Potholes by J. Alana Giresi is a cute second-change romance with
a very loyal best friend and a twist that took me completely by surprise. There is a lot that I like about Potholes and a few things that didn't quite work for me--of course that is true of a lot of stories.
I was drawn to the premise of
the story and the initial excerpt as soon as I read it. Anyone who lives north of the Mason-Dixon
line knows what a hazard the many potholes are especially after a brutal winter. Jill Singleton is already feeling down after
her cheating husband left her, the job she loves changes to one she hates and
then as she attempts to miss a pothole she accidentally cuts off a psycho who
begins stalking her.
Jill does the right thing and
reports the nut-job to the police.
Unfortunately, they can’t do anything with the information she has at
this point because he hasn’t hurt with anything but words.
Wouldn’t you know it “Blondie”
as she calls the stalker, has a work schedule close to Jill’s so the road rage
continues until nut-job shows up at her house one day threatening to kill
her. Jokes on him though because Jill
has a gun and knows how to use. Enter
best friend Karen who is willing to help her hide the body, Jill’s Uncle Carlo
and an old friend George who she hasn’t seen in years also come to her
aid. Now for the rest of the story.
What I like:
The basic premise of the story
is cute and one many of us envision or wish we could carry out in our life. For the most part the story progresses at a
steady pace and keeps me turning the page.
I like the humorous sections, especially with Karen who believes pizza and
vodka will solve any problem (I can’t say I disagree) and Karen’s willingness
to help Jill hide the body. She steps up
to the plate when Jill needs her and takes over. She gets all the right people in place, and
prepares the body for disposal. Who
doesn’t need a friend like that?
I like Jill. She is older, more mature (mostly) with a
career. It is enjoyable to read about a
divorcee who is moving on and making a new life for herself. There is a great scene that many of us would
love to have on occasion when Jill tells her boss off. I gave her a big high-five on that one. Jill does get a little skittish on occasion but
who wouldn’t after a murder.
George, the old crush is a sweet
character. For one reason or another
these two never got together in the past.
They have other commitments or job opportunities, etc. but they always
know it is a mistake to ignore the attraction.
Now twenty years later they get to explore what might be a good
relationship for them both. Their
problem is only a little murder holding them apart now.
I like the twist. I can’t say anymore because it will spoil the
story. What I can share is that the
twist helps me relax.
What I didn’t quite work for me:
Jill and George are good
characters and would be great with a little more character development. I understand their reasons for not making a
move earlier in their life but their present-day dialog didn’t convince me that
they really wanted something back in the day.
Don’t get me wrong it is good just not as intense as it could be.
It is the middle of the story
when George and Jill are making their move, finally after years of ignoring
their attraction, the story slows down for me.
I didn’t feel their chemistry. I
like both characters and they really hit the spot at the end. It would be nice to have a little more spice,
and, while I get that a little is explained at the end, if drags and I’m not
convinced.
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
Potholes is a good way to spend a lazy Sunday. The book is a very quick read that is sweet
and entertaining. Some days you need
something to make you laugh for a time and not think about your bad day and
problems. Potholes will do that for
you. I haven’t read any other books by
J. Alan Giresi. What I learned reading
Potholes is that she can tell a good story and there is enough substance here
to make me keep an eye out for her other works.
Nicely done!
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