Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

A Matter of Trust #1

A Matter of Trust

Rate this book
She’s stuck in a rut, stuck in life and stuck in an elevator with Hollywood’s hottest actor. And of course she’s just come from the gym.

Claire Parelli just can’t seem to catch a break, well, except for heartbreak, that is. After a lifetime of following the rules, she winds up heartbroken, unfulfilled, and hiding from life. But she can’t hide for long.

After getting stuck aboard a broken elevator with Hollywood It-Boy, Daniel Chase, they begin a secret romance that pries Claire out of her element, out of her shell, and out of her sweatpants. But when their romance accidentally goes public, Claire’s life implodes, leaving her to choose to hunker down in the safety of her sweatpants, or risk her fragile heart on a chance at life, love, and the pursuit of better clothing.

First published August 10, 2015

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Q.T. Ruby

5 books89 followers
Q.T. Ruby’s thoughts are here, there, and everywhere. In an effort to crack down on the madness, she reined in the ideas, shaped characters, and gave them a loving home—a home she loves to visit. Now, Q.T. Ruby is ready for visitors! Come on in!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
154 (29%)
4 stars
197 (38%)
3 stars
127 (24%)
2 stars
27 (5%)
1 star
12 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Profile Image for J.
3,040 reviews47 followers
August 13, 2015
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book. About a 23-year old heartthrob movie star meeting a dedicated elementary school teacher 6 years his senior when they are stuck in an elevator. She's nervous as hell both because she's stuck with the gorgeous actor and claustrophobic. He's the sensible one trying to keep her calm. They have drinks afterward and the chemistry is wonderful. But being around a famous actor and the unwanted publicity and lack of privacy is not what this stay at home school teacher is at all used to.

This book was so well written and really witty and at times very poignant. I got a little frustrated with our heroine and how hard she found it to break away from her domineering mother (including moving back into the family home when things didn't go well--something that would NEVER happen to me). But otherwise, this was a wonderful romance.

I see there is a #2 book coming which I will look forward to. I imagine it covers the best friends, who I adored, and hopefully an extended epilogue of book #1 (no epilogue included in this book). The story, however, ended very satisfactorily.
Profile Image for Ivy Deluca.
2,236 reviews303 followers
August 10, 2015
description
An actor and a teacher walk into a bar : I do like actor romances, that classic fantasy that the impossibly handsome young actor will sweep in and romance will happen. Add in the fact that this is a older woman/younger man romance (she’s 29, he’s 23), and I was intrigued.

Here, Claire’s just been existing, hiding in her sweatpants and teaching school instead of doing what she wants. Then she meets Daniel Chase, famous actor, when she gets stuck in an elevator with him. Sparks fly and they decide to meet up for a drink at a bar.

Their first date and the little pool game they had at the bar was just a sweet setup for the romance. Their banter throughout the story starts off awkward, much like real life, but as they get to know each other, I loved that they could tease each other that way. Their friendships were a highlight, Claire with her roommates and Dan with Colin, gave it an added dimension which I liked.

The actor is adorable : Dan is a pretty level headed, sweet hero who clearly likes and wants to be with Claire. While he has his missteps, it never felt as if it were done with any malice. He was more of a beta hero, and he was very supportive of Claire and her issues….of which there are many.

The teacher is way neurotic : My main struggle was with Claire and her insecurity throughout the book. The fact that she is so completely oblivious to what it would be like to date a celebrity in this day and age of social media seemed a bit off and her freak outs about every obstacle, big or small, made it a bit difficult to connect with her. I would have liked to have seen more of her relationship with her mother earlier in the book, if only to really provide a basis for her neuroses from the start to offset her need to run to her friends for reassurance….or just to run, in general.

The big obstacle : When life gets tough, Claire gets running. That was sum and substance of the conflict, which can be hard to handle. Her overbearing mother was certainly hard to take, but I did appreciate that when it counts, Claire stood up for herself and took a chance on changing her entire life. It was when she grew a spine that I really started to connect with the romance. Also, her acceptance of her faults and apologizing for the hurts inflicted made up for alot.

There’s a bit of a cliffy : It’s a mild one, and I think the main story is resolved enough that the reader could continue with the story...or not. Which is something I do appreciate, so points for that.

description
I ended up liking it, because the ending really saved the story for me. If you’re a fan of actor romances and don’t mind a bit of insecurity with your heroines, you may enjoy this.

