The Importance of Being Alice (A Matchmaker in Wonderland)

I really enjoyed this book. It was funny as well as an adventure and romance. Alice has broken up with her boyfriend though they have non refundable tickets for a trip down the river and both say they aren't going so Alice's ex Patrick gives his ticket to his friend Elliott who is a writer and a Baron. He takes care of his whole family and has a castle that needs lots of work. When Alice and Elliott first meet you aren't sure how this is going to go. What a ride and I enjoyed it very much. Alice is quite a gal and Elliott is a nice man with lots of family. Can't wait for the next one since this family is a lot of fun.

Katie MacAlister is my favorite author. Really. She writes excellent characters, injects humor into what could otherwise be tense situations and generally keeps me coming back for more. The Importance of Being Alice is a great example of a good time. A little romance, a little comedy, a little mystery....what more could a little literary escape need? Did I mention the castle? Alas, no paranormal in this series, but immensely entertaining. I highly recommend this novel!

Introducing Alice Woods, a woman who has just been dumped right before her wedding trip. Enter Baron Elliot Ainsley, frenemie of the dumper and all around dependable guy. When Alice decides to take her trip regardless and finds sweet Elliot in her cabin anticipating his free vacation, hijinx ensue. This is a typical Katie MacAlister book. She writes lovable heroes who usually aren't aware of their charms, with feisty heroines who bring out a softer side of their heroes. Along with the usual zany cast of back ground characters; which includes a flighty dowager baroness, a baker's dozen of miscellaneous siblings, an ex fiance, the sister he's sleeping with, and a boat tour through Europe, well you can't miss with this. If you are unfamiliar with Katie's books this is a fun and light hearted introduction to her writing style.

"Alice" is a small romance novel--the first of this genre I've read (and probably the last). Alice Wood is an American woman whose relationship with a wealthy Irishman was suddenly terminated by him, even though they were planning to get married and had booked a prewedding riverboat cruise through Europe. Although telling the Irishman she was not going, she later decided to take the cruise. The Irishman had begun dating an English woman who refused to take Alice's place on the prewedding river cruise. So, he offered his ticket to the English woman's brother, Elliott Ainslie. Naturally, both Alice and Elliott thought they had a berth to themselves but discovered that they had to share--despite being strangers. Within about 48 hours, the two berthmates went from hardly tolerating the other to making mad, passionate sex. Alice discovers that Elliott is a British baron who lives in a castle (in need of renovations). A couple of days later they marry (though unofficially). Soon, Elliott is called home for an emergency and he leaves, with no notice to his new "wife" Alice, who knows neither his address nor his telephone number. One of them has an accident and they both face mortal danger from spies, before they live happily ever after. The writing is trite, but probably loved by usual readers of the genre. Other than when describing sexual activities, the facts lack description, even of the baron's castle and of European towns visited. It seems to me the author is hoping to prosper on the "Fifty Shade of Gray" phenomenon with her rich descriptions of hot and heavy sex.

Katie MacAlister has a knack for writing books that combine humor with great chemistry and hot moments seamlessly. Alice was a great character who very quickly had me liking her. Elliot was a great match for her and their chemistry was both endearing and hot. This book had moments that made me smile, moments that made me laugh out loud, and moments that made me swoon. All of which are characteristics often found in the books this author writes. I'm sincerely hoping the author revisits these characters and offers new book involving some of Elliot's siblings while giving more insight into the live of Alice and Elliot.

Opposites attract in this quirky, excitement filled European river cruise. What I found most enjoyable about the book was how much I could relate to Elliot Ainslie, the quiet British aristocrat, and his very serious and anal personality. Much like Elliott I find myself looking for a quiet get alway, most of the time I am trying to get away from my overwhelming but very lovable family, just as Elliott is when the story begins. I am the polar opposite of the main character Alice Wood but found that I was instantly drawn to her out going personality and how funny she is. While some might be turned off by her ridiculously hilarious monologues, I can easily see why Elliot is drawn to her charm.

The book has a little bit of everything from naughty pirates to spies to over protective mothers. I greatly enjoyed how light hearted and funny this book was and would recommend it to anyone who wants a good laugh!

As a new Katie MacAlister reader, (I've only got two years and 24 of her books under my belt) I am very excited to experience one of her series from the beginning. Waiting for A Midsummer Night's Romp has me acting like a child waiting for Christmas. I can't wait to know what Gunner's romantic future has in store in the second installment of the Ainsley Brothers series!

Some people talk about chocolate or wine as their guilty pleasure, my guilty pleasure is reading and the enjoyment of laughing out loud when a character tickles my funny bone. Katie Macalister’s book, The Importance of Being Alice is a contemporary tale that entertains on several levels. The book introduces to Alice and Elliot two people thrown together by a broken heart and a need to escape family.
The main characters are funny and their witty banter is not only charming but engaging. As we learn about both of their lives and the circumstances that bring them together from Elliot’s diverse and eccentric mother to Alice’s broken heart the budding romance is lighthearted and fun. Alice’s sense of adventure as she cruises along with Elliot and the other passengers is a fun filled light hearted comedy that has moments of poignancy. Elliot and Alice’s escapades also set the scene for some hilarious misunderstandings and a setup for future books with some unique characters. I’m looking forward to seeing how each of these stories intertwine and learning more about the very quirky characters we meet along the way in Elliot and Alice’s romance.
If you enjoy light hearted quirky romances with a side of steam and smart witty repartee, then this book is for you.

Loved this book! Katie Macalister has a way of writing where you kind of know what is going to happen, (come on, it is a romance novel, after all) yet there are enough twists and turns to keep the book interesting. The book describes a romance between two unlikely characters (female and male). I listened to this on audible.com, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The audiobook had two narrators -- one female and one male and they took turns every other chapter.

It kept me thinking to the end - lots of twists and turns in the book. I will definitely​ buy more "Alice" books!

I absolutely LOVED this book the first time I read it and I'm loving it just as much as I re-read it now. The characters are funny without being ridiculously unbelievable. I giggled so much in reading this book that my boyfriend was actually interested and loved the parts I read aloud to him! (He agrees with Elliot that a 6'4" man should not lean over in the stocks for long as he is also 6'4".) The banter between Alice and Elliot was cleverly written. I do think Elliot's mother was one of the most entertaining secondary characters I've read in awhile, but then again just about all of Katie Mac's books have that one secondary character who practically steals the show!

This book is definitely great for when you need that short mental escape from your day.

Whether you are looking for romance or comedy, both can be found in Katie Macalister's Importance of Being Alice. Alice is a quirky everyday girl, dumped by her fiancee, who thinks she'll take the marriage trip cruise, to drown her sorrows. But Alice is wrong, she's got a cabin mate she never counted on, Baron Elliot. Elliot agrees to take his friend's place on a cruise, determined to be alone, to concentrate on writing his next novel. Elliott plans of writing are interrupted by Alice's inquisitive nature to uncover Elliott secrets, which lead to a tons of humorous adventures and our couple falling head over heels in LOVE.

Katie MacAlister always writes reliably good stories and this is no exception. One thing she excels at is dialogue. I always think her characters act very real until they get in some crazy situation where I end up laughing my head off.
Alice and Elliot are forced to bunk together on a scenic river cruise in Europe, and they quickly get under each others skin in some very good ways. As opposites, they play off each other so well and there are some interesting supporting characters. The stops along the river tour are great and a lot of fun to read. I don't want to give away all the zaniness, but lets just say that Katie and Elliot do not fit the mold of the average tourist. *Hee Hee*
This is an excellent contemporary romance and has a surprisingly dramatic ending. This is book 1 of the Matchmaker in Wonderland series and I look forward to reading more.

LOVED IT! This book is so fun. The characters are quirky, engaging and so funny. Alice was dumped by her boyfriend and decided to go on the cruise they had planned together. Elliott needed time away from his crazy family to write a book, so he accepted the offer of a cruise from an old friend. Neither Alice or Elliott knew they would be sharing a cabin. Love happens.

Katie MacAlister is such a great writer!! I read this book the day it came out, and I have to say it is in my top ten all time favorite books, and top three of Katie's books. I don't want to put any details in this review, I would hate to spoil anything. But I love how unique the plot and setting of this book is!!

i loved the sweet, humorous story. this is a good book to relax with and lose yourself for a few hours in contemporary romance. i always enjoy Katie's books and generally the narration is really good, but as much as i love Katie's writing and writing style, that was the only thing that kept my attention for the the Alice book. the narrators were kind of droll, bland, in their reading. some parts were very funny, like the coffee house and sex club, but overall, i felt the narrators did not do full justice to Katie's book. it just felt like the narration was missing something. otherwise, i would say, read the book, instead of listen, to get the full affects of Katie's humor and flow:)

I just finished reading this book for the second time and enjoyed it even more than the first time! It is a wonderful contemporary romance with adventure, humorous dialog and situations . What an awesome book to get lost in! Alice and Elliot’s romance and a little intrigue provided a light, enjoyable story. The fact that Elliot has a castle was a plus too! Katie MacAlister is one of my favorite authors, and I’m looking forward to reading the next story in the Matchmaker in Wonderland series

Nothing about Alice's dream vacation was what she expected... Not the ship, her fellow passengers, the crew members, or her cabin-mate!! This story made me laugh out loud from the very beginning!! I will forever more be careful when I go into a coffee shop!! I usually stick to the paranormal romance type books, but am so glad I deviated from my norm for this one. Looking forward to the next in this series.

