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Fooling in Love
Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.
If life isn’t living up to your expectations, is it possible to stop and start again?
Rachel Asquith thinks so. She escapes the city for Bluebell cottage in the tiny Hamlet of Perivale, one of those twinkling stars that fell to earth and took root.
This place has it all. Beautiful beach, pretty cottage, fabulous views and a set of neighbours who take her in and make her one of their own.
Then there are the men.
Logan - hot, angry and intriguing.
Jack - the local handyman who is extremely handy with his… um tools.
Then there’s Max. The pilot/playboy who thinks life should be lived in the fast lane and does everything at supersonic speed.
Rachel soon finds that choices need to be made. At some point, she needs to head home and face the mess she’s caused. At some point, she will need to choose between her new life and old, and at some point, she needs to decide if she’s just fooling in love again with the wrong person.
However, the decision faces her much quicker than she thought when she needs her old life to rescue the new one. She will have to leave the place she now calls home to save it and in doing so may just lose the man she loves.
Love is a complicated business – it’s just a good thing business is what she does best.
If life isn’t living up to your expectations, is it possible to stop and start again?
Rachel Asquith thinks so. She escapes the city for Bluebell cottage in the tiny Hamlet of Perivale, one of those twinkling stars that fell to earth and took root.
This place has it all. Beautiful beach, pretty cottage, fabulous views and a set of neighbours who take her in and make her one of their own.
Then there are the men.
Logan - hot, angry and intriguing.
Jack - the local handyman who is extremely handy with his… um tools.
Then there’s Max. The pilot/playboy who thinks life should be lived in the fast lane and does everything at supersonic speed.
Rachel soon finds that choices need to be made. At some point, she needs to head home and face the mess she’s caused. At some point, she will need to choose between her new life and old, and at some point, she needs to decide if she’s just fooling in love again with the wrong person.
However, the decision faces her much quicker than she thought when she needs her old life to rescue the new one. She will have to leave the place she now calls home to save it and in doing so may just lose the man she loves.
Love is a complicated business – it’s just a good thing business is what she does best.
292 pages, ebook
First published February 18, 2019
1056 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Crabb
33 books174 followersS J Crabb lives in the UK in the South of England and when she isn't writing feels pressured to go to the nearby Zumba class because apparently, that's what you should do these days.
She loves Krispy Kreme doughnuts, shopping and Florida.
You may also find her pretending she can act in her village drama group and she always wants to play the Fairy. One of her goals in life is to take a selfie without looking like she's escaped from somewhere and discover a filter that takes at least twenty years off.
Having tried every craft going she tried her hand at writing and discovered a new passion. If you love Romantic Comedy and happy endings these books may be for you.
She has featured in many bestseller charts on Amazon and her books have been enjoyed around the world.
You can follow her on the usual social media so head on over to her website and click on the links to follow. sjcrabb.com
She loves Krispy Kreme doughnuts, shopping and Florida.
You may also find her pretending she can act in her village drama group and she always wants to play the Fairy. One of her goals in life is to take a selfie without looking like she's escaped from somewhere and discover a filter that takes at least twenty years off.
Having tried every craft going she tried her hand at writing and discovered a new passion. If you love Romantic Comedy and happy endings these books may be for you.
She has featured in many bestseller charts on Amazon and her books have been enjoyed around the world.
You can follow her on the usual social media so head on over to her website and click on the links to follow. sjcrabb.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
May 6, 2019
Oh dear, another could not put down book from SJ Crabb It's a chick lit but a story of togetherness,relationships and friendships. The characters made me laugh and the descriptions are so visual,I truly feel as if I know them now.I really did not want it to end.
December 30, 2019
4.5 stars!
I loved this book and I don't remember the last time I got the leading man with whom the heroine was gonna end up with, wrong. I think I had my first doubt somewhere around post the midway mark. The author kept peppering the book with hints up until seventy five percent of the book the author had one foot out of the door as to which way she was going to go. I loved the intrigue and the last chapter was amazing. On the downside creating the intrigue meant a lot of inner monologue about feeling happy and settled with the wrong guy and bit of repetitions... And less time with our leading guy. I did not care for that much.. The friendship between the characters is a HUGE win. Sally was by a very close margin my favourite character of the book and Max was interesting. Charlie, Logan, Bert and Sheila were all fun and i can't divulge without giving away the plot. The Bluebell cottage sounded like a dream and I finished the book in almost one sitting and was left mushy with all the feels!
