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The Difference Between You & Me
Can stepping out of your comfort zone lead you to ultimate happiness?
Trudy Watts has everything she's ever dreamed of: a job that she loves, a successful boyfriend and an ultra-modern apartment in one of the most fashionable parts of London. With a long-awaited promotion due to come her way and her wedding just around the corner, Trudy's life is just perfect...
That is until catastrophe strikes and her life is turned upside down. She's transferred to Turriff, a remote Scottish town to manage a small, struggling bank branch.
Her arrival is traumatic and she wishes she was anywhere but here... Until she sees him – Ethan, the charming pub landlord, who seems to enjoy nothing more than to tease her. And it's right there, in that pub, that her life will suddenly change...
Trudy Watts has everything she's ever dreamed of: a job that she loves, a successful boyfriend and an ultra-modern apartment in one of the most fashionable parts of London. With a long-awaited promotion due to come her way and her wedding just around the corner, Trudy's life is just perfect...
That is until catastrophe strikes and her life is turned upside down. She's transferred to Turriff, a remote Scottish town to manage a small, struggling bank branch.
Her arrival is traumatic and she wishes she was anywhere but here... Until she sees him – Ethan, the charming pub landlord, who seems to enjoy nothing more than to tease her. And it's right there, in that pub, that her life will suddenly change...
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2017
158 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 16, 2025
Upon meeting Trudy initially, she comes across as someone who is hard to get to know; she has her guard up and appears to be standoffish. After getting to know her, I learned that she is someone who is very career driven and has to work very hard to get to where she is at.
After her wedding plans go up in smoke and a night of drowning her sorrows in a bottle, she learns that she drunkenly applied for a temporary position in the bank at a branch in a very remote village in Scotland. The kind of village where shopping malls, movie theaters and a decent Wi-Fi signal are hard to find. Coming from London, it is a huge culture shock of sorts for Trudy. Along with this, her temporary position requires her to determine if this branch has any viability and is worth keeping or if it should be sold, which would mean a loss of employment for those working there. It would be a massive understatement to say that her arrival is not met with enthusiasm.
On the flip side, Ethan was very likable and easy to relate to immediately. Though he and Trudy butt heads and clash at every turn, he seems to enjoy it and often seeks her out, much to Trudy’s irritation. Trudy’s assignment is for six months and she seems to spend most of her time anxious for her return to London but I really loved how the more resistant she is, the more the town and the people in it grew on her.
I really enjoyed this story, especially when Trudy starts making a real effort to not only get to know the people she works with and other villagers but also coming up with ways to save the bank branch. The atmosphere of the village was quaint and though Trudy feels like a fish out of water, the charm is hard to ignore.
My Final Verdict: Overall, this was a very enjoyable story that I highly recommend to readers who enjoy contemporary romances and women’s fiction. I also recommend this story to readers who enjoy remote locations and the slower pace of small communities.
Thank you to the publisher, Aria, who provided an advance reader copy of this book via NetGalley.
After her wedding plans go up in smoke and a night of drowning her sorrows in a bottle, she learns that she drunkenly applied for a temporary position in the bank at a branch in a very remote village in Scotland. The kind of village where shopping malls, movie theaters and a decent Wi-Fi signal are hard to find. Coming from London, it is a huge culture shock of sorts for Trudy. Along with this, her temporary position requires her to determine if this branch has any viability and is worth keeping or if it should be sold, which would mean a loss of employment for those working there. It would be a massive understatement to say that her arrival is not met with enthusiasm.
On the flip side, Ethan was very likable and easy to relate to immediately. Though he and Trudy butt heads and clash at every turn, he seems to enjoy it and often seeks her out, much to Trudy’s irritation. Trudy’s assignment is for six months and she seems to spend most of her time anxious for her return to London but I really loved how the more resistant she is, the more the town and the people in it grew on her.
I really enjoyed this story, especially when Trudy starts making a real effort to not only get to know the people she works with and other villagers but also coming up with ways to save the bank branch. The atmosphere of the village was quaint and though Trudy feels like a fish out of water, the charm is hard to ignore.
My Final Verdict: Overall, this was a very enjoyable story that I highly recommend to readers who enjoy contemporary romances and women’s fiction. I also recommend this story to readers who enjoy remote locations and the slower pace of small communities.
Thank you to the publisher, Aria, who provided an advance reader copy of this book via NetGalley.
January 18, 2017
Netgalley copy.
This book and I didn't agree.
This book and I didn't agree.
March 9, 2017
Told in first person POV, there is some adjustment needed to find the joy in Trudy. A city-girl with everything as she expected: fab flat in London, a fiancé that fits her lifestyle, a wonderful job where she is in line for the next big promotion and only a few hiccups with her family and soon-to-be mother in law. Things are moving according to plan until she’ s informed that her next position will be in Scotland, not a city but a small town, and she will have to turn around the fortunes of a failing bank.
Not so terrible (oh wait, perhaps it is) until she sees the bank, convinced the employees hate her, her new housing is below her standards, hell, even her internet is down (GAH). Even worse, the pub owner, as gorgeous as he is, seems to have issues with her: if their back and forth is any indication. She’s such the fish out of water here, and she takes no time in informing people of those differences.
There’s a solid sense of humor running through this story: the banter and conversations are delightful easy to imagine the expressions and the subtle digs, or not so subtle, as they play at Trudy’s confidence and solid sense of “getting on with it to get to the end goal’ sort of attitude. And her two days with no internet, no access to social media, and the adjustments she must make to acclimate herself to the quiet after the bustle of London is delightful, and here is where her own personality takes over, allowing readers to engage more fully and start to find the rhythm in her thoughts, as we are privy to most of them.
The relationship with Ethan is lovely: from her initial reactions when, dismayed by the weather, the town, her position at the bank and most decidedly the fact that it is NOT London, the two are bickering back and forth with jibes, subtle and not so. But, Ethan has a large prat to play in her life, from his ‘always’ being there, to a clear understanding of and place in Turriff, he’s able to provide a space that, despite her initial reactions, is welcoming and comfortable. And there is no harm in the fact that their chemistry is palpable, even electric at times, as the story moves on. Light and fun, with plenty of laughs even as Trudy is making some life-altering decisions, this is the perfect get away from it all sort of book, if you are willing to persevere through the early chapters and let Trudy come to show herself to you.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Not so terrible (oh wait, perhaps it is) until she sees the bank, convinced the employees hate her, her new housing is below her standards, hell, even her internet is down (GAH). Even worse, the pub owner, as gorgeous as he is, seems to have issues with her: if their back and forth is any indication. She’s such the fish out of water here, and she takes no time in informing people of those differences.
There’s a solid sense of humor running through this story: the banter and conversations are delightful easy to imagine the expressions and the subtle digs, or not so subtle, as they play at Trudy’s confidence and solid sense of “getting on with it to get to the end goal’ sort of attitude. And her two days with no internet, no access to social media, and the adjustments she must make to acclimate herself to the quiet after the bustle of London is delightful, and here is where her own personality takes over, allowing readers to engage more fully and start to find the rhythm in her thoughts, as we are privy to most of them.
The relationship with Ethan is lovely: from her initial reactions when, dismayed by the weather, the town, her position at the bank and most decidedly the fact that it is NOT London, the two are bickering back and forth with jibes, subtle and not so. But, Ethan has a large prat to play in her life, from his ‘always’ being there, to a clear understanding of and place in Turriff, he’s able to provide a space that, despite her initial reactions, is welcoming and comfortable. And there is no harm in the fact that their chemistry is palpable, even electric at times, as the story moves on. Light and fun, with plenty of laughs even as Trudy is making some life-altering decisions, this is the perfect get away from it all sort of book, if you are willing to persevere through the early chapters and let Trudy come to show herself to you.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
March 26, 2017
The story is pretty quick to get going and I loved that Trudy almost straight away found herself out of her comfort zone. I have to say at times that I struggled to engage with Trudy however as the book progresses her personality begins to come out. Her reaction to having no internet for two days is priceless. Although I'm sure I would be a little upset going without my blog for a few days! Then again not having access to social media would mean I probably could read more books.
When Trudy and Ethan first met I knew that it would be entertaining seeing them clash. I loved the sparring between them and it was lots of fun to see these two get to know each other. Their chemistry slowly simmering under the surface kept me interested in the story. The question is will anything happen between them?
I liked the people in the town of Turriff and I almost wish I could have gotten to know them better. There was the potential to bring to life some interesting characters that I'm sure would have made the book that little bit more engaging.
If you just need to forget about your day then this book could be just right for you with a story that is easy going and light hearted.
The Difference Between You & Me would be great to spend a few hours with and forget your troubles!
Three and a half stars from me!
Thank you to Aria & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
When Trudy and Ethan first met I knew that it would be entertaining seeing them clash. I loved the sparring between them and it was lots of fun to see these two get to know each other. Their chemistry slowly simmering under the surface kept me interested in the story. The question is will anything happen between them?
I liked the people in the town of Turriff and I almost wish I could have gotten to know them better. There was the potential to bring to life some interesting characters that I'm sure would have made the book that little bit more engaging.
If you just need to forget about your day then this book could be just right for you with a story that is easy going and light hearted.
The Difference Between You & Me would be great to spend a few hours with and forget your troubles!
Three and a half stars from me!
Thank you to Aria & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
February 20, 2017
I received an ARC copy of this book for free from the publisher in return for an honest review
Some books carry you through the story because they are well-crafted, have an interesting plot, and loveable characters. Other books are impossible to connect with, even if the plot idea is solid. The Difference Between You And Me is sadly one of the later kind of books.
I truly do not understand the obsession of some writers to ruin what could possibly a good story by insisting on using a First Person Present Tense Narrative. There are only a few ways to make a story crafted in this way work:
The characters have to be exceptional
The plot has to be not just solid, but amazing.
I wish I could say that this book had these two points going for it. Sure, this story line could be a good book - but not amazing, and I truly did not like the main characters. Reading this book was like spending time with someone you don't like, and being told what they are thinking, without caring for them at all.
I really wish I could find something positive to say about this book, but I simply can't.
Some books carry you through the story because they are well-crafted, have an interesting plot, and loveable characters. Other books are impossible to connect with, even if the plot idea is solid. The Difference Between You And Me is sadly one of the later kind of books.
I truly do not understand the obsession of some writers to ruin what could possibly a good story by insisting on using a First Person Present Tense Narrative. There are only a few ways to make a story crafted in this way work:
The characters have to be exceptional
The plot has to be not just solid, but amazing.
I wish I could say that this book had these two points going for it. Sure, this story line could be a good book - but not amazing, and I truly did not like the main characters. Reading this book was like spending time with someone you don't like, and being told what they are thinking, without caring for them at all.
I really wish I could find something positive to say about this book, but I simply can't.
March 20, 2017
Your ability to hang in with this book is, as far as I’m concerned, entirely dependent on whether or not you can deal with the jarring writing style and if you can deal with it long enough to get to the point where Trudy starts to change. I disliked it so much that if I hadn’t been reviewing The Difference Between You and Me, I would simply not have persevered.
Rest up at AAR: http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
Rest up at AAR: http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
October 2, 2017
Couldn't finish it.
March 22, 2017
The Blurb :
Trudy Watts has everything she's ever dreamed of: a job that she loves, a successful boyfriend and an ultra-modern apartment in one of the most fashionable parts of London. With a long-awaited promotion due to come her way and her wedding just around the corner, Trudy's life is just perfect..
That is until catastrophe strikes and her life is turned upside down. She's transferred to Turriff, a remote Scottish town to manage a small, struggling bank branch.
Her arrival is traumatic and she wishes she was anywhere but here... Until she sees him – Ethan, the charming pub landlord, who seems to enjoy nothing more than to tease her. And it's right there, in that pub, that her life will suddenly change.
My Thoughts :
This got going from the off and I must say I found myself having a little giggle at the future mother in law and friends at the bridal shop fitting. Trudy is a bit like marmite, you either love her or hate her. I could sympathize with her when she came across her fiance and another woman. Im surprised she didnt swing for him.
When in the following weeks, her job takes her to Scotland, all is not as it should be. One would think Trudy was asked to live in a dump. Instantly she dislikes the weather, the area she has been put in and she doesnt like the people. To top it off the WiFi stops working. Things start to get a bit more interesting when she meets Ethan, the local landlord.
This is a nice little Rom Com that is funny at times and I really enjoyed it. Its been well thought out and keeps its pace throughout.
March 19, 2017
I loved it! I believe mostly because I could relate to the character but also because it made me laugh so many times! It just made me feel good. And it is just what I needed.
What would you do if one day you realize that what you thought was a perfect life, actually proves to be full of flaws? Well, for starters, you run! I mean, I would go someplace far, try to start all over, or at least put some distance for a while. That’s what our main character does as well – even though she takes this decision in a not so clear state of mind. Regardless, she ends up in Turriff, a place somewhere far from civilization – in her opinion at least.
The story is so full of funny incidents and funny dialogue that it captured me from the very beginning. I loved the writing, as it seemed so natural and believable. It starts and it ends in the same funny manner – and trust me, it has the most original Acknowledgements
I was mentioning in the beginning that I could very much relate to the character. I am as well a workaholic and I know what is like to put work before everything else. I sometimes struggle with the same issues as Trudy. But coming back to her, I liked the fact she knew she was as guilty as her ex-future-husband in the distance settled between them. She never blamed solely him, but she never imagined this outcome for her relationship. She is now looking for comfort where she knows she is really good: in the office. Still, when she ends up with a hot landlord, her planned six months may turn differently.
The relationship between Trudy and Ethan is full of crazy. They argue, they cannot stand each other. He brings out a side in her she has never let out. It is very intense and at the same time really, really funny!
Honestly, I loved it and I would read it again. It made me feel good, it kept me from putting it down… what more could I have asked?
What would you do if one day you realize that what you thought was a perfect life, actually proves to be full of flaws? Well, for starters, you run! I mean, I would go someplace far, try to start all over, or at least put some distance for a while. That’s what our main character does as well – even though she takes this decision in a not so clear state of mind. Regardless, she ends up in Turriff, a place somewhere far from civilization – in her opinion at least.
The story is so full of funny incidents and funny dialogue that it captured me from the very beginning. I loved the writing, as it seemed so natural and believable. It starts and it ends in the same funny manner – and trust me, it has the most original Acknowledgements
I was mentioning in the beginning that I could very much relate to the character. I am as well a workaholic and I know what is like to put work before everything else. I sometimes struggle with the same issues as Trudy. But coming back to her, I liked the fact she knew she was as guilty as her ex-future-husband in the distance settled between them. She never blamed solely him, but she never imagined this outcome for her relationship. She is now looking for comfort where she knows she is really good: in the office. Still, when she ends up with a hot landlord, her planned six months may turn differently.
The relationship between Trudy and Ethan is full of crazy. They argue, they cannot stand each other. He brings out a side in her she has never let out. It is very intense and at the same time really, really funny!
Honestly, I loved it and I would read it again. It made me feel good, it kept me from putting it down… what more could I have asked?
February 26, 2017
*This book was given to me by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review – all opinions are my own.*
This was a cute little chick lit book that I would give more a 2.8/5 rather than just a 2. It follows workaholic Londoner, Trudy has she sees herself relocating (against her will) to a remote village in Scotland. It was an enjoyable and quick read that I would recommend to people who like a nice little romance. I found it well written, especially for a romance genre, however, there are a few things that irritated me. Except from all the obvious clichés that this book rehashes, it's the slightly inaccurate way of portraying Scotland and Scottish people, right to the language. To be honest, it's easy to not think about it, but I live in Scotland so it kept hitting me. Still an enjoyable read!
This was a cute little chick lit book that I would give more a 2.8/5 rather than just a 2. It follows workaholic Londoner, Trudy has she sees herself relocating (against her will) to a remote village in Scotland. It was an enjoyable and quick read that I would recommend to people who like a nice little romance. I found it well written, especially for a romance genre, however, there are a few things that irritated me. Except from all the obvious clichés that this book rehashes, it's the slightly inaccurate way of portraying Scotland and Scottish people, right to the language. To be honest, it's easy to not think about it, but I live in Scotland so it kept hitting me. Still an enjoyable read!
September 14, 2022
Easy read
This book has some of the most emotionally constipated characters you will ever come across.
Trudy is just straight up mean to every one, especially when she's in a bad mood, which is pretty damn often.
Ethan has mood swings like you wouldn't believe, but also can't seem to verbalise how he's feeling.
The two seemed to dislike each other more than they liked each other, pretty much from start to finish.
Horace is an absolute melt, and I was glad when he disappeared from the story. This book was easy to read and pretty predictable when it came to the plot, and as unlikeable as I felt the characters were, I still didn't want to put it down.
This book has some of the most emotionally constipated characters you will ever come across.
Trudy is just straight up mean to every one, especially when she's in a bad mood, which is pretty damn often.
Ethan has mood swings like you wouldn't believe, but also can't seem to verbalise how he's feeling.
The two seemed to dislike each other more than they liked each other, pretty much from start to finish.
Horace is an absolute melt, and I was glad when he disappeared from the story. This book was easy to read and pretty predictable when it came to the plot, and as unlikeable as I felt the characters were, I still didn't want to put it down.
June 10, 2017
I like the small town and the fun, from the rain soaking everyone to the Pumpkin King and Queen.
Trudy, not so much. She's too harsh and logical, and even when Ethan is trying to get her to open herself up to their relationship, she's still rigid and complaining.
As she becomes 'nicer', it's better, but the relationship sounds like too chaotic, even at the end, when she wants to read her book when he wants to surprise her.
He seems quiet, gruff, but sweet, she needs to loosen up.
Trudy, not so much. She's too harsh and logical, and even when Ethan is trying to get her to open herself up to their relationship, she's still rigid and complaining.
As she becomes 'nicer', it's better, but the relationship sounds like too chaotic, even at the end, when she wants to read her book when he wants to surprise her.
He seems quiet, gruff, but sweet, she needs to loosen up.
July 21, 2017
Hard to stick with.
The heroine is incredibly cynical, quite hard to like. For some reason the hero seems to want to put up with her. More power to him. I dont feel that way myself...
Long, long chapters cataloging her negative thought process. It gets tedious.
I really wouldn't recommend...it doesn't leave you feeling particularly happy.
The heroine is incredibly cynical, quite hard to like. For some reason the hero seems to want to put up with her. More power to him. I dont feel that way myself...
Long, long chapters cataloging her negative thought process. It gets tedious.
I really wouldn't recommend...it doesn't leave you feeling particularly happy.
September 6, 2017
Loved it!
I rated 'the difference between you and me' five stars because as soon as I read the first chapter I couldn't put it down, it's an adults fairytale, with a lovely happy ending! I love Trudy and how she changed her ways and grew as a person throughout the story, it shows the readers that love changes you as a person and helps you grow in many ways. Really good read.
I rated 'the difference between you and me' five stars because as soon as I read the first chapter I couldn't put it down, it's an adults fairytale, with a lovely happy ending! I love Trudy and how she changed her ways and grew as a person throughout the story, it shows the readers that love changes you as a person and helps you grow in many ways. Really good read.
March 20, 2017
The Difference Between You & Me by Celia Hayes is a stereotypical chick-lit romance that one would pick up at their airport on the way to a vacation.
An overworked woman, a breakup, a sudden move, a rascally man in the new town, quirky townspeople. It's all there.
Trudy isn't the most likeable character and the reader doesn't get to REALLY know her until quite far into the book. Ethan isn't the most likeable either and maybe that's why it works?
It's light on romance, high on (kind of boring) drama.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for this review.
An overworked woman, a breakup, a sudden move, a rascally man in the new town, quirky townspeople. It's all there.
Trudy isn't the most likeable character and the reader doesn't get to REALLY know her until quite far into the book. Ethan isn't the most likeable either and maybe that's why it works?
It's light on romance, high on (kind of boring) drama.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for this review.
June 3, 2017
Pretty good
I wasn't expecting to like this book, but the emotional constipation of the main character is so thorough that it's impressive! So well written and a feel good ending. What's not to love?
I wasn't expecting to like this book, but the emotional constipation of the main character is so thorough that it's impressive! So well written and a feel good ending. What's not to love?
December 17, 2017
The main character was a complete cold bitch and some of the dialogue is way too dramatic to come up with on the fly but its a fun read overall. Ethan doesn't seem like the kind of guy she will fall for and they don't make any sense together.
February 16, 2019
From the very beginning, I couldn’t get into this book but I stuck it out, in hopes the ending would have a captivating moment. Unfortunately, it did not and the entire time I was reading this book, I found myself wishing it would end.
October 23, 2022
Somehow I just did not have a connection with either of the main characters, I was more annoyed then anything with them. I finished the book because I know sometimes it turns around as we go; this time it didn’t…
July 29, 2017
All I have to say is somehow I finished this story.
August 23, 2017
Rubbish!
Unlikable characters, predictable storyline, no surprises - don't bother with this book. Disappointed I wasted my time reading this book.
Unlikable characters, predictable storyline, no surprises - don't bother with this book. Disappointed I wasted my time reading this book.
September 24, 2017
The main character is so exhausting to read - the story was nice enough though
September 29, 2017
Overall rating: 2.5 stars
Genre: Chick Lit
Plot: 7/10
Ending: 8/10
Writing: 4/10
Hero: 8/10
Heroine: 2/10
Humour: 4/10
Feels: 1/10
HEA:
Genre: Chick Lit
Plot: 7/10
Ending: 8/10
Writing: 4/10
Hero: 8/10
Heroine: 2/10
Humour: 4/10
Feels: 1/10
HEA:
July 29, 2018
A masterpiece in working.
Amazing book. Great writing skills. Beautifully narrated story from the point of view of the protagonist. Simply loved it. Great job by the author.
Amazing book. Great writing skills. Beautifully narrated story from the point of view of the protagonist. Simply loved it. Great job by the author.
April 28, 2019
An easy to read, contemporary romance which I enjoyed. It proves you should never fight love!
May 16, 2019
Londoner has to move to rural Scotland and falls for a bartender.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2020
this is hands down the WORST book i've ever read don't even waste your time
July 16, 2025
So many red flags...
Trudy, repeat after me: you're not in love, you're just horny
Trudy, repeat after me: you're not in love, you're just horny
August 24, 2025
Dreadful book . Didn't actually finish it as I predicted everything that happened in the 50% of this drivel . Badly written no wonder it's free on Kindle unlimited
March 15, 2017
Trudy Watt's perfect world fell apart the day she found her long term boyfriend in an compromising position. While drowning her sorrows in alcohol she answers an internal work ad for a transfer to Sector 4....much to her horror it's to the depths of Scotland to help an ailing bank, either to get it viable again or get it attractive to sell.
I enjoyed this story although I can't really say that I liked any of the characters that much. Trudy is a high flyer, self obsessed, professional who needs a little 'grounding'. In the main she gets that from Ethan, her landlord by default and he works in the local bar. There is a lot of sparring between the two but overall I found Trudy very rude.
I stuck with the book and Trudy did grow, overall it was some light entertainment.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
I enjoyed this story although I can't really say that I liked any of the characters that much. Trudy is a high flyer, self obsessed, professional who needs a little 'grounding'. In the main she gets that from Ethan, her landlord by default and he works in the local bar. There is a lot of sparring between the two but overall I found Trudy very rude.
I stuck with the book and Trudy did grow, overall it was some light entertainment.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews