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Coconuts and Wonderbras
Literary agent Libby Holmes is desperate for her boyfriend, Toby, to propose to her and will do anything for him and if that means dieting for England then she’ll have a go. However, when Libby’s boss introduces her to her new client, Alex Bryant, her life is turned upside down. Alex Bryant, ex-SAS officer and British hero, insists Libby accompany him to Cambodia for a book fair. What she hadn’t bargained for was a country in revolt. Libby finds herself in the middle of an uprising with only Alex Bryant to protect her, that is, until Toby flies out to win back her affections.
Come with Libby on her romantic comedy adventure to see if love blossoms in the warm Cambodian sunshine or, if in the heat of the day, emotions get just too hot to handle.
Come with Libby on her romantic comedy adventure to see if love blossoms in the warm Cambodian sunshine or, if in the heat of the day, emotions get just too hot to handle.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2012
56 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Lynda Renham
41 books249 followersLynda Renham has been writing for as long as she can remember and had her first work published in a magazine at age nine and has continued writing in various forms since. She has had several poems published as well as articles in numerous magazines and newspapers. Recently she has taken part in radio discussions on the BBC.
She has studied literature and creative writing and has a blog on her web page: www.renham.co.uk
Lynda lives with her second husband and cat in Oxfordshire, England. She is Associate Editor for the online magazine The Scavenger and contributor to many others. When not writing Lynda can usually be found wasting her time on Facebook.
She has studied literature and creative writing and has a blog on her web page: www.renham.co.uk
Lynda lives with her second husband and cat in Oxfordshire, England. She is Associate Editor for the online magazine The Scavenger and contributor to many others. When not writing Lynda can usually be found wasting her time on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 29, 2017
Twelfth book of my holiday reads.
I love this authors books and this one was no different. The love interest reminded me of Levison Woods who I am a huge fan of and was who I kept envisioning every time Alex Bryant popped up.
Libby is a real character in that she struggles with her weight as well as struggling with her love life. She is someone that readers will be able to relate to. Toby her boyfriend is so awful but Libby has such low confidence she doesn't think she can do any better.
This really is a laugh out loud read that will have you hooked from start to end. Who knew that bras had so many other uses than just supporting breasts? Certainly had me laughing anyway! Highly recommended.
I love this authors books and this one was no different. The love interest reminded me of Levison Woods who I am a huge fan of and was who I kept envisioning every time Alex Bryant popped up.
Libby is a real character in that she struggles with her weight as well as struggling with her love life. She is someone that readers will be able to relate to. Toby her boyfriend is so awful but Libby has such low confidence she doesn't think she can do any better.
This really is a laugh out loud read that will have you hooked from start to end. Who knew that bras had so many other uses than just supporting breasts? Certainly had me laughing anyway! Highly recommended.
January 5, 2015
Overall a easy fast paced read. Funny and light-hearted. The main character, Libby, is a lot of times very frustrating and stupid. you want to slap her most of the time. besides that, a good read.
September 13, 2014
I've been on a Lynda Renham kick as of late, and have now read four of her books. All of them make me laugh out loud and are a great read at the gym for me. I do have to say though this was my least favorite thus far, and if this is the first one you've read by her don't give up, as the rest of them are AMAZING. This one was my least favorite because of our MC. Her lack of self confidence was so distracting in this book. The second she seems to gain any of it back, she lets one tiny comment send her into a downward spiral into a completely different unrealistic path of thinking. Her constant going back to "toby" and what he would say do and if he loved her was just annoying. I did like our "hero" in this book, and I felt he had a good way of bringing her out of her own head sometimes, but it was really hard to get all the way through this book with this MC. I did enjoy the ending like always though, and like I said earlier it had those LOL moments I've come to expect from this author.
October 25, 2019
I have read Lynda's other books and loved them so knowing this book was on the way to the bookshelves, i just had to read it.. Disappointed? No Way!
From first opening the book and seeing Libby mentioning all the different diets she has tried, i laughed because i could really associate with her.
There were plenty of laugh out loud moments where i actually cried with laughter at some of her antics.
I really do adore Lynda's work and personally think she would be great writing one of her books for the screens or theatres. I think every woman that went to see one would definitely need to be issued with Tena at the door.
A real feel good book that takes you to Cambodia too, i had a mini holiday from my bed
Thank You Lynda, keep up the good work xx
From first opening the book and seeing Libby mentioning all the different diets she has tried, i laughed because i could really associate with her.
There were plenty of laugh out loud moments where i actually cried with laughter at some of her antics.
I really do adore Lynda's work and personally think she would be great writing one of her books for the screens or theatres. I think every woman that went to see one would definitely need to be issued with Tena at the door.
A real feel good book that takes you to Cambodia too, i had a mini holiday from my bed
Thank You Lynda, keep up the good work xx
September 6, 2012
I really enjoy this author. It was a quick read of some chick lit extremely entertaining and hoping she is coming out with some more. It was about a 29 year old woman who kept holding onto this relationship because of low self confidence and the man was a knob head. She gains her self confidence through the support of family and friends and she is able to have a nice tidy ending to the book.
August 11, 2012
A good read, a few spelling errors but a great plot if a little predictable, I just wanted Libby to have a happy ending & get her guy.
February 11, 2013
Quite funny but not it didn't tickle me as much as croissants and jam
June 11, 2017
This is a well-written story. It kept my interest and was a page-turner. The portion that takes place in Cambodia seemed realistic, but I can’t judge. I did get a bit tired of he main character’s insecurity. She is 29 and lets herself be undermined by a pig for a boyfriend. As an only child of solid parents, it just doesn’t ring true. I will be reading more of this author’s work.
Best Quote ‘Well, this is just great isn’t it? I left home to escape my mad parents and my atrocious love life, only to have the lot of them follow me to Cambodia. I’m about to fly home and everyone’s life is sorted except mine.’
Top Drawer Rom-Com!
Best Quote ‘Well, this is just great isn’t it? I left home to escape my mad parents and my atrocious love life, only to have the lot of them follow me to Cambodia. I’m about to fly home and everyone’s life is sorted except mine.’
Top Drawer Rom-Com!
September 26, 2019
I did not enjoy this book. It was very "Bridget Jones Diary." I'm not a fan of a book where EVERYTHING goes wrong for the sake of creating a plot. I get it, in a typical romance novel there are misunderstandings and obstacles. But this book went to great lengths to make sure that everything, and the kitchen sink, was thrown in to go wrong. I finished the book out of pure stubbornness.
August 22, 2024
Overall rating: 3.5 stars
Tropes: RomCom/Chick lit
Trigger Warnings:
Plot: 4/5
Ending: 2/5
Writing: 4/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Romance: 2/5
Hero: 5/5
Heroine: 3/5
Character Development: 2/5
Humour: 5/5
Spice: 0/5
Feels? Yes
HEA:
Tropes: RomCom/Chick lit
Trigger Warnings:
Plot: 4/5
Ending: 2/5
Writing: 4/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Romance: 2/5
Hero: 5/5
Heroine: 3/5
Character Development: 2/5
Humour: 5/5
Spice: 0/5
Feels? Yes
HEA:
April 13, 2020
Libby is desperate to marry Toby, but everyone else thinks he is a awful. When she finds out he is cheating on her, to annoy him she goes to Cambodia with an ex SAS soldier hunk!
An easy chick lit read with lots of humour!
An easy chick lit read with lots of humour!
March 4, 2017
Need to get a Wonderbra!!
Another funny exciting adventure by Lynda Renham. Didn't want to put it down. Very funny and makes you want your own adventure
Another funny exciting adventure by Lynda Renham. Didn't want to put it down. Very funny and makes you want your own adventure
May 17, 2017
A romantic "comedy" ha ha, very funny. It is
awfully
funny. 🙄
May 27, 2017
This book will make you laugh out loud numerous times.
June 11, 2017
Easy to follow
All ends as it should for Alex and Libby first time reading from thus author and would read again. An enjoyable read
All ends as it should for Alex and Libby first time reading from thus author and would read again. An enjoyable read
May 5, 2021
Really dire book, I was tempted to give up on it but persevered hoping it would improve, unfortunately it didn’t.
Read
July 21, 2022Funny book, fab to read on the beach
September 19, 2024
Lovely light hearted funny romance.
Nice easy read with a few unexpected twists
and turns. The writer explains in detail each situation so you can picture it in you imagination.
Nice easy read with a few unexpected twists
and turns. The writer explains in detail each situation so you can picture it in you imagination.
March 30, 2016
I literally haven't got the faintest idea of what I think of this book. I have gone from hating it in places, to being completely absorbed, to finding it exciting and unputdownable at points. In some places its incredibly funny, and others it has a real political feel to it, that for someone with a lack of interest in foreign politics, found very confusing. There is no denying that it has been very well written, it definitely flows and in some places there are some laugh out loud jokes, and for that reason alone it deserves the four stars I'm giving it.
Libby Holmes takes some getting used to, in the first bit she is uttering every thought she has, and I was getting a bid fed up with her ranting about food, calories, dieting etc... and then there is a scene that involves a bit to much information about the movement of a female hygiene product (which may make men want to put the book down completely) and once Libby and Alex are on a flight to Cambodia I started to get into the swing of things.
Libby's first meeting with Alex is amusing and her tell it like it is persona, leads to her calling him some choice names, before learning that she will be his new agent and expected to work alongside him with his new book launch.
Libby though already has a boyfriend Toby, who she suspects is cheating, and she seems gutless to deal with the Toby situation at all. I despised and hated Toby, who is an ignorant homophobe, and later in the book just showed what a despicable, spineless toad of a man he is. The complete opposite in fact to Alex.
Alex's fiancee Penny is a prima donna who even in time of crisis is more interested in her public persona, appearance, and if the press are interested than anyone's safety. I really didn't like her either.
Cambodia, during a time of political unrest is certainly a different location for a book, but unfortunately this isn't the sort of story where sight seeing or getting a feel for the tourist side of the country was a focus. Instead you are thrown into potentially life threatening situations for Libby and Alex, and they need to learn to trust each other fast.
The adventure elements of the book definitely held my interest and were really enjoyable to read, as was the general sense of humor in the story. Even Libby's personality which grated on me at the start became more enjoyable as I got to know her, and her reactions to certain situations. I just wanted to shake her for how she let Toby treat her, and her incapability to stand up for herself.
As for the title, let's just say there are some imaginative uses for a wonderbra in the book, and hearing Alex tell Libby to take of her bra, while she's on the phone to someone else are moments I'll definitely remember.
Definitely think this is the sort of book that you possibly shouldn't take anyone's word for, and just try it and see for yourself, as there are so many elements to it, you will probably have a very different reading experience to me.
Libby Holmes takes some getting used to, in the first bit she is uttering every thought she has, and I was getting a bid fed up with her ranting about food, calories, dieting etc... and then there is a scene that involves a bit to much information about the movement of a female hygiene product (which may make men want to put the book down completely) and once Libby and Alex are on a flight to Cambodia I started to get into the swing of things.
Libby's first meeting with Alex is amusing and her tell it like it is persona, leads to her calling him some choice names, before learning that she will be his new agent and expected to work alongside him with his new book launch.
Libby though already has a boyfriend Toby, who she suspects is cheating, and she seems gutless to deal with the Toby situation at all. I despised and hated Toby, who is an ignorant homophobe, and later in the book just showed what a despicable, spineless toad of a man he is. The complete opposite in fact to Alex.
Alex's fiancee Penny is a prima donna who even in time of crisis is more interested in her public persona, appearance, and if the press are interested than anyone's safety. I really didn't like her either.
Cambodia, during a time of political unrest is certainly a different location for a book, but unfortunately this isn't the sort of story where sight seeing or getting a feel for the tourist side of the country was a focus. Instead you are thrown into potentially life threatening situations for Libby and Alex, and they need to learn to trust each other fast.
The adventure elements of the book definitely held my interest and were really enjoyable to read, as was the general sense of humor in the story. Even Libby's personality which grated on me at the start became more enjoyable as I got to know her, and her reactions to certain situations. I just wanted to shake her for how she let Toby treat her, and her incapability to stand up for herself.
As for the title, let's just say there are some imaginative uses for a wonderbra in the book, and hearing Alex tell Libby to take of her bra, while she's on the phone to someone else are moments I'll definitely remember.
Definitely think this is the sort of book that you possibly shouldn't take anyone's word for, and just try it and see for yourself, as there are so many elements to it, you will probably have a very different reading experience to me.
November 18, 2012
Firstly I’d like to thank Raucous Publishing for sending me this eBook to read and give an honest review.
I have to admit that when I was asked to read this book the first thing to grab my attention was the fantastic title. While I was reading it I enjoyed telling everyone the name of the book because it guaranteed a smile (even from the men)!
Straight away I could relate to Libby, she had the same thoughts and feelings about dieting as I do:
“I only have to think marshmallow and I look like one.”
Libby was an easy character to like as was her best friend Issy, Toby on the other hand was most definitely one of the villains of the story – I disliked him right from the start and couldn’t understand why someone as sweet as Libby would be with him. Libby’s parents were hilarious and I cringed for her pretty much every time they were around.
Alex was brilliant, he was sexy, courageous and very manly. I really enjoyed the moment when Libby first met him, in fact I enjoyed every moment that they spent together, particularly the bickering! There was clearly some tension between them and this just made it even more fun to read.
Most of the story was told from Libby’s perspective but there were a few parts written from Alex’s side and oh how I loved those glimpses into his mind – I found myself wondering what he was thinking quite a few times throughout the book so I suppose I would have liked more from his point of view.
The adventures in Cambodia were fantastic to read, I laughed so much whilst reading this book – who would have thought that a wonderbra could be so useful, or that doing time in a Cambodian prison could be so comical! I found this to be an easy and enjoyable read, it was beautifully written and definitely makes me want to read more from this author.
This was a fantastic book and one I would certainly recommend, particularly if you are a fan of Sophie Kinsella type books.
I have to admit that when I was asked to read this book the first thing to grab my attention was the fantastic title. While I was reading it I enjoyed telling everyone the name of the book because it guaranteed a smile (even from the men)!
Straight away I could relate to Libby, she had the same thoughts and feelings about dieting as I do:
“I only have to think marshmallow and I look like one.”
Libby was an easy character to like as was her best friend Issy, Toby on the other hand was most definitely one of the villains of the story – I disliked him right from the start and couldn’t understand why someone as sweet as Libby would be with him. Libby’s parents were hilarious and I cringed for her pretty much every time they were around.
Alex was brilliant, he was sexy, courageous and very manly. I really enjoyed the moment when Libby first met him, in fact I enjoyed every moment that they spent together, particularly the bickering! There was clearly some tension between them and this just made it even more fun to read.
Most of the story was told from Libby’s perspective but there were a few parts written from Alex’s side and oh how I loved those glimpses into his mind – I found myself wondering what he was thinking quite a few times throughout the book so I suppose I would have liked more from his point of view.
The adventures in Cambodia were fantastic to read, I laughed so much whilst reading this book – who would have thought that a wonderbra could be so useful, or that doing time in a Cambodian prison could be so comical! I found this to be an easy and enjoyable read, it was beautifully written and definitely makes me want to read more from this author.
This was a fantastic book and one I would certainly recommend, particularly if you are a fan of Sophie Kinsella type books.
March 5, 2014
Ok so i liked the story and anything else about it but didn't like how it was written.
This was funny and relatable especially to ladies who really hates having periods(well ALL woman are like that), whose confidence deflates when looking and comparing themselves with those model-like physique of other women and those ladies who happen to see men that they like the most perfect person then realizes that how could a man like that like me back more so love me when I'm so imperfect in all other ways.
Libby's best friend Issy is kind of like me to my best friends and vise-versa. We just blurt out what we think no matter how hurtful the truth might be, since who else is going to say it to your face right? but at the same time supportive and caring.
The balance with Tobby and Alex in the story fits just right for me.. Tobby maybe the "evil" guy here and even though he's a prick when he seems he has to he can still be sweet and concerning albeit it not genuine. And Alex is both in control and organize in the outside as well as very much confusing with his own emotions and decisions. I love it about him(i speak if he's real, hahaha!), all his manliness, machoness, masculinity and strentgh oozes from him. LOL
I think the part about Issy and Jonathan could be taken out from the story without affecting it much.
Not like the sweetness, corny PDA of Libby's parents affects Libby's outlook in life.. :)
The ending, wow! it's just like those movies where in the last minute the girl gets her senses back and decides she got to run back to the man she truly loves hoping he would still be there arms open ready to catch and never release her again.
This was funny and relatable especially to ladies who really hates having periods(well ALL woman are like that), whose confidence deflates when looking and comparing themselves with those model-like physique of other women and those ladies who happen to see men that they like the most perfect person then realizes that how could a man like that like me back more so love me when I'm so imperfect in all other ways.
Libby's best friend Issy is kind of like me to my best friends and vise-versa. We just blurt out what we think no matter how hurtful the truth might be, since who else is going to say it to your face right? but at the same time supportive and caring.
The balance with Tobby and Alex in the story fits just right for me.. Tobby maybe the "evil" guy here and even though he's a prick when he seems he has to he can still be sweet and concerning albeit it not genuine. And Alex is both in control and organize in the outside as well as very much confusing with his own emotions and decisions. I love it about him(i speak if he's real, hahaha!), all his manliness, machoness, masculinity and strentgh oozes from him. LOL
I think the part about Issy and Jonathan could be taken out from the story without affecting it much.
Not like the sweetness, corny PDA of Libby's parents affects Libby's outlook in life.. :)
The ending, wow! it's just like those movies where in the last minute the girl gets her senses back and decides she got to run back to the man she truly loves hoping he would still be there arms open ready to catch and never release her again.
August 14, 2014
Arrrggghhhh Sooo frustrating !!! I love this author, I love her style of writing and the amazing honesty in the way she captures things, and I loved this book.........until about 3/4s of the way through. All of a sudden I was transported back into Helen Fieldings 2nd Bridget Jones book, The Edge of Reason, which in itself is a fabulous book, but I don't want to be picturing that in another book, I want to be appreciating a story on its own merits not thinking about another one.
There was too many similar references between the two books, smug "Loving" couples, drug related arrest resulting into being thrown into jail, bumbling solicitor, very well to do mother etc..etc....
If I hadn't read the Bridget Jones books, I would have loved this book and Lynda Renham is fast becoming one of my favourite authors just because her way of writing is hysterical, however please no more Helen Fielding plagiarism as that's the only thing putting me off :-(
There was too many similar references between the two books, smug "Loving" couples, drug related arrest resulting into being thrown into jail, bumbling solicitor, very well to do mother etc..etc....
If I hadn't read the Bridget Jones books, I would have loved this book and Lynda Renham is fast becoming one of my favourite authors just because her way of writing is hysterical, however please no more Helen Fielding plagiarism as that's the only thing putting me off :-(
April 8, 2013
This author has ignited in me the capacity to enjoy novels depicting the lighter side of life, having spent way too many years on the serious stuff. I liked this every bit as much as her first two novels and - amazingly for me - opted to read it on a 7-hour flight rather than watch the movies. Essentially, having begun it at the airport I just didn't want to put it down, even when I got funny looks for laughing out loud. And the flight just flew by, so to speak! Yes, there is more than a touch of the Bridget Jones in amongst it, which several reviewers have mentioned but for me, that was not a problem. Libby is sufficiently her own person, fully fledged and endearing, for the similarities, minor as they are, not to detract. I loved the novel and look forward to the next one. Looks like I must be a fan.
September 29, 2014
Ok so I have read a couple of her books and they were so awesome. Especially croissants and jam. BUT! I keep having to take a breather with this one because frankly the heroine is so damn annoying with her constant defense of Toby and worse, excusing his actions and basically being a doormat. There is a certain extent up till where it is uplifting and gratifying to read a novel where we see a woman overcoming her insecurities, but the level of all the angst and ditziness in this book combined (I'm at the middle of the book and already at the end of my tether) is NOT cute and I feel like banging my head on a wall.
July 8, 2016
I really wanted to give this book more than 2 stars but I couldn't. I really enjoyed Croissants and Jam so thought I'd give this one a go. I can't believe Helen Fielding doesn't file for plagiarism, the similarities between this and the Bridget Jones books are so obvious her job, her obsession with her weight, two guys fighting over her, the foreign trip, being in jail the list goes on. Putting that aside I did enjoy the book, but like others have mentioned in other reviews I found her obsession with her weight and how she always defended Toby to be really annoying.
I will read another one of Lynda's books but for the moment I need to have a break with chick lit and go back to crimes.
I will read another one of Lynda's books but for the moment I need to have a break with chick lit and go back to crimes.
September 24, 2013
One of the most frustrating books I've read in a while. I'm so tired of this formulaic chick-lit heroines that are so dizzy, and whose lives are chaotic and who date jerks but they can't see it. Until the main guy of the book shows up of course. And all he does is get mad at them throughout the whole book, understandably, since these women are unbearable, and then puf, they fall in love (well, mostly in lust).
And I'm not even going to get into discussing the meddling family/friends/ex-boyfriend.
Ugh!
And I'm not even going to get into discussing the meddling family/friends/ex-boyfriend.
Ugh!
April 4, 2013
A friend recommeded Lynda Renham books to me. I was about to go on a beach holiday where all I wanted to do was sleep, eat and rest. I wanted an easy read with nothing too taxing on the brain. I downloaded three of her books and read them all whilst lounging around the pool. I thoroughly enjoy it and laughed out loud so many times that my husband became intrigued. He has downloaded it onto his kindle but has yet to read it.
September 2, 2013
Great read. Light hearted and funny! Enjoyed the characters in this book. this comes in as a close second for me after Crossaints and Jam. would recommend to others! more books Lynda please. I've read them all now which bothers me!! a x
January 20, 2015
Coconuts and Wonderbras
Another great story. It was funny, serious and just plain great reading this one. You really have some great characters and again you make me feel like I am right in the middle of it all. Thanks.
Another great story. It was funny, serious and just plain great reading this one. You really have some great characters and again you make me feel like I am right in the middle of it all. Thanks.
November 19, 2012
What a wonderful price of Chic Lit pleasure to read , very similar to Bridgette Jones which I also love I love reading this authors funny addictive novels another hit Lynda x
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews