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The Train Guy
How do you introduce yourself to a stranger?
Charli is obsessed with The Train Guy.
She sees him every weekday waiting for the 8.05am from Roselea Station. She’s convinced he’s the man for her, but Charli is too terrified to say hello.
Her world is upside down since Eddie left her in humiliating circumstances. Now Charli is advertising for tenants to share her inner-city cottage, and her friends are pushing her to apply for a promotion at the cute hotel where she works. And don’t even mention what happened with the Prime Minister.
Everything would be perfect if she could just meet The Train Guy. He’s chivalrous. He’s handsome. He’s perfect. Isn’t he?
Charli has read enough spy stories to know that she could find out more about The Train Guy – by following him.
Part rom-com, part chase, The Train Guy is a page-turning joy to read.
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2019
3 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Prak
5 books155 followersComing in April 2025: BARREN CAPE.
Michelle Prak's debut thriller THE RUSH was published by Simon & Schuster ANZ; Crooked Lane Books (US); and by HarperCollins France, as LE DELUGE. It's a road trip thrill ride that takes place over two frantic days.
THE RUSH was voted into Better Reading's annual Top 100 reads (2024), and longlisted in the Sisters of Crime Australia Davitt Awards.
Also a short story writer, Michelle was runner-up in the Furphy Literary Prize, 2021.
Between 2019 and 2020, Michelle self-published three women's contemporary novels. Now she's turned to the thriller genre and hopes fans will follow along.
Long before Michelle began writing professionally she was a reader and continues to share on Goodreads.
If you don't want to miss any Michelle Prak news, you can:
Like her Facebook page:
facebook.com/michelleprakauthor
Follow her on Twitter: twitter.com/prakky or Instagram: instagram.com/prakky
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Subscribe to her newsletter via her website, www.michelleprak.com
For more, please visit:
www.michelleprak.com
Michelle Prak's debut thriller THE RUSH was published by Simon & Schuster ANZ; Crooked Lane Books (US); and by HarperCollins France, as LE DELUGE. It's a road trip thrill ride that takes place over two frantic days.
THE RUSH was voted into Better Reading's annual Top 100 reads (2024), and longlisted in the Sisters of Crime Australia Davitt Awards.
Also a short story writer, Michelle was runner-up in the Furphy Literary Prize, 2021.
Between 2019 and 2020, Michelle self-published three women's contemporary novels. Now she's turned to the thriller genre and hopes fans will follow along.
Long before Michelle began writing professionally she was a reader and continues to share on Goodreads.
If you don't want to miss any Michelle Prak news, you can:
Like her Facebook page:
facebook.com/michelleprakauthor
Follow her on Twitter: twitter.com/prakky or Instagram: instagram.com/prakky
Follow her on TikTok: tiktok.com/michelleprakauthor
Subscribe to her newsletter via her website, www.michelleprak.com
For more, please visit:
www.michelleprak.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 27, 2019
The Train Guy is the second novel by Australian author, Michelle Prak. Ready or not, Charli Reid has to take a necessary step. When she took the initiative with Eddie and made a daring move, he dumped her. It was a big blow to her self-esteem and left her with a massive mortgage debt to service on her own. She adores her little cottage in Roselea and giving it up isn't an option but, as much as she loves her job at a boutique city hotel, it won't be enough. The smart idea is to rent out her two spare bedrooms.
Luckily, Charli has plenty of support and encouragement from the work colleagues and neighbours she considers friends. Her family, too, gives advice from afar. It’s been a while since Eddie left (surely she’s over him by now?) and they are all pushing her to start dating again, but she’s hesitant. A few tentative steps on social media didn’t feel great, clubbing just doesn’t appeal and anyway, there’s The Train Guy.
Each morning, on the platform at Roselea Station, there he stands, waiting for the 8.05 to the city. He’s tall, handsome and well-dressed. Intriguing. He waits patiently, reading his Andy McNab novels (Charli has tried them, now she’s hooked too), a compelling, urbane stranger. He’s the highlight of her weekdays. Charli hasn’t yet built up the courage to approach him, but she will, soon! But will the reality live up to her fantasy?
Getting some tenants is just the start of some major positive changes in her life: a promotion is in the offing at work, and she nervously decides to apply. After all, the Prime Minister was impressed with her: she can do this!
What a charming little tale Prak gives the reader! While Charli is a bit timid in her approach to romance, and does seem quite focussed on appearances, in her imagination, she’s much more pro-active. Her fantasy scenarios are often laugh-out-loud funny, although her real-life antics probably fit the description of stalking. The designation Charli gives the other station regulars is cute and, although she’s initially a little frustrating, her appeal does increase as the story progresses.
The blurb is a tiny bit misleading, and the plot is fairly predictable, but Prak’s depiction of suburban living and train travel will easily strike a chord with many readers. For anyone seeking a light-hearted Aussie romance, this is a one is funny and sweet.
This unbiased review is from a copy provided by the author.
Luckily, Charli has plenty of support and encouragement from the work colleagues and neighbours she considers friends. Her family, too, gives advice from afar. It’s been a while since Eddie left (surely she’s over him by now?) and they are all pushing her to start dating again, but she’s hesitant. A few tentative steps on social media didn’t feel great, clubbing just doesn’t appeal and anyway, there’s The Train Guy.
Each morning, on the platform at Roselea Station, there he stands, waiting for the 8.05 to the city. He’s tall, handsome and well-dressed. Intriguing. He waits patiently, reading his Andy McNab novels (Charli has tried them, now she’s hooked too), a compelling, urbane stranger. He’s the highlight of her weekdays. Charli hasn’t yet built up the courage to approach him, but she will, soon! But will the reality live up to her fantasy?
Getting some tenants is just the start of some major positive changes in her life: a promotion is in the offing at work, and she nervously decides to apply. After all, the Prime Minister was impressed with her: she can do this!
What a charming little tale Prak gives the reader! While Charli is a bit timid in her approach to romance, and does seem quite focussed on appearances, in her imagination, she’s much more pro-active. Her fantasy scenarios are often laugh-out-loud funny, although her real-life antics probably fit the description of stalking. The designation Charli gives the other station regulars is cute and, although she’s initially a little frustrating, her appeal does increase as the story progresses.
The blurb is a tiny bit misleading, and the plot is fairly predictable, but Prak’s depiction of suburban living and train travel will easily strike a chord with many readers. For anyone seeking a light-hearted Aussie romance, this is a one is funny and sweet.
This unbiased review is from a copy provided by the author.
June 20, 2020
So many fond memories of being 20 something in Sydney & train catching, house sharing & crushes in this evocative fun read. The stories we have about strangers. The scenarios we concoct from slivers of their lives.
My housemates and I once asked guys we’d seen in a flat opposite to our party with whole imaginary lives constructed for them from what we’d seen. We terrified them & they kept their blinds closed from them on!
A story that keeps you guessing & leaves you with more than you expected.
My housemates and I once asked guys we’d seen in a flat opposite to our party with whole imaginary lives constructed for them from what we’d seen. We terrified them & they kept their blinds closed from them on!
A story that keeps you guessing & leaves you with more than you expected.
January 2, 2020
The Train Guy makes the perfect afternoon read or gift for the rom-com lover in your life.
Charli is such a relatable character, and with each chapter I was becoming more and more eager to find out what happens next. The flawless pacing and plot line show off Michelle’s knack for making highly readable, entertaining books that’ll keep you hooked. I can’t recommend enough!
Charli is such a relatable character, and with each chapter I was becoming more and more eager to find out what happens next. The flawless pacing and plot line show off Michelle’s knack for making highly readable, entertaining books that’ll keep you hooked. I can’t recommend enough!
November 20, 2019
The Train Guy is a wonderful, light read that will leaving you smiling for main character, Charli.
January 21, 2020
A fun and enjoyable read! Look forward to seeing what’s next....
December 31, 2019
Such an honour to be an early reader for Michelle’s second novel.
The perfect book for keeping you company; on a lazy day, when you’re sick in bed, on the beach or, dare I say, on the daily commute!
Being a long-time train commuter, I could easily relate to this fun rom-com. Creating back stories for other passengers is a great way to pass the time, and in my single years I can even confess to my very own “train crush”. You might pick how things will work out for Charli in the end, but it’s so much fun going along for the ride with her.
Do yourself a favour and add this book to your summer reading list.
The perfect book for keeping you company; on a lazy day, when you’re sick in bed, on the beach or, dare I say, on the daily commute!
Being a long-time train commuter, I could easily relate to this fun rom-com. Creating back stories for other passengers is a great way to pass the time, and in my single years I can even confess to my very own “train crush”. You might pick how things will work out for Charli in the end, but it’s so much fun going along for the ride with her.
Do yourself a favour and add this book to your summer reading list.
November 29, 2019
Loved this book was a great read would recommend to all that love a light easy read romance novel. Was a great story about the main character. Loved it.
November 10, 2019
THE TRAIN GUY by Michelle Prak is a fun read! I loved spending time inside Charli Reid’s mind. Her curiosity about her fellow commuters, her lusting after one of them (The Train Guy), her daydreaming about their fantasy future life, plus all the weird and wacky random thoughts going through her mind had me laughing often.
However it’s not all fun and games. Charli’s feeling lost; stability’s important to her and right now, both her personal life and professional life is on somewhat shaky ground. The Train Guy not only represents a solution to her loneliness, he’s something that she needs to strive for, to push herself out of her box for. I really enjoyed Charli’s journey as she braved her insecurities to reach out for the things she wanted.
Overall a fun, light and inspiring read.
However it’s not all fun and games. Charli’s feeling lost; stability’s important to her and right now, both her personal life and professional life is on somewhat shaky ground. The Train Guy not only represents a solution to her loneliness, he’s something that she needs to strive for, to push herself out of her box for. I really enjoyed Charli’s journey as she braved her insecurities to reach out for the things she wanted.
Overall a fun, light and inspiring read.
October 10, 2019
This is so good! Perfect rom-com tension and surprise. The city comes alive through the routines of the characters and their connections, it’s a warm and reaffirming story that I needed.
January 1, 2020
Great holiday reading. Easy and fun!
February 2, 2020
I related to this book as I could see some aspects of myself in the protagonist Charli. It was an easy and enjoyable read and I ended up looking forward to being able to get back to it.
December 3, 2019
Charli proposes to her boyfriend that she has been with for several years figuring she can be that modern woman and make a step forward in her life, but that goes horribly wrong since he leaves her without an explanation. She finally gets over him and he tries to come back into her life, but she is strong enough to know there is something better out there for her. She takes on a couple of roommates to help with the mortgage. They become her friends which she does not have many of and help move her out of her shell. She has been obsessing over this guy on the train and creates fantasies about him as well as follows him to learn more about him. Of course the illusion she had created does not match reality. She discovers love where she least expected it once she opened her eyes to the possibilities around her. The story was a little long and drawn out to get to the end, but overall it was a sweet romance. This is kind of like an Australian version of the movie “While You Were Sleeping”, just not as funny.
September 27, 2019
2,5 stars (but I'm rounding it up)
I don't quite know where to begin with this book. I'm giving it a 2,5-star rating but to be honest I hesitated before that. I'm not super comfortable with being the first one to give a review, especially because I wasn't fond of the book. Remember, before reading, that it is only my opinion and you might feel differently!
Romance and I are quite good friends, and I love reading some with strange plots, that feel new although you already know that by the end of the book the heroin is gonna be in a relationship with an amazing person, most of the time someone you rooted for. I especially love slow burns because it feels more real to me (since I don't do instant crushes and love).
This book was kind of a slow burn, because it took Charli some time to figure out her life post-coward-ex-boyfriend, and you don't have instant romance or crush, it comes gradually and you discover new things along the way, with her. She was a character that felt real, one with qualities and flaws, and I always appreciate that in a character.
Now, there are some things that I'm really not fond of. First, the retelling of situations or people in a really weird way, time-wise, and sometimes you end up reading about something but don't quite know how you got there. It felt like it went all over the place and that made it harder to get back to the book when I had to stop, because I didn't get why we were suddenly talking about an entirely different topic. There's lots of context, of various elements to describe Charli's life, but no real plot apart from going up to talk to the Train Guy, which doesn't happen before at least three-quarters of the book. Usually, I wouldn't mind, because other things happen and you are left wondering what will happen when she finally talks to the guy, but are kept occupied in the mean time. It didn't feel like that. There was too much context but not a lot of things actually happening for me to remain engrossed in the book. I almost gave up on it a few times but continued because I wanted to know where that would lead.
And I'm pretty happy I did because to me the last 25% or so are pretty good, and left me way more satisfied than the beginning of the book. It felt like the ending was still a bit rushed, but otherwise interesting to have (although I had guessed it long before it happened).
Overall, it's a pretty light read and I'm happy that Charli got to show she grew from her situation, but I'm not sure I would recommend this book, or at least go in there expecting retelling of things and context, but not lots of action.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy from Hidden Gems.
I don't quite know where to begin with this book. I'm giving it a 2,5-star rating but to be honest I hesitated before that. I'm not super comfortable with being the first one to give a review, especially because I wasn't fond of the book. Remember, before reading, that it is only my opinion and you might feel differently!
Romance and I are quite good friends, and I love reading some with strange plots, that feel new although you already know that by the end of the book the heroin is gonna be in a relationship with an amazing person, most of the time someone you rooted for. I especially love slow burns because it feels more real to me (since I don't do instant crushes and love).
