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dani_reviews's review against another edition
3.0
Good but didn’t wow me. Also, there were things that bothered me, like slut-shaming. Full review to come.
katie_83's review against another edition
5.0
5 star review
Confessions of a Carpool Captive is a great rom-com standalone novel by Dawn L Chiletz. I have never read anything by this author before but I will definitely be looking out for more of her work. I was instantly captivated by her brilliant writing style. The book flowed effortlessly and had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. From the very first page I knew that I was in for a great read. I loved the uniqueness of the storyline; it is certainly like nothing that I have read before. The characters each had their own personality but were all equally as funny.
Liz for me was a fabulous character, introverted and quiet – but she still had some very funny moments. I loved her naivety towards Finn (who by the way was HOT!!!) and how she kept everyone at arm’s length yet they still lived her for who she was. I did get frustrated with her at times (mainly because I loved Finn so much) but everything she did was in keeping with her character.
Finn was hilarious, from the moment he was first introduced into the book in the carpool lane his one liners had me in stitches! I loved that he wasn’t what I thought he was going to be – he was a refreshing character!
Liz and Finn were backed up by a great set of secondary characters – I know I definitely would have loved to carpool with them on the way to work. They became like family in the weirdest of situations! They were certainly an eclectic bunch of people. The ending to the story was great – it was really unexpected but perfect!
If you are looking for a funny rom-com read, with a great set of characters and a brilliant ending then I definitely recommend this story. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Confessions of a Carpool Captive is a great rom-com standalone novel by Dawn L Chiletz. I have never read anything by this author before but I will definitely be looking out for more of her work. I was instantly captivated by her brilliant writing style. The book flowed effortlessly and had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. From the very first page I knew that I was in for a great read. I loved the uniqueness of the storyline; it is certainly like nothing that I have read before. The characters each had their own personality but were all equally as funny.
Liz for me was a fabulous character, introverted and quiet – but she still had some very funny moments. I loved her naivety towards Finn (who by the way was HOT!!!) and how she kept everyone at arm’s length yet they still lived her for who she was. I did get frustrated with her at times (mainly because I loved Finn so much) but everything she did was in keeping with her character.
Finn was hilarious, from the moment he was first introduced into the book in the carpool lane his one liners had me in stitches! I loved that he wasn’t what I thought he was going to be – he was a refreshing character!
Liz and Finn were backed up by a great set of secondary characters – I know I definitely would have loved to carpool with them on the way to work. They became like family in the weirdest of situations! They were certainly an eclectic bunch of people. The ending to the story was great – it was really unexpected but perfect!
If you are looking for a funny rom-com read, with a great set of characters and a brilliant ending then I definitely recommend this story. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
lisa01's review against another edition
5.0
Confessions of a Carpool Captive by Dawn L. Chiletz Rated 5 stars
Liz Foley is an introvert. She hold down a great job, that she loves, has few friends, ones that don't talk back, and is happy in her life. What is an introvert, you might ask? Well when Liz has lunch a coworker they eat at the same table and while her coworker plays on her phone Liz reads her book. Perfectly acceptable! When someone waves or smiles at her her gut instinct is to avoid, not smile or wave back. So when she see a person getting pulled over in the carpool lane she is all about watching not interacting. Luckily she is able to stop, in horrible LA traffic, right next to him so she can hear everything! When he turns out to be a new coworker who pops up to see her later that day Liz does not know what to do. He wants to carpool with her for a multitude of reasons. Liz is not interested!
This book drew me in right from the get go. I laughed, teared up and said What? multiple times while reading this book. I could really identify with Liz being an introvert. She likes to be alone and is not bothered by it. I had so many bookmarks placed, within the first few min of reading this, of things I found similar or funny that I knew this would be a good read. I was literally laughing and saying OMG during Liz and Finnegan first meeting together. I completely enjoy how he keeps trying to be nice to her and she comments back politely then when he doesn't stop whatever he is doing she says “ what I really mean is ( enter rude comment) “
This book is not all fun and games as it gets serious just like life. Finn even had me wondering in the beginning what he was doing all this for but as time flew by I got the big picture. I kept thinking he likes her...but I'm not really sure. All the secondary characters ( fellow carpoolers) were annoying at first ( really who wants all that talking when a quiet ride will do) but as time went by I started to like them and understand how they can be helpful. This is most definitely a re-read and I have even talked to my husband about this book and he is interested in reading it! This was an easy to read, captivating book. I look forward to more from this author!
