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Which Way To Happiness?
For ambitious Lizzie career always came first.
So when the opportunity to lead an award-winning project drops onto her lap, Lizzie ignores her attraction for Hudson, the client, and focuses on finally getting the promotion she coveted for year. Only this time Lizzie has fallen in love and keeping the relationship professional is not as easy as she thought.
Things are about to get worse as Lizzie discovers that to save Hudson’s business she will have to choose between his love and her career. No longer sure which one leads to happiness, can Lizzie make the right choice? And what if she wants both?
Which Way to Happiness? is a contemporary romance that will appeal to fans of Jill Mansell and Katie Fforde, but also to any woman who ever wondered if there’s a way to have it all…
So when the opportunity to lead an award-winning project drops onto her lap, Lizzie ignores her attraction for Hudson, the client, and focuses on finally getting the promotion she coveted for year. Only this time Lizzie has fallen in love and keeping the relationship professional is not as easy as she thought.
Things are about to get worse as Lizzie discovers that to save Hudson’s business she will have to choose between his love and her career. No longer sure which one leads to happiness, can Lizzie make the right choice? And what if she wants both?
Which Way to Happiness? is a contemporary romance that will appeal to fans of Jill Mansell and Katie Fforde, but also to any woman who ever wondered if there’s a way to have it all…
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Published January 11, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 12, 2021
Overall, I feel that the writer scratched the surface of both the characters and plot. I wanted there to be more depth to this novel and I don’t think enough was given. As such, I thought this book more of a mediocre read.
Presented with two singletons in their forties, we immediately see that Hudson and Liz have a magnetised attraction to one another. However, as you might have guessed, there are some trust issues creating barriers that Liz cannot break down. Hurt in the past, Liz cannot bring herself to get closer, following her mantra of career before love. Despite desperate to remain professional at all times, Liz cannot deny the sizzling attraction between her and Hudson. As for hunky Hudson, he is keen to respect Liz’s wishes but wants to act on his feelings and end his single status once and for all.
As a premise, this is the basis for a sweet story. It is not steamy and you can see how Liz’s barriers are gradually broken down over the narrative. I found her actions rather frustrating, just like Hudson does, because it is obvious the attraction is there! I wanted to give Liz a wake up call and realise that she was jeopardising something really good, over the preference of a boss who clearly takes advantage of her skills.
Switching between Hudson and Liz’s perspectives, the reader quickly learns that Hudson is acting to protect Liz’s professional reputation. He does everything he can to help her, whilst not sharing what is really happening. Of course, this does inevitably back-fire and cause Liz to question her relationship with him. Again, I found it frustrating with how patient he is, particularly as I thought Liz to be rather ungrateful and rude at times.
I wanted more from this sweet story across all elements of the plot. I wanted to see more of Liz and Hudson at work, and I wanted to see more of their developing relationship. Instead, I found the narrative jumped between plot milestones and this led me to struggle to engage with the characters. I was not convinced by their devoted love and was not believing on the company slur that Liz was facing. Indeed, I think I found the story was rushed through and wish there had been more time taken to develop key parts of the narrative.
This was an alright read but, honestly, it did not blow me away. I was really inspired by the blurb but do not feel it met my expectations. The characters are generally likeable, but I think I preferred Liz and Hudson’s friends over the main characters. However, if you are after a sweet, uncomplicated love story, then this might be the match you are looking for.
With thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Presented with two singletons in their forties, we immediately see that Hudson and Liz have a magnetised attraction to one another. However, as you might have guessed, there are some trust issues creating barriers that Liz cannot break down. Hurt in the past, Liz cannot bring herself to get closer, following her mantra of career before love. Despite desperate to remain professional at all times, Liz cannot deny the sizzling attraction between her and Hudson. As for hunky Hudson, he is keen to respect Liz’s wishes but wants to act on his feelings and end his single status once and for all.
As a premise, this is the basis for a sweet story. It is not steamy and you can see how Liz’s barriers are gradually broken down over the narrative. I found her actions rather frustrating, just like Hudson does, because it is obvious the attraction is there! I wanted to give Liz a wake up call and realise that she was jeopardising something really good, over the preference of a boss who clearly takes advantage of her skills.
Switching between Hudson and Liz’s perspectives, the reader quickly learns that Hudson is acting to protect Liz’s professional reputation. He does everything he can to help her, whilst not sharing what is really happening. Of course, this does inevitably back-fire and cause Liz to question her relationship with him. Again, I found it frustrating with how patient he is, particularly as I thought Liz to be rather ungrateful and rude at times.
I wanted more from this sweet story across all elements of the plot. I wanted to see more of Liz and Hudson at work, and I wanted to see more of their developing relationship. Instead, I found the narrative jumped between plot milestones and this led me to struggle to engage with the characters. I was not convinced by their devoted love and was not believing on the company slur that Liz was facing. Indeed, I think I found the story was rushed through and wish there had been more time taken to develop key parts of the narrative.
This was an alright read but, honestly, it did not blow me away. I was really inspired by the blurb but do not feel it met my expectations. The characters are generally likeable, but I think I preferred Liz and Hudson’s friends over the main characters. However, if you are after a sweet, uncomplicated love story, then this might be the match you are looking for.
With thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2021
Very rarely do I post a review that is not either glowing or nearly glowing, so it is with sadness that in order to be honest, I have to say this book was not for me. Reading it did not lead me to happiness but left me feeling rather empty and cold.
The story is set in the US and is based upon the question of whether you (as in female) can have a career and a happy love life, or whether you can only have one of these things. We join Liz at 40, in Boston, working freelance for a company taking advantage of her incredible interior design skills, who just happens to end up working in collaboration with STYLE and spends a lot of her time trying not to fall in love with CEO Hudson.
I found the constant denial of feelings, playing games with one another but more importantly with themselves, frustrating, annoying and rather emotionally immature for two 40-somethings, even with trust issues.
I WANTED to like the characters, I wanted a happy ending and I wanted to enjoy the romance but Which Way to Happiness just didn't come together to make a happy whole, rather it seemed disjointed, forced and lacking in charm.
I appreciate what an incredible achievement it is to write and PUBLISH a book, so congratulations to author Laura Danks and thanks to Pigeonhole for allowing me the opportunity to read this ahead of publication.
For some, this IS an enjoyable light-hearted, read-in-one-gulp foray into romantic fiction and there will be readers who happily award the book more stars. I can only reiterate that this book was not the perfect reading companion for me.
The story is set in the US and is based upon the question of whether you (as in female) can have a career and a happy love life, or whether you can only have one of these things. We join Liz at 40, in Boston, working freelance for a company taking advantage of her incredible interior design skills, who just happens to end up working in collaboration with STYLE and spends a lot of her time trying not to fall in love with CEO Hudson.
I found the constant denial of feelings, playing games with one another but more importantly with themselves, frustrating, annoying and rather emotionally immature for two 40-somethings, even with trust issues.
I WANTED to like the characters, I wanted a happy ending and I wanted to enjoy the romance but Which Way to Happiness just didn't come together to make a happy whole, rather it seemed disjointed, forced and lacking in charm.
I appreciate what an incredible achievement it is to write and PUBLISH a book, so congratulations to author Laura Danks and thanks to Pigeonhole for allowing me the opportunity to read this ahead of publication.
For some, this IS an enjoyable light-hearted, read-in-one-gulp foray into romantic fiction and there will be readers who happily award the book more stars. I can only reiterate that this book was not the perfect reading companion for me.
January 13, 2021
A friend recommended me this book and it was exactly what I needed to read. With lovely, well sketched out characters and wonderful settings (Boston, Paris and Milan) the author skillfully delivers the story about overcoming trust issues and finding the right balance between love and career. It's a light, charming and utterly enjoyable read.
January 23, 2021
In this charming and satisfying novel, Danks, presents the reader with the question of whether it’s possible to have both a high-powered career and romance.
I loved the settings of Paris, Boston and Milan and the way that Danks cleverly built up the tension and kept the reader engaged.
The perfect read for a day of escapism. I raced through this at breakneck speed and look forward to more of Danks’ Work!
I loved the settings of Paris, Boston and Milan and the way that Danks cleverly built up the tension and kept the reader engaged.
The perfect read for a day of escapism. I raced through this at breakneck speed and look forward to more of Danks’ Work!
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January 28, 2021In her second novel, Which Way to Happiness, Laura Danks gives us another heart-warming contemporary story, set to appeal to readers of Jill Mansell and Sophie Kinsella. Much like her 2018 debut, Almost Forever, there is a deceptive lightness to the overarching storyline which conceals an intelligent and still pertinent debate about the difficult decisions faced by modern women.
Liz is a hugely talented interior designer, continuously overlooked for promotion by her male boss, but beholden to loyalty due to a family connection. When his illness gives her the opportunity to take over the reins of a prestigious contract, she finally sees the opportunity to prove her worth. What she doesn’t bank on is falling for the CEO of the company, the ubiquitously gorgeous Hudson. The attraction is mutual, but what begins as a recogniseable template for romance novels, cleverly transforms into a deeper examination of workplace and gender politics.
Beyond the rich, successful Hudson, his good-natured but slightly bumbling accountant Tom and the arrogant business magnate Malone is a story about male privilege and entitlement which has allowed them to rise to their positions unimpeded, whilst in the background the hidden figures of wives and assistants keep the show running with ruthless efficiency. There is something pleasingly satirical about Dank’s tone in these pages which transmits the grenade of Liz’s quest for success and recognition with subtle efficiency. The question of whether she can have both love and a career - often presented to women as an either/or proposition - is tackled here with an engaging energy and backed up, as the novel progresses, with a convincing argument for female agency.
What keeps the story both measured and satisfying is how choice is maintained as the operative word. Rather than a heavy-handed diatribe about what women should want to be, Danks gives us a number of interesting female characters all making their own decisions about what constitutes happiness.
It was this which stood out as the book’s strength, along with the particularly modern conundrum over the increasing mechanisation of our world. In a society where everything can be done quicker, faster and cheaper by computers, the novel asks, is there a danger of losing the particular human touch that makes us individuals? The novel’s backdrop of the perfectly imperfect historic architecture of London, Paris and Milan strengthens this idea, as do the two central characters of Liz and Hudson. Both mired in their respectively entrenched fears and beliefs about commitment, have they lost the ability to connect on that most primal of human levels? There’s something charming about the naivete of their attraction, something which other reviewers have commented on as being unrealistic or not age appropriate, but which worked for me as an exploration of two people rediscovering the joy of connection after years of denying themselves the risk of failure.
Dank’s confident, readable prose made this a quick, refreshing read which nonetheless repays more attention than some of its readers give it credit for.
Liz is a hugely talented interior designer, continuously overlooked for promotion by her male boss, but beholden to loyalty due to a family connection. When his illness gives her the opportunity to take over the reins of a prestigious contract, she finally sees the opportunity to prove her worth. What she doesn’t bank on is falling for the CEO of the company, the ubiquitously gorgeous Hudson. The attraction is mutual, but what begins as a recogniseable template for romance novels, cleverly transforms into a deeper examination of workplace and gender politics.
Beyond the rich, successful Hudson, his good-natured but slightly bumbling accountant Tom and the arrogant business magnate Malone is a story about male privilege and entitlement which has allowed them to rise to their positions unimpeded, whilst in the background the hidden figures of wives and assistants keep the show running with ruthless efficiency. There is something pleasingly satirical about Dank’s tone in these pages which transmits the grenade of Liz’s quest for success and recognition with subtle efficiency. The question of whether she can have both love and a career - often presented to women as an either/or proposition - is tackled here with an engaging energy and backed up, as the novel progresses, with a convincing argument for female agency.
What keeps the story both measured and satisfying is how choice is maintained as the operative word. Rather than a heavy-handed diatribe about what women should want to be, Danks gives us a number of interesting female characters all making their own decisions about what constitutes happiness.
It was this which stood out as the book’s strength, along with the particularly modern conundrum over the increasing mechanisation of our world. In a society where everything can be done quicker, faster and cheaper by computers, the novel asks, is there a danger of losing the particular human touch that makes us individuals? The novel’s backdrop of the perfectly imperfect historic architecture of London, Paris and Milan strengthens this idea, as do the two central characters of Liz and Hudson. Both mired in their respectively entrenched fears and beliefs about commitment, have they lost the ability to connect on that most primal of human levels? There’s something charming about the naivete of their attraction, something which other reviewers have commented on as being unrealistic or not age appropriate, but which worked for me as an exploration of two people rediscovering the joy of connection after years of denying themselves the risk of failure.
Dank’s confident, readable prose made this a quick, refreshing read which nonetheless repays more attention than some of its readers give it credit for.
January 3, 2021
Which Way To Happiness? delivers all the ingredients of a classic romance in a brilliant blend of contemporary settings.
Taking the world of commercial interior design as a backdrop, Laura Danks paints a very accurate picture of the high stress, high reward culture of an international business, into which she places the book's main characters, Liz and Hudson. This is their story and we get to know them both via a series of cleverly written interactions, seeing them at work and at play with friends and colleagues. The realistic depiction of the main characters and the lively supporting cast is one of the book's great strengths, combined with natural and humour-laden dialogue and vividly described locations. There's an energy to the story that makes the book an easy read and an engrossing page turner.
The action crosses continents and the depictions of life in Boston, Paris and Milan keeps things fresh and pacy. You really come to care about Liz and her career and her building relationship with Hudson, and whether they can win through and combine the two.
Do they succeed? You'll have to read it to find out!
Taking the world of commercial interior design as a backdrop, Laura Danks paints a very accurate picture of the high stress, high reward culture of an international business, into which she places the book's main characters, Liz and Hudson. This is their story and we get to know them both via a series of cleverly written interactions, seeing them at work and at play with friends and colleagues. The realistic depiction of the main characters and the lively supporting cast is one of the book's great strengths, combined with natural and humour-laden dialogue and vividly described locations. There's an energy to the story that makes the book an easy read and an engrossing page turner.
The action crosses continents and the depictions of life in Boston, Paris and Milan keeps things fresh and pacy. You really come to care about Liz and her career and her building relationship with Hudson, and whether they can win through and combine the two.
Do they succeed? You'll have to read it to find out!
January 6, 2021
More than just a love story.
A very current storyline where people are trying to juggle their personal lives and their professional ones.
When Liz meets Hudson nothing could prepare either of them for how their lives would change so dramatically.
But whatever her feelings are for Hudson, Liz’s professionalism and failed past relationship experience could ruin any chance she has of finding happiness.
Liz’s strengths could also cost her more than her job it could cost her, her happiness.
It’s a romantic story that had me so gripped with tension and anticipation I read through to the small hours just so I could finish it, and for a romantic story it was in no way predictable like some can be.
I love how the author gives you more than just a love story, I became totally involved and invested in the lives of the two main characters Liz and Hudson.
This is my first book by this author and I will definitely be looking to be reading more by them.
A very current storyline where people are trying to juggle their personal lives and their professional ones.
When Liz meets Hudson nothing could prepare either of them for how their lives would change so dramatically.
But whatever her feelings are for Hudson, Liz’s professionalism and failed past relationship experience could ruin any chance she has of finding happiness.
Liz’s strengths could also cost her more than her job it could cost her, her happiness.
It’s a romantic story that had me so gripped with tension and anticipation I read through to the small hours just so I could finish it, and for a romantic story it was in no way predictable like some can be.
I love how the author gives you more than just a love story, I became totally involved and invested in the lives of the two main characters Liz and Hudson.
This is my first book by this author and I will definitely be looking to be reading more by them.
January 10, 2021
Which Way to Happiness? Is more than just a love story, it delivers a classic romance in a contemporary setting. An unpredictable page turner with a very current storyline.
Can you ever have it all?
When Liz, an interior designer, meets new client Hudson, nothing could prepare them for how dramatically their lives could change. Liz, has fallen in love and must choose between her love for Hudson and her career. Can Liz make the right choice?
Danks manages to keep you gripped with tension and anticipation throughout, crossing continents, this feels pacy and fresh with a cast of characters that you really grow to love. A wonderful page turner and a light hearted read that I think we could all do with right now!
Can you ever have it all?
When Liz, an interior designer, meets new client Hudson, nothing could prepare them for how dramatically their lives could change. Liz, has fallen in love and must choose between her love for Hudson and her career. Can Liz make the right choice?
Danks manages to keep you gripped with tension and anticipation throughout, crossing continents, this feels pacy and fresh with a cast of characters that you really grow to love. A wonderful page turner and a light hearted read that I think we could all do with right now!
January 11, 2021
Set in the world of commercial interior design and focusing on career-driven Liz, this is a fun, well-written novel about the age-old question, can women have it all? In this case, it's a choice between a high-powered, demanding career and love.
I particularly liked learning more about the interior design business as a backdrop for Liz and Hudson's will-they, won't-they romance. As someone who loves to escape to different places through fiction, I also loved the use of different destinations from Milan to New York to bring the story to life.
This is a really enjoyable read with some unexpected depth, as it explores interesting questions that many women today face.
I particularly liked learning more about the interior design business as a backdrop for Liz and Hudson's will-they, won't-they romance. As someone who loves to escape to different places through fiction, I also loved the use of different destinations from Milan to New York to bring the story to life.
This is a really enjoyable read with some unexpected depth, as it explores interesting questions that many women today face.
January 5, 2021
A romantic will they/won’t they light hearted read. Does Liz’s busy lifestyle allow her to fall in love? Will Hudson be the man to crack her tough business veneer? Will he let her down as the others have done in the past? Or will business get in the way of love and drive them apart? You’ll just have to read to find out.
January 13, 2021
I enjoyed this romance story. This is my first book by this author and I look forward to see what is next for her. This is a well developed story that has characters that make the story pop off the pages. I enjoyed being pulled in right from the beginning. The characters are connectable and made the story fun and easy to read. I highly recommend this book.
January 3, 2021
A charming book about the tussle of balancing work and love. Lizzie has a great job but things start to unravel when Hudson enters her life. It takes us on a journey across nations and back again, thoroughly enjoyable.
January 11, 2021
How can two people fall in love when they are both so immature and indecisive?
These two are supposed to be mature professional people who meet through business. How they ever got to the positions they have, I've no idea. Though both are said to be good at their jobs, neither seem to know how a professional relationship works. Both treat partners, lovers and families equally badly, as they are so wrapped up in work.
Neither of them know what they actually want. They change their minds like the weather.
And of course we have the classic not talking to each other and keeping secrets device to add to the misunderstanding. For me, this just made the story sillier and sillier with some aspects that frankly jarred for me. This, alongside the Mills & Boon language had me reaching for a bucket. I like a good romance, but the characters have to be likeable enough to make me care what happens to them.
Interestingly I'm also reading Laura's previous book and finding it far superior to this one. Perhaps reading one stave every other day did this book no favours at all.
Thank you to Laura and Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read.
These two are supposed to be mature professional people who meet through business. How they ever got to the positions they have, I've no idea. Though both are said to be good at their jobs, neither seem to know how a professional relationship works. Both treat partners, lovers and families equally badly, as they are so wrapped up in work.
Neither of them know what they actually want. They change their minds like the weather.
And of course we have the classic not talking to each other and keeping secrets device to add to the misunderstanding. For me, this just made the story sillier and sillier with some aspects that frankly jarred for me. This, alongside the Mills & Boon language had me reaching for a bucket. I like a good romance, but the characters have to be likeable enough to make me care what happens to them.
Interestingly I'm also reading Laura's previous book and finding it far superior to this one. Perhaps reading one stave every other day did this book no favours at all.
Thank you to Laura and Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read.
January 20, 2021
This was a wonderful contemporary romantic novel. This was extremely well written with believable characters. The story is set around two main characters, Liz and Hudson. Liz works in interior design and is very career minded. At the last minute her boss is unwell and she has to do a pitch the following day for a new customer. Although very tired the next morning after staying up most of the night working on it, she is not too tired to realise that the customer Hudson, was fabulously striking. However, her rule was never get involved with a customer. Laura Danks certainly portrayed the cut throat life top investors extremely well. We were taken to London, Paris and Milan as they looked at the properties that were to be revamped. Liz has been deeply hurt by a past love. Is she able to get past this and start to trust another man? Is Hudson that man. Does Liz throw caution to the wind? I know, for you to find out please buy this light-hearted, funny romance with so many twists.
January 11, 2021
I really enjoyed Which Way to Happiness? What a great read!
I was looking for something to take me away from the current situation, and this book really did it. From Boston to Paris and Milan to Ireland, Which Way to Happiness takes you on a whirlwind adventure with that wonderful, will they, won't they sizzle, that's impossible not to love.
I thought the main character being a nearing 40 business woman and not a twenty something was enlightened. The fact that she had to make choices about her personal life and her career gave it such a current feel.
A romantic read, but also a page turner with twists!
Thoroughly recommend
I was looking for something to take me away from the current situation, and this book really did it. From Boston to Paris and Milan to Ireland, Which Way to Happiness takes you on a whirlwind adventure with that wonderful, will they, won't they sizzle, that's impossible not to love.
I thought the main character being a nearing 40 business woman and not a twenty something was enlightened. The fact that she had to make choices about her personal life and her career gave it such a current feel.
A romantic read, but also a page turner with twists!
Thoroughly recommend
January 16, 2021
I read this with The Pigeonhole and don’t think the every other day format did it any favours. The author suggested this is a “one gulp” read and she’s probably right. I had far too much thinking time between staves to consider the lack of communication between the protagonists and the seemingly complicated ethics of Lizzie’s professional life.
Still, there were things I liked about this book. I’ve never been to Milan and it sounds lovely. I appreciated the ending and I loved one of the character’s wives - without her the book would not have been half so much fun. This is a good, fluffy, romance with a slightly different slant.
Still, there were things I liked about this book. I’ve never been to Milan and it sounds lovely. I appreciated the ending and I loved one of the character’s wives - without her the book would not have been half so much fun. This is a good, fluffy, romance with a slightly different slant.
January 11, 2021
Thank you Laura Danks and The Pigeonhole for providing this as a read. This is an ideal holiday book, laying on a sun lounger reading it as I go (whenever that opportunity may arise again) I did enjoy the read, although did find it quite predictable and it felt like a big chunk was missing from the discovery of the press release and Liz having no job. Other than that, a light hearted read. Thanks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2021
This was an easy read but I didn’t really think the storyline had any great depth to it. It was rather predictable and I did think that Liz and Hudson were quite immature at times, considering their ages. Thanks Pigeonhole and Laura for the chance to read it.
January 13, 2021
Loved every bit of this book, the engaging story of true love and beautiful friendship, the choices we often have to make while finding what matters the most... Believable characters, stunning settings, and romance draws you in from the very beginning. A very enjoyable read!
January 11, 2021
It was a slow burner but I’m glad I stuck with it as I enjoyed the ending
January 30, 2021
I have struggled for some time before writing this review as I appreciate how difficult it is to write a book and send it out into the world and how awful it must be when people don't 'get' it and criticise it. However I was invited to be an early reviewer via the Pigeonhole online book club and asked to give an honest review, so I feel I have to.
The story is quite simple – Liz is 40, a freelance interior designer who despite devoting her life to her career so far, is stuck in a company that takes advantage of her, and yet she feels loyal to because of some family links to her Father back in Ireland. Hudson is the CEO of a company that is utilising Liz's skills, and as we learn very early on, despite the instant and animal-like attraction to each other, Liz does not mix business and pleasure, which is fair enough – although she seems to remind herself of this every time she is about to go right ahead and mix business with pleasure which quickly becomes irritating.
Throughout the book we see lots of game playing, lots of frustrating interactions and lots of really immature behaviours for two people approaching middle age (yes, even people with trolley loads of baggage don't behave like this), and circumstances and situations felt forced in order to further the story. I really wanted to like this book and the characters in it but in all honesty in real life these are the kind of people that if you knew they were invited to the same party as you, you'd plump for a night in washing your hair just to avoid bumping into them. You'd get tired pretty quickly of all their drama.
I am sure I read somewhere that this book has feminist undertones running through it and to be honest I didn't get that impression at all. At times, quite the opposite, in fact.
I'm sure there are lots of fans of romance out there that will devour this frothy, quick read because the 'will they, won't they' back and forth is a proven draw for this genre, however I like my romantic heroines with depth and brains, and ideally to not make me want to pull my hair out with frustration at their bizarre behaviour. I'm a no nonsense kind of 'tell them what you really think' kind of gal, which is the opposite of what this book offers, so perhaps unsurprisingly, I'm sorry, but this one just wasn't for me.
The story is quite simple – Liz is 40, a freelance interior designer who despite devoting her life to her career so far, is stuck in a company that takes advantage of her, and yet she feels loyal to because of some family links to her Father back in Ireland. Hudson is the CEO of a company that is utilising Liz's skills, and as we learn very early on, despite the instant and animal-like attraction to each other, Liz does not mix business and pleasure, which is fair enough – although she seems to remind herself of this every time she is about to go right ahead and mix business with pleasure which quickly becomes irritating.
Throughout the book we see lots of game playing, lots of frustrating interactions and lots of really immature behaviours for two people approaching middle age (yes, even people with trolley loads of baggage don't behave like this), and circumstances and situations felt forced in order to further the story. I really wanted to like this book and the characters in it but in all honesty in real life these are the kind of people that if you knew they were invited to the same party as you, you'd plump for a night in washing your hair just to avoid bumping into them. You'd get tired pretty quickly of all their drama.
I am sure I read somewhere that this book has feminist undertones running through it and to be honest I didn't get that impression at all. At times, quite the opposite, in fact.
I'm sure there are lots of fans of romance out there that will devour this frothy, quick read because the 'will they, won't they' back and forth is a proven draw for this genre, however I like my romantic heroines with depth and brains, and ideally to not make me want to pull my hair out with frustration at their bizarre behaviour. I'm a no nonsense kind of 'tell them what you really think' kind of gal, which is the opposite of what this book offers, so perhaps unsurprisingly, I'm sorry, but this one just wasn't for me.
January 11, 2021
Liz being 40 has a career she enjoys although she does feel that she could probably be more appreciated but has a sense of loyalty to her boss Connor as her dad has links to him. Then along come STYLE, a new client for COBA, who are passed to Liz as her boss suffers from hayfever. When Liz walks into the first meeting and meets Hudson sparks fly between them. As Liz denies herself the chance to be happy, as being her client it would be frowned upon, Hudson can't help but try to win Liz over.
A lovely romance story with the will they won't they theme throughout. As usual with this kind of story, there is a huge misunderstanding which threatens to tear apart the already fragile relationship that Hudson and Liz have managed to build. I did find Liz a bit frustrating at times, she seems to think that she has to choose either a career or a relationship and as all modern women know, it doesn't have to be that way these days. Also as a 40 year old, Liz acts very childish at times. The way she seems to be so insecure and constantly argues with Hudson, I really felt like I wanted to bang their heads together at different parts. When they finally do the deed, you almost want to jump up and down because FINALLY. HAHA.
I did feel however, when things come to a head and the misunderstanding happens, that a huge part of the story is missing. Without giving away any spoilers, we seem to have this huge build up to this event and then suddenly it falls a bit flat. I don't know if the author felt it wasn't needed or if she was advised to take it out but to me it's almost like there are a few pages missing which kind of took something away from the story for me.
However that being said, I did enjoy the story and am glad that Liz and Hudson get their happily ever after.
A lovely romance story with the will they won't they theme throughout. As usual with this kind of story, there is a huge misunderstanding which threatens to tear apart the already fragile relationship that Hudson and Liz have managed to build. I did find Liz a bit frustrating at times, she seems to think that she has to choose either a career or a relationship and as all modern women know, it doesn't have to be that way these days. Also as a 40 year old, Liz acts very childish at times. The way she seems to be so insecure and constantly argues with Hudson, I really felt like I wanted to bang their heads together at different parts. When they finally do the deed, you almost want to jump up and down because FINALLY. HAHA.
I did feel however, when things come to a head and the misunderstanding happens, that a huge part of the story is missing. Without giving away any spoilers, we seem to have this huge build up to this event and then suddenly it falls a bit flat. I don't know if the author felt it wasn't needed or if she was advised to take it out but to me it's almost like there are a few pages missing which kind of took something away from the story for me.
However that being said, I did enjoy the story and am glad that Liz and Hudson get their happily ever after.
January 15, 2021
I had the pleasure of reading this book with the author and The Pigeonhole. They provided the ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Liz is an interior designer. She has a family obligation to work at a design firm for a man who takes advantage of her talent. Liz is in turmoil, she knows she deserves better but the obligation is too strong. When an opportunity arises to advance her career, and possibly love life, Liz finds herself contemplating a very difficult question Which way is happiness?
I like the premise of the book, the romance, the conflict, the settings, however, I found the character development was lacking substance. For me, the characters seemed flat, immature and cliched. The development of the relationships between the character seemed unrealistic and forced. But, it was a good read nonetheless and I found the writing flowed and it had lovely setting descriptions.
Despite my opinions, I read the book to the end, so I suppose at some point I became invested. I am glad I persevered with this one because it played out nicely, for the most part. As a debut novel, I believe Danks is off to a good start and I wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to read her next book. That says a lot doesn’t it?
Liz is an interior designer. She has a family obligation to work at a design firm for a man who takes advantage of her talent. Liz is in turmoil, she knows she deserves better but the obligation is too strong. When an opportunity arises to advance her career, and possibly love life, Liz finds herself contemplating a very difficult question Which way is happiness?
I like the premise of the book, the romance, the conflict, the settings, however, I found the character development was lacking substance. For me, the characters seemed flat, immature and cliched. The development of the relationships between the character seemed unrealistic and forced. But, it was a good read nonetheless and I found the writing flowed and it had lovely setting descriptions.
Despite my opinions, I read the book to the end, so I suppose at some point I became invested. I am glad I persevered with this one because it played out nicely, for the most part. As a debut novel, I believe Danks is off to a good start and I wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to read her next book. That says a lot doesn’t it?
January 13, 2021
This book just wasn't for me. I found Liz to be very immature and hard to like. I also thought that there was a chunk of the story missing, all of a sudden we're told an important part of the plot has happened but this is completely missing from the story, i mean i thought i missed a big part of the book.
I enjoyed the chapters based around the travel it was lovely to read especially being stuck at home this year