Stuck - romance

Author: Elisabeth Rose   

Publication Date: 2009

Number of Pages: 263    

Part of a Series:   No

Subject Heading(s):  

• Australian Fiction
• Changing/Dual Perspectives
• Country vs. City 
• Elevators –Fiction; Romance fiction
• Love stories
• Man-woman relationships – Fiction 
• Single Parent 
• Widowers – Fiction

Geographical Setting/ Time Period: Present Day Australia (Sydney; Birrigai)

Main Character(s):   

• Brad Harding- a single father of two girls; an artist; environmentalist
• Gina Tait- busy business woman; smart; practical

Plot Summary: Busy business woman and laid back wood turner Brad Harding get stuck together on an elevator. After several minutes of small talk and one intense kiss in the dark, the two are freed and go their separate ways. Brad returns to his two girls and Gina returns to her job. However, neither can stop thinking about each other and meet several times after. These meetings result in the increasing knowledge that their lifestyles are not compatible. Brad's daughters like Gina and see to it that the two not forget about each other.


Appeal: The story line is character driven with a fast pace. The tone is heartwarming and romantic. However, the romantic aspect is mild containing pulse quickening kissing sessions. The romance is more the relationship struggles of two opposites pining for each other with changing perspectives of the main characters. Likewise, there is a lot of internal dialogue. The story is set in Australia and contains the charm of language and exotic location.

Brief quote:  “What was she seeing, or trying to avoid seeing? A man she wouldn’t normally touch with a barge pole? A man she found unattractive in the extreme? Everyone looks attractive in the dark” (43).

Prizes or Awards:  None

Similar Works:  

Benny & Shrimp by Katarina Mazetti. Opposites attraction. dual perspectives. Set outside the US; variation of Country vs. City

Chain Lightening by Elizabeth Lowell.  Also set in Australia; Character-driven plot.

Coming Home by Elisabeth Rose. Same author; Also set in Australia; Unexpected love

Reviewer’s Name:  Julia Robinson

 

Adapted from Saricks, Joyce G. and Nancy Brown. Readers' Advisory Service in the Public Library 2^nd.  Chicago: ALA, 1997.