I just finished reading A Black Tie Affair by Sherrill Bodine for my very first blog tour. It is part mystery, part romance.Summary: Athena Smith is a fashion curator, and is dying to get four Bertha Palmer vintage couture dresses for her museum exhibit. The Clayworth family own these dresses which presents a problem: Drew Clayworth broke her heart 18 years ago. When she is allowed to see the dresses, she becomes infected by "truth serum" like toxins that were released from the dresses, and winds up in the hospital. Then, the four dresses go missing. Athena and Drew must work together to get these valuable dresses back, and to stop others from being infected by the toxins too. Will love find them again in the process, or will the past keep getting in the way?
My Thoughts: The premise of this story is unique and focuses a lot on fashion and vintage couture, which was neat. It made for a different kind of story, not the same old, same old. However, the story was somewhat lacking for me. I just could not get very interested in it for whatever reason. The romance really does not come into play until later in the story which was kind of disappointing, but the story did get somewhat better when the romance did appear. I like how the two characters were reconnecting after many years. Some of the story was confusing and I don't feel like I really got to know the characters well, and that they were quite unrealistic. It was sort of a cute story though, and like I said, pretty unique. If you love fashion this might be the book for you.
The Bottom Line: Not the most romantic romance I've ever read, with somewhat unrealistic characters. A good read for people interested in the fashion industry, though.
Rating: 1.5/5
Currently Reading: Knit, Purl, Die by Anne Canadeo, a light mystery. This is for a blog tour on January 20th.
If judging by the book cover, I'd definitely fall in love with the book quite instantly. But I do dislike the fact that it takes a while for the book to start blooming. Certainly a turn off factor for a stand alone, romance book.
ReplyDeleteThe cover is beautiful, but I'm not sure this is the book for me. Great review though! :)
ReplyDeletehi steph =)
ReplyDeletethis one definitely not as good as the attractive cover of the book..i think it might not be my kind of read..maybe i'll skip this one..
it's good review though, i will take your review to my account if this book come across the bookstore in my area..thanks steph!
I like reading books based on fashion so I guess I might give this one a try. Thanks for a honest review :)
ReplyDeleteI love reading about fashion, but lacking romance? Nope not for me. I have to say that the cover is nice and that would have grab my attention..glad that I read your great review.
ReplyDeleteSmexybooks had similar thoughts on this one as well. I think for me contemps have to be written really really well otherwise I tend to get bored.
ReplyDeleteGreat Review!!!
A well written and informative review. You have a lovely week.
ReplyDelete