Customer Reviews

Simply Irresistible

5 star:		(49)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

it never went anywhere. The whole synopsis of the book occurred in the first 50 pages and then there were 250 more to go and I could care less. There was no chemistry between the h/h the way there was in See Jane Score and True Confessions. And as for their daughter, she was the sterotypical annoying kid who talks baby talk even though she's seven years old. Gibson tried to show that the h/h had their vulnerabilities and were wounded souls, but she never brought that out onto the pages. I'd skip this one.

It's probably not fair that this was the third hockey romance that I read in a short time period because while it's a very good book, it had trouble with the competition. Georgeanne and John were likable enough characters but the story just does not stand up to Body Check by Deirdre Martin (the best of the three) or Rachel Gibson's latest book, See Jane Score.

Your protagonist is a bimbo (I try to be nice) Georgeanne. SHe's big breasted, and gorgeous but has the brain of a bimbo.

Your guy is totally perfect: he likes fleshy women, doesn't believe in dating older/younger partners, and is totally into commitment. Sounds like a puppy, not a man.

If taht wasn't enough, Rachel Gibson has a weakness for hackneyed writing. How many times have I heard of female protagonists with "silky" hair? The cliches are endless and drive you crazy. I am suprised she has won so many awards; looks like standards are falling.

Overall, this is a perfect, happily ending story. It is sickening at times. But hey, some people like that crap.

This book is simple and cheesy. Its a delightful read for an oceanside vacation but don't look for depth. I rolled my eyes so much, I thought they were going to get stuck.

It's possible that I'm the only person out there who _didn't_ like this book, but I do have my reasons! I started out really enjoying the book; the opening scenes showing Georgeanne's background were realistic and emotional. And I started out liking John, as well. Yes, he was easily identifiable as a Susan Elizabeth Phillips style hero, which I have absolutely no problem with! I love SEP-style heroes, but just as I was settling in for a good read, John and Georgeanne started to bother me. I felt the story was getting into a cycle of ''I hate you, I think you could be okay, let's jump into bed--oh, wait, yes, I hate you'. That is, of course, simplifying the plot, but I felt like I was on a roundabout and I didn't know why Georgeanna and John liked each other or what they had to give each other. I _loved_ the character of the daughter, I thought she was extremely realistic and sympathetic without being too cute. But a cute kid can't carry a book. I got the feeling that the author knew all the 'elements' for a successful romance but she didn't mix them properly. I was too aware of a 'now plug in Element K' feeling to get wrapped up in the book. And perhaps it's a cultural thing but I _hated_ the ending! I found it embarrassing and far too showy. It was more like a 'watch me profess my love in front of 20,000 people' than 2 people who truly loved one another. And again, I didn't get the feeling of why they _should_ love on another, and I didn't see any character growth. But I _will_ check out Rachel Gibson's new releases--I think her writing has loads of potential, even if I didn't think she carried it off in this book.

I love a good romance, but this book isn't quite a "good" romance. It's lukewarm at best. Not the best romance I've ever read, but not the worst either. If you're just looking for something fluffy with somewhat unsympathetic characters and a *lot* of cheesy romance novel clichés to pass some time while you're on the bus or at the beach, then this book is for you. If you like reading a romance novel where the characters are at least witty and entertaining and the writing is fresh, I'd try a different book.

I picked it up because the hockey angle intrigued me, but I cringed a few times over the gratuitous name-dropping of famous players and adding unflattering descriptions about them. It seems that the author likes to watch hockey, but I get the feeling she has no clue about the reality of it from a professional's perspective. (Not that I do either, but this sounds pretty far-fetched and forced a few times, especially at the end.)

Her narrative is pretty shallow for the most part and her descriptions repetitive and not very creative. Instead of delving more into the characters' imperfections like Georgie's dyslexia and John's overcoming alcoholism, things which would give some substance and add real trials to the story and add more dimensions to her characters, she just kind of fluffs over it and instead spends all her time discussing Georgie's bra size. (Even to the point where she has to have the six-year-old telling John in the park that her mom can't fly a kite with her because her breasts are too big for her to run, even though she wears a big bra). That's the real killer for me in a romance novel, when the female lead is constantly referred to by her cup size or with descriptions like "she had a centerfold body" and seems to have no other features. It's tacky. The author actually uses lines like, "You told me you were big, but didn't tell me you were perfect!" (This, apparently, is the line that makes Georgie fall head over heels in love with John after knowing him for a few hours.)

The chemistry is weak at best between the characters and all they seem to want from each other is a "good time". I could forgive John's crudeness and Georgie's selfishness if the author took the time to give them more dimensions, but she doesn't and so that's all you really see in them. I had a really hard time liking Georgie at all. She paints John as the villain for having a one night stand with her, but she's just as bad as he is.

Their kid is a big "I'm a kid so I'm supposed to be cutsie" cliche all on her own and after the first couple of pages the Tammy Faye makeup references and the overuse of the word "gots" the kid gets pretty old.

Overall... there are some good moments, it wasn't a totally bad read. But it doesn't exactly leave you caring much about the characters or wanting to know more about them. The worst part is, there was a lot of potential in it, the author just didn't capitalize on it.

Maybe I've just read too much Nora Roberts. I expect better writing now in my romance novels.

Seven years ago, Southern belle Georgeanne Howard left her rich, and decidedly older fiancé at the altar. In her hurry to escape, she accepted the offer of a ride from the tall, handsome man getting into a red Corvette. John Kowalsky, renowned bad boy and professional hockey player, had no idea he was assisting in the escape of his boss's intended bride. But since she had no one else to turn to, nor a place to go, he put her up for the night. The night turned into a bewitching temptation too good to pass up. However, in the cold light of day, penniless Georgeanne found herself in love with John, and abruptly dropped off at the airport with a paid ticket in hand.

Now they run into each other again, and this time Georgeanne is part owner in a successful catering business, and John has cleaned up his life and is considering settling down. Imagine his shock when he meets Georgeanne's daughter, and realizes he's the father. He wants to get acquainted with his daughter and become part of her life, but in doing that he also grows closer to Georgeanne. Has he actually changed enough to settle down, and will John risk his career by his boss finding out about his romantic involvement with Georgeanne?

In my opinion, Rachel Gibson is unquestionably one of the best authors of the subgenre of contemporary romance. I was hooked upon reading my first book by her, and she's now one of the few whose titles I buy sight unseen. Lately, I've been catching up on her backlist of work, and I was particularly interested in this one. The first book I had read by her was SEE JANE SCORE, whose male lead was also a professional hockey player. I've carried a certain curiosity about SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE, because it is commonly referred to as "The Hockey Book". While this was an excellent story with in depth characters, witty dialogue, great romance, and love scenes that made me forget to breathe; my favorite book by her still remains, SEE JANE SCORE. However, I do wonder if it would have made a difference if I had read this one first. At any rate, this is a wonderful book that is certainly worth picking up for an unforgettable reading experience. Whenever I'm in a reading slump, I know I can end it simply by picking up a novel by Ms. Gibson. I have yet to read something by her that I didn't love.

I won't give an overview because you probably already know what the book is about. It has a great story line and it flows really well. It's different from a lot of romance books out there. First, the woman in the book actually has (...)! Now, me being a C myself, I really identified with Georgie. I'm also insecure about my figure and it was good to read a romance with a non-skinny woman in it. Another unique point is that this book is about a hockey player. Of course, this is kind of Rachel Gibson's specialty, but there aren't a lot of these books out there.

The only thing I didn't like was the hero's part. John was NOT a nice guy. I probably shouldn't go into everything he did in his past, but let's say he doesn't have the normal morals that most good romance guys have. At one point he tells Georgie, "If you ask real nice, I might just let you polish my stick", (Sorry if I'm not supposed to say that on a review) this following other such derogatory remarks. I wanted to yell at him for Georgie...but it was late at night so I couldn't. :( While I can handle a bad boy most of the time, his character almost ALWAYS acted like this. I couldn't really make myself like him that much.

Well I'm Southern, I love hockey and I hate romance novels, yep you heard me right..I just dont like them! BUT when my mom got me this book as a gag...WOW I couldnt belive a woman wrote a book about a hockey player and used the jargon and didnt make him all sissy, Rachel Gibson has a dang good thing goin!
And one last thing....TALKIN 'BOUT STEAMY!!!

"Simply Irresistible" was a fantastic read! It was unbelievably fast paced..I wasnt bored for a second..the story sucked me in and then..poof! suddenly it was done..I was so wrapped up I couldnt put it down. I LOVED Georgeanne and John together. I think that they were portrayed in such a way that made them come across as being very realistic. I will admit that at times I wanted to strangle them both, particularly John, but in the end I was completely satisfied..."Simply Irresistable" may not be as fabulous as "See Jane Score"...but close :o)