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The Good Girlfriend's Guide to Getting Even
'Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella'. Another hilarious and heart-warming romantic comedy from bestselling author Anna Bell
When Lexi's sport-mad boyfriend Will skips her friend's wedding to watch football - after pretending to have food poisoning - it might just be the final whistle for their relationship.
But fed up of just getting mad, Lexi decides to even the score. And, when a couple of lost tickets and an 'accidentally' broken television lead to them spending extra time together, she's delighted to realise that revenge might be the best thing that's happened to their relationship.
And if her clever acts of sabotage prove to be a popular subject for her blog, what harm can that do? It's not as if he'll ever find out . . .
See what people are already saying about the queen of romantic comedy, Anna Bell...
'A fun, bouncy, brilliant tale' Heat
'Funny, relatable and fabulously written' Daily Express
'Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella' Take a Break
When Lexi's sport-mad boyfriend Will skips her friend's wedding to watch football - after pretending to have food poisoning - it might just be the final whistle for their relationship.
But fed up of just getting mad, Lexi decides to even the score. And, when a couple of lost tickets and an 'accidentally' broken television lead to them spending extra time together, she's delighted to realise that revenge might be the best thing that's happened to their relationship.
And if her clever acts of sabotage prove to be a popular subject for her blog, what harm can that do? It's not as if he'll ever find out . . .
See what people are already saying about the queen of romantic comedy, Anna Bell...
'A fun, bouncy, brilliant tale' Heat
'Funny, relatable and fabulously written' Daily Express
'Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella' Take a Break
Audible Audio
First published January 26, 2017
233 people are currently reading
942 people want to read
About the author
Anna Bell
49 books455 followersAnna is represented by the Marsh Agency and published by Quercus. 'Don't Tell the Groom' is released in paperback 5th December 2013.
Anna also writes new adult fiction under the pen name Annabel Scott.
Anna also writes new adult fiction under the pen name Annabel Scott.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
August 19, 2020
Anna Bell is an author who has been on my tbr list for a very, very long time.
Ever since I found out about her book The Bucket List to Mend a Broken Heart and heard so many amazing things about her work, I wanted to give her a chance.
After putting it off for the longest time, I was lucky enough and got a chance to read her newest novel, The Good Girlfriend's Guide to Getting Even.
I am so glad I read this funny novel with the longest title ever, because I fell in love with Bell's writing style, and with the positive atmosphere she created, that was present through the whole story.
This book follows the story of Lexi, a 29 old woman who's boyfriend (Will) is obsessed with sports.
Dating him and watching all the games is not always easy for Lexi, but she found her way to deal with that (like reading books on her e-reader when her boyfriend watches a game she is not interested in), but when Will fakes stomach flu so he wouldn't go to Lexi's best friend wedding, and goes to the game instead, Lexi decides it is time for her to get even.
First of all, let me just say that egocentric in me enjoyed reading this book and my approach to this story is 100% subjective.
You see, I could relate to Lexi so much, because her Will reminded me of my boyfriend. I mean it, they are so alike, it's like the author based Will's character on him.
Even their whole relationship situation was almost the same as ours, and when I was talking to my man about this book, he was sure I was making it up, just to entertain him.
"No", I said "but Anna Bell wrote the story I should have written (because sometimes I like to think I was destined to write a good book one day), because it's like reading my life on those pages. I KNOW what she's talking about, to the core!"
The writing style was really, really good!
The story itself was great, but the way the author told us the story is even better. It reminded me of Sophie Kinsella's style in a way.
I laughed so many times while reading, was entertained the whole time.
I was also curious (and because of subjective reason a bit worried how the story's going to conclude) because, even though to some readers this story was predictable, I really had no idea in which direction it was going.
The things I think could have been better in this story are:
- I wish we got more romantic/cute scenes with Will and Lexi.
- I wish there was stronger character development. We said goodbye to the same Lexi and Will we met at the very beginning of the story.
- I don't think Will's reason to miss the wedding was strong enough.
I am so glad I read The Good Girlfriend's Guide to Getting Even, and I am looking forward to read more of Bell's work.
If you're a chick lit lover, this book is the one you shouldn't miss.
Note: I got this book via Netgalley for free in an exchange for an honest review. Thank you Zaffre.
Read this and more reviews on my blog: https://bookdustmagic.com
Ever since I found out about her book The Bucket List to Mend a Broken Heart and heard so many amazing things about her work, I wanted to give her a chance.
After putting it off for the longest time, I was lucky enough and got a chance to read her newest novel, The Good Girlfriend's Guide to Getting Even.
I am so glad I read this funny novel with the longest title ever, because I fell in love with Bell's writing style, and with the positive atmosphere she created, that was present through the whole story.
This book follows the story of Lexi, a 29 old woman who's boyfriend (Will) is obsessed with sports.
Dating him and watching all the games is not always easy for Lexi, but she found her way to deal with that (like reading books on her e-reader when her boyfriend watches a game she is not interested in), but when Will fakes stomach flu so he wouldn't go to Lexi's best friend wedding, and goes to the game instead, Lexi decides it is time for her to get even.
First of all, let me just say that egocentric in me enjoyed reading this book and my approach to this story is 100% subjective.
You see, I could relate to Lexi so much, because her Will reminded me of my boyfriend. I mean it, they are so alike, it's like the author based Will's character on him.
Even their whole relationship situation was almost the same as ours, and when I was talking to my man about this book, he was sure I was making it up, just to entertain him.
"No", I said "but Anna Bell wrote the story I should have written (because sometimes I like to think I was destined to write a good book one day), because it's like reading my life on those pages. I KNOW what she's talking about, to the core!"
The writing style was really, really good!
The story itself was great, but the way the author told us the story is even better. It reminded me of Sophie Kinsella's style in a way.
I laughed so many times while reading, was entertained the whole time.
I was also curious (and because of subjective reason a bit worried how the story's going to conclude) because, even though to some readers this story was predictable, I really had no idea in which direction it was going.
The things I think could have been better in this story are:
- I wish we got more romantic/cute scenes with Will and Lexi.
- I wish there was stronger character development. We said goodbye to the same Lexi and Will we met at the very beginning of the story.
- I don't think Will's reason to miss the wedding was strong enough.
I am so glad I read The Good Girlfriend's Guide to Getting Even, and I am looking forward to read more of Bell's work.
If you're a chick lit lover, this book is the one you shouldn't miss.
Note: I got this book via Netgalley for free in an exchange for an honest review. Thank you Zaffre.
Read this and more reviews on my blog: https://bookdustmagic.com
June 2, 2023
Unputdownable. I loved reading every page of this funny romance story. Anna Bell has become one of my favourite authors. How I wish that I could write a novel as good as The Good Girlfriend's Guide to Getting Even. I would love to read The Bucket List to Mend a Broken Heart and Don't Tell the Boss. Oh dear Lexi's sport-mad boyfriend Will tells Lexi one big lie and he is about to be in big trouble. Will and Lexi are invited to one of Lexi's best friends wedding. Unlike Lexi, Will hates weddings with passion. On the day of Vanessa's wedding Lexi finds Will doubled over with a bad belly ache. Poor Lexi has to go to Vanessa and Ian's wedding on her own. But she does feel the teeniest bit sad leaving Will at home spending his time in the toilet. While Lexi is at the wedding she opens a text there is a picture of Will. To her horror Will is not tucked up in bed liked she thought he would be, but instead he is dressed in his red and white Southampton football shirt starring at the TV camera. Will lied faked his illness and made Lexi go to the wedding alone so he could go to a football match. Watch out Lexi is about to get even. I loved the twist in this well written story. If you read Sophie Kinsella books then you will most certainly enjoy Anna Bell. I'm now hooked into the author Anna Bell. I will certainly read her other books in future . I enjoyed this fun romantic book so much that I am now following Anna Bell on Goodreads.
February 6, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley, Publishers and Anna Bell for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
I have been a massive fan of Anna Bell's for so long now. I have read and loved everyone of her books. Each new book I eagerly awaiting its arrival and it is preordered miles in advance.
I have been eagerly awaiting this book and had it on preorder even before it had a front cover picture. Anna bell is firmly on my list of favourite authors. When I saw this book on here I hoped and prayed i would be granted early reading and was so excited when it was granted.
I really wanted to love this book. But something didn't work for me this time. Perhaps because I didn't feel like I related to it.
I found the characters a little bit annoying and just wanted to hit there heads together and get them to talk to each other.
When Lexis sport mad boyfriend Will. Skips Vanessa's Lexis best friends wedding for going to a football match, lies to Lexi by claiming to have a dodgy tummy and then being spotted in sky sports as you can imagine goes down terribly.
Lexi is sick and tired of having their schedules having to revolve around the sports schedule. But instead of confronting Will Lexi decides she has had enough and decides this time she will have revenge.
Lexi does some devious things to get Will to spend time surh her. She breaks the tv, 'accidentally' looses some ever tickets and starts a blog about their relationship to name a few.
The more Lexi posts the more followers she gets so the more she posts. Ends up in a vicious circle. But Will, will never find out anything of this so what's the problem right??
Well let's just say things don't go quite according to Lexis plans.
I found Lexi and Will a little annoying to be honest. I just didn't gel with them like I have her other characters. I didn't find the story as fast moving and funny as the don't tell the bride series. Lexi was no Penny.
To be fair I found this rather slow and thought it took ages for the story to really get anywhere. Which is a little disappointing. Feeling a little dissatisfied with this one. Hay ho! Here's hoping the next book is better.
Happy reading everyone
I have been a massive fan of Anna Bell's for so long now. I have read and loved everyone of her books. Each new book I eagerly awaiting its arrival and it is preordered miles in advance.
I have been eagerly awaiting this book and had it on preorder even before it had a front cover picture. Anna bell is firmly on my list of favourite authors. When I saw this book on here I hoped and prayed i would be granted early reading and was so excited when it was granted.
I really wanted to love this book. But something didn't work for me this time. Perhaps because I didn't feel like I related to it.
I found the characters a little bit annoying and just wanted to hit there heads together and get them to talk to each other.
When Lexis sport mad boyfriend Will. Skips Vanessa's Lexis best friends wedding for going to a football match, lies to Lexi by claiming to have a dodgy tummy and then being spotted in sky sports as you can imagine goes down terribly.
Lexi is sick and tired of having their schedules having to revolve around the sports schedule. But instead of confronting Will Lexi decides she has had enough and decides this time she will have revenge.
Lexi does some devious things to get Will to spend time surh her. She breaks the tv, 'accidentally' looses some ever tickets and starts a blog about their relationship to name a few.
The more Lexi posts the more followers she gets so the more she posts. Ends up in a vicious circle. But Will, will never find out anything of this so what's the problem right??
Well let's just say things don't go quite according to Lexis plans.
I found Lexi and Will a little annoying to be honest. I just didn't gel with them like I have her other characters. I didn't find the story as fast moving and funny as the don't tell the bride series. Lexi was no Penny.
To be fair I found this rather slow and thought it took ages for the story to really get anywhere. Which is a little disappointing. Feeling a little dissatisfied with this one. Hay ho! Here's hoping the next book is better.
Happy reading everyone
August 15, 2024
3.5/5
Rather than a guide about how to get even with one’s boyfriend, this really should be a guide about what you shouldn’t do in a long-term relationship. This book introduces us to Lexi Hunter, who on the surface is very likable and easy to relate to. She has been with her boyfriend, Will Talbot, for seven years. Although he hasn’t put a ring on it, they appear to be committed to one another and have a joint mortgage. The only issue Lexi has with Will and their relationship is his insane obsession with all things sport. Football, rugby, cricket, darts and even the Grand Prix. If there’s a match on anywhere, you can guarantee that Will be present to watch it in person or on television or he will have recorded it to watch it later. Additionally, before any plans can be made, Will has to check the calendar to see if there are any conflicts with said sport watching.
Lexi’s best friend is getting married and mere minutes before Will is supposed to be getting ready, he comes down with food poisoning. Lexi is obviously annoyed but she understands that there is nothing to be done and she leaves Will at home and attends the wedding by herself. While at the wedding, one of her work colleagues sends her a text message containing a photo of Will at the football game!
This is where the story went off the rail for me. I completely understood how hurt and upset Lexi was, I empathized with her decision to give it a little time before confronting Will. Giving him the opportunity to confess and come clean sounded like a reasonable plan. Instead, what transpires is an equally insane plan to exact multiple instances of revenge. Situations that she creates to cause Will to miss watching whatever sporting event is on tap for that given day. Maybe it’s just me (and it probably is), but I thought her actions were worse than Will’s. He shouldn’t have lied, but Lexi should have addressed the situation instead of concocting elaborate revenge schemes. It just felt so petty and immature for someone who has been in this relationship for seven years to behave.
As if the revenge wasn’t bad enough, she starts blogging about it as part of an assignment for her writing class! I just kept waiting for this entire mess to blow up in her face once everything comes out.
The pacing of the story was good, overall. I was engaged and invested in wanting to know what would happen next in Lexi’s plan of getting back at Will. Ironically, I found both Lexi and Will very likable and had high hopes for the success of their relationship, though their communication could use a lot of work. I was also surprised at how well Will takes some of the acts of sabotage. I expected him to go ballistic at missing out on some matches.
As expected, when things come to a head, they do in a spectacularly emotional and horrifying way. I really thought it was the end of the line for these two. This story offers some unexpected surprises that I really liked.
My Final Verdict: Overall, I would have liked this book more if Lexi had taken a less devious approach to her problem. However, I understand that if she had done things differently, other amazing things may not have happened and once I was made aware of what really transpired, I was quite happy.
This book is my first by Anna Bell and I look forward to reading more from her. I recommend this book to readers who love chick-lit and contemporary romances and like to see characters who are not perfect and make huge mistakes in their lives but also take giant leaps to go after what’s important.
Thank you to the publisher, Zaffre, who provided an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
Rather than a guide about how to get even with one’s boyfriend, this really should be a guide about what you shouldn’t do in a long-term relationship. This book introduces us to Lexi Hunter, who on the surface is very likable and easy to relate to. She has been with her boyfriend, Will Talbot, for seven years. Although he hasn’t put a ring on it, they appear to be committed to one another and have a joint mortgage. The only issue Lexi has with Will and their relationship is his insane obsession with all things sport. Football, rugby, cricket, darts and even the Grand Prix. If there’s a match on anywhere, you can guarantee that Will be present to watch it in person or on television or he will have recorded it to watch it later. Additionally, before any plans can be made, Will has to check the calendar to see if there are any conflicts with said sport watching.
Lexi’s best friend is getting married and mere minutes before Will is supposed to be getting ready, he comes down with food poisoning. Lexi is obviously annoyed but she understands that there is nothing to be done and she leaves Will at home and attends the wedding by herself. While at the wedding, one of her work colleagues sends her a text message containing a photo of Will at the football game!
This is where the story went off the rail for me. I completely understood how hurt and upset Lexi was, I empathized with her decision to give it a little time before confronting Will. Giving him the opportunity to confess and come clean sounded like a reasonable plan. Instead, what transpires is an equally insane plan to exact multiple instances of revenge. Situations that she creates to cause Will to miss watching whatever sporting event is on tap for that given day. Maybe it’s just me (and it probably is), but I thought her actions were worse than Will’s. He shouldn’t have lied, but Lexi should have addressed the situation instead of concocting elaborate revenge schemes. It just felt so petty and immature for someone who has been in this relationship for seven years to behave.
As if the revenge wasn’t bad enough, she starts blogging about it as part of an assignment for her writing class! I just kept waiting for this entire mess to blow up in her face once everything comes out.
The pacing of the story was good, overall. I was engaged and invested in wanting to know what would happen next in Lexi’s plan of getting back at Will. Ironically, I found both Lexi and Will very likable and had high hopes for the success of their relationship, though their communication could use a lot of work. I was also surprised at how well Will takes some of the acts of sabotage. I expected him to go ballistic at missing out on some matches.
As expected, when things come to a head, they do in a spectacularly emotional and horrifying way. I really thought it was the end of the line for these two. This story offers some unexpected surprises that I really liked.
My Final Verdict: Overall, I would have liked this book more if Lexi had taken a less devious approach to her problem. However, I understand that if she had done things differently, other amazing things may not have happened and once I was made aware of what really transpired, I was quite happy.
This book is my first by Anna Bell and I look forward to reading more from her. I recommend this book to readers who love chick-lit and contemporary romances and like to see characters who are not perfect and make huge mistakes in their lives but also take giant leaps to go after what’s important.
Thank you to the publisher, Zaffre, who provided an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
November 17, 2017
This was an okay book. A sport obsessed guy ditches his girlfriend's friends wedding for his game. He does so by lying that he has stomach problem. But the girlfriend catches his lie as a colleague of hers sends her a photo of the guy at the match. She is angry. But instead of confronting him she tries to get even by her silly tactics. It's her idea of revenge. I hated the heroine. She was so annoying. She sounded desperate at times. And the Hero is no good either. He is sport obsessed (very badly). I didn't feel any kind of love here. And her revenge ideas were not interesting either. She should have just confronted him. And all that seducing him thing was also stupid. And obviously he does all this for a good reason. So it turns out he is the good boy here and she is the villian. I wish she had some backbone. There love felt some kind of arrangement for me.
But all in all it's not a bad book. I did expect some kickass revenge. But unfortunately it's just an okay book.
But all in all it's not a bad book. I did expect some kickass revenge. But unfortunately it's just an okay book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2017
"The Good Girlfriend's Guide to Getting Even" is one of the best titles ever, and when you read out loud it sounds even better - just try it! I love this alliteration - at least I think it is the name of the thing when every word starts with the same letter? Whatever, alliteration or not, if the book was written by someone else and had the same title, I'd buy it quick as a flash. That the author is Anna Bell is just a very, very nice bonus - with every new release her books are getting better and better and soon I will have to stretch out my rating to 10 stars because five are really not enough!
This book is a pure entertainment and every page has made me smile. I immediately warmed to our main character, Lexi. I loved her ideas of revenge, they were refreshing, unusual and totally entertaining, and if I weren't so annoyed with Will I'd feel sorry for him, as he was so unsuspecting, and really, seeing how he's wandering into the little web that Lexi has planned, just like an innocent lamb into a lions den, well... It made me really anxious to see what's going to happen and what the outcome would be. Although I personally am not sure if I could live with such a boyfriend as Will was. There is being a sport fan and being a sport fan. I mean, I love many things in my life but I don't just conveniently forget about everything or fake sickness to entertain myself. Although when reading reviews for this book I came across a few of them where their authors say that they know/live with such sport - obsessed Wills themselves, so as much as it was almost unbelievable for me, maybe it really happens in real life.
But I enjoyed every single second of this novel. Really. Following Lexi and Will around London and then Barbados was brilliant. I admired Lexi's patience at fitting her life around Will's game of darts (darts! I mean DARTS! I can understand football, and even cricket, especially when it is played on Barbados, but darts??? It is for me equally with cycling and bobsleigh on the boring - scale), and I really admired the fact that it took her so long to try and plot a revenge for her sport - obsessed boyfriend.
This book is written with such a natural way, with tons of natural humour, and it was flowing so effortlessly. There was such a great, positive vibe to this book and the feel - good factor, and I finished it grinning and feeling so warm inside. I love Anna Bell's writing style so much, it's warm, descriptive, vivid, bubbly and the way she tells the story is absolutely hooking. She has made out of this story an exceptionally good one. For me it was also not so predictable. I could never tell which way it's going to go, what's going to happen, what Lexi is going to plan, how far she's going to go and if Will will eventually either spot something or go even further with his obsession. It was full of confusions and unexpected embarrassing situations and I loved it! This book, light, heart - warming rom - com, has really had it all: humour, romance, a little drama at the end, brilliantly developed characters and a storyline in which the main character starts to realise that no matter how much she loves her boyfriend, they must change something. Highly recommended!
And lovely Anna, thank you so much for the special "thank yous" in your Acknowledgements! Means TONS!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
February 5, 2017
[3 stars]
DISCLAIMER: This book was sent to me as an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) set for publication on January 26th 2017.
I was SO VERY intrigued by the plot synopsis as I am a CRAZY football fan and love watching sports period whether it be football or fencing. This book sounded right up my alley; a light, warm-hearted rom-com about sporting manics. I was SO right. This book is structured exactly like a romantic comedy and could easily be made into a film. Anyone surrounded by football will be sure to like this book even though, because I am such a fan myself, I couldn't imagine being 'dragged' to sporting matches and could totally understand when the protagonist's partner would groan and sulk after his team lost or if he missed a game on TV (and the protagonist found this astonishing and unreasonable - which I found quite funny).
I regret to say, though, that after the first 100 pages or so I was adamant that the book was too light and fluffy for me and that chick-lit might be another genre that was slowly dripping away like many genres that no longer suit my reading tastes anymore. Luckily, I was wrong. Anna Bell's (I love how her first and last name when said together is a first name. SO COOL!) characters in The Good Girlfriend's Guide to Getting Even just follow you around from behind, with you, the reader, completely oblivious to how much of an effect they are having on you. I personally never thought I would care an ounce for any of the characters but then something hit me and all of a sudden they were right in front of me, closer than I thought and I was SO invested.
Also, after the synopsis, discussing how the partner of a sports-manic exacts revenge for his obsession, I did not believe this book to be as romantic as it is and it was a wonderful surprise.
I had a problem with the pacing... But now I'm not so sure, the first 100 pages were slower but now that I think of it this might have been just the effect of introducing readers to new characters and fleshing them out a bit. Though, many books have had me captivated the entire time. Anyway, I feel like for such light a story 50 pages could have been shaved off to speed things along.
This book is far from perfect but it's cute and you won't regret reading it if you're into chick-lit!
DISCLAIMER: This book was sent to me as an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) set for publication on January 26th 2017.
I was SO VERY intrigued by the plot synopsis as I am a CRAZY football fan and love watching sports period whether it be football or fencing. This book sounded right up my alley; a light, warm-hearted rom-com about sporting manics. I was SO right. This book is structured exactly like a romantic comedy and could easily be made into a film. Anyone surrounded by football will be sure to like this book even though, because I am such a fan myself, I couldn't imagine being 'dragged' to sporting matches and could totally understand when the protagonist's partner would groan and sulk after his team lost or if he missed a game on TV (and the protagonist found this astonishing and unreasonable - which I found quite funny).
I regret to say, though, that after the first 100 pages or so I was adamant that the book was too light and fluffy for me and that chick-lit might be another genre that was slowly dripping away like many genres that no longer suit my reading tastes anymore. Luckily, I was wrong. Anna Bell's (I love how her first and last name when said together is a first name. SO COOL!) characters in The Good Girlfriend's Guide to Getting Even just follow you around from behind, with you, the reader, completely oblivious to how much of an effect they are having on you. I personally never thought I would care an ounce for any of the characters but then something hit me and all of a sudden they were right in front of me, closer than I thought and I was SO invested.
Also, after the synopsis, discussing how the partner of a sports-manic exacts revenge for his obsession, I did not believe this book to be as romantic as it is and it was a wonderful surprise.
I had a problem with the pacing... But now I'm not so sure, the first 100 pages were slower but now that I think of it this might have been just the effect of introducing readers to new characters and fleshing them out a bit. Though, many books have had me captivated the entire time. Anyway, I feel like for such light a story 50 pages could have been shaved off to speed things along.
This book is far from perfect but it's cute and you won't regret reading it if you're into chick-lit!
October 6, 2018
Annu Bell otkrila sam slučajno kada sam kupila i pročitala njezinu knjigu The Bucket List to Mend a Broken Heart, koja me privukla slatkom naslovnicim i ugodno iznenadila sadržajem.
Anna piše o temama o kojima smo svi (ili barem većina nas) imali prilike čitati, ali na sebi svojstven, meni nov način, koji mi se baš sviđa.
Za ovom knjigom posegnula sam bez razmišljanja i nisam požalila. Simpatična, osvježavajuća, zabavna chick lit priča idealna za ove hladne, ali sunčane dane :)
Anna piše o temama o kojima smo svi (ili barem većina nas) imali prilike čitati, ali na sebi svojstven, meni nov način, koji mi se baš sviđa.
Za ovom knjigom posegnula sam bez razmišljanja i nisam požalila. Simpatična, osvježavajuća, zabavna chick lit priča idealna za ove hladne, ali sunčane dane :)
February 7, 2017
Fun and laughter by the page, in this impossibly long titled book! I have barely been able to keep the big grin off my face, as I have followed Lexi's story with her sports mad boyfriend.
Set to a backdrop of sport, be it on TV, or real life fixtures, it is what Lexi has to live her life around, due to Will's sporting obsession. He is a life long, and season ticket holder of The Saints (Southampton FC), and everything is set in motion when he claims to have a massive stomach upset, to get out of going to Lexi's best friend's wedding, whereas in truth he caught out at the football.
Lexi rather understandably wasn't too happy, but instead of confronting Will, she starts exacting small but amusing acts of revenge, in an effort to try and make Will learn he can live without some sport. Lexi is also an aspiring author, and when her writing class discuss marketing and have the participants create blogs, Lexi starts one about her revenge - The Good Girlfriend's Guide to Getting Even!
There is a rather light hearted sense of amusement to the whole book, and I loved the inventive depths Lexi went to, although at some points, as a massive sport lover myself, I was finding myself in sympathy with Will, despite finding Lexi funny.
If you don't like sports, don't worry, there is very little, nitty gritty details about any of them. Sport is the background to the novel, but more as the collective than specifics. There is mention of all sorts of sporting events, but there are only a few live matches that Lexi attends, and even then the description are more of the atmosphere than what was happening on the pitch.
Incredibly entertaining story that I really enjoyed, complete with a sex mad best friend, a gorgeous colleague where Lexi works, a couple of holidays, plenty of revenge and an ending that pleased me greatly.
Thank you to Bonnier Zaffre and Netgalley for this copy of the book, which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Set to a backdrop of sport, be it on TV, or real life fixtures, it is what Lexi has to live her life around, due to Will's sporting obsession. He is a life long, and season ticket holder of The Saints (Southampton FC), and everything is set in motion when he claims to have a massive stomach upset, to get out of going to Lexi's best friend's wedding, whereas in truth he caught out at the football.
Lexi rather understandably wasn't too happy, but instead of confronting Will, she starts exacting small but amusing acts of revenge, in an effort to try and make Will learn he can live without some sport. Lexi is also an aspiring author, and when her writing class discuss marketing and have the participants create blogs, Lexi starts one about her revenge - The Good Girlfriend's Guide to Getting Even!
There is a rather light hearted sense of amusement to the whole book, and I loved the inventive depths Lexi went to, although at some points, as a massive sport lover myself, I was finding myself in sympathy with Will, despite finding Lexi funny.
If you don't like sports, don't worry, there is very little, nitty gritty details about any of them. Sport is the background to the novel, but more as the collective than specifics. There is mention of all sorts of sporting events, but there are only a few live matches that Lexi attends, and even then the description are more of the atmosphere than what was happening on the pitch.
Incredibly entertaining story that I really enjoyed, complete with a sex mad best friend, a gorgeous colleague where Lexi works, a couple of holidays, plenty of revenge and an ending that pleased me greatly.
Thank you to Bonnier Zaffre and Netgalley for this copy of the book, which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
February 24, 2017
Anna Bell is one of my favourite authors. Her titles and covers are always fantastic and they are the first two things that draw me into a book by Anna. She always writes about likeable characters and there is no expectation with The Good Girlfriends guide to getting even.
I did find this one a touch slow to begin with, but once I got into it I was hooked. Lexi has a sports mad boyfriend Will, who whenever she asked if they could do a certain thing, it would depend on whether on not there was sport on at the time. This would drive me nuts, and it did when reading about it.
Lexi is sick of getting mad so she decides to get even. Lost tickets and a broken television seems to of been the best way for her to spend time together with Will as they become closer. Lexi decides to start a blog about it and she’s thinking that he will never find out so where’s the harm?
This was a really funny book, and made me gasp out loud and the things Lexi does for revenge and the outcome was amazing.
Thanks goes to net galley and the publishers for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I did find this one a touch slow to begin with, but once I got into it I was hooked. Lexi has a sports mad boyfriend Will, who whenever she asked if they could do a certain thing, it would depend on whether on not there was sport on at the time. This would drive me nuts, and it did when reading about it.
Lexi is sick of getting mad so she decides to get even. Lost tickets and a broken television seems to of been the best way for her to spend time together with Will as they become closer. Lexi decides to start a blog about it and she’s thinking that he will never find out so where’s the harm?
This was a really funny book, and made me gasp out loud and the things Lexi does for revenge and the outcome was amazing.
Thanks goes to net galley and the publishers for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2017
What wasn't there to love about The Good Girlfriend's Guide to Getting Even?
I devoured this book in one sitting and found smiling ALOT throughout this book.
Lexi is dating sports obsessed Will and thinks their relationship is going great! That is until Will skips her friend's wedding for a football match and gets busted! Instead of confronting Will about it Lexi decides to get even and plots her revenge to sabotage his love of sport.
I found this book to be full of funny laugh out loud moments and enjoyed following along with Lexi as she carried out her little acts of revenge. I did however in the end start to feel really bad for Will.
It was a great light hearted humorous read and Anna Bell is fast becoming a favorite author.
Book provided by the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Book provided by the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I devoured this book in one sitting and found smiling ALOT throughout this book.
Lexi is dating sports obsessed Will and thinks their relationship is going great! That is until Will skips her friend's wedding for a football match and gets busted! Instead of confronting Will about it Lexi decides to get even and plots her revenge to sabotage his love of sport.
I found this book to be full of funny laugh out loud moments and enjoyed following along with Lexi as she carried out her little acts of revenge. I did however in the end start to feel really bad for Will.
It was a great light hearted humorous read and Anna Bell is fast becoming a favorite author.
Book provided by the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Book provided by the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2017
I really like reading this book Anna bell never disappoints!
I enjoyed the storyline and the description what was used I could imagine my self there and the characters I liked. I didn't know what was going to happen and was surprised with what did happen will definitely recommend to other readers
I enjoyed the storyline and the description what was used I could imagine my self there and the characters I liked. I didn't know what was going to happen and was surprised with what did happen will definitely recommend to other readers
August 26, 2017
I don’t really have much to say about this book; it was your easy read romance / comedy book with a believable everyday story line and the plot twist wasn’t gigantic.
I feel like Lexi and Will’s relationship is relatable to a lot of people’s long-term relationships whether or not their partner is sporting fan and you could understand why Lexi felt the way she did! Anna Bell’s writing also made this easy and quick to read and I didn’t feel like I was struggling to read this t any point during the book.
I wish we could have maybe seen a bit more of Lexi and Will’s relationship and more of them as people throughout the book. However I did enjoy the storyline and although for a lot of it could see where it was going there were a few twists that I didn’t see coming that made this a fun read!
I feel like Lexi and Will’s relationship is relatable to a lot of people’s long-term relationships whether or not their partner is sporting fan and you could understand why Lexi felt the way she did! Anna Bell’s writing also made this easy and quick to read and I didn’t feel like I was struggling to read this t any point during the book.
I wish we could have maybe seen a bit more of Lexi and Will’s relationship and more of them as people throughout the book. However I did enjoy the storyline and although for a lot of it could see where it was going there were a few twists that I didn’t see coming that made this a fun read!
June 15, 2020
Lexi and will have been dating for seven years and although they live together and have a joint mortgage, that's as close as they have gotten to commitment. Life has been kind of stale in the romance stakes, with Lexi somewhat of a sporting widow. Life planned around what sporting event is taking place that week etc.
When Will fakes food poisoning to miss one of Lexi's best friends wedding she finds out via a text message from a work colleague who spots him on Sky Sports! She is mad, really mad! Instead of having it out with him she opts for a little dose of revenge. Although things don't quite go to plan.
An easy read but not one that your desperate to see what happens next.
When Will fakes food poisoning to miss one of Lexi's best friends wedding she finds out via a text message from a work colleague who spots him on Sky Sports! She is mad, really mad! Instead of having it out with him she opts for a little dose of revenge. Although things don't quite go to plan.
An easy read but not one that your desperate to see what happens next.
December 24, 2020
I received this book from A Box Of Stories and it isn't the genre of book I would usually read.
I loved it! I felt like I related to the main character who's point of view you are reading from. She is called Lexi Hunter. I related slightly as a sporting widow but also because she is British and my age. A lot of the jokes such as the Creature Comforts one made me laugh out loud.
I think though that if you are a different age, particularly a younger reader than 30, a lot of these jokes may be lost on you.
I really enjoyed the casual way the book was written, like your friend was telling you the story. I also liked that the story was believable!
I think this would be a good chic flick movie too!
I loved it! I felt like I related to the main character who's point of view you are reading from. She is called Lexi Hunter. I related slightly as a sporting widow but also because she is British and my age. A lot of the jokes such as the Creature Comforts one made me laugh out loud.
I think though that if you are a different age, particularly a younger reader than 30, a lot of these jokes may be lost on you.
I really enjoyed the casual way the book was written, like your friend was telling you the story. I also liked that the story was believable!
I think this would be a good chic flick movie too!
February 4, 2017
This was a cute, light-hearted read. However more humorous than romantic. I mean, already when a romantic book treats an existing relationship the reader misses out on the girl-meets-boy feeling, but in this book the romantic bits weren't that many. In short, an amusing read, quick but not swoon-worthy.
June 28, 2017
Easy breezy reading!
September 20, 2018
Easy to read and made me giggle out loud in places. Well worth a read and doesnt take a massive amount of concentration so perfect for those nights after a tough day when you want to escape
August 14, 2020
Very intriguing! Hilarious! I didn't expect the story to end in a positive way :)
February 22, 2024
I still don't really know why she stayed with him, but good for her I guess
September 15, 2024
Didn't like this one as much as her other books I've read
February 7, 2017
*Book provided by the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
When I saw the title of this book, I was really intrigued and that didn’t change when I read the blurb.
The story follows Lexi and her boyfriend Will. He is obsessed with sports, watches every game and records them all. So when he comes home, he gets to the sofa and watches. Lexi and Will have been together for seven years and all her friends are either married already or engaged and she wants the same.
When she finds out that he missed her friend Vanessa’s wedding and went to a football match, she starts planning revenge. From erasing recorded things, to him missing a game on a weekend out.
Will starts to be different though, which makes her feel bad and happy at the same time, because there is finally some life in their relationship again. Sometimes his behaviour is weird though and doesn’t make sense, especially when they go to Barbados. That’s where everything goes crazy with misunderstandings, surprises and unexpected changes. Of course there is something behind this and I just loved this part of the story.
The book is full of funny moments, I loved flowing Lexi around. Her plans were described so vividly and her feelings were included as well.
Anna Bell’s writing is entertaining, fun, sparkly and exciting! The Good Girlfriend’s Guide to Getting Even is a feel good read with some fab moments and great characters. Lexi is very relatable, Will is just typical and cute. Then there is Lexi’s sex mad best friend Cara and her attractive work colleague, they all added a wonderful mixture to a sensational story.
I’m a big sports fan myself, so I really enjoyed these parts of the book as well.
This story is brilliantly written and funny in so many ways. It will definitely put a smile on your face.
When I saw the title of this book, I was really intrigued and that didn’t change when I read the blurb.
The story follows Lexi and her boyfriend Will. He is obsessed with sports, watches every game and records them all. So when he comes home, he gets to the sofa and watches. Lexi and Will have been together for seven years and all her friends are either married already or engaged and she wants the same.
When she finds out that he missed her friend Vanessa’s wedding and went to a football match, she starts planning revenge. From erasing recorded things, to him missing a game on a weekend out.
Will starts to be different though, which makes her feel bad and happy at the same time, because there is finally some life in their relationship again. Sometimes his behaviour is weird though and doesn’t make sense, especially when they go to Barbados. That’s where everything goes crazy with misunderstandings, surprises and unexpected changes. Of course there is something behind this and I just loved this part of the story.
The book is full of funny moments, I loved flowing Lexi around. Her plans were described so vividly and her feelings were included as well.
Anna Bell’s writing is entertaining, fun, sparkly and exciting! The Good Girlfriend’s Guide to Getting Even is a feel good read with some fab moments and great characters. Lexi is very relatable, Will is just typical and cute. Then there is Lexi’s sex mad best friend Cara and her attractive work colleague, they all added a wonderful mixture to a sensational story.
I’m a big sports fan myself, so I really enjoyed these parts of the book as well.
This story is brilliantly written and funny in so many ways. It will definitely put a smile on your face.
February 5, 2017
This was a really fun read, although not quite as good as Bell's The Bucket List to Mend a Broken Heart.
I liked Lexie and found her situation to be pretty hilarious, but never quite felt the spark between her and Will... I guess I hoped for more from her love life.
That being said, Anna Bell is quickly becoming one of my fave chick-lit authors and I look forward to reading more of her work!
I liked Lexie and found her situation to be pretty hilarious, but never quite felt the spark between her and Will... I guess I hoped for more from her love life.
That being said, Anna Bell is quickly becoming one of my fave chick-lit authors and I look forward to reading more of her work!
January 9, 2019
A really good rom-com with some hilarious revenge tactics. A really enjoyable quick read
July 4, 2018
Although, until having read this novel, I had only a cursory idea of both the term ‘sporting widow’, and what that means, thanks to Anna Bell and her novel The Good Girlfriend’s Guide to Getting Even, I now not only have a quite clear concept of both, but I also have the joy of this story to remind me of these any time they may come up in conversation, or the like.
The story itself has a fairly simple premise; young woman (Lexi) is in a long-term relationship with her boyfriend (Will), but they’ve come to a stale period in their relationship, centered around her feelings of being put in the second fiddle position to his obsession with all things sports related. Through a series of events Lexi finds herself conspiring to draw Will away from his precious ‘sports’, and focused back onto their relationship in a fashion closer to when they first met. The results are at times humorous, groan-inducing, heartbreaking and heartwarming. With her best friends Cara and Vanessa, a work companion who provides certain complications, and other ancillary characters along the way, Lexi finds herself discovering that not all things ‘sports’ are necessarily evil, and that loving someone heart and soul means giving, accepting, and most of all trusting, both them and yourself.
Throughout this novel, the author has a singular way of drawing you into Lexi’s mindset, which is important to carrying the base premise of this novel along. Without that conceit, it would be all too easy to dismiss what Lexi is thinking and going through, and simply write off her worries as being overwrought, too emotionally based, and very assumptive. By putting us so firmly into her headspace (and doing so in such a humorous way as to make it all the more believable), the reader finds themselves nodding along with what Lexi is thinking, agreeing with her, without necessarily questioning her assumptions or her decisions based upon those thoughts and feelings. By making Lexi such a warm, kind, funny, and relatable character, the author is able to manipulate the reader to accept what Lexi is doing without questioning it too deeply, which then creates the environment for some very wonderful twists in the last quarter of the novel. It is those twists – some so very heartbreaking and touching as to bring a lump to this reader’s throat – that really make this novel shine. It isn’t often that you find those moments in a novel that are so powerful to elicit that type of response, so when you do you realize in those moments just how far the author has sucked you into the world, and just how wonderful the story is.
If there were any one complaint I would have in regards to the novel, it would be the abruptness with which one character changes in personality / actions at a late stage of the story. I realize upon completion that this is necessary to drive the plot forward, but it is jarring nonetheless. I will not spell this out in too great of detail here because I would rather not provide any spoilers. Additionally, it would be assumptive of me to think that other readers would think of this character in the same light as I did, and have the same questioning of how they changed abruptly in the end. Other readers may view the character in question in a completely different light, and may have ‘known’ that this person was going to be the way they end up being far further into the story than I did. However, for me the build-up to revealing the truth behind this character was thin at best, and I found myself honestly confused by how they suddenly began acting at a key point in the novel. It just seemed very out-of-character based upon everything prior to that point. That said, this in no way diminishes the novel in any fashion, and, as noted, for many readers it may not be an issue at all.
The latter quarter of this novel is so brilliant in how in brings the story around and to the HEA, that I can’t really provide an analytical response to it. This is really the ‘lump-in-your-throat’ territory, and it is simply wonderful. You’ve probably read people say before “I laughed, I cried…”. Well, if you have even a modicum of empathy and a heart, you will do both. It is just some of the best writing, romance or otherwise, that I’ve read in a while. The build-up to this last part of the novel is good, make no mistake. The last quarter simply brings it all together in such an incredible fashion that, if only for this portion of the novel, I would appeal to readers to read the novel. It is simply that good.
Go get The Good Girlfriend’s Guide to Getting Even. Hear Lexi’s story. Listen to her voice. And prepare to laugh, cry, and get all the feel’s. And – guys – if you’re like me and you recognize some of what Will is doing - sports or otherwise - take heed; they still love us, but they may be looking for us to give a little more than we may suspect. And they have ways…
The story itself has a fairly simple premise; young woman (Lexi) is in a long-term relationship with her boyfriend (Will), but they’ve come to a stale period in their relationship, centered around her feelings of being put in the second fiddle position to his obsession with all things sports related. Through a series of events Lexi finds herself conspiring to draw Will away from his precious ‘sports’, and focused back onto their relationship in a fashion closer to when they first met. The results are at times humorous, groan-inducing, heartbreaking and heartwarming. With her best friends Cara and Vanessa, a work companion who provides certain complications, and other ancillary characters along the way, Lexi finds herself discovering that not all things ‘sports’ are necessarily evil, and that loving someone heart and soul means giving, accepting, and most of all trusting, both them and yourself.
Throughout this novel, the author has a singular way of drawing you into Lexi’s mindset, which is important to carrying the base premise of this novel along. Without that conceit, it would be all too easy to dismiss what Lexi is thinking and going through, and simply write off her worries as being overwrought, too emotionally based, and very assumptive. By putting us so firmly into her headspace (and doing so in such a humorous way as to make it all the more believable), the reader finds themselves nodding along with what Lexi is thinking, agreeing with her, without necessarily questioning her assumptions or her decisions based upon those thoughts and feelings. By making Lexi such a warm, kind, funny, and relatable character, the author is able to manipulate the reader to accept what Lexi is doing without questioning it too deeply, which then creates the environment for some very wonderful twists in the last quarter of the novel. It is those twists – some so very heartbreaking and touching as to bring a lump to this reader’s throat – that really make this novel shine. It isn’t often that you find those moments in a novel that are so powerful to elicit that type of response, so when you do you realize in those moments just how far the author has sucked you into the world, and just how wonderful the story is.
If there were any one complaint I would have in regards to the novel, it would be the abruptness with which one character changes in personality / actions at a late stage of the story. I realize upon completion that this is necessary to drive the plot forward, but it is jarring nonetheless. I will not spell this out in too great of detail here because I would rather not provide any spoilers. Additionally, it would be assumptive of me to think that other readers would think of this character in the same light as I did, and have the same questioning of how they changed abruptly in the end. Other readers may view the character in question in a completely different light, and may have ‘known’ that this person was going to be the way they end up being far further into the story than I did. However, for me the build-up to revealing the truth behind this character was thin at best, and I found myself honestly confused by how they suddenly began acting at a key point in the novel. It just seemed very out-of-character based upon everything prior to that point. That said, this in no way diminishes the novel in any fashion, and, as noted, for many readers it may not be an issue at all.
The latter quarter of this novel is so brilliant in how in brings the story around and to the HEA, that I can’t really provide an analytical response to it. This is really the ‘lump-in-your-throat’ territory, and it is simply wonderful. You’ve probably read people say before “I laughed, I cried…”. Well, if you have even a modicum of empathy and a heart, you will do both. It is just some of the best writing, romance or otherwise, that I’ve read in a while. The build-up to this last part of the novel is good, make no mistake. The last quarter simply brings it all together in such an incredible fashion that, if only for this portion of the novel, I would appeal to readers to read the novel. It is simply that good.
Go get The Good Girlfriend’s Guide to Getting Even. Hear Lexi’s story. Listen to her voice. And prepare to laugh, cry, and get all the feel’s. And – guys – if you’re like me and you recognize some of what Will is doing - sports or otherwise - take heed; they still love us, but they may be looking for us to give a little more than we may suspect. And they have ways…
February 4, 2017
In this funny romantic comedy, I knew Lexi, a 31-year-old girl who has given up waiting for Will's propose. After seven years of relationship, they are patiently accommodated in a comfort zone typical of middle-aged couples. Lexi is not complaining though, for her it's all right since when Will is watching his favourites sports whether on TV or in stadiums, she is writing her book. So calm and peaceful .... so very quiet .... until ....
As it says in the synopsis, he fakes a food poisoning on the wedding day of their best friends. At first, Lexi is afraid to leave her boyfriend alone going bad, but he insists that she go.
She goes and what is not her surprise to receive a message from her friend Mike in the middle of the party showing a picture of her boyfriend, who should be in bed, all happy at the local stadium !!!!!
She goes crazy....of course.... even accepting his addiction to sports, she thinks that she was practically betrayed by the guy ....
Then begins her adventure to try to make him confess what he did, but all her attempts at forcing him to speak fail, so she starts to think the perfect revenge: disrupt the entire season of games he had scheduled to watch.
She ends up creating several crazy and seductive situations to prevent him from going use his season tickets.
Lexi furthermore enjoys that her writing group is demanding that she opens a blog and begins sharing all her fanciful ideas with people.
You can see that this combination of revenge with blog will generate many confusions.
And many many confusions .... that leads Lexi to unexpected questions and attitudes
The story is super interesting and hilarious with several moments of passion and romanticism. Lexi begins to realize how their relationship was stagnant and gradually falls more in love with the sweet and lovely Will, who innocently falls into all the trappings of the girl without noticing her real intention.
It's a fast-reading book even with a lot of pages because the author has made me super anxious to know each of her ideas and all its consequences and reactions from Will and also nervous to know what the outcome would be like.
The book looks like a diary and has led me to dive deep into the dilemmas and discoveries of the girl and to identify myself with her feeling of being the second choice, for although my husband is not addicted to sports, he is addicted to church activities And I often find myself thinking like Lexi ... and I feel like I'm being sidelined.
Of course I'll take advantage of some of the tips she gave in this book .... Shiiii .... Be quiet ... do not say anything to my husband! He can not know, obviously.
After all, we can not miss the chance to enjoy this good idea.
I loved her friends so much, the perfect cover and the guide that the writer presents at the end.
I highly recommend the reading. 4,5/5 stars
Kisses, Myl
As it says in the synopsis, he fakes a food poisoning on the wedding day of their best friends. At first, Lexi is afraid to leave her boyfriend alone going bad, but he insists that she go.
She goes and what is not her surprise to receive a message from her friend Mike in the middle of the party showing a picture of her boyfriend, who should be in bed, all happy at the local stadium !!!!!
She goes crazy....of course.... even accepting his addiction to sports, she thinks that she was practically betrayed by the guy ....
Then begins her adventure to try to make him confess what he did, but all her attempts at forcing him to speak fail, so she starts to think the perfect revenge: disrupt the entire season of games he had scheduled to watch.
She ends up creating several crazy and seductive situations to prevent him from going use his season tickets.
Lexi furthermore enjoys that her writing group is demanding that she opens a blog and begins sharing all her fanciful ideas with people.
You can see that this combination of revenge with blog will generate many confusions.
And many many confusions .... that leads Lexi to unexpected questions and attitudes
The story is super interesting and hilarious with several moments of passion and romanticism. Lexi begins to realize how their relationship was stagnant and gradually falls more in love with the sweet and lovely Will, who innocently falls into all the trappings of the girl without noticing her real intention.
It's a fast-reading book even with a lot of pages because the author has made me super anxious to know each of her ideas and all its consequences and reactions from Will and also nervous to know what the outcome would be like.
The book looks like a diary and has led me to dive deep into the dilemmas and discoveries of the girl and to identify myself with her feeling of being the second choice, for although my husband is not addicted to sports, he is addicted to church activities And I often find myself thinking like Lexi ... and I feel like I'm being sidelined.
Of course I'll take advantage of some of the tips she gave in this book .... Shiiii .... Be quiet ... do not say anything to my husband! He can not know, obviously.
After all, we can not miss the chance to enjoy this good idea.
I loved her friends so much, the perfect cover and the guide that the writer presents at the end.
I highly recommend the reading. 4,5/5 stars
Kisses, Myl
May 5, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
First thing's first, I have been a mahoosive fan of Anna Bell's novels since her 'Don't Tell the...' books. Now, seeing as I am one of THOSE types of females that likes to keep the scorecard level(ish) in a relationship, I knew straight away that her brand new novel, The Good Girlfriend's Guide to Getting Even, had to land on my lap one way or another.
Between you and me, lets just say that I am not as bad (or as good, depends how you see it) as Lexi! Damn gurllllll!!!! There is getting even, and then there is getting even Lexi style. Just like a large percentage of the male population, Lexi's boyfriend, Will, is sports obsessed. If a football match is on T.V he will move heaven and Earth to watch it, same goes for getting tickets to a stadium match. No, really, everything in Will's life comes AFTER sport. Well, that's what Lexi seems to think anyway, especially as her boyfriend lied to avoid going with her to her friends wedding...for sport.
It really is a female thing to put two and two together and end up with five, I'm sure we have all done it. If you haven't, don't worry as Lexi makes up for it! Lexi does not take the lie laying down and she makes him pay by hitting him where it hurts (noo, not THERE! oh just read the book).
I'm not going to lie, most of the lengths that Lexi went to had me in hysterics as they were extremely over the top! She seemed to have the nerve to do the sorts of things a lot of us are too wussy to do, and she totally ran with those ideas. Oh, by ran I don't mean 'jogging to the shop for a packet of biscuits' type run, I mean a marathon type run. Lexi wasn't going to be stopping her revenge anytime soon, let me tell you!
Whilst I did find most of her antics hilarious, I did end up feeling a little sorry for Will as I felt as though she was taking it a little too far. For me personally, the revenge parts went on a little bit too long. However, when Lexi had had her Snickers bar as she's not herself when she's hungry, the storyline took a belter of a turn and made me slap my hand to my mouth in shock.
Oh yes, I really wasn't expecting the direction it took, but I most certainly welcomed the change with open arms. It was such a clever idea on the authors part and it really kept me on my toes. Look, I'm not the most romantic person, but Anna Bell's novel chiselled some of the ice away from my heart with its romance and heart warming concept. If an author can do that to a renown Ice Queen then I am sold.
'The Good Girlfriend's Guide to Getting Even' is such a fun, bonkers, romantic, and hilarious read which will keep you entertained from start to finish. Full of shocking antics, cringy circumstances and a truck load of 'what not to do's', TGGGtGE is the perfect book to forget all your troubles and get happy with!
Thanks Emily Burns & Bonnier Zaffre.
First thing's first, I have been a mahoosive fan of Anna Bell's novels since her 'Don't Tell the...' books. Now, seeing as I am one of THOSE types of females that likes to keep the scorecard level(ish) in a relationship, I knew straight away that her brand new novel, The Good Girlfriend's Guide to Getting Even, had to land on my lap one way or another.
Between you and me, lets just say that I am not as bad (or as good, depends how you see it) as Lexi! Damn gurllllll!!!! There is getting even, and then there is getting even Lexi style. Just like a large percentage of the male population, Lexi's boyfriend, Will, is sports obsessed. If a football match is on T.V he will move heaven and Earth to watch it, same goes for getting tickets to a stadium match. No, really, everything in Will's life comes AFTER sport. Well, that's what Lexi seems to think anyway, especially as her boyfriend lied to avoid going with her to her friends wedding...for sport.
It really is a female thing to put two and two together and end up with five, I'm sure we have all done it. If you haven't, don't worry as Lexi makes up for it! Lexi does not take the lie laying down and she makes him pay by hitting him where it hurts (noo, not THERE! oh just read the book).
I'm not going to lie, most of the lengths that Lexi went to had me in hysterics as they were extremely over the top! She seemed to have the nerve to do the sorts of things a lot of us are too wussy to do, and she totally ran with those ideas. Oh, by ran I don't mean 'jogging to the shop for a packet of biscuits' type run, I mean a marathon type run. Lexi wasn't going to be stopping her revenge anytime soon, let me tell you!
Whilst I did find most of her antics hilarious, I did end up feeling a little sorry for Will as I felt as though she was taking it a little too far. For me personally, the revenge parts went on a little bit too long. However, when Lexi had had her Snickers bar as she's not herself when she's hungry, the storyline took a belter of a turn and made me slap my hand to my mouth in shock.
Oh yes, I really wasn't expecting the direction it took, but I most certainly welcomed the change with open arms. It was such a clever idea on the authors part and it really kept me on my toes. Look, I'm not the most romantic person, but Anna Bell's novel chiselled some of the ice away from my heart with its romance and heart warming concept. If an author can do that to a renown Ice Queen then I am sold.
'The Good Girlfriend's Guide to Getting Even' is such a fun, bonkers, romantic, and hilarious read which will keep you entertained from start to finish. Full of shocking antics, cringy circumstances and a truck load of 'what not to do's', TGGGtGE is the perfect book to forget all your troubles and get happy with!
Thanks Emily Burns & Bonnier Zaffre.
June 17, 2022
As a HUGEEEEEEEEEE sports fan I found this book to be absolutely hilarious, I definitely could see it from both POV and I just want to say that I did complain to my bff because she scheduled her wedding (of which I was maid of honour for) in the middle of a football match…
Anyway, back to my book review!
From the get go, I absolutely loved Lexi as a character, she seemed to have a bit about her and just seemed like the normal girl absolutely fuming with her boyfriends obsessive sports watching. It was actually quite refreshing how she was portrayed in the story, as just a normal girl.
Will, on the other hand, I have mixed feelings about. While I liked him, I did find some of the ways he behaved, especially towards the end of the book, were quite dickish and it put me off him a lil bit.
The writing of this book though was absolutely excellent, it felt like a really easy to read book, it just flowed nicely. I sort of bumbled along reading this one, not in a bad way, but more of a easy to read, happy, go lucky way!
The plot definitely helped how easy this book was to read, it was sooooo good! As someone who plans their life around sporting events (mostly the premier league and the 6 nations, but also (not limited to) the world cup, Euros and any other major football event) I found this book absolutely hilarious.
I loved Lexi’s blog too, and the way that featured into the story was just so cleverley done! It really added another layer of humour to the entire thing.
This was certainly a very entertaining read, it was was lighthearted, funny, sad, intriguing, tense all in good measure. It had everything that a good romance book needs, especially the happy ending!
Anyway, back to my book review!
From the get go, I absolutely loved Lexi as a character, she seemed to have a bit about her and just seemed like the normal girl absolutely fuming with her boyfriends obsessive sports watching. It was actually quite refreshing how she was portrayed in the story, as just a normal girl.
Will, on the other hand, I have mixed feelings about. While I liked him, I did find some of the ways he behaved, especially towards the end of the book, were quite dickish and it put me off him a lil bit.
The writing of this book though was absolutely excellent, it felt like a really easy to read book, it just flowed nicely. I sort of bumbled along reading this one, not in a bad way, but more of a easy to read, happy, go lucky way!
The plot definitely helped how easy this book was to read, it was sooooo good! As someone who plans their life around sporting events (mostly the premier league and the 6 nations, but also (not limited to) the world cup, Euros and any other major football event) I found this book absolutely hilarious.
I loved Lexi’s blog too, and the way that featured into the story was just so cleverley done! It really added another layer of humour to the entire thing.
This was certainly a very entertaining read, it was was lighthearted, funny, sad, intriguing, tense all in good measure. It had everything that a good romance book needs, especially the happy ending!
October 14, 2017
I don't know about you, but I often get bogged down in heavier reading (especially those historical novels that take months to complete and are just one beheading after another), so a book like this, filled with light and breezy humour and a feel good heroine, is just what I need to break up the monotony of the classics and relax after a long day. Pour yourself a glass of wine and kick back your feet, because 'The Good Girlfriends Guide to Getting Even' is just the book for you.
What I liked best about this book was that the main character is much like myself at heart (not that interested in sports as a rule and definitely not about to let my life be dictated by the next football match that's on TV). So when her boyfriend fakes illness to go to a football match instead of going to her best friends wedding, Lexi decides to take revenge is a hilarious way.
Plus, as an aspiring writer myself, I can relate to all the stuff about how to get published, and having to market yourself with a blog etc. Not easy stuff. So if you are also an aspiring author, or would simply love a good laugh at poor Lexi's expense, this is the book for you.
That said, I struggled with Bell's narrative voice, which is chatty almost to the point of being too informal. If you like it when an author breaks down the wall between character and reader by directly addressing the reader, then ignore my nit-picking. This was just something that got on my nerves a little bit.
Other than that, as far as chick lit goes, a very enjoyable read.
What I liked best about this book was that the main character is much like myself at heart (not that interested in sports as a rule and definitely not about to let my life be dictated by the next football match that's on TV). So when her boyfriend fakes illness to go to a football match instead of going to her best friends wedding, Lexi decides to take revenge is a hilarious way.
Plus, as an aspiring writer myself, I can relate to all the stuff about how to get published, and having to market yourself with a blog etc. Not easy stuff. So if you are also an aspiring author, or would simply love a good laugh at poor Lexi's expense, this is the book for you.
That said, I struggled with Bell's narrative voice, which is chatty almost to the point of being too informal. If you like it when an author breaks down the wall between character and reader by directly addressing the reader, then ignore my nit-picking. This was just something that got on my nerves a little bit.
Other than that, as far as chick lit goes, a very enjoyable read.
June 24, 2017
Chiclits are not my usual read although I must confess to being a Sophie Kinsella and Jane Costello fan so when I saw this was recommended for these authors fans I had to read it. I really enjoyed the humour and some laugh out loud moments that this entertaining book had.
Lexi's sporting mad boyfriend Will skips her best friends' wedding to go and watch his favourite team play football and is captured on camera which is then sent to Lexi while she is at the wedding. Believing her boyfriend to be at home with a stomach bug she is incensed and hell bent on revenge. What follows are some hilarious escapades while she tries to prevent him from enjoying his various sporting pursuits.
In addition to sabotaging all sporting events Lexi is also writing a blog about it to which she gets hundreds of reviews. The more she posts the more reviews she gets, she believes Will won't ever read it so where's the harm. She is conscious that she is painting a very one sided picture of Will and is slightly guilty of this yet she carries on, you can see how this is going to spiral out of control.
Good characters who all seem to gel with each other, great hilarity and good observational techniques.
Things come to a head but you'll have to read it yourself to find out whether it is a happy ending or not.
I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.
Lexi's sporting mad boyfriend Will skips her best friends' wedding to go and watch his favourite team play football and is captured on camera which is then sent to Lexi while she is at the wedding. Believing her boyfriend to be at home with a stomach bug she is incensed and hell bent on revenge. What follows are some hilarious escapades while she tries to prevent him from enjoying his various sporting pursuits.
In addition to sabotaging all sporting events Lexi is also writing a blog about it to which she gets hundreds of reviews. The more she posts the more reviews she gets, she believes Will won't ever read it so where's the harm. She is conscious that she is painting a very one sided picture of Will and is slightly guilty of this yet she carries on, you can see how this is going to spiral out of control.
Good characters who all seem to gel with each other, great hilarity and good observational techniques.
Things come to a head but you'll have to read it yourself to find out whether it is a happy ending or not.
I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.
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