Official Review: White Collar Woman by Nicholas L. Maze

[Cecilia_L]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "White Collar Woman" by Nicholas L. Maze.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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White Collar Woman by Nicholas L. Maze is a dramatic romance about the love life of Marla Evans. Marla has a successful career at Maverick's Advertising Agency, where she has no shortage of male admirers, including her boss. When the story opens, Marla has her eye on a sexy colleague, Kevin. Finding a note at her desk signed with his initials, she accepts his invitation to dinner. To her dismay, Kenny, the office nerd, is waiting for her at the restaurant; she immediately realizes her mistake, as the two men have the same initials. As the story unfolds, Marla must balance her fantasies, corporate life, and family relationships. Will she find love?

The 120-page quick read is classified as romance and has plenty of drama. The first-person narrative is written from the protagonist's perspective. Before selecting the book, I read two different synopses. Both mentioned Marla's desire to find love, and one noted that she had a son; neither disclosed the fact that she was already married. I find it peculiar and slightly misleading that Maze neglects to mention Marla's discontentment with her marriage, as it is a central theme of the book.

The portions of the book I enjoyed most were Marla's humorous interactions with her sister, Diane. In one scenario, Marla tells her sister about her complicated predicament with several men. As she leaves, she hugs Diane's husband, and her sister quips, "Be careful, baby, she's contagious!" Marla responds, "Stanley, please get your wife, before I stab her with the heel of my shoe."

Unfortunately, Maze doesn't take the time to build a believable plot. When the story begins, Marla already has a deep resentment toward her husband. Although there are implications that her anger stems from hurt, Maze doesn't expound on this fully. Marla refers to Michael as " a sorry excuse for a husband," but his actions speak louder than her words. In the span of a day, Michael sends her flowers, arranges a date to an event she likes, compliments her cooking, and puts their son to bed; it's a wonder she can bear to live with him! On the other hand, Marla has no problem dating despite being married, and she is the one who habitually comes home late. In the same vein, the book's abrupt ending doesn't seem plausible given Marla's character throughout the book. The resolution doesn't seem likely to last; what will she do the next time her husband irritates her?

Try as I might, I could not connect with the protagonist's shallow character. Marla is predictably immature, and despite being a churchgoer and her references to God, she feels perfectly justified looking for love outside her marriage. I particularly dislike that her hypocrisy seems to be rewarded. To clarify, this is not a woman who struggles with temptation, feels remorse for her actions, and sees the light. Instead, Michael finally makes a gesture that is grandiose enough to appease her.

In addition to the inconsistencies with Marla's character, others also detract from the story. For instance, Marla prides herself on her successful career: "I had been working my butt off lately." However, depictions of her sleeping at her desk and spending 45 minutes hiding out in the bathroom stall contradict the stellar image she has of herself. In another example, Marla has a dream about her great-grandparents that seems to spark a change of heart, but instead of following through, she makes plans that jeopardize her marriage further.

For all of the above reasons, I rate White Collar Woman 2 out of 4 stars.The book is professionally edited and contains no profanity but does include several nonexplicit sexual references. I recommend the book to readers who enjoy light reads, romance, and drama. On the other hand, if you are distracted by inconsistencies, this is probably not the book for you.

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White Collar Woman
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[JKO]

I think I'll also enjoy Marla's humorous interactions with her sister. I am also a high fan of romance books. Despite the inconsistencies, I look forward to reading this one. Thanks for the review.

[Cecilia_L]

I think I'll also enjoy Marla's humorous interactions with her sister. I am also a high fan of romance books. Despite the inconsistencies, I look forward to reading this one. Thanks for the review.

You're welcome. I appreciate your comment.

[Harty]

Marla seems to desperately look for a way out of marriage. Its strange she's gorgeous but unhappy. Thanks for the wonderful review.

[Cecilia_L]

Marla seems to desperately look for a way out of marriage. Its strange she's gorgeous but unhappy. Thanks for the wonderful review.

You're welcome. Thanks for your comment.

[GiselleBengochea]

Marla seems to be a discontented, immature person who poses as a working professional with moral ethics, which is totally flipside of her true nature. She is also married and has a son, yet she potrays herself as being single and dating. These inconsistencies would make for interesting reading. Excellent review!

[Cecilia_L]

Marla seems to be a discontented, immature person who poses as a working professional with moral ethics, which is totally flipside of her true nature. She is also married and has a son, yet she potrays herself as being single and dating. These inconsistencies would make for interesting reading. Excellent review!

Thank you!

[Reubeney]

The title of the book drew my attention though I might skip reading this book due to the issue of inconsistency. Furthermore, I'm not a fan of romance books. Nonetheless, thanks for the brilliant review.

[Splendour0606]

Marla seems to me as someone who is into drugs, because the course of her life is quite confusing. She is married to a man that loves her, yet she flirts with other men, a believer but boasts in her actions. An interesting book to read.Nice review.

[Cecilia_L]

The title of the book drew my attention though I might skip reading this book due to the issue of inconsistency. Furthermore, I'm not a fan of romance books. Nonetheless, thanks for the brilliant review.

You're welcome. I appreciate your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

Marla seems to me as someone who is into drugs, because the course of her life is quite confusing. She is married to a man that loves her, yet she flirts with other men, a believer but boasts in her actions. An interesting book to read.Nice review.

Yes, she is a mass of contradictions! Thanks for your comment.

[khaulah]

I dont like the character of Marla. Even though it's fiction, I feel sorry for her husband. To be honest, she sounds like a narcissist :It's not me, it's you!

[Ediomis_Enwongo01]

Maria according to the story is not an ideal example to follow as far as marriage is concern. Imagine a dozen Maria in the world and marriage would lose its prestige. Well-detailed review.

[Adanna Inya]

Whoa! Marla is not it. I cannot deal with the hypocrisy either. Beautiful review.

[See_B00kReaDs]

I already don't like the character of Marla. She has a loving husband, yet she can't help but flirts with other men. Thanks for the review, but I'll pass on this one.