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Ever After Agency #3
The One That I Want
Greta Davies, the features editor at a women’s magazine, is accomplished and successful. That is, in all areas except her love life.
Determined to help, Greta's boss - and friend - secretly enlists the help of the Ever After Agency, and sets out to make her dreams come true.
Work-obsessed Greta is nothing if not stubborn, so it’ll take some creative thinking, which leads to a lightbulb moment: a new column focused on dating in the city.
With date after disastrous date, things are not looking rosy for Greta. But little does Greta know, the perfect man has been there all along. Will she realise it’s more than friendship before it’s too late?
Determined to help, Greta's boss - and friend - secretly enlists the help of the Ever After Agency, and sets out to make her dreams come true.
Work-obsessed Greta is nothing if not stubborn, so it’ll take some creative thinking, which leads to a lightbulb moment: a new column focused on dating in the city.
With date after disastrous date, things are not looking rosy for Greta. But little does Greta know, the perfect man has been there all along. Will she realise it’s more than friendship before it’s too late?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2024
275 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Sandy Barker
20 books377 followersI’m a writer, traveller and hopeful romantic with a lengthy bucket list, and many of my travel adventures have found homes in my novels. I’m also an avid reader, a film buff, a wine lover and a coffee snob.
I am currently on a one-year sabbatical, living and writing across the world, with my partner, Ben, who I met while travelling in Greece. Our real-life love story inspired my debut novel One Summer in Santorini, the first in the five-book Holiday Romance series with One More Chapter, an imprint of HarperCollins.
Also with One More Chapter, is the Christmas Romance series, celebrating my favourite time of the year, and a stand-alone romcom, The Dating Game, set in the world of reality TV.
I am now writing for Boldwood Books, including the 5-book Ever After Agency romcom series. Next up are 5 more standalone romcoms for Boldwood.
I am represented by Lina Langlee of The North Literary Agency.
I am currently on a one-year sabbatical, living and writing across the world, with my partner, Ben, who I met while travelling in Greece. Our real-life love story inspired my debut novel One Summer in Santorini, the first in the five-book Holiday Romance series with One More Chapter, an imprint of HarperCollins.
Also with One More Chapter, is the Christmas Romance series, celebrating my favourite time of the year, and a stand-alone romcom, The Dating Game, set in the world of reality TV.
I am now writing for Boldwood Books, including the 5-book Ever After Agency romcom series. Next up are 5 more standalone romcoms for Boldwood.
I am represented by Lina Langlee of The North Literary Agency.
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June 14, 2024Title: The One That I Want by Sandy Barker
Release Date: July, 23rd, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars
Sandy Barker's The One That I Want is a delightful, heartwarming story that blends humour, romance, and the trials of modern dating into a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Greta Davies, a successful features editor at a women’s magazine, seems to have it all—except a thriving love life. Her boss and friend, determined to help Greta find happiness, secretly enlists the help of the Ever After Agency. This leads to a brilliant idea: a new column focused on dating in the city.
However, Greta's journey through a series of disastrous dates leaves her disheartened. Unbeknownst to her, the perfect man has been right under her nose the entire time. The question is, will she realise it before it’s too late?
What I Liked:
* Engaging Protagonist: Greta Davies is a relatable and likeable character whose journey through the ups and downs of dating is both amusing and endearing. Her work-driven nature and stubbornness add depth to her character.
* Humour: The book had laugh-out-loud moments, particularly during Greta's disastrous dates. The witty dialogue and comedic situations make for a light-hearted and enjoyable read.
* Clever Concept: The idea of turning Greta's dating misadventures into a magazine column is both innovative and entertaining. It adds a unique twist to the typical romantic comedy plot.
* Heartwarming Romance: The slow realisation of the perfect man being Ewan, a long-time friend is a heartwarming twist. The development of their relationship is sweet and satisfying, with plenty of "aww" moments.
* Strong Supporting Characters: Greta's boss and other supporting characters are well-developed and add richness to the story. Their interactions with Greta are both supportive and humorous, contributing to the overall charm of the book.
* Modern Dating Challenges: The book realistically portrays the challenges and awkwardness of modern dating, making it highly relatable for readers who have navigated the dating scene.
The One That I Want by Sandy Barker is a delightful, cute read that offers a perfect blend of humour, romance, and heartfelt moments. It's a must-read for anyone looking for a lighthearted and charming romantic comedy that also provides insightful commentary on the trials of dating in the modern world.
Thank you to The Publisher Boldwood Books ,The Author Sandy Barker & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
July 24, 2024
Greta has it all, good friends, great career-the only thing missing is someone to share it with. Her boss and friend decides to help her find some love in her life secretly enlists the help of the Ever After Agency to find Greta a partner, for life. They use Greta's position as features editor at a women's magazine as a cover for Poppy coming to the magazine-she'll help Greta write a column by setting her up on dates not knowing that theyre for real
However, each time Greta goes through with another disasterous date, it leaves her disheartened, especially when she goes out with Mr. Perfect on Paper and he turns out to be a dud. What she doesn't realize is that her perfect man may be right there in front of her, if she will only realize it before it's too late.
This was a great blend of humor, romance and original heartfelt moments. It was lighthearted and charming and easy to read in one sitting. An interesting look at dating in the modern world (and boy am I glad I'm not stuck doing that!)
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
However, each time Greta goes through with another disasterous date, it leaves her disheartened, especially when she goes out with Mr. Perfect on Paper and he turns out to be a dud. What she doesn't realize is that her perfect man may be right there in front of her, if she will only realize it before it's too late.
This was a great blend of humor, romance and original heartfelt moments. It was lighthearted and charming and easy to read in one sitting. An interesting look at dating in the modern world (and boy am I glad I'm not stuck doing that!)
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
July 14, 2024
4,25 💫 | A main character working on a fashion magazine. An assignment to write about the dating scene in London. A matchmaking agency. A well meaning boss making her going on dates but secretly wanting her to find love. What could possibly go wrong?
This book was my first contact with the Ever After Agency series and what a great way to be introduced to this universe! I have to say, the blurb about this book doesn't make it justice: it is much better than what was promised. I will not get into the story or the plot in this review, since I believe that not knowing much about the book made my experience better.
This book is perfect for any girl that grew up watching 2000s romcoms - specially The Devil Wears Prada - and reading chicklit. I am not in my thirties nor in my dream job but I found so relatable that even being accomplished and living her dream life Greta realized that what she wanted the most was to fall in love. I know this topic is very often present in women's fiction, but in this book, Sandy Barker managed to not only make it super fun, but bring a new light into it.
I adored the way the romance grew from a friendship - this made the story lighter and funny. The main character is captivating and supporting characters were super fun. Also, I need to mention this is a closed door book, so bonus points for it!
I can't wait to read the previous Ever After Agency books - specially Poppy's, since she played such a crucial role in The One That I Want.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the access to this ARC!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This book was my first contact with the Ever After Agency series and what a great way to be introduced to this universe! I have to say, the blurb about this book doesn't make it justice: it is much better than what was promised. I will not get into the story or the plot in this review, since I believe that not knowing much about the book made my experience better.
This book is perfect for any girl that grew up watching 2000s romcoms - specially The Devil Wears Prada - and reading chicklit. I am not in my thirties nor in my dream job but I found so relatable that even being accomplished and living her dream life Greta realized that what she wanted the most was to fall in love. I know this topic is very often present in women's fiction, but in this book, Sandy Barker managed to not only make it super fun, but bring a new light into it.
I adored the way the romance grew from a friendship - this made the story lighter and funny. The main character is captivating and supporting characters were super fun. Also, I need to mention this is a closed door book, so bonus points for it!
I can't wait to read the previous Ever After Agency books - specially Poppy's, since she played such a crucial role in The One That I Want.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the access to this ARC!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
July 14, 2024
Another cracker continuing the Ever After Agency series by Sandy Barker.
Is it better to find love the organic way, or do we all need a helping hand sometimes?
The One That I Want brings us back to the Ever After Agency with another client for Poppy, one of our wonderful matchmakers, to concentrate on.
Greta is the editor of a new online magazine. She focuses on her work but finds it challenging to add relationships to the mix.
Her boss, Anjali, decides to intervene by employing the services of her friend's agency to help her employee with things through an elaborate ruse of a series of articles about dating.
There are some funny dates, a whole heap of confusion and plenty of 'oooh!' moments.
On paper, Greta is a successful woman with a great job, a supportive family, and good friends. However, as we find out, things aren't always as straightforward as they seem. She doubts herself so much. I just wanted to take her to one side and tell her to believe in her instincts!
Her best friend, Tiggy, was brilliant. Straightforward, loud and hilarious. We all need a Tiggy in our lives!
It's the kind of story I have come to expect from Sandy, with a host of challenges that Poppy faces when trying to match her client while fulfilling her brief.
Since this is book 3 in the series, it was good to revisit a few characters to see how they were getting on, including Poppy and her relationship, but it is easily read as a stand-alone, too. You'll want to return and get the other two after because it's such fun!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
Is it better to find love the organic way, or do we all need a helping hand sometimes?
The One That I Want brings us back to the Ever After Agency with another client for Poppy, one of our wonderful matchmakers, to concentrate on.
Greta is the editor of a new online magazine. She focuses on her work but finds it challenging to add relationships to the mix.
Her boss, Anjali, decides to intervene by employing the services of her friend's agency to help her employee with things through an elaborate ruse of a series of articles about dating.
There are some funny dates, a whole heap of confusion and plenty of 'oooh!' moments.
On paper, Greta is a successful woman with a great job, a supportive family, and good friends. However, as we find out, things aren't always as straightforward as they seem. She doubts herself so much. I just wanted to take her to one side and tell her to believe in her instincts!
Her best friend, Tiggy, was brilliant. Straightforward, loud and hilarious. We all need a Tiggy in our lives!
It's the kind of story I have come to expect from Sandy, with a host of challenges that Poppy faces when trying to match her client while fulfilling her brief.
Since this is book 3 in the series, it was good to revisit a few characters to see how they were getting on, including Poppy and her relationship, but it is easily read as a stand-alone, too. You'll want to return and get the other two after because it's such fun!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
October 7, 2024
I have enjoyed the other books in this series by the talented author Sandy Barker, and this one was no exception. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a funny and heartwarming romance with strong female lead characters. The "will they or won't they" dynamic is portrayed perfectly, making for a wonderful story that provides a great escape. I believe most readers will be able to relate to Greta's romantic challenges and will enjoy following her journey to find out if true love awaits. I am eagerly anticipating the next book in this series, and if you read them, I can assure you that you will be too.
August 5, 2024
Really adorable, one of a kind, romance. I absolutely loved this plot, almost as much as i loved the mmc, Ewan <3. The plot was full of scheming and secrets and lots of funny miscommunications. I really enjoyed it. I also really like that even with a whole matchmaking process, sometimes you just meet the love of your life in a coffee shop. I definitely recommend!!
Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review
July 23, 2024
I love the whole concept of the Ever After Agency – a matchmaker service for top-end clients, found only by personal referral, maintaining a level of secrecy about its operations. If you’ve read the other books in this series (and it really isn’t compulsory) you’ll already have met star matchmaker Poppy – a former psychologist, an Australian living in London, now happily settled in a new relationship (and with a diva cat called Saffy… I think she’d be furious if she didn’t get a mention).
Her client this time is Greta – the particularly driven editor of a new on-line magazine, who’s rather neglected her personal life while focused on climbing the career ladder. It’s her boss Anjali who makes the introduction, but with some smoke and mirrors – an agony aunt column to be written by Poppy, a potential series on disastrous dates for the magazine – to keep Greta in the dark (and that doesn’t last very long). She really would like to find love – and that’d make best friend Tiggy very happy too – but needs to go through a few difficult meet-ups with unsuitable men before she can meet the Agency’s first choice, and he certainly looks like he might be “The One”. But it’s all further complicated by her growing friendship with the lovely Ewan after a chance encounter in the coffee shop – and the possibility that he might just be becoming more than just a casual friend.
There’s a great deal more to the story – told from the perspectives of both Greta and matchmaker Poppy – with a few family issues, a bit of corporate skullduggery, the involvement of (the quite wonderful) on-call investigator Marie, and quite a few unexpected complications on the path to true love and happiness. I just loved their individual voices, and the glimpses into their lives when they’re not on show – Greta’s friendship with Tiggy, with her rather different take on relationships, was something particularly special (I might just have mentioned before how beautifully the author always captures female friendships). And Greta really needs her support and common sense, particularly her words of wisdom after a few too many shared glasses of wine (she’s hilarious!) – for a woman in a pressurised and high profile job, she certainly has her insecurities. The rest of the supporting cast is really well-drawn too, with the most fascinating dynamics in their respective workplaces: and I really must mention gorgeous George, Poppy’s second, addicted to the celebrity world (and who can fail to love a man who wears fluffy bumblebee cufflinks?).
The whole story’s quite fast paced, and I found it a real page turner as I really wanted to see what path Greta chose – and whether she’d manage (with Poppy’s help) to remove the obstacles along the way. The romance, when it came, was all I wanted it to be – with an electric charge I could really feel (and he is rather gorgeous!). But I must mention the writing, because I’m such a fan of the author’s style and presentation – there’s plenty of emotion, but a lot of humour too, especially the witty one-liners that she does so very well and that always catch me by surprise (and often make me laugh out loud…). I’ll admit that the contemporary references to How to Lose a Guy… and Thirteen Going on Thirty did rather pass me by (hey, I’m getting on a bit…), but it didn’t matter a jot – this was a story I really loved, and very much enjoyed. Do pick it up as a standalone read – it’d work just fine – but I suspect you’ll find yourself wanting to pick up the rest of the series. I’m just looking forward to the next book – this was the best yet, and that one might be even better!
Her client this time is Greta – the particularly driven editor of a new on-line magazine, who’s rather neglected her personal life while focused on climbing the career ladder. It’s her boss Anjali who makes the introduction, but with some smoke and mirrors – an agony aunt column to be written by Poppy, a potential series on disastrous dates for the magazine – to keep Greta in the dark (and that doesn’t last very long). She really would like to find love – and that’d make best friend Tiggy very happy too – but needs to go through a few difficult meet-ups with unsuitable men before she can meet the Agency’s first choice, and he certainly looks like he might be “The One”. But it’s all further complicated by her growing friendship with the lovely Ewan after a chance encounter in the coffee shop – and the possibility that he might just be becoming more than just a casual friend.
There’s a great deal more to the story – told from the perspectives of both Greta and matchmaker Poppy – with a few family issues, a bit of corporate skullduggery, the involvement of (the quite wonderful) on-call investigator Marie, and quite a few unexpected complications on the path to true love and happiness. I just loved their individual voices, and the glimpses into their lives when they’re not on show – Greta’s friendship with Tiggy, with her rather different take on relationships, was something particularly special (I might just have mentioned before how beautifully the author always captures female friendships). And Greta really needs her support and common sense, particularly her words of wisdom after a few too many shared glasses of wine (she’s hilarious!) – for a woman in a pressurised and high profile job, she certainly has her insecurities. The rest of the supporting cast is really well-drawn too, with the most fascinating dynamics in their respective workplaces: and I really must mention gorgeous George, Poppy’s second, addicted to the celebrity world (and who can fail to love a man who wears fluffy bumblebee cufflinks?).
The whole story’s quite fast paced, and I found it a real page turner as I really wanted to see what path Greta chose – and whether she’d manage (with Poppy’s help) to remove the obstacles along the way. The romance, when it came, was all I wanted it to be – with an electric charge I could really feel (and he is rather gorgeous!). But I must mention the writing, because I’m such a fan of the author’s style and presentation – there’s plenty of emotion, but a lot of humour too, especially the witty one-liners that she does so very well and that always catch me by surprise (and often make me laugh out loud…). I’ll admit that the contemporary references to How to Lose a Guy… and Thirteen Going on Thirty did rather pass me by (hey, I’m getting on a bit…), but it didn’t matter a jot – this was a story I really loved, and very much enjoyed. Do pick it up as a standalone read – it’d work just fine – but I suspect you’ll find yourself wanting to pick up the rest of the series. I’m just looking forward to the next book – this was the best yet, and that one might be even better!
November 16, 2024
This one didn't grab me much.
Greta is a magazine editor with no love life to speak of. Her boss (yuk) sets her up with a dating agency. It’s obvious from the start who she’s going to end up with. So there’s no “who will she pick excitement” and the rest of the story isn’t very engaging. Greta’s bad dates are not hilarious, and the patheticness of the men is told not shown.
I don’t care about Poppy much. She’s an all knowing matron, which may have worked as a side character, but she’s a main character - a big part of the narrative is her POV. Main characters need to be rounded, Poppy’s too flat. Story would have worked better if it had been only Greta’s POV.
That said, Greta’s mum is a chicklit cliché, dropping hints that Greta must hurry to find a man and start a family. Obviously, the mum has forgotten she had a baby at age 48, so Greta’s still got a good ten years to find someone and doesn’t need her mum trying to set her up with a man that’s old enough to be her dad. At least I don’t need that. When the mum has grown up in the sixties and seventies (of last century) or later, I want them to accept and respect their daughter's independence, because that's how they raised them. And if the mum does try to set the daughter up with someone, that conversation should be met with a firm “butt out” or an update on divorce statistics (or in this case the question: “is he looking for a care-giver?”)
Greta goes for the classic made up boyfriend. Which could have been a hilarious set-up for the third act break-up. Or perhaps that’s just wishful thinking on my part, as the actual third act break-up (and the consequentual make up) were dull.
Two stars, because it should not take more than two days to read a feelgood (let alone more than two weeks).
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
Greta is a magazine editor with no love life to speak of. Her boss (yuk) sets her up with a dating agency. It’s obvious from the start who she’s going to end up with. So there’s no “who will she pick excitement” and the rest of the story isn’t very engaging. Greta’s bad dates are not hilarious, and the patheticness of the men is told not shown.
I don’t care about Poppy much. She’s an all knowing matron, which may have worked as a side character, but she’s a main character - a big part of the narrative is her POV. Main characters need to be rounded, Poppy’s too flat. Story would have worked better if it had been only Greta’s POV.
That said, Greta’s mum is a chicklit cliché, dropping hints that Greta must hurry to find a man and start a family. Obviously, the mum has forgotten she had a baby at age 48, so Greta’s still got a good ten years to find someone and doesn’t need her mum trying to set her up with a man that’s old enough to be her dad. At least I don’t need that. When the mum has grown up in the sixties and seventies (of last century) or later, I want them to accept and respect their daughter's independence, because that's how they raised them. And if the mum does try to set the daughter up with someone, that conversation should be met with a firm “butt out” or an update on divorce statistics (or in this case the question: “is he looking for a care-giver?”)
Greta goes for the classic made up boyfriend. Which could have been a hilarious set-up for the third act break-up. Or perhaps that’s just wishful thinking on my part, as the actual third act break-up (and the consequentual make up) were dull.
Two stars, because it should not take more than two days to read a feelgood (let alone more than two weeks).
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
July 20, 2024
A great story . Greta is a successful editor at a women's magazine but at 35 she is still single . Her boss asks from Ever After Agency an matchmaking angency to find her her perfect man . Poppy the matchmaker which used to be a psychiatrist will write at the on line magazine about dating and she has to date some pontential man for her . She is very negative and from the start she knows what her boss has done but she doesn't want to make her feel bad . The only good thing for her is her new friend Ewan who meets at the coffee shop across her job every day . They met by accident and from them they become close friends , While she is looking forward to meet Poppy 's first choice for her is their chance that her man is infront of her ?
I received this book from netgalley , the author and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .
I received this book from netgalley , the author and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .
July 29, 2024
4.5 stars
It’s been great being back with Poppy and the team at the Ever After Agency in this latest read, the third in the series from Sandy Barker.
I love how Sandy Barker’s romance stories are so much about the girl’s friendships and support network. Tiggy and Greta were wonderful friends and I loved how quickly Greta formed a bond and trust with Poppy. Poppy’s a fav character of mine and I always enjoy how she uses her Pyschology background to really understand the profiles of the dates she’s working on.
The chemistry between Ewan and Greta was visible from the start but I liked how we slowly saw this friendship and trust build between them. Spending time with Poppy and Tristan again in this book of the series has been lovely and in seeing a successful match again for Poppy, I’m hoping there will be an update for Ewan and Greta in the next instalment in the series.
It’s been great being back with Poppy and the team at the Ever After Agency in this latest read, the third in the series from Sandy Barker.
I love how Sandy Barker’s romance stories are so much about the girl’s friendships and support network. Tiggy and Greta were wonderful friends and I loved how quickly Greta formed a bond and trust with Poppy. Poppy’s a fav character of mine and I always enjoy how she uses her Pyschology background to really understand the profiles of the dates she’s working on.
The chemistry between Ewan and Greta was visible from the start but I liked how we slowly saw this friendship and trust build between them. Spending time with Poppy and Tristan again in this book of the series has been lovely and in seeing a successful match again for Poppy, I’m hoping there will be an update for Ewan and Greta in the next instalment in the series.
September 24, 2024
The One That I Want
By: Sandy Barker
Review Score: 4 Stars
Boogie’s Bulletpoints
•I loved jumping back in with the Ever After Agency.
•It was so fun to follow along on Greta’s dates, they were hilarious!
•I love that there was a bit of mystery in this book as well.
•No spoilers, but there is a well placed plot twist that I did not expect AT ALL.
———————————————————————————
The One That I Want was kindly provided as an ARC by NetGalley and Boldwood Books. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy this wonderful book!
It was so much fun to step back into the Ever After Agency as they work to find Greta her perfect match. I loved Greta as a character, it was fun to learn about her work and her dates as the story develops.
I always love sequels that cover adjacent characters in a story, and this one hits that mark perfectly!
No spoilers, but there is also a perfect executed plot twist that I DID not see coming at all. It was so well done!
If you’re looking for a fun rom com, check this book out!
By: Sandy Barker
Review Score: 4 Stars
Boogie’s Bulletpoints
•I loved jumping back in with the Ever After Agency.
•It was so fun to follow along on Greta’s dates, they were hilarious!
•I love that there was a bit of mystery in this book as well.
•No spoilers, but there is a well placed plot twist that I did not expect AT ALL.
———————————————————————————
The One That I Want was kindly provided as an ARC by NetGalley and Boldwood Books. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy this wonderful book!
It was so much fun to step back into the Ever After Agency as they work to find Greta her perfect match. I loved Greta as a character, it was fun to learn about her work and her dates as the story develops.
I always love sequels that cover adjacent characters in a story, and this one hits that mark perfectly!
No spoilers, but there is also a perfect executed plot twist that I DID not see coming at all. It was so well done!
If you’re looking for a fun rom com, check this book out!
September 29, 2024
I really liked this book, meeting Greta and Ewan and watching their love story unfold, their epic meet cute was romantic! I realized one thing from this book and the second in the series, that the male MCs didn't have their own POV chapters or sections as they did in the first. I liked seeing Tristan's POV as well as Poppy's, that way we could see and understand a little more of their romance but we didn't get that in #2 or in this one. I guess it makes us sit on the edge of our seats and wonder what will happen when the ball is in one MCs court, as it were. I liked how Ewan seemed to know just what Greta needed and how it ended. Overall, lovely story :) I would have liked to see a firmer HEA, such as something more than what happens in the Epilogue so I'll hold out for future glimpses of their love story in later books.
June 24, 2024
This is the third book in the Ever After Agency series, a series I have loved and devoured and this book does not disappoint.
It’s so refreshing to read a series where every book is a five star read. I love how there is the original characters from the first book in the series but every book introduces new characters too as the main subjects for Poppys case.
I immediately fell in love with Greta in this book and her situation. She is a magazine editor which is a job that makes such an interesting read. The way it is written is such a clever concept and also highlights today’s struggles in the dating world. It was such a heartwarming romance but also hilarious in parts with Gretas disastrous dates and her friendship with Tiggy.
Sandys writing is written so beautifully again and flows so well. This was such another enjoyable read. You need to read this series!
It’s so refreshing to read a series where every book is a five star read. I love how there is the original characters from the first book in the series but every book introduces new characters too as the main subjects for Poppys case.
I immediately fell in love with Greta in this book and her situation. She is a magazine editor which is a job that makes such an interesting read. The way it is written is such a clever concept and also highlights today’s struggles in the dating world. It was such a heartwarming romance but also hilarious in parts with Gretas disastrous dates and her friendship with Tiggy.
Sandys writing is written so beautifully again and flows so well. This was such another enjoyable read. You need to read this series!
July 16, 2024
I had no idea that was part of a series. Probably should have read the previous books. That’s on me. I liked the main character Greta and her love interest. Yet the others were all a bit annoying and intrusive. Examples were that Poppy shouldn’t be involved in matchmaking. And Greta’s boss made things more messy for no reason. The overall story was cute. Interesting parts were in the last 30% of the book. Ending was also pretty cute. Overall, it was a good and cute romance. I enjoyed it but won’t read the other books in the series. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my review.
July 26, 2024
The only part of Greta’s life where she has stumbled is her love life.
However, can she get a little help,from her friends?
I was rooting for Greta but then I thought she almost messed it all up.
Never fear, Barker knows what her readers want so alls well that ends well.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the early read.
However, can she get a little help,from her friends?
I was rooting for Greta but then I thought she almost messed it all up.
Never fear, Barker knows what her readers want so alls well that ends well.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the early read.
August 14, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of The One That I Want by Sandy Barker,
This book is the first book of the Ever After Agency series but it won’t be the last. I really enjoyed this heartwarming rom com, I thought the MCs were very lovable. I loved that the romance was based on a friendship. The story was full of scheming and miscommunication which made it a very fun and light read. I also loved the supporting characters, especially Poppy!
This book is the first book of the Ever After Agency series but it won’t be the last. I really enjoyed this heartwarming rom com, I thought the MCs were very lovable. I loved that the romance was based on a friendship. The story was full of scheming and miscommunication which made it a very fun and light read. I also loved the supporting characters, especially Poppy!
August 3, 2024
Loving being back at the Ever After Agency and catching up with Poppy and her team. Greta is a complex character, a workaholic who has focused on her career and it’s time for her to meet her match. Ewan is an all round good guy who knows his coffee and wine but does he know what Greta wants? Funny, will they, won’t they romantic story.
September 1, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for the chance to read this book.
This is the 3rd book in Sandy Barker's Ecer After Agemcy series. I enjoyed this just as much as the first two. We get more of Poppy and her happily ever after from the first book and also meet some new characters.
The book centres around Greta, who is a successful career woman who wants love in her life. Her boss is kind but misguided in her attempts to help, and this sets up a whole heap of issues.
There are some very sweet moments throughout the story and some that have you shaking your head knowing the hole that Greta is digging herself. Overall, though, it is an easy and enjoyable read.
This is the 3rd book in Sandy Barker's Ecer After Agemcy series. I enjoyed this just as much as the first two. We get more of Poppy and her happily ever after from the first book and also meet some new characters.
The book centres around Greta, who is a successful career woman who wants love in her life. Her boss is kind but misguided in her attempts to help, and this sets up a whole heap of issues.
There are some very sweet moments throughout the story and some that have you shaking your head knowing the hole that Greta is digging herself. Overall, though, it is an easy and enjoyable read.
September 23, 2024
-netgalley
This book felt very relatable with layered friendships, work rivalries and complicated dating lives that most people will understand. I was unaware of this series before staring this book so I am excited to go back and read the previous books and keep an eye out for new additions. This book was filled with humour and warmth that kept me engaged from start to finish.
This book felt very relatable with layered friendships, work rivalries and complicated dating lives that most people will understand. I was unaware of this series before staring this book so I am excited to go back and read the previous books and keep an eye out for new additions. This book was filled with humour and warmth that kept me engaged from start to finish.
July 26, 2024
3/5
It was good. It was sweet. It's an easy read with little major drama. But, it was just okay in my opinion.
It was good. It was sweet. It's an easy read with little major drama. But, it was just okay in my opinion.
February 23, 2025
Light rom com after some heavy things. Absolutely predictable but four stars purely cause I love, love and I’m feeling vulnerable 😅
August 1, 2024
loved it like the first, better than the 2nd one!!
August 11, 2024
Third novel in a series about the Ever After agency (which is a matchmaking agency). In this installment, Poppy is setting up a magazine editor with no life at the request of her boss. She has no idea that she is being set up but then she figures it out but her boss doesn't know that she knows. It gets very complicated.
July 24, 2024
This was an enjoyable and entertaining read, my favourite one of their series actually!
I loved the concept of the story, using the magazine as a means for Poppy to sneak in to arrange the match making for Greta.
Greta is an amazing character, extremely likeable and not without some realistic dating issues. I particularly enjoyed her dud dating experiences!
Ewan was so so adorable! I instantly loved him, his gentle humour and sweet personality made him stand out as a character. It was such a pleasure to see Greta becoming friends with him.
Lots of amusing moments kept the story moving along, and I’m sure this book series would make an excellent tv series too!
A wonderful gentle story that was filled with charismatic characters, I’d love a friend like Tiggy or Poppy!
Such a sweet romantic comedy type story, quite reminiscent of a 90s chick flick, something I adored indulging in back in the day!
I loved the concept of the story, using the magazine as a means for Poppy to sneak in to arrange the match making for Greta.
Greta is an amazing character, extremely likeable and not without some realistic dating issues. I particularly enjoyed her dud dating experiences!
Ewan was so so adorable! I instantly loved him, his gentle humour and sweet personality made him stand out as a character. It was such a pleasure to see Greta becoming friends with him.
Lots of amusing moments kept the story moving along, and I’m sure this book series would make an excellent tv series too!
A wonderful gentle story that was filled with charismatic characters, I’d love a friend like Tiggy or Poppy!
Such a sweet romantic comedy type story, quite reminiscent of a 90s chick flick, something I adored indulging in back in the day!
July 31, 2024
If you are looking for a delightful happy ever after, this book is for you.
August 20, 2024
Loved it! Sandy did a great job of keeping me guessing on all fronts — would Nora end up with Ewan, or Harrison? What’s truly going on between Nouveau and their major competitor? Would Saffy eventually steal Poppy’s side of the bed 😅? The humour, the wit, the fabulous, well-rounded story telling — all things I’ve come to expect from a Sandy Barker romance! Highly recommend!
January 17, 2025
This book isn't going to shock anyone with its many twists and turns. From the start of the book you can pretty much tell how the whole thing is going to go. But, that doesn't make it less enjoyable. It's one of those books that is like a warm hug of a book, the fact that you know how it will end means you can just enjoy the process of getting there!!
I didn't realise that this was part of a series, and I am sure the parts focused on the characters from the matchmaking agency would have been more enjoyable if I had read the earlier books in the series but it was still a nice comforting read, even without that familiarity with the characters.
If you like the classic rom com, chick lit style then this is a good one to go for, especially if you have read the others in the series!
I didn't realise that this was part of a series, and I am sure the parts focused on the characters from the matchmaking agency would have been more enjoyable if I had read the earlier books in the series but it was still a nice comforting read, even without that familiarity with the characters.
If you like the classic rom com, chick lit style then this is a good one to go for, especially if you have read the others in the series!
July 29, 2024
I wasn't a big fan of the writing style of this book. The character and plot were okay, but it felt like it was written by a younger, less experienced author, and I just couldn't get into it.
June 29, 2024
This sounded like something right up my alley, and the groundwork was there for a great story. But I just didn't feel the spark or chemistry between the main two and I also had a hard time with how anxiety ridden Greta became over Every. Single. Decision. Some of the bad dates were funny and I liked a lot about the plot here but for some reason this one didn't quite work for me.
August 7, 2024
this BOOK is the one that i want from sandy barker!!!! 3.5 stars for a series that continues to get more nuanced and vulnerable as it continues. I absolutely loved the concept for this book + always appreciate a "he falls first". So wishing this series continues, it's so much fun to revisit and full of British-isms that bring me joy!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for me to review!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for me to review!
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