Robin Alexander

Magnetic

Renee

Robin is one of my go-to authors when I want to read a story that is not too angsty and has characters I can relate to. Having read all of her more recent books, I decided to read all of her earlier stories. Magnetic strays from the humorous pattern I’ve gotten so used to with her books.

At first, I had a difficult time feeling any type of magnetic pull between Layne and Stacy. Other than physical attraction, they appeared to be complete opposites (Layne’s logical approach to life to Stacy’s more carefree approach). The further along I read, the more I got a sense of their magnetic pull. Layne's best friends, Jenny and Molly, both get a thumbs up in my book. I don’t think anyone could ask for a more supportive couple. Sticks, on the other hand...yeah, well it would have been nice to see her and Stacy go at it a few rounds. My money is on the artist.

There were a few laugh-out-loud moments, and other than Layne and Stacy’s sticky situation, nothing else jumped out at me. In all, this story rates about a 3.5 rounded up.

Tess

I feel odd giving a Robin Alexander book less than 5 stars, but i didn't quite love it. Mind you, i have read a slew of her 5 star books that i can't help but compare it to. So it's doomed by the company it keeps. Her books are so varied, from humor, adventure, murder mystery, family drama, paranormal, time travel, jungles.... there's always something intense going on with the plot that serves to intensify the romances that the author portrays. This book didn't present a strong plot like that to me.

It's about two women that meet and are drawn to each other, but the circumstances aren't very... conducive to them having a relationship. It does present food for thought; what would you do in that situation? choices between friendship and love, new friends, old friends, priorities vs uncontrollable desire. i doubt any of us could say what we'd do in a similar situation. So in this book you are on a ride, not terribly dramatic or emotionally jarring, as you watch these women go down the paths they feel they have to chose.

The author doesn't usually waver in creating characters that you can see as vividly as if you saw them in a movie. though in this one, i can picture the supporting roles better than the protagonists. not sure what they looked like other than hair color. so the chemistry with them didn't seem as palpable to me. That was made up for slightly by the usual frequent wit and humor that will have you laughing out loud at times, and the comfortable zone you can get into while hanging out with these characters for a few hours.

I liked this book and recommend it even though i didn't 5-star-love-it. If you haven't read anything else of Robin Alexander's though, i wouldn't start with this one and use it to judge her talent. Check her list of books and reviews, there's plenty great books to chose from.

Magnetic

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