Unbecoming Behavior

Rating:
Summary: A delightful chick-lit
Review: In Boston, Shannon McCormick is stunned that the "hotty", who just moved into the office next to her, has been given her secretary Isabel by the higher-ups because Blaine Hampton can bring in millions of dollars. Already angry with him, her friend Emma Jenson comes to the office, meets him, and invites the legal centerfold to join her and Shannon for drinks.

Her sister is getting married to "Mr. Plastic Surgeon" and her mother wants her back with perfect Max. Meanwhile Shannon also likes the look and friendliness of twenty-six years old security guard Van Reinhart, who commiserates with her since she and Max broke up. However, he refuses to be a rebound alternate as he wants Shannon to want him security guard and all.

As Shannon struggles to be able to do it her way, not her family's way or her firm's way, readers obtain a fun chick lit tale because her frenzied antics, insane escapades, and humorous asides along with her personality keep the story line focused. Van is also a likable character who brings out the best in Shannon. Though the other key players like her mom, sis, Emma, and Blaine seem two dimensional if that deep; sub-genre fans will appreciate Stephanie Rowe's Making It in Boston.

Harriet Klausner


Rating:
Summary: The Ultimate Chick Lit Read to Curl Up With
Review: So far I've been very impressed with the new "Making It" imprint from Dorchesterpub.com. "Unbecoming Behavior" by Stephanie Rowe is the second book in the series, and hopefully there will be many more novels to come from her. If you are looking for a novel filled with a sharp sense of humor, witty dialogue and very interesting characters, look no further - you've found it.

Meet Shannon McCormick, the witty and endearing main heroine in Unbecoming Behavior. Much to the chagrin of her mother, she isn't a lawyer, but does work at a law firm catering to the every whim of the interns. Trying to evade dismissal for the "Unbecoming Behavior" that the firm often let people go for, she slugs away at her thankless job, deals with rude interns, a demanding and ridiculous boss, and the knowledge that she is disappointing her mother. Her only reprieve is Van, the funny, friendly security guard in the lobby of her company's building. Shannon knows she doesn't want to become a lawyer, as she cannot stand them, but what other options does she have? She's not happy in her job and she knows time is running out.

While dealing with her work issues, she is also juggling her love life. She has just broken up with long-time boyfriend Max, who can't seem to leave her alone. Then there is Noah, her brother's best friend who seems to be avoiding her; Blaine, the hot new guy in her office who seems to prefer her best friend Emma; and Van, who is supposed to only be her friend, but with whom she clearly has chemistry with. And of course there is the ever-present Max who refuses to leave her alone.

What's a girl to do?

I absolutely adored this book. With an endearing and quirky cast of characters, a plot that keeps you on your toes, and wonderful writing, it is a great chick lit read. I loved how the characters were all realistic and lifelike. Stephanie Rowe has done a fantastic job with balancing fun, romance, friendship, and career angst in this novel.

Overall I highly recommend this book to all chick lit fans. You will laugh, you will sigh, and you will smile while reading it. Don't even think about missing this one.