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As Greek as it Gets
Let the hot Greek sun melt all your troubles away… A laugh-out-loud read full of warmth, joy and summer feeling!
Alice Clark is delighted when her boyfriend Max proposes. From her dead-end job to her straight-up-dead houseplants, her life hasn’t exactly turned out how she imagined, so she can’t wait to start some wedding planning.
But the intimate affair she imagined soon grows wildly out of control, along with Alice’s doubts. Just as things reach breaking point between the couple, Alice’s best friend whisks her away for an escape to a sun-kissed Greek island.
Sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and a cocktail – or three – and Alice soon finds herself letting loose and relaxing into the Greek way of life. When she visits a gorgeous village nestled in the hilltops overlooking the sea, and meets a friendly local woman with a very special business – and a very handsome son – Alice is surprised by how drawn she feels to these people and this life.
As the sun sets on her Greek holiday, Alice knows she has some big decisions to make. Will finding herself mean losing the life she had planned? Or could it be the start of something else entirely?
Alice Clark is delighted when her boyfriend Max proposes. From her dead-end job to her straight-up-dead houseplants, her life hasn’t exactly turned out how she imagined, so she can’t wait to start some wedding planning.
But the intimate affair she imagined soon grows wildly out of control, along with Alice’s doubts. Just as things reach breaking point between the couple, Alice’s best friend whisks her away for an escape to a sun-kissed Greek island.
Sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and a cocktail – or three – and Alice soon finds herself letting loose and relaxing into the Greek way of life. When she visits a gorgeous village nestled in the hilltops overlooking the sea, and meets a friendly local woman with a very special business – and a very handsome son – Alice is surprised by how drawn she feels to these people and this life.
As the sun sets on her Greek holiday, Alice knows she has some big decisions to make. Will finding herself mean losing the life she had planned? Or could it be the start of something else entirely?
252 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 2020
556 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Sue Roberts
34 books166 followersSue was born in Liverpool and moved to Lancashire as a teenager where she has lived ever since. She has written three books, the third 'My Summer of love and limoncello.' will be published on March 6th and she is busy working on a fourth book. When not busy writing, Sue spends her time with her ever growing family. She enjoys walking, cinema and travelling. Her first book 'My Big Greek Summer.' was inspired by frequent visits to the Island of Rhodes in Greece. All Sue's books are available from Amazon in kindle and paperback format.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
May 18, 2020
Sun, sand, and wedding plans. Sue Roberts once again whisked me away to a gorgeous setting filled with fabulous characters. Alice is excited to be marrying her boyfriend Max, but she is getting stressed out about the wedding plans. The wedding seems to keep getting bigger and bigger. Not wanting to hurt her boyfriends generous heart Alice continues to bite her tongue. Her hen do, a girls week in Greece is just what Alice needs to relax and destress. But will time away from Macs make the heart grow fonder? Or will it be a case of out of sight out of mind? Sunbathing, wine drinking, good food, best friends, sightseeing, a jeep tour, parasailing, misunderstandings, and fun.
This was the perfect little getaway in the middle of this pandemic. I loved vacationing vicariously through Alice and her friends. The setting sounded absolutely gorgeous and the food sounded so divine. I also loved Alice’s friendships and even though there were a few little misunderstandings I appreciated how they worked things out. I also really liked how Alice and Max finally talked things out. Although I’m still not quite sure why Alice did not speak up sooner, Max was really a good guy with a huge heart. This was such a delightful book and I am so excited that I will be reading another fun romcom by Sue Roberts at the end of summer!
This book in emojis 🏖 🍷 🏝 🍹 💍
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
This was the perfect little getaway in the middle of this pandemic. I loved vacationing vicariously through Alice and her friends. The setting sounded absolutely gorgeous and the food sounded so divine. I also loved Alice’s friendships and even though there were a few little misunderstandings I appreciated how they worked things out. I also really liked how Alice and Max finally talked things out. Although I’m still not quite sure why Alice did not speak up sooner, Max was really a good guy with a huge heart. This was such a delightful book and I am so excited that I will be reading another fun romcom by Sue Roberts at the end of summer!
This book in emojis 🏖 🍷 🏝 🍹 💍
*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
May 23, 2020
As Greek as It Gets by Sue Roberts is mainly a contemporary or chick lit read with a bit of romance on the side. This one would be especially for those that love a little virtual travel as they read as the setting is a beautiful virtual vacation and what better time for one in the midst of a pandemic.
Alice Clark was overjoyed when her boyfriend Max proposed but she still thinks it all must be too good to be true. Alice is not used to having money but Max certainly is so when Max begins to go overboard with the wedding planning Alice simply agrees to whatever the latest plan of his is. However, when Alice’s friends whisk her away on a girl’s trip Alice begins to realize what it is she really wants for her wedding.
As if it weren’t already obvious I absolutely loved the setting in this story as the girls headed off to Greece, such a wonderful job done by the author bringing it all to life. I also loved the growth we see in Alice as she discovers herself over the course of the book and finally finds her voice. The secondary characters were also wonderful as it felt just like traveling along with these ladies as they got up to their crazy adventures making for a fun read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Alice Clark was overjoyed when her boyfriend Max proposed but she still thinks it all must be too good to be true. Alice is not used to having money but Max certainly is so when Max begins to go overboard with the wedding planning Alice simply agrees to whatever the latest plan of his is. However, when Alice’s friends whisk her away on a girl’s trip Alice begins to realize what it is she really wants for her wedding.
As if it weren’t already obvious I absolutely loved the setting in this story as the girls headed off to Greece, such a wonderful job done by the author bringing it all to life. I also loved the growth we see in Alice as she discovers herself over the course of the book and finally finds her voice. The secondary characters were also wonderful as it felt just like traveling along with these ladies as they got up to their crazy adventures making for a fun read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 15, 2020
Oh what a perfect time to read a novel like this! If you can't get away for your holiday then this is the perfect alternative! It's full of delicious sounding Greek food, descriptions of idyllic locations and fun. As soon as I saw that Sue Roberts had released a new novel I couldn't wait to jump on it and read it as soon as I could! The cover is so beautiful, with it's bright blue sky, pink flowers and pretty traditional Greek houses.
At first I wasn't sure what to make of Alice, yes she seemed lovely but at the same time she was constantly complaining about her wedding to Max being over the top, but then at the same time allowing him to do whatever he wanted! There were also constant references to how much Alice loved him and how much looking at him made her realise how much she adored him which got a little tedious after a while.
However, as soon as the friends jetted off to sunny Greece, I started enjoying the story a whole lot more. The friends all seemed like a laugh and I really liked reading about what they got up to on the island for Alice's hen do. Although, I will say I am a bit unsure as to Vangelis's (think that's how you spell it) involvement in the whole story, as it seemed he was only in the book for 5 minutes. Although I'm sure he has a key role in the overall story, it just seemed a bit rushed and a bit unbelievable to be honest.
Despite that, I really did enjoy this novel. It was summery and an easy read which is just what we need right now. I loved the setting, the descriptions as to what the friends get up to and the food of course! It was a nice ending and I look forward to what this author brings out next. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.
At first I wasn't sure what to make of Alice, yes she seemed lovely but at the same time she was constantly complaining about her wedding to Max being over the top, but then at the same time allowing him to do whatever he wanted! There were also constant references to how much Alice loved him and how much looking at him made her realise how much she adored him which got a little tedious after a while.
However, as soon as the friends jetted off to sunny Greece, I started enjoying the story a whole lot more. The friends all seemed like a laugh and I really liked reading about what they got up to on the island for Alice's hen do. Although, I will say I am a bit unsure as to Vangelis's (think that's how you spell it) involvement in the whole story, as it seemed he was only in the book for 5 minutes. Although I'm sure he has a key role in the overall story, it just seemed a bit rushed and a bit unbelievable to be honest.
Despite that, I really did enjoy this novel. It was summery and an easy read which is just what we need right now. I loved the setting, the descriptions as to what the friends get up to and the food of course! It was a nice ending and I look forward to what this author brings out next. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.
April 29, 2020
I was incredibly excited when this book was announced, as I love a Sue Roberts book, I love a story set in Greece and I really wanted to read this on my holiday to Crete. However well a pandemic has happened, clearly I'm not getting that holiday, and thus this in some respects just for me became a trickier book to read, for as much as I enjoyed it, I can't help but continually feel gutted I don't get to go to Crete for real.
For the Greek holiday in this novel, is in Malia, Crete, but at the same time it did mean I was able to virtually visit the island. I loved Alice and her friends jeep trip around the island, allowed me to see some of the real Greece from the comfort of my living room (not quite the same as reading poolside,but that's what imagination is for).
