I only have one week before I’m out on the streets and lose my house… which used to belong to my grandmother.So, I reluctantly accept a job-share role at the Atlantis Hotel Group as their marketing coordinator. Working there is my dream, apart from the fact I have to compete against the world’s most miserable guy to stay there.We have three months to prove we’re right for the full-time job, and all signs point to me being the favoured candidate.Tristan Campbell is arrogant, unsociable, and thinks it’s appropriate to wear a suit in a casual work environment.It doesn’t matter that I’m weirdly attracted to his eyebrows and Harry Styles hair. The guy is a nightmare, and the sooner I prove I’m better than him, the sooner I can get him out of my life and pay off my mortgage.The only problem is, that grump starts acting human.And when he requests my help in an awkward personal situation, I’m not sure I’m able to refuse…
☆ 2.5 ☆ It was cute and I liked the concept, but at one point I did feel like it was squeezing in every trope under the sun? like grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, workplace romance, one bed, fake dating, secret family connections... the list goes on. And mackenzie and christina... oh my days, I sometimes found myself BRISTLING while they were speaking, not the kind of people I'd like to be around in a workplace
It’s my first book of 2024 and I didn’t want to start the year on a DNF so I have persevered. It really was a struggle to get through and I skim read the last couple of chapters just to get it out of the way.
The first 40% of the book is way too work-orientated. I don’t mean as in they’re always at work I mean like weird in-depth prose about marketing strategy. Tristan appears and theres a weird interview where it’s awkward but then there’s very little interaction between him and Abbie. Yet all we hear from Abbie is about how much she hates him. Obviously there’s a sudden moment where they realise they’re both not as bad as they thought but it all feels really forced and kind of out of nowhere. In fact everything that happens with these two seems to come out of nowhere. There’s just so much happening constantly that there’s no time for them to establish a relationship of any kind nevermind for me to be rooting for it. Like honestly, am I meant to be focussed on her ex, his ex, the horrible co-worker, her best friend who we barely hear anything from but who also makes a judgement of him being a brilliant guy after seeing her friend make out with him once. The whole thing is just ridiculous, that’s before we get to the insane ex gf stereotype, the fact that he is seemingly over a 3 year relationship in a matter of minutes, the fake-dating that appears out of nowhere and the utter lack of chemistry that we are told is definitely there. Then the man disappears for 3 weeks gives a 2 sentence explanation and then they shag? And she’s all “lol we’ll get your job back” as if HR could be arsed with all this drama. MAKE IT MAKE SENSE!
Ugh, onwards and upwards. I just hope the rest of the books I read this year are better than this.
An easy read with lovely characters and a cute love story. I really enjoyed the first 50% of the book and then it started to bore me slightly when it became too much about Christina… but all together a sweet office romance / grumpy sunshine book!
Sunshine of Your Love was all that I expected from one of my favorite Aussie romance writers. It's such a breeze to read and the heroine is a total modern woman: competent, kind and just the sort you want to get the great job and a swoon-worthy love life. If you are looking for a dose of sunshine and good girl triumphs, this novel definitely fits the bill!
From the first chapter, when Abbie is out of a job and worried about nabbing a paycheck to keep up with her mortgage payments, I was hooked by this heroine and her sudden antipathy for Harry Styles hair! Her office adventures include dealing with a grumpy Gus who job shares with her; a friendly gal whose antics quickly turn Abbie off; and bosses who seem to manage by giving their subordinates an egg timer's worth of opportunity for input. I loved the way Abbie quickly adapted, steered clear of the pitfalls, and gave it her all.
She's also the kind of woman who believes fairness is fundamental and doesn't abandon her friends when romance comes calling. And just enthusiastic for life, her job and Korean cuisine and soap operas.
As to the enemies to friends then lovers romance, there's a spoiler character there who Abbie idolizes until she learns what she's like beneath her public persona. Will she get what expects or what she deserves? I'm not telling! Read Sunshine of Your Love and find out!
This book was even better than I expected it to be... I mean, I thought it would be a cute rom-com, maybe just a light read; but it turned out to be more than that. I was really impressed with the depth of the characters and the plot. I really liked Abbie's personality and character - she was so easy to invest in and root for. She consistently displayed a genuine nature - honest, with an integrity that shined through her words and actions. She was kind, intelligent and independent. And though Tristan started out as appearing guarded and distant, he ended up revealing his true nature pretty swiftly, which I appreciated. I was also glad to see how the plot progressed and resolutions were found - there was drama, of course, and conflict, as well; yet, none of it dragged out to the point that I thought it was overdone. I really appreciated that! I also thought Ms. McManus did a great job with the quality of her writing, which made for a thoroughly enjoyable read!
This was a fun and well-paced story, with excellent character development and a great plot to pull the reader right into the story line. Abbie Miller and Tristan Campbell are in a competitive job-share situation for a Marketing Coordinator job at the Atlantic Hotel Group. They will work together for 3 months and the best candidate will be hired. Their banter and continuous antics keeps the reader’s attention from start to finish as we follow the enjoyable, well-written story line that is deliciously descriptive. And when Tristan needs Abbie’s help with a personal situation, needing her to pretend to be dating him, at least for a week until manipulator Christina gets the message and leaves him alone, things quickly begin to change for them. The likable characters will have you connecting with them to cheer them on all the way to their happiness. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and recommend it to all.
I really enjoyed the writing og the book and the way the author introduced all the characters. The main character Abbie was just a sweetheart, kind, compassionate and a loyal friend. I also likes her friend Emma and Tristan's sister Bianca. I could not finish the book though because, to me, this relationshit between Abbie and Tristan was so toxic. Or at least, he was very toxic. He acted rude to her for no reason then he overreacted and accused her of spiking his drink without any evidence and almost got her fired and barely apologised for it. Then, he manipulated her into "introducing" him to his own girlfriend just so he could see her and followed by forcing her into a forced "relationship" even though she had feelings for him, which he didn't know. For these reasons, I did not root for them and decided not to finish the book because I think Abbie deserved 100 times better than what Tristant could give her. All that being said, I really think the book (or at least the 65% I read) was well written and I enjoyed reading about Abbie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What happens when you lose your job? You apply for another... But what happens when you are rejected? You risk losing your Gma's family home... But what if there's a change of events and you get a 2nd chance to "Make Magic"? You are to battle with a grumpy colleague who also follows that philosophy... With a bit of a twist and some K-Drama and soju, read how Abby and Tristan navigate the same job and if they can really Make Magic happen.
I liked that this story was set over the ditch, in Australia, so it was easier to relate to. This is a very safe book if you don't like to read spice.
Abby is interviewing for a job she desperately needs. She gets the job but has six months to compete against Tristan for the permanent position. He is the rude person who ignored her before interviewing and left the interview to take a personal call. Working together they get to know each other and gradually adversity turns to romance. Of course there are issues in the workplace and drama caused by his now ex girlfriend. I enjoyed the banter and the relationship that developed. A satisfying read that leaves you with a good feeling.
I love McManus’ style, and I felt immersed in the story from the start. Yes, a lighthearted tone, a sense of humor, but also depth, which gave the whole story balance. I loved Abbie, but it’d be hard to not love her! And Mr Grumpy aka Tristan was quite different, yet I did feel the possibilities, the spark. Great book, wonderfully written, very escape-worthy!
What a sweet, lighthearted, cute romantic comedy! A great storyline and charming main characters. The book is well written with just enough drama to keep things interesting and it was so fun to read. This is the perfect book for a wonderful afternoon of reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A fantastic, well written, well developed rom-com that will grab your attention and keep you wanting more. The story is entertaining and enjoyable. The characters are fun, easy to get to know and well developed. A great weekend read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I needed something sweet, funny and down to earth and that’s exactly what this book offered. Both leading characters have a vulnerability that is appealing. we want them to have a happy ending but only after we get rid of two crazed exes. Loads of fun.
Cute read where Abbie and Tristan are pitted against each other in a job share trial, where only one will be hired at the end. Add a crazy ex and a stolen marketing philosophy to the mix, and you’ve got a classic enemies to lovers story!
I like McManus’s writing style and this was an interesting story. The romance seemed to happen pretty easily for the level of disdain that was initially present, but not so much that it felt like a miss.
This high quality book is loaded with workplace humour, corporate backstabbing and very unfair job awkward situations you find in the real world. The pacing and the characters are well done.
Abbie and Tristan are forced into a competition for a marketing job. Only one will be hired at the end of the trial period. This was a cute, although predictable enemies to lovers story. It hit most of the usual tropes. It was a quick escapist read.
An enjoyable read. It's been too long between Kirsty McManus reads, Ive missed her Aussie stories with interesting characters and situations that make me smile.
Sunshine of Your Love is a fantastic sweet romance. It is fun and entertaining. The characters are wonderful and relatable. I loved.this book and could not put it down. I highly recommend this book.