Review of Tangled Web by Lizzie James

Tangled Web by Lizzie James

                                                 

Four stars.
Reviewed by Patricia

This book has so much in it's favour, the premise of rival, feuding business families with animosity to spare, make for an interesting, romantic attraction between two of the family members. A modern day Montegues and Capulets; Chloe is a Johnson, Nathan is a Walker, rival business families. One group an architectural company and the other a construction group which means an occasional association on projects...a potential for tempers to rise and personal dislikes to dominate as mistrust prevails.

As Chloe returns to London from an extended stay in France, she becomes involved with Nathan. Can this relationship work? Can they overcome their natural distrust of each other that has developed over so many years? Will their budding romance survive the obstacles placed in their way by both families?

The author moves this story along at a steady pace despite a slow, but necessarily detailed, start. The budding romance is beautifully developed as it progresses.

This first book sets the scene of a developing relationship that is obviously going to have many obstacles to overcome if it is to become a lasting love. The cliff hanger ending will leave you desperately wanting to get your hands on the sequel to see how things will develop between these two young people.

I did find that there was a lot of repetition of certain phrases that the writer obviously enjoys using which became a little boring after a while, along with an over used, repetitive reference to the differing heights of the couple. Also, a little warning; if you are offended by the infamous four letter 'F' word, you will need to avoid this book. I counted no less than 24 uses of this word in chapter 2 alone, and it wasn't unusual for it to be repeated 5 or 6 times on one page. It's not because I am a prude in any way shape or form but I did find it a little excessive, as I don't imagine it would enhance the act of making love. Personally, I would be totally put off !

A fast read that is a good first effort by a new author whose talents will develop with progress and the help of a good editor. I will be looking for the second episode as I feel that this story has a lot of potential if the author explores it well and develops her grammatical skills. (My reason for deducting one star)

Reviewed by Late Night Books Reviewer Patricia