Review: Breaking Even by Kathleen Kole

Title: Breaking Even

Author: Kathleen Kole
Genre/Age: Romance, chick lit, adult
Publication: 2011
Source: For review, Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours

Summary: Penelope, a smart and sensible accountant, is engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Ben. Things seem to be going well until she meets Scott, a gorgeous single dad, while dropping her nephews off at school. After hitting it off with Scott, she starts questioning her engagement, and starts feeling like they are in a rut, or are an "old married couple," as she says. She begins to get a makeover, and fights with Ben nonstop, all the while daydreaming about Scott. Alongside her are the wives of Ben's two brothers, Kris and Renee, who are also having some issues of their own, and together, they talk, gossip and share secrets about their relationships.

My Thoughts: This was a really fun, fast read. I think that most women can relate to feeling like they are in that rut, and wanting to spice things up in their lives and relationships. Because of this, Penelope and her future sisters in law are very relatable characters with realistic drama.

At the same time, I couldn't help but feeling somewhat upset and frustrated with Penelope. She has a really good guy who loves her, yet she keeps picking fights with him, and daydreaming about someone else. Maybe it just means he's not the one for her? Or maybe they just need to work on their relationship?

I really liked Kris and Renee. The dynamic between the three females was great! They support each other, help each other out (dropping off each other's kids to school, helping with Renee's cake business), and even fight. They seem to be true best friends, not just sisters in law. They both had little story lines of their own which was a great extra to the story.

All in all, this was a fun little romance/chick lit read. If you're in the market for something light, fresh, and true to life, this is the book for you! It could have used a bit more polishing and editing, but overall I think this was a nice debut from Kathleen Kole. I will definitely read her upcoming novel Dollars to Donuts.

This story is also appropriate for readers 14+, in my opinion. Nothing too graphic or inappropriate.

My Rating: 3.5/5