author inserts many laugh out loud moments when writing Zoe's inner thoughts.
There are no explicit scenes in this book, and it truly didn't need them. The book is about Angus and Zoe falling in love, about Zoe finding herself and figuring out what she truly needs. It's a journey the reader gets to take with them.
And what a journey it is.
Run, don't walk, to pick up this book when it's available. The caliber of writing is outstanding, especially considering that this is a debut novel, and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
I received a free ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2015
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
First - I LOVED this book. I can't really put my finger exactly on what made it so special, but I couldn't put it down and when it was over, I had this huge smile on my face.
The story is about Zoe Harper, a woman who is about to get married but can't shake the feeling that her life is spiraling out of control. With an overbearing and controlling mother-in-law, and a mama's boy fiance, she finally decides enough is enough.
When she finally breaks off her engagement in a public argument on the street with her mother-in-law brought in via conference call, she decides to take her life back into her own hands. With suggestions from her friends, family and a self-help guru, she begins to make plans to do all the things she never really knew she wanted to do with the hope of finding her true self. This all proves well and good until she meets Angus Creed, the tough as nails owner of the company she works at. They strike up a friendship and Angus asks Zoe for help.
Angus is supposed to be the leading man at an upcoming charity ball where he is to supply a graceful and elegant first dance with the ball's organizer. It is a privilege to be asked, but Angus can't dance to save his life. Zoe steps in to help and the pair find they might have more feelings for eachother than they had anticipated.
I have to say the story was a wonderful mix of push and pull. It kept me completely entertained the entire way through, enough so I couldn't put it down.
I also want to commend Suzanne Carroll for allowing her heroine to handle her own problems in her own way. I kept waiting for Angus to swoop in and save her from her ex fiance's mother and while he offered, she didn't take him up on it, and she handled it perfectly well on her own. Usually authors make their heroines weak. It was so refreshing not to have a damsel in distress for once. Great strong female character is always a win in my book.
Well done!
This was a really fun, flirty and fluffy sort of read. If you're looking for a quick beach read that will leave you with a huge smile on your face, check out Suzanne Carroll's Over the Edge.
First - I LOVED this book. I can't really put my finger exactly on what made it so special, but I couldn't put it down and when it was over, I had this huge smile on my face.
The story is about Zoe Harper, a woman who is about to get married but can't shake the feeling that her life is spiraling out of control. With an overbearing and controlling mother-in-law, and a mama's boy fiance, she finally decides enough is enough.
When she finally breaks off her engagement in a public argument on the street with her mother-in-law brought in via conference call, she decides to take her life back into her own hands. With suggestions from her friends, family and a self-help guru, she begins to make plans to do all the things she never really knew she wanted to do with the hope of finding her true self. This all proves well and good until she meets Angus Creed, the tough as nails owner of the company she works at. They strike up a friendship and Angus asks Zoe for help.
Angus is supposed to be the leading man at an upcoming charity ball where he is to supply a graceful and elegant first dance with the ball's organizer. It is a privilege to be asked, but Angus can't dance to save his life. Zoe steps in to help and the pair find they might have more feelings for eachother than they had anticipated.
I have to say the story was a wonderful mix of push and pull. It kept me completely entertained the entire way through, enough so I couldn't put it down.
I also want to commend Suzanne Carroll for allowing her heroine to handle her own problems in her own way. I kept waiting for Angus to swoop in and save her from her ex fiance's mother and while he offered, she didn't take him up on it, and she handled it perfectly well on her own. Usually authors make their heroines weak. It was so refreshing not to have a damsel in distress for once. Great strong female character is always a win in my book.
Well done!
This was a really fun, flirty and fluffy sort of read. If you're looking for a quick beach read that will leave you with a huge smile on your face, check out Suzanne Carroll's Over the Edge.
March 1, 2013
This was a cute book. It was a light and humorous chick lit sort of romance. I laughed out loud in a couple of places. The story took place in Australia and the feel for place was well done. It was the story of a woman who breaks off her engagement with a shallow mama's boy and while trying to find herself after 2 years with him, doesn't realize she is falling in love with her boss. He is a beta hero who was very sweet. It was odd though to see a billionaire written as a beta hero. But it worked and I liked him. The choice worked fairly well. The heroine was a very likable character and I greatly enjoyed her inner voice. The story was told with a lot of humorous dialog. The action stayed pretty tightly focused on their relationship. I found it pretty believable. The major secondary characters were well done also. The story was totally clean with no sex scenes at all. But I didn't feel any lack. In fact it made their eventual love seem more realistic.
One big dislike however was the tense it was written in. It was first person present tense. There was absolutely no reason whatsoever for the use of this tense. No crime or main character death to be hidden from the reader. It was awkward and obtrusive. The dialog was mostly in past tense and the return to action in present tense was jarring every time. Some times this tense can work but it definitely didn't here. I prefer 3rd person POV but 1st person past tense would have been perfectly acceptable here. What is this currently obsession with this awkward tense? Honestly I took off a star for the use of this tense.
I received this story free for review from netGalley.
One big dislike however was the tense it was written in. It was first person present tense. There was absolutely no reason whatsoever for the use of this tense. No crime or main character death to be hidden from the reader. It was awkward and obtrusive. The dialog was mostly in past tense and the return to action in present tense was jarring every time. Some times this tense can work but it definitely didn't here. I prefer 3rd person POV but 1st person past tense would have been perfectly acceptable here. What is this currently obsession with this awkward tense? Honestly I took off a star for the use of this tense.
I received this story free for review from netGalley.
October 28, 2016
I love reading new authors and I'm so glad that this book was recommended to me. What a fantastic debut novel by Suzanne Carroll.
Zoe is in the middle of a crisis, her wedding to Dan has been hijacked by his mother and is fast turning into a circus. When she try's to talk to Dan about it he shows his true colours and at that point she knows it's time to grow some balls, stand up to him and walk away...
Angus is the CEO of the company Zoe works for and it's rumoured he is a playboy who broke his ex fiancées heart, well we shouldn't always believe rumours ...
This book is about the slow build up of friendship that turns into love and what can I say about the hilarious moments that we get to share with Zoe and the two very large mutant poodles . One of my favourite quotes from this book is
“What’s happened to my life, Jeffrey? I’m twenty-eight years old with no home and babysitting a couple of spoilt poodles in a house with dead starfish stuck in the shower door.”
This book is funny, well written and has me looking for more from this author. Great read
Zoe is in the middle of a crisis, her wedding to Dan has been hijacked by his mother and is fast turning into a circus. When she try's to talk to Dan about it he shows his true colours and at that point she knows it's time to grow some balls, stand up to him and walk away...
Angus is the CEO of the company Zoe works for and it's rumoured he is a playboy who broke his ex fiancées heart, well we shouldn't always believe rumours ...
This book is about the slow build up of friendship that turns into love and what can I say about the hilarious moments that we get to share with Zoe and the two very large mutant poodles . One of my favourite quotes from this book is
“What’s happened to my life, Jeffrey? I’m twenty-eight years old with no home and babysitting a couple of spoilt poodles in a house with dead starfish stuck in the shower door.”
This book is funny, well written and has me looking for more from this author. Great read
May 23, 2013
I loved this book!
Over the Edge is a humours, laugh out loud, feel good back that leaves you feeling warm and as though you’ve just caught up with an old friend. It’s the perfect blend of light entertainment mixed with the more complex issue of what it takes to find oneself and how to remain true to who you really are in the process.
Over the Edge is a romantic tale set around the character of Zoe Harper. We are first introduced to Zoe’s character during a pre-wedding meltdown that explodes into something so much bigger. From the very beginning I was intrigued by her, and the people in her life for everyone seemed to be widely different to herself, including her at-the-time fiancée Dan Costi.
Having survived the meltdown and the resulting fall-out with Dan, Zoe sets out to find herself. With no place to stay, an office filled with garbage bags full of her worldly possessions and the mother-in-law from hell still on the scene, Zoe has not idea how she’s going to get through everything that’s just happened. Egged on by an over zealous work colleague Zoe unwillingly looks into self-help methods of ‘coping’ with a break up and ends up searching out quick fixes for all aspects of her life – housing, career, travel, physical changes including a tattoo. Throughout all of her attempts to re-invent herself, the last thing Zoe expected was to find love again, especially not so soon. Cue Angus Creed, Creed Corporations CEO, return to the Sydney offices, an outback adventure or two, dancing lessons and that’s exactly what she finds. But is Zoe ready to take the leap of faith again so soon? And can she over come her self doubts and limitations after living under Dan’s thumb for two plus years? And will her drastic measures prove successful or will they simply add more pain and drama into her already packed life?
For the most part I could not put this novel down. I read it night and day (and on two memorable occasions while brushing my teeth!); whenever I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about it.It made me smile like an idiot and laugh out loud (literally!) on the train more than once! And that’s rare in a novel these days.
