The Importance of Being Alice by Katie MacAlister

The Importance of Being Alice (Matchmaker in Wonderland, #1)

by Katie MacAlister

First in a new series!

From New York Times bestselling author Katie MacAlister comes a series about finding your own wonderland—through one roadblock at a time....


Nothing about Alice Wood’s life is normal right now. Her fiancé, Patrick, called off their wedding and relationship only days before their nonrefundable wedding trip. And though a luxurious European river cruise for one is just what she needs, it’s not what she gets....

Due to a horrible misunderstanding, Alice is now cramped in her “romantic” suite with one of Patrick’s friends. Instead of cruising along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers sipping champagne with the love of her life, she’s navigating the waters with a strange—yet mysteriously handsome—British aristocrat.

A baron of dubious wealth—and not-so-dubious debt—Elliot Ainslie is just looking forsome alone time to write the books that keep his large family afloat. But his stodgy, serious self is about to be sidetracked by a woman who seems to have jumped out of the pages of a fairy tale, one who is determined to shake up his life...and include him in her own happily ever after.

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

2 of 5 stars

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Caffeinated Aspects:

  • A ten day European River Cruise and a mix up with tickets got this tale off to a fun start. Alice Wood has just been dumped by her fiancé and decides to go on their nonrefundable cruise alone. Patrick gives his ticket away to a London friend. Do you see where this is going?

  • Alice is quirky, and a talker. She talks all the time and at times, it was hilarious. She is one of those characters who makes goals and does not quite keep them. However, she always has the best intentions. She has a vivid imagination and Wonderland type quality. I image her as that friend who gets you to dance on a table during karaoke night.

  • A castle, dueling, siblings, the ex-fiancé and talk of spies added interest to the tale.

  • There were moments that were while ridiculous made me gigglesnort with laughter.

  • We learn just enough about the other Ainslie brothers to peak my interest. Their home life is quite unique and certainly far from any stereotype.


Decaffeinated Aspects

  • Awkwardness abounds. As I said, Alice is a talker and she never stops even during moments that are more ahem... intimate. Which would be fine except it is about other topics. I laughed and rolled my eyes. Do not expect to feel the heat between these two.

  • Insta-love and a fluffy romance never allowed me to connect with Alice and Elliot despite the fact that I liked them. To be honest insta-love does not always bother me. Sometimes I am more than willing to swallow the little red pill and go with it. The storyline and character development have to feel genuine and I need to connect to them as a couple. Sadly, for me I did not feel the chemistry.

  • Wavering uncertainty and low self-esteem coming from our heroine made me a tad nuts. He wants me? He doesn't want me. He loves me, he hates me. Of course, you feel uncertain Alice, you do not really know the man.

  • I struggled with the plot twists. The believability just was not there for me.


Copy provided by publisherThis review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 1 December, 2014: Finished reading
  • 1 December, 2014: Reviewed