Review
Two strangers find themselves stranded and at the mercy of the whims of Mother Nature in this offering by Victoria Grant. The first novel in the Calderone series, it tells the story of Laney Calderone who, by anyone's standards, is having one heck of a bad day.
The storm blowing over Toronto is no match for the perfect storm that is Laney's current situation. Jilted by her fiancé after she told him that she was pregnant with their child, she now finds herself with a car that won't start in the middle of the worst weather conditions in recent history.
Coming to her rescue is Tyler Hammond, Good Samaritan extraordinaire and altogether the epitome of tall, dark, and mysterious. A clash of wills between these two headstrong characters ensue as they find themselves having to spend time with and rely on each other as the storm continues to rage through the city. The last thing either of them want, or expect, is to fall in love.
This main plot is one that has been done millions of times before within the romance novel genre. However, what the author did very well is to offer a fresh take on a story we've all heard before, such that it doesn't feel dated or recycled.
Victoria Grant has a real knack for dialogue. Readers will enjoy the banter, the exchange, and arguments-that-are-really-just-foreplay between Laney and Tyler because it feels natural and organic.
The will-they-won't-they aspect of their relationship calls to mind all the highs and lows that comes with falling in love: the giddiness you feel when the object of your affection is present, the thrill of the chase, and the despair that accompanies the uncertainty of whether or not you are loved in return.
The dynamics of the Calderone family helped to round out the story and served as a good introduction to the continuation of the series. Laney's brothers were interesting enough in this book for readers to be intrigued about their own individual stories in later books.
Overall, romance readers will enjoy this funny, mostly light-hearted, fare, perfect for curling up with hot chocolate on a cold winter's night. This is a thoroughly modern love story that manages to encompass and pay homage to everything readers love about the genre: from meet-cutes to snowball fights to slow dancing by candlelight. It is a reminder to this mostly cynical generation that life-and love-is like a dance: perfectly enjoyable even if you're on your own, but somehow taking on a different level of meaning when shared with someone else.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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Stranded in Love is a sensational novel written by the equally superb Victoria Grant and is a book that is the definition of a perfect contemporary fiction/romance read. I admit that I was hooked on this book before I even started to read it; the description of the book managed to intrigue me straight away and ever since reading it I knew I had to get lost in the story of Stranded in Love. Stranded in Love is an incredible novel that charmed, shocked and thrilled me with its multiple themes and plot avenues and already I would implore you lovely readers to have a read of this book! It has to be one of the best contemporary fiction novels of the year so do not miss out on the magnificent book!
Stranded in Love is a fantastic book that is full of enthralling literature, splendid characters and a well-developed plot that usually only occurs with authors who have written multiple books for decades! Stranded in Love is incredible and if you are a reader who is looking to get lost in a moving story that will captivate as well as entertain you from beginning to end then Stranded in Love is for you.
Stranded in Love is an incredible book that will introduce readers to the protagonist of the novel Laney Calderone and it is safe to say that she has not had the best day! Laney has just found out that she is pregnant, and although this is usually a joyous occasion for any lucky expecting mother, it is not for Laney because her fiancé soon leaves and abandons her and to make matters worse, on her journey a 'brutal snowstorm' causes her car to break down, and she is all alone. Well, that is until a handsome stranger called Tyler Hammond appears, and he takes her home. Laney, no matter how much she tries can't resist Tyler, she finds him 'infuriatng' but also incredibly handsome. The reader throughout Stranded in Love will follow Laney and Tyler, will Laney be able to resist Tyler and will Tyler be able to resistLaney? Read the remarkable Stranded in Love to find out!
The story of Stranded in Love is a profoundly moving one with many profound themes laced throughout the book. I admit that I was guilty of assuming from the description that Stranded in Love would be a cliché women's fiction story but when I started to read it I knew full well that this book was not that kind of read. Instead, Stranded in Love is a poignant novel full of powerful themes which are all excellently explored and weaved well together by the phenomenal author Victoria Grant.
Victoria Grant is an incredible author who has managed to transfix and entertain me with her beautiful literature. I am impressed by the amount of depth Grant has managed to lace throughout her book; Grant ensures throughout her book that her readers are entertained and thrilled from beginning to end, and Grant does this by weaving twists and turns throughout her book which yes, are incredibly entertaining! As well as this Grant flawlessly weaves brilliant characterization and development of her characters that will keep the readers turning the pages from beginning to end.
Grant is an exceptional author for many reasons, but one of the primary attributes I love about her writing is the characterization of the characters the reader comes across in the book; specifically Laney Calderone. Laney is a woman who thinks that her life can't get better but when she meets Tyler she realizes your life can maybe be improved and witnessing this transformation in her as she realized this was truly beautiful. Readers will definitely be able to have compassion for Laney and root for her from beginning to end. I immediately loved Laney because she is a relatable and believable character and this is thanks to her incredible characterization courtesy of Victoria Grant.
Overall Stranded in Love is an extraordinary piece of contemporary fiction that will entertain and thrill readers from beginning to end so I, of course, have to award the book five stars! It would be criminal not to. So please book lovers, have a read of the excellent book and get lost in an engrossing, captivating story... you will not regret it!
Thank you so much for reading book lovers! I appreciate it so much, I love discussing wonderful books with all of you so please comment below and let me know your thoughts on Stranded in Love. Do you see yourself reading this book? Do you love the genre? Please let me know your brilliant thoughts below and I will be sure to comment back. Thank you so much again for reading!redheadedbooklover.com/stranded-in-love-victoria-grant/Set aside some time, because you'll want to devour this entire book in one sitting. No question! I absolutely loved this book. Could easily see this as a movie, to be honest. Every character in this book is dynamic, and realistic. Laney remains headstrong, despite her overly-controlling mother, Eve. And Tyler...he really is the perfect man; handsome, devilishly charming, and fiercely determined to love Laney and make their relationship work at all costs, despite their rocky start. There were a couple of events which I predicted would happen, but it didn't sway my opinion of this book at all; I still love it. Stranded in Love is a captivating story which delivers a happy ending, and I highly recommend it! alltheloveythings.tumblr.com/post/178589280669/title-stranded-in-love-author-victoria-grant
From the Author
Stranded in Love is dedicated to Larry, because of his unwavering support, his always present smile, the sexy twinkle in his beautiful eyes, his strong arms that sheltered and protected me, and because he knew there was always time for romance. Our love will always be timeless and immeasurable.
From the Back Cover
Stranded in Love is a fun and feisty contemporary romance by Victoria Grant. A stand-alone novel, it'sthe first in the Calderone Family Romance Series.
About the Author
I was born in England, and moved to Canada with my family when I was seven. I always loved to read and write and still do. My love of words and a creative imagination prompted English teachers to urge me to write for a living. So through the years, I wrote while I earned a living as an Administrative Assistant in various companies, then I owned a Wedding Coordination business for six years (talk about romance!), all the while being happily married to the love of my life. These interesting jobs plus wedded bliss gave me oodles of ideas for romantic plot lines, tall, dark and handsome heroes and feisty, beautiful heroines, and, of course, the happily ever afters.I live in Mississauga and spend time with family and friends, and struggle daily with the wine and chocolate that somehow magically appears in my house.And I write. I will always write romances because I love creating fascinating characters whose lives I can make completely miserable before I give them their happily ever after.
