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Sorry Not Sorry
Is this all there is? I hadn’t had so much as a sniff of a shag for over a year. I scraped the last dregs of Caramel Chew Chew ice cream out of the bottom of the tub with my finger and licked it. It left a sticky smear on my phone’s screen when I typed into Google, “How to find love, sex and happiness.”
Charlotte has always been a good girl.
She sorts her paper from her plastic. She eats her greens (even Spirulina, whatever that is). Boozy brunches with her best friends on the third Sunday of every month are about as bad as she gets.
But being good is getting boring…
Charlotte’s not just stuck in a rut – she’s buried in it up to her chin. The only company she has in bed is the back catalogue of Netflix and falling in love feels like the stuff of fairy tales. So when she stumbles across a popular podcast, Sorry Not Sorry, which challenges women to embrace their inner bad girl, she jumps at the chance to shake things up.
Old Charlotte would never ask for a stranger’s number, go on a blind date or buy lacy lingerie… But New Charlotte is waving goodbye to her comfort zone (with a side order of margaritas). And it turns out that good things happen to bad girls, as Charlotte finally finds her Mr Right – or so she thinks… Is falling in love too tough a challenge even for Charlotte?
Fans of Sophie Kinsella, Mhairi McFarlane and Matt Dunn will love this fabulously feel-good novel that will make you laugh till you cry and leave you living life to the full, margarita in hand!
Charlotte has always been a good girl.
She sorts her paper from her plastic. She eats her greens (even Spirulina, whatever that is). Boozy brunches with her best friends on the third Sunday of every month are about as bad as she gets.
But being good is getting boring…
Charlotte’s not just stuck in a rut – she’s buried in it up to her chin. The only company she has in bed is the back catalogue of Netflix and falling in love feels like the stuff of fairy tales. So when she stumbles across a popular podcast, Sorry Not Sorry, which challenges women to embrace their inner bad girl, she jumps at the chance to shake things up.
Old Charlotte would never ask for a stranger’s number, go on a blind date or buy lacy lingerie… But New Charlotte is waving goodbye to her comfort zone (with a side order of margaritas). And it turns out that good things happen to bad girls, as Charlotte finally finds her Mr Right – or so she thinks… Is falling in love too tough a challenge even for Charlotte?
Fans of Sophie Kinsella, Mhairi McFarlane and Matt Dunn will love this fabulously feel-good novel that will make you laugh till you cry and leave you living life to the full, margarita in hand!
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2019
7143 people are currently reading
7119 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Ranald
25 books568 followersSophie Ranald is the youngest of five sisters. She was born in Zimbabwe and lived in South Africa until an acute case of itchy feet brought her to London in her mid-20s.
As an editor for a customer publishing agency, Sophie developed her fiction-writing skills describing holidays to places she’d never visited. In 2011, she decided to disregard all the good advice given to aspiring novelists and attempt to write full-time. After one false start, It Would Be Wrong to Steal My Sister’s Boyfriend (Wouldn’t It?) seemed to write itself.
Sophie also writes for magazines and online about food, fashion and running. She lives in south-east London with her amazing partner Hopi and Purrs, their adorable little cat.
As an editor for a customer publishing agency, Sophie developed her fiction-writing skills describing holidays to places she’d never visited. In 2011, she decided to disregard all the good advice given to aspiring novelists and attempt to write full-time. After one false start, It Would Be Wrong to Steal My Sister’s Boyfriend (Wouldn’t It?) seemed to write itself.
Sophie also writes for magazines and online about food, fashion and running. She lives in south-east London with her amazing partner Hopi and Purrs, their adorable little cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 887 reviews
January 5, 2019
Sorry Not Sorry by Sophie Ranald is another contemporary romance novel that promises readers to be full of laugh out loud moments. Again, though I wonder if my sense of humor is way off of everyone else of not when only getting a chuckle here or there and no real hysterical moments unfortunately.
In this story Charlotte finds herself questioning just where she is in here life when her two longtime roommates and best friends are packing up and moving on to marriage and a life together after falling in love. Charlotte has her job, and netflix if that will count as a companion but not much else to show as the others move on.
Stumbling across a romance podcast called Sorry, Not Sorry Charlotte vows to begin putting herself out there and trying to meet someone. With each challenge that Charlotte masters though it seems things in the rest of her life get a bit more out of control and the dating world is still a scary place.
I do believe my biggest drawback with Sorry Not Sorry seemed to be it just seemed to have one angsty moment after another with each turn of the page. I suppose laughter is the best medicine when times are tough but man Charlotte just couldn’t win and somehow that translated to me a few jokes that worked here or there but more feeling sorry for her the rest. It’s not a bad story just not the hysterical one I had hoped for, to me anyway.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
In this story Charlotte finds herself questioning just where she is in here life when her two longtime roommates and best friends are packing up and moving on to marriage and a life together after falling in love. Charlotte has her job, and netflix if that will count as a companion but not much else to show as the others move on.
Stumbling across a romance podcast called Sorry, Not Sorry Charlotte vows to begin putting herself out there and trying to meet someone. With each challenge that Charlotte masters though it seems things in the rest of her life get a bit more out of control and the dating world is still a scary place.
I do believe my biggest drawback with Sorry Not Sorry seemed to be it just seemed to have one angsty moment after another with each turn of the page. I suppose laughter is the best medicine when times are tough but man Charlotte just couldn’t win and somehow that translated to me a few jokes that worked here or there but more feeling sorry for her the rest. It’s not a bad story just not the hysterical one I had hoped for, to me anyway.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
February 16, 2019
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
When Charlotte’s best friend and roommate Maddy moves out to live with her boyfriend, Charlotte starts to question her life. She has been single for quite some time and can’t seem to get herself a date for the night never mind a long term partner.
Desperate for answers she turns to Google which brings up a blog site about dating. The site might be old but the info still has to be relevant, doesn’t it? Via a series of Podcasts called Sorry, Not Sorry all about living your life to the full and enjoying yourself, Charlotte delves into a world she has never stepped foot in before, but will it lead to true love?
Sorry Not Sorry is an amusing tale of one woman willing to try anything to make her love life better. Her best friend is getting married, as well as leaving her in the lurch as all three of them were roomies – Charlotte, Best friend Maddy and her boyfriend Henry, and now Maddy and Henry have moved out to live together – How dare they!!
We get to follow Charlotte as she goes through a list of challenges that are supposed to improve her life which will in turn bag her a man of her dreams, though it’s not plain sailing.
The book made me giggle in parts but I found the pacing at the beginning a little slow and took a while to warm to the characters, including the new roommates. From about half-way, the book came alive and I raced to the finish line.
If you are looking for a quick, easy read that will put a smile on your face, this is the book for you
When Charlotte’s best friend and roommate Maddy moves out to live with her boyfriend, Charlotte starts to question her life. She has been single for quite some time and can’t seem to get herself a date for the night never mind a long term partner.
Desperate for answers she turns to Google which brings up a blog site about dating. The site might be old but the info still has to be relevant, doesn’t it? Via a series of Podcasts called Sorry, Not Sorry all about living your life to the full and enjoying yourself, Charlotte delves into a world she has never stepped foot in before, but will it lead to true love?
Sorry Not Sorry is an amusing tale of one woman willing to try anything to make her love life better. Her best friend is getting married, as well as leaving her in the lurch as all three of them were roomies – Charlotte, Best friend Maddy and her boyfriend Henry, and now Maddy and Henry have moved out to live together – How dare they!!
We get to follow Charlotte as she goes through a list of challenges that are supposed to improve her life which will in turn bag her a man of her dreams, though it’s not plain sailing.
The book made me giggle in parts but I found the pacing at the beginning a little slow and took a while to warm to the characters, including the new roommates. From about half-way, the book came alive and I raced to the finish line.
