REVIEW & GIVEAWAY [CLOSED]: Meet Me in Manhattan by Judith Arnold

Ted Skala and Erika Fredell were the perfect New Jersey high school sweethearts. Like many teens Ted and Erika spent plenty of time in parked cars under the stars, but there was so much more between them than the chemistry that ignited their courtship, and Ted couldn't imagine a life without Erika. By graduation he was ready to get engaged. Erika, however, was ready to spread her wings and faraway she flew to college. She broke his heart. She sailed the world.

Fast forward 15 years. Living in Manhattan, Erika successfully climbs the corporate ladder but her love life stinks. Ted is also living the life of a successful businessman in Manhattan, and he's involved in a serious relationship. Problem is, he still can't get Erika out of his system. When fate intervenes and their paths cross, the result is emotionally explosive and that old black magic is back with the force of a super nova. But Erika once ravaged his heart: How can Ted ever trust her again? And now that he's seriously involved with another woman, how can Erika hope for a second chance with the man she never should have let go?

Title: Meet Me in Manhattan
Author: Judith Arnold
Format: paperback, 249 pages
Genre: reality-based romance
Source: review copy (TLC Book Tours)
Published: October 18, 2010 by HCI
Buy the book: The Book Depository | Amazon

My Thoughts
When I was given the opportunity to review a Reality-Based Romance™ novel (also know as RB Romance™), I was a bit hesitant at first. The first thought that came to my mind was reality TV, which I do not like. There are only crazy people making complete fools of themselves on reality TV. But once I read the blurb for Meet Me in Manhattan, and found out that it was about a lost love between two people and their journey trying to rekindle that love, I knew I had to read it. I love nothing better than a finding a lost love story. And now that I’ve read a Reality-Based Romance™ novel, I have to admit, I’m ready for some more of this new genre!

I love reading a romance novel that stirs up my emotions and Meet Me in Manhattan did just that. It was funny at times, where I’d find myself grinning ear to ear or even laughing out loud. At other times it was heart-achingly sad where I’d find my eyes filling with tears. And then there were tears of joy.

One thing that keep going on in the back of my mind while reading this book was that I kept wondering how much of this story was real. Did *this* really happen? Or was it added in for effect? I found myself wondering how much of the book is fact and how much was embellished by the talents of Judith Arnold. I tried not to dwell on it but I couldn’t help but wonder.

I really liked that the author took the time to bring the reader back to where it all got started. I got to see how Ted and Erika meet and got together, what split them apart, who wanted to end the relationship and who tried everything to keep it going. Told from third narrative from both Erika’s POV and Ted’s POV, the story was easy to follow and fall in love with. I couldn’t help but root for their love to go on. But at the same time I understand why Erika didn’t want to settle down at such a young age and I applaud her for pursuing her dreams.

The ending seemed a bit rushed. Where the rest of the book was cruising at a steady speed of 35 mph, the ending seemed to be going 65. I would have like to read more about the resolution between the two main characters. Other than that, Meet Me in Manhattan was a great romance story!

Meet Me in Manhattan was a fun, fast read that I couldn’t put down. I stayed up until midnight reading because I wanted to know how everything would end between Ted and Erika. I didn’t make it to the finish line that night but I did finish the book the next morning. I will definitely check out Judith Arnold’s backlist! She’s a new-to-me author and I can’t wait to see what other goodies she has written.

I really like the idea of these Reality-Based Romance™ novels. Not only is it nice to read a true love story but it’s also a fresh of breath away to get away from the world of fantasy once in a while. If you’re interested, you can submit your own story, which could possibly be used in an upcoming book in the True Vows series.

The Book Vixen Rating 

Where to find Judith Arnold online
website

 

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Thanks to TLC Book Tours and HCI, I have the whole series of 3 books to giveaway to one winner!! Giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only (No PO Boxes). Comments are appreciated, however, you must fill out the form below in order to enter the giveaway. Please read the Contest/Giveaway Policy for complete list of rules. Giveaway ends Friday, September 24th, 2010. Good luck to all who enter!