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Trouble in Paradise
Lara and Sonny are sworn enemies.
As rival showbiz journalists, they are always out to get one-up on each other – whether being the first to scoop the latest celebrity gossip, or sabotaging a potential lead.
So when their bosses ask them to join forces and go undercover at an exclusive celebrity retreat, they can’t think of anything worse - except that they are going to need to pretend to be in couples therapy to blend in...
Being on a tropical island for work would be most people’s idea of heaven, but for Lara and Sonny it’s hell. Can a week of sun, sea and uncovering showbiz secrets together chip away at Lara and Sonny’s rivalry? And once they get home and the fake relationship is over, could a real one be left in its place?
As rival showbiz journalists, they are always out to get one-up on each other – whether being the first to scoop the latest celebrity gossip, or sabotaging a potential lead.
So when their bosses ask them to join forces and go undercover at an exclusive celebrity retreat, they can’t think of anything worse - except that they are going to need to pretend to be in couples therapy to blend in...
Being on a tropical island for work would be most people’s idea of heaven, but for Lara and Sonny it’s hell. Can a week of sun, sea and uncovering showbiz secrets together chip away at Lara and Sonny’s rivalry? And once they get home and the fake relationship is over, could a real one be left in its place?
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First published January 4, 2024
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About the author
Portia MacIntosh
48 books1,957 followersPortia 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 561 reviews
October 30, 2023
I’d expected this to be a quick light read, and even though it was a quick read, I’m not so sure about the “light” part. In some moments it’s like the book couldn’t decide whether it wanted to be a romantic comedy or a thriller, I swear.
The first thing I noticed while reading the book was that the main characters were not enemies at all. They’re work rivals at best with a past and some sexual tension, and that’s not the same thing at all. The title of the book can be misleading, as this trope doesn't really take place.
The main character, Lara, is not quirky and fun, as the book wants to make us believe, but quite childish and outright unprofessional. Sonny was uneventful for me, tbh.
There were some instances that I just found absolutely unbelievable and/or left me irritated rather than amused. Like the two MCs having a laugh at a mandatory sexual harassment course, can’t they even take that seriously? they’re supposed to be adults, and yet they act like children most of the time. And you’re seriously telling me that a trained professional in the matter would make up a scenario forcing coworkers to play out a sexual harassment situation in front of the rest of the office, like be fr that in itself seems like a violation of what she’s trying to teach them.
It all happened so suddenly, the circumstances a bit too convenient, and yet… I didn’t buy the romance at all. The characters didn’t quite evolve and their relationship felt flat, in a moment she hates him for what he did and doesn’t trust him at all, and the very next moment she's saying her view on him completely changed, like Miss Girl when did this happen exactly? It was all quite underwhelming.
And for the life of me, I just can’t make sense of how she’s supposedly a journalist but can’t realize someone is using her for information, please, it was so obvious!
When I first learned of this book aside from looking at the book cover for a while because it seemed very similar to a popular romance book that also has fake dating and work rivals, I was very excited about the premise, but it didn’t live up to my expectations at all.
Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The first thing I noticed while reading the book was that the main characters were not enemies at all. They’re work rivals at best with a past and some sexual tension, and that’s not the same thing at all. The title of the book can be misleading, as this trope doesn't really take place.
The main character, Lara, is not quirky and fun, as the book wants to make us believe, but quite childish and outright unprofessional. Sonny was uneventful for me, tbh.
There were some instances that I just found absolutely unbelievable and/or left me irritated rather than amused. Like the two MCs having a laugh at a mandatory sexual harassment course, can’t they even take that seriously? they’re supposed to be adults, and yet they act like children most of the time. And you’re seriously telling me that a trained professional in the matter would make up a scenario forcing coworkers to play out a sexual harassment situation in front of the rest of the office, like be fr that in itself seems like a violation of what she’s trying to teach them.
It all happened so suddenly, the circumstances a bit too convenient, and yet… I didn’t buy the romance at all. The characters didn’t quite evolve and their relationship felt flat, in a moment she hates him for what he did and doesn’t trust him at all, and the very next moment she's saying her view on him completely changed, like Miss Girl when did this happen exactly? It was all quite underwhelming.
And for the life of me, I just can’t make sense of how she’s supposedly a journalist but can’t realize someone is using her for information, please, it was so obvious!
When I first learned of this book aside from looking at the book cover for a while because it seemed very similar to a popular romance book that also has fake dating and work rivals, I was very excited about the premise, but it didn’t live up to my expectations at all.
Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2023
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2024
I am in between 2 and 3 stars for this one. There are fun moments and some interesting jokes, but the main plot didn’t catch me. I think it was not very believable and a little cliche. It’s a shame, because the writing is good, and it had great potential!
#netGalley
#netGalley
November 30, 2023
Is it really enemies to lovers if the rivalry is one-sided and mostly in her head?
This book has is a great premise with enemies to lovers, forced proximity, undercover work assignment, AND a fake relationship. But it fell short for me. The main character is childish and self-absorbed. The love interest is just a cardboard Hemsworth shaped cutout without much personality.
The couple's retreat was supposed to be like Nine Perfect Strangers but it was more like a bad 90s summer camp. It was strange that the main character was there on an undercover work assignment but after one day the other attendees were her best friends and she sells out for the first person offering contraband pizza. Even the ending was off for how the main character was portrayed for 90% of the book.
Thank you to Boltwood Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I am required by law to disclose this.
This book has is a great premise with enemies to lovers, forced proximity, undercover work assignment, AND a fake relationship. But it fell short for me. The main character is childish and self-absorbed. The love interest is just a cardboard Hemsworth shaped cutout without much personality.
The couple's retreat was supposed to be like Nine Perfect Strangers but it was more like a bad 90s summer camp. It was strange that the main character was there on an undercover work assignment but after one day the other attendees were her best friends and she sells out for the first person offering contraband pizza. Even the ending was off for how the main character was portrayed for 90% of the book.
Thank you to Boltwood Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I am required by law to disclose this.
March 2, 2024
2/5
Heads up for a long rant and quotes about why the FMC was insufferable and me going on about hating her!!! The first half of this book made my blood pressure BOIL I’m so shocked I didn’t dnf 😭😭 buuuut then around 30% I switched to a Sunny hype train because here’s another book where the MMC is one million scabillion times better than the FMC >>>
BUUUUT, once we got to the actual retreat and dealt with other characters, it got more bearable to listen to the audiobook and easier to ignore the FMC, and it actually got kind of entertaining to listen but mainly for the plot. The retreat counselor was super unhinged and I kinda loved it. Also, there were some moments when the fmc was actually empathetic and not annoying??? But it was never consistent enough to be something, but a decent person peeked through once in a while….. basically I didn’t hate the ending or the FMC AS MUCH as I did at the start, so the second half definitely barely saved this book. So that’s the only reason why this got two stars… otherwise without the retreat, the FMC and this book was absolute garbage
I know for a fact if I was reading the ebook, I would’ve dnfed at 30%, but since this was background noise for me while I did chill stuff, it was easy to tough it out 🤷🏻♀️
___________________________________
The commentary + quote dump and rant for the first half starts here:
First of all, the telling not showing to explain the “workplace rivals” after a weak character introduction and an attempt of creating an “enemies” situation did not work…. But that’s nothing compared to how insane and stupid the fmc is.
I’m sorry but whatever her face is so dumb and naive…. She’s like “oh Sunny is this and that, we’re also workplace rivals and always try to one up each other”….. tell me why she thought it was a good idea to share her ideas for a major interview/discussion they were both going to have with someone, and when he goes first she’s shocked he stole her idea and presented it instead??? Like ma’am??? If this is your workplace rival why not gatekeep your ideas???
Bruhhhh and the fmc’s reaction to going to a mandatory workplace sexual harassment course and getting annoyed???
“I feel almost relieved to not be in trouble – I haven’t even been on a date in months, never mind harassed anyone.
‘Can I just quietly give this one a miss?’ I ask. ‘We have a fully female writing staff, there’s no one for me to harass, and I’m too busy, and anyway, I know the rules about dating members of the team so, even if Henry Cavill walked in tomorrow, and was, for some reason, remotely interested in me, I would know what to do and what not to do.’
Addison stares patiently as she waits for me to finish babbling.
‘Have you finished?’ she asks.
I just nod.
‘You already know that this course is mandatory for everyone in the building,’ she explains. ‘After… recent events.’
Yeah, recent events being someone at pretty much the top of the company engaging in sketchy practices with female employees and then sacking them soon after. That’s one guy, at the top of the food chain, who probably isn’t even sitting through the course himself. Because of him, and to try to quash the bad press, we’re all having to do this waste-of-time course – well, it’s a waste of time for me, anyway, because I actually find it quite easy to not sleep with someone and then sack them for not wanting to sleep with me any more. Not all of us need a course to know that’s horrendous.”
I’m so glad this is an audiobook bc I genuinely hate her…. She gives off such entitled and stupid energy I hate her so so much….
Oh mannnn, and then this reaction after doing a favor for her friend and going on a double date with a blind date, and it ends up being with her enemy !!!!! What a shocker right???
“I step out into the cool night air. For a moment it feels so nice on my rosy cheeks. But then all at once an icy breeze reminds me that it is January, and with Lauren going off with Jon, that means I won’t be staying at her apartment as planned, so I need to get home.
There are no taxis around, which is unusual, so I grab my phone from my bag and fire up a taxi app. There are no cars available right now and… shit. My battery just died.
As I sigh, unable to believe my luck, I watch as my breath makes a cloud in the air in front of me, reminding me once again what a cold night it is. They say no good deed goes unpunished – this is what I get for doing a favour for my friend.”
She’s so selfish omg, god forbid her friend’s date went well that she ends up not staying over like they originally planned! AND TELL ME HOW SHE KEEPS GETTING WORSE AND WORSE EVERY TIME SHE OPENS HER MOUTH!!! Like she was lying to an interviewer about Sunny 💀💀
“I can’t help but look back, to see what is distracting her. It surprises me that Helen’s gaze seems to fixate on Sonny, who has been ushered to a nearby waiting area. God, don’t tell me she fancies him.
‘I overheard some of your conversation with that man over there,’ Helen remarks, her voice laced with disapproval. ‘He sounds like a real dirtbag.’
I cringe inwardly but then I see an opportunity to get one up on Sonny. If I make sure that Helen doesn’t like him, she won’t give him a good interview. He’ll have to sit in front of her and squirm through the whole thing. That ought to teach him a lesson.
‘Oh, you have no idea,’ I reply with a heavy sigh. ‘He tried to get me to sleep with him last night, even after I walked out on our disastrous date – one I didn’t even want to go on in the first place…’”
— lemme interrupt this quote for a second….SHE misread the situation and thought he was gonna kiss her, he picked up on it and jokingly asked if that’s what she expected, then SHE takes it personally and gets offended and starts flipping him off and freaking out about it before leaving….. ANYWAY —
“… Helen’s brow furrows, clearly taken aback.
‘Seriously?’
I nod, seizing the opportunity to embellish further. I mean, what I’m saying is not technically untrue, is it?
‘And did I hear something about a sexual harassment course?’ she asks.
‘Yes, he was supposed to participate in a mandatory sexual harassment course – we’ve had some trouble in the office – but he drove the course leader so crazy she kicked him out for not taking it seriously…’”
— let me say that SHE was the one who kept bursting out laughing and couldn’t take the exercise seriously bc SHE had to pretend to reach for his butt and she somehow took offense to that???? So they BOTH were kicked out, and she said he was the only one to blame???? I beg to differ!! —
“… Helen’s eyes narrow, and I can see the cogs turning in her mind, and her blood boiling beneath the surface of her skin.
‘Disgusting,’ she mutters.
Ha! Good luck getting a good interview now, Sonny.”
IM SCREAMING I HATE HER SO SO MUCH…. All this literal LYING to make her competition look bad. So then she watched Helen and Sunny’s interview right, and this went down:
“I take a seat and watch as Sonny steps up for his interview with Helen. His charming personality is engaged, but it’s clear that his charisma is falling flat with the leader of the elf army. I’m gripped, as though I were watching an episode of the show, as I watch him doing the most to try to chat with Helen, but Helen resembles a brick wall in front of him. She’s strong, still, silent, giving nothing back.
Sonny seems to dial up the charm even more but, still, Helen isn’t interested. She looks unimpressed… furious even… wait!
The sound of Helen slapping Sonny across the face echoes around the room. Sonny’s chair wobbles precariously, and he clutches his face in shock, clearly caught off guard.
Security personnel swoop in, appearing seemingly from nowhere, moving swiftly to restrain Helen as she shouts furiously.
‘You need to learn how to treat women!’ she yells at him. ‘Why don’t you pick on one your own size?”
I cringe, sinking deeper into my seat. Once again, the rivalry, tension – whatever you want to file it under – between me and Sonny has created a scene. Here in the room, the commotion begins to settle. However, back at the office, I can’t see this not coming up. I just essentially got a megastar – and an ex-professional wrestler, no less – to assault Sonny for me. If I was higher up in the company, I imagine there would be a course for this, and we would say no more about it but, being just a lowly writer, I don’t know. I don’t think I’m going to get away with this one.”
I HATE HER I HATE HER I HATE HER I HATTTTTTEEEE HERRRR SO FREAKING MUCH…..
So then of course her boss wants to talk to her about it…..
“Lara, explain to me how this happened,’ she demands, her nostrils flaring with each syllable.
