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Love, Grief & More Sex Than Pinot
Soho’s life was perfect, until it wasn’t.
The youngest of three girls, growing up on the Essex coast, she
had love and laughter… until her mum lost her battle with cancer.
At 24, grief hit hard. With pinot grigio as her go-to painkiller and the
belief that only Mr Right can fix her broken heart, Soho dives
headfirst into love’s messiest lessons.
With her recruitment career in London a comical shit-show, Soho’s
nights with her five best friends, the Wino Worms, are fuelled by
cocaine, cocktails, and chaos. Hundreds of men later, hope never
lasts past hangovers and sunrise.
That is, until a disastrous bedroom incident sparks a painful journey
of healing she’s been running from. But not for long! Enter Warren
the irresistible Aussie with endless champagne and sweet
nothings. Could he be the Mr Right she’s been chasing all along?
She’s not ready… Or is she?
Full of heartbreak, hilarity, and a hint of redemption, Love, Grief &
More Sex Than Pinot is a gloriously human, raw, and riotous
journey through love, loss, and learning that the only person who
can save you… is you.
The youngest of three girls, growing up on the Essex coast, she
had love and laughter… until her mum lost her battle with cancer.
At 24, grief hit hard. With pinot grigio as her go-to painkiller and the
belief that only Mr Right can fix her broken heart, Soho dives
headfirst into love’s messiest lessons.
With her recruitment career in London a comical shit-show, Soho’s
nights with her five best friends, the Wino Worms, are fuelled by
cocaine, cocktails, and chaos. Hundreds of men later, hope never
lasts past hangovers and sunrise.
That is, until a disastrous bedroom incident sparks a painful journey
of healing she’s been running from. But not for long! Enter Warren
the irresistible Aussie with endless champagne and sweet
nothings. Could he be the Mr Right she’s been chasing all along?
She’s not ready… Or is she?
Full of heartbreak, hilarity, and a hint of redemption, Love, Grief &
More Sex Than Pinot is a gloriously human, raw, and riotous
journey through love, loss, and learning that the only person who
can save you… is you.
- GenresContemporary
477 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 4, 2026
Author Sacha Hughes has been through a lot during 20’s & 30’s, drawing her own inspiration through life with her character Soho, who I adored reading about.
Soho is the youngest of three girls growing up in the Essex coast . Soho and her friends made me laugh, while entering a club in what a bouncer finds in one of their handbags. Things I didn’t quite agree with is the drinking, taking drugs and with Soho and her friends recklessly sleeping with guys. But then again they were all young, just young girls having fun! And really all Soho wants to do is to find her Mr Right. Will Soho find the right young man in her life? This an incredible story one I highly recommend to young 20 something plus ladies. And if you love reading or watching Bridget jones or romance books you all have so much fun reading this novel! And for readers who love the confessional wit and emotional honesty of Fleebag, the romantic-vulnerability and self-deprecating humour of Bridget Jone’s Diary and the emotionally raw, character-driven storytelling of Everything I Know About Love. This story is a shame-reducing, laugh-out_loud narrative that combines humour with serious emotional terrain, offering connection and recognition rather than instruction.
Soho is the youngest of three girls growing up in the Essex coast . Soho and her friends made me laugh, while entering a club in what a bouncer finds in one of their handbags. Things I didn’t quite agree with is the drinking, taking drugs and with Soho and her friends recklessly sleeping with guys. But then again they were all young, just young girls having fun! And really all Soho wants to do is to find her Mr Right. Will Soho find the right young man in her life? This an incredible story one I highly recommend to young 20 something plus ladies. And if you love reading or watching Bridget jones or romance books you all have so much fun reading this novel! And for readers who love the confessional wit and emotional honesty of Fleebag, the romantic-vulnerability and self-deprecating humour of Bridget Jone’s Diary and the emotionally raw, character-driven storytelling of Everything I Know About Love. This story is a shame-reducing, laugh-out_loud narrative that combines humour with serious emotional terrain, offering connection and recognition rather than instruction.
April 30, 2026
Love, Grief and More Sex Than Pinot is described as Bridget Jones meets Fleabag. The story follows Soho, who grows up in a close-knit family, but after the death of her mother in her early twenties, her life begins to unravel. Heavy drinking, casual relationships, and drug-fuelled nights become the ways she tries to cope with her loss.
The novel explores grief through dark humour and self-destructive behaviour, showing how deeply Soho struggles to process what has happened. Despite the intended humour, I found it difficult to connect with the main character. From the early scenes describing the private “playful” language she shared with her mother when making comments about other shoppers’ appearances, to the way she describes the men she meets to her friends , I did not find the writing style amusing. She seemed to be disparaging about anyone other than her close circle of family and friends and the language she used didn’t sit well with me.