This is the story of whether or not Alice will really get the wedding of her dreams to Max, they appear to be complete opposites, especially when it comes to wedding planning. Some of Maxes ideas really made me laugh, and I loved how generous he was. He really cares for Alice, that much is obvious, and generally I had a lot of time for Max.
Yet frankly it was the gorgeous Greek guy that I was far more interested in, he isn't even in much of the story but he has a lasting impact. I would love to read a book where he is the hero, as I'd thoroughly enjoy getting to know him better.
The Greek holiday mainly featuring in this book is Alice's hen party, and it was comparatively civilised compared to what I thought when I heard Malia and Hen Party in the same sentence! Ria, Kerry and Molly are the others on the trip, and I enjoyed getting to know them a bit too, especially their relationships with Alice.
This was an enjoyable story, which allowed me to travel in some way to Greece this year, featuring a gorgeous Greek guy, Greek food in great sounding tavernas, a fabulous fiance, a bunch of deliberation over what Alice really wants, and just an all around entertaining read.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
For the Greek holiday in this novel, is in Malia, Crete, but at the same time it did mean I was able to virtually visit the island. I loved Alice and her friends jeep trip around the island, allowed me to see some of the real Greece from the comfort of my living room (not quite the same as reading poolside,but that's what imagination is for).
This is the story of whether or not Alice will really get the wedding of her dreams to Max, they appear to be complete opposites, especially when it comes to wedding planning. Some of Maxes ideas really made me laugh, and I loved how generous he was. He really cares for Alice, that much is obvious, and generally I had a lot of time for Max.
Yet frankly it was the gorgeous Greek guy that I was far more interested in, he isn't even in much of the story but he has a lasting impact. I would love to read a book where he is the hero, as I'd thoroughly enjoy getting to know him better.
The Greek holiday mainly featuring in this book is Alice's hen party, and it was comparatively civilised compared to what I thought when I heard Malia and Hen Party in the same sentence! Ria, Kerry and Molly are the others on the trip, and I enjoyed getting to know them a bit too, especially their relationships with Alice.
This was an enjoyable story, which allowed me to travel in some way to Greece this year, featuring a gorgeous Greek guy, Greek food in great sounding tavernas, a fabulous fiance, a bunch of deliberation over what Alice really wants, and just an all around entertaining read.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
May 18, 2020
A delightful in this sultry afternoon where my mind was as restless as Alice when she got stressed about her wedding plans and was whisked by her friend for a Greek holiday with beautiful beach and fine sand.
An Oasis was this book during stressful times, author Sue Robert's took me to places I couldn't imagine. Friendships and bonds were soon forged, me with the book and Alice with others.
The book slowly moved on to serious matters where Alice had to take some decisions where the author's writing flowed.
Pure escapism was this book. Brilliant read.
An Oasis was this book during stressful times, author Sue Robert's took me to places I couldn't imagine. Friendships and bonds were soon forged, me with the book and Alice with others.
The book slowly moved on to serious matters where Alice had to take some decisions where the author's writing flowed.
Pure escapism was this book. Brilliant read.
October 13, 2021
To be honest, I'm disappointed and a bit angry after reading this novel. As Greek as It Gets had a promising premise and I was intrigued by it and wanting to escape to the Greek islands. I really wanted to enjoy the story, however, this wasn't for me.
The novel follows Alice, soon-to-be bride to Max, who is going on her Hen Party to the Greek island of Crete, however, she is having doubts about the whole thing, especially when she starts to wonder if the island life is for her.
Despite my initial interest in reading this novel, I simply could not connect with it at all. I found the writing was very monotonous and a case of tell rather than show. The writing was simply a recount of events with a lack of emotion that prevented the writing from flowing nicely. Even down to the interactions between Alice and Max were very robotic, and I did not believe for a second that they were truly in love.
I will however say that the visual imagery with the author perfectly encapsulating the Greek lifestyle is probably the saving grace of this story (and where my one and only star goes to).
Alice was a character who try as I might, I could not find it in me to like her - she would continually mope and drone about everything wrong with her life and essentially would gossip to the reader about every person and their dog.
She was also quite immature and you wouldn't think she was about to get married with her crying "poor me" to anyone who would listen. For instance, she goes into the room of the Greek-god-type tour guide Vangelis she just met earlier that day, in the middle of the night to have a nightcap and ends up crying to him about the wedding planning and her childhood. First of all, you've just met the guy and you're giving him his life story, and second of all, you're engaged to be married so why would you go into his room in the middle of the night? Especially when you've told your friends you were going back to the hotel early after a long day, I mean of course they're going to be sus of you, especially your future sister-in-law Molly who sees the encounter of you leaving his room with an embrace!!
Not only does this happen, but the next day she actually kisses Vangelis when they bump into each other again in the village. In that moment I lost all of the little respect I had for her. She does end up telling Max when she gets home, but she essentially expects him to forgive her and move past it? They then stop talking while he tries to wrap his head around it, and one night he gets drunk with some mates and doesn't come home. Alice gets worried but instead of, I don't know, calling everyone she knows, she goes to her friend Kerry's house for brunch! Yes, I know it's Kerry's birthday, but your fiancé is missing! In other words, Alice truly is a careless and self-absorbed person because she also plays victim on her best friend's birthday! As if this girl could not get any worse, she acts as though Max's feelings about being cheated on aren't valid and that he should just forgive her.
They apparently work it all out, but this has been told to us rather than shown, and the novel ends with a spontaneous eloping in Santorini with a small reception in a taverna with their closest family and friends. Let me tell you, this was the most underwhelming ending ever. Do you really expect me to believe that after Max was cheated on he fell even more in love with Alice, enough to book a secret trip to Santorini and elope? Absolutely not.
Overall, this novel was not for me, it lacked emotion, action, romance, and humour. The conflict was distasteful and had a lack of a resolution, let alone a believable one. Unfortunately, this novel has left me with a sour taste in my mouth.
EDIT: I understand this is a very nit-picky review but it had to be said *shrugs*
The novel follows Alice, soon-to-be bride to Max, who is going on her Hen Party to the Greek island of Crete, however, she is having doubts about the whole thing, especially when she starts to wonder if the island life is for her.
Despite my initial interest in reading this novel, I simply could not connect with it at all. I found the writing was very monotonous and a case of tell rather than show. The writing was simply a recount of events with a lack of emotion that prevented the writing from flowing nicely. Even down to the interactions between Alice and Max were very robotic, and I did not believe for a second that they were truly in love.
I will however say that the visual imagery with the author perfectly encapsulating the Greek lifestyle is probably the saving grace of this story (and where my one and only star goes to).
Alice was a character who try as I might, I could not find it in me to like her - she would continually mope and drone about everything wrong with her life and essentially would gossip to the reader about every person and their dog.
She was also quite immature and you wouldn't think she was about to get married with her crying "poor me" to anyone who would listen. For instance, she goes into the room of the Greek-god-type tour guide Vangelis she just met earlier that day, in the middle of the night to have a nightcap and ends up crying to him about the wedding planning and her childhood. First of all, you've just met the guy and you're giving him his life story, and second of all, you're engaged to be married so why would you go into his room in the middle of the night? Especially when you've told your friends you were going back to the hotel early after a long day, I mean of course they're going to be sus of you, especially your future sister-in-law Molly who sees the encounter of you leaving his room with an embrace!!
Not only does this happen, but the next day she actually kisses Vangelis when they bump into each other again in the village. In that moment I lost all of the little respect I had for her. She does end up telling Max when she gets home, but she essentially expects him to forgive her and move past it? They then stop talking while he tries to wrap his head around it, and one night he gets drunk with some mates and doesn't come home. Alice gets worried but instead of, I don't know, calling everyone she knows, she goes to her friend Kerry's house for brunch! Yes, I know it's Kerry's birthday, but your fiancé is missing! In other words, Alice truly is a careless and self-absorbed person because she also plays victim on her best friend's birthday! As if this girl could not get any worse, she acts as though Max's feelings about being cheated on aren't valid and that he should just forgive her.
They apparently work it all out, but this has been told to us rather than shown, and the novel ends with a spontaneous eloping in Santorini with a small reception in a taverna with their closest family and friends. Let me tell you, this was the most underwhelming ending ever. Do you really expect me to believe that after Max was cheated on he fell even more in love with Alice, enough to book a secret trip to Santorini and elope? Absolutely not.
Overall, this novel was not for me, it lacked emotion, action, romance, and humour. The conflict was distasteful and had a lack of a resolution, let alone a believable one. Unfortunately, this novel has left me with a sour taste in my mouth.
