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It Had to Be You
Twenty-five-year-old Bea is a hopeless romantic – with a hopeless love life. She’s been single ever since her awful ex broke her heart, and the only thing she gets up to in bed is watching rom coms on her laptop.
When Bea meets Dan, who is basically the man of her dreams, she knows she can’t let him get away. They might not have fireworks, but not everyone can be fighting and (loudly) making up every night, like Bea’s housemates.
But Bea can’t shift the feeling that something just isn’t right. As time goes on, Dan seems less like Mr Right, and more like Mr Couldn’t-Be-More-Wrong… Will Bea be brave enough to change her dreams – and dare to ask for more?
When Bea meets Dan, who is basically the man of her dreams, she knows she can’t let him get away. They might not have fireworks, but not everyone can be fighting and (loudly) making up every night, like Bea’s housemates.
But Bea can’t shift the feeling that something just isn’t right. As time goes on, Dan seems less like Mr Right, and more like Mr Couldn’t-Be-More-Wrong… Will Bea be brave enough to change her dreams – and dare to ask for more?
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2017
336 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
Keris Stainton
22 books523 followersMy mum always claimed that when she lived in America for a year, my dad wrote to her every day and, in one of his letters, proposed. My dad denied this. But when she got home they got married anyway. In 1966 they emigrated to Canada. They'd wanted to go to New Zealand, but it was full.
I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which, by all accounts, is very cold. And also hot. But when I was four months old, my parents moved back to the UK.
When I was 18 I moved to London and worked in the music industry (eventually). A few years later I moved back up north. Now I live in Lancashire (which is lovely, particularly when it's not raining... which is about two weeks a year) with my two sons and two guinea pigs. All four are cute and hairy.
I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which, by all accounts, is very cold. And also hot. But when I was four months old, my parents moved back to the UK.
When I was 18 I moved to London and worked in the music industry (eventually). A few years later I moved back up north. Now I live in Lancashire (which is lovely, particularly when it's not raining... which is about two weeks a year) with my two sons and two guinea pigs. All four are cute and hairy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
November 24, 2017
4 Stars.
A Sweet, Endearing, Rom-Com.
Yes, that’s right, “It Had To Be You” got under my skin. It was funny, light and utterly sweet.
Bea is a dreamer. Ever since she was a little girl she has had this image in her mind. She has dreamed it actually, dreamed of the perfect guy. She saw him, sitting on a park bench, in London. The sun, streaming on his face. He turned to look at her and then she woke up and never saw his face. And this happens - every single time. And Bea knows, that someday, she will meet him. All of her friends think she is being a little silly to hold on to this “ideal” but she doesn’t care.
Bea works in a book store with her Landlord and friend, Henry. Bea and Henry get along quite famously. They also get along quite well with all of their roomies. Leave it to Bea, to shock everyone when she actually meets Dan, the man of her dreams exactly the way she imagined. Her roomies can’t believe it. Neither can she, actually. As it turns out however, dreams and reality are two entirely different things. And what Bea realizes is that sometimes the best things in life are right before her eyes.
This is a book that makes you laugh out loud. It also makes you smile, a lot. It is cute and super sweet. While there were a few “roll your eye” moments, they were few and far between. I admit that I am not a romantic movie/romantic book kind of gal, and romance is not my genre of choice, yet I found this rom-com to be charming and enchanting. The writing was flowy and the characters were well written. Keris Stainton - you did good, that’s all I can say.
If you are looking for a delightful, fun, romantic read, then this is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Keris Stainton for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley, Goodreads, Twitter and Instagram on 11.24.17.
*WIll be published on Amazon on 12.6.17.
A Sweet, Endearing, Rom-Com.
Yes, that’s right, “It Had To Be You” got under my skin. It was funny, light and utterly sweet.
Bea is a dreamer. Ever since she was a little girl she has had this image in her mind. She has dreamed it actually, dreamed of the perfect guy. She saw him, sitting on a park bench, in London. The sun, streaming on his face. He turned to look at her and then she woke up and never saw his face. And this happens - every single time. And Bea knows, that someday, she will meet him. All of her friends think she is being a little silly to hold on to this “ideal” but she doesn’t care.
Bea works in a book store with her Landlord and friend, Henry. Bea and Henry get along quite famously. They also get along quite well with all of their roomies. Leave it to Bea, to shock everyone when she actually meets Dan, the man of her dreams exactly the way she imagined. Her roomies can’t believe it. Neither can she, actually. As it turns out however, dreams and reality are two entirely different things. And what Bea realizes is that sometimes the best things in life are right before her eyes.
This is a book that makes you laugh out loud. It also makes you smile, a lot. It is cute and super sweet. While there were a few “roll your eye” moments, they were few and far between. I admit that I am not a romantic movie/romantic book kind of gal, and romance is not my genre of choice, yet I found this rom-com to be charming and enchanting. The writing was flowy and the characters were well written. Keris Stainton - you did good, that’s all I can say.
If you are looking for a delightful, fun, romantic read, then this is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Keris Stainton for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley, Goodreads, Twitter and Instagram on 11.24.17.
*WIll be published on Amazon on 12.6.17.
November 24, 2017
At twenty five Bea seems to have gotten most of her life on track but she is still lacking that Mr. Right that she dreams of finding. Bea has been having a dream of the same man for as long as she can remember and even moved to the city and took her current job to be near the park where she sees him in her dream. She's certain that this is her Mr. Right and she'll find him someday.
In the meantime Bea heads to work with her good friend and roommate every day and watches rom coms on her computer while her other roommates fight then kiss and make up loudly in the other room. Bea's patience pays off one day when she heads through the park only to see the man of her dreams sitting on the bench she knew she'd find him at. But will the romance be as good in person as it has been in her dreams now that she has met him?
It Had to Be You by Keris Stainton is a contemporary romance read with a main character that is trying to navigate her way through life and love. The story inside is one that would go along with a few sayings in life such as be careful what you wish for or the grass isn't always greener on the other side, or quite a few other little tidbits as the character finds what she was looking for was there all along.
This one is a romantic comedy with little one liners and funny moments all throughout the book but as much as sometimes I laughed there were other times that I think Bea's timidness and past made me a bit sad and I would feel sorry for her instead of laughing at the joke. Hard to put into words but I think there was just a thin line between being self deprecating or the joke succeeding. In the end I ended up just thinking this one to be an OK read that to pull off the humor better should have had a slightly stronger main character.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
In the meantime Bea heads to work with her good friend and roommate every day and watches rom coms on her computer while her other roommates fight then kiss and make up loudly in the other room. Bea's patience pays off one day when she heads through the park only to see the man of her dreams sitting on the bench she knew she'd find him at. But will the romance be as good in person as it has been in her dreams now that she has met him?
It Had to Be You by Keris Stainton is a contemporary romance read with a main character that is trying to navigate her way through life and love. The story inside is one that would go along with a few sayings in life such as be careful what you wish for or the grass isn't always greener on the other side, or quite a few other little tidbits as the character finds what she was looking for was there all along.
This one is a romantic comedy with little one liners and funny moments all throughout the book but as much as sometimes I laughed there were other times that I think Bea's timidness and past made me a bit sad and I would feel sorry for her instead of laughing at the joke. Hard to put into words but I think there was just a thin line between being self deprecating or the joke succeeding. In the end I ended up just thinking this one to be an OK read that to pull off the humor better should have had a slightly stronger main character.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
December 1, 2017
I received an arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Bea has had the same dream involving the man of her dreams for as long as she can remember. Everything in Bea's life hinges on this dream. On a chance day she believes she has finally met him, but is it really him...if I go on, I will give the story away and that would be no fun.
This book is super cute and I loved the author's love of classic rom-com's and pop culture, it came through multiple times amongst the characters dialogue. She created likeable characters that flowed well within the story. I felt like they would be really fun friends; I want to be their roommate too!
Extra bonus: read along with my personally curated book inspired Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/nikkio1...
Quick and fun read if you are looking for something lighthearted. I enjoyed reading it.
Bea has had the same dream involving the man of her dreams for as long as she can remember. Everything in Bea's life hinges on this dream. On a chance day she believes she has finally met him, but is it really him...if I go on, I will give the story away and that would be no fun.
This book is super cute and I loved the author's love of classic rom-com's and pop culture, it came through multiple times amongst the characters dialogue. She created likeable characters that flowed well within the story. I felt like they would be really fun friends; I want to be their roommate too!
Extra bonus: read along with my personally curated book inspired Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/nikkio1...
Quick and fun read if you are looking for something lighthearted. I enjoyed reading it.
December 8, 2017
Hopeless romantic Bea has been having the same recurring dream for more than ten years. In this dream, she meets a man in a park and knows he's the one. When he dream becomes a reality and she meets Dan, she couldn't be happier. The more she gets to know Dan, the more she wonders if he's actually Mr. Right, or if she's just forcing the relationship because she feels like she's supposed to. Will Bea work up the courage to end things and realize she wants more?
When I read the premise for It Had To Be You, I knew I had to read it! I'm a big fan of romantic comedies, and this seemed right up my alley, and I was not disappointed! Our story follows Bea, who hasn't dated since getting her heart broken by her one ex-boyfriend, until she meets a handsome man named Dan in the park the exact same way she's always dreamed. While her friends are skeptical, Bea is convinced that he's "The One".
I loved Bea as our protagonist - she was funny, innocent, and hopeful, and I really enjoyed that about it. Her friends balanced her out, as they were more jaded and realistic, and I thought that was a great match. One of the best parts of the book was Bea's relationships with her friend group! There were definitely moments I laughed out loud when all of the friends were together!
Without giving anything away, there was a storyline toward the end of the book around Bea's stepfather, and I would have loved to see some closure about it, because I felt like it was left open ended in the book with no resolution, but since it was a minor storyline, it didn't take away from the overall story.
Overall, I loved the book and thought it was a really quick, bingeable read! I'd definitely recommend this one for fans of the chick lit genre or for anyone who loves watching romantic comedies! This book will be right up your alley! I'd like to thank Bookouture, NetGalley, and Keris Stainton for an advanced copy of the book - it was my pleasure to provide an honest review! It Had To Be You is out now, so be sure to pick up a copy!
When I read the premise for It Had To Be You, I knew I had to read it! I'm a big fan of romantic comedies, and this seemed right up my alley, and I was not disappointed! Our story follows Bea, who hasn't dated since getting her heart broken by her one ex-boyfriend, until she meets a handsome man named Dan in the park the exact same way she's always dreamed. While her friends are skeptical, Bea is convinced that he's "The One".
I loved Bea as our protagonist - she was funny, innocent, and hopeful, and I really enjoyed that about it. Her friends balanced her out, as they were more jaded and realistic, and I thought that was a great match. One of the best parts of the book was Bea's relationships with her friend group! There were definitely moments I laughed out loud when all of the friends were together!
Without giving anything away, there was a storyline toward the end of the book around Bea's stepfather, and I would have loved to see some closure about it, because I felt like it was left open ended in the book with no resolution, but since it was a minor storyline, it didn't take away from the overall story.
Overall, I loved the book and thought it was a really quick, bingeable read! I'd definitely recommend this one for fans of the chick lit genre or for anyone who loves watching romantic comedies! This book will be right up your alley! I'd like to thank Bookouture, NetGalley, and Keris Stainton for an advanced copy of the book - it was my pleasure to provide an honest review! It Had To Be You is out now, so be sure to pick up a copy!
January 11, 2018
This wasn't much different from other romantic novels around there plot-wise. But its execution was beyond expectations.
Bea has dreamed of a man in a park for ten years. She's found the park, it's right next to the apartment she shares with her coworker and three more friends. However, the man took longer to show up. When she finally meets the "men in her dreams", she has doubts if he's really The One.
This is the romantic comedy I wanted to read. It's quick, it's funny, it's cute. Bea is a very inexperienced young woman. With only one failed relationship in her resume, she isn't sure how love is supposed to feel. I thought her backstory sounded so real I couldn't not pity her, although in the beginning I was expecting more drama from the way she felt about her ex. Despite relatable, Bea isn't that interesting, though. Not a character you'll hate but also not one you'll love.
My favorite thing about this plot is that Dan isn't a bastard. He is Mr. Wrong, but he's also a nice guy—with the exception of one scene... I really hate it when authors want to show that character A is the right one by turning character B into the worst SOB ever. I think that's just sad for the main character that she's only left with one choice. This book didn't fall into that, the two are good guys (at least, most of the time), and that's Bea's problem. How to let go of her perfectly romantic story?
I think there were three problems. The first one I have already mentioned and it was the biggest one, the plot isn't that exciting, even if the story is so nice to read. I don't remember fervently cheering for someone or even laughing out loud. I knew from the start most of what would happen. So even though this was much more entertaining than the romance novels we usually read, it lacked the something else.
My second issue is a couple of questions I was left with related to Bea's father-in-law. That turn of events was interesting but a little "why did it happen again?", I hoped we heard more about it.
Last, the main couple had their moments but, I don't know, it lacked something. Should things just be easy like that? I'm not sure if it's really because it seemed to simple in a way or maybe the problem was something else but I know the book could have focused more on them.
In sum, this was an enjoyable read. I was afraid this would become another book that would make me drag but the story flowed so well I was already near the end when I noticed it. I'm definitely paying attention to Stainton's next releases from now on. If you like romance, don't miss it.
Bea has dreamed of a man in a park for ten years. She's found the park, it's right next to the apartment she shares with her coworker and three more friends. However, the man took longer to show up. When she finally meets the "men in her dreams", she has doubts if he's really The One.
This is the romantic comedy I wanted to read. It's quick, it's funny, it's cute. Bea is a very inexperienced young woman. With only one failed relationship in her resume, she isn't sure how love is supposed to feel. I thought her backstory sounded so real I couldn't not pity her, although in the beginning I was expecting more drama from the way she felt about her ex. Despite relatable, Bea isn't that interesting, though. Not a character you'll hate but also not one you'll love.
My favorite thing about this plot is that Dan isn't a bastard. He is Mr. Wrong, but he's also a nice guy—with the exception of one scene... I really hate it when authors want to show that character A is the right one by turning character B into the worst SOB ever. I think that's just sad for the main character that she's only left with one choice. This book didn't fall into that, the two are good guys (at least, most of the time), and that's Bea's problem. How to let go of her perfectly romantic story?
I think there were three problems. The first one I have already mentioned and it was the biggest one, the plot isn't that exciting, even if the story is so nice to read. I don't remember fervently cheering for someone or even laughing out loud. I knew from the start most of what would happen. So even though this was much more entertaining than the romance novels we usually read, it lacked the something else.
My second issue is a couple of questions I was left with related to Bea's father-in-law. That turn of events was interesting but a little "why did it happen again?", I hoped we heard more about it.
Last, the main couple had their moments but, I don't know, it lacked something. Should things just be easy like that? I'm not sure if it's really because it seemed to simple in a way or maybe the problem was something else but I know the book could have focused more on them.
In sum, this was an enjoyable read. I was afraid this would become another book that would make me drag but the story flowed so well I was already near the end when I noticed it. I'm definitely paying attention to Stainton's next releases from now on. If you like romance, don't miss it.
January 24, 2018
The writing was okay, the "laugh out loud" part wasn´t as out loud as I had hoped. It was okay.
This dream plot was a bit annoying. And by a bit I mean a lot. Who changes their whole life because of a dream?
This dream plot was a bit annoying. And by a bit I mean a lot. Who changes their whole life because of a dream?
December 18, 2017
*2.5 Stars*
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It Had to Be You tells the story of Bea, a hopeless romantic who works in a library. She’s had a recurring dream about a man for years, how she will meet him in a park, where he will be sitting, the entire thing.
When it finally happens, she cannot believe it but since he’s literally the man of her dreams, she does everything to make a relationship work.
I really did not like Bea, she drove me insane, I could not relate to her at all, despite her love of books. She, basically, was everything I am not.
The story was predictable and I guessed how it would end about 20% in. It was all way too cheesy for me…
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It Had to Be You tells the story of Bea, a hopeless romantic who works in a library. She’s had a recurring dream about a man for years, how she will meet him in a park, where he will be sitting, the entire thing.
When it finally happens, she cannot believe it but since he’s literally the man of her dreams, she does everything to make a relationship work.
I really did not like Bea, she drove me insane, I could not relate to her at all, despite her love of books. She, basically, was everything I am not.
The story was predictable and I guessed how it would end about 20% in. It was all way too cheesy for me…
December 27, 2017
Bea has a recurring dream about a man and she thinks she's meant to end up with this person. She believes in romance and destiny. However, what will she do when she's found the man of her dreams? Is he really everything she's ever wanted or is there something she misses? Bea is working together with Henry, they both love books, they have fun, they get each other and they can talk for hours. Henry isn't the man Bea feels she should be with though, because he isn't the one starring in her dreams. Is she right?
When Bea meets Dan she's relieved she's finally found the man she's always dreamt about and they start dating. Bea assumes she's supposed to end up with Dan because she's sure that is how fate works. Is that really the case though? Dan is kind and handsome, but is he the man for Bea? Will Bea dare to follow her heart, so she will have a chance with the man of her dreams, getting her happily ever after?
It Had to Be You is a fun story about true love. I immediately loved Bea. She's wonderfully quirky and I loved how naive she can be. She's fond of books, which is another big plus. She and Henry have a wonderful special friendship that put a big smile on my face. I loved their jokes and easy banter. Bea is looking for someone else though and when she meets him she thinks she's supposed to have found her soul mate. Dan is a good guy and I was curious to find out what would happen between them. I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to discover who Bea would choose and if she'd eventually see sense and listen to what her heart keeps telling her.
Keris Stainton's writing has an easy flow. I liked her sense of humor and creativity a lot. It Had to Be You is entertaining, charming and sweet. It's an adorable story filled with funny eccentricities that made my heart melt. I love a great lighthearted and cheerful story and It Had to Be You definitely falls into that category. It's a captivating feelgood book with a fantastic happy ending. I really liked this gorgeous endearing story.
When Bea meets Dan she's relieved she's finally found the man she's always dreamt about and they start dating. Bea assumes she's supposed to end up with Dan because she's sure that is how fate works. Is that really the case though? Dan is kind and handsome, but is he the man for Bea? Will Bea dare to follow her heart, so she will have a chance with the man of her dreams, getting her happily ever after?
It Had to Be You is a fun story about true love. I immediately loved Bea. She's wonderfully quirky and I loved how naive she can be. She's fond of books, which is another big plus. She and Henry have a wonderful special friendship that put a big smile on my face. I loved their jokes and easy banter. Bea is looking for someone else though and when she meets him she thinks she's supposed to have found her soul mate. Dan is a good guy and I was curious to find out what would happen between them. I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to discover who Bea would choose and if she'd eventually see sense and listen to what her heart keeps telling her.
Keris Stainton's writing has an easy flow. I liked her sense of humor and creativity a lot. It Had to Be You is entertaining, charming and sweet. It's an adorable story filled with funny eccentricities that made my heart melt. I love a great lighthearted and cheerful story and It Had to Be You definitely falls into that category. It's a captivating feelgood book with a fantastic happy ending. I really liked this gorgeous endearing story.
December 6, 2017
This book is pure chick-lit, an easy light fluffy read. I read this as a mind cleanser to reboot the brain.
The story is simple Bea has been seeing the same dream for years about meeting a man on the park bench and one day she does. DAN. So she believes fate has spoken and asks him out, but there are no fireworks between them. And the story continues... Will she, won't she dump Dan??
This is my second book by the author Keris Stainton, I felt the first one if you could only see me was far better. Bea lives in a townhouse with her housemates, all of them are quirky and some are downright kinky. They make fabulous read. The friendship between them was nicely written. I could feel their easy comfort with each other. All of us want friends like these...
I liked the way Keris has portrayed the chemistry which Bea has with her landlord/workmate/friend Henry. Their dialogues are good but nothing earth shattering or remarkable.
The rest of the book continues on, with dates with Dan, no fireworks, Bea's friendship with her house mates, Henry and Bea conversations. None of the characters are well developed, the story needs more depth, more fireworks for it to claim that lovers should have fireworks to make the relationship work.
Amongst all the characters I liked Bea's best friend Freya the most. She was fun, clear headed and only sane thinker. Rest of them muddled through. The whole book was lacklustre.
Maybe it's just me, but I want real laugh out loud moments if the book promises me one...
Overall, a good read in this genre.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Bookouture and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
The story is simple Bea has been seeing the same dream for years about meeting a man on the park bench and one day she does. DAN. So she believes fate has spoken and asks him out, but there are no fireworks between them. And the story continues... Will she, won't she dump Dan??
This is my second book by the author Keris Stainton, I felt the first one if you could only see me was far better. Bea lives in a townhouse with her housemates, all of them are quirky and some are downright kinky. They make fabulous read. The friendship between them was nicely written. I could feel their easy comfort with each other. All of us want friends like these...
I liked the way Keris has portrayed the chemistry which Bea has with her landlord/workmate/friend Henry. Their dialogues are good but nothing earth shattering or remarkable.
The rest of the book continues on, with dates with Dan, no fireworks, Bea's friendship with her house mates, Henry and Bea conversations. None of the characters are well developed, the story needs more depth, more fireworks for it to claim that lovers should have fireworks to make the relationship work.
Amongst all the characters I liked Bea's best friend Freya the most. She was fun, clear headed and only sane thinker. Rest of them muddled through. The whole book was lacklustre.
Maybe it's just me, but I want real laugh out loud moments if the book promises me one...
Overall, a good read in this genre.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Bookouture and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
January 4, 2018
Bea has met the man of her dreams. Yes really. For years she has had almost the same dream nightly where she meets this man in the park, almost knows his name and what he is wearing and then one day she turns around and he is there- for real. She works in a nearby bookshop with her friend Henry who is also her landlord in their shared flat with two others. Is Dan all that she thinks he is or are friendships even more important?How come we don’t always see what is right under our noses that we take for granted and should be cherished. An interesting read. I am not normally into romance books but this one is that little bit different as it is more about life and characters. You can’t help but take to Bea and Henry. We could all do with a Henry in our lives- a stable , reliable trustworthy friend to have a laugh with and be able to lean on when necessary (and of course he can too). An uplifting read
July 29, 2022
3.5/5 ⭐
December 6, 2017
If you think this is the kind of book where you're casting the Hallmark movie version while reading - you're right. Yes, it may be a bit predictable but the characters are so endearing that it does not really matter. One of our heroine's favorite rom-coms (among many) is Notting Hill and there are definitely shades of the film in this book - the bookshop, the cast of zany characters and roommates and, of course, a hopeless romantic or two. While this book does not specifically reference the holiday season, it is still the perfect cozy winter read. Thank you Netgalley for this preview!
December 5, 2017
Hands up, Keris Stainton writes the funniest books; guaranteed laugh out loud antics & funny characters you instantly warm to & feel a part of the group dynamic!
I loved that two of the main characters worked in a book store,I loved that they had real wonderful & weird customers. A feelgood, uplifting, real account of life, love, friendships & 'dream romances'. The really interesting part for me was how off the wall from your average book heroine Bea is; she's quirky, gutsy, geeky & gives herself a narrative of her day in her head, just searingly honest and endearing.
The pop culture references to films was awesome, the book title itself epitomises When Harry Met Sally, I think pretty much all my favourite 90's/00's films were mentioned.
Another smasher from Stainton!
Thanks Bookoutre & netgalley for accepting me to receive this copy to review honestly.
I loved that two of the main characters worked in a book store,I loved that they had real wonderful & weird customers. A feelgood, uplifting, real account of life, love, friendships & 'dream romances'. The really interesting part for me was how off the wall from your average book heroine Bea is; she's quirky, gutsy, geeky & gives herself a narrative of her day in her head, just searingly honest and endearing.
The pop culture references to films was awesome, the book title itself epitomises When Harry Met Sally, I think pretty much all my favourite 90's/00's films were mentioned.
Another smasher from Stainton!
Thanks Bookoutre & netgalley for accepting me to receive this copy to review honestly.
November 16, 2017
My first time reading a Ms. Stainton book and I really enjoyed it. This was such a wonderful, feel good book. I loved it - in fact on finishing it, I could happily have returned to the start to begin reading it again, it was such a good read. I loved the characters and I love the plot. The characters are so lifelike and you find yourself connecting with all of them. The writing was smooth and easy. I was sucked into the story from the first word and I couldn't put it down as I neared the end. The story is lovely, and although the ending becomes predictable as the story goes on, it doesn't stop it being a very enjoyable read!
It Had to Be You is funny and will have you laughing out loud at moments in there and you can't help falling in love with all (the right) characters! It's definitely one to look out for this year.
***I received the ARC for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
It Had to Be You is funny and will have you laughing out loud at moments in there and you can't help falling in love with all (the right) characters! It's definitely one to look out for this year.
***I received the ARC for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
May 6, 2018
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with this book!
Ik heb een nieuwe favoriete schrijfster gevonden voor momenten dat ik even iets luchtigs wil lezen.
In dit boek volgen we Bea, die gedurende tien jaar dezelfde droom heeft over haar ware liefde. Op een dag vindt ze deze man in het park en gaat de relatie aan. Echter gaat het niet zoals het in haar dromen gaat... Bea woont samen met drie anderen in een huis en werkt in een boekenwinkel. Haar beste vriend is Henry met wie ze ook samen in de boekenwinkel werkt.
Ik vond het heerlijk lezen, het is luchtig, het is grappig en voornamelijk ook feelgood waar ik van houd. De laatste tijd las ik boeken die mij minder boeide of waarvan ik geen zin meer had in lezen. Dan is dit het perfecte boek dat mij heeft geholpen.
Ik heb een nieuwe favoriete schrijfster gevonden voor momenten dat ik even iets luchtigs wil lezen.
In dit boek volgen we Bea, die gedurende tien jaar dezelfde droom heeft over haar ware liefde. Op een dag vindt ze deze man in het park en gaat de relatie aan. Echter gaat het niet zoals het in haar dromen gaat... Bea woont samen met drie anderen in een huis en werkt in een boekenwinkel. Haar beste vriend is Henry met wie ze ook samen in de boekenwinkel werkt.
Ik vond het heerlijk lezen, het is luchtig, het is grappig en voornamelijk ook feelgood waar ik van houd. De laatste tijd las ik boeken die mij minder boeide of waarvan ik geen zin meer had in lezen. Dan is dit het perfecte boek dat mij heeft geholpen.
December 11, 2017
Thanks to Netgalley for my copy.
Bea works in a bookshop along with her friend Henry. Bea is a hopeless romantic who has a recurring dream that she will meet the man of her dreams in the local park. She has very little experience with men and thinks the perfect man is out there.
This is a light fluffy funny read which I enjoyed. It is a great beach read and is a definite chicklit book. It has some laugh out loud moments and a great cast of characters.
Bea works in a bookshop along with her friend Henry. Bea is a hopeless romantic who has a recurring dream that she will meet the man of her dreams in the local park. She has very little experience with men and thinks the perfect man is out there.
This is a light fluffy funny read which I enjoyed. It is a great beach read and is a definite chicklit book. It has some laugh out loud moments and a great cast of characters.
November 15, 2017
I just kept reading and I didn’t even know the book was coming to an end until I read the last page! Ugh I need more! 😭 this book was hilarious, relatable, and adorable and ugh.. full review coming very soon! 😭❤️❤️
October 30, 2018
Light sweet romantic comedy. Just what I needed to relax and read.
April 3, 2018
I read this book in just under a week. I loved it so much! I loved the dream that Bea does every night, meeting the man of her dreams in a park. Every night she has this recurrent dream and one day she actually does meet a nice man in this park. She starts dating him and is pretty sure that Dan, is the man of her dreams. But is Dan really the man of her dreams?
I loved the way this book was written, the characters, the plot, the settings, the romance (especially in the last pages... soo good!), I loved everything about this book! I give it a 5 stars out of 5! First book of 2018 that is perfect in every way for me!
I loved the way this book was written, the characters, the plot, the settings, the romance (especially in the last pages... soo good!), I loved everything about this book! I give it a 5 stars out of 5! First book of 2018 that is perfect in every way for me!
December 6, 2017
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I was genuinely excited to start reading the book and I wasn't disappointed. It was a funny read and had me laughing out loud in places - it is an excellent way to be cheered up if you are ever feeling down!
The plot was great and I thought it all flowed really well. The characters worked so well together and their interaction really made the story such a good one - I have given the book a five star rating and it's definitely one I would recommend, I really enjoyed it!
I was genuinely excited to start reading the book and I wasn't disappointed. It was a funny read and had me laughing out loud in places - it is an excellent way to be cheered up if you are ever feeling down!
The plot was great and I thought it all flowed really well. The characters worked so well together and their interaction really made the story such a good one - I have given the book a five star rating and it's definitely one I would recommend, I really enjoyed it!
November 20, 2017
Love, love, love. Keris' romcoms are my happy place, always, and this is my favourite yet. So sweet and warm hearted, with a touch of magic. Henry is my best boy.
December 6, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Oh my goodness me this book could not have come at a better time!! Have you ever felt so down, that all you wanted to do was laugh? No, I don’t mean a little snigger at a rubbish Christmas joke. I mean a proper belly laugh, tears rolling down cheeks, sides hurting type laughter. You know the sort I mean? Well, I have to admit that I have been in an absolute funk of a mood lately due to various reasons – all I wanted to do was feel carefree by laughing.
By golly that happened! I hadn’t even finished reading the first chapter when I began snorting like a pig with laughter. Seriously! I thought Keri Stainton’s previous novel was hilarious but this is even funnier!
Bea is a closed box type of character as she has gone through life on the safe route, as opposed to travelling 90mph in the fast lane. Nothing wrong with that, obviously, but Bea is at the age where she feels like she is missing out on things due to her guarded nature, especially seeing as most of her friends are doing grown up things and she is stuck in dreamland…
Considering this book has a lot of characters to keep up with, I surprised myself by being able to follow each individual characters life without getting too confused! I know, right?! I think it helped that all of the characters personalities were SO different, it was easy to remember who was who and what they were all about. I absolutely LOVED Freya! She is the most hilarious character I have come across in a long time. Everything about her is brilliant and if I reckon if she were a real life person, the queue to be her best friend would be never-ending. Freya just has that….vibe. She truly has grabbed life by the, in her case, breasts, and isn’t afraid to travel down the fast lane. Absolutely brilliant.
Now, I did like Bea. She came across as such a warm-hearted character and to be honest, I found myself relating to her a little bit. Especially as, just like Bea, I struggle to see things which are right in front of me.
‘It Had To Be You’ truly is the modern-day ‘My Best Friends Wedding’, without the wedding. A lot of readers will be able to relate to the storyline in its entirety due to how close to real life it is. Not only that, I am sure a lot of readers will also be able to relate to at least one of the characters, if not more. Hell, I genuinely think that men should read this book as Keris Stainton seems to have catered for the entire population. Not all women’s/contemporary fiction is for the ladies, gents!
What hit home a lot for me was the underlying message about things being right in front of you the whole time. We are all known to make life a lot difficult for ourselves by choosing to go down the complex path in search of happiness, completely bypassing the one thing that has made us happy the entire time, ignoring it because it has always been there. We all do it, and we will continue to do so. However, on a personal level ‘It Had To Be You’ has made me think about my own choices in life and how I seem to over think things instead of just….being.
I really could not have loved this book even more if I tried. From start to finish I was in hysterics with a heart so warm, I’m surprised that nobody tried to roast marshmallows off it. Keris Stainton is an author who fills me with such joy every time I read one of her books. I really think that every one of you should go and buy her book now because really, it is THAT good.
Such a feel good, side-splitting, thought-provoking and relatable read which will leave you feeling hugged from the inside out. Absolutely hilarious and brilliant written, Keris Stainton has quickly become one of my all-time favourite authors with her genius writing.
Thank you Keris Stainton for making me laugh like I have never laughed before.
Thanks Bookouture.
Oh my goodness me this book could not have come at a better time!! Have you ever felt so down, that all you wanted to do was laugh? No, I don’t mean a little snigger at a rubbish Christmas joke. I mean a proper belly laugh, tears rolling down cheeks, sides hurting type laughter. You know the sort I mean? Well, I have to admit that I have been in an absolute funk of a mood lately due to various reasons – all I wanted to do was feel carefree by laughing.
By golly that happened! I hadn’t even finished reading the first chapter when I began snorting like a pig with laughter. Seriously! I thought Keri Stainton’s previous novel was hilarious but this is even funnier!
Bea is a closed box type of character as she has gone through life on the safe route, as opposed to travelling 90mph in the fast lane. Nothing wrong with that, obviously, but Bea is at the age where she feels like she is missing out on things due to her guarded nature, especially seeing as most of her friends are doing grown up things and she is stuck in dreamland…
Considering this book has a lot of characters to keep up with, I surprised myself by being able to follow each individual characters life without getting too confused! I know, right?! I think it helped that all of the characters personalities were SO different, it was easy to remember who was who and what they were all about. I absolutely LOVED Freya! She is the most hilarious character I have come across in a long time. Everything about her is brilliant and if I reckon if she were a real life person, the queue to be her best friend would be never-ending. Freya just has that….vibe. She truly has grabbed life by the, in her case, breasts, and isn’t afraid to travel down the fast lane. Absolutely brilliant.
Now, I did like Bea. She came across as such a warm-hearted character and to be honest, I found myself relating to her a little bit. Especially as, just like Bea, I struggle to see things which are right in front of me.
‘It Had To Be You’ truly is the modern-day ‘My Best Friends Wedding’, without the wedding. A lot of readers will be able to relate to the storyline in its entirety due to how close to real life it is. Not only that, I am sure a lot of readers will also be able to relate to at least one of the characters, if not more. Hell, I genuinely think that men should read this book as Keris Stainton seems to have catered for the entire population. Not all women’s/contemporary fiction is for the ladies, gents!
What hit home a lot for me was the underlying message about things being right in front of you the whole time. We are all known to make life a lot difficult for ourselves by choosing to go down the complex path in search of happiness, completely bypassing the one thing that has made us happy the entire time, ignoring it because it has always been there. We all do it, and we will continue to do so. However, on a personal level ‘It Had To Be You’ has made me think about my own choices in life and how I seem to over think things instead of just….being.
I really could not have loved this book even more if I tried. From start to finish I was in hysterics with a heart so warm, I’m surprised that nobody tried to roast marshmallows off it. Keris Stainton is an author who fills me with such joy every time I read one of her books. I really think that every one of you should go and buy her book now because really, it is THAT good.
Such a feel good, side-splitting, thought-provoking and relatable read which will leave you feeling hugged from the inside out. Absolutely hilarious and brilliant written, Keris Stainton has quickly become one of my all-time favourite authors with her genius writing.
Thank you Keris Stainton for making me laugh like I have never laughed before.
Thanks Bookouture.
December 8, 2017
Bea is a twenty-something woman who always compares every man she meets to her recurring dream – one she’s had since she was a teen. A bit shy and slightly awkward, her best friend Henry is also her landlord and co-worker at the bookshop. Both Bea and Henry are more than a bit on the conservative side – their flatmates are not – Freya a mouthy lesbian and the couple who are either fighting loudly or making up at decibels loud enough to inform the neighborhood. With her own back and forth about “him” the man in her dreams – Bea’s entire life has been arranged around this one London park and place – the park where her dream is staged.
Bea is overlooking everything and everyone until one day, on an errand to get milk for their tea at work she sees “him”. Him is Dan, a man biding his time in the park before an interview – and Bea, in a very non-Bea like reticent mode introduced herself to the man she believes is ‘the one’. Oh Dan is very nice – but they have NOTHING in common – he doesn’t read, and she is a bookworm, and the chemistry is just ‘meh’. Meanwhile, poor Henry is the one everyone can see she needs to be paired with – their banter, their camaraderie and their similarities they are meant to be together.
Throughout the story, we are given multiple versions of Bea’s recurring dream – subtle changes to the dream as she meets Dan, as she deals with her own past (which is pretty sad) and the constant input from Freya (wanted or not) and the slow days at the shop which allow her to muse and dream of her relationship with Dan to no end. There are some moments that have laugh out loud reactions, and situations that are clearly depicting life in a flat share with multiple people – but there is a sense that Bea is someone out of her time and element –striving to be what Dan wants, convincing herself that as her “one’ they are fated to be together and that doesn’t come with fireworks and butterflies. I was sad to see her so untethered to her own likes and desires in an effort to ‘keep’ someone who really wasn’t all that decided on being kept.
Stanton’s writing is wonderful and smooth, from dialogue to interior voice each comes of clear and distinct, the path that Bea is travelling is clear to everyone BUT herself – even as she perseveres forward – eyes on the prize. Dealing with old hurts, new expectations and even newer revelations, Bea’s journey is clear to everyone – and you wish the best for her (Henry) even more so when her own romantic and childhood histories are revealed. Clever, sweet and despite what felt like an over-reliance on her ‘dream interpretations’, Bea is a character that could be any young person trying to discover their way and just who they are.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Bea is overlooking everything and everyone until one day, on an errand to get milk for their tea at work she sees “him”. Him is Dan, a man biding his time in the park before an interview – and Bea, in a very non-Bea like reticent mode introduced herself to the man she believes is ‘the one’. Oh Dan is very nice – but they have NOTHING in common – he doesn’t read, and she is a bookworm, and the chemistry is just ‘meh’. Meanwhile, poor Henry is the one everyone can see she needs to be paired with – their banter, their camaraderie and their similarities they are meant to be together.
Throughout the story, we are given multiple versions of Bea’s recurring dream – subtle changes to the dream as she meets Dan, as she deals with her own past (which is pretty sad) and the constant input from Freya (wanted or not) and the slow days at the shop which allow her to muse and dream of her relationship with Dan to no end. There are some moments that have laugh out loud reactions, and situations that are clearly depicting life in a flat share with multiple people – but there is a sense that Bea is someone out of her time and element –striving to be what Dan wants, convincing herself that as her “one’ they are fated to be together and that doesn’t come with fireworks and butterflies. I was sad to see her so untethered to her own likes and desires in an effort to ‘keep’ someone who really wasn’t all that decided on being kept.
Stanton’s writing is wonderful and smooth, from dialogue to interior voice each comes of clear and distinct, the path that Bea is travelling is clear to everyone BUT herself – even as she perseveres forward – eyes on the prize. Dealing with old hurts, new expectations and even newer revelations, Bea’s journey is clear to everyone – and you wish the best for her (Henry) even more so when her own romantic and childhood histories are revealed. Clever, sweet and despite what felt like an over-reliance on her ‘dream interpretations’, Bea is a character that could be any young person trying to discover their way and just who they are.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
November 17, 2017
It had to be you by Keris Stainton a five-star read that you have to have. How have I never read this author before, she really is laugh out loud funny, I got some very strange looks reading on the train when I was reading this, so read in public at your own risk. The characters are so real and funny that sometimes you get sucked in and think your having a conversation with your mates not reading a book. Honestly there were some parts in this book that I had to stop reading for fear I may leak. The writing was fun and paced well, it did have a couple of moments where you knew what was coming but they fit in so well it was almost as if the story just completed itself in front of you rather than be predictable. Overall I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone, but only if your reading alone and not in public as you may leak also. Thank you Keris Stainton for writing such funny and amazing words.
December 13, 2017
This is the second book written by Keris Stainton that I have read. The first one ‘If You Could See Me Now’ was released earlier this year and became an instant bestseller. I know that I really enjoyed the first book and so I had high hopes for her second. I was not to be disappointed. I really enjoyed it but more about that later.
I took to Bea’s character from the start. It becomes clear that she has certain issues regarding her family. She shares a flat with some friends, who have become her ‘family’ so to speak. Bea has my dream job- she works in a book shop!!! Bea works with her best friend Henry and they make a fantastic team. Bea gets on well with her housemates, who are all quirky in their own sweet way. I had to chuckle out loud more than once at the antics of the couple who share the flat with Bea and the others. The couple aren’t exactly quiet when they ‘get it on’ and the walls are horrendously thin, so Bea either puts her headphones on or stuffs a pillow over her head so she can’t hear them. It so reminded me of when I lived in Halls Of Residence at university, where you could hear everything that was going on in the flats around you. Bea has had the same dream for the last few years. The dream is that she is going to meet somebody called ‘Dan’ in the park and he is going to be the one. Well guess what? She does meet a Dan in the park and she starts seeing him, although he is quite different from how she imagined him to be. She also starts comparing Dan to Henry. Is Dan ‘the one’ or is her dream man a bit closer to home? Well for the answer to that question you are just going to have to read the book to find out.
I must admit that it took me a little while to get into this book, as I felt that the story was a bit slow to start with. However, when I started to meet Bea’s housemates and other characters were introduced, the story got a bit quicker. The descriptions of the housemates were so realistic that I started to think that I really knew them and I began to think of them as friends. In fact I felt as though I was an ‘invisible’ housemate watching everything happened around me. There were certain times when I felt as though I needed to jump into the pages of this book to give Bea a slap with a wet flip flop or a shake by the shoulders. As I mentioned before I did laugh out loud at some of the shenanigans that went on both in Bea’s life, her housemates’ lives and at some of the bizarre customers that the book shop attracted.
In short, I did really enjoy reading ‘It Had To Be You’ and I would recommend it to those people, who enjoy reading light hearted, romantic comedies. The score on the Ginger Book Geek scoreboard is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.
I took to Bea’s character from the start. It becomes clear that she has certain issues regarding her family. She shares a flat with some friends, who have become her ‘family’ so to speak. Bea has my dream job- she works in a book shop!!! Bea works with her best friend Henry and they make a fantastic team. Bea gets on well with her housemates, who are all quirky in their own sweet way. I had to chuckle out loud more than once at the antics of the couple who share the flat with Bea and the others. The couple aren’t exactly quiet when they ‘get it on’ and the walls are horrendously thin, so Bea either puts her headphones on or stuffs a pillow over her head so she can’t hear them. It so reminded me of when I lived in Halls Of Residence at university, where you could hear everything that was going on in the flats around you. Bea has had the same dream for the last few years. The dream is that she is going to meet somebody called ‘Dan’ in the park and he is going to be the one. Well guess what? She does meet a Dan in the park and she starts seeing him, although he is quite different from how she imagined him to be. She also starts comparing Dan to Henry. Is Dan ‘the one’ or is her dream man a bit closer to home? Well for the answer to that question you are just going to have to read the book to find out.
I must admit that it took me a little while to get into this book, as I felt that the story was a bit slow to start with. However, when I started to meet Bea’s housemates and other characters were introduced, the story got a bit quicker. The descriptions of the housemates were so realistic that I started to think that I really knew them and I began to think of them as friends. In fact I felt as though I was an ‘invisible’ housemate watching everything happened around me. There were certain times when I felt as though I needed to jump into the pages of this book to give Bea a slap with a wet flip flop or a shake by the shoulders. As I mentioned before I did laugh out loud at some of the shenanigans that went on both in Bea’s life, her housemates’ lives and at some of the bizarre customers that the book shop attracted.
In short, I did really enjoy reading ‘It Had To Be You’ and I would recommend it to those people, who enjoy reading light hearted, romantic comedies. The score on the Ginger Book Geek scoreboard is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.
November 20, 2017
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an advance review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Bea has had the same dream for 10 years; finding "The One" on a bench in a park. When Bea meets Dan in that park sitting on that bench, is it possible that her dream is coming true? Is Dan Mr. Right or has Mr. Right been right in front of her all along? I related to Bea so much more than I could ever express in words. This romantic comedy is the perfect light read that you will be sad when it ends and will find yourself thinking of Bea, Henry, Freya, Adam and Celine long after the last page.
This is the first book I've read by this author; I look forward to reading "If You Could See Me Now".
Bea has had the same dream for 10 years; finding "The One" on a bench in a park. When Bea meets Dan in that park sitting on that bench, is it possible that her dream is coming true? Is Dan Mr. Right or has Mr. Right been right in front of her all along? I related to Bea so much more than I could ever express in words. This romantic comedy is the perfect light read that you will be sad when it ends and will find yourself thinking of Bea, Henry, Freya, Adam and Celine long after the last page.
This is the first book I've read by this author; I look forward to reading "If You Could See Me Now".
December 4, 2017
I adored joining the sweet and quirky Bea on her journey to find her 'dream' guy! I totally identified with her as i too have voices in my head (glad to know I'm not a wierdo!) Hennnnrryyyy! and Celine were two of my most favourite characters... I think Ms Stainton has a real talent for writing out BRILLIANT supporting characters!
I'm sorry I did NOT like Dan, he was sweet but seemed like a tool!
I'm glad Bea got her dream in the end!
Kudos Ms Stainton!
Great Cover... Cracking Book... totally LOVABLE characters!
5 Stars! (One for each of my fave characters ) and one from the Cover Junkie in me!
**Thank you Netgalley and BOOKOUTURE (i <3 the name) for my ARC**
I'm sorry I did NOT like Dan, he was sweet but seemed like a tool!
I'm glad Bea got her dream in the end!
Kudos Ms Stainton!
Great Cover... Cracking Book... totally LOVABLE characters!
5 Stars! (One for each of my fave characters ) and one from the Cover Junkie in me!
**Thank you Netgalley and BOOKOUTURE (i <3 the name) for my ARC**
April 7, 2019
Keris's books are the ultimate comfort reads - cosy, witty and full of snappy one-liners. It Had To Be You is no exception as it follows bookseller Bea's pursuit of her dream (literal dream) man. As ever the characters are hilarious - I particularly loved housemate Freya - and I was so sad when the book was over as I wanted more, more, more!
December 12, 2017
I adored this book. It's the perfect book for curling up under a blanket with. It is warm and charming, and so brilliantly funny. I found that Bea, the main character, was a breath of fresh air - she hasn't got it all sorted, she's hesitant at times and so so easy to identify with. I loved that she doesn't have that sense of confidence and life experience that so many main characters seem to have, here was a character that was so like me and I loved her all the more for it. I loved the supporting characters too, if my house share experiences had been more like Bea's then they would have been amazing. A truly wonderful read!
March 15, 2020
Exactly what I needed right now. Funny, adorable, relatable.
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