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The Piano Man Project
A delightfully romantic, heartwarming read for everyone who’s ever looked for The One and found someone better.
You: kind, piano-playing sex god
Me: hopelessly romantic charity shop manager
Honeysuckle Jones has a problem, and her best friends Nell and Tash are on a mission to help her solve it. She needs a man – a caring, intelligent, funny man. But most importantly, a man who’s good with his hands…
Luckily Honey’s new neighbour – moody, antisocial ex-chef Hal – fails on almost every count. Even though the chemistry between them is electric, he’s obviously wrong for her in every way.
But when Honey discovers the devastating reason for his moods she decides to give him another chance. And discovers that the best songs aren’t always in tune…
A hilarious, feel-good, sexy romantic comedy for fans of Lucy Diamond, Paige Toon and Giovanna Fletcher.
You: kind, piano-playing sex god
Me: hopelessly romantic charity shop manager
Honeysuckle Jones has a problem, and her best friends Nell and Tash are on a mission to help her solve it. She needs a man – a caring, intelligent, funny man. But most importantly, a man who’s good with his hands…
Luckily Honey’s new neighbour – moody, antisocial ex-chef Hal – fails on almost every count. Even though the chemistry between them is electric, he’s obviously wrong for her in every way.
But when Honey discovers the devastating reason for his moods she decides to give him another chance. And discovers that the best songs aren’t always in tune…
A hilarious, feel-good, sexy romantic comedy for fans of Lucy Diamond, Paige Toon and Giovanna Fletcher.
400 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2015
182 people are currently reading
1805 people want to read
About the author
Kat French
20 books260 followersRomantic comedy writer, disorganised mum, fairy light lover, and champion wine drinker.
Slightly less smutty alter-ego of Kitty French, USA Today bestselling smut fictionista.
Twitter ~ @katfrench_
Slightly less smutty alter-ego of Kitty French, USA Today bestselling smut fictionista.
Twitter ~ @katfrench_
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 377 reviews
August 1, 2015
Teehee!!! This was such a delightfully fun book!! I'd best describe it as a cross between an outrageously HILARIOUS laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, and just a really light-hearted, easy beach read. The hero was this grumpy recluse (with a secret!!) who moved in next door to the heroine and, despite her friends' best efforts to set her up with a bunch of (really funny) blind dates, she kept being drawn back to the moody, grouchy-but-gorgeous guy who seemed determined to make her hate him. It was a total feel-good book (half romance, half chick-lit) with a dash of sexy. Before anything, I'll share the blurb:
You: kind, piano-playing sex god
Me: hopelessly romantic charity shop manager
Honeysuckle Jones has a problem, and her best friends Nell and Tash are on a mission to help her solve it. She needs a man – a caring, intelligent, funny man. But most importantly, a man who’s good with his hands…
Luckily Honey’s new neighbour – moody, antisocial ex-chef Hal – fails on almost every count. Even though the chemistry between them is electric, he’s obviously wrong for her in every way.
But when Honey discovers the devastating reason for his moods she decides to give him another chance. And discovers that the best songs aren’t always in tune…
And, if you want a taste of the writing, here are literally the first lines of the book:
“Don’t you think there’s something sad about buying yourself a new vibrator for Valentine’s Day?” Honey picked up a lurid pink model and eyed it with distaste.
“Why?” Tash laughed. “My last one was the best boyfriend I ever had. When it gave out I buried it in the back garden and planted a phallic cactus over it as tribute.”
“How did you break it, anyways?” Honey frowned at the hunk of neon plastic in her hand. It looked pretty indestructible.
“Overuse, probably.”
That sold me on the book!! :D
Hal, the hero, was such a great character. He was grouchy, cantankerous, reclusive, moody, objectionable, downright rude, but his secret made him quite vulnerable and my heart broke for his situation. Despite his total lack of social skills, he and Honey had this sparkling romantic tension that neither of them could deny existed. And, when not a single one of her blind dates panned out (despite the very best efforts of her overly eager friends), she realized that not a single one of them made her heart race as much as the grouchy man next door whose rare smiles lit up her life. And so... she came to him with a proposition...
“One night, Hal. No strings. No dates. One night…"
This book is quite honestly a 50-50 spilt between romantic comedy and chick lit. The romance side was focused on Honey's unconventional and unlikely romance with her reclusive, grouchy neighbor, and the chick lit side focused on some crazy stuff going down at Honey's workplace near a senior's home.
While this book wasn't necessarily always funny, the funny parts were H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S!! I mean, really! Half my book has highlights and I couldn't stop laughing! These parts almost reminded me of a British Wallbanger-type feeling. Honestly, I kinda wish that the whole book had been like this because even though the chick-lit-y scenes at her work were fun, I found myself just wanting to get back to the romance.
Regardless, this book definitely is all light-hearted. From hilarious sex shop escapades, to banter with her angry neighbor, to sexy spaghetti making lessons (this girl can't cook to save her life, but he can), one of the best failed blind dates ever, a group of feisty seniors, and a whole lot of laughs, it was undeniably fun!
“We haven’t been to bed, and we’re not going to,” he said.
“You’re not wrong there, buster,” she yelled, opening the door. “You had your chance to spend the night with me and you blew it, big time.”
It wasn’t the best time to find herself eyeball to eyeball with the postman. He lifted his eyebrows at her appraisingly, handed her the morning mail and walked away sounding suspiciously as if he were laughing under his breath.
If you're in the mood for just something that'll make you smile, try this book! I'll be honest, if the whole story had been focused on the romantic comedy side of things (rather than going back and forth with the workplace stuff), I would have rated it a solid 5 stars because seriously that stuff was pure GOLD!!!!! But regardless of that, I loved the writing, thoroughly enjoyed the book, and am really glad I read it! :)
Rating: 4 stars. Standalone romantic comedy / chick-lit.
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August 3, 2015
I enjoyed this one. A quirky, sweet heroine. An asshole hero who is a a bit of a prick. Right up my street.
I realize that I really don't read many British Authors... and even fewer Irish authors. Not sure why. I have read other books by this author, writing under the name of Kitty French and really enjoyed them.
The book starts with three friends in a "Sex Shop" - what's not to like?
LOL, he really gets her hackles up.
I enjoyed the background story too with her work and the Nursing home.
I would have loved an epilogue a little further down the road, just to see how it all panned out.
Honeysuckle Jones has a problem, and her best friends Nell and Tash are on a mission to help her solve it. She needs a man – a caring, intelligent, funny man. But most importantly, a man who’s good with his hands…
Luckily Honey’s new neighbour – moody, antisocial ex-chef Hal – fails on almost every count. Even though the chemistry between them is electric, he’s obviously wrong for her in every way.
But when Honey discovers the devastating reason for his moods she decides to give him another chance. And discovers that the best songs aren’t always in tune…
I realize that I really don't read many British Authors... and even fewer Irish authors. Not sure why. I have read other books by this author, writing under the name of Kitty French and really enjoyed them.
The book starts with three friends in a "Sex Shop" - what's not to like?
Honey slammed the hallway door shut and leaned against it ...
LOL, he really gets her hackles up.
Stupid, fucking stupid flowers ...
I enjoyed the background story too with her work and the Nursing home.
I would have loved an epilogue a little further down the road, just to see how it all panned out.
"I suggest you don't attempt to cook again. You might burn the house down."
The stony look on his face told her that he wasn't amused. As did the door slammed in her face. Again.
Prick.
Hello new neighbour. It's good to meet you too.
"Umm, you don't happen to play the piano, do you?"
He didn't need to open his door for her to hear him howl fuck off to her.
July 29, 2015
5 - This is a job for a man, not a machine." Stars!
I am a big fan of Kat French, her books encapsulate everything I want from a perfect summer read. Romance, laughter, a little drama, a great cast of characters, and a relatable hero and heroine. She hit the mark on every one of those requirements with The Piano Man Project as well as a few more I didn’t know I wanted but enjoyed just the same.
Honey was the kind of character that you couldn’t help but like, a little hapless, easy-going to the nth degree and always in the thick of it without fully understanding quite how she had gotten herself there. Hal was the exact opposite, an ornery, grump and oh so easy to fall a little bit in love with. Their conversations, arguments, revelations and relationship in general were a total page-turner.
”The fact that you keep putting your foot in it is the best thing about you.”
As I said there is a great cast of secondary characters in this one, being set in and around an old peoples home, you can imagine the breadth and diversity of the people that Honey comes into contact with on a day-to-day basis, add into that mix her friends slightly uptight Nell and party-girl Tash and all bases were pretty much covered.
”Kissing you is better than sex with anyone else.”
I think the best thing about The Piano Man Project is that the author keeps you guessing right up until almost the end as to whom Honey may or may not end up with, it made it such an easy read to immerse myself in, and I didn’t want to put it down. If you want something not too heavy, but extremely entertaining this book is certainly one I would 100% urge you to consider.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
I am a big fan of Kat French, her books encapsulate everything I want from a perfect summer read. Romance, laughter, a little drama, a great cast of characters, and a relatable hero and heroine. She hit the mark on every one of those requirements with The Piano Man Project as well as a few more I didn’t know I wanted but enjoyed just the same.
Honey was the kind of character that you couldn’t help but like, a little hapless, easy-going to the nth degree and always in the thick of it without fully understanding quite how she had gotten herself there. Hal was the exact opposite, an ornery, grump and oh so easy to fall a little bit in love with. Their conversations, arguments, revelations and relationship in general were a total page-turner.
”The fact that you keep putting your foot in it is the best thing about you.”
As I said there is a great cast of secondary characters in this one, being set in and around an old peoples home, you can imagine the breadth and diversity of the people that Honey comes into contact with on a day-to-day basis, add into that mix her friends slightly uptight Nell and party-girl Tash and all bases were pretty much covered.
”Kissing you is better than sex with anyone else.”
I think the best thing about The Piano Man Project is that the author keeps you guessing right up until almost the end as to whom Honey may or may not end up with, it made it such an easy read to immerse myself in, and I didn’t want to put it down. If you want something not too heavy, but extremely entertaining this book is certainly one I would 100% urge you to consider.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
February 13, 2022
This is my first read by Miss French. I have to say, I like The Piano Man Project very much. It is sweet with a big jerk of hero. The hero is blind ,BTW.
Honey is sweet. She is out of luck heroine who needs confident boost. Enter Hal. The blind hero. Their banter is cute and sometimes crude (coming from Hal). Nevertheless, I like the book very much.
4 stars
Honey is sweet. She is out of luck heroine who needs confident boost. Enter Hal. The blind hero. Their banter is cute and sometimes crude (coming from Hal). Nevertheless, I like the book very much.
4 stars
August 1, 2015
What the fuck did I just read?
This book was so bloody frustrating.
I don’t ever remember being this frustrated while reading a book.
The writing itself was brilliant. The premise, too, was exciting. The hero ruined everything for me.
He is blind, literally and figuratively. It’s not a bloody spoiler cause we learn about it in the first 10% so hold your horses.
Here you have this amazing, sweet, kind, funny (and a fucking doormat) heroine. She is so nice to him while he kept rejecting her and hurting her and being mean to her. Why? Cause he was burned before by his ex. boo-fucking-hoo. How original. He had no right to treat her like shit. And the problem is that she kept going back like a lost fucking puppy.
Books these days. Jesus Christ. Can’t I get one shred of originality? A heroine who can’t orgasm, a blind hero with magic fingers who shows her the light! WOW! I’m impressed. You have outdone yourself. No really, you have.
I’m so freaking mad right now. Why did I finish this book. I should have DNFed. I’m the queen of DNFing. What a train wreck. I just wasted hours of my life that I will never get back on a stupid book.
The beginning of this book was rather cute actually. They hated each other and I was like, hey, this is kinda like Wallbanger but without all the wallbanging. I thought it was gonna be like a romantic comedy. By the time I was halfway through and he was STILL treating her like shit, I had had enough. But I was willing to read more cause most assholes in books get their act together by the 50% mark. Nope, not this guy. He continued his assholery and only got his act together in the end. No, I’m serious. He finally apologized and got the heroine back at 97%.
Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m gonna need a lot more convincing. I wasn’t even rooting for the guy. I just wanted the heroine to wake up and kick his ass to the curb. She didn’t, of course, considering she had her head so far up his ass she might as well be blind too.
Will I ever read another book by this author?
Seriously? Did you not just read this review/rant?
Unless, of course, she reverses the roles and makes an asshole heroine and puppy dog hero.
So I’m a hypocrite, sue me.
August 17, 2015
Reminds me so much of Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover, but this one's lighter, funnier and (imo) much bearable to read. Our hero is blind and have hurty feelings that, yes, annoyed me to death.
Full review to follow!!
Full review to follow!!
March 4, 2021
3.5* y no le doy las 4 porque el final me ha parecido muy escueto, me he quedado con ganas de más.
Es una historia freskita, sencillita, con un estilo ágil y sencillo de leer, sin grandes enredos y con muchos toques de humor que hacen mucho más amena la trama.
Tenemos personajes muy entrañables, mucho, y tenemos unos protas que tb se hacen querer.
Recomendable sin lugar a dudas.
Es una historia freskita, sencillita, con un estilo ágil y sencillo de leer, sin grandes enredos y con muchos toques de humor que hacen mucho más amena la trama.
Tenemos personajes muy entrañables, mucho, y tenemos unos protas que tb se hacen querer.
Recomendable sin lugar a dudas.
October 1, 2018
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
Honeysuckle Jones è una giovane ragazza che lavora presso un negozio dell’usato gestito da una casa di riposo. Le sue colleghe sono due sorelle ultra novantenni che Honey adora. Parlando un pomeriggio con le sue migliori amiche Tash e Nell, si lascia sfuggire di non aver mai trovato un uomo che le abbia fatto provare il giusto godimento. Le amiche non possono credere alle sue parole e decidono di farle frequentare solo uomini che fanno lavori manuali, in particolare optano per la figura del pianista. Honey si oppone inutilmente e, la mattina dopo, persa tra i suoi pensieri, dimentica il bacon sul fuoco e fa scattare l’allarme antincendio del suo pianerottolo. Tenta in tutti i modi di bloccarlo, ma viene distratta dall’entrata in scena del suo nuovo e bel vicino di casa che, in maniera scorbutica e poco gentile, le dice di risolvere da sola il danno fatto, sbattendole la porta in faccia. Honey rimane scioccata da questo comportamento, ma, non sapendo nemmeno lei il perché, si sente attratta da quell’uomo e, giorno dopo giorno, di ritorno da lavoro, si siede davanti la sua porta e gli racconta la sua giornata. Hal continua a comportarsi in modo strano, ma lo fa solo per non trascinare la sua premurosa e vitale vicina nel suo inferno. Ho amato questo romanzo. Ho amato Hal, che con il suo atteggiamento da duro nasconde un grande segreto e, soprattutto, ho amato Honey, che nonostante tutto non si fa scoraggiare, ma porta avanti le sue battaglie. Storia ricca di eventi inaspettati, basata su un solido rapporto di amicizia e di fiducia. Kat mi ha veramente stupita. All’inizio questo romanzo non volevo nemmeno leggerlo, ma pagina dopo pagina non ne ho più potuto fare a meno. Ti cattura e ti fa sua, facendoti vivere in prima persona le paure e le preoccupazioni che provano i personaggi di questo splendido libro…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
Honeysuckle Jones è una giovane ragazza che lavora presso un negozio dell’usato gestito da una casa di riposo. Le sue colleghe sono due sorelle ultra novantenni che Honey adora. Parlando un pomeriggio con le sue migliori amiche Tash e Nell, si lascia sfuggire di non aver mai trovato un uomo che le abbia fatto provare il giusto godimento. Le amiche non possono credere alle sue parole e decidono di farle frequentare solo uomini che fanno lavori manuali, in particolare optano per la figura del pianista. Honey si oppone inutilmente e, la mattina dopo, persa tra i suoi pensieri, dimentica il bacon sul fuoco e fa scattare l’allarme antincendio del suo pianerottolo. Tenta in tutti i modi di bloccarlo, ma viene distratta dall’entrata in scena del suo nuovo e bel vicino di casa che, in maniera scorbutica e poco gentile, le dice di risolvere da sola il danno fatto, sbattendole la porta in faccia. Honey rimane scioccata da questo comportamento, ma, non sapendo nemmeno lei il perché, si sente attratta da quell’uomo e, giorno dopo giorno, di ritorno da lavoro, si siede davanti la sua porta e gli racconta la sua giornata. Hal continua a comportarsi in modo strano, ma lo fa solo per non trascinare la sua premurosa e vitale vicina nel suo inferno. Ho amato questo romanzo. Ho amato Hal, che con il suo atteggiamento da duro nasconde un grande segreto e, soprattutto, ho amato Honey, che nonostante tutto non si fa scoraggiare, ma porta avanti le sue battaglie. Storia ricca di eventi inaspettati, basata su un solido rapporto di amicizia e di fiducia. Kat mi ha veramente stupita. All’inizio questo romanzo non volevo nemmeno leggerlo, ma pagina dopo pagina non ne ho più potuto fare a meno. Ti cattura e ti fa sua, facendoti vivere in prima persona le paure e le preoccupazioni che provano i personaggi di questo splendido libro…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
June 5, 2017
4.5 stars!!!!!
I got everything I wanted from this book. The laughs, the tears, the feels. So much feels, and most of them wasn't even about the main two. Lets's start at the beginning though, 'cause it got me snickering from the first paragrath.
Oh man, that Tash chick is something. So anyway, between sex shop and lunch Honey let it slip that she had not have an orgasm... Like ever. Her loyal friends Tash and Nell convince her to find a man to fix that problem for her, but not just any man, a pianist. 'Cause, you know, they are good with their hands and such. They call it The Piano Man Project. So while her friends are busy with finding the pianist for her, Honey meets her new neighbor Hal. Hot, mean guy from across the hall. They start to have a weird relationship where he yells at her from behind his door and she brings him food and booze. She likes to sit outside his door and tell him all her problems too. Yeah I already said it's a weird relationship. One he doesn't even want because he has his own shit going on and just wants to be left alone. Yeah, buddy, not likely.
She's either saint or nuts, probably a little of both seeing as she's trying to save OAP home that she works at. But she has some spunk to her too, she's no pushover.
"Here. Stick your bamboo where the sun doesn't shine."
Yet she tries again and again to bring Hal out of his recluse existence into the land of the living. Sometimes she even succeeds. She has a lot of advice and borrows a lot of wisdom from her eighty-something friends from the home, sisters Lucille and Mimi. The girls are crazy and fun and so sweet, I want to be half as cool when I'm that age. They've seen war, they've seen struggle, they've seen everything there is to see and they have this amazing spirit and will to do everything they can to save their home from closing. Every single person from that home was brave and stubborn and truly amazing. And that's where most of my feels went in this story.
Hal was a difficult and complex man and even though he wanted what Honey could give, he was often too scared or too hard on himself to give them a chance. When Hal was intent to end his relationship with Honey (for her own good was his reasoning), it was Mimi who gave her strengh to fight for what she wants.
Over and out
I got everything I wanted from this book. The laughs, the tears, the feels. So much feels, and most of them wasn't even about the main two. Lets's start at the beginning though, 'cause it got me snickering from the first paragrath.
"Don't you think there's something sad about buying yourself a new vibrator for Valentine's Day?" Honey picked up a lurid pink model and eyed it with distaste.
"Why?" Tash laughed. "My last one was the best boyfriend I've ever had. When it gave out I buried it in the back garden and planted a phallic cactus over it as a tribute."
Oh man, that Tash chick is something. So anyway, between sex shop and lunch Honey let it slip that she had not have an orgasm... Like ever. Her loyal friends Tash and Nell convince her to find a man to fix that problem for her, but not just any man, a pianist. 'Cause, you know, they are good with their hands and such. They call it The Piano Man Project. So while her friends are busy with finding the pianist for her, Honey meets her new neighbor Hal. Hot, mean guy from across the hall. They start to have a weird relationship where he yells at her from behind his door and she brings him food and booze. She likes to sit outside his door and tell him all her problems too. Yeah I already said it's a weird relationship. One he doesn't even want because he has his own shit going on and just wants to be left alone. Yeah, buddy, not likely.
"Why don't you just leave me the hell alone?"
"Because for some unfathomable reason even I can't identify, I happen to bloody like you! You make me laugh when you're not being downright rude to me, you're randomly sweet when I don't expect it, and your smile does weird stuff to my brain, probably because it's like one of those endangered animals that you have to wait forever to see at the zoo and then you stare really hard at because you know you might not see it again for a really long time. Or ever. Okay? I just like being with you."
She's either saint or nuts, probably a little of both seeing as she's trying to save OAP home that she works at. But she has some spunk to her too, she's no pushover.
"Here. Stick your bamboo where the sun doesn't shine."
Yet she tries again and again to bring Hal out of his recluse existence into the land of the living. Sometimes she even succeeds. She has a lot of advice and borrows a lot of wisdom from her eighty-something friends from the home, sisters Lucille and Mimi. The girls are crazy and fun and so sweet, I want to be half as cool when I'm that age. They've seen war, they've seen struggle, they've seen everything there is to see and they have this amazing spirit and will to do everything they can to save their home from closing. Every single person from that home was brave and stubborn and truly amazing. And that's where most of my feels went in this story.
Hal was a difficult and complex man and even though he wanted what Honey could give, he was often too scared or too hard on himself to give them a chance. When Hal was intent to end his relationship with Honey (for her own good was his reasoning), it was Mimi who gave her strengh to fight for what she wants.
"Never give a man all the power, Honesuckle. They don't know what to do with it and will more than likely blow their own hands off before they've even got started."
Over and out
April 28, 2019
I read "The Piano Man Project" in one sitting. I was instantly hooked by this quirky and fun and novel, which is also a very well-rounded love story. I found the heroine to be fabulously sassy and I loved her character development, not to mention the personas and growth of her two best friends as well. The hero is, of course, gorgeous and moody, with lots of baggage -- but his growth, too, is pleasing. The backstory and hilarity are wonderful, and there's just the right amounts of comedic, romantic and tear-jerking moments. It's rare that I read a book in one sitting these days but this had me gripped from start to finish -- I stayed up late to finish it! Very highly recommended!
August 17, 2015
Сначала о главном.
Героя мне хотелось не просто прибить, а долго и с пристрастием пытать, а потом похоронить заживо.
Но я понимаю его мотивы. Понимаю, почему он стал таким. Так что в этом плане претензий нет, просто персонаж далек от идеала, что, наверное, не так уж плохо.
И все равно гад.
Которому жутко повезло с героиней. Прочла тут в одном из отзывов что-то типа "девица - тряпка" и разозлилась. Она просто... светлая. С большим сердцем и открытой душой. Попадись парняге кто-то вроде меня - живым бы не ушел))))
Ну это так, побурчать.
В остальном роман очень и очень приятный. Смешной, чуть горьковатый и не пустой.
Отличный представитель чиклита. Проглотила быстро, и если б автор героя в конце чуть больше помурыжила (дада, я злая), оценка была бы выше.
А так, где-то 3.7 из 5.
Героя мне хотелось не просто прибить, а долго и с пристрастием пытать, а потом похоронить заживо.
Но я понимаю его мотивы. Понимаю, почему он стал таким. Так что в этом плане претензий нет, просто персонаж далек от идеала, что, наверное, не так уж плохо.
И все равно гад.
Которому жутко повезло с героиней. Прочла тут в одном из отзывов что-то типа "девица - тряпка" и разозлилась. Она просто... светлая. С большим сердцем и открытой душой. Попадись парняге кто-то вроде меня - живым бы не ушел))))
Ну это так, побурчать.
В остальном роман очень и очень приятный. Смешной, чуть горьковатый и не пустой.
Отличный представитель чиклита. Проглотила быстро, и если б автор героя в конце чуть больше помурыжила (дада, я злая), оценка была бы выше.
А так, где-то 3.7 из 5.
May 20, 2015
Oh I just adored this light fluffy read today, it was nice to sit down and not have to deeply think about anything and just enjoy this read. Nice glass of lemonade, sit back, chill out and read.
Everyone has an idea in their head of the kind of person they feel they are wanting to fall in love with. Tall, dark and distinguished.
Blonde with baby blue eyes and a tattoo..... well....some do!
I love the character [and the summery name] Honeysuckle. She was a sweet girl, she thought she knew her mind according to what kind of man she wanted.....
as life doesn't always go to plan and she found this out.
Her neighbor Hal, he's moody, oh very moody, anti social, nothing like that kind of man she goes for or WANTS in her life so why is she soooooooo attracted to him.
The electricity between them sends sparks...
but he is nuetral and she is a positive, does that mean they will live happy together?
Hmmm is doesn't look like it.
But then she learns why he is so dam moody and decided to give him ONE LAST CHANCE.....
Brilliantly written, lovely light chic lit read.
I would like to thank HarperCollins UK, Avon for my copy via Net Galley.
February 19, 2020
3'5 stars!
October 11, 2016
Este libro también me tocó en el sorteo veraniego de Harlequin, y ahora le he dado la oportunidad. En el fondo me ha gustado, pero no lo suficiente, es más bien un libro pasable, entretiene, pero poco más. Intenté no llevar ningún tipo de expectativa, porque en general el libro no tenía muy buena crítica.
En mi opinión, aunque me ha entretenido lo justo, mentiría si dijera que es un buen libro. Quizás sea culpa mía porque no soy fan de éste género, creo que englobaría éste libro más como Chick Lit que como Novela romántica contemporánea. En general lo que creo que ha fallado es la historia, los protas están bien definidos, Honey es una especie de Bridget Jones que sueña con su príncipe, pero mientras sus amigas le buscan citas desastrosas con pianistas, ella está suspirando por su nuevo vecino, un tipo oscuro, hosco, grosero y maleducado. La intención de la autora creo que era que empatizásemos con Hal y su situación, pero no sé, creo que algo ha fallado con él, quizás no me he creído su enamoramiento.
Por otro lado, la escritura, es bastante simple y escueta, y para mí lo que no ha funcionado es que fuera en cierto modo muy superficial, había temas que los pasaba de puntillas, de unas situaciones a otras, y me perdía un poco con el hilo narrativo. Quizás esto "fallo" sea algo más subjetivo que otra cosa, pero a mí personalmente no me ha gustado. Hubiera deseado más profundidad tanto en la narración, como en el sentimiento de los personajes.
Pero no todo ha sido malo, en el fondo es una historia simpática, y no todo es la vida de Honey, sus amigas y su nuevo vecino. Honey dirige una tienda benéfica en una residencia de ancianos, y estos son unos grandes personajes secundarios, me han encantado Mimi, Lucille y Billy. La residencia y el puesto de trabajo de Honey penden de un hilo, y en su mano está que la residencia siga en pie para que no echen a los ancianos y Honey no pierda su trabajo.
De modo que entretenido y poco más. Para pasar el rato si os interesa, pero no es una gran historia.
En mi opinión, aunque me ha entretenido lo justo, mentiría si dijera que es un buen libro. Quizás sea culpa mía porque no soy fan de éste género, creo que englobaría éste libro más como Chick Lit que como Novela romántica contemporánea. En general lo que creo que ha fallado es la historia, los protas están bien definidos, Honey es una especie de Bridget Jones que sueña con su príncipe, pero mientras sus amigas le buscan citas desastrosas con pianistas, ella está suspirando por su nuevo vecino, un tipo oscuro, hosco, grosero y maleducado. La intención de la autora creo que era que empatizásemos con Hal y su situación, pero no sé, creo que algo ha fallado con él, quizás no me he creído su enamoramiento.
Por otro lado, la escritura, es bastante simple y escueta, y para mí lo que no ha funcionado es que fuera en cierto modo muy superficial, había temas que los pasaba de puntillas, de unas situaciones a otras, y me perdía un poco con el hilo narrativo. Quizás esto "fallo" sea algo más subjetivo que otra cosa, pero a mí personalmente no me ha gustado. Hubiera deseado más profundidad tanto en la narración, como en el sentimiento de los personajes.
Pero no todo ha sido malo, en el fondo es una historia simpática, y no todo es la vida de Honey, sus amigas y su nuevo vecino. Honey dirige una tienda benéfica en una residencia de ancianos, y estos son unos grandes personajes secundarios, me han encantado Mimi, Lucille y Billy. La residencia y el puesto de trabajo de Honey penden de un hilo, y en su mano está que la residencia siga en pie para que no echen a los ancianos y Honey no pierda su trabajo.
De modo que entretenido y poco más. Para pasar el rato si os interesa, pero no es una gran historia.
July 22, 2015
Kat French has brought us a British rom-com with fun, feeling, wit and little surprises along the way. Emotive and laugh-out-loud funny, The Piano Man Project was a delight to read with a charismatic cast of characters.
The missing O isn't a new phenomenon in romance, but Honey's hey-you-can't-miss-what you've-never-had attitude was completely endearing and set it apart from others. And when her friends decide it's their mission to help rid her of this terrible blight in life, they decide there's no one more suited than a pianist. Supple digits and all that.
Here's the thing --there's so much more to this story than the hunt for a pianist. This isn't just Honey and Hal's story. We have a bunch of quirky OAP's fighting to save their home and their plight is interwoven perfectly with Honey's budding relationship with her new, grumpy-arsed, sarcastic, dry neighbour, Hal. Their chemistry held spark from the moment they met, their verbal sparring was pretty near perfect and I loved them both.
"Are you always this rude?"
"Only to people who piss me off."
It's quintessially British, hilarious, bittersweet and romantic and whilst I do think it would have benefitted from an epilogue, it was a complete joy to read. These are characters I would gladly welcome into my life, I became immersed in their lives, didn't want it to end and flicked the final page smiling. Can't ask for more than that.
4.5 stars.
Copy received courtesy of Avon HarperCollins via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
The missing O isn't a new phenomenon in romance, but Honey's hey-you-can't-miss-what you've-never-had attitude was completely endearing and set it apart from others. And when her friends decide it's their mission to help rid her of this terrible blight in life, they decide there's no one more suited than a pianist. Supple digits and all that.
Here's the thing --there's so much more to this story than the hunt for a pianist. This isn't just Honey and Hal's story. We have a bunch of quirky OAP's fighting to save their home and their plight is interwoven perfectly with Honey's budding relationship with her new, grumpy-arsed, sarcastic, dry neighbour, Hal. Their chemistry held spark from the moment they met, their verbal sparring was pretty near perfect and I loved them both.
"Are you always this rude?"
"Only to people who piss me off."
It's quintessially British, hilarious, bittersweet and romantic and whilst I do think it would have benefitted from an epilogue, it was a complete joy to read. These are characters I would gladly welcome into my life, I became immersed in their lives, didn't want it to end and flicked the final page smiling. Can't ask for more than that.
4.5 stars.
Copy received courtesy of Avon HarperCollins via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
February 20, 2016
I'm not really sure how I feel about this. Honey was great and funny. But although sometimes I understood Hal and thought he was going through a lot and it was romantic that Honey could see through all that, there are so many other times when I just thought he was a jackass.
July 29, 2015
Review-Jo 3.5 stars
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I have read and loved all of Kitty French's books so far, so I thought that it was about time I read a book by Kitty's alter ego, Kat French. "The Piano Man Project" was funny, heart warming and contained an ending that was straight from a romantic movie.
At first appearances, it seemed as though Honey had a nice life surrounded by great friends and lovely work colleagues, but there was one thing missing from her life and that was a good man. Poor Honey had the worst luck when it came to meeting Mr Right. This is why her best friends stepped in and embarked on a mission to find her ideal man (preferably a man that played the piano and as such had skilful hands! LOL). Little did Honey know that the answer to all her man problems was living next door!
Soon after meeting Hal, I started to wonder why he was so grumpy all of the time. He was always in a bad mood, just like Mr Rochester, I was sure he was hiding something and I wanted to know what it was. Just as I began to have these thoughts, I got my answer to this question and everything suddenly became crystal clear. I started to understand the reasons for Hal's anger and unpleasant behaviour.
Honey and Hal began a sort of friendship, however Hal was determined that it wouldn't go any further than being just friends, despite the chemistry that the pair shared. This frustrated me, I really wanted him to accept Honey's offer of love and support. I felt so sorry for Honey. If it was me in that situation, I don't think I could have been as patient with Hal. I almost wanted someone to come along and sweep her off her feet. It would serve Hal right! LOL.
Overall "The Piano Man Project" was an enjoyable read. However I will put my hands up and admit, I think I'm more of a Kitty French girl rather than a Kat French one. Give me an erotic, kinky romance any day of the week! LOL. I rate this one ❤️❤️❤️❤️
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I have read and loved all of Kitty French's books so far, so I thought that it was about time I read a book by Kitty's alter ego, Kat French. "The Piano Man Project" was funny, heart warming and contained an ending that was straight from a romantic movie.
At first appearances, it seemed as though Honey had a nice life surrounded by great friends and lovely work colleagues, but there was one thing missing from her life and that was a good man. Poor Honey had the worst luck when it came to meeting Mr Right. This is why her best friends stepped in and embarked on a mission to find her ideal man (preferably a man that played the piano and as such had skilful hands! LOL). Little did Honey know that the answer to all her man problems was living next door!
"I think it should be you. You're the man I need. No one's ever kissed me like that."When I first met Hal, he reminded me of Mr Rochester from the novel "Jane Eyre". He was all mean, moody and mysterious. The only thing that Hal had going for him was his good looks, but apart from that there was nothing appealing about Hal whatsoever. He was bad tempered, grumpy and rude! Despite these not-so-attractive qualities Honey felt herself being drawn to Hal. It was as though she couldn't stay away from him, making an effort to knock on his door every single day.
Honey was screwing him up with her funny-girl lines and her good intentions, and her kisses that made him forget about the bad stuff.
Soon after meeting Hal, I started to wonder why he was so grumpy all of the time. He was always in a bad mood, just like Mr Rochester, I was sure he was hiding something and I wanted to know what it was. Just as I began to have these thoughts, I got my answer to this question and everything suddenly became crystal clear. I started to understand the reasons for Hal's anger and unpleasant behaviour.
"Don't love me, Honey. I don't love me. Fuck, I barely even know me, so there's no way you can."
Honey and Hal began a sort of friendship, however Hal was determined that it wouldn't go any further than being just friends, despite the chemistry that the pair shared. This frustrated me, I really wanted him to accept Honey's offer of love and support. I felt so sorry for Honey. If it was me in that situation, I don't think I could have been as patient with Hal. I almost wanted someone to come along and sweep her off her feet. It would serve Hal right! LOL.
Overall "The Piano Man Project" was an enjoyable read. However I will put my hands up and admit, I think I'm more of a Kitty French girl rather than a Kat French one. Give me an erotic, kinky romance any day of the week! LOL. I rate this one ❤️❤️❤️❤️
"Will you disappear again if I tell you that I love you?"
"Only if you'll disappear with me."
June 30, 2018
Honey ist Ende Zwanzig und Single. Nach der Meinung ihrer Freundinnen soll sich das bald ändern, so dass sie einige Blind Dates für Honey arrangieren. Honey hat eigentlich aber ganz andere Probleme. Zum einen hat sie einen neuen Nachbarn bekommen, der zwar sehr gut aussieht, aber auch sehr unverschämt zu sein scheint. Er macht es Honey allerdings auch sehr schwer, ihn näher kennenzulernen, doch Honeys Neugier ist geweckt. Zum anderen soll das Seniorenheim, in dem Honey einen kleinen Second Hand Laden betreibt, bald geschlossen werden.
Mein Leseeindruck:
Neugierig geworden auf dieses Buch bin ich zunächst durch das florale Cover. Die Inhaltsangabe hat mich dann ebenfalls neugierig gemacht, so dass ich diese Geschichte entdecken wollte. Liebesromane kann ich nicht immer lesen; da muss die Stimmung einfach passen. Jetzt war aber die Zeit für dieses Buch endlich gekommen, und mir hat das Lesen viel Spaß gemacht.
Zwar muss ich sagen, dass einige Begebenheiten sehr überzogen wirkten und ich Schwierigkeiten hatte, mir diese Szenen in der Realität vorzustellen (zum Beispiel das Anketten der alten Menschen an den Zaun...), aber für die Geschichte war es dann okay.
Die Entwicklung der Liebesgeschichte zwischen Honey und Hal hat mir auch sehr gut gefallen, zumal es einmal eine Kennenlerngeschichte war, die man so nicht oft in Büchern zu lesen bekommt.
Obwohl es ein leichter und lockerer Liebesroman mit einem einfachen Schreibstil ist, so hat die Geschichte doch auch viel Tiefgang. Diese Kombination hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Ich kann mir durchaus vorstellen, auch andere Bücher der Autorin zu lesen.
Mein Leseeindruck:
Neugierig geworden auf dieses Buch bin ich zunächst durch das florale Cover. Die Inhaltsangabe hat mich dann ebenfalls neugierig gemacht, so dass ich diese Geschichte entdecken wollte. Liebesromane kann ich nicht immer lesen; da muss die Stimmung einfach passen. Jetzt war aber die Zeit für dieses Buch endlich gekommen, und mir hat das Lesen viel Spaß gemacht.
Zwar muss ich sagen, dass einige Begebenheiten sehr überzogen wirkten und ich Schwierigkeiten hatte, mir diese Szenen in der Realität vorzustellen (zum Beispiel das Anketten der alten Menschen an den Zaun...), aber für die Geschichte war es dann okay.
Die Entwicklung der Liebesgeschichte zwischen Honey und Hal hat mir auch sehr gut gefallen, zumal es einmal eine Kennenlerngeschichte war, die man so nicht oft in Büchern zu lesen bekommt.
Obwohl es ein leichter und lockerer Liebesroman mit einem einfachen Schreibstil ist, so hat die Geschichte doch auch viel Tiefgang. Diese Kombination hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Ich kann mir durchaus vorstellen, auch andere Bücher der Autorin zu lesen.
October 30, 2018
I wish authors would label their books accurately.
Amazon: My Perfect Stranger: A hilarious love story by the bestselling author of One Day in December
This isn't 'hilarious' by any stretch of the imagination, unless you think someone who has lost their sight and all their friends, their career, their fiancee and their security, and who is close to having a total breakdown, is 'hilarious'?
I don't.
But, if I ignore the misleading 'hilarious' and focus on the actual 'meat' of the story (and this was a pretty meaty novel) I have to admit I really enjoyed it. There were some niggles about Hal and the timeline and small stuff and in a way the story was like one of those 'block-busting US action films -it went on and on and on for far too long, but the characters were engaging and (mostly) believable, and the romance aspect was enjoyable.
I am in two minds as to how to rate this - As a 'hilarious' romance, it fell far short of my expectations, but I enjoyed the writing and the story line (once I got past the first few pages where the author had me head-hopping between the women)
BUT, a book should be what it says on the cover. This wasn't.
Sod it. I'll give it 3 stars, but that's generous.
Amazon: My Perfect Stranger: A hilarious love story by the bestselling author of One Day in December
This isn't 'hilarious' by any stretch of the imagination, unless you think someone who has lost their sight and all their friends, their career, their fiancee and their security, and who is close to having a total breakdown, is 'hilarious'?
I don't.
But, if I ignore the misleading 'hilarious' and focus on the actual 'meat' of the story (and this was a pretty meaty novel) I have to admit I really enjoyed it. There were some niggles about Hal and the timeline and small stuff and in a way the story was like one of those 'block-busting US action films -it went on and on and on for far too long, but the characters were engaging and (mostly) believable, and the romance aspect was enjoyable.
I am in two minds as to how to rate this - As a 'hilarious' romance, it fell far short of my expectations, but I enjoyed the writing and the story line (once I got past the first few pages where the author had me head-hopping between the women)
BUT, a book should be what it says on the cover. This wasn't.
Sod it. I'll give it 3 stars, but that's generous.
January 18, 2016
4.5 stars
I've received this novel through NetGalley, many thanks to the publishers HarperCollins UK, Avon for the opportunity to read and review.
I was in the mood for something light, but well written, and the Piano Man Project sure delivered.
It's the story of Honeysuckle, a 27 year old charity store manager and her grumpy as hell neighbour, Hal, a former celebrity chef, who's got a bad temper and can be obnoxious. But he's also very sexy.
Honey is a very in the moment person, who sees the best in everyone. She's taken aback by her new neighbour's rudeness, but for unknown reasons, she finds herself at his door, either bringing him provisions or just telling him about her day. Slowly, an unusual relationship develops. But will Hal's demons win?
Read and you'll find out.
This novel was utterly charming, sexy and funny. The two protagonists are diametrically different, but they make sense. The writing has a good flow and it's written in the third person (hurray!). It's British (a good thing in my view), with a hint of Bridget Jones diaries. It's sweet, endearing, modern and very enjoyable.
I'll be reading more books by Ms Kat French.
Recommended: Absolutely. The perfect summer/beach read.
Cover: 4+ stars
I've received this novel through NetGalley, many thanks to the publishers HarperCollins UK, Avon for the opportunity to read and review.
I was in the mood for something light, but well written, and the Piano Man Project sure delivered.
It's the story of Honeysuckle, a 27 year old charity store manager and her grumpy as hell neighbour, Hal, a former celebrity chef, who's got a bad temper and can be obnoxious. But he's also very sexy.
Honey is a very in the moment person, who sees the best in everyone. She's taken aback by her new neighbour's rudeness, but for unknown reasons, she finds herself at his door, either bringing him provisions or just telling him about her day. Slowly, an unusual relationship develops. But will Hal's demons win?
Read and you'll find out.
This novel was utterly charming, sexy and funny. The two protagonists are diametrically different, but they make sense. The writing has a good flow and it's written in the third person (hurray!). It's British (a good thing in my view), with a hint of Bridget Jones diaries. It's sweet, endearing, modern and very enjoyable.
I'll be reading more books by Ms Kat French.
Recommended: Absolutely. The perfect summer/beach read.
Cover: 4+ stars
August 16, 2015
То ли звезды сошлись, то ли книга под настроение попала, но прочла на одном дыхании.
Да, это не шедевр всех времен и народов, но это очень крепкий и годный чиклит. Приятная забавная героиня, интересный герой, совершенно очаровательные второстепенные персонажи. Конечно, поведение Хала в конце вызывало острое желание дать ему по башке, чтоб мозги на место встали - но с другой стороны, если бы человек, который одним махом потерял всю прошлую жизнь, да еще и зрение, вдруг заделался оптимистом и балагуром - вот в это я бы просто не поверила.
Приятная история с хорошим юмором и правильными посылами. Не буду жлобиться - пять звезд за мое хорошее настроение ))
Да, это не шедевр всех времен и народов, но это очень крепкий и годный чиклит. Приятная забавная героиня, интересный герой, совершенно очаровательные второстепенные персонажи. Конечно, поведение Хала в конце вызывало острое желание дать ему по башке, чтоб мозги на место встали - но с другой стороны, если бы человек, который одним махом потерял всю прошлую жизнь, да еще и зрение, вдруг заделался оптимистом и балагуром - вот в это я бы просто не поверила.
Приятная история с хорошим юмором и правильными посылами. Не буду жлобиться - пять звезд за мое хорошее настроение ))
August 17, 2017
sigh.
this was the book I've been looking for.
gruff hero dealing with the aftermath of injury. funny heroine looking for the elusive orgasm and finding love instead. great cast of side characters too. I loved every page.
this was the book I've been looking for.
gruff hero dealing with the aftermath of injury. funny heroine looking for the elusive orgasm and finding love instead. great cast of side characters too. I loved every page.
September 22, 2015
Originally reviewed on http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/2...
This review is going to be absolutely jam-packed with exceedingly positive words because I really cannot begin to tell you how much I utterly adored this novel. From the very first page, to the very last, I scoffed The Piano Man Project down so greedily, you'd question whether I was human or animal. It was perfect, the ultimate love story, delicately sexy, agonisingly torturous, but overall, unforgettable. Even now, Honey and Hal are going round and around in my mind, long after I finished their story, and I'm certain they'll remain to do so for a very long time indeed. I really, really, really cannot recommend this book enough. I want to read it again right now. I wish there were a way for me to have my memory of having already read it once made blank, and I'll be jealous of every person who says they're about to read this book for the first time. I so wish I could be in that position again myself! If that person just happens to be you, then I promise you, you are in for such a treat!
In The Piano Man Project, Kat French introduces us to Honeysuckle Jones, aka. Honey. With an amusing opening scene featuring Honey, alongside her best friends Nell and Tash perusing the shelves in a risqué shop, Honey comes clean. She's never had an orgasm, and so, a mission to find a piano player (who happens to be talented with his hands, no less) comes into play, and the search for a piano player begins.
I felt that by choosing to open the novel in such a humorous way really set the tone for the friendship between these three women. Not to be taken too seriously, warm and enveloping, I found myself looking forward to any time that the women would spend together. What I also loved was how easy it was to set each woman apart in the group, despite them being so close to each other. Nell and Tash were both so full of character, Honey included of course, and their hilarious conversations and womanly-banter added a technicolour mish-mash of colour to the novel. Each of them seemed to slot so seamlessly into the friendship circle too, bringing their own unique streak of humour, comfort and style to the group, and I loved being witness to anything that took place between them. Honey, our heroine within The Piano Man Project, certainly seemed like the baby of the group to me. Perhaps it was her sweet-as-sugar name that gave me this impression, or the fact that both of her best friends seemed more wise in the ways of the world? Either way, none of this deterred me from taking to Honey immediately. She was warm, friendly, so kind-hearted and good-natured, and I found myself feeling sympathetic towards her when she reveals her secret at the beginning, causing Nell and, more prominently Tash, to pounce and try to correct it. Throughout the entirety of the plot, I was kept highly-entertained and amused by the antics of not only Honey, Nell and Tash, but also by Lucille and Mimi, who volunteered in the charity shop where Honey worked. There was such a fantastic amount of pizzazz and vibrancy to the plot, so much for me to savour and enjoy, even more so when Hal made an appearance and stole my heart completely.
Now, this is going to be difficult for me to chat about without giving too much away because, dear readers, I want you to be just as surprised as I was when Hal's true character was revealed. When I first began reading The Piano Man Project, I had settled myself down for a warm, romantic read, but what I actually received was so much more than that. Don't get me wrong, I practically live and breathe for warmth and romance, but this? This was something else entirely, and once I was aware of the facts, I couldn't help but to sit up a little straighter, open my eyes a little wider and read each chapter that little bit more slowly. I wanted each and every word to last a lifetime, I wanted the moments shared between Hal and Honey to drag on for eternity because they were so damn divine. Kat really hit the nail on the head with her novel because it spoke to me in so many ways, touched me so deeply and made me feel so intensely invested in her characters' lives. It was pure magic, completely overwhelming, and indescribably special. I have to admit, when Kat first introduces Hal to the plot, and Honey, I was a bit taken aback. He's very sweary, very aggressive although not in a physical manner, but despite that, I was drawn to him, because there something else about him too. Honey knew it, and so did I. Living across from Hal, and having their first encounter drowned out by a fire alarm blaring until Honey smashes it off the wall, Honey began to become rather intrigued by the guy who lived across the hall, and so began a beautiful journey that had me hanging on by a thread until the very last page.
This is the first novel that I have read by Kat French, although I do have another by this author, Undertaking Love, waiting for me on my bookshelf. After reading The Piano Man Project, my need to reach it has become almost unbearable. Kat writes with such a gorgeous style, wholly comforting and constantly exciting, dipping me in and out of Honey's life working in the charity shop alongside Lucille and Mimi, girly outings with her best friends, and awkward conversations with Hal's front door which had me laughing out loud! It was almost always entertaining, sometimes tender and warm, and other times, just downright BEAUTIFUL! I didn't want to stop reading ever. I was taking my Kindle everywhere with me, just so I could pick up where I'd left off as soon as possible. It was enticing, deliciously sexy and just absolutely perfect in every single way. This is a romance with that something more, that something that wriggles beneath your skin and refuses to leave while it leaves you basking in the afterglow of reading such a glorious story. I'm still sitting in that afterglow right now, and I absolutely LOVE IT!
Becca's Books is awarding The Piano Man Project by Kat French with FIVE GORGEOUS CUPCAKES! I'm certain I've found a new all-time favourite book, and I would recommend this novel to anyone and everyone, it's definitely one that you need sitting on your bookshelf, to look at sometimes and think to yourself, "I remember that, and I remember how it made me feel too."
This review is going to be absolutely jam-packed with exceedingly positive words because I really cannot begin to tell you how much I utterly adored this novel. From the very first page, to the very last, I scoffed The Piano Man Project down so greedily, you'd question whether I was human or animal. It was perfect, the ultimate love story, delicately sexy, agonisingly torturous, but overall, unforgettable. Even now, Honey and Hal are going round and around in my mind, long after I finished their story, and I'm certain they'll remain to do so for a very long time indeed. I really, really, really cannot recommend this book enough. I want to read it again right now. I wish there were a way for me to have my memory of having already read it once made blank, and I'll be jealous of every person who says they're about to read this book for the first time. I so wish I could be in that position again myself! If that person just happens to be you, then I promise you, you are in for such a treat!
In The Piano Man Project, Kat French introduces us to Honeysuckle Jones, aka. Honey. With an amusing opening scene featuring Honey, alongside her best friends Nell and Tash perusing the shelves in a risqué shop, Honey comes clean. She's never had an orgasm, and so, a mission to find a piano player (who happens to be talented with his hands, no less) comes into play, and the search for a piano player begins.
I felt that by choosing to open the novel in such a humorous way really set the tone for the friendship between these three women. Not to be taken too seriously, warm and enveloping, I found myself looking forward to any time that the women would spend together. What I also loved was how easy it was to set each woman apart in the group, despite them being so close to each other. Nell and Tash were both so full of character, Honey included of course, and their hilarious conversations and womanly-banter added a technicolour mish-mash of colour to the novel. Each of them seemed to slot so seamlessly into the friendship circle too, bringing their own unique streak of humour, comfort and style to the group, and I loved being witness to anything that took place between them. Honey, our heroine within The Piano Man Project, certainly seemed like the baby of the group to me. Perhaps it was her sweet-as-sugar name that gave me this impression, or the fact that both of her best friends seemed more wise in the ways of the world? Either way, none of this deterred me from taking to Honey immediately. She was warm, friendly, so kind-hearted and good-natured, and I found myself feeling sympathetic towards her when she reveals her secret at the beginning, causing Nell and, more prominently Tash, to pounce and try to correct it. Throughout the entirety of the plot, I was kept highly-entertained and amused by the antics of not only Honey, Nell and Tash, but also by Lucille and Mimi, who volunteered in the charity shop where Honey worked. There was such a fantastic amount of pizzazz and vibrancy to the plot, so much for me to savour and enjoy, even more so when Hal made an appearance and stole my heart completely.
Now, this is going to be difficult for me to chat about without giving too much away because, dear readers, I want you to be just as surprised as I was when Hal's true character was revealed. When I first began reading The Piano Man Project, I had settled myself down for a warm, romantic read, but what I actually received was so much more than that. Don't get me wrong, I practically live and breathe for warmth and romance, but this? This was something else entirely, and once I was aware of the facts, I couldn't help but to sit up a little straighter, open my eyes a little wider and read each chapter that little bit more slowly. I wanted each and every word to last a lifetime, I wanted the moments shared between Hal and Honey to drag on for eternity because they were so damn divine. Kat really hit the nail on the head with her novel because it spoke to me in so many ways, touched me so deeply and made me feel so intensely invested in her characters' lives. It was pure magic, completely overwhelming, and indescribably special. I have to admit, when Kat first introduces Hal to the plot, and Honey, I was a bit taken aback. He's very sweary, very aggressive although not in a physical manner, but despite that, I was drawn to him, because there something else about him too. Honey knew it, and so did I. Living across from Hal, and having their first encounter drowned out by a fire alarm blaring until Honey smashes it off the wall, Honey began to become rather intrigued by the guy who lived across the hall, and so began a beautiful journey that had me hanging on by a thread until the very last page.
This is the first novel that I have read by Kat French, although I do have another by this author, Undertaking Love, waiting for me on my bookshelf. After reading The Piano Man Project, my need to reach it has become almost unbearable. Kat writes with such a gorgeous style, wholly comforting and constantly exciting, dipping me in and out of Honey's life working in the charity shop alongside Lucille and Mimi, girly outings with her best friends, and awkward conversations with Hal's front door which had me laughing out loud! It was almost always entertaining, sometimes tender and warm, and other times, just downright BEAUTIFUL! I didn't want to stop reading ever. I was taking my Kindle everywhere with me, just so I could pick up where I'd left off as soon as possible. It was enticing, deliciously sexy and just absolutely perfect in every single way. This is a romance with that something more, that something that wriggles beneath your skin and refuses to leave while it leaves you basking in the afterglow of reading such a glorious story. I'm still sitting in that afterglow right now, and I absolutely LOVE IT!
Becca's Books is awarding The Piano Man Project by Kat French with FIVE GORGEOUS CUPCAKES! I'm certain I've found a new all-time favourite book, and I would recommend this novel to anyone and everyone, it's definitely one that you need sitting on your bookshelf, to look at sometimes and think to yourself, "I remember that, and I remember how it made me feel too."
July 9, 2020
Der Einstieg in das Buch hat mir nicht so richtig gut gefallen, dass lag vor allem daran, dass mir die Charaktere nicht unbedingt sympathisch waren. Honey war noch ganz ok, aber irgendwie habe ich sie und ihre Freundinnen als sehr anstrengend empfunden. Ihre Unterhaltungen und Treffen war zwar teilweise ganz amüsant, aber dennoch war es oft einfach zu viel. Hal, verbittert durch seine Blindheit, war mir komplett unsympathisch. Auch wenn seine Gefühle nachvollziehbar waren, war er mir einfach zu unfreundlich und zu aggressiv. Ganz schlimm fand ich wie er und Honey sich durch die Haustür angebrüllt haben.
Die Geschichte hatte sehr viele Längen und konnte mich leider nur an wenigen Stellen wirklich gut unterhalten. Die Liebesgeschichte hatte ebenfalls leider nur sehr wenige gefühlvolle Momente. Das Ende war in dem Rahmen dann leider nicht unbedingt glaubhaft und auch ein bisschen zu kitschig.
Der Humor hat mir größtenteils sehr gut gefallen und ich musste des öfteren schmunzeln, aber retten konnte dies das Buch für mich leider nicht.
Das Buch ist in Ordnung, aber konnte mich leider nicht begeistern.
Die Geschichte hatte sehr viele Längen und konnte mich leider nur an wenigen Stellen wirklich gut unterhalten. Die Liebesgeschichte hatte ebenfalls leider nur sehr wenige gefühlvolle Momente. Das Ende war in dem Rahmen dann leider nicht unbedingt glaubhaft und auch ein bisschen zu kitschig.
Der Humor hat mir größtenteils sehr gut gefallen und ich musste des öfteren schmunzeln, aber retten konnte dies das Buch für mich leider nicht.
Das Buch ist in Ordnung, aber konnte mich leider nicht begeistern.
November 26, 2018
Honeysuckle Jones hasn't had much luck with men so her two BFFs (as always when girls have friends in books there are two of them and they are extremely irritating) decide to try to set her up with a man, for some reason they decide that a pianist would be ideal, because he would be good with his hands, so they set her up on a series of blind dates with men who play the piano, or teach music, or something equally vaguely related to music. At the same time her boss announces that the company that owns the charity shop that she works for, and the old people's home attached to it, have decided to sell the buildings for redevelopment. Honey will be out of a job and the old people, many of whom are her friends, will be "rehomed". Nevertheless, despite all her bad luck Honey remains relentlessly optimistic.
A new man has moved into the flat that shares a hallway with Honey's, what she doesn't know is that the new neighbour is Benedict 'Hal' Hallam, former bad boy restaurateur and adrenaline junkie, Hal had a snowboard accident that left him blind and now he is hiding away from his friends and family, drinking whisky and unable to move on from the loss of everything that meant anything to him: his job; his fiancee; and his adrenaline-fuelled lifestyle.
Honey and Hal can't be more different but slowly an antagonistic relationship develops between them. Honey buys Hal whisky and food items, in return she sits at his door and talks at him, even though he rarely responds.
As Honey's plans to save the retirement home become increasingly eccentric Hal is drawn into the madness and starts to emerge from the prison he's made from himself. But when the press finds out where he's hiding, and his old life comes back to claim him, what will Hal choose.
If you are a fan of English romances featuring a cast of lovable but eccentric characters then this one is for you. The snarky banter between Hal and Honey is funny and the plot is enjoyable.
However, I'm afraid you do have to suspend a little disbelief. First that a blind wealthy celebrity would move into a block of flats that could be afforded by a woman who works for a small local charity shop. Second that the family that does know where Hal is make no attempt to check he is okay, they even send him letters! Third, Hal doesn't seem to have any issues wandering around his flat, or Honey's or various other places despite being blind.
Nevertheless, despite these minor niggles (and some issues I have with the age of the pensioners and the idea that they were adults at the time of the second world war - I'm an accountant deal with it) I really enjoyed the book and I will definitely look out for more books by Kat French.
A new man has moved into the flat that shares a hallway with Honey's, what she doesn't know is that the new neighbour is Benedict 'Hal' Hallam, former bad boy restaurateur and adrenaline junkie, Hal had a snowboard accident that left him blind and now he is hiding away from his friends and family, drinking whisky and unable to move on from the loss of everything that meant anything to him: his job; his fiancee; and his adrenaline-fuelled lifestyle.
Honey and Hal can't be more different but slowly an antagonistic relationship develops between them. Honey buys Hal whisky and food items, in return she sits at his door and talks at him, even though he rarely responds.
As Honey's plans to save the retirement home become increasingly eccentric Hal is drawn into the madness and starts to emerge from the prison he's made from himself. But when the press finds out where he's hiding, and his old life comes back to claim him, what will Hal choose.
If you are a fan of English romances featuring a cast of lovable but eccentric characters then this one is for you. The snarky banter between Hal and Honey is funny and the plot is enjoyable.
However, I'm afraid you do have to suspend a little disbelief. First that a blind wealthy celebrity would move into a block of flats that could be afforded by a woman who works for a small local charity shop. Second that the family that does know where Hal is make no attempt to check he is okay, they even send him letters! Third, Hal doesn't seem to have any issues wandering around his flat, or Honey's or various other places despite being blind.
Nevertheless, despite these minor niggles (and some issues I have with the age of the pensioners and the idea that they were adults at the time of the second world war - I'm an accountant deal with it) I really enjoyed the book and I will definitely look out for more books by Kat French.
August 20, 2015
Ok. So I really wanted to like this story. There was a lot of intrigue about the two main characters from the start. Honey was sweet, just like her name. She had a heart of gold, and I hoped for her to find true love. Her new neighbor, Hal, is a real piece of work right off the bat. But, of course, jerky but attractive boys are intriguing, so we definitely want to know what makes this guy tick and why he has such a huge chip on his shoulder. Plus, Honey has some fun friends, who are sure to make her journey to love interesting. Particularly, since Tash and Nell have their own plans for Honey's lackluster dating life. Hence, the Piano Man Project. So lots of good potential here.
Unfortunately, this book didn't quite go the way I'd hoped. While I did find it entertaining, and actually read through it quite quickly, I had issues with the overall story. For one thing, the romance between Honey and Hal didn't end up working for me. Between Hal being such a reclusive jerk and Honey being a total doormat, I found myself not necessarily wanting them to end up together for much of the book. There were moments, particularly in the end, where I really needed Hal to grovel. A lot. A whole lot. So while I appreciated that Honey's character played such a pivotal role in turning Hal's life around, I really needed her to stand up for herself more.
There were also lots of little stories mixed throughout and within Honey and Hal's story. And while some of them were pretty interesting, this is one of those occasions where less would have been more. There were just too many things going on, and it slowed down the overall story and pace. I will say that the side story between Nell and Simon was my favorite. I could have easily read an entire book about them.
Then it just ended. Most of the stories were resolved, but I felt a bit bereft. This book could have really used an epilogue. I don't think all stories need epilogues, but perhaps because I already had issues with the romance, I really wanted an epilogue to give me moreclosure and confidence in this relationship.
So while I did find this book entertaining, and it certainly held my interest, it wasn't a favorite of mine. But there are a number of more positive reviews out there, so perhaps you would like it more than I.
Unfortunately, this book didn't quite go the way I'd hoped. While I did find it entertaining, and actually read through it quite quickly, I had issues with the overall story. For one thing, the romance between Honey and Hal didn't end up working for me. Between Hal being such a reclusive jerk and Honey being a total doormat, I found myself not necessarily wanting them to end up together for much of the book. There were moments, particularly in the end, where I really needed Hal to grovel. A lot. A whole lot. So while I appreciated that Honey's character played such a pivotal role in turning Hal's life around, I really needed her to stand up for herself more.
There were also lots of little stories mixed throughout and within Honey and Hal's story. And while some of them were pretty interesting, this is one of those occasions where less would have been more. There were just too many things going on, and it slowed down the overall story and pace. I will say that the side story between Nell and Simon was my favorite. I could have easily read an entire book about them.
Then it just ended. Most of the stories were resolved, but I felt a bit bereft. This book could have really used an epilogue. I don't think all stories need epilogues, but perhaps because I already had issues with the romance, I really wanted an epilogue to give me moreclosure and confidence in this relationship.
So while I did find this book entertaining, and it certainly held my interest, it wasn't a favorite of mine. But there are a number of more positive reviews out there, so perhaps you would like it more than I.
June 21, 2015
Book Review - The Piano Man Project by Kat French - ***** my chicklit bone(r) is alive and kicking
After reading and not loving one of my usual female fiction (or chicklit whichever title you want to give it) writers books recently, I was a bit hesitant going into this book. I wondered if i’d passed the mark where chicklit did it for me anymore. Well, i’m pleased to report my chicklit bone(r) is alive and kicking!
Honey has never had an O - and I mean never, not even at her own hand or via a BOB. Honey’s best friends come up with the highly improbable idea of setting her up with a pianist. After all, the guy has to be good with his hands, right.
Kat paints a vivid picture of the live of our main female character Honey, and the book mainly revolves around her relationship with her miserable and snarky new neighbour Hal. He’s recently moved in, doesn’t want to socialise past being given a bottle of whisky to drink, and is hiding away from his past life.
From their initial meeting, sparks flew between them, even if some of the sparks were of the ‘You’re an arsehole, I can’t believe you said that’ kind. I love banter and the banter between these two was superb, as was their sexual chemistry.
I kind of felt a bit like Honey. Hal was an arse but he was so attractive, sarcastic and funny, that I couldn’t help but love him. In fact, I think I loved him more for the fact that he was flawed (in more ways than one). I get a bit sick of hearing about a hero who is all that, so it’s great to see the flip side of it as well. I was screaming at him to get his head out of his arse and see what was in front of him.
There are also some wonderful, wonderful side characters at the care home Honey works at who have their own stories to tell. In fact, a large part of this book revolves around her work at the charity shop she works in, the care home it is attached to and the threat to her friends, the residents. You could almost feel the twinkle in the old dears eyes, the ‘i’ve not lost it, i’m not dead yet dear,” vibes.
Funny and bittersweet in places, The Piano Man Project is a joy to read, a great book to read on a wet and windy day, when you need something to brighten you up.
After reading and not loving one of my usual female fiction (or chicklit whichever title you want to give it) writers books recently, I was a bit hesitant going into this book. I wondered if i’d passed the mark where chicklit did it for me anymore. Well, i’m pleased to report my chicklit bone(r) is alive and kicking!
Honey has never had an O - and I mean never, not even at her own hand or via a BOB. Honey’s best friends come up with the highly improbable idea of setting her up with a pianist. After all, the guy has to be good with his hands, right.
Kat paints a vivid picture of the live of our main female character Honey, and the book mainly revolves around her relationship with her miserable and snarky new neighbour Hal. He’s recently moved in, doesn’t want to socialise past being given a bottle of whisky to drink, and is hiding away from his past life.
From their initial meeting, sparks flew between them, even if some of the sparks were of the ‘You’re an arsehole, I can’t believe you said that’ kind. I love banter and the banter between these two was superb, as was their sexual chemistry.
I kind of felt a bit like Honey. Hal was an arse but he was so attractive, sarcastic and funny, that I couldn’t help but love him. In fact, I think I loved him more for the fact that he was flawed (in more ways than one). I get a bit sick of hearing about a hero who is all that, so it’s great to see the flip side of it as well. I was screaming at him to get his head out of his arse and see what was in front of him.
There are also some wonderful, wonderful side characters at the care home Honey works at who have their own stories to tell. In fact, a large part of this book revolves around her work at the charity shop she works in, the care home it is attached to and the threat to her friends, the residents. You could almost feel the twinkle in the old dears eyes, the ‘i’ve not lost it, i’m not dead yet dear,” vibes.
Funny and bittersweet in places, The Piano Man Project is a joy to read, a great book to read on a wet and windy day, when you need something to brighten you up.
January 4, 2016
Just wallow forever in the warm, peaceful solitude. Life had been a waltzer ride lately, and there under the bubbles, it finally stopped spinning.
Officially being my second book this 2016, The Piano Man Project instantly reminded of this one thing Paulo Coelho once said that I happened to stumble on months back. It was this:
"You can become blind by seeing each day as a similar one. Each day is a different one, each day brings a miracle of its own. It's just a matter of paying attention to this miracle."
To put into perspective with this book in context, Honey barging into Hal's life was definitely the main trigger as to why I was reminded of Paulo Coelho's words. I find it kind of amazing how the quote, for lack of a better word, thoroughly describes their situation.
"You’re not second choice. You’re first. The best. The most fucking exceptional girl I’ve ever met in my life."
Over-all, this averaged only in the middle for me, mainly because of my at-times detachment to the two main characters throughout the story and also because this book kind of started losing me at the the 65% mark. Nevertheless, it was still refreshingly insightful, even though I least expected it since I went into this book blindly---no pun intended.
3 stars!
"I want to try to make you happy, if you want me to."
October 13, 2020
4.5* The first couple of pages set the tone for TPMP for me, especially after discovering the name of the heroine: Honeysuckle. Sweet, light, and refreshing, and that's how I found the book itself. It reminded me of my long forgotten love of chick-lit, and I don't us the term derogatorily.
The characters are superbly painted, even the nutty octogenarians who just leaped from the page in all their wrinkly madness. There are lots of smiles and laughs to be had, and even the odd moment you might find yourself clutching your pearls . . . Loved it.
The characters are superbly painted, even the nutty octogenarians who just leaped from the page in all their wrinkly madness. There are lots of smiles and laughs to be had, and even the odd moment you might find yourself clutching your pearls . . . Loved it.
November 19, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed this hilarious romance!
Loved Hal (even though he was a jerk). Loved Honey. Loved their hallway "conversations".
This book was light and fun. And that was just what I needed right now.
Loved Hal (even though he was a jerk). Loved Honey. Loved their hallway "conversations".
This book was light and fun. And that was just what I needed right now.
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