EDIT: I understand this is a very nit-picky review but it had to be said *shrugs*
July 15, 2020
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley for review.
I have to be honest; the cover of this book really drew me in. I love anything that has to do with Greece so I was very excited to dive in.
Unfortunately, this book was just okay for me. I felt very disconnected to the characters, even the protagonist. They didn’t have as much depth to them as I would’ve liked. It was clear from the very beginning that Alice was too afraid to voice her own opinions when it came to anything in her life. She also lacked communication skills in her relationships. In that regard, this was her book to finding herself. I’m here for that. The way she goes about it, though, I didn’t particularly enjoy. There is one line that Alice says that shows exactly the lack of communication with Max. She says, “I have tried, but he is just so generous that I don’t want to be a right old misery guts. I’m sure we’ll figure it out in the end”. I just find that so naive of a 30 year old woman about to get married to say. I also didn’t see that much chemistry between Max and Alice. From the beginning, I didn’t see them as a good compatible pair.
A side character I really enjoyed was Vangelis. He had the most depth to him, surprisingly, and he made the scenes fun. He was also the voice of reason. Another great aspect of this book were the scenery descriptions of Greece. It made me want to go back and visit Greece again.
I have to be honest; the cover of this book really drew me in. I love anything that has to do with Greece so I was very excited to dive in.
Unfortunately, this book was just okay for me. I felt very disconnected to the characters, even the protagonist. They didn’t have as much depth to them as I would’ve liked. It was clear from the very beginning that Alice was too afraid to voice her own opinions when it came to anything in her life. She also lacked communication skills in her relationships. In that regard, this was her book to finding herself. I’m here for that. The way she goes about it, though, I didn’t particularly enjoy. There is one line that Alice says that shows exactly the lack of communication with Max. She says, “I have tried, but he is just so generous that I don’t want to be a right old misery guts. I’m sure we’ll figure it out in the end”. I just find that so naive of a 30 year old woman about to get married to say. I also didn’t see that much chemistry between Max and Alice. From the beginning, I didn’t see them as a good compatible pair.
A side character I really enjoyed was Vangelis. He had the most depth to him, surprisingly, and he made the scenes fun. He was also the voice of reason. Another great aspect of this book were the scenery descriptions of Greece. It made me want to go back and visit Greece again.
April 4, 2020
In the current times the need for a feel good read has never been greater and this certainly fits the bill. From the absolutely gorgeous cover design to the exquisite descriptions of Greece this book has it all. So much so that I devoured this book in one sitting. I loved the story of the run up to Alice's wedding with her hen holiday in Greece. Over the course of the novel she grows in confidence but will it be enough to get what she really wants? I loved the relationships between the characters especially those between Ria, Alice and Kerry. I wasn't overly keen on Max, thinking he bordered on controlling at times but it all turned out for the best in the end. So, grab this book, settle down and be prepared to book a holiday to Greece as soon as the current conditions end.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this great summer read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this great summer read.
June 8, 2020
I was immediately transported to Greece in this dreamy romantic tale.
Sue describes the views around Malia, Koutouloufari and Heraklion in such detail that I instantly remembered the scenery perfectly from when I was living and working there. I could feel the heat of the sun and smell the intense aroma of surrounding flora as she took me on a journey of self-discovery through the eyes of Alice, the main character.
I was so engrossed in the romantic setting that I easily fell for Vangelis and would love to hear more of his story in a sequel…
Sue describes the views around Malia, Koutouloufari and Heraklion in such detail that I instantly remembered the scenery perfectly from when I was living and working there. I could feel the heat of the sun and smell the intense aroma of surrounding flora as she took me on a journey of self-discovery through the eyes of Alice, the main character.
I was so engrossed in the romantic setting that I easily fell for Vangelis and would love to hear more of his story in a sequel…
May 19, 2020
This one got me excited for being able to travel again, take me away to Greece please. Sue Roberts did an incredible job of making me want to travel there with her details!
Max and Alice are engaged after he proposes to her in Greece, in an idyllic, quaint town with dreamy views. As the big day gets closer, her dreams of a simple day with the ones she loves has turned into an extravagant event that Max just keeps making even bigger.
Stress that she hopes will be eased with her hen party, back in Greece. Will going back to Greece with her girlfriends put her at ease in time for the big day?
While the scenery may have been the show stealer, I wish some of the relationship details had made me feel the same. Max and Alice were almost too different for me, almost to the point of wishing for a different ending! Outside of the fantastic details in Greece, what I loved most about this book was the flirty, fun parts of Alice & her girlfriends.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read an ARC of this title in exchange for my own personal review, I rated As Greek as It Gets by Sue Roberts 3.5 stars.
Max and Alice are engaged after he proposes to her in Greece, in an idyllic, quaint town with dreamy views. As the big day gets closer, her dreams of a simple day with the ones she loves has turned into an extravagant event that Max just keeps making even bigger.
Stress that she hopes will be eased with her hen party, back in Greece. Will going back to Greece with her girlfriends put her at ease in time for the big day?
While the scenery may have been the show stealer, I wish some of the relationship details had made me feel the same. Max and Alice were almost too different for me, almost to the point of wishing for a different ending! Outside of the fantastic details in Greece, what I loved most about this book was the flirty, fun parts of Alice & her girlfriends.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read an ARC of this title in exchange for my own personal review, I rated As Greek as It Gets by Sue Roberts 3.5 stars.
May 18, 2020
Definitely a good read for the holidays or for when you just want some down time.
"Fun, feel-good romantic comedy " indeed. This book lived up to every expectation I had of it.
The writing style is simple and laid back. I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions that were woven throughout this book. They are so vivid you can momentarily drift off to Greece with these fun loving characters. The scenery writing is fantastic.
The dialogue could have been a little more developed but it does the job and there is a good use of humour which really makes up for it.
The characters are flawed and have their own quirks which I absolutely love. It makes them more relatable.
A lovely book to take your mind off things for a while and de-stress.
"Fun, feel-good romantic comedy " indeed. This book lived up to every expectation I had of it.
The writing style is simple and laid back. I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions that were woven throughout this book. They are so vivid you can momentarily drift off to Greece with these fun loving characters. The scenery writing is fantastic.
The dialogue could have been a little more developed but it does the job and there is a good use of humour which really makes up for it.
The characters are flawed and have their own quirks which I absolutely love. It makes them more relatable.
A lovely book to take your mind off things for a while and de-stress.
April 23, 2020
Alice is engaged to her boyfriend Max, and planning her dream wedding. But as the plans get out of control, her best friend takes her away for a much needed break to Greece.
As she lets loose and enjoys the Greek way of life, she begins to feels drawn to a small local town, and a very handsome man. As the trip comes to a close, Alice has big decisions to make on her future.
This is a prefect beachy summer read. From the beautiful descriptions of Greece, to the
humorous story-line with Alice, I enjoyed this book. There isn't anything deep about the book, it's a very light easy read. But sometimes that is just what a reader might need.
As she lets loose and enjoys the Greek way of life, she begins to feels drawn to a small local town, and a very handsome man. As the trip comes to a close, Alice has big decisions to make on her future.
This is a prefect beachy summer read. From the beautiful descriptions of Greece, to the
humorous story-line with Alice, I enjoyed this book. There isn't anything deep about the book, it's a very light easy read. But sometimes that is just what a reader might need.
April 21, 2020
Contemporary Romance; Adult
First Person, female-POV
This is a standalone book with HEA.
I've had a lot of mixed feelings with this book. I've finished a few days ago, but I gave myself some distance from it, before I wrote my review.
I guess this wasn't really my cup of tea. For some reason, it didn't work for me.
Even though I liked the concept of the plot and its amazing setting, I had a hard time connecting with the characters and it all felt a bit flat for me.
21/35 STARS – 3 STARS (between 21 stars and 24 stars)
Addictiveness: 2 Character: 2 Cover: 5 Freshness: 3.5 Plot: 3.5 Romance: 2 Writing Style: 3
Action 0/5 Angst 2/5 Darkness 0/5 Humor 3/5 Romance 3.5/5 Suspense/Mystery 0/5
Would I recommend? I don't think so.
Would I re-read this book/series? No.
Would I read more from the author? I don't know.
Cover: art 5/5, title 5/5, color-font 5/5, buy 5/5 I’m obsessed with book covers. I love to find snippets of the stories within the art. This one was perfect. It was what attracted me first to read this book. The art was fun, vibrant and unique. The colors used were spot on and the art told us a story. We can guess the setting and the atmosphere of the book. The title is catchy and the subtitle keeps the reader guessing. I would definitely buy this book by its cover without needing to read the blurb!!!
Freshness: 3.5/5 I really liked the concept of the story and the it felt new, different than most out there. As fresh as mint tea!!!
Plot: believable 4/5, conflict 3.5/5, dialogue 3/5, ending 4/5, enjoyment 2.5/5, opening 4/5, pace 3/5, setting 5/5, subplots 3/5, twists 4/5 Good opening and really good ending. Believable plot, with nice dialogues and ok pace. Superb setting, ok subplots with an interesting twist at the end. Ok level of enjoyment!
This book had an amazing setting, that was superbly described and very well detailed. It took me back to when I was visiting Greece and it felt real and believable.
I also have to mention that the twist at the end was cute and unexpected. It really made the story better!!!
Writing Style: 3/5 Ms. Roberts knows how to describe scenery and make the reader goes in a journey through it. I felt the lively, sunny greek atmosphere. The idea for the plot was good and felt fresh. The writing was clean of mistakes and felt cohesive. Ok writing!!!
Addictiveness: 2/5 I think of myself as a character reader, and because I had a hard time connecting with the characters, the story never really grabbed me.
Character: hero 2/5, heroine 2.5/5, secondary characters 3/5, growth 3/5, real 4/5 I'm a character reader. I need to feel a connection with at least one character to really be invested in the story. I had a hard time connecting with them because there was not enough background on them. In fact, this book was all about Alice, and I still don't really know who was Max. Max felt a lot like a secondary character and never like the hero of the story. Because this is a romance, I'm always expect a depth of profiling both the hero and heroine.
Alice was an ok heroine. She was having a hard time with the next step of her relationship. At the same time that it was easy for me to see her struggles, I never really saw a maturity of Alice understanding them and evolving from them during the story.
She was going to be married in a couple of months, she was going on a trip with her best friends, like a "bachelorette party/trip", and she was the least excited about it. She was overwhelmed with not only her wedding, but also with her boyfriend's extravaganza.
Then, she came back from her trip, had a bit of rough path, but nothing major, or at least, we readers don't really learn much about these hard times.
After a few chapters, the story jumped at the sweet and very cute and perfect ending for her. I only wanted to have seen and felt her pain and angst. I wanted to have gone into that self journey with her. I've missed feeling and understanding her emotions.
Max was a mild hero. He felt more like a secondary character than an integral part of this romance. His story arch never really evolved and I don't know what to say about him.
Secondary characters I've liked Ria, Molly and Kerry. They seemed like good friends. I don't know if I wouldn't have reacted exactly like Molly, so I would rather not judge her actions.
Antagonists/villains I believe the biggest problem of the conflict was communication. Max and Alice were not talking to each other and when they talked if felt like the other wasn't listening. But I guess Vangelis was sort of an antagonist. I have to say, I really liked him and I was rooting for him. I believe I learned more about him than some other major characters of the story.
Characters and their development were my biggest problem of the book for me. They were hard to like, connect or understand!!!
Romance: believable 3/5, chemistry 2/5, description 3/5, development 2/5, steam 1/5 I don't think it really worked for me. Because I didn't really learn much about Max, I never felt their chemistry. I read a lot how he was Alice's perfect man and how much they loved each other, and because of I guess I could say this was a cute, sweet love!!!
You MAY read this because you enjoy the author; you SHOULD read this because you like sweet romance; you MUST read this because it portrays Greece and greek culture beautifully!!!
May 18, 2020
Aaaaahhh, here we are, for our own good locked up in our country, in our village or for some in our house even and it seems like this will continue to be the case for a while longer. But, no panic! When you can loose yourself in a book, it can bring you wherever you want to be. It’s like this author offered me a plane ticket to sunny Greece and I gladly accepted it.
I felt the sand between my toes, heard the lapping of the waves on the beach, smelt the salty sea air and I almost whipped out my sun glasses and lotion. I enjoyed every bit of history and every view. I sat down to taste some Greek dishes and sipped an ice cold cocktail or glass of wine. I did not read the story. I became part of it.
It’s ok to please other people, but don’t forget about what you want too. Loose control a bit, but not completely!
I loved how the relationship between two opposite personalities even grew deeper and stronger when one of them took a bit more control while the other let go a bit more.
Very cute story that I adored. 5 stars
Thank you, Sue Roberts and Bookouture
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
I felt the sand between my toes, heard the lapping of the waves on the beach, smelt the salty sea air and I almost whipped out my sun glasses and lotion. I enjoyed every bit of history and every view. I sat down to taste some Greek dishes and sipped an ice cold cocktail or glass of wine. I did not read the story. I became part of it.
It’s ok to please other people, but don’t forget about what you want too. Loose control a bit, but not completely!
I loved how the relationship between two opposite personalities even grew deeper and stronger when one of them took a bit more control while the other let go a bit more.
Very cute story that I adored. 5 stars
Thank you, Sue Roberts and Bookouture
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
May 18, 2020
As I should have been reading this book right now on a greek beach, my back garden has to be second best. This book provides a wonderful escapist trip to Greece and I found myself devouring the easy to read style - so much so that I finished it in a day. I couldn't wait to find out what decision Alice would make and to be honest, my heart was in my mouth on a couple of occasions.
There were a couple of things that got me wondering. I did a jeep safari tour myself in Crete and I'm pretty sure the guide wouldn't allow a tourist to drive. There was also poetic licence in the book regarding weddings in Greece as I'm sure a period of residency would be required. However, as a greekophile I really enjoyed the book, its settings reminded me of places I've visited and I engaged totally with the characters and their journey. Looking forward to the next one.
There were a couple of things that got me wondering. I did a jeep safari tour myself in Crete and I'm pretty sure the guide wouldn't allow a tourist to drive. There was also poetic licence in the book regarding weddings in Greece as I'm sure a period of residency would be required. However, as a greekophile I really enjoyed the book, its settings reminded me of places I've visited and I engaged totally with the characters and their journey. Looking forward to the next one.
May 6, 2020
Well this book has my two favourite things in it.
Weddings and Greece.
It sucked me in from the first page and held me until the last. I have read it in one sitting starting this morning and finishing this evening.
Sue describes the Greek Island and life and people perfectly and really sets the scene for beautiful wedding venues. It's a tough choice between the Lake District and Crete!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a light hearted, happy read. Thank you to the author, Sue Roberts, the publishers and finally Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC book for my honest review
Weddings and Greece.
It sucked me in from the first page and held me until the last. I have read it in one sitting starting this morning and finishing this evening.
Sue describes the Greek Island and life and people perfectly and really sets the scene for beautiful wedding venues. It's a tough choice between the Lake District and Crete!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a light hearted, happy read. Thank you to the author, Sue Roberts, the publishers and finally Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC book for my honest review
May 7, 2020
What a perfect book to read while in the garden soaking up the sun - although I would much rather have been in Greece going by the descriptions of Santorini in the book.
From the beginning I liked Alice and felt her very relatable, and by the end I like Max just as much and he turned out to definitely be a keeper.
From the beginning I liked Alice and felt her very relatable, and by the end I like Max just as much and he turned out to definitely be a keeper.
February 22, 2023
A really lovely book but a bit too perfect at the end; not a criticism though as I really enjoyed it. I am going to Crete myself near to where the girls went and have been researching Koutouloufari as mentioned here and it looks really pretty so thank you for the mention as I will visit there too.
June 17, 2020
Sue Roberts did it again! She made me enjoy one of her book once again! This is the perfect getaway book! It takes place mainly on greek islands during a hen party of the main character. She is about to get married to the most wonderful man but during her hen party trip with her friends she is starting to question herself about her relationship with her future husband. It's really well written, this book is a page-turner. And this book makes you think about the most important thing in life and in a relationship which would be trust, respect and a honesty. Very good book, I highly recommend it! 4 stars out of 5 for me!
April 19, 2020
This is a story about an artist named Alice, who is soon to be married to her lovely fiancé Max. Before she gets hitched, Alice takes a Hen trip with her two best girlfriends and her soon to be sister in law. Alice hopes for a relaxing getaway, but instead takes the stress. of wedding planning (or lack thereof) with her to the Greek island of Crete. Alice is stressed about her wedding-she hasn't had much say in the plans. Being quite shy, and eternally grateful for Max, she is hesitant to vocalize her wishes. On the island of Crete, Alice feels more like herself, she finds the simple life very appealing, and is more willing to come out of her shell. Along the way she meets Vangelis, the tour guide from the hotel. They develop a quick connection and share special moments. Those that make Alice begin to question her entire future.
I did not enjoy reading this book, for many reasons. To start positive, the book was well written and I did want to finish it, primarily for reviewing purposes. I was happy with how Alice's character ended right at the very end. I enjoyed Gail, her boss and her friendship with Ria. Now, I started this book and 75 pages in I went and re-read the synopsis because I had no idea what it was about. There was no problem, nothing was arising. After, all of the drama happens in about 50 pages and then it's right back to pages and pages of really nothing. Non of the side stories were explored very well. I did not like the other characters. I found Max so cringey, he was written to be overly perfect but wasn't. He didn't realize anything that was going on with Alice. Although Alice can also be blamed. For the entire story she constantly goes on about how perfect Max is and how grateful she should be to be with him, and everyone around her reinforces that! Meanwhile, she also spends the entire book questioning everything, not being able to be honest with him and so on. Additionally, the problem in this book is so minor and so blown out of proportion. If this book didn't revolve around a wedding, it could've been written about middle schoolers. I did not like the comments Alice's friends made to her, or comments she made. Alice came off as very awkward. Her lack of self-esteem and confidence came off as silly and as someone who needs to get it together. Then, she randomly had outbursts of confidence! Her "relationship" with Vangelis was very normal and random, nothing surrounding it made sense. She didn't want to see him but then went and got a drink with him, and so on. I hated how she commented about needing to fit into her wedding dress and how Max made a comment about her getting fit as well. Nothing about this book meshed with me-I was super disappointed. Thanks to NetGalley for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.
I did not enjoy reading this book, for many reasons. To start positive, the book was well written and I did want to finish it, primarily for reviewing purposes. I was happy with how Alice's character ended right at the very end. I enjoyed Gail, her boss and her friendship with Ria. Now, I started this book and 75 pages in I went and re-read the synopsis because I had no idea what it was about. There was no problem, nothing was arising. After, all of the drama happens in about 50 pages and then it's right back to pages and pages of really nothing. Non of the side stories were explored very well. I did not like the other characters. I found Max so cringey, he was written to be overly perfect but wasn't. He didn't realize anything that was going on with Alice. Although Alice can also be blamed. For the entire story she constantly goes on about how perfect Max is and how grateful she should be to be with him, and everyone around her reinforces that! Meanwhile, she also spends the entire book questioning everything, not being able to be honest with him and so on. Additionally, the problem in this book is so minor and so blown out of proportion. If this book didn't revolve around a wedding, it could've been written about middle schoolers. I did not like the comments Alice's friends made to her, or comments she made. Alice came off as very awkward. Her lack of self-esteem and confidence came off as silly and as someone who needs to get it together. Then, she randomly had outbursts of confidence! Her "relationship" with Vangelis was very normal and random, nothing surrounding it made sense. She didn't want to see him but then went and got a drink with him, and so on. I hated how she commented about needing to fit into her wedding dress and how Max made a comment about her getting fit as well. Nothing about this book meshed with me-I was super disappointed. Thanks to NetGalley for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2020
The Greek travel portions of this book sound so good that they're torture to read during this time of limited travel. The rest of the story takes place in the UK, where our heroine struggles with her lack of confidence and assertiveness in her career and personal relationships. If I remember correctly, this book is described as "feel-good," I guess because nobody dies, but I related to the character's angst enough that I didn't really feel that good while reading. We Elinor Dashwood types do have feelings--we just don't complain about them.
Anyway, the book is a fast read that keeps you guessing until the end. I would like to read other works by this author, perhaps those with main characters a little less like me.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC for the purpose of an unbiased review.
Anyway, the book is a fast read that keeps you guessing until the end. I would like to read other works by this author, perhaps those with main characters a little less like me.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC for the purpose of an unbiased review.
February 6, 2022
I loved this book immensely. The parts in Greece were clearly the best, a little bit of will they/won't they in the romance department and a lovely all-round finish.
I also enjoyed the parts set in or talking about her home town as it was set very close to where I live and could recognise things that were said and places so made it very homely and welcoming to read. It was like reading about an old friend's adventures
Overall I give it 5/5, couldn't fault it
I also enjoyed the parts set in or talking about her home town as it was set very close to where I live and could recognise things that were said and places so made it very homely and welcoming to read. It was like reading about an old friend's adventures
Overall I give it 5/5, couldn't fault it
May 17, 2020
Despite Alice having a seemingly perfect fiancé and her wedding being just around the corner she can’t help but feeling that something isn’t right. She isn’t as excited as she should be and is dreading being the centre of attention in front of so many people. However, her finance Max is keen to have a big bash and Alice can’t bring herself to tell him this isn’t for her. She is then whisked away on her hen party to Malia in Crete. Under the Greek sun Alice’s head is soon turned by the prospect of a different kind of wedding. However, things get a little more complicated when she makes a connection with a local and finds her head turning in ways she didn’t expect.
I simply loved this book! It transported me to a Greek beach and was a ray of sunshine during the two cloudy days that I read it. I want to start this review by saying I absolutely adore books that involve travel, especially travel to sunny locations. I love a good road trip, travelling holiday or just a break in the beautiful sunshine like the characters in this book. Based on that, this book immediately appealed to me. Anyone who has read my reviews before may also be aware that I suffer from major Greek wanderlust. It’s a country in the world I am desperate to visit, I blame Shirley Valentine! There are so many islands I would love to visit that I doubt I would get to them all in a lifetime. This means I’m like a magpie with any books set in Greece, I gobble them up and have read a fair few. I would say this is one of the best books I have ever read in terms of its descriptions of the setting. It made me feel like I was on the island of Crete with Alice and her friends and just evoked that warm fuzzy feelings I look for in a book of this nature.
Firstly, the cover of this book sets the tone for the story, its so pretty and screams summer holidays. The book is set in three parts, you have pre-holiday which includes the girls shopping for and getting ready for their holiday and some scenes at the airport. I love books that include this because the build up to a holiday is so exciting so experiencing this with the characters excites me for their holiday too. We then follow the girls whilst in Crete and this is where the book just wowed me. Sue Roberts paints such a vivid picture of the island, the shops, the locals, the scenery that I felt like I was there with the characters. I loved the fact she references real place as I love searching these out online and making little Pinterest boards for different books. We also got to see the characters out and about enjoying the island and the activities it had to offer. There was even a day trip to Santorini, one of my top destinations to visit. I also like it wasn’t just a tradition hen party holiday. The girls experience some culture and traditions of the island as well as some partying along the way. I also appreciated the glorious descriptions of the Greek food; my mouth was watering! My husband is now going to be making me Spanakopita next week.
Moving away from the glorious setting the actual story took me on a bit of a journal. I massively mis-judged where the story would go which meant I was surprised the whole way through. We follow our main character Alice and her fiancé Max, who quite simply seemed too good to be true. Before going in I thought he would be a bit of an inconsiderate boyfriend that leads Alice to question their relationship whilst away, but Max seemed perfect. That made me suspicious of him too, as I say I thought he was too good to be true. I kept waiting for him to discovered as a bit of scoundrel. Whilst in Greece, Alice gets swept away by the island and meets a charming man who I thought would become the third part in a love triangle. I really don’t want to give away anything that happens, but I was pleasantly surprised by how it turns out.
The third part of the book follows Alice following the consequences of her holiday. The main thing I liked was how her time in Greece affected her confidence and character. I was quite frustrated with Alice at the start as she did seem to be quite complacent in her life. She was hesitant to pursue her career ambitions and allowed her mum and Max to bulldozer her a bit. Max’s sister Molly is their wedding planner and as arrangement spirals out of control, she struggles to find her voice against this. Its in the last third where we see her confront these things and I loved seeing that change in her.
In case it was unclear I adored this book. The only thing that could have improved it was reading it on holiday specifically a Greek holiday (but I would take anywhere right now!) It’s a book that made me feel on the sun on my skin despite being in a rather grey England and I could see myself revisiting and re-reading it in the future. I am pleased to see Sue Roberts has a great backlist that I can explore, all set in warm, sunny and locations and most excitingly another book set in Greece (which happens to be on Kindle Unlimited)
If you liked this book I think you may also like The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach by Kat French, My Mamma Mia Summer by Annie Robertson and The Longest Holiday by Paige Toon.
I simply loved this book! It transported me to a Greek beach and was a ray of sunshine during the two cloudy days that I read it. I want to start this review by saying I absolutely adore books that involve travel, especially travel to sunny locations. I love a good road trip, travelling holiday or just a break in the beautiful sunshine like the characters in this book. Based on that, this book immediately appealed to me. Anyone who has read my reviews before may also be aware that I suffer from major Greek wanderlust. It’s a country in the world I am desperate to visit, I blame Shirley Valentine! There are so many islands I would love to visit that I doubt I would get to them all in a lifetime. This means I’m like a magpie with any books set in Greece, I gobble them up and have read a fair few. I would say this is one of the best books I have ever read in terms of its descriptions of the setting. It made me feel like I was on the island of Crete with Alice and her friends and just evoked that warm fuzzy feelings I look for in a book of this nature.
Firstly, the cover of this book sets the tone for the story, its so pretty and screams summer holidays. The book is set in three parts, you have pre-holiday which includes the girls shopping for and getting ready for their holiday and some scenes at the airport. I love books that include this because the build up to a holiday is so exciting so experiencing this with the characters excites me for their holiday too. We then follow the girls whilst in Crete and this is where the book just wowed me. Sue Roberts paints such a vivid picture of the island, the shops, the locals, the scenery that I felt like I was there with the characters. I loved the fact she references real place as I love searching these out online and making little Pinterest boards for different books. We also got to see the characters out and about enjoying the island and the activities it had to offer. There was even a day trip to Santorini, one of my top destinations to visit. I also like it wasn’t just a tradition hen party holiday. The girls experience some culture and traditions of the island as well as some partying along the way. I also appreciated the glorious descriptions of the Greek food; my mouth was watering! My husband is now going to be making me Spanakopita next week.
Moving away from the glorious setting the actual story took me on a bit of a journal. I massively mis-judged where the story would go which meant I was surprised the whole way through. We follow our main character Alice and her fiancé Max, who quite simply seemed too good to be true. Before going in I thought he would be a bit of an inconsiderate boyfriend that leads Alice to question their relationship whilst away, but Max seemed perfect. That made me suspicious of him too, as I say I thought he was too good to be true. I kept waiting for him to discovered as a bit of scoundrel. Whilst in Greece, Alice gets swept away by the island and meets a charming man who I thought would become the third part in a love triangle. I really don’t want to give away anything that happens, but I was pleasantly surprised by how it turns out.
The third part of the book follows Alice following the consequences of her holiday. The main thing I liked was how her time in Greece affected her confidence and character. I was quite frustrated with Alice at the start as she did seem to be quite complacent in her life. She was hesitant to pursue her career ambitions and allowed her mum and Max to bulldozer her a bit. Max’s sister Molly is their wedding planner and as arrangement spirals out of control, she struggles to find her voice against this. Its in the last third where we see her confront these things and I loved seeing that change in her.
In case it was unclear I adored this book. The only thing that could have improved it was reading it on holiday specifically a Greek holiday (but I would take anywhere right now!) It’s a book that made me feel on the sun on my skin despite being in a rather grey England and I could see myself revisiting and re-reading it in the future. I am pleased to see Sue Roberts has a great backlist that I can explore, all set in warm, sunny and locations and most excitingly another book set in Greece (which happens to be on Kindle Unlimited)
If you liked this book I think you may also like The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach by Kat French, My Mamma Mia Summer by Annie Robertson and The Longest Holiday by Paige Toon.
April 17, 2020
This is the second book I've read by Sue Roberts; I also read her book "You, Me and Italy." I enjoyed both books. Roberts does a wonderful job of describing her venues -- in this case, Greece (specifically Crete and Santorini). It makes me feel like I'm there, and I yearn to experience the Aegean blue waters, white-washed villas and the cuisine and people of Greece. (Okay, I admit, I've wanted to visit Greece since high school, but this book just confirms it!)
Both of the two Roberts' books that I've read are gentle reads. If you're looking for deep, gut-wrenching angst, you won't find it. If you're looking for your characters to be plunged into terrible trouble, that probably won't happen either. From what I can tell, that's not really her style.
But, this book will take you along on Alice's lightly turbulent journey. Alice is engaged to the man of her dreams -- Max -- and heads to Crete for her 'hen week' before her marriage in a few weeks. She's increasingly troubled about her upcoming nuptials. Mainly, because it is morphing from the small, intimate affair that she and Max discussed, into a large gathering at a posh country club complete with fireworks and entertainment. Max is doing all the planning, and she's worried about the money and extravagance. But she's afraid to tell him how she feels.
So she heads to Crete and while on a safari-type excursion to the smaller towns and natural areas on the island, she meets Vangelis, a very attractive Greek man who is leading the excursion. She meets him later in the evening, and they begin talking. He is such a good listener that she pours out her heart about her rough childhood and her doubts about the wedding. He invites her to come to his room, which has a gorgeous balcony view of the bay, and she goes. He's the perfect gentleman and they spend all night talking. When she leaves his room at 4 a.m., Max's sister is just coming in from the nightclub and sees her. Of course, she doesn't believe Alice. And although nothing happened, Alice feels guilty about it, because what happily engaged woman would spend the whole night alone with another man, and pour her heart out to that man?
She avoids Vangelis for a while, but eventually runs into him again and something else happens with him. (Which I won't reveal--don't want to spoil the story.)
Because of this, she returns back home to England with a lot of guilt, and that guilt propels her to tell Max, which hurts him and he says he's not sure he can trust her. Now she worries that he won't ever be able to forgive her, and that she's lost her true love.
I don't want to reveal more of the story, because it has a bit of a turnaround and a nice surprise at the end! (Think: grand gesture!)
As I mentioned, the story won't take you on a roller coaster ride of angst, but sometimes that's okay, right? Because not all trials and tribulations in a relationship need to be that exhausting.
Through the process, we see Alice grow and become more confident in expressing her opinions. And the reward is an unexpected turn near the end of the book.
Max, her fiance, is wonderful. He really cares about her, trying to plan the perfect wedding, or what he thinks is the perfect wedding. But he grows too, and learns to listen to what she's saying, rather than just assuming she will like expensive and elaborate meals, gifts and celebrations.
If you're tired to being stuck in your home (because of social distancing and 'stay in place' orders due to COVID-19), this book will take you to a warm, sunny and beautiful location--Greece!
Both of the two Roberts' books that I've read are gentle reads. If you're looking for deep, gut-wrenching angst, you won't find it. If you're looking for your characters to be plunged into terrible trouble, that probably won't happen either. From what I can tell, that's not really her style.
But, this book will take you along on Alice's lightly turbulent journey. Alice is engaged to the man of her dreams -- Max -- and heads to Crete for her 'hen week' before her marriage in a few weeks. She's increasingly troubled about her upcoming nuptials. Mainly, because it is morphing from the small, intimate affair that she and Max discussed, into a large gathering at a posh country club complete with fireworks and entertainment. Max is doing all the planning, and she's worried about the money and extravagance. But she's afraid to tell him how she feels.
So she heads to Crete and while on a safari-type excursion to the smaller towns and natural areas on the island, she meets Vangelis, a very attractive Greek man who is leading the excursion. She meets him later in the evening, and they begin talking. He is such a good listener that she pours out her heart about her rough childhood and her doubts about the wedding. He invites her to come to his room, which has a gorgeous balcony view of the bay, and she goes. He's the perfect gentleman and they spend all night talking. When she leaves his room at 4 a.m., Max's sister is just coming in from the nightclub and sees her. Of course, she doesn't believe Alice. And although nothing happened, Alice feels guilty about it, because what happily engaged woman would spend the whole night alone with another man, and pour her heart out to that man?
She avoids Vangelis for a while, but eventually runs into him again and something else happens with him. (Which I won't reveal--don't want to spoil the story.)
Because of this, she returns back home to England with a lot of guilt, and that guilt propels her to tell Max, which hurts him and he says he's not sure he can trust her. Now she worries that he won't ever be able to forgive her, and that she's lost her true love.
I don't want to reveal more of the story, because it has a bit of a turnaround and a nice surprise at the end! (Think: grand gesture!)
As I mentioned, the story won't take you on a roller coaster ride of angst, but sometimes that's okay, right? Because not all trials and tribulations in a relationship need to be that exhausting.
Through the process, we see Alice grow and become more confident in expressing her opinions. And the reward is an unexpected turn near the end of the book.
Max, her fiance, is wonderful. He really cares about her, trying to plan the perfect wedding, or what he thinks is the perfect wedding. But he grows too, and learns to listen to what she's saying, rather than just assuming she will like expensive and elaborate meals, gifts and celebrations.
If you're tired to being stuck in your home (because of social distancing and 'stay in place' orders due to COVID-19), this book will take you to a warm, sunny and beautiful location--Greece!
May 13, 2020
👰A soon-to-be bride with issues: is Greek sun the solution?🌞
4-4.5🌟stars. #AsGreekasItGets
The cover on this book is sunny and light but the story is a slice of real life that I was not expecting! Alice has only a few months left before her wedding day and as preparations ratchet up she's getting nervous, especially the way the wedding grows more elaborate and the guest list mushrooms, something her frugal, attention-averse character dreads. Her fiance Max and friends think a hen (bachelorette) party escape to Crete, the Greek island where Max proposed, will be the perfect restorative break. And it is, until it isn't!
Yes, author Sue Roberts has included lots of Greek atmosphere with gal bonding, tours, stunning views, lip-smacking sampling of Greek cuisine, lazy hours on a perfect beach, evening visits to quaint tavernas and night spots, and even a day trip to picture perfect Santorini. I personally could have done with a little less of the travel guide side, but that's just me and moving around the island is a key element in the Greek part of the plot. Alice laps it all up and lets loose a bit but when she returns to England she finds the holiday leads to soul-searching problems.
I found Alice's concerns before, during and after her Greek interlude totally believable. It may not make for a constant stream of drama, but there's enough to make a fine story. The ending had a few twists I totally did not see coming. And maybe Alice needed to go through some tense times to understand who and what truly made her life rewarding. The subplot involving Alice's family history and her rocky relationship with her mom was something that struck a real chord with me. Her nighttime confession of a traumatic Christmas Eve was the scene that grabbed me and made her a sympathetic heroine. I like to see characters grow and, as Alice's boss notes, Alice is a bit of a conflict avoider and pushover until she realizes it's not producing positive results. Her more confident attitude towards the story's end worked for me.
I do wish fiance Max's character had been given more depth and attention. He's really only seen through Alice's eyes and I don't know that's fair to him; he's such an important part of the story.I
This is the second Sue Roberts novel I've read and I enjoyed both so she's an author I will definitely continue following.
Thanks to publisher Bookouture and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review and the opinions expressed are my own.
4-4.5🌟stars. #AsGreekasItGets
The cover on this book is sunny and light but the story is a slice of real life that I was not expecting! Alice has only a few months left before her wedding day and as preparations ratchet up she's getting nervous, especially the way the wedding grows more elaborate and the guest list mushrooms, something her frugal, attention-averse character dreads. Her fiance Max and friends think a hen (bachelorette) party escape to Crete, the Greek island where Max proposed, will be the perfect restorative break. And it is, until it isn't!
Yes, author Sue Roberts has included lots of Greek atmosphere with gal bonding, tours, stunning views, lip-smacking sampling of Greek cuisine, lazy hours on a perfect beach, evening visits to quaint tavernas and night spots, and even a day trip to picture perfect Santorini. I personally could have done with a little less of the travel guide side, but that's just me and moving around the island is a key element in the Greek part of the plot. Alice laps it all up and lets loose a bit but when she returns to England she finds the holiday leads to soul-searching problems.
I found Alice's concerns before, during and after her Greek interlude totally believable. It may not make for a constant stream of drama, but there's enough to make a fine story. The ending had a few twists I totally did not see coming. And maybe Alice needed to go through some tense times to understand who and what truly made her life rewarding. The subplot involving Alice's family history and her rocky relationship with her mom was something that struck a real chord with me. Her nighttime confession of a traumatic Christmas Eve was the scene that grabbed me and made her a sympathetic heroine. I like to see characters grow and, as Alice's boss notes, Alice is a bit of a conflict avoider and pushover until she realizes it's not producing positive results. Her more confident attitude towards the story's end worked for me.
I do wish fiance Max's character had been given more depth and attention. He's really only seen through Alice's eyes and I don't know that's fair to him; he's such an important part of the story.I
This is the second Sue Roberts novel I've read and I enjoyed both so she's an author I will definitely continue following.
Thanks to publisher Bookouture and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review and the opinions expressed are my own.
May 18, 2020
If only we could bottle the feeling that you get from reading this book - now THAT would be a bestseller! This book is pure liquid sunshine!
Alice Clark is engaged to the gorgeous and generous Max. She's happy and content, if not a little bit flustered at the way the wedding plans seem to be getting slightly out of hand, and her dreams of a 'small and intimate' wedding are long gone, as her outgoing partner is intent on inviting more and more people and making it the event of the year!
But she focuses on her hen party which is going to be in Malia, Crete, with her best friends Ria and Kerry and Molly, who also happens to be Max's sister and their wedding planner! And this is where the book truly comes to life. The author, paints a picture (well, Alice and her friends are artists!) that transports the reader straight to the gorgeous landscapes of the Greek Isles! Her descriptions are vivid, bold and bright and they immediately bring to mind the exciting, heady days of anticipation being experienced before heading back to reality and all that's in store: a fabulous wedding and settling down to life with a wonderful man!
I loved the characters, and completely understood Alice's feelings of confusion at the crossroads she felt she was at both in her personal and professional life. She knew she needed to stand up and speak out for herself more, but didn't realise she'd have to travel so far from home to find her voice!
This is a wonderful book that makes you feel like it really is possible to go out there and grab what you want with both hands. You might not always achieve what you set out to, but at least if you try, you won't have any regrets. It's also about honesty, and telling the people who mean the most to you how you truly feel, but mostly it's about being honest and true to yourself first, because if you can't do that, then you can't expect others to understand you either!
A great 5-star read, especially if you're lucky enough to be in a sunny spot right now. But if not, settle down somewhere comfortable and just imagine yourself somewhere warm, surrounded by some gorgeous views and being served some luscious cocktails!
Alice Clark is engaged to the gorgeous and generous Max. She's happy and content, if not a little bit flustered at the way the wedding plans seem to be getting slightly out of hand, and her dreams of a 'small and intimate' wedding are long gone, as her outgoing partner is intent on inviting more and more people and making it the event of the year!
But she focuses on her hen party which is going to be in Malia, Crete, with her best friends Ria and Kerry and Molly, who also happens to be Max's sister and their wedding planner! And this is where the book truly comes to life. The author, paints a picture (well, Alice and her friends are artists!) that transports the reader straight to the gorgeous landscapes of the Greek Isles! Her descriptions are vivid, bold and bright and they immediately bring to mind the exciting, heady days of anticipation being experienced before heading back to reality and all that's in store: a fabulous wedding and settling down to life with a wonderful man!
I loved the characters, and completely understood Alice's feelings of confusion at the crossroads she felt she was at both in her personal and professional life. She knew she needed to stand up and speak out for herself more, but didn't realise she'd have to travel so far from home to find her voice!
This is a wonderful book that makes you feel like it really is possible to go out there and grab what you want with both hands. You might not always achieve what you set out to, but at least if you try, you won't have any regrets. It's also about honesty, and telling the people who mean the most to you how you truly feel, but mostly it's about being honest and true to yourself first, because if you can't do that, then you can't expect others to understand you either!
A great 5-star read, especially if you're lucky enough to be in a sunny spot right now. But if not, settle down somewhere comfortable and just imagine yourself somewhere warm, surrounded by some gorgeous views and being served some luscious cocktails!
May 19, 2020
I gotta say, had it not been for the ending my review would have taken a turn. When I began this book, I had Mamma Mia 2 on the mind and expected a whirlwind romance in Greece. I was ready to fall in love with a Greek male lead and ready to be swept away on the island of Crete what I got instead was a woman (Alice) and her fiancé (Max) who were the most mismatched couple ever. I couldn’t get past the fact that despite claiming to be in love with him, Alice never really stood up for herself when Max’s wedding planning reached circus levels.. she catered to him and agreed with everything he said, never once thinking of herself.
I also couldn’t help but be disturbed at how absolutely horrid some characters were to each other starting with Alice’s mother who plainly acted like she hated her own daughter. When we finally get to Greece for the hen party holiday.. we legit spend more time reading about Greece then we actually do in the place as most of it is set in the UK with only 15% of the story being in Greece... our main character Alice decides it would be a great idea to spend the entirety of the night talking to a single (AND Handsome Greek man btw) man alone in his room and as if that wasn’t bad enough she actually encourages his advances at one point.
Getting back home and wrecked with guilt obviously she spills her guts to her fiancé who understandably flips. I honestly don’t know how these two worked it out and I was so ready to throw in the towel with this book.
The ending though.. with Max finally understanding that his fiancé (and no one really) didn’t want a circus for a wedding but rather a small intimate wedding with close family in a Greek island. I know that many were disappointed with the ending but I feel like had she gone forth and left Max for a spur of the moment fling I wouldn’t have respected the character as much as I did for admitting she was wrong and fighting to keep the man she loved.