Although the book clearly aims to balance heartbreak with humour, the comedy did not land for me personally. I also felt the book was longer than it needed to be, and a shorter version may have been more engaging. Ultimately, it just wasn’t for me, though I can see it has received many positive reviews from other readers, so give the book a try if you enjoy messy, flawed protagonists navigating grief and searching for love .
Many thanks to Literally PR and the author for providing me with an advance review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
The novel explores grief through dark humour and self-destructive behaviour, showing how deeply Soho struggles to process what has happened. Despite the intended humour, I found it difficult to connect with the main character. From the early scenes describing the private “playful” language she shared with her mother when making comments about other shoppers’ appearances, to the way she describes the men she meets to her friends , I did not find the writing style amusing. She seemed to be disparaging about anyone other than her close circle of family and friends and the language she used didn’t sit well with me.
Although the book clearly aims to balance heartbreak with humour, the comedy did not land for me personally. I also felt the book was longer than it needed to be, and a shorter version may have been more engaging. Ultimately, it just wasn’t for me, though I can see it has received many positive reviews from other readers, so give the book a try if you enjoy messy, flawed protagonists navigating grief and searching for love .
Many thanks to Literally PR and the author for providing me with an advance review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 13, 2026
Soho Summers is a now a name that lives rent-free in my head. This is a fantastic book! I read it in a week and loved every moment. It truly takes you on a journey… I was laughing from the first chapter. This book made me feel all sorts of emotions and blends in so beautifully. At times it touched on themes in my own life and I felt connected. I love the Wino Worms, and you’ll understand why from the first chapter alone. I would highly recommend!
April 7, 2026
Review of advanced copy.
At the age of twenty-four, Soho’s life changes. Following the death of their beloved mum, Soho and her sisters all struggle to come to terms with their loss.
Soho goes on a downward spiral of drink, drugs and way too much sex! All she wants is to meet the love of her life, have the kind of marriage that her parents had, but Soho is on her own.
Can Soho turn her life around … does she even want to?
This is a stunning story that touched me deeply. I felt for Soho and all her family, the death of a loved one can be devastating.
The title of the story couldn’t be more appropriate, this is a tale of love, grief, sex and Pinot! Painfully raw at times, yet snort laughing at others!
The writing is beautiful and draws you into the story. Although a lot of the book is emotional, there is also a lot of fun and laughter. I couldn’t stop laughing at the antics of the Wino Worms, these ladies were amazing.
I cannot wait for book 2 to be released.
At the age of twenty-four, Soho’s life changes. Following the death of their beloved mum, Soho and her sisters all struggle to come to terms with their loss.
Soho goes on a downward spiral of drink, drugs and way too much sex! All she wants is to meet the love of her life, have the kind of marriage that her parents had, but Soho is on her own.
Can Soho turn her life around … does she even want to?
This is a stunning story that touched me deeply. I felt for Soho and all her family, the death of a loved one can be devastating.
The title of the story couldn’t be more appropriate, this is a tale of love, grief, sex and Pinot! Painfully raw at times, yet snort laughing at others!
The writing is beautiful and draws you into the story. Although a lot of the book is emotional, there is also a lot of fun and laughter. I couldn’t stop laughing at the antics of the Wino Worms, these ladies were amazing.
I cannot wait for book 2 to be released.
May 1, 2026
Sacha Hughes’ debut has been described as Fleabag meets Bridget Jones, and it definitely ticks those boxes thanks to the sharp humour and chaotic honesty, but truthfully, this book goes so much deeper.
The way Sacha writes about grief, particularly losing a parent to cancer, is incredibly powerful. Having been through that myself, those final weeks, days, hours and minutes, that unbearable waiting, the sense that you’re never quite ready to let go, all of it felt painfully real and close to home. The anticipation of loss, the helplessness, the depth of love, it’s written with such honesty that it genuinely stopped me and had me in tears in places.
You can feel how much Sacha loved her mum through the writing - this is a fictional story, yes, but it's also deeply entrenched in reality and lived experiences. That relationship and bond between parent and child, and the mark it leaves, sits at the heart of the story. It’s emotional without ever feeling forced, just deeply, deeply real and human.
At the same time, there is so much humour woven throughout to counterbalance the grief. The opening scene with the “wino worms” (Soho’s pub regulars) is laugh-out-loud funny and immediately grounds you in a world that feels familiar. Those messy, unfiltered, slightly outrageous conversations between friends are spot on (at least in my experience!).
The reflections on childhood, university life, and the pressure to follow a certain path, career, relationships, expectations, all feel very true to our generation (I'm the same age as the author). There’s a thread running through it of not quite feeling “enough,” which I think a lot of readers will recognise.
Yes, it’s a big book. At around 500 pages, it’s not a speedy read. You do have to invest time in it, but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding. You become immersed in Soho’s world, her past, her relationships, and her emotional journey. And you want to read more... which is a very good sign.
Ultimately, this is a story about love in all its forms: family, friendship, romantic love, and learning to love yourself. It’s about strength, identity, and navigating grief while still finding moments of joy and humour.
A deeply personal, funny, and moving debut and I look forward to seeing what's in store for Soho Summers.
The way Sacha writes about grief, particularly losing a parent to cancer, is incredibly powerful. Having been through that myself, those final weeks, days, hours and minutes, that unbearable waiting, the sense that you’re never quite ready to let go, all of it felt painfully real and close to home. The anticipation of loss, the helplessness, the depth of love, it’s written with such honesty that it genuinely stopped me and had me in tears in places.
You can feel how much Sacha loved her mum through the writing - this is a fictional story, yes, but it's also deeply entrenched in reality and lived experiences. That relationship and bond between parent and child, and the mark it leaves, sits at the heart of the story. It’s emotional without ever feeling forced, just deeply, deeply real and human.
At the same time, there is so much humour woven throughout to counterbalance the grief. The opening scene with the “wino worms” (Soho’s pub regulars) is laugh-out-loud funny and immediately grounds you in a world that feels familiar. Those messy, unfiltered, slightly outrageous conversations between friends are spot on (at least in my experience!).
The reflections on childhood, university life, and the pressure to follow a certain path, career, relationships, expectations, all feel very true to our generation (I'm the same age as the author). There’s a thread running through it of not quite feeling “enough,” which I think a lot of readers will recognise.
Yes, it’s a big book. At around 500 pages, it’s not a speedy read. You do have to invest time in it, but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding. You become immersed in Soho’s world, her past, her relationships, and her emotional journey. And you want to read more... which is a very good sign.
Ultimately, this is a story about love in all its forms: family, friendship, romantic love, and learning to love yourself. It’s about strength, identity, and navigating grief while still finding moments of joy and humour.
A deeply personal, funny, and moving debut and I look forward to seeing what's in store for Soho Summers.
April 19, 2026
Love, Grief & More Sex Than Pinot by Sasha Hughes is an enjoyable novel, perfect for lazy, uninterrupted reading—ideally by the pool. A really solid 4-star read.
The book follows Soho’s story and offers a thoughtful, often nostalgic look at the uncertainty of early adulthood. The portrayal of those first weeks at university—filled with imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and struggles with body image—feels sincere and highly relatable. It also explores the pressure of making life decisions at a young age, particularly under the influence of parental expectations.
At its heart, the novel is shaped by grief. Having first-hand experience of parental loss to cancer, I found parts of this book especially emotional and, at times, quite triggering. The depiction of Soho’s mum’s decline and death is detailed and lingers longer than expected. While this may feel slightly drawn out, it effectively reinforces the depth of Soho’s loss and helps explain the impact it has on her later behaviour.
The relationships between Soho and her sisters are a real highlight. Their close bond, shared trauma, and strong sense of family add warmth and emotional depth throughout the story.
As Soho begins to spiral, her wayward lifestyle and choices can be frustrating—I often found myself wanting to give her a shake. However, this reflects the messy reality of grief and raises interesting questions about whether her journey is one of self-discovery or a gradual unravelling. While some of the humour didn’t always land for me, there are still moments of lightness that help balance the heavier themes.
The narrative really picks up when Soho begins counselling and meets Warren, bringing a renewed sense of direction and grounding. From there, the story moves towards a more predictable but comforting ending. While it took me a while to feel fully invested in her path, it was satisfying to see her find some stability and hope.
Overall, this is an emotional and relatable read that explores grief, family, and the challenges of early adulthood with honesty.
Thanks to the publishers and author for the advanced reader copy.
The book follows Soho’s story and offers a thoughtful, often nostalgic look at the uncertainty of early adulthood. The portrayal of those first weeks at university—filled with imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and struggles with body image—feels sincere and highly relatable. It also explores the pressure of making life decisions at a young age, particularly under the influence of parental expectations.
At its heart, the novel is shaped by grief. Having first-hand experience of parental loss to cancer, I found parts of this book especially emotional and, at times, quite triggering. The depiction of Soho’s mum’s decline and death is detailed and lingers longer than expected. While this may feel slightly drawn out, it effectively reinforces the depth of Soho’s loss and helps explain the impact it has on her later behaviour.
The relationships between Soho and her sisters are a real highlight. Their close bond, shared trauma, and strong sense of family add warmth and emotional depth throughout the story.
As Soho begins to spiral, her wayward lifestyle and choices can be frustrating—I often found myself wanting to give her a shake. However, this reflects the messy reality of grief and raises interesting questions about whether her journey is one of self-discovery or a gradual unravelling. While some of the humour didn’t always land for me, there are still moments of lightness that help balance the heavier themes.
The narrative really picks up when Soho begins counselling and meets Warren, bringing a renewed sense of direction and grounding. From there, the story moves towards a more predictable but comforting ending. While it took me a while to feel fully invested in her path, it was satisfying to see her find some stability and hope.
Overall, this is an emotional and relatable read that explores grief, family, and the challenges of early adulthood with honesty.
Thanks to the publishers and author for the advanced reader copy.
May 1, 2026
Forget Bridget Jones -Soho Is the Chaotic Girl We Actually Need Right Now
Love, Grief & More Sex Than Pinot by Sasha Hughes - ⭐⭐⭐⭐,5
Okay, first things first… that title. It had me at hello.
Love, Grief & More Sex Than Pinot was exactly the kind of book I didn't know I needed right now. I ended up reading most of it on the beach, yes, even as the weather is starting to turn, because once I started, putting it down wasn't really an option. This is the kind of story that deserves your full, uninterrupted attention.
We follow Soho; love that name, by the way; a young woman stumbling through the beautiful disaster of early adulthood. Those opening university chapters? So honest it almost hurts. The imposter syndrome, the body image battles, the weight of parental expectations pressing down while you're still figuring out who you even are. Hughes nails it.
But make no mistake, this is ultimately a book about grief. Soho loses her mum to cancer, and Hughes doesn't soften any of it. There were moments I genuinely had to pause. It's detailed, it lingers, and it hit closer to home than I expected. But that honesty is precisely what gives the story its power.
When Soho starts to spiral, her choices are, I'll be real, absolutely maddening. I wanted to shake her on more than one occasion. But that frustration is the whole point. Grief is not pretty or logical, and Hughes understands that completely. The bond between Soho and her sisters adds so much warmth to an otherwise heavy story, and it's honestly one of the best parts of the book.
Things really click into place once Soho starts counselling and Warren enters the picture. The ending is predictable, sure, but after everything this girl goes through, she deserves every bit of that comfort.
Oh, and did I mention this is a DEBUT? Because it absolutely does not read like one. Raw, funny, real, Sasha Hughes is a name I'll be following from here on out.
ARC kindly provided by Ocean Breeze Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
#LoveGriefMoreSexThanPinot #NetGalley
Love, Grief & More Sex Than Pinot by Sasha Hughes - ⭐⭐⭐⭐,5
Okay, first things first… that title. It had me at hello.
Love, Grief & More Sex Than Pinot was exactly the kind of book I didn't know I needed right now. I ended up reading most of it on the beach, yes, even as the weather is starting to turn, because once I started, putting it down wasn't really an option. This is the kind of story that deserves your full, uninterrupted attention.
We follow Soho; love that name, by the way; a young woman stumbling through the beautiful disaster of early adulthood. Those opening university chapters? So honest it almost hurts. The imposter syndrome, the body image battles, the weight of parental expectations pressing down while you're still figuring out who you even are. Hughes nails it.
But make no mistake, this is ultimately a book about grief. Soho loses her mum to cancer, and Hughes doesn't soften any of it. There were moments I genuinely had to pause. It's detailed, it lingers, and it hit closer to home than I expected. But that honesty is precisely what gives the story its power.
When Soho starts to spiral, her choices are, I'll be real, absolutely maddening. I wanted to shake her on more than one occasion. But that frustration is the whole point. Grief is not pretty or logical, and Hughes understands that completely. The bond between Soho and her sisters adds so much warmth to an otherwise heavy story, and it's honestly one of the best parts of the book.
Things really click into place once Soho starts counselling and Warren enters the picture. The ending is predictable, sure, but after everything this girl goes through, she deserves every bit of that comfort.
Oh, and did I mention this is a DEBUT? Because it absolutely does not read like one. Raw, funny, real, Sasha Hughes is a name I'll be following from here on out.
ARC kindly provided by Ocean Breeze Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
#LoveGriefMoreSexThanPinot #NetGalley
May 5, 2026
I've just finished Love, Grief & More Sex Than Pinot and it's one of those rare books that makes you laugh, cry, and cringe in equal measure—often on the same page.
It follows Soho as she navigates her twenties—university, friendships, relationships, and that feeling so many of us have had of not quite knowing what we're doing or where we're going. There's a lot in there about pressure too: from family, from life, and from ourselves. I think many readers will recognise bits of their own story in it.
Underpinning everything, though, is grief. Soho loses her mum, and that loss runs through everything that comes after. It's written in a really honest way and at times it's quite heavy, and as someone who has also lost a parent to cancer, it was a tough read in places. But life is tough, and the rawness helps you understand why Soho makes some of the choices she does.
What I really loved were the relationships—especially between Soho and her sisters. There's something very warm and familiar about those family dynamics, even in the middle of everything they're going through. I found myself really liking Soho, swinging between wanting to give her a hug and wanting to give her a bit of a shake (usually while muttering "don't do it!" at the pages).
There's plenty of humour throughout, which stops it from feeling too heavy. Some moments are laugh-out-loud funny, others more subtle, but the comedy balances the harder parts really well.
It's not a quick read, but it's one you settle into. By the end, you feel like you've been through something with her—watching her slowly find a bit more stability and direction.
Overall, it's a really strong debut with a very human story at its core—about love in all its forms: family, romance, friendship, and learning to figure yourself out along the way. I'll definitely be looking out for more from this author.
Thanks to the publishers and author for the advanced reader copy.
It follows Soho as she navigates her twenties—university, friendships, relationships, and that feeling so many of us have had of not quite knowing what we're doing or where we're going. There's a lot in there about pressure too: from family, from life, and from ourselves. I think many readers will recognise bits of their own story in it.
Underpinning everything, though, is grief. Soho loses her mum, and that loss runs through everything that comes after. It's written in a really honest way and at times it's quite heavy, and as someone who has also lost a parent to cancer, it was a tough read in places. But life is tough, and the rawness helps you understand why Soho makes some of the choices she does.
What I really loved were the relationships—especially between Soho and her sisters. There's something very warm and familiar about those family dynamics, even in the middle of everything they're going through. I found myself really liking Soho, swinging between wanting to give her a hug and wanting to give her a bit of a shake (usually while muttering "don't do it!" at the pages).
There's plenty of humour throughout, which stops it from feeling too heavy. Some moments are laugh-out-loud funny, others more subtle, but the comedy balances the harder parts really well.
It's not a quick read, but it's one you settle into. By the end, you feel like you've been through something with her—watching her slowly find a bit more stability and direction.
Overall, it's a really strong debut with a very human story at its core—about love in all its forms: family, romance, friendship, and learning to figure yourself out along the way. I'll definitely be looking out for more from this author.
Thanks to the publishers and author for the advanced reader copy.
May 1, 2026
Wow! What an amazing debut novel from Sacha Hughes! I expected to like Love, Grief & More Sex Than Pinot, which is why I chose to read it, but I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVED IT!!!
Soho Summers is such a realistic and relatable character. The 28-year-old has been searching for her very own Mr Right but every one she picks turns out to be Mr Very Wrong. Summer may laugh off all of her dating nightmares in front of her friends but it really stings when her friends return to their partners and Soho goes home alone to her cute cat Pickle.
When Soho's mother dies she spirals dangerously out of control with a cocktail of drink, drugs and sex but she continues to tell her friends and family that she's 'fine'. Isn't that so true? We use 'I'm fine' so often that it almost has the opposite meaning to what it should convey. Now, I would like to say that I couldn't put this book down but I had to at the end of a couple of chapters to gather my emotions as it is heartbreaking reading at times. Soho's grief is palpable and I just wanted to reach into the book and give her a massive hug.
I've seen readers talking about book hangovers before but I had never had one...until now. I didn't want the book to end and I'm already looking forward to the next one. There's a sneaky peak of book two in the back of the book and I don't usually read these excerpts but I just had to see what was next in store for Soho. I can't wait for more!!
Entertaining, laugh out loud hilarious and incredibly poignant, Love, Grief & More Sex Than Pinot made me laugh and cry so have your hankies at the ready when you read it. It's an unmissable and unforgettable emotional rollercoaster of a rom-com and an easy five stars.
I received a gifted paperback to read and review for the Online Book Review Tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Soho Summers is such a realistic and relatable character. The 28-year-old has been searching for her very own Mr Right but every one she picks turns out to be Mr Very Wrong. Summer may laugh off all of her dating nightmares in front of her friends but it really stings when her friends return to their partners and Soho goes home alone to her cute cat Pickle.
When Soho's mother dies she spirals dangerously out of control with a cocktail of drink, drugs and sex but she continues to tell her friends and family that she's 'fine'. Isn't that so true? We use 'I'm fine' so often that it almost has the opposite meaning to what it should convey. Now, I would like to say that I couldn't put this book down but I had to at the end of a couple of chapters to gather my emotions as it is heartbreaking reading at times. Soho's grief is palpable and I just wanted to reach into the book and give her a massive hug.
I've seen readers talking about book hangovers before but I had never had one...until now. I didn't want the book to end and I'm already looking forward to the next one. There's a sneaky peak of book two in the back of the book and I don't usually read these excerpts but I just had to see what was next in store for Soho. I can't wait for more!!
Entertaining, laugh out loud hilarious and incredibly poignant, Love, Grief & More Sex Than Pinot made me laugh and cry so have your hankies at the ready when you read it. It's an unmissable and unforgettable emotional rollercoaster of a rom-com and an easy five stars.
I received a gifted paperback to read and review for the Online Book Review Tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
April 28, 2026
Confession time I have never read or watched Bridget Jones but I have enjoyed a bit of Fleabag so I was intrigued to see what this would be like. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. This book is full of a range of emotions and Soho, for all her ‘faults’ is so human you cannot help but like her. I loved reading this, which is saying something since it is not my normal genre at all and has actually made me reconsider what genres I read. There are moments that will make you chuckle, some that will make you cry and every emotion in between.
I loved the narrative voice and how the story was presented and honestly I couldn’t put it down once I started. At the core there’s a message that I think everyone can appreciate, that you can make the difference but throughout we are reminded via Hughes’ writing that life is not perfect, it’s not cookie cutter straight and it’s okay to mess up, to have fun, to let go and to grieve. A brilliant novel all overall.
As always thank you to Literally PR, publishers and author for the copy to review. My reviews are always given freely and my honest opinion of the book.
I loved the narrative voice and how the story was presented and honestly I couldn’t put it down once I started. At the core there’s a message that I think everyone can appreciate, that you can make the difference but throughout we are reminded via Hughes’ writing that life is not perfect, it’s not cookie cutter straight and it’s okay to mess up, to have fun, to let go and to grieve. A brilliant novel all overall.
As always thank you to Literally PR, publishers and author for the copy to review. My reviews are always given freely and my honest opinion of the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My guess is, I'm not the target audience for this book...
Soho's antics just didn't land as funny - more like bullying, trying to get her own way, and then brushing it all off as 'a prank' and 'can't you take a joke?' I can't stand this attitude IRL, especially for having been on the receiving end of such actions, so this didn't endear me to the story much less the character at all. Plus there was the bit, right off the start, where a mid-forties woman is referred to as a 'granny' - and these women making such comments were almost thirty themselves, aka the forties aren't far off, so another ten years and they'll be grannies?
I get it sounds funny initially, but thinking it about it a little harder, the message just wasn't very positive or uplifting. I just couldn't get into it after that very first chapter itself...
I suppose this book will be a miss for some people - I'm in that category, unfortunately.
Soho's antics just didn't land as funny - more like bullying, trying to get her own way, and then brushing it all off as 'a prank' and 'can't you take a joke?' I can't stand this attitude IRL, especially for having been on the receiving end of such actions, so this didn't endear me to the story much less the character at all. Plus there was the bit, right off the start, where a mid-forties woman is referred to as a 'granny' - and these women making such comments were almost thirty themselves, aka the forties aren't far off, so another ten years and they'll be grannies?
I get it sounds funny initially, but thinking it about it a little harder, the message just wasn't very positive or uplifting. I just couldn't get into it after that very first chapter itself...
I suppose this book will be a miss for some people - I'm in that category, unfortunately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2026
This book is basically what would happen if Bridget Jones’s Diary and Fleabag had a chaotic love child and handed her a bottle of pinot and zero life guidance.
Soho is an absolute mess in the most entertaining way possible – grieving, spiralling, making questionable decisions, and somehow still managing to be weirdly relatable. The “Wino Worms” nights alone had me laughing because… we’ve all either been there or know someone who has.
It’s messy, it’s a bit wild, and yes, there’s a lot of bad decisions (and men), but underneath all the chaos there’s actually a lot of heart. Some moments hit harder than expected, especially around grief, but the humour keeps it from ever feeling too heavy.
Honestly, it feels like reading someone’s brutally honest diary after a few drinks – unfiltered, slightly unhinged, but very real. If you like your stories a bit chaotic, a bit emotional, and very funny, this one’s a good time.
Soho is an absolute mess in the most entertaining way possible – grieving, spiralling, making questionable decisions, and somehow still managing to be weirdly relatable. The “Wino Worms” nights alone had me laughing because… we’ve all either been there or know someone who has.
It’s messy, it’s a bit wild, and yes, there’s a lot of bad decisions (and men), but underneath all the chaos there’s actually a lot of heart. Some moments hit harder than expected, especially around grief, but the humour keeps it from ever feeling too heavy.
Honestly, it feels like reading someone’s brutally honest diary after a few drinks – unfiltered, slightly unhinged, but very real. If you like your stories a bit chaotic, a bit emotional, and very funny, this one’s a good time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Love, Grief & More Sex Than Pinot by Sacha Hughes completely pulled me in from the first page. It’s honest, raw, and incredibly relatable — at times it genuinely felt like I was reading about my own life in my 20s (and not always the easy parts).
The writing is fabulous. it's emotional without being heavy, funny in places you don’t expect, and heartbreakingly real throughout. I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know what happened next, but also because it felt so familiar and human.
It explores love, loss, and everything messy in between in such an authentic way. I found myself reflecting a lot while reading it, which is always the sign of a great book.
I really hope this continues into another book, I’d absolutely read more from Sacha Hughes.
Love, Grief & More Sex Than Pinot by Sacha Hughes completely pulled me in from the first page. It’s honest, raw, and incredibly relatable — at times it genuinely felt like I was reading about my own life in my 20s (and not always the easy parts).
The writing is fabulous. it's emotional without being heavy, funny in places you don’t expect, and heartbreakingly real throughout. I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know what happened next, but also because it felt so familiar and human.
It explores love, loss, and everything messy in between in such an authentic way. I found myself reflecting a lot while reading it, which is always the sign of a great book.
I really hope this continues into another book, I’d absolutely read more from Sacha Hughes.
April 23, 2026
Soho Summers struggles with alcohol dependency as a young adult and this is exacerbated when her beloved mum passes away. Add in drugs, multiple one night stands and grief, her life spirals. She seeks love and Mr Right but keeps finding only Mr Wrong. She eventually stops and processes her grief - attending specialist counselling. This book draws inspiration from the author’s own life experiences. I found it real and raw with aspects I am sure for some readers, relatable. I thought the letters to Soho’s mum were particularly heartbreaking. I liked the message that grief isn’t a neat, predictable process and that we sometimes have to self sabotage in order to find self love. Life and love are complex and the book demonstrates this well.
May 1, 2026
Thank you very much for the opportunity to review this book.
I would describe it as Bridget Jones with a more grounded, real-life perspective. The writing style is clear, engaging, and easy to follow, with a natural flow that keeps you invested throughout. It took me on quite an emotional journey—I found myself in tears at the beginning and smiling broadly by the end.
The reason I’ve given it three stars rather than five is that at times it felt slightly repetitive, and the overall length could perhaps have been reduced by trimming a few chapters that, in my opinion, didn’t add significantly to the narrative.
That said, it remains an enjoyable and accessible read—one that balances heartfelt moments with humour, leaving you laughing one minute and reaching for tissues the next.
I would describe it as Bridget Jones with a more grounded, real-life perspective. The writing style is clear, engaging, and easy to follow, with a natural flow that keeps you invested throughout. It took me on quite an emotional journey—I found myself in tears at the beginning and smiling broadly by the end.
The reason I’ve given it three stars rather than five is that at times it felt slightly repetitive, and the overall length could perhaps have been reduced by trimming a few chapters that, in my opinion, didn’t add significantly to the narrative.
That said, it remains an enjoyable and accessible read—one that balances heartfelt moments with humour, leaving you laughing one minute and reaching for tissues the next.
May 14, 2026
I’ve got mixed feelings about this book, I definitely think I would’ve enjoyed it more had it been shorter in some places and we had seen more about Soho meeting Warren and their story in the beginning stages. I enjoyed the beginning and felt the grief and retelling of Soho’s mums death to be real and raw. I have felt many of her emotions so could relate to the fmc in that way, I think the many encounters with different men could’ve been cut out, a few of the funny ones is good but after a while it felt a bit repetitive! The way the book is written feels light-hearted where it needs to be and deals with delicate topics like death, grief, substance abuse and SA with the sensitivity needed. Thank you to NetGalley for this arc 💗
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2026
Move over Bridget Jones, Soho's the new girl in town! I love that for a name, don't you?
Hughes writes with sentiment and sorrow, and there's many a laugh out loud moment to be had too. It was such an entertaining read with Soho fast becoming a character I took to heart, whilst wanting to bang her head against a brick wall to wake her the hell up!
What I didn't realise to start with was that this was a debut. It sure doesn't read like one. I'm already invested in whatever Hughes decides to write next!
Raw, relatable and real.
Hughes writes with sentiment and sorrow, and there's many a laugh out loud moment to be had too. It was such an entertaining read with Soho fast becoming a character I took to heart, whilst wanting to bang her head against a brick wall to wake her the hell up!
What I didn't realise to start with was that this was a debut. It sure doesn't read like one. I'm already invested in whatever Hughes decides to write next!
Raw, relatable and real.
June 2, 2026
Absolute joy to read. Follows the protagonist, Soho Summers, as she navigates the loss of her mother and the pure hedonistic chaos of her 20’s as she searches for love. This book is written with such heart and authenticity you can’t help but fall in love with her. An absolutely brilliant read that will make you snort with laughter and sob into your vino right along with Soho herself. A triumph of a debut novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2026
I love this book! Laughed, cried, rolled my eyes, gasped....all the emotions. It is not often that a romance novel starts with grief like this, and in such a heartwrenching way. The main character was deeply relatable and likeable, and I enjoyed following her journey through grief and into a cautiously hopeful future. Thank you Sacha Hughes for this joy of a book.
May 4, 2026
Love, Grief, & More Sex Than Pinot is messy, chaotic, and uncomfortably relatable in places. Soho Summers isn’t always likeable, but she feels real — navigating grief, bad decisions, and the quiet panic of not having life “sorted.”
It runs a bit long, but its honesty makes it stick.
It runs a bit long, but its honesty makes it stick.
May 4, 2026
Brilliant book! So easy to read and get onboard with Soho’s character and willing her happy ending. Loved it.
May 15, 2026
I loved this book, literally didn’t want to put it down and feel disappointed now it’s finished. A beautifully written, heartfelt funny and poignant story.
Review of advance copy
🩷 Blurb-
Soho’s life was perfect, until it wasn’t.
The youngest of three girls, growing up on the Essex coast, she
had love and laughter… until her mum lost her battle with cancer.
At 24, grief hit hard. With pinot grigio as her go-to painkiller and the
belief that only Mr Right can fix her broken heart, Soho dives
headfirst into love’s messiest lessons.
With her recruitment career in London a comical shit-show, Soho’s
nights with her five best friends, the Wino Worms, are fuelled by
cocaine, cocktails, and chaos. Hundreds of men later, hope never
lasts past hangovers and sunrise.
That is, until a disastrous bedroom incident sparks a painful journey
of healing she’s been running from. But not for long! Enter Warren
the irresistible Aussie with endless champagne and sweet
nothings. Could he be the Mr Right she’s been chasing all along?
She’s not ready… Or is she?
Full of heartbreak, hilarity, and a hint of redemption, Love, Grief &
More Sex Than Pinot is a gloriously human, raw, and riotous
journey through love, loss, and learning that the only person who can save you… is you.
🩵 Review -
For a debut novel, the author's writing is brilliant. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. There was plenty of content to keep me entertained all the way through. The story was funny and even though there were some sensitive subjects, they were handled with care. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Literally PR, the author Sacha Hughes and the publisher for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Soho’s life was perfect, until it wasn’t.
The youngest of three girls, growing up on the Essex coast, she
had love and laughter… until her mum lost her battle with cancer.
At 24, grief hit hard. With pinot grigio as her go-to painkiller and the
belief that only Mr Right can fix her broken heart, Soho dives
headfirst into love’s messiest lessons.
With her recruitment career in London a comical shit-show, Soho’s
nights with her five best friends, the Wino Worms, are fuelled by
cocaine, cocktails, and chaos. Hundreds of men later, hope never
lasts past hangovers and sunrise.
That is, until a disastrous bedroom incident sparks a painful journey
of healing she’s been running from. But not for long! Enter Warren
the irresistible Aussie with endless champagne and sweet
nothings. Could he be the Mr Right she’s been chasing all along?
She’s not ready… Or is she?
Full of heartbreak, hilarity, and a hint of redemption, Love, Grief &
More Sex Than Pinot is a gloriously human, raw, and riotous
journey through love, loss, and learning that the only person who can save you… is you.
🩵 Review -
For a debut novel, the author's writing is brilliant. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. There was plenty of content to keep me entertained all the way through. The story was funny and even though there were some sensitive subjects, they were handled with care. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Literally PR, the author Sacha Hughes and the publisher for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2026
This is a quick easy read that is full of friendships, humor, love, loss, sex and finding ones self worth
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