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The Plus One
The Plus One [n] informal a person who accompanies an invited person to a wedding or a reminder of being single, alone and absolutely plus none
Polly’s not looking for ‘the one’, just the plus one…
Polly Spencer is fine. She’s single, turning thirty and only managed to have sex twice last year (both times with a Swedish banker called Fred), but seriously, she’s fine. Even if she’s still stuck at Posh! magazine writing about royal babies and the chances of finding a plus one to her best friend’s summer wedding are looking worryingly slim.
But it’s a New Year, a new leaf and all that. Polly’s determined that over the next 365 days she’ll remember to shave her legs, drink less wine and generally get her s**t together. Her latest piece is on the infamous Jasper, Marquess of Milton, undoubtedly neither a plus one nor ‘the one’. She’s heard the stories, there’s no way she’ll succumb to his charms…
A laugh-out-loud, toe-curlingly honest debut for fans of Helen Fielding, Bryony Gordon and Jilly Cooper. Don’t miss the hottest book of 2018!
Polly’s not looking for ‘the one’, just the plus one…
Polly Spencer is fine. She’s single, turning thirty and only managed to have sex twice last year (both times with a Swedish banker called Fred), but seriously, she’s fine. Even if she’s still stuck at Posh! magazine writing about royal babies and the chances of finding a plus one to her best friend’s summer wedding are looking worryingly slim.
But it’s a New Year, a new leaf and all that. Polly’s determined that over the next 365 days she’ll remember to shave her legs, drink less wine and generally get her s**t together. Her latest piece is on the infamous Jasper, Marquess of Milton, undoubtedly neither a plus one nor ‘the one’. She’s heard the stories, there’s no way she’ll succumb to his charms…
A laugh-out-loud, toe-curlingly honest debut for fans of Helen Fielding, Bryony Gordon and Jilly Cooper. Don’t miss the hottest book of 2018!
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First published August 9, 2018
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January 3, 2025
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I love romance, and chick-literature. I love fast reads, and enjoyable nonsense. The cover looked so cute, and when I got approved the ARC on The Plus One from Sophia Money-Coutts on Netgalley, I was excited to read it. And then, it all started going downhill…
The Plus One is a book about Polly Spencer. She is thirty, single and works for Posh! Magazine. I didn’t like the Poly Spencer of now, and I thought, this might be a book where the main character is a lady with no self-respect, gets dumped, doesn’t have any ambition in life, and that’s okay.
People learn, people change, or if people don’t change, they start to be happy in their own world, without bothering what others think about it.
But Polly - she is all of these things, and on top of that she is not a happy bunny. She keeps complaining about things without trying to act on it, and her day consists of her checking if the phone has a message of her ‘crush’, and asking herself eighty-six times whether to send a message first or not.
I usually love these types of books, but not in cases where the character is just so… I don’t even have the words to explain.
And the book is full of words used too often (Shenanigans is such a lovely word, and Sophia destroyed it for me), lame pick up lines (‘I carry farm animals. I can manage you.’ - WHO SAYS THAT?), dialogues and useless waste of pages with people deciding what to eat:
‘So let’s get some onion bhajis to start. And then I’m going to have a butter chicken. And it comes with popadoms, right?’
‘Yes’ - I said, taking the menu from him.
‘And I’ll get the chicken jalfrezi. And plain rice. Mums, do we have any chutney?’
And it goes on…
At 42%, I decided to store this is my DNF stack. I really wish I had loved it, and I am so sad I didn't.
But life is too short to read the books you don’t like...
I love romance, and chick-literature. I love fast reads, and enjoyable nonsense. The cover looked so cute, and when I got approved the ARC on The Plus One from Sophia Money-Coutts on Netgalley, I was excited to read it. And then, it all started going downhill…
The Plus One is a book about Polly Spencer. She is thirty, single and works for Posh! Magazine. I didn’t like the Poly Spencer of now, and I thought, this might be a book where the main character is a lady with no self-respect, gets dumped, doesn’t have any ambition in life, and that’s okay.
People learn, people change, or if people don’t change, they start to be happy in their own world, without bothering what others think about it.
But Polly - she is all of these things, and on top of that she is not a happy bunny. She keeps complaining about things without trying to act on it, and her day consists of her checking if the phone has a message of her ‘crush’, and asking herself eighty-six times whether to send a message first or not.
I usually love these types of books, but not in cases where the character is just so… I don’t even have the words to explain.
And the book is full of words used too often (Shenanigans is such a lovely word, and Sophia destroyed it for me), lame pick up lines (‘I carry farm animals. I can manage you.’ - WHO SAYS THAT?), dialogues and useless waste of pages with people deciding what to eat:
‘So let’s get some onion bhajis to start. And then I’m going to have a butter chicken. And it comes with popadoms, right?’
‘Yes’ - I said, taking the menu from him.
‘And I’ll get the chicken jalfrezi. And plain rice. Mums, do we have any chutney?’
And it goes on…
At 42%, I decided to store this is my DNF stack. I really wish I had loved it, and I am so sad I didn't.
But life is too short to read the books you don’t like...
June 21, 2018
The plus one is about a lady called Polly. She doesn't take life too seriously and is a Bridget personality type. She's not good at dating, she quite often says the wrong thing and she over analyses every little detail. Her last relationship, if you can call it that was with a banker called Fred who she had two under average sexual encounters with. Polly is basically just coasting through life. She's not looking for Mr Right. She is just enjoying life and not worrying about her mistakes.
Polly works for a magazine, Posh!. It's a celebrity magazine that covers gossip about weddings, babies and scandals. Polly has landed an interview with Jasper. He's a rich, posh, bachelor full of charm. He doesn't have much luck with the ladies and is always in the heat of dating gossip. Against her better judgment, she starts to like him and accidentally dating him.
Polly is a walking disaster. Her sex life is cringeworthy. She drinks too much and isn't afraid to make a fool of herself. She finds it easier to make friends than find potential boyfriends.
This book is set in London and works around Polly's busy schedule. For some readers, this is going to be a great book. It fits well with the busy working London lifestyle. Polly is a single girl who is struggling to work out how to date and it's supposed to be funny. If you like this type of story you will like this book. I was expecting a wedding plus one story that turned into love. That is definitely not this book. It does have a happy ending but it's about stumbling through life without a plan.
It's so hard not to put my judgemental Kate head on, but Polly is not my type of girl. Her thoughts during sexual encounters were supposed to be funny but I found them too much. She dates friends ex-partners which I thought was totally against the girl code (especially without asking). She is a modern lady and trying to find her way. She makes plenty of mistakes but gets straight back on the horse.
For me, this was an ok read. 3 stars out of 5. I think this book is aimed at the single ladies that can laugh at bad dates and the pulling knickers.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Polly works for a magazine, Posh!. It's a celebrity magazine that covers gossip about weddings, babies and scandals. Polly has landed an interview with Jasper. He's a rich, posh, bachelor full of charm. He doesn't have much luck with the ladies and is always in the heat of dating gossip. Against her better judgment, she starts to like him and accidentally dating him.
Polly is a walking disaster. Her sex life is cringeworthy. She drinks too much and isn't afraid to make a fool of herself. She finds it easier to make friends than find potential boyfriends.
This book is set in London and works around Polly's busy schedule. For some readers, this is going to be a great book. It fits well with the busy working London lifestyle. Polly is a single girl who is struggling to work out how to date and it's supposed to be funny. If you like this type of story you will like this book. I was expecting a wedding plus one story that turned into love. That is definitely not this book. It does have a happy ending but it's about stumbling through life without a plan.
It's so hard not to put my judgemental Kate head on, but Polly is not my type of girl. Her thoughts during sexual encounters were supposed to be funny but I found them too much. She dates friends ex-partners which I thought was totally against the girl code (especially without asking). She is a modern lady and trying to find her way. She makes plenty of mistakes but gets straight back on the horse.
For me, this was an ok read. 3 stars out of 5. I think this book is aimed at the single ladies that can laugh at bad dates and the pulling knickers.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2018
I really liked the synopsis of The Plus One but for me if fell a little flat. There were some brilliant one liners and humorous moments that made me laugh loudly and some emotionally charged heart-felt moments. I did enjoy the humour I liked Polly, I just didn't connect with her.
Personally I liked - Polly's personality
The funny lines and humorous moments
The flow of the story
I did not enjoy - The pace.
The 'it's been done so many times before' feeling. This isn't always an issue for me but the competition in this area (Natural comparison to Bridget Jones) is very high and while this was ok it didn't reach the level of some others.
Forgettable - It did not make a lasting impression
In conclusion, the humour and emotion were well delivered and if you are looking for a chick lit to take to the beach this summer for a pleasant, no thinking required, story then this could be the ideal book for you. If you are looking for another Bridget then this probably isn't the book for you.
I was given an arc copy of The Plus One by HQ and NetGalley. This is my honest review.
Personally I liked - Polly's personality
The funny lines and humorous moments
The flow of the story
I did not enjoy - The pace.
The 'it's been done so many times before' feeling. This isn't always an issue for me but the competition in this area (Natural comparison to Bridget Jones) is very high and while this was ok it didn't reach the level of some others.
Forgettable - It did not make a lasting impression
In conclusion, the humour and emotion were well delivered and if you are looking for a chick lit to take to the beach this summer for a pleasant, no thinking required, story then this could be the ideal book for you. If you are looking for another Bridget then this probably isn't the book for you.
I was given an arc copy of The Plus One by HQ and NetGalley. This is my honest review.
June 11, 2019
The only good thing about this book is the premise, which is the reason I read it in the first place. Wedding season and the frequent reminders that you don't have a plus-one are a regular gamut run by single women in their thirties (ie well past your sell-by date). However, this book was just plain bad. In fact, they should have taken the premise off her.
The writer, and by extension the main character Polly, has zero insight. There is loads of fat-shaming and aristocrat-worshipping, and no one stops at any point to consider that hey, it's 2018 and the hive-mind of society is reconsidering these things! My suspicion that this book was actually written a long time ago and then sat mouldering in a drawer is heightened by the fact that Polly works at a print magazine with four to five employees but not a single person is worried about the death of print media. Equally, it appears to be a stand-in for Hello!, except I would imagine a publication of that magnitude would have employee numbers in the hundreds, not the less-than-tens. If that's what it's supposed to be, why does Peregrine want Polly to write 'hard-hitting' pieces, not screamingly-obsequious puff pieces? Why on earth would anyone who reads Hello! want to hear about posh BDSM parties? That is 1000% not their target audience, ffs.
Polly is described as a catch by everyone she meets, but I fail to understand why. She's a borderline alcoholic who lives in what sounds like a squat, doing the same job she got on leaving college, without any ambition to change it or even any idea what she would do instead. She lives on 500-calorie muffins (her description) and then laments that the free clothes she get from her job are a bit tight (they do fit though, just in case you thought she might actually be representing a non-standard body shape). She fat-shames without restraint and mental-illness-shames too, saying of Jasper's family that they should all be 'in an asylum'. Aside from the fact that residential care for serious cases of mental illness is no longer called 'asylum', the narrative doesn't even display why you would think that about his parents, who are a bit shouty and argumentative? And slow to get dressed, which is unsurprising given they HAVE SERVANTS - not something Polly cares to interrogate, preferring to focus on their imaginary mental disturbance.
Polly also blows off her best friend's engagement party for a date. She keeps forgetting her mother has cancer in favour of worrying about her love life - handily, the mother gets a sudden-onset boyfriend while ON CHEMO, after decades of widowhood, thus relieving Polly of the need to be a decent daughter in her mother's hour of need. It's a good thing romance novels come with a few standard plots (best friend secretly in love with you, for example) because this writer could not come up with one on her own. Even something as simple as describing a hen party with a nude model and a Mrs&Mrs Game - something you could lift from anecdotes of any hen party ever - leaves her flummoxed. Absolutely dire dialogue, charaterisation, plot - and the SEX SCENES. OMFG. They are not sexy. Polly is constantly reluctantly agreeing to scenarios she's not into and are never discussed because BOYFRIEND, and I'm supposed to think that's hot? 2018! 2018! This reads like it was written in 1998, which is maybe why Jilly Cooper liked it.
The writer, and by extension the main character Polly, has zero insight. There is loads of fat-shaming and aristocrat-worshipping, and no one stops at any point to consider that hey, it's 2018 and the hive-mind of society is reconsidering these things! My suspicion that this book was actually written a long time ago and then sat mouldering in a drawer is heightened by the fact that Polly works at a print magazine with four to five employees but not a single person is worried about the death of print media. Equally, it appears to be a stand-in for Hello!, except I would imagine a publication of that magnitude would have employee numbers in the hundreds, not the less-than-tens. If that's what it's supposed to be, why does Peregrine want Polly to write 'hard-hitting' pieces, not screamingly-obsequious puff pieces? Why on earth would anyone who reads Hello! want to hear about posh BDSM parties? That is 1000% not their target audience, ffs.
Polly is described as a catch by everyone she meets, but I fail to understand why. She's a borderline alcoholic who lives in what sounds like a squat, doing the same job she got on leaving college, without any ambition to change it or even any idea what she would do instead. She lives on 500-calorie muffins (her description) and then laments that the free clothes she get from her job are a bit tight (they do fit though, just in case you thought she might actually be representing a non-standard body shape). She fat-shames without restraint and mental-illness-shames too, saying of Jasper's family that they should all be 'in an asylum'. Aside from the fact that residential care for serious cases of mental illness is no longer called 'asylum', the narrative doesn't even display why you would think that about his parents, who are a bit shouty and argumentative? And slow to get dressed, which is unsurprising given they HAVE SERVANTS - not something Polly cares to interrogate, preferring to focus on their imaginary mental disturbance.
Polly also blows off her best friend's engagement party for a date. She keeps forgetting her mother has cancer in favour of worrying about her love life - handily, the mother gets a sudden-onset boyfriend while ON CHEMO, after decades of widowhood, thus relieving Polly of the need to be a decent daughter in her mother's hour of need. It's a good thing romance novels come with a few standard plots (best friend secretly in love with you, for example) because this writer could not come up with one on her own. Even something as simple as describing a hen party with a nude model and a Mrs&Mrs Game - something you could lift from anecdotes of any hen party ever - leaves her flummoxed. Absolutely dire dialogue, charaterisation, plot - and the SEX SCENES. OMFG. They are not sexy. Polly is constantly reluctantly agreeing to scenarios she's not into and are never discussed because BOYFRIEND, and I'm supposed to think that's hot? 2018! 2018! This reads like it was written in 1998, which is maybe why Jilly Cooper liked it.
February 26, 2019
This was a cute little contemporary romance. A tad predictable but every once and awhile it is nice to just read a bit of fluff.
Polly, is a thirty something single, enjoying the dating life and working for a gossipy newsmagazine. When her boss sends her on assignment to interview a playboy and future Duke, sparks fly and she finds herself wondering if he could be the "one." Or at least the guy she can take to her best friends' wedding.
I didn't find the book outrageously funny and it was hard to not see the nod to Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones' Diary Both female protagonists work in news, both are thirty something singles, and Polly wants to find her "Willoughby" a nod to Jane Austen's Sense&Sensibility. Fielding had a "Mr. Darcy" that was a nod to Austen's Pride and Prejudice. They spend most of their storylines pining after the playboy, when most people in the background see them with the straitlaced and dependable guy.
All in all, not a bad romance but don't expect a lot of laughs.
Polly, is a thirty something single, enjoying the dating life and working for a gossipy newsmagazine. When her boss sends her on assignment to interview a playboy and future Duke, sparks fly and she finds herself wondering if he could be the "one." Or at least the guy she can take to her best friends' wedding.
I didn't find the book outrageously funny and it was hard to not see the nod to Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones' Diary Both female protagonists work in news, both are thirty something singles, and Polly wants to find her "Willoughby" a nod to Jane Austen's Sense&Sensibility. Fielding had a "Mr. Darcy" that was a nod to Austen's Pride and Prejudice. They spend most of their storylines pining after the playboy, when most people in the background see them with the straitlaced and dependable guy.
All in all, not a bad romance but don't expect a lot of laughs.
July 8, 2018
This is not my usual genre, but after reading other people’s encouraging reviews I requested my copy from netgalley in exchange for a review.
Polly the eternal single works at ‘Posh’ magazine a celebrity gossip magazine as a journalist writing stories about the royal aristocracy and other tongue in cheek articles!
Polly declared that her sex life was drier than a Weetabix! When all you’re friends are getting married you are sadly reminded that you are the only singleton.
When friend Lex announces her wedding plans, Polly has to come up with a plus one for the wedding, not an easy task.
I found this book did make me laugh and although you could see what the outcome was going to be. I thoroughly enjoyed it, took me back to the horror of dating and waiting to see if they would text you, desperate not to appear too keen.
This book has some classic one liners that made me chuckle out loud, it’s a very easy book to read in one day, ideally read on a beach relaxing in the sun with a glass of something fizzy!!
Polly the eternal single works at ‘Posh’ magazine a celebrity gossip magazine as a journalist writing stories about the royal aristocracy and other tongue in cheek articles!
Polly declared that her sex life was drier than a Weetabix! When all you’re friends are getting married you are sadly reminded that you are the only singleton.
When friend Lex announces her wedding plans, Polly has to come up with a plus one for the wedding, not an easy task.
I found this book did make me laugh and although you could see what the outcome was going to be. I thoroughly enjoyed it, took me back to the horror of dating and waiting to see if they would text you, desperate not to appear too keen.
This book has some classic one liners that made me chuckle out loud, it’s a very easy book to read in one day, ideally read on a beach relaxing in the sun with a glass of something fizzy!!
March 21, 2019
I wanted to like this, I honestly did. This is a genre I typically enjoy, and the Jane Austen-inspired prelude to the novel promised a satisfying read.
But it wasn't. Enormously predictable ending, vapid main character who seems incapable of adult emotions, poorly-developed plot lines, unnecessary characters (Callum? What a waste of writing space)-- This story has that all in spades. And then the ending. Oh, boy. The ending. Oh, so he's "THE ONE" based on...one kiss? With absolutely no evidence of chemistry or mutual interest prior to that last page? I'm not buying it, not buying any of it.
This book isn't good, I'm afraid. I would not recommend.
But it wasn't. Enormously predictable ending, vapid main character who seems incapable of adult emotions, poorly-developed plot lines, unnecessary characters (Callum? What a waste of writing space)-- This story has that all in spades. And then the ending. Oh, boy. The ending. Oh, so he's "THE ONE" based on...one kiss? With absolutely no evidence of chemistry or mutual interest prior to that last page? I'm not buying it, not buying any of it.
This book isn't good, I'm afraid. I would not recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2018
I don't say this to be disparaging but: this very much feels like I picked up a British Chick-Lit book from 2005. If I didn't know that this was a recent release, I honestly would have assumed it was written at the height of Marian Keyes. Just to give you an idea of the feel and style of the book.
It didn't really work for me, mostly because of the romance, but it was light and fluffy and might totally work for someone else.
It didn't really work for me, mostly because of the romance, but it was light and fluffy and might totally work for someone else.
July 8, 2018
A fun book, with some inspiration from my favourite, Jane Austen. Some nice little references to other cultural icons too, very subtle so as not to make you feel stupid if you don’t share the same knowledge-base, which is also fine. For a change, I rather liked the protagonist. She wasn’t the silly, cringe worthy character that often graces the page of this sort of book, or the over-the-top cool party animal. I actually wanted her to find her happiness in whatever form that came. The only down side was that the constant references to Jasper not asking after her sick mum paved the way for his particular character arc and I think that could be better. I’m sick of always knowing which character isn’t going to be Mr Right; let’s share in the heartache!
February 27, 2020
Not in the same league as What Happens Now
I absolutely loved this author's second book, What Happens Now. It was witty, poignant and romantic. Unfortunately this was silly and unbelievable featuring daft caricatures that didn't feel authentic. I felt zero chemistry and the ending came from nowhere. I'm just relieved I read this second or I'd never have picked up another book from this author on the strength of this one.
Complete story. I'd recommend her second book but not this one I'm afraid.
I absolutely loved this author's second book, What Happens Now. It was witty, poignant and romantic. Unfortunately this was silly and unbelievable featuring daft caricatures that didn't feel authentic. I felt zero chemistry and the ending came from nowhere. I'm just relieved I read this second or I'd never have picked up another book from this author on the strength of this one.
Complete story. I'd recommend her second book but not this one I'm afraid.
July 31, 2018
Although there a alot of raunchy sex scenes in it, I found The Plus One a cute little book. All of the characters are so likeable, especially Jasper, who I now have an extreme crush on.
Polly Spencer, a Journalist for Posh! Magazine has been set a task to interview Jasper, who is basically playboy.
Having not been in a relationship for year, will Polly fall for Jasper's charms and live happily ever after.
Polly Spencer, a Journalist for Posh! Magazine has been set a task to interview Jasper, who is basically playboy.
Having not been in a relationship for year, will Polly fall for Jasper's charms and live happily ever after.
October 5, 2019
A perfectly pleasant diversion 😊
May 29, 2019
A very fast, slightly humorous, and sometimes frustrating read.
If you have read Bridget Jones's Diary then you have read this book -with a few changes! A little heavy on the sex, and what should have been a surprise twist at the end really wasn't...a little obvious for my taste.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
If you have read Bridget Jones's Diary then you have read this book -with a few changes! A little heavy on the sex, and what should have been a surprise twist at the end really wasn't...a little obvious for my taste.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
Read
September 27, 2019DNF-ed at 21%. This was occasionally humorous, but the main character is really unlikable and I am not invested at all.
August 19, 2019
So much of this book felt like filler, and not even good filler. I love watching the build up to relationships in books. This one, however, spent so much time on a relationship that doesn't matter at all in the end. Then we just jump to being in love with the best friend, who is suddenly single in the last chapters. A best friend that we spent maybe 15 pages with during the entire book, so while I knew that was where it was going, there just was no reason to root for them as a couple. I was pretty disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I loved the authors writing style, wit and humor. The story was fantastic and it drew me right in. I loved each character and thought the character development was really well done.
I think what I loved most about this story is that I could really relate to it and understood the character. Polly was so real and her thoughts were so easy to connect to. Life and emotions were understood; I could put myself in her spot and feel the exact same way. I laughed out loud at so many of the things that she thought and things that happened to her. It was fantastic.
The character development was so great. There were things about each character that I loved and things that made me just shake my head. Each character could easily fit right into my life and some of them were just like people I know. The frustration was real, the humor was uncanny. I loved these characters and how real they felt. Characters that were real and the things that happen in life as well.
This is one that I would definitely recommend. I think a lot of people would enjoy this read. Fantastic work and well worth it. I loved it.
I think what I loved most about this story is that I could really relate to it and understood the character. Polly was so real and her thoughts were so easy to connect to. Life and emotions were understood; I could put myself in her spot and feel the exact same way. I laughed out loud at so many of the things that she thought and things that happened to her. It was fantastic.
The character development was so great. There were things about each character that I loved and things that made me just shake my head. Each character could easily fit right into my life and some of them were just like people I know. The frustration was real, the humor was uncanny. I loved these characters and how real they felt. Characters that were real and the things that happen in life as well.
This is one that I would definitely recommend. I think a lot of people would enjoy this read. Fantastic work and well worth it. I loved it.
September 25, 2023
This book is hilarious! And what I like most is that Polly is so HUMAN. The thoughts and feelings she has are some that I can relate to.
The book contains some harsh subjects, but is also very light in the way it's written. I was excited to listen to this book every time and I LOOOVE that the author has narrated the book herself.
I did feel like some author choices weren't the ones I would be making and so I missed some things in this book. I don't want to spoil, but I would've loved a confrontation and I would've loved the ending to be longer.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will be giving it 3,5 stars!
The book contains some harsh subjects, but is also very light in the way it's written. I was excited to listen to this book every time and I LOOOVE that the author has narrated the book herself.
I did feel like some author choices weren't the ones I would be making and so I missed some things in this book. I don't want to spoil, but I would've loved a confrontation and I would've loved the ending to be longer.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will be giving it 3,5 stars!
June 22, 2018
This book has it all! Love, romance, sadness and sex. I loved it. Funny at times and moving at others. It’s worth reading just for the aristocrats names themselves. Polly is alone and wondering why whilst her friends are marching up the aisle. Couple this with a job she is starting to hate and a family crisis you have the recipe for a fantastic story. This will be on every beach this summer. Can’t wait for the next book.
May 18, 2019
Quand j'ai découvert la couverture de Pourquoi pas lui? , j'ai eu envie de découvrir cette comédie romantique so british. Je découvre donc le premier roman de Sophia Money Coutts et j'ai passé un agréable moment de lecture même s'il m'a manqué quelques éléments pour l'apprécier totalement.
j'ai bien aimé cette romance mais il m'a manqué quelque chose car j'ai trouvé que nous restions trop à la surface des choses. Les thèmes évoqués ne sont pas abordés en profondeur et certains personnages en deviennent des caricatures. Je pense que le personnage de Poppy aurait mérité son histoire d'amour digne de Raisons et Sentiments et je suis donc restée sur ma fin qui m'a surprise par la rapidité de son dénouement. Comme d'habitude cela n'est que mon humble avis et je vous laisse donc vous faire votre propre idée.
Chronique complète : https://thelovelyteacheraddictions.bl...
j'ai bien aimé cette romance mais il m'a manqué quelque chose car j'ai trouvé que nous restions trop à la surface des choses. Les thèmes évoqués ne sont pas abordés en profondeur et certains personnages en deviennent des caricatures. Je pense que le personnage de Poppy aurait mérité son histoire d'amour digne de Raisons et Sentiments et je suis donc restée sur ma fin qui m'a surprise par la rapidité de son dénouement. Comme d'habitude cela n'est que mon humble avis et je vous laisse donc vous faire votre propre idée.
Chronique complète : https://thelovelyteacheraddictions.bl...
September 27, 2019
4.5 stars! It's very funny!
May 15, 2019
Polly is fine.
What does it matter if she has just turned thirty and her love life is virtually non-existent?
Her job as an article writer for Posh magazine is not exactly what she envisioned when she decided to be a journalist either - how many articles can you write about the dogs/houses/babies/love lives of the aristocracy before you become as mad as they seem to be?
To top it all, her best friend Lex is getting married to the dubious Hamish, and wants Polly to be her maid of honour (with hideous dress, of course).
Polly may not be looking for "The One" just yet, but she would certainly settle for someone to her "Plus One" for the wedding.
When Polly is sent on an assignment to a huge mansion to interview the handsome Jasper, Marquess of Milton, she finds that he is not quite what she is expecting. Jasper is charming and funny, and does not seem to be the playboy everyone assumes him to be - although his family are, of course, totally bonkers.
Polly tries to remain professional, but it hard to be unmoved when you are being pursued by someone like Jasper, and she finds herself falling for him. Her friends, Lex, Joe and the dependable Bill, are not so keen, but her mum says he has excellent manners!
Is Jasper "The One", the "Plus One", or the wrong one?
I loved this book from start to finish. Imagine a Bridget Jones for the social media age, with a bit of Jilly Cooper and Richard Curtis thrown in for good measure.
Sophia Money-Coutts worked as a journalist for Tatler magazine, so she must have a good knowledge of the weird and wonderful ways of the British aristocracy - wonderfully fancy names and obsessions with dogs and horses seem to abound, from what I can gather from this book. There are some hilarious moments of culture-shock between the worlds of Polly and Jasper - I particularly enjoyed Polly musing about the differences in conversation topics between her own friends and Jasper's.
This is a fine romantic comedy, with laughs, tears, friendship and true love. It is a tale about finding "The One" where you least expect them to be, but realising that you secretly know they were the one for you all along. Gorgeous!
I really hope that this book gets optioned for a film, as I would love to sit down and enjoy the whole thing again by watching it with a big bag of popcorn and a box of tissues for the happy crying at the end.
What does it matter if she has just turned thirty and her love life is virtually non-existent?
Her job as an article writer for Posh magazine is not exactly what she envisioned when she decided to be a journalist either - how many articles can you write about the dogs/houses/babies/love lives of the aristocracy before you become as mad as they seem to be?
To top it all, her best friend Lex is getting married to the dubious Hamish, and wants Polly to be her maid of honour (with hideous dress, of course).
Polly may not be looking for "The One" just yet, but she would certainly settle for someone to her "Plus One" for the wedding.
When Polly is sent on an assignment to a huge mansion to interview the handsome Jasper, Marquess of Milton, she finds that he is not quite what she is expecting. Jasper is charming and funny, and does not seem to be the playboy everyone assumes him to be - although his family are, of course, totally bonkers.
Polly tries to remain professional, but it hard to be unmoved when you are being pursued by someone like Jasper, and she finds herself falling for him. Her friends, Lex, Joe and the dependable Bill, are not so keen, but her mum says he has excellent manners!
Is Jasper "The One", the "Plus One", or the wrong one?
I loved this book from start to finish. Imagine a Bridget Jones for the social media age, with a bit of Jilly Cooper and Richard Curtis thrown in for good measure.
Sophia Money-Coutts worked as a journalist for Tatler magazine, so she must have a good knowledge of the weird and wonderful ways of the British aristocracy - wonderfully fancy names and obsessions with dogs and horses seem to abound, from what I can gather from this book. There are some hilarious moments of culture-shock between the worlds of Polly and Jasper - I particularly enjoyed Polly musing about the differences in conversation topics between her own friends and Jasper's.
This is a fine romantic comedy, with laughs, tears, friendship and true love. It is a tale about finding "The One" where you least expect them to be, but realising that you secretly know they were the one for you all along. Gorgeous!
I really hope that this book gets optioned for a film, as I would love to sit down and enjoy the whole thing again by watching it with a big bag of popcorn and a box of tissues for the happy crying at the end.
January 19, 2020
Ich habe das Buch ein paar Tage vor Veröffentlichung im Buchhandel entdeckt - da der Klappentext ganz nett klang, hab ich es mitgenommen.
Die erste Hälfte des Buches hat mir sehr gut gefallen und ich habe sie quasi verschlungen. Umso weniger gut gefallen hat mir aber die zweite Hälfte. Das Buch ist für einen typischen Frauenromane mit 540 sehr dick und das habe ich hier dann in der Geschichte definitiv gemerkt. Es passierte nicht mehr viel bzw. nicht mehr viel spannendes, die Erzählung zog sich etwas. Dennoch habe ich das Buch beendet und das Ende brachte dann wieder ein paar schöne Schlenker.
Alles in allem ein gutes und kurzweiliges Buch, aber leider nicht mehr als das.
Die erste Hälfte des Buches hat mir sehr gut gefallen und ich habe sie quasi verschlungen. Umso weniger gut gefallen hat mir aber die zweite Hälfte. Das Buch ist für einen typischen Frauenromane mit 540 sehr dick und das habe ich hier dann in der Geschichte definitiv gemerkt. Es passierte nicht mehr viel bzw. nicht mehr viel spannendes, die Erzählung zog sich etwas. Dennoch habe ich das Buch beendet und das Ende brachte dann wieder ein paar schöne Schlenker.
Alles in allem ein gutes und kurzweiliges Buch, aber leider nicht mehr als das.
July 29, 2018
"The Plus One [n] informal a person who accompanies an invited person to a social function or a reminder of being single, alone and absolutely plus none"
I love when you find a book that you can't put down and this is one. I related to Polly right from the start when she couldn't remember her work pc password after the festive break (me everytime after being away from work for more than a day ha!).
The first chapter or so reminded me slightly of Bridget Jones, an obvious comparison, single 30year old female journalist, but that's not a bad thing (who doesn't love Bridget!) and as I got more into the book they thoughts disappeared and I was fully invested in the life of Polly and indeed her friends Bill, Joe, Lex, Lala, Legs, her mum and even Bertie the dog.
Not wanting to give too much away about the book I knew there would be a plot twist with Polly and the rich, handsome Jasper and it didn't disappoint.
One of the stand out quotes in the book,for me, was Susan, Polly's mum telling her "Never sacrifice anything. The right person will only add to your life, he won't take anything away from it" a sentiment I think everybody should bear in mind.
A true romcom with a little sass here and there makes this a perfect read anytime, anywhere. I want to read more instalments of Polly's life and her friends lives and I look forward to reading more from Sophia Money-Coutts.
Thank you NetGalley and HQ for the arc.
I love when you find a book that you can't put down and this is one. I related to Polly right from the start when she couldn't remember her work pc password after the festive break (me everytime after being away from work for more than a day ha!).
The first chapter or so reminded me slightly of Bridget Jones, an obvious comparison, single 30year old female journalist, but that's not a bad thing (who doesn't love Bridget!) and as I got more into the book they thoughts disappeared and I was fully invested in the life of Polly and indeed her friends Bill, Joe, Lex, Lala, Legs, her mum and even Bertie the dog.
Not wanting to give too much away about the book I knew there would be a plot twist with Polly and the rich, handsome Jasper and it didn't disappoint.
One of the stand out quotes in the book,for me, was Susan, Polly's mum telling her "Never sacrifice anything. The right person will only add to your life, he won't take anything away from it" a sentiment I think everybody should bear in mind.
A true romcom with a little sass here and there makes this a perfect read anytime, anywhere. I want to read more instalments of Polly's life and her friends lives and I look forward to reading more from Sophia Money-Coutts.
Thank you NetGalley and HQ for the arc.
June 28, 2021
Ich weiß nicht, ich hab mir ob des Klappentextes was ganz was anderes vorstellt. Aber das war noch nicht das Hauptproblem, sondern der Schreibstil. Allein die Sexszenen - ganz furchtbar. Ich glaube, es sollte lustig sein, aber ich fand es nur ... unnötig. Aber auch die Charaktere sind meiner Meinung nach nicht gut ausgearbeitet, Polly war mir eigentlich egal - einzig und allein ihre Beziehung zu ihrer Mutter hat mich ein bisschen berührt, obwohl das mehr mit dem Schicksal ihrer Mutter zusammenhängt als mit Polly selbst. Auch die männlichen Figuren waren allesamt recht eindimensional, insgesamt gesehen war das alles recht stereotyp und ja, Chicklit lebt teilweise von Schubladen, aber das war mir dann einfach zu viel. Leider kann ich da nur einen Stern geben.
January 2, 2019
It was a fun, light read. I do enjoy British chick lit on the whole, but this did have its disappointments. I didn't like the pace. Took me awhile to get into it. Also didn't like the uncharacteristic departure of the lead love interest. I, for one, wanted to hear an explanation for his poor behaviour. I know he's set up this way, but then proves himself to be very different, so why then the very unexpected affair, so publicly. Seemed odd that when he's with Polly no paparazzi, but when he strays....??? And then he shows up drunk to "apologize" & we don't get an explanation. Seems like the author ran out of ideas as to what to do with him. Poorly done, in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2018
3.5*. This really was a perfect summer read to 'put your feet up and relax'. The Plus One has a high Bridget Jones vibe although Polly is a much cooler and fun person than Bridget and she's certainly not as clumsy and insecure, so I think I actually like her a whole lot more!
She doesn't have the most interesting job at a magazine called Posh! but I must say it did make for some very entertaining reading. Her job includes writing articles about the new IT-dog (because the rich have an obsession for horses, and dogs come a close second), finding baby scans so they know who the little ones can become friends with when born, to being sent to places she'd normally never go for the best scoop... like interviewing the new singleton marquess at his parent's castle, or attending 'special and top secret' parties frequented by people of the high classes.
The Plus One isn't full of fairytales... although now that I think of it, the book does include a castle, a sheikh, a gold bath, bidet and loo seat... but at least in the bedroom department, when it comes down to it, it was hilarious and brutally honest :-). The many struggles and thoughts flashing through Polly's head were super funny and made me snort OUT LOUD. Yep, damn this book.
I think you get the idea what type of novel it is :-). If you read this you're bound to get along with and root for Polly. Now there is a very serious health issue in this novel as well which makes it sometimes a bit more serious but overall this is just a fun chicklit novel that will transport you to a whole other world. I came to realise that even the rich and famous don't have the perfect lives and you can find sleazebags in every layer of society :-). I was a fan of the colorful cast in the novel, her gay roommate Joe, best friend Lex, colleagues Lala and Legs, old friend Bill, but I would have liked to see their own lives more in detail too and missed a bit more intrigue and drama perhaps. The ending left me completely satisfied though, I saw what was coming but was very happy the way it ended.
She doesn't have the most interesting job at a magazine called Posh! but I must say it did make for some very entertaining reading. Her job includes writing articles about the new IT-dog (because the rich have an obsession for horses, and dogs come a close second), finding baby scans so they know who the little ones can become friends with when born, to being sent to places she'd normally never go for the best scoop... like interviewing the new singleton marquess at his parent's castle, or attending 'special and top secret' parties frequented by people of the high classes.
The Plus One isn't full of fairytales... although now that I think of it, the book does include a castle, a sheikh, a gold bath, bidet and loo seat... but at least in the bedroom department, when it comes down to it, it was hilarious and brutally honest :-). The many struggles and thoughts flashing through Polly's head were super funny and made me snort OUT LOUD. Yep, damn this book.
I think you get the idea what type of novel it is :-). If you read this you're bound to get along with and root for Polly. Now there is a very serious health issue in this novel as well which makes it sometimes a bit more serious but overall this is just a fun chicklit novel that will transport you to a whole other world. I came to realise that even the rich and famous don't have the perfect lives and you can find sleazebags in every layer of society :-). I was a fan of the colorful cast in the novel, her gay roommate Joe, best friend Lex, colleagues Lala and Legs, old friend Bill, but I would have liked to see their own lives more in detail too and missed a bit more intrigue and drama perhaps. The ending left me completely satisfied though, I saw what was coming but was very happy the way it ended.
October 10, 2021
I feel a little undecided about this book. On one hand, I enjoyed it at times and laughed now and then. On the other hand, it had a lot of faults which I’m sure will put many readers off.
One huge fault is that its plot is not very original. Helen Fielding could almost sue for plagiarism if she had not plagiarised from Jane Austen in the first place. There’s also shades of Four Weddings and a Funeral and maybe a few other Richard Curtis favs.
One thing I did like is that it’s all very English with very English humour (which, maybe, US readers won't appreciate at all, if their popular comedy shows etc are anything to go by). However, not everything was funny and occasionally Money-Coutts might have crossed the line.
Usually the line crossing involved sex. Sorry, an Eyes Wide Shut type party with married people wearing masks (and basically nothing else) and having sex with randoms whilst others watch on is not really that funny (or something I’d want to read about in a magazine, tbh). Leaving your best friend’s engagement party after five minutes to have sex with your boyfriend of five minutes is not funny (or okay, especially when you are Maid of Honour!). And said boyfriend wanting to experiment with certain sexual positions without your consent is not funny (or okay when the message conveyed was everything was all good as things ended with an orgasm after all - wtf).
Whoa, I’m making this sound so bad but it’s not all bad. Polly, our leading lady, was likeable enough although I will say she lacked chemistry with all her potential suitors but especially one which makes the ending quite odd.
Overall, I think it would depend on the reader’s personality with this book. There’s quite a lot that is not particularly politically correct but if you don’t look too much into it, take it as a bit of escapist fun and you enjoyed Bridget Jones's Diary, I think you’d enjoy it. 2 1/2 out of 5
One huge fault is that its plot is not very original. Helen Fielding could almost sue for plagiarism if she had not plagiarised from Jane Austen in the first place. There’s also shades of Four Weddings and a Funeral and maybe a few other Richard Curtis favs.
One thing I did like is that it’s all very English with very English humour (which, maybe, US readers won't appreciate at all, if their popular comedy shows etc are anything to go by). However, not everything was funny and occasionally Money-Coutts might have crossed the line.
Usually the line crossing involved sex. Sorry, an Eyes Wide Shut type party with married people wearing masks (and basically nothing else) and having sex with randoms whilst others watch on is not really that funny (or something I’d want to read about in a magazine, tbh). Leaving your best friend’s engagement party after five minutes to have sex with your boyfriend of five minutes is not funny (or okay, especially when you are Maid of Honour!). And said boyfriend wanting to experiment with certain sexual positions without your consent is not funny (or okay when the message conveyed was everything was all good as things ended with an orgasm after all - wtf).
Whoa, I’m making this sound so bad but it’s not all bad. Polly, our leading lady, was likeable enough although I will say she lacked chemistry with all her potential suitors but especially one which makes the ending quite odd.
Overall, I think it would depend on the reader’s personality with this book. There’s quite a lot that is not particularly politically correct but if you don’t look too much into it, take it as a bit of escapist fun and you enjoyed Bridget Jones's Diary, I think you’d enjoy it. 2 1/2 out of 5
July 5, 2018
Humorous and heartwarming. This book is the tale of a thirty+ year old singleton who isn't 'looking' but really would like to have that special someone.
The problem that faces Polly Spencer is finding the 'right' someone.
With her best friend's wedding looming, Polly doesn't want to attend alone, especially when everyone around her seems to have their 'plus one'. When an interview leads to a possible relationship she grabs it with both hands despite the warnings and her own gut instinct. Could legendary playboy Jasper Milton be that special someone?
Polly faces several challenges including some weird and wonderful interviews as part of her job at "Posh!" magazine, a troubled time with her mum, and a weekend hen party in Norfolk, throw in the antics of her "boyfriend" and you've got an emotional mix that will have you laughing one minute and shouting at her not to be so stupid the next!
A little predictable but all in all a really nice read.
The problem that faces Polly Spencer is finding the 'right' someone.
With her best friend's wedding looming, Polly doesn't want to attend alone, especially when everyone around her seems to have their 'plus one'. When an interview leads to a possible relationship she grabs it with both hands despite the warnings and her own gut instinct. Could legendary playboy Jasper Milton be that special someone?
Polly faces several challenges including some weird and wonderful interviews as part of her job at "Posh!" magazine, a troubled time with her mum, and a weekend hen party in Norfolk, throw in the antics of her "boyfriend" and you've got an emotional mix that will have you laughing one minute and shouting at her not to be so stupid the next!
A little predictable but all in all a really nice read.
dnf
July 14, 2025I had to DNF this. I was really looking forward to this, but I have kinda lost what's going on and the insta - falling into bed with each other. The final straw was her discussing how she needed to go to the toilet badly, and then the chapter ended. It's a sham,e as it sounds interesting, but I even kinda of got lost in the blurb.
January 15, 2019
Dit was leuk! Goed geschreven, heel grappig, personages die echt voelen en bij vlagen een heel verrassende plot. Het einde vond ik een kleín beetje lange-halen-snel-thuis (want daar verheug je je het hele boek op, dus go for it) maar ik ga zeker haar volgende boek lezen!
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