I also couldn’t help but be disturbed at how absolutely horrid some characters were to each other starting with Alice’s mother who plainly acted like she hated her own daughter. When we finally get to Greece for the hen party holiday.. we legit spend more time reading about Greece then we actually do in the place as most of it is set in the UK with only 15% of the story being in Greece... our main character Alice decides it would be a great idea to spend the entirety of the night talking to a single (AND Handsome Greek man btw) man alone in his room and as if that wasn’t bad enough she actually encourages his advances at one point.
Getting back home and wrecked with guilt obviously she spills her guts to her fiancé who understandably flips. I honestly don’t know how these two worked it out and I was so ready to throw in the towel with this book.
The ending though.. with Max finally understanding that his fiancé (and no one really) didn’t want a circus for a wedding but rather a small intimate wedding with close family in a Greek island. I know that many were disappointed with the ending but I feel like had she gone forth and left Max for a spur of the moment fling I wouldn’t have respected the character as much as I did for admitting she was wrong and fighting to keep the man she loved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2020
If you love the beach, tons of alochol and walks through historic cities, As Greek As It Gets is a read that will suit you well. When I picked this book, my eyes darted to the word Greek since I'm a huge fan of Greek mythology, Greek cities and stories that have any Greek element! True to its title, the book is a beautiful representation of Greece and it's gorgeous beaches.
The book opens with Max proposing to Alice for marriage in a beautiful Greek city. It is the most perfect proposal and Max seems to be the kind of doting boyfriend, that can love you beyond any measure. A little time later, we have a look into what Alice's life really is like. The book discusses her insecure relationship with a mother that can just not get it right, a sister who injures herself right before Alice's hen party and Max who seems to invite everyone he meets to the wedding. What Alice had imagined to be an intimate ceremony has turned into something so extravagant that they now have fireworks.
Amidst her insecurities regarding the wedding that just does not seem like her, Alice is forcefully whisked away to a hen party (all-paid by Max) to Greece again. Here she meets a gorgeous hunk, a Greek god if you may say so, who sways her world. Will Alice and Max be able to test the extremely rocky waters? That is something you need to find for yourself. However, I will tell you this that you can expect and emotional ride.
I am not much of a crier but in the middle of the book, I could not put this book down even for lunch because it hit home. The emotions were so raw, that I found myself anxious with the characters - literally, biting my nails - hoping they would make this through. It was extremely touching to me - someone who went through something so similar. Sue Roberts has done a fantastic job in writing these emotions.
This Greek romance is full of sun, sand and the beach. The Sophie Kinsella in you will laugh and cry with Alice.
The book opens with Max proposing to Alice for marriage in a beautiful Greek city. It is the most perfect proposal and Max seems to be the kind of doting boyfriend, that can love you beyond any measure. A little time later, we have a look into what Alice's life really is like. The book discusses her insecure relationship with a mother that can just not get it right, a sister who injures herself right before Alice's hen party and Max who seems to invite everyone he meets to the wedding. What Alice had imagined to be an intimate ceremony has turned into something so extravagant that they now have fireworks.
Amidst her insecurities regarding the wedding that just does not seem like her, Alice is forcefully whisked away to a hen party (all-paid by Max) to Greece again. Here she meets a gorgeous hunk, a Greek god if you may say so, who sways her world. Will Alice and Max be able to test the extremely rocky waters? That is something you need to find for yourself. However, I will tell you this that you can expect and emotional ride.
I am not much of a crier but in the middle of the book, I could not put this book down even for lunch because it hit home. The emotions were so raw, that I found myself anxious with the characters - literally, biting my nails - hoping they would make this through. It was extremely touching to me - someone who went through something so similar. Sue Roberts has done a fantastic job in writing these emotions.
This Greek romance is full of sun, sand and the beach. The Sophie Kinsella in you will laugh and cry with Alice.
May 28, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for providing a copy!
Synopsis:
Alice Clark is delighted when her boyfriend Max proposes. From her dead-end job to her straight-up-dead houseplants, her life hasn’t exactly turned out how she imagined, so she can’t wait to start some wedding planning.
But the intimate affair she imagined soon grows wildly out of control, along with Alice’s doubts. Just as things reach breaking point between the couple, Alice’s best friend whisks her away for an escape to a sun-kissed Greek island.
Sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and a cocktail – or three – and Alice soon finds herself letting loose and relaxing into the Greek way of life. When she visits a gorgeous village nestled in the hilltops overlooking the sea, and meets a friendly local woman with a very special business – and a very handsome son – Alice is surprised by how drawn she feels to these people and this life.
As the sun sets on her Greek holiday, Alice knows she has some big decisions to make. Will finding herself mean losing the life she had planned? Or could it be the start of something else entirely?
This is the first Sue Roberts book for me and I enjoyed reading it.
Alice is a very likable character, that is easy going but has a hidden adventurous streak . The supporting cast did a great job of showing all the different sides to her and helping her along on her journey of becoming the person she was meant to be. Max was adorable too. Often in romance novels there's a bad guy but I really liked his character. He was loving, generous and adored Alice.
Through colourful and vivid description Sue Roberts brings the Greek islands to life.
I loved the beautiful descriptions of Crete and how this book mixed romance and humor. This would be a perfect beach read or for someone looking for a little lighter reading, especially during this time. I recommend this book for lovers of travel romance.
My rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
Alice Clark is delighted when her boyfriend Max proposes. From her dead-end job to her straight-up-dead houseplants, her life hasn’t exactly turned out how she imagined, so she can’t wait to start some wedding planning.
But the intimate affair she imagined soon grows wildly out of control, along with Alice’s doubts. Just as things reach breaking point between the couple, Alice’s best friend whisks her away for an escape to a sun-kissed Greek island.
Sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and a cocktail – or three – and Alice soon finds herself letting loose and relaxing into the Greek way of life. When she visits a gorgeous village nestled in the hilltops overlooking the sea, and meets a friendly local woman with a very special business – and a very handsome son – Alice is surprised by how drawn she feels to these people and this life.
As the sun sets on her Greek holiday, Alice knows she has some big decisions to make. Will finding herself mean losing the life she had planned? Or could it be the start of something else entirely?
This is the first Sue Roberts book for me and I enjoyed reading it.
Alice is a very likable character, that is easy going but has a hidden adventurous streak . The supporting cast did a great job of showing all the different sides to her and helping her along on her journey of becoming the person she was meant to be. Max was adorable too. Often in romance novels there's a bad guy but I really liked his character. He was loving, generous and adored Alice.
Through colourful and vivid description Sue Roberts brings the Greek islands to life.
I loved the beautiful descriptions of Crete and how this book mixed romance and humor. This would be a perfect beach read or for someone looking for a little lighter reading, especially during this time. I recommend this book for lovers of travel romance.
My rating: 4/5
May 1, 2020
As Greek as It GetsSue Roberts
Synopsis: An artistic take on Greece and its scenic beauty which makes you want to go on a holiday. (Ofcourse, once the Pandemic-Corona Virus gets over)
Alice and Max are picture-perfect couple, atleast that what it looks like from outside!! Until one day, one of them goes a little farther from the obvious set boundary of relationship in the name of enjoyment and freedom.
Did the couple just hit the biggest rock in their relationship through which they can’t cut through together OR Is it just a pebble to their way to the more sorted and realistic beginning of a life together ??
Conclusion: I am not very moved by either the writing style or the plot of the novel. It is a very light and easy read which might attract a lot of readers who do not wanna read anything too intense or depressing while keeping in mind the current global scenarios. I did get to know about Greece and places there to visit for a holiday which I appreciate, as it is my dream to be able to visit Greece once in this lifetime.
Synopsis: An artistic take on Greece and its scenic beauty which makes you want to go on a holiday. (Ofcourse, once the Pandemic-Corona Virus gets over)
Alice and Max are picture-perfect couple, atleast that what it looks like from outside!! Until one day, one of them goes a little farther from the obvious set boundary of relationship in the name of enjoyment and freedom.
Did the couple just hit the biggest rock in their relationship through which they can’t cut through together OR Is it just a pebble to their way to the more sorted and realistic beginning of a life together ??
Weak Points:
* First half of book is boring and slow paced.
* Writing wasn’t catchy at all.
Strong Points:
* Easy read (Readers who prefer nothing intense).
* Gives you a sneak-peek into Greek food and beauty.
* Reminds us that Relationships are based on trust, honesty, and forgiveness.
Conclusion: I am not very moved by either the writing style or the plot of the novel. It is a very light and easy read which might attract a lot of readers who do not wanna read anything too intense or depressing while keeping in mind the current global scenarios. I did get to know about Greece and places there to visit for a holiday which I appreciate, as it is my dream to be able to visit Greece once in this lifetime.
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