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Get ready for more dizzying romance and laugh out loud comedy in Sweet Victory, the sequel to Claiming Victory and the second entry in The Dartmouth Diaries series.Against all the odds, perfectly ordinary girl next door, Victory Shackleford has won the heart of Hollywood heartthrob Noah Westbrook. But after a whirlwind courtship, the dust is now settling and Tory is faced with the reality of life with the most famous actor in the world. And it's not all hearts and flowers, especially as the media seem intent on digging up every bit of dirt about her they can possibly find.When a secret comes to light that could not only land her madcap, irresponsible father in jail, but completely wreck Noah's acting career, Tory faces an impossible decision - one that could result in her losing everything. And not all fairy tales end happily ever after...Sweet Victory is another funny lighthearted romantic comedy that will appeal to all fans of British romantic comedy books.Praise for the Dartmouth can't ever remember laughing so much at a book.''I'm reading them now. Haven't laughed out loud for so long. Absolute joy.''Belly laughs all the way. Recommended to a friend who rang to say she just couldn't stop laughing. Excellent.''Brilliant books that really do make you laugh out loud.You just don't want to put them down.''I've binge read the first three books. I've laughed to the point of hysterics at the Admiral.''I loved this series. I haven't laughed this much in ages.''Don't read them in the early hours of the morning if hubby is asleep, they made me howl with laughter. Tried to stifle it, but shook the bedclothes. Absolutely brilliant.'

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 20, 2015

789 people are currently reading
196 people want to read

About the author

Beverley Watts

45 books242 followers
Beverley spent 8 years teaching English as a Foreign Language to International Military Students in Britannia Royal Naval College, the Royal Navy’s premier officer training establishment in the UK. She says that in the whole 8 years there was never a dull moment and many of her wonderful experiences at the College were not only memorable but were most definitely 'the stuff of fiction.' Her debut novel An Officer And A Gentleman Wanted is very loosely based on her adventures at the College.
 
Beverley particularly enjoys writing books that make people laugh and currently she has two series of Romantic Comedies, both contemporary and historical, as well as a humorous cosy mystery series under her belt.
 
She lives with her husband in an apartment overlooking the sea on the beautiful English Riviera. Between them they have 3 adult children and two gorgeous grandchildren plus a menagerie of animals including 5 dogs - 3 Romanian rescues of indeterminate breed called Florence, Trixie, and Lizzie, a neurotic 'Chorkie' named Pepé and a 'Chichon" named Dotty who was the inspiration for Dotty in The Dartmouth Diaries.
 
You can find out more about Beverley’s books at www.beverleywatts.com

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5 stars
1,443 (60%)
4 stars
658 (27%)
3 stars
230 (9%)
2 stars
26 (1%)
1 star
17 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Inés.
389 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2024
Not so much fun as the first book and the romantic subplot, in my view, is not so good, but, still, a rom-com feeling-good story for a bit of escapism.
I'd recommend reading the first book in the series before, even if the main plot is independent.
910 reviews5 followers
March 28, 2022
Loving the movie star

Tory is left in Dartmouth as Noah heads to points around the world with his filming schedule, the two grabbing whatever small time they can together. Unfortunately, being in the limelight with Noah has pictures of their home, used as a film location, and her father in multiple publications. The resulting furor brings back unexpected rumors for her father military career.
You'll be hanging on for the ride of Tory and Admirals lives, as Tory tries to do what's best for her father and Noah, even at her own expense!
Profile Image for Jacqui Foster.
987 reviews3 followers
May 4, 2022
Oh

Oh my what did the admiral do, he didn't realize it would mean the end of Tory's and Noahs realtionship, so what happens next, who is.the mysterious Doris, maybe we will find out.
27 reviews
October 14, 2022
great read

Funny and moving read, humour and pathos. Dartmouth is one of my favourite places so for me this adds an extra interest. Characters are so endearing can’t wait to read more
Profile Image for Vanessa-Ann Dowsett.
472 reviews17 followers
January 21, 2023
The second in the series and I adored it. It's laugh out loud one minute, sad the next. The main character is retired Admirals daughter Victory Britannia Shackleford, I kid you not! She prefers, wisely to be known as Tory. I do advise the reader to read the first book . Tory is in love with a drop dead gorgeous American actor. This book deals with their struggles to maintain their relationship when her father faces a murder charge when he was in the navy. No more from me on the subject matter as it would spoil an excellent book. Once again the voice actors in the audio version are fabulous.
3 reviews
January 30, 2024
Amazing read

Sweet Victory. as the first book, this one was one of my favourite books ever. Written in such a witty way, that I was cackling away, tears pouring down my face at 3am. Yip. 3am. because once I started to read Sweet Victory I couldn’t stop. i tried, but kept wondering what will happen and then gave up and started to read again. Thank you for an absolute gem in literature.
594 reviews9 followers
September 5, 2024
Sweet Victory: (The Shackleford Diaries Book 2) Beverley Watts

The second book didn’t disappoint at all. Just another hilarious book with the Admiral his Daughter her Beau, her best friend Kit and her little hungry dog. Another parting of the waves with her Beau the Actor and many complications caused by her Dad who also included poor Mabel. It has many laugh out loud moments, sad times and the ending leaves us hanging. Can’t wait to download Book now. 3.
1 review
June 10, 2023
Sweet Victory, great fun, laugh out loud book

I would defiantly recommend the Dartmouth Diaries, the antics of admiral Shackleton, hilarious, laugh out loud reading, a great romantic comedy. I truly enjoyable read, by Beverley Watts, I'm looking forward to reading her other books.
Profile Image for Val.
680 reviews
July 15, 2023
The second title in the Dartford Diaries series. With the seeming mismatch of Tory & Noah in full swing, everything seems to be going swimmingly until the tabloids unearth a 40 year old scandal the Admiral was involved in. Tory wants to distance herself from Noah to save his blooming career whilst Noah wants to stand by his love. Two stubborn heads - something has to give….
3 reviews
August 14, 2024
the fairy tale continues!

I love the stories of Tory-she’s a simple clumsy girl trying to live a normal life until she falls in love with a film star! It’s a realistic Cinderella story! And all the characters, including the dogs, will have you laughing out loud until people are staring at you as though you’ve got e off the deep end!
2 reviews
August 18, 2024
Heart warming read.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading another frustrating yet absorbing chapter in the Tory and Noah saga. I found myself laughing out loud at the antics of the Admiral and his cronies . It will appeal to those readers wanting to lose themselves in a romantic and heart warming story. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Profile Image for Mrs Cecily T Smith.
4 reviews
December 31, 2023
Victory for Victory

I loved the way Victoria finally learns about herself . She has to believe in Noah's love and that it is true. And her father also has to learn a lot- about women as well as himself. We can learn too.
107 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2025
Excellent Read

Very funny, laugh out loud romantic comedy.
This book is well written and very easy to read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the series and look forward to reading the third
231 reviews
July 5, 2025
Interesting read and adventure

I had a bit of a struggle with this story and yet it kept me going. The characters seemed realistic and most of the time I liked how things developed.
Profile Image for Laveda Niemeier.
43 reviews
December 23, 2025
Noah and Tory

I have not laughed so hard in a long time. This book was funny and at times sad. I enjoyed the part about the cat and dog and arriving at the castle. Hope everyone enjoys as much as I did.
12 reviews
November 5, 2022
Victorious book!

This book definitely was not a disappointment. A truly enjoyable read. Cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Sadie Chenery.
117 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2022
Another great read in the series..

Hopefully Victory realise that Noah loves her for her.
93 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2022
It's complicated!

An interesting mix of times and places. The heart of it all a mix of emotions from lots of people. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Joan Hill.
237 reviews
February 16, 2023
Romance

Some funny moments. Romantic type comedy. Easy reading a bit predictable. Not a page turner. But I suppose you have to find how it does end.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Walker.
96 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2023
Another great story and very funny

A laugh out loud story and being ex WREN I understand all the odd words and phrases. Looking forward to the next in the series.
40 reviews
December 26, 2023
Lol reading

Loving these new found Dartmouth books. Love the Admiral what a bloke eh and it’s great to see a normal girl like Victory snap up the handsome dream boat!
2 reviews
March 17, 2024
love and laughter

A delightful read that kept me smiling and drew me directly into the next book in the series. I was entertained throughout
12 reviews
June 19, 2024
Laugh out loud.

Brilliant book. Great story and so funny. I have never laughed so much for a long time. Starting on the next one now.
2 reviews
August 1, 2024
great book

I’m thoroughly enjoying this series…love this one. Need a great series to read then you have to read this one. Cracks me up .
2 reviews
September 2, 2024
The Shacklefords do it again!

Have loved all the books in the Sisters series, the Legacy series and now the Victory series.
Love this author!
Profile Image for Mrs P.
120 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2024
More like 3.5. Not a huge plot tbh but such an easy listen on audiobook. A few different voice actors so I’m really enjoying the series tbh! Don’t think I would enjoy it much as a book
34 reviews
October 21, 2024
wow

loved it really funny i couldn’t stop laughing it’s a first for me from this author but won’t be the last a must read
1 review
January 1, 2025
What a great read

I would recommend this book to all my friends.
It such a great read and has twists your not expecting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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