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Láska v Toskánsku
Veríte v lásku? Tridsiatnička Elle žije v Londýne a pracuje ako marketingová manažérka. Svoju prácu zbožňuje a na rozdiel od najlepšej priateľky, fotografky Laurie, sa bez muža po svojom boku necíti osamelá.
Laurie však túži po láske a presvedčí ju, aby ju sprevádzala na desaťdňovej dovolenke pre nezadaných v Toskánsku. Elle súhlasí, s tým, že bude iba popíjať víno, jesť miestne špeciality a opaľovať sa. Neskôr s prekvapením zisťuje, že syn sympatických majiteľov penziónu je až priveľmi príťažlivý.
Napokon je to ona, kto sa napriek svojim zásadám a presvedčeniu zaľúbi. Situácia sa trochu zamotá, keď na pobyt nečakane nastúpi aj Ellina šéfka Donna a objaví sa Jamieho bývalá či možno aj súčasná priateľka. Kto nakoniec nájde v Taliansku svoju pravú amore?
Laurie však túži po láske a presvedčí ju, aby ju sprevádzala na desaťdňovej dovolenke pre nezadaných v Toskánsku. Elle súhlasí, s tým, že bude iba popíjať víno, jesť miestne špeciality a opaľovať sa. Neskôr s prekvapením zisťuje, že syn sympatických majiteľov penziónu je až priveľmi príťažlivý.
Napokon je to ona, kto sa napriek svojim zásadám a presvedčeniu zaľúbi. Situácia sa trochu zamotá, keď na pobyt nečakane nastúpi aj Ellina šéfka Donna a objaví sa Jamieho bývalá či možno aj súčasná priateľka. Kto nakoniec nájde v Taliansku svoju pravú amore?
224 pages, Hardcover
First published July 14, 2014
2 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Dickenson
21 books141 followersHello!
I wrote The Twelve Dates of Christmas, You Had Me at Merlot and Catch Me If You Cannes. Hope you like them. You look super-nice today.
L xx
Oh, here's the official bio:
Lisa Dickenson was born in the wrong body. She was definitely meant to be Beyonce. Despite this hardship, she grew up in Devon attempting to write her own, completely copyright-infringing versions of Sweet Valley High, before giving Wales a go for university, and then London a go for the celeb-spotting potential. She's now back in Devon, living beside the seaside with her husband and forcing cream teas down the mouths of anyone who'll visit. She is sadly still not Beyonce.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 26, 2016
Part 1 finished. Can't wait to read the other 3 parts! This author writes the cutest & funniest stories:)
July 21, 2016
Really cute and light, exactly what I was looking for after some heavier books. Thanks for the recommendation, Holly!
January 24, 2023
Catchy start
April 16, 2017
A feel good funny read cant wait to read book no 2 ☺️
October 8, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I read the entire book, in paperback. That doesn’t seem to be an option to choose from, rather you can only seem to choose which of the four parts you’ve read. My advice, buy the whole book.
You Had Me At Merlot Is a great piece of chick lit. Yes it’s predictable and you know that even with a well timed plot twist that love will prevail; however it’s a really well written book.
Laurie is ready to meet a man and books her and her happily single (and most definitely not wanting to mingle) friend Elle on a singles holiday in an Italian vineyard. Whilst Laurie is having fun working out which of the singles she likes best, fate may have just intervened with Elle and Jamie, son of the vineyard owners. Or has it now that his old flame Rachel has just strolled back through the grapes? Will Jamie’s merlot and chilli chocolate be enough or will Elle return to London single?
I really liked the characters, they were relatable, funny and each played a vital role. They weren’t there just for the sake of it. The plot, whilst simple, was engaging and at no stage was I ever bored. Instead, it was warm and fuzzy and often laugh out loud funny.
If you like chick lit grab a glass of wine and some chocolate and enjoy this great read.
I read the entire book, in paperback. That doesn’t seem to be an option to choose from, rather you can only seem to choose which of the four parts you’ve read. My advice, buy the whole book.
You Had Me At Merlot Is a great piece of chick lit. Yes it’s predictable and you know that even with a well timed plot twist that love will prevail; however it’s a really well written book.
Laurie is ready to meet a man and books her and her happily single (and most definitely not wanting to mingle) friend Elle on a singles holiday in an Italian vineyard. Whilst Laurie is having fun working out which of the singles she likes best, fate may have just intervened with Elle and Jamie, son of the vineyard owners. Or has it now that his old flame Rachel has just strolled back through the grapes? Will Jamie’s merlot and chilli chocolate be enough or will Elle return to London single?
I really liked the characters, they were relatable, funny and each played a vital role. They weren’t there just for the sake of it. The plot, whilst simple, was engaging and at no stage was I ever bored. Instead, it was warm and fuzzy and often laugh out loud funny.
If you like chick lit grab a glass of wine and some chocolate and enjoy this great read.
August 6, 2014
I’m finding it really hard to find the words to describe this book. Gorgeous, sparkly, smiley, sunshiney, winey, (I’m sure those last two are words and if they’re not they should be), funny, (I have to mention funny, because it is quite simply hilarious) heartwarming, wonderful and fun are a few great words to describe this book, but also addictive, unputdownable and amazeballs are some other accurate words.
I have read quite a few intense books recently and it was wonderful to step into the sunshine, quite literally, with this book and experience the fun, frivolity and frolics of Lisa’s wonderful writing.
Lisa just has a unique, gorgeous writing style. It’s silly and funny and it stands out a mile in a sea of other romcom writers. When the story opens with Elle triumphantly ringing her friend to declare she has learnt the dance moves to All The Single Ladies by Beyoncé, I just knew I was in for a real treat. Lisa’s writing just bursts with smiles, giggles and full on belly laughs, her wit and humour just sparkles from the page.
Her descriptions were so vivid, so well defined, I could clearly see the beautiful vineyards and countryside of rural Tuscany. I’ve never been to Tuscany before or visited a vineyard or had any real desire to, but Lisa’s beautiful writing has me yearning to visit, to drink the wine in the sunshine, to explore the countryside on the back of a vespa, eat wonderful Italian food and fall in love with the Italian men.
The characters are just perfect, Elle reminds me quite a lot of me, the silly things she says, the tricky situations she lands herself in, her insecurities, her dreams. I loved her, she was loveable, funny, kind, she was the perfect female lead.
Jamie was a gorgeous, vulnerable, hunky, strong, brooding, perfect Italian Stallion. I fell in love with him as soon as I met him.
I completely fell in love with Laurie too, Elle’s best friend and the reason Elle finds herself in Tuscany in the first place. She was fiercely loyal, fun to be around and I loved her relationship with Elle. I actually wanted Laurie as my best friend. Lisa’s characters are real, tangible, wonderful people.
The story was split into four parts and at the end of each part Lisa left us with some corking cliffhangers that left me screaming with frustration that I would have to wait another week to find out what happens next, and I was never disappointed when the next instalment did arrive on my Kindle, Lisa delivered every single time.
I know Lisa has a huge career ahead of her as a romantic comedy writer, and one that is already head and shoulders above her peers with her fresh, sparkly gorgeous style.
You need You Had Me At Merlot in your life, perfect to read for by the pool, in your garden or as you’re sipping a warm glass of Merlot. Buy it now, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
I have read quite a few intense books recently and it was wonderful to step into the sunshine, quite literally, with this book and experience the fun, frivolity and frolics of Lisa’s wonderful writing.
Lisa just has a unique, gorgeous writing style. It’s silly and funny and it stands out a mile in a sea of other romcom writers. When the story opens with Elle triumphantly ringing her friend to declare she has learnt the dance moves to All The Single Ladies by Beyoncé, I just knew I was in for a real treat. Lisa’s writing just bursts with smiles, giggles and full on belly laughs, her wit and humour just sparkles from the page.
Her descriptions were so vivid, so well defined, I could clearly see the beautiful vineyards and countryside of rural Tuscany. I’ve never been to Tuscany before or visited a vineyard or had any real desire to, but Lisa’s beautiful writing has me yearning to visit, to drink the wine in the sunshine, to explore the countryside on the back of a vespa, eat wonderful Italian food and fall in love with the Italian men.
The characters are just perfect, Elle reminds me quite a lot of me, the silly things she says, the tricky situations she lands herself in, her insecurities, her dreams. I loved her, she was loveable, funny, kind, she was the perfect female lead.
Jamie was a gorgeous, vulnerable, hunky, strong, brooding, perfect Italian Stallion. I fell in love with him as soon as I met him.
I completely fell in love with Laurie too, Elle’s best friend and the reason Elle finds herself in Tuscany in the first place. She was fiercely loyal, fun to be around and I loved her relationship with Elle. I actually wanted Laurie as my best friend. Lisa’s characters are real, tangible, wonderful people.
The story was split into four parts and at the end of each part Lisa left us with some corking cliffhangers that left me screaming with frustration that I would have to wait another week to find out what happens next, and I was never disappointed when the next instalment did arrive on my Kindle, Lisa delivered every single time.
I know Lisa has a huge career ahead of her as a romantic comedy writer, and one that is already head and shoulders above her peers with her fresh, sparkly gorgeous style.
You need You Had Me At Merlot in your life, perfect to read for by the pool, in your garden or as you’re sipping a warm glass of Merlot. Buy it now, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
August 4, 2014
All Hail Queen Bey... Sorry I mean Lisa Dickenson, (she is Beyonce in my eyes). You Had Me At Merlot is just down right amazing!!! Witty, Gorgeous & totally swoon worthy You had me at merlot will take you on a journey all the way to Tuscany, You Had Me At Merlot Holidays is a vineyard holiday for singles and poor Elle who is career driven, has no need for love, she doesn't want to share her space with a boy, she wants a promotion, she wants to succeed she doesn't want to go looking for love, like her best friend Laurie who is the only fellow single lady left in their friendship group, but being the woman Elle is she goes anyway to support Laurie and be her wing woman, but things don't go as planned. Why do things not go as planned well that is because of Jamie *fans one self* Swoon!! He is tall dark and Italian and he knows how to make wine, could there be a man with better attributes, I think not my friends, I think not!
You Had Me At Merlot, is just so bloody good! You get everything you need for the perfect romantic comedy, to be honest, it felt like the book conjured up a little movie in my head I was imaging the characters as movie stars, I was picturing the vineyard I was almost tasting the wine & yummy chocolate.
My favourite things about this book was the hilarious moments that were created, from bad botox, to chilli wine to marriage proposals, it was laugh out loud funny, no it doesn't deserve just a LOL it deserves LMFAO, its that funny. The characters are so relatable, you feel like you yourself could end up doing that, you know how they are feeling, you empathise with them and that makes for good reading because you immediately become attached to the characters and this makes you unable to put down You Had Me At Merlot. Honestly I couldn't put it down. It was like unseeable force had clued the book in my hand.
Now You Had Me At Merlot comes in 4 parts, luckily for me I was sent a lovely heat bound of all 4 parts and I read part 2, 3, and 4 in about 3 hours, thats how good it is. So can I recommend You Had Me At Merlot, Well Yes, HELL YES!!! I think as soon as you have read this review you should go and buy it, Ill make it easier for you find the buy links below!!!
You Had Me At Merlot, is just so bloody good! You get everything you need for the perfect romantic comedy, to be honest, it felt like the book conjured up a little movie in my head I was imaging the characters as movie stars, I was picturing the vineyard I was almost tasting the wine & yummy chocolate.
My favourite things about this book was the hilarious moments that were created, from bad botox, to chilli wine to marriage proposals, it was laugh out loud funny, no it doesn't deserve just a LOL it deserves LMFAO, its that funny. The characters are so relatable, you feel like you yourself could end up doing that, you know how they are feeling, you empathise with them and that makes for good reading because you immediately become attached to the characters and this makes you unable to put down You Had Me At Merlot. Honestly I couldn't put it down. It was like unseeable force had clued the book in my hand.
Now You Had Me At Merlot comes in 4 parts, luckily for me I was sent a lovely heat bound of all 4 parts and I read part 2, 3, and 4 in about 3 hours, thats how good it is. So can I recommend You Had Me At Merlot, Well Yes, HELL YES!!! I think as soon as you have read this review you should go and buy it, Ill make it easier for you find the buy links below!!!
October 24, 2014
I was super excited to be invited to take part in Lisa Dickenson’s blog tour for her new four-part serialised novel You Had Me At Merlot, and I was even more excited to be able to read it all in one go – if you saw my post last week you’ll know how I feel about serialised novels! I tried to read the novel a few weeks ago, but I felt a bit disjointed with the characters, and the writing, so I put it down, but it got to the day before my blog tour and I literally had no choice but to pick it back up again and give it a second go…
This is going to be a relatively short and sweet review – I don’t really have a lot to say, because it’s quite tough to read a book you’re just not feeling, and I just wasn’t feeling You Had Me At Merlot. It’s an entirely capable novel – with a fantastic setting, characters I would normally in any other circumstances love, but something wasn’t clicking for me. It’s hard to explain because I don’t even know why, which is always a shame. Dickenson is a wonderful writer – and she definitely knows where to set her books because Italy sounded bloody delightful (I am falling more and more in love with Italy with each book I read that’s set there) and I thought Bella Notte sounded like the most picturesque setting; I’d move there in a heartbeat.
You Had Me At Merlot is definitely a read for when you’re sitting on your sunloungers, around the pool whilst on holiday. The setting is awesome, I just wished I could have connected to Elle and Laurie more. For me, there seemed to be something missing – especially the ice-cold opening of Part 3 where I thought I’d somehow missed a step and ended up feeling as disoriented and confused as Elle. Something was definitely missing in translation from that scene. I wanted to love the novel! I wanted to devour all four parts and be hungry for more because I adore Lisa on Twitter, she’s so funny and spontaneous and it kills me to not be all HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY over her book. I can only apologise….
This is going to be a relatively short and sweet review – I don’t really have a lot to say, because it’s quite tough to read a book you’re just not feeling, and I just wasn’t feeling You Had Me At Merlot. It’s an entirely capable novel – with a fantastic setting, characters I would normally in any other circumstances love, but something wasn’t clicking for me. It’s hard to explain because I don’t even know why, which is always a shame. Dickenson is a wonderful writer – and she definitely knows where to set her books because Italy sounded bloody delightful (I am falling more and more in love with Italy with each book I read that’s set there) and I thought Bella Notte sounded like the most picturesque setting; I’d move there in a heartbeat.
You Had Me At Merlot is definitely a read for when you’re sitting on your sunloungers, around the pool whilst on holiday. The setting is awesome, I just wished I could have connected to Elle and Laurie more. For me, there seemed to be something missing – especially the ice-cold opening of Part 3 where I thought I’d somehow missed a step and ended up feeling as disoriented and confused as Elle. Something was definitely missing in translation from that scene. I wanted to love the novel! I wanted to devour all four parts and be hungry for more because I adore Lisa on Twitter, she’s so funny and spontaneous and it kills me to not be all HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY over her book. I can only apologise….
March 12, 2017
Už z názvu je jasné, kde sa dej knihy odohráva. A z obálky na nás jasne kričí láska. No a kde je láska a Taliansko, to si u Katušky zaslúži pozornosť :-) Knižočka, hoc útla, veru neušla mojej pozornosti. Elle sa s kamarátkou Laurie vyberú do slnkom zaliateho Toskánska, kde sa rozhodnú desať dní oddychovať. Keďže ale nejde o obyčajnú dovolenku, ale o dovolenku pre slobodných, chtiac-nechtiac im chvíle pokoja a oddychu skríži cit najmocnejší. Kým U Laurie by bol tento cit vítaný, Elle sa zamilovať neplánuje. Pre ňu je muž iba zbytočnou komplikáciou v živote.
Hlavná hrdinka miluje víno, dobé jedlo a slnko. Takto plánuje tráviť zaslúžený oddych, až kým sa jej do cesty nepripletie Jamie, syn majiteľov penziónu. Práve on v nej nečakane prebudí lásku... a nielen k vínu ;-) Zvyšok recenzie nájdete tu: http://kokina1.blogspot.sk/2016/02/la...
Hlavná hrdinka miluje víno, dobé jedlo a slnko. Takto plánuje tráviť zaslúžený oddych, až kým sa jej do cesty nepripletie Jamie, syn majiteľov penziónu. Práve on v nej nečakane prebudí lásku... a nielen k vínu ;-) Zvyšok recenzie nájdete tu: http://kokina1.blogspot.sk/2016/02/la...
August 24, 2016
This is light and funny and everything you want in some good chick lit. Also, the Italian setting was much appreciated (particularly the fact that it was Tuscany). An enjoyable read.
July 29, 2014
The books can be funny or funny. You Had Me at Merlot belongs to the highest category of funny, funny with a big F, tactful funny, hilariously funny, laughing out loud funny, making you cry with laughter funny. My kinda funny, absolutely.
And Lisa herself is one of the funniest, warmest person EVER. I often cry with laughter reading her one - liners on Twitter, so just imagine what's she done to me writing a whole book. I was in stitches. Lisa has incredible way of creating FUN out of a very ordinary sentence and describing situations that could be dull in a most witty way, and inventing situations that had me shaking my head, kicking my legs, gasping, rolling, together with a very honest, belly - laugh.
You Had me at Merlot is an instalment of 4 parts published in intervals, Part 1 - 14th July, Part 2 - 21st July, Part 3 - 28th July, Part 4 - 4th August. Be sure you won't forget to order them all!
The book introduces us to Elle. Elle is single, she enjoys being single in fact, she has a job that she loves and is good at and she hopes for a promotion soon. Elle's best friend Laurie is also single but she starts thinking that perhaps it's time to settle down. So Laurie, using many different arguments, persuades Elle to go on holiday with her. Tasting wine, driving Vespas, hot sun... And not forget that it's holidays for singles.
Elle isn't thrilled but with Laurie's persuading skills she soon finds herself on a plane to Italy. A very eventful plane. Of course, Elle is going to enjoy only wine, vespas and hot sun, she doesn't believe in relationships, for sure not in a relationship with somebody that she knows only for few days and is going to leave this part of You Had Me at Merlot holidays for Laurie. On the other hand, holidays under the sun, with a glass of wine in one hand and best friend - it can't be too bad, can it? But well, life - as usual - is full of surprises and hey, never say never!
And here starts the best holidays EVER. Holiday full of, yes, wine, Vespas and hot sun, but also many, many embarrassing situations, many new friends, attractions prepared by the owner of the hotel, hot men, unexpected visits from ex - girlfriends, playing spies and making wine with their own feet. And co - singles, in the form of Elle's boss, who arrived screaming and kicking, for a good start. Dream holiday, isn't it?
I fell in love with Elle and Laurie from the very beginning. Laurie became my hero after her Botox incident, it was HILARIOUS! Elle, with her down - to - earth, doesn't give a damn attitude could be my new book best friend. She was incredibly funny, incredibly clever, incredibly loyal and incredibly gullible and incredibly prone to accident, let's mention only her photo session at the museum or her Vespa ride. Only two out of the very, very many, one more ridiculous than the other.
The owners of You Had Me at Merlot were sweet and charming and I can't imagine now a better idea for my holidays, I could pretend I'm single for ten days, no problem. The attractions they prepared for their guests were brilliant, Sebastian with his direct attitude was just the best!
And Jamie. Helloooo!!! I had lots of luck lately for the best male characters in the books ever but Jamie is just THE best. He's not only sexy ad hell, he doesn't only look like a Love God, but he can make his own wine AND chocolate. Did all my dreams come true at once? AND he has a dog, leonberger. AND he's witty. But also stubborn. Oh yes, there were moments that I wanted to shake him strongly.
All the characters were livid, just popping out of the pages and coming to life next to you. All the other singletons on the holidays, even Elle's devil boss, who then appeared to be not devil at all, were fantastic, I giggled over them and their adventures, and especially over relentless in adoration lothario George. He was amazeballs! Lisa can create wonderful heroes that feel warm and totally realistic and are the most funny people in the world. The dialogues, the banter between them, the one - liners were one of the best I have ever read, and I know that I said it few times this year, but those are really THE BEST.
The book has absolutely the right pace and is a real page - turner. It belongs to my personal category of books that I want to finish asap but don't want them to end. Every page brought more sun and more warmth than the other, more laughter and more positive feelings. It had me hooked from the get - go and took me on a brilliant, adventurous and full of surprises and beautiful sights journey to Tuscany.
Lisa's humour is actually beyond description, what I would do to be at least half as funny as she is! But it's not only the humour that won me over, it is also the story, the plot which is simple but hooking and worked out for me, and the writing style: fresh, modern, fast, light, easy to follow and gripping too.
You Had Me at Merlot is as sunny as Tuscany itself and as tasty as the chilli wine made by Jamie. It is a MUST read for this summer, and not only for summer, I am going to re - read it as soon as I find some time. It absolutely belongs on my FAVOURITE shelf. And I will never be able to drink wine again without giggling over blind - fold wine testing. A warm, uplifting read, a feel - good read, with quirky characters, plenty of good humour, funny scenes and drooling over Jamie - highly, highly recommended.
PS. Please DO NOT count how often I used the words "funny", "the best" and "ever" in this review. Please.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
And Lisa herself is one of the funniest, warmest person EVER. I often cry with laughter reading her one - liners on Twitter, so just imagine what's she done to me writing a whole book. I was in stitches. Lisa has incredible way of creating FUN out of a very ordinary sentence and describing situations that could be dull in a most witty way, and inventing situations that had me shaking my head, kicking my legs, gasping, rolling, together with a very honest, belly - laugh.
You Had me at Merlot is an instalment of 4 parts published in intervals, Part 1 - 14th July, Part 2 - 21st July, Part 3 - 28th July, Part 4 - 4th August. Be sure you won't forget to order them all!
The book introduces us to Elle. Elle is single, she enjoys being single in fact, she has a job that she loves and is good at and she hopes for a promotion soon. Elle's best friend Laurie is also single but she starts thinking that perhaps it's time to settle down. So Laurie, using many different arguments, persuades Elle to go on holiday with her. Tasting wine, driving Vespas, hot sun... And not forget that it's holidays for singles.
Elle isn't thrilled but with Laurie's persuading skills she soon finds herself on a plane to Italy. A very eventful plane. Of course, Elle is going to enjoy only wine, vespas and hot sun, she doesn't believe in relationships, for sure not in a relationship with somebody that she knows only for few days and is going to leave this part of You Had Me at Merlot holidays for Laurie. On the other hand, holidays under the sun, with a glass of wine in one hand and best friend - it can't be too bad, can it? But well, life - as usual - is full of surprises and hey, never say never!
And here starts the best holidays EVER. Holiday full of, yes, wine, Vespas and hot sun, but also many, many embarrassing situations, many new friends, attractions prepared by the owner of the hotel, hot men, unexpected visits from ex - girlfriends, playing spies and making wine with their own feet. And co - singles, in the form of Elle's boss, who arrived screaming and kicking, for a good start. Dream holiday, isn't it?
I fell in love with Elle and Laurie from the very beginning. Laurie became my hero after her Botox incident, it was HILARIOUS! Elle, with her down - to - earth, doesn't give a damn attitude could be my new book best friend. She was incredibly funny, incredibly clever, incredibly loyal and incredibly gullible and incredibly prone to accident, let's mention only her photo session at the museum or her Vespa ride. Only two out of the very, very many, one more ridiculous than the other.
The owners of You Had Me at Merlot were sweet and charming and I can't imagine now a better idea for my holidays, I could pretend I'm single for ten days, no problem. The attractions they prepared for their guests were brilliant, Sebastian with his direct attitude was just the best!
And Jamie. Helloooo!!! I had lots of luck lately for the best male characters in the books ever but Jamie is just THE best. He's not only sexy ad hell, he doesn't only look like a Love God, but he can make his own wine AND chocolate. Did all my dreams come true at once? AND he has a dog, leonberger. AND he's witty. But also stubborn. Oh yes, there were moments that I wanted to shake him strongly.
All the characters were livid, just popping out of the pages and coming to life next to you. All the other singletons on the holidays, even Elle's devil boss, who then appeared to be not devil at all, were fantastic, I giggled over them and their adventures, and especially over relentless in adoration lothario George. He was amazeballs! Lisa can create wonderful heroes that feel warm and totally realistic and are the most funny people in the world. The dialogues, the banter between them, the one - liners were one of the best I have ever read, and I know that I said it few times this year, but those are really THE BEST.
The book has absolutely the right pace and is a real page - turner. It belongs to my personal category of books that I want to finish asap but don't want them to end. Every page brought more sun and more warmth than the other, more laughter and more positive feelings. It had me hooked from the get - go and took me on a brilliant, adventurous and full of surprises and beautiful sights journey to Tuscany.
Lisa's humour is actually beyond description, what I would do to be at least half as funny as she is! But it's not only the humour that won me over, it is also the story, the plot which is simple but hooking and worked out for me, and the writing style: fresh, modern, fast, light, easy to follow and gripping too.
You Had Me at Merlot is as sunny as Tuscany itself and as tasty as the chilli wine made by Jamie. It is a MUST read for this summer, and not only for summer, I am going to re - read it as soon as I find some time. It absolutely belongs on my FAVOURITE shelf. And I will never be able to drink wine again without giggling over blind - fold wine testing. A warm, uplifting read, a feel - good read, with quirky characters, plenty of good humour, funny scenes and drooling over Jamie - highly, highly recommended.
PS. Please DO NOT count how often I used the words "funny", "the best" and "ever" in this review. Please.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
April 28, 2019
I loved this book!!!! The characters are so genuine with the two main females so endearing I wanted to be there with them sharing a bottle of wine and a laugh. This is a such a warm story conjuring up the blissful lazy Italian countryside so well, it has left me yearning for a Tuscan holiday filled with Vesper rides, gelato and wine. A perfect summer read with laugh out loud, feel good moments to leave a warm glow. I am so happy to have discovered this author and can't wait to read more.
August 21, 2017
*i didn't realise this book was originally in 4 parts! I had a paperback version of the whole book so have read them all!*
I really enjoyed this book. I've always wanted to visit Italy now I want to even more! I love Lisa Dickenson's writing style! I found myself laughing a lot when reading this book and I really enjoyed the story overall!
I really enjoyed this book. I've always wanted to visit Italy now I want to even more! I love Lisa Dickenson's writing style! I found myself laughing a lot when reading this book and I really enjoyed the story overall!
June 14, 2019
Very enjoyable
December 31, 2020
This was the exact perfect cheese with wine pairing to end this shitty year off on.
March 15, 2022
Príbeh dobrý, romantický, príjemné prostredie, ale preboha, ten plytký slovenský preklad... Hviezdičky dávam výhradne autorke za príbeh.
January 1, 2017
This had feel good factor written all over it! What's not to like? A singles holiday to the idyllic setting of Tuscany, abundant wine and just a hint of romance. A cynic determined not to fall in love- after all, she's only there to support her friend- tempted by the allure of the son of the hotel owners, who may have a darker secret to share. A light, but enthralling page-turner!
April 18, 2020
It’s often quite funny to read “contemporary” chick lit a few years later. This book (I am reviewing the physical novel) was written in 2014 and I read it in 2020. The protagonist Elle is at a meeting and says “did you want the full title, Prime Minister Boris Johnson?” “No, Ellen” says Donna, “let’s go with Mayor Boris Johnson.” “That’s what I meant, silly me!” Kath [said] “Don’t worry, I get them mixed up all the time. Just remember this: Mayor Mayor Blondie Hair.” I laughed at how anyone could mix up David Cameron and Boris Johnson, and secondly, what a prescient piece of writing.
I think this book makes some quite serious points about women underneath (or maybe via) all the chick lit comedy froth it presents itself as at first, which is particularly evident from looking at the different characters of Laurie and Elle. Laurie is one of those annoying airhead women who can’t seem to function without a bloke, loves Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and tricks Elle into going away with her on a singles holiday to Tuscany. Elle is career-minded and working hard to gain promotion in her (predictably) PR agency role. Personally I can’t think of many worse industries to work in, but many chick-lit authors seem to love them! Once in Italy at the You Had Me At Merlot Elle discovers so much about herself and others. One being that white wine doesn’t taste like sick after all, she’s just been drinking the wrong sort, and this is the start of her growing up and finding herself journey.
She also learns so much more about her boss, Donna, too. Elle has always wanted to impress her in the hope she will get a promotion, but from being horrified when she turns up on the same holiday, Elle gets to know her much better. Though the means by which Donna ends up on the same holiday as Elle is frankly completely ridiculous, Donna is a glass ceiling victim and makes herself very vulnerable as she opens up to Elle about the reality of being a female director of the company.
The owners of the winery are just great, and I loved Sofia. Of course there has to be romance, and Elle finds herself falling for Jamie, the son of the owners. But it doesn’t run smoothly, of course not as this is chick-lit and there must be complications mustn't there? There is some silliness in the growing relationship (as well as that between Laurie and Elle “Did you see his willy?”) that was irritating rather than conflict-building. And “But since when did nearly doing it – or even actually doing it – equate to being boyfriend and girlfriend?” doesn’t sit well with me. Laurie could do with “a short break from thinking about boys and love and kissing” which I did when I was 15, not that I wore knickers with “Slut” on them like Laurie. I found her far too childish and annoying and this sort of character is a bit too prevalent in chick lit, I find. But then again, I guess we need them as a contrast. I just find it overdone sometimes.
The best thing about this story is the fabulous setting, the wine and food and the laughs as well as the growing up journey Elle takes along with the realisation that all is not as it might seem as a woman in business.
I think this book makes some quite serious points about women underneath (or maybe via) all the chick lit comedy froth it presents itself as at first, which is particularly evident from looking at the different characters of Laurie and Elle. Laurie is one of those annoying airhead women who can’t seem to function without a bloke, loves Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and tricks Elle into going away with her on a singles holiday to Tuscany. Elle is career-minded and working hard to gain promotion in her (predictably) PR agency role. Personally I can’t think of many worse industries to work in, but many chick-lit authors seem to love them! Once in Italy at the You Had Me At Merlot Elle discovers so much about herself and others. One being that white wine doesn’t taste like sick after all, she’s just been drinking the wrong sort, and this is the start of her growing up and finding herself journey.
She also learns so much more about her boss, Donna, too. Elle has always wanted to impress her in the hope she will get a promotion, but from being horrified when she turns up on the same holiday, Elle gets to know her much better. Though the means by which Donna ends up on the same holiday as Elle is frankly completely ridiculous, Donna is a glass ceiling victim and makes herself very vulnerable as she opens up to Elle about the reality of being a female director of the company.
The owners of the winery are just great, and I loved Sofia. Of course there has to be romance, and Elle finds herself falling for Jamie, the son of the owners. But it doesn’t run smoothly, of course not as this is chick-lit and there must be complications mustn't there? There is some silliness in the growing relationship (as well as that between Laurie and Elle “Did you see his willy?”) that was irritating rather than conflict-building. And “But since when did nearly doing it – or even actually doing it – equate to being boyfriend and girlfriend?” doesn’t sit well with me. Laurie could do with “a short break from thinking about boys and love and kissing” which I did when I was 15, not that I wore knickers with “Slut” on them like Laurie. I found her far too childish and annoying and this sort of character is a bit too prevalent in chick lit, I find. But then again, I guess we need them as a contrast. I just find it overdone sometimes.
The best thing about this story is the fabulous setting, the wine and food and the laughs as well as the growing up journey Elle takes along with the realisation that all is not as it might seem as a woman in business.
August 10, 2014
http://www.pagetostagereviews.com/201...
*** REVIEW OF ALL FOUR PARTS - NO SPOILERS ***
Lisa Dickenson won the Novelicious Debut of the Year award for her first novel, The Twelve Dates of Christmas. While I haven't had a chance to read it yet (which will be rectified soon!), after reading the snort-out-loud funny You Had Me At Merlot I completely understand why her witty writing was favoured over many other fantastic debut novels.
Elle is one of the few people in her social circle who is still single. She is totally okay with that though, as her life revolves around her work and she loves that she can do as she pleases without having to consult an other half on everything. But when her bestie, Laurie, breaks up with her boyfriend she is not as contempt with singledom as Elle is. Laurie is determined to get married as soon as legally possible and in her desperation to find a man to help her obtain this goal she's willing to do just about anything.
When Laurie suggests a singles holiday, this sounds like Elle's worst nightmare. Being forced to spend what should be a relaxing break from work with a bunch of strangers whose sole focus on the trip is finding their perfect partners? Yikes. But plied by a getaway to the stunning Italian countryside and the promise of lots of wine, Elle reluctantly agrees to come along. She intends to visit only for the picturesque views and alcoholic beverages on offer, but with romance lingering in the Tuscany air will she too find a handsome beau to spend the hot Italian nights with?
There are not enough adjectives to express how fantastic this novel is! The writing is incredibly funny, witty and refreshing, and I would liken it to that of the equally fantastic Lindsey Kelk though that wouldn't be fair to either of the two ladies. While they both manage to make me snort out loud on the train up until the point that people start staring at me, not to mention make me swoon quite literally over the gorgeous men within their pages, they each have their own unique voice when describing their heroine's hilarious escapades. And hilarious they are.
The novel is being released in four digital parts throughout July and August. While I'm normally not a fan of short stories or books that have been split up into smaller segments, because so often the lack of page numbers results in a lack of plot and character developments, this superb romantic comedy singlehandedly shows that it can be done well. Each part had its own engrossing storyline with plenty of surprises along the way and ending on a nail-biting cliffhanger that will have you counting down the days until you can get your eager hands on the next part in the series.
You Had Me At Merlot is one of the most hilarious novels I've read in yonks and I absolutely loved it to pieces. Lisa Dickenson's writing is fresh and a lot of fun, and I'm super excited to have found a new voice in women's fiction whose books I will be looking out for from now on!
*** REVIEW OF ALL FOUR PARTS - NO SPOILERS ***
Lisa Dickenson won the Novelicious Debut of the Year award for her first novel, The Twelve Dates of Christmas. While I haven't had a chance to read it yet (which will be rectified soon!), after reading the snort-out-loud funny You Had Me At Merlot I completely understand why her witty writing was favoured over many other fantastic debut novels.
Elle is one of the few people in her social circle who is still single. She is totally okay with that though, as her life revolves around her work and she loves that she can do as she pleases without having to consult an other half on everything. But when her bestie, Laurie, breaks up with her boyfriend she is not as contempt with singledom as Elle is. Laurie is determined to get married as soon as legally possible and in her desperation to find a man to help her obtain this goal she's willing to do just about anything.
When Laurie suggests a singles holiday, this sounds like Elle's worst nightmare. Being forced to spend what should be a relaxing break from work with a bunch of strangers whose sole focus on the trip is finding their perfect partners? Yikes. But plied by a getaway to the stunning Italian countryside and the promise of lots of wine, Elle reluctantly agrees to come along. She intends to visit only for the picturesque views and alcoholic beverages on offer, but with romance lingering in the Tuscany air will she too find a handsome beau to spend the hot Italian nights with?
There are not enough adjectives to express how fantastic this novel is! The writing is incredibly funny, witty and refreshing, and I would liken it to that of the equally fantastic Lindsey Kelk though that wouldn't be fair to either of the two ladies. While they both manage to make me snort out loud on the train up until the point that people start staring at me, not to mention make me swoon quite literally over the gorgeous men within their pages, they each have their own unique voice when describing their heroine's hilarious escapades. And hilarious they are.
The novel is being released in four digital parts throughout July and August. While I'm normally not a fan of short stories or books that have been split up into smaller segments, because so often the lack of page numbers results in a lack of plot and character developments, this superb romantic comedy singlehandedly shows that it can be done well. Each part had its own engrossing storyline with plenty of surprises along the way and ending on a nail-biting cliffhanger that will have you counting down the days until you can get your eager hands on the next part in the series.
You Had Me At Merlot is one of the most hilarious novels I've read in yonks and I absolutely loved it to pieces. Lisa Dickenson's writing is fresh and a lot of fun, and I'm super excited to have found a new voice in women's fiction whose books I will be looking out for from now on!
July 19, 2014
Having already been a HUGE fan of Lisa Dickenson and her fabulous writing, I was so excited for You Had Me At Merlot!
Elle and Laurie are two friends who seem to be the only ones left – they’re both single, they’re both not getting married or having babies or anything else remotely couple-like. Elle is TOTALLY cool with this – she’s got her independent life, her job, and she’s completely happy without walking down the aisle any time soon. But Laurie wants love and she wants it now. So when Laurie begs Elle to come on a singles holiday to a gorgeous Vineyard is Tuscany, Elle isn’t so sure. You Had Me At Merlot holidays offers sunshine, fun and the chance of romance, and with ten days in the sun with her best friend and wine – how bad can that be?
Ohmygosh I LOVED THIS I loved this I loved this! Lisa is such a fantastic writer – she always manages to draw me in straight away and You Had Me At Merlot grabbed me straight away.
I liked Elle and Laurie from the moment I first met them, I found I could really relate to aspects of their personalities and it was a truly fun and exciting ride sharing this journey with them! Even in the first part of the book, I felt as though I had known them both for years and like they were my personal BFF’s.
You Had Me At Merlot is such a feel-good book! I laughed out loud so many times and at one point I even had tears rolling down my face where I couldn’t contain myself. And the romance too – I giggled, I swooned and oh my heart MELTED.
The setting of Tuscany was BEAUTIFUL – with sunshine, wine, and vineyards, I genuinely wanted to pack my bags and hop straight on plane! Honestly wine and a vineyard in a beautiful location in a book – this is genuinely the most BRILLIANT idea ever! A tip for you all: sit out in your garden on in the sunshine with some wine while you read this – it’ll be like you’ve been transported there! Whilst reading I could see the beautiful setting, I could feel the atmosphere around me, it was wonderful. I loved the life at the vineyard, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of the characters on the holiday and around the vineyard, Lisa has written a great mix of people with fun and quirky personalities and Lisa’s writing constantly made me feel like I was part of it all.
You had Me At Merlot is in four parts and I actually really liked this, as I found I could read each part in a single sitting, which is fantastic for if you’re busy, on the go or reading in your lunch break or on a journey for example. I really liked the thought that I had the next part to eagerly look forward to and I enjoyed getting excited about devouring the next part.
You Had Me At Merlot is PERFECT for reading this summer! With a gorgeous setting, fun and romance – You Had Me At Merlot is a summer essential!
Elle and Laurie are two friends who seem to be the only ones left – they’re both single, they’re both not getting married or having babies or anything else remotely couple-like. Elle is TOTALLY cool with this – she’s got her independent life, her job, and she’s completely happy without walking down the aisle any time soon. But Laurie wants love and she wants it now. So when Laurie begs Elle to come on a singles holiday to a gorgeous Vineyard is Tuscany, Elle isn’t so sure. You Had Me At Merlot holidays offers sunshine, fun and the chance of romance, and with ten days in the sun with her best friend and wine – how bad can that be?
Ohmygosh I LOVED THIS I loved this I loved this! Lisa is such a fantastic writer – she always manages to draw me in straight away and You Had Me At Merlot grabbed me straight away.
I liked Elle and Laurie from the moment I first met them, I found I could really relate to aspects of their personalities and it was a truly fun and exciting ride sharing this journey with them! Even in the first part of the book, I felt as though I had known them both for years and like they were my personal BFF’s.
You Had Me At Merlot is such a feel-good book! I laughed out loud so many times and at one point I even had tears rolling down my face where I couldn’t contain myself. And the romance too – I giggled, I swooned and oh my heart MELTED.
The setting of Tuscany was BEAUTIFUL – with sunshine, wine, and vineyards, I genuinely wanted to pack my bags and hop straight on plane! Honestly wine and a vineyard in a beautiful location in a book – this is genuinely the most BRILLIANT idea ever! A tip for you all: sit out in your garden on in the sunshine with some wine while you read this – it’ll be like you’ve been transported there! Whilst reading I could see the beautiful setting, I could feel the atmosphere around me, it was wonderful. I loved the life at the vineyard, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of the characters on the holiday and around the vineyard, Lisa has written a great mix of people with fun and quirky personalities and Lisa’s writing constantly made me feel like I was part of it all.
You had Me At Merlot is in four parts and I actually really liked this, as I found I could read each part in a single sitting, which is fantastic for if you’re busy, on the go or reading in your lunch break or on a journey for example. I really liked the thought that I had the next part to eagerly look forward to and I enjoyed getting excited about devouring the next part.
You Had Me At Merlot is PERFECT for reading this summer! With a gorgeous setting, fun and romance – You Had Me At Merlot is a summer essential!
July 21, 2014
Originally posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes
Lisa Dickenson is one of many authors I've been desperatly wanting to read something of. Sunathon was the perfect time to finally pick up my first read by Lisa Dickenson. I coudn't have choosen something better as You Had Me at Merlot for a start.
You Had Me at Merlot will be published in four parts during July and August.
Release dates: Part 1 - 14th July, Part 2 - 21st July, Part 3 - 28th July, Part 4 - 4th August
Part 1 is a wonderful teaser for what is still to come! I was looking for a light hearted, funny and incredibly easy read. That's what I got.
In You Had Me at Merlot we meet Elle and her best friend Laurie. Elle loves her life as single. None obligations, not accountable to anyone. She is very dedicated to her work. Working as a marketing manager in a PR agency in London she gives up a lot free time get a better position in the company. Laurie is quite the opposit to her. She is ready to settle down, finding to marry, get kids and someone to grow old with.
Laurie thinks that a holiday is what they both need. Not just a ordinary holiday. Laurie booked a two weeks single holiday in Tuscany, Italy. Expecting lot's of sunshine, beautiful scenery, lot's of wine and hot single men. You can imagine how happy Elle was about this but wouldn't you do anything to make your best friend happy? So Elle agreed to go with Laurie on this trip.
Let the adventure begin... After a turbulent flight they finally arrive safely in Italy and start the preperations for the first evening. The so called "Meet & Greet" with the other participants. Even before the meeting, Elle bumbs into to a very handsome man, called Jamie, who has awaken Elle's interest. Will this holiday change Elle's mind about her life and releationships?
This first part is a real page turner and it kept me entertained the whole way through the story. I couldn't believe it when I hit the last page so soon. From the first page we were off on a fast pace being drawn into the story and the book story on in this way. Lisa created a perfect cliff hanger: surprising and exciting! The ending of Part 1 makes you wanting to read the second part right away.
If you like your chick-lit fun, brilliantly paced and readable, then definitely pick up a copy of You Had Me at Merlot! With a great cast of characters, a great location and a unique storyline, it's the perfect summer read.
P.S. I couldn't get over Lauries Botox accident. I was laughing so hard I nearly fell out of my bed!
Lisa Dickenson is one of many authors I've been desperatly wanting to read something of. Sunathon was the perfect time to finally pick up my first read by Lisa Dickenson. I coudn't have choosen something better as You Had Me at Merlot for a start.
You Had Me at Merlot will be published in four parts during July and August.
Release dates: Part 1 - 14th July, Part 2 - 21st July, Part 3 - 28th July, Part 4 - 4th August
Part 1 is a wonderful teaser for what is still to come! I was looking for a light hearted, funny and incredibly easy read. That's what I got.
In You Had Me at Merlot we meet Elle and her best friend Laurie. Elle loves her life as single. None obligations, not accountable to anyone. She is very dedicated to her work. Working as a marketing manager in a PR agency in London she gives up a lot free time get a better position in the company. Laurie is quite the opposit to her. She is ready to settle down, finding to marry, get kids and someone to grow old with.
Laurie thinks that a holiday is what they both need. Not just a ordinary holiday. Laurie booked a two weeks single holiday in Tuscany, Italy. Expecting lot's of sunshine, beautiful scenery, lot's of wine and hot single men. You can imagine how happy Elle was about this but wouldn't you do anything to make your best friend happy? So Elle agreed to go with Laurie on this trip.
Let the adventure begin... After a turbulent flight they finally arrive safely in Italy and start the preperations for the first evening. The so called "Meet & Greet" with the other participants. Even before the meeting, Elle bumbs into to a very handsome man, called Jamie, who has awaken Elle's interest. Will this holiday change Elle's mind about her life and releationships?
This first part is a real page turner and it kept me entertained the whole way through the story. I couldn't believe it when I hit the last page so soon. From the first page we were off on a fast pace being drawn into the story and the book story on in this way. Lisa created a perfect cliff hanger: surprising and exciting! The ending of Part 1 makes you wanting to read the second part right away.
If you like your chick-lit fun, brilliantly paced and readable, then definitely pick up a copy of You Had Me at Merlot! With a great cast of characters, a great location and a unique storyline, it's the perfect summer read.
P.S. I couldn't get over Lauries Botox accident. I was laughing so hard I nearly fell out of my bed!
July 15, 2014
www.iheart-chicklit.blogspot.com
Wahey! Who runs the fabulous romantic comedies in my heart? BEYONCE! Okay, it's Lisa Dickenson. This woman can come up with anything and whatever it is, I'll laugh till I cry and cackle. Yes, I cackle when it comes to Lisa Dickenson's books. I absolutely ADORED her debut novel, The Twelve Dates of Christmas and I was ever so excited to be asked to review her latest, You Had Me At Merlot. Who would turn down such an amazing offer?
Elle doesn't believe in relationships, she doesn't need a man and she's pretty contented with life. She's working for an agency doing what she loves and she's good at it. She's got loving parents and everything is rosy for her. See? She and her best friend, Laurie don't need a man, even though her group of friends have long abandoned their girl's nights out trying to pull men and swap their heels for baby nappies. Then! Elle and Laurie head to Tuscany for a "singles holiday". Well, surely Elle knows better than to fall in love with someone she knows for less than a week, right? After all, after a few glasses of Merlot, anything can happen!
I flipping loved You Had Me At Merlot. I couldn't get enough of it and I was gutted when I came to the last page. I want more, I was craving for more. I love books that make me laugh and You Had Me At Merlot is such a feel-good romantic comedy, I couldn't stop dreaming about a particular hunk with "drawable" arms and fantastic wine-making skills. I knew from the start that I will fall in love with the book. Come on, it's set in Tuscany - one of the places I've dreamed of visiting.
Lisa Dickenson's humour and irresistible charm shines like a star through her heroine, Elle and if I can say so, she and I will be the best of friends. Tuscany was described beautifully and with such vividness, I felt like I was in the book and my heart ached. I really want to go there. Lucky Elle. Sign me up for the next You Had Me At Merlot holiday! The book is not short of romance. You will cheer for Elle as she falls in love again after absolute yonks, (She loses her virginity. AGAIN. Can you imagine?) and be seduced by gloriously picturesque Italy.
Get ready to be swept away by the beauty of the romantic Tuscan countryside and a very sexy man who makes his own concoction of wine AND chocolate. I'd die and be in heaven if I have a man like that! Ha! You Had Me At Merlot is as sparkling as the crisp, tart white wine and as delicious and satisfying as your favourite warm, sultry Merlot.
Wahey! Who runs the fabulous romantic comedies in my heart? BEYONCE! Okay, it's Lisa Dickenson. This woman can come up with anything and whatever it is, I'll laugh till I cry and cackle. Yes, I cackle when it comes to Lisa Dickenson's books. I absolutely ADORED her debut novel, The Twelve Dates of Christmas and I was ever so excited to be asked to review her latest, You Had Me At Merlot. Who would turn down such an amazing offer?
Elle doesn't believe in relationships, she doesn't need a man and she's pretty contented with life. She's working for an agency doing what she loves and she's good at it. She's got loving parents and everything is rosy for her. See? She and her best friend, Laurie don't need a man, even though her group of friends have long abandoned their girl's nights out trying to pull men and swap their heels for baby nappies. Then! Elle and Laurie head to Tuscany for a "singles holiday". Well, surely Elle knows better than to fall in love with someone she knows for less than a week, right? After all, after a few glasses of Merlot, anything can happen!
I flipping loved You Had Me At Merlot. I couldn't get enough of it and I was gutted when I came to the last page. I want more, I was craving for more. I love books that make me laugh and You Had Me At Merlot is such a feel-good romantic comedy, I couldn't stop dreaming about a particular hunk with "drawable" arms and fantastic wine-making skills. I knew from the start that I will fall in love with the book. Come on, it's set in Tuscany - one of the places I've dreamed of visiting.
Lisa Dickenson's humour and irresistible charm shines like a star through her heroine, Elle and if I can say so, she and I will be the best of friends. Tuscany was described beautifully and with such vividness, I felt like I was in the book and my heart ached. I really want to go there. Lucky Elle. Sign me up for the next You Had Me At Merlot holiday! The book is not short of romance. You will cheer for Elle as she falls in love again after absolute yonks, (She loses her virginity. AGAIN. Can you imagine?) and be seduced by gloriously picturesque Italy.
Get ready to be swept away by the beauty of the romantic Tuscan countryside and a very sexy man who makes his own concoction of wine AND chocolate. I'd die and be in heaven if I have a man like that! Ha! You Had Me At Merlot is as sparkling as the crisp, tart white wine and as delicious and satisfying as your favourite warm, sultry Merlot.
July 24, 2014
Today I am so grateful and happy to be part of this wonderful new book by Lisa Dickenson. Lisa's first book is The Twelve dates of Christmas which i haven't got round to reading just yet..oops! You had me at Merlot is her second novel which is in 4 parts. I just love the covers for books so much, its so bright and cheerful, Definitely needs to be made paperback and will stand out lots!
Elle and Laurie are both single, they're not having babies anytime soon and their weekends aren't filled with joyful meetings about mortgages. Elle is fine with this, she's like independant life, loves her job and has no desire to walk down the aisle soon. Laurie wants it all...RIGHT NOW!!
Laurie begs Elle to go with her on a singles holiday to a beautiful vineyard in Tuscany, Elle is unsure. You Had Me at Merlot Holidays promises crisp sunshine, fun and a chance to stir up some sizzling romance. Elle has no intention of swapping her perfectly lovely life for someone else's idea of her Mr Perfect, but ten days under the Italian sun with her best friend and lashings of wine? How bad could that be?
I loved You had me at Merlot from the start, I knew I was going to be giggling all the way through, Elle and Laurie reminded me of myself and my best friend Kaylie and the type of things we would get up on holiday is exactly what Elle and Laurie do.
There is a few bombshells throughout the books which may make you go OOOOhhh! I know i did hehe! I giggled about all the other singletons on the You had me at Merlot too, some of them were just plain weird! I loved George! He definitely made me giggle and trying to woo Elle was funny because she was definitely not interested.
If you want a hunky man to drool over in this book? then Jamie is the man...wow I was imagining a hunky fella in the vineyard who i would certainly want to bond with homemade chilli wine and chocolate..Yummy!
You Had me at Merlot is a feel good book with plenty of laughters and drooling over hunky stallion ;-) You feel will nice and warm, may even wanting to book a holiday to Tuscany right away!
Lisa has a way with her writing that is just brilliant! She instantly has you liking the characters, the destination and the whole feel of the book.
Thank You Clara Diaz and Lisa Dickenson for being part of this wonderful blog tour! I'm definitely going to purchase the twelve dates of christmas and start reading now heehee!
♥5 perfect summer stars♥
Elle and Laurie are both single, they're not having babies anytime soon and their weekends aren't filled with joyful meetings about mortgages. Elle is fine with this, she's like independant life, loves her job and has no desire to walk down the aisle soon. Laurie wants it all...RIGHT NOW!!
Laurie begs Elle to go with her on a singles holiday to a beautiful vineyard in Tuscany, Elle is unsure. You Had Me at Merlot Holidays promises crisp sunshine, fun and a chance to stir up some sizzling romance. Elle has no intention of swapping her perfectly lovely life for someone else's idea of her Mr Perfect, but ten days under the Italian sun with her best friend and lashings of wine? How bad could that be?
I loved You had me at Merlot from the start, I knew I was going to be giggling all the way through, Elle and Laurie reminded me of myself and my best friend Kaylie and the type of things we would get up on holiday is exactly what Elle and Laurie do.
There is a few bombshells throughout the books which may make you go OOOOhhh! I know i did hehe! I giggled about all the other singletons on the You had me at Merlot too, some of them were just plain weird! I loved George! He definitely made me giggle and trying to woo Elle was funny because she was definitely not interested.
If you want a hunky man to drool over in this book? then Jamie is the man...wow I was imagining a hunky fella in the vineyard who i would certainly want to bond with homemade chilli wine and chocolate..Yummy!
You Had me at Merlot is a feel good book with plenty of laughters and drooling over hunky stallion ;-) You feel will nice and warm, may even wanting to book a holiday to Tuscany right away!
Lisa has a way with her writing that is just brilliant! She instantly has you liking the characters, the destination and the whole feel of the book.
Thank You Clara Diaz and Lisa Dickenson for being part of this wonderful blog tour! I'm definitely going to purchase the twelve dates of christmas and start reading now heehee!
♥5 perfect summer stars♥
June 22, 2016
Part one of You had me at Merlot introduces us to friends Elle and Laurie. Elle and Laurie are the only two in their group of friends who aren't in a relationship, married, pregnant or have a child already. To Elle this is more than fine, she likes nothing more than doing what she pleases and doing dance routines in her living room. She's not wanting to share her life yet, where Laurie is completely different. Laurie wants to the big romance, the huge love affair, wedding, babies, happily ever after stuff, so she's convinced a not to so happy about it Elle to accompany her on a 10 day trip to a vineyard in Tuscany. As pleasant as that sounds it won't all be sunbathing, wine drinking and relaxing. Oh no, it will be wine drinking and mixing with strangers on a daily basis as it's a posh singles holiday. I giggled my way through Part 1. I took to Elle straight away. Her not arsed attitude and daydreaming ways had me in bits. She would fit in perfect with me and my friends. She's hardworking, but fun. Laurie is the dominant friend, we all have one don't we? She can easily manipulate Elle to do something for her and I liked that. She's a pussy cat with a huge heart and I hope she really does find love. We are eased into the story with giggles and get a glimpse into both Elle and Laurie's wants and needs. It is exciting and has you gripped and wanting more from the off. I'm happy to say that I'm really looking forward to Part2 and to find out what will happen next...
5 /5
Overall review:
Overall You Had Me at Merlot proved to be a steady read throughout with multiple laughter and snorting places on top of loads of gorgeous friendships and one hell of a romance. Most importantly it gave us sun, sex, and booze. Come on as if you're not going to love it just for that alone. With a fantastic array of characters you have more than one person to connect with and it is lovely to be able to see other stories with them.
I'm a newbie to Lisa Dickenson and I was blown away by her style, wit and honesty she shows in her writing. It is a down to earth, fast-paced style that allows you to relax and be yourself. I like that me. I will be keeping a close eye on Lisa as I've found a new author that excites me.
This is a series that you should definitely have one your e-reader. It won't matter how long it takes to read it, or what the weathers like, you'll just love it and find yourself lost in a world of gorgeousness and wine. Fab!
19/20
5 /5
Overall review:
Overall You Had Me at Merlot proved to be a steady read throughout with multiple laughter and snorting places on top of loads of gorgeous friendships and one hell of a romance. Most importantly it gave us sun, sex, and booze. Come on as if you're not going to love it just for that alone. With a fantastic array of characters you have more than one person to connect with and it is lovely to be able to see other stories with them.
I'm a newbie to Lisa Dickenson and I was blown away by her style, wit and honesty she shows in her writing. It is a down to earth, fast-paced style that allows you to relax and be yourself. I like that me. I will be keeping a close eye on Lisa as I've found a new author that excites me.
This is a series that you should definitely have one your e-reader. It won't matter how long it takes to read it, or what the weathers like, you'll just love it and find yourself lost in a world of gorgeousness and wine. Fab!
19/20
July 10, 2014
I was given an ecopy of this book by Clara at Little Brown Book Group in exchange for an honest review which I'm more than happy to give. The book comes in four delicious parts that will be published during July and August, the first on the 14th July. I was fortunate enough to read all four but will review each part over the next four days. But, I'm telling you - order all four now so they get delivered to your kindle on release day, you won't be able to wait!
Part 1 introduces us to Laurie and her best friend Elle. Both single girls, but at different stages of their lives. Laurie ready to settle down and looking to meet the love of her life, Elle quite happy with her lot, enjoying being single, loving her job and her independence.
Like so many best friend duo's there is always a stronger character who uses their persuasive skills to their own advantage, persuading the other that what they're suggesting is a really good idea, only twisting the truth a little to get the others buy in.
I laughed and cringed with equal measures whilst reading part 1. Both characters bouncing off each other with me particularly loving Laurie's display of persuasive skills. Using a selective language to convince Elle that the thing she most needs now is a holiday with her best friend - playing up the wine not the single aspect of the trip. One half of the duo clearly wants to throw herself straight into the singles holiday, the other wants to blend into the background. Although, behind closed doors the wine does its magic softening a few edges. I defy anyone not to instantly love and relate to both Laurie and Elle as they hit Italy.
We've all had friends just like them bouncing off each other - one upbeat and hyper, the other seemingly more sensible and calming. Until in Laurie and Elle's case the plane touched down and the heat along with the wine packed it's punch, although the hilarity begins long before the plane even took off. I couldn't help but smile, laughing out loud and gasping OMG over and over again as the story unfolded.
I can't wait to share part two - Italy is such a romantic country, add the heat and fragrant wine and I'm sure there'll be fireworks - even the most hardened singleton can't resist can they?
Part 1 introduces us to Laurie and her best friend Elle. Both single girls, but at different stages of their lives. Laurie ready to settle down and looking to meet the love of her life, Elle quite happy with her lot, enjoying being single, loving her job and her independence.
Like so many best friend duo's there is always a stronger character who uses their persuasive skills to their own advantage, persuading the other that what they're suggesting is a really good idea, only twisting the truth a little to get the others buy in.
I laughed and cringed with equal measures whilst reading part 1. Both characters bouncing off each other with me particularly loving Laurie's display of persuasive skills. Using a selective language to convince Elle that the thing she most needs now is a holiday with her best friend - playing up the wine not the single aspect of the trip. One half of the duo clearly wants to throw herself straight into the singles holiday, the other wants to blend into the background. Although, behind closed doors the wine does its magic softening a few edges. I defy anyone not to instantly love and relate to both Laurie and Elle as they hit Italy.
We've all had friends just like them bouncing off each other - one upbeat and hyper, the other seemingly more sensible and calming. Until in Laurie and Elle's case the plane touched down and the heat along with the wine packed it's punch, although the hilarity begins long before the plane even took off. I couldn't help but smile, laughing out loud and gasping OMG over and over again as the story unfolded.
I can't wait to share part two - Italy is such a romantic country, add the heat and fragrant wine and I'm sure there'll be fireworks - even the most hardened singleton can't resist can they?
August 1, 2014
So first of all the award for the most colourful book cover or should I say covers definitely would be awarded to this series, are they not amazingly summery too!
Now I knew when I started reading this that it would be good due to be several pages in and already dabbing my eyes from my laughter!
Now if you are a regular to my blog you will know I hate spoilers and with this series I totally want to avoid this so I am going to go with what I know best, rambling about stuff!
So YHMAM (too lazy to type out the whole title!!) is one of these rare books that manages to be really funny and a really good read at the same time, Elle and Laurie, single and out of luck escape to Italy to a single resort to see if they can find Mr Right. The scene that involved the airport and the plane was both hysterical and a little scary (turbulence eeek!), our two ladies Elle and Laurie are totally brilliant characters and a great supporting character is the gorgeous country of Italy!!
As the girls arrive at their beautiful resort they are nervously desperate to see the other guests which include much to Elle's horror a familiar face and an overzealous American. As they explore the resort and the country around them but the big question is will they find love under the Tuscan sun?
Single ladies Elle and Laurie's quest for love is one of the best books I've read this year plus a certain male character (remember no spoilers) will get you all hot and flustered.
The banter back and forth between Elle and Laurie is just brilliant too, they are both such likeable people and you really do want to get to know them better though after a few pages it feels like you have known them for years!
YHMAM is a great addition to your Kindle, if you are heading of to sunny foreign shores or even just your back garden you should download this now, the first three parts are ready and waiting for you and the final part is released on the 4th of August. After enjoying Lisa's writing so much I'm going to go and investigate her back catalogue.
You had me at Merlot is awarded 5 out of 5
Thanks to Little Brown for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review
Originally appeared on my blog http://redheatherduff.blogspot.com/20...
Now I knew when I started reading this that it would be good due to be several pages in and already dabbing my eyes from my laughter!
Now if you are a regular to my blog you will know I hate spoilers and with this series I totally want to avoid this so I am going to go with what I know best, rambling about stuff!
So YHMAM (too lazy to type out the whole title!!) is one of these rare books that manages to be really funny and a really good read at the same time, Elle and Laurie, single and out of luck escape to Italy to a single resort to see if they can find Mr Right. The scene that involved the airport and the plane was both hysterical and a little scary (turbulence eeek!), our two ladies Elle and Laurie are totally brilliant characters and a great supporting character is the gorgeous country of Italy!!
As the girls arrive at their beautiful resort they are nervously desperate to see the other guests which include much to Elle's horror a familiar face and an overzealous American. As they explore the resort and the country around them but the big question is will they find love under the Tuscan sun?
Single ladies Elle and Laurie's quest for love is one of the best books I've read this year plus a certain male character (remember no spoilers) will get you all hot and flustered.
The banter back and forth between Elle and Laurie is just brilliant too, they are both such likeable people and you really do want to get to know them better though after a few pages it feels like you have known them for years!
YHMAM is a great addition to your Kindle, if you are heading of to sunny foreign shores or even just your back garden you should download this now, the first three parts are ready and waiting for you and the final part is released on the 4th of August. After enjoying Lisa's writing so much I'm going to go and investigate her back catalogue.
You had me at Merlot is awarded 5 out of 5
Thanks to Little Brown for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review
Originally appeared on my blog http://redheatherduff.blogspot.com/20...
August 6, 2014
Originally posted on: http://lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot....
I have decided to review all the parts of You Had Me At Merlot as a whole to save giving too much away :)
Having previously read Lisa's Twelve Dates of Christmas I was really looking forward to reading You Had Me at Merlot. It also has a fab title that just sticks in your mind.
You Had Me At Merlot is light-hearted, happy read with some serious bits thrown in. Elle is an easily likeable character and she works in Marketing just like me. Elle works all the hours that God sends and doesn't get any thanks for it. She is always trying to get her boss Donna to notice her, but it doesn't seem to be working. Apart from work Elle is very happy being single thank you very much, but then her friend Laurie begs her to go on on a singles holiday called You Had Me At Merlot in Tuscany Elle reluctantly agrees, but she is still staying very firmly single...
Lisa always manages to quickly draw you in to a story and I find that I finish the story really quickly because of this. The characters are also really well developed and have their very own very unique personalities and it made it easier to picture them, especially one of the characters George, that Elle meets who I had love/hate feelings for.
I loved how this was set in Tuscany. I truly felt transported there and was imagining myself lapping up the rays of sunshine and feeling very relaxed. I found that Elle has a lot of baths in this overlooking the vineyard and it was easy to picture myself relaxing there (on my own of course, not with Elle!).
What I thought was cleverly done was the way the parts were split up. At the end of each part, it left you wanting to read on and find out more, so anyone starting to read will definitely want to read on.
Overall a lighthearted, fun, happy read from the lovely Lisa Dickenson.
I have decided to review all the parts of You Had Me At Merlot as a whole to save giving too much away :)
Having previously read Lisa's Twelve Dates of Christmas I was really looking forward to reading You Had Me at Merlot. It also has a fab title that just sticks in your mind.
You Had Me At Merlot is light-hearted, happy read with some serious bits thrown in. Elle is an easily likeable character and she works in Marketing just like me. Elle works all the hours that God sends and doesn't get any thanks for it. She is always trying to get her boss Donna to notice her, but it doesn't seem to be working. Apart from work Elle is very happy being single thank you very much, but then her friend Laurie begs her to go on on a singles holiday called You Had Me At Merlot in Tuscany Elle reluctantly agrees, but she is still staying very firmly single...
Lisa always manages to quickly draw you in to a story and I find that I finish the story really quickly because of this. The characters are also really well developed and have their very own very unique personalities and it made it easier to picture them, especially one of the characters George, that Elle meets who I had love/hate feelings for.
I loved how this was set in Tuscany. I truly felt transported there and was imagining myself lapping up the rays of sunshine and feeling very relaxed. I found that Elle has a lot of baths in this overlooking the vineyard and it was easy to picture myself relaxing there (on my own of course, not with Elle!).
What I thought was cleverly done was the way the parts were split up. At the end of each part, it left you wanting to read on and find out more, so anyone starting to read will definitely want to read on.
Overall a lighthearted, fun, happy read from the lovely Lisa Dickenson.
August 7, 2014
Originally posted on: http://addictivechicklit.blogspot.com...
*I received this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review*
This is such a cute story, I adored it. Thank God I got sent the four parts because I devoured the whole book in a couple of days. Elle, our heroine, is such a cute girl, and so funny. She doesn't want love, she doesn't need a man in her life, when would she have time to perfect her dance routines if she had a boyfriend? But she is a great friend and agrees to go with Lauria to a singles holiday in Tuscany, as I said, such a good friend, I mean who would leave work behind and go on a holiday in Tuscany just to help a friend... OK, I would. And you would too. But you get the image, she is cute and nice.
What she doesn't expect is to find so many options for love in Tuscany: there's George, the loaded American womanizer ready to become Elle's sugar daddy, and there's Jamie, the gorgeous Italian wine-maker. If you want to know who is going to win Elle's heart you'll have to read the book but I know who won mine: Tuscany. The setting is so perfect, and Lisa describes it so perfectly. I could totally picture myself in a bathtube, looking through the windows to the sun setting on the vinyards while a gorgeous Italian works from sun to sun. Okay, maybe Jamie won my heart a little bit too...
All in all, You Had Me at Merlot is the perfect summer read: hilarious and heart-warming. It has this feel-good sparkle than will have you turning page after page and will leave you with a huge smile in your face. So, don't doubt it, get all 4 parts right now, they are all available now and enjoy the sun and magic of Tuscany. You are in for a real treat. Lisa is one of the funniest and wittiest writers you can find and I'm sure big things are coming her way.
*I received this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review*
This is such a cute story, I adored it. Thank God I got sent the four parts because I devoured the whole book in a couple of days. Elle, our heroine, is such a cute girl, and so funny. She doesn't want love, she doesn't need a man in her life, when would she have time to perfect her dance routines if she had a boyfriend? But she is a great friend and agrees to go with Lauria to a singles holiday in Tuscany, as I said, such a good friend, I mean who would leave work behind and go on a holiday in Tuscany just to help a friend... OK, I would. And you would too. But you get the image, she is cute and nice.
What she doesn't expect is to find so many options for love in Tuscany: there's George, the loaded American womanizer ready to become Elle's sugar daddy, and there's Jamie, the gorgeous Italian wine-maker. If you want to know who is going to win Elle's heart you'll have to read the book but I know who won mine: Tuscany. The setting is so perfect, and Lisa describes it so perfectly. I could totally picture myself in a bathtube, looking through the windows to the sun setting on the vinyards while a gorgeous Italian works from sun to sun. Okay, maybe Jamie won my heart a little bit too...
All in all, You Had Me at Merlot is the perfect summer read: hilarious and heart-warming. It has this feel-good sparkle than will have you turning page after page and will leave you with a huge smile in your face. So, don't doubt it, get all 4 parts right now, they are all available now and enjoy the sun and magic of Tuscany. You are in for a real treat. Lisa is one of the funniest and wittiest writers you can find and I'm sure big things are coming her way.
July 19, 2014
Elle loves her life, she is single and can do whatever she wants. She doesn't have to answer to anyone about what to watch on the T.V, how she decorates her house or how much of her life is devoted to her work. Laurie is her best friend but is completely different. She has decided that it is about time she settled down. The problem is though she is still single and is miserable because of it; she decides that it was about time that her and Elle went on holiday, not just anywhere though but to a wonderful place in Italy. What she reluctantly tells Elle is that it is a singles holiday. This does not thrill Elle with excitement but as she is a good, supporting friend, agrees to go along.
I really liked Elle and Laurie as characters, right from the beginning I felt I could connect to them and wanted to tag along with them on their holiday to Italy. Although both girls are on the holiday for different reasons, they seem to balance each other really well and they both have some great one liners!
At times I was laughing out loud! I must say the funniest part of part 1 I think has to be the incident with the Botox...
'Laurie dunked her face back in. I sat on the toilet (with the seat down, we're not that close) while she repeated the face- dunking several times and admired the bathroom.'
I could not stop laughing about this, I could actually see this playing out in my head and wanted to be in the bathroom with the girls!
Part one is a great introduction to this book, it allows you to feel familiar with the characters and gives you a snippet of what you are in store for. This is a brilliant entrance to 'You had me at Merlot' and after reading this part you are going to want to download the next straight away!
I really liked Elle and Laurie as characters, right from the beginning I felt I could connect to them and wanted to tag along with them on their holiday to Italy. Although both girls are on the holiday for different reasons, they seem to balance each other really well and they both have some great one liners!
At times I was laughing out loud! I must say the funniest part of part 1 I think has to be the incident with the Botox...
'Laurie dunked her face back in. I sat on the toilet (with the seat down, we're not that close) while she repeated the face- dunking several times and admired the bathroom.'
I could not stop laughing about this, I could actually see this playing out in my head and wanted to be in the bathroom with the girls!
Part one is a great introduction to this book, it allows you to feel familiar with the characters and gives you a snippet of what you are in store for. This is a brilliant entrance to 'You had me at Merlot' and after reading this part you are going to want to download the next straight away!
September 14, 2014
I was very excited to finally read this story, because I’ve heard so many great things about it and Lisa has become a great friend on Twitter. Also: The title is genius, don’t you think?
Elle is accompanying her best friend Laurie to this singles holiday called You Had Me AT Merlot on Tuscany. As you can guess this meant a lot of single guys and girls, plus a vineyard with lots of vine ;). However, Elle wasn’t looking for love or a boyfriend…
But of course she met some men: There was George a rich CEO from Florida, he had an eye on her from the beginning, but she wasn’t interested at all. Then there was Jamie, the owner’s son, who is working at the vineyard as well…
Elle is a cute and funny character with a heart. I loved following her story, Lisa described her character really well and the storyline was so vivid and bubbly.
Being that this story was split into four parts, always kept the drama really high. Of course Lisa always found the best moment to stop the story and only continue it in the next part.
Elle spent a lot of time with Jamie and also helped him and his parents advertising the place. Jamie was great and I think he won a part in my heart as well. As for Elle, she first had to figure out what she really wants, some girl turning, didn’t make that easier. Let me just say that Jaime and Elle had a lot of chemistry.
I’ve been to Tuscany several times and it’s amazing. This book made me fall in love with it even more. The vineyards, the Italian atmosphere, the people. You captured this perfectly Lisa, thank you for this J This book is the perfect summer read, which makes you smile.
The writing is funny, witty, bubbly, fresh and very entertaining. You’ll fall in love with the story, the characters and the places.
Elle is accompanying her best friend Laurie to this singles holiday called You Had Me AT Merlot on Tuscany. As you can guess this meant a lot of single guys and girls, plus a vineyard with lots of vine ;). However, Elle wasn’t looking for love or a boyfriend…
But of course she met some men: There was George a rich CEO from Florida, he had an eye on her from the beginning, but she wasn’t interested at all. Then there was Jamie, the owner’s son, who is working at the vineyard as well…
Elle is a cute and funny character with a heart. I loved following her story, Lisa described her character really well and the storyline was so vivid and bubbly.
Being that this story was split into four parts, always kept the drama really high. Of course Lisa always found the best moment to stop the story and only continue it in the next part.
Elle spent a lot of time with Jamie and also helped him and his parents advertising the place. Jamie was great and I think he won a part in my heart as well. As for Elle, she first had to figure out what she really wants, some girl turning, didn’t make that easier. Let me just say that Jaime and Elle had a lot of chemistry.
I’ve been to Tuscany several times and it’s amazing. This book made me fall in love with it even more. The vineyards, the Italian atmosphere, the people. You captured this perfectly Lisa, thank you for this J This book is the perfect summer read, which makes you smile.
The writing is funny, witty, bubbly, fresh and very entertaining. You’ll fall in love with the story, the characters and the places.
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