This was a fast paced read. It was very enjoyable and had lots of laugh out loud moments. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more about this quirky family.

I was given a copy by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ugh, a 1st person book masquerading as a 3rd person book. While yes, having parts of the book written in 3rd person allows the reader insights as to the other characters thoughts and motivations- the 'I' format is simply irritating when the 1st person character does or says something I would never do or think - very distracting and aggravating. If the aim is to write a 1st person book - then do so- author's choice; please choose one format or the other - this format for me ruined what would have been a hilariously funny read!

Sweet contemporary romance with loads of funny spots. The heroine is funny and quirky while the hero is British stoic and patiently tolerant, unless you interfere with his writing. Book was very enjoyable but then we got a surprise ending that made the book superb.

The Importance of Being Alice

Katie MacAlister writes paranormal, historical and contemporary romance books. Through all her books, there are heroes, heroines, wit, charm and a bit of danger. Katie’s new series is A Matchmaker in Wonderland. The Importance of Being Alice is the first book of the Ainslie Brothers.

Lord Baron Elliot Ainslie is a writer burdened with producing an income for his large family. His parents have adopted many children and they all live in a run down castle. His now adult siblings depend on him emotionally and financially. A friend recently dumped his fiancée just before the wedding and offers Elliot a ticket for a cruise and a chance to get away. Needing peace and quiet to finish a book and assured that he would be alone, he accepts.

Alice is shocked that she will not be a bride. Patrick was not only her intended, but her boss, too. No wedding, no job and no home, a friend persuades her to go on the cruise anyway. She needs to re-assert herself and take charge of her life again. Alice and Elliott are forced to share a cabin ---- and neither is happy about it! And the fun begins --- sex clubs, hussies, wrong assumptions and the Ainslie family. Witty banter…funny scenes… chemistry and bonding … a satisfying ending. Sigh. I so enjoyed this book!

Look for the next book in the series of A Matchmaker in Wonderland and another Ainslie brother: A Midsummer Night’s Romp.

The Importance of Being Alice by Katie MacAlister is the 1st book in her new Ainslie Brothers series. When I decided to read this book, I had thought this would be a contemporary romance. However, even though it is in current times, it does have the feel of most historical romances.

Our heroine, Alice Wood, makes a decision after her fiancée calls off the wedding days before. They had bought tickets to a European cruise, and even though the wedding was off, Alice decides to go on her own in the last minute.

We meet our hero, Elliot Ainslie, an British aristocrat, who is also a writer of Spy stories. Elliot writes to bring in money that is needed to keep up the family mansion expenses, renovate, and pay his siblings. With all his interruptions, Elliot needs alone time to write, and when his friend, Patrick offers him the chance to go on a cruise, he jumps at the opportunity to use this for his needed private time. We all know what happens with best laid plans.

When Alice arrives at her cabin on the cruise ship, she meets her unexpected roommate, Elliot. Both do everything they can to force the other one to leave, but with no other rooms were available. They have no choice but to share the room, and allow each to go their own way. It doesn’t take too long for that to totally change. Elliot is somewhat stuffy, but he is determined to write. Alice is not your typical young lady, who is coming off of a heartbroken experience; she is determined to have fun. Alice is not only is very pretty, she has a very bubbly, quirky, and outgoing personality. It is fun to watch her use her wiles on Elliot to draw him out, and shortly he cannot resist the woman who talks constantly, with witty comments that make him laugh.

What follows is a fun, sweet, humorous romance that will have you laughing quite a few times. Elliot and Alice made a great couple, and we started rooting for them early on. There were complications, such as her ex trying to woo her back, a female passenger determined to get Elliot for herself; not to mention Elliot’s weird, but fun family always calling him to solve problems, and a mystery that was exciting nearer to the end.

Though I did enjoy the story, I did have somewhat mixed feelings. I thought some of the scenes in the story were a little far-fetched, even if humorous; a few times I found myself annoyed. But overall it was a fun story, nice couple, and an interesting family that will make me want to find out more. If you like a romance that is humorous, quirky, sexy, then this book is perfect for you.

[ I received this book free from the author through GoodReads/ First Reads . I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising]

"Ah Alice, where would I be without you?"

Alice Wood's life is turned upside down. Her fiance Patrick has dumped her on the eve of their no refunds wedding trip, and has given his ticket to Elliot Ansley so he can get away from his castle literally falling down around him and have time to write the books that pay for the repairs to his castle.

Another rabbit hole to Wonderland, although this one has no political undertones. IF she can figure out how to live as the girlfriend/ wife of an actual baron. IF his family will accept her. IF the rest of the world will stop allowing her to judge herself wirthy or not....

This book is a lighthearted romp. It is also a fast fun read. I'll look for others in the series