Liz Foley is an introvert. She hold down a great job, that she loves, has few friends, ones that don't talk back, and is happy in her life. What is an introvert, you might ask? Well when Liz has lunch a coworker they eat at the same table and while her coworker plays on her phone Liz reads her book. Perfectly acceptable! When someone waves or smiles at her her gut instinct is to avoid, not smile or wave back. So when she see a person getting pulled over in the carpool lane she is all about watching not interacting. Luckily she is able to stop, in horrible LA traffic, right next to him so she can hear everything! When he turns out to be a new coworker who pops up to see her later that day Liz does not know what to do. He wants to carpool with her for a multitude of reasons. Liz is not interested!
This book drew me in right from the get go. I laughed, teared up and said What? multiple times while reading this book. I could really identify with Liz being an introvert. She likes to be alone and is not bothered by it. I had so many bookmarks placed, within the first few min of reading this, of things I found similar or funny that I knew this would be a good read. I was literally laughing and saying OMG during Liz and Finnegan first meeting together. I completely enjoy how he keeps trying to be nice to her and she comments back politely then when he doesn't stop whatever he is doing she says “ what I really mean is ( enter rude comment) “
This book is not all fun and games as it gets serious just like life. Finn even had me wondering in the beginning what he was doing all this for but as time flew by I got the big picture. I kept thinking he likes her...but I'm not really sure. All the secondary characters ( fellow carpoolers) were annoying at first ( really who wants all that talking when a quiet ride will do) but as time went by I started to like them and understand how they can be helpful. This is most definitely a re-read and I have even talked to my husband about this book and he is interested in reading it! This was an easy to read, captivating book. I look forward to more from this author!
bwagner's review against another edition
4.0
Confessions of a Carpool Captive by Dawn L. Chiletz is a funny, cute, quirky romance story. This story will make you laugh, cry, angry and everything in between. You will enjoy how the author has created characters that you will be able to relate to. You also enjoy how these characters relate to each other. This story will pull you in from the first chapter forward and you won't be able to put it down. You will love how these characters will take you on an emotional journey. Find out what happens to these characters as they carpool back and forth to work and what they learn from each other.
Liz Foley is a woman who is happy with the way things are in her life right now. She is a loner and likes it that way and has no intentions of changing. What will happen when she meets him? What will happen when he convinces her to carpool with him? He is hot, sexy and irresistible and will make her an offer she can't refuse. She is determined that she doesn't need anyone in her life. Will she change her mind? She is convinced that he is her opposite but is it just a case where opposites attract?
Finnegan Walsh is a new employee where she works. When he is caught in some compromising situations, will he be embarrassed around her? When the opportunity comes up for him to help her will she take what he has to offer? Will he win a spot in her heart?
Liz and Finnegan's relationship is one that grows throughout the story. Their story is one that doesn't start out on the right foot at least for her. She doesn't want anything to do with him. You will love how she breaks out of her shell and how he gets her to come out of that shell. The growth of these characters throughout is just amazing. The supporting characters also play a part in the growth of this story and really they all make the story flow. You will connect to these characters and they will pull at your heart strings. She is a strong character that knows what she wants even though she is a little quirky. What happens when the carpool is the most favorite part of her day? Was accepting his offer the best thing she ever did or will it be the worst?
This is my first story by Dawn L. Chiletz and I know it won't be the last. Dawn currently lives in Illinois with her husband, two boys and three dogs. When she is not writing, you can find her drinking lots of coffee and checking facebook instead of laundry. She is the author of a few other books, you should check out. This story is a fast page turner that will have you reading until the end. You will not be able to put it down. You will enjoy how the author as created a story that you can get totally lost and caught up in. You will love the characters she has created in this story. I highly suggest this story as I know you will find yourself laughing out loud a lot like I did.
Liz Foley is a woman who is happy with the way things are in her life right now. She is a loner and likes it that way and has no intentions of changing. What will happen when she meets him? What will happen when he convinces her to carpool with him? He is hot, sexy and irresistible and will make her an offer she can't refuse. She is determined that she doesn't need anyone in her life. Will she change her mind? She is convinced that he is her opposite but is it just a case where opposites attract?
Finnegan Walsh is a new employee where she works. When he is caught in some compromising situations, will he be embarrassed around her? When the opportunity comes up for him to help her will she take what he has to offer? Will he win a spot in her heart?
Liz and Finnegan's relationship is one that grows throughout the story. Their story is one that doesn't start out on the right foot at least for her. She doesn't want anything to do with him. You will love how she breaks out of her shell and how he gets her to come out of that shell. The growth of these characters throughout is just amazing. The supporting characters also play a part in the growth of this story and really they all make the story flow. You will connect to these characters and they will pull at your heart strings. She is a strong character that knows what she wants even though she is a little quirky. What happens when the carpool is the most favorite part of her day? Was accepting his offer the best thing she ever did or will it be the worst?
This is my first story by Dawn L. Chiletz and I know it won't be the last. Dawn currently lives in Illinois with her husband, two boys and three dogs. When she is not writing, you can find her drinking lots of coffee and checking facebook instead of laundry. She is the author of a few other books, you should check out. This story is a fast page turner that will have you reading until the end. You will not be able to put it down. You will enjoy how the author as created a story that you can get totally lost and caught up in. You will love the characters she has created in this story. I highly suggest this story as I know you will find yourself laughing out loud a lot like I did.
angelahayes's review against another edition
5.0
5 Stars
Confessions of a Carpool Captive is a very witty and enthralling novel by Dawn L. Chiletz. It’s a very clever contemporary/Rom Com.
This riveting read takes us along for the ride as we join Liz Foley on a journey of discovery. Liz is a bit of an introvert, who likes the quiet life- her job as an accountant is just perfect for her because she would much rather deal with numbers than with people. Because of this, she doesn’t have friends. She is known for her RBF (Resting B**ch Face) and snarky comments. She drives to work on her own, as she doesn’t have to deal with people or be forced to make conversation. But when unforeseen circumstances occur, she has no choice but to carpool to work with the annoyingly upbeat and way too talkative new guy at work.
Finnigan Walsh is the complete opposite of Liz; he’s a bit of an extrovert, a little quirky, very outgoing, approachable, friendly, easy going, and HOT. He’s quite happy to carpool and has been throwing around the idea, as well as all the benefits of carpooling, in an effort to get her interested. But no matter how many times she shoots him down or how far she pushes him, he just ‘rolls with the punches’ and doesn’t let it get to him. His friendly teasing seems almost planned just to get a rise out of her and to press her buttons. So when Liz accepts his offer to carpool, he genuinely sees it as a boon; but Liz views it as a curse.
As more people get added to the carpool, the hilarity ramps up quite a lot and what ensues is a story you will fall in love with and won’t soon forget.
I am really happy that I discovered this book. It is really well written, light hearted, funny and refreshingly original.
The characters are fully developed, charming and likeable.
The story is a standalone, has a great pace, a smooth flow and is easy to read. I read it in one sitting.
It was the first time I have read anything by Ms. Chiletz, and I am happy to say that it definitely won’t be the last!
I recommend this book to anyone who loves wonderful story with a great Rom/Com, threaded through it. So buckle up for a real fun ride!
Thank you Ms. Chiletz!
Confessions of a Carpool Captive is a very witty and enthralling novel by Dawn L. Chiletz. It’s a very clever contemporary/Rom Com.
This riveting read takes us along for the ride as we join Liz Foley on a journey of discovery. Liz is a bit of an introvert, who likes the quiet life- her job as an accountant is just perfect for her because she would much rather deal with numbers than with people. Because of this, she doesn’t have friends. She is known for her RBF (Resting B**ch Face) and snarky comments. She drives to work on her own, as she doesn’t have to deal with people or be forced to make conversation. But when unforeseen circumstances occur, she has no choice but to carpool to work with the annoyingly upbeat and way too talkative new guy at work.
Finnigan Walsh is the complete opposite of Liz; he’s a bit of an extrovert, a little quirky, very outgoing, approachable, friendly, easy going, and HOT. He’s quite happy to carpool and has been throwing around the idea, as well as all the benefits of carpooling, in an effort to get her interested. But no matter how many times she shoots him down or how far she pushes him, he just ‘rolls with the punches’ and doesn’t let it get to him. His friendly teasing seems almost planned just to get a rise out of her and to press her buttons. So when Liz accepts his offer to carpool, he genuinely sees it as a boon; but Liz views it as a curse.
As more people get added to the carpool, the hilarity ramps up quite a lot and what ensues is a story you will fall in love with and won’t soon forget.
I am really happy that I discovered this book. It is really well written, light hearted, funny and refreshingly original.
The characters are fully developed, charming and likeable.
The story is a standalone, has a great pace, a smooth flow and is easy to read. I read it in one sitting.
It was the first time I have read anything by Ms. Chiletz, and I am happy to say that it definitely won’t be the last!
I recommend this book to anyone who loves wonderful story with a great Rom/Com, threaded through it. So buckle up for a real fun ride!
Thank you Ms. Chiletz!
averagegal's review against another edition
3.0
I came to a realization while reading this book. I like romances where the heroine is introverted to the point of being almost reclusive. That was the case with this book and I really enjoyed it. I also enjoy stories where a group of friends is forming so that the hero and heroine have their own found family of sorts. That was also a part of this book. The last third of the story was kind of corny compared to what came before, but overall I enjoyed it. This was first time reading a Chiletz book and I will most likely try another.
bookgyrl's review
5.0
Okay I am going to give this 5 stars. Because I totally loved it.
From the moment introvert Liz passes her co-worker Finn at the side off the road with his blow-up doll (for the carpool lane haha) to the great epilogue. Finn asks Liz to carpool with him so he can get to and from work faster, but somehow it turns into a carpool group consisting of different personalities. And while attraction simmers between Liz and Finn the group forms a solid odd friendship. There was some cheesiness near the end, but all in all a very entertaining book!
From the moment introvert Liz passes her co-worker Finn at the side off the road with his blow-up doll (for the carpool lane haha) to the great epilogue. Finn asks Liz to carpool with him so he can get to and from work faster, but somehow it turns into a carpool group consisting of different personalities. And while attraction simmers between Liz and Finn the group forms a solid odd friendship. There was some cheesiness near the end, but all in all a very entertaining book!
bubblegirljulz's review
3.0
3.5 stars. Liz likes to keep to herself in everything she does and that includes driving to work. When her car breaks down, the new guy offers to drive her. It takes a lot of convincing from him but they start carpooling to work and everything progresses from there.
This was a fun read and I always fall for hate at first sight. Mix it with coworkers and it makes it even better. I liked Liz for the most part but she was frustrating and stubborn at times. Finn was my favorite because he was positive no matter what. Even after everything that he's been through, he's still there to support and encourage Liz through everything. His attraction to her was obvious and I liked seeing the progression of Liz trying to figure it all out. I LOVED his constant nicknames for her even though she hated it in the beginning. It's a quick read because of how entertaining everybody is. Dawn can write some witty banter and I enjoy her writing style.
The supporting characters were funny and I liked Emmerson the most. I didn't really care for Kel but the author gave him a well-rounded story. I do have some gripes, which is why it's getting 3.5 stars and not four. The build-up and climax of the story was like a comedy of errors so it seemed a little ridiculous to me.Also, how the hell did NOBODY figure out that Emmerson was pregnant? There were four other people in that car and all they thought was that she was gaining some weight? I'd understand if she was like four or five months but not one of them could see that she was nine months pregnant and ready to have a baby? That's insane. Also, the whole thing with Ernesto joining a carpool and pretending he doesn't speak English was kind of silly. Lastly,
Liz's reasoning for not wanting to be with Finn the first time was stupid. I hate when characters will focus on one tiny thing when it's not worth it at all. That angst and heartache was not really worth it. I'm glad that she figured it all out but the whole thing seemed avoidable to me. It wasn't the most concrete reason to stop a relationship from going further.
All in all, I enjoyed it and I read it in one sitting so it's quick too! I'd rec it to anybody who loves a fun romcom.
This was a fun read and I always fall for hate at first sight. Mix it with coworkers and it makes it even better. I liked Liz for the most part but she was frustrating and stubborn at times. Finn was my favorite because he was positive no matter what. Even after everything that he's been through, he's still there to support and encourage Liz through everything. His attraction to her was obvious and I liked seeing the progression of Liz trying to figure it all out. I LOVED his constant nicknames for her even though she hated it in the beginning. It's a quick read because of how entertaining everybody is. Dawn can write some witty banter and I enjoy her writing style.
The supporting characters were funny and I liked Emmerson the most. I didn't really care for Kel but the author gave him a well-rounded story. I do have some gripes, which is why it's getting 3.5 stars and not four. The build-up and climax of the story was like a comedy of errors so it seemed a little ridiculous to me.
Liz's reasoning for not wanting to be with Finn the first time was stupid. I hate when characters will focus on one tiny thing when it's not worth it at all. That angst and heartache was not really worth it. I'm glad that she figured it all out but the whole thing seemed avoidable to me. It wasn't the most concrete reason to stop a relationship from going further.
All in all, I enjoyed it and I read it in one sitting so it's quick too! I'd rec it to anybody who loves a fun romcom.