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Escape to the Riviera
Carrie Hayes is ready for the summer of a lifetime . .
Quiet and unassuming Carrie Hayes has a nice, steady life with long-term boyfriend Alan. But she’s been keeping a secret hidden for years. A whirlwind marriage to Hollywood superstar Richard Maddox when they were young and foolish and life was full of endless possibilities. Although no longer together when Richard went to fulfil his acting ambitions in America, they’ve never quite got a divorce.
And now a chance meeting in the paradise of the glamorous French Riviera is about to change Carrie’s summer, and entire life, for ever . . .
For fans of Lucy Diamond, Jane Costello and Jill Mansell, lose yourself in this summer’s perfect holiday read . . .
408 pages, Paperback
Published June 30, 2016
122 people are currently reading
501 people want to read
About the author
Jules Wake
18 books295 followersJule Wake's first book, Talk to Me, was published in 2014. Since then, she has written a further eighteen books, with another two in the pipeline. She has sold translation rights to various countries throughout Europe, she's had two best sellers with Covent Garden in the Snow reaching the heady height of No 2 in the Amazon Kindle chart, something she never thought she’d see and The Little Café in Copenhagen becoming a big hit in Sainsbury’s. In January 2021 The Saturday Morning Park Run was her first book to gather over 3,000 reviews on Amazon. Running and romance is a great combination!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
June 21, 2022
A nice escapism to the Cote D'Azur. The glamour and scenery sounded wonderful, as did Richard Maddox. A lovely summer romance.
July 9, 2016
Originally posted on This Chick Reads
*Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review*
As a huge fan of women's fiction/contemporary romance, I can not believe this is the first book by Jules Wake I've read. Jules has published 4 books so far, the first ones with Choc Lit and this one with Avon UK as publisher. And though I've heard many of my friends praise her books and talk about them on social media, I simply couldn't find the time to fit them in my ever growing TBR list. However, I'm so so grateful I finally got the chance to get familiar with her writing and read her latest, and I'm definitely gonna be on a watch out for more books by Jules.
'Escape to the Riviera', as the title may suggest is a truly great summer read. Just by looking at the gorgeous cover I felt mesmerized, wishing I'm that girl on the cover and enjoying that beautiful view with a glass of champagne. I also have a soft spot for any books from/about celebrities as I find their lives very fascinating. So when I read the blurb, I simply knew this book will be right up my street. I was not wrong.
Carrie lives with her sister Angela and her teenage niece, Jade. She's leading a normal, quiet life, teaching drama and dating a teacher too, Alan. She and Alan have a steady relationship, and Alan's proposal seems a natural upgrade to their status. However, there's a 'slight' problem. Before meeting Alan, Carrie was not only dating but married to the super star actor, Richard Maddox. They separated and went their own ways, but they still haven't got a proper divorce. Now that Alan has proposed, Carrie will have to find Richard and get the divorce papers soon, or else she'll have to tell Alan about the situation and risk of losing him.
After Angela is offered a month of holidays in a house on French Riviera (which proves to be quite a posh mansion), together with Jade and Carrie they leave hoping to get some rest, explore the beautiful, fancy riviera, and see as many celebrities as possible. This is Carrie's most important motive, as it seems Richard is filming his latest film there and she might find him with the crew. Good thing is good old (and rather boring) Alan will not be traveling with them, so Carrie will get her chance to talk to Richard, get her divorce and be back just in time to marry Alan without him being suspicious about anything. Plan sounds good, but you know what they say, human's plans make God laugh. As the reader can predict, not everything goes according to Carrie's plan, and she'll be faced with her past and cornered to make some choices.
As I said, this is a great summer book. It's not just the cover, but the light hearted topic and the Cinderella type of romance. A normal girl falls for a Hollywood star, leaves him, continues to live normally and sees him again. Sparks will fly, what else can you expect? I absolutely adored the light tone and feel of the book, it's one of these read that are essential for chilling by the beach, cool drink in hand and loads of time at disposal. As I was reading this book on holidays, I have to say it's the perfect holiday read.
Next thing I liked were the characters. There aren't many and you get to really get to know them. I wasn't crazy about all of them, but they make an interesting mix of personalities and are rather diverse. From the opening though, I knew I'm not gonna like Alan, Carrie's safe harbor. He seemed rather dull and well... too safe. However, I was very very interested in Richard, who seemed quite arrogant at first, but one can't blame him. He's a Hollywood star. Jade is the normal teenager, freaking out over celebrities, doing selfies, slightly irritating people around here. She's your every day teenager who wants to have fun, and in a weird way despite being irritable she got under my skin. Carrie was awesome and I really liked her, though for the love of god, what was she waiting all these years to get a divorce? That's the only thing which bothered me in the book. How can you be separated from someone for a whole decade and never file for a divorce, especially if you were married to someone famous? Don't they want a closure and a free pass to move on with their lives? Seems kind of unbelievable to me that a movie star would allow himself not to get the divorce papers and risk of being blackmailed or something. Also, seems unbelievable to me that Carrie would even think she can hide such thing as being married to a Hollywood star from people she knows and her new boyfriend. I don't know about laws in UK or US, but in my part of the world, when you're marrying someone, the first thing you're asked by the State is if this is your first marriage or you were married before? Not to mention, those who were married need to supply papers as proof they are now legally divorced. As you see, I was rather confused by this, and that's the thing which made the whole plot unbelievable at times. That's the only reason why my mind and heart simply don't allow me to click that 5 star rating.
However, if you're looking for a fun, easy, light hearted romance to take by the pool, no need to look any further. This book provides enough fun and entertainment, and I definitely recommend it to all contemporary romance fans. Grab a copy, sit back and enjoy the beautiful sights of the French Riviera.
November 4, 2020
The award goes to this book for the most obnoxious, rude and spoilt secondary character in a book, something I've never actually felt compelled to mention before.
Congratulations to Jade, the heroine, Carrie's, 15-yo niece.