**ARC provided by author for review**
Profile Image for Cherie.
233 reviews4 followers
July 25, 2015
Shy, timid Claire, afraid to trust again after her last disastrous relationship, finds herself, sweaty and disheveled from the gym, stuck in a broken elevator with Hollywood's hot new actor, Dan Chase. Fortunately he's able to see past her mild panic attack and finds a cute witty woman, who's able to look past the hype and have an honest conversation with him. Claire's roommates prove to be the perfect foil to Claire's tendency to fall back into her safe zone. Claire and Dan begin their relationship on the sly, trying to buffer themselves from the harsh reality of life in tinsel town. Unfortunately the paparazzi prints evidence of Claire finally learning to trust and be herself, and turns Claire's steady bland life upside down. Once you've met Claire's bitch of a mother you finally understand why Claire's backbone seems to disappear. The turmoil in her life makes her reevaluate everything - her career choices, her relationships with her ex, her parents and even Dan. Once Claire faces a life changing decision, everything finally clicks into place where she can focus on Dan and making the most of her talents and situation. I found this book to be a cute, funny, quick read. 3.5 stars. I just wish there was an epilogue to tidy the ending up a bit.
Profile Image for Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’.
3,119 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2016
ARC received in exchange for an honest review

I enjoyed the story. Girl meets boy. Boy is a famous actor. Girl not doing so well on her own. So not just their own issues to face but also problems created by outside forces

Claire annoyed me a bit in this book, hoping that she will redeem herself in the second book. I know she is a bit shy and after everything she went through you would expect it. But she just sat there while her mother totally went off at her and didn't even try to defend herself.



So I'm hoping she will redeem herself in the second book
Profile Image for Jen.
42 reviews
August 12, 2015
I love this story. The funny—oh my God, the funny. Q.T. Ruby has a way of creating scenes that can make your heart ache, but then she throws in the wittiest one-liners and comebacks, and you find yourself cracking up. And then cracking up all over again an hour later when you remember the line again. With A Matter of Trust, the author has crafted characters with realistic traits and flaws and thrown them together in situations where they are tested. Sometimes they succeed. But sometimes they fail. Because real people fail sometimes. But real people also redeem themselves.

Claire Parelli is a teacher in a private school in New York City. When she meets movie star Daniel Chase in an elevator, she's horrified at her sweaty state, having just come from the gym. But Dan sees something in Claire that she can't see. He sees the beautiful, worthwhile woman she's kept under wraps in her apartment, hidden in her baggy sweats and a loner existence.

Dan pursues a relationship with Claire, but due to her insecurities, she has a hard time trusting his feelings; she's just waiting for the end, waiting for him to break up with her, waiting for him to realize she's not worth it. When push comes to shove, it's Claire who bails, leaving Dan floundering. Although she doesn't even realize he's floundering (and neither does the reader) because she's never quite believed his feelings were genuine.

The growth is the most important part of the story, for it's not called A Matter of Trust for nothing. Claire has to learn first to trust herself and believe in herself, and then she can trust Dan's feelings are real. Through her growth, the reader learns a lot about Claire's background—her history with her mother and former fiancé and how that history shaped her.

Don't get me started on Claire's mother. I have several nicknames for her and none is kind. I'm looking forward to learning more about the relationship with her mom and seeing where Claire and Dan go in a sequel. I firmly believe this book ended where it did to leave the reader with just enough questions about a sequel. So I will wait patiently for the announcement. :)

Five very satisfied stars to A Matter of Trust by Q.T. Ruby.
Profile Image for Shannon.
2,508 reviews216 followers
October 16, 2015
3.5*

This is a quick, funny, sweet read...and has one of my favorite tropes, an older woman with a younger man. Claire is a 29 year old teacher and Dan is a 23 year old actor- and he's British on top of that, so what's not to love?

Dan and Claire have a total "meet cute" moment in the beginning of the book, setting the stage for what is a pretty typical romantic comedy...a sweet, unassuming heroine with fun, crazy bffs; a hot hero who falls for said heroine, but she's too insecure and hurt by a past relationship to recognize and accept it.

I really enjoyed the beginning of the book, as Claire and Dan begin dating, as they got to know each other, as things started to progress in their relationship. About two thirds of the way in it started to get a little frustrating for me. Thankfully Claire eventually pulled on her big girl panties and started taking control of her life- she made some really important life-altering decisions, and she did it for herself, not worrying about what anyone else thought.

Like all good romcoms it's not all easy going for the h/H, and Dan and Claire are not exempt from turmoil. Claire grows a lot in this book, and it was nice to see the changes she went through. Dan was someone definitely worth fighting for, and I'm glad to see that she realized that.

A Matter of Trust is a great summertime beach read. If you're a fan of funny, romantic, light reads this is the perfect book for you.


***I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Susan (susayq ~).
2,246 reviews128 followers
August 14, 2016
This was a sweet story that I read in one sitting today. It was the perfect weekend read after starting school this week.

Claire is a straight laced teacher who meets Hollywood star Daniel Chase in a stuck elevator. He helps her through a panic attack and then asks for her drinks. Claire has a bit of trouble trusting him because of her past, but she gives it a shot. Things don't turn out as expected for Claire and she learns a lot about herself before she and Dan get back together.

I liked how Claire finally realized she was letting her parents run her life. I could NOT stand her mother! I literally cheered out loud for Claire towards the end when she stood up to her mom :)

*thanks to Ardent PR for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Oredeen (honest reviews).
894 reviews39 followers
July 24, 2016
When this story started off I felt I was having déjà vu, the plot was very similar to Alice Clayton's Redhead series. Older women, younger A list Hollywood actor. I believe Jack was also English though it's been a while since I read that series, any who there were a few similarities. Even the whole romantic comedy genre, though few can accomplish humor like Mrs. Clayton. Then the story became its own.

I'm not much for older female romances, women are already more mature so add years on that maturity and typically the female has to be seriously weak or have some serious flaw as to why the relationship seems to work. Which kind of happened here as well. Claire, is a 29 year old school teacher who's ex fiancé ditched her on their wedding day for a friend of hers he'd been having an affair with for over 6 months. Fast forward 3 years and she is still heart broken and barely living life. She lives in nyc with her two best friends, and while they are living it up enjoying life, she lives to work and that is it. That is all she does, other then going to the gym to relieve stress, she works.
Enter Dan, 23 year old English Hollywood hot guy. They meet while trapped in an elevator and bond while Dan tries to distract her from a claustrophobic melt down, by just talking. They continue to see each other in private for a few weeks, until Dan flies Claire and her friends out to visit him in LA for spring break which is when everything hits the fan.

Enter snobby leading actress, unanticipated sex scene with said snoopy actress, globs of insecurities, too much alcohol, pictures of pole dancing, and a tabloid hay day. Claire ends up fired from her job at an all girls catholic school, has to move back in with her parents, which are probably the worst parents I've ever encountered in a book. Really Claire's mom needs a serious dose of her own medicine in the form of a b*tchslap and some seriously harsh words. Claire breaks things off with Dan seeing no other way to live. She can't get another job while in the tabloids and a continued relationship with him will only continue the media attention.

Then one day she just kinda figures it out, over the next few weeks she gets back into music and playing the piano. Everything starts to look up and she even gets a job offer to teach again but she's just missing something. Then she receives a call she never thought was even a possibility. A job in music, they want her to record one of her compositions and use it for the movie Dan is staring in. So she says to hell with this teaching thing she doesn't really love and hops on a plane back to LA and does something for her for the first time in her life. The thing she truly loves-music.
Enter unfortunate -for Claire's hearts- pictures of Dan and aforementioned snobby actress on tabloids. Claire thinks it's over which is confirmed when she calls Dan to let him know she's in LA and say thank you, knowing it was him who got her music noticed and this opportunity, and she hears snobby actress in the back ground. She immediately hangs up barely getting anything out, gets her cry out and buckles down, determined to not let this opportunity go to waste. Everything seems to be malfunctioning in the recording studio but she still gets her composition done and feels great about it. Her emotions are on high from the music and when she's done, she looks up into the recording booth and sees Dan.
They get back together of corse, they admit their love for each other, everything is great and the story ends with Claire going to a meeting with a top Hollywood agent who wants to work with her on her music career.

So that's the story. Here are my thoughts. It started off kind of slow for me, if I weren't reviewing both books I may not have continued but I'm glad I did. I found myself pretty into the story and sharing the emotions along with the characters. There were a few funny parts but not as much as I was anticipating. The biggest drama I felt was the relationship between Claire and her parents which I'm truly hoping she grows up and throat punches them in book two. There is no excuse for treating your children in such ways, Honestly I will be disappointed if they mend their relationship in the second book with out some serious backlash coming to her parents. Her mother is a judgmental twat. Any whoooo my issues: I often found myself trying to figure out when this story was taking place. I know it was written recently but well who uses their cellphones for phone calls anymore? I was beginning to think it was set in the early 2000's until FINALLY Claire ends up texting Dan, ONCE. One time. All of their contact was through phone calls and it often seemed like it was through a land line and message recorder lol. All I could think is that for two people living in possibly the two biggest and most fast forward up to date cities, these characters seemed completely out of touch with today's electronics and the society around them.
Then this may just be a personal thing for me, sexual build up, detailed foreplay, and skipped over sex. It's a big no in my book. If you make a big deal out of something you follow through with it. I can completely understand wanting to place bigger focus on the actual relationship, but if that's the case, there needs to be less focus on the sexual parts completely-for me anyway. Otherwise it's a complete tease which is how it felt, again for me any way. There is also zero mention of condoms or birth control....I do know not everyone shares those views but that's just my piece.
Past that I didn't notice any editing errors, and story actually flowed really well once it picked up which wasn't too far in. I'm starting book two now and am interested to see what happens further.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amanda.
8 reviews4 followers
August 17, 2015
A Matter of Trust by Q.T. Ruby
Claire Parelli is a twenty-nine year old woman. She is almost living the life expected of her by her Italian parents. She is a successful school teacher in a prestigious private school. The only real problem her parents have is that she is getting old she is not married and refuses to date. A self imposed hermit and loser at love she finds herself in an embarrassing situation with a handsome stranger. The handsome stranger turns out to be none other than Daniel Chase an LA based movie star. Daniel asks Claire on a date and she decides to take the chance and live a little as her friends have advised her. This is the beginning of a fun filled romance. The flirting and banter between these two is hilarious.

Claire herself will admit that her attitude towards life is unhealthy she suffers panic attacks frequently throughout this book. She has issues with trust and self esteem. Without giving spoilers when you read this book you will understand why. With the help of Daniel she is able to open up much more and starts to be more adventurous. She has never felt so happy.

Daniel is also a bit of a loner. This is mostly due to his fame. With Claire he feels a connection and shares things about himself he wouldn't normally. He hasn't felt able to do this before. Obviously he has to be aware of his actions being under the scrutiny of the press.


Claire in this book became annoying because of her inability to see past certain situations. She appeared immature at times although some actions could be explained. I wanted to take her by the shoulders and tell her to pull it together and grab the bull by the horns as i felt that is what she needed. Overall though she was a fun likable character.

Daniel i liked well enough. What annoyed me about him was he went after what he wanted and then checked that he wasn't being too pushy. To be completely fair to him he was probably being mindful of Claire's tendency to panic. I could have done with him being a bit more alpha and a lot more dirty.

The only other issue i had was the book is a cliffhanger and didn't come with a warning. I now sit in eager anticipation of book two because yes i will absolutely be buying it. However, from a feel good romantic point of view you cant beat this book. It had all the feels in all the right places. This is a debut novel from Q.T Ruby i adore these type of books and she hasn't disappointed me. I will be keeping my eye on her in the future. I give this book five hilarious ducks.
Profile Image for Rachel.
643 reviews12 followers
August 10, 2015
THIS IS MY NEW FAVOURITE BOOK. Sorry to get all shouty but I absolutely loved this book. For a debut novel Q.T. Ruby has delivered a certified keeper. I have read this book twice since I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of it and I’m not the tiniest bit sorry.

There was so much to fall in love with while inhaling this book. From the main characters Dan and Claire who are just unbelievably perfect for each other, the roommates, delicious Colin, best friend to Dan, to the storyline. Everything was just right.

“He snatches me up in a rough embrace, dips me slightly, and smushes a too-long kiss to my lips—old-Hollywood style. He lets me go so quickly I have to catch my balance. “Thanks for a great time. I’ll phone to you tomorrow.” He laughs a little and leaves me with one last, brief kiss and a wink.”

You will laugh, drool, swoon, giggle, maybe shed a tear or sniffle profusely like I did. But one thing I know is that you will finish it with a big goofy grin and the urge to dive back in for a re-read. I want to even now.

I loved these characters so much. Yeah sure Dan is a big Hollywood star and Claire is an introvert teacher and on paper they shouldn’t be the perfect match, but the really are. From their first unconventional meeting to their happy ending, it was a match made in reader heaven for me and this book.

If this is what I will be expecting from this author in the future, sign me up. This book is already a favourite read of the year. I can’t wait for more.
Profile Image for Jina.
410 reviews4 followers
August 4, 2015
*I will try to avoid spoilers.

A Matter of Trust By Q.T. Ruby

Claire Parelli has sworn off men and became a homebody after being left at the alter years ago.

However, that does not detour her mother from playing matchmaker and her roommates are trying to get her out of her sweatpants and into their flashy wardrobes for a night out.

These days, she has put everything she has into her career as a teacher.

One evening, after her workout at the gym, she goes to drop off an ill students homework assignments and gets trapped in an elevator with a famous walking sex on a stick British movie star.

Daniel Chase may be a hot commodity but sometimes he just wants to be Dan, a normal guy without the paparazzi flashing cameras in his face and in every aspect of his life.

I am sure most people would love to be stuck in an elevator with a hot guy but, claustrophobic Claire just wants out of the confines of the elevator and back on solid ground.

As a way to distract her the two begin to have a real get-to-know-you kind of chat.

Once the two are rescued he asks her out for coffee and it progresses from there.

Until, the drawbacks of dating a celebrity come to light and her world is flipped on its axis.

Will she hide back in her shell?

OR

Will she fight for what she has always wanted and the man who brought her back to life?

I LOVED this book! I literally could not put this book down! It was laugh out loud funny and fun!

*Checkout & follow my blog:
http://wicked-blogs.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Melissa.
648 reviews17 followers
August 12, 2015
A Sweet Funny Read
I really enjoyed this book, it was a very light read, flowing along effortlessly with characters that you really get to know as you go along. I enjoyed the laughs and have decided to steal a few one liners for myself. ;) There were times when I actually laughed out loud, at one point I ended up drawing weird glances from my startled family who were watching a particular sad doggie movie. Oops! Obviously I wasn't watching and was totally engrossed in the book tuning out my surroundings. That was very easy to do with this book, I was drawn into the story as it progressed. I thought that it was hysterical but very realistic when Dan and Claire meet. You know how it is, when you decide you've just got to make a quick run to the store and forgoing hair and fresh clothes, it's always then that you run into someone that you'd rather be looking much better for. *sigh* This is a perfect summer read, well anytime of the year really, but it just feels like a fun summer, sipping iced tea reading in the shade kind of read to me. I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Georgina Parkin.
2,226 reviews57 followers
August 25, 2015
I received an ARC for an honest review

-----

This isn't the type of contemporary romance I usually read. It's not some sex filled erotica, it's more a story of a woman finding who she is and what she wants from life with the help of her new famous younger lover. It's about her being nearly 30 and still stuck in the clutches of her mother who fills her head with her ideals on what the perfect life, career and partner is. A lot of this book is filled with the protagonists self doubt and because of that, major anxiety. I think it's rather a realistic show of a type of life. She wasn't physically abused, but due to her mothers type of parenting, she became someone who wasn't her and even planned to marry a man she didn't love because her mother pressured her to with her little 'talks'. This is definitely slow going because it isn't overly dramatic or anything, which is both a good and bad point. But it's a good read just for something light and realistic instead of dramatic and highly unrealistic.
Profile Image for Megan.
579 reviews46 followers
August 24, 2015
Gosh, I keep typing up my thoughts and deleting them because I just can’t get them to make any sense on how I actually feel about this book.

I liked…some of it… pieces of it.

