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Fundamentals in Flirting
Prepare to fall in love with this uplifting and laugh-out-loud grumpy sunshine romcom! Perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood and Tessa Bailey. Dr Hannah Havens is successful, independent, but as prickly as a hedgehog in a blackberry bush. And definitely not looking for love. When she returns to the small town where she grew up, the last thing she needs is to crash into Teddy Fraser, the infuriatingly gorgeous guy that she once snogged. He is most definitely a ladies’ man, the biggest flirt she has ever met, and someone she should avoid at all costs.
But, despite her best intentions of keeping Teddy at arm’s length, he keeps popping up. Hannah’s patience with his overtly cheery disposition is wearing thin, but her boss has warned her to improve her people skills.
Who better to test out her new patience with than Teddy Fraser. With his affable and charismatic personality, surely Hannah can't avoid his charm forever…
Small TownGrumpy x SunshineForced ProximityHe Falls FirstSpicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️‘Reads like a classic rom-com movie; I laughed, I cried, I swooned. Perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood's books, this book is full of laughs and heart.’
Laurie Gilmore, on The Hot Henry Effect
But, despite her best intentions of keeping Teddy at arm’s length, he keeps popping up. Hannah’s patience with his overtly cheery disposition is wearing thin, but her boss has warned her to improve her people skills.
Who better to test out her new patience with than Teddy Fraser. With his affable and charismatic personality, surely Hannah can't avoid his charm forever…
Small TownGrumpy x SunshineForced ProximityHe Falls FirstSpicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️‘Reads like a classic rom-com movie; I laughed, I cried, I swooned. Perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood's books, this book is full of laughs and heart.’
Laurie Gilmore, on The Hot Henry Effect
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2024
91 people are currently reading
1230 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
November 25, 2024
Happy Publication Day!
A cute, spicy romcom with a cinnamon roll hero and a geeky heroine. I enjoyed most of it, so solid four stars.
Hannah and Teddy shared one scorching hot kiss when they were teenagers, but then he said something stupid, and eventually nothing came of it. Fast forward fifteen years, Hannah is back in her hometown and they are neighbors. It turns out that Hannah needs to work on her people skills and Teddy is a nice guy and promises to help her a little.
I enjoyed the writing and the chemistry, and when these two things work out, the book is a success. 😌
Hannah had been bullied as a teenager and, with no support at home, she had developed pretty deep self esteem issues. Knowing that makes you understand why it took her so long to trust Teddy. It was exasperating at times, but unfortunately very relatable. Teddy on the other hand was absolutely adorable and a perfect match for Hannah.
The ending was a little overdone. I hate grand gestures with passion and this one was really cringe. What I also didn’t like is that this book is marketed as a standalone, but it’s a sequel to the author’s debut novel. It can be read as a standalone, but I wish I knew, I hate cameos from books I haven’t read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
——
Thanks NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the arc ❤️
A cute, spicy romcom with a cinnamon roll hero and a geeky heroine. I enjoyed most of it, so solid four stars.
Hannah and Teddy shared one scorching hot kiss when they were teenagers, but then he said something stupid, and eventually nothing came of it. Fast forward fifteen years, Hannah is back in her hometown and they are neighbors. It turns out that Hannah needs to work on her people skills and Teddy is a nice guy and promises to help her a little.
I enjoyed the writing and the chemistry, and when these two things work out, the book is a success. 😌
Hannah had been bullied as a teenager and, with no support at home, she had developed pretty deep self esteem issues. Knowing that makes you understand why it took her so long to trust Teddy. It was exasperating at times, but unfortunately very relatable. Teddy on the other hand was absolutely adorable and a perfect match for Hannah.
The ending was a little overdone. I hate grand gestures with passion and this one was really cringe. What I also didn’t like is that this book is marketed as a standalone, but it’s a sequel to the author’s debut novel. It can be read as a standalone, but I wish I knew, I hate cameos from books I haven’t read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
——
Thanks NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the arc ❤️
October 20, 2024
3.5/5 ⭐️ ARC read - thank you NetGalley! Always a pleasure to get a sneak peek. This is a reverse grumpy sunshine trope with a prickly heroine and a charming and bubbly hero. Hannah is a vet, starting over in her hometown in a small practice after her previous relationship and job fell apart. Who does she run into but a childhood crush that fumbled their kiss years before. Teddy is flirt. Charming, good looking and kind. When Hannah’s prickly attitude puts her new job at risk, she hires Teddy to give her lessons on “peopling”. Slowly their tentative friendship leads to flirtation, but can Hannah believe he is genuine? Or that she is good enough to be with someone like him? I connected a lot with Hannah’s character - the doubt, the spiralling, the social anxiety. Also being a blunt kind of personality and having people tell you - you should smile more. I enjoyed the growth and depth of the characters. The writing was good. A nice enjoyable easy read.
Read
November 21, 2024I DNF at 60% because I honestly don’t care enough to finish it. None of the characters were likable, and I didn’t connect with any of them. I initially thought I’d enjoy the book, but it just didn’t work for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.
November 12, 2024
Unfortunately, this book was not for me.
I was really looking forward to reading this book: I liked the premise, and the cover is beautiful, so I went in expecting a nice rom com that made me feel good, and being a science girl myself, I loved the dedication. I thought this book would be about accepting and loving yourself, and maybe it tried to be, but unfortunately it fell short...
The main thing I took from this book was that Hannah hated EVERYONE. Seriously. Everyone - apart from Betsy and maybe Agnes. She doesn't like her parents, or customers, or Ted, or Teddy's family, or even some of the animals, and she doesn't like herself, let alone love. I kept waiting for the character development, for her to finally embrace herself, but that never happened. I understand that she clearly had trauma from being bullied at school, but from how it was first mentioned in the first chapter, I expected her to have a clear physical defect, so it felt a bit weak that it was due to her freckles... But I get it, it can happen, and at 18 we were sensitive to anything... but it's been 15 years! She's 33 now, she has a degree, a PhD, she has lived away from home for so long, so I really expected her to have some character development and not think like she did at 18. Rather than prickly or awkward, she just came across as rude. I get it that she didn't like being told to "smile more" or "be nicer" -none of us do- but then the whole plot of the book is trying to change how she is and she doesn't get anywhere, I wanted her to just love herself and she didn't, and the fact that she said that she "didn't love herself and never would, but Ted did, so that was enough" killed me... I just hated how she saw herself and the things she thought about her body, and that was not changed throughout the book, so it felt like a let down, and not like a happy ending, to be honest.
Ted was okay, he was nice and I liked that he had his own insecurities that he covered with his behaviour, but he did feel a bit immature, and just completely besotted with Hannah for no reason - he was in love with her when they were young, but apparently never talked before his b-day night? And 15 years after he still felt the same? Idk... He gets one star because he was nice and reassuring to Hannah, and very lovely with Agnes. That's where the second star comes from: I loved Agnes and just wanted more of her and her backstory, she was the best character in my opinion, and I loved the goats.
Overall, this was a quick read, but did not really give the rom com vibes I was expecting. If you like reverse grumpy-sunshine and just want something quick, you might enjoy this.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lucy Chalice, One More Chapter and Harper Collins UK for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was really looking forward to reading this book: I liked the premise, and the cover is beautiful, so I went in expecting a nice rom com that made me feel good, and being a science girl myself, I loved the dedication. I thought this book would be about accepting and loving yourself, and maybe it tried to be, but unfortunately it fell short...
The main thing I took from this book was that Hannah hated EVERYONE. Seriously. Everyone - apart from Betsy and maybe Agnes. She doesn't like her parents, or customers, or Ted, or Teddy's family, or even some of the animals, and she doesn't like herself, let alone love. I kept waiting for the character development, for her to finally embrace herself, but that never happened. I understand that she clearly had trauma from being bullied at school, but from how it was first mentioned in the first chapter, I expected her to have a clear physical defect, so it felt a bit weak that it was due to her freckles... But I get it, it can happen, and at 18 we were sensitive to anything... but it's been 15 years! She's 33 now, she has a degree, a PhD, she has lived away from home for so long, so I really expected her to have some character development and not think like she did at 18. Rather than prickly or awkward, she just came across as rude. I get it that she didn't like being told to "smile more" or "be nicer" -none of us do- but then the whole plot of the book is trying to change how she is and she doesn't get anywhere, I wanted her to just love herself and she didn't, and the fact that she said that she "didn't love herself and never would, but Ted did, so that was enough" killed me... I just hated how she saw herself and the things she thought about her body, and that was not changed throughout the book, so it felt like a let down, and not like a happy ending, to be honest.
Ted was okay, he was nice and I liked that he had his own insecurities that he covered with his behaviour, but he did feel a bit immature, and just completely besotted with Hannah for no reason - he was in love with her when they were young, but apparently never talked before his b-day night? And 15 years after he still felt the same? Idk... He gets one star because he was nice and reassuring to Hannah, and very lovely with Agnes. That's where the second star comes from: I loved Agnes and just wanted more of her and her backstory, she was the best character in my opinion, and I loved the goats.
Overall, this was a quick read, but did not really give the rom com vibes I was expecting. If you like reverse grumpy-sunshine and just want something quick, you might enjoy this.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lucy Chalice, One More Chapter and Harper Collins UK for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2024
the fundamentals in flirting was such a cute and easy read with a slow burn romance and some loveable side characters
plot ―୨୧⋆ ˚ the plot felt really well paced and i was easily hooked right from the beginning ! it was easy to read and it never felt too much of a burden to pick and read ( evidence of the fact i read it in a day)
despite the plot doing it for me - i can see why others may not love it.. the slow burn was slowww and sometimes painful due to some miscommunication and just general anxiety from both characters but it was part of their flaws and i loved seeing some of the angst!
ted and hannah ―୨୧⋆ ˚ the absolute cutest and the banter between them was so so enjoyable .. their flaws were mentioned enough that you could see it as a personality trait but not too much it put you of their character completely!
overall, i really enjoyed reading about them as they finally got over some of their flaws to find each other.
all in all, i loved this book quite a lot but i felt towards the end it seemed the bantering and funny aspect of their relationship was lost to their insecurities which was such shame … buttt it really didn’t take away much from how much i loved this book!
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
plot ―୨୧⋆ ˚ the plot felt really well paced and i was easily hooked right from the beginning ! it was easy to read and it never felt too much of a burden to pick and read ( evidence of the fact i read it in a day)
despite the plot doing it for me - i can see why others may not love it.. the slow burn was slowww and sometimes painful due to some miscommunication and just general anxiety from both characters but it was part of their flaws and i loved seeing some of the angst!
ted and hannah ―୨୧⋆ ˚ the absolute cutest and the banter between them was so so enjoyable .. their flaws were mentioned enough that you could see it as a personality trait but not too much it put you of their character completely!
overall, i really enjoyed reading about them as they finally got over some of their flaws to find each other.
all in all, i loved this book quite a lot but i felt towards the end it seemed the bantering and funny aspect of their relationship was lost to their insecurities which was such shame … buttt it really didn’t take away much from how much i loved this book!
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2025
She did it again! I absolutely loved how this book connects with her other work, making the world feel even more alive. The characters? Fantastic. Their humor, their chemistry—just chef’s kiss.
That being said… I had the tiniest urge to smack Hannah in the face from time to time. Just a tiny one. But Teddy? Oh, Teddy. That man is shockingly filthy. Some of the things he said? Let’s just say I had to fan myself more than once. And yet, despite all the heat, they were also so damn cute. From their first meeting to the very last page, their dynamic had me all smiles and everything.
And let’s not forget Agnes—the true MVP of this book. She had me cackling more times than I can count.
Another sizzling slow burn, but Teddy was so obvious about his feelings it made me want to scream. Overall? An absolute delight. Funny, sexy, and completely unputdownable.
That being said… I had the tiniest urge to smack Hannah in the face from time to time. Just a tiny one. But Teddy? Oh, Teddy. That man is shockingly filthy. Some of the things he said? Let’s just say I had to fan myself more than once. And yet, despite all the heat, they were also so damn cute. From their first meeting to the very last page, their dynamic had me all smiles and everything.
And let’s not forget Agnes—the true MVP of this book. She had me cackling more times than I can count.
Another sizzling slow burn, but Teddy was so obvious about his feelings it made me want to scream. Overall? An absolute delight. Funny, sexy, and completely unputdownable.
November 11, 2024
Hannah is an experienced researcher who walks in on her long-term boyfriend and mentor in bed with one of his students. In a moment of unexpected confidence, she calls him out, dumps him, and ends both their relationship and any current career prospects, knowing he has a mind for retaliation.
She returns to her hometown to work in a small vet clinic, doing front-facing work with the public, much to the chagrin of those around her. After veiled threats of losing her job if her prickly attitude continues, Hannah agrees to help from flirtatious and genial Teddy. She's left wondering if she can swallow her tongue and learn to talk to people without offending them, all from someone she has a complicated past with.
*****
I really wanted to love this book. Grumpy/sunshine is one of my favourite tropes, especially when the FMC is the grump. Unfortunately, I think this book was written with a younger audience in mind, as Teddy ended up coming across more in line with a brand-new college student than a man in his 30s.
He was juvenile, needlessly dramatic and immature, and knowing he was supposed to be a man my age just made him endlessly annoying. I couldn't find a boyish charm to him, as his reactions were just so over the top for a mature adult. It took until the last quarter of the novel before he started to present as I expected, which was the saving grace that pushed this book to a 3 star rating.
The author had the issue of presenting Hannah as so incredibly awkward, standoffish, and offensive to others, that I struggled to feel the chemistry between her and Teddy, nor find what he was so intruiged by. Yes, she's supposed to be intelligent and quirky, but aside from that, she's closed off, constantly pushes him away, and thinks the worst of him at every turn. He brings it up at one point, and yet she persists as still seeing him that way as the book carries on. Teddy being enraptured is so one-sided that it feels forced and pulled me out of rooting for what felt like a very mismatched pair.
I also couldn't comprehend how we had a female lead that was previously in a long term relationship, yet her reactions to even the slightest touch from him are so pronounced its like she's never been touched before. She can't even discern real interest from Teddy despite the glaring signs and clear dialogue that's he's absolutely interested in her, yet she internally falls apart at his touch. I understand she has insecurities that blind her, but having them all relate back to her freckles alone was such an odd take. The first chapter made it seem like she was disfigured for her strong reaction to how she perceives herself.
Overall, it was a lighthearted and fast-paced read. If you're good with dialogue that can skew to the more embarrassing or cringey and enjoy a very goofy and immature lead, this book will be a breeze. The last quarter of the book did help to showcase some chemistry, and the connection between the characters deepens and becomes more realistic. I wasn't able to connect with either lead, but I can see how others would, which is why this was bumped up to 3 stars.
*****
Thank you, NetGalley, and One More Chapter (Harper Collins Publisher) for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
She returns to her hometown to work in a small vet clinic, doing front-facing work with the public, much to the chagrin of those around her. After veiled threats of losing her job if her prickly attitude continues, Hannah agrees to help from flirtatious and genial Teddy. She's left wondering if she can swallow her tongue and learn to talk to people without offending them, all from someone she has a complicated past with.
*****
I really wanted to love this book. Grumpy/sunshine is one of my favourite tropes, especially when the FMC is the grump. Unfortunately, I think this book was written with a younger audience in mind, as Teddy ended up coming across more in line with a brand-new college student than a man in his 30s.
He was juvenile, needlessly dramatic and immature, and knowing he was supposed to be a man my age just made him endlessly annoying. I couldn't find a boyish charm to him, as his reactions were just so over the top for a mature adult. It took until the last quarter of the novel before he started to present as I expected, which was the saving grace that pushed this book to a 3 star rating.
The author had the issue of presenting Hannah as so incredibly awkward, standoffish, and offensive to others, that I struggled to feel the chemistry between her and Teddy, nor find what he was so intruiged by. Yes, she's supposed to be intelligent and quirky, but aside from that, she's closed off, constantly pushes him away, and thinks the worst of him at every turn. He brings it up at one point, and yet she persists as still seeing him that way as the book carries on. Teddy being enraptured is so one-sided that it feels forced and pulled me out of rooting for what felt like a very mismatched pair.
I also couldn't comprehend how we had a female lead that was previously in a long term relationship, yet her reactions to even the slightest touch from him are so pronounced its like she's never been touched before. She can't even discern real interest from Teddy despite the glaring signs and clear dialogue that's he's absolutely interested in her, yet she internally falls apart at his touch. I understand she has insecurities that blind her, but having them all relate back to her freckles alone was such an odd take. The first chapter made it seem like she was disfigured for her strong reaction to how she perceives herself.
Overall, it was a lighthearted and fast-paced read. If you're good with dialogue that can skew to the more embarrassing or cringey and enjoy a very goofy and immature lead, this book will be a breeze. The last quarter of the book did help to showcase some chemistry, and the connection between the characters deepens and becomes more realistic. I wasn't able to connect with either lead, but I can see how others would, which is why this was bumped up to 3 stars.
*****
Thank you, NetGalley, and One More Chapter (Harper Collins Publisher) for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 26, 2024
4/5⭐️
I read this book as an ARC read through NetGalley. And I’m so happy I read this!
In this book you follow Hannah. She’s a vet and recently left her ex boyfriend who cheated on her.
She meets with Teddy. A man she kissed at school 15 years ago. The story is about how they are reconnecting, how their opinions about each other are changing. But also about a lot of situations they are experiencing. Like Hannah’s ex boyfriend trying to get her back and a confused but very friendly neighbor.
I had so much fun reading this book. There is a bit of spice, but not too much. I think this is a good read for spice and non spice readers. I laughed out loud a couple of times. It was a very funny story. It’s a quick and easy read with a good plot! Highly recommend this!
I read this book as an ARC read through NetGalley. And I’m so happy I read this!
In this book you follow Hannah. She’s a vet and recently left her ex boyfriend who cheated on her.
She meets with Teddy. A man she kissed at school 15 years ago. The story is about how they are reconnecting, how their opinions about each other are changing. But also about a lot of situations they are experiencing. Like Hannah’s ex boyfriend trying to get her back and a confused but very friendly neighbor.
I had so much fun reading this book. There is a bit of spice, but not too much. I think this is a good read for spice and non spice readers. I laughed out loud a couple of times. It was a very funny story. It’s a quick and easy read with a good plot! Highly recommend this!
October 21, 2025
I really enjoyed the writing and the characters, but the plot was mid and the dialogue was clunky. The premise is basically two deeply insecure people not listening to each other for like way too long. It was really a shame, cause I felt there was potential but it just kind of fell flat. I'd still pick up something else by this author in future though.
July 12, 2025
This just was not for me and I forced myself to finish it today
October 18, 2024
I loved this light-hearted rom-com. From the initial meet-cute, I fell in love with this pair. Their story had some heart-warming threads, some miscommunications, and a determined ex. Their relationship grew as they overcame hurdles and it made for a great read.
The setting was a lovely backdrop to the romance, and it was nice to catch up with some old characters.
A great book from this author and I look forward to the next!
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The setting was a lovely backdrop to the romance, and it was nice to catch up with some old characters.
A great book from this author and I look forward to the next!
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 1, 2025
All of these characters act like children so I don't understand why they're written to be in their thirties.
The FMC is extremely unlikable and obnoxious and self centred and you don't see any character growth towards that other than her not being so mean to literally everyone. MMC is fine but the conflicts are written so immaturely that you just can't route for him or the relationship. I'm pretty sure I've read fanfics written by 15 year olds on Wattpad that are better developed than this.
I was genuinely getting angry sitting through this because it could have easily been a nice wholesome romance and had the setup for it but it feels like nothing happened because of the lack of character growth
The FMC is extremely unlikable and obnoxious and self centred and you don't see any character growth towards that other than her not being so mean to literally everyone. MMC is fine but the conflicts are written so immaturely that you just can't route for him or the relationship. I'm pretty sure I've read fanfics written by 15 year olds on Wattpad that are better developed than this.
I was genuinely getting angry sitting through this because it could have easily been a nice wholesome romance and had the setup for it but it feels like nothing happened because of the lack of character growth
October 20, 2024
I definitely fell in love with this authors debut novel ‘The hot Henry effect’ so I was more than excited to read this next in line release. A romance novel set in the English countryside with a grumpy vs sunshine trope was winning points for my reading tastes and for the most part I enjoyed this book and all it had to offer as an easy romantic read. I did however find myself a tad frustrated with the characters and the unending will they won’t they style of writing. Slow burn I’m a fan of but frustrating unending cycle that the protagonists found themselves in somehow ended up rubbing me up the wrong way. But there was still plenty to love, the small town theme with quirky sub characters along the way and a solid happily ever after sealed the deal on what is an overall funnily written and enjoyable escape of a romance novel. If you are in the mood for easy breezy and a book to completely escape into then I think you’ll be happily caught up with this book.
Read
June 30, 2025I had to DNF this one at 50%.
I tried so hard to get into the book and like the main characters more but it was just not for me.
I hated both the MMC and FMC from the beginning. Hannah was always described as prickly when it reality she was just a bitch (sorry not sorry). I was waiting holding my breath for her character development that never came. She was always thinking the worst of people and such a negative nancy. Ted was bubbly and fun but not in an enjoyable way. I felt like I was reading about a 15 year old boy discovering his first crush not someone in their 30s. His constant dirty comments were just too much.
I really loved the authors first book, The Hot Henry Effect, and was SO excited when this was put on NetGalley but it really just fell so flat for me. The only saving grace was the neighbor and her cute little funny comments.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.
I tried so hard to get into the book and like the main characters more but it was just not for me.
I hated both the MMC and FMC from the beginning. Hannah was always described as prickly when it reality she was just a bitch (sorry not sorry). I was waiting holding my breath for her character development that never came. She was always thinking the worst of people and such a negative nancy. Ted was bubbly and fun but not in an enjoyable way. I felt like I was reading about a 15 year old boy discovering his first crush not someone in their 30s. His constant dirty comments were just too much.
I really loved the authors first book, The Hot Henry Effect, and was SO excited when this was put on NetGalley but it really just fell so flat for me. The only saving grace was the neighbor and her cute little funny comments.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.
October 29, 2024
The follow up and companion book to The Hot Henry Effect, Fundamentals in Flirting follows veterinarian Hannah as she ends a toxic relationship with a pompous, overbearing man with whom she works in academia, and returns to her home town to work as a vet in a small town clinic.
Shortly after her return, Hannah is in a minor accident - horse vs. mountain bike - and finds herself face to face with the man she had a crush on in high school, Teddy.
Here’s the thing, Hannah is an anxiety ridden, prickly hedgehog of a human, all of her interactions short and verging on awkward at best and unkind at worst. Why? It stems from bullying in high school about her appearance (she’s freckly). And while that might seem silly to some, if you already struggle from low self esteem - her mother did her no favors, it doesn’t take much to leave you feeling unsure and unwilling to trust.
Anyway, Teddy (Henry’s twin brother) is fantastically sexy, charming, and flirtatious. And he seems to be interested in Hannah.
She doesn’t believe he’s being forthright but she needs his help. It seems that her curt manner might result in losing her job and he’s the best person at peopling she’s ever met.
So Teddy sets her up in his “Fraser Foundation for Flirting” to help. His motives, though, are not quite innocent. He has been pining for her for more than a decade and hopes this will bring them together.
It’s a sweet, incredibly slow burn (we’re talking 87% in). However, given Hannah’s anxiety and trust issues paired with Teddy’s own hidden insecurities, it makes sense. There’s a sweet scene in a treehouse where Teddy lays his own issues bare, and there’s no way you’re getting out of there without wanting to hug him.
While not top tier romance for me, I loved Teddy and thought the banter was great. Some things get lost as the plot moves along but there’s a sweet aside with an elderly neighbor and Teddy that will leave you swoony.
I’m definitely keeping Lucy Chalice on my authors to watch list. Her writing is great and I expect more good to come!
Thanks to @netgalley, @harpercollinsuk, and @onemorechapter for the chance to read and review this ARC. Publication date is November 7, 2024.
Shortly after her return, Hannah is in a minor accident - horse vs. mountain bike - and finds herself face to face with the man she had a crush on in high school, Teddy.
Here’s the thing, Hannah is an anxiety ridden, prickly hedgehog of a human, all of her interactions short and verging on awkward at best and unkind at worst. Why? It stems from bullying in high school about her appearance (she’s freckly). And while that might seem silly to some, if you already struggle from low self esteem - her mother did her no favors, it doesn’t take much to leave you feeling unsure and unwilling to trust.
Anyway, Teddy (Henry’s twin brother) is fantastically sexy, charming, and flirtatious. And he seems to be interested in Hannah.
She doesn’t believe he’s being forthright but she needs his help. It seems that her curt manner might result in losing her job and he’s the best person at peopling she’s ever met.
So Teddy sets her up in his “Fraser Foundation for Flirting” to help. His motives, though, are not quite innocent. He has been pining for her for more than a decade and hopes this will bring them together.
It’s a sweet, incredibly slow burn (we’re talking 87% in). However, given Hannah’s anxiety and trust issues paired with Teddy’s own hidden insecurities, it makes sense. There’s a sweet scene in a treehouse where Teddy lays his own issues bare, and there’s no way you’re getting out of there without wanting to hug him.
While not top tier romance for me, I loved Teddy and thought the banter was great. Some things get lost as the plot moves along but there’s a sweet aside with an elderly neighbor and Teddy that will leave you swoony.
I’m definitely keeping Lucy Chalice on my authors to watch list. Her writing is great and I expect more good to come!
Thanks to @netgalley, @harpercollinsuk, and @onemorechapter for the chance to read and review this ARC. Publication date is November 7, 2024.
January 12, 2025
Fundamentals in Flirting is such a fun read. Hannah and Teddy feel so real with their incessant insecurities and frustratingly strong abilities to twist themselves up in knots and cause mass miscommunication that threatens to keep them apart. At times, I wanted to sit them down in a locked room and force them to talk. At other times, I couldn’t believe that either one of them was feeling the way they were because the other had been so intentional with their feelings that how could they just blatantly deny it?! Ignore it?! That’s what made them so real to me. Their insecurities refused to allow them to accept the truth, even when handed to them on a silver platter. It makes me wonder how many opportunities we miss in life because our image of ourselves is so misconstrued that we cannot accept that anybody would else would feel differently. Deep.
On a lighter note… Agnes and her menagerie are so astoundingly sweet, and I genuinely looked forward to any scene that they appeared in. In stark contrast to the many villains in this story, Agnes, Deirdre and Aphrodite are the perfect found family for our Hannah and Teddy. They create a community together that is focused on caring for and loving each other without having to live up to societal pressure or the opinions of others. It’s beautiful.
I have to say, at the start of this book, I felt like the dialogue was far too formal but I gradually realised that these are just characters who are far better educated than I and also much more posh!
I really enjoyed this book.
On a lighter note… Agnes and her menagerie are so astoundingly sweet, and I genuinely looked forward to any scene that they appeared in. In stark contrast to the many villains in this story, Agnes, Deirdre and Aphrodite are the perfect found family for our Hannah and Teddy. They create a community together that is focused on caring for and loving each other without having to live up to societal pressure or the opinions of others. It’s beautiful.
I have to say, at the start of this book, I felt like the dialogue was far too formal but I gradually realised that these are just characters who are far better educated than I and also much more posh!
I really enjoyed this book.
October 24, 2024
3.5 stars!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc of this book! My opinions are my own.
At the beginning of this year I read and reviewed the first book by Lucy Chalice, The Hot Henry Effect. I enjoyed that one a lot, so when I got the invitation to read book two as well, I couldn't be happier!
This second book is about Hannah, a veterinary scientist who due to circumstances has to return to the place she grew up in. That is where she quite literally bumps into her childhood crush - Teddy. He's also the most annoying, biggest flirt ever to exist on this planet. Not someone to start a lasting relationship with...
Teddy also happens to be the twin brother to Henry from the previous book. While it's fun to see an update on how things went after book 1, it's not necessary to have read the first book to enjoy the second one.
I very much enjoyed the writing style and read this book in just a few days! It's easy to read, with likeable characters. They all have their own issues to work through, which adds some layers to the story.
If you want to read an uplifting romantic story, go check this one out!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc of this book! My opinions are my own.
At the beginning of this year I read and reviewed the first book by Lucy Chalice, The Hot Henry Effect. I enjoyed that one a lot, so when I got the invitation to read book two as well, I couldn't be happier!
This second book is about Hannah, a veterinary scientist who due to circumstances has to return to the place she grew up in. That is where she quite literally bumps into her childhood crush - Teddy. He's also the most annoying, biggest flirt ever to exist on this planet. Not someone to start a lasting relationship with...
Teddy also happens to be the twin brother to Henry from the previous book. While it's fun to see an update on how things went after book 1, it's not necessary to have read the first book to enjoy the second one.
I very much enjoyed the writing style and read this book in just a few days! It's easy to read, with likeable characters. They all have their own issues to work through, which adds some layers to the story.
If you want to read an uplifting romantic story, go check this one out!
November 7, 2024
This book is absolutely delightful and I was completely charmed from the very first page. It’s full of witty banter, relatable characters and undeniable chemistry.
Dr. Hannah Havens is a superstar Vet, who, after an enlightening (and honestly so funny) encounter, decides to move back to her home town. It isn’t long until she runs (literally, while on a horse) into an old high school acquaintance, Teddy Fraser, who just bought The Old Rectory beside her vet office, which she lives above.
This book is incredibly well written. It takes place in Britain and it is so delightfully British. The setting is so beautiful detailed, I felt like I was there. Lucy has crafted characters that feel real, flawed, and entirely lovable. I loved their flirty exchanges and authentic moments. This book is equal parts sweet and laugh-out-loud funny. Plus the spice was just perfection.
Read if you like:
💜 STEM romances
💜 He’s sunshine, she’s serious
💜 Flirting lessons
💜 A Pride and Prejudice inspired scene(the Colin Firth one)
💜He falls first
💜 A devil sheep that is actually actually a blind elderly goat
Dr. Hannah Havens is a superstar Vet, who, after an enlightening (and honestly so funny) encounter, decides to move back to her home town. It isn’t long until she runs (literally, while on a horse) into an old high school acquaintance, Teddy Fraser, who just bought The Old Rectory beside her vet office, which she lives above.
This book is incredibly well written. It takes place in Britain and it is so delightfully British. The setting is so beautiful detailed, I felt like I was there. Lucy has crafted characters that feel real, flawed, and entirely lovable. I loved their flirty exchanges and authentic moments. This book is equal parts sweet and laugh-out-loud funny. Plus the spice was just perfection.
Read if you like:
💜 STEM romances
💜 He’s sunshine, she’s serious
💜 Flirting lessons
💜 A Pride and Prejudice inspired scene(the Colin Firth one)
💜He falls first
💜 A devil sheep that is actually actually a blind elderly goat
February 24, 2025
This is a super cute rom com with some spice, its a slow burn romance and I was routing for them to get together. Teddy is a total cinnamon roll, and while I did like our main character Hannah I found myself shouting at her to love herself more. I think some people will get annoyed at her, but I believed she would be like that, bullying and unsupportive parents would do a real number on you. I finished this in one sitting, which just shows how engrossed I got in their story that I had to finish it. I do feel like communication would have resolved a lot of issues but I still really enjoyed this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Harper Collins UK for sending me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Harper Collins UK for sending me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2024
3⭐️/1.5🌶️
Thank you netgalley for this arc! :)
this was a cute cinnamon roll/grumpy romance. Though our fmc isnt exactly grumpy, more shes just very blunt and the others around her dont like it :")
our mmc is such a goofy sweetie pie, i felt so bad learning about him and the relationship between him and his twin. it would really stink to always be compared or to come second in things constantly in life. i feel like our fmc was the perfect counter for him.
i didnt feel a big connection with the characters, and i did have to speed read a few pages/chapters as i felt myself losing interest, but over all this plot was adorable and im glad i was able to read it.
Thank you netgalley for this arc! :)
this was a cute cinnamon roll/grumpy romance. Though our fmc isnt exactly grumpy, more shes just very blunt and the others around her dont like it :")
our mmc is such a goofy sweetie pie, i felt so bad learning about him and the relationship between him and his twin. it would really stink to always be compared or to come second in things constantly in life. i feel like our fmc was the perfect counter for him.
i didnt feel a big connection with the characters, and i did have to speed read a few pages/chapters as i felt myself losing interest, but over all this plot was adorable and im glad i was able to read it.
October 23, 2024
This was my first foray into the reverse grumpy sunshine trope—the FMC was prickly, and the MMC was a charming golden retriever. I really enjoyed that aspect and actually related a lot to the FMC! Agnes was the only redemptive side character; everyone else was absolutely insufferable, and I wish we could’ve seen them get their comeuppance more. I also wanted to see an Agnes epilogue! I hope she is spending time with her grandkids.
10/10 recommend! Thank you to Harper Collins and author Lucy Chalice for this ARC!
10/10 recommend! Thank you to Harper Collins and author Lucy Chalice for this ARC!
November 1, 2024
I love love love that this book started the first chapter in the past, giving just enough of a back story for the characters to not be overwhelming. Hannah and Teddy are one of my favorite romance couples. They are absolutely adorable. This is such a cozy, feet kicking romance that is also very relatable. One of my favorite lines is: "To bed, my inebriated little hedgehog of a friend." It was just adorable and make me giggle.
~Thank you to Lucy Chalice, HarperCollins UK One More Chapter, and Netgalley for the chance to read the arc of this book~
~Thank you to Lucy Chalice, HarperCollins UK One More Chapter, and Netgalley for the chance to read the arc of this book~
November 4, 2024
The way I ate up this cute rom-com like it was my last meal! The chemistry between Teddy & Hannah is HOT. Teddy doesn't just fall first, he falls for her YEARS ahead of our story and never gives up. My heart was so full seeing him break down some walls to help Hannah get to a much better place.
This is def a slow burn with a steady stream of funny banter. Hannah really does find her place in her own village, goats & all.
Thank you to NetGalley & HarperCollinsUK/OneMoreChapter for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4/5.
This is def a slow burn with a steady stream of funny banter. Hannah really does find her place in her own village, goats & all.
Thank you to NetGalley & HarperCollinsUK/OneMoreChapter for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4/5.
November 30, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
DNF @ 75%
I'm not going to do my normal cutesy review for this, because I don't have a lot to say. This had potential to be a really cute and fun romcom, but unfortunately the characters still acted like teenagers when they're full grown adults. It really bothered me to see them act like children. Neither of the characters were all that compelling. The FMC was grumpy but seemed to have no intention toward personal growth. All around, I'm pretty disappointed I didn't enjoy this more. I think if this character wanted to write characters who act like teenagers, they should write YA.
DNF @ 75%
I'm not going to do my normal cutesy review for this, because I don't have a lot to say. This had potential to be a really cute and fun romcom, but unfortunately the characters still acted like teenagers when they're full grown adults. It really bothered me to see them act like children. Neither of the characters were all that compelling. The FMC was grumpy but seemed to have no intention toward personal growth. All around, I'm pretty disappointed I didn't enjoy this more. I think if this character wanted to write characters who act like teenagers, they should write YA.
February 6, 2025
The book was definitely easy to read, but unfortunately, the characters felt underdeveloped. They lacked chemistry, and the protagonist’s love for the male lead seemed to appear out of nowhere, with no real buildup or emotional depth.
There were very few moments that explored their relationship, which made it hard to connect with or believe in their romance. The lack of meaningful interactions between them left the love story feeling rushed and shallow.
While the plot was simple, the absence of strong character development really impacted my enjoyment. I’d give this book a 2/5 stars.
There were very few moments that explored their relationship, which made it hard to connect with or believe in their romance. The lack of meaningful interactions between them left the love story feeling rushed and shallow.
While the plot was simple, the absence of strong character development really impacted my enjoyment. I’d give this book a 2/5 stars.
October 3, 2024
I seriously jumped at the chance to get this and was SO EXCITED to get approved. Lucy Chalice is the next Ali Hazelwood, but I gotta say that Lucy writes more intriguing MMCs. I have absolutely adored both Henry and Ted and I need a million more of these, stat!
Hannah is freaking hilarious and I absolutely love how completely oblivious she is.
Hannah is freaking hilarious and I absolutely love how completely oblivious she is.
October 19, 2024
i’m baaaack thank u netgalley and one more chapter for this arc
loved hot henry effect and i fear this was no different because omg hallmark-esque small town man IS IT
save me teddy save me (i am so over the medical field can you tell)
loved hot henry effect and i fear this was no different because omg hallmark-esque small town man IS IT
save me teddy save me (i am so over the medical field can you tell)
October 17, 2025
2.5/5
I read this tonight because my other option was to keep reading It by Stephen King and I was too afraid 💀
Now, about this book; I cringed. I wanted a little cute romcom and it is but GOD they were all so unlikeable.
Also a grown-man named Teddy is criminal, Im sorry I just cant get behind that.
I got the ick quite a few times, and I felt like the FMC should have grown as a person and learned to love, or at least like herself; but it never really happened.
It is a very quick read but I didnt love it.
I read this tonight because my other option was to keep reading It by Stephen King and I was too afraid 💀
Now, about this book; I cringed. I wanted a little cute romcom and it is but GOD they were all so unlikeable.
Also a grown-man named Teddy is criminal, Im sorry I just cant get behind that.
I got the ick quite a few times, and I felt like the FMC should have grown as a person and learned to love, or at least like herself; but it never really happened.
It is a very quick read but I didnt love it.
May 26, 2025
This was a very cute book, but I was a little bored while reading it. I feel like it needed to have more action and plot going on.
August 19, 2025
4.5 stars
The yearningggg omg this book was soooo stinking cute I loved it
The yearningggg omg this book was soooo stinking cute I loved it
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