This book was kind of a slow burn, because it took Charli some time to figure out her life post-coward-ex-boyfriend, and you don't have instant romance or crush, it comes gradually and you discover new things along the way, with her. She was a character that felt real, one with qualities and flaws, and I always appreciate that in a character.
Now, there are some things that I'm really not fond of. First, the retelling of situations or people in a really weird way, time-wise, and sometimes you end up reading about something but don't quite know how you got there. It felt like it went all over the place and that made it harder to get back to the book when I had to stop, because I didn't get why we were suddenly talking about an entirely different topic. There's lots of context, of various elements to describe Charli's life, but no real plot apart from going up to talk to the Train Guy, which doesn't happen before at least three-quarters of the book. Usually, I wouldn't mind, because other things happen and you are left wondering what will happen when she finally talks to the guy, but are kept occupied in the mean time. It didn't feel like that. There was too much context but not a lot of things actually happening for me to remain engrossed in the book. I almost gave up on it a few times but continued because I wanted to know where that would lead.
And I'm pretty happy I did because to me the last 25% or so are pretty good, and left me way more satisfied than the beginning of the book. It felt like the ending was still a bit rushed, but otherwise interesting to have (although I had guessed it long before it happened).
Overall, it's a pretty light read and I'm happy that Charli got to show she grew from her situation, but I'm not sure I would recommend this book, or at least go in there expecting retelling of things and context, but not lots of action.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy from Hidden Gems.
October 1, 2019
Will The Train Guy Live Up to the Fantasy?
This is a quirky little Australian rom-com that takes the concept of seeing the same stranger daily and having a little fantasy life about that person to a whole new level. The heroine of the story commutes by train to her job at a hotel. She's just come off a bad breakup, and while on the train, she finds herself fantasizing about a person she simply calls The Train Guy; she gives quite a few passengers a name: Turban Guy, Knitting Lady, Cardigan Lady, etc. He's tall, handsome, and spends the ride reading books. She ends up building quite a fantasy life around him in her head and even becomes a bit stalker-ish. She is trying to get her life back on track after the break-up, so she takes on some boarders to help with the rent and decides to go for a new position at work. One of the boarders is a male friend of a friend. So, this book looks at her made-up life of stories about The Train Guy, her job, and her friends, family, and boarders. She actually does meet The Train Guy and has an extended conversation with him, which is fascinating to watch unfold after reading how she had built him up in her mind. There is definitely a little more swearing than I like to see in a book, but some of it is contextual to character. If you’ve ever created little fantasies about a stranger, you may very well enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
This is a quirky little Australian rom-com that takes the concept of seeing the same stranger daily and having a little fantasy life about that person to a whole new level. The heroine of the story commutes by train to her job at a hotel. She's just come off a bad breakup, and while on the train, she finds herself fantasizing about a person she simply calls The Train Guy; she gives quite a few passengers a name: Turban Guy, Knitting Lady, Cardigan Lady, etc. He's tall, handsome, and spends the ride reading books. She ends up building quite a fantasy life around him in her head and even becomes a bit stalker-ish. She is trying to get her life back on track after the break-up, so she takes on some boarders to help with the rent and decides to go for a new position at work. One of the boarders is a male friend of a friend. So, this book looks at her made-up life of stories about The Train Guy, her job, and her friends, family, and boarders. She actually does meet The Train Guy and has an extended conversation with him, which is fascinating to watch unfold after reading how she had built him up in her mind. There is definitely a little more swearing than I like to see in a book, but some of it is contextual to character. If you’ve ever created little fantasies about a stranger, you may very well enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
October 4, 2019
Charli's romantic and social life has been floundering since her failed marriage proposal. Her 6 year relationship ended and she is now the sole owner of a really cute house that she can almost afford. Being a little gun shy about stepping back into the dating world after being away from so long, Charli has developed a crush on a guy she sees every morning at the train station. Does she know anything about him, no , but that doesn't stop her from turning him into the perfect fantasy guy in her mind and leading her on a couple of quetionable endevours. And needing some help to pay the mortgage on her really cute cottage, Charli decides to take her friend's advice and rent out her spare bedrooms, hoping to not only cover her payment but maybe make some new friends as well, as most of her friends went with her ex when the relationhip tanked.
I enjoyed the story, it was fun but the ending was kind of abrupt, there were parts of the story that I wish had been expanded further and parts that I wondered why so much time was spent or spent at all. I could see this being turned into a really cute rom-com movie and at times I felt like that's how it was written, with all the elements laid out and getting a big check mark as they were included in the story.
I enjoyed this book, it was a fun quick read and I look forward to reading other books by this authour. I received this book for my honest review free from HIdden Gems.
I enjoyed the story, it was fun but the ending was kind of abrupt, there were parts of the story that I wish had been expanded further and parts that I wondered why so much time was spent or spent at all. I could see this being turned into a really cute rom-com movie and at times I felt like that's how it was written, with all the elements laid out and getting a big check mark as they were included in the story.
I enjoyed this book, it was a fun quick read and I look forward to reading other books by this authour. I received this book for my honest review free from HIdden Gems.
December 18, 2019
I am voluntarily reviewing this after receiving a free copy.
Charli catches the train every day to her job in the city. Every day there is a handsome stranger also waiting for the train. Charli dreams of meeting "the Train Guy" and falling in love with him. Now all she has to do is actually speak to him. But how does she take that chance when she has been jilted in love before?
This book hooked me right in the beginning and I did not want to put it down. It was a fun quick read that had me thinking I need to take more chances to have my life go more the way I want it to, rather than wait around for good things to happen. Charli was a likable character and I felt she was relatable. I really enjoyed how the story ended also.
If you are looking for your next light hearted rom-com then you should pick up this book!
Charli catches the train every day to her job in the city. Every day there is a handsome stranger also waiting for the train. Charli dreams of meeting "the Train Guy" and falling in love with him. Now all she has to do is actually speak to him. But how does she take that chance when she has been jilted in love before?
This book hooked me right in the beginning and I did not want to put it down. It was a fun quick read that had me thinking I need to take more chances to have my life go more the way I want it to, rather than wait around for good things to happen. Charli was a likable character and I felt she was relatable. I really enjoyed how the story ended also.
If you are looking for your next light hearted rom-com then you should pick up this book!
October 3, 2019
LOVE IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU IF YOU OPEN YOUR EYES AND HEART
A very telling story of how Charli wished and waited for something she believed she deserved after being jilted by her long-time live-in lover, Eddie. She felt that she had done something wrong. Her circumstances lead her to renting out two rooms in her house. Things progress and she holds out for her perceived mate with a stalker’s obsession, ‘THE TRAIN GUY’, until she meets him. This story helps one to understand that everything is NEVER what you thought it would or should be.
I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review
A very telling story of how Charli wished and waited for something she believed she deserved after being jilted by her long-time live-in lover, Eddie. She felt that she had done something wrong. Her circumstances lead her to renting out two rooms in her house. Things progress and she holds out for her perceived mate with a stalker’s obsession, ‘THE TRAIN GUY’, until she meets him. This story helps one to understand that everything is NEVER what you thought it would or should be.
I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review
October 2, 2019
I enjoyed this story. It was different from the usual books I read and I liked that. It makes a great palate cleanser.
The Train Guy tells the story of Charli and what happens after her 6 year relationship ends and her ex moves out. She becomes fixated on "The Train Guy" (calls him this as she does not know his name) and tries to move on with her life. Her job, her house, new tenants..every day life.
This was a light read and a closed door romance, though the romance doesn't happen till much later in the book.
The Train Guy tells the story of Charli and what happens after her 6 year relationship ends and her ex moves out. She becomes fixated on "The Train Guy" (calls him this as she does not know his name) and tries to move on with her life. Her job, her house, new tenants..every day life.
This was a light read and a closed door romance, though the romance doesn't happen till much later in the book.
October 2, 2019
This book ended up being super cute. The book follows Charli along her life...mostly her work and travel to and from work...including her fantasies about ‘The Train Guy’. Does she ever talk to the Train Guy? Does the Train Guy live up to the hype? You’ll want to read this to find out! Charli is so relatable, especially for us shy introverts. I really enjoyed reading this and kept wanting to pick it back up. I was super happy with how everything turned out and how this book ended!
*i voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.
*i voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.
October 2, 2019
What a delightful little read! Michelle Prak delivers a sweet but quirky story with a delightful storyline; interesting characters; strange little twists and turns; and a HEA that really makes everyone smile. You definitely want to give this one a place on your TBR. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and found it to be really good!) ❤️❤️
November 11, 2019
As Michelle quipped, this is the second romance I've read this year (the first of course being Goodbye Newsroom).
Train Guy is a light enough read, but there are good characters well-drawn, a believable story and (for me) some very recognisable locales. Simple maybe, but its simplicity is charming.
Train Guy is a light enough read, but there are good characters well-drawn, a believable story and (for me) some very recognisable locales. Simple maybe, but its simplicity is charming.
October 21, 2019
This was a cute rom com book. People aren't always what you expect based on looks. It was a little slow at times, but still enjoyable. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews