That Certain Something

I've been a big fan of author Clare Ashton since reading and reviewing her first book, Pennance. Flash forward three years, and I'm happy to report her newest work, That Certain Something, is an utterly charming, deliciously satisfying, laugh-out-loud London tale of two people who seem far too different to be anything other than an accident waiting for "News At 11" helicopter-borne camera coverage.I'll leave the synopsis of the story to others, but it's enough to know that when freelance photographer and ever-ordinary (maybe) Pia Benitez-Smith falls out of a tree practically into the arms of the award-winning journalist and ever-sophisticated (maybe) Cate, it's not just the squirrels who savor the nuts. These two impossibly different, yet individually exciting, characters have everything it takes to start a riot, a war or the hottest love scenes one could imagine. They are magnetic, to one another and the reader, and the supporting characters have been fashioned from Ashton's skilled, hilariously imaginative and hugely talented mind to reach inside you and twist your heart which is already thumping hard from laughter and alarm and more than a few 'oh my gawd, no!' responses of a completely captivated reader.You are Clare Ashton's ward when you read That Certain Something, and she will take exquisite care of you...even as she threatens to lower you unceremoniously from mansion rooftops, upside-down and bare-assed! You will see a glimpse of this cacophony of literary magic early on in the book, and you'll find yourself asking to go along for the heart-warming, funny, funny ride.Ashton has so skillfully mastered the timing and visuals of the humor and comedy of this tale that it's impossible not to feel great both during and after the reading. Her sense of place is magical and unobtrusive, capturing not only the excitement of the London landscape, but also the sentiment, the sentimentality and the struggle of change between the old and the new. We watch as modernity creeps through the rolling lawns of well-manicured mansions, owned by people of privilege and title who struggle, or not, to embrace and accept their own place in a tabloid world with old school DNA coursing through veins too tired to object and hearts too full of love to refuse. We relate to Pia and her warm, loving, and all-too human family as Pia brings both the love of life and her humble but honest experiences to Cate, a mysterious amalgam of brains, beauty and a closet full of fabulous clothes...and a few other things that shape her character, Pia's assumptions and the story.Ashton reminds us that London is the perfect metaphor for how things were, how things can be and the absolute impossibility of getting from one to the other without a full spectrum of human experience to mentor the hills and valleys of change--to cry a bit, to laugh a lot, to love endlessly, passionately and without regard for conventions---the old ones and the new ones that think they are free of convention!The secondary characters, particularly, Pia's mama, Cate's grandparents and Ed, tough old lesbian with heart of marshmallow secured into a ball covered in wire mesh and locked with a deadbolt, are memorable and perfectly drawn. They complete what is actually an ensemble theater event that would be as at home on a stage or the Hollywood screen as it is on the pages of a book or an ereader.Ashton's writing is smooth as glass in this one, and yet manages to layer texture, tone and timing into a love story that would burn down Londontown if it got any hotter! There's not a misstep in this wonderful novel, unless you count your own as you bump into walls while reading because you can't put it down! Read That Certain Something, and then give a copy to someone you like...you know, in THAT way!

Charming and funny with a little bit of spice.

This is only the second book I have read from this author (the first was the absolute treat that is "Poppy Jenkins") but it's only taken two books for me to fully get on board the hype around her. She really is a wonderful crafts(wo)man of great stories. I've heard some of her books are heavier than others. This one and " Poppy Jenkins" are perhaps on the lighter side, while also being filled with well-drawn characters who have complicated dynamics among them, buckets of chemistry between the leads, and believable angst/conflict that doesn't feel milked or contrived simply to ratchet up the tension. And did I mention the HUMOR? LORD. There were several times I laughed out loud - and I mean, full on belly laughs - reading this novel. The only other lesfic author that has ever made me laugh that hard is Robin Alexander. Trust me, my funny bone certainly does not mind making room for Ms. Ashton on that illustrious bench.Overall, spending time with these "That Certain Something's" truly likeable characters and getting to go along this well written ride with them has left me with a warm feeling and a smile. Cannot wait to treat myself to more of Ashton's work.

This was a story which was beautifully unfolded by a talented author who weaved a colourful tapestry of two people meeting in a bizarre manner (the one upside down in a tree) and then lovingly threaded into a romance that slowly, and ever so gently, progressed into an explosion of love. The two main characters were so unique in that they both realized that love was so much more than having possessions and rank. Many of us take a lifetime to stumble upon that truth - they discovered it relatively young and were able to avoid the pitfalls so many of us fall into - resulting in us having to learn how to love again. In a better way. A great read and highly recommended.

Rating (/5): 4.5Story thesis: Set in London. Complete strangers-a rich beauty and ‘wrong side of the tracks’ latino-ish tomboy impulsively spend one amazing evening together with no promises of the future. They then meet again in completely different and unworkable circumstances.Age of protagonists: Mid-late 20’sRomance Arc: Really sweet romance at the beginning. Then it all goes to buggery.Lesbian status One out and proud. The other ..not so much.Sex Scenes: Some. Non graphic.Happy Ending: Great ending.Best Feature of story: Love the two main characters and was really invested in their getting together in spite of the circumstances. They felt to have a genuine connection which became more apparent even where the circumstances around them became more difficult. There were also quite a few genuinely hilarious parts of the story.Worst Features of story It ended. What happens next??Any supernatural elements: No.Best suited for: Anyone who enjoys a romance featuring what would outwardly appear to be incompatible ladies - but you’re willing to take the time to get to know the characters .Recommend to: People who like a good slow burn romance with lots of challenges before we get a happy ending.Would read other books by author, based on this one: This is a great read and yes, am actively looking forward to whatever she publishes next.

The story is good even if a little rushed. The characters are likeable but shallow some more depth would have added a lot. All in all a fun quick read but it seems like it was a good start to an even better book that never got finished.

Have I just found by new favourite Lesfic Romance novel? … I fell head over heels for this one from the word go.My SynopsisLove at first sight? One night Pia falls literally (out of a tree) for Cate she doesn’t expect to have the best night of her life.Pia wants to show Cate that you don’t need money to woo the perfect girl. But it’s becomes apparent to Pia that she is at a loss because she will never be able to provide what Cate wants from life in her measly photographer salary. And Cate has always known what route she must take to be looked after.As they get to know each other better they both realize what they want from life but is their life together? And what’s more important love or money?My ReviewWhy did I wait so long to read this Novel?I adored this story. It was written beautifully and I felt the character’s embodied real life people. Pia first night with Cate was inspired and the hopeless romantic in me was consumed by the idea of her version of the perfect date for Cate. It was even more beautiful that the date was set with the London backdrop. I’m from Scotland and I have been in London on various occasions. I knew the places that were mentioned quite well and I enjoyed envisioning Pia and Cate there.One of the things that I loved the most about this book was the fact I laughed out loud on numerous occasions. Pia cracked me up with her clumsiness as it reminded me of myself. But I also couldn’t help myself laughing at Ed, Pia & Cate’s Editor at the Magazine. I’ve been called ‘Short Arse’ my whole life so that made me chuckled but all the other comments were gold. Ones I will use in my own repertoire.Also the sex scenes were off the chart… Loved it!Cate & Pia’s story warmed my heart. I loved this novel. And I am now going to download the rest of Clare Ashton’s novels… Right now!5 Stars (Can we not do 6 Stars?). Can’t wait for what’s next…Check out my Lesfic Review Blog: [...]

Attraction can occur in the most unexpected ways and times. Falling from a tree perch certainly found Pia and the mercy if Cate but the roller coaster they travel on was certainly an interesting one. I loved the storyline.

This was my first Clare Ashton book and I was certainly impressed. It was an absolutely charming story. What an interesting array of characters who were rather amusing. I loved the way Pia and Cate met and their magical night together. This was far from your average romance and had plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I shall certainly be reading more Ashton books.

It's 3.30am and I have just read this book from start to finish, despite knowing that my alarm will be going off in 2 and a half hours - I just couldn't stop reading. If I ever win enough on the lottery, I'll be calling on Clare to write a screenplay so we can turn this into the best rom-com since Imagine Me and You. The characters were easily imaginable (already got a cast in mind!) and the description of the places make me feel I've been where Pia and Cate have stood. I'm a helpless romantic too and this book was a beautiful distraction to a very hectic life. Thank you. Now, I'm off to the National Lottery website to buy a ticket... And I'll set my alarm a bit later!!!

If you buy this thinking that it is like the other wonderful books written by this author, then I think you will be disappointed. The best way to describe it, is Clare Ashton light. The things I have enjoyed about her previous books is the depth of character development, Pennance, After Mrs Hamilton and her latest, Poppy Jenkins are all wonderful and you become so emotionally attached to the characters that you are sad when the book ends. I got nothing like this connection with this book, there is the humour you expect from her books, but at times it seemed forced, the part about the squirrel being an example of this. I laughed out loud at Poppy Jenkins, but barely smiled when reading this book.Don't get me wrong, it is quite acceptable and still better than many lesbian romance books out there, Clare is a wonderful writer, but this isn't as good as the other books I have mentioned.