I loved this book and I don't remember the last time I got the leading man with whom the heroine was gonna end up with, wrong. I think I had my first doubt somewhere around post the midway mark. The author kept peppering the book with hints up until seventy five percent of the book the author had one foot out of the door as to which way she was going to go. I loved the intrigue and the last chapter was amazing. On the downside creating the intrigue meant a lot of inner monologue about feeling happy and settled with the wrong guy and bit of repetitions... And less time with our leading guy. I did not care for that much.. The friendship between the characters is a HUGE win. Sally was by a very close margin my favourite character of the book and Max was interesting. Charlie, Logan, Bert and Sheila were all fun and i can't divulge without giving away the plot. The Bluebell cottage sounded like a dream and I finished the book in almost one sitting and was left mushy with all the feels!
February 24, 2019
Firstly, let me state that I don't normally read romances, but I had previously read, and enjoyed, a comedy by this author, and when I was offered an ARC of this book I thought why not, it will make a change from the thrillers, mysteries and so on that I normally read. But I didn't have great expectations.
Well I was surprised, I actually thoroughly enjoyed the book, the characters are really well drawn, three dimensional and very believable, the story is clever and original and I also love the location descriptions. I did find the ending a little predictable, but there were some surprises in the plot, so overall I think that it is definitely worth 5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well I was surprised, I actually thoroughly enjoyed the book, the characters are really well drawn, three dimensional and very believable, the story is clever and original and I also love the location descriptions. I did find the ending a little predictable, but there were some surprises in the plot, so overall I think that it is definitely worth 5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2019
If you can get past the need for editing...
This was a cute story but it desperately needs editing and revision. Desperately! I almost quit reading after the first chapter because that sort of thing drives me crazy, but it did seem to improve a small bit after that and the story was light-hearted and cute.
This was a cute story but it desperately needs editing and revision. Desperately! I almost quit reading after the first chapter because that sort of thing drives me crazy, but it did seem to improve a small bit after that and the story was light-hearted and cute.
February 18, 2020
I enjoyed Crabb’s story from the first page to the last.
Rachel desperately seeks a break from her chaotic life in the city and her cheating fiancé. Taking matters in her own hands, Rachel rents a cottage in a small, picturesque village by the sea. When she becomes entwined in the lives of Logan, Salley, Max, and Jack—close friends who resemble family, she finds it difficult to think about returning to her old life.
Has Rachel found a brief escape from reality or a new place to call home?
Crabb’s descriptions of the endearing, complex characters and the quaint, uplifting setting blended perfectly with her storyline. I was also relieved when the conflicts in the story weren’t repeated multiple times, simply to fill the pages.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who reads romance, women’s fiction, contemporary fiction, or general fiction books.
Deborah King is the author of Daring Dreamer and Bedazzled Dreamer—her first two books in the Inspiration In Cologne series.
Rachel desperately seeks a break from her chaotic life in the city and her cheating fiancé. Taking matters in her own hands, Rachel rents a cottage in a small, picturesque village by the sea. When she becomes entwined in the lives of Logan, Salley, Max, and Jack—close friends who resemble family, she finds it difficult to think about returning to her old life.
Has Rachel found a brief escape from reality or a new place to call home?
Crabb’s descriptions of the endearing, complex characters and the quaint, uplifting setting blended perfectly with her storyline. I was also relieved when the conflicts in the story weren’t repeated multiple times, simply to fill the pages.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who reads romance, women’s fiction, contemporary fiction, or general fiction books.
Deborah King is the author of Daring Dreamer and Bedazzled Dreamer—her first two books in the Inspiration In Cologne series.
February 22, 2019
I so love S J Crabb's writing! Each time I think her stories can't get any better but they always do! Fooling in Love beautifully captures the angst of heartache and betrayal, the struggle of finding yourself and yearning to be seen, the need to accept and be accepted, the beauty of art and of nature, the benefits of living in the moment and a small town, and the joys of friendship and love. I cherished each precious moment of this story and didn't want it to end. A must read for sure and one I plan to return to as it's that enjoyable!
-- I received an advance complimentary copy of this book and am delighted to voluntarily offer this review.
-- I received an advance complimentary copy of this book and am delighted to voluntarily offer this review.
February 24, 2019
So, I got this book free in exchange for a review. I have never accepted an offer like this before because I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings if I don't like the book. I accepted this offer as I cannot get enough of SJ Crabb's books. Fooling in Love is a fun read with quirky characters that make you wish they were your friends. If you want a fun read in a town where you wished you lived and want an afternoon escape, please read this book. I guarantee you will be wanting to read all of her books. On the other hand, if you want to be sorry and want to lose out on a great read, don't read this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2019
Fooling in Love I think most women can relate to this and finding themselves is one of the most important things to do Sharon has captured this fantastically in this book, Rachel is a very headstrong woman and it tells of her journey.
