#Toots by Linh Le James

​A light beach read for fans of romantic comedies.

'Toots' is the name given to sisters and friends - not one I've come across before. The story is about four sisters and their relationships with various attractive but oblivious men, their manipulation and scheming methods to attract and keep them.
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Each chapter begins with a cocktail recipe, suggesting that this is what binds or motivates the sisters. This is an original idea, which I like. The story is told via each of the sisters' first person point of view with a couple of general third person chapters. This can be a little confusing at times, trying to decipher which character's story we're reading and remember who the two dimensional male is. The only revelation is exposed at the very beginning of the book, which is also the end, thus completing the cycle.

The writing style is very contemporary using modern British expressions and references to current culture, television programmes, designer labels and trends. With most of the story delivered in the first person, the many cliches and stereotypes are acceptable as modes of speech. This keeps the story jogging along nicely.

The humorous element is typical of romantic comedies with quite a bit of feigned elegance and falling over contrasts, baby vomit, ignorance and shallowness sometimes bordering on farce. Great for young women who are going through the challenges of dating.

#Toots is published by  Weaponry Co-Op January 2019. Not currently available.

​Advanced review copy supplied by the publisher.