From the outset of the novel’s opening I was drawn to Zoe’s character and her plight. A point made even more intriguing and addictive when Zoe started to make all this spare of the minute decisions that you knew where going to end badly. Her attempts at reinventing herself with generic methods not catered to her own personality were both amusing and frustrating at the same time so much so that for a couple of minutes I wanted to yell at Zoe to snap out of it and get her s**t together. Not so much because she annoyed me, but rather because the choices she was making were leading her down the obvious car crash route. Naturally this meant I couldn’t look away. I didn’t want too.
Angus Creed was a breath of fresh air as far as leading male characters go. He was firm in what he wanted (like you would expect for an CEO), but he had this other side, this softer side that Carroll really brought to life. One minute he’s yelling on the phone to ‘Nick’ about the death toll being too high, then next he is slow dancing in his office trying to teach himself the waltz. Throughout her dealings with Angus, it’s obvious that Carroll went to great pains to avoid obvious stereotypes and archetypes, while also staying true to the character. What’s even more refreshing about Angus as a character however is the move against the over done ‘bad’ guy act. He is simply the boss, a self made multi-millionaire who demands the respect he deserves and looks after those who look after him.
All that said, I’m in two minds about Angus’ representation in the narrative as a whole. On one hand I would have liked to have seen him make a bit more of an effort in the book, and yet on the other I love the sparse glimpses we get off him at the beginning and I understand that the focus is mainly on Zoe Harper and her experience along the way. What I did love about him, was the way in which Carroll showed his two sides so fluently and the essence she captured in both halves of him -. i.e. his very public business persona against his rather private inner self. The treatment of Angus as a character in this way helped to both develop Zoe’s interest in him, but also to round him out as a character. For Angus is neither the partying, arrogant CEO type of many romance novels who must change in some form to be with the woman of his dreams, rather he is who is, nor is he some unbelievable saint like character that can only exist in books. A point I think that Angus highlights here, is that Neither of our characters are forced to sacrifice any piece of themselves to make their relationship work and nor do they have to undergo any drastic change, rather the story focus on the concept of letting go and allowing yourself to love again, to fall head long into that endless abyss with no idea of where you might touch down or whether you might get hurt or not.
As far as the whole romance side of the book goes, Over the Edge is a sweet contemporary romance book that takes it time to develop and nurture the characters and their relationships before rushing in to anything; so if your looking for something hot and steamy and full on, this probably isn’t the book for you. In fact for the duration of the book, I think there is only really one scene that you could really count as ‘date like’ (two if you include the end) in where the two main characters are having dinner after rescuing the dogs and a broken magazine rack. While that may not sound very romantic or conclusive to a good romance book, there’s something to be said for Carroll’s writing in the way the she slowly brings our two characters together, taking the time to nurture their feelings and growth as characters and thus creating a very realistic relationship that progresses naturally despite the humorous hiccups along the way. In fact the dinner and beach scene is an extremely powerful and pivotal scene for our characters and their story, and I can not stress how romantic and and well it all flows when pitched against a busy lifestyle and the growing tension between our characters. Not to mention how well Carroll has resisted the urge not to forsake each character’s sense of self for the sake of the plot and pacing of the book in turn.
Over the Edge is a stunning debut but an author I will be sure to keep an eye out for in the future. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something a bit light, but entertaining. It’s the perfect feel good novel when you are looking for something to read while you snuggle up with your doona this winter, or lazing about on the beach in Summer.
Read as part of my Australian Womens Writer's Challenge 2013 (AWW2013)
This review also appears on my blog - the Never Ending Bookshelf - and can be found http://theneverendingbookshelf.blog.c...
Over the Edge is a humours, laugh out loud, feel good back that leaves you feeling warm and as though you’ve just caught up with an old friend. It’s the perfect blend of light entertainment mixed with the more complex issue of what it takes to find oneself and how to remain true to who you really are in the process.
Over the Edge is a romantic tale set around the character of Zoe Harper. We are first introduced to Zoe’s character during a pre-wedding meltdown that explodes into something so much bigger. From the very beginning I was intrigued by her, and the people in her life for everyone seemed to be widely different to herself, including her at-the-time fiancée Dan Costi.
Having survived the meltdown and the resulting fall-out with Dan, Zoe sets out to find herself. With no place to stay, an office filled with garbage bags full of her worldly possessions and the mother-in-law from hell still on the scene, Zoe has not idea how she’s going to get through everything that’s just happened. Egged on by an over zealous work colleague Zoe unwillingly looks into self-help methods of ‘coping’ with a break up and ends up searching out quick fixes for all aspects of her life – housing, career, travel, physical changes including a tattoo. Throughout all of her attempts to re-invent herself, the last thing Zoe expected was to find love again, especially not so soon. Cue Angus Creed, Creed Corporations CEO, return to the Sydney offices, an outback adventure or two, dancing lessons and that’s exactly what she finds. But is Zoe ready to take the leap of faith again so soon? And can she over come her self doubts and limitations after living under Dan’s thumb for two plus years? And will her drastic measures prove successful or will they simply add more pain and drama into her already packed life?
For the most part I could not put this novel down. I read it night and day (and on two memorable occasions while brushing my teeth!); whenever I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about it.It made me smile like an idiot and laugh out loud (literally!) on the train more than once! And that’s rare in a novel these days.
From the outset of the novel’s opening I was drawn to Zoe’s character and her plight. A point made even more intriguing and addictive when Zoe started to make all this spare of the minute decisions that you knew where going to end badly. Her attempts at reinventing herself with generic methods not catered to her own personality were both amusing and frustrating at the same time so much so that for a couple of minutes I wanted to yell at Zoe to snap out of it and get her s**t together. Not so much because she annoyed me, but rather because the choices she was making were leading her down the obvious car crash route. Naturally this meant I couldn’t look away. I didn’t want too.
Angus Creed was a breath of fresh air as far as leading male characters go. He was firm in what he wanted (like you would expect for an CEO), but he had this other side, this softer side that Carroll really brought to life. One minute he’s yelling on the phone to ‘Nick’ about the death toll being too high, then next he is slow dancing in his office trying to teach himself the waltz. Throughout her dealings with Angus, it’s obvious that Carroll went to great pains to avoid obvious stereotypes and archetypes, while also staying true to the character. What’s even more refreshing about Angus as a character however is the move against the over done ‘bad’ guy act. He is simply the boss, a self made multi-millionaire who demands the respect he deserves and looks after those who look after him.
All that said, I’m in two minds about Angus’ representation in the narrative as a whole. On one hand I would have liked to have seen him make a bit more of an effort in the book, and yet on the other I love the sparse glimpses we get off him at the beginning and I understand that the focus is mainly on Zoe Harper and her experience along the way. What I did love about him, was the way in which Carroll showed his two sides so fluently and the essence she captured in both halves of him -. i.e. his very public business persona against his rather private inner self. The treatment of Angus as a character in this way helped to both develop Zoe’s interest in him, but also to round him out as a character. For Angus is neither the partying, arrogant CEO type of many romance novels who must change in some form to be with the woman of his dreams, rather he is who is, nor is he some unbelievable saint like character that can only exist in books. A point I think that Angus highlights here, is that Neither of our characters are forced to sacrifice any piece of themselves to make their relationship work and nor do they have to undergo any drastic change, rather the story focus on the concept of letting go and allowing yourself to love again, to fall head long into that endless abyss with no idea of where you might touch down or whether you might get hurt or not.
As far as the whole romance side of the book goes, Over the Edge is a sweet contemporary romance book that takes it time to develop and nurture the characters and their relationships before rushing in to anything; so if your looking for something hot and steamy and full on, this probably isn’t the book for you. In fact for the duration of the book, I think there is only really one scene that you could really count as ‘date like’ (two if you include the end) in where the two main characters are having dinner after rescuing the dogs and a broken magazine rack. While that may not sound very romantic or conclusive to a good romance book, there’s something to be said for Carroll’s writing in the way the she slowly brings our two characters together, taking the time to nurture their feelings and growth as characters and thus creating a very realistic relationship that progresses naturally despite the humorous hiccups along the way. In fact the dinner and beach scene is an extremely powerful and pivotal scene for our characters and their story, and I can not stress how romantic and and well it all flows when pitched against a busy lifestyle and the growing tension between our characters. Not to mention how well Carroll has resisted the urge not to forsake each character’s sense of self for the sake of the plot and pacing of the book in turn.
Over the Edge is a stunning debut but an author I will be sure to keep an eye out for in the future. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something a bit light, but entertaining. It’s the perfect feel good novel when you are looking for something to read while you snuggle up with your doona this winter, or lazing about on the beach in Summer.
Read as part of my Australian Womens Writer's Challenge 2013 (AWW2013)
This review also appears on my blog - the Never Ending Bookshelf - and can be found http://theneverendingbookshelf.blog.c...
April 23, 2013
This review and others can be found at my blog, My Written Romance. Just click here.
This book was a lot of fun to read. I have had the great fortune of discovering a lot of wonderful new authors through my first few months of reviewing, and Suzanne Carroll has taken her place on the list.
All Zoe wanted was to get married to Dan, but his mother was turning the wedding into a production worthy of a Broadway show. She just wanted to buy a house with him, but his mother (yet again) hijacked this and bought them an apartment – in her complex! Thank God she escaped that. Dan’s mummy dearest was a right bitch on toast. Zoe did well to put up with her for as long as she did – I would have given her a piece of my mind a lot earlier. Oh, and Dan, I’m surprised the man could go to the bathroom without consulting his mum.
She decides to make some changes in her life, do things for herself, take herself out of her comfort zone. This leads to a very interesting encounter with Guitar Man while trying to break into her own cabin while on a weekend away, after consuming just a bit too much wine. We’ve all been there, love.
Guitar Man just happens to be Angus Creed, the CEO of the company she works for. The friendly, charming and open man from the cabin is a hard-nosed, highly driven businessman with little tolerance for bull. He’s had a very high-profile breakup, and suffers from poor public perception (unfairly so) of his role in this. I like how Ms Collins kept Angus from appearing as if he was some Jekyll/Hyde creature, and wrote him as just a man with different public and private personas.
I like how Zoe and Angus’ relationship develops, from the dance lessons to the dog minding and through the bizarre team-building episode. It probably moved a little slower than I am used to, but hey, it worked in this instance. They became friends before anything, and the romance just snuck up on them like a ninja.
What I loved about Zoe as a character was, even with all that was happening with Angus, that she never gave up on doing things for herself or changed her goals to suit someone else. And Angus…sigh! He was lovely – so nice to see people with money portrayed as normal people who just happen to be wealthy.
The supporting cast in this book are wonderful. My personal favourite – Jeffrey and Kevin, the poodles, with particular reference to the starfish moment (I won’t give it away, but if you have a dog, you will more than likely have had a moment like this). I also really loved the description of the shrine to 1970s decorating – it just made me think of my dear old nanna’s mustard yellow sofa.
I do love it when nasty people get their comeuppance, and this story has two wonderful examples. Now I won't give it away, but trust me, you'll cheer.
I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading more from Suzanne Carroll.
My rating: 4 out of 5
Note: I was provided with an advanced reader copy of this book by The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This book was a lot of fun to read. I have had the great fortune of discovering a lot of wonderful new authors through my first few months of reviewing, and Suzanne Carroll has taken her place on the list.
All Zoe wanted was to get married to Dan, but his mother was turning the wedding into a production worthy of a Broadway show. She just wanted to buy a house with him, but his mother (yet again) hijacked this and bought them an apartment – in her complex! Thank God she escaped that. Dan’s mummy dearest was a right bitch on toast. Zoe did well to put up with her for as long as she did – I would have given her a piece of my mind a lot earlier. Oh, and Dan, I’m surprised the man could go to the bathroom without consulting his mum.
She decides to make some changes in her life, do things for herself, take herself out of her comfort zone. This leads to a very interesting encounter with Guitar Man while trying to break into her own cabin while on a weekend away, after consuming just a bit too much wine. We’ve all been there, love.
Guitar Man just happens to be Angus Creed, the CEO of the company she works for. The friendly, charming and open man from the cabin is a hard-nosed, highly driven businessman with little tolerance for bull. He’s had a very high-profile breakup, and suffers from poor public perception (unfairly so) of his role in this. I like how Ms Collins kept Angus from appearing as if he was some Jekyll/Hyde creature, and wrote him as just a man with different public and private personas.
I like how Zoe and Angus’ relationship develops, from the dance lessons to the dog minding and through the bizarre team-building episode. It probably moved a little slower than I am used to, but hey, it worked in this instance. They became friends before anything, and the romance just snuck up on them like a ninja.
What I loved about Zoe as a character was, even with all that was happening with Angus, that she never gave up on doing things for herself or changed her goals to suit someone else. And Angus…sigh! He was lovely – so nice to see people with money portrayed as normal people who just happen to be wealthy.
The supporting cast in this book are wonderful. My personal favourite – Jeffrey and Kevin, the poodles, with particular reference to the starfish moment (I won’t give it away, but if you have a dog, you will more than likely have had a moment like this). I also really loved the description of the shrine to 1970s decorating – it just made me think of my dear old nanna’s mustard yellow sofa.
I do love it when nasty people get their comeuppance, and this story has two wonderful examples. Now I won't give it away, but trust me, you'll cheer.
I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading more from Suzanne Carroll.
My rating: 4 out of 5
Note: I was provided with an advanced reader copy of this book by The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 14, 2013
Somewhere between 3.5 and 4.
It was a rocky start, and at the beginning I seriously considered DNFing this because of where Zoe starts as a character. I decided to give her until 10% to get her shit together and I'm very glad I did. It's a balancing act, creating room for a character to grow and become self actualized while not turning us off her from the start, and Carroll just barely made it for me.
Also, I had to adjust my expectations of the type of story I was reading. I went in thinking it was a romance. It's not. It's more chick lit with a romantic plot. Which is fine, but I was expecting the romance to take center stage - once I sat back and re-acclimated myself to the story, we got along much better.
Zoe is engaged to Dan, whose controlling mother has totally hijacked their wedding. Dan is a spoiled Mama's boy and Zoe feels obligated to go along since her future mother-in-law is footing the bill. The more you hear about this relationship, the less you can stand it. Carroll does a great job with Zoe's epiphany, though I wished it had come a bit sooner in the narrative.
Angus Creed is the CEO of Zoe's company and a mortifyingly embarrassing while-at-the-same-time endearing chance run-in throws these two in one another's path. The sexual tension between the two is great, and the slow but steady build up keeps you turning the pages. Their "meet-cute" may be over the top, but I really liked the way it set the stage for the relationship to come.
Zoe just got out of a relationship where she felt she'd lost herself - she wants to get that back with no romantic entanglements. Angus is used to being gossip and tabloid fodder, and a terrible heartbreak has left him on his guard.
My main complaint is that we go for such long stretches of time without seeing Angus. I felt like skimming to catch up with him again when he wasn't around, even though the writing was quite solid. I did like the more realistic portrayal of the billionaire CEO than we often get. He's always being interrupted by phone calls and business meetings. He does run a multi-national company, after all.
It's an Aussie book, but not so Aussie that I needed a translator. The characters are fun and I LOVED Zoe's growing strength. She never needed Angus to be her knight in shining armor - she was really able to take care of herself, to do what she needed to do and take the risks and sacrifices she needed to figure out what she wanted for herself.
I'm glad I stuck with it.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
It was a rocky start, and at the beginning I seriously considered DNFing this because of where Zoe starts as a character. I decided to give her until 10% to get her shit together and I'm very glad I did. It's a balancing act, creating room for a character to grow and become self actualized while not turning us off her from the start, and Carroll just barely made it for me.
Also, I had to adjust my expectations of the type of story I was reading. I went in thinking it was a romance. It's not. It's more chick lit with a romantic plot. Which is fine, but I was expecting the romance to take center stage - once I sat back and re-acclimated myself to the story, we got along much better.
Zoe is engaged to Dan, whose controlling mother has totally hijacked their wedding. Dan is a spoiled Mama's boy and Zoe feels obligated to go along since her future mother-in-law is footing the bill. The more you hear about this relationship, the less you can stand it. Carroll does a great job with Zoe's epiphany, though I wished it had come a bit sooner in the narrative.
Angus Creed is the CEO of Zoe's company and a mortifyingly embarrassing while-at-the-same-time endearing chance run-in throws these two in one another's path. The sexual tension between the two is great, and the slow but steady build up keeps you turning the pages. Their "meet-cute" may be over the top, but I really liked the way it set the stage for the relationship to come.
Zoe just got out of a relationship where she felt she'd lost herself - she wants to get that back with no romantic entanglements. Angus is used to being gossip and tabloid fodder, and a terrible heartbreak has left him on his guard.
My main complaint is that we go for such long stretches of time without seeing Angus. I felt like skimming to catch up with him again when he wasn't around, even though the writing was quite solid. I did like the more realistic portrayal of the billionaire CEO than we often get. He's always being interrupted by phone calls and business meetings. He does run a multi-national company, after all.
It's an Aussie book, but not so Aussie that I needed a translator. The characters are fun and I LOVED Zoe's growing strength. She never needed Angus to be her knight in shining armor - she was really able to take care of herself, to do what she needed to do and take the risks and sacrifices she needed to figure out what she wanted for herself.
I'm glad I stuck with it.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
April 11, 2013
I really enjoyed this story! So well written and not always the expected, which totally worked for me in this one.
Zoe Harper is engaged to a real mamma's boy. (Ew) The wedding is 6 weeks away and mamma in law to be is a DRAGON. OMG. She has totally hijacked the wedding preparations and Zoe is mutinous. Who can blame her? This is when she realizes that there is NO WAY she can marry Dan. Smart girl.
So after extricating herself from what would be a horrible marriage, she goes away for a weekend to get her head on straight. And ends up being "rescued" by a neighboring man who is also getting away for the weekend. Who just happens to OWN the company that she works for. AWKWARD.
Angus Creed. Goes from living the high life, never being photographed with the same model or celebrity more than once, to being engaged to a catalogue model who worked for him part time. Until something went horribly wrong, resulting in him completely falling off the radar, except for the occasional work related thing.