I have read all of Sharon's books and this one has got to be in my top 3, the characters are well thought out and match the story perfectly.
I really recommend this book as it is pure enjoyment once started you cannot put it down well done again Sharon
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have read all of Sharon's books and this one has got to be in my top 3, the characters are well thought out and match the story perfectly.
I really recommend this book as it is pure enjoyment once started you cannot put it down well done again Sharon
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2019
Absolutely delightful!
As always Ms. Crabb has put a smile on my face and given me a good case of the “warm fuzzies”. Seeking escape from the city Rachel escapes to a tiny seaside town of Perivale. Her neighbors are amazing in their talents and their success although keeping it on the QT. As life happens, she eventually has to decide if she wants to return to her previous life or not. Great characters, story, and writing will pull you in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As always Ms. Crabb has put a smile on my face and given me a good case of the “warm fuzzies”. Seeking escape from the city Rachel escapes to a tiny seaside town of Perivale. Her neighbors are amazing in their talents and their success although keeping it on the QT. As life happens, she eventually has to decide if she wants to return to her previous life or not. Great characters, story, and writing will pull you in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2019
Another Winner!
An absolutely wonderful story about finding yourself, starting over and being happy. Rachel is a wonderful example of this! I love how Ms. Crabb has a specific storyline in place but it evolves into something bigger with wonderful “extras” who have their own story but they all connect together resulting in a really good book!! Her stories are never about just one person and yet they somehow are exactly that!!! I recommend reading this book and finding out yourself what I mean!!!
An absolutely wonderful story about finding yourself, starting over and being happy. Rachel is a wonderful example of this! I love how Ms. Crabb has a specific storyline in place but it evolves into something bigger with wonderful “extras” who have their own story but they all connect together resulting in a really good book!! Her stories are never about just one person and yet they somehow are exactly that!!! I recommend reading this book and finding out yourself what I mean!!!
May 26, 2019
Fooling in Love is an absolute delight. When Rachel walks out on her old life and rents a cottage by the beach she gets so much more than the breathing space she was looking for. This wonderful stand-alone book is full of colourful and interesting characters that you can't help but love as soon as you meet them. It is charming, amusing, unpredictable and romantic with a fairy tale happy ever after. I definitely recommend this book, it is an unexpected treat.
February 22, 2019
Not just British spelling, but some British slang, too.
SJ Crabb's characters are always well done.
Each seems as if they could step off the page and be great friends or crushes. :)
As much as the story has its funny moments it is also has its poignant ones.... And a hard-won HEA for the main characters.
SJ Crabb's characters are always well done.
Each seems as if they could step off the page and be great friends or crushes. :)
As much as the story has its funny moments it is also has its poignant ones.... And a hard-won HEA for the main characters.
March 3, 2019
Happily ever after?
Happily ever after, it's all she wants. Will it happen? This is a good story that is well written. All the characters are brought to life by the author. You can just picture them in your mind. If you want a feel good escape for the evening, this is a good book to do it with.
Happily ever after, it's all she wants. Will it happen? This is a good story that is well written. All the characters are brought to life by the author. You can just picture them in your mind. If you want a feel good escape for the evening, this is a good book to do it with.
June 15, 2019
Another great story from S.J. Crabb
Loved this story, the beautiful setting of Bluebelle cottage - the village - the amazing, amusing, annoying, arrogant characters whose lives intertwine giving the reader a must read on ambition.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to everyone.
Loved this story, the beautiful setting of Bluebelle cottage - the village - the amazing, amusing, annoying, arrogant characters whose lives intertwine giving the reader a must read on ambition.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to everyone.
August 14, 2019
This was a quick and pleasant read. It wasn't completely believable, though. Who moves to a tiny town and finds multiple gorgeous available men at your beck and call? Still, it was a nice fantasy of a woman who finds out her fiance has been cheating, runs away to a beautiful village, and immediately finds a whole group of friends including the aforementioned glamorous guys.
January 22, 2020
Rachel and Logan
Swapping the seaside for her executive job in London, Rachel couldn't have chosen a more picturesque village to go to ground. Finding herself drawn into a tight knit group of friends from the area, she soon feels more at home than when she was at home! It doesn't hurt that the group has three very handsome, available men in it. Enjoy!
Swapping the seaside for her executive job in London, Rachel couldn't have chosen a more picturesque village to go to ground. Finding herself drawn into a tight knit group of friends from the area, she soon feels more at home than when she was at home! It doesn't hurt that the group has three very handsome, available men in it. Enjoy!
August 27, 2025
A very easy and enjoyable rom com.
Rachel, escapes the business of the city, and a relationship that has lost its sparkle, to quiet idyllic village life.
Here she quickly makes new friends, and soon finds life in the quiet lane isn't as bad as she thought.
This books leans on the values of loyalty, friendships and togetherness. It shows that it is never too late to start over.
Rachel, escapes the business of the city, and a relationship that has lost its sparkle, to quiet idyllic village life.
Here she quickly makes new friends, and soon finds life in the quiet lane isn't as bad as she thought.
This books leans on the values of loyalty, friendships and togetherness. It shows that it is never too late to start over.
February 27, 2019
What a great story! The characters were funny, quirky & great friends. Real life of living in a small town. Had a hard time putting it down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2019
Another great by SJ Crabb
As always her books are the perfect escape and hard to put down,except when I have to pause to LMAO and control my snorting.love all the characters. I feel like I've made new friends along the way.
As always her books are the perfect escape and hard to put down,except when I have to pause to LMAO and control my snorting.love all the characters. I feel like I've made new friends along the way.
July 21, 2019
A total must read! Brilliant story and told with such detail you feel like you know the characters. Great writing style that allows you to plough throw this so quickly. 1 day as I couldn't put it down!!!!
August 6, 2019
An endearing read
what better way to spend a summer day than fooling in love with these quirky, romantic characters! Set by the sea with a problem to solve 6 lovelorn characters find their way to each other. Delightful!
what better way to spend a summer day than fooling in love with these quirky, romantic characters! Set by the sea with a problem to solve 6 lovelorn characters find their way to each other. Delightful!
August 30, 2019
Very entertaining
Loved this story! Each character was a wonderful addition, and I enjoyed all of the twists and turns. And despite the desire flying around, it was a good, clean read.
Loved this story! Each character was a wonderful addition, and I enjoyed all of the twists and turns. And despite the desire flying around, it was a good, clean read.
February 5, 2020
I enjoyed this book. My first one with this author. A lovely read, characters easy to relate to. I needed a feel good book to read and this was exactly what I got.
I’ve already downloaded my next book By this author.
Thanks!
I’ve already downloaded my next book By this author.
Thanks!
March 22, 2020
I enjoyed the book and just wanted to continue until I had finished. I would sooner have read this on holiday as it was an easy read.
I also like books from Lee child etc that have a much longer story
I also like books from Lee child etc that have a much longer story
March 28, 2020
Full of life
Positive feeling. Simple and funny storyline. One would love to finish reading the book in one go. Thank you. Was very helpful to lighten my mood during the lockdown period:)
Positive feeling. Simple and funny storyline. One would love to finish reading the book in one go. Thank you. Was very helpful to lighten my mood during the lockdown period:)
April 3, 2020
Amazing
I loved this book. A feel good story that kept me guessing until the end.
This is the perfect summer read. A glass of wine in one hand, the book in the other and the sunshine.
Loved it.
I loved this book. A feel good story that kept me guessing until the end.
This is the perfect summer read. A glass of wine in one hand, the book in the other and the sunshine.
Loved it.
August 9, 2021
Don’t settle
Too many times we tend to settle for what’s comfortable instead of finding our challenge; our one! This sweet romance brings not only laughter, awes, and no you didn’t; it also brings insight. Take one for the team of you and read to enjoy!
Too many times we tend to settle for what’s comfortable instead of finding our challenge; our one! This sweet romance brings not only laughter, awes, and no you didn’t; it also brings insight. Take one for the team of you and read to enjoy!
February 26, 2019
Outstanding
A must read. Unpredictable. Hilarious. An escape into the world of the English countryside. The characters are true to life and so natural. Very enjoyable book.
A must read. Unpredictable. Hilarious. An escape into the world of the English countryside. The characters are true to life and so natural. Very enjoyable book.
March 9, 2019
Lovely very readable book
I love S J Crabbs's books they are so easy to read and bring a bit of romance into my world
I love S J Crabbs's books they are so easy to read and bring a bit of romance into my world
March 16, 2019
Crabb is always great!! Fooling in love, like all her other books (I read them all) is fun, funny, heartfelt, and just plain wonderful. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews