Monday, January 5, 2015

Review & Giveaway: The Importance of Being Alice by Katie MacAlister


Publication Date: January 6th 2015 by Signet
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the book:

From New York Times bestselling author Katie MacAlister comes a series about finding your own wonderland—through one roadblock at a time...

Nothing about Alice Wood’s life is normal right now. Her fiancĂ©, Patrick, called off their wedding and relationship only days before their nonrefundable wedding trip. And though a luxurious European river cruise for one is just what she needs, it’s not what she gets...

Due to a horrible misunderstanding, Alice is now cramped in her “romantic” suite with one of Patrick’s friends. Instead of cruising along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers sipping champagne with the love of her life, she’s navigating the waters with a strange—yet mysteriously handsome—British aristocrat.

An author, Elliot is just looking for some alone time to write. But his stodgy, serious self is about to be sidetracked by a woman who seems to have jumped out of the pages of a fairy tale, one who is determined to shake up his life...and include him in her own happily ever after.

My Thoughts:
The Importance of Being Alice was an unlikely romance between opposites, full of madcap fun, spies, and crazy family.

Alice has just been dumped right before taking a European river cruise that she thought would end in marriage.  At first she plans on forgetting her travel plans, but then decides to go on the cruise alone, not knowing that her dirt-bag ex, Patrick, gave his ticket to a college friend, Elliot. 

Elliot has many responsibilities being the Lord of Ainslie Castle and those responsibilities are making it impossible to write finish his book and meet his deadline.  Something that’s imperative because the castle is sucking him dry financially and he needs that money for repairs.  With a loving, but dramatic mother and many siblings it seems interruptions are endless.  When his old college mate offers his river cruise ticket, Elliot jumps at the chance for some peace and quiet not knowing that he’ll be sharing the cabin with hurricane Alice.  She’s spontaneous, boisterous and proves to be a significant distraction.  But she’s also irresistible and fun, coaxing Elliot off the ship and into embracing and living life. Their mutual attraction makes it impossible to keep their hands off each other and soon their having a lusty affair.

Alice was a free spirit and having just come off a long time relationship with Patrick, you’d think she’d be more upset, but it seems she was more upset at losing the idea of marriage and Patrick and not really the man himself.  So she falls easily and quickly for the sweet and serious Elliot.  Opposites really do attract.

This is an insta-love situation and it does sort of fit with Alice’s personality, yet, insta-love is a hard sell for me and would’ve had an easier time buying it if Elliot and Alice had intense sessions of talking about love and life.  Have you ever had a friend you just met and you instantly bonded, talking until the wee hours about everything?  I have, and so if that were the case here I would’ve totally been on board, but Alice and Elliot’s relationship was more whacky dates as they traveled, and then BAM: Love.  In spite of that the romance was fun, and full of some pretty steamy scenes. Saucy, playful and very HOT! Could’ve done without Alice’s endless commentary during more intimate moments, but it did fit with her personality, I guess. 

Also, wasn’t a big fan about how Elliot handled the situation when an accident happens at his home/castle.  Lack of communication led to a miserable experience for Alice and was completely unnecessary.  I hate issues that stem from lack of communication.

The Importance of Being Alice was a light, funny romance, best enjoyed by just rolling with it and having a good time.  

I’ve seen a lot of love for Katie MacAlister’s writing so I’d like to give another book a try.

3 Suns





Connect with Katie MacAlister:


The publisher generously provided a Paperback Copy of The Importance of Being Alice to one Waves of Fiction follower.  The giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only. Just fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win. Good luck!




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11 comments:

  1. I think it's possible with the right person.

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  2. Yes. I fell in love and married my husband in six months. We have been together 15 years, <3

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  3. Yes, I fell in love with my husband and he with me on first sight, and we married a week later. We now been together for 39 years.

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    1. I do believe it's possible to just know and you and your husband are proof, Anita! Congrats on 39 years. A rarity indeed in this day and age. :)

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  4. lol... I think I'm too cynical to fall in love in a short amount of time. But it's fun to read about :) Thanks for sharing!

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  5. I think I could fall in love in a short amount of time if the circumstances were right. Thanks for asking. lisagk(at)yahoo

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  6. I think it would be possible.
    Thanks for the chance to win!

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