If you are looking for a quick, easy read that will put a smile on your face, this is the book for you
July 28, 2020
A fun entertaining story that will make you giggle!
This was a playful story with an unique angle. As a podcast listener(although most of my podcasts are about serial killers) I really enjoyed how this media was used in the story. A quirky story about taking yourself out of your comfort zone and finding your inner bad girl.
Charlotte is a workaholic about to lose her flatmate and friend to marriage... when she realizes she doesn’t do much more than work day in and day out. She starts listening to the popular “Sorry Not Sorry” podcast, this podcast assigns you tasks that will help you find your inner bad girl. Got to be honest some of these things I don’t believe would make you a “bad girl,” but they might take you out of your comfort zone. Bad girl or not I think it made for a wonderful story and helped Charlotte. There is quite a bit more to the story and some characters actions I didn’t necessarily agree with, but I don’t want to spoil anything.
Charlotte was a pretty sympathetic character, I really felt for her, she really had a lot on her plate. A super demanding job, planning a wedding for her BFF, and looking for the elusive perfect man. I have to admit though I did not always find Charlotte terribly relatable. The secondary characters were wonderful I would love to read a book about Tanzie *update there is a book about Tanzie and it is wonderful!* she is a girl I can get behind! I also loved Bianka, got to love a character it is fun to hate! And boy was it fun to hate her! It is so true that as our friends begin to get married and have children we tend to lose touch or become closer to those that are at the same stage in life as we are. I was the second in my friend group to have kids so I guess I was the one to lose touch, but believe me there was many a Friday night I wish I was out with the girls rather than changing diapers. The grass certainly is always greener on the other side of that marriage fence....
An engaging story that will make you want to find your inner bad girl and start listening to podcasts!
*** Big thank you to Forever for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
This was a playful story with an unique angle. As a podcast listener(although most of my podcasts are about serial killers) I really enjoyed how this media was used in the story. A quirky story about taking yourself out of your comfort zone and finding your inner bad girl.
Charlotte is a workaholic about to lose her flatmate and friend to marriage... when she realizes she doesn’t do much more than work day in and day out. She starts listening to the popular “Sorry Not Sorry” podcast, this podcast assigns you tasks that will help you find your inner bad girl. Got to be honest some of these things I don’t believe would make you a “bad girl,” but they might take you out of your comfort zone. Bad girl or not I think it made for a wonderful story and helped Charlotte. There is quite a bit more to the story and some characters actions I didn’t necessarily agree with, but I don’t want to spoil anything.
Charlotte was a pretty sympathetic character, I really felt for her, she really had a lot on her plate. A super demanding job, planning a wedding for her BFF, and looking for the elusive perfect man. I have to admit though I did not always find Charlotte terribly relatable. The secondary characters were wonderful I would love to read a book about Tanzie *update there is a book about Tanzie and it is wonderful!* she is a girl I can get behind! I also loved Bianka, got to love a character it is fun to hate! And boy was it fun to hate her! It is so true that as our friends begin to get married and have children we tend to lose touch or become closer to those that are at the same stage in life as we are. I was the second in my friend group to have kids so I guess I was the one to lose touch, but believe me there was many a Friday night I wish I was out with the girls rather than changing diapers. The grass certainly is always greener on the other side of that marriage fence....
An engaging story that will make you want to find your inner bad girl and start listening to podcasts!
*** Big thank you to Forever for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
January 28, 2019
I don't know how much my review will do justice to this book with my sleep induced brain, but my excited heart won't allow me to rest until I have posted this. Have you ever felt that particular urge to share your excitement just after reading an amazing novel? Ever experienced that bubbling happiness that won't be subdued unless you narrate the story to at least one person? If yes, then you know what I am going through now. Yup! I have found this wonderful chick lit (quite accidentally, in fact) and there is only one thing I can shout at you: READ IT!
Well, since it is made quite clear how much I enjoyed reading it, let's go to the question of why. I am an avid Sophie Kinsella fan and anything of her style is always a bliss. They are not joking in the blurb about this being suitable for Kinsella fans -- the novel is a clever combination of humour, mystery and romance typical of the chick lit and it will keep you on your toes till the very end. (Even now I am tapping my feet on the floor 😇 )
Charlotte is a heroine that is close to my heart and reading her story, thanks to the exemplary narrative skills of the author, was like being a part of her life. Boyfriend trouble, bridesmaid crisis and stifling but enjoyable work life . . . that pretty much surmises the plot we will go through. Even paced, with bits of mystery and conflicts strewed in between, the novel makes an excellent light read that is hard to put down. It cost me a night's sleep, but that was so worth it. Happy reading everyone!
Well, since it is made quite clear how much I enjoyed reading it, let's go to the question of why. I am an avid Sophie Kinsella fan and anything of her style is always a bliss. They are not joking in the blurb about this being suitable for Kinsella fans -- the novel is a clever combination of humour, mystery and romance typical of the chick lit and it will keep you on your toes till the very end. (Even now I am tapping my feet on the floor 😇 )
Charlotte is a heroine that is close to my heart and reading her story, thanks to the exemplary narrative skills of the author, was like being a part of her life. Boyfriend trouble, bridesmaid crisis and stifling but enjoyable work life . . . that pretty much surmises the plot we will go through. Even paced, with bits of mystery and conflicts strewed in between, the novel makes an excellent light read that is hard to put down. It cost me a night's sleep, but that was so worth it. Happy reading everyone!
July 23, 2025
I think I will give this book a 3.75 stars. I really enjoyed the sense of humour that the main character had in this book. I giggled a fair bit.
I usually don't like these types of genres, but I enjoyed this one. The storyline was more believable. It just flowed so nicely.
I liked the main characters as well as the side characters. It was a lovely, light book to read, and I would like to give another go of this author again.
I'm hoping Sophie will keep up the humour. It was so good. If the main character was real, I'd definitely want to be her friend 🫶
I usually don't like these types of genres, but I enjoyed this one. The storyline was more believable. It just flowed so nicely.
I liked the main characters as well as the side characters. It was a lovely, light book to read, and I would like to give another go of this author again.
I'm hoping Sophie will keep up the humour. It was so good. If the main character was real, I'd definitely want to be her friend 🫶
March 7, 2021
This hasn't been the best year for me when it comes to reading highly recommended chick-lit and romance books and this is my first read from Sophie Ranald so I didn't know what to expect and I didn't expect much but I was in for a surprise. I quite liked it. May be not the best ever but definitely the best in a while.
Charlotte is a full time working woman who is single and has been for a while. Her best friend is moving away with her fiancée and she's left with no housemates because of that very reason. Her life is sort of turned upside down after that moment and that's when she realizes that she needs to change somethings in her life otherwise all she'll ever do is just work work and work. She comes across this podcast which tells her to embrace her inner bad girl and how listening to that podcast, Charlotte makes some changes in her life and how she finds new friends and lives through the drama of a wedding and that of being a bridesmaids, how she finds The One after making a few mistakes is what this book is about.
I liked how the whole thing turned out to be but I just didn't find it as hilarious as it was sold to be. I mean there were some laughs especially the resting bitch face comment (I laughed hard at that) but other than that it wasn't exactly hilarious. Don't get me wrong I really enjoyed the book but it was more drama than comedy.
3.5 stars
Charlotte is a full time working woman who is single and has been for a while. Her best friend is moving away with her fiancée and she's left with no housemates because of that very reason. Her life is sort of turned upside down after that moment and that's when she realizes that she needs to change somethings in her life otherwise all she'll ever do is just work work and work. She comes across this podcast which tells her to embrace her inner bad girl and how listening to that podcast, Charlotte makes some changes in her life and how she finds new friends and lives through the drama of a wedding and that of being a bridesmaids, how she finds The One after making a few mistakes is what this book is about.
I liked how the whole thing turned out to be but I just didn't find it as hilarious as it was sold to be. I mean there were some laughs especially the resting bitch face comment (I laughed hard at that) but other than that it wasn't exactly hilarious. Don't get me wrong I really enjoyed the book but it was more drama than comedy.
3.5 stars
January 24, 2019
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
So this was actually really good. I laughed, cried, and laughed some more. The character of Charlotte was written well and so were all of the secondary characters. I really liked the overall plot of Charlotte trying to do more with her life and meet someone and the subplots of her changing relationship with Maddy, and her two new roommates, Tansy and Adam. I am wondering if Ranald has plans to write a sequel to this and I hope so. I need to find out what happens with Tansy!
Sorry, Not Sorry follows 20 something Charlotte who is left reeling slightly after her best friend and roommate Maddy moves out to set up house with her fiancee. Charlotte is going to have to deal with two new roomies too since Maddy's fiancee was their other roommate. Realizing that she doesn't do much besides work and come home, Charlotte starts listening to a podcast called, Sorry, Not Sorry, that has her trying to change up her life and find someone.
Charlotte is a really good character. It's been a while since I have read a romance book that didn't make me hard sigh at the main character. You want to root for people that you are reading about and I rooted for Charlotte. She's hilarious and topical (her horror at being told she resembles Ivanka Trump made me howl) and she really wants to be there for her friends, but has to work. I sympathize. And I felt her pain when she realized she is being pushed out of her friend's life since's she's single. I think the best part is reading her and her romantic up and downs as well as her growing friendship with her new roommate Tansy. And I love that the author explains why Charlotte is feeling a bit crushed due to not being close with her mother and having no siblings.
Charlotte following along with the podcast advice cracked me up (trying to exercise, meet someone via a friend group, etc. all were a bit of a mess). I do laugh though that most of my podcasts are true crime or entertainment.
And, I have to say, that Charlotte takes responsibility for things and doesn't try to dodge anything which was refreshing.
The secondary characters like Tansy, Xander, etc. were written really good. We get to hear more about Maddy than see her, but it's understandable since they have grown apart.
So you are probably going what the heck? You gave this four stars though?! Why? Well, the Adam subplot. That was a big fat no for me. And I hated how it ended. I won't spoil in the review, but would love to hear other readers comments about that when they finish this book. I just ended up feeling ticked off because it just gives the wrong message in my point of view.
I thought the writing was very good and I liked how each chapter had some of the podcast excerpts up front. As a podcast listener I like how Ranald tapped into something that I don't think I have seen in many contemporary romances these days. She brings in technology and how that shapes how people date now. Charlotte mentions Tinder and Instagram and even how the friends have a Slack Channel. I feel woefully out of touch!
The flow was pretty good. I think the only time it got a bit off was towards the end. Bagieu jumps through a lot of things to bring everyone up to the present.
The ending was good I thought (we jump three months later) and I have some quibbles with Charlotte and her proposed plans (can't get into without spoiling). This is why I hope there's a sequel. I have to know how things work out.
So this was actually really good. I laughed, cried, and laughed some more. The character of Charlotte was written well and so were all of the secondary characters. I really liked the overall plot of Charlotte trying to do more with her life and meet someone and the subplots of her changing relationship with Maddy, and her two new roommates, Tansy and Adam. I am wondering if Ranald has plans to write a sequel to this and I hope so. I need to find out what happens with Tansy!
Sorry, Not Sorry follows 20 something Charlotte who is left reeling slightly after her best friend and roommate Maddy moves out to set up house with her fiancee. Charlotte is going to have to deal with two new roomies too since Maddy's fiancee was their other roommate. Realizing that she doesn't do much besides work and come home, Charlotte starts listening to a podcast called, Sorry, Not Sorry, that has her trying to change up her life and find someone.
Charlotte is a really good character. It's been a while since I have read a romance book that didn't make me hard sigh at the main character. You want to root for people that you are reading about and I rooted for Charlotte. She's hilarious and topical (her horror at being told she resembles Ivanka Trump made me howl) and she really wants to be there for her friends, but has to work. I sympathize. And I felt her pain when she realized she is being pushed out of her friend's life since's she's single. I think the best part is reading her and her romantic up and downs as well as her growing friendship with her new roommate Tansy. And I love that the author explains why Charlotte is feeling a bit crushed due to not being close with her mother and having no siblings.
Charlotte following along with the podcast advice cracked me up (trying to exercise, meet someone via a friend group, etc. all were a bit of a mess). I do laugh though that most of my podcasts are true crime or entertainment.
And, I have to say, that Charlotte takes responsibility for things and doesn't try to dodge anything which was refreshing.
The secondary characters like Tansy, Xander, etc. were written really good. We get to hear more about Maddy than see her, but it's understandable since they have grown apart.
So you are probably going what the heck? You gave this four stars though?! Why? Well, the Adam subplot. That was a big fat no for me. And I hated how it ended. I won't spoil in the review, but would love to hear other readers comments about that when they finish this book. I just ended up feeling ticked off because it just gives the wrong message in my point of view.
I thought the writing was very good and I liked how each chapter had some of the podcast excerpts up front. As a podcast listener I like how Ranald tapped into something that I don't think I have seen in many contemporary romances these days. She brings in technology and how that shapes how people date now. Charlotte mentions Tinder and Instagram and even how the friends have a Slack Channel. I feel woefully out of touch!
The flow was pretty good. I think the only time it got a bit off was towards the end. Bagieu jumps through a lot of things to bring everyone up to the present.
The ending was good I thought (we jump three months later) and I have some quibbles with Charlotte and her proposed plans (can't get into without spoiling). This is why I hope there's a sequel. I have to know how things work out.
May 25, 2019
Identity Crisis
I’m not sure what this book was trying to be. It had about 6 different storylines, none of which were particularly well executed.
I’m not sure what this book was trying to be. It had about 6 different storylines, none of which were particularly well executed.
January 16, 2019
After a bit of a slow start, where I was struggling to work out who worked where, and what all the characters connections were - admittedly I was very tired when I read the first half of the book, which possibly affected my initial enjoyment - I'm glad I continued as I thoroughly enjoyed the second half of the book.
What really intrigued me initially and kept me reading was the pod cast series that Charlotte was following called Sorry Not Sorry, all about getting in touch with your inner bad girl. I loved all the various challenges that were set and how Charlotte tried to embrace them.
There were a couple of men in the book and I always had a weird inkling who she may end up with. I really enjoyed the hot and steamy times she had with Miles, the office architect, although whether I ever trusted him would be another matter.
Getting to know Tansy, Charlottes new flat mate was enjoyable, and I was interested in what she was clearly hiding. And when the secret was revealed it made me think too.
After around 50% was when I became properly engaged with the story, and found it was coming together in my mind more. I found I was really caring about the characters, and was interested to see how various situations would resolve themselves.
There are even a good selection of people to hate if you are that way incline, and Charlotte's job exhausted me just thinking about it.
An enjoyable book, and the hint in the notes at the back that we may get more books featuring Tansy and Adam, Charlotte's other flatmates is rather intriguing, and I really hope we do as I'd love to get to know Tansy even more.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which i have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
What really intrigued me initially and kept me reading was the pod cast series that Charlotte was following called Sorry Not Sorry, all about getting in touch with your inner bad girl. I loved all the various challenges that were set and how Charlotte tried to embrace them.
There were a couple of men in the book and I always had a weird inkling who she may end up with. I really enjoyed the hot and steamy times she had with Miles, the office architect, although whether I ever trusted him would be another matter.
Getting to know Tansy, Charlottes new flat mate was enjoyable, and I was interested in what she was clearly hiding. And when the secret was revealed it made me think too.
After around 50% was when I became properly engaged with the story, and found it was coming together in my mind more. I found I was really caring about the characters, and was interested to see how various situations would resolve themselves.
There are even a good selection of people to hate if you are that way incline, and Charlotte's job exhausted me just thinking about it.
An enjoyable book, and the hint in the notes at the back that we may get more books featuring Tansy and Adam, Charlotte's other flatmates is rather intriguing, and I really hope we do as I'd love to get to know Tansy even more.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which i have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
March 28, 2019
Did a book’s ending ever make it hard to fairly rate a book? I am not saying that the ending was terrible, its just that…well, I just didn’t like it. Which stinks because up until the 95% mark of this book I thought it was rather fun. I was whipping through the ending because I wanted to finish and then BAM, that “twist.”
It was a fun story; classic chick-lit, light read that is easy to whip through. I liked some characters, I hated some characters (which you were supposed to). But obviously meh about the ending.
Charlotte’s dating life is non-existent. She stumbles upon a podcast “Sorry Not Sorry” that will challenge her to go beyond her comfort zone and open up more within the dating scene. Each episode is a series of challenges which she will embark on (or at least try to).
Like I said, super light and fun concept. I was jiving with it, I just didn’t understand the ending. Please don’t confuse this with the ending being confusing: its not. I can’t explain without giving it away – and I try to be spoiler free – so I will leave it up to you to decide.
It is a cute beach read if you are looking for one. I want you to read it so we can discuss it. You can tell me you agree with me, or that I am overthinking it and to stop being so serious.
So, if you read it already let me know!
I received an arc of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
To read my reviews visit: www.saturdaynitereader.com
It was a fun story; classic chick-lit, light read that is easy to whip through. I liked some characters, I hated some characters (which you were supposed to). But obviously meh about the ending.
Charlotte’s dating life is non-existent. She stumbles upon a podcast “Sorry Not Sorry” that will challenge her to go beyond her comfort zone and open up more within the dating scene. Each episode is a series of challenges which she will embark on (or at least try to).
Like I said, super light and fun concept. I was jiving with it, I just didn’t understand the ending. Please don’t confuse this with the ending being confusing: its not. I can’t explain without giving it away – and I try to be spoiler free – so I will leave it up to you to decide.
It is a cute beach read if you are looking for one. I want you to read it so we can discuss it. You can tell me you agree with me, or that I am overthinking it and to stop being so serious.
So, if you read it already let me know!
I received an arc of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
To read my reviews visit: www.saturdaynitereader.com
July 31, 2020
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie
Sorry Not Sorry was a rollicking good time with a quirky cast I fell helplessly in love with in no time flat. With its fun rom-com-meets-chick-lit vibe, what a lovely way this was to be introduced to Sophie Ranald’s work!
There was a whole lot to enjoy about Sorry Not Sorry. Being set in and around London was the first big selling point for me as I love stories from across the pond. And Charlotte–as well as her friends–embodied that London lifestyle with their dry, witty sense of humor, the frenetic pace they seemed to live with day after day, and the social scene they flirted with. I was also pretty wowed by our main character herself... Read More
Sorry Not Sorry was a rollicking good time with a quirky cast I fell helplessly in love with in no time flat. With its fun rom-com-meets-chick-lit vibe, what a lovely way this was to be introduced to Sophie Ranald’s work!
There was a whole lot to enjoy about Sorry Not Sorry. Being set in and around London was the first big selling point for me as I love stories from across the pond. And Charlotte–as well as her friends–embodied that London lifestyle with their dry, witty sense of humor, the frenetic pace they seemed to live with day after day, and the social scene they flirted with. I was also pretty wowed by our main character herself... Read More
October 11, 2019
Sorry I started this book! I am putting it aside and may not finish it.
October 1, 2020
Well, it wasn't Bridget Jones Diary entertaining but it was an okay read. I do think I will try the audio version and see if my enjoyment is enhanced.
Charlotte was about to lose her flatmate who was getting married, which caused Charlotte to take stock of her own life. Charlotte decided that she works a lot and needs to expand her horizons. She begins listening to a podcast "Sorry Not Sorry" where the listener is challenged to live on the wild side. This forces the heroine to start taking risks and getting out of her comfort zone. This part was made a bit more entertaining by the side characters, her girl crew, who shared her desire to settled down and get married. I don't remember my single days that fondly so it was a little harder to relate but I was rooting for the girls to find their Mr. Right. I was expecting a lot more laugh out loud moments but all in all, it was an okay read.
*Special Thanks to Forever for the book given in exchange for an honest review*
Charlotte was about to lose her flatmate who was getting married, which caused Charlotte to take stock of her own life. Charlotte decided that she works a lot and needs to expand her horizons. She begins listening to a podcast "Sorry Not Sorry" where the listener is challenged to live on the wild side. This forces the heroine to start taking risks and getting out of her comfort zone. This part was made a bit more entertaining by the side characters, her girl crew, who shared her desire to settled down and get married. I don't remember my single days that fondly so it was a little harder to relate but I was rooting for the girls to find their Mr. Right. I was expecting a lot more laugh out loud moments but all in all, it was an okay read.
*Special Thanks to Forever for the book given in exchange for an honest review*
June 2, 2019
Depressing that in 2019 we are still promoting outdated and misogynistic gender stereotypes. I despair, a book written by a female author. Pathetic female characters seeking their rich husband, resorting selling their body rather than using intelligence and hard work. A portrayal of weak females being treated as second class citizens in the workplace by sexist male colleagues. Grown women acting like school children, falling out over trivial nonsense. .
February 12, 2019
Sorry Not Sorry by Sophie Ranald is a hysterical romp through life while dating and all its hits and misses (or messes) which comes with it. It's about losing a best friend to marriage and working endless hours at a job that you feel unappreciated. In other words...life!
Charlotte is tired of being alone and single. With her best friend moving out to get married and having to adjust to new housemates, she's feeling pretty low. Until she comes across a podcast called "Sorry Not Sorry" which challenges single women in each podcast to one exercise in order to improve their love lives. She begins taking the challenges from the mysterious woman who dishes out the advice while telling listeners her own dating mishaps. Charlotte begins to gain a sort of confidence by trying the advice.
During this same time she is faced with losing her best friend due to reasons she does not quite understand and helping her new roommate Tansy navigate a relationship while knowing she is keeping some sort of a secret about her past, all the while desperately trying to keep her job by working long hours and never saying no.
This story is very relatable to anyone who has had to juggle the trials of working, dating and maintaining friendships. It is an uplifting funny story which will make you both cringe yet empathize with Charlotte's choices.
I cannot wait for the sequel!
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy. The book will be out on February 13. @NetGalley @Bookouture.
Merged review:
Sorry Not Sorry by Sophie Ranald is a hysterical romp through life while dating and all its hits and misses (or messes) which comes with it. It's about losing a best friend to marriage and working endless hours at a job that you feel unappreciated. In other words...life!
Charlotte is tired of being alone and single. With her best friend moving out to get married and having to adjust to new housemates, she's feeling pretty low. Until she comes across a podcast called "Sorry Not Sorry" which challenges single women in each podcast to one exercise in order to improve their love lives. She begins taking the challenges from the mysterious woman who dishes out the advice while telling listeners her own dating mishaps. Charlotte begins to gain a sort of confidence by trying the advice.
During this same time she is faced with losing her best friend due to reasons she does not quite understand and helping her new roommate Tansy navigate a relationship while knowing she is keeping some sort of a secret about her past, all the while desperately trying to keep her job by working long hours and never saying no.
This story is very relatable to anyone who has had to juggle the trials of working, dating and maintaining friendships. It is an uplifting funny story which will make you both cringe yet empathize with Charlotte's choices.
I cannot wait for the sequel!
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy. The book will be out on February 13.
Charlotte is tired of being alone and single. With her best friend moving out to get married and having to adjust to new housemates, she's feeling pretty low. Until she comes across a podcast called "Sorry Not Sorry" which challenges single women in each podcast to one exercise in order to improve their love lives. She begins taking the challenges from the mysterious woman who dishes out the advice while telling listeners her own dating mishaps. Charlotte begins to gain a sort of confidence by trying the advice.
During this same time she is faced with losing her best friend due to reasons she does not quite understand and helping her new roommate Tansy navigate a relationship while knowing she is keeping some sort of a secret about her past, all the while desperately trying to keep her job by working long hours and never saying no.
This story is very relatable to anyone who has had to juggle the trials of working, dating and maintaining friendships. It is an uplifting funny story which will make you both cringe yet empathize with Charlotte's choices.
I cannot wait for the sequel!
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy. The book will be out on February 13. @NetGalley @Bookouture.
Merged review:
Sorry Not Sorry by Sophie Ranald is a hysterical romp through life while dating and all its hits and misses (or messes) which comes with it. It's about losing a best friend to marriage and working endless hours at a job that you feel unappreciated. In other words...life!
Charlotte is tired of being alone and single. With her best friend moving out to get married and having to adjust to new housemates, she's feeling pretty low. Until she comes across a podcast called "Sorry Not Sorry" which challenges single women in each podcast to one exercise in order to improve their love lives. She begins taking the challenges from the mysterious woman who dishes out the advice while telling listeners her own dating mishaps. Charlotte begins to gain a sort of confidence by trying the advice.
During this same time she is faced with losing her best friend due to reasons she does not quite understand and helping her new roommate Tansy navigate a relationship while knowing she is keeping some sort of a secret about her past, all the while desperately trying to keep her job by working long hours and never saying no.
This story is very relatable to anyone who has had to juggle the trials of working, dating and maintaining friendships. It is an uplifting funny story which will make you both cringe yet empathize with Charlotte's choices.
I cannot wait for the sequel!
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy. The book will be out on February 13.
July 8, 2019
Everything seems to be random in this story. First of all, I got thrown in the middle of a scene and I supposed to keep up with every information regarding these characters and what they're talking about. It almost feels like as if you're accidentally listening to someone's having conversation on the train that sits right beside you, you have no idea what they're talking about, but you're forced to listen to them anyway. There's no clear purpose with the plot too, although it literally mentioned in the earlier chapters. A lot of other side characters come and go, and when I thought these or those characters are going to have an impact and additional value to the story, they were not. It's just confusing, because what's the point of explaining the side character's motive for 10 pages here?
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Final Rating — 2/5
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Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Final Rating — 2/5
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I'm also a contributor for The Nerd Daily and feel free to check out my digital arts on RedBubble! ❤
February 17, 2019
My first book by this author and I was utterly pleased. It’s a chicklit but not the dime a dozen one. Don’t get me wrong. I am a fan of the ‘normal’ kind, but it’s an treat when the author adds a little touch of something else like a bit of suspense. This is what happend here and it gives the story some extra pizzazz.
This book is about bringing the bad girl out in you and not feeling sorry about it. Honestly, why should you? There is nothing wrong with taking some steps to make you feel on top of the world as long as you don’t hurt other people.
This is what Charlotte is embracing with open arms and good for her! Go, girl!
A very entertaining story about looking at yourself from a different point of view, making changes and coming out on top, about old friends and new ones, about love and romance.
There is some humour in it and some ‘yes, why not indeed?’ comments popped up in my mind.
I hope there is a sequel in the making, pretty please? I have no problem in putting this one on my read-it-and-loved-it pile. 5 stars.
Thank you, Sophie Ranald, Bookouture and Netgalley.
Book received courtesey of publisher/author.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
This book is about bringing the bad girl out in you and not feeling sorry about it. Honestly, why should you? There is nothing wrong with taking some steps to make you feel on top of the world as long as you don’t hurt other people.
This is what Charlotte is embracing with open arms and good for her! Go, girl!
A very entertaining story about looking at yourself from a different point of view, making changes and coming out on top, about old friends and new ones, about love and romance.
There is some humour in it and some ‘yes, why not indeed?’ comments popped up in my mind.
I hope there is a sequel in the making, pretty please? I have no problem in putting this one on my read-it-and-loved-it pile. 5 stars.
Thank you, Sophie Ranald, Bookouture and Netgalley.
Book received courtesey of publisher/author.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
April 19, 2019
Couldn't get into it.
February 14, 2019
***Disclaimer: I was lucky enough to receive a free copy of this book through Netgalley, in exchange for my honest review. However, please note that all opinions and views are my own.***
Actual rating: 3.5!
I am seriously beginning to wonder, if there's something wrong with my sense of humour. Maybe it's went on holiday without giving my brain notice? Maybe it's just not getting the sophisticated and sublime jokes, that must be somewhere within the pages of this book. All I know is, that this book that promised me laughter, provided absolutely none. Did I smile from time to time? I am sure I did! But nothing stands out as being hilarious, funny or even somewhat humorous. As I got nearer to the end of the book, I found myself wishing I had a cheat sheet to tell me exactly where the fun was meant to be found. Because all in all, the book is about some seriously shitty friends, self-growth, living life to its fullest, and learning to deal with whatever life and bad decisions throws at you. Don't get me wrong, I did actually really like the book, but not for the reasons I was promised in the blurb!
When Charlotte's best friend (Maddy) and roomate (her BFF's fiance) moves out of their house share, to start their happily ever after, Charlotte feels like she's left alone. On the outside she has a view to the perfect life her best friends are living, and suddenly she couldn't feel more alone. After realising how mundane and boring her life has become, she decides it's time to make some changes. Through listening to Sorry Not Sorry - a podcast that challenges you to take charge of your dating life - Charlotte finds the courage to change things. While trying to find her inner adventurist Charlotte also has to deal with her 2 new roommates. The stunningly beautiful and outgoing Tansa, who will do just about anything for her family. And the somewhat hostile and lonesome Adam. When Charlotte through her job finds a man that's not only handsome, but also makes her feel extremely sexy and wanted, it seems she's finally taken control of her dating life.
Things seems to finally be going her way. Except for the fact that ever since Maddy and her fiance moved out, Charlotte and Maddy have grown more and more distant. At times Charlotte is struggling to find out exactly why her best friend isn't including her in wedding plans, at other times it seems like she doesn't care that much. Don't get me wrong, she is doing anything she can when she's actually thinking about it. But with all the other changes in her life, it doesn't really seem to be all that much. It doesn't help that Bianca, the bitch and Maddy's future sister-in-law, aims all her verbal bullets at Charlotte, talks smack about her, makes fun at her expense and literally pushes out of all their plans. When the time comes for the hen do in Lisbon, all except Charlotte turns up to the airport in a shared limousine. And as the only one not upgraded to business class, Charlotte is left alone on the flight. But when the entire hen party leaves Charlotte on her own and don't answer any calls or texts, she decides to leave well enough alone.
Charlotte is quite the character. I think she represents most women, at one point or another in their lives. She's struggling between doing what's right and what she wants to do. And the fact that she isn't perfect, makes her even more likeable. Along with all the other characters in the book, she feels very real. So why am I only giving this book 3.5 stars? Because of the ending! I don't want to go to much into details, as I want to avoid spoilers. But the entire thing seems very rushed and sloppy. Yes, Charlotte gets her happy ever after. Huzzah. But the ending is so far from satisfying for the other characters, it kind of feels like they're just there because they had to be. Kind of like me trying to do any math; I can follow the formula, but I won't really know why certain things needs to be done.
One of the examples is the dispute between Maddy, her friends and Charlotte. This entire thing was part of the plot for like 95% of the book, and yet it's all solved in one setting. Maddy and Charlotte meet up for cocktails and book, no problem at all. I'm not one for unnecessary drama in my books. But this situation actually needed some drama, or at the very least a proper argument. When it comes to Charlottes new roommates, their ending also left a lot to be desired. Between Adam's unrealistic and ridiculous ending, and Tansa's underwhelming and sad one, I'm just left wanting for more. If this had been part of a series, I would have rated it 4.5. But as far as I know this is a standalone, which is why my rating is 3.5.
Actual rating: 3.5!
I am seriously beginning to wonder, if there's something wrong with my sense of humour. Maybe it's went on holiday without giving my brain notice? Maybe it's just not getting the sophisticated and sublime jokes, that must be somewhere within the pages of this book. All I know is, that this book that promised me laughter, provided absolutely none. Did I smile from time to time? I am sure I did! But nothing stands out as being hilarious, funny or even somewhat humorous. As I got nearer to the end of the book, I found myself wishing I had a cheat sheet to tell me exactly where the fun was meant to be found. Because all in all, the book is about some seriously shitty friends, self-growth, living life to its fullest, and learning to deal with whatever life and bad decisions throws at you. Don't get me wrong, I did actually really like the book, but not for the reasons I was promised in the blurb!
When Charlotte's best friend (Maddy) and roomate (her BFF's fiance) moves out of their house share, to start their happily ever after, Charlotte feels like she's left alone. On the outside she has a view to the perfect life her best friends are living, and suddenly she couldn't feel more alone. After realising how mundane and boring her life has become, she decides it's time to make some changes. Through listening to Sorry Not Sorry - a podcast that challenges you to take charge of your dating life - Charlotte finds the courage to change things. While trying to find her inner adventurist Charlotte also has to deal with her 2 new roommates. The stunningly beautiful and outgoing Tansa, who will do just about anything for her family. And the somewhat hostile and lonesome Adam. When Charlotte through her job finds a man that's not only handsome, but also makes her feel extremely sexy and wanted, it seems she's finally taken control of her dating life.
Things seems to finally be going her way. Except for the fact that ever since Maddy and her fiance moved out, Charlotte and Maddy have grown more and more distant. At times Charlotte is struggling to find out exactly why her best friend isn't including her in wedding plans, at other times it seems like she doesn't care that much. Don't get me wrong, she is doing anything she can when she's actually thinking about it. But with all the other changes in her life, it doesn't really seem to be all that much. It doesn't help that Bianca, the bitch and Maddy's future sister-in-law, aims all her verbal bullets at Charlotte, talks smack about her, makes fun at her expense and literally pushes out of all their plans. When the time comes for the hen do in Lisbon, all except Charlotte turns up to the airport in a shared limousine. And as the only one not upgraded to business class, Charlotte is left alone on the flight. But when the entire hen party leaves Charlotte on her own and don't answer any calls or texts, she decides to leave well enough alone.
Charlotte is quite the character. I think she represents most women, at one point or another in their lives. She's struggling between doing what's right and what she wants to do. And the fact that she isn't perfect, makes her even more likeable. Along with all the other characters in the book, she feels very real. So why am I only giving this book 3.5 stars? Because of the ending! I don't want to go to much into details, as I want to avoid spoilers. But the entire thing seems very rushed and sloppy. Yes, Charlotte gets her happy ever after. Huzzah. But the ending is so far from satisfying for the other characters, it kind of feels like they're just there because they had to be. Kind of like me trying to do any math; I can follow the formula, but I won't really know why certain things needs to be done.
One of the examples is the dispute between Maddy, her friends and Charlotte. This entire thing was part of the plot for like 95% of the book, and yet it's all solved in one setting. Maddy and Charlotte meet up for cocktails and book, no problem at all. I'm not one for unnecessary drama in my books. But this situation actually needed some drama, or at the very least a proper argument. When it comes to Charlottes new roommates, their ending also left a lot to be desired. Between Adam's unrealistic and ridiculous ending, and Tansa's underwhelming and sad one, I'm just left wanting for more. If this had been part of a series, I would have rated it 4.5. But as far as I know this is a standalone, which is why my rating is 3.5.
Have you read any books by the author? How do you feel about characters who takes themselves too seriously? Let’s talk in the comments!
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May 27, 2021
In one word: WHY?
First of all, the construction of the book is messy and disjointed. There’s about 6 different storylines, none of them are well executed and have any depth. I pushed to the end because I wanted the story to redeem itself but... no.
Now, stating one of the obvious and annoying attributes of the story: unrealistic body image. Our main character is a woman in her thirties, wearing size 8 clothes, 32F bra (whilst eating insane quantities of fries, bread, cheese and gulping sugary cocktails on a near daily basis for which she gets told off by people because BEWARE of the extra weight...) Really? I REALLY don’t care about a character’s clothes vs. bra size. I could understand it if the context required it, but here, it doesn’t bring anything to this story except create weird body image expectations.
The book also provides typical examples of toxic friendships and relationships, yet the writing makes it appear as acceptable behaviour. Why? Why is Charlotte constantly the one questioning herself when she’s obviously been bullied by everyone? Why is she the one feeling guilty when a guy brings her home to bed after full-on French kissing when she was drunk and he was sober (don’t worry, nothing happens)? Why is the story constantly making mental abuse legitimate and acceptable?
This books wants to be feminist and empowering but it’s the complete opposite! It is a collage of misogynistic and outdated stereotypes - to feel sexy you have to wear lingerie, use sex toys and snog strangers kinda thing.
Takeaways here:
-Toxic friendships/mental abuse are not normal or OK and one shouldn’t accept them.
-unrealistic body image isn’t a great model to set. You decide what your body looks like and you get to decide if you want carbs or not.
-Being sexy isn’t all about buying lingerie and sex toys. C’mon. It’s 2021, we can do better than that.
First of all, the construction of the book is messy and disjointed. There’s about 6 different storylines, none of them are well executed and have any depth. I pushed to the end because I wanted the story to redeem itself but... no.
Now, stating one of the obvious and annoying attributes of the story: unrealistic body image. Our main character is a woman in her thirties, wearing size 8 clothes, 32F bra (whilst eating insane quantities of fries, bread, cheese and gulping sugary cocktails on a near daily basis for which she gets told off by people because BEWARE of the extra weight...) Really? I REALLY don’t care about a character’s clothes vs. bra size. I could understand it if the context required it, but here, it doesn’t bring anything to this story except create weird body image expectations.
The book also provides typical examples of toxic friendships and relationships, yet the writing makes it appear as acceptable behaviour. Why? Why is Charlotte constantly the one questioning herself when she’s obviously been bullied by everyone? Why is she the one feeling guilty when a guy brings her home to bed after full-on French kissing when she was drunk and he was sober (don’t worry, nothing happens)? Why is the story constantly making mental abuse legitimate and acceptable?
This books wants to be feminist and empowering but it’s the complete opposite! It is a collage of misogynistic and outdated stereotypes - to feel sexy you have to wear lingerie, use sex toys and snog strangers kinda thing.
Takeaways here:
-Toxic friendships/mental abuse are not normal or OK and one shouldn’t accept them.
-unrealistic body image isn’t a great model to set. You decide what your body looks like and you get to decide if you want carbs or not.
-Being sexy isn’t all about buying lingerie and sex toys. C’mon. It’s 2021, we can do better than that.
August 12, 2020
Charlotte's roommates and bff are moving on in their lives, buying a house, getting married. She works all the time and feels like her life is in a rut. She starts listening to a podcast called "Sorry Not Sorry", that helps women find their "Inner bad girl"!! How to have more fun, and find love. The podcast gives a list of challenges for her to follow! I'll tell you, poor Charlotte is just having a tough time on the dating front time and time again!! This book has lots of laughs and angst! I really enjoyed Charlotte as a character, I feel like most females can relate to her, and how perfectly imperfect she is!!
If you want a light, entertaining, fun book that you can fly through, definitely pick this up!!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted review copy! All opinions are my own!!
If you want a light, entertaining, fun book that you can fly through, definitely pick this up!!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted review copy! All opinions are my own!!
August 3, 2020
Cute, light, and playful!
Sorry Not Sorry is a spirited, witty rom-com about the focused, hardworking Charlotte who after working long hours and focusing solely on her career decides with the help of a podcast to step out of her comfort zone and take some risks when it comes to dating and finding love.
The writing style is funny and sharp. The characters are quirky, amusing, and endearing. And the plot is a humourous blend of life, love, introspection, friendship, embarrassing moments, awkward situations, misunderstandings, workplace drama, taking chances, and the ups-and-downs of finding Mr. Right.
Overall, Sorry not Sorry is an easy, engaging, entertaining read by Ranald that’s bursting with female friendships, self-discovery, and a sliver of romance.
Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sorry Not Sorry is a spirited, witty rom-com about the focused, hardworking Charlotte who after working long hours and focusing solely on her career decides with the help of a podcast to step out of her comfort zone and take some risks when it comes to dating and finding love.
The writing style is funny and sharp. The characters are quirky, amusing, and endearing. And the plot is a humourous blend of life, love, introspection, friendship, embarrassing moments, awkward situations, misunderstandings, workplace drama, taking chances, and the ups-and-downs of finding Mr. Right.
Overall, Sorry not Sorry is an easy, engaging, entertaining read by Ranald that’s bursting with female friendships, self-discovery, and a sliver of romance.
Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2020
British chicklit. Meaning the following will apply:
Emphasis on career in which the heroine will quit her job at the end of the book.
The man you've been in a relationship with all along will not be the One.
The man you have chemistry with will not be the One.
The man you had no earthly idea that you liked, even though he was there all along, Scooby-Doo villain style, who you've friendzoned and there's not even any description of good sex with, will be the One. At least at the very end of the book.
There will be friendship drama, especially friendship-in-law drama, but it'll all be okay if you don't pay attention to it and remain Above It All.
Like every single British chicklit I've ever read, this book followed the checklist and ensured that I invested most of my energy into hoping our protagonist stayed with her job, which she'd liked this entire time only to quit in the epilogue, and the man she spent the most time with only to find out he's a married, cheating jerk.
This book was a tad better than most, not because of the humor (which most other reviewers noted accurately was nonexistent) but because I thought the protagonist was likeable and relatable. The first chapter especially had her check out the hot yard worker who came out to remove branches of a tree and then when there was an opportunity for her to throw caution to the winds and have a hot one off with him, she instead made up a significant other and ended that encounter. Then she went back to her room and thought to herself, I almost had sex with him.
I couldn't help but laugh at that because all the sex (and not even that far) was in her mind only. They didn't even touch.
There were quite a number of details of the protagonist's job that some people might have found boring but that I found grounded the book in realism. In recent months, I've started numerous chicklit novels only to chuck them aside in the first chapter because of how annoying and immature the heroine was/acted. I see enough memes about Karens; I don't need to read about them in my free time.
Something I noticed about this author was that she would lead the scenes right up to an important event or discussion only to stop short of it. Then that scene would be rehashed via dialogue in a flashback format. I'm not sure why she chose this route because it made the reader much more removed and less invested in what happened. She missed multiple opportunities to take us through humorous scenes or tension that could have furthered certain relationships. It was an odd writing choice.
The book also dragged considerably in the early middle, and only my need to find out the identity of the Scooby-Doo hero and what heinous crimes the Other Man committed made me continue to read on.
There were also a number of loose ends. Tansy's romance with Charlotte's hot coworker had me very invested but did not end satisfactorily for me. Nor did Tansy ever find out that Charlotte resolved one of her issues for her. Another issue was the final confrontation between Bianca (the B) and Charlotte, which should have happened because seriously Bianca was a huge Karen. Finally we're led up to the realisation that Charlotte's podcast mentor was none other than the Other Man's wife, but other than that one line text from Other Man, we never find out more about her. Other Man had a very tragic (and slightly unrealistic) career downfall, which I felt was the author's way of karma but in the context of the story it didn't work that well for me.
In essence I think the author has promise, but certain aspects of the story could be tightened and improved.
Emphasis on career in which the heroine will quit her job at the end of the book.
The man you've been in a relationship with all along will not be the One.
The man you have chemistry with will not be the One.
The man you had no earthly idea that you liked, even though he was there all along, Scooby-Doo villain style, who you've friendzoned and there's not even any description of good sex with, will be the One. At least at the very end of the book.
There will be friendship drama, especially friendship-in-law drama, but it'll all be okay if you don't pay attention to it and remain Above It All.
Like every single British chicklit I've ever read, this book followed the checklist and ensured that I invested most of my energy into hoping our protagonist stayed with her job, which she'd liked this entire time only to quit in the epilogue, and the man she spent the most time with only to find out he's a married, cheating jerk.
This book was a tad better than most, not because of the humor (which most other reviewers noted accurately was nonexistent) but because I thought the protagonist was likeable and relatable. The first chapter especially had her check out the hot yard worker who came out to remove branches of a tree and then when there was an opportunity for her to throw caution to the winds and have a hot one off with him, she instead made up a significant other and ended that encounter. Then she went back to her room and thought to herself, I almost had sex with him.
I couldn't help but laugh at that because all the sex (and not even that far) was in her mind only. They didn't even touch.
There were quite a number of details of the protagonist's job that some people might have found boring but that I found grounded the book in realism. In recent months, I've started numerous chicklit novels only to chuck them aside in the first chapter because of how annoying and immature the heroine was/acted. I see enough memes about Karens; I don't need to read about them in my free time.
Something I noticed about this author was that she would lead the scenes right up to an important event or discussion only to stop short of it. Then that scene would be rehashed via dialogue in a flashback format. I'm not sure why she chose this route because it made the reader much more removed and less invested in what happened. She missed multiple opportunities to take us through humorous scenes or tension that could have furthered certain relationships. It was an odd writing choice.
The book also dragged considerably in the early middle, and only my need to find out the identity of the Scooby-Doo hero and what heinous crimes the Other Man committed made me continue to read on.
There were also a number of loose ends. Tansy's romance with Charlotte's hot coworker had me very invested but did not end satisfactorily for me. Nor did Tansy ever find out that Charlotte resolved one of her issues for her. Another issue was the final confrontation between Bianca (the B) and Charlotte, which should have happened because seriously Bianca was a huge Karen. Finally we're led up to the realisation that Charlotte's podcast mentor was none other than the Other Man's wife, but other than that one line text from Other Man, we never find out more about her. Other Man had a very tragic (and slightly unrealistic) career downfall, which I felt was the author's way of karma but in the context of the story it didn't work that well for me.
In essence I think the author has promise, but certain aspects of the story could be tightened and improved.
January 16, 2019
Shake things up!
Charlotte’s best friend is moving out, and now the house feels empty. And so does her life. She’s in a rut. So, when she finds this series of podcasts named ‘Sorry Not Sorry’, she is determined to get more out of life. What I really liked about Charlotte is that she could be any one of us. She wasn’t this super-thin super-unreal super-woman, but just a relatable person with recognizable problems.
It was never TOO bad, which was how I liked it. Just a broadening of her horizon. Spreading her wings. Pushing her boundaries. Flirting. Not saying no to everything. Small steps. And that started out with innocent things like calling a guy after asking his phone number. Later on, it gets a bit less innocent…
It says laugh-out-loud and yes, it was filled with humour, but no, I never laughed out loud. But I really enjoyed it. It was entertaining, easy-to-read, with a good flow, and I loved it! And it was surprising! Romantic comedies can be predictable, but this one definitely wasn’t!
Heat level 4 quite steamy
BTW I loved the little references to Gemma from ‘The Truth About Gemma Grey’.
Charlotte’s best friend is moving out, and now the house feels empty. And so does her life. She’s in a rut. So, when she finds this series of podcasts named ‘Sorry Not Sorry’, she is determined to get more out of life. What I really liked about Charlotte is that she could be any one of us. She wasn’t this super-thin super-unreal super-woman, but just a relatable person with recognizable problems.
It was never TOO bad, which was how I liked it. Just a broadening of her horizon. Spreading her wings. Pushing her boundaries. Flirting. Not saying no to everything. Small steps. And that started out with innocent things like calling a guy after asking his phone number. Later on, it gets a bit less innocent…
It says laugh-out-loud and yes, it was filled with humour, but no, I never laughed out loud. But I really enjoyed it. It was entertaining, easy-to-read, with a good flow, and I loved it! And it was surprising! Romantic comedies can be predictable, but this one definitely wasn’t!
Heat level 4 quite steamy
BTW I loved the little references to Gemma from ‘The Truth About Gemma Grey’.
July 24, 2020
Thank you so much @readforeverpub for my gifted copy
Where do I start on this one? Well, there’s Charlotte, your typical good girl who finds her “love life” not as exciting as her friends and wants to change that so she like any other people nowadays seek the help of Mr. Google, I will call him that because this is my review—just kidding. Anyway, she found this podcast called “Sorry Not Sorry,” which I guess meant to help women kind of spice up their boring life, well at least that’s how Charlotte interpreted it. Charlotte committed herself to transform from being this good, not fun girl into an exciting kind of bad girl, which I find weird because I mean you have to love and accept who you are, right? But not everyone thinks the same, so alright.
I like this story because it is relatable, especially the relationship between Charlotte and her best friend, Maddy. That drama is typical for friends who felt like they are growing apart. All that because you do not get to spend as much time together as you use to be, it does give an excellent example of what less communication or misconception can do.
Overall, it is an interesting read. I wish the ending could have been better, but up until that, the whole story is good, there are some funny parts and some “what are you doing?” kind of thing. I do recommend it if you want a quick and light read.
Where do I start on this one? Well, there’s Charlotte, your typical good girl who finds her “love life” not as exciting as her friends and wants to change that so she like any other people nowadays seek the help of Mr. Google, I will call him that because this is my review—just kidding. Anyway, she found this podcast called “Sorry Not Sorry,” which I guess meant to help women kind of spice up their boring life, well at least that’s how Charlotte interpreted it. Charlotte committed herself to transform from being this good, not fun girl into an exciting kind of bad girl, which I find weird because I mean you have to love and accept who you are, right? But not everyone thinks the same, so alright.
I like this story because it is relatable, especially the relationship between Charlotte and her best friend, Maddy. That drama is typical for friends who felt like they are growing apart. All that because you do not get to spend as much time together as you use to be, it does give an excellent example of what less communication or misconception can do.
Overall, it is an interesting read. I wish the ending could have been better, but up until that, the whole story is good, there are some funny parts and some “what are you doing?” kind of thing. I do recommend it if you want a quick and light read.
June 5, 2022
This was such a cute, light-hearted, easy read and I loved it.
The pacing was very quick moving and kept the book interesting and meant it was very easy to read and work my way through.
Charlotte was such a strong and relatable character and I loved that she wanted to get out of her life rut and try new things. I also loved the fact that she was from Newcastle and had moved to London to get her career going. In fact, I just adored the fact that this book was set in the UK altogether.
The majority of the other characters in this book were amazing and oh so likeable.
There were, of course, a couple of bad apples (Myles and Bianca), but there would be no drama without the bad apples. I absolutely hated Bianca and would have loved for her to truly get her comeuppance, but maybe I have that to look forward to in one of the spin off books.
The premise of the book was great and nicely unique and I enjoyed the fact that the drama in the book wasn't the typical sort that could have been easily avoided if the characters had just communicated better.
This book pulled me out of a month long slump and while it was my first Sophie Ranald book, it certainly won't be my last.
The pacing was very quick moving and kept the book interesting and meant it was very easy to read and work my way through.
Charlotte was such a strong and relatable character and I loved that she wanted to get out of her life rut and try new things. I also loved the fact that she was from Newcastle and had moved to London to get her career going. In fact, I just adored the fact that this book was set in the UK altogether.
The majority of the other characters in this book were amazing and oh so likeable.
There were, of course, a couple of bad apples (Myles and Bianca), but there would be no drama without the bad apples. I absolutely hated Bianca and would have loved for her to truly get her comeuppance, but maybe I have that to look forward to in one of the spin off books.
The premise of the book was great and nicely unique and I enjoyed the fact that the drama in the book wasn't the typical sort that could have been easily avoided if the characters had just communicated better.
This book pulled me out of a month long slump and while it was my first Sophie Ranald book, it certainly won't be my last.
August 1, 2021
I almost feel guilty giving this 5 stars as I'm so old! But it was cute, with the trials and tribulations of relationships and friendships detailed being true at any age. I would have absolutely loved a book like this in my 20's!
April 19, 2022
This book was fine, but clearly took me forever as I wasn’t super interested. Was more invested in the second half of the book. Would honestly not recommend as there are many better romances
August 31, 2024
Charlotte is an admin at a highly successful London hedge fund, working very long hours for a couple of seriously Type-A bosses. Her best friend and roommate Maddie has just moved out of their flat to live with her fiancee and is busy with wedding planning. Feeling a tad sorry for herself, Charlotte is digging deep into her favorite ice cream, contemplating just how dull her life has become, lacking in romance or even a casual date, when she comes across a podcast called Sorry Not Sorry: a Bad Girl's Guide to Dating. Charlotte starts listening to it and gradually starts following its advice, which seems to be working because Charlotte meets and falls for a handsome architect.
Of course nothing goes smoothly, either with romance, work, new roommates, or her best friend's wedding. Yet you grow to really like Charlotte and all the secondary characters, and cheer her on as she grows and gains confidence and takes risks to define a happier life. There is a lot of wry humor in Charlotte (at one point I actually snorted when Charlotte describes herself as having a 'great resting bitch face'), and the story flows lightly and quickly.
It is very British chicklit, in the style of Sophie Kinsella, Katie Fforde, and Isabel Wolff. The author has written sequels that continue the stories of many of the secondary characters. I will definitely check them out when I need a bit of contemporary light slightly steamy romance.
Of course nothing goes smoothly, either with romance, work, new roommates, or her best friend's wedding. Yet you grow to really like Charlotte and all the secondary characters, and cheer her on as she grows and gains confidence and takes risks to define a happier life. There is a lot of wry humor in Charlotte (at one point I actually snorted when Charlotte describes herself as having a 'great resting bitch face'), and the story flows lightly and quickly.
It is very British chicklit, in the style of Sophie Kinsella, Katie Fforde, and Isabel Wolff. The author has written sequels that continue the stories of many of the secondary characters. I will definitely check them out when I need a bit of contemporary light slightly steamy romance.
January 21, 2019
A light hearted enjoyable read. Charlotte best friend moves out to live with her boyfriend and Charlotte starts to feel a little lost in the dating world. She starts to listing to a podcast that opens her up to be a little more daring in life. She a likeable character with realistic needs and feelings. while I didn't really laugh out loud and felt the book could of been a little shorter I still enjoyed it.
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