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Holiday Romance #3

A Sunset in Sydney

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How far would you go in the name of love?

Sarah Parsons has a choice ahead of her. After the trip of a lifetime she’s somehow returned home with TWO handsome men wanting to whisk her away into the sunset.

Pulled in two directions across the globe, it’s making life trickier than it sounds. Her gorgeous American Josh, wants to meet Sarah in Hawaii for a holiday to remember. Meanwhile silver fox James plans to wine and dine her in London.

It’s a lot to handle for this Aussie girl, who had totally sworn off men!

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 3, 2020

206 people are currently reading
820 people want to read

About the author

Sandy Barker

20 books376 followers
I’m a writer, traveller and hopeful romantic with a lengthy bucket list, and many of my travel adventures have found homes in my novels. I’m also an avid reader, a film buff, a wine lover and a coffee snob.

I am currently on a one-year sabbatical, living and writing across the world, with my partner, Ben, who I met while travelling in Greece. Our real-life love story inspired my debut novel One Summer in Santorini, the first in the five-book Holiday Romance series with One More Chapter, an imprint of HarperCollins.

Also with One More Chapter, is the Christmas Romance series, celebrating my favourite time of the year, and a stand-alone romcom, The Dating Game, set in the world of reality TV.

I am now writing for Boldwood Books, including the 5-book Ever After Agency romcom series. Next up are 5 more standalone romcoms for Boldwood.

I am represented by Lina Langlee of The North Literary Agency.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
Profile Image for Berit☀️✨ .
2,095 reviews15.7k followers
July 3, 2020
London, Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand. Sandy Barker takes you around the world in this compelling story. Let me preface this with I do not like love triangles, and boy was this one heck of a love triangle. This is not to say I didn’t like the book, but I was perpetually frustrated with Sarah the female protagonist. SO in the first book of the series Sarah met two men while on vacation in the Greek Islands. Josh a younger free spirit from America. Jack the “silver fox“ A successful millionaire from England. The story starts off with Sarah visiting her sister in London and meeting up with Jack. Jack is very sophisticated and Sarah was very intimidated by this. Where my frustration was with this is that I don’t think Jack was doing anything to make Sarah feel inferior, it was all in Sarah’s head. Jack really was a good guy and did not deserve Sarah‘s mind to be elsewhere when she was with him. Then Sarah went to go visit Josh in Hawaii for New Year’s. Hawaii is gorgeous and the couple was swept up in all its beauty. Sarah was much more relaxed with Josh, but Josh wasn’t willing to commit. Now where this frustrated me is I don’t know how Sarah could be upset with Josh for not committing when she was dating someone else as well? The final part of this book involves Sarah going home to Australia and a quick trip to New Zealand and ultimately her decision between Josh and Jack. My favorite parts of the book (other than all the gorgeous settings) was the relationships between Sarah and her sister as well as Sarah and her Bestie. Although if I were them I would be annoyed with Sarah’s continual whining about having two great guys in love with her, UGH. This is the third book in the series and while you can read it as a standalone you probably would appreciate reading the first book for some backstory (the second book is about Sarah sister Kat, and probably my favorite of the series). An entertaining read set in some pretty spectacular locations.

This book in emojis 🍷 🌴 🍾 🏝 🍹

*** Big thank you to One More Chapter for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Profile Image for Jeannette.
807 reviews192 followers
June 21, 2020
Also available in the WondrousBooks blog.

The premise: Sarah, a Sydney woman of around 37 years, goes on a solo trip to Greece where she meets two men - a 28-year-old American and a 52-year-old Brit. Josh and James. She then continues seeing both of them for a time and has to decide which one she wants to stay with.

I might be over-analyzing, but I absolutely hated Sarah. It's not only that she's not a good role model, which annoys me in female leads from time to time, but she's a person whom, if I'd met her in real life, I'd actively dislike and avoid. Taking that into account, you can probably see how that ruined the whole book for me.

Why the hate, you'd ask.

Well, Sarah is at an age closer to 40 than she is to 30. Now, I have nothing to say about people in their 40s or 50s or later, even, who have fun and sleep around. It's their business. But that's not the problem with her being at that age. The problem is how generally immature she is. I believe around 30% of the book was Sarah crying and having meltdowns over her two boyfriends. Speaking of the two boyfriends - another shining example of how exactly childish her behaviour is. She's so embarrassing to read about, I was cringing and eye-rolling half of the book. She's so petty, she keeps talking about how expensive or not things are, she keeps throwing in names of brands and restaurants and whatnot, and spoiler alert - I don't know any of those so it meant absolutely nothing to me. Also, she's extremely dishonest, going on and on and on how either Josh or James hasn't made up their mind about her. Well, guess what, you haven't made up your mind either... And not to mention the nerve she had to get pissed off at James and spend the whole night seething because he was a bit shaken up by seeing his ex-girlfriend, while she herself is actually in a sort-of a relationship with another guy at the same time. Disgusting. Additionally, the woman has a serious alcohol problem. She's drinking throughout the majority of the book, and not just a glass for good measure, but actually getting somewhere on the range from tipsy to hammered and often being hungover. It's so incredibly unbecoming for anyone, and especially a nearly 40-year-old schoolteacher, to be drunk half the time while dating two guys, flashing herself naked to bellboys and having sex in public spaces. Not my type of person AT ALL.

If one tries to see this book beyond Sarah's presence, it's nothing special either. I thought I'd enjoy the travel part of it, but aside from a few flashy restaurants, a sunset here and there, and many occasions where Sarah and the boyfriend of the hour do not go sightseeing so that they can have sex and drink, there isn't much travel, really. I was excited about the bit in New Zealand, I thought that might bring something to the book, but nope, how New Zealand was described was "better than the Peter Jackson tourist advertisement" or something. What's more, and what completely lost me, was the fact that Sarah/the author actually used the opportunity to badmouth The Lord of the Rings movies as being too long and boring. Only an incredibly shallow and depraved person would think that it's okay to have a drunken, cheating, insecure and dishonest main character (who also uses the word "wowzer" more than once, teacher and all) and expect readers to root for her, but to talk crap of a story which has, with its values, inspired generations of readers and viewers.

tenor-1

(Quarantine: Book 20)
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,361 reviews570 followers
May 17, 2020
Are you team James or Team Josh?

Whichever you are they are both back and still vying for Sarah to make up her mind and pick one of them.

So we have the gorgeous silver fox who can promise to keep Sarah in a life of luxury. Or the young one who is sexy, hasn't got a clue how to express his feelings.

The book is split into three parts, one for each man in a different location, and the the culmination where I still wasn't sure who Sarah would pick.

Part two was easily my favourite section, but whether that was due to Sarah's companion or the exotic location I'm not sure. All I know is I would have happily jumped on plane to join them based on the descriptions.

Then again I could have easily spent time in bed with part one's male lead!

I'm being deliberately vague about it all so as not to give anything away but suffice to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Seeing Sarah torn at times is painful but equally I could understand her too, and thankfully her best friend and sister both have great advice at points in the story..

There is probably enough background in it to be read as a standalone, but why deny yourself the opportunity to read One Summer in Santorini first if you can.

I loved spending more time with these characters and just adored every second of this book.

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Profile Image for Javier.
1,179 reviews305 followers
June 12, 2020
When I first got a widget for “A sunset in Sydney” I didn’t realized it was part of a series and, although it can be read as a stand alone, I guess it would be preferable to read first the other books to know about Sarah’s story from the beginning and where she’s coming from.

Although the love triangle situation was a bit of a cliché it was entertaining enough if only because all the different places Sarah gets to travel to. I must say I had major issues with her attitude for the most part. I don’t think she was fair with Josh and James (call me old fashioned, but I like my lovers one at a time) and found her stringing them along pretty selfish. I can’t understand her dilemma but at least be clear with both guys so they know where they stand! But Sarah was not the only one being selfish. When Josh asks her to not make any decision and put her life on hold till he makes up his mind I couldn’t believe it! Seriously? I think that the only one who behave maturely all throughout the story was James, as he was the one that from the beginning put all his cards on the table.

There were some pretty great secondary characters and I would love to read their stories. Siobhan was so fun and I loved how Lindsey and Nick were so supportive of Sarah while being straight forward without sugarcoating their opinions of her behavior.

Although I had some issues with the MC I’m curious enough to read the other books of the series.

3,5⭐️

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK One More Chapter for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Samantha Tonge.
Author 33 books336 followers
May 29, 2020
One of the most romantic reads I have read for a while. It was great spending time, again, with Sarah, Josh and James- although the book can be easily read as a standalone. I loved the descriptions of the different locations and kept swapping my mind as to whether I was Team Josh or Team James, so I totally understood Sarah's confusion as to which one really held her heart!
Love triangle fiction at its best, with two gorgeous men and a very likeable female protagonist. Do yourself a favour and lose yourself in this perfect, escapist read. A real treat!
Profile Image for Linn Halton.
Author 26 books276 followers
June 30, 2020
A fabulous, fun and immensely enjoyable read.

Who can resist a love triangle? The beautiful cover sets the scene and prepare to be pulled in two directions. Aussie girl, Sarah, has a dilemma – two utterly gorgeous men. Lucky, lucky Sarah!
It made me want to jump on a plane and experience the wonderful locations for myself… but oh, the angst and you can really feel what Sarah is going through.

Wonderful friendships, locations you’ll want to add to your bucket list and a story that pulls on the heartstrings… are you a Josh, or a James fan? I know whose arms I would instantly fall into, but that’s my secret! Grab a copy and make your own decision!
Profile Image for Nikki Moore.
Author 42 books72 followers
May 30, 2020
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of this Holiday Romance series, and I’m so happy to have read the third book. I really enjoyed travelling to London, Hawaii, Sydney and New Zealand with Sarah and the two men in her life - Josh (sexy American boy) and James (Silver Fox). It was like stepping into a fantasy; the perfect escapist read during lockdown. Armchair travel is the way to go!

I’m not going to include any spoilers, but suffice to say that A Sunset in Sydney had the same light, fun feel as the other books, and while I couldn’t relate to Sarah as I’ve never been in a love triangle, I could relate to her confused feelings and how hard she found it to make a decision. I would’ve liked her to be more proactive, but that’s just because of how decisive I am!

What I also enjoyed - like with the other books - were the self-discovery and growth elements, together with the strong friendship bonds. They add a warmth and extra dimension to the story.

I can’t wait for another Sandy Barker book.. Who knows where we’ll travel next?
Profile Image for Steph Lawrence.
514 reviews
June 5, 2020
I loved the two previous books in The Holiday Romance Series.
Book 1 was One Summer in Santorini, which featured Sarah on a boat, touring the Greek Islands.
Book 2 was That Night in Paris, this one featured Sarah’s sister Cat. She was on a coach tour around Europe.
Sarah and Cat are from Australia. Cat is currently living in London, and is a teacher. Sarah is also a teacher and lives in Sydney, she has been staying in London for a couple of weeks with Cat.
Sarah has returned from her Greek Island adventure, where she met two men after vowing to forget about men for a very long time. Fellow shipmate Josh, a cute American guy, several years younger than herself, who makes her laugh and shares her longing for a bigger life. And there was James, a very handsome silver fox from England who she bumped into on shore. She felt either could turn into something serious. How could she choose? Did she want either?
So, was I Team Josh, or Team James?
Sarah meets up with James in London, he lives a luxury lifestyle with lots of travel and a beautiful house. He wines and dines her and she can feel herself falling for him.
She feels a constant guilt because she is meeting up with Josh in Hawaii for New Year.
I especially loved the holiday with Josh in Hawaii. The scenery and days out were just stunning. The trip out when they swam in the waterfall pool was amazing. A friend they made at the hotel, Siobhan, was very amusing and a real party girl. I loved the relationship between Sarah and Josh, although there were many unsaid conversations. Were they destined to become serial holiday flings?
Back in Oz, James visits Sydney on business and promptly whisks Sarah off to New Zealand for a few days. The scenery here was idyllic. Many unsaid conversations here too.
Sarah has to make a choice on Josh, James or neither. Who do she feel her real self with? You will need to read it to find out.
An easy-going read, I really enjoyed it.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the review copy in which I give my honest opinion.
Will post to my blog on publication day.
https://steflozbookblog.wordpress.com/
Profile Image for Jeanie.
729 reviews16 followers
June 8, 2020
NetGalley

Member Review
Cover Image: A Sunset in Sydney
A Sunset in Sydney
by Sandy Barker
Pub Date: 3 Jul 2020
Review by

jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 8 Jun 2020
My Recommendation
With thanks to one more chapter for an early copy in return for an honest review
Having never read this author's work before I was highly delighted withe book it's a real sunshine book easy to ready and highly entertaining throughout I can highly recommend this for a nice easy light beach read.
Profile Image for Julie Houston.
Author 15 books118 followers
May 31, 2020
Nothing better than a good old love triangle to keep one hooked and reading in the sunshine! What a great idea Sandy Barker has come up with to split A SUNSET IN SYDNEY into three parts so, not only do the rather lovely Silver Fox and the younger James receive equal attention (hmmm!) but we're also transported off to fabulous destinations into the bargain. Sandy writes with such attention to detail that one is either left crying with frustration that one can't, at the moment, go to these beautifully described places oneself or, as in my case, simply sat in the garden while delightfully and cleverly whisked off to Hawaii and Sydney (one of my all time favourite places) in my head.
This is a fun, light summer novel, cleverly written and guaranteed to have you holding your breath to the very last page!
Profile Image for Courtney Stuart.
248 reviews9 followers
June 8, 2020
This is an Australian book written by an Australian author and this review is by an Australian woman, so Australian slang shall be used liberally throughout…. With explanations so that you too can speak Aussie when needed.

Sarah Parsons (Sarah-Jane when she’s in trouble) discovered that her bogan (sort of like an asshat) boyfriend was cracking the fat (gaining an erection) with another sheila (a woman) and rather than be treated like a mug (a gullible person), she unceremoniously dumped (got rid of) him. As all girls do after a traumatic breakup, she hauls herself off for a much-needed ripper (great, fantastic) holiday to the back of Burke (a very long way away) where her desire is to be as boy free as possible and avoid any B & S parties (Bachelors' and Spinsters' Ball - a party usually held in rural areas.) Grouse (awesome) right? But fate has different plans and sweet as (something really good), Sarah meets not one, but two eligible men who take more than a passing interest in her. One is younger than her, techie and a Yank (American) and the other is a millionaire, silver fox Pommie (English) who lives in London. So what’s a girl to do? Date them both and try them on for size. Strewth! (exclamation or mild oath.) That makes for a busy time for our girl as she juggles the affections of both men. But Sarah has an amazing connection with both men and cannot seem to make up her mind which man she is falling for – is it possible to fall for two men at once? Because bloody oath (certainly true), eventually she is going to have to make a choice.

This book is the third in the Holiday Romance series by Barker, but joyfully, can be read as a stand-alone, although chances are you’re going to want to go back and read the other two novels in the series because they are just so much fun. The characters are well defined, the confusion that Sarah experiences are beautifully portrayed and there is a healthy dose of Australian flavour in the style of writing – although there is not the Aussie slang so don’t worry, you won't be reaching for a dictionary as you read this book! It is fun to see both men vying for her attention and without a doubt it will have you choosing which team you are on, hoping Sarah will choose the right guy – whoever that might be. Sarah as our heroine is a lovely break from the usual 20-something woman so often found in romance stories as she is at the delightful age of thirty-seven, making her much more relatable for the slightly older reader and has fantastic married friends and family who give her sage advice along the way.

This is entertaining, lighthearted and a real treat for an easy-going day.
Profile Image for Novel_Natters.
324 reviews11 followers
July 7, 2020
Light-hearted, funny & entertaining!

Sarah has to pick between to very different guys, the question is are you a James or Josh fan? I really enjoyed reading the international love triangle and you are kept guessing till the very end.

The sumptuous descriptions of London, Sydney & Hawaii are so vivid I could easily imagine myself in these glorious destinations.

It just missed out on 5⭐ because I wouldn't have imagined Sarah as a 37, she seemed a bit immature to me and I would have assumed she was a twenty-something this didn't take any my enjoyment, it was just a little niggle I had.

Whilst this is part of the Holiday Romance series and it can be read as a standalone, Barker does a fabulous job of catching us up so we know exactly what is going on.

Overall, I would recommend A Sunset in Sydney as a fabulous gateway read, perfect in these times when being whisked off to somewhere sunny is merely a dream.

A huge thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, One More Chapter & NetGalley for sending me a copy in return for an open & honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Julie.
Author 5 books228 followers
July 3, 2020
After reading the first book where Sarah meets both her silver fox, James, and younger lover, Josh, we are left wondering how her love life will pan out - especially after she has sworn off men. This book deals with Sarah meeting up with James in London and I was convinced she had found her soul mate even though she feels that she doesn't really belong in James' world. When Josh invites her to Hawaii, again I thought they made a lovely couple until Sarah suspects that he is immature and not ready to settle down. She has to make a decision and it is testament to Sandy Barker's writing that i experienced Sarah's dilemma as I read. Read the book to find out what Sarah decides - hopefully you won't be disappointed, but did you guess correctly?
Profile Image for Susanne Baker.
728 reviews30 followers
May 3, 2021
Wow! Three is definitely the magic number!
It’s the third book in this brilliant series of travel/food/romance books by the immensely talented author Sandy Barker, whose wonderfully descriptive words whisk you away to amazing exotic locations, where you mix with tremendously entertaining and engaging characters whilst you are there.
Three is also significant as it’s a love triangle going on!
I adore both James and Josh, and I honestly would struggle too, they both have very endearing moments and connections with the love confused Sarah. I constantly kept changing my mind as to who would become her choice, it was an awesome will they won’t they theme, that was double the fun as it was played out so well with both love interests throughout the story.
I won’t divulge too much more on this as I don’t want to give away any spoilers, just to say it was incredibly entertaining to read!
Loved the travelling and eating/drinking components of the story, you feel like you are there too! Many times I craved what the characters were eating and drinking, and I certainly wanted the gorgeous men she was deciding over too! ❤️
This is the perfect balance of romance, heartwarming friendships, breathtaking locations and intrigue to find out who will be chosen, it kept me enthralled constantly. Just a sensational summer read 📖😊☀️
Profile Image for Charlotte.
187 reviews
May 18, 2020
Digital copy supplied by NetGalley for review

A great quick summer read for everyone longing for romance. Set between Sydney, London and Hawaii this is perfect for anyone missing travel.

Sarah has herself stuck between two men and the “who will she choose” storyline will have you gripped throughout and I am very happy with her choice at the end.

I only realised this was part of a series later on in the book but I don’t feel I missed anything by not having read the rest of the book.
Profile Image for Karen Kingston.
971 reviews17 followers
June 29, 2020
4.5 stars - loved my virtual visit to London, Sydney, Hawaii and New Zealand

I’m thrilled to share my review for the latest book by Sandy Barker. Thank you to One More Chapter and Rachel’s Random Resources for a digital review copy via NetGalley – my thoughts are my own and not influenced by the gift.

Synopsis:

How far would you go in the name of love?

Sarah Parsons has a choice ahead of her. After the trip of a lifetime she’s somehow returned home with TWO handsome men wanting to whisk her away into the sunset.

Pulled in two directions across the globe, it’s making life trickier than it sounds. Her gorgeous American, Josh, wants to meet Sarah in Hawaii for a holiday to remember. Meanwhile silver fox, James, plans to wine and dine her in London.

It’s a lot to handle for this Aussie girl, who had totally sworn off men!

Join Sarah after her adventure in One Summer in Santorini, for the heart-warming and uplifting third novel in The Holiday Romance series.


My thoughts:

After enjoying reading One Summer in Santorini last year, I was thrilled to hear that we continue following Sarah’s story after leaving Greece.

If you haven’t read One Summer in Santorini, Australian Sarah has met a young American Josh and an older Brit James (aka Silver Fox). This story follows Sarah in the months after Santorini – will she rediscover her mojo for teaching and will she find a special someone to share her life with?

I enjoyed this book even more than One Summer in Santorini, especially the trip to Hawaii. It was great to see how Sarah’s trip to Greece changed her outlook on life and how she discovered what was important to make her happy. There is a great cast of characters and locations, and I loved the ending. A lovely summertime read full of virtual visits to foreign countries.
Profile Image for Lucy Mitchell.
Author 5 books51 followers
July 25, 2020
An excellent read!!

Sandy Barker writes a damn good love triangle. She knows what her romance readers want from this trope; complicated choices and some lovely suspense, which made me wonder which one of these gorgeous male suitors would emerge victorious in her arena of love.
It was a really enjoyable read and the beautiful locations made it perfect armchair escapism.
There were some really good saucy scenes in this book and I will say this - Sandy Barker knows how to make her readers reach for their handheld electric fans.  I think my electric fan had to have a battery change after part 1 with James.
Throughout the book Sarah was fighting an internal battle between her head and her heart. I loved her guilt spells and her journey of self discovery as these made her more realistic.
The minor character of Siobhan, who Sarah meets when she's with Josh, derserves her own book. I thought she was a really fun and interesting character.
Overall a good read and I am trying my hardest not to give the game away about which male suitor she chooses. *Sits on hands*
Profile Image for Cathy.
317 reviews
June 17, 2020
This book picks up Sarah's love triangle with James, the silver fox and Josh, the younger lover. She met both of these men while she was on holiday in Greece. This story is covered in Barker's first book. It is possible to read this one as a stand alone novel.

Sarah is torn as she is fond of both of her lovers and geography is an issue with both of them. James lives in England, Josh in the US. As the book progresses she shares some lovely meals, and holidays with both of the men. But where does her heart lie.

I thoroughly enjoyed Barker's description of London, Hawaii, Sydney and New Zealand; as well as Sarah's romantic predicament.
11 reviews
June 17, 2020
This book is part of the author’s romance series, although each novel can be read as a stand-alone. If readers are reading out of order, the author does a great job catching you up!

What I love about all three novels in the series is that the opening scenes feature sisters Cat and Sarah, which really sets things up nicely. A Sunset in Sydney picks up Sarah’s story after she leaves Greece (One Summer in Santorini). Each sister is on their own journey, and each have a fabulous story to tell (Cat’s story was That Night in Paris).

The love triangle in this book was fabulous! I love a good triangle. What I really love is that both men Sarah has feelings for are completely different, which makes it difficult for the MC to choose. This is what we readers call tension! 😊 Not a cliché as I read in another review, but what a reader looks for. I mean, how many times do we watch movies or read a book where the MC agonizes over two loves that are basically the same? We don’t. That would be boring. Boring movie, boring book.

I think we can all be a little selfish when it comes to love, and this story brings that home. Again, tension. Which I love in a romcom. I also love the other characters in this book, and I really hope the author writes about them too, because I’m totally invested now! Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to review this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Claire.
1,870 reviews16 followers
June 7, 2020
A Sunset in Sydney is the third book in the Sandy Barker trilogy following in from One Summer in Santorini and One Night in Paris. Once again we are joining Sarah, she’s had her summer in Greece where she met the handsome and suave James and also the gorgeous Josh. After returning home she finds herself pulled in different directions by two very different men. She’s agreed to meet Josh in Hawaii for New Year but James also wants to entertain her in London. This book is a really fun read that will take you on a great journey with Sarah as she tries to work out which man is for her. I would rate this book 4.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, One More Chapter and the author for the chance to review.
Profile Image for Melissa.
365 reviews20 followers
July 5, 2020
When the world around you is in turmoil, and all your travel plans have been cancelled for the foreseeable future, a light, happy romance is practically medicinal.

Sandy Barker's third entry into her Holiday Romance series, A Sunset in Sydney, fills that prescription perfectly. It's light but not too fluffy, keeps you entertained, and has really engaging characters, as well.

Sarah, our protagonist, opens the novel with a complaint many of us wish we'd had when we were young and single: two love interests. James a "silver fox" she meets while sightseeing, and Josh, whom she meets on the same vacation, on a ten-day sailing trip, and whom she immediately has what she calls a "Ross and Rachel, will they / won't they" relationship.

Both men are engaging, witty, attractive. James is in London, where Sarah's sister Cat also is, so she uses her time there to meet up with him, and Josh, the "cute American" has made plans to meet her in Hawaii four months after their initial sailing trip.

What follows is typical romance novel fare, made distinctly original by Barker's handling of both comedy and flirtation. Instead of a cookie-cutter story, we are treated to a tale about people who are all searching for what they truly want out of love and life, with trial and error, doubts and insecurities, misfires and marvelous encounters, all wrapped up in a package of well-written dialogue, and characters you truly enjoy spending time with.

This was my first introduction to Barker's work, but I'm hooked and can't wait to read the other novels in this series, as well as her other writing.

Overall, this is the perfect light read, for summer, for quarantine, or just for a murky, damp weekend when you want to escape into someone else's life for a while.

Goes well with grilled tequila lime shrimp and a margarita on the rocks.
Profile Image for Ashley Tyler.
1,286 reviews58 followers
June 13, 2020
Thanks to NetGallery, One More Chapter Publishing, and Sandy Barker for a free E-book copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
While this is the third book in the series, this book can be read as a standalone. This book is about a woman named Sarah, who is determined to finally make a decision between the two handsome men, who she met while vacationing in Greece, in her life that would love to build a life with her. One is a very rich yet handsome sliver fox man, James. The other is a handsome American man, Josh. Both have a place in her heart, but there can only be one to make a future with. As Sarah is working through the pros and cons of each man, she meets each of them for a romantic getaway. Sarah spends time wining and dining with James in London as she is also spending time with her sister. Then Sarah flies to Hawaii for a romantic New Years' holiday with Josh. Which man holds Sarah's heart? Who will she choose?
This book was so good! I am not always a fan of love triangles because most authors tend to make the guy they want a stronger character in the book than the other man, so there is not much a choice, but this author had no such problem! She was able to make each man equal in their appeal and chemistry with Sarah. I loved the different locations Sarah was able to travel with both of these men. Each location as well as the activities and outings they had together really provided another way to show their personalities also how much they really knew Sarah. Just like Sarah, I went back and forth between the two men. The writing and story line was well developed and kept a great pace for each part of the book. I liked that the author broke the story up into 3 parts. It made the section full and purposeful in building up to the ultimate result of Sarah's choice. I was pleased with Sarah's choice in the end! And no I will not tell, you will have to read the book to find out! Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend this book to those who enjoy reading travel books with romance.
Profile Image for Jane Hunt.
Author 3 books114 followers
July 7, 2020
The love triangle that left us guessing at the end of One Summer in Santorini is back, and it's decision time for Sarah. You need to read book one to find out how she meets James and Josh, but there is enough backstory to clue you into her dilemma.

The story takes place in London with James, Hawaii with Josh and then New Zealand and Australia. The travel is descriptive and gives this romantic comedy its edge. Sarah is a little like a child in a sweet shop wanting both, having both and then not sure which she likes best. However, her emotional journey is insightful. She decides, but is it who you thought? I confess to being slightly disappointed with her choice, but it's the right one for her.

The characters are flawed and relatable there are lots of humorous moments which are easy to visualise and then there's the romance what more do you need? Lovely.

I received a copy of this book from the author and One More Chapter in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for K.M. Allan.
Author 6 books62 followers
July 10, 2020
Ever since reading Sandy Barker’s first book, One Summer In Santorini, I’ve been waiting for the conclusion to Sarah’s love story and I was not disappointed. This is my favourite book by the author so far (although I say that with every new release), and it had me laughing out loud, wondering what choice Sarah was going to make, and grinning ear to ear by the time the final chapter came to a close. This is the ultimate escape fiction, whisking you off on a travel adventure filled with fun, real characters, food descriptions that will have you salivating, and romance that will touch your heart.
60 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2020
Another fabulous book by Sandy

This is the third book in this series and is just as fabulous as the other two. Sandy has a lovely way of writing, her characters are well written, very believable, I think if they were real I'd love to be friends with them! It was lovely being back in Sydney even though it was virtual, even if you've not been you will feel as if you have. I couldn't tell until near the end who Sarah would end up with which is great, hate knowing too soon in cases such as this. You do need to read the previous two books, no hardship there! I have already pre-ordered Sandys next book!
18 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2020
I enjoyed this book although I was rooting for Sarah to get with the person she didn’t choose in the end I can understand her reasons why. Now can we have one more book about jean luc and cat and how there life continues please :)
Profile Image for Kate Mclaughlin.
267 reviews3 followers
July 3, 2020
I love A Sunset in Sydney, the characters are engaging and the flow is perfect.
It's a cruel world where you've sworn of men and then two come at once, both holiday romances and both with the potential for something more.
Sarah's conflict is evident from the very beginning as is her humor via her internal monologue making this 5 star story a joy to read.
My thanks to the author, #OneMoreChapter and #Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review #ASunsetInSydney
Profile Image for Ritu Bhathal.
Author 5 books154 followers
July 24, 2020
Having devoured the first two books in Sandy' Barker's series, I was eager to get to this concluding title to see what happened.
And I wasn't disappointed.
Sarah went on a trip to the Greek islands, sworn off men, and ended up coming home with the possibility of two relationships at the end of the first book.
In this third episode detailing the lusts, losses and loves of Sarah, along with plenty of wine and alcohol, we hoped to come to some conclusion.
And it didn't disappoint!
Sandy Barker has a great way of describing the places visited, so you feel as if you are there with the characters, so I feel like I can say I've visited Maui, Sydney and parts of New Zealand!
Aside from the travel, the 'who will she choose?' scenario kept me on my toes the whole book.
Would it be cute, young American dude, Josh, or older, more experienced, extremely attractive, and rather rich, James?
Of course, I'm not going to tell you... you'll have to get the book to find out!

Many thanks to NetGalley. Harper Collings and One More Chapter for an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kel.
597 reviews15 followers
June 26, 2020
I loved One Summer in Santorini last year when I read it and was eager to read this next instalment and see where Sarah is at in her love triangle with Josh & James.

This book is based between London, Maui, Sydney and New Zealand. I loved the choice of locations used and the beauty of each destination. The descriptions were vivid so I could picture the scenery at each location, reading this book was like a glorious holiday with the authors love for travel apparent throughout the book.

I loved reading about the relationships between the three main characters and how they progress as the adventures for Sarah continue. This is the perfect sun lounger book and I made the most of reading this whilst we experienced glorious sunshine.

A brilliant trip to Sydney which I thoroughly enjoyed and kept me entertained from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Alyce Caswell.
Author 18 books20 followers
May 13, 2020
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sarah went on holiday not expecting to meet anyone. She meet two someones and now must make a decision - except that decision isn't easy. James is a silver fox and makes her feel out of her depth. Josh is younger and indecisive. At least she gets to travel and see new sights while she makes her decision!

If you love drama and travelling, this book has both in spades. And why read about a love triangle when you can read about a love triangle with a backdrop that includes London, Hawaii, Sydney and New Zealand? It was great to see the resolution of plot threads from One Summer in Santorini, even if Sarah's toing and froing was a little exhausting. Barker has provided another enjoyable shot of escapism.
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