jodyladuemcgrath's review
5.0
This book was hilarious! What a great romantic comedy. I liked all the wacky characters and fell in love with the town. It seems to be the first of a series and I so hope it is. I am a fan and will definitely read any upcoming books!
* I requested a copy of this book from Netgalley and have given an honest and unbiased review*
* I requested a copy of this book from Netgalley and have given an honest and unbiased review*
hmorgz11's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mininea's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
british2197's review against another edition
4.0
A thoroughly enjoyable read so much so that I'm really looking forward to the sequel. The language is witty and the characters are so relatable and realistic. Mary Jayne Baker made me laugh in all the right places with the dry wit but its Lana not in her right state of mind that really made the story amusing (especially the 'ostrich' scene). I liked the sense of community and the overall setting and atmosphere. Egglethwaite feels so quaint and so traditionally British it brought back memories of my upbringing in Stockwell. The beginning felt slightly slow, but never have I read a book that's reduced me to tears in the opening chapters.
Harper's ego couldn't reach the ceiling high enough and Yo-yo's promiscuity made me think of Family Guy's Quagmire who's got no sense of decency or dignity. I found Lana and Stewart's relationship slightly predictable, but he is so down to earth it's refreshing to read about literary celebrities that are not like Harper. Harper's complete transformation by the end of the novel is endearing and the slow-burn romance between Lana and Stew and Tom and Cameron is perfectly paced and beautifully heartfelt.
Harper's ego couldn't reach the ceiling high enough and Yo-yo's promiscuity made me think of Family Guy's Quagmire who's got no sense of decency or dignity. I found Lana and Stewart's relationship slightly predictable, but he is so down to earth it's refreshing to read about literary celebrities that are not like Harper. Harper's complete transformation by the end of the novel is endearing and the slow-burn romance between Lana and Stew and Tom and Cameron is perfectly paced and beautifully heartfelt.
kayleighsbookshelf_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
anna_0001's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
dewitnadine's review against another edition
relaxing
medium-paced
3.0
It was not as good as the books she wrote as Lisa Swift, but it was still an enjoyable read. A Bit long dreaded at some points.
briarsreviews's review
5.0
Oh, Mary Jayne Baker. It's like you wrote this book just for me! It's 100% British and took me back to my youth when my Dad used every British slang word and saying he could all day, everyday. Meanwhile, it's a cute, comedic romance that reminds me I'm an adult. It's safe to say, this book was a nostalgia trip for me and a half!
If I had to pick one word to describe this book, it would be quirky! It doesn't totally fit into one category for me, and that's totally okay. It has a lot of comedy, a pinch of romance, some epic drama and lots of fictional heists to follow. Just labelling it one of those words (or genres) would be a tragedy! This book is just too good to be put into one little corner.
So, down to the meat of it: Lana Donati is our lead, but her brother Tom, friends Yolanda, Gerry, and Sue, a sexy television star named Hunter, and the love interest/former pro cyclist Stewart all take part in this story too. This book starts out seeming like it'll be your typical romance: Lana and Stewart have a date but then... oh yes... the date goes sour. Stewart doesn't call Lana and life goes to the pits. Her Father passes away and leaves the siblings his restaurant and the Tour de France is coming to town! Big things are coming Lana's way...
For reference, I'm Canadian (half British, but good ol' Canada is my home) so I don't have many British references to give you. If I had to pick one that the masses from North America and the U.K. would understand, I'd relate this book to Coronation Street. It has the fun and quirky characters, the dramatic plot and British-ness I love about the show. But, sometimes that show can get depressing so imagine the funny and romantic storylines.
The banter itself is golden. I started highlighting all of the hilarious comments on my ecopy and I almost highlighted half the book (whoops!).
Since I don't want to deal with too much copyright, here's two excellent comments that made me laugh hysterically and giggle and chuckle and all of the fun laugh terms:
"Scott Spen, 26. Looks like a sheep, sounds like a sheep, may actually be part sheep." Like, dude, who doesn't look at dating profiles and think stuff like that?! Just me? Cool.
"A honking good pair." Without context, sounds brutal. Read the book and you'll be giggling along with me.
Comedy like THIS is what gets me laughing. Witty sarcasm is the best kind of humour, so I absolutely loved this novel.
Did I have negative? Of course I did! No book is perfect.
In some places online, this book was marketed more like a romance, and it's not a pure romance. It's more comedic romance, not Hallmark or Harlequin style romance at all. If a reader comes specifically for that romance, they will be let down. But... does that ruin the book? Heck no! That's just my point of view.
Overall, this book is an absolute delight and totally fits into my wheelhouse! I love Mary Jayne Baker's writing and will definitely be sticking around for the long haul. This book was marvelous!
Five out of five stars!
I received a book for free from the publisher (Mirror Books) in exchange of an honest review.
If I had to pick one word to describe this book, it would be quirky! It doesn't totally fit into one category for me, and that's totally okay. It has a lot of comedy, a pinch of romance, some epic drama and lots of fictional heists to follow. Just labelling it one of those words (or genres) would be a tragedy! This book is just too good to be put into one little corner.
So, down to the meat of it: Lana Donati is our lead, but her brother Tom, friends Yolanda, Gerry, and Sue, a sexy television star named Hunter, and the love interest/former pro cyclist Stewart all take part in this story too. This book starts out seeming like it'll be your typical romance: Lana and Stewart have a date but then... oh yes... the date goes sour. Stewart doesn't call Lana and life goes to the pits. Her Father passes away and leaves the siblings his restaurant and the Tour de France is coming to town! Big things are coming Lana's way...
For reference, I'm Canadian (half British, but good ol' Canada is my home) so I don't have many British references to give you. If I had to pick one that the masses from North America and the U.K. would understand, I'd relate this book to Coronation Street. It has the fun and quirky characters, the dramatic plot and British-ness I love about the show. But, sometimes that show can get depressing so imagine the funny and romantic storylines.
The banter itself is golden. I started highlighting all of the hilarious comments on my ecopy and I almost highlighted half the book (whoops!).
Since I don't want to deal with too much copyright, here's two excellent comments that made me laugh hysterically and giggle and chuckle and all of the fun laugh terms:
"Scott Spen, 26. Looks like a sheep, sounds like a sheep, may actually be part sheep." Like, dude, who doesn't look at dating profiles and think stuff like that?! Just me? Cool.
"A honking good pair." Without context, sounds brutal. Read the book and you'll be giggling along with me.
Comedy like THIS is what gets me laughing. Witty sarcasm is the best kind of humour, so I absolutely loved this novel.
Did I have negative? Of course I did! No book is perfect.
In some places online, this book was marketed more like a romance, and it's not a pure romance. It's more comedic romance, not Hallmark or Harlequin style romance at all. If a reader comes specifically for that romance, they will be let down. But... does that ruin the book? Heck no! That's just my point of view.
Overall, this book is an absolute delight and totally fits into my wheelhouse! I love Mary Jayne Baker's writing and will definitely be sticking around for the long haul. This book was marvelous!
Five out of five stars!
I received a book for free from the publisher (Mirror Books) in exchange of an honest review.
vikkiew87's review
5.0
I absolutely loved this wonderful story, I finished this book in just one sitting.
I have laughed and felt emotional at times while reading this book. Initially, I had my doubts about if I would finish it due to the big C being mentioned- a topic I avoid. I am so glad I carried on with this book.
I loved the characters in the story, they are extremely likeable and the reader can relate to them. Although, there are a couple of annoying personalities- but the book wouldn’t be the same without them. The plot took a few twists which I didn’t expect but really enjoyed.
This is definitely a must read, I was hooked from the very beginning. This is another book which deserves more than five stars to show how wonderful the story is.
I have laughed and felt emotional at times while reading this book. Initially, I had my doubts about if I would finish it due to the big C being mentioned- a topic I avoid. I am so glad I carried on with this book.
I loved the characters in the story, they are extremely likeable and the reader can relate to them. Although, there are a couple of annoying personalities- but the book wouldn’t be the same without them. The plot took a few twists which I didn’t expect but really enjoyed.
This is definitely a must read, I was hooked from the very beginning. This is another book which deserves more than five stars to show how wonderful the story is.