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The Callaghan Sisters #5
Am I Allergic to Men?
Could things get any worse?!I lost my memory, I’m so single I’ve basically got an allergy to men, and my own cat hates me.
‘Lucy! If you can hear me, squeeze my hand!’
That’s the first thing I hear when I wake up in hospital. Then my sister drops a bombshell: I’ve been in a coma.
It gets worse. In my head, it’s 2009 and I’m seventeen. Somehow, I need to remember the last decade…
Plan A: Track down my exes. Highlights include a one-night stand with a guy in a Batman costume, and balcony sex that gave the neighbours a nervous breakdown.
Plan B: Get flirty. Lowlights include a fling with someone hairier than a yeti.
Plan C: Figure out why I have more exes than underwear. Am I allergic to men?
As I piece together my past, I find a mysterious note: ‘Oscar, 9th February’. But I have no idea who Oscar is… Determined to find out, I uncover a secret I’ve been hiding from everyone.
When the truth comes out, will my memory return? Will I get my life back? Will I ever cure my singledom? And how can I make my cat stop hating me?!
You’ll laugh so much your abs ache! The perfect page-turner for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Mhairi McFarlane and Lindsey Kelk.
‘Lucy! If you can hear me, squeeze my hand!’
That’s the first thing I hear when I wake up in hospital. Then my sister drops a bombshell: I’ve been in a coma.
It gets worse. In my head, it’s 2009 and I’m seventeen. Somehow, I need to remember the last decade…
Plan A: Track down my exes. Highlights include a one-night stand with a guy in a Batman costume, and balcony sex that gave the neighbours a nervous breakdown.
Plan B: Get flirty. Lowlights include a fling with someone hairier than a yeti.
Plan C: Figure out why I have more exes than underwear. Am I allergic to men?
As I piece together my past, I find a mysterious note: ‘Oscar, 9th February’. But I have no idea who Oscar is… Determined to find out, I uncover a secret I’ve been hiding from everyone.
When the truth comes out, will my memory return? Will I get my life back? Will I ever cure my singledom? And how can I make my cat stop hating me?!
You’ll laugh so much your abs ache! The perfect page-turner for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Mhairi McFarlane and Lindsey Kelk.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2022
239 people are currently reading
809 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
January 31, 2022
This ARC was provided by the publisher through Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review, I'm extremely grateful to them.
And here it goes, I went into this with no other expectations but to laugh out loud. I got more, I laughed out loud like I was crazy, but I also loved the sisters relationship how each of them has a part and you get to know them throughout the book.
I absolutely enjoyed the chemistry between the sisters and even the parents. The quest to get her memory back with the information from her phone...
Lucy is a force of nature, unapologetic, free and with no regrets. And the love around her is beautiful. And this story is not about the memory loss or the men, is about love.
The only down side for me is that it felt a bit exaggerated.
But I enjoyed it sincerely, it even made me wish that I had sisters.
And here it goes, I went into this with no other expectations but to laugh out loud. I got more, I laughed out loud like I was crazy, but I also loved the sisters relationship how each of them has a part and you get to know them throughout the book.
I absolutely enjoyed the chemistry between the sisters and even the parents. The quest to get her memory back with the information from her phone...
Lucy is a force of nature, unapologetic, free and with no regrets. And the love around her is beautiful. And this story is not about the memory loss or the men, is about love.
The only down side for me is that it felt a bit exaggerated.
But I enjoyed it sincerely, it even made me wish that I had sisters.
January 24, 2022
➵ 1.5 stars
Let me be honest, I got interested in this book because of its title. If you stumbled across a book called "Am I Allergic to Men", you're bound to be interested. I thought it would be an entertaining rom-com discussing some themes of feminism. But in reality, it provided none of these....
"Am I Allergic to Men" follows a woman called Lucy. One day, she wakes up from Coma and realizes she has lost the last 10 years of her memory. In her mind, she's still 17. Throughout the story, we follow her journey of reflecting back on the lost 10 years of her life.
I didn't like our main character Lucy. She was annoying .She thought herself incredibly funny and hilarious. But her actions gave me serious level of cringe. She was obnoxious as hell; irresponsible and irritating. Lucy's character totally fell flat and failed to meet my expectations (my expectations were very low. I guess that says a lot.)
The siblings dynamic between Lucy and her elder sisters played a major role in this book. I personally didn't like her sisters. All of their characters seemed two dimensional and boring to me.
The humor would receive a big "No" from me. The book wasn't funny at all.
The writing was also bad. I had to read some of the paragraphs several times to understand what was going on. To be honest, I skimmed lots of page of the book. I was getting angry and I just wanted to finish it one way or another.
｡☆✼★━━━━━━━━━━━━★✼☆｡
Thanks to Net-Galley and publishers for providing the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Let me be honest, I got interested in this book because of its title. If you stumbled across a book called "Am I Allergic to Men", you're bound to be interested. I thought it would be an entertaining rom-com discussing some themes of feminism. But in reality, it provided none of these....
"Am I Allergic to Men" follows a woman called Lucy. One day, she wakes up from Coma and realizes she has lost the last 10 years of her memory. In her mind, she's still 17. Throughout the story, we follow her journey of reflecting back on the lost 10 years of her life.
I didn't like our main character Lucy. She was annoying .She thought herself incredibly funny and hilarious. But her actions gave me serious level of cringe. She was obnoxious as hell; irresponsible and irritating. Lucy's character totally fell flat and failed to meet my expectations (my expectations were very low. I guess that says a lot.)
The siblings dynamic between Lucy and her elder sisters played a major role in this book. I personally didn't like her sisters. All of their characters seemed two dimensional and boring to me.
The humor would receive a big "No" from me. The book wasn't funny at all.
The writing was also bad. I had to read some of the paragraphs several times to understand what was going on. To be honest, I skimmed lots of page of the book. I was getting angry and I just wanted to finish it one way or another.
｡☆✼★━━━━━━━━━━━━★✼☆｡
Thanks to Net-Galley and publishers for providing the arc in exchange for my honest review.
February 8, 2022
“When is it acceptable to drop kick a child? This one is about 8, I don’t think I’d be able to kick him very far.”
The second that quote reached my ears I was hooked, I laughed so hard I couldn’t not continue listening to the audiobook. Absolutely nothing else mattered to me and I focussed all of my attention to listening to this wonderful book, whereas I normally have two audiobooks on the go alongside around 2-4 physical books.
Poor Lucy ends up playing a game of chicken with a bus, and loses quite badly, which sees her end up in a coma in hospital. When she wakes up she knows who she is, but she can’t remember anything that happened over the last decade… she’s still 17 in her head. What follows is the hilarious encounters she has with friends, family, colleagues and ex-lovers to try and piece together exactly what happened during her life for those years she can’t recall.
Lucy is an absolute badass. She doesn’t take crap from anyone, and she stands up for what she believes is right even if she’s the only one doing so. She takes life by the literal balls and stays true to herself. When she finds out the guy she just slept with actually has a girlfriend she doesn’t take the easy way out like most people, oh no, Lucy goes to introduce herself and let that girlfriend know exactly what happened and that she was sorry, she even gives them her number in case they need any support. That’s just the kind of person she is, she has a big heart and a loud as hell mouth to go along with it. Lucy might actually be my new hero.
From now on when someone says “I love Lucy” my mind won’t instantly go to the tv show from many many moons ago, oh no, my mind will go straight to Lucy Callaghan. Thank you Negalley for the e-arc and thank you Kristen Bailey for introducing me to Lucy.
The second that quote reached my ears I was hooked, I laughed so hard I couldn’t not continue listening to the audiobook. Absolutely nothing else mattered to me and I focussed all of my attention to listening to this wonderful book, whereas I normally have two audiobooks on the go alongside around 2-4 physical books.
Poor Lucy ends up playing a game of chicken with a bus, and loses quite badly, which sees her end up in a coma in hospital. When she wakes up she knows who she is, but she can’t remember anything that happened over the last decade… she’s still 17 in her head. What follows is the hilarious encounters she has with friends, family, colleagues and ex-lovers to try and piece together exactly what happened during her life for those years she can’t recall.
Lucy is an absolute badass. She doesn’t take crap from anyone, and she stands up for what she believes is right even if she’s the only one doing so. She takes life by the literal balls and stays true to herself. When she finds out the guy she just slept with actually has a girlfriend she doesn’t take the easy way out like most people, oh no, Lucy goes to introduce herself and let that girlfriend know exactly what happened and that she was sorry, she even gives them her number in case they need any support. That’s just the kind of person she is, she has a big heart and a loud as hell mouth to go along with it. Lucy might actually be my new hero.
From now on when someone says “I love Lucy” my mind won’t instantly go to the tv show from many many moons ago, oh no, my mind will go straight to Lucy Callaghan. Thank you Negalley for the e-arc and thank you Kristen Bailey for introducing me to Lucy.
June 7, 2023
*Disappointing*
**2.5 Stars**
This series of books has been great each one concentrates on each sister. However this one I almost dnf as the youngest sister Lucy’s story did nothing for me. It was pointless swearing for swearing sake and antics that made me roll my eyes 👀 then she has an accident that means she wakes up 10 years younger in her head. So the 4 other sisters get together to help her piece together the 10 years she missed. Never have I ever wanted a book to end so badly.
The best parts in the book were towards the end of the book sadly it did not change my mind enough to give it more stars. I added the narration but I felt it did not add much to the story the first book in the series was by far the stand out of them all.
**2.5 Stars**
This series of books has been great each one concentrates on each sister. However this one I almost dnf as the youngest sister Lucy’s story did nothing for me. It was pointless swearing for swearing sake and antics that made me roll my eyes 👀 then she has an accident that means she wakes up 10 years younger in her head. So the 4 other sisters get together to help her piece together the 10 years she missed. Never have I ever wanted a book to end so badly.
The best parts in the book were towards the end of the book sadly it did not change my mind enough to give it more stars. I added the narration but I felt it did not add much to the story the first book in the series was by far the stand out of them all.
December 31, 2021
2.5 stars
This was the first book I read by this author. I didn't find it extremely humorous, bu the main Lucy, kept me interested in the story. The family dynamic between Lucy and her siblings was my favorite thing.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was the first book I read by this author. I didn't find it extremely humorous, bu the main Lucy, kept me interested in the story. The family dynamic between Lucy and her siblings was my favorite thing.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Am I Allergic To Men?' by Kristen Bailey.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Kristen Bailey, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 3rd February 2022.
This is the second book I have read by this author. It is also the fifth book in the 'The Callaghan Sisters' series but can be read as a standalone. I have also read the fourth book in this series called 'How Much Wine Will Fix My Broken Heart?' which is the fourth book in this series and which I loved and would definitely recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'The perfect page-turner for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and TV shows like Schitt’s Creek.' I am a huge fan of Sophie Kinsella so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Kristen Bailey and if this is half as good as' How Much Wine Will Fix A Broken Heart?' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 21 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in England, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. The fact that this book is based in Ireland is even better as I have been on holiday in England many times so may even recognise some places Kristen has set the book around.
This book is written in first person perspective and the main protagonist is Lucy. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on.
'Am I Allergic To Men' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Kristen discusses/includes strong language and sexual content. Due to these I would recommend reading age of 16 plus.
OMG!!!! I CANNOT REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I LAUGHED SO MUCH!!! What an absolutely page turning, refreshing, laugh a minute read!!!! It is perfectly written to hook the reader in and the title, cover and synopsis is perfect for the storyline.
I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this book which got me hook, line and sinker!! I absolutely devoured it in one reading and was completely absorbed throughout!! I loved that it feels that Lucy is talking directly to me over a cup of tea at the kitchen table. I coinldnt stop laughing from the first page to the end. I adore the fact that although there are quite sad moments and emotional times that within minutes Kristen has you laughing until you are in tears again. As a parent myself I can completely relate to some parts of this storyline and to many of the parents, which made it all the more belivable and lovable. This book is a complete breathe of fresh air and is the perfect mix of 'Bridesmaids' and 'The Hangover' and 'Bridget Jones Diaries' but funnier!!!! I genuinely couldn't recommend this book any more!!!! This is the most hilarious book I have read this year, and more and if you are looking for a light hearted read filled with romance, alcohol, love, comedy, sadness, family and so, so much more you are in the right place!! Some parts of the book were quite serious and Kiersten delves into the medical world at several points. There was a lovely part where they finally found out who a certain someone was which was so sweet. The fact that Kristen has done her research absolutely shines through so a HUGE well done there!! There's nothing worse than a book filled with silly errors because the author has not looked into what they are writing about. I was devastated when I realised this was the last book of the Callaghan sisters however I have yet to read Meg, Megan and Beth's story so I am thoroughly looking forward to reading them. I also adored the fact that in the epilogue you find out what each of the sisters ended up doing which was lovely as they have become friends even though I have just read the two books which shows just how amazing Kirsten's writing is.
I was devastated when I came to the end of this book but I absolutely LOVED reading Kirsten's letter at the end and even the acknowledgements where her personality absolutely shines through!!
Although this is the fifth book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
The characters were all an eclectic mix and each one of them were realistic and strong. I was completely invested in them especially Lucy who I thought was an absolute kick @#& b#*ch and who I absolutely LOVED getting to know!!! Lucy teaches women everywhere to live life to their fullest. She is wild, free and a hundred laughs a minute but has a deep side too which was lovely to see. Lucy is my absolute hero and is an inspiration to many!!! She really does embrace life to the fullest and even when she contemplates what she has done with her life she still gives people s+*%!!! Good on you Lucy. She really comes to life in this book with her larger than life personality she is definitely someone I would love to meet!!! I had tears streaming down my eyes I was laughing so much with her!!! This book is much more realistic than many romantic comedy's I have previously read. It wasn't just Lucy who I loved though but all her absolutely fantastic sisters who made the most amazing family I have ever met!!! They love, fight, laugh and are everything anyone could want in a family. I love the fact that Grace is such a down to Earth and realistic character and I genuinely felt like I bonded with her. Emma seems to be the success story of the sistersand I love that although she is highly thought of by her Mum and she has a fantastic career she has a naughty side and will throw it all aside so stick up for Lucy and the rest of her sisters. I'm glad she seems to have found love. Meg and Beth made me laugh out loud several times and although I've not read their stories along with Emma's yet they also shocked me several times with some of their hilarious stories. You would not want to mess with any of these girls or their family as they will all hunt you down!!! I loved their mum and dad and thought they made a great team and remind me in some ways of my parents. This family will stay with you for a long time. It wasn't only Lucy I was invested in. I also really enjoyed 'meeting' all 'the sisters' again, Igor who had patience of a Saint and a wicked sense of humour, Tony who made me LOL and made an absolutely amazing friend along with Darren and Cass, Tia and the velvet boulevard gang, Sam and so many more characters who will stay with me for a long tim. I absolutely adored Lucy's relationship with all her sisters, I would love to have such amazing sisters around me!!! Each sister had such a unique personality with their own pros and cons and they are each going to be hard to forget. I really am going to miss this fantastic gang and would love to meet them all again when I read Meg, Emma and Beth's stories.
If you have never met this family you my friend are SERIOUSLY missing out!! This is a family you will never forget and will have tears streaming down your face in laughter and fill you with love and warmth!!
A MASSIVE WELL DONE to Kristen on a HUGE success!!! I loved every page of your book and I cannot wait to read more of your past and hopefully future books. This is why you are my favourite author to go to when I need a pick me up!!
Overall a laugh a minute, heart warming, addictive genuine page turner that will have you crying with laughter.
Some of my favourite quotes in this book include the following:
😂 "‘Not worth the drama,’ Craig retorts. ‘In your dreams, home haircut…’"
😂 "She laughs again, with her whole body. ‘Emma told us it was lucky as normally you prefer to go commando.’ I do? I am pretty sure I don’t as Beth told me that spiders can crawl up my minnie while I’m asleep. Their leftover legs then stick to you and become pubes."
I could go on and on there were so many but then I'd never finish this review and would end up using at least half of the book 😂
Genres covered in this book include Romance Novel, Humorous Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Domestic Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of JoJo Moyes, Cecilia Ahern, Sophie Kinsella, 'Bridesmaids', 'The Hangover', 'Bridget Jones Diaries' and anyone looking for one hell of a laugh!!!
305 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#AmIAllergicToMen? #Bookouture #KristenBailey #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@KristenBailey @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
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Review for 'Am I Allergic To Men?' by Kristen Bailey.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Kristen Bailey, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 3rd February 2022.
This is the second book I have read by this author. It is also the fifth book in the 'The Callaghan Sisters' series but can be read as a standalone. I have also read the fourth book in this series called 'How Much Wine Will Fix My Broken Heart?' which is the fourth book in this series and which I loved and would definitely recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'The perfect page-turner for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and TV shows like Schitt’s Creek.' I am a huge fan of Sophie Kinsella so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Kristen Bailey and if this is half as good as' How Much Wine Will Fix A Broken Heart?' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 21 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in England, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. The fact that this book is based in Ireland is even better as I have been on holiday in England many times so may even recognise some places Kristen has set the book around.
This book is written in first person perspective and the main protagonist is Lucy. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on.
'Am I Allergic To Men' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Kristen discusses/includes strong language and sexual content. Due to these I would recommend reading age of 16 plus.
OMG!!!! I CANNOT REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I LAUGHED SO MUCH!!! What an absolutely page turning, refreshing, laugh a minute read!!!! It is perfectly written to hook the reader in and the title, cover and synopsis is perfect for the storyline.
I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this book which got me hook, line and sinker!! I absolutely devoured it in one reading and was completely absorbed throughout!! I loved that it feels that Lucy is talking directly to me over a cup of tea at the kitchen table. I coinldnt stop laughing from the first page to the end. I adore the fact that although there are quite sad moments and emotional times that within minutes Kristen has you laughing until you are in tears again. As a parent myself I can completely relate to some parts of this storyline and to many of the parents, which made it all the more belivable and lovable. This book is a complete breathe of fresh air and is the perfect mix of 'Bridesmaids' and 'The Hangover' and 'Bridget Jones Diaries' but funnier!!!! I genuinely couldn't recommend this book any more!!!! This is the most hilarious book I have read this year, and more and if you are looking for a light hearted read filled with romance, alcohol, love, comedy, sadness, family and so, so much more you are in the right place!! Some parts of the book were quite serious and Kiersten delves into the medical world at several points. There was a lovely part where they finally found out who a certain someone was which was so sweet. The fact that Kristen has done her research absolutely shines through so a HUGE well done there!! There's nothing worse than a book filled with silly errors because the author has not looked into what they are writing about. I was devastated when I realised this was the last book of the Callaghan sisters however I have yet to read Meg, Megan and Beth's story so I am thoroughly looking forward to reading them. I also adored the fact that in the epilogue you find out what each of the sisters ended up doing which was lovely as they have become friends even though I have just read the two books which shows just how amazing Kirsten's writing is.
I was devastated when I came to the end of this book but I absolutely LOVED reading Kirsten's letter at the end and even the acknowledgements where her personality absolutely shines through!!
Although this is the fifth book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
The characters were all an eclectic mix and each one of them were realistic and strong. I was completely invested in them especially Lucy who I thought was an absolute kick @#& b#*ch and who I absolutely LOVED getting to know!!! Lucy teaches women everywhere to live life to their fullest. She is wild, free and a hundred laughs a minute but has a deep side too which was lovely to see. Lucy is my absolute hero and is an inspiration to many!!! She really does embrace life to the fullest and even when she contemplates what she has done with her life she still gives people s+*%!!! Good on you Lucy. She really comes to life in this book with her larger than life personality she is definitely someone I would love to meet!!! I had tears streaming down my eyes I was laughing so much with her!!! This book is much more realistic than many romantic comedy's I have previously read. It wasn't just Lucy who I loved though but all her absolutely fantastic sisters who made the most amazing family I have ever met!!! They love, fight, laugh and are everything anyone could want in a family. I love the fact that Grace is such a down to Earth and realistic character and I genuinely felt like I bonded with her. Emma seems to be the success story of the sistersand I love that although she is highly thought of by her Mum and she has a fantastic career she has a naughty side and will throw it all aside so stick up for Lucy and the rest of her sisters. I'm glad she seems to have found love. Meg and Beth made me laugh out loud several times and although I've not read their stories along with Emma's yet they also shocked me several times with some of their hilarious stories. You would not want to mess with any of these girls or their family as they will all hunt you down!!! I loved their mum and dad and thought they made a great team and remind me in some ways of my parents. This family will stay with you for a long time. It wasn't only Lucy I was invested in. I also really enjoyed 'meeting' all 'the sisters' again, Igor who had patience of a Saint and a wicked sense of humour, Tony who made me LOL and made an absolutely amazing friend along with Darren and Cass, Tia and the velvet boulevard gang, Sam and so many more characters who will stay with me for a long tim. I absolutely adored Lucy's relationship with all her sisters, I would love to have such amazing sisters around me!!! Each sister had such a unique personality with their own pros and cons and they are each going to be hard to forget. I really am going to miss this fantastic gang and would love to meet them all again when I read Meg, Emma and Beth's stories.
If you have never met this family you my friend are SERIOUSLY missing out!! This is a family you will never forget and will have tears streaming down your face in laughter and fill you with love and warmth!!
A MASSIVE WELL DONE to Kristen on a HUGE success!!! I loved every page of your book and I cannot wait to read more of your past and hopefully future books. This is why you are my favourite author to go to when I need a pick me up!!
Overall a laugh a minute, heart warming, addictive genuine page turner that will have you crying with laughter.
Some of my favourite quotes in this book include the following:
😂 "‘Not worth the drama,’ Craig retorts. ‘In your dreams, home haircut…’"
😂 "She laughs again, with her whole body. ‘Emma told us it was lucky as normally you prefer to go commando.’ I do? I am pretty sure I don’t as Beth told me that spiders can crawl up my minnie while I’m asleep. Their leftover legs then stick to you and become pubes."
I could go on and on there were so many but then I'd never finish this review and would end up using at least half of the book 😂
Genres covered in this book include Romance Novel, Humorous Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Domestic Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of JoJo Moyes, Cecilia Ahern, Sophie Kinsella, 'Bridesmaids', 'The Hangover', 'Bridget Jones Diaries' and anyone looking for one hell of a laugh!!!
305 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#AmIAllergicToMen? #Bookouture #KristenBailey #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@KristenBailey @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
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January 21, 2022
Am I Allergic to Men? Is a funny, women’s fiction story about the importance of being true to yourself and how great it is to have sisters in your life.
Lucy is nearing 30 and after an unfortunate accident, ends up with amnesia and thinks she is still 17. As she tries to piece together who she has been for the last 10+ years, her family and friends - and especially her four older sisters - are there to support her along the way.
I really enjoyed the British slang and humor throughout the book. And while I couldn’t relate much to Lucy (I’m a very stereotypical oldest sister, ha), I think she was a great character and a lovely sister and friend.
When I started reading, I didn’t realize that this book was part of a series, but definitely plan to go back and read the earlier books!
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture, and Kristen Bailey for the advanced copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily, and all opinions are my own.
Lucy is nearing 30 and after an unfortunate accident, ends up with amnesia and thinks she is still 17. As she tries to piece together who she has been for the last 10+ years, her family and friends - and especially her four older sisters - are there to support her along the way.
I really enjoyed the British slang and humor throughout the book. And while I couldn’t relate much to Lucy (I’m a very stereotypical oldest sister, ha), I think she was a great character and a lovely sister and friend.
When I started reading, I didn’t realize that this book was part of a series, but definitely plan to go back and read the earlier books!
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture, and Kristen Bailey for the advanced copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily, and all opinions are my own.
February 2, 2022
Lucy wakes up from Coma and realizes she has lost the last 10 years of her memory. In her head, she is still 17. We follow her journey of reflecting back on the lost 10 years of her life.
I expected a romance based on the title and the cover but instead got a story about a girl that had so many boyfriends she wonders if she’s allergic to men.
I expected a romance based on the title and the cover but instead got a story about a girl that had so many boyfriends she wonders if she’s allergic to men.
January 27, 2022
I’ve read several of Kristen Bailey’s books before, and I’ve always enjoyed them. However this book surprised me. I was expecting a romance based on the title and the cover art and instead got a story about a girl who’s been in a coma and has lost 10 years of her life. As she tries to figure out the last 10 years, it turns out that she’s had so many boyfriends she wonders if she’s allergic to men.
The first few chapters were so confusing I almost gave up. I didn’t realize that this book was part of a series either, there were references I just didn’t get.
There’s no romance, but there’s plenty of sex with a random collection of strange guys. The blurb says I’ll hurt laughing. Parts of the story were funny but nothing was hysterical.
The message to appreciate your friends and family resonated, but nothing else. 3 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The first few chapters were so confusing I almost gave up. I didn’t realize that this book was part of a series either, there were references I just didn’t get.
There’s no romance, but there’s plenty of sex with a random collection of strange guys. The blurb says I’ll hurt laughing. Parts of the story were funny but nothing was hysterical.
The message to appreciate your friends and family resonated, but nothing else. 3 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 14, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc. Here comes an extremely honest review. I struggled to read this. I’ve never dnf’d a book but I stopped reading this one about halfway through and just skipped to the epilogue. In complete transparency, I was expecting a romance, and was, therefore, thoroughly disappointed. I spent so much time cringing and I could barely stand Lucy. She was so proud of her sense of humor but I just found her annoying and unfunny. There were also so many date inconsistencies that I struggled to follow along. Lucy’s relationship with her sisters was sweet but I felt overwhelmed at times. Maybe it’s because I haven’t read the other books but I wasn’t a big fan of her siblings. The beginning dragged on for so long with her sisters that I just started skimming, hoping to encounter a love interest. This book needs to be placed in a different genre because it’s certainly not a romcom.
February 5, 2022
Favorite Quotes:
She’s still looking for that happy ending where someone will pick her up, pledge undying love and whisk her away to a new-build semi in Surrey. The sort of world Hayley and I inhabit, the semis and happy endings normally end on our faces.
I know what my sisters are like and this could possibly still be a very elaborate joke. Those cows told me for years that my real father was Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and that he had to leave the actual country to be a Watcher because he was so ashamed of me.
‘We’re just going to get you into a deep state of relaxation…’ All I can think is that when I’m that relaxed I will most likely break wind. I hope the lotus and white musk will be able to mask that.
My Review:
This was a fun, dynamic, and energetic read that kept me wildly amused and gleefully giggle-snorting with abandon. The writing was crisp, breezy, sweary, and delightfully snarky while the sharp visuals conjured were diabolically humorous and colorful in every sense of the word.
In the previous installments, Lucy’s character was the most eccentric of the five sisters. Lucy was the fiercely independent, feisty, and predictably unpredictable free spirit/firecracker and youngest of the Callaghan clan. So I was doubly impressed with the insightful observations and emotive underpinnings permeating the unfamiliar sense of vulnerability Lucy was experiencing as she struggled to regain a sense of self during her period of memory loss following a head injury. Having lost twelve years would be quite unsettling for anyone but Lucy had packed a lot of living her best life and unusual adventures and eye-opening experimentation into those years. I was fascinated and deliciously entertained by each new development.
This being the last of the series, I am experiencing a sense of rueful melancholy, I will greatly miss this irreverent, divinely inappropriate, and tightly bonded family unit. They were good fun and their hijinks provided me with not only smirk-worthy entertainment but several unusual entries of British vernacular to my Brit Words and Phrases list. Many of which I cannot add to my reviews for fear of being censored, but this installment has produced the current publishable new addition of gurn, which Mr. Google indicates is to grimace or make an ugly face. I would expect nothing less from the lascivious Lucy.
She’s still looking for that happy ending where someone will pick her up, pledge undying love and whisk her away to a new-build semi in Surrey. The sort of world Hayley and I inhabit, the semis and happy endings normally end on our faces.
I know what my sisters are like and this could possibly still be a very elaborate joke. Those cows told me for years that my real father was Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and that he had to leave the actual country to be a Watcher because he was so ashamed of me.
‘We’re just going to get you into a deep state of relaxation…’ All I can think is that when I’m that relaxed I will most likely break wind. I hope the lotus and white musk will be able to mask that.
My Review:
This was a fun, dynamic, and energetic read that kept me wildly amused and gleefully giggle-snorting with abandon. The writing was crisp, breezy, sweary, and delightfully snarky while the sharp visuals conjured were diabolically humorous and colorful in every sense of the word.
In the previous installments, Lucy’s character was the most eccentric of the five sisters. Lucy was the fiercely independent, feisty, and predictably unpredictable free spirit/firecracker and youngest of the Callaghan clan. So I was doubly impressed with the insightful observations and emotive underpinnings permeating the unfamiliar sense of vulnerability Lucy was experiencing as she struggled to regain a sense of self during her period of memory loss following a head injury. Having lost twelve years would be quite unsettling for anyone but Lucy had packed a lot of living her best life and unusual adventures and eye-opening experimentation into those years. I was fascinated and deliciously entertained by each new development.
This being the last of the series, I am experiencing a sense of rueful melancholy, I will greatly miss this irreverent, divinely inappropriate, and tightly bonded family unit. They were good fun and their hijinks provided me with not only smirk-worthy entertainment but several unusual entries of British vernacular to my Brit Words and Phrases list. Many of which I cannot add to my reviews for fear of being censored, but this installment has produced the current publishable new addition of gurn, which Mr. Google indicates is to grimace or make an ugly face. I would expect nothing less from the lascivious Lucy.
February 7, 2022
This was such a lovely book! But, disclaimer, it's not a romance.
The sheer chaotic-ness of it was off the charts! But it was also such a heartfelt, earnest, cute story. It was lighthearted, but also a tale about self-re-discovery, the weight of expectations and the importance of family and friends.
Lucy was an absolute whirlwind. She was her own woman and didn't care about what the traditional path for a woman's life looked like. She lived large, wild and free. Loved her four older sisters, family and friends passionately and fiercely, and unapologetically chased that which made her happy. She was crass and unashamed and an absolute delight!
The parts were the five sisters were together were fantastic! I loved the energy. Their bond and love for each other jumped out of the page.
I can't even imagine what it'd be like to lose the memories of the last 10 years of my life. Compared to Lucy, my life is extremely boring and prudish, but age-wise I could relate to her very strongly. I've also questioned my path in life, and if the decisions I've made have been the correct ones. I don't know that my 17 year-old self would be satisfied with me at present, so I could very much empathize with Lucy in that respect.
Lucy defied expectations, broke conventions and defied the norm; she actually pretty much laughed in the face of all those things and continued living life to the beat of her own drum. She worked hard and played hard, and was filled with so much love for living.
I had a bit of a hard time getting into it at first, because I felt like I was missing a whole lot of background info. This book would have probably been 10 times better had I read the sisters' books and been more familiar with each of their stories before starting this one. I wouldn't recommend reading this series as standalone books, it's probably better to go in order. Also there was A LOT of British slang that I didn't catch entirely, and some references that most likely flew clean over my head, but context clues helped a lot, so at least there was that.
In short, this book was a perfect blend of inspiring, uplifting, thoughtful, hilarious, inappropriate and sweet. I liked it a lot.
**I was provided an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley. All opinions are my own**
February 2, 2022
This book was marvellous. Lucy's accident gives her the opportunity to know what her 17-year-old self would think about her choices and the paths her life has taken in the last 12 years, because she wakes up and finds out she forgot everything that happened in that period of time.
It was great to see how her sisters (she's the youngest of five) would defend her own life and choices from herself. In fact, the whole description of the relationship between Lucy and her sisters was wonderful, because you could feel the love and acceptance among all of them and their parents.
And of course, it was completely understandable that the 17-year-old version of Lucy would find her actual 30-year-old life so strange. Our dreams and plans for the future when we are 17 change as we grow up and figure out who we truly are. That's the beauty of this story: it makes you think about how that would go for you. Maybe you've achieved everything you wanted when you were 17, but more often, you'll find out your life took an unexpected turn and find yourself somewhere you've never imagined you'd be.
I love the characters, I love Lucy and her free spirit, I love the fun parts and the whole deep meaning there's behind it. I laughed out loud but I've also been touched by the Callaghan sisters. In fact, I'll definitely check out the previous books in this series.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was amazing as well.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of the audiobook for an honest review. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was great to see how her sisters (she's the youngest of five) would defend her own life and choices from herself. In fact, the whole description of the relationship between Lucy and her sisters was wonderful, because you could feel the love and acceptance among all of them and their parents.
And of course, it was completely understandable that the 17-year-old version of Lucy would find her actual 30-year-old life so strange. Our dreams and plans for the future when we are 17 change as we grow up and figure out who we truly are. That's the beauty of this story: it makes you think about how that would go for you. Maybe you've achieved everything you wanted when you were 17, but more often, you'll find out your life took an unexpected turn and find yourself somewhere you've never imagined you'd be.
I love the characters, I love Lucy and her free spirit, I love the fun parts and the whole deep meaning there's behind it. I laughed out loud but I've also been touched by the Callaghan sisters. In fact, I'll definitely check out the previous books in this series.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was amazing as well.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of the audiobook for an honest review. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 14, 2022
This is the first book I have read by Kristen Bailey even though this is technically book 5 of the Callaghan Sisters series. It can be read as a standalone. However, there are obvious back stories to each of the sisters that are mentioned in this book. I will definitely be going back and reading the first book in the series- Has Anyone Seen My Sex Life?
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Lucy Callaghan is an absolute riot. She is a tattooed and pierced, bisexual who has been in a horrific accident that has left this almost 30 year old with no memories of the last decade or so. She believes that she is 17. At first glance, Lucy seems self- centered and the epitome of the party girl. However, she is so much more than that. She is a fighter, full of unabashed confidence, and loves her friends and family deeply.
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Going into this book, I thought it was a romance. It could technically be classified as a Romance, but this isn't your typical romance. Which is why I put it in Women's Fiction/Chick Lit. I was awed by Lucy's strength and determination. I wish I could be as adventurous and unapologetically myself with no hesitations of being who I'm supposed to be like Lucy is! I also really enjoyed the family dynamic between all the sisters and even the parents.
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When I found out the mystery behind the note "Oscar, February 9," my heart exploded.
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I laughed. I cried. I was incredibly touched and moved by Lucy Callaghan's story.
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Lucy Callaghan is an absolute riot. She is a tattooed and pierced, bisexual who has been in a horrific accident that has left this almost 30 year old with no memories of the last decade or so. She believes that she is 17. At first glance, Lucy seems self- centered and the epitome of the party girl. However, she is so much more than that. She is a fighter, full of unabashed confidence, and loves her friends and family deeply.
.
Going into this book, I thought it was a romance. It could technically be classified as a Romance, but this isn't your typical romance. Which is why I put it in Women's Fiction/Chick Lit. I was awed by Lucy's strength and determination. I wish I could be as adventurous and unapologetically myself with no hesitations of being who I'm supposed to be like Lucy is! I also really enjoyed the family dynamic between all the sisters and even the parents.
.
When I found out the mystery behind the note "Oscar, February 9," my heart exploded.
.
I laughed. I cried. I was incredibly touched and moved by Lucy Callaghan's story.
January 24, 2022
If I could give this book more stars, I would. I listened to this book as an audiobook ARC through Netgalley, and I didn't realize it was a series. Now that I know that it is, I'm going to have to go back and read the first four in the series, because I freaking love Lucy and all her sisters.
I could tell I was going to love Lucy from the jump. I got her personality and I was into it from the very first paragraph. She is sassy, hilarious, honest, and so completely unapologetically herself.
The memory loss thing can be cliché, but I'm okay with it so long as the author does it well (I enjoyed the book What Alice Forgot). Here, the author has DONE IT WELL. I love getting to know Lucy as she rediscovers herself. I feel like I know her, love her, and want to help her through this process of deciding who was, is, and who she wants to become.
I read a review from someone else that said, "this is not a romance," and I don't agree. It isn't the traditional romance that revolves around a couple, but I don't think romance has to be that. Because what is romance if it isn't love? There is plenty of that here in this book. Sisterly love, love from her parents, and so so many friends. Like Lucy, this love story refuses be conventional, and I'm all about it.
I absolutely loved this book. It's definitely one of my favorites.
I could tell I was going to love Lucy from the jump. I got her personality and I was into it from the very first paragraph. She is sassy, hilarious, honest, and so completely unapologetically herself.
The memory loss thing can be cliché, but I'm okay with it so long as the author does it well (I enjoyed the book What Alice Forgot). Here, the author has DONE IT WELL. I love getting to know Lucy as she rediscovers herself. I feel like I know her, love her, and want to help her through this process of deciding who was, is, and who she wants to become.
I read a review from someone else that said, "this is not a romance," and I don't agree. It isn't the traditional romance that revolves around a couple, but I don't think romance has to be that. Because what is romance if it isn't love? There is plenty of that here in this book. Sisterly love, love from her parents, and so so many friends. Like Lucy, this love story refuses be conventional, and I'm all about it.
I absolutely loved this book. It's definitely one of my favorites.
February 10, 2022
love the siblings dynamic in this book. the main character, Lucy. she’s a great character for me love her so much very feisty and strong. the plot was okay i guess not bad. gave this 3 stars bcs there’s something that i couldn’t connect with this book. but i did enjoyed this book so much.
January 24, 2022
I rarely dnf books and this is one of the books that I just can’t finish it pains me so much. The reason I requested this book was because the title piqued my interest but that’s it, the title has no connection to the content of the book, and the story itself is mediocre at best. The beginning chapters were a mess, it was so hard to read. I was actually expecting some romance but I got none of it. It was all about the mc and her family. I did not like Lucy. She was annoying, and her humor is not funny at all. Everything about this book made me angry.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
December 31, 2021
An amusing read and the end of the books about five sisters. Lucy is a free spirit and blunt to the point of being brutal. I cringed for the character in many of the scenes. There is being blunt and then there is plain obnoxiousness. I liked the opening scene at the kid’s party the best. I was amused by her visiting her exes, something I have no interest in emulating. Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the early read.
February 7, 2022
Review published in: https://diagnosisbookaholic.blogspot....
When Am I Allergic To Men? was announced I had mixed feeling about reading it. On the one hand I was dying to read Lucy’s story as she’s one of my favorite Callaghans, but on the other reading it would mean saying goodbye to the Callaghan family and I didn’t know if I was ready for that. They have accompanied me for the last couple of years. I’ve laughed with them, I’ve cried with them, and they’ve become one of my favorite fiction families ever to the point of feeling like real people, so saying goodbye was HARD!
Am I Allergic To Men? encompasses all the things that made me fall in love with this series.
Lucy, the youngest Callaghan, has lost her memory of the last ten years after an encounter with a bus while dressed as Elsa. Her memory got frozen at 17 (see what I did there? Pure genius!), so with the help of her sisters she’ll try to get her memories and her old life back.
Right from the first book, Lucy became one of my favorite characters in the series. She’s unapologetic, funny, honest, no nonsense…Yes, she might use sometimes crass language (love it) and knows more words for genitalia than I thought humanly possible (loved it even more. It’s always good to expand your vocabulary!), but do you know what she has buckets of? Heart. She has a huge heart, especially when she interacts with kids or right at the end (no spoilers here!).
The accident has made her lose sense of who she was, but with the help of her family, whom will leave everything in their lives to help her, she will embark on a self-knowledge journey that made me laugh so hard at times and sob so much at others. That last conversation with her mum was lovely and everyone should have one like that with their parents.
I’ve read some reviews complaining this was not a romance and Lucy had not a romantic interest, but there’s more love in here that in many toxic romance stories. To those people Lucy would say she doesn’t need a man (or woman) in her life to feel fulfilled and to go f*ck themselves! She might be single but she’s definitely not alone.
It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye to the Callaghans but Am I Allergic To Men? was the perfect closing to their story.
Meg, Emma, Beth, Grace and Lucy, from now on, you are MY BEST BITCHES.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
When Am I Allergic To Men? was announced I had mixed feeling about reading it. On the one hand I was dying to read Lucy’s story as she’s one of my favorite Callaghans, but on the other reading it would mean saying goodbye to the Callaghan family and I didn’t know if I was ready for that. They have accompanied me for the last couple of years. I’ve laughed with them, I’ve cried with them, and they’ve become one of my favorite fiction families ever to the point of feeling like real people, so saying goodbye was HARD!
Am I Allergic To Men? encompasses all the things that made me fall in love with this series.
Lucy, the youngest Callaghan, has lost her memory of the last ten years after an encounter with a bus while dressed as Elsa. Her memory got frozen at 17 (see what I did there? Pure genius!), so with the help of her sisters she’ll try to get her memories and her old life back.
Right from the first book, Lucy became one of my favorite characters in the series. She’s unapologetic, funny, honest, no nonsense…Yes, she might use sometimes crass language (love it) and knows more words for genitalia than I thought humanly possible (loved it even more. It’s always good to expand your vocabulary!), but do you know what she has buckets of? Heart. She has a huge heart, especially when she interacts with kids or right at the end (no spoilers here!).
The accident has made her lose sense of who she was, but with the help of her family, whom will leave everything in their lives to help her, she will embark on a self-knowledge journey that made me laugh so hard at times and sob so much at others. That last conversation with her mum was lovely and everyone should have one like that with their parents.
I’ve read some reviews complaining this was not a romance and Lucy had not a romantic interest, but there’s more love in here that in many toxic romance stories. To those people Lucy would say she doesn’t need a man (or woman) in her life to feel fulfilled and to go f*ck themselves! She might be single but she’s definitely not alone.
It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye to the Callaghans but Am I Allergic To Men? was the perfect closing to their story.
Meg, Emma, Beth, Grace and Lucy, from now on, you are MY BEST BITCHES.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2022
Title did not live up to its expectations. & was most def NOT a rom com. I loved the humor & the bond between the sisters but title was a little deceiving.
January 30, 2022
Lucy Callaghan is living her life to the fullest. With acting as her passion but no huge leads, she works as an entertainer doing kids parties dressed as a Disney princess among other odd end jobs, drinks like a fish and isn't afraid to speak her mind. All she cares about is that she's happy. Her life comes to a screeching halt as she is suddenly in an accident and ends up not only with a shaved head, but also having no recollection of the last decade, believing herself to be 17 again. Her family tries everything to help her to regain her memory, including reaching out to friends and taking her to old stomping grounds. Lucy learns about what she's been up to last 10 or so years, leading to a lot of reflection on her life. With no serious relationship and just a message on her phone with a name and a date but no description, she is determined that this person must be of importance, but how? Will Lucy ever get her memory back or is she stuck living a life of the semi unknown?
Thank you to Netgalley, Kristen Bailey, and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to read and review this book. I was granted the audio version and I feel like it gave even more character to the book. The narrator did a great job bringing the story to life. This was the first book I've read by Kristin Bailey. I didn't realize that it was book 5 in a series, but it didn't make a huge difference. At first I wasn't entirely sure what to think about the book, but I stuck with it and after a few chapters I got to really appreciate the Callaghan sisters and their incredible bond and willingness to support one another. This book had me laughing and I really enjoyed it. Lucy definitely has a unique and strong personality that may be crude to some people. If you want some good laughs and aren't easily offended with some crude behavior this is a good one for you. I rate this ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley, Kristen Bailey, and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to read and review this book. I was granted the audio version and I feel like it gave even more character to the book. The narrator did a great job bringing the story to life. This was the first book I've read by Kristin Bailey. I didn't realize that it was book 5 in a series, but it didn't make a huge difference. At first I wasn't entirely sure what to think about the book, but I stuck with it and after a few chapters I got to really appreciate the Callaghan sisters and their incredible bond and willingness to support one another. This book had me laughing and I really enjoyed it. Lucy definitely has a unique and strong personality that may be crude to some people. If you want some good laughs and aren't easily offended with some crude behavior this is a good one for you. I rate this ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
February 2, 2022
I was so surprised when I learned that this was book FIVE in a series! Rest assured, this reads almost like a stand alone.
Let me set the stage for you:
A starving artist (actress)
An upcoming woodstock-ish 30th birthday bash
Getting run over by a bus
Waking up thinking you’re 17
Without the characters, there is no story here. Lucy is about to turn 30 and is the youngest of five girls. The fact that their father lived in a house with six women is hilarious all in itself! Poor guy! When Lucy wakes up after suffering a brain injury after she tried to take on a bus, she is overwhelmed with having lost more than a decade of her life.
I loved the sister’s interactions. Their willingness to drop absolutely everything to help Lucy travel down memory lane looking for that one thing that will trigger the flood of memories and experiences to come back. The pain the sister’s feel for Lucy is tangible.
While I thought the book was light hearted, and funny there were only a few places where I would say it was laugh out loud funny. The humor lands more in the off the wall, absurdity of Lucy’s character.She definitely was living her best life!
The plot itself was well paced and kept to the pace of Lucy’s crazy lifestyle. I enjoyed traipsing through her past with her and her sisters as they revisited and relived all that was important to her. Meeting several of the many people she has slept away her 20s with was at times pretty uncomfortable for everyone, adding to the humor.
I love the importance of family, accepting everyone without judgment, and ultimately being true to yourself and not pretending to be anyone other than yourself. I would definitely recommend this if you are looking for a fun and funny story about a crazy off the wall family, you will definitely enjoy this one.
Am I Allergic to Men? Is now available! Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Full Review: https://thebookshelf.substack.com/p/a...
Let me set the stage for you:
A starving artist (actress)
An upcoming woodstock-ish 30th birthday bash
Getting run over by a bus
Waking up thinking you’re 17
Without the characters, there is no story here. Lucy is about to turn 30 and is the youngest of five girls. The fact that their father lived in a house with six women is hilarious all in itself! Poor guy! When Lucy wakes up after suffering a brain injury after she tried to take on a bus, she is overwhelmed with having lost more than a decade of her life.
I loved the sister’s interactions. Their willingness to drop absolutely everything to help Lucy travel down memory lane looking for that one thing that will trigger the flood of memories and experiences to come back. The pain the sister’s feel for Lucy is tangible.
While I thought the book was light hearted, and funny there were only a few places where I would say it was laugh out loud funny. The humor lands more in the off the wall, absurdity of Lucy’s character.She definitely was living her best life!
The plot itself was well paced and kept to the pace of Lucy’s crazy lifestyle. I enjoyed traipsing through her past with her and her sisters as they revisited and relived all that was important to her. Meeting several of the many people she has slept away her 20s with was at times pretty uncomfortable for everyone, adding to the humor.
I love the importance of family, accepting everyone without judgment, and ultimately being true to yourself and not pretending to be anyone other than yourself. I would definitely recommend this if you are looking for a fun and funny story about a crazy off the wall family, you will definitely enjoy this one.
Am I Allergic to Men? Is now available! Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Full Review: https://thebookshelf.substack.com/p/a...
February 4, 2022
First, I want to thank Kirsten Bailey, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
O.M.G. Kristen Bailey had me cracking up hysterically laughing out loud reading your latest RomCom Am I Allergic To Men? Kristen brings you such a fun, addictive and easy read that will put an everlasting smile on your face. You will totally get a kick out of the meaning behind the book title.
I have read many dedications to books in my book reviewing career! However, none of them quite made me chuckle like Kristen’s did! I loved how she dedicated this book to Nick who doesn’t think she is funny at all. However, he married her.
Thanks to Kirsten I now can’t get TLC’s Scrubs song out of my head! No joke, I was singing along with the characters in my head. Plus, I would have loved to be on the dance floor with them!
Right from the prologue I LOVED the attitude and the drama that was unfolding!! I wanted to jump into the book and high five Lucy!! It read like a prime time soap opera but not as cheesy! Oh so good!
If you know me you know that I am a huge kid at heart and act it at times. I also love all things Disney and Frozen. So I was totally cracking up laughing at the Elsa references in the book. Especially how she didn't know who she was and learning about her for the first time. It totally cracked me up!
I could not help but have a kool-aid grin on my face with all the amazing pop culture references within the story! I just LOVED MarK and Lexie on Grey’s!
There were events that took place in this book that stunned me and took my breath away! Totally shocking events that I didn’t see coming whatsoever! I was on the edge of my chair the whole time.
One aspect that I really loved about this book was Kristen included a very sweet LGTBQ storyline.
O.M.G. Kristen Bailey had me cracking up hysterically laughing out loud reading your latest RomCom Am I Allergic To Men? Kristen brings you such a fun, addictive and easy read that will put an everlasting smile on your face. You will totally get a kick out of the meaning behind the book title.
I have read many dedications to books in my book reviewing career! However, none of them quite made me chuckle like Kristen’s did! I loved how she dedicated this book to Nick who doesn’t think she is funny at all. However, he married her.
Thanks to Kirsten I now can’t get TLC’s Scrubs song out of my head! No joke, I was singing along with the characters in my head. Plus, I would have loved to be on the dance floor with them!
Right from the prologue I LOVED the attitude and the drama that was unfolding!! I wanted to jump into the book and high five Lucy!! It read like a prime time soap opera but not as cheesy! Oh so good!
If you know me you know that I am a huge kid at heart and act it at times. I also love all things Disney and Frozen. So I was totally cracking up laughing at the Elsa references in the book. Especially how she didn't know who she was and learning about her for the first time. It totally cracked me up!
I could not help but have a kool-aid grin on my face with all the amazing pop culture references within the story! I just LOVED MarK and Lexie on Grey’s!
There were events that took place in this book that stunned me and took my breath away! Totally shocking events that I didn’t see coming whatsoever! I was on the edge of my chair the whole time.
One aspect that I really loved about this book was Kristen included a very sweet LGTBQ storyline.
January 22, 2022
Published: February 3, 2022
Bookouture
Pages: 275
Genre: Comedy/ Humor
KKECReads Rating: 4/5
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Kristen Bailey is a mother-of-four, rum-drinker, binge-watcher, receipt hoarder, enthusiastic but terrible cook. Kristen also writes. She used to write short fiction before her first two novels were published in 2016. In 2019, she was long-listed in the Comedy Women in Print Prize and had since joined the Bookouture family. HAS ANYONE SEEN MY SEX LIFE? CAN I GIVE MY HUSBAND BACK? and DID MY LOVE LIFE SHRINK IN THE WASH? Follow the Callaghan sisters and are a fresh take on modern life, love, and family. Apparently, they're funny, but her husband likes to tell her different. She lives in Hampshire, UK. She also is a whizz at world capitals and thinks pineapple belongs on pizza. Don't fight her on this.
“We will need glitter, all the goddamn glitter.”
Lucy is fierce- the baby of her family, confident, intelligent, she isn’t afraid to do or say what she likes. She’s devoted to her four older sisters, parents, and nieces and nephews. When Lucy is in a terrible accident, she wakes up thinking she is 17 again. Now, her sisters are determined to do whatever they can to help Lucy find herself again, no matter the cost.
This was such a cute story. I loved the bond the sisters had, and I loved the unity and strength each character possessed.
Lucy is a wild card. She is fierce, bold, outgoing, outspoken, and comfortable with who she is. She sees the best in every situation, and she isn’t afraid to use her voice.
The sisters were all so great. I loved how they each represented something within their dynamic, and I loved the banter between them.
This was an emotional story, filled with heartwarming moments, funny bits, and the overwhelming truth that sisterhood is a bond that can’t be broken.
This is a must-read! Everyone should be a little bit like Lucy.
Bookouture
Pages: 275
Genre: Comedy/ Humor
KKECReads Rating: 4/5
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Kristen Bailey is a mother-of-four, rum-drinker, binge-watcher, receipt hoarder, enthusiastic but terrible cook. Kristen also writes. She used to write short fiction before her first two novels were published in 2016. In 2019, she was long-listed in the Comedy Women in Print Prize and had since joined the Bookouture family. HAS ANYONE SEEN MY SEX LIFE? CAN I GIVE MY HUSBAND BACK? and DID MY LOVE LIFE SHRINK IN THE WASH? Follow the Callaghan sisters and are a fresh take on modern life, love, and family. Apparently, they're funny, but her husband likes to tell her different. She lives in Hampshire, UK. She also is a whizz at world capitals and thinks pineapple belongs on pizza. Don't fight her on this.
“We will need glitter, all the goddamn glitter.”
Lucy is fierce- the baby of her family, confident, intelligent, she isn’t afraid to do or say what she likes. She’s devoted to her four older sisters, parents, and nieces and nephews. When Lucy is in a terrible accident, she wakes up thinking she is 17 again. Now, her sisters are determined to do whatever they can to help Lucy find herself again, no matter the cost.
This was such a cute story. I loved the bond the sisters had, and I loved the unity and strength each character possessed.
Lucy is a wild card. She is fierce, bold, outgoing, outspoken, and comfortable with who she is. She sees the best in every situation, and she isn’t afraid to use her voice.
The sisters were all so great. I loved how they each represented something within their dynamic, and I loved the banter between them.
This was an emotional story, filled with heartwarming moments, funny bits, and the overwhelming truth that sisterhood is a bond that can’t be broken.
This is a must-read! Everyone should be a little bit like Lucy.
February 6, 2022
The story begins with Lucy out celebrating her 18th birthday with her 4 sisters and friends. She is an independent and sassy person who doesn’t take well to men trying to hook up with her.
Next we see Lucy 12 years later. She and several of her friends work as Disney characters for children’s parties. Money is always tight so they try to take as many gigs as they can. Just as she has finished with a child’s birthday party, her boss calls and needs her to work at another across town and fast. So, she hops a bike and takes off. But, somehow she gets hit by a bus and ends up in the hospital.
Some days later, she finally wakes up from a coma to find her family around her. They look older to her and they realize she has lost her memory from the time of her 18th birthday to the present time. When she’s released, she heads home to her parents with her sisters around her to recuperate and hopefully regain her memory.
Lucy decides to look up people that supposed to be from her past and see if they can help her remember things. Her friends are not what you would expect but they all love her.
I love the Callaghan sisters. All of them have different personalities but they love and support each other. Lucy is funny, promiscuous, but most of all dedicated to her family and friends. Lots of laughs and a delightful change from the seriousness of some novels. Well done, Kristen.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Next we see Lucy 12 years later. She and several of her friends work as Disney characters for children’s parties. Money is always tight so they try to take as many gigs as they can. Just as she has finished with a child’s birthday party, her boss calls and needs her to work at another across town and fast. So, she hops a bike and takes off. But, somehow she gets hit by a bus and ends up in the hospital.
Some days later, she finally wakes up from a coma to find her family around her. They look older to her and they realize she has lost her memory from the time of her 18th birthday to the present time. When she’s released, she heads home to her parents with her sisters around her to recuperate and hopefully regain her memory.
Lucy decides to look up people that supposed to be from her past and see if they can help her remember things. Her friends are not what you would expect but they all love her.
I love the Callaghan sisters. All of them have different personalities but they love and support each other. Lucy is funny, promiscuous, but most of all dedicated to her family and friends. Lots of laughs and a delightful change from the seriousness of some novels. Well done, Kristen.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 27, 2022
What a fun, moving, and heartfelt story this was! I wasn't sure where this story was going to go, and when Lucy is hit by a bus, this went from silly and lighthearted to quite serious very quickly! Lucy is such an interesting, vibrant, hilarious person, and when she loses years of memory from the accident, her family rises up in droves to help her in any way they can. All the sisters move back into their parents' house together to help break the memories free.
Can you imagine waking up in a 30-year-old body, but thinking you are 17? Sisters are married, relationships have been formed and lost, everything is different. As Lucy goes on a journey to figure out who she was between 17 and 30, we get to come along for the ride. It's hilarious, but also incredibly moving. The family bonds throughout this story make you want to go give someone in your inner circle a hug. It's filled with love and strength, and I loved it!
My only actual complaint about this one is that the cover and the title didn't match the story (at least in my opinion). They feel very rom-com, and this is a women's fic story through and through.
I highly recommend it!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Can you imagine waking up in a 30-year-old body, but thinking you are 17? Sisters are married, relationships have been formed and lost, everything is different. As Lucy goes on a journey to figure out who she was between 17 and 30, we get to come along for the ride. It's hilarious, but also incredibly moving. The family bonds throughout this story make you want to go give someone in your inner circle a hug. It's filled with love and strength, and I loved it!
My only actual complaint about this one is that the cover and the title didn't match the story (at least in my opinion). They feel very rom-com, and this is a women's fic story through and through.
I highly recommend it!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
February 7, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Plot - Lucy has an accident that leaves her in a coma. She wakes up thinking she is 17. After that she makes following plans:
Plan A: Track down my exes. Highlights include a one-night stand with someone in a Batman costume, and balcony sex that gave the neighbors a nervous breakdown.
Plan B: Get flirty. Lowlights include a fling with someone hairier than a yeti.
Plan C: Figure out why I have more exes than underwear. Am I allergic to men?
As I mentioned, this is my honest review. That is.. I didn't enjoy it.. I'm usually ok with different type of humor, but here for this story it didn't make scenes fun as it probably intended to. Writing was ok I guess. As I see from other reviews - there are people who will like it and then there's others, like me, who didn't enjoy it. Romance - what romance? Also I had issues with Lucy - our annoying and obnoxious MC.
What I did like was the family dynamic between Lucy and her siblings.
Thank you either way and I hope others will enjoy this story more than I did.
Plot - Lucy has an accident that leaves her in a coma. She wakes up thinking she is 17. After that she makes following plans:
Plan A: Track down my exes. Highlights include a one-night stand with someone in a Batman costume, and balcony sex that gave the neighbors a nervous breakdown.
Plan B: Get flirty. Lowlights include a fling with someone hairier than a yeti.
Plan C: Figure out why I have more exes than underwear. Am I allergic to men?
As I mentioned, this is my honest review. That is.. I didn't enjoy it.. I'm usually ok with different type of humor, but here for this story it didn't make scenes fun as it probably intended to. Writing was ok I guess. As I see from other reviews - there are people who will like it and then there's others, like me, who didn't enjoy it. Romance - what romance? Also I had issues with Lucy - our annoying and obnoxious MC.
What I did like was the family dynamic between Lucy and her siblings.
Thank you either way and I hope others will enjoy this story more than I did.
December 31, 2021
Using this last day of the year to squeeze in some last-minute books from Netgalley hehe.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for this ARC!
Unforanuely, I didn't enjoy this. Once again, I wish Netgalley indicated that this book was part of a series since I didn't know. However, this book had enough backstory that you didn't feel like you missed out on too much.
Lucy was not a favorite character of mine. Frankly, she was annoying as hell and I cringed a lot at her antics. She was the type of obnoxious you want to punch in the face. The opening scene at the birthday party was the nicest one but after that, it was hard to sympathize simply because the humor wasn't funny, it was crass and too much. It got old pretty fast.
The only highlight in this book was her relationship with her sisters. I always appreciate good sisterly relationships. I was mostly disappointed that the title had nothing to do with the book? It was the reason I requested it but alas.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for this ARC!
Unforanuely, I didn't enjoy this. Once again, I wish Netgalley indicated that this book was part of a series since I didn't know. However, this book had enough backstory that you didn't feel like you missed out on too much.
Lucy was not a favorite character of mine. Frankly, she was annoying as hell and I cringed a lot at her antics. She was the type of obnoxious you want to punch in the face. The opening scene at the birthday party was the nicest one but after that, it was hard to sympathize simply because the humor wasn't funny, it was crass and too much. It got old pretty fast.
The only highlight in this book was her relationship with her sisters. I always appreciate good sisterly relationships. I was mostly disappointed that the title had nothing to do with the book? It was the reason I requested it but alas.
February 1, 2022
***2.5 Stars***
What drew me to this was both the title and the "You’ll laugh so much your abs ache!" blurb. Unfortunately I didn't find it terribly humorous. This isn't one of my favorite books I have read. It was okay. The first chapter was chaotic and mostly unenjoyable for me. The rest of the novel kind of grew on me. From the cover and the title I assumed that this would have an element of romance. It doesn't. It has plenty of sex with various people and lots of family affection. But there is no defining romantic relationship that's at the center of this novel. This reads more like a chicklit novel.
At the beginning it was giving me some "Bridget Jones's Diary" (the book, not the movie) vibes. I'm not sure if that's a good thing for me. I only gave the first "Bridget Jones's Diary" novel three stars. It was hard to stay engaged in this book. It all kind of ran together and I was ready for it to end after a while.
As a side note, this was set in 2022 and I was expecting more evidence of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout Lucy's recovery and everyday life. For example the wearing of masks, talking of vaccinations, social distancing, etc. Especially because we do start off the present day timeline with a children's party, transitioning into her hospital stay. If anywhere, hospitals are where evidence would be most prevalent. Apparently, no one in London wears a mask anymore...
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced audiobook copy!
What drew me to this was both the title and the "You’ll laugh so much your abs ache!" blurb. Unfortunately I didn't find it terribly humorous. This isn't one of my favorite books I have read. It was okay. The first chapter was chaotic and mostly unenjoyable for me. The rest of the novel kind of grew on me. From the cover and the title I assumed that this would have an element of romance. It doesn't. It has plenty of sex with various people and lots of family affection. But there is no defining romantic relationship that's at the center of this novel. This reads more like a chicklit novel.
At the beginning it was giving me some "Bridget Jones's Diary" (the book, not the movie) vibes. I'm not sure if that's a good thing for me. I only gave the first "Bridget Jones's Diary" novel three stars. It was hard to stay engaged in this book. It all kind of ran together and I was ready for it to end after a while.
As a side note, this was set in 2022 and I was expecting more evidence of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout Lucy's recovery and everyday life. For example the wearing of masks, talking of vaccinations, social distancing, etc. Especially because we do start off the present day timeline with a children's party, transitioning into her hospital stay. If anywhere, hospitals are where evidence would be most prevalent. Apparently, no one in London wears a mask anymore...
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced audiobook copy!
February 6, 2022
Firstly, the blurb is a bit misleading as I didn’t really see this as a romance book at all. It was more of a self discovery.
Lucy has lost half her memory. She wakes up in a hospital bed, thinking she’s 17. She’s forgotten all of the last 10 years and now she wants to remember everything
So with her sisters she goes on a journey through the past, hoping to jog her memories. Part of this does include meeting her exes but only so they can fill her gaps in.
This book was so funny. It wasn’t particularly deep at times and omg the cussing 😂
But I loved the sisters relationship and how they helped each other out. I didn’t know that there was a book for each sister but now I’m definitely going to read them!
Special thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Lucy has lost half her memory. She wakes up in a hospital bed, thinking she’s 17. She’s forgotten all of the last 10 years and now she wants to remember everything
So with her sisters she goes on a journey through the past, hoping to jog her memories. Part of this does include meeting her exes but only so they can fill her gaps in.
This book was so funny. It wasn’t particularly deep at times and omg the cussing 😂
But I loved the sisters relationship and how they helped each other out. I didn’t know that there was a book for each sister but now I’m definitely going to read them!
Special thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
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