It's been a long time since I've read a female MC as unlikable as this one. I found myself rooting for her NOT to end up with the right guy. Seriously annoying. ( )

This book came highly recommended to me and I’ll say, it did not disappoint.

When Hollie Porter cashes in a gift certificate from her father and heads to Revelations Cove in Canada, hijinks ensue. At times those hijinks were a bit outrageous, but that was part of the fun with this book. Things, unfortunate, bad luck things, just seem to happen to Hollie. But through one outrageous happening in particular, she learns she is capable of much more than she thought.

Hollie's inner monologues were hilarious. Her fast-paced, a little spastic, kind of crazy musings were sometimes difficult to follow (requiring a reread of the passage) but I didn’t mind. She was quick witted and so incredibly funny.

“I’ll bet Prince Charming never burned Cinderella’s nipples with Sriracha sauce.”

This wasn’t a difficult read. It is relatively short, and would be a perfect beach or lazy weekend read. I’ll definitely be reading the sequel!

Also, Concierge Ryan is the best.

"Don't give up the prize to the first horse across the finish line." ( )

Must Love Otters by Eliza Gordon
Source: Purchase
Rating: 4/5 stars

Hollie Porter’s life pretty much sucks out loud. As a 911 dispatcher, you would think the worst part of Hollie’s job is the phone calls but no, it is the phone calls coupled with the horrendous coworkers. While most people leave work for the sanctuary of home, Hollie Porter doesn’t even have that. What she does have is a ridiculous boyfriend she cares very little for, three awful little dogs that belong to the ridiculous boyfriend and, a wretched neighbor who constantly insists Hollie go to the grocery store for her. With no end to the misery in sight and with her well-meaning father pushing for a marriage, Hollie finally snaps the tether in fantastic fashion. She dumps the boyfriend, kicks him and his little dogs out of their apartment and, calls in “sick” for a few days so she can cash in the Sweethearts’ Spa and Stay gift certificate her father gave her. In the midst of drunken courage, Hollie calls Revelation Cove and books her solo Sweethearts’ stay. In the midst of drunken stupidity, Hollie also explains in great detail to Revelation Cove’s Concierge Ryan why her ex is douchebag, her job sucks, why her boobs are burned and, that she absolutely loves otters. With the plan made and her bags packed, Hollie boards a small plane for British Columbia in the hopes of wildly and dramatically turning her life around.

Revelation Cove is just that, a wonderful and beautiful revelation and Hollie is instantly taken in by its charm. It doesn’t hurt that Concierge Ryan is totally easy on the eyes, full of knowledge about the site and its gorgeous surroundings and, more than willing to show Hollie around. Determined to spread her wings and fly and thoroughly enjoy her time away from reality, Hollie engages in frequent and humorous banter with Ryan but also finds herself quite taken with another guest, Roger. For several days, Hollie and Roger flirt, drink and play all with the implied knowledge that a wonderful sexual encounter is imminent. Hollie is smitten and hoping for the best until the moment she discovers Roger’s dirty little secret. Once again, Hollie Porter finds her life sucking out loud only this time, there is Concierge Ryan to help pick up the pieces.

The Bottom Line: Must Love Otters is light and fun summer read that kept me engaged from the beginning. It was very interesting to “see” the real change in Hollie from the beginning of the book to the end. Hollie just isn’t a nice person in the beginning and though you understand why, it is hard to like her. The moment I began to like Hollie and to really root for her was the moment she drunkenly calls Revelation Cove and books her solo stay. In that moment, Hollie decides to take charge of her life and make some real changes that are going to help her become a happier and more fulfilled person. Though she is somewhat afraid of what will become of her she is also determined and courageous and for that, I had to get behind her!! Of course, the road to her HEA is not entirely smooth and some of Hollie’s “finer” moments are some of the books’ most humorous moments. For me, the highlight of this read is Concierge Ryan. From the moment he makes his debut, he is a delight. Ryan is sweet, funny, smart and, more than anything else interested in finding his own HEA. Ryan’s banter and encounters with Hollie are sweet, funny, sometimes dramatic and, totally fated. In all, I totally recommend this read to anyone looking for a light, smooth and, easy romance. ( )

Such a fun read!

Holly Porter is a 911 Emergency call operator who hates her job and isn't all that good at it either. She lives with boyfriend and his 3 terriers — dogs Holly barely tolerates. Their relationship is clearly one of convenience. There are no flames. An attempted food-related sex romp turns out badly - and is hilarious! On a gifted trip to a secluded resort in Canada, Holly reevaluates her life. After many, many more hysterical and comical mishaps, Holly finds romance. Great description of the building desire and hot scenes without use of smutty words (bravo!).

My one and only little, bitty complaint is the end. (view spoiler)

Other than above mentioned minor fault, I throughly enjoyed this book! It is well-written, witty and engaging. Highly recommend, especially for fans of "Bridget Jones's' Diary." ( )