Review: The Wake-Up Call

Title: The Wake-Up Call

Author: Beth O’Leary

Publisher: 26th September 2023 by Hachette Australia & Quercus Books

Pages: 350 pages

Genre: contemporary, romance, chick lit

Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

Two sworn enemies. A failing hotel. One chance to save the season...

It's the busiest season of the year, and Forest Manor Hotel is quite literally falling apart. So when Izzy and Lucas are given the same shift on the hotel's front desk, they have no choice but to put their differences aside and see it through.

The hotel won't stay afloat beyond Christmas without some sort of miracle. But when Izzy returns a guest's lost wedding ring, the reward convinces management that this might be the way to fix everything. With four rings still sitting in lost property, the race is on for Izzy and Lucas to save their beloved hotel - and their jobs.

As their bitter rivalry turns into something much more complicated, Izzy and Lucas begin to wonder if there's more at stake here than the hotel's future. Can the two of them make it through the season with their hearts intact?

My Thoughts

‘All’s fair in love, war and petty workplace feuding, right?’

This opening quote pretty much sums up Beth O’Leary’s upcoming new book. Beth is one of the ‘hot’ authors currently with everything she writes gaining attention. I loved some of her previous books (The No-Show, for me, was phenomenal) as much as I did not love her previous books. Therefore I was nervously excited to read her upcoming, The Wake-Up Call (published 26 September 2023). Once again, this was not the book I expected but in all honesty, I feel it highlights the expansive skill in Beth’s writing - no cardboard cutouts here - every book is that little bit different. 

“… life is too short for rules about what’s cool and what’s not cool; life’s for living. In full HD.”

Here is what I loved about the book:

• A lighthearted enemies to lovers romcom

• The setting: Forest Manor Hotel was a great backdrop with endearing secondary characters

• I enjoyed the ring mysteries with the shenanigans and backstories

• I really appreciated the two leads individual journey and growth. They are open to learning and appreciating themselves and their relationship differences in order to grow

• I enjoyed Lucas’ narrative best as he was open and honest from the getgo. 

Here is what I was not too excited about:

• I feel this was for a younger demographic as at times seemed a bit immature 

• There were some incredibly childish antics

• There was an excessive amount of miscommunication

• It was a little slow in places

• Whilst Izzy and Lucas ran hot and cold, fun and silly throughout, I felt their relationship was awkward and demeaning in places - they both needed a ‘wake-up call’ (Izzy more so)

• Overall I was not wowed by it especially after the creativity of The No-Show. 

The Wake-Up Call was once again different from the last Beth O’Leary book … which was different from the last Beth O’Leary book …. I am beginning to see a pattern! Despite not being the book I had originally predicted, it ended up being solid and enjoyable, sure to appeal to many. I look forward to seeing where Beth will go on her next adventure because I have given up trying to predict. 

‘You’ve got to live every moment and enjoy it.’ 

Lucas tilts his head, saying nothing. I … pause as he says, ‘No, you don’t.’

 ‘Pardon?’ 

‘You don’t have to enjoy every moment. Nobody can do that. It would be . . . exhausting.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Nobody Puts Romcoms In The Corner

Title: Nobody Puts Romcoms In The Corner

Author: Kathryn Freeman

Publisher: 26th February 2023 by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter

Pages: 384 pages

Genre: romance, contemporary, chick lit

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

The perfect pick me up romcom for fans of Beth O’Leary, Sophie Kinsella and Sophie Ranald!

Sally is a classic romantic and Harry is a classic cynic, but when a drunken bet leads the new flatmates to (badly) recreate ‘the lift’ from Dirty Dancing, and the video goes viral (#EpicRomcomReenactmentFailure), they both realise there’s potential financial benefit in blundering their way through the romcom lexicon for their suddenly vast social media following.

Now, as Harry and Sally bring major romcom moments to new life – including recreating that classic diner scene – their faking it turns to making…out and suddenly they’re living a real life romcom of their own! But like all the greatest love stories, the road to happily ever after is paved with unexpected challenges for this hero and heroine…

My Thoughts

Kathryn Freeman has slowly been sneaking up as one of my favourite ‘go to’ authors for a solid romcom escape. Her current offering was no exception, in fact, the content material was such fun that it was like sitting with a friend as you reel off all the iconic moments from romcom films. If this sounds like you, then pull up a seat and settle in.

‘What is the lift?’ Kitty let out an exasperated breath. ‘Only one of the most iconic film moments. Ever.’ …. ‘That’s just a guy catching a girl.’ ‘Just?’ She stared at him like he’d just spoken a totally different language to her. ‘The shared trust in that moment, the way they communicate without words. It’s a symbol of love, of belief in each other. It’s beautiful.’

Nobody Puts Romcoms In The Corner is filled with nostalgic movie scene reenactments from Dirty Dancing, Pretty Woman, Ghost, Love Actually - just to name a few - and it is just so much fun! Stereotypical Sally loves all things romance yet her new flat mate Harry does not (and yes! They do the scene from When Harry Met Sally!) What starts off as a dare, quickly becomes a TikTok sensation with requests from followers to reenact more iconic movie scenes. Of course, acting them out slowly seeps into real life and then follows the usual narrative path with bumps along the way until the happy ever after.

‘When she said the next words from the film, it didn’t feel like acting. It felt like the truest words she’d ever spoken. ‘If I forget to tell you later, thank you. I had a really amazing time tonight.’

Apart from all the fun movie references, I truly appreciated Kathryn’s efforts to capture true to life feelings that are often associated with the genders. Sally with her head in the clouds and Harry the not so romantic male. The light and fun moments are interspersed with serious themes of loss and grief, family drama and much more. Kathryn does such a wonderful job of providing two stereotypical characters who go both individually and together on a journey of real growth and understanding. 

‘You know, in a way your love of romcoms isn’t helping. The films make us want the words, because that’s what steals your breath, what touches your heart when you watch them. But all the words, they’re no guarantee. Plenty have said them, and it’s meant nothing. Equally, just because the words aren’t there, it doesn’t mean love isn’t there. It means you have to look for other signs.’

If you love romcoms, then this is without doubt the book for you. It is fun, charming with great chemistry and vibes between the two romantic leads. Readers of this genre are sure to fall in love with Nobody Puts Romcoms In The Corner .

‘Isn’t that what life is about? Not how it ends, but the experiences enjoyed on the way?’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: A Wedding in Tuscany

Title: A Wedding in Tuscany

Author: Sandy Barker

Publisher: 17th June 2022 by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter

Pages: 400 pages

Genre: contemporary, romance, chick lit

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

The Parsons sisters are all loved up.

Sarah is living in Sydney with Josh and their cat, Domino, but is anxious about her fast-approaching fortieth birthday.

And Cat is still living in London with her flatmate, Jane, but is in a long-distance relationship with Jean-Luc, her childhood sweetheart and recently re-discovered love.

One of the sisters receives a surprise wedding proposal – it’s a yes! – and everyone heads off to Tuscany for a destination wedding.

Reunite with favourite characters from the Holiday Romance series in one of the most beautiful locations yet for love, laughter, wedding vows, and just a smidge of sisterly mayhem.

My Thoughts

‘Life’s both short and long. Short enough that you can’t faff about waiting for it to begin and long enough that you can always start fresh, make a different decision, do something else. Is that what’s going on with you? You want to make a big change?’

Sandy Barker is a firm favourite here at GRTL as she always guarantees her readers a great romantic destination getaway. This is book number 5 in her Holiday Romance series - most can be read as a standalone, however, readers' relationships with the characters is certainly enhanced if you have read previous instalments. In this, the final of the series, Sandy brings the ‘gang’ back together for a most fitting finale and tribute. 

‘Of course, I know in my heart that forty isn’t old. But it will definitely cement my status as ‘middle-aged’. I half-expect someone to pull me aside and give me a new to-do list, like take out life insurance and get breast scans and start reading those emails from my retirement fund instead of filing them away, unread, and forgetting about them. Those are all things that middle aged people are expected to do, right? You know, proper adulting?’

With a joint celebration - 40th birthday and wedding - planned for sisters Sarah and Cat, a castle in Tuscany is the destination. It’s the opportunity for a reunion with couples from previous books so there is sure to be past memorable reflections along with new events to celebrate. The sisters will make you laugh and they will make you cry but as always, Sandy makes them flawed, funny and real. Sandy is a master at armchair travel and if Tuscany is on your bucket list, then be sure to give this book a go. The sights, sounds and smells come alive through from the shops and cuisine to the castle itself. 

‘Here we are in romantic Tuscany, celebrating these incredible milestones with our gorgeous men and we’ve both had massive arguments.’ ‘Love is messy, I suppose.’

This is the book you read for a wonderful getaway. A romantic comedy that has a few mishaps along the way but is certainly full of love and laughter in the long run. 

‘Surely, if I can just breathe and enjoy where I am and who’s here with me, then this will be less about a number and more about what makes me happy - Josh, my family and friends, being in a beautiful part of the world. Not to mention good food, good wine.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Italian Job

Title: The Italian Job

Author: Kathryn Freeman

Publisher: 6th May 2022 by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter

Pages: 369 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: contemporary, women’s fiction, romance, chick lit, culture Italy

My Rating:  4 cups

Synopsis:

Dream job. Dream house. Fake fiancé.

A year in a gorgeous Italian castle…

When Anna Roberts’ life implodes, an online search leads her to an ad for the ultimate dream job – management of a gorgeous castle on the shores of Lake Como, accommodation included. The only catch? Anna can’t do it alone…

…With the last man on earth she’d choose!

The castle owners will only accept a couple as caretakers, which means Anna needs a man on her arm at the interview. Enter her neighbour, Jake Tucker. Though Anna and Jake have never seen eye-to-eye, Jake’s had a rough few years and an escape to Italy sounds ideal. Yet, when they get the job and jet off, Anna and Jake face an unexpected challenge. Pretending to be a couple is difficult … but pretending the tension simmering between them doesn’t exist is quickly proving impossible!

