What do you think?
Rate this book
The last to know
Ash has met her perfect match.
So has CJ.
Unfortunately for them, it’s the same man.
Mid-thirties and feeling the pressure, they’re ready to fight for him. Even if it means sabotaging each other.
As Ash and CJ turn up on each other’s dates, ruin one another’s chances, and accidentally end up spending an awful lot of time together, their friends begin to wonder. Are they fighting over the same guy? Or are they fighting their feelings for each other ... ?
_______________________________
PRAISE FOR LAURA JANE WILLIAMS. . .
'I'm a big fan of Laura Jane Williams - she writes such fresh, smart, funny romances.' Beth O'Leary
'An absolute delight!... romantic, relaxing, inspiring... I love it!' Emily Henry
'The perfect romcom' Lucy Vine
'Smart, delightful and heaps of fun' Fiona Gibson
'Laura Jane Williams writes such warm and yet realistic love stories - they're not escapism, but rather hope-ism.' Holly Bourne
'Joyful, romantic and life-affirming.' Red
'Guaranteed to make you smile.' Closer
'Hilarious, heart-warming and truly authentic - your modern rom com must-read!' Hello!
'Tender, energetic and authentic.' Daisy Buchanan
'Pure escapist fiction!' Stacey Halls
'Smart and funny. The perfect escape.' Sarah Morgan
'Full of fun and charm... an utterly feel-good love story.' Holly Miller
'So funny and wonderful and life affirming' Lorna Cook
'This is the laugh-out-loud love story you need to read this summer.' Glamour
'Smart, sisterly storytelling... You can practically feel modern romance evolving as you're reading it' Emma Jane Unsworth, Observer
So has CJ.
Unfortunately for them, it’s the same man.
Mid-thirties and feeling the pressure, they’re ready to fight for him. Even if it means sabotaging each other.
As Ash and CJ turn up on each other’s dates, ruin one another’s chances, and accidentally end up spending an awful lot of time together, their friends begin to wonder. Are they fighting over the same guy? Or are they fighting their feelings for each other ... ?
_______________________________
PRAISE FOR LAURA JANE WILLIAMS. . .
'I'm a big fan of Laura Jane Williams - she writes such fresh, smart, funny romances.' Beth O'Leary
'An absolute delight!... romantic, relaxing, inspiring... I love it!' Emily Henry
'The perfect romcom' Lucy Vine
'Smart, delightful and heaps of fun' Fiona Gibson
'Laura Jane Williams writes such warm and yet realistic love stories - they're not escapism, but rather hope-ism.' Holly Bourne
'Joyful, romantic and life-affirming.' Red
'Guaranteed to make you smile.' Closer
'Hilarious, heart-warming and truly authentic - your modern rom com must-read!' Hello!
'Tender, energetic and authentic.' Daisy Buchanan
'Pure escapist fiction!' Stacey Halls
'Smart and funny. The perfect escape.' Sarah Morgan
'Full of fun and charm... an utterly feel-good love story.' Holly Miller
'So funny and wonderful and life affirming' Lorna Cook
'This is the laugh-out-loud love story you need to read this summer.' Glamour
'Smart, sisterly storytelling... You can practically feel modern romance evolving as you're reading it' Emma Jane Unsworth, Observer
400 pages, Paperback
Published June 11, 2026
About the author
Laura Jane Williams
24 books693 followersLaura Jane Williams (she/her) is known as the queen of the meet-cute. She is the author of six rom-coms, as well as the forthcoming Lovestruck (June 2023). She is also the author of three works of non-fiction.
The rights to Laura's international bestseller Our Stop have been sold for television, and her books have been translated into languages all over the world. She loves romance, being a parent, and lifting very heavy weights.
Find out more about Laura on www.laurajaneauthor.com
The rights to Laura's international bestseller Our Stop have been sold for television, and her books have been translated into languages all over the world. She loves romance, being a parent, and lifting very heavy weights.
Find out more about Laura on www.laurajaneauthor.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
omg! I read this on my flight back after a holiday! and I literally sobbed!!! maybe it wasn't supposed to be so emotional and it was just my holiday brain... But Ash and CJ are the cutest!!! But the truth is, Luis has my whole heart ❤️
these characters, the descriptions Lisbon. It's the perfect holiday read 😭
thank you Netgalley for the Arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
these characters, the descriptions Lisbon. It's the perfect holiday read 😭
thank you Netgalley for the Arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Within just a few pages, I could already tell that the author had a very distinctive voice. I wasn’t sure at first that I was going to click with the way the story was told, but 3 solid hours of reading and a finished book later, I was proved wrong! It had something of a chick-flick movie kind of feel - I could imagine the narrative being read out as a voiceover at the start of a movie from the 00s. And fortunately, it turns out I really enjoy that.