As a whole, though, it DID NOT WORK FOR ME.
The characters were just ok, the main story (actor/ordinary girl) was just too cliché with really nothing new to wow me. The drama was totally unbelievable.
SHE IS A TEACHER. Smart phones are EVERYWHERE. YOU ARE DATING A CELEBRITY!!!!!!!!

The decisions after one ‘caught’ night turn me liking this story to constantly shaking my head going really? What really floored me (tiny spoiler alert) They are adult’s right? Mature adults. Let alone the family spectacle was laughable. Wouldn’t your friends offer to help you out? Roommates at that? At this point I was DONE.
What shocked me the most was that this was NOT a full novel. For me it’s not a cliffhanger but their story is ongoing. What??
Profile Image for Jennie.
118 reviews8 followers
Read
August 18, 2015
Such a sweet story

What happens when you meet the perfect guy at the perfectly wrong time? Claire has a good job that seems to be going nowhere fast...and neither is the elevator she just stepped into. Now this claustrophobic teacher finds herself stuck in that elevator with the hottest guy in Hollywood!

She soon finds his personality is just as great as his looks - and with a little help from her Fairy Slut mothers, she captures his heart. But of course, as any good teacher knows the course of true love never did run smooth.

Ms Ruby weaves a compelling story that makes us all believe that price charming is out there just waiting for the right girl to find him.
I cannot wait for part two!
Profile Image for Rosemary.
449 reviews45 followers
September 6, 2015
A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

I always enjoy a good romantic comedy. This ended up being different than I was expected. Claire is dealing with a lot of personal baggage and she goes through a lot of person growth and attempts to find herself during the story which lead to some heavy moments. It still was light at times and I really enjoyed that Claire and Dan's relationship developed gradually. This is a new author for me and I will definitely read more by her. My biggest complaint is the ending. I would have liked some more closure at the end. Maybe we'll see a sequel?
Profile Image for Carina Adams.
Author 23 books833 followers
October 26, 2015
This book was a quick, fun read. I enjoyed it immensely!! Such a great change from all the heavy subject matters I've read lately!
Profile Image for Coleen.
158 reviews24 followers
August 18, 2015
3.5 stars!!!

There's no in hell at 29 years old my parents would have that much control over my life!! NO WAY!!!
Profile Image for Pam M.
135 reviews31 followers
August 18, 2015
Loved this book! Nothing like a great love story to keep you glued to your seat for the day instead of doing other things :) That is the mark of a truly good story .
Profile Image for May Kathryn .
964 reviews22 followers
August 14, 2022
This author is underrated, IMO! If you are looking for a feel good, low angst, romantic read, she truly delivers. Even if the premise is too good to be true, you’d still want to read it as the dialogue and the banter’s perfection! Even the conflict is not unusual, but there is just something about the writing and the story that you would root for the couple until the end. Which brings us to the best part of this book. The build up of their romance is sweet and spicy in equal measure! It may be the whirlwind variety but the giddiness it gives is off the charts! I simply cannot get enough that I proceeded to reading the final book in the duet.
705 reviews7 followers
January 23, 2021
42 smirks

32 snickers

But I loved this book. Sweet, like-able characters. Her friends are insane, and kind of disappear the second half. Her mother and father are tools. Told entirely from her POV. She’s 29, he’s 23. But there’s no huge play on the difference because they’re both working professionals. Well done with the two accents - he’s Brit.

Continues, but not left hanging.
Profile Image for Christi.
263 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2015

A Matter of Trust is Q.T. Ruby’s debut novel, but it was written like a pro.  If you didn’t know that this was her first book you’d never guess she did such a wonderful job and I cannot wait to read more from her.


A love books where one of the characters is an actor and the other is not in the industry in any way and add that this books is a cute, sweet, romantic comedy just made all the better for me.  I could not put it down and had quite a few laugh out loud moments.


Claire and Daniel meet in an elevator when it gets stuck in an apartment building. Unfortunately for Claire she doesn’t like small spaces and begins to panic while stuck in an elevator with a drop dead gorgeous famous actor.  To help ease her panic, she strikes up a conversation. When they get out of the elevator Daniel asks her out for a drink and since her roommates who are also her best friends have been on her about going out she says yes even though she’s thinking she should say no.


Claire Parelli is beautiful English teacher at an all-girls high school who is funny and outgoing and lives in New York City. Since her break up with her ex Mark Claire has devoted herself to her job. The only time she does anything except go to work is to go to the gym.  She dreads her mother calling and asking about her life and trying to set her up on more blind dates with the type of men her family thinks that she should date.


Daniel Chase an actor is gorgeous with sandy blond hair, green eyes, and a hot English accent.  Shockingly and sweetly he’s shy and not the typical manwhore actor.  He seems to be the perfect man and even now writing about him puts a smile on my face.


The only problem is that with Dan being a famous actor is the paparazzi that pops wherever he is.  Claire wants to keep their dates a secret and keep Dan all to herself.  What will happen when the paparazzi finally catches up with them?  Can their relationship stand the harsh word of Hollywood?


I absolutely adored Claire and Dan’s banter.  For me, it was one of the highlights of the book.  Another highlight was the relationships that Dan and Claire had with their friends.  Normally I don’t care too much about the secondary characters of a book, but their personalities shined. I could even see them having their own books.


The only bad things I can say is that at the beginning I felt that the humor was a little forced or it could have been my mood.  You’ve really got to be in the right mood, but I did find MANY parts funny.  Also, there was no epilogue.  No epilogue! That’s means I was left wanting more of this dynamic couple.


I wasn't sure if there would be another book in this series, but I heard from the Q.T. Ruby and she said she's actually writing the second one now!!! Yay, I can't wait! I think this series has great possibilities.


 


Rating: 4.5 Stars



I was provided an arc for a fair and honest review.
135 reviews4 followers
August 13, 2015
So I picked this book up after being emotionally slayed by a book that will remain nameless at this point. A friend recommended it as I was looking for something fun and sweet to read. And I'll tell you, this book brought me back to life!

I LOVED both Dan and Claire! It was so refreshing to be able to like both of the main characters in a novel. I tell you, I've missed that.

Claire? She's just like me. She's a regular girl with a regular life. Sure, at this point, she's just existing - barely living. But it's what's helped her get through her heartache, and hey! if it works, don't fix it. Well...it appeared to be working, but we all know that appearances can be deceiving. It is not until gorgeous Dan comes into her life that she realizes her life stinks - for lack of a better word. He helps her see that there's more to her than meets the eye. He helps her see that she can forge her own destiny and blaze her own trail; she can be free to have fun

Dan! *sigh* What a guy! I just absolutely loved him. He was just great. Simply put! There was no pretense about him. He too was a regular guy - well as regular as a Hollywood A-list actor can be. I LOVED his humility, forthrightness, sweetness, caring and possessive nature. He was just the perfect blend of sweetness and "macho-ness". I honestly LOVED everything about him that I don't want to spoil your experience by giving you specifics.

The relationship between him and Claire was just so fun to watch. It was perfect and very natural. There was no way you couldn't root for them.

As with any contemporary romance, there was the moment of tension, but this too was natural. It wasn't something the author thought up just to shake things up, but something that was perfect, and most likely, inevitable. And when it happened, I swear my heart broke along with them. I wanted to help make things better. But even more than that, I was prepared to do battle on their behalf.

And when things started to get better, I was crying. Not ugly sobbing tears, but tears nonetheless, because I was so happy and the moments were so sweet. I'm not normally sappy. So it's a testament to the author's great writing.

As for the secondary characters, I LOVED them as well. This book was just lovable on all fronts. Honest. It had humor. It had intense chemistry. It had smexy times. It had a bit of drama. It had reality. And the meet-cute, golly!, why can't I be stuck in an elevated next to a drop-dead gorgeous guy. Le sigh. He he :)

As for the ending, I was quite happy with it, but also excited to find out that there's a part two. It didn't end in a cliffhanger, but just lets you know that there's more to the story, which is very exciting! I want more of Claire and Dan.

So yeah...read this book if you want to be lifted up. If you want to cry happy tears, or just to feel good about yourself and life in general. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Susan J. Reiher.
46 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2016
Wonderful book!!!

So well written I was captivated within the first few chapters a lovely romance I am so rooting for these two can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for buzy_reading.
2,335 reviews53 followers
January 26, 2016
The story transitioned at a great pace. The dialogue was funny and witty. The story was written well. I loved how Ms. Ruby nonchalantly threw in witty comments regarding typical stereotypes associated with both good looking young men and famous men. It's was a feel good story that had a predictable outcome. The sex scenes were lusty and tasteful.
Claire was the main female character. Dan was the main male character. Claire was a like able character. Dan was a humble guy. Dan was a gentleman with manners and a great sense of humor. Claire was careful and levelheaded. Claire went to work, to the gym, and stayed home while her roommates went clubbing. Claire's roommates were an added bonus to the story. The roommates were fun and supportive.
It was a story about Claire who was a focused teacher in an all girls school who was twenty-nine. Claire met Dan who was an actor from London who was twenty-three. While age was noted in the story it was never a hindrance to the story.
The story dealt with issues related to dating a famous person.
The author threw in some London twang reminding you that Dan was British.
I enjoyed Claire's inner dialogue. Claire's was a funny character. Claire giving herself a pep talk in the bathroom was great.
I loved how these two eased into the simple stages of dating. Even though Dan was an actor he tried to keep his personal life simple.
The story dealt with trying to battle the pressures of the media and what problems could arise from their constant pestering. Claire lived in New York and Dan lived in LA so they tried to maintain a long distance relationship. They also had different careers which affected their lives in different ways. Claire had to maintain a proper image because of her career. While Dan wanted to avoid any attention from the paparazzi.
Profile Image for Janice Somers.
849 reviews36 followers
July 28, 2016
I recieved a book for an honest review.
This story is funny, sweet, about taking chances and romance. There are tears, self doubt, laughter and new beginnings. There is some sexy scenes in this story.
This story starts out with woman, Claire, and a man, Dan, being caught in an elevator. Claire is taking homework to a sick student. When a man gets on the elevator who just happens to be, Dan Chase, a famous actor. The elevator stops mid ascent and they are trapped. Claire has a problem with being in small areas without windows. Dan distracts her with conversation until they are rescued. Once out of the elevator, Dan asks Claire to meet up with him for drinks, and nothing else, later.
Dan is impressed with Claire, when she doesn’t go all “fan girl” on him. The paparazzi has labeled him as a man whore, since he is always leaving where ever he goes with one or more girls.
Claire is an English teacher at a private all girl’s school in NYC. She lives with her roommates, who she refers to as her “Fairy Slutmothers.” She is not looking for anything other than existing. The” Fairy Godmothers” are persistent in asking Claire to go out dancing and clubbing, which she refuses to do. Claire has past experience with heartache, humiliation and parents that are “in it” for the esteem that they feel is theirs.
Dan and Claire begin seeing each other even as a long distance relationship. This is kept from the roommates. Then the paparazzi find them publish pictures online and magazine covers. Claire now has to explain to her “Fairy Godmothers” that she has been seeing Dan and they take it really well, just happy that she is getting out of the apartment and starting to live again.
This is a great, well written book and is one I will gladly reread again and again.
Profile Image for Jules.
1,437 reviews88 followers
August 1, 2016
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Matter of Taste by Q.T. Ruby is a delightful romantic comedy. It was light, funny and engaging.

Main characters Claire and Dan are relatable and realistic. Claire is a once scorned 29 year old who has given up on love and hides behind her career and routine. Dan is a 23 year old handsome heartthrob whose Hollywood career is taking off.

Claire and Dan have fantastic chemistry, and their dialogue is funny, cute and sweet. The characters bring out the best in one another. The secondary characters were friends and family. Claire’s parents are archaic in their expectations of her and domineering in their treatment of Claire. At no point, does the reader feel Claire’s parents are warm and supportive. Claire’s and Dan’s friends are perfect foils for highlighting their personalities and advancing their relationship.

A Matter of Taste is well written with a perfectly paced plot. There is no rush into “love” or into bed. Dan is a gentleman, and Claire is careful. I loved that the story was not only about finding a supportive loving relationship but also about a young woman finding herself and figuring out how to stand up for herself and what she wants. The ending is happy, but it is not your stereotypical HEA. There is hope and a clear path forward for both Claire’s aspirations and Claire’s and Dan’s relationship.

Q.T. Ruby’s A Matter of Taste is the perfect read for fans of romantic comedies.

Thanks to the author and Ardent Prose for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. For more book recommendations visit Book Junkie reviews: https://bookjunkiewordpress.wordpress...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.