📖 Overview
Lucy Savage's divorce proceedings take an unexpected turn when she becomes entangled in a criminal investigation. After being shot at and accidentally assaulting Detective Zachary Warren, Lucy finds herself at the center of a case involving her ex-husband Bradley and embezzled funds.
Detective Warren moves in with Lucy and her three dogs to protect her, convinced that Bradley's connection to an embezzlement scheme has put her in danger. As threats escalate and attempts on Lucy's life continue, the detective must balance his professional duties with his growing interest in Lucy.
The story combines elements of romance and suspense, featuring multiple dangerous scenarios while exploring the relationship between Lucy and Detective Warren. Their forced proximity situation evolves against the backdrop of criminal investigations and personal discoveries.
The novel examines themes of trust, second chances, and the unexpected ways that endings can lead to new beginnings. Its blend of romance and suspense creates a narrative about finding strength in vulnerability and love in unlikely circumstances.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe Getting Rid of Bradley as a light, fun romantic comedy with elements of mystery. Reviews frequently mention the fast-paced plot and humorous dialogue between the main characters.
Readers liked:
- Quick, engaging pacing
- Chemistry between Lucy and Zack
- Blend of romance and police procedural elements
- Witty banter and comedic scenes
Readers disliked:
- Some found the plot predictable
- Secondary characters lack depth
- Romance develops too quickly
- Resolution feels rushed
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.95/5 (17,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.3/5 (500+ ratings)
Reader quotes:
"The dialogue crackles with humor" - Goodreads reviewer
"Characters feel real and relatable despite the outlandish situation" - Amazon reviewer
"Mystery subplot needed more development" - BookBub review
The book consistently ranks in top romance lists for humor and quick reads, with most negative reviews focused on plot believability rather than writing quality.
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Lucky You by Carl Hiaasen A lottery winner faces danger and finds unexpected romance while dealing with criminals who want her winning ticket.
Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockmann A police negotiator becomes entangled with a FBI agent during an investigation that puts them both at risk.
Trust Me on This by Jennifer Crusie A newspaper reporter investigating con artists meets an enigmatic rival reporter, leading to professional competition and personal complications.
Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard A list of male perfection traits turns deadly when someone begins targeting the women who created it, bringing a detective and one of the creators together.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔍 The novel won a prestigious RITA Award in 1995, which is considered the highest honor in romance fiction, similar to the Academy Awards for the romance genre.
🐕 The protagonist's three dogs play a significant role in the story, reflecting Jennifer Crusie's real-life passion for animal rescue and her own experiences as a dog owner.
📚 Jennifer Crusie began her writing career while working on her Ph.D. in feminist literary criticism, initially analyzing romance novels before deciding to write them herself.
💫 "Getting Rid of Bradley" was one of Crusie's earlier works, published during the romance genre's significant evolution in the 1990s when romantic suspense began gaining mainstream popularity.
💼 The embezzlement plot in the novel draws from the surge of white-collar crime stories that captivated American media during the early 1990s, when financial scandals were making major headlines.