Ash has escaped her day to day life by taking a 3 month sabbatical in Lisbon, where she meets prickly CJ - a woman she comes up against time and time again who seems to bring out the confrontation in her. And when they clash over the same man, things get even more heated, and they can’t stop thinking about how much they hate one another. As Ash explores the city and brings some spark back into her life, in part thanks to CJ, they both begin to realise that their passion might be more than just hate.
Both women in the book are unapologetic about their sexual adventures - whether that’s living a life that’s free from serious relationships, or one in which they experiment to keep the spark there. As a whole, the book explores living a life that isn’t a cardboard cut out. There are people in same sex relationships living with a mum who is single by choice; there is a woman who has left her husband and is now exploring what single life as an older lay can be like; and of course, there’s one of our main characters who has two failed long term relationships under her belt and is trying to find herself out in the world.
I’ve been trying to expand my romance horizons lately with more characters outside of the heterosexual and binary world. I guess much like the characters in the book coming to terms with what else is out there in the world and opening themselves up to what they might or might not be interested in. This was a really interesting exploration of two characters who have always seen themselves as straight, finding out that, maybe, that isn’t strictly the case.
This is the perfect holiday book - it’s light and sunny enough to read in a single sitting, with a cast of vibrant characters (what a joy they all are!) but has enough backstory to add depth to the book. While sex and sexuality are ever present in the book (even in the first few pages!), it’s spicy but not scarily so.
The setting of Lisbon was so strong, “she” was almost her own character. I’ve never been to Lisbon, and honestly, I’d never really considered going there…until now. I feel like I need to go now to understand the magical draw this city has! The characters and their chemistry sat so well in the setting. I could feel the way that Ash was drawing on the exuberance of life there and thriving. At times, the “joy of feeling alive” vibe might feel quite heavy handed to some readers, but I really enjoyed it.
The only negative I have is that the ending, while very much nicely wrapped in a little bow like you would want from a happily ever after kind of ending, felt a little rushed. It was definitely a slow burn, enemies to lovers kind of romance, but I think I wanted to see more of them actually coming together and figuring that out rather than being told it basically right at the end. I think I just enjoyed the characters and their relationship so much, I wanted to see more of the flipside of it once they realised their passion was being directed in the wrong way!
Overall, this was a brilliant intro to this author for me and I’ll definitely be coming back to her other books in future.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for an ARC of this book.
Ash has escaped her day to day life by taking a 3 month sabbatical in Lisbon, where she meets prickly CJ - a woman she comes up against time and time again who seems to bring out the confrontation in her. And when they clash over the same man, things get even more heated, and they can’t stop thinking about how much they hate one another. As Ash explores the city and brings some spark back into her life, in part thanks to CJ, they both begin to realise that their passion might be more than just hate.
Both women in the book are unapologetic about their sexual adventures - whether that’s living a life that’s free from serious relationships, or one in which they experiment to keep the spark there. As a whole, the book explores living a life that isn’t a cardboard cut out. There are people in same sex relationships living with a mum who is single by choice; there is a woman who has left her husband and is now exploring what single life as an older lay can be like; and of course, there’s one of our main characters who has two failed long term relationships under her belt and is trying to find herself out in the world.
I’ve been trying to expand my romance horizons lately with more characters outside of the heterosexual and binary world. I guess much like the characters in the book coming to terms with what else is out there in the world and opening themselves up to what they might or might not be interested in. This was a really interesting exploration of two characters who have always seen themselves as straight, finding out that, maybe, that isn’t strictly the case.
This is the perfect holiday book - it’s light and sunny enough to read in a single sitting, with a cast of vibrant characters (what a joy they all are!) but has enough backstory to add depth to the book. While sex and sexuality are ever present in the book (even in the first few pages!), it’s spicy but not scarily so.
The setting of Lisbon was so strong, “she” was almost her own character. I’ve never been to Lisbon, and honestly, I’d never really considered going there…until now. I feel like I need to go now to understand the magical draw this city has! The characters and their chemistry sat so well in the setting. I could feel the way that Ash was drawing on the exuberance of life there and thriving. At times, the “joy of feeling alive” vibe might feel quite heavy handed to some readers, but I really enjoyed it.
The only negative I have is that the ending, while very much nicely wrapped in a little bow like you would want from a happily ever after kind of ending, felt a little rushed. It was definitely a slow burn, enemies to lovers kind of romance, but I think I wanted to see more of them actually coming together and figuring that out rather than being told it basically right at the end. I think I just enjoyed the characters and their relationship so much, I wanted to see more of the flipside of it once they realised their passion was being directed in the wrong way!
Overall, this was a brilliant intro to this author for me and I’ll definitely be coming back to her other books in future.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy
"I want you to be in love with me as well. I think you might be. But if you're not, it's ok. I offer you my love with no conditions."
Sometimes, I like to be surprised with a book. Sometimes, I want to know exactly what’s happening — and every time I open a book by LJW, I know I’m for something sweet, steamy, a little silly and full of sapphic love and it always hits the right spot.
CJ and Ash are dating the same man, and they’re determined that they’re going to win. Would I fight over a man I’ve just started dating? Hell no, but it’s a romcom, get over it. We’re not here for drama-free stories. LJW again masters her unique narrative style — easy flow, excellent pacing, simple to read but a friendly, playful tone that always draws you in. I’m just a few pages, the beautiful descriptions of the landscape turns from this rather poetic look at the sky ahead to nipples and I think that just sums the style up nicely.
We first settle into CJ’s idyllic city life, enjoying the sights and the men of Lisbon, working, the child she had by herself, her long term friend and lover. Then we meet Ash, polished, reserved, ready to try and be someone else for the summer as she first encounters our other leading lady at the coworking space-slash-hotel CJ manages.
They swap their perspectives, getting to know each of them, getting little snippets of their first impressions, their conflict, and when they realise they might not actually be fighting over a boy after all. Did I want to slap Ash for pushing the boundaries of romcom misunderstandings to a slightly unethical amount? Yes, but I was enamoured so I’ll let her pass. The tension between them is spiky from the first day, thawing and freezing again — especially when Ash starts seeing CJ’s long term booty call and bestie. The vibes between the two flicker between competing, to friendship, to overt sexual desire, finding themselves flirting without even knowing why and it was utterly delicious. Was Luis used in their journey? Maybe a little, but he didn’t mind so much.
A beautiful story with a tense, slow burn enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance full of charm, self discovery and reflections of modern womanhood.
Sometimes, I like to be surprised with a book. Sometimes, I want to know exactly what’s happening — and every time I open a book by LJW, I know I’m for something sweet, steamy, a little silly and full of sapphic love and it always hits the right spot.
CJ and Ash are dating the same man, and they’re determined that they’re going to win. Would I fight over a man I’ve just started dating? Hell no, but it’s a romcom, get over it. We’re not here for drama-free stories. LJW again masters her unique narrative style — easy flow, excellent pacing, simple to read but a friendly, playful tone that always draws you in. I’m just a few pages, the beautiful descriptions of the landscape turns from this rather poetic look at the sky ahead to nipples and I think that just sums the style up nicely.
We first settle into CJ’s idyllic city life, enjoying the sights and the men of Lisbon, working, the child she had by herself, her long term friend and lover. Then we meet Ash, polished, reserved, ready to try and be someone else for the summer as she first encounters our other leading lady at the coworking space-slash-hotel CJ manages.
They swap their perspectives, getting to know each of them, getting little snippets of their first impressions, their conflict, and when they realise they might not actually be fighting over a boy after all. Did I want to slap Ash for pushing the boundaries of romcom misunderstandings to a slightly unethical amount? Yes, but I was enamoured so I’ll let her pass. The tension between them is spiky from the first day, thawing and freezing again — especially when Ash starts seeing CJ’s long term booty call and bestie. The vibes between the two flicker between competing, to friendship, to overt sexual desire, finding themselves flirting without even knowing why and it was utterly delicious. Was Luis used in their journey? Maybe a little, but he didn’t mind so much.
A beautiful story with a tense, slow burn enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance full of charm, self discovery and reflections of modern womanhood.
May 17, 2026
Where do I start with this one? I love a good rom-com, especially an enemies-to-lovers story that I can curl up with and simply enjoy.
I absolutely loved the Lisbon setting. The descriptions of the trees, the blue skies, and the atmosphere made it feel as though I was really there. In fact, it made me wish I was there. The author really captured the feel of the place beautifully.
We first meet CJ, a single mum, and is in a friends-with-benefits relationship with Luis. Then Ash arrives, and there’s an instant “can’t stand each other” vibe between them, which slowly develops into friendship and eventually something more.
Sadly, I just didn’t fully connect with the characters. CJ came across as quite abrupt, and I never really warmed to her. Ash, on the other was connectable, and as the story progressed I actually found myself liking her more than CJ.
The first few pages are quite spicy and, maybe it’s just me, but some of the dialogue didn’t feel particularly realistic. That could simply be because I’m an older reader. If I’d picked this up in a bookshop and read only the opening pages, I probably would have put it straight back on the shelf. However, as I was lucky to get an advanced copy, I persevered, and once the story settled in, I found myself enjoying it more.
At times the story felt a little cheesy, and predictable, but I did enjoy the supporting characters. Overall, it’s a quick and easy read, which was exactly what I was looking for after reading a couple of heavier, darker books.
I’ve read another book by this author before and struggled with parts of that one too, but I can definitely see why other readers would love this story. I was pleased to get the happy ending, although it did feel slightly rushed.
If you enjoy romance, rom-coms, and a bit of spice, this book will probably be right up your street.
Thank you to @penguinrandom for an ARC all thoughts and opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
I absolutely loved the Lisbon setting. The descriptions of the trees, the blue skies, and the atmosphere made it feel as though I was really there. In fact, it made me wish I was there. The author really captured the feel of the place beautifully.
We first meet CJ, a single mum, and is in a friends-with-benefits relationship with Luis. Then Ash arrives, and there’s an instant “can’t stand each other” vibe between them, which slowly develops into friendship and eventually something more.
Sadly, I just didn’t fully connect with the characters. CJ came across as quite abrupt, and I never really warmed to her. Ash, on the other was connectable, and as the story progressed I actually found myself liking her more than CJ.
The first few pages are quite spicy and, maybe it’s just me, but some of the dialogue didn’t feel particularly realistic. That could simply be because I’m an older reader. If I’d picked this up in a bookshop and read only the opening pages, I probably would have put it straight back on the shelf. However, as I was lucky to get an advanced copy, I persevered, and once the story settled in, I found myself enjoying it more.
At times the story felt a little cheesy, and predictable, but I did enjoy the supporting characters. Overall, it’s a quick and easy read, which was exactly what I was looking for after reading a couple of heavier, darker books.
I’ve read another book by this author before and struggled with parts of that one too, but I can definitely see why other readers would love this story. I was pleased to get the happy ending, although it did feel slightly rushed.
If you enjoy romance, rom-coms, and a bit of spice, this book will probably be right up your street.
Thank you to @penguinrandom for an ARC all thoughts and opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A great romance from Laura Jane Williams!
A slow start, this one - we meet hard-nosed CJ in a bad mood, stuck waiting for vapid tourist Ash to arrive at her accommodation in Lisbon, where she'll be staying for a 3 month trip. Filled with pre-conceptions about Ashley, that only seem to be justified when she turns up late, beautifully dressed and unusually upbeat, CJ has no time for another tourist who expects to be treated like a Princess.
Ash, however, is taking a break from her normal life at the behest of her BFF and business partner, reassessing all the places she's gone wrong in her quest for true love. CJ pushes her buttons in a way she would normally avoid, but when they keep running into each other, they're quick to form a dislike. With the introduction of Luis - CJ's friend with benefits, and Ashley's new beau - sparks are sure to ignite.
With absolute opposite personalities, it would be really easy for one of the characters to be dislikable. But somehow, Williams has us routing for both of them, seeing things from opposite points of view and feeling unexpected sympathy even when they're being a little ridiculous. Similarly, Luis could easily be a 'bad guy', using both women, being careless with feelings, and instead is just a character searching for his HEA. The whole host of characters, from cougar Mona, to CJs family, to the city of Lisbon (a character in its own right!) is enjoyable to read about and made this book a really fun read.
I'm not sure the blurb honestly does it justice - the plot sounds like its going to be largely about their conflict over Luis, but actually it's more about finding your own journey and not making snap judgements - both about yourself and about the people you meet.
An enjoyable Summer read, and a great one to read at the beach!
A slow start, this one - we meet hard-nosed CJ in a bad mood, stuck waiting for vapid tourist Ash to arrive at her accommodation in Lisbon, where she'll be staying for a 3 month trip. Filled with pre-conceptions about Ashley, that only seem to be justified when she turns up late, beautifully dressed and unusually upbeat, CJ has no time for another tourist who expects to be treated like a Princess.
Ash, however, is taking a break from her normal life at the behest of her BFF and business partner, reassessing all the places she's gone wrong in her quest for true love. CJ pushes her buttons in a way she would normally avoid, but when they keep running into each other, they're quick to form a dislike. With the introduction of Luis - CJ's friend with benefits, and Ashley's new beau - sparks are sure to ignite.
With absolute opposite personalities, it would be really easy for one of the characters to be dislikable. But somehow, Williams has us routing for both of them, seeing things from opposite points of view and feeling unexpected sympathy even when they're being a little ridiculous. Similarly, Luis could easily be a 'bad guy', using both women, being careless with feelings, and instead is just a character searching for his HEA. The whole host of characters, from cougar Mona, to CJs family, to the city of Lisbon (a character in its own right!) is enjoyable to read about and made this book a really fun read.
I'm not sure the blurb honestly does it justice - the plot sounds like its going to be largely about their conflict over Luis, but actually it's more about finding your own journey and not making snap judgements - both about yourself and about the people you meet.
An enjoyable Summer read, and a great one to read at the beach!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Initially reads as a straight romance with a bit of woman to woman fantasy. If you are bi this may fill a niche that isn’t really filled by the wlw I usually read…… The wlw fantasy does become reality at the end, the getting together more than the getting it on.
The synopsis made it sound like more on page time, enjoyable on page time, than there was. It is very much emphasised that for one main, she had experiences with other women but it was performative for men. The other, no previous attraction to women. The synopsis to me sounded more like the mains spent time together because they were gatecrashing the others dates and discovered their enjoyment came from each other. I don’t think that is how I would describe it. It is more, man is the attraction, man is the outlet. Out of left field and not really shown much on the page is the female relationship. You could say they were both the last to know, and this reader wasn’t very much in front of them.
If you are looking for traditional wlw romance, this isn’t it. If you are looking for bi representation, then there is male and female and female female representation. The expression is male female dominated. If you are looking for a book that gives a real flavour of its setting, Lisbon and Lisbon is perhaps best represented of all the books central characters, then you will probably love this. It was fine was I let go of my expectations.
The synopsis made it sound like more on page time, enjoyable on page time, than there was. It is very much emphasised that for one main, she had experiences with other women but it was performative for men. The other, no previous attraction to women. The synopsis to me sounded more like the mains spent time together because they were gatecrashing the others dates and discovered their enjoyment came from each other. I don’t think that is how I would describe it. It is more, man is the attraction, man is the outlet. Out of left field and not really shown much on the page is the female relationship. You could say they were both the last to know, and this reader wasn’t very much in front of them.
If you are looking for traditional wlw romance, this isn’t it. If you are looking for bi representation, then there is male and female and female female representation. The expression is male female dominated. If you are looking for a book that gives a real flavour of its setting, Lisbon and Lisbon is perhaps best represented of all the books central characters, then you will probably love this. It was fine was I let go of my expectations.
October 5, 2025
Pack your bags and grab the sunscreen - things are hotting up in Lisbon this summer.
CJ keeps her cards close to her chest, Ash wears her heart on her sleeve and Luis gives his cards and heart away freely; but really, they’re all looking for the same thing - someone to love them, choose them and put them first.
Ash has come to Lisbon as a way to refresh her life, deciding to start by staying in the same co living/working space that CJ and Luis work at. She instantly hits it off with Luis, but hits into the iceberg that is CJ. With CJ unwilling to commit to Luis but also unwilling to say goodbye to their friends with benefits situation, she sees Ash as competition, and it’s one she thinks she wants to win. But let us remember, LJW is a feminist, and fighting over a man for a full book is not how this story goes.
I feel like this is LJW’s spicest book yet! And further proof I think she’d be the best agony aunt. Along with the spice, you can also expect a lot of character development, a fantastic cohort of side characters and the heart warming urge to put yourself first!
Thank you NetGalley and Cornerstone for the ARC.
CJ keeps her cards close to her chest, Ash wears her heart on her sleeve and Luis gives his cards and heart away freely; but really, they’re all looking for the same thing - someone to love them, choose them and put them first.
Ash has come to Lisbon as a way to refresh her life, deciding to start by staying in the same co living/working space that CJ and Luis work at. She instantly hits it off with Luis, but hits into the iceberg that is CJ. With CJ unwilling to commit to Luis but also unwilling to say goodbye to their friends with benefits situation, she sees Ash as competition, and it’s one she thinks she wants to win. But let us remember, LJW is a feminist, and fighting over a man for a full book is not how this story goes.
I feel like this is LJW’s spicest book yet! And further proof I think she’d be the best agony aunt. Along with the spice, you can also expect a lot of character development, a fantastic cohort of side characters and the heart warming urge to put yourself first!
Thank you NetGalley and Cornerstone for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🌟3🌟 Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for this ARC!
Generally, I can say this book was alright! The narrative voice was quite funny, although at times it did feel a bit much and at times felt like a heavy-handed effort to use lingo from younger generations - suffice to say this voice did not feel natural on occasion. To me, the narrative voice reads more like a friend verbally telling me the story’s events than the tone I would typically expect the narrative voice to take.
The general narrative felt a tad predictable at times, which was annoying as I enjoy the element of surprise in books. There were also some lines that rubbed me the wrong way, like a woman being thought of as inviting the attention of people looking at her chest because she had no bra on…just felt very gross to me. The author’s writing, narrative voice aside, was strong and definitely conveyed emotion and intensity in a meaningful way.
Overall, unfortunately, I don’t think this book will be a very memorable one for me, but that shouldn’t take away from the fact that the story itself was quite sweet and generally a good read.
TW: Sexual Content
Generally, I can say this book was alright! The narrative voice was quite funny, although at times it did feel a bit much and at times felt like a heavy-handed effort to use lingo from younger generations - suffice to say this voice did not feel natural on occasion. To me, the narrative voice reads more like a friend verbally telling me the story’s events than the tone I would typically expect the narrative voice to take.
The general narrative felt a tad predictable at times, which was annoying as I enjoy the element of surprise in books. There were also some lines that rubbed me the wrong way, like a woman being thought of as inviting the attention of people looking at her chest because she had no bra on…just felt very gross to me. The author’s writing, narrative voice aside, was strong and definitely conveyed emotion and intensity in a meaningful way.
Overall, unfortunately, I don’t think this book will be a very memorable one for me, but that shouldn’t take away from the fact that the story itself was quite sweet and generally a good read.
TW: Sexual Content
May 31, 2026
This was a bit of an odd story and I don’t think I can really do it spoiler free! Firstly NetGalley and Random House did give me an opportunity to read prior to release secondly I honestly thought I was reading a straight situationship for at least 70% of the story!
We have two very different women at play, CJ a zero fucks and shrug kinda woman (comes across a bit masc) and Ash, bubbly, vulnerable like to have a cry now and again. They start as frenemies then BFF but a lot of questioning of their very strong female friendships vibes that includes a lot of touching, a fantasy f/f sex scene (with a guy literally in motion!) to some yearning and eventual realisation to knowing what they want!
It’s super slow but it does build nicely. But everything of any action happens in the last 10%, enjoyable to see when they both realise but felt very rushed to conclude to their HEA ending which we can all enjoy! Honestly I just wanted to see a bit more of them happy together with all the friends and family but it’s fun, I would suggest maybe a sun lounger read so you can defo feel the Portuguese heat from this story!!
We have two very different women at play, CJ a zero fucks and shrug kinda woman (comes across a bit masc) and Ash, bubbly, vulnerable like to have a cry now and again. They start as frenemies then BFF but a lot of questioning of their very strong female friendships vibes that includes a lot of touching, a fantasy f/f sex scene (with a guy literally in motion!) to some yearning and eventual realisation to knowing what they want!
It’s super slow but it does build nicely. But everything of any action happens in the last 10%, enjoyable to see when they both realise but felt very rushed to conclude to their HEA ending which we can all enjoy! Honestly I just wanted to see a bit more of them happy together with all the friends and family but it’s fun, I would suggest maybe a sun lounger read so you can defo feel the Portuguese heat from this story!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers for giving me an advanced copy to review this book.
I had only read one book by Laura Jane Williams before, and that was back in 2012, so I was excited to read her latest book. It's set in Lisbon, and follows the enemies to lovers path of Ash and CJ, who can't stand each other at the beginning, become friends gradually, before both realising that they want more from their relationship.
I really liked the sense of place in the novel, Lisbon was brought to life not only through the descriptions of its scenery but also of the attractions it has to offer. It made me want to visit and experience it for myself!
Unfortunately, I didn't gel with either of the main characters at first, and I struggled with CJ's personality and attitude throughout the book. I came to like Ash more as the story moved forwards and we got to see her unwind and come to enjoy living life in the moment, but CJ remained uncompromising for a lot of the story and I didn't warm to her character at all. However, I do believe that they earned their 'happily-ever-after' moment and I thought all of the side characters were entertaining (especially Mona, Ash's New Zealander friend).
I had only read one book by Laura Jane Williams before, and that was back in 2012, so I was excited to read her latest book. It's set in Lisbon, and follows the enemies to lovers path of Ash and CJ, who can't stand each other at the beginning, become friends gradually, before both realising that they want more from their relationship.
I really liked the sense of place in the novel, Lisbon was brought to life not only through the descriptions of its scenery but also of the attractions it has to offer. It made me want to visit and experience it for myself!
Unfortunately, I didn't gel with either of the main characters at first, and I struggled with CJ's personality and attitude throughout the book. I came to like Ash more as the story moved forwards and we got to see her unwind and come to enjoy living life in the moment, but CJ remained uncompromising for a lot of the story and I didn't warm to her character at all. However, I do believe that they earned their 'happily-ever-after' moment and I thought all of the side characters were entertaining (especially Mona, Ash's New Zealander friend).
November 15, 2025
Ash finds herself in Lisbon, ready to throw caution to the wind and live her best life for 12 weeks. Cue a frosty reception from the manager, a lust at first sight with the manager's lover and an unlikely friendship.
The first few pages had me wondering what I had signed myself up for as I have never read anything by Laura Jane Williams and it turns out she is not shy about a bit spice and that is exactly how this book begins.
I wasn't sure at first and I didn’t warm to any of the characters to begin with - this almost had me DNF but I'm pleased I ploughed on as I did find it an enjoyable read.
At times it was cheesy but the characters grew on me and I loved reading about Lisbon. It is now on my list of places to visit so thank you to LJW for writing such a beautiful setting.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
The first few pages had me wondering what I had signed myself up for as I have never read anything by Laura Jane Williams and it turns out she is not shy about a bit spice and that is exactly how this book begins.
I wasn't sure at first and I didn’t warm to any of the characters to begin with - this almost had me DNF but I'm pleased I ploughed on as I did find it an enjoyable read.
At times it was cheesy but the characters grew on me and I loved reading about Lisbon. It is now on my list of places to visit so thank you to LJW for writing such a beautiful setting.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have enjoyed all of Laura Jane Williams' previous books, so to read this was a no-brainer.
A little different to some of her previous stories, this one focuses on two very different women. CJ, who lives in Lisbon and is a single mother, is living with a cousin and his husband, managing an apartment complex and Ash, who has come away from life in the UK, with possible heartbreak and a need for a reset. She is staying at the complex, and the two clash horribly, then seem to go for the same guy.
But you can feel the chemistry crackling somewhere else. Previously, having any feelings for another woman had not even been given the time of day. Now, something else is happening for them both.
I loved Ash's line about not loving men or women, but loving people.
A story of finding out where true happiness is.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House, and Cornerstone for an ARC.
A little different to some of her previous stories, this one focuses on two very different women. CJ, who lives in Lisbon and is a single mother, is living with a cousin and his husband, managing an apartment complex and Ash, who has come away from life in the UK, with possible heartbreak and a need for a reset. She is staying at the complex, and the two clash horribly, then seem to go for the same guy.
But you can feel the chemistry crackling somewhere else. Previously, having any feelings for another woman had not even been given the time of day. Now, something else is happening for them both.
I loved Ash's line about not loving men or women, but loving people.
A story of finding out where true happiness is.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House, and Cornerstone for an ARC.
June 9, 2026
After CJ and Ash get off on the wrong foot, and it goes a bit further downhill from there, they realise that actually they do like each other which makes for a really believable and quite funny at times enemies turned friends turned lovers.
It took a while for both CJ and Ash to find their place in the story, the range of emotions they both felt in such a short space of time made it feel like a bit of a rollercoaster at times. But they both got through and definitely seems to be better people because of it.
Ash’s friendship with Mona cannot go unmentioned, like those weird work friendships they both brought out something in each other without intending to or maybe even realising it.
The setting for this was also so so beautiful, you could see why CJ and Ash fell in love with Lisbon
3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
It took a while for both CJ and Ash to find their place in the story, the range of emotions they both felt in such a short space of time made it feel like a bit of a rollercoaster at times. But they both got through and definitely seems to be better people because of it.
Ash’s friendship with Mona cannot go unmentioned, like those weird work friendships they both brought out something in each other without intending to or maybe even realising it.
The setting for this was also so so beautiful, you could see why CJ and Ash fell in love with Lisbon
3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2025
A story of friendships, family and love.
Pretty certain this is the first book I’ve read by LJW and I’m not 100% certain on some of the ‘spice’ in it! Don’t know if I’m getting old or if it just didn’t land right with me!
That aside, it’s a good story, really easy to read and whilst predictable still a journey to go on. There’s some lessons in there that really resonated with me and I’m not sure if that’s meant to be a sign somehow as I certainly didn’t expect them when reading the blurb!
Either way, it was exactly what I needed after the last few reads I’ve had and I’d seek out more books from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for the ARC
Pretty certain this is the first book I’ve read by LJW and I’m not 100% certain on some of the ‘spice’ in it! Don’t know if I’m getting old or if it just didn’t land right with me!
That aside, it’s a good story, really easy to read and whilst predictable still a journey to go on. There’s some lessons in there that really resonated with me and I’m not sure if that’s meant to be a sign somehow as I certainly didn’t expect them when reading the blurb!
Either way, it was exactly what I needed after the last few reads I’ve had and I’d seek out more books from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for the ARC
December 7, 2025
This is a fair four-star read. I have loved this author works before so went into this with high hopes and it was good, but I did feel that I knew what was happening before it did at times, and that let it down for me. It has some amazing characters and the development of them was sublime, If I was rating it on characters, it would get a five every time. I may try it on audiobook when it comes out as I do find that sometimes I have enjoyed listening to this type or story more than reading it and I had such high hopes I will give it another go, as it could have just been me reading this at the wrong time.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A perfect summer read set in gorgeous Lisbon. CJ Ian's her son have a great life, she's happy with her no strings attached love life and busy job. When Ash crashes into her life, looking to reinvent herself over the summer, they immediately loathe each other. Soon they are fighting over a man and things really get ugly.
As summer progresses an uneasy truce develops and maybe friendship.
However, what if it can be something more? Love isn't necessarily binary...
Highly entertaining, sweet yet spicy. This deserves a place in your suitcase!
As summer progresses an uneasy truce develops and maybe friendship.
However, what if it can be something more? Love isn't necessarily binary...
Highly entertaining, sweet yet spicy. This deserves a place in your suitcase!
June 21, 2026
Ash meets CJ on the first day of her three month holiday in Lisbon and gets off on the wrong foot and things get worse when they are both attracted to the same guy Luis.
But as they get to know each other better their feelings get a lot stronger than friendship and both are scared to tell each other how they feel.
I loved the atmosphere in Lisbon and the characters but didn't like all the sex, it could be my age, and it went off a little after half way but did come together in the end as expected.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review.
But as they get to know each other better their feelings get a lot stronger than friendship and both are scared to tell each other how they feel.
I loved the atmosphere in Lisbon and the characters but didn't like all the sex, it could be my age, and it went off a little after half way but did come together in the end as expected.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review.
October 24, 2025
Ash is in Lisbon trying to live and CJ is there living life exactly as she wants it, or at least how she thinks she wants it until she meets Ash.
This book was a little off the mark for me; I didn't enjoy the characters as much as in others of Williams' books and it wasn't as compelling a read. The story was quite predictable, very racey and a little different to her usual witty stuff in my opinion.
This book was a little off the mark for me; I didn't enjoy the characters as much as in others of Williams' books and it wasn't as compelling a read. The story was quite predictable, very racey and a little different to her usual witty stuff in my opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
being a good summer read doesn't necessarily equate to being a good read, and that is the case here. laura jane williams is much better suited to writing about lisbon than she is crafting a lesbian relationship worth rooting for or characters to invest yourself in. that said, i did rejoice at the end, whether for the happy ending or because i could close the book for good, i don't know.
thank you to netgalley for the arc.
thank you to netgalley for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a clear Rivals to Lovers romance, set in Portugal with a fairly positive feminist empowerment gaze. Quick tropes include single motherhood, an older feminine mentor, planned threesome, sex positivity, and ethical non-monogamy.
Without major spoilers, the fight over the man isn't what you expect from the blurb, and Ash will grow on you as a character.
Also ends happily!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Without major spoilers, the fight over the man isn't what you expect from the blurb, and Ash will grow on you as a character.
Also ends happily!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
June 14, 2026
Really enjoyed this book. I’ve devoured most of LJW’s booked including the little how to build a life editions last year. I think that her skill is writing realistic characters, with all their flaws. They’re Rom Coms with a bit more colour, warmth and complexity.
(The Audible narrator is terrible however such odd pauses such as “She didn’t blush. Easily” “She goes almost. Beetroot” - I don’t think it did the book justice at all.)
(The Audible narrator is terrible however such odd pauses such as “She didn’t blush. Easily” “She goes almost. Beetroot” - I don’t think it did the book justice at all.)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A chaotic queer slow burn... Say no more! Had a lot of fun reading this, while also wishing it would just be a bit more. Can't pinpoint what I was missing, but maybe just a bit more communication, a bit more sparks? But it was fun! However the child? So weird...
June 12, 2026
A great read. Five stars. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read an ARC.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews