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Just Saying
I almost gave up on love. My ex, who called his private parts 'Nigel', was enough to put me off men forever. But then I met Joe.
Alice thought she'd found Mr Right. Her blue-eyed boyfriend Joe gives her butterflies, makes her bacon sandwiches when she's hungover, and doesn't have a nickname for any of his body parts.
She should have known it was too good to be true. Because one day, Alice and Joe bump into Zoe. According to him, Zoe's 'just an old friend'. But Alice saw the way they froze, and heard the strange note in Joe's voice when he said her name.
Then, out of the blue, Zoe needs a place to live. And Joe has the bright idea of inviting her, and her fluffy ginger cat, Frazzle, to stay with them.
Alice tries her hardest not to feel threatened. But the thing is, Zoe doesn't survive off microwave meals, or go days without washing her glossy copper-coloured hair, or accidentally get mascara in her contact lenses.
Joe's ex might be pretty much perfect, but there's no way that Alice will let Zoe steal him. She's on a mission to prove that three (four, if you count the cat) is definitely a crowd...
This fabulous, feel-good page-turner is for anyone who has ever got a little too drunk and checked out their partner's ex! (We've all been there...) Fans of romantic comedies by Sophie Kinsella and Lindsey Kelk, and TV shows like Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Jane the Virgin, will love this utterly relatable read.
Alice thought she'd found Mr Right. Her blue-eyed boyfriend Joe gives her butterflies, makes her bacon sandwiches when she's hungover, and doesn't have a nickname for any of his body parts.
She should have known it was too good to be true. Because one day, Alice and Joe bump into Zoe. According to him, Zoe's 'just an old friend'. But Alice saw the way they froze, and heard the strange note in Joe's voice when he said her name.
Then, out of the blue, Zoe needs a place to live. And Joe has the bright idea of inviting her, and her fluffy ginger cat, Frazzle, to stay with them.
Alice tries her hardest not to feel threatened. But the thing is, Zoe doesn't survive off microwave meals, or go days without washing her glossy copper-coloured hair, or accidentally get mascara in her contact lenses.
Joe's ex might be pretty much perfect, but there's no way that Alice will let Zoe steal him. She's on a mission to prove that three (four, if you count the cat) is definitely a crowd...
This fabulous, feel-good page-turner is for anyone who has ever got a little too drunk and checked out their partner's ex! (We've all been there...) Fans of romantic comedies by Sophie Kinsella and Lindsey Kelk, and TV shows like Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Jane the Virgin, will love this utterly relatable read.
342 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2020
941 people are currently reading
1081 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Ranald
25 books569 followersSophie Ranald is the youngest of five sisters. She was born in Zimbabwe and lived in South Africa until an acute case of itchy feet brought her to London in her mid-20s.
As an editor for a customer publishing agency, Sophie developed her fiction-writing skills describing holidays to places she’d never visited. In 2011, she decided to disregard all the good advice given to aspiring novelists and attempt to write full-time. After one false start, It Would Be Wrong to Steal My Sister’s Boyfriend (Wouldn’t It?) seemed to write itself.
Sophie also writes for magazines and online about food, fashion and running. She lives in south-east London with her amazing partner Hopi and Purrs, their adorable little cat.
As an editor for a customer publishing agency, Sophie developed her fiction-writing skills describing holidays to places she’d never visited. In 2011, she decided to disregard all the good advice given to aspiring novelists and attempt to write full-time. After one false start, It Would Be Wrong to Steal My Sister’s Boyfriend (Wouldn’t It?) seemed to write itself.
Sophie also writes for magazines and online about food, fashion and running. She lives in south-east London with her amazing partner Hopi and Purrs, their adorable little cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
July 25, 2020
Sophie Ranald always does an outstanding job of weaving humor and real life situations together. The book kicks off with Alice coming home to her boyfriend Joe’s grand gesture. Not only filling their apartment with roses and cooking dinner, but he also rented a hot tub. Of course Alice’s Brother shows up and puts a little damper on the romance plans. The next day Alice shows up to work and finds out she’s being let go. To make things even worse one of Joe’s ex-girlfriend is back in town and before Alice realizes it Zoe has moved in with Joe and her? Alice’s life has definitely been turned upside down and next thing she knows she’s working at the Local pub and really enjoying it. Dominoes, boardgames, friendship, poetry reading, vegetarian cuisine, miscommunication, misunderstanding, A secret love, and a ginger cat.
Alice was a great character who I really adored. Joe seemed like such a great guy, so I really cannot understand why he was allowing his ex to move in with them? I mean how can that go any way but wrong? All of the secondary characters in this book were so colorful and well drawn my favorites being Drew, Shirley, and Maurice. Heck even Zoe grew on me after a while. The book also addresses the #MeToo movement, and while I thought it was handled well I’m not certain that needed to be included in this book? Sophie Ranald never fails to put a smile on my face and this book was no exception to that.
This book in emojis 🐱 🍺 🍲 💐 🎲 🎹
***Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Alice was a great character who I really adored. Joe seemed like such a great guy, so I really cannot understand why he was allowing his ex to move in with them? I mean how can that go any way but wrong? All of the secondary characters in this book were so colorful and well drawn my favorites being Drew, Shirley, and Maurice. Heck even Zoe grew on me after a while. The book also addresses the #MeToo movement, and while I thought it was handled well I’m not certain that needed to be included in this book? Sophie Ranald never fails to put a smile on my face and this book was no exception to that.
This book in emojis 🐱 🍺 🍲 💐 🎲 🎹
***Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
June 30, 2020
I received an advanced copy of this book from Net Galley and the publisher in return for an honest review. The release date for this book is 3 July 2020
This is an okay book. I wasn’t thrilled with it on a couple of points. I was expecting a more carefree read and it was a bit darker than I was expecting. I like all types of books but when one is marketed as a light hearted romantic comedy - that is what I am expecting. The main characters were a bit too sugary for me as well. This isn’t a bad book - it just wasn’t up my alley
This is an okay book. I wasn’t thrilled with it on a couple of points. I was expecting a more carefree read and it was a bit darker than I was expecting. I like all types of books but when one is marketed as a light hearted romantic comedy - that is what I am expecting. The main characters were a bit too sugary for me as well. This isn’t a bad book - it just wasn’t up my alley
July 23, 2020
Ok the one thing I found irritating in this book is how much they all spend in pubs and drinking, and drinking, and drinking.
Alice is living with Joe and madly in love. She lost her job and so ends up working at the local pub.
While her and Joe are out they bump into his ex and not to long after that Joe tells Alice that the ex, Zoe needs a place to stay and can she be their roommate. Well I would have said HELL NO. But oh no Alice says yes and that was another of her mistakes. Later on we learn Alice has a secret and what happened to her was wrong but again , drinking was involved. I am not surprised Joe doesn't call her out for being an alcoholic. I mean really every single day. This was getting old real fast.
I received the ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture for review.
Alice is living with Joe and madly in love. She lost her job and so ends up working at the local pub.
While her and Joe are out they bump into his ex and not to long after that Joe tells Alice that the ex, Zoe needs a place to stay and can she be their roommate. Well I would have said HELL NO. But oh no Alice says yes and that was another of her mistakes. Later on we learn Alice has a secret and what happened to her was wrong but again , drinking was involved. I am not surprised Joe doesn't call her out for being an alcoholic. I mean really every single day. This was getting old real fast.
I received the ARC from NetGalley and Bookouture for review.
June 1, 2020
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
Trigger warning: sexual assault
So this was a bit off to me through my whole reading. I thought that this was setting up to be a funny book about a woman Alice who has a career set-back who now has to live with her current boyfriend's ex. Instead the whole book is full of a lot of angst, the author throws in a me too movement plot point and Alice and Joe (her boyfriend) barely talk in this book. Honestly 90 percent of the issues in this book would have been resolved if they had an actual conversation. Also I am not a fan of cheating in romance books so I started to dread this book the entire time I read it. I am disappointed though that unlike with her latest books, this one has no ties into previous books or characters. I wonder if Ranald would have been better off developing a story surrounding one of the women we have been reading about through her other books like "The Truth About Gemma Gray", "Sorry Not Sorry", "It's Not You It's Him", and "No, We Can't be Friends."
Alice and her boyfriend of two years Joe are living together. When Alice has a career set-back and can't afford to pay her share of their rent, he asks about his ex Zoe living with them. Instead of saying [expletive] no, Alice agrees and the whole time wonders if Zoe is doings things in order to get back with Joe. Alice starts working at local pub and starts to wonder about what she really wants. Complicating things a bit is the next door brewery owner named Archie that she is starting to feel something for over their games of Scrabble. On top of all of that, Alice has a secret that she has kept from Joe that she worries about throughout the book.
So Alice. I don't know. I liked parts of this character, but think Ranald didn't develop her very well. I liked the other leads in her books I mentioned earlier because those characters were always upfront with the readers via the way the story is told. Ranald doesn't tell us everything that is going on and then we get thrown a curveball that changes up the whole story. I didn't even know what to do with it since it felt like we couldn't get a handle on that before jumping off to Alice still being threatened by Zoe and stressing over Joe. I also wish that the Alice and Joe just talked. There is an opportunity for them to talk but neither do but just do passive aggressive mess to each other. I will say that Ranald does a good job of showing us why Alice loves Joe and they make sense as a couple. I just wish we got more time of the two of them on their own before the specter of Zoe.
Ah Zoe. Nope, didn't like her at all especially when we get the whole confrontation thing finally. I thought Ranald per usual let a character off the hook when they have shown to not be trustworthy. She did this mess with the character of Adam in "Sorry Not Sorry" and the character of Bianca from "Sorry Not Sorry" and "No, We Can't be Friends." Sometimes people are terrible and you cut them out of your lives. I really feel like shouting that from the rooftops.
We don't get much development of other characters. Ranald throws in a side plot about one of her pub regulars that I just went are you serious? It made zero sense to the overall story and think it should have been cut.
The writing felt off to me a bit. I liked the other books which I think did tackle some serious stuff but with humor and romance. This one really didn't I thought. We had I think three love scenes with Alice and Joe and we kept reading about how hurried they were (in two of them) and how Alice misses Joe since they don't really make love anymore because of his hours at work and her hours at the pub. The me too subplot was jarring I think. The whole book took a dark turn at that point. I was definitely not prepared to read about a sexual assault and my insides flipped around. I also didn't like the resolution to it either. It felt like it was inserted, important for a bit, and then we get to see what became of said character and the book moved on.
The flow was up and down since we have parts of Alice hidden from us until the full reveal about everything. And honestly I got bored reading about her working at the pub and the things she was doing. I don't know. It read similar to me when Nora Roberts went on her whole decorating fit in her books and every book was focused on renovating, painting, decorating and us readers were like please stop. No one cares about crown molding this much. Not even people on HGTV.
The ending read as very incomplete to me. It just kind of plops out and I went is that it? So yeah, after loving the other books for the most part, this one is a strong 3 star read.
Trigger warning: sexual assault
So this was a bit off to me through my whole reading. I thought that this was setting up to be a funny book about a woman Alice who has a career set-back who now has to live with her current boyfriend's ex. Instead the whole book is full of a lot of angst, the author throws in a me too movement plot point and Alice and Joe (her boyfriend) barely talk in this book. Honestly 90 percent of the issues in this book would have been resolved if they had an actual conversation. Also I am not a fan of cheating in romance books so I started to dread this book the entire time I read it. I am disappointed though that unlike with her latest books, this one has no ties into previous books or characters. I wonder if Ranald would have been better off developing a story surrounding one of the women we have been reading about through her other books like "The Truth About Gemma Gray", "Sorry Not Sorry", "It's Not You It's Him", and "No, We Can't be Friends."
Alice and her boyfriend of two years Joe are living together. When Alice has a career set-back and can't afford to pay her share of their rent, he asks about his ex Zoe living with them. Instead of saying [expletive] no, Alice agrees and the whole time wonders if Zoe is doings things in order to get back with Joe. Alice starts working at local pub and starts to wonder about what she really wants. Complicating things a bit is the next door brewery owner named Archie that she is starting to feel something for over their games of Scrabble. On top of all of that, Alice has a secret that she has kept from Joe that she worries about throughout the book.
So Alice. I don't know. I liked parts of this character, but think Ranald didn't develop her very well. I liked the other leads in her books I mentioned earlier because those characters were always upfront with the readers via the way the story is told. Ranald doesn't tell us everything that is going on and then we get thrown a curveball that changes up the whole story. I didn't even know what to do with it since it felt like we couldn't get a handle on that before jumping off to Alice still being threatened by Zoe and stressing over Joe. I also wish that the Alice and Joe just talked. There is an opportunity for them to talk but neither do but just do passive aggressive mess to each other. I will say that Ranald does a good job of showing us why Alice loves Joe and they make sense as a couple. I just wish we got more time of the two of them on their own before the specter of Zoe.
Ah Zoe. Nope, didn't like her at all especially when we get the whole confrontation thing finally. I thought Ranald per usual let a character off the hook when they have shown to not be trustworthy. She did this mess with the character of Adam in "Sorry Not Sorry" and the character of Bianca from "Sorry Not Sorry" and "No, We Can't be Friends." Sometimes people are terrible and you cut them out of your lives. I really feel like shouting that from the rooftops.
We don't get much development of other characters. Ranald throws in a side plot about one of her pub regulars that I just went are you serious? It made zero sense to the overall story and think it should have been cut.
The writing felt off to me a bit. I liked the other books which I think did tackle some serious stuff but with humor and romance. This one really didn't I thought. We had I think three love scenes with Alice and Joe and we kept reading about how hurried they were (in two of them) and how Alice misses Joe since they don't really make love anymore because of his hours at work and her hours at the pub. The me too subplot was jarring I think. The whole book took a dark turn at that point. I was definitely not prepared to read about a sexual assault and my insides flipped around. I also didn't like the resolution to it either. It felt like it was inserted, important for a bit, and then we get to see what became of said character and the book moved on.
The flow was up and down since we have parts of Alice hidden from us until the full reveal about everything. And honestly I got bored reading about her working at the pub and the things she was doing. I don't know. It read similar to me when Nora Roberts went on her whole decorating fit in her books and every book was focused on renovating, painting, decorating and us readers were like please stop. No one cares about crown molding this much. Not even people on HGTV.
The ending read as very incomplete to me. It just kind of plops out and I went is that it? So yeah, after loving the other books for the most part, this one is a strong 3 star read.
July 6, 2020
Rating: 4 cheery stars
“Just Saying” was a cracking good read for me. Ms. Ranald has captured the angst of a set of mid-twenty somethings as they try to establish themselves in their lives and careers. The books is set in London with a varied and interesting cast of characters. It was just the change of pace I was looking for. While this is billed as being humorous, do not expect over the top wacky humor. There were some scenes that made me smile or even chuckle. However, this book also tackles real life problems that are not humorous.
Alice Carlisle is the book’s narrator. She’s almost finished her two-year qualification period (apprenticeship it seems) at a large law firm in the City of London. She and her boyfriend Joe, who also in the process of qualifying as a solicitor, are now living together in a tiny flat. Their days in the office are long. However, they have both almost finished their qualification time. Luckily, for them, their firm has offered them permanent positions.
Then, enter Zoe. She is an ex-girlfriend of Joe’s. He has offered to rent her their spare bedroom. In part to help her out, in part to make-up for lost income when Alice loses her job. That is the lift-off point for the drama. It sets off Alice’s insecurities, and puts a damper on her relationship with Joe.
After being let go from her firm, Alice starts working at a rundown neighborhood pub. The quirky characters start entering the scene. Think episodes of ‘Cheers’. It felt similar to that in a good way. Alice starts to modernize the place in small ways, and brings in more customers. Thankfully, the long-standing manager, Shirley, doesn’t mind Alice’s changes. Passion for the pub engulfs Alice. She works hard to make it prosper.
Along the way, there is drama, and the introduction of some relevant social issues. There are light-hearted gatherings, and quirky characters that made me care about them. I really liked this book. As the story developed, I kept telling myself that I knew exactly how it was going to end. I was wrong. It ended completely differently than I had imagined. The clever ending made me smile as I finished the last sentence.
I would recommend this for readers who enjoy contemporary romance, or those who like a good British immersion in London and its environs. Just be aware that there were a lot of British words or sayings that I either had to look up, or guess the meaning of based on the context of the sentence. I grew to like the cast of characters, and the challenges they faced. While there was less humor than I expected, the humor lightened the storyline in just the right places. It was a nice change of pace from my usual fare of psychological thrillers, or historical fiction.
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Bookouture; and the author, Sophie Ranald, for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“Just Saying” was a cracking good read for me. Ms. Ranald has captured the angst of a set of mid-twenty somethings as they try to establish themselves in their lives and careers. The books is set in London with a varied and interesting cast of characters. It was just the change of pace I was looking for. While this is billed as being humorous, do not expect over the top wacky humor. There were some scenes that made me smile or even chuckle. However, this book also tackles real life problems that are not humorous.
Alice Carlisle is the book’s narrator. She’s almost finished her two-year qualification period (apprenticeship it seems) at a large law firm in the City of London. She and her boyfriend Joe, who also in the process of qualifying as a solicitor, are now living together in a tiny flat. Their days in the office are long. However, they have both almost finished their qualification time. Luckily, for them, their firm has offered them permanent positions.
Then, enter Zoe. She is an ex-girlfriend of Joe’s. He has offered to rent her their spare bedroom. In part to help her out, in part to make-up for lost income when Alice loses her job. That is the lift-off point for the drama. It sets off Alice’s insecurities, and puts a damper on her relationship with Joe.
After being let go from her firm, Alice starts working at a rundown neighborhood pub. The quirky characters start entering the scene. Think episodes of ‘Cheers’. It felt similar to that in a good way. Alice starts to modernize the place in small ways, and brings in more customers. Thankfully, the long-standing manager, Shirley, doesn’t mind Alice’s changes. Passion for the pub engulfs Alice. She works hard to make it prosper.
Along the way, there is drama, and the introduction of some relevant social issues. There are light-hearted gatherings, and quirky characters that made me care about them. I really liked this book. As the story developed, I kept telling myself that I knew exactly how it was going to end. I was wrong. It ended completely differently than I had imagined. The clever ending made me smile as I finished the last sentence.
I would recommend this for readers who enjoy contemporary romance, or those who like a good British immersion in London and its environs. Just be aware that there were a lot of British words or sayings that I either had to look up, or guess the meaning of based on the context of the sentence. I grew to like the cast of characters, and the challenges they faced. While there was less humor than I expected, the humor lightened the storyline in just the right places. It was a nice change of pace from my usual fare of psychological thrillers, or historical fiction.
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Bookouture; and the author, Sophie Ranald, for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2020
Just Saying is my second book written by Sophie Ranald, having read “It’s Not You It’s Him” last year. Based on the synopsis, I was mistaken to assume this book would be an ultra-fluffy rom-com. This book is so much more.
Alice and Joe have the world in their hands. They are in love and have promising careers as lawyers which will be sure to provide them with the life they’ve been working towards and dreaming of. Then Alice’s career takes a detour and she is forced to examine what is really important to her.
On the day she is given the bad news concerning her career path, she finds herself in a neighbourhood pub that has seen better days. While the decor is something circa 1980, she feels cared for and more in touch with her community then she ever has. She takes a job as a barmaid as a source of income until she figures out what to do next - the patrons are friendly and begin to feel like family. However, her income has decreased and it will be impossible for Alice and Joe to remain in their current home and they will need to bring in a flatmate. Much to Alice’s dismay, that new flatmate will be the first love of Joe’s life - the beautiful and ultra-friendly Zoe. Alice has to think - does Zoe want more then just a place to live?
There are important serious storylines associated with social change in this book that I won’t reveal so as not to give anything away. This book is about valuing relationships, earning and maintaining trust, being honest, and being true to yourself. The characters are likeable, and the storyline engaging. The concept of Zoe moving into their flat was one that I would not have accepted if I had been Alice, and I wonder how many women would? Why would Joe even suggest it?
I’d recommend this entertaining read for fans of Lindsey Kelk and Sophie Kinsella.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
Alice and Joe have the world in their hands. They are in love and have promising careers as lawyers which will be sure to provide them with the life they’ve been working towards and dreaming of. Then Alice’s career takes a detour and she is forced to examine what is really important to her.
On the day she is given the bad news concerning her career path, she finds herself in a neighbourhood pub that has seen better days. While the decor is something circa 1980, she feels cared for and more in touch with her community then she ever has. She takes a job as a barmaid as a source of income until she figures out what to do next - the patrons are friendly and begin to feel like family. However, her income has decreased and it will be impossible for Alice and Joe to remain in their current home and they will need to bring in a flatmate. Much to Alice’s dismay, that new flatmate will be the first love of Joe’s life - the beautiful and ultra-friendly Zoe. Alice has to think - does Zoe want more then just a place to live?
There are important serious storylines associated with social change in this book that I won’t reveal so as not to give anything away. This book is about valuing relationships, earning and maintaining trust, being honest, and being true to yourself. The characters are likeable, and the storyline engaging. The concept of Zoe moving into their flat was one that I would not have accepted if I had been Alice, and I wonder how many women would? Why would Joe even suggest it?
I’d recommend this entertaining read for fans of Lindsey Kelk and Sophie Kinsella.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
May 31, 2020
3.5 stars
This turned out much better than I'd been expecting after the first couple of chapters didn't impress me much. But I think that may have been simply due to the fact that it's been so long since I've read a a book that's firmly in the chicklit category. There's nothing wrong with the genre, of course, because about 10 years ago I devoured one chicklit book after the other but then I kind of lost interest and started branching off into different genres.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book, though. It follows Alice and Joe, who've been together for about 2 years and work at the same law firm in central London. Something happens at the office that causes Alice to lose the job offer she had gotten there and to be able to continue to afford the house they currently live in, Joe suggests renting out their spare room, so they can cover some of the loss of Alice's income. Only, the person who's moving into their spare room is his ex-girlfriend, Zoë, and Alice can't shake the feeling that Zoë still has feelings for Joe and is possibly plotting to get him back.
I was very invested in Alice and Joe and their relationship. I'm a fan of established relationships and I think what this story did best of all was show what can happen in a two-year relationship when you sort of start to take the other for granted. Alice feels threatened by Zoë's presence, Joe is working crazy hours, she herself is trying to figure out where her life is going, ... it's easy to get lost and lose sight of the relationship in light of what life throws at you. The biggest selling point for this book, in my opinion, is how realistic it all seems. I didn't feel as if I were reading about fictional characters at all, rather about real people that I knew who lived in London.
Alice's struggles with her career feel real, not knowing what she wants out of life at 27 and never really having had "a dream" of what she wants to do felt very familiar and I could relate. I liked seeing her start to help out at the pub and discover that she liked taking over there and trying to bring in more business. I LOVED her friendship with her best friend Heather and how much page-time that got, that was excellent.
I was less fond of how the whole Zoë storyline was being handled, particularly at the beginning when Zoë seems little more than a pretentious hipster who's every dialogue scene made me cringe. That did get better as the story progressed, though. I could also understand how and why Alice was starting to feel insecure in her relationship with Joe as a result of many things and not just the Zoë aspect.
All the side stories really resonated with me too, such as what Alice had experienced () and the storyline involving Maurice. Truly lovely.
The only other thing that's bringing down the rating slightly is that I felt this could've been shorter, there were parts where the story started to drag a little bit, but on the whole I really enjoyed this!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This turned out much better than I'd been expecting after the first couple of chapters didn't impress me much. But I think that may have been simply due to the fact that it's been so long since I've read a a book that's firmly in the chicklit category. There's nothing wrong with the genre, of course, because about 10 years ago I devoured one chicklit book after the other but then I kind of lost interest and started branching off into different genres.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book, though. It follows Alice and Joe, who've been together for about 2 years and work at the same law firm in central London. Something happens at the office that causes Alice to lose the job offer she had gotten there and to be able to continue to afford the house they currently live in, Joe suggests renting out their spare room, so they can cover some of the loss of Alice's income. Only, the person who's moving into their spare room is his ex-girlfriend, Zoë, and Alice can't shake the feeling that Zoë still has feelings for Joe and is possibly plotting to get him back.
I was very invested in Alice and Joe and their relationship. I'm a fan of established relationships and I think what this story did best of all was show what can happen in a two-year relationship when you sort of start to take the other for granted. Alice feels threatened by Zoë's presence, Joe is working crazy hours, she herself is trying to figure out where her life is going, ... it's easy to get lost and lose sight of the relationship in light of what life throws at you. The biggest selling point for this book, in my opinion, is how realistic it all seems. I didn't feel as if I were reading about fictional characters at all, rather about real people that I knew who lived in London.
Alice's struggles with her career feel real, not knowing what she wants out of life at 27 and never really having had "a dream" of what she wants to do felt very familiar and I could relate. I liked seeing her start to help out at the pub and discover that she liked taking over there and trying to bring in more business. I LOVED her friendship with her best friend Heather and how much page-time that got, that was excellent.
I was less fond of how the whole Zoë storyline was being handled, particularly at the beginning when Zoë seems little more than a pretentious hipster who's every dialogue scene made me cringe. That did get better as the story progressed, though. I could also understand how and why Alice was starting to feel insecure in her relationship with Joe as a result of many things and not just the Zoë aspect.
All the side stories really resonated with me too, such as what Alice had experienced () and the storyline involving Maurice. Truly lovely.
The only other thing that's bringing down the rating slightly is that I felt this could've been shorter, there were parts where the story started to drag a little bit, but on the whole I really enjoyed this!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2020
I received a free advance reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture!
So this was my second book by Sophie Ranald and she’s now officially one of my favourites.
Just Saying is about Alice and her romance with Joe. She has had some truly awful encounters with men until she meets Joe. Joe – at the risk of sounding cliched – is her knight in shining armour after one particularly bad night. They instantly click and are enjoying their lives together when they meet Zoe, someone who Joe says is just an old fling. However, Alice noticed their reaction to each other. So she cannot help but be anxious when Joe offers to let Zoe move in with them when she finds herself needing a place to stay. Alice tries to take it all in stride but she can’t help but feel threatened by Zoe who seems to be nearly perfect especially when compared to her.
The first book I read by this author was No, We Can’t Be Friends and after the amount of laughs that elicited from me, I definitely had to try this book when I saw it on NetGalley. My favourite part of both books was the combination of humor and life issues we all face. In most relationships, our significant other has ‘that ex.’ The ex whose name they say differently and think we don’t notice.Alice, like all of us, noticed that difference. So when Joe asked for Zoe to move in with them, she was understandably nervous.
However, there were other problems arising in Alice’s life. The author touched on a very serious problem which is more common than we think, one that the #metoo campaign is fighting to get rid of. Many women have experienced it but thankfully it is now gaining publicity because some brave souls decided to step up and tell their story. I should point out that for some women, that may be a trigger.
As if that wasn’t enough current events, the author also found a way to throw in the issue of deportation of the Windrush generation. This is a story I’m familiar with. Many Caribbean immigrants in England right now are experiencing this right now.
Moving along through life even with those dramas thrown in, Alice had quite the adventure. Her relationship with her brother was quite lovely to read about. Heather, her ex-roommate and best friend was hilarious and the kind of friend women need in their lives. As for Joe, the big question was if their relationship could stand this test. To get the answer to that, you would have to read the book.
I found this story to be a great read. There were some places I laughed out loud and others which shone light on some issues the world is dealing with. I would definitely be checking out more books by Sophie Ranald.
Suitable audience: Adults who enjoy romantic comedies
Recurrent themes: #metoo, Windrush generation, romance, comedy
Violence: None
Sexual Content: The author does not go into detail but sex happens. There is also a description of a sexual assault, which may be a trigger
Profanity: Many instances of obscene language
Religious Themes: None
Alcohol/Drugs/Smoking: The majority of the book happens in a bar so there is a lot of talk about drinking and smoking.
So this was my second book by Sophie Ranald and she’s now officially one of my favourites.
Just Saying is about Alice and her romance with Joe. She has had some truly awful encounters with men until she meets Joe. Joe – at the risk of sounding cliched – is her knight in shining armour after one particularly bad night. They instantly click and are enjoying their lives together when they meet Zoe, someone who Joe says is just an old fling. However, Alice noticed their reaction to each other. So she cannot help but be anxious when Joe offers to let Zoe move in with them when she finds herself needing a place to stay. Alice tries to take it all in stride but she can’t help but feel threatened by Zoe who seems to be nearly perfect especially when compared to her.
The first book I read by this author was No, We Can’t Be Friends and after the amount of laughs that elicited from me, I definitely had to try this book when I saw it on NetGalley. My favourite part of both books was the combination of humor and life issues we all face. In most relationships, our significant other has ‘that ex.’ The ex whose name they say differently and think we don’t notice.Alice, like all of us, noticed that difference. So when Joe asked for Zoe to move in with them, she was understandably nervous.
However, there were other problems arising in Alice’s life. The author touched on a very serious problem which is more common than we think, one that the #metoo campaign is fighting to get rid of. Many women have experienced it but thankfully it is now gaining publicity because some brave souls decided to step up and tell their story. I should point out that for some women, that may be a trigger.
As if that wasn’t enough current events, the author also found a way to throw in the issue of deportation of the Windrush generation. This is a story I’m familiar with. Many Caribbean immigrants in England right now are experiencing this right now.
Moving along through life even with those dramas thrown in, Alice had quite the adventure. Her relationship with her brother was quite lovely to read about. Heather, her ex-roommate and best friend was hilarious and the kind of friend women need in their lives. As for Joe, the big question was if their relationship could stand this test. To get the answer to that, you would have to read the book.
I found this story to be a great read. There were some places I laughed out loud and others which shone light on some issues the world is dealing with. I would definitely be checking out more books by Sophie Ranald.
Suitable audience: Adults who enjoy romantic comedies
Recurrent themes: #metoo, Windrush generation, romance, comedy
Violence: None
Sexual Content: The author does not go into detail but sex happens. There is also a description of a sexual assault, which may be a trigger
Profanity: Many instances of obscene language
Religious Themes: None
Alcohol/Drugs/Smoking: The majority of the book happens in a bar so there is a lot of talk about drinking and smoking.
June 24, 2020
Alice has a perfect life: a well-paying job, a handsome and attentive boyfriend (Joe), and a nice flat for the two of them. All of a sudden, she is made redundant, and Joe has the brilliant idea of having none other than his ex-girlfriend come to share the flat with them to cut costs.
This was a well-written story, funny at times, and also more profound at other times. I liked both Alice and Joe and the healthy relationship between them. I also liked most of the secondary characters (there were a lot of them), especially Shirley and Drew (Alice's brother). I also think that the author did a great job addressing the more serious issues in the book.
** Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion **
This was a well-written story, funny at times, and also more profound at other times. I liked both Alice and Joe and the healthy relationship between them. I also liked most of the secondary characters (there were a lot of them), especially Shirley and Drew (Alice's brother). I also think that the author did a great job addressing the more serious issues in the book.
** Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion **
July 1, 2020
3.5 stars
So this is my third book by Sophie Ranald, and one thing has become crystal clear with her writing and characters, she always sucks you in with this humorous and light-hearted writing at first and then BAM she smacks you with the real world situations that literally hits you in the feels.
Everything seems to be going right for Alice. Her and her boyfriend Joe are both lawyers at the same law firm and have been happy in their relationship for the past two years. But all good things must come to and end, and for Alice, everything just seems to go wrong at the same time: she loses a job offer from her firm, she’s no longer able to afford the rent in the house that she shares with Joe, and Joe decided to rent their spare bedroom to his ex-girlfriend Zoe. Talk about a sh*t storm.
This book tackles a myriad of serious topics such as sexual abuse allegations and the MeToo movement with grace.
I will be honest, I was very hesitant with the whole Alice, Joe, and Zoe storyline. I understand that their living arrangement transpired out of desperate circumstances, and the author does a fantastic job of not romanticizing this. Instead she shows how relationships can fall prey to failure when open and honest communication no longer becomes the focal point.
Overall, this is another great read by Sophie Ranald. Don’t go into this one thinking that it will be a fluffy read. Ranald writes characters with grit and interlaces real world problems with a bit of humor.
Thank you to Bookouture for the blog tour invite and for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
So this is my third book by Sophie Ranald, and one thing has become crystal clear with her writing and characters, she always sucks you in with this humorous and light-hearted writing at first and then BAM she smacks you with the real world situations that literally hits you in the feels.
Everything seems to be going right for Alice. Her and her boyfriend Joe are both lawyers at the same law firm and have been happy in their relationship for the past two years. But all good things must come to and end, and for Alice, everything just seems to go wrong at the same time: she loses a job offer from her firm, she’s no longer able to afford the rent in the house that she shares with Joe, and Joe decided to rent their spare bedroom to his ex-girlfriend Zoe. Talk about a sh*t storm.
This book tackles a myriad of serious topics such as sexual abuse allegations and the MeToo movement with grace.
I will be honest, I was very hesitant with the whole Alice, Joe, and Zoe storyline. I understand that their living arrangement transpired out of desperate circumstances, and the author does a fantastic job of not romanticizing this. Instead she shows how relationships can fall prey to failure when open and honest communication no longer becomes the focal point.
Overall, this is another great read by Sophie Ranald. Don’t go into this one thinking that it will be a fluffy read. Ranald writes characters with grit and interlaces real world problems with a bit of humor.
Thank you to Bookouture for the blog tour invite and for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
Read
May 18, 2024After a few years of trying to eke them out, this is no 12 of the books in this series I've read and I think the last. You don't have to read them in order, each one stands alone, but they're all in a shared universe - a small community that might or might not be in Hackney, centred around a pub that some of the main characters run and that all the others live within walking distance of. They are extremely moreish and if I hadn't stopped myself I'd have read all 12 in a week. They are, however, grossly mismarketed - they are fun women's fiction, full of jokes and warmth and happy endings! But they are not frothy romcoms, they deal with infertility, sexual assault, homophobia, class, stuff that isn't light and is treated with due gravity. It's part of the reason I love them so much.
This one is just as good as all the others - note, this is the one where sexual assault plays a major role - and has a bunch of complicated plot threads that mostly sit around growing up. It's very funny though, and there's a ginger cat, and lots of sweet friendship and love.
(Though, mismarketing! the blurb says the narrator had an ex who called his private parts "Nigel", which, yes, is a great joke, and actually happens to a different character. hmph.)
This one is just as good as all the others - note, this is the one where sexual assault plays a major role - and has a bunch of complicated plot threads that mostly sit around growing up. It's very funny though, and there's a ginger cat, and lots of sweet friendship and love.
(Though, mismarketing! the blurb says the narrator had an ex who called his private parts "Nigel", which, yes, is a great joke, and actually happens to a different character. hmph.)
July 2, 2020
This book was just okay for me. Alice is living with her boyfriend of two years, Joe. She has a career set back and can no longer pay for her half of the rent. Joe suggest that Zoe, HIS EX GIRLFRIEND, move in with them. I am floored that Alice was okay with this. My answer would be a very big F no and I would consider leaving the jerk for even suggesting it... But that's me.
So Zoe now lives with them and Alice is second guessing everything(shocker). She thinks Zoe is trying to get Joe back. There are alot of up and downs and I got just a little bit bored. We also do not get a whole love of Joe and Alice.. which was weird to me. This book also takes a dark turn with sexual assault and I was not prepared for that at all. So trigger warning there.
Over all I think this book was entertaining.. was it my favorite? No. But it was okay. If this is your first Ranald book and you didn't like it, I highly suggest picking up any of her other books. They flow alot better than this one.
So Zoe now lives with them and Alice is second guessing everything(shocker). She thinks Zoe is trying to get Joe back. There are alot of up and downs and I got just a little bit bored. We also do not get a whole love of Joe and Alice.. which was weird to me. This book also takes a dark turn with sexual assault and I was not prepared for that at all. So trigger warning there.
Over all I think this book was entertaining.. was it my favorite? No. But it was okay. If this is your first Ranald book and you didn't like it, I highly suggest picking up any of her other books. They flow alot better than this one.
July 2, 2020
DNF at 70%
I was so bored and felt like nothing had actually happened. The main character, Alice, left her job as a lawyer after her supervisor has been accused of sexual assault. She then joined to work at a pub...and that's it. Nothing more has happened till now and I am honestly bored. The plot's very dull with nothing at all happening, and I wasn't attached to any of the characters. The only character I liked was the cat. Also, I was expecting romance, but there isn't any romance at all. I don't care where this story is going if it's going anywhere at all.
I was so bored and felt like nothing had actually happened. The main character, Alice, left her job as a lawyer after her supervisor has been accused of sexual assault. She then joined to work at a pub...and that's it. Nothing more has happened till now and I am honestly bored. The plot's very dull with nothing at all happening, and I wasn't attached to any of the characters. The only character I liked was the cat. Also, I was expecting romance, but there isn't any romance at all. I don't care where this story is going if it's going anywhere at all.
June 11, 2020
3.5 This book is full of angst! I knew that going in of course after reading the description, but it is. I will say, the book wasn't predictable, and for anyone concerned we do get a HEA. I was supposed to read to chapter 10 with a few friends that were also reading this one, and I just stayed up till 1:30 am and binged till the end. I just couldn't handle the angst and needed to get to the HEA!
Although I would never allow myself to be in the situation Alice finds herself in (ummm hell no!), I did think the author did a good job of portraying how awkward it was and how suspicious the circumstances were.
I'm still miffed at Joe and given the chance I'd kick Zoe, but I liked Alice's journey to find her true calling and the overall renovation of the pub. A MeToo plot was thrown in as well, and handled realistically.
I would have liked to have seen a bit more "romance" with Joe and Alice. Each time they are together, he's either fawning over Zoe or they are intimate but it's "rushed". I may just be holding a grudge, but he just didn't seem as good as Alice and Zoe made him out to be.
I was happy with how Archie was handled. There was a side plot with Maurice that seemed a bit loose and didn't add much to the story.
Thank you Net Galley for the free copy of this book in exchange for honest review.
Although I would never allow myself to be in the situation Alice finds herself in (ummm hell no!), I did think the author did a good job of portraying how awkward it was and how suspicious the circumstances were.
I'm still miffed at Joe and given the chance I'd kick Zoe, but I liked Alice's journey to find her true calling and the overall renovation of the pub. A MeToo plot was thrown in as well, and handled realistically.
I would have liked to have seen a bit more "romance" with Joe and Alice. Each time they are together, he's either fawning over Zoe or they are intimate but it's "rushed". I may just be holding a grudge, but he just didn't seem as good as Alice and Zoe made him out to be.
I was happy with how Archie was handled. There was a side plot with Maurice that seemed a bit loose and didn't add much to the story.
Thank you Net Galley for the free copy of this book in exchange for honest review.
September 14, 2022
Honestly, this was a struggle to get through. I was hoping for a fun rom com but instead got a lot of drama with a whisper of a romance. Alice lost her job so her boyfriend Joe recommended they get a roommate to help with the bills. Sounded reasonable until he suggested and she agreed that his ex girlfriend Zoe can be the new roommate. Well, that was the first mistake of many mistakes. And it went downhill from there.
There was also a mention and in detail an assault that happened to Alice. It was handled with care but I think it could be triggering for others.
It was hard to like anyone in this book. All the characters were bland and nothing great. I have to say the ending was better than the book itself. Overall, I’m sorry but I didn’t enjoy this book.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
There was also a mention and in detail an assault that happened to Alice. It was handled with care but I think it could be triggering for others.
It was hard to like anyone in this book. All the characters were bland and nothing great. I have to say the ending was better than the book itself. Overall, I’m sorry but I didn’t enjoy this book.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
July 17, 2020
What do you do when your dream job just isn't? I loved this story about a character whose plum job at a law firm turns out to be not all she'd hoped for. It touches on ambition, career choices, the Windrush scandal, #MeToo and so much more (including a cat called Frazzle - brilliant), and this is one of the things I love about this author - she manages to cleverly weave serious and contemporary issues into a light hearted book. It's intelligent chick-lit. Looking forward to the next one!
May 9, 2021
2.5 stars. I just didn't see the H as anything other than a safer choice.
June 23, 2020
Heck to the no..That was the beginning to the end with me. Why do you ask? Well let me explain. First off when you read the title you expect (or me) that this would be a rom-com, was it no. So the story is about Alice and her boyfriend whom she has been living together with for 2 years. Something happens that she can't pay her portion of the rent so what does said boyfriend do invites his ex to live with them to help pay the rent. And that my friends was the beginning to the end, I mean what in the world???!! LIke really this sounds as a good solution for you, what woman that you know would agree to something like that? I dont know of a one, yup no..So since at that moment I did not want to read anymore I said to myself let me give a fair chance (yes I know) Anywho I keep reading and did it get better for me? That would be a negative.. If you want something funny this is certainly not it.
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
July 8, 2020
#justreleased #netgalley #arcreview
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Just Saying - Sophie Ranald @sophieranald
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📝 Alice & Joe ...
This book made me laugh, cry and relate in some ways with the main characters 😊.
My steno notes: #metoo , old bar, love, drama, heartbreaks, adult romance, friendships.
🦋
It’s an easy read, well written, love the settings and characters that are in this book interacting and growing 🙌🏻💕 well done.
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Blurb;
I almost gave up on love. My ex, who called his private parts ‘Nigel’, was enough to put me off men forever. But then I met Joe.
Alice thought she’d found Mr Right. Her blue-eyed boyfriend Joe gives her butterflies, makes her bacon sandwiches when she’s hungover, and doesn’t have a nickname for any of his body parts.
She should have known it was too good to be true. Because one day, Alice and Joe bump into Zoe. According to him, Zoe’s ‘just an old friend’. But Alice saw the way they froze, and heard the strange note in Joe’s voice when he said her name.
Then, out of the blue, Zoe needs a place to live. And Joe has the bright idea of inviting her, and her fluffy ginger cat Frazzle, to stay with them.
Alice tries her hardest not to feel threatened. But the thing is, Zoe doesn’t survive off microwave meals, or go days without washing her glossy copper-coloured hair, or accidentally get mascara in her contact lenses.
Joe’s ex might be pretty much perfect, but there’s no way that Alice will let Zoe steal him. She’s on a mission to prove that three (four, if you count the cat) is definitely a crowd…
This fabulous, feel-good page-turner is for anyone who has ever got a little too drunk and checked out their partner’s ex! (We’ve all been there…)
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Genre adult romance, fun, drama
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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#justsaying #adultromance #bookreview #bookstagram #book #reading #tbr #creative #advocate #barowner #switch #lifestyle #love #drama #adventure #lovedit #photography #booksleeve
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🌺
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Just Saying - Sophie Ranald @sophieranald
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🌺
.
📝 Alice & Joe ...
This book made me laugh, cry and relate in some ways with the main characters 😊.
My steno notes: #metoo , old bar, love, drama, heartbreaks, adult romance, friendships.
🦋
It’s an easy read, well written, love the settings and characters that are in this book interacting and growing 🙌🏻💕 well done.
.
🌺
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Blurb;
I almost gave up on love. My ex, who called his private parts ‘Nigel’, was enough to put me off men forever. But then I met Joe.
Alice thought she’d found Mr Right. Her blue-eyed boyfriend Joe gives her butterflies, makes her bacon sandwiches when she’s hungover, and doesn’t have a nickname for any of his body parts.
She should have known it was too good to be true. Because one day, Alice and Joe bump into Zoe. According to him, Zoe’s ‘just an old friend’. But Alice saw the way they froze, and heard the strange note in Joe’s voice when he said her name.
Then, out of the blue, Zoe needs a place to live. And Joe has the bright idea of inviting her, and her fluffy ginger cat Frazzle, to stay with them.
Alice tries her hardest not to feel threatened. But the thing is, Zoe doesn’t survive off microwave meals, or go days without washing her glossy copper-coloured hair, or accidentally get mascara in her contact lenses.
Joe’s ex might be pretty much perfect, but there’s no way that Alice will let Zoe steal him. She’s on a mission to prove that three (four, if you count the cat) is definitely a crowd…
This fabulous, feel-good page-turner is for anyone who has ever got a little too drunk and checked out their partner’s ex! (We’ve all been there…)
.
🌺
.
Genre adult romance, fun, drama
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
.
🌺
.
#justsaying #adultromance #bookreview #bookstagram #book #reading #tbr #creative #advocate #barowner #switch #lifestyle #love #drama #adventure #lovedit #photography #booksleeve
July 4, 2020
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Bookouture for letting me take part in this tour and my copy of this book via netgalley. I really enjoyed No, We Can't be Friends which I read all the way back in January. The world has changed a lot since then but Sophie's writing was still top-notch!
The main character in this book is Alice. Alice seems to have her life exactly on track until she loses her training contract through no fault of her own. This turns her life on its head. Alice was a relatable character. She is strong, ambitious and normal. This might seem like a weird thing to say but this will be relevant once you have read the book.
I don't think I would ever be in the Alice, Joe, Zoe situation but then desperate times call for desperate measures. I have however been in the Alice/Archie situation. For me, I went in the other direction to these two and realised I needed to end my current relationship because it wasn't working but I'm glad that wasn't the case for these.
This book deals with some serious issues and should have a trigger warning for sexual abuse. It also explores the Windrush generation and homosexuality. This is more than just a rom-com and Sophie writes about all of this in such a gentle way that it doesn't ruin the rom-com vibe of the story. While dealing with serious issues the book will still leave you with a smile on your face.
The main character in this book is Alice. Alice seems to have her life exactly on track until she loses her training contract through no fault of her own. This turns her life on its head. Alice was a relatable character. She is strong, ambitious and normal. This might seem like a weird thing to say but this will be relevant once you have read the book.
I don't think I would ever be in the Alice, Joe, Zoe situation but then desperate times call for desperate measures. I have however been in the Alice/Archie situation. For me, I went in the other direction to these two and realised I needed to end my current relationship because it wasn't working but I'm glad that wasn't the case for these.
This book deals with some serious issues and should have a trigger warning for sexual abuse. It also explores the Windrush generation and homosexuality. This is more than just a rom-com and Sophie writes about all of this in such a gentle way that it doesn't ruin the rom-com vibe of the story. While dealing with serious issues the book will still leave you with a smile on your face.
May 26, 2020
Just Saying is the first Sophie Ranald book I have read and I really enjoyed it.
It’s the story of Alice and boyfriend Joe. Both trainee solicitors until Alice finds out the company she works for has put a hold on recruitment so she is out of a job.
She finds herself working behind the bar in a pub and Joe invites his ex girlfriend Zoe, and her cat, to move in with them!
This book is so much more than that synopsis though. It covers serious issues like the Windrush Generation, the Me Too Movement and Homosexuality.........had I read that ahead of reading this book I would have been put off. Who wants a chick lit book covering serious issues like that when we just want escapism right?........Well me it seems! What Sophie Ranald manages to do is write an escapist chick lit book that covers serious issues with sensitivity and tact, winding them in to the story.
This book is definitely not the usual romance novel but that is what I found myself liking most about it.
It also has an excellent cast of characters, I especially like Shirley the landlady of the pub, in my head she was a mixture of Eastenders Shirley Carter and Peggy Mitchell.
Just Saying reminds you to cherish what relationships you have and see the value in true friendships.
Thank you to NetGalley for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It’s the story of Alice and boyfriend Joe. Both trainee solicitors until Alice finds out the company she works for has put a hold on recruitment so she is out of a job.
She finds herself working behind the bar in a pub and Joe invites his ex girlfriend Zoe, and her cat, to move in with them!
This book is so much more than that synopsis though. It covers serious issues like the Windrush Generation, the Me Too Movement and Homosexuality.........had I read that ahead of reading this book I would have been put off. Who wants a chick lit book covering serious issues like that when we just want escapism right?........Well me it seems! What Sophie Ranald manages to do is write an escapist chick lit book that covers serious issues with sensitivity and tact, winding them in to the story.
This book is definitely not the usual romance novel but that is what I found myself liking most about it.
It also has an excellent cast of characters, I especially like Shirley the landlady of the pub, in my head she was a mixture of Eastenders Shirley Carter and Peggy Mitchell.
Just Saying reminds you to cherish what relationships you have and see the value in true friendships.
Thank you to NetGalley for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2020
To see more, visit instagram.com/bookstolivewith
Just Saying by Sophie Ranald is exactly what I was looking for in a contemporary romance — maybe not the greatest book in the entire world, or even the genre, but overall cozy and comforting and perfect for a rainy afternoon read.
The plot revolves around our darling Alice, who, despite her best efforts, loses her job at a prestigious law firm. On top of that, her incredibly romantic and lovely boyfriend Joe, who has just secured a job at the same law firm, has invited his ex-girlfriend from college to stay at their flat to make ends meet while Alice works at the local pub in the meantime. But what happens when Alice wants her “in the meantime” job to become her forever job?
This story was such a feel-good one, all about the power of change and love and how it can work wonders in your life and in the world, despite any nay-saying otherwise. It had some twists and turns I wasn’t expecting, which is always a delightful surprise, and took on some huge real-world issues as well, including the MeToo Movement, immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. That being said, I want right now to put out a huge TW for sexual assault. (It’s handled delicately and intricately but it’s still not something someone should confront unawares.)
I absolutely loved Alice & Joe, who are just too adorable sometimes, and I desperately wanted to find a pub like the one where Alice works, which sounds incredible. I loved her withdrawal from the fast-paced, high-power life of London, as a girl who prefers a slower scene myself, and I love that at the end (no spoilers!) she found a way to combine her multitude of passions into a fulfilling career.
Just Saying by Sophie Ranald is exactly what I was looking for in a contemporary romance — maybe not the greatest book in the entire world, or even the genre, but overall cozy and comforting and perfect for a rainy afternoon read.
The plot revolves around our darling Alice, who, despite her best efforts, loses her job at a prestigious law firm. On top of that, her incredibly romantic and lovely boyfriend Joe, who has just secured a job at the same law firm, has invited his ex-girlfriend from college to stay at their flat to make ends meet while Alice works at the local pub in the meantime. But what happens when Alice wants her “in the meantime” job to become her forever job?
This story was such a feel-good one, all about the power of change and love and how it can work wonders in your life and in the world, despite any nay-saying otherwise. It had some twists and turns I wasn’t expecting, which is always a delightful surprise, and took on some huge real-world issues as well, including the MeToo Movement, immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. That being said, I want right now to put out a huge TW for sexual assault. (It’s handled delicately and intricately but it’s still not something someone should confront unawares.)
I absolutely loved Alice & Joe, who are just too adorable sometimes, and I desperately wanted to find a pub like the one where Alice works, which sounds incredible. I loved her withdrawal from the fast-paced, high-power life of London, as a girl who prefers a slower scene myself, and I love that at the end (no spoilers!) she found a way to combine her multitude of passions into a fulfilling career.
July 4, 2020
An invite to a book tour featuring a book by this author? YES, PLEASE! Her book covers and titles already put a smile on my face even before I have read one single letter of the content, but I also know that the author hides some deeper subjects inside.
A story by this author guarantees tears, either caused by laughter or by feeling the pain the main characters go through. There is another certainty that comes with reading feel good books : a happy ending. No matter what the protagonists have gone through they always find their pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
‘A problem shared is a problem halved’ is one of the proverbs that fit here, but sometimes you are too afraid, too ashamed to share. Once you have overcome these feelings, you can heal.
The author succeeds, once again, to entertain me a lot with her new book. 5 stars
Thank you, Sophie Ranald and Bookouture
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A story by this author guarantees tears, either caused by laughter or by feeling the pain the main characters go through. There is another certainty that comes with reading feel good books : a happy ending. No matter what the protagonists have gone through they always find their pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
‘A problem shared is a problem halved’ is one of the proverbs that fit here, but sometimes you are too afraid, too ashamed to share. Once you have overcome these feelings, you can heal.
The author succeeds, once again, to entertain me a lot with her new book. 5 stars
Thank you, Sophie Ranald and Bookouture
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
June 1, 2020
This ARC was provided to me by NetGalley and Sophie
Thank you sm for this💜
Review
The is in the POV of our beautiful female protagonist Alice🌸
Alice is relatable, confident and ambitious. I loved her. I loved her relationship with Joe, and how their relationship was depicted. They had their ups and downs.
I loved her relationship with her bestie Heather 🌸 I enjoyed everyone from the Nag's Head 💜 and yes Zoë too(she was kind of annoying though, sometimes)
After reading the book I felt satisfied and content. It was like a breath of fresh air and not-so-clichè
Give it a read, you'll love it💜
Amazing work Sophie
The book will be released in JULYYYYY
Thank you sm for this💜
Review
The is in the POV of our beautiful female protagonist Alice🌸
Alice is relatable, confident and ambitious. I loved her. I loved her relationship with Joe, and how their relationship was depicted. They had their ups and downs.
I loved her relationship with her bestie Heather 🌸 I enjoyed everyone from the Nag's Head 💜 and yes Zoë too(she was kind of annoying though, sometimes)
After reading the book I felt satisfied and content. It was like a breath of fresh air and not-so-clichè
Give it a read, you'll love it💜
Amazing work Sophie
The book will be released in JULYYYYY
June 26, 2020
Alice has a good life, a loving boy friend – Joe, a soon to be lawyer and an amazing best friend – Heather. Her life is headed in the right direction and is going according to a plan. She just got confirmed at her office, Joe gets promoted and life couldn’t get any better than it is. But everything begins to tumble and Alice feels like an utter failure in her life.
Alice’s boss gets fired for inappropriate behavior and with him gone, her job is gone too at the Law Firm. Well on her way to success, she suddenly has tumbled down right to the bottom. Not enough on her plate, Joe decided to rent the spare room in their house to his ex and uncannily Alice agrees to it.
Alice starts a new job at a bar. Meets a hot guy who owns a store opposite the bar.
Does Alice go back to her Law Firm job?
What happens when Joe’s ex Zoe begins to live with him?
Do sparks fly again between Joe & Zoe?
Does Alice develop feelings for the new guy?
Does Alice have her happy ending with Joe?
Well, you should read this lovely book to know how it all cohere in the end.
Rating – 3/5 stars
Recommendation – Moderate
Conclusion,
A sweet romantic comedy which takes us through Alice’s highs and lows in life. Depicts her professional passion and her personal esse. A quick and joyous read. Has it’s elements of comedy that keep you in splits in between. All in all, a good read.
P.S – Trigger Warnings – Nil
P.S: Thank You #Netgalley for this ecopy.
Alice’s boss gets fired for inappropriate behavior and with him gone, her job is gone too at the Law Firm. Well on her way to success, she suddenly has tumbled down right to the bottom. Not enough on her plate, Joe decided to rent the spare room in their house to his ex and uncannily Alice agrees to it.
Alice starts a new job at a bar. Meets a hot guy who owns a store opposite the bar.
Does Alice go back to her Law Firm job?
What happens when Joe’s ex Zoe begins to live with him?
Do sparks fly again between Joe & Zoe?
Does Alice develop feelings for the new guy?
Does Alice have her happy ending with Joe?
Well, you should read this lovely book to know how it all cohere in the end.
Rating – 3/5 stars
Recommendation – Moderate
Conclusion,
A sweet romantic comedy which takes us through Alice’s highs and lows in life. Depicts her professional passion and her personal esse. A quick and joyous read. Has it’s elements of comedy that keep you in splits in between. All in all, a good read.
P.S – Trigger Warnings – Nil
P.S: Thank You #Netgalley for this ecopy.
June 1, 2020
After reading "Love Me Like You Do" recently that was a fantastic and realistic rom-com this book just was not up tp par. Yes, it is one of someone that has it all and has many setbacks and learns to deal with it, but that type of scenario happens in many books. I also found Alice to be annoying, pity=party character despite that the writing was good. Perhaps, I will re-read this after publication and feel differently but this was no my favorite rom-com. Still recommend it for other people who love rom-c0ms.
Thanks to Netgalley, Sophie Ranald, and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an hone review.
/Available: 7/3/20
Thanks to Netgalley, Sophie Ranald, and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an hone review.
/Available: 7/3/20
June 3, 2020
An emotional, heart-warming story with plenty of love and laughter.’
This book is absolutely brilliant… I devoured it in a few hours because it was impossible to put down… Be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions… Packed full of laughs… Had me laughing all the way through…
After months of struggling to find another author I love as much as I love Sophie Kinsella I have found her!’
**Thankyou Netgalley and publisher for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of a honest review**
This book is absolutely brilliant… I devoured it in a few hours because it was impossible to put down… Be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions… Packed full of laughs… Had me laughing all the way through…
After months of struggling to find another author I love as much as I love Sophie Kinsella I have found her!’
**Thankyou Netgalley and publisher for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of a honest review**
July 21, 2020
I love Sophie Ranald's intelligent chick lit. Just Saying is properly heart warming. Despite the blurb from the publisher, it's not really about a relationship that hits a pothole in the road. It's more about what you do when you realise your life is going in a direction that isn't making you happy, when you realise that work friends have become 'real' friends, that it takes more than a plum salary and a shiny office to make you feel satisfied and excited about the future, that an accident of geography can give you purpose and direction, and growing up is cherishing the best of the people you meet along the way. Also contains cats, pubs, and Princess Diana poetry. Just LOVELY.
June 19, 2020
When your boyfriend wants to do a flat share with his ex girlfriend, you shouldn’t be worried right? I found myself siding with Alice so much throughout this story. How was she not going mad living in a house with her boyfriend and his long ago ex girlfriend, who seems to still have the hots for him?
I really found myself falling in love with Joe, and I was rooting for Alice to make the right choices, even though I didn’t find her as likeable as other characters. Where is my Joe, and how do I get one?
A heartwarming story about truly finding yourself and being happy.
I really found myself falling in love with Joe, and I was rooting for Alice to make the right choices, even though I didn’t find her as likeable as other characters. Where is my Joe, and how do I get one?
A heartwarming story about truly finding yourself and being happy.
August 24, 2020
I liked this book, it improved as the book progressed so don't be put off by a slow start. It's a rom-com with some serious storylines, which made it different from your typical chick-lit book. It's worth reading for the character's journies, and I think you'll enjoy it. 4 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this book, the opinions are my own and are freely given.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this book, the opinions are my own and are freely given.
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