Member Reviews
This was a quick enjoyable read. I loved that the premise was so unique. There were parts that were a little slow and the romantic plotline fell flat and was slightly confusing. I did like reading "Edie" and how her soul helped to improve herself with the opportunity she was given.
This was a cute contemporary romance. I wouldnt say it brought any super strong emotions, which I normally love, but it was a good read nonetheless. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley & Gallery Books for providing me with an ARC.
This story follows Brittany Lynn Snider as her portal to heaven is taken by another spirit, Edie. In a funny turn of events, Brittany is given another chance at life by taking over Edie's body. She tries to take the opportunity to plan her way back home to Texas in order to pick up where she left off. However, her new life has other plans for her.
This was a quick and easy read! I enjoyed the premise, but it fell flat on the delivery for me. The main thing that really bothered me during this read was the fatphobic comments and jokes. It was very stereotypical that the country girl, Brittany, was a "big" girl while the snide, rich girl, Edie, was also the skinny, privileged girl. Repeatedly, there are condescending comments made toward weight and appearance, which I did not appreciate. I also felt like there was a romance plotline introduced, but then it was immediately glossed over.
I also did not enjoy the part in the comparison of emotional and mental health to others. The idea that you should appreciate what you have because others have it worse is not something I agree with. Emotions and mental health are so unique to the individual that comparing them to the hardships of others is not conducive to healing.
Overall, it was okay. I really liked the limbo and concierge concept of this story. Brittany's heart & soul are what carried this story. Despite her obstacles, it was nice to see her grow and finally, let go of the past. Though this didn't work for me, it might work for others. I encourage everyone to give it a try and make their own conclusions.
Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced read!
This was my first read by Rachel Gibson, when I read the description, I thought this is something different but still with lighthearted humor. As we began the book, Brittany is a young adult living in Texas as a hair dresser with her mother. She sneaks away after church to go meet a man she met online a few hours away. Unfortunately, Brittany is in a car accident and when she wakes up she is standing over her body. From here we are introduced to a "concierge" and other "spirits" lingering around the hospital floor. Brittany's body had so much trauma that it eventually ended, but instead of Brittany's soul going with it, Edie snuck up. This rarely happens the concierge shared. Brittany's soul is then asked if she wants to go into Edie's body and live her life. Brittany accepts the offer and must learn to become Edie, by faking amnesia. We see the "new" Edie's family and how Brittany helps improve her life and her family relationships.
Drop Dead Gorgeous is a hoot and a half. I just read right through this book in one go. It is adorable, entertaining, and truly the perfect book to grab when you’re looking for something light and engaging.
Brittany Lynn’s character shines through with so much heart and Texas pride. Although she kind of makes some terrible decisions with little forethought, I love that her character evolves as the story goes on. I absolutely enjoyed following Edie’s journey as well. The whole ride… what a barrel of laughs.
There were couple things that gave me pause. The shift between Oliver and Brittany Lynn did not sit well with me. There was just an incredibly sudden escalation that did not feel plausible to me. I also feel like the lack of character development for Oliver was a missed opportunity; he felt a bit one-dimensional.
I really enjoyed this hilarious take on a Freaky Friday type afterlife situation between down to earth Southern girl Brittany Lynn and Edie, a snobby socialite. I highly recommend this romantic comedy!
This book was hilarious. I love rom-coms and when life is stressful, that's what I am drawn too. However, this one started out with Brittany texting HotGuyNate while she is on her way to church. She ends up in a car accident. We have all been in the drama on if a guy will text back, should we go meet him, etc. It had me cracking up. Brittany ends up in heaven/limbo. She is stuck watching life happening while she is above. She ends up switching places with a socialite. It was a new spin on the usual books and I really enjoyed the Texas slang. Very cute!
I have been a fan of Rachel Gibson's books for over 20 years and was excited to get the opportunity to read Drop Dead Gorgeous.
Brittany Lynn was such a funny quirky character and this story was so different. It made me wish that this could be turned into a movie or mini-series because the concept was so cute and different.
I can't wait to read more from Rachel.
Absolutely entertaining, smart, hilarious supernatural comedy/ romcom/ chic lit/ women’s fiction( definitely a genre blender) guarantees you quality time even though it gets a little bit slow after the promising and exciting start of the story!
