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How to Get a (Love) Life
Nicola Brown doesn't like to lose control. Her home is always meticulously tidy and her weekly meals carefully planned; Nicola keeps her life in order. When her carefree colleague Caroline challenges Nicola to find a date for Valentine's Day, it's a surprise to them both when Nicola agrees. As Nicola's search for a man begins, she is thrown in at the deep end—sometimes quite literally—of the dating scene. From men more likely to sell their mother than open their wallet, to those who are determined to find a girlfriend who shares their passion for extreme sports, Nicola has to run the full gamut of dodgy dates. But as the deadline looms closer, Nicola realizes it isn't so bad to lose control. It turns out that trying to get a love life can be rather a lot of fun.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2014
35 people are currently reading
736 people want to read
About the author
Rosie Blake
7 books389 followersRosie is a writer, vlogger and amateur Mum. She loves to chat and write about love, sex, dating and relationships. She has written features for Cosmopolitan, The Lady, The Sunday People, Reveal and Best Magazine. She has appeared on ITV, Sky and Channel 4.
Her first romantic comedy HOW TO GET A (LOVE) LIFE was published in 2014. Atlantic Books published HOW TO STUFF UP CHRISTMAS in 2015 and HOW TO FIND YOUR (FIRST) HUSBAND in 2016. Her latest book THE HYGGE HOLIDAY is out in September 2017 with Sphere, an imprint of Little Brown. Rosie is represented by Clare Wallace at the Darley Anderson Agency.
Rosie wishes to continue writing romantic comedies, persuade Julia Roberts to be her best friend and discover the world’s greatest Black Forest Gateaux recipe.
Her first romantic comedy HOW TO GET A (LOVE) LIFE was published in 2014. Atlantic Books published HOW TO STUFF UP CHRISTMAS in 2015 and HOW TO FIND YOUR (FIRST) HUSBAND in 2016. Her latest book THE HYGGE HOLIDAY is out in September 2017 with Sphere, an imprint of Little Brown. Rosie is represented by Clare Wallace at the Darley Anderson Agency.
Rosie wishes to continue writing romantic comedies, persuade Julia Roberts to be her best friend and discover the world’s greatest Black Forest Gateaux recipe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
February 6, 2017
How to Get a (Love) Life is Rosie Blake's debut novel turned into a lovely, gorgeous paperback and even though I've read it few years ago I was desperate to get a copy of this book in my greedy mittens and read it again! It was a great joy to meet with the characters for a second time, the story was just up to my street and what more can I say? I love Rosie Blake and her brilliant, funny and uplifting stories! So there.
Nicola has OCD. Yes, I love OCD people, maybe because I am very far away from OCD myself. I am a big fan of the routine, as long as the routine is a far cry from me. Nicola is very straight and very good organised and it is such a pleasure to read about such people, believe me. She is very careful with what she says and what she does, she's very punctual, she eats the same things on certain days, she's very VERY. She may seem shallow at the beginning but actually I found her totally nice and I have warmed to her immediately. She is actually happy with her life and it's not a problem to her that she's 29 and single. It is more problematic for her work colleague Caroline and when she dares Nicola to find a date for the forthcoming Valentine's Day, Nicola agrees. And starts dating. On a series of dates set by her brother and Caroline.
Apart Nicola we have a little cast of characters in the book. There is Mark, her brother, with whom she has a brilliant relationship and who appears on her doorstep whenever he wants, there is Caroline, Nicola's work friend with her two hilarious children, and James, the boss. The most significant characters in the book and all of them brilliantly written, all of them warm, funny and likeable.
Some of Nicola's dates were ridiculous and I have laughed more than often reading about them. The dates and the men that she met were crazy, were impossible, and altogether disastrous. For me it was a great fun, an easy read that I needed so much, and I have enjoyed seeing Nicola coming out of her shell step by step with each date.
I also liked that many of the chapters began with a personal ad, and each ad summed the previous disastrous dates up. They were really funny and each one of them made me chuckle.
I know that some of the reviewers said that they haven't felt any chemistry between Nicola and The Obvious One but well, I have. And although I have known after reading approx 30% of the book how it's going to end and that Nicola shouldn't look far away for her date for Valentine's Date, it hasn't spoil the book for me at all. It was a real pleasure to see how Nicola develops and leaves her comfort zones. It was a light, fun, feel - good read, women's fiction at its best, something that I needed very much in the moment. Keep them coming, Rosie!
copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
Nicola has OCD. Yes, I love OCD people, maybe because I am very far away from OCD myself. I am a big fan of the routine, as long as the routine is a far cry from me. Nicola is very straight and very good organised and it is such a pleasure to read about such people, believe me. She is very careful with what she says and what she does, she's very punctual, she eats the same things on certain days, she's very VERY. She may seem shallow at the beginning but actually I found her totally nice and I have warmed to her immediately. She is actually happy with her life and it's not a problem to her that she's 29 and single. It is more problematic for her work colleague Caroline and when she dares Nicola to find a date for the forthcoming Valentine's Day, Nicola agrees. And starts dating. On a series of dates set by her brother and Caroline.
Apart Nicola we have a little cast of characters in the book. There is Mark, her brother, with whom she has a brilliant relationship and who appears on her doorstep whenever he wants, there is Caroline, Nicola's work friend with her two hilarious children, and James, the boss. The most significant characters in the book and all of them brilliantly written, all of them warm, funny and likeable.
Some of Nicola's dates were ridiculous and I have laughed more than often reading about them. The dates and the men that she met were crazy, were impossible, and altogether disastrous. For me it was a great fun, an easy read that I needed so much, and I have enjoyed seeing Nicola coming out of her shell step by step with each date.
I also liked that many of the chapters began with a personal ad, and each ad summed the previous disastrous dates up. They were really funny and each one of them made me chuckle.
I know that some of the reviewers said that they haven't felt any chemistry between Nicola and The Obvious One but well, I have. And although I have known after reading approx 30% of the book how it's going to end and that Nicola shouldn't look far away for her date for Valentine's Date, it hasn't spoil the book for me at all. It was a real pleasure to see how Nicola develops and leaves her comfort zones. It was a light, fun, feel - good read, women's fiction at its best, something that I needed very much in the moment. Keep them coming, Rosie!
copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
January 30, 2014
Review from Fairy Tale Ending Book Reviews
Read: 28 January 2014
Why: Copy received in exchange for honest review
Brief synopsis: When Nicola was younger she never imagined that at 29 she'd still be single, living alone and eating the same set menu each week.
Her work colleague Caroline decides it's time for Nicola to loosen up and get herself a love life. Daring her to find someone before Valentines Day... in just 3 months time.
What I thought: I really liked the idea of this story and wanted to love the book but sadly I was disappointed.
Whilst there were things about the book that were good, unfortunately nothing really jumped out at me as great. The humour seemed very forced in places and for me, there were a few scenes, like the one with the psychic in the office, that didn't really seem to add anything to the story whilst other parts were rushed or even skipped. There was no depth behind the story of the ultimate love interest and prior to him announcing his boyfriend status, I hadn't really detected any chemistry between the two characters. It certainly wasn't a blossoming romance.
Read: 28 January 2014
Why: Copy received in exchange for honest review
Brief synopsis: When Nicola was younger she never imagined that at 29 she'd still be single, living alone and eating the same set menu each week.
Her work colleague Caroline decides it's time for Nicola to loosen up and get herself a love life. Daring her to find someone before Valentines Day... in just 3 months time.
What I thought: I really liked the idea of this story and wanted to love the book but sadly I was disappointed.
Whilst there were things about the book that were good, unfortunately nothing really jumped out at me as great. The humour seemed very forced in places and for me, there were a few scenes, like the one with the psychic in the office, that didn't really seem to add anything to the story whilst other parts were rushed or even skipped. There was no depth behind the story of the ultimate love interest and prior to him announcing his boyfriend status, I hadn't really detected any chemistry between the two characters. It certainly wasn't a blossoming romance.
March 12, 2015
**2.5 stars**
It did have it's moments but overall it was an ok and enjoyable read...but the truth is that I expected more.
It did have it's moments but overall it was an ok and enjoyable read...but the truth is that I expected more.
September 28, 2020
Fun Rim Com
After reading some dark books this fun rom com was exactly what my soul needed. Would read this author again.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
After reading some dark books this fun rom com was exactly what my soul needed. Would read this author again.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
April 21, 2019
To read my full review here mariesbookboutique.wordpress.com/2019...
Nicola is in control of her every waking minuet of her day; from her weekly meal plan to her very tidy home. She work's just as hard and organised as a PA for a small agency for actors and actresses sourcing them the perfect role. Nicola is very single and has been for a while and has become a stand in joke not just about her lack of love life but of her military precision of her life with her work colleague Caroline. Caroline is married with young children and is always daring Nicola to do something; which she doesn't accept. Caroline is convinced Nicola should be getting herself out there meeting people and when she finds out that Nicola has never had a date for Valentines Day, she dare's her to find herself a date for the 14th of February. Caroline makes it all official and produces a document to singe, Nicola reluctantly agrees. Her friend even set's up her first date for her! Needless to say he wasn't second date worthy!
Taking it all very seriously Nicola goes to great length's to find herself that Valentines date sometimes to her peril. But as she searches she start's to enjoy herself and realises there is more to life than meal plans and organisation. Will Nicola find her perfect date for the 14th of February? How many frogs will she have to kiss before she finds her prince? Or is he closer than she thinks?
How To Find A Love Life by Rosie Blake was a very comical and romantic read, following Nicola's mission to bag herself a date for Valentines Day. There are bit's in the book that will have you chuckling as you read; especially when Nicola's dates are disasters. I found I read this book really quickly and at about half way through I found kinda guessed the ending; which wasn't a problem because I still really liked the story none the less. I enjoyed the progression of Nicolas character because of the way she changes and becomes more fun!
This book is an enjoyable read and is very entertaining through out!
Nicola is in control of her every waking minuet of her day; from her weekly meal plan to her very tidy home. She work's just as hard and organised as a PA for a small agency for actors and actresses sourcing them the perfect role. Nicola is very single and has been for a while and has become a stand in joke not just about her lack of love life but of her military precision of her life with her work colleague Caroline. Caroline is married with young children and is always daring Nicola to do something; which she doesn't accept. Caroline is convinced Nicola should be getting herself out there meeting people and when she finds out that Nicola has never had a date for Valentines Day, she dare's her to find herself a date for the 14th of February. Caroline makes it all official and produces a document to singe, Nicola reluctantly agrees. Her friend even set's up her first date for her! Needless to say he wasn't second date worthy!
Taking it all very seriously Nicola goes to great length's to find herself that Valentines date sometimes to her peril. But as she searches she start's to enjoy herself and realises there is more to life than meal plans and organisation. Will Nicola find her perfect date for the 14th of February? How many frogs will she have to kiss before she finds her prince? Or is he closer than she thinks?
How To Find A Love Life by Rosie Blake was a very comical and romantic read, following Nicola's mission to bag herself a date for Valentines Day. There are bit's in the book that will have you chuckling as you read; especially when Nicola's dates are disasters. I found I read this book really quickly and at about half way through I found kinda guessed the ending; which wasn't a problem because I still really liked the story none the less. I enjoyed the progression of Nicolas character because of the way she changes and becomes more fun!
This book is an enjoyable read and is very entertaining through out!
January 29, 2014
How To Get A (Love) Life (HTGALL) is Rosie’s debut novel and I was more than desperate to read it, so much so, when it landed in my inbox, I screamed, did a dance and then started reading it straight away.
How beautiful is the cover too?! Novelicious are always triumphant when it comes to covers!
HTGALL follows Nicola Brown on her quest to get a love life aided by her work colleague Caroline, her brother Mark and one internet dating site. Perpetually single Nicola starts the novel standing in an airport, on Valentine’s Day, about to embark on her first singles holiday. Before we have the chance to get excited about sun, sea and sexy single men, we are whisked back to the ‘beginning’ of Nicola’s quest and to the start of her brand new job working in an acting agency.
Nicola’s work colleague, Caroline, is convinced that Nicola needs to get out more and find a man to love, so dares her to find true love by Valentine ’s Day. What follows is Nicola clumsy navigating the dating scene, dating her brother’s friends and finding that love is actually quite hard to find. But, perhaps, love might just find Nicola when she least expects it…
I wanted to love this book SO much but, it just fell a little bit short for me. After all of the Twitter hype surrounding this book I was waiting for a genuine LOL fest and a really clever and witty book about one single woman finding love. Whilst this book was very funny in places, I did find some of the ‘comedy’ scenes to be quite cliché and some of the ideas were far from original (for example a scene in the book where Nicola is mistaken for an actress), very reminiscent of a lot of novels, films, TV shows I’ve seen before.
A few little things bothered me too: we didn’t have a very clear indication of how fast these events were happening, there was no kind of time indication between events so I didn’t know if they were happening days, weeks or months apart from each other. At times the narrative also felt a tad nonlinear and we jumped from event to event disjointedly. (I’ve just used the word ‘event’ far too many times!)
My other gripe with the book was there was a humongous lack of chemistry between Nicola and her main love interest. It was almost a shock when things happened between them because I couldn’t pick up on any tangible spark between the two…they were quite rude to each other, Nicola was especially blunt and there seemed to be no indication in their mannerisms or thoughts that they liked each other. I think this was why I felt a big disappointment when they ‘got together’. I didn’t feel like they knew each other at all. It would have been nice to have some more scenes between the two of them and more indication from Nicola’s thoughts and feelings that she was interested in him and felt something there.
Aside from that, I really did enjoy Rosie’s narrative voice. It was a nicely paced book and I was constantly turning the pages waiting to see what trouble Nicola would find herself in next. I enjoyed her relationship with Mark (her brother) and found him to be a very intriguing and comical character. Caroline was also full of laughs and her two children were adorably cute. Some of the dates were really well written and I particularly like the date in the kayak: that was some great writing.
Nicola was an interesting protagonist and I found her to be quite shallow to begin with but over the course of the novel she redeemed herself and I thoroughly liked her by the end. I just wish she had a bit more oomph to her and a little bit more confidence to make her voice heard in certain situations.
