Title: Flibbertigibbet
Author: Willa Okati
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (96 pages)
ISBN: 9781784300555
Publisher: Totally Bound (June 20th, 2014)
Heat Level: Medium
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Reviewer: Zane
Blurb: Is Donovan ready to leave routine behind and take a chance on a flirtatious flibbertigibbet?
Donovan thought he had his life all planned out. He knew where he was headed, and how he’d get there. Might not have been the most exciting life, but it was safe. Sensible. Practical. Just what he wanted.
That was before his house burned down in a freak accident. Now, Donovan’s life is all about crash space on a friend’s houseboat and entertaining the antics of his new neighbour and marina maintenance man Leaf. If Leaf ever took anything seriously in his life, he shows no signs of it. He’s loquacious, outrageous, and not even a little shy. Absolutely not the kind of man Donovan had thought he’d fall for before he tipped head over heels for the flibbertigibbet’s offbeat charm.
When it comes down to a choice between sensible and scandalous, is Donovan really ready to leave routine behind and take the plunge into deep water?
Purchase Link: https://www.totallybound.com/flibbertigibbet
Review: I am sure it comes as no surprise that I read this book because of the instant mental connection to The Sound of Music. As soon as I saw the title, I heard it in my head – “A flibbertigibbet, a will – o – the wisp, a clown…” and was immediately transported to the singing dilemma of solving the problem called Maria.
That joyous playful feeling is exactly what you get from the character of Leaf. No compunctions about anything, his charm and levity are quite the breath of fresh air. Much like the above-mentioned song, he has a lightness of being that makes me wonder he will do and say next. Sexy, fun, and laid back, it was easy to be captivated by the unrepentant ‘take me as I am’ Leaf and to enjoy his flirty and tenacious pursuit of Donovan.
On the other hand, Donovan is a bit of a downer. While it is understandable that he would be devastated to a certain degree, Donovan doesn’t seem to see the bright side of anything. Even though we do see good things in his life, there is quite a bit of negativity on his part. It isn’t until he gives in to the chase and starts to fall for everything wonderful that is Leaf, that he emanates any kind of hope at all.
While the two balance each other out with their dance of light versus dark, the pace was quick and I wanted more depth, more back-story. In Donovan’s case, it would have given me reason to be more invested. If I had more history, more emotion I’d have connected better with him. The opposite was true of Leaf – I just liked him so much I wanted to know everything about him! It was as though I was chanting “More Leaf! More Leaf!” in my head.
Overall, a very cute novella scattered with humorous sexy moments, the prerequisite bit of angst and then the ‘happy ever after’. Bonus: a sweet and ebullient flibbertigibbet of a character that will steal your heart away.
. ** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com **