Review of A Small Flirtation

[Ann Ogochukwu]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Small Flirtation" by Buff Brazy Given.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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This book review is for the Audible version of A Small Flirtation, written by Buff Brazy Given and narrated by Bryn Austin.

Jenny Matthews is a successful photographer in her early fifties, and since the death of her husband ten years earlier, she lost every romantic interest in men and built a life around work and her two sons. So when she meets the real version of her fantasy cowboy, she is beyond herself with girlish excitement and is ready to test new waters. However, her perfect man is married!

Paul Crowley is a successful engineer in his mid-fifties, and he could be said to have it all, except for love in his marriage. So when Paul meets the woman of his dreams on a not-so-normal flight to San Francisco, he throws caution to the wind and pursues the passionate love he has always dreamed of. Soon, what started as a small flirtation blossoms into the biggest clandestine affair of a lifetime. But how long can these lovers continue living in their fantasies, especially when it becomes clear that Paul is not ready to leave his wife?

On the list of this book’s positives are its unique plot and characterization. Paul’s marriage brought a new and intense dilemma to the romantic plot, and it was quite a suspenseful wait to see how this dilemma would be resolved in the end, if at all. The book’s characterization was also superb. The book featured quite a number of characters, and they all played remarkable roles. Jenny was a sweet lady with a good sense of humor. Then there was TJ, Jenny’s best friend and confidant, who initially encouraged Jenny to have some fun but “keep it light.” Through her conversations with Jenny, the story progresses and most of the characters’ pasts are revealed. Another remarkable character was Guy, Jenny’s late husband’s friend, who was also in love with Jenny. Of course, Guy was jealous of Paul and sometimes mad at Jenny for her entanglement with Paul, but he never failed to be her friend. Their relationship added some spicy tension to this story.

I believe this book was professionally edited because its narration was seamless and fantastic. The narrator’s voice was smooth, and her reading was without a hitch. Also, I loved how the narrator’s voice reflected the emotion in every scene and how her voice pitch changed with each character; I was hardly ever confused about which character was speaking. This was a lengthy read, with detailed conversations and a myriad of characters and emotions, but never was I bored. The story got a little “soapy” when everyone in Jenny’s circle was paired off with a partner, but that soapiness was soon washed off by the waters of reality. A Small Flirtation was a very emotional, romantic, but realistic story.

My only frustration with this book was that Paul wouldn’t say why he couldn’t leave his wife, although he always implied that their marriage was loveless. He knew just the sweetest words to say to Jenny in expression of his love, but he could never promise her more than a few stolen hours. I felt sorry for poor Jenny; one minute, she was over the moon with happiness, and the next minute, after goodbye kisses, her heart ached from longing for what wasn’t hers. Like Jenny, I wondered if Paul was just a very good liar having a fling, but only the end of this book would reveal the truth.

My annoyance with Paul aside, I loved everything else about this book, and I’m giving it a perfect rating of 4 out of 4 stars. Although there are no explicit scenes in this book, I recommend it to a mature/adult audience because the complexities of the characters’ relationships are not suited for young readers. Basically, this book is for adults who enjoy romance.

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A Small Flirtation
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[Mbenma Esther 080]

I love the way it is recommended for young readers because not every mind can understand what is written in a book to the extent of enjoying it. Thanks for the review

[Deeksha Ojha]

I am glad new fiction is looking at relationships through shades of grey and not black and white. There is always the story of the other woman which was type casted as homewrecker earlier.

[Pauls_]

My question is "why exactly will Paul start something if he wasn't going to carry to the end". I don't believe I will fancy this book. Wonderful review.

[Blessing Odii]

I love the fact that Jenny is a photographer. I enjoy reading romance novels.

[Nwankwo GC]

Romance fiction is best genre to read. I'll check this out. Great review.

[cutemami]

My dislike with the Paul character is already solid despite the fact that i have not read the book yet. I would like to read this book to see just how good of a liar Paul was and what the real state of his marriage was. Thank you for your review.

[M+er+cy]

I enjoy reading romance novels.
I also love the fact that it's recommend for young readers. I think I'll find this novel interesting.
Thanks for your review

[Aisha Yakub]

Sometimes we don't get what we want. I'll definitely love to see how this ends. Great review.

[Linus G]

I enjoyed the reviewer's review, it really gives you an insight on what you're venturing into, and I like the way it was recommended to adult/matured adult so that everyone can be forewarned.

[Ann Ogochukwu]

My dislike with the Paul character is already solid despite the fact that i have not read the book yet. I would like to read this book to see just how good of a liar Paul was and what the real state of his marriage was. Thank you for your review.

Chilll. He's not such a bad guy, just a confused one
Thank you for commenting.

[amiee gold]

This seems like a good read, which I will love to read.

[Unbothered_gracee]

I can't believe that people can still find love during that age and this book is the living proof of something I thought was impossible. I love how the characters are unique in their own ways in the story even by just reading the review.

[Destiny Freedom]

I would love to read this book if the characters were young lovers and not mature adults. Thanks for this review.

[Faith Adekanye]

Nice review. I’m really curious why Paul didn’t go for his heart…