Good lord, was she awful, a proper brat that one. If she was my kid, she'd never forget the consequences of her actions or the price she paid for them. But then, if she was mine she never would have gotten as bad as she was because I'd have not allowed it. A dirty look or slap on the wrist is not gonna cut it with a kid like Jade. There is a such thing as discipline, which clearly eluded her mother. You don't allow a child to grow up entitled, believing it's all about them and they can do whatever they want, whenever they want to and be that oblivious to whom they hurt or the damage they cause.
Jade was an insufferable little shite, and so disrespectful and selfish. Her smart mouth and defiant actions and how they were dealt with (they weren't) diminished the enjoyment I had for this book.
It had good potential and I did rather like it, but it would have been better without Jade and her milquetoast mother. If Jade was a part of this story as comic relief, that was a bad call on the writer's part. She was terrible from the first she opened her gob, but I assumed her involvement would be minor and didn't worry. But she turned out to have a very active role in the story. She was the proverbial bad penny.
Maybe the writer hasn't raised children.
Or, perhaps she had a monster disguised as a child, like Jade. If it's the latter, I pity her.
Already mentioned the need for a proper edit. The book was loaded with proofreading errors.
The final thing that lowered my rating was how the situation was handled with Alan. Why? I mean, was it really necessary to hurt the poor guy like that? He'd done nothing wrong except not be Richard and Carrie truly fucked him over. I felt so sad for him and how he was just abandoned and left feeling like nothing. I mean, he was literally left staring after her almost in tears while Carrie swanned off with no real remorse at all.
She was lucky to have a guy like him, as opposed to Richard, who was an arse hat that abandoned his wife for fame a decade earlier. Then fought her on a divorce he CLAIMS he didn't want. But he wasn't faithful, was he? He didn't fight for her, did he? Then he had the gall to tell her she put her family before him when HE was the one who chose his career over her. And criticising her for growing up settling down and no longer being 'his' Carrie was not on.
Yeah, now I remember more about what pissed me off in this story. Come to think of it nobody was really likeable. Alan was probably the best of the lot and look what that got him? Squashed like a bug under a careless shoe.
My rating was 3, but my final decision is 2. I'd be tempted to read more from this writer because the basics of this story were good. It's the execution that could have been better. And a bit better job tying the loose ends maybe.
Congratulations to Jade, the heroine, Carrie's, 15-yo niece.
Good lord, was she awful, a proper brat that one. If she was my kid, she'd never forget the consequences of her actions or the price she paid for them. But then, if she was mine she never would have gotten as bad as she was because I'd have not allowed it. A dirty look or slap on the wrist is not gonna cut it with a kid like Jade. There is a such thing as discipline, which clearly eluded her mother. You don't allow a child to grow up entitled, believing it's all about them and they can do whatever they want, whenever they want to and be that oblivious to whom they hurt or the damage they cause.
Jade was an insufferable little shite, and so disrespectful and selfish. Her smart mouth and defiant actions and how they were dealt with (they weren't) diminished the enjoyment I had for this book.
It had good potential and I did rather like it, but it would have been better without Jade and her milquetoast mother. If Jade was a part of this story as comic relief, that was a bad call on the writer's part. She was terrible from the first she opened her gob, but I assumed her involvement would be minor and didn't worry. But she turned out to have a very active role in the story. She was the proverbial bad penny.
Maybe the writer hasn't raised children.
Or, perhaps she had a monster disguised as a child, like Jade. If it's the latter, I pity her.
Already mentioned the need for a proper edit. The book was loaded with proofreading errors.
The final thing that lowered my rating was how the situation was handled with Alan. Why? I mean, was it really necessary to hurt the poor guy like that? He'd done nothing wrong except not be Richard and Carrie truly fucked him over. I felt so sad for him and how he was just abandoned and left feeling like nothing. I mean, he was literally left staring after her almost in tears while Carrie swanned off with no real remorse at all.
She was lucky to have a guy like him, as opposed to Richard, who was an arse hat that abandoned his wife for fame a decade earlier. Then fought her on a divorce he CLAIMS he didn't want. But he wasn't faithful, was he? He didn't fight for her, did he? Then he had the gall to tell her she put her family before him when HE was the one who chose his career over her. And criticising her for growing up settling down and no longer being 'his' Carrie was not on.
Yeah, now I remember more about what pissed me off in this story. Come to think of it nobody was really likeable. Alan was probably the best of the lot and look what that got him? Squashed like a bug under a careless shoe.
My rating was 3, but my final decision is 2. I'd be tempted to read more from this writer because the basics of this story were good. It's the execution that could have been better. And a bit better job tying the loose ends maybe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2016
You know exactly what you are going to get with a Jules Wake book, fantastic settings, great characters and some playful dialogue that will draw you into the story, and Escape to the Riviera does all that incredibly well.
I loved the backdrop of the French Riviera as Carrie tries to find Richard Maddox, top movie star, in order to ask for a divorce, since she has just agreed to marry her boyfriend Alan. Alan is unaware of Carrie's married status, and its a race against time to get the divorce through before their upcoming wedding.
Along with Carrie, her sister Angie and her niece Jade manage to get a loan of a gorgeous property on the Cote D'Azur for the summer holidays, and even the logistics of getting there were quite amusing as were the expectations of what the house would be like, compared to the reality.
When Carrie and Richard come across each other it soon becomes very clear that the book is about to get incredibly interesting as they come to a tentative agreement. Add in start struck Jade, and even a budding relationship for Angie and you have all the ingredients for a great summer.
Loved seeing Carrie grow into her self as well as some of her reminisces of what she was like back when she and Richard were together.
Escape to the Riviera is a beautifully summery read that is very enjoyable, and takes in the contrasts between normal people such as Carrie and just what being with a film star is like. Expect to see some amazing transport options, private functions and a surprising personality from Richard.
Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
I loved the backdrop of the French Riviera as Carrie tries to find Richard Maddox, top movie star, in order to ask for a divorce, since she has just agreed to marry her boyfriend Alan. Alan is unaware of Carrie's married status, and its a race against time to get the divorce through before their upcoming wedding.
Along with Carrie, her sister Angie and her niece Jade manage to get a loan of a gorgeous property on the Cote D'Azur for the summer holidays, and even the logistics of getting there were quite amusing as were the expectations of what the house would be like, compared to the reality.
When Carrie and Richard come across each other it soon becomes very clear that the book is about to get incredibly interesting as they come to a tentative agreement. Add in start struck Jade, and even a budding relationship for Angie and you have all the ingredients for a great summer.
Loved seeing Carrie grow into her self as well as some of her reminisces of what she was like back when she and Richard were together.
Escape to the Riviera is a beautifully summery read that is very enjoyable, and takes in the contrasts between normal people such as Carrie and just what being with a film star is like. Expect to see some amazing transport options, private functions and a surprising personality from Richard.
Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
July 20, 2016
I decided early on that I would mentally put myself into this novel as a bystander. It's probably the only way I'll ever get to the Riviera! And as I did, I fell in love with the sumptuous setting and the amazing characters in this book.
It was so easy to read and totally relaxing to be watching Richard and Carrie fight their attraction to each other. And - I loved Jade! She is so totally today's teenager. Angela, Carrie's sister, was incredibly down to earth. Alan - poor guy - he was so clueless. I felt sorry for him.
I would love to read more of this author's books. It was a well put together novel with all the trimmings. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, Avon for the opportunity to read and review this book. Highly recommended!
It was so easy to read and totally relaxing to be watching Richard and Carrie fight their attraction to each other. And - I loved Jade! She is so totally today's teenager. Angela, Carrie's sister, was incredibly down to earth. Alan - poor guy - he was so clueless. I felt sorry for him.
I would love to read more of this author's books. It was a well put together novel with all the trimmings. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, Avon for the opportunity to read and review this book. Highly recommended!
March 31, 2024
Do této knihy jsem šla s tím, že vůbec nevím, zda ji budu číst. Jelikož jsem člověk, který musí jít do knihovny s jasným cílem, předpokládala jsem, že tuto knihu (kterou jsem si vybrala úplně náhodně, abych vůbec s něčím odešla), snad ani nehodlám dočíst.
Věděla jsem, že má celkem vysoké hodnocení, věděla jsem, o čem to zhruba je a po prvních dvou větách jsem si řekla, že se srandy si ji tedy půjčím a pravděpodobně bez přečtení i vrátím.
"Žádný soudce na světě by ji za tohle nemohl poslat do vězení. Za to, že podlehla chvilkovému pokušení a uškrtila svoji neteř. To byly první dvě věty, které mě k tomu víceméně donutily.
Do knihy jsem se nakonec začetla a vlastně to splňovalo vše, co jsem v tu chvíli potřebovala.
- lehkou knihu
- romantická linka
- žádný složitý text
- rychlovka
Prostě kniha, která (za mě) nemá na 5 hvězdiček, ale je to přesně to odpočinkové čtení, které potřebujete, abyste se vzpamatovali po předchozí knize a zahodili špatnou náladu za hlavu.
O čem to tedy bylo?
Věděla jsem, že má celkem vysoké hodnocení, věděla jsem, o čem to zhruba je a po prvních dvou větách jsem si řekla, že se srandy si ji tedy půjčím a pravděpodobně bez přečtení i vrátím.
"Žádný soudce na světě by ji za tohle nemohl poslat do vězení. Za to, že podlehla chvilkovému pokušení a uškrtila svoji neteř. To byly první dvě věty, které mě k tomu víceméně donutily.
Do knihy jsem se nakonec začetla a vlastně to splňovalo vše, co jsem v tu chvíli potřebovala.
- lehkou knihu
- romantická linka
- žádný složitý text
- rychlovka
Prostě kniha, která (za mě) nemá na 5 hvězdiček, ale je to přesně to odpočinkové čtení, které potřebujete, abyste se vzpamatovali po předchozí knize a zahodili špatnou náladu za hlavu.
O čem to tedy bylo?
April 18, 2017
Extremely easy read and what it says on the tin .
I found that this novel is perfect for those plane reads / beach book/ train time killer etc etc . It's un assuming and doesn't do much thought provoking. This isn't a bad thing , as sometimes that's exactly what you need.
I felt it was a tad predictable and was awaiting a slight twist but it really is just a happy go lucky feel good novel. I'd like a bit more depth to the relationships between the sisters as clearly there is something that could of been expanded on - but as this wasn't the main theme of the book I see why it was left.
My only other bug bear , and this is a very personal one ...when I read and I hear phrases like what's app and towie - despite knowing what all these things are and using and watching them on occasions...it doesn't feel right as a twenty something to read about it, I guess my preference is to read set in the past rather than our current generation as I find it just makes odd reading ...as I mentioned this is personal so probably just me .
I gave three stars just because of the lack of exploration between the family other than that recommend for a easy good beach book.
P.s don't read post break up - you will hate every page !
I found that this novel is perfect for those plane reads / beach book/ train time killer etc etc . It's un assuming and doesn't do much thought provoking. This isn't a bad thing , as sometimes that's exactly what you need.
I felt it was a tad predictable and was awaiting a slight twist but it really is just a happy go lucky feel good novel. I'd like a bit more depth to the relationships between the sisters as clearly there is something that could of been expanded on - but as this wasn't the main theme of the book I see why it was left.
My only other bug bear , and this is a very personal one ...when I read and I hear phrases like what's app and towie - despite knowing what all these things are and using and watching them on occasions...it doesn't feel right as a twenty something to read about it, I guess my preference is to read set in the past rather than our current generation as I find it just makes odd reading ...as I mentioned this is personal so probably just me .
I gave three stars just because of the lack of exploration between the family other than that recommend for a easy good beach book.
P.s don't read post break up - you will hate every page !
June 16, 2025
Väčšinu kníh, ktoré prečítam za 24 hodin hodnotím na 5/5, pretože to pri mne znamená, že som knihu nevedela pustiť z ruky a v žiadnom okamihu mi neprišla nezaujímavá alebo nudná. Ukazuje sa, že písanie autorky Jules Wake ma bavi od začiatku až do konca. Autorka vie rýchlo vtiahnuť čitateľa do deja aj atmosféry, postavy sú prijemne a dôveryhodne a aj veľmi nepravdepodobné scenáre dokáže opísať tak, že sa pri nich človek necíti v krči a nesvoj, naopak, nechá sa užívať tou magickou atmosférou knihy. Super.
February 4, 2020
A light hearted holiday read
January 20, 2024
♥️♥️😘😘🥹🥹
September 2, 2022
A lovely easy to read romance! This author always manages to transport you to her settings as she writes and describes them so well.
I loved the main characters and found myself laughing a few times.
Highly recommended for a holiday read.
I loved the main characters and found myself laughing a few times.
Highly recommended for a holiday read.
August 26, 2016
Gentle, comfortably predictable, undemanding, brimming with romance, comedy and a happy ever after ending -this book basically delivers exactly what it promises! It is a light hearted, playful summer holiday read that would fit nicely next to your chilled glass of wine as you recline in your sun lounger and take a break from a few lazy laps in the pool!
And if you can't get to the Riviera yourself this summer, let Wake transport you there! The location of this novel sets a perfect atmosphere for a satisfying chick lit / rom com read. The backdrop of the celebrity lifestyle of parties, posh restaurants and private beaches is obviously appealing to any day-dreaming reader. The contrast between protagonist Carrie's home life with Alan and the luxurious life of Richard is clearly going to engage readers - it's a bit like finding yourself on the film set of "Pretty Woman", and who doesn't hope to be served endless champagne while outfits for a cocktail party are flown in by a PA especially! Carrie's opportunity to remind herself of the person she was and consider the person she wants to become is attractive to all of us as we inevitably take stock of our own lives, away from the monotony from our usual routine.
There is plenty of humour surrounding Carrie's niece Jade as she can't help but WhatsApp her friends and the dialogue is suitably wry, sarcastic and witty throughout the novel, reflective of their relationship. Carrie's sister, Angela, is more restrained and conservative - again, showing the contrasts within the novel as Wake explores siblings, motherhood, love, responsibility and choice.
Wake writes well. Even the more cliched lines like when Carrie first sees Richard and reels at his "perfectly chiselled jawline, which she used to tease he'd borrowed from Action Man" don't feel overly saccharine. Wake's prose washes over you like the lull of lapping waves; light, calming and pleasantly relaxing.
Carrie has two weeks to see if Richard can win her back. Does she want to join him and be part of his celebrity lifestyle? Be spontaneous? Remember who she was and the ambitions she had for herself as a young actress? Or does the fact that she knows these two weeks are merely an escape for them both to be other people for a while - who doesn't want to escape their real life for a while?- mean that she can't seriously consider his proposal? And what of Alan? Jade? Angela? Her safe life; controlled and predictable?
Carrie's fear of further disappointment and bitterness keep resurfacing and Wake poses the dilemma between being choosing to be "content" or "happy", settling for "good" over "fun", throughout the novel in a very pleasing and amiable manner as we join Carrie on her meandering journey to find answers.
If you are looking for a light hearted, easy, summer read with affable characters, touches of charm and humour, something that will soothe your weary spirit as you relax on holiday, then this is the perfect book for you. To be honest, it's not my usual read and so I have only given it a 3/5 rating but I did enjoy it and I did feel transported to the Riviera through Wake's description. I was interested in finding out what happened and it made a refreshing change to read a book full of harmless, convivial, good humoured people and not to be too terrified to switch the light off at bedtime!
And if you can't get to the Riviera yourself this summer, let Wake transport you there! The location of this novel sets a perfect atmosphere for a satisfying chick lit / rom com read. The backdrop of the celebrity lifestyle of parties, posh restaurants and private beaches is obviously appealing to any day-dreaming reader. The contrast between protagonist Carrie's home life with Alan and the luxurious life of Richard is clearly going to engage readers - it's a bit like finding yourself on the film set of "Pretty Woman", and who doesn't hope to be served endless champagne while outfits for a cocktail party are flown in by a PA especially! Carrie's opportunity to remind herself of the person she was and consider the person she wants to become is attractive to all of us as we inevitably take stock of our own lives, away from the monotony from our usual routine.
There is plenty of humour surrounding Carrie's niece Jade as she can't help but WhatsApp her friends and the dialogue is suitably wry, sarcastic and witty throughout the novel, reflective of their relationship. Carrie's sister, Angela, is more restrained and conservative - again, showing the contrasts within the novel as Wake explores siblings, motherhood, love, responsibility and choice.
Wake writes well. Even the more cliched lines like when Carrie first sees Richard and reels at his "perfectly chiselled jawline, which she used to tease he'd borrowed from Action Man" don't feel overly saccharine. Wake's prose washes over you like the lull of lapping waves; light, calming and pleasantly relaxing.
Carrie has two weeks to see if Richard can win her back. Does she want to join him and be part of his celebrity lifestyle? Be spontaneous? Remember who she was and the ambitions she had for herself as a young actress? Or does the fact that she knows these two weeks are merely an escape for them both to be other people for a while - who doesn't want to escape their real life for a while?- mean that she can't seriously consider his proposal? And what of Alan? Jade? Angela? Her safe life; controlled and predictable?
Carrie's fear of further disappointment and bitterness keep resurfacing and Wake poses the dilemma between being choosing to be "content" or "happy", settling for "good" over "fun", throughout the novel in a very pleasing and amiable manner as we join Carrie on her meandering journey to find answers.
If you are looking for a light hearted, easy, summer read with affable characters, touches of charm and humour, something that will soothe your weary spirit as you relax on holiday, then this is the perfect book for you. To be honest, it's not my usual read and so I have only given it a 3/5 rating but I did enjoy it and I did feel transported to the Riviera through Wake's description. I was interested in finding out what happened and it made a refreshing change to read a book full of harmless, convivial, good humoured people and not to be too terrified to switch the light off at bedtime!
June 30, 2016
Okay, so they say you should never judge a book by its cover, but that is exactly what I did with this book. I saw it on Netgalley and thought it would be a romantic drama much like that of Santa Montefiore and as I had seen several bloggers tweeting lovely positive things about the book I requested it. I am so glad I did, because whilst it was not at all what I expected I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The book has characters that you can really believe in and identify with and the plot has the perfect amount of escapism to make it a brilliant beach read. Carrie is lovely and down-to-earth, and whilst the concept that a drama teacher who lives with her sister and niece is actually married to a Hollywood A-lister seems farfetched, it genuinely didn't feel that way as the story unfolded.
Wake takes her protagonist, her sister and her perfectly-irritating 15-year-old niece to the French Riviera and what sounds like the most gorgeous location imaginable. Not only did I fall in love with the house, but I was also suitably charmed by Carrie's estranged husband, the Hollywood superstar, who makes the perfect hero of the piece. Her current boyfriend, high school teacher and cycling enthusiast Alan, just couldn't compete for me. But I'm not telling you what Carrie ultimately decided to do or who she chose!
So, I loved the location, I love the heroine and hero and I don't think I've read a more accurate and realistic depiction of an annoying teenager in quite some time. If you looking for a summer read that will have you turning pagers quicker than you reach for cocktails, I would definitely recommend you get yourself a copy of 'Escape to the Riviera'.
The book has characters that you can really believe in and identify with and the plot has the perfect amount of escapism to make it a brilliant beach read. Carrie is lovely and down-to-earth, and whilst the concept that a drama teacher who lives with her sister and niece is actually married to a Hollywood A-lister seems farfetched, it genuinely didn't feel that way as the story unfolded.
Wake takes her protagonist, her sister and her perfectly-irritating 15-year-old niece to the French Riviera and what sounds like the most gorgeous location imaginable. Not only did I fall in love with the house, but I was also suitably charmed by Carrie's estranged husband, the Hollywood superstar, who makes the perfect hero of the piece. Her current boyfriend, high school teacher and cycling enthusiast Alan, just couldn't compete for me. But I'm not telling you what Carrie ultimately decided to do or who she chose!
So, I loved the location, I love the heroine and hero and I don't think I've read a more accurate and realistic depiction of an annoying teenager in quite some time. If you looking for a summer read that will have you turning pagers quicker than you reach for cocktails, I would definitely recommend you get yourself a copy of 'Escape to the Riviera'.
January 14, 2018
This was a nice read, a typical love story but I think this book needs another proof read! The errors/typos were a little frustrating!
February 28, 2023
Carrie před svým snoubencem Alanem tají svou minulost. Jelikož se blíží jejich svatba, bude potřeba ji vyřešit. Je totiž stále vdaná za herce z Hollywoodu Richarda. Na dovolené na Azurovém pobřeží se s ním po letech potká a má tak možnost svůj problém vyřešit.
Jules Wake je pseudonym Julie Caplinové, kterou známe ze série romantických útěků. Pod pseudonymem jsem od autorky četla knihu Pozdrav z Itálie, která se mi líbila, takže jsem tak nějak tušila, co mohu od autorky čekat. Nespletla jsem se a čtení jsem si moc užila.
Jelikož hlavní hrdince už není dvacet, ale spíše čerstvě třicet, bylo pro mě snazší se do ní vcítit a pochopit, co prožívá, navíc jsem si oblíbila i její starší sestru Angelu. Knížka nás zavede do Francie a já si při čtení představovala, že bych chtěla taky takovou „tetičku“, díky níž bych mohla strávit nějakou dobu na Azurovém pobřeží. Prostředí je vykresleno tak, že bych se tam nejraději hned rozjela.
Jak jsme u autorky zvyklí, kromě krásného prostředí jsme tu dostali naservírováno i spoustu lákavého jídla a pití, které neodmyslitelně k Francii patří.
Od knížky jsem dostala přesně to, co jsem očekávala – jednoduchý, odpočinkový, romantický příběh. Je sice předvídatelný, ale u knížek tohoto typu mi to nevadí, naopak, vždy té hlavní dvojici fandím, aby jim vše dobře dopadlo.
Příběh je úsměvný, místy i vtipný, celkově milý. Pár stránek na začátku mi trvalo, než jsem se začetla, ale jakmile se dámy ocitly ve Francii, knihu jsem neodložila a přečetla ji na jeden zátah. A na konci samozřejmě i nějaká ta slzička ukápla.
Ideální čtení na dovolenou, nejlépe na pláž, tak si knížku nezapomeňte přibalit do kufru.
Jules Wake je pseudonym Julie Caplinové, kterou známe ze série romantických útěků. Pod pseudonymem jsem od autorky četla knihu Pozdrav z Itálie, která se mi líbila, takže jsem tak nějak tušila, co mohu od autorky čekat. Nespletla jsem se a čtení jsem si moc užila.
Jelikož hlavní hrdince už není dvacet, ale spíše čerstvě třicet, bylo pro mě snazší se do ní vcítit a pochopit, co prožívá, navíc jsem si oblíbila i její starší sestru Angelu. Knížka nás zavede do Francie a já si při čtení představovala, že bych chtěla taky takovou „tetičku“, díky níž bych mohla strávit nějakou dobu na Azurovém pobřeží. Prostředí je vykresleno tak, že bych se tam nejraději hned rozjela.
Jak jsme u autorky zvyklí, kromě krásného prostředí jsme tu dostali naservírováno i spoustu lákavého jídla a pití, které neodmyslitelně k Francii patří.
Od knížky jsem dostala přesně to, co jsem očekávala – jednoduchý, odpočinkový, romantický příběh. Je sice předvídatelný, ale u knížek tohoto typu mi to nevadí, naopak, vždy té hlavní dvojici fandím, aby jim vše dobře dopadlo.
Příběh je úsměvný, místy i vtipný, celkově milý. Pár stránek na začátku mi trvalo, než jsem se začetla, ale jakmile se dámy ocitly ve Francii, knihu jsem neodložila a přečetla ji na jeden zátah. A na konci samozřejmě i nějaká ta slzička ukápla.
Ideální čtení na dovolenou, nejlépe na pláž, tak si knížku nezapomeňte přibalit do kufru.
March 19, 2023
Pokud jste někdy viděli komedii s Reese Witherspoon Holka na roztrhání🎬, tak ve vás anotace určitě vyvolá dojem, že se jedná o dost podobný příběh. Co se týče hlavní zápletky s pokusem o rozvod a oživování starých citů, tak určitě ano, a vůbec mi to nevadilo, ale nebojte se, nejedná se o naprostou kopii.
Přesně jak jsem u autorky zvyklá ze série Romantické útěky, tato kniha se za mě nesla ve stejném duchu. Čtivý odpočinkový příběh z atraktivního prostředí, ze kterého sice nebudete skákat nadšením, ale rozhodně vás nezklame.😊 Autorka většinou sází na jistotu a vytváří nekonfliktní sympatické postavy, kterým budete fandit. Místy jsem měla pocit, že z neteře Jade udělala až nepřirozeně přehnanou puberťačku, která má v hlavě úplně nas…. Pardon, jakože v té hlavě nemá vůbec nic🤭, a vše sváděla na to, že takhle se chová „typická puberťačka“ a je to úplně normální hodná holka. Ne, dle mě fakt není😅, ale nakonec mi to příběh naštěstí neznechutilo.
Richard měl jen jednu chybu – to jeho jméno.😬 Ale věřím, že většině čtenářek to nepřijde tak antisexy jako mně.😄 Jinak to byl samozřejmě dokonalý akční a láskyplný chlap se smyslem pro humor, takže jsem si veškerá randíčka s Carrie užívala.🥰
Hodnotím 4*/5* a doporučuji jako skvělou oddechovku na dovču!❤️🌊
Přesně jak jsem u autorky zvyklá ze série Romantické útěky, tato kniha se za mě nesla ve stejném duchu. Čtivý odpočinkový příběh z atraktivního prostředí, ze kterého sice nebudete skákat nadšením, ale rozhodně vás nezklame.😊 Autorka většinou sází na jistotu a vytváří nekonfliktní sympatické postavy, kterým budete fandit. Místy jsem měla pocit, že z neteře Jade udělala až nepřirozeně přehnanou puberťačku, která má v hlavě úplně nas…. Pardon, jakože v té hlavě nemá vůbec nic🤭, a vše sváděla na to, že takhle se chová „typická puberťačka“ a je to úplně normální hodná holka. Ne, dle mě fakt není😅, ale nakonec mi to příběh naštěstí neznechutilo.
Richard měl jen jednu chybu – to jeho jméno.😬 Ale věřím, že většině čtenářek to nepřijde tak antisexy jako mně.😄 Jinak to byl samozřejmě dokonalý akční a láskyplný chlap se smyslem pro humor, takže jsem si veškerá randíčka s Carrie užívala.🥰
Hodnotím 4*/5* a doporučuji jako skvělou oddechovku na dovču!❤️🌊
August 5, 2025
S láskou z Riviéry 🌸 od Jules Wake bola presne tá knižka, ktorú si chcete zobrať k moru alebo na balkón so studeným nápojom v ruke.
Lahodná, romantická a zároveň s nádychom niečoho hlbšieho.
Carrie, hlavná hrdinka, má na prvý pohľad všetko – prácu, ktorú má rada, a láskavého snúbenca. Ale jej minulosť nie je úplne uzavretá. Kedysi bola herečkou, vydatá za kolegu, s ktorým snívali o veľkej budúcnosti… až kým on neodletel za svojím americkým snom a ju nechal stáť na mieste.
O pár rokov neskôr sa náhodne stretnú na Francúzskej Riviére a… ono to v nej niečo prebudí. Nie je to len nostalgiou – je to tá známa iskra a aj otázka: Čo ak…?
Páčilo sa mi, ako autorka zachytila tú vnútornú dilemu medzi tým, čo je rozumné, a tým, čo nás ešte stále ťahá späť. A navyše, nie je to klasická zamilovaná rozprávka – hrdinka má charakter, rozhodnutia nie sú čierno-biele, a celé to pôsobí veľmi ľudsky.
Za mňa – ideálny letný únik. Príbeh o uzatváraní minulosti, druhých šanciach a hľadaní toho, čo naozaj chceme. 🫶🩷🌸
#bookstagram #booklover #summerread #romancebooks #bookrecommendation
#readingnook #frenchriviera #julestowake #bookreview #laskovzriviéry #druhasanca #knihaodporucam #romantickykniha #bookishvibes
April 11, 2023
A byla jsem tak rozjetá knížkou Pláž v Chorvatsku, že jsem sáhla po dalším díle stejné autorky. Sérii S láskou z... píše pod jménem Jules Wake. Knížka je opět velice lehká, skvěle se čte a máte ji přečtenou za chvilku. Doporučuji sebou třeba na dovolenou. Na Riviéru.
Tentokrát autorka malinko změnila svou zaběhnutou osnovu. Hlavní hrdinka Carrie má před svatbou s učitelem Alanem. Jako, má ho ráda, to ano. Ale žádná velká vášeň to není. Velice rychle však vyjde najevo, že milá Carrie se nezdá. Ona už totiž vdaná je. Za hollywoodského herce Richarda. Vše se zamotá v okamžiku, kdy Carrie vyrazí se svou sestrou a neteří na francouzskou Riviéru, aby se tam s Richardem setkala a vyřešila s ním rozvod. Asi tušíte, že to nebude snadné.
Přiznám se, že tentokrát jsem netušila, jak to milá Jules Wake vyřeší. Jestli bude Carrie zodpovědná a zůstane s Alanem (kterého má ráda) nebo se znova probudí vášeň mezi ní a Richardem. Pochybovala jsem tak moc, že jsem si nemohla pomoct a podívala jsem se na konec knížky. Což teda normálně nedělám 🤪
Kupte si je všechny, jestli Jules Wake neznáte. Protože jsou fakt super...
Tentokrát autorka malinko změnila svou zaběhnutou osnovu. Hlavní hrdinka Carrie má před svatbou s učitelem Alanem. Jako, má ho ráda, to ano. Ale žádná velká vášeň to není. Velice rychle však vyjde najevo, že milá Carrie se nezdá. Ona už totiž vdaná je. Za hollywoodského herce Richarda. Vše se zamotá v okamžiku, kdy Carrie vyrazí se svou sestrou a neteří na francouzskou Riviéru, aby se tam s Richardem setkala a vyřešila s ním rozvod. Asi tušíte, že to nebude snadné.
Přiznám se, že tentokrát jsem netušila, jak to milá Jules Wake vyřeší. Jestli bude Carrie zodpovědná a zůstane s Alanem (kterého má ráda) nebo se znova probudí vášeň mezi ní a Richardem. Pochybovala jsem tak moc, že jsem si nemohla pomoct a podívala jsem se na konec knížky. Což teda normálně nedělám 🤪
Kupte si je všechny, jestli Jules Wake neznáte. Protože jsou fakt super...
August 28, 2021
I really loved the story and descriptive writing of this book! There aren’t enough stories out there about women in their 20s to early 30s where they’re either discovering theirselves or rediscovering themselves, while still being a really romantic read, and this definitely delivered. I’ve read this book for hours non-stop, crouched over, trying to absorb as much of it as I could.
However, the editor needs to really look at and reevaluate their editing work. So many errors in a final product that it really annoyed me. There was also inconsistencies in the language used. The characters are clearly from or around London (so would use degrees Celsius), but then when talking about the temperatures the author used Fahrenheit. It was interesting to realise in the epilogue that the main character’s name must have originally been Cassie, and then changed to Carrie, but it really did take away from the magic of reading the book, as I usually get swept away in a story as if it were really playing out in my head.
This is why I gave the book 3 stars instead of 4 or 5.
However, the editor needs to really look at and reevaluate their editing work. So many errors in a final product that it really annoyed me. There was also inconsistencies in the language used. The characters are clearly from or around London (so would use degrees Celsius), but then when talking about the temperatures the author used Fahrenheit. It was interesting to realise in the epilogue that the main character’s name must have originally been Cassie, and then changed to Carrie, but it really did take away from the magic of reading the book, as I usually get swept away in a story as if it were really playing out in my head.
This is why I gave the book 3 stars instead of 4 or 5.
February 26, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I found it a bit slow paced initially, but it soon gripped me. It's a second chance type of romance, and I really liked Richard. I also appreciated the sisterly bond shared by Carrie and Angela...
After a whirlwind wedding with Richard, Carrie let him go to pursue a big career opportunity. Estranged for many years, and after Carrie gets a marriage proposal by Alan, which she accepts, she tries to find Richard to expedite the divorce papers. However, Richard, who is now a big shot actor, is not ready to let her go and wants to fight for Carrie and what they once had. Put in the mix a really typical teenager and a bunch of interesting characters and you end up with a lovely book.
In all, I enjoyed this read.
After a whirlwind wedding with Richard, Carrie let him go to pursue a big career opportunity. Estranged for many years, and after Carrie gets a marriage proposal by Alan, which she accepts, she tries to find Richard to expedite the divorce papers. However, Richard, who is now a big shot actor, is not ready to let her go and wants to fight for Carrie and what they once had. Put in the mix a really typical teenager and a bunch of interesting characters and you end up with a lovely book.
In all, I enjoyed this read.
January 23, 2025
What a delight this book was! Perhaps my excitement is partly due to the fact that I brought it along on a seaside vacation—it perfectly complemented the atmosphere. It made me dream, transported me to the beautiful scenery of the Riviera, and honestly, what more could you ask for?
I absolutely loved Richard as a character and enjoyed the slow rekindling of the connection between the protagonists. I couldn’t help but picture British actor Richard Madden the entire time, and the author mentioning his involvement in a Marvel movie only reinforced that image for me! This book was a wonderful escape. 😊
I absolutely loved Richard as a character and enjoyed the slow rekindling of the connection between the protagonists. I couldn’t help but picture British actor Richard Madden the entire time, and the author mentioning his involvement in a Marvel movie only reinforced that image for me! This book was a wonderful escape. 😊
July 7, 2016
So there. Jules Wake. As I have read her novels previously and rather enjoyed them I didn't hesitate to say yes to a review copy and also with pleasure I am taking part in a blog tour - because let me tell you, right at the beginning, that I personally think "Escape to the Riviera" is Ms Wake's best novel yet. And can we please gush a little over this beautiful, climatic, summery cover? It's gorgeous, the colours of the sunset are so authentic and right now I'd love to be on this terrace.
The story introduces us to a bunch of main characters, and I liked it, lately I've read many novels with thousands of characters in them and here I truly enjoyed this small colourful group of vivid protagonists. Carrie's life seems to be absolutely right as rain. She's a drama teacher, has a boyfriend Alan who is also a teacher and she lives with her sister Angela and her niece, Jade. Thanks to Angela the girls get a chance to spend a month of their summer holidays in a villa at the south of France and after some initial doubts they travel there. While Angela and Jade hope for lazy, sunny days full of swimming, sunbathing and enjoying themselves, Carrie has some ulterior motive to be there - namely, she's married to a Hollywood superstar, Richard Maddox, and as Alan has made the big step and proposed, Carrie needs a divorce. So she sets her goal on tracking Richard down in the beautiful setting of the French Riviera. But is she going to find him? And if so, did the old feelings die?
The characters were very well rounded and I had a feeling that I know them very well, and the author has written them in such engaging way that I wanted to be a part of their world. Carrie is so normal with her anxieties, uncertainties and questions and I warmed to her right from the beginning. But she's not only like this - she's also strong, a great support to her sister and niece and she has passion to drama, and all this made her sometimes annoying, but also lovely and realistic and down - to - earth.
I also liked how the author showed two sides to being famous and yes, we know it's not always a bed of roses and drinking champagne for breakfast, but also the social media being sure they can follow the celebrities and report on their lives, not taking into consideration that they are people who also need private sphere, and the impacts and consequences of such situations. Though I admit, it was a great joy to have a look or two at how the other half lives. And this brings us to Richard, who, except of annoying the hell out of me at the beginning, turned out to be a great, having both feet on the ground person, taking his career not too seriously and having a distance to himself, and to be totally honest, I had a feeling that he and Carrie really belong together. But can you still have feelings after eight years of not seeing each other?
What the author has also managed to capture so very well was the sparks between Carrie and Richard. While at the beginning I had nothing against Carries's boyfriend Alan, but the more I read and the more we got to know him, the more I started to feel that my feelings of sympathy to him start to cool down - I had a feeling that nothing interest him except of his cycling and teaching and somehow he didn't coordinate with the creative, full of life Carrie and well, I found myself keeping my fingers crossed for Carrie and Richard. Even though at the beginning Richard seemed a little too arrogant and too self - confident for my liking and I didn't like the ultimatum he gave Carrie. However, it turned out, it was for the best.
But what is also great is that the author didn't concentrate only on Carrie and Richard's plot but added some other subplots to the story. The stories of Angela and Jade suit the book in a perfect way and make it a much deeper read, and they, as background characters, give as much as the main ones.
The setting of the French Riviera, of St. Tropez couldn't be better, and Jules Wake's descriptions bring the places to life. No matter if she writes about the gorgeous, glamourous yachts, or the incredibly tasty French food, or the beautiful villa the girls were staying in, or the fantastic clothes they tried on, it all sound true to life. I also enjoyed how the girls reacted to the places and they didn't even try to hide their excitement or the fact that being near celebrities and film stars made them so excited - especially Jade. Jade had her moments, oh she did, when she annoyed not only her aunt and mother but yours truly as well, but on the other hand she was a teenager and Ms Wake has brilliantly captured her irritating nature.
This novel, albeit sometimes a little too far - fetched and with moments where destiny and coincidence played big roles, was a brilliant escape to the south of France. Jules Wake has described all the places in such a vivid, realistic way that I didn't have any problems to see them in my mind and I'd do anything to be there at the moment. It is this kind of a book that you want to take with you on your holidays and devour under the shining sun. The writing style is great, so easy to follow and accessible and the story flows effortlessly. There were some moments in the book that I had a feeling it drags unnecessary on but mostly it was full of events. This is a lovely story about discovering yourself afresh and about following your dreams, about finding the courage and start living as you want. Lovely book, perfect for the summer evenings! Recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.
January 8, 2018
Brilliant
Just couldn't put it down and had to keep reading far too late in bed. Loved the characters and locations. Think Hugh Jackman and you can see Richard as the perfect movie star! All the characters are so clever. Jade the stroppy teenager that everyone knows and Angela her long suffering and lovely mum. So well put together and loved the twists and turns. You really wanted Carrie to be true to herself and get rid of boring Alan. As usual a lovely story that you could escape to on a horrible winters night.
Just couldn't put it down and had to keep reading far too late in bed. Loved the characters and locations. Think Hugh Jackman and you can see Richard as the perfect movie star! All the characters are so clever. Jade the stroppy teenager that everyone knows and Angela her long suffering and lovely mum. So well put together and loved the twists and turns. You really wanted Carrie to be true to herself and get rid of boring Alan. As usual a lovely story that you could escape to on a horrible winters night.
June 15, 2021
Carrie has a nice life, steady job and boyfriend. When her sister has an offer of a holiday home in the South of France - Carrie decides to accompany her sister and niece to the South of France. She has another motive for going - her boyfriend has proposed but there's a problem - Carrie married famous actor Richard Maddox when they were both young and penniless - but never got around to a divorce. Spending time with Richard reminds her of the past. Will she be able to divorce Richard and marry Alan.
July 29, 2025
Taká nenáročná romantika.
V podstate je to od Julie Caplin, teda jej menej známy pseudonym, Jules Wake - ale tento štýl sa číta tak pohodovo. Myslela som, že si to nechám na dovolenku, ale akosi sa mi to ľahšie čítalo (ako poniektoré štafety). Kniha z knižnice. Asi som ju chcela kvôli niečomu... ale vlastne ani neviem.
Richarda si niekto predstavuje ako Richarda Maddena, ja s týmto názorom celkom súhlasím. Sympaťák, chrumkavý škótsky herec (hral Robba Starka v Hrách o tróny). :)
V podstate je to od Julie Caplin, teda jej menej známy pseudonym, Jules Wake - ale tento štýl sa číta tak pohodovo. Myslela som, že si to nechám na dovolenku, ale akosi sa mi to ľahšie čítalo (ako poniektoré štafety). Kniha z knižnice. Asi som ju chcela kvôli niečomu... ale vlastne ani neviem.
Richarda si niekto predstavuje ako Richarda Maddena, ja s týmto názorom celkom súhlasím. Sympaťák, chrumkavý škótsky herec (hral Robba Starka v Hrách o tróny). :)
June 24, 2024
This is the first book I’ve loved in a longggg time. Such a good romance book, every scene was just so so good. I was hesitant at first because the writing style was slightly different to what I’m used to but OMG I just love the visuals I loved the characters and loved the storyline!!! Quite an easy read and was actually desperate to keep reading. Would read again.
July 22, 2017
This was a really good book. I read it in one sitting. At first, I wasn't so excited about reading it but at the end, I was upset it had finished so quickly. It was one of those romances you wish were real.
April 13, 2021
Enjoyable read
After a rough start where I found it difficult to keep the character relationships straight, this book totally grabbed me and it was an enjoyable and satisfying read to the end.
After a rough start where I found it difficult to keep the character relationships straight, this book totally grabbed me and it was an enjoyable and satisfying read to the end.
August 2, 2017
Lovely summer romance. Perfect for holidays.
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