If I’m honest, I think the main reason I struggled with this book is because it was very different from what I was expecting. I was hanging onto the hope Nicola would flee dreary England and spend some time in a warm, sunny country finding love and when that never happened, I was a bit gutted. The prologue threw me off a bit and I feel the book would have worked better without it being there so we jump straight into the action instead.
I am really keen to see how other readers enjoyed this novel because I feel like I’ve missed something and I need to re-read to fall in love with this book.
Rosie is a fabulous person but for me, this novel didn’t work as well for me as I hoped it would.
A fast paced debut about searching for love in all the wrong places when the right person for you is already in your life.
How beautiful is the cover too?! Novelicious are always triumphant when it comes to covers!
HTGALL follows Nicola Brown on her quest to get a love life aided by her work colleague Caroline, her brother Mark and one internet dating site. Perpetually single Nicola starts the novel standing in an airport, on Valentine’s Day, about to embark on her first singles holiday. Before we have the chance to get excited about sun, sea and sexy single men, we are whisked back to the ‘beginning’ of Nicola’s quest and to the start of her brand new job working in an acting agency.
Nicola’s work colleague, Caroline, is convinced that Nicola needs to get out more and find a man to love, so dares her to find true love by Valentine ’s Day. What follows is Nicola clumsy navigating the dating scene, dating her brother’s friends and finding that love is actually quite hard to find. But, perhaps, love might just find Nicola when she least expects it…
I wanted to love this book SO much but, it just fell a little bit short for me. After all of the Twitter hype surrounding this book I was waiting for a genuine LOL fest and a really clever and witty book about one single woman finding love. Whilst this book was very funny in places, I did find some of the ‘comedy’ scenes to be quite cliché and some of the ideas were far from original (for example a scene in the book where Nicola is mistaken for an actress), very reminiscent of a lot of novels, films, TV shows I’ve seen before.
A few little things bothered me too: we didn’t have a very clear indication of how fast these events were happening, there was no kind of time indication between events so I didn’t know if they were happening days, weeks or months apart from each other. At times the narrative also felt a tad nonlinear and we jumped from event to event disjointedly. (I’ve just used the word ‘event’ far too many times!)
My other gripe with the book was there was a humongous lack of chemistry between Nicola and her main love interest. It was almost a shock when things happened between them because I couldn’t pick up on any tangible spark between the two…they were quite rude to each other, Nicola was especially blunt and there seemed to be no indication in their mannerisms or thoughts that they liked each other. I think this was why I felt a big disappointment when they ‘got together’. I didn’t feel like they knew each other at all. It would have been nice to have some more scenes between the two of them and more indication from Nicola’s thoughts and feelings that she was interested in him and felt something there.
Aside from that, I really did enjoy Rosie’s narrative voice. It was a nicely paced book and I was constantly turning the pages waiting to see what trouble Nicola would find herself in next. I enjoyed her relationship with Mark (her brother) and found him to be a very intriguing and comical character. Caroline was also full of laughs and her two children were adorably cute. Some of the dates were really well written and I particularly like the date in the kayak: that was some great writing.
Nicola was an interesting protagonist and I found her to be quite shallow to begin with but over the course of the novel she redeemed herself and I thoroughly liked her by the end. I just wish she had a bit more oomph to her and a little bit more confidence to make her voice heard in certain situations.
If I’m honest, I think the main reason I struggled with this book is because it was very different from what I was expecting. I was hanging onto the hope Nicola would flee dreary England and spend some time in a warm, sunny country finding love and when that never happened, I was a bit gutted. The prologue threw me off a bit and I feel the book would have worked better without it being there so we jump straight into the action instead.
I am really keen to see how other readers enjoyed this novel because I feel like I’ve missed something and I need to re-read to fall in love with this book.
Rosie is a fabulous person but for me, this novel didn’t work as well for me as I hoped it would.
A fast paced debut about searching for love in all the wrong places when the right person for you is already in your life.
February 10, 2017
Nicola was a bit OCD about things. She likes to eat certain dinners on certain nights, that goes for all her meals. She plans, she cleans. But hey, I like organised, it's a good way to be.
Of course the book is not about her being organised, but about her coworker daring her to try to find a date for Valentine's. Double dare. Oh yes! You do not back out of a double dare.
And poor girl, those are some lousy dates she tries. It's amusing and we have all been on them. Her friends sure know how to pick them. But I liked how she went for it, she had not been dating much in quite some time and she put herself out there. Lousy results, but hey it's the effort that counts.
And of course it has a HEA. I mean she has to meet someone right...right..right!? Yes someone is right for her and I was happy with what I got.
Sweet and romantic.
Of course the book is not about her being organised, but about her coworker daring her to try to find a date for Valentine's. Double dare. Oh yes! You do not back out of a double dare.
And poor girl, those are some lousy dates she tries. It's amusing and we have all been on them. Her friends sure know how to pick them. But I liked how she went for it, she had not been dating much in quite some time and she put herself out there. Lousy results, but hey it's the effort that counts.
And of course it has a HEA. I mean she has to meet someone right...right..right!? Yes someone is right for her and I was happy with what I got.
Sweet and romantic.
February 7, 2014
Nicola Brown is happy in her work, happy with her friends and family but is missing that someone special. She has never had a date for Valentine's Day and when Caroline discovers this she challenges Nicola to find a guy before Valentine's Day.
So begins the hilarious story of Nicola's search for love. Fabulous supporting cast including the smarmy guys. There are some cringeworthy moments along the way and when all seems lost Nicola finds love where she least expects it.
Perfect for romance, perfect for humour, perfect for Valentine's day reading.
review copy
So begins the hilarious story of Nicola's search for love. Fabulous supporting cast including the smarmy guys. There are some cringeworthy moments along the way and when all seems lost Nicola finds love where she least expects it.
Perfect for romance, perfect for humour, perfect for Valentine's day reading.
review copy
February 6, 2019
"Lubię być w domu sama ze sobą i swoimi rzeczami. Żadnych sprzeczek, kłótni, walki o pilota od telewizora, pozornie nieszkodliwych komentarzy, które prowadzą do awantury, jakiej się wcale nie chciało. Nie ma nikogo, kto złamałby mi serce."
Nicola Brown pracuje w agencji reklamowej. Jej życie jest uporządkowane tak samo jak jej biurko. Wszystko ma swoje miejsce, a rutyna nie przeszkadza lecz uspokaja i zapewnia poczucie komfortu i bezpieczeństwa. Wkrótce będzie miała trzydzieści lat (aktualnie 29), ale status niezależnej osoby jej nie przeszkadza. Ceni sobie powrót do własnego mieszkania, gdzie panuje cisza i spokój. Choć czasem coś chwyta za serce, kiedy widzi na ulicach zakochanych, nie zamierza nic w życiu zmieniać. Dopiero wyzwania rzucone przez Caroline (koleżankę z pracy) sprawia, że Nicola podejmuje się zmiany stylu życia. Cel to znaleźć kogoś do czasu Walentynek.
"Chciałam powiedzieć, że lubię swoje towarzystwo."
