Review - Little Black Dresses, Little White Lies by Laura Stampler

Little Black Dresses, Little White Lies

By Laura Stampler

Expected publication is July 19th, 2016 by Simon Pulse

320 pages

4 stars - Such a fantastic summer read!

* An e-arc of this book was provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*

Summary from Goodreads.com:

Harper Anderson always believed she belonged somewhere more glamorous than her sleepy Northern California suburb. After all, how many water polo matches and lame parties in Bobby McKittrick's backyard can one girl take? That's why Harper is beyond ecstatic when she lands her dream internship as a dating blogger at the elite teen magazine Shift. Getting to spend the summer in New York City to live her dream of becoming a writer? Harper's totally in.

There's just one teeny, tiny, infinitesimal problem: Apart from some dance floor make-outs, Harper doesn't have a lot of - or, really, any - dating expertise. In fact, she might have sort of stolen her best friend's experiences as her own on her Shiftapplication. But she can learn on the job...right?

From awkward run-ins with the cute neighborhood dog-walker to terrifying encounters with her crazed editor, from Brooklyn gallery openings to weekends in the Hamptons, Harper finds out what it takes to make it in the Big City--and as the writer of her own destiny.

Review:

This book was such a surprise! Want to know why? I'll tell you. This book was literally me (well the character was...most of the time). But really, this book was incredibly relate-able and genuine and downright humorous! 

I'm going to be honest here and say that the first chapter didn't have me too sure, but after that I could not put this book down. Harper had me hooked for just about every chapter. I loved her snarky and talented writing skills and her lack of relationship skills! Her personality and voice were so humorous and real too. Harper is the new dating blogger but she doesn't have any experience with that kind of thing at all! I really enjoyed reading about Harper learning how to go up and talk to guys or date in general. Not all her techniques worked and it was so funny to read about. :) Laura Stampler did such a great job with Harper's character and the whole voice of the story. And while Harper made a few mistakes throughout the book, she definitely learned from them and grew. 

Besides Harper I really enjoyed her support group which included Aunt Vee, her best friend, and her new friend. Aunt Vee was a great mixture of a caring, supportive guardian, as well as, a funny and eccentric friend. Harper's best friend is completely real and such a great friend despite the fact that things get a little rough for them. Ben is Harper's new city friend and Aunt Vee's dog walker. He's just plain awesome and I loved every moment that included him! Oh and Princess the Pug was very huggable. :) 

The whole idea of Harper being granted an internship at a big magazine company was very interesting. I definitely enjoyed reading all the posts that Harper wrote up because they were so snarky and creative. The whole city vibe was awesome as well and really had you feeling as if you were a part of the scene. 

This book just had me smiling for a whole lot of the time, except for a few key parts that were somewhat sad and depressing. :) Overall this was such a great summer read and one of my new favorite contemporaries. Full of snark, real and relate-able girls, thought provoking situations, and heartfelt moments this book was everything I didn't know I wanted. So many funny quotes from Harper as well! I will definitely be watching for more of Laura Stampler's books in the future. Check this one out soon!

Vanessa