It's All Sun and Games

by Portia MacIntosh

Pre-order the BRAND NEW laugh-out-loud, love triangle summer romantic comedy from MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER Portia MacIntosh! When Robin finds out she's going on a work trip to Italy she can't wait for a week away in the sunshine, away from the daily grind. So what if there's a client pitch to do while they're there? The thing Robin is most excited about is the chance to show her work crush, James, what she's really like outside of work, and divert his attention from Liz, her work rival.

To make things even better, Robin realises that the town they're going to in Italy is the same place that her childhood penpal, Andrea is from. So it's the perfect time to re-connect and finally meet her old friend over some delicious Italian food and wine (between work obviously...) But when Andrea doesn't turn out to be the person Robin thought, things get a little complicated...

So it's set to be a week of all sun and games... Until someone falls in love of course!

A friends-to-lovers, only-one-bed, fake dating romance from million-copy bestseller Portia MacIntosh.

Praise for Portia

'Smart, funny and always brilliantly entertaining, every book from Portia becomes my new favourite rom com.' Shari Low

'I laughed, I cried - I loved it.’ Holly Martin

'The queen of rom com!' Rebecca Raisin

‘This book made me laugh and kept me turning the pages.' Mandy Baggot

'A fun, fabulous 5 star rom com!' Sandy Barker on Your Place or Mine?

'Loved the book, it's everything you expect from the force that is Portia! A must read' Rachel Dove on Your Place or Mine?

'Fun and witty. Pure escapism!' Laura Carter on Fake It Or Leave It

'A hilarious, roaringly fun, feel good, sexy read. I LOVED it!' Holly Martin on Honeymoon For One

'A heartwarming, fun story, perfect for several hours of pure escapism.' Jessica Redland on Honeymoon for One

'A feel good, funny and well written book. I read it in 2 days and enjoyed every second!' A.L. Michael on Honeymoon for One

'Super-romantic and full of festive spirit. I loved it!' Mandy Baggot on Stuck On You

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction, Rom Com, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary

272 pages, Paperback

First published July 11, 2024

About the author

Portia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 30 romantic comedy novels.

From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.

Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.

Find out more at www.portiamacintosh.com

Reviews

[Deniz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 (3.5/5)

Read the full review on my blog!

Robin works at an advertising agency, which is planning a trip to Italy to pitch to a new client. She decides to reach out to her old pen pal, Andrea, and through a series of movie-perfect events, they end up fake dating for mutual benefit. Andrea wants to appease his parents, who are concerned about his long-time single status, and Robin hopes to impress her boss and secure a promotion.

It’s All Sun and Games is the perfect breezy beach read, keeping you hooked with the question, "Will they or won't they?" in a delightful fake dating romance.

The Characters are Cute - Andrea is the quintessential Italian romantic, impossible not to fall for. Robin, while not your typical fearless FMC, is entirely relatable. James and Liz are classic nemeses, though I wish their characters had a bit more depth.

A Classic Fake Dating Story - The book follows a typical fake dating plot with a touch of the childhood friend trope. The plot is predictable, but sometimes that’s the perfect palate cleanser!

Overall, I enjoyed this book and read it in two sittings. The plot and characters are a bit one-dimensional, but that can be perfect if you’re looking for an easy read with a heartwarming ending!

[Nessa’s Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: It's All Sun and Games by Portia MacIntosh

Release Date: July, 11th, 2024

3.5 Stars

"It's All Sun and Games" by Portia MacIntosh is a delightful, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that promises a summer filled with sunshine, romance, and a touch of intrigue.

This book is a perfect escape for readers looking for a light-hearted and entertaining story, set against the picturesque backdrop of Italy.

Robin is thrilled when she learns she's going on a work trip to Italy, seeing it as an opportunity to escape the daily grind and show her work crush, James, her true colours away from the office. Her excitement grows when she discovers that the town they're visiting is where her childhood penpal, Andrea, lives, giving her the chance to reconnect with an old friend.

However, things take an unexpected turn when Andrea turns out to be not quite what Robin had imagined, leading to a series of comedic and romantic entanglements.

The novel is a masterful blend of a friends-to-lovers trope, a fake dating scenario, and the classic only-one-bed situation, all of which add to the charm and humour of the story.

MacIntosh's writing is both funny and heartwarming, with a knack for creating relatable characters and engaging storylines. The setting in Italy is vividly described, making readers feel as if they are experiencing the trip alongside Robin. The inclusion of travel, vacation, weddings, and a fake relationship adds to the book's appeal, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable read.

The family dynamics and the quirky side characters bring an added layer of depth and humour to the story, while the flirtation and the romantic tension keep the pages turning. Despite being a closed-door romance, the book is rich with emotion and the promise of love.

"It's All Sun and Games" is the perfect beach read, offering a feel-good story that is both funny and well-written. It's a quick, light, and enjoyable read that is sure to brighten any summer day.

Whether you're looking for a romantic escape or a good laugh, this book has something for everyone.

Thank you to The Publisher Boldwood Books ,The Author Portia MacIntosh & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're looking for a romance that is easy to read and is feel-good (aside from the main character's horrible work colleagues), then this is it.
It's a pretty one-dimensional book with the themes of mistaken identity, fake dating and work politics.

While I read it happily, I also think it lacked substance, was a bit too simple, and also missed an opportunity of describing beautiful Italy and the warmth of the people.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review

[Krystan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably my least favorite by this author. I did not care for the main character.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

This was another fun British romcom from Portia MacIntosh that sees an English PR woman fake dating her Italian pen pal who turned out to be a man when she'd thought she was writing to a woman all along. Full of family, close proximity and food, this was good on audio and a quick, light-hearted, kissing only vacation romance.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything I needed, it’s all sun and games is the perfect title of this book because it was so much fun such a joy to read and it was just so full of humour. I laughed out loud so many times during this read. This is yet another wonderfully written book by Portia Macintosh, This isn’t my first read by Portia and it definitely won’t be my last, Portia’s books always manage to get me in all the right places, the emotion, the romance, the humour, it’s all done so well.

Lila wasa great character, so thoroughly relatable her story, the journey she is on and her romance will get you hooked and keep you engaged right til the very last page. It’s a well-paced read feel-good read with great community ,friendship and love woven throughout the story. If you’re looking for the perfect escapist read , look no further than It’s AllSun and Games.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vhen Robin and her colleagues get assigned a team trip to Italy, she is thrilled because she thinks it will be the erfect chance to escape the daily grind and also show her work crush James anew side to her. Shes doubly excited hen she realizes that she's going to be in the town where her childhood penpal lives, giving her the chances to connect with an old, long lost friend. However, things take a twist when Andrea turns out to not be a girl as she lought all these years, but a hunky Italian man whose family, through a series of miscommunications, thinks that obin is his fiancé when she arrives and they embrace her into the family with open arms. Robin and Andrea make a act to help each other out, and what follows is a series of comedic and romantic entanglements which had me ughing out loud
le story of both funny and heartwarming and a classic take on the friends to lovers trope and the setting of Italy is so vidly portrayed I felt like I was there taking part in the trip alongside the characters. ith quirky supporting characters, loads of humor, fake dating, one bed scenario, travel to exotic locale, weddings ere really is something for everyone in this book. Portia is quickly becoming a fav author for me. lanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

[Gypsy Rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh, this book was so hard to get through. After devouring Portia MacIntosh's The Suite Life—which had me giggling the whole way through—I was excited to pick up another one of her books. Spoiler alert: bad call. The main character, Robin, made this a chore.

Robin was such a bore! Insecure about her body, insecure about her job, and constantly dropping self-deprecating comments. Girl, do you not realize how exhausting it is to be around someone like that? At one point, she even gets low-key fat-shamed by her boss, and while I should have been outraged on her behalf, I was more irritated for the wrong reasons. Robin, you talk about how "fat" you are on repeat, but the second someone else hints at it, you’re offended? Come on, hold yourself to the same standard, please!

And then there’s Liz, her so-called "work nemesis" who always tries to one-up her. But honestly, does she? Liz seems more like she’s just confident and knows what she wants. Let’s be real—Liz sounds kinda hot and like she’d be way more fun to hang out with than Robin. I didn't believe for a second that Liz felt threatened by Robin, the wallflower extraordinaire.

Oh, and Robin’s obsession with a co-worker who’s been clearly uninterested in her for years? Cringe city. I wanted to shake her and say, "Girl, move on!"

Unlike The Suite Life, this book was not funny at all. It did have some heartwarming moments in the final stretch, and Andrea (a.k.a. the "Italian Stallion") was the saving grace of those last few pages. I needed more Andrea to cleanse my palette, but Robin was too busy lying, scheming, and chasing validation from a boss and a guy who barely knew she existed to even notice Andrea.

This was my first-ever one-star rating because, frankly, I was bored stiff until the final quarter.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robin and her co workers are headed to Italy for a wedding and to give a sales pitch.
While there she’s going to finally meet up with her old pen pal Andrea. There’s surprises galore and some funny spots in this book. It’s a fun RomCom and it made me wish I was in Italy too.
Definitely recommend!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)

It’s All Sun and Games is the perfect summer read! It’s mostly lighthearted due in large part to Robin, the plucky can-do protagonist who appears to face the daily grind with as much joy as she can–given she feels like she’s continually up against her work nemesis, Liz. I don’t know how Robin can stay as composed as she does, but she does it. The reader gets the impression that it’s par for the course for Robin. She doesn’t feel as though she’s appreciated at work, and it’s hard for her to get her boss’s attention with James and Liz at the wheel. I loved Robin’s approach to life, though, despite those circumstances.

Along with the bad, Robin will take the good where her work life is concerned. A work trip to Italy is just what she needs to break up the monotony of her world. I thought the introduction of Andrea and the background and story behind that friendship was very cute and a nice twist. It really added another layer of fun and potential, while also throwing a nice wrench into things for Liz. I found Liz to be annoying, but that made for the perfect antagonist.

Robin has vied for James’s attention for a very long time, yet he’s never reciprocated it. But when she has the chance to really see where that relationship might go, the line between what she really wants and more importantly, who she really wants, becomes incredibly blurry. It irritated me that James seemed to only step up when Robin appeared unavailable, making James look like he wouldn’t be a great choice where a romantic relationship is concerned. Yet Robin has a tough time seeing that. All she seems to focus on is that fact that he’s giving her what she’s wanted for so long, she might be willing to push aside the red flags she sees on the horizon.

Overall, Robin has to learn that she’s good enough–she’s an asset to her job. She is worthy of love. It felt like Italy really helped to open her up a lot more, changing her viewpoint on so many things! I thought this latest book by Portia MacIntosh was a really great addition to her ever-expanding list of romantic comedies, and worth the read!

[Andreea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
It’s all sun and games by Portia MacIntosh is a catchy, fast paced, short story about Robin and her pen pal Andrea. Robin works in advertising and her firm has a new client in Italy so they go on a work trip there, in Andrea’s home city. They meet for the first time on this trip and Andrea is not the person she expected.
The book had a promising start, but in the beginning the writing became confusing and a bit childish at times. It definitely got better once Andrea was introduced.
James was a really weird character and his behaviour seemed overmuch. Andrea was nice, but his reaction to her not coming to nonna’s party was a bit exaggerated.
I felt like we weren’t told much about Robin and the fact that they were pen wasn’t really exploited. I would’ve liked more if we could see what they talked about and how their relationship as friends developed hence I think it would’ve helped the story. However I liked their relationship in the present and their dinamic.
I also loved how the author included different traditions for the weddings and overall the italian culture.
It’s all sun and games is the perfect beach read, friends to lovers, fake dating romance full of charm and humor.
Thank you netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book early.

[Yevheniia Shepel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Справжня оцінка 3,5⭐️
Хороший ромком в цілому, тут і вайб Італії? і сімейні цінності, і робочі криси😁
Сюжет хороший, але для мене розвивався там де треба швидше - повільно, а там де хотілось більше деталей - навпаки авторка стрибала та не давала мені подробиць. Ну шо шкода чи шо? 😅
І на жаль, тут був різкий перехід між головними персонажами, і я не повірила в їх почуття 🥲

Читала англ, підійде для B1 і вище.
——————

A pretty good romcom overall - it’s got that Italian vibe, family values, and some workplace rats 😁
The plot was nice, but for me, it developed too slowly where I wanted it faster, and then rushed through the parts where I craved more details. Like, why hold back? 😅
Unfortunately, there was also a sudden shift between the main characters, and I just couldn’t believe in their feelings 🥲

[Mhughessc · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually enjoy Portia MacIntosh's books, so I was excited to see that she had a new book coming out! "It's All Sun and Games" centers around Robin, a workaholic determined to win a client pitch on her work trip to Italy. Not only does she want to win the client's attention, but she also wants to win the affection of her coworker James. In anticipation of her travels to Italy, she reaches out to her childhood penpal/friend, Andrea. However, her trip to Italy doesn't go at all like she expects. Andrea totally doesn't meet her expectations, and James seems to be a complete waste of time. How will this trip conclude? Read more to find out!

I didn't really care for Robin and had a hard time rooting for her. I also found myself skimming through parts of the book. This wasn't MacIntosh's best book. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Melissa Stretton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and easy book to read for summer. It kind of reminds me of Emily in Paris show.

[Kelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5. Not a lot of depth or character development.

[Meddings_Musings: Erin Meddings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun, charming, rompy romcom from Portia MacIntosh filled with hilarious dialogue and funny, memorable moments!

Robin works for a Manchester based PR firm. She’s part of the team who works under their boss Rick, along with single, flirty, hunky James, her best friend Priya, and her work nemesis Liz.

In light of Robin’s boss telling her she needs to up her game, and being sick of Liz always trying to one-up her, Robin tries to impress the team (especially James) when she states she studied Italian culture which may prove helpful as they travel to Italy in hopes of landing a new client.

When Robin goes home and tells her parents of the upcoming Italy trip, and her subsequent stretching the truth of her Italian cultural studies, her mom helps dive into Robin’s old school files to see if anything might help her. While digging through things, her mom comes across letters from Robin’s school pen pal, Andrea, who lived in Italy. And small world, Andrea lived in the same area Robin will be traveling to. Robin decides to email Andrea and see if she still lives there. And guess what - she does!

When Robin gets to Italy, both her and Andrea are in for a huge shock! Andrea is actually a man and a gorgeous one at that! Andrea thought he had been writing to another male student, named Robin. And Robin is mortified when she reflects back on all the girlie filled letters she sent to Andrea as a teenager believing Andrea was a female student!

After getting over their shock, they realize they could actually help one another out. With his sister’s upcoming wedding, Andrea’s big Italian family is anxious and excited to meet Andrea’s (nonexistent) fiancée. Robin agrees to step in and play the part assuming Andrea will help her impress her team with all her (fairly nonexistent) knowledge about Italian culture which will wow the Italian based company they’re trying to land a deal with. He is happy to help!

A work trip to Italy, a handsome man to spend the days with to impress her colleagues, and hunky James suddenly flirting opening with Robin now that she’s “engaged” - nothing can go wrong! Right?!

Portia MacIntosh has quickly become one of my favorite romcom authors! I know I’m always in for a good time with great characters, hilarious banter, and the awkward, yet humorous, thoughts, feelings, and actions some women always seem to have. She will always be an absolute must-read for me!

Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood, and Portia MacIntosh for providing an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a candid review. It’s always a pleasure!

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robin is thrilled when she learns she's going on a work trip to Italy, seeing it as an opportunity to show her boss and work crush, James, her true colours away from the office. She is worried about her job and tired of the constant competition between her and the other female in the office. When she finds out that the town they will be staying in, is where her childhood penpal, Andrea lives, she hopes to reconnect with her old friend. Andrea's parents are there to pick her up, but things go wrong from the start. With fake fiancés, mistaken identity, a Romeo who I was not impressed with, a couple of weddings and a missing interpreter, this is a fun romcom.

I enjoyed this fun and entertaining story. Although it was pretty predictable, there was a lot to love and laugh at. I really liked Robin and wanted her to be more self-confident. She was smart enough, but always felt her pitches were second rate. When it really counts, she holds her own. I don't want to give anything else away, so won't way much more. If you enjoy a fun romcom, one with interesting characters, friends, a great setting and a happily ever after, then I recommend It's All Sun and Games.

[Zee Monodee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read and perfectly feel-good! This was a delightful story, cute and quirky, and though it seemed like it would veer over-the-top at certain points, its hits just the right balance and delivers good stuff without doing too much or letting you down with too little. While yes, it is a tad hare-brained, please suspend disbelief and go into this for the sun and fun of it (what an apt title!). The author has a certain way of writing a slow/er pace that somehow keeps the pages turning and you don't realise how far along you've read as you're into this (I don't know about you, but this is exactly what I'm looking for in an escapist book!)
Loved the 'unusual' setting of Bari in Italy, and the characters, though they look one-dimensional at times, end up feeling like people you actually know/come to know throughout the story - another forte of this author, I'd say.
Definitely making Portia MacIntosh one of my go-tos for good fluffy escapist reads now!

[chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️
this book was so cute. i thought the concept was really unqiue and was written perfectly. i did however guess the middle part but that didnt ruin the book!

he was such a gentleman and treated robin so well.

i cant say too much because of spoilers but i definitely recommend this book if you are looking for something summery with unique concepts to it.

i have now found a new favourite author.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Add a fun slow burn romance to an exotic location and you have all the makings of a great story! Robin works in marketing and is trying desperately to get the attention of James, the hottie on the team. She is constantly being upstaged by Liz who will do anything to get on the boss, Rick's, good side. When Rick announces the team is going to Italy to pitch to a new client, Robin thinks this just might be her chance to get the guy and maybe even a promotion. But when a mix up with an old childhood pen pal presents a new problem, Robin has to decide what, and who, she really wants. This story was funny and fast to read. The characters were great and I really could imagine being in Italy based on how the scenery was written. This was my first Portia MacIntosh book, but it will not be my last!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whenever I pick up a book by Portia MacIntosh, I know I’m in for a funny book with a cute storyline and a host of interesting characters. I loved getting to know Robin and Andrea as they reconnected after years apart and the added bonus of being penpals when they were in school was a special treat. There are so many humorous moments and other than a few not-s0-nice coworkers, all the characters are fun and lovable. Can’t wait to read more by this author!

I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.

[Brittany Prentice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok this was cute and fun in a grown up Lizzie McGuire kinda way. Like she not winning any awards but we had fun girly pop 💓

Gotta say though the way the first climb onto her balcony should've been an immediate HELL TO THE NO, the continuation of that storyline was icky and unnecessary.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened on Audiobook.

Portia's books are fun and flirty and clever and funny. You can't go wrong. Though this one wasn't my favorite, I did enjoy it.

Karen Cass is the narrator and she is a star. Love her voice and inflictions.

Portia and Karen are the Perfect Duo!

[Brooke Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun easy summer read. I am always a sucker for a good fake dating trope and Robin and Andrea were the cutest. Robins lack of Italian skills also had me cracking up the entire book

[Divyasha · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book got good ratings but...no-it's a no from me. so bad lol

[Mara De Kort · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute but not that special 🙃

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, quick read that makes it easy to escape to Italy. I loved seeing how Robin developed into herself throughout the book and swooned over her and Andrea’s relationship. Such a heartwarming story that made me a fan of Portia MacIntosh!

[Cindy Coats · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book. It was Italian and dreamy and funny. Everything you could want in one book shaped package.

The audio was such an enjoyable experience as well. Highly recommend. I could see myself listening again as a cozy read of sorts.

[Meg Huntington · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟 Super cute, funny storyline! Had me laughing out loud at times and just enjoying the change of venue from Manchester to Italy. Worth the read

[Kayli · Rating 3 out of 5]

“It’s All Sun and Games” by Portia Macintosh is a fun-filled, sunny and bright vacation read. I was hooked by the fun, summer vibe and exciting plot.

But some of it fell a little flat. The stakes didn’t seem very high for their relationship (despite the distance) because the conflict was too polished. The characters (especially Andrea) weren’t complex… they were very classic archetypes. I didn’t really have any strong feelings towards any of the characters, especially the FMC Robin, because I feel like I didn’t have any backstory. Her personality didn’t really shine through or stick out to me— all I gathered was she didn’t like the gym and she was generally disinterested by her job.

Overall, it was an easy read for the summer, and I’ll probably recommend it, but I wanted more depth!

Thank you NetGalley for the arc.