I swallow hard, weighing my options. Honesty is usually the best policy but the truth doesn’t sound all that great, does it? Obviously, I never wanted Helen to slap Sonny, I just thought exaggerating the truth slightly would ultimately mean I got a better interview than him – just like he did with me, days ago, when he stole my interview topics for Troy Reeves – but saying ‘he did it first’ isn’t an excuse, is it? Because we’re not schoolkids, we’re grown-ups, here to do a grown-up job. We shouldn’t be letting our personal rivalry come into it.”
Surprise surprise, she got out of trouble without any issue!! I need to stop ranting here because I’d have a review the length of this book if I kept pointing out why I hate the fmc 💀 just know that the entire time I listened to the audiobook I wanted to punch the fmc and lost more and more of my sanity ✌🏼
Here are some annotations I’ll just add:
“Sonny catches my eye, that mischievous glint ever-present, and it strikes me that maybe, just maybe, it’s possible that he’s both on to something and enjoying watching me squirm. Maybe he does understand this game better than I do. Maybe there is something in never taking anything seriously, of coasting through life with an air of entitlement. His confidence – and self-confidence – never cease to amaze me. Maybe that’s what I need, if I’m going to stand a chance of pulling this off.”
Who’s gonna tell her???
Time jump but my jaw is DROPPED in awe at how STUPID this girl is…… both the characters have to go on a hike and the girl throws a fit about that because ew, hiking right? It’s a hot tropical climate and the guy knew but didn’t tell the girl as revenge for getting slapped in the face, whatever. BUT THEN the fmc picks up a bag they got and complained about it being heavy, opens it to find water bottles, and instead of being like “okay makes sense, it’s hot out and we’re hiking, water is a hot commodity”…. But nope!!! She’s like “no wonder it’s so heavy!” And shoutout Sunny, the only logical character, for saying “Well, we’re hiking in tropical weather, so it wouldn’t be great if they didn’t give us water…” because VALID…. And omg I’m just going to throw in the quote because I had to PAUSE the audiobook to process the sheer stupidity of the fmc, because WHO dumps a brand new bottle of water on a HIKE in a HOT TROPICAL CLIMATE just because the bag is heavy 💀💀
“The first checkpoint, meaning there are more to come – I wonder how many? Look, I don’t want to be that girl, but I’m sweaty, I’m dirty, I’m boiling, there are bugs and critters and I’m just really, really not into this at all. Everything overwhelms me and I slump down onto the sand, clutching my Birkin bag, which suddenly feels more like an anchor than a fashion accessory. I hug it, as though it were my last connection to civilisation. Then I have an idea. I take a bottle of water from my bag and remove the lid.
‘Good idea,’ Sonny says. ‘We should hydrate and – whoa, what are you doing?’
He shrieks with horror as he watches me emptying out my bottle of water on the sand.The sand drinks it up in an instant, not wanting to share a drop with the roasting hot world above.
‘I’m pouring it out,’ I tell him. ‘Well, I’m not exactly going to leave the plastic bottles on the beach, am I?’
‘It’s for the hike,’ he reminds me.
‘Which I won’t be able to do if I have to carry all these heavy water bottles around with me. Relax, it’s just one or two.”
She is genuinely an idiot, I can’t…. But since I can’t physically reach for her and wring her neck through the pages of a book, Sunny rightfully called her out:
“Lara, have you never seen any survival show on TV?’
He asks this as though it would be weird if I hadn’t.
‘No,’ I practically laugh. ‘Unless I’ve somehow always missed the week on Love Island where they force them to live on pool water and flavoured lube.’
‘You’re such a baby sometimes,’ he points out. ‘You don’t stop to think about the consequences of your actions.’
‘Says you,’ I clap back.
‘You’re never going to find me pouring away the only clean water I have, on a hot day, in the middle of nowhere,’ he points out. ‘But you, no, you’re just going for it, without giving a second thought to what will happen when you’re thirsty. If you waste your water, and I drink all of mine, you’re not going to like the only liquid that’s left for you to drink to survive, believe me.”
LIKE YES KING!!!!! 👑👑👑 The only voice of reason in this entire book… he’s saying exactly what I’m thinking, and I’m just glad bc right after that the fmc was defeated and admitted she knew he was right, so she couldn’t get mad and didn’t. It was a reality check for her to realize the gravity of the situation, so I’m praying she’s a tiny bit less insufferable as I try to finish this audiobook.
You know what, I think I’m gonna switch this review to hype up Sunny because I’ve already accepted the hatred for the FMC, so now this is a Sunny hype train:
1)“I’m not completely heartless, you know… I might have taken pity on you, just a tiny bit, because, while you did get me slapped across the chops by the strongest person I’ve ever met, tricking you into packing winter clothes to a hot country felt like a way more impressive stunt… I packed you a bag, with everything you would need for a summer holiday,’ he replies. ‘I had a look at what sizes you were grabbing and just filled my second suitcase with things for you. You’re welcome.’
— UNNECESSARY BUT MAJOR GOAT MOVES 🐐👑 — it may have been a mini Barbie dream house closet, but the prank makes it even better hehehe. And even more bonus points because Sunny continues to call the fmc out and I was so so happy 😁
‘You packed a second suitcase for me, listen to how mental you sound,’ I reply, furious, but ever so slightly relieved he didn’t fully commit to the bit.
‘Well, I didn’t need the second suitcase, because I’m not all that superficial, or materialistic,’ he points out with a shrug.
‘Are you saying I’m materialistic?’ I reply, irritated.
‘Look in your hands,’ he laughs.
I glance down at the designer bag I’m hugging.”
— and omg when they finally get to their resort, this was her first reaction that basically emphasizes his point —
“Resting and freshening up sounds like a dream come true to my sore feet and sweaty body. Who knew hiking in designer winter clothing wasn’t it? I feel like I’ve just been involved in a workout for the super-rich. That Birkin did start to feel like a kettlebell, the longer I carried it.”
2)Talking about the retreat they have to go on as a fake couple that needs counseling, and Sunny hits us with this:
“I’ve been having some thoughts, about how we should play this,’ Sonny pipes up, studying another checkpoint to figure out which way we go next. ‘The brief just says we’re not getting on like we used to, and that we’re wondering if we should stay together or call it quits.’
‘Okay,’ I say cautiously, wondering where this is going.
‘I think we should say you’re the problem,’ he concludes.
‘Ha!’ I scoff. ‘Me the problem? You’re the problem.’
I wince at my own clumsy wording but, my God, he infuriates me.
‘No, hear me out, just seeing how you’ve been, since we got off the boat, you’re being moody, pessimistic, complaining and what have you – you’re really good at it,’ he explains, in a voice that makes me think this is all supposed to be a compliment, and yet it’s so, so insulting.
‘Piss off,’ I snap.
‘See what I mean,’ he persists. ‘You’re great at it.”
— But of course she takes offense and tries to clap back saying they should say HE’S the problem because he’s “unserious” —
“All I was saying was, your general misery around the situation will make you a more convincing candidate,’ he says, trying to be clearer, but still not sounding great. ‘Whereas I’m a little more subtle about my feelings.”
MY KING 👑👑👑
—minor interruption to complain about the fmc again —
“The cool sheets and the soft glow of the room’s ambient lighting somehow soothe my aches and help me to unwind. That said, I think the cheeseburger that Brett smuggled to me, and the contraband cup of tea Sonny just made me, have been a big help. The home comforts really make a difference, and I could definitely get used to having multiple men running around after me.”
🙄🙄🙄 this girl is insane
ANYWAY — the anger subsided and wasn’t as extreme by the end, so I consider that a win 🤷🏻♀️
Heads up for a long rant and quotes about why the FMC was insufferable and me going on about hating her!!! The first half of this book made my blood pressure BOIL I’m so shocked I didn’t dnf 😭😭 buuuut then around 30% I switched to a Sunny hype train because here’s another book where the MMC is one million scabillion times better than the FMC >>>
BUUUUT, once we got to the actual retreat and dealt with other characters, it got more bearable to listen to the audiobook and easier to ignore the FMC, and it actually got kind of entertaining to listen but mainly for the plot. The retreat counselor was super unhinged and I kinda loved it. Also, there were some moments when the fmc was actually empathetic and not annoying??? But it was never consistent enough to be something, but a decent person peeked through once in a while….. basically I didn’t hate the ending or the FMC AS MUCH as I did at the start, so the second half definitely barely saved this book. So that’s the only reason why this got two stars… otherwise without the retreat, the FMC and this book was absolute garbage
I know for a fact if I was reading the ebook, I would’ve dnfed at 30%, but since this was background noise for me while I did chill stuff, it was easy to tough it out 🤷🏻♀️
___________________________________
The commentary + quote dump and rant for the first half starts here:
First of all, the telling not showing to explain the “workplace rivals” after a weak character introduction and an attempt of creating an “enemies” situation did not work…. But that’s nothing compared to how insane and stupid the fmc is.
I’m sorry but whatever her face is so dumb and naive…. She’s like “oh Sunny is this and that, we’re also workplace rivals and always try to one up each other”….. tell me why she thought it was a good idea to share her ideas for a major interview/discussion they were both going to have with someone, and when he goes first she’s shocked he stole her idea and presented it instead??? Like ma’am??? If this is your workplace rival why not gatekeep your ideas???
Bruhhhh and the fmc’s reaction to going to a mandatory workplace sexual harassment course and getting annoyed???
“I feel almost relieved to not be in trouble – I haven’t even been on a date in months, never mind harassed anyone.
‘Can I just quietly give this one a miss?’ I ask. ‘We have a fully female writing staff, there’s no one for me to harass, and I’m too busy, and anyway, I know the rules about dating members of the team so, even if Henry Cavill walked in tomorrow, and was, for some reason, remotely interested in me, I would know what to do and what not to do.’
Addison stares patiently as she waits for me to finish babbling.
‘Have you finished?’ she asks.
I just nod.
‘You already know that this course is mandatory for everyone in the building,’ she explains. ‘After… recent events.’
Yeah, recent events being someone at pretty much the top of the company engaging in sketchy practices with female employees and then sacking them soon after. That’s one guy, at the top of the food chain, who probably isn’t even sitting through the course himself. Because of him, and to try to quash the bad press, we’re all having to do this waste-of-time course – well, it’s a waste of time for me, anyway, because I actually find it quite easy to not sleep with someone and then sack them for not wanting to sleep with me any more. Not all of us need a course to know that’s horrendous.”
I’m so glad this is an audiobook bc I genuinely hate her…. She gives off such entitled and stupid energy I hate her so so much….
Oh mannnn, and then this reaction after doing a favor for her friend and going on a double date with a blind date, and it ends up being with her enemy !!!!! What a shocker right???
“I step out into the cool night air. For a moment it feels so nice on my rosy cheeks. But then all at once an icy breeze reminds me that it is January, and with Lauren going off with Jon, that means I won’t be staying at her apartment as planned, so I need to get home.
There are no taxis around, which is unusual, so I grab my phone from my bag and fire up a taxi app. There are no cars available right now and… shit. My battery just died.
As I sigh, unable to believe my luck, I watch as my breath makes a cloud in the air in front of me, reminding me once again what a cold night it is. They say no good deed goes unpunished – this is what I get for doing a favour for my friend.”
She’s so selfish omg, god forbid her friend’s date went well that she ends up not staying over like they originally planned! AND TELL ME HOW SHE KEEPS GETTING WORSE AND WORSE EVERY TIME SHE OPENS HER MOUTH!!! Like she was lying to an interviewer about Sunny 💀💀
“I can’t help but look back, to see what is distracting her. It surprises me that Helen’s gaze seems to fixate on Sonny, who has been ushered to a nearby waiting area. God, don’t tell me she fancies him.
‘I overheard some of your conversation with that man over there,’ Helen remarks, her voice laced with disapproval. ‘He sounds like a real dirtbag.’
I cringe inwardly but then I see an opportunity to get one up on Sonny. If I make sure that Helen doesn’t like him, she won’t give him a good interview. He’ll have to sit in front of her and squirm through the whole thing. That ought to teach him a lesson.
‘Oh, you have no idea,’ I reply with a heavy sigh. ‘He tried to get me to sleep with him last night, even after I walked out on our disastrous date – one I didn’t even want to go on in the first place…’”
— lemme interrupt this quote for a second….SHE misread the situation and thought he was gonna kiss her, he picked up on it and jokingly asked if that’s what she expected, then SHE takes it personally and gets offended and starts flipping him off and freaking out about it before leaving….. ANYWAY —
“… Helen’s brow furrows, clearly taken aback.
‘Seriously?’
I nod, seizing the opportunity to embellish further. I mean, what I’m saying is not technically untrue, is it?
‘And did I hear something about a sexual harassment course?’ she asks.
‘Yes, he was supposed to participate in a mandatory sexual harassment course – we’ve had some trouble in the office – but he drove the course leader so crazy she kicked him out for not taking it seriously…’”
— let me say that SHE was the one who kept bursting out laughing and couldn’t take the exercise seriously bc SHE had to pretend to reach for his butt and she somehow took offense to that???? So they BOTH were kicked out, and she said he was the only one to blame???? I beg to differ!! —
“… Helen’s eyes narrow, and I can see the cogs turning in her mind, and her blood boiling beneath the surface of her skin.
‘Disgusting,’ she mutters.
Ha! Good luck getting a good interview now, Sonny.”
IM SCREAMING I HATE HER SO SO MUCH…. All this literal LYING to make her competition look bad. So then she watched Helen and Sunny’s interview right, and this went down:
“I take a seat and watch as Sonny steps up for his interview with Helen. His charming personality is engaged, but it’s clear that his charisma is falling flat with the leader of the elf army. I’m gripped, as though I were watching an episode of the show, as I watch him doing the most to try to chat with Helen, but Helen resembles a brick wall in front of him. She’s strong, still, silent, giving nothing back.
Sonny seems to dial up the charm even more but, still, Helen isn’t interested. She looks unimpressed… furious even… wait!
The sound of Helen slapping Sonny across the face echoes around the room. Sonny’s chair wobbles precariously, and he clutches his face in shock, clearly caught off guard.
Security personnel swoop in, appearing seemingly from nowhere, moving swiftly to restrain Helen as she shouts furiously.
‘You need to learn how to treat women!’ she yells at him. ‘Why don’t you pick on one your own size?”
I cringe, sinking deeper into my seat. Once again, the rivalry, tension – whatever you want to file it under – between me and Sonny has created a scene. Here in the room, the commotion begins to settle. However, back at the office, I can’t see this not coming up. I just essentially got a megastar – and an ex-professional wrestler, no less – to assault Sonny for me. If I was higher up in the company, I imagine there would be a course for this, and we would say no more about it but, being just a lowly writer, I don’t know. I don’t think I’m going to get away with this one.”
I HATE HER I HATE HER I HATE HER I HATTTTTTEEEE HERRRR SO FREAKING MUCH…..
So then of course her boss wants to talk to her about it…..
“Lara, explain to me how this happened,’ she demands, her nostrils flaring with each syllable.
I swallow hard, weighing my options. Honesty is usually the best policy but the truth doesn’t sound all that great, does it? Obviously, I never wanted Helen to slap Sonny, I just thought exaggerating the truth slightly would ultimately mean I got a better interview than him – just like he did with me, days ago, when he stole my interview topics for Troy Reeves – but saying ‘he did it first’ isn’t an excuse, is it? Because we’re not schoolkids, we’re grown-ups, here to do a grown-up job. We shouldn’t be letting our personal rivalry come into it.”
Surprise surprise, she got out of trouble without any issue!! I need to stop ranting here because I’d have a review the length of this book if I kept pointing out why I hate the fmc 💀 just know that the entire time I listened to the audiobook I wanted to punch the fmc and lost more and more of my sanity ✌🏼
Here are some annotations I’ll just add:
“Sonny catches my eye, that mischievous glint ever-present, and it strikes me that maybe, just maybe, it’s possible that he’s both on to something and enjoying watching me squirm. Maybe he does understand this game better than I do. Maybe there is something in never taking anything seriously, of coasting through life with an air of entitlement. His confidence – and self-confidence – never cease to amaze me. Maybe that’s what I need, if I’m going to stand a chance of pulling this off.”
Who’s gonna tell her???
Time jump but my jaw is DROPPED in awe at how STUPID this girl is…… both the characters have to go on a hike and the girl throws a fit about that because ew, hiking right? It’s a hot tropical climate and the guy knew but didn’t tell the girl as revenge for getting slapped in the face, whatever. BUT THEN the fmc picks up a bag they got and complained about it being heavy, opens it to find water bottles, and instead of being like “okay makes sense, it’s hot out and we’re hiking, water is a hot commodity”…. But nope!!! She’s like “no wonder it’s so heavy!” And shoutout Sunny, the only logical character, for saying “Well, we’re hiking in tropical weather, so it wouldn’t be great if they didn’t give us water…” because VALID…. And omg I’m just going to throw in the quote because I had to PAUSE the audiobook to process the sheer stupidity of the fmc, because WHO dumps a brand new bottle of water on a HIKE in a HOT TROPICAL CLIMATE just because the bag is heavy 💀💀
“The first checkpoint, meaning there are more to come – I wonder how many? Look, I don’t want to be that girl, but I’m sweaty, I’m dirty, I’m boiling, there are bugs and critters and I’m just really, really not into this at all. Everything overwhelms me and I slump down onto the sand, clutching my Birkin bag, which suddenly feels more like an anchor than a fashion accessory. I hug it, as though it were my last connection to civilisation. Then I have an idea. I take a bottle of water from my bag and remove the lid.
‘Good idea,’ Sonny says. ‘We should hydrate and – whoa, what are you doing?’
He shrieks with horror as he watches me emptying out my bottle of water on the sand.The sand drinks it up in an instant, not wanting to share a drop with the roasting hot world above.
‘I’m pouring it out,’ I tell him. ‘Well, I’m not exactly going to leave the plastic bottles on the beach, am I?’
‘It’s for the hike,’ he reminds me.
‘Which I won’t be able to do if I have to carry all these heavy water bottles around with me. Relax, it’s just one or two.”
She is genuinely an idiot, I can’t…. But since I can’t physically reach for her and wring her neck through the pages of a book, Sunny rightfully called her out:
“Lara, have you never seen any survival show on TV?’
He asks this as though it would be weird if I hadn’t.
‘No,’ I practically laugh. ‘Unless I’ve somehow always missed the week on Love Island where they force them to live on pool water and flavoured lube.’
‘You’re such a baby sometimes,’ he points out. ‘You don’t stop to think about the consequences of your actions.’
‘Says you,’ I clap back.
‘You’re never going to find me pouring away the only clean water I have, on a hot day, in the middle of nowhere,’ he points out. ‘But you, no, you’re just going for it, without giving a second thought to what will happen when you’re thirsty. If you waste your water, and I drink all of mine, you’re not going to like the only liquid that’s left for you to drink to survive, believe me.”
LIKE YES KING!!!!! 👑👑👑 The only voice of reason in this entire book… he’s saying exactly what I’m thinking, and I’m just glad bc right after that the fmc was defeated and admitted she knew he was right, so she couldn’t get mad and didn’t. It was a reality check for her to realize the gravity of the situation, so I’m praying she’s a tiny bit less insufferable as I try to finish this audiobook.
You know what, I think I’m gonna switch this review to hype up Sunny because I’ve already accepted the hatred for the FMC, so now this is a Sunny hype train:
1)“I’m not completely heartless, you know… I might have taken pity on you, just a tiny bit, because, while you did get me slapped across the chops by the strongest person I’ve ever met, tricking you into packing winter clothes to a hot country felt like a way more impressive stunt… I packed you a bag, with everything you would need for a summer holiday,’ he replies. ‘I had a look at what sizes you were grabbing and just filled my second suitcase with things for you. You’re welcome.’
— UNNECESSARY BUT MAJOR GOAT MOVES 🐐👑 — it may have been a mini Barbie dream house closet, but the prank makes it even better hehehe. And even more bonus points because Sunny continues to call the fmc out and I was so so happy 😁
‘You packed a second suitcase for me, listen to how mental you sound,’ I reply, furious, but ever so slightly relieved he didn’t fully commit to the bit.
‘Well, I didn’t need the second suitcase, because I’m not all that superficial, or materialistic,’ he points out with a shrug.
‘Are you saying I’m materialistic?’ I reply, irritated.
‘Look in your hands,’ he laughs.
I glance down at the designer bag I’m hugging.”
— and omg when they finally get to their resort, this was her first reaction that basically emphasizes his point —
“Resting and freshening up sounds like a dream come true to my sore feet and sweaty body. Who knew hiking in designer winter clothing wasn’t it? I feel like I’ve just been involved in a workout for the super-rich. That Birkin did start to feel like a kettlebell, the longer I carried it.”
2)Talking about the retreat they have to go on as a fake couple that needs counseling, and Sunny hits us with this:
“I’ve been having some thoughts, about how we should play this,’ Sonny pipes up, studying another checkpoint to figure out which way we go next. ‘The brief just says we’re not getting on like we used to, and that we’re wondering if we should stay together or call it quits.’
‘Okay,’ I say cautiously, wondering where this is going.
‘I think we should say you’re the problem,’ he concludes.
‘Ha!’ I scoff. ‘Me the problem? You’re the problem.’
I wince at my own clumsy wording but, my God, he infuriates me.
‘No, hear me out, just seeing how you’ve been, since we got off the boat, you’re being moody, pessimistic, complaining and what have you – you’re really good at it,’ he explains, in a voice that makes me think this is all supposed to be a compliment, and yet it’s so, so insulting.
‘Piss off,’ I snap.
‘See what I mean,’ he persists. ‘You’re great at it.”
— But of course she takes offense and tries to clap back saying they should say HE’S the problem because he’s “unserious” —
“All I was saying was, your general misery around the situation will make you a more convincing candidate,’ he says, trying to be clearer, but still not sounding great. ‘Whereas I’m a little more subtle about my feelings.”
MY KING 👑👑👑
—minor interruption to complain about the fmc again —
“The cool sheets and the soft glow of the room’s ambient lighting somehow soothe my aches and help me to unwind. That said, I think the cheeseburger that Brett smuggled to me, and the contraband cup of tea Sonny just made me, have been a big help. The home comforts really make a difference, and I could definitely get used to having multiple men running around after me.”
🙄🙄🙄 this girl is insane
ANYWAY — the anger subsided and wasn’t as extreme by the end, so I consider that a win 🤷🏻♀️
January 14, 2024
This was THE definition of enemies to lovers and I loved every second of it! A forced proximity, workplace, second chance romance that sees two rival journalists sent undercover to get dirt on a famous couple who are staying at an ultra exclusive, secretive resort. Highly entertaining and great on audio, this felt like watching a romcom in all the best ways. Definitely recommended and my new favorite by this author!
January 20, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5
Nine Perfect Strangers crossed with Love Island! Lara and Sonny are workplace enemies in the showbiz journalist industry. Sonny is an arrogant, sure of himself showbiz journalist who will stop at nothing to secure the best deal for himself, immediately throwing Lara under the bus wherever possible. Due to a conflicting complication at work, Lara and Sonny are faced with having to go undercover and stay at a celebrity retreat designed for couples to figure out their relationship. However, this retreat is like no other. Designed to be challenging, Lara and Sonny’s only option is to join forces. The real question is whether this will be plain sailing, or if there will be further stresses along the way…
✨
I really liked this! It was comical from the very beginning and was a nice, light hearted read. Both characters were extremely likeable. I enjoyed the dynamics of the retreat too. Portia Macintosh plays a blinder again!
Nine Perfect Strangers crossed with Love Island! Lara and Sonny are workplace enemies in the showbiz journalist industry. Sonny is an arrogant, sure of himself showbiz journalist who will stop at nothing to secure the best deal for himself, immediately throwing Lara under the bus wherever possible. Due to a conflicting complication at work, Lara and Sonny are faced with having to go undercover and stay at a celebrity retreat designed for couples to figure out their relationship. However, this retreat is like no other. Designed to be challenging, Lara and Sonny’s only option is to join forces. The real question is whether this will be plain sailing, or if there will be further stresses along the way…
✨
I really liked this! It was comical from the very beginning and was a nice, light hearted read. Both characters were extremely likeable. I enjoyed the dynamics of the retreat too. Portia Macintosh plays a blinder again!
November 22, 2023
[3.25⭐️]
Romance books are often unrealistic and that’s usually part of the fun of it, but with this one it was way too much to fully enjoy.
Some bits we’re actually funny so it wasn’t all bad but in the end it was just a bland book. I read other books by this author and they’re always such cute and funny books but I guess I didn’t really fully connect with this one.
Another problem for me was that we didn’t really have romance scenes until the 75% of the book: before that point the romantic interactions were close to zero and even after there were only a few scenes between the two, so it all felt a bit too rushed.
•
•
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
Pub Date: 4 January 2024
Romance books are often unrealistic and that’s usually part of the fun of it, but with this one it was way too much to fully enjoy.
Some bits we’re actually funny so it wasn’t all bad but in the end it was just a bland book. I read other books by this author and they’re always such cute and funny books but I guess I didn’t really fully connect with this one.
Another problem for me was that we didn’t really have romance scenes until the 75% of the book: before that point the romantic interactions were close to zero and even after there were only a few scenes between the two, so it all felt a bit too rushed.
•
•
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
Pub Date: 4 January 2024
September 26, 2025
Not as good as others books I’ve read by this author. I just didn’t click with the main female character and I found it quite boring.
November 23, 2023
Enemies to Lovers gives the game away with the title from the off. Yes, this is a story, and the trope is exactly that. Enemies to Lovers.
Two people who have an age-old vendetta against one another, Lara and Sonny, work together as journalists in the same role, but for two separate magazines. There is plenty of one-upmanship going on all the time.
One such occurrence goes a step too far and their editors decide to send them off on a secret mission, where they will need to spend a lot of time together, which is not something either of them want to do.
The concept is there. It's an easy read. They hate each other, then they fall in lust/love. With a job to complete on the side!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
Two people who have an age-old vendetta against one another, Lara and Sonny, work together as journalists in the same role, but for two separate magazines. There is plenty of one-upmanship going on all the time.
One such occurrence goes a step too far and their editors decide to send them off on a secret mission, where they will need to spend a lot of time together, which is not something either of them want to do.
The concept is there. It's an easy read. They hate each other, then they fall in lust/love. With a job to complete on the side!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
February 20, 2024
This is why I love a good stand alone. It was short and sweet, had a great story from beginning to end and had me locked in till the end of the book.
December 11, 2023
I rounded up to 3 stars because I’m a fan of the authors but this was definitely my least favorite of her work so far. There are some fun bits but the plot kinda fell flat and was more than a little cliche. The main character was seriously annoying and quite childish, which made her hard to like. It’s a shame because as always the writing itself was good and it had potential to be more than it ended up being. It just never got there for me. The “enemies to lovers “ trope was misleading as they were work rivals at most.
It was all quite underwhelming sadly. Oh well they can’t all be a smash. On to the next one!
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
It was all quite underwhelming sadly. Oh well they can’t all be a smash. On to the next one!
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
August 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this it was so easy and quick to read. The writing was decent and it was funny— proper good British humour that didn’t feel forced!! The characters were likeable and the actual plot I thought was really unique and interesting. I think that’s a big part of why I liked it so much!! To critique though I’d say it definitely could have been a lot longer and gone into more detail on certain aspects etc. but it was decent as it was and I just really enjoyed reading it so 4 stars from me!
September 1, 2024
The Unhoneymooners x The Hating Game
Sonny and Lara are workplace rivals who can’t stand each other. Everything is a competition. Constant prank wars. And then they get put on an assignment together that forces them to pose as a couple at a high-end, exclusive couple’s retreat. It’s a riotously good time.
Read if you like:
- rivals to lovers
- workplace romance
- prank wars
- cheeky British banter
- forced proximity
- fake dating
- exclusive island resort setting
Sonny and Lara are workplace rivals who can’t stand each other. Everything is a competition. Constant prank wars. And then they get put on an assignment together that forces them to pose as a couple at a high-end, exclusive couple’s retreat. It’s a riotously good time.
Read if you like:
- rivals to lovers
- workplace romance
- prank wars
- cheeky British banter
- forced proximity
- fake dating
- exclusive island resort setting
November 25, 2023
This story was okay but it was missing something. Firstly the title feels like it's trying to hard and doesn't even accurately represent the relationship between Sonny and Lara which is more of a rivals to lovers (and poor ones at that). There was little to no chemistry between the two main characters and it was unbelievable that they'd actually have a healthy relationship. The writing was good and some parts were funny but the story was just lacking. Thank you to netgalley for providing me with the copy in exchange for review.
February 3, 2024
Small cosy and silly x perfect for a day of packing before I MOVE TO LONDON
March 30, 2024
This was a cute, easy read
helped me stay out of my slump after not reading for like two weeks:)
10/10 would recommend
helped me stay out of my slump after not reading for like two weeks:)
10/10 would recommend
August 8, 2024
Was getting Nine Perfect Strangers vibes to begin with, but that kinda fizzled out and came to nothing really. could still have been 3 stars, but the ending was a bit blah.
September 6, 2024
The main character is insufferable. The plot is rushed. But easy read on a plane.
October 22, 2024
Listened to it on Hoopla. I wasn’t deeply invested but it was a cute story.
November 12, 2024
3.5 stars
Reminded me of a mix of the hating game and shipped, with a twist. Cute and quick romcom read to ease me back into my long term book slump.
Reminded me of a mix of the hating game and shipped, with a twist. Cute and quick romcom read to ease me back into my long term book slump.
September 21, 2024
After the darkness of the cat & mouse series I decided I needed something a little lighthearted. Hit the spot for the light heartedness but felt like there could've been more to the story and that there was something missing.
April 26, 2024
it was bad. poorly written, not interesting, no romantic development. yeah, feel good. but with an incredibly one dimensional main character and one dimensional love interest. i don’t know how two boring, unchangeable people could end up together. but this just seemed like someone’s poorly developed pet project.
don’t read this book.
don’t read this book.
March 3, 2024
Enemies to Lovers
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Portia MacIntosh
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: As rival showbiz journalists, they are always out to get one-up on each other – whether being the first to scoop the latest celebrity gossip, or sabotaging a potential lead.
So when their bosses ask them to join forces and go undercover at an exclusive celebrity retreat, they can’t think of anything worse - except that they are going to need to pretend to be in couples therapy to blend in...
Being on a tropical island for work would be most people’s idea of heaven, but for Lara and Sonny it’s hell. Can a week of sun, sea and uncovering showbiz secrets together chip away at Lara and Sonny’s rivalry? And once they get home and the fake relationship is over, could a real one be left in its place?
My Thoughts: This was a cute, endearing love story between two competing work rivals. It was a bit slower than I would have liked, however, I am a fan of this author’s previous works so I managed to pull through the story. Lara and Sonny have known each other since college, even dated some in college. Today, they work in journalism under the same brand, two different departments, and always trying to one up each other. There latest one upping has landed them both in the principal’s office a/k/a boss’s office. In order to redeem themselves, they must go undercover as a couple at a reclusive and exclusive retreat that caters to the wealthy. The resort resembles a couple therapy treatment center and their methods seem unorthodox. Will Lara and Sonny make it through the retreat with a juicy story or will they end hating each other more? This follows the tropes of work rivals to lovers, forced proximity, fake dating, and second chance. There was celebrity and journalism representations throughout the story.
I felt like both of our MCs were childish and petty, more so Lara than Sonny, however, they both had the qualities. While pranking and playing jokes on people happens when we are adults, when you do a joke that could have real life consequences, that just seems a bit too far. Some of things that happened, most adults would consider serious happenings, and these two just did not take things seriously enough. Most professional journalists can sense when someone is pushing for a story, yet Lara never saw it. I felt the relationships that Lara established with the other women at the retreat was genuine and it evolved, where the relationship between Lara and Sonny did not really evolve, its was just not there one page and there the next. I liked how you got a little inside on a celebrity’s life, how hard it is sometimes being an entertainer, people think they should always be entertainers and the paparazzi holds no bar into their personal lives. Having said all of this, I still really enjoyed this story. There was some character development, there was definitely banter, tension, and chemistry between Lara and Sonny. The author’s writing style was funny, endearing, swoony, and engaging.
I have loved MacIntosh’s previous books and would not hesitate to read another. I would still recommend this book, it just may not be for everyone.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Portia MacIntosh
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: As rival showbiz journalists, they are always out to get one-up on each other – whether being the first to scoop the latest celebrity gossip, or sabotaging a potential lead.
So when their bosses ask them to join forces and go undercover at an exclusive celebrity retreat, they can’t think of anything worse - except that they are going to need to pretend to be in couples therapy to blend in...
Being on a tropical island for work would be most people’s idea of heaven, but for Lara and Sonny it’s hell. Can a week of sun, sea and uncovering showbiz secrets together chip away at Lara and Sonny’s rivalry? And once they get home and the fake relationship is over, could a real one be left in its place?
My Thoughts: This was a cute, endearing love story between two competing work rivals. It was a bit slower than I would have liked, however, I am a fan of this author’s previous works so I managed to pull through the story. Lara and Sonny have known each other since college, even dated some in college. Today, they work in journalism under the same brand, two different departments, and always trying to one up each other. There latest one upping has landed them both in the principal’s office a/k/a boss’s office. In order to redeem themselves, they must go undercover as a couple at a reclusive and exclusive retreat that caters to the wealthy. The resort resembles a couple therapy treatment center and their methods seem unorthodox. Will Lara and Sonny make it through the retreat with a juicy story or will they end hating each other more? This follows the tropes of work rivals to lovers, forced proximity, fake dating, and second chance. There was celebrity and journalism representations throughout the story.
I felt like both of our MCs were childish and petty, more so Lara than Sonny, however, they both had the qualities. While pranking and playing jokes on people happens when we are adults, when you do a joke that could have real life consequences, that just seems a bit too far. Some of things that happened, most adults would consider serious happenings, and these two just did not take things seriously enough. Most professional journalists can sense when someone is pushing for a story, yet Lara never saw it. I felt the relationships that Lara established with the other women at the retreat was genuine and it evolved, where the relationship between Lara and Sonny did not really evolve, its was just not there one page and there the next. I liked how you got a little inside on a celebrity’s life, how hard it is sometimes being an entertainer, people think they should always be entertainers and the paparazzi holds no bar into their personal lives. Having said all of this, I still really enjoyed this story. There was some character development, there was definitely banter, tension, and chemistry between Lara and Sonny. The author’s writing style was funny, endearing, swoony, and engaging.
I have loved MacIntosh’s previous books and would not hesitate to read another. I would still recommend this book, it just may not be for everyone.
December 7, 2023
Portia does it again with a book filled with love, laughter and many cringe moments.
It is brilliantly written and Portia is one of my instant read authors so I'd expected nothing less. The island was beautiful, so many stunning visions, the Otter pool made me smile.
I was so happy with the ending, it really was perfect for the book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It is brilliantly written and Portia is one of my instant read authors so I'd expected nothing less. The island was beautiful, so many stunning visions, the Otter pool made me smile.
I was so happy with the ending, it really was perfect for the book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 11, 2023
The writing was light and easy to get into. I enjoyed reading about the dynamic between the two main characters. I also liked the fact that there were lots of little things touched upon, but we didn't linger too long on anything. There was enough detail to keep my interest and once I put the book down I looked forward to picking it up again to see what was going to happen next.
The chapters were fairly long so you could get immersed in what was going on before moving on. There was a good pace to the book with nothing being overdone, thus resulting in moving quickly through the story.
The characters were excellent. They made me smile with their attitude towards life and one another. The minor characters around them did a good job in highlighting the main characters' personalities and provided good entertainment. I actually would have liked to have read more about the other characters. It felt like there was a good base that could have been built upon further.
Lastly the settings. I loved being taken to a mystery Island and reading about the mix of luxury and basic survival. Again I feel like there was a good base more could have been added here.
Overall an enjoyable story and something that I would recommend for a light, fairly quick, holiday read.
The chapters were fairly long so you could get immersed in what was going on before moving on. There was a good pace to the book with nothing being overdone, thus resulting in moving quickly through the story.
The characters were excellent. They made me smile with their attitude towards life and one another. The minor characters around them did a good job in highlighting the main characters' personalities and provided good entertainment. I actually would have liked to have read more about the other characters. It felt like there was a good base that could have been built upon further.
Lastly the settings. I loved being taken to a mystery Island and reading about the mix of luxury and basic survival. Again I feel like there was a good base more could have been added here.
Overall an enjoyable story and something that I would recommend for a light, fairly quick, holiday read.
November 13, 2023
This story was a ton of fun. There were elements that reminded me a lot of Portia MacIntosh’s previous books, but there were also elements that seemed really unique. It was a really quick and enjoyable read.
I really liked all of the characters. There were quite a few prominent side characters, and I felt like we really got to know them all well in addition to both Lara and Sonny. I didn’t really get a true ‘enemies’ vibe from them, but I do think it was shown well why they had tension, and I appreciated the way that was handled and that their backstory was shown too.
The moment with Sonny and the food was probably my favourite scene, I laughed out loud at multiple lines at that part. And then I really, really liked the ending. Everything was tied up nicely with this story, but I can’t help but wish for a little follow up novella or bonus chapter one day with the way it ended. I really did like the ending, and I just think it would be fun to revisit the characters again.
Thank you to Boldwood Books & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book! I voluntarily read this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really liked all of the characters. There were quite a few prominent side characters, and I felt like we really got to know them all well in addition to both Lara and Sonny. I didn’t really get a true ‘enemies’ vibe from them, but I do think it was shown well why they had tension, and I appreciated the way that was handled and that their backstory was shown too.
The moment with Sonny and the food was probably my favourite scene, I laughed out loud at multiple lines at that part. And then I really, really liked the ending. Everything was tied up nicely with this story, but I can’t help but wish for a little follow up novella or bonus chapter one day with the way it ended. I really did like the ending, and I just think it would be fun to revisit the characters again.
Thank you to Boldwood Books & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book! I voluntarily read this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 10, 2023
Portia MacIntosh always writes my favourite lighthearted and sweet romances. She never fails to tell a great story with some hilarious moments.
I did hope to love this one more than I did. It was a enjoyable read and had some great funny moments, but I didn't quite feel the chemistry between Sonny and Lara. There was just something missing between them, and at times I found Lara more childish than funny.
Portia MacIntosh will always be a go to read for me. I will always recommend her!
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood and Portia for allowing me to read this book as an ARC. This is my honest reveiw.
I did hope to love this one more than I did. It was a enjoyable read and had some great funny moments, but I didn't quite feel the chemistry between Sonny and Lara. There was just something missing between them, and at times I found Lara more childish than funny.
Portia MacIntosh will always be a go to read for me. I will always recommend her!
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood and Portia for allowing me to read this book as an ARC. This is my honest reveiw.
March 6, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a lighthearted romance that was extremely easy to read, so this would probably be a good choice if you just wanted to switch your brain off for a while and read something simple.
However, it wasn’t my cup of tea at all. The name of the book is overly simplified and the chemistry between the two main characters was non-existent. Whilst I enjoyed the couples retreat storyline and the interactions between the women, the romance fell way short of expectations and the writing was pretty lacklustre.
This was a lighthearted romance that was extremely easy to read, so this would probably be a good choice if you just wanted to switch your brain off for a while and read something simple.
However, it wasn’t my cup of tea at all. The name of the book is overly simplified and the chemistry between the two main characters was non-existent. Whilst I enjoyed the couples retreat storyline and the interactions between the women, the romance fell way short of expectations and the writing was pretty lacklustre.
January 14, 2024
Quick and easy read!
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