I finally figured out the deal with this here blogging: do it once and do it right. And then use it anywhere you can. I wrote the blog and then just lifted it to become my Amazon.com review of Amy Matayo’s book, The Wedding Game. Lest I forget, go buy the book right now (This is the link for the paperback, the other link is for kindle.) Skip this silly review and just start reading her book.

The Wedding Game
(Photo stolen from amymatayo.com)

Oh, fine. For the skeptics, read the review below.

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Finally, I’m the first for something. The first review, and probably the first 350 pound biker type to read the book, The Wedding Game.

I usually run as fast as possible from any form of Chic Lit: it has been known to cause hives in guys like me. And it’s not like I haven’t tried to read books like this in the past. My wife has urged me to read dozens over the years. Haven’t made it through one without thinking, “Never again. I value my sanity too much.”

I made an exception for Amy Matayo. I’ve had the pleasure of being her Facebook friend for several months. We also have the same Literary Agent. A few months ago, I met her in person at a writer’s conference. I figured if the book was half as good as her wisecracks and snarky Facebook postings it would be tolerable. Support a fellow author and all that sort of thing.

I am pleased to report that her book, The Wedding Game, is one of the wittiest, funniest, most enjoyable books I’ve read in my life. It’s one of those rare gems that sucks you in on the front end and leaves you begging for a sequel.

The story of Ellie and Cannon isn’t archetypal, it isn’t preachy, it isn’t… well, you’d be hard pressed to apply any negatives to this delightful story of two people who are the winners, if you could call them that, of a reality television show. Both have their reasons for competing, both loathe each other, and both find that their relationship with each other becomes vital to their well being.

Amy uses gentle humor, slapstick, sarcasm, and spot-on depictions of male-female relationships to entice the reader to genuinely care about the characters. If you dig into the book on the surface, a great romp will bring tears to your eyes and laughter to your belly.

On another level, it’s an examination of each of their relationships with God, and how they reconcile their behavior with God’s expectations. Growth, both as a couple and as spiritual beings, is a key to the story.

Hidden twists, inventive descriptions that put you in the room with the characters, and dialogue that had to be overheard between bickering couples (it’s that authentic) leave you in awe of this first novel from an author who’s working hard at her craft. It shows in the quality of this work.

I know Amy’s working on the next book. If Amazon would let me buy it today, I’d shell out the money right now. I’m already telling friends about the book. After 28 years of marriage, I finally have a Chic book to give to my wife. I know she’ll love it as much as I did.

Buy it today. You won’t be sorry. Just don’t blame me if you can’t get Ellie and Cannon out of your head.

Oh, yeah. Guys: there’s no shame in enjoying this book. I promise not to revoke your man card if you laugh.

Last, but not least, there’s a trailer for the book. I’ve presented it below.