But circumstances put Zoe in a unique position where she may be able to help Angus with an upcoming charity event. Thus begins their friendship. Unfortunately, they seem to be in two totally different head spaces when it comes to relationships.
Angus. Wow. Where to begin.... Sweet. Check. Smart. Check. Hot. check. Loaded. Check. Funny. Check. Plays guitar. Check check. Need I say more?
Zoe. Oblivious much? (Refer to above) After her disastrous almost marriage, she decides she needs to find herself. And almost misses out on something amazing.
I have to say, I really liked this whole story. I loved the characters. But was chomping at the bit, thinking, "just kiss each other already!" I liked the writing style, and the story was very believable to me. It was so nice to have the nice long build up of a solid, if unlikely, friendship. Man, I would love to read Angus's POV and get inside his head!
Overall, a good, solid, well written story. Very glad I read this one.
(And I'll be looking for the epilogue, or Angus POV down the line:) I wasn't ready for their story to end.
Zoe Harper is engaged to a real mamma's boy. (Ew) The wedding is 6 weeks away and mamma in law to be is a DRAGON. OMG. She has totally hijacked the wedding preparations and Zoe is mutinous. Who can blame her? This is when she realizes that there is NO WAY she can marry Dan. Smart girl.
So after extricating herself from what would be a horrible marriage, she goes away for a weekend to get her head on straight. And ends up being "rescued" by a neighboring man who is also getting away for the weekend. Who just happens to OWN the company that she works for. AWKWARD.
Angus Creed. Goes from living the high life, never being photographed with the same model or celebrity more than once, to being engaged to a catalogue model who worked for him part time. Until something went horribly wrong, resulting in him completely falling off the radar, except for the occasional work related thing.
But circumstances put Zoe in a unique position where she may be able to help Angus with an upcoming charity event. Thus begins their friendship. Unfortunately, they seem to be in two totally different head spaces when it comes to relationships.
Angus. Wow. Where to begin.... Sweet. Check. Smart. Check. Hot. check. Loaded. Check. Funny. Check. Plays guitar. Check check. Need I say more?
Zoe. Oblivious much? (Refer to above) After her disastrous almost marriage, she decides she needs to find herself. And almost misses out on something amazing.
I have to say, I really liked this whole story. I loved the characters. But was chomping at the bit, thinking, "just kiss each other already!" I liked the writing style, and the story was very believable to me. It was so nice to have the nice long build up of a solid, if unlikely, friendship. Man, I would love to read Angus's POV and get inside his head!
Overall, a good, solid, well written story. Very glad I read this one.
(And I'll be looking for the epilogue, or Angus POV down the line:) I wasn't ready for their story to end.
March 23, 2013
4 stars
Let me start by saying I love Suzanne Carroll's writing, she has a way of bringing the words to life and touching your soul.
You will either love Zoe or find her annoying, I loved her. I couldn't help but connect with her as I saw so much of myself in her.
Zoe was scared to voice her true feelings, always wanted to make sure everyone else was happy, she thought their happiness would make her happy.
After her breakup with her fiance Zoe makes the decision to start looking after herself, what does she want out of life?
With the help of her friends she makes a list of all the things she wants to do in life.
This wasn't easy for her but once she started she kept adding to her list :)
Only one thing was not permitted on this list... a relationship.
Zoe tried hard not to let her heart fall for the gorgeous Angus Creed but who could blame her? he was just UNF!!!
Angus Creed is Hot & Sexy, a self made millionaire who has been burned by love and was just as shut off as Zoe.
Did I mention that Angus was also her boss? yep makes life all that more interesting for our Zoe :)
If you are looking for explicit sex scene's then you won't find them in this book.
This book is about a girl who takes charge of her life and while she wasn't looking she found love.
The other major win for me was having the book written here in my city, Sydney.
It was so good knowing all the places & landmarks and not having to imagine how they looked like, Whale Beach is breathtaking and I could see Zoe walking the dogs so clearly it added to my love for the story.
http://images.stayz.com.au/img/201169...
My only disappointment with Over The Edge was that I wanted to see more of Angus, I know the story centers around Zoe finding herself but c'mon can you blame a girl? lol
Thank you Suzanne Carroll for writing this story and sharing it with us.
Let me start by saying I love Suzanne Carroll's writing, she has a way of bringing the words to life and touching your soul.
You will either love Zoe or find her annoying, I loved her. I couldn't help but connect with her as I saw so much of myself in her.
Zoe was scared to voice her true feelings, always wanted to make sure everyone else was happy, she thought their happiness would make her happy.
After her breakup with her fiance Zoe makes the decision to start looking after herself, what does she want out of life?
With the help of her friends she makes a list of all the things she wants to do in life.
This wasn't easy for her but once she started she kept adding to her list :)
Only one thing was not permitted on this list... a relationship.
Zoe tried hard not to let her heart fall for the gorgeous Angus Creed but who could blame her? he was just UNF!!!
Angus Creed is Hot & Sexy, a self made millionaire who has been burned by love and was just as shut off as Zoe.
Did I mention that Angus was also her boss? yep makes life all that more interesting for our Zoe :)
If you are looking for explicit sex scene's then you won't find them in this book.
This book is about a girl who takes charge of her life and while she wasn't looking she found love.
The other major win for me was having the book written here in my city, Sydney.
It was so good knowing all the places & landmarks and not having to imagine how they looked like, Whale Beach is breathtaking and I could see Zoe walking the dogs so clearly it added to my love for the story.
http://images.stayz.com.au/img/201169...
My only disappointment with Over The Edge was that I wanted to see more of Angus, I know the story centers around Zoe finding herself but c'mon can you blame a girl? lol
Thank you Suzanne Carroll for writing this story and sharing it with us.
July 19, 2013
4.5 stars
This novel is quite different from so many other chick-lit romances out there. I can't even begin to explain why I liked it so much. There are no sex scenes. In fact, there's no kissing. And like another reviewer mentioned, there's no cheesiness factor to it - except a hint of it at the very end. There are no "I love you's" declared after meeting for the first time. There's none of the "electric shock" or whatever they call it when they first touch.
What makes me like it so? It's a sweet and wonderful story that's written well. There's no sex or heavy kissing involved, and it still kept me engaged right to the end. What kept me engaged? I believe it to be the author's talent with the pen (or keyboard) when it comes to weaving a romantic tale. If anything, the build-up of their relationship - from the initial meeting, to social/work interaction, to learning more about each other, to finally acknowledging their love for one another - was an absolute breath of fresh-air as it's not something you read too often and that alone made the book even more endearing to me. A lot of readers wished for sizzling sex, and/or hot make-out sessions, and I can understand where they're coming from. However, I believe you don't always need to have all that to show how much in love a couple really is, and Suzanne Carroll successfully achieves this where so many others have failed. As to the two protagonists, Zoe and Angus, they're both so terrific you can't help but love them both. Zoe came across as very real to me. All her feelings and self-doubts about her life, her future, and who she is or wants to be - all of it felt very familiar.
This is Ms. Carroll's debut novel, and as such, a well-deserved accomplishment. If you're looking for a fun and easy read, or something to take to the beach, "Over the Edge" is one you should pick up (or download), whatever the case may be. :)
This novel is quite different from so many other chick-lit romances out there. I can't even begin to explain why I liked it so much. There are no sex scenes. In fact, there's no kissing. And like another reviewer mentioned, there's no cheesiness factor to it - except a hint of it at the very end. There are no "I love you's" declared after meeting for the first time. There's none of the "electric shock" or whatever they call it when they first touch.
What makes me like it so? It's a sweet and wonderful story that's written well. There's no sex or heavy kissing involved, and it still kept me engaged right to the end. What kept me engaged? I believe it to be the author's talent with the pen (or keyboard) when it comes to weaving a romantic tale. If anything, the build-up of their relationship - from the initial meeting, to social/work interaction, to learning more about each other, to finally acknowledging their love for one another - was an absolute breath of fresh-air as it's not something you read too often and that alone made the book even more endearing to me. A lot of readers wished for sizzling sex, and/or hot make-out sessions, and I can understand where they're coming from. However, I believe you don't always need to have all that to show how much in love a couple really is, and Suzanne Carroll successfully achieves this where so many others have failed. As to the two protagonists, Zoe and Angus, they're both so terrific you can't help but love them both. Zoe came across as very real to me. All her feelings and self-doubts about her life, her future, and who she is or wants to be - all of it felt very familiar.
This is Ms. Carroll's debut novel, and as such, a well-deserved accomplishment. If you're looking for a fun and easy read, or something to take to the beach, "Over the Edge" is one you should pick up (or download), whatever the case may be. :)
March 30, 2014
Given the wide spectrum that the word Romance can be used to describe a book these days, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading Over the Edge. What starts off with a woman overwhelmed by the fiasco being forced on her, becomes a heart-warming story of finding and rediscovering herself.
Zoe’s misadventures and wild attempts at becoming all she can be are at times, both amusing and sad as she struggles to find her own feet in a world where she no longer knows where she belongs. Her inner musings are often as dubious as they are amusing. Buoyed by a supportive best friend and a new unusual relationship with her CEO, Zoe’s spirit begins to recover as she finds her lost confidence and forges ahead, reclaiming life.
And the romance. Ah, the romance. Make no mistake, there is a lovely romance intertwined perfectly into the story, but this is not a simple “they meet, they fall in love” kind of book. The layers of this story are many and varied. Suzanne Carroll had woven a tantalizing tale of two people, both lost, both searching and yet unable to reach the person in front of them. While the story focuses more on Zoe’s development as a person, the moments between her and Angus are warm and magical, leaving you longing for more of them. The author’s descriptive style wraps you into their world, letting you see what they see and feel their emotions as they develop and grow.
When Zoe’s quest comes full circle and she realizes without a doubt who she is, what she wants, and that she must act now and think later, the reader is caught up with her race against time, pulling for her to reach out with both hands and grab the ultimate prize – real love.
Beautifully written and filled with so much humor and love, one can only hope the author plans a follow up to this story filled with more magical moments and laughter.
Zoe’s misadventures and wild attempts at becoming all she can be are at times, both amusing and sad as she struggles to find her own feet in a world where she no longer knows where she belongs. Her inner musings are often as dubious as they are amusing. Buoyed by a supportive best friend and a new unusual relationship with her CEO, Zoe’s spirit begins to recover as she finds her lost confidence and forges ahead, reclaiming life.
And the romance. Ah, the romance. Make no mistake, there is a lovely romance intertwined perfectly into the story, but this is not a simple “they meet, they fall in love” kind of book. The layers of this story are many and varied. Suzanne Carroll had woven a tantalizing tale of two people, both lost, both searching and yet unable to reach the person in front of them. While the story focuses more on Zoe’s development as a person, the moments between her and Angus are warm and magical, leaving you longing for more of them. The author’s descriptive style wraps you into their world, letting you see what they see and feel their emotions as they develop and grow.
When Zoe’s quest comes full circle and she realizes without a doubt who she is, what she wants, and that she must act now and think later, the reader is caught up with her race against time, pulling for her to reach out with both hands and grab the ultimate prize – real love.
Beautifully written and filled with so much humor and love, one can only hope the author plans a follow up to this story filled with more magical moments and laughter.
May 22, 2013
While I am very familiar with Suzanne's unpublished work, aka fan fiction, I was very excited to be given a copy of her first published novel.
This may come across as another "CEO falls for the unaware PA", that's not necessarily true in this sweet romantic story.
Zoë pretty much put her future and education on hold, when she met Dan, but she finally wakes up to realize what a mistake it would be, if she did actually marry him. Dan is piece of work, a selfish mama's boy for sure.
Zoë may have seemed like a push over by her ex-fiancé and mother-in-law, but she definitely lets them know she isn't stupid. I really loved this heroine. She did sometimes seem a little wishy-washy, when she was all over the place on her life decisions, but she was at least trying. I actually cheered for her when she stood up to Dan and his mother.
I also adored the secondary characters, her best friend Jo, and especially her mother. They both give her the much needed support and perspective, at just the right time. The humor and banter between Zoë and her mother made me laugh out loud more than once.
Please check out the rest of my review at Bookish Temptations, that I posted just yesterday!!
http://bookishtemptations.com/2013/05...
This may come across as another "CEO falls for the unaware PA", that's not necessarily true in this sweet romantic story.
Zoë pretty much put her future and education on hold, when she met Dan, but she finally wakes up to realize what a mistake it would be, if she did actually marry him. Dan is piece of work, a selfish mama's boy for sure.
Zoë may have seemed like a push over by her ex-fiancé and mother-in-law, but she definitely lets them know she isn't stupid. I really loved this heroine. She did sometimes seem a little wishy-washy, when she was all over the place on her life decisions, but she was at least trying. I actually cheered for her when she stood up to Dan and his mother.
I also adored the secondary characters, her best friend Jo, and especially her mother. They both give her the much needed support and perspective, at just the right time. The humor and banter between Zoë and her mother made me laugh out loud more than once.
Please check out the rest of my review at Bookish Temptations, that I posted just yesterday!!
http://bookishtemptations.com/2013/05...
April 1, 2013
I had the pleasure of reviewing this book, and I am glad that I asked for it. I really enjoyed the story for several reasons. First, being Canadian with a secret love for anything Australian, it was nice to read a book from that part of the world. The story itself was very sweet - I love how the love story evolved throughout and how the couple help each other heal in the end. I can't wait to see what else the author comes up with!
Marianne Curtis
Author
Finding Gloria
Moondust and Madness: A collection of Poetry
Finding Gloria ~ Special Edition
Behind Whispering Pines
Brian's Last Ride
Marianne Curtis
Author
Finding Gloria
Moondust and Madness: A collection of Poetry
Finding Gloria ~ Special Edition
Behind Whispering Pines
Brian's Last Ride
April 4, 2013
Zoe's engaged to a mama's boy. When mama starts making all the decisions in their life, she realizes what her life will be and calls off the engagement. She then decides with the help of her friend to start finding herself and learn to live her own life. Her first step was a weekend away at a resort in the mountains. Zoe accidentally locks herself out of her cabin, drinks a whole bottle of wine in her car, and then when no one comes to help, tries to climb in a window. To her rescue comes the cabin neighbor who is also the CEO of the company she works for, but has never met. Zoe's life begins that weekend.
This is a great friends to lovers story, both afraid to love again.
Thank you NetGalley and The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House.
This is a great friends to lovers story, both afraid to love again.
Thank you NetGalley and The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House.
December 5, 2014
Disclaimer: This ARC was given to me for free in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.
What to say? I found this book cliched and predictable. The characters were two dimensional. I also found this book boring.
What to say? I found this book cliched and predictable. The characters were two dimensional. I also found this book boring.
May 24, 2013
This was a serious subject, I mean breaking up, why was it so funny? great book
June 11, 2017
story about Zoe growing up and figuring herself out, stepping out of her comfort zone and finding that, sometimes, your dreams are in easy reach :)
but change is, and always will be, scary!
loved Zoe's friend Jo, she's hilarious!
bit of a slow build, but nonetheless a nice read
and who knew a hero named Angus could be so swoon-y?
but change is, and always will be, scary!
loved Zoe's friend Jo, she's hilarious!
bit of a slow build, but nonetheless a nice read
and who knew a hero named Angus could be so swoon-y?
July 13, 2020
Nice read
A nice little story but a bit cheesy sometimes. The author has a great gift at describing little moments, it’s a pleasure to be lost in her work.
A nice little story but a bit cheesy sometimes. The author has a great gift at describing little moments, it’s a pleasure to be lost in her work.
December 22, 2022
A coming to one's self with love entertwined
It may seem like a fluffy piece, but gems of wisdom shine throughout! Don't miss this one; it's worth it.
It may seem like a fluffy piece, but gems of wisdom shine throughout! Don't miss this one; it's worth it.
July 28, 2013
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book as I wasn't familiar with the author. But I'm very glad that I gave it a shot. Suzanne Carroll gives us a sweet, well written book that had me sucked in from the first chapter. And the Angst, oh holy crap the Angst in this book. I was constantly on the edge of my seat just waiting to see if they would just admit their feelings already!
The Story:
First off, I wouldn't technically classify this book as "romance." It more resembles "Chick Lit" but that said, I still really liked the story. The story starts out with a sad, weak heroine who suddenly grows a pair and decides to change her life. We then get to follow her on a crazy and sometimes silly journey to find herself and in the meantime finds the person she's been looking for all along. The story is executed well but there are a few slow parts, especially at the very beginning. Just remember that Zoe grows quickly and to not judge her to harshly at first. The story is set in Australia but even for someone who has never visited the region I didn't feel like I was lost or missing out on anything because of it. My serious draw back was the lack of actual romance. About 75% through I was just about positive it was going to be a cliffhanger because there were so many loose ends. But suddenly everything is wrapped up.....a little too quickly for my taste.......and I couldn't tell if I really liked the ending or if I was left wanting more.
The Heroine:
Amanda Seyfreid as Zoe Harper
Zoe and I had a love hate relationship at the beginning of this book. She was a total doormat for the first bit and it was frustrating! I yelled at the reader at least once for her to grow a pair! But I am so thankful for the synopsis that the author released that pretty much said she finally grows up and decides to move on. Once she finally blows up you can see her starting to grow, but doing it the wrong way. It isn't until she can fully see herself that she can figure out, and what, and who, she really wants in life.
The Hero:
Angus Creed
Oh Angus Creed, you are one hot sexy CEO! He's super tall, sexy and is learning to Waltz.....what's more sexy than that! He's a hard ass, he knows what he wants and how to get it. But I felt so bad for his past history. The way he was treated by his ex-fiancé made my heart hurt for him but at the same time so perfectly explained why he acted the way he did. Angus on just on the right side of cocky yet protective of his own heart and life. But yes....I did yell at him once too ;)
The BFF:
Jo is an awesome character! She's silly, caring and the right kind of pushy. When Zoe needs her she doesn't hesitate to do everything she can to help her in any way, but she is also the one who starts to push her towards her wants right about the same time I started to yell at my ereader! Almost like I had Jo ESP!
The Steam:
Ok, so this is where I lost a bit in this book. And also where I grew to love the book. There is angst....and tons of it. He looks at her....she looks at him....a simple brush of the hand at an opportune time. But that's it for the steam. Now....anyone who reads my reviews on a regular basis knows that I primarily read/review erotic or smutty novels. But sometimes a change of pace is a good thing.
The Cover:
I liked this cover. I was a tiny bit thrown off by it when I first received the book. But now that I've read it, it's the most perfect cover for this book!
Recommendation:
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good love story. Or to someone looking for a sweet, romantic book! And yes, even to those of us Smexy book readers looking for a something a little different. And the best part? It's a stand alone book!!!!!!!
The Story:
First off, I wouldn't technically classify this book as "romance." It more resembles "Chick Lit" but that said, I still really liked the story. The story starts out with a sad, weak heroine who suddenly grows a pair and decides to change her life. We then get to follow her on a crazy and sometimes silly journey to find herself and in the meantime finds the person she's been looking for all along. The story is executed well but there are a few slow parts, especially at the very beginning. Just remember that Zoe grows quickly and to not judge her to harshly at first. The story is set in Australia but even for someone who has never visited the region I didn't feel like I was lost or missing out on anything because of it. My serious draw back was the lack of actual romance. About 75% through I was just about positive it was going to be a cliffhanger because there were so many loose ends. But suddenly everything is wrapped up.....a little too quickly for my taste.......and I couldn't tell if I really liked the ending or if I was left wanting more.
The Heroine:
Amanda Seyfreid as Zoe Harper
Zoe and I had a love hate relationship at the beginning of this book. She was a total doormat for the first bit and it was frustrating! I yelled at the reader at least once for her to grow a pair! But I am so thankful for the synopsis that the author released that pretty much said she finally grows up and decides to move on. Once she finally blows up you can see her starting to grow, but doing it the wrong way. It isn't until she can fully see herself that she can figure out, and what, and who, she really wants in life.
The Hero:
Angus Creed
Oh Angus Creed, you are one hot sexy CEO! He's super tall, sexy and is learning to Waltz.....what's more sexy than that! He's a hard ass, he knows what he wants and how to get it. But I felt so bad for his past history. The way he was treated by his ex-fiancé made my heart hurt for him but at the same time so perfectly explained why he acted the way he did. Angus on just on the right side of cocky yet protective of his own heart and life. But yes....I did yell at him once too ;)
The BFF:
Jo is an awesome character! She's silly, caring and the right kind of pushy. When Zoe needs her she doesn't hesitate to do everything she can to help her in any way, but she is also the one who starts to push her towards her wants right about the same time I started to yell at my ereader! Almost like I had Jo ESP!
The Steam:
Ok, so this is where I lost a bit in this book. And also where I grew to love the book. There is angst....and tons of it. He looks at her....she looks at him....a simple brush of the hand at an opportune time. But that's it for the steam. Now....anyone who reads my reviews on a regular basis knows that I primarily read/review erotic or smutty novels. But sometimes a change of pace is a good thing.
The Cover:
I liked this cover. I was a tiny bit thrown off by it when I first received the book. But now that I've read it, it's the most perfect cover for this book!
Recommendation:
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good love story. Or to someone looking for a sweet, romantic book! And yes, even to those of us Smexy book readers looking for a something a little different. And the best part? It's a stand alone book!!!!!!!
April 12, 2013
NetGalley free read
Zoe is engaged to Dan, the momma's boy. It's six weeks from their wedding when she realizes what her life will be like if she goes through with it, so she decides to break it off. At the same time, CEO of her company and reported international play boy, Angus Creed. Angus has had a very public break from his fiance a couple years ago and has spent his time focused on his companies.
Zoe has had a tough time over the past six or seven years. Her parents were in an accident, where her father died and mother was paralyzed. She left school to care for her mother. When she went back to her own life, she met Dan and started working at Creed. She doesn't go in for gossip, now pays attention to pop culture. So when Zoe decides to take a weekend away for herself and ends up in the same place as Angus, she doesn't recognize him until he introduces himself. Zoe had gotten locked out of her cabin, leaves a note for the neighboring cabin, which turns out to be occupied by Angus. When he interrupts her attempt to get into the cabin through the window, he surprises her and she knocks herself out after drinking too much wine while waiting for help.
Once Zoe wakes up, they talk for a while, getting to know each other. She blurts out that she works for him, which causes his demeanor to change with her. They run into each other a couple of times in the office. But when pretty much attacks Zoe outside of the Creed offices, Angus is having none of it and intercedes.
Zoe and Angus slowly become friends. She decides to live for today and starts trying out different adventures, getting a tattoo, scheduling a trip to Katmandu Valley, sailing, etc. She also helps him practice the waltz he's supposed to learn to lead off the dancing at a charity event. He starts to fall for her, but she believes they are just friends and it's too early for her to jump right into another relationship.
Angus decides he can't be around her anymore because he cares too much and know she's not ready. But while in Katmandu, she realizes she loves Angus, jumps on a plane, creates a distraction and gets into the ball. When Angus is dancing he spots her. Once they are in front of each other, she tells him she loves him. He does the same and dances with her in her clothing from her hike.
When Dan starts calling Zoe names and yelling at her after she breaks up with him, it's telling how things will be if she had married him and come out of her shell to be her own person after they married. I got a little flutter when Angus stops Dan from going to far and getting physical with Zoe. I love how she gets her backbone back and tells his mother off in a way that will get her off her back.
Their connection and growing feelings are sweet. I like how he treats her and how he has to get over his own insecurities of possibly being used by a woman and employee to begin spending time with Zoe an then falling for her.
I get why Zoe is apprehensive of jumping right into a new relationship after her time taking care of her mother and then being emotionally under the thumb of Dan and his family. But when she realizes she wants to be with Angus, she does everything she can to get to him.
There were several laugh out loud moments as well. It was a quick read and just sweet.
Zoe is engaged to Dan, the momma's boy. It's six weeks from their wedding when she realizes what her life will be like if she goes through with it, so she decides to break it off. At the same time, CEO of her company and reported international play boy, Angus Creed. Angus has had a very public break from his fiance a couple years ago and has spent his time focused on his companies.
Zoe has had a tough time over the past six or seven years. Her parents were in an accident, where her father died and mother was paralyzed. She left school to care for her mother. When she went back to her own life, she met Dan and started working at Creed. She doesn't go in for gossip, now pays attention to pop culture. So when Zoe decides to take a weekend away for herself and ends up in the same place as Angus, she doesn't recognize him until he introduces himself. Zoe had gotten locked out of her cabin, leaves a note for the neighboring cabin, which turns out to be occupied by Angus. When he interrupts her attempt to get into the cabin through the window, he surprises her and she knocks herself out after drinking too much wine while waiting for help.
Once Zoe wakes up, they talk for a while, getting to know each other. She blurts out that she works for him, which causes his demeanor to change with her. They run into each other a couple of times in the office. But when pretty much attacks Zoe outside of the Creed offices, Angus is having none of it and intercedes.
Zoe and Angus slowly become friends. She decides to live for today and starts trying out different adventures, getting a tattoo, scheduling a trip to Katmandu Valley, sailing, etc. She also helps him practice the waltz he's supposed to learn to lead off the dancing at a charity event. He starts to fall for her, but she believes they are just friends and it's too early for her to jump right into another relationship.
Angus decides he can't be around her anymore because he cares too much and know she's not ready. But while in Katmandu, she realizes she loves Angus, jumps on a plane, creates a distraction and gets into the ball. When Angus is dancing he spots her. Once they are in front of each other, she tells him she loves him. He does the same and dances with her in her clothing from her hike.
When Dan starts calling Zoe names and yelling at her after she breaks up with him, it's telling how things will be if she had married him and come out of her shell to be her own person after they married. I got a little flutter when Angus stops Dan from going to far and getting physical with Zoe. I love how she gets her backbone back and tells his mother off in a way that will get her off her back.
Their connection and growing feelings are sweet. I like how he treats her and how he has to get over his own insecurities of possibly being used by a woman and employee to begin spending time with Zoe an then falling for her.
I get why Zoe is apprehensive of jumping right into a new relationship after her time taking care of her mother and then being emotionally under the thumb of Dan and his family. But when she realizes she wants to be with Angus, she does everything she can to get to him.
There were several laugh out loud moments as well. It was a quick read and just sweet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2015
3.5 stars!!!
~I received this book in exchange for an honest review. My Thoughts and opinions are solely my own.~
The Story : In six weeks Zoe Harper will marry Dan Costi in an over-the-top Sydney society wedding, complete with fire-eaters and belly dancers. But when she receives an unexpected gift from her future mother-in-law, Zoe realises she’s making a huge mistake. In a blazing sidewalk argument, she breaks up with her fiance, and his mother--who has joined the fight via conference call.
Following the advice of friends and co-workers, along with some inspiration from late-night-television self-help guru Dr. Pam, Zoe sets out to find the life she thinks she should be living. Always a planner, she makes a list of goals: travel, career, tattoos, and no relationships. It’s all carefully laid out, until she meets Angus Creed.
In six weeks Angus is supposed to lead the opening waltz at a charity ball in New York City. Only problem is, the handsome billionaire construction magnate with the tabloid past can’t dance. Not one step.
Tainted by gossip and with a well-publicised failed engagement behind him, Angus has become a master at keeping an emotional distance. Until he meets Zoe.
What starts as dancing lessons, slowly becomes something more. Angus begins to let down his guard and open his heart, even when his past makes an unexpected and unwelcome return. As Zoe discovers the real man behind the headlines, she questions where her new choices are taking her. Her goals look good on paper, but are they what she really wants? And by the time she realises where her heart lies, will it be too late?
My Thoughts<\b>: Over the Edge was a surprisingly fun and gripping read. I had wanted to read it, yes. But thought I'd get more fluffy,romance-your-pants-off. This was romance. This was fun. This was silly and angry and frustrated. This was a narrative about life, living in the moment and living for you.
My main point of contention with this story lies with our leading lady, Zoe. Although I can understand the author's thought process and purpose in most of her thoughts and actions they just never rang true to me of what Zoe's supposed character would/should do. And backwoods Julie just seemed random. No background story. No past memories from Zoe of her like with the other characters just random bits of annoying word vomit that played on Zoes naivete.
Angus however, Angus was amazing. Even when he was seemingly or supposedly being an ass. I loved his description. His contraction the way he was portrayed...He is what kept me reading despite my hate for having to hear Zoe's constant commentary.
Oh and I totally didn't get Dan and his mother and how that was so easily swept under the rug. It felt like that was a real part of the storyline but Suzanne just wanted to get on with the romance so chopped all other possible narrative threads off at the head.
If you're looking for a quick and fun read, with the right amount of hot. This is the book you're looking for! Sexy Australians, dancing and passion.
It'll push you over. the. edge.
Keep reading and let the Ink Run Free.~
~I received this book in exchange for an honest review. My Thoughts and opinions are solely my own.~
The Story : In six weeks Zoe Harper will marry Dan Costi in an over-the-top Sydney society wedding, complete with fire-eaters and belly dancers. But when she receives an unexpected gift from her future mother-in-law, Zoe realises she’s making a huge mistake. In a blazing sidewalk argument, she breaks up with her fiance, and his mother--who has joined the fight via conference call.
Following the advice of friends and co-workers, along with some inspiration from late-night-television self-help guru Dr. Pam, Zoe sets out to find the life she thinks she should be living. Always a planner, she makes a list of goals: travel, career, tattoos, and no relationships. It’s all carefully laid out, until she meets Angus Creed.
In six weeks Angus is supposed to lead the opening waltz at a charity ball in New York City. Only problem is, the handsome billionaire construction magnate with the tabloid past can’t dance. Not one step.
Tainted by gossip and with a well-publicised failed engagement behind him, Angus has become a master at keeping an emotional distance. Until he meets Zoe.
What starts as dancing lessons, slowly becomes something more. Angus begins to let down his guard and open his heart, even when his past makes an unexpected and unwelcome return. As Zoe discovers the real man behind the headlines, she questions where her new choices are taking her. Her goals look good on paper, but are they what she really wants? And by the time she realises where her heart lies, will it be too late?
My Thoughts<\b>: Over the Edge was a surprisingly fun and gripping read. I had wanted to read it, yes. But thought I'd get more fluffy,romance-your-pants-off. This was romance. This was fun. This was silly and angry and frustrated. This was a narrative about life, living in the moment and living for you.
My main point of contention with this story lies with our leading lady, Zoe. Although I can understand the author's thought process and purpose in most of her thoughts and actions they just never rang true to me of what Zoe's supposed character would/should do. And backwoods Julie just seemed random. No background story. No past memories from Zoe of her like with the other characters just random bits of annoying word vomit that played on Zoes naivete.
Angus however, Angus was amazing. Even when he was seemingly or supposedly being an ass. I loved his description. His contraction the way he was portrayed...He is what kept me reading despite my hate for having to hear Zoe's constant commentary.
Oh and I totally didn't get Dan and his mother and how that was so easily swept under the rug. It felt like that was a real part of the storyline but Suzanne just wanted to get on with the romance so chopped all other possible narrative threads off at the head.
If you're looking for a quick and fun read, with the right amount of hot. This is the book you're looking for! Sexy Australians, dancing and passion.
It'll push you over. the. edge.
Keep reading and let the Ink Run Free.~
May 28, 2013
Over the Edge, the debut novel by author Suzanne Carroll, begins with the heroine in the middle of a panic attack. She has just found out that her soon-to-be monster...er, mother-in-law has completely hijacked her wedding to fiancé Dan and has turned it into a circus. Hoping for support from Dan, she is sorely disappointed when he turns her concerns around and makes Zoe out to be the 'bad guy,' and so paves the trail to Zoe finding herself and true love in the process.
I loved Over the Edge and found myself totally immersed in the characters and plot. When we first meet Zoe, she seems lost to me, and constantly giving in to the manipulation of her future family. I found myself rooting for this very likable character and cheering when she finally stood up for herself and kicked her worm of a fiancé to the curb. I couldn't wait to read the rest of the book and see how she turned her life around.
Dan is a spineless mama's boy. He has never had to work for anything in his life and expects everyone to cater to his every wish and demand, and when Zoe finally stands up to him, he shows himself for who he really is.
Marie, Dan's mother, has always enabled him, and she is a piece of work, let me tell you. She spoils her son, and God help the poor soul who dares to to go against either of them. I loved the scenes with Marie because she was so over the top monster-in-law material that I knew retribution would be oh, so sweet when everything came crashing down around her, and it really was.
Soon after breaking up with The Worm in a spectacular showdown on the side of the street that included a conference call to Marie, Zoe humorously meets Angus Creed. He is the CEO of the company she works for and is everything Dan is not. Angus had to work hard to build his company from the ground up into the successful business it is today. Though he is rumored to be a playboy and a cold and unbending man in his work, he is a curious mix of shy and vulnerable from a past relationship that ended in heartache. He resolves to keep his distance from relationships, but he never saw Zoe coming. When he needs dancing lessons for an upcoming charity ball, Zoe offers to help and the slow buildup of a friends to lovers storyline is unveiled.
I thoroughly enjoyed the humorous elements of the story and found myself laughing out loud to some parts, including scenes with two very large, very mutant poodles and a riot of a best friend Zoe has in coworker Jo.
Over the Edge truly is a wonderful book, and one I am sure to read again many more times. I very much look forward to reading anything else Suzanne Carroll comes up with in the future.
5 stars and 2 very enthusiastic thumbs up!
I loved Over the Edge and found myself totally immersed in the characters and plot. When we first meet Zoe, she seems lost to me, and constantly giving in to the manipulation of her future family. I found myself rooting for this very likable character and cheering when she finally stood up for herself and kicked her worm of a fiancé to the curb. I couldn't wait to read the rest of the book and see how she turned her life around.
Dan is a spineless mama's boy. He has never had to work for anything in his life and expects everyone to cater to his every wish and demand, and when Zoe finally stands up to him, he shows himself for who he really is.
Marie, Dan's mother, has always enabled him, and she is a piece of work, let me tell you. She spoils her son, and God help the poor soul who dares to to go against either of them. I loved the scenes with Marie because she was so over the top monster-in-law material that I knew retribution would be oh, so sweet when everything came crashing down around her, and it really was.
Soon after breaking up with The Worm in a spectacular showdown on the side of the street that included a conference call to Marie, Zoe humorously meets Angus Creed. He is the CEO of the company she works for and is everything Dan is not. Angus had to work hard to build his company from the ground up into the successful business it is today. Though he is rumored to be a playboy and a cold and unbending man in his work, he is a curious mix of shy and vulnerable from a past relationship that ended in heartache. He resolves to keep his distance from relationships, but he never saw Zoe coming. When he needs dancing lessons for an upcoming charity ball, Zoe offers to help and the slow buildup of a friends to lovers storyline is unveiled.
I thoroughly enjoyed the humorous elements of the story and found myself laughing out loud to some parts, including scenes with two very large, very mutant poodles and a riot of a best friend Zoe has in coworker Jo.
Over the Edge truly is a wonderful book, and one I am sure to read again many more times. I very much look forward to reading anything else Suzanne Carroll comes up with in the future.
5 stars and 2 very enthusiastic thumbs up!
May 26, 2013
Please don't let the cover of the book stop you from reading this book. I am a self-professed cover slut, so take it from me, this book is worth overlooking the cover.
Now to the review.
Zoe is stressed out about her wedding. She feels like she's the star of a circus where her mother-in-law is the ringleader. Her wishes are ignored, her opinions not taken into account. It all comes to a halt when her in-laws go too far and shatter her vision of her dream home. She won't take it anymore, she sees the light. In one sudden move, Zoe confronts her fiance and ends it all.
This was a wonderful story. It definitely was a surprise to find myself so drawn into the story that I read it all in one sitting - laughing, crying and yelling for the main characters to get things done. Especially since there wasn't a sex scene in sight!
I loved Zoe. Funny, cautious but strong-headed as hell, she was an amazing character to get to know. It felt like we were friends while I was laughing at her antics, crying with her and celebrating her new-found independence. Angus was lovely too. Sexy, confident but with an air of vulnerability to him I couldn't resist, I adored him. I liked that how he treated Zoe from the start, always like an equal and with great consideration. I understood where he was coming from and in the end, he had me hooked. I wanted them to work out, I needed to believe that they would get their happily ever after.
Suzanne Carroll did a wonderful job of bringing these two characters together in a way that felt believable to me. Although the professionalism between employer and employer was ever present there was always the sense that they were becoming friends - an easy camaraderie that helped the believability of the story. I enjoyed their interactions, their humor and how well they got along. But most of all I enjoyed the complexity of the characters and how their emotions were brought to the page. I could easily feel Angus frustrations over his past and Zoe's hesitations about opening herself up to the possibility of something more with Angus.
All in all, Over the Edge was a funny, romantic story about letting go and starting anew.
I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
Now to the review.
Zoe is stressed out about her wedding. She feels like she's the star of a circus where her mother-in-law is the ringleader. Her wishes are ignored, her opinions not taken into account. It all comes to a halt when her in-laws go too far and shatter her vision of her dream home. She won't take it anymore, she sees the light. In one sudden move, Zoe confronts her fiance and ends it all.
This was a wonderful story. It definitely was a surprise to find myself so drawn into the story that I read it all in one sitting - laughing, crying and yelling for the main characters to get things done. Especially since there wasn't a sex scene in sight!
I loved Zoe. Funny, cautious but strong-headed as hell, she was an amazing character to get to know. It felt like we were friends while I was laughing at her antics, crying with her and celebrating her new-found independence. Angus was lovely too. Sexy, confident but with an air of vulnerability to him I couldn't resist, I adored him. I liked that how he treated Zoe from the start, always like an equal and with great consideration. I understood where he was coming from and in the end, he had me hooked. I wanted them to work out, I needed to believe that they would get their happily ever after.
Suzanne Carroll did a wonderful job of bringing these two characters together in a way that felt believable to me. Although the professionalism between employer and employer was ever present there was always the sense that they were becoming friends - an easy camaraderie that helped the believability of the story. I enjoyed their interactions, their humor and how well they got along. But most of all I enjoyed the complexity of the characters and how their emotions were brought to the page. I could easily feel Angus frustrations over his past and Zoe's hesitations about opening herself up to the possibility of something more with Angus.
All in all, Over the Edge was a funny, romantic story about letting go and starting anew.
I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
March 5, 2013
Original review can be found at:
http://chicklitworthreading.com
Girl is engaged to guy. Guy’s a dick. Girl dumps guy. Girl then meets Other Guy who isn’t a dick. But Girl can’t trust her feelings for Other Guy, because Girl is now a damaged idiot. So goes the story of Over The Edge, the delightful debut novel from Suzanne Carroll. Although, I don’t think the publishers would describe it in exactly that way. They’d say something like “Newly single Zoe is on the cusp of a new life. Travel, career, freedom from romantic entanglements- it’s all on the horizon, until she spies her handsome boss stumbling his way through a waltz. What starts as dancing lessons becomes more, and Zoe questions where her choices are taking her. But by the time she realizes what she wants, it just might be too late”. But since you know this is wonderfully light, chick lit fluff it will probably not be too late. I found Zoe so incredibly relatable. I kept saying to my iPad, “I know Zoe, I’ve been there.” What girl hasn’t fallen in love with the completely wrong person. Only to find the right person a little too late. Suzanne Carroll does a good job pulling us in from the beginning and keeping us on the crazy ride that is Zoe’s not-so-midlife crisis. She also does an EXCELLENT job giving us a surprisingly interesting billionaire. Which is hard to do in this Post Fifty Shades world of chick lit. It seems every love story I read has a moody, hot billionaire in it. But despite my initial groan (that made heads turn at the coffee shop) at finding out Angus Creed’s was a young self-made billionaire, Carroll does just enough to make the reader root for him and Zoe’s relationship. I would have liked a subplot and a less predictable bad guy (or girl, in this case). But all-in-all, this was a worthy chick lit read on a lazy day in California.
http://chicklitworthreading.com
Girl is engaged to guy. Guy’s a dick. Girl dumps guy. Girl then meets Other Guy who isn’t a dick. But Girl can’t trust her feelings for Other Guy, because Girl is now a damaged idiot. So goes the story of Over The Edge, the delightful debut novel from Suzanne Carroll. Although, I don’t think the publishers would describe it in exactly that way. They’d say something like “Newly single Zoe is on the cusp of a new life. Travel, career, freedom from romantic entanglements- it’s all on the horizon, until she spies her handsome boss stumbling his way through a waltz. What starts as dancing lessons becomes more, and Zoe questions where her choices are taking her. But by the time she realizes what she wants, it just might be too late”. But since you know this is wonderfully light, chick lit fluff it will probably not be too late. I found Zoe so incredibly relatable. I kept saying to my iPad, “I know Zoe, I’ve been there.” What girl hasn’t fallen in love with the completely wrong person. Only to find the right person a little too late. Suzanne Carroll does a good job pulling us in from the beginning and keeping us on the crazy ride that is Zoe’s not-so-midlife crisis. She also does an EXCELLENT job giving us a surprisingly interesting billionaire. Which is hard to do in this Post Fifty Shades world of chick lit. It seems every love story I read has a moody, hot billionaire in it. But despite my initial groan (that made heads turn at the coffee shop) at finding out Angus Creed’s was a young self-made billionaire, Carroll does just enough to make the reader root for him and Zoe’s relationship. I would have liked a subplot and a less predictable bad guy (or girl, in this case). But all-in-all, this was a worthy chick lit read on a lazy day in California.
August 18, 2017
I want to thank Netgalley for an ARC of Over The Edge by Suzanne Carroll in exchange for an honest review.
Zoe is about to marry her selfish mama’s boy fiancé - Dan. Zoe's soon to be mother-in-law (Julia) is a controlling uber bitch who will stop at nothing to dominate every aspect of Zoe and Dan’s existence.
Spineless Dan Kao Tows to his mothers every wish pushing Zoe over the edge. Zoe learns that Julia purchased a home as a wedding gift (essentially next door to her) crushing her dreams to live by the beach....and allowing further access into their lives. Dan refuses to compromise and Zoe decides that she isn't going to sacrifice her needs or desires by staying with douchey Dan. She takes matters into her own hands and breaks off her engagement. Zoe makes a bucket list of everything she wants to accomplish in life and aims to find herself again. Finding another man isn't at the top of her list....enter Angus, the CEO of her company that is visiting her office in Australia. She doesn't know much about him except for the tidbits she has read in gossip magazines. Zoe ends up taking a long weekend getaway and ends up running into him.
I really liked Over the Edge but craved a bit more steam. Zoe and Angus had exchanged a few glances and might have grazed knuckles once in a while.... but I need a little more physical interaction (other than dance lessons). The last chapter or so packed a few much needed heart racing moments..... I didn't want smut... (ok I usually like a little) but craved some good old fashioned LUST... To dream of what his lips tasted like, what was under that tie...to imagine what it would be like to feel his touch other than bumping knuckles... Overall, I really did like this book and would recommend Over The Edge if you’re in the mood for a lite romance read. 3.5 stars.
Review appears on Goodreads, Facebook.com/Kindlecrack and Twitter.
Zoe is about to marry her selfish mama’s boy fiancé - Dan. Zoe's soon to be mother-in-law (Julia) is a controlling uber bitch who will stop at nothing to dominate every aspect of Zoe and Dan’s existence.
Spineless Dan Kao Tows to his mothers every wish pushing Zoe over the edge. Zoe learns that Julia purchased a home as a wedding gift (essentially next door to her) crushing her dreams to live by the beach....and allowing further access into their lives. Dan refuses to compromise and Zoe decides that she isn't going to sacrifice her needs or desires by staying with douchey Dan. She takes matters into her own hands and breaks off her engagement. Zoe makes a bucket list of everything she wants to accomplish in life and aims to find herself again. Finding another man isn't at the top of her list....enter Angus, the CEO of her company that is visiting her office in Australia. She doesn't know much about him except for the tidbits she has read in gossip magazines. Zoe ends up taking a long weekend getaway and ends up running into him.
I really liked Over the Edge but craved a bit more steam. Zoe and Angus had exchanged a few glances and might have grazed knuckles once in a while.... but I need a little more physical interaction (other than dance lessons). The last chapter or so packed a few much needed heart racing moments..... I didn't want smut... (ok I usually like a little) but craved some good old fashioned LUST... To dream of what his lips tasted like, what was under that tie...to imagine what it would be like to feel his touch other than bumping knuckles... Overall, I really did like this book and would recommend Over The Edge if you’re in the mood for a lite romance read. 3.5 stars.
Review appears on Goodreads, Facebook.com/Kindlecrack and Twitter.
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