The Expression Hub

Author: Susan Elizabeth Philips

Genre: Sports-Romance

“You are the love that came without warning.

You had my heart before I could say no.”

Anonymous

I am a hopeless romantic who is also a realist a lot of times. But that doesn’t stop me to read or watch romcoms whether it be in the form of novels or web series or even movies.I know it sounds cheesy but lets just say it is one of my guilty pleasures. And what better way to pay homage to the week of love which was last week by picking something related to romance:p. So, this week’s pick revolves around the same. To some, this might sound crazy or cheesy but I do feel the best way to celebrate the feeling of love if you are a single like me is to give in to your guilty pleasures once a while if not everytime apart from being a serious advocate of self love. After all when you love yourself better, you can love others better isn’t it?

This time’s celebration involves a book that narrates the tale of two diametrically opposites who meet each other by accident. But when did love stories happen by purpose?:D

About the book: ‘Natural Born Charmer‘ narrates the story of Chicago Stars quarterback Dean Robillard who has a profitable side career as a billboard model. Despite having a life that is the envy of others, he feels something is amiss. So, in order to find the missing piece, he sets on a cross- country trip to figure out what’s wrong. While driving, he encounters a girl who will shake his life upside down in an unexpected manner.

Blue Bailey is on a mission to inflict some serious damage on her ex after he dumps her for another girl. She is a portrait painter who refuses to stay in one place very long. She needs a ride and what starts as a journey for the two soon turns into an exciting adventure. But the question is : will it just be an adventure or will it turn into something long lasting?

Analysis: As I was searching for something light to read, I chanced upon an article which had this book as a recommendation. Now since the article was vouching for this book, I decided to give it a read. Believe me it did not turn out to be a bad choice. It was a book which if I had enough time would have finished soon but thanks to my hectic schedule took around a week to finish . But never mind, “better late than never”. Plus I got to deliver the review about the same if not in the same week but a week later which gave me enough space to think out the same despite a hectic schedule.

The positives of the book- a fresh take on romance between two complete opposites. Generally either it is a CEO or a secretary or a movie star or ordinary girl type stories, this one was between a sports star and a painter. I really liked the fact that the author did not portray them as picture perfect personalities especially that of the sports super star. But instead, she painted a realistic image of both which made the story relatable. Blue Bailey’s sassy replies adds to the humors. Also, the situations in which both find themselves make for great laughs.

The negatives- if you are the one who finds intimate scenes and kissing scenes uncomfortable, then let me warn you there are plenty throughout the book. After all romance is supposed to be an intimate affair isn’t it? :p

Verdict: People who have romantic comedies as their guilty pleasure need to definitely add this to their reading list. They will surely enjoy this one. For people, who do not enjoy reading romantic comedies they need not bother. They can maybe enjoy another book. After all there’s everything for everyone. But if you want to give it a go, read for the refreshing romantic story line, for Blue Bailey’s sassy replies and maybe for having a good feel by indulging in some guilty pleasure once a while.

Rating: ***

Cite Bite: “You can’t do extraordinary things in the world if you are spending time criticizing others because they don’t look or behave the way you think they should.”