Review: Jack with a Twist

Summary: Planning a wedding can be a trying experience…

A little prewedding anxiety is normal for every bride, and Manhattan attorney Brooke Miller isn't worried. She's got the loving support of the world's greatest guy, so planning her nuptials should be a piece of cake.

But that was yesterday.

Today, Brooke's landed her first big case and has just discovered that the opposing attorney is none other than her fiancé, Jack. But that's okay. These two professionals aren't going to let a little courtroom sparring get their legal briefs in a bunch. Right? Wrong! Now Jack's pulling every dirty trick in the law books, and Brooke's starting to suspect that maybe he isn't the man she thought he was. Warring with her fiancé at work and at home, Brooke realizes that she'll have to choose between the case of her life, or actually having a life. -- Red Dress Ink

JACK WITH A TWIST by Brenda Janowitz was an ideal book for me to read last week. My husband was out of town, the kids were being well...kids, and I was stressed over hosting book club so much so that I decided to clean the grouting in my kitchen the morning of the meeting (I don't recommend this.) I definitely wanted to kick back and relax with a good book, and JACK WITH A TWIST was just what I needed.

A few years back (way before I was a stay-at-home mother of two), I used to read a ton of chick lit. But then I got older with different responsibilities and interests, and I found myself only reading one or two of these types of books a year. I still enjoyed them, but I just didn't "click" with the characters like I used to. I have to admit that when I read chick lit books now, I enjoy reading about the friendships, careers and fashion; however, I definitely don't envy their relationship woes. I am so grateful that I am where I'm at in my life -- married for 15 years with two awesome children! Isn't it funny how the reasons I enjoy this genre have changed through the years?

JACK WITH A TWIST is actually a sequel to the novel SCOT ON THE ROCKS. I don't think it's necessary to read them in order because the author gives enough background to keep things straight; however, I did find myself wishing that I had read SCOT ON THE ROCKS just because I thought it sounded cute. JACK WITH A TWIST was written first person in Brooke's voice, and I felt like it gave me insight into Brooke's character and mindset. However, there were many times during this novel that I felt frustrated with Brooke and her actions -- I thought she was very immature and selfish (I was glad to see that she eventually wised up.) That being said, for all those times that I got mad at her, there were just as many times that I thought she was absolutely hilarious.

When I sat down to write this review, I remembered that there were discussion questions in the back of the book. As I read this novel, I didn't really think about it being a book club type of book. But then the more I thought about it, I realized "why not?" Many women will appreciate this story and Ms. Janowitz's writing style. This book might even cause some women to re-think some things about their relationships.

If you're looking for a cute, light read then I suggest giving JACK WITH A TWIST a try. Every once in awhile it's just fun to partake in a little guilty pleasure (otherwise known as chick lit!)