My Thoughts

Having read and loved Kathryn’s, The Beach Reads Book Club, I was eager to try some more of her writing. On this occasion she gives her readers a story of enemies-to-lovers, a couple who are fake dating in order to run a castle in stunning Lake Como, Italy. That in itself is reason enough to pick this one up.  

‘Hope is what drives us forwards, what keeps us going through the tough stuff.’

The setting for the book is gorgeous, I just wish there had been more written about it. We had visits to the local village, Italian dialogue with the locals and swimming in the lake, however, I would have loved more armchair travel to this stunning destination. The relationships between Jake and Anna with the supporting characters felt very genuine and heartwarming. The two main leads were most definitely opposites but the background stories for them are solid and it added depth to their character arc as individuals. It is the perfect slow-burn romance with loads of chemistry. I loved and related to Anna’s organisation and list making with the banter between the two being top notch. 

‘You’re the organised to my chaotic, the sensible to my crazy.’ He kissed her softly on the end of her nose. ‘The calm to my impetuous. You’re strong when I’m weak, smart when I’m stupid. Brave when I’m a coward. And I bloody love every part of you.’

The only drawback was the amount of misunderstanding through miscommunication. The repetitiveness of their insecurities was overplayed somewhat in my opinion with the continual assumptions drawn proved rather exhausting at times. I really liked both main characters with a classic supporting cast but just wish there had been more descriptions of the locale and not so much stomping off!

The Italian Job by Kathryn Freeman is the perfect inbetween read. It is fun, charming with great chemistry and vibes between the two romantic leads. Readers of this genre are sure to fall in love with this book. 

‘The job was never the dream. The dream has always been finding someone I love that I want to spend the rest of my life with. You’re my dream.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: On a Night Like This

Title: On a Night Like This

Author: Lindsey Kelk

Publisher: 11th November  2021 by HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction

Pages: 352 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: women’s fiction, romance, chick lit

My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

When Fran Cooper accepts a mysterious temporary job as a PA to a celebrity, she is swept off her feet overnight. Working with internationally famous singer Juliette, Fran is the person charged with getting Juliette to the Crystal Ball, the glittering event when the world’s rich and famous gather on Panarea, a beautiful Mediterranean island, for a night like no other.

What Fran doesn’t know is that on this one night, everything will change for her too – that instead of standing on the sidelines, she’ll be putting on the most beautiful dress she’s ever seen and having the most unforgettable night of her life…

My Thoughts

‘It’s easy to make promises on a night like this,’ I said, looking out over the sea. ‘But things will be different when I wake up tomorrow and I have to go back to the real world.’

This is just plain ol’ fun … romcom at its best! A modern day Cinderella rags to riches tale that will have you enjoying some sweet escape time. Fran’s life is a bit of a mess, she’s trying to live the expected life with her fiancé but must take the opportunity for some short term employment as PA for a mysterious celebrity. One thing leads to another (with riotous LOL moments along the way) until she finds herself at the ball of the year!

I’d always been the practical one, the sensible person who thought ahead, packed a snack and made everyone go for a wee before they left the house, but there was something about this man that made me feel like I could be someone else entirely.

Surprisingly, it is not all about the romance as the leading man does not make an appearance until halfway through the book. So, that being said, it was nice to see a little bit more of the floundering female come good in this narrative arc. This is more a journey of discovery with the romantic element not the main focus. Delightfully this is more about being true to yourself, not changing to please others in an effort to live your best life. 

Every day since, I’d been giving away tiny little pieces of myself just to hold on to what I had. But was it worth it? And what would happen when there were no more pieces left to give?

On a Night Like This is pure escapist fun. It’s light and bright, being a delight to read. The characters are well developed and although far-fetched at times the plot just fits the style of story. The tale trots along at a great pace with all the over-the-top twists and turns … you really will walk away with all the Cinderella feels.

I marvelled at all the choices we must have made to bring us to this exact moment and I wondered where mine would take me next.

This book is filled with classic one liners that are sure to make you smile:

‘We don’t wait for things to happen,’ Jess said, white paper muffin bag in one hand, car keys in the other. ‘We make them happen!’ ‘You sound like an Instagram post,’ I called after her. ‘If you tell me to live, laugh and love, you’re not allowed round for tea.’ ‘More like nap, nom and Netflix,’ she shouted back, already halfway out the door. ‘See you tonight.’

‘It’s going to be fine,’ she said gently, giving my hand a squeeze. ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’ ‘The last time you said that we ended up in lockdown for a year.’

‘.. whether or not you thought Kate Winslet could have made a little bit more room on that wardrobe door at the end of Titanic.’

‘Today was the day for me to put on my big girl pants, although only metaphorically speaking given that I didn’t have any pants on at all.’

I had some money in my savings account, but that wouldn’t even stretch to a luxury shopping trip in old York, let alone the new one.’

A delightful story. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry (in laughter more than likely) and it will take you on an amazing journey with fun characters on a yacht to attend a fabulous ball on an Italian island. What’s not to love? 

I hadn’t just put on a different dress, I’d stepped into a different life. Gone was the girl who wore beige bras and sensible cardigans, and in her place was a glamorous, confident, beautiful woman.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.