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Audiobookworm Blog Tour: Clutch



Clutch

Author: Lisa Becker

Narrator: Suzanne Barbetta

Length: 8 hours 11 minutes

Publisher: Lisa Willet Becker

Released: May 30, 2018

Genre: Contemporary Romance

clutch: a novel is the laugh-out-loud, chick lit romance chronicling the dating misadventures of Caroline Johnson, a single purse designer who compares her unsuccessful romantic relationships to styles of handbags – the “Hobo” starving artist, the “Diaper Bag” single dad, the “Briefcase” intense businessman, etc. With her best friend, bar owner Mike by her side, the overly-accommodating Caroline drinks a lot of Chardonnay, puts her heart on the line, endures her share of unworthy suitors and finds the courage to discover the “Clutch” or someone she wants to hold onto.

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Lisa Becker is a romance writer who spends her time like she spends her money – on books and margaritas. In addition to Clutch: a novel, she is the author of the Click trilogy, a contemporary romance series about online dating and Links, a standalone, second chance romance readers call light, fun, sexy and smart. As Lisa’s grandmother used to say, “For every chair, there’s a tush.” Lisa is now happily married to a wonderful man she met online and lives in Manhattan Beach, California with him and their two daughters. So, if it happened for her, there’s hope for anyone! You can share your love stories with her at www.lisawbecker.com.

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Narrator Bio

Suzanne Barbetta became a voracious reader when she realized the magic of books allowed her to become anyone, anywhere, and in any world. A storyteller and performer since age 5, she later apprenticed at 2 regional theaters and earned her Actor’s Equity card. She’s also a proud member of SAG-AFTRA, the Audio Publishers Association and the League of Professional Theatre Women. Audiobooks are a way to satisfy her pathological addiction to reading. Now based in NYC, she is also the voice of the Fierce, Funny, Fab Fangirls of the series Geek Actually for Serial Box Publishing.

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To read my full review, Click Here


I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Lisa Becker. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

Custom Q&A with Author Lisa Becker by Audiobook Romance on July 2nd

 

  • Where did the inspiration for Clutch come from? Secret bag obsession come to life or personal philosophy?
    • When I was writing the Click trilogy, (Click: An Online Love Story, Double Click, and Right Click), I was obsessed with NCIS re-runs and would have the show on in the background as I wrote. There was an episode where a character refers to a man as a “handbag husband,” or something useless you carry on your arm. I started thinking about that, and the idea for Clutch grew from there. I believe that everyone deserves a happily ever after and would like to think there’s a “clutch,” or someone worth holding onto, out there for everyone.
  • Some of the dating scenarios seem very specific. Were
    any of the potential beaus or their dates based on real life experience?

    • The dating scenarios in Clutch are pure fiction – a product of my overactive imagination, but I’m flattered you think they are realistic enough to be drawn from real life experiences. But my first novel, Click, is loosely based on my real-life dating experiences, as well as stories friends have shared with me. In some cases, things are written as they actually occurred. Other scenarios are exaggerated for entertainment value or comedic affect. And some scenarios are completely fictionalized, though I really did go out on a date with someone I met online who started every story (no joke!) with “My buddies and I were out drinking last night.”
  • What is your favorite or go to bag you can’t live without?
    • I have a black, Michael Kors hobo-style bag that is like an extension of my body. It houses all my essentials. Where I go, the bag goes.
  • Have you found the perfect clutch (partner) in real life?
    • I do! 18 years ago, I met my clutch on an dating website, when online dating was in its infancy. We celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary this summer and have two beautiful girls. My grandmother used to say, “For every chair, there’s a tush.” So, if it happened for me, there’s hope for anyone!
  • What are your feelings on the man bag? We have our own little micro storage where they are left to only pockets. Gender inequality, or only fair since men’s clothing is designed with pocket storage in mind?
    • Yes! A controversy for the ages. If my husband had a man bag, I fear he would leave home without me, as he wouldn’t need me to hold his keys, wallet, breath mints and other assorted sundries. LOL!
  • Finally, how do you weigh in on the debate heard round the world. Can one have too many bags?
    • Never!

Giveaway

Clutch Giveaway: Holly A. Jones Oversized Clutch

Jul. 1st:

Happily Ever BookWorm

The Book Junkie Reads . . .

Jul. 2nd:

Audiobook Romance

The Red Hatter Book Blog

Jul. 3rd:

Lisa Loves Literature

The Bookworm Lodge

Jul. 4th:

Haddie’s Haven

Lilly’s Book World

Jul. 5th:

A Page Before Bedtime

Jazzy Book Reviews

Smut Matters

What Emma Read Next

What Is That Book About

Jul. 6th:

Simply Kelina

Jul. 7th:

The Book Addict’s Reviews

Book Lover in Florida

Blushing Babes Are Up All Night

Writer’s Corner

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Wall-to-Wall Books

Bookworms Corner Blog Spot

Tales of the Ravenous Reader

Jul. 7th:

The Book Addict’s Reviews

Book Lover in Florida

Blushing Babes Are Up All Night

Writer’s Corner

➜Sign up as a host here

Review: Clutch by Lisa Becker


Adulting Is Not Easy To Do!

Clutch is a standalone, by Lisa Becker.

Suzanne Barbetta narrates.

HEA, NO Cliffhangers!

Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins

Content Warning:
There is sex and some cussing, but this is more an exploration in being an adult than anything else.

Those that are overly sensitive to the “cheating” factor may not approve. To be clear, there is NO cheating, but it does take Caroline a long time to figure out what she wants which includes dalliances with many men.

 

This is an exploration of what it is to follow your dreams while also trying to find your heart’s desire for the “One”. It ain’t easy folks, and this story pulls no punches for the all too real awkward moments in life. Bonus though, you get to explore it through the wonderful realm of handbags!

 

“Find something you love and hold onto it.” — Aunt Mimi

 

Clutch is mostly about Caroline Johnson however, as much as she hangs out with Mike, he might as well be her sidekick. We get to follow along as she launches her business and in her attempts to find the “Perfect Clutch” of a man. The dates are very life like and I’m sure you will find at least one that you can relate to on one side of the coin or the other. For instance, I can relate to the single father, and how hard it is to date as a single parent. Telling a guy I have kids was an easy way to get rid of an unwanted suitor, seriously. Telling someone you want to stick around was a different story. I was fearful as hell to tell my now current husband when we were first dating. I could feel the guy’s pain for sure!

Michael “Mike” Frederick Barnsworth’s old money roots are far different than Caroline’s small town upbringing, but that never seemed to matter to him. Their first meeting is in grad school at Harvard, and by the time they leave they are BFFs. Mike wanted to ditch his family’s expectations and open his own bar like Tom Cruise in Cocktail. I love his idea of “research” while earning their MBAs, but I do have to disappoint him on the food side of things. I can honestly say that I have lived in L.A. and have NEVER had a Pink’s dog! I’m not standing in line for over an hour to get a hot-dog, sorry!

I was expecting there to be an explanation for each bag like in the blurb, but there wasn’t. Clutch is close to real life, as in, there are often no clear winners or losers. I felt a bit wrung out by the end. For those that like that kind of thing, you will love this story. One of my guilty pleasures is Bachelor in Paradise, and this story really reminds me of Wells, who is actually the bartender for the show now. If you don’t know who or what I’m talking about, I apologize, but to say anything more would be a spoiler.

 

Audio Sample

 

This is my first listen by Lisa Becker. The humor she infuses into her stories makes the awkwardness of life more bearable.

 
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This is my first listen by Suzanne Barbetta. She did great with all genders and ages. They really came through to my ears and my throat. I needed a cough drop after hearing her rendition of chain smoking Aunt Mimi!

 
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Normal speed was fine, however I listened at 0.90x. It is my personal preference.

 

My Reviews

Audiobook obtained at my request and I am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review