Powieść rozpoczyna się na kilka tygodni przed Bożym Narodzeniem, poprzez Sylwestra swój finał znajdując w Dniu Zakochanych. Już prolog pokazuje, że misja trwać będzie do ostatniej chwili. W międzyczasie młodą kobietę czeka seria katastrofalnych randek - część umówionych przez jej znajomych czy rodzinę, część stanowiąca próbę nawiązania kontaktów ze znajomymi z czasów studiów. Autorka podziękowała osobom, które z takich okropnych spotkań jej się zwierzyły, więc sporo z nich opartych jest na prawdziwych sytuacjach.
"Byłam sama. Zupełnie sama i nikt nie mógł nic z tym zrobić, poza mną."
Sama Rosie Blake swoją powieść "Jak zyskać życie (miłosne)" - gdyby tłumaczyć tytuł dosłownie - po raz pierwszy opublikowała w 2014 roku. Jest to początek serii, w której kolejnych tomach występują inni bohaterowie, a łączy je podobnie sformułowany tytuł. Styl, jak na gatunek taki jak chick-lit przystało, jest bardzo lekki. Kolejne rozdziały rozpoczyna opis, jaki zamieszczać można na mediach społecznościowych pod swoim zdjęciem profilowym. Zawiera się w nim zawsze przykre doświadczenie wynikające z poprzednich randek. Dialogi są zabawne, a sytuacji komediowych tu nie brakuje.
Bardzo łatwo przychodzi też się zidentyfikować się z rozmyślaniami bohaterki, szczególnie kiedy jest się w podobnym wieku (tak jak ja - nawet ten sam znak zodiaku). Sama panna Brown to niesamowicie pozytywna osoba, która łatwo się nie zniechęca. Może troszkę ma na to wpływ fakt, że całość traktuje jako swego rodzaju projekt? Tyle nieudanych randkowych spotkań mało kto byłby w stanie znieść.
"... w duszy zamigotał mi maleńki płomyk nadziei. Nie mogę się poddawać. Muszę szukać dalej. Miałam naoczne dowody, że warto."
Gdzie można spotkać tego jedynego? Może właśnie na portalu randkowym? Może ukrywa się wśród znajomych znajomych? A może na warsztatach rozwijających wspólne pasje i zainteresowania? Czy może się zdarzyć, że to ktoś, kogo zna się już od lat?
"Tylko Ty" to powieść, która równie mocno jak na ekranizację (ma już prawdziwie filmową okładkę) nadaje się na lekturę idealną w okresie poprzedzającym Walentynki - niczym komedia romantyczna z happy endem, gdzie rzucone wyzwanie staje się początkiem drogi by zmienić siebie.
Recenzje zawsze naZakładka do Przyszłości
Nicola Brown pracuje w agencji reklamowej. Jej życie jest uporządkowane tak samo jak jej biurko. Wszystko ma swoje miejsce, a rutyna nie przeszkadza lecz uspokaja i zapewnia poczucie komfortu i bezpieczeństwa. Wkrótce będzie miała trzydzieści lat (aktualnie 29), ale status niezależnej osoby jej nie przeszkadza. Ceni sobie powrót do własnego mieszkania, gdzie panuje cisza i spokój. Choć czasem coś chwyta za serce, kiedy widzi na ulicach zakochanych, nie zamierza nic w życiu zmieniać. Dopiero wyzwania rzucone przez Caroline (koleżankę z pracy) sprawia, że Nicola podejmuje się zmiany stylu życia. Cel to znaleźć kogoś do czasu Walentynek.
"Chciałam powiedzieć, że lubię swoje towarzystwo."
Powieść rozpoczyna się na kilka tygodni przed Bożym Narodzeniem, poprzez Sylwestra swój finał znajdując w Dniu Zakochanych. Już prolog pokazuje, że misja trwać będzie do ostatniej chwili. W międzyczasie młodą kobietę czeka seria katastrofalnych randek - część umówionych przez jej znajomych czy rodzinę, część stanowiąca próbę nawiązania kontaktów ze znajomymi z czasów studiów. Autorka podziękowała osobom, które z takich okropnych spotkań jej się zwierzyły, więc sporo z nich opartych jest na prawdziwych sytuacjach.
"Byłam sama. Zupełnie sama i nikt nie mógł nic z tym zrobić, poza mną."
Sama Rosie Blake swoją powieść "Jak zyskać życie (miłosne)" - gdyby tłumaczyć tytuł dosłownie - po raz pierwszy opublikowała w 2014 roku. Jest to początek serii, w której kolejnych tomach występują inni bohaterowie, a łączy je podobnie sformułowany tytuł. Styl, jak na gatunek taki jak chick-lit przystało, jest bardzo lekki. Kolejne rozdziały rozpoczyna opis, jaki zamieszczać można na mediach społecznościowych pod swoim zdjęciem profilowym. Zawiera się w nim zawsze przykre doświadczenie wynikające z poprzednich randek. Dialogi są zabawne, a sytuacji komediowych tu nie brakuje.
Bardzo łatwo przychodzi też się zidentyfikować się z rozmyślaniami bohaterki, szczególnie kiedy jest się w podobnym wieku (tak jak ja - nawet ten sam znak zodiaku). Sama panna Brown to niesamowicie pozytywna osoba, która łatwo się nie zniechęca. Może troszkę ma na to wpływ fakt, że całość traktuje jako swego rodzaju projekt? Tyle nieudanych randkowych spotkań mało kto byłby w stanie znieść.
"... w duszy zamigotał mi maleńki płomyk nadziei. Nie mogę się poddawać. Muszę szukać dalej. Miałam naoczne dowody, że warto."
Gdzie można spotkać tego jedynego? Może właśnie na portalu randkowym? Może ukrywa się wśród znajomych znajomych? A może na warsztatach rozwijających wspólne pasje i zainteresowania? Czy może się zdarzyć, że to ktoś, kogo zna się już od lat?
"Tylko Ty" to powieść, która równie mocno jak na ekranizację (ma już prawdziwie filmową okładkę) nadaje się na lekturę idealną w okresie poprzedzającym Walentynki - niczym komedia romantyczna z happy endem, gdzie rzucone wyzwanie staje się początkiem drogi by zmienić siebie.
Recenzje zawsze naZakładka do Przyszłości
September 1, 2016
Also posted on This Chick Reads
*Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I started reading this book with high expectations, whenever I would log in to twitter I'd see at least 50 tweets from people reading it/wanting to read it. I must admit, I was DYING to check it out and see what the hype is all about. I LOVE Novelicious (Rosie Blake's publishers), LOVE Rosie's tweets (which are hilarious!) and LOVE the cover of this book! It's simple yet grabs your attention!
So, as you see, this book had a lot to prove to me. I remember the day I got my copy, my hands were literally shaking from all the excitement. I FINALLY HAD THIS BABY IN MY HANDS!
So now that I've read it I have to admit I'm slightly disappointed. NO, the book is not bad or anything, it just didn't live up to my expectations.
The story follows Nicola Brown on her quest to find Mr Right. Now we all know this is not an easy journey for any of us, and we've all experienced our share of horrid (sometimes humiliating too) dates, but Nicola here is really trying to do the impossible. It was actually her friend and colleague Caroline who dares her to find a boyfriend till Valentine's day. Nicola didn't even think she had such a depressing love life, she actually was not even bothering with having one, but the more Caroline talked about Nicole's not so adventurous side, the more she realized she needed to do this. So she accepts Caroline's challenge, and though there's only 3 months before Valentine's day, she does her best in finding her soul mate. Some of the dates were hilarious, I did laugh out loud while reading these parts. And Nicola is really something. Very down-to-earth type of gal, OCD owner, I liked her from the very start! It was very easy to relate to her and root for her.
What I did enjoy the most was her relationship with her brother Mark, who shows up at her place WHENEVER he wants. He's a hilarious character and each time there wads a scene with him, I was literally flipping through the pages waiting to see WHAT THE HELL he's come up with this time. Having a brother myself (and older one too) I really loved the closeness they had, Mark trying to fix her up with his mates and stuff like that.
But unfortunately, there were some things which did bother me, hence the 3* rating. First off, I expected few more laughs, and some parts were just too difficult to understand not knowing when they are happening exactly. I had no idea how much time she has left for her quest...I don't know, I seemed a bit lost in the plot, having no time frame of the events happening in each chapter.
The writing was interesting, yet some parts felt dragging and irrelevant to the story. However, 3* rating for a debut is NOT that bad in my book actually. I just wish I got to see more of that charm and humor Rosie as a person possesses.
February 28, 2014
Thanks so much to the girls at http://www.noveliciousbooks.com/ for the ARC of this book........
Nicola is a creature of habit. Her flat is immaculately clean, her office desk organised to within an inch of it's life and her menu planned weeks in advance. She desperately needs to get a life. And soon, as her work colleague, Caroline dares her to get herself a date for Valentine's Day. Nicola accepts the challenge and here is where the fun starts....
Nicola tries many means of finding a man. This leads to some laugh out loud encounters that I could imagine must be based on real life. A carpentry class, a date with a famous actor who she hates, a freezing kayak in a borrowed wet suit and a chance meeting with a Ferret Breeding, lute playing guy, are just some of the moments the reader can cringe along with Nicola.
This is such a funny book. I have read a lot of Chick Lit recently, but this is by far my favourite . I'm not the age demographic for this novel (I'm 41) but I could still picture the dire dates that I would have to go on, had I not met my soulmate 20 years ago. This book is a great bit of fun and thank God Novelicious gave Rosie the chance to get this published. Can't wait to read the next one, Rosie!
Rosie can be contacted via Twitter @RosieBBooks and is great for a bit of banter :)
Nicola is a creature of habit. Her flat is immaculately clean, her office desk organised to within an inch of it's life and her menu planned weeks in advance. She desperately needs to get a life. And soon, as her work colleague, Caroline dares her to get herself a date for Valentine's Day. Nicola accepts the challenge and here is where the fun starts....
Nicola tries many means of finding a man. This leads to some laugh out loud encounters that I could imagine must be based on real life. A carpentry class, a date with a famous actor who she hates, a freezing kayak in a borrowed wet suit and a chance meeting with a Ferret Breeding, lute playing guy, are just some of the moments the reader can cringe along with Nicola.
This is such a funny book. I have read a lot of Chick Lit recently, but this is by far my favourite . I'm not the age demographic for this novel (I'm 41) but I could still picture the dire dates that I would have to go on, had I not met my soulmate 20 years ago. This book is a great bit of fun and thank God Novelicious gave Rosie the chance to get this published. Can't wait to read the next one, Rosie!
Rosie can be contacted via Twitter @RosieBBooks and is great for a bit of banter :)
February 1, 2014
This was such a fun book to read!
I identified with Nicola. Enjoyed watching her realisations change her and relax her to the possibilities and opportunities others were throwing her way.
Caroline her work colleague, Mark her brother and James her boss are a great support cast of characters. They all brought something different to the story.
Hilarious dating scenes and events in the office. Many laugh out loud moments (note of caution, those around you may openly look at you as if you're mad).
Refreshingly, this romance was more than the usual 'will they won't they'. Definitely recommend if you need cheering up as I can guarantee you it will!
Full review coming soon.
I identified with Nicola. Enjoyed watching her realisations change her and relax her to the possibilities and opportunities others were throwing her way.
Caroline her work colleague, Mark her brother and James her boss are a great support cast of characters. They all brought something different to the story.
Hilarious dating scenes and events in the office. Many laugh out loud moments (note of caution, those around you may openly look at you as if you're mad).
Refreshingly, this romance was more than the usual 'will they won't they'. Definitely recommend if you need cheering up as I can guarantee you it will!
Full review coming soon.
February 2, 2017
I won this title as an e-book Twitter/BookBlog Giveaway. I had read so much about it on Twitter n Blogs. Coming to the actual story it was ok. Nicola sets put on a adventurous path to find herself a love life. She goes on some interesting dates and trips only to find love much closer to home. The pace was good but the story ended too soon. I thought it ended abruptly and a bit outta nowhere making me think what did I miss? Something missing or may be it's just me I was left thinking o.k. nice but well o.k.
March 7, 2017
Nicola Brown is not an adventurous woman. A few years ago, his boyfriend broke her heart and, since then, she got used to being alone. But when a colleague dares her to find a date for Valentine’s Day, Nicola starts to wonder if she really is that happy on her own. And so, she opens her mind and starts dating… not seeming to realise, between a series of disastrous dates, that the right person for her might be closer than she thinks.
Part of the charm in this cute and funny story is the fact that it reminds of a romantic comedy, with its bizarre episodes, despaired search for happiness and… well, disastrous steps towards it. Nicola is reluctant to accept the dare, then to meet the men her friend and brother want to introduce to her… and she seems to be quite right, even if for the wrong reasons. This is the funniest part in this book – the strange dates, the peculiar characters, and the way the main character reacts to all this and persists.
But, of course, there’s also love waiting to happen. And, though the solution for Nicola’s problem is, indeed, a bit predictable – it’s isn’t that hard to guess who is, in fact, the right person for her – the things she has to go through to get there, and all the circumstances surrounding her adventures are still quite enthralling. And yes, maybe the end is a little bit rushed. But it works that way, leaving just enough to imagination and, somehow, making up for all the failed adventures in the main character’s life.
As for the characters, the most enthralling feature lies in their sense of humor. Mark, and her cute and surprising relationship with her sister. Caroline, with all her exhuberance. James, so apparently serious, but with an obvious heart of gold. And, of course, Nicola, unsure of herself, but finally willing to move on and get out there. They’re all interesting characters and, together, they make quite a good story.
So, with nice characters, lots of fun and just the right amount of romance waiting to happen, it all sums up in a light, funny and enthralling read. And quite a good book to cheer up on a sombre day.
** I received this book from Corvus in exchange for an honest opinion.
Part of the charm in this cute and funny story is the fact that it reminds of a romantic comedy, with its bizarre episodes, despaired search for happiness and… well, disastrous steps towards it. Nicola is reluctant to accept the dare, then to meet the men her friend and brother want to introduce to her… and she seems to be quite right, even if for the wrong reasons. This is the funniest part in this book – the strange dates, the peculiar characters, and the way the main character reacts to all this and persists.
But, of course, there’s also love waiting to happen. And, though the solution for Nicola’s problem is, indeed, a bit predictable – it’s isn’t that hard to guess who is, in fact, the right person for her – the things she has to go through to get there, and all the circumstances surrounding her adventures are still quite enthralling. And yes, maybe the end is a little bit rushed. But it works that way, leaving just enough to imagination and, somehow, making up for all the failed adventures in the main character’s life.
As for the characters, the most enthralling feature lies in their sense of humor. Mark, and her cute and surprising relationship with her sister. Caroline, with all her exhuberance. James, so apparently serious, but with an obvious heart of gold. And, of course, Nicola, unsure of herself, but finally willing to move on and get out there. They’re all interesting characters and, together, they make quite a good story.
So, with nice characters, lots of fun and just the right amount of romance waiting to happen, it all sums up in a light, funny and enthralling read. And quite a good book to cheer up on a sombre day.
** I received this book from Corvus in exchange for an honest opinion.
February 6, 2017
I just adore Rosies' books. They are so relatable and fun. I was sent this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. I've read all the previous books by Rosie and this is her debut finally released in paperback.
We follow the lovely Nicola on her quest to find a boyfriend by valentines day. It's around chritmas in the book and the quest was a dare by her work collegue Caroline. Nicola is sensible, does things as part of a routine and doesn't mind being on her own. She's not someone who takes up dares, she doesn't go too far out of her comfort zone. But this dare brings her all sorts.
I loved reading the disasters and fun times Nicola had when she was set up on blind dates by her brother and also Caroline. The way Nicola, even though she didn't want to do it, still went on them, even for the fact that she didn't want to let the other person down. My favourite was kayaking in November. Realy? Who would do such a thing??
I really enjoying Nicola coming out of her shell, finding her trueself again. I enjoyed the fact she even decided to do stuff on her own terms, such as joining classes, going to boy-ish places, in case she could meet someone.
I think there was some predicablity in the story, but it takes its time to reveal all and i like how Nicola and her soul mate came together. It was very sweet and fitted in well with the storyline.
Overall i think this is a cracking debut. I think there are parts in this book that everyone can relate to. Either Nicola as a person or the dates she goes on. Certainly worth a read.
We follow the lovely Nicola on her quest to find a boyfriend by valentines day. It's around chritmas in the book and the quest was a dare by her work collegue Caroline. Nicola is sensible, does things as part of a routine and doesn't mind being on her own. She's not someone who takes up dares, she doesn't go too far out of her comfort zone. But this dare brings her all sorts.
I loved reading the disasters and fun times Nicola had when she was set up on blind dates by her brother and also Caroline. The way Nicola, even though she didn't want to do it, still went on them, even for the fact that she didn't want to let the other person down. My favourite was kayaking in November. Realy? Who would do such a thing??
I really enjoying Nicola coming out of her shell, finding her trueself again. I enjoyed the fact she even decided to do stuff on her own terms, such as joining classes, going to boy-ish places, in case she could meet someone.
I think there was some predicablity in the story, but it takes its time to reveal all and i like how Nicola and her soul mate came together. It was very sweet and fitted in well with the storyline.
Overall i think this is a cracking debut. I think there are parts in this book that everyone can relate to. Either Nicola as a person or the dates she goes on. Certainly worth a read.
October 31, 2017
How to Get a (Love) Life took my audio book virginity and will thus always have a special part in my heart ;)
Let me start right off with the following: Rosie Blake's writing is funny. So funny that I was laughing out loud more than once. Not necessarily the best thing to do when you are on a crammed tram on your way to work :) But what is life if you cannot puzzle your fellow commuters, eh? :)
Overall, I really liked the story. It was an easy enough listen that it didn't matter if I spaced out for a while. I could still follow the story afterwards.
There are only two things that I didn't really like about the book.
1. It was fairly obvious where it was heading. Now. With these books it often is and it usually doesn't bother me. But somehow it did here. And that has probably something to do with number 2. :)
2. There could have been more on the development of Nicola and that special someone's (not giving away the ending) relationship. It just felt like the feelings developed a bit suddenly. But maybe that also had something to do with the fact that I was listening to the book instead of reading it myself.
But. These two reasons aside, I really enjoyed the book. It certainly is a comedy and perfect if you need to laugh after a long hard day at work.
Let me start right off with the following: Rosie Blake's writing is funny. So funny that I was laughing out loud more than once. Not necessarily the best thing to do when you are on a crammed tram on your way to work :) But what is life if you cannot puzzle your fellow commuters, eh? :)
Overall, I really liked the story. It was an easy enough listen that it didn't matter if I spaced out for a while. I could still follow the story afterwards.
There are only two things that I didn't really like about the book.
1. It was fairly obvious where it was heading. Now. With these books it often is and it usually doesn't bother me. But somehow it did here. And that has probably something to do with number 2. :)
2. There could have been more on the development of Nicola and that special someone's (not giving away the ending) relationship. It just felt like the feelings developed a bit suddenly. But maybe that also had something to do with the fact that I was listening to the book instead of reading it myself.
But. These two reasons aside, I really enjoyed the book. It certainly is a comedy and perfect if you need to laugh after a long hard day at work.
June 2, 2020
2.5/5 Stars
There were some cute moments, I'll give it that. I wasn't too pleased with the insinuation that in order for Nicola to get over her (what seems to be) OCD, she has to get herself a man. In the end, that is what makes her overcome it, I guess. I don't know, the author spent a lot of time building her character around her "quirks" and then they just disappeared. I thought James was charming, despite the very little time he spent in the story. He definitely should have had a more developed character for him. Caroline as well and I'm not just saying that because I, too, am a Caroline. I think she is a cool addition within the story, but too much of a bit part rather than what Nicola would probably consider a best friend. The final chapter felt very rushed as well. I was pleased with the build up, but the outcome wasn't as satisfactory. Overall, it was bland, but in an average-yet-not-super-terrible way.
There were some cute moments, I'll give it that. I wasn't too pleased with the insinuation that in order for Nicola to get over her (what seems to be) OCD, she has to get herself a man. In the end, that is what makes her overcome it, I guess. I don't know, the author spent a lot of time building her character around her "quirks" and then they just disappeared. I thought James was charming, despite the very little time he spent in the story. He definitely should have had a more developed character for him. Caroline as well and I'm not just saying that because I, too, am a Caroline. I think she is a cool addition within the story, but too much of a bit part rather than what Nicola would probably consider a best friend. The final chapter felt very rushed as well. I was pleased with the build up, but the outcome wasn't as satisfactory. Overall, it was bland, but in an average-yet-not-super-terrible way.
February 5, 2017
How to Get a Love Life is the debut novel from Rosie Blake now being republished with an updated cover to fit in more with her two books recently published, How to Stuff Up Christmas and How to Find your (First) Husband, both of which I have read and enjoyed. So by reading this book featuring Nicola Brown and her quest to complete a challenge set down by her co-worker and friend Caroline Harper I would be up to date with the wonderful, humorous writing of Rosie Blake. I loved this book from beginning to end, it was just the read I needed as I like to mix it up between genres especially as I read so much historical fiction.
In the brief prologue we meet a woman arriving at an airport, she is on the way to Greece and is vastly different from the abundance of families waiting to travel abroad. This woman whom we discover is Nicola is embarking on her first singles holiday. The holiday booked in a moment of desperation the night before is a last chance to find that one true love but something is niggling away at Nicola and she wonders is she making the right decision going away. The reader is instantly left wondering just what was it that got Nicola to this point and will she find the love she so desperately craves?
When the book properly begins we meet Nicola as she works for an advertising agency looking to find new talent and making bookings. Caroline is her co-worker, she is married and has two children so love is not an issue or her although work/life/kids balance can be. I loved the camaraderie between the pair, they bounced off each other and although they were work colleagues there seemed to be a deeper friendship and Caroline always provided the push or support that Nicola may have needed at any one time. Their boss James flits in and out of scenes but both women seemed to have a mutual affection and appreciation for him and enjoyed their work.
Nicola is an organiser and likes to stick to strict routines and time plans. Things don’t vary with her. She is a creature of routine and predictability and Caroline knows every day what time breaks should be as she looks at Nicola and what she will have for lunch. Nicola lives alone and is meticulously tidy. She loves regular habits and letting going and being free is not on her agenda. ’Just me in my house, no hassles, no fighting over the remote, no petty things to fall out over, no seemingly innocuous comment that plunges you straight into a hideous row you never wanted .Nobody to break your heart’. To be honest I kind of agreed with Nicola in some of the ways she lived her life as I would feel the same about some things. We don’t need a man to make us totally happy but if Nicola had stayed with this viewpoint we wouldn’t have had the very funny, engaging story that followed.
As regards Nicola’s anticipation and calculation of aspects of her professional and home life, the same couldn't be said for her love life. Well basically it’s non existent. Even Nicola’s brother Mark starts to get onto her that she needs to get out there and throw caution to the wind and experience life in all its forms. Find some sort of love which may make her realise that routine is not all where its at. ‘You should be out there and living your life, not worrying about whether your carrot stick is exactly five centimetres long. You should be meeting people, you should be out with friends, you should be dating, seeing people, having fun’. I agreed with Mark on Nicola’s behalf because I could see beneath her exterior and bravado she did long for some form of friendship that could develop into something more. Mark was a brilliant addition to the story. He popped in and out at the most apt times and brought even more humour to the overall story and his own little grapples with love were a joy to read.
So Caroline double dares Nicola to have secured a date for Valentine’s Day as she has never been on a Valentine’s date before and with only a few weeks to Christmas Nicola says yes. Here is where we see the more adventurous side of her start to emerge and fair play to her because I wouldn’t have accepted the challenge. I suppose it was the side of Nicola coming out that wouldn’t ever say no to something and always wanting order in her life.’ Perhaps I could be brave enough to take a risk because I knew in my heart that I didn't want to live like this'.
What ensues is a series of dates providing inumerable hilarious moments which showcase the writing talents of Rosie Blake and proves she is a genius when it comes to writing romantic comedy. The date with Steve was perhaps for me the funniest, I couldn't even imagine myself in that situation and although I was laughing at Nicola I did feel desperately sorry for her. It was the date from hell well for me it would be anyway. As I kept reading the pace of the book was great and I didn't even notice the pages whizzing by so engrossed was I in Nicola's story and whether she would find a love life. I liked how the author started to include a bit of history re Nicola and things started to make sense as to how she found herself in the position she was in today.
How to Get a Love Life was a fantastic book that I read in a few hours as it became increasingly difficult to put it down and I have no hesitation in recommending it. For me Rosie Blake is fast becoming an author you who just buy no questions asked because you know you are guaranteed a great read full of lots of laughs combined with a good storyline. Does Nicola find the happiness I believe she deserves? Are the dates a complete disaster or will there be someone perfect for her that will make her feel complete? Do buy this book to discover the answers, you won't be one bit disappointed.
In the brief prologue we meet a woman arriving at an airport, she is on the way to Greece and is vastly different from the abundance of families waiting to travel abroad. This woman whom we discover is Nicola is embarking on her first singles holiday. The holiday booked in a moment of desperation the night before is a last chance to find that one true love but something is niggling away at Nicola and she wonders is she making the right decision going away. The reader is instantly left wondering just what was it that got Nicola to this point and will she find the love she so desperately craves?
When the book properly begins we meet Nicola as she works for an advertising agency looking to find new talent and making bookings. Caroline is her co-worker, she is married and has two children so love is not an issue or her although work/life/kids balance can be. I loved the camaraderie between the pair, they bounced off each other and although they were work colleagues there seemed to be a deeper friendship and Caroline always provided the push or support that Nicola may have needed at any one time. Their boss James flits in and out of scenes but both women seemed to have a mutual affection and appreciation for him and enjoyed their work.
Nicola is an organiser and likes to stick to strict routines and time plans. Things don’t vary with her. She is a creature of routine and predictability and Caroline knows every day what time breaks should be as she looks at Nicola and what she will have for lunch. Nicola lives alone and is meticulously tidy. She loves regular habits and letting going and being free is not on her agenda. ’Just me in my house, no hassles, no fighting over the remote, no petty things to fall out over, no seemingly innocuous comment that plunges you straight into a hideous row you never wanted .Nobody to break your heart’. To be honest I kind of agreed with Nicola in some of the ways she lived her life as I would feel the same about some things. We don’t need a man to make us totally happy but if Nicola had stayed with this viewpoint we wouldn’t have had the very funny, engaging story that followed.
As regards Nicola’s anticipation and calculation of aspects of her professional and home life, the same couldn't be said for her love life. Well basically it’s non existent. Even Nicola’s brother Mark starts to get onto her that she needs to get out there and throw caution to the wind and experience life in all its forms. Find some sort of love which may make her realise that routine is not all where its at. ‘You should be out there and living your life, not worrying about whether your carrot stick is exactly five centimetres long. You should be meeting people, you should be out with friends, you should be dating, seeing people, having fun’. I agreed with Mark on Nicola’s behalf because I could see beneath her exterior and bravado she did long for some form of friendship that could develop into something more. Mark was a brilliant addition to the story. He popped in and out at the most apt times and brought even more humour to the overall story and his own little grapples with love were a joy to read.
So Caroline double dares Nicola to have secured a date for Valentine’s Day as she has never been on a Valentine’s date before and with only a few weeks to Christmas Nicola says yes. Here is where we see the more adventurous side of her start to emerge and fair play to her because I wouldn’t have accepted the challenge. I suppose it was the side of Nicola coming out that wouldn’t ever say no to something and always wanting order in her life.’ Perhaps I could be brave enough to take a risk because I knew in my heart that I didn't want to live like this'.
What ensues is a series of dates providing inumerable hilarious moments which showcase the writing talents of Rosie Blake and proves she is a genius when it comes to writing romantic comedy. The date with Steve was perhaps for me the funniest, I couldn't even imagine myself in that situation and although I was laughing at Nicola I did feel desperately sorry for her. It was the date from hell well for me it would be anyway. As I kept reading the pace of the book was great and I didn't even notice the pages whizzing by so engrossed was I in Nicola's story and whether she would find a love life. I liked how the author started to include a bit of history re Nicola and things started to make sense as to how she found herself in the position she was in today.
How to Get a Love Life was a fantastic book that I read in a few hours as it became increasingly difficult to put it down and I have no hesitation in recommending it. For me Rosie Blake is fast becoming an author you who just buy no questions asked because you know you are guaranteed a great read full of lots of laughs combined with a good storyline. Does Nicola find the happiness I believe she deserves? Are the dates a complete disaster or will there be someone perfect for her that will make her feel complete? Do buy this book to discover the answers, you won't be one bit disappointed.
July 20, 2018
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This book has been on my 'to be read' pile for aggeesss and I thought it was about time I started it. I am so pleased I did, I really enjoyed it, such an enjoyable fun read.
This story is all about Nicola and her dating disasters!
As the synopsis stated Nicola doesn't like to lose control or stray away from routine, eating the same dinner on the same day at the same time... I must admit it took me a few chapters to warm up to Nicola, I just found her character so rigid, however my opinion on her soon changed after her colleague Caroline decides a challenge is in order. Nicola, Caroline and even myself were surprised when she took up the dare of finding a date for Valentine's Day.
With only four months to go until the Big V Day we follow Nicola through some funny, disastrous and down right dodgy dates! The one date that sticks in my mind even after finishing the book was kayaking in November, WTF! I really did feel sorry for her then, (I must admit I did giggle through that scene, just the craziness of it!)
However bad the dates were Nicola was a fantastic sport and I enjoyed this side to her, although the dates weren't always up to scratch I really liked reading about this carefree version that was totally different to the beginning of the story.
I loved the relationship between her and her brother Mark, you could tell straight away how close they were and the special bond they have (just don't trust him to arrange sensible dates for you!!) I liked the other characters too, Caroline her work buddy and James her boss, they had a really nice friendship within the group and it came across as a great place to work.
So, I hear you ask... Does Nicola find the one? I won't answer that of course and let you find out for yourself. But know that to find your Prince Charming you must date some dodgy frogs first!
This is only the second book I have read of Rosie Blake's and I thoroughly enjoyed both so I think I need to get onto Amazon quick sharp and get buying!!
http://lovebooksactually.blogspot.com...
This book has been on my 'to be read' pile for aggeesss and I thought it was about time I started it. I am so pleased I did, I really enjoyed it, such an enjoyable fun read.
This story is all about Nicola and her dating disasters!
As the synopsis stated Nicola doesn't like to lose control or stray away from routine, eating the same dinner on the same day at the same time... I must admit it took me a few chapters to warm up to Nicola, I just found her character so rigid, however my opinion on her soon changed after her colleague Caroline decides a challenge is in order. Nicola, Caroline and even myself were surprised when she took up the dare of finding a date for Valentine's Day.
With only four months to go until the Big V Day we follow Nicola through some funny, disastrous and down right dodgy dates! The one date that sticks in my mind even after finishing the book was kayaking in November, WTF! I really did feel sorry for her then, (I must admit I did giggle through that scene, just the craziness of it!)
However bad the dates were Nicola was a fantastic sport and I enjoyed this side to her, although the dates weren't always up to scratch I really liked reading about this carefree version that was totally different to the beginning of the story.
I loved the relationship between her and her brother Mark, you could tell straight away how close they were and the special bond they have (just don't trust him to arrange sensible dates for you!!) I liked the other characters too, Caroline her work buddy and James her boss, they had a really nice friendship within the group and it came across as a great place to work.
So, I hear you ask... Does Nicola find the one? I won't answer that of course and let you find out for yourself. But know that to find your Prince Charming you must date some dodgy frogs first!
This is only the second book I have read of Rosie Blake's and I thoroughly enjoyed both so I think I need to get onto Amazon quick sharp and get buying!!
January 2, 2025
Read this for book club - it was exciting to see something lighthearted and cute on the list. I was pleasantly surprised at the wittiness of the character, despite her cliche need for order. But simply by trying dating, she becomes a different person - no longer worried about her weight (which is good, but…quick), seemingly not interested in keeping her house clean, no longer annoyed by her brother. Her brother’s story is also wickedly fast, and then by the end it seems like we ran out of word count and had to get to the end of the story having only almost earned it. 3 stars because I enjoyed the characters but the ending feels abrupt.
November 13, 2021
Nicola Brown works at an actor agency. She has not been in the dating scene for a while. A co-worker of her, Caroline dares Nicola to put herself out there again. Therefore, Nicola goes through the awkwardness of a blind date, sign up social media accounts and dating websites to find "the one".
It's a feel-good romance book. I don't think there's anything new to it but it's still very much enjoyable. Nicola being relatable helps for me to understand her situation better. I like Mark a lot too! Very fun character.
Overall, I liked it.
It's a feel-good romance book. I don't think there's anything new to it but it's still very much enjoyable. Nicola being relatable helps for me to understand her situation better. I like Mark a lot too! Very fun character.
Overall, I liked it.
April 9, 2019
My first ever Rosie Blake book and I can safely say that I am not disappointed. Light-hearted and easy to read with an easily relatable plot in regards to adult dating. Characters within the book are likeable and the stories of some dates are absolutely hilarious. I did find myself cringing at some of these, Nicola is 29 and slightly OCD, she is happy with her routine but didn't imagine at 29, she would still be single.
Her colleague sets her the challenge of finding a date for Valentine's day, even proceeds to put her on online dating. I LOVED this story, was such an easy and fun read. I would definitely recommend Rosie Blake to fellow chick-lit lovers.
Her colleague sets her the challenge of finding a date for Valentine's day, even proceeds to put her on online dating. I LOVED this story, was such an easy and fun read. I would definitely recommend Rosie Blake to fellow chick-lit lovers.
April 20, 2019
This is just like the books by a few of my fav authors. It just didn't work for me though. The first chapter was supposed to be some kind of preview, but it leaves you hanging with no info until the very last chapter puts them together. All the dates started funny, but soon got ridiculous. Plus, there is that relationship that ended 7 years ago that the MC couldn't get past. Shame, I so wanted to like this author.
May 6, 2019
Cute enough chick lit but I did not love it.
Nicola has been single for 7 years and is a little stuck in her routines. Certain way of doing things, even specific meals for each day of the week etc. She doesn't really get out and about much, just works and goes home to her apartment.
In this novel she decides to get a love life... and we get to go on some rather disastrous dates with her in the progress.
Story was okay, but I just wasn't all that into the main characters.
Nicola has been single for 7 years and is a little stuck in her routines. Certain way of doing things, even specific meals for each day of the week etc. She doesn't really get out and about much, just works and goes home to her apartment.
In this novel she decides to get a love life... and we get to go on some rather disastrous dates with her in the progress.
Story was okay, but I just wasn't all that into the main characters.
November 12, 2018
This was an okay book. It was kinda funny and the writing was easily digestible. But the ending? It almost felt like the author had suddenly realised she had to get back to her starting point and tie it up. I felt rushed and not very sweet.
But I liked it well enough and might be willing to give more of her work a go.
But I liked it well enough and might be willing to give more of her work a go.
May 5, 2019
Nicola Brown likes to be in control of her life. Her coworker, Caroline, challenges her to try to find a boyfriend by Valentine's Day. Thus begins some humorous and horrible dates. Her coworker, boss and brother get involved.
Nice clean romance. Funny.
Nice clean romance. Funny.
February 10, 2020
The book, although slightly predictable, was still funny in various parts of the story. Nicola has pledged to find a boyfriend by Valentines Day and by doing so she has actually learned to live life. If you are looking for a light fun read, you have found it.
August 22, 2018
Light, fun quick breezy read
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