I read a few previous romcoms of the author and after a little later it is so good to read brand new work of hers.
I was so impressed by the surprising, well executed start of the story. The character building of Brittany was well- developed and easy to connect with. I was drawn to her adventure: after having a tragic car accident and finding herself stranded at the Limbo Lounge await her fate with the other victims who play cards, watching reruns of 7th Heaven and Heaven Help Us. ( it’s only tolerable to be trapped there if they provide me reruns of Good Place)
Poor Brittany’s reserved place in heaven is unfairly taken by bully, spoiled, wealthy socialite Edie who thinks first come first serve rule also works at the heaven portal.
There is good news that Brittany finally earns her second chance at the earth but bad news is she’s gonna send there back inside Edie’s body.
Can you imagine to wake up in another, so much unlikable person’s body who is your characteristically polar opposite and take over her life?
Maybe second chance of her life won’t be so bad! She can build a new life in Texas and especially she starts to get attracted by charming Oliver ( even though their insta love is doomed to fail) But as soon as she starts to love another person’s life, she also starts thinking who was Brittany, what was her life’s purpose?
The story’s execution took a little bumpy road in the middle but conclusion was still satisfying. It was great fun, soft, popcorn, feel-good! I especially recommend to Ms. Gibson’s fans!
So many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
I devoured this book in a day! I have read and loved so many of Rachel Gibson’s books, and this one did not disappoint. I definitely understand the struggle with online dating, and the storyline of this one was so different then any of her other books. Brittany Lynn is a funny quirky character, and right from the beginning I enjoyed this character. Would love to read more about the limbo lounge, and those that are hanging out there!
I can't recall ever reading a book quite like this! The premise is so unique and frankly, I'm not surprised that Rachel Gibson was able to pull it off. I've read MANY of her novels in the past and am pleased to say she has another winner on her hands here. I can't wait for more!
Soooo much potential, not enough follow through.
I was intrigued by this book from the beginning. However much I wanted to love it though, it kept slowing down… and down… and then…. whaaat? It got weird.
The concept behind the book was great. I liked that it started with our MC actually dying. (This is not a spoiler if you read the book description.) the first 1/2 of the book continues on enjoyable. However, the romance between our MC, Brittany, and Oliver starts out fun and intriguing but then its just… over. Glazed over.
Edie, the one she changes bodies with, stays in the picture too and it never makes sense to me as to why.
All-in-all, it was ok. I would not read it again, but don’t hate that I read it. If that makes any sense.
Rachel Gibson does not disappoint! Drop Dead Gorgeous is a laugh-out-loud novel that has one of the best cast of characters I’ve read about in a long time!
Brittany Lynn Snider was keeping the fact that she was meeting a tinder date on the down low, but unfortunately she get into a major car wreck and ends up in the hospital. As the hospital staff tries to work on her, Brittany has an out of body experiences and gets quirky visitors from the other side. Her visitors basically tell her she can return to the living…with one huge catch! She must come back as Edie! Edie has a reputation of being extremely a snobby and rude—so basically the opposite of Brittany! It was from this point that I found this fantastic novel unputdownable!
I adore how completely original Rachel Gibson’s novels are. As per usual, I went into Drop Dead Gorgeous completely blind and was so happy I did! I love that this book was so funny/sarcastic, but at the same time I found so many heartstring pulling moments! The character are so darn endearing—I never wanted this book to end! Drop Dead Gorgeous is a 5 star book that I highly recommend!
Drop Dead Gorgeous is a fun life-swap adventure. I always enjoy a fish-out-of-water storyline, and Rachel Gibson did a nice job of finding a fresh take. I enjoyed the book, and her sense of humor. A fun, light read!
Rachel Gibson always. Makes me laugh and smile I've been reading her for years. However, this novelists the mark for me. Brittany is traveling to El Paso to meet a man she met on Tinder. . She soon finds herself in the hospital and in a limbo state after death It is there she trades lives with wealthy and depressed Edie. A look at the after life with a side of humor.
This was the exact “out of body experience” I was hoping to read about! Both funny and emotional, the tale of two ladies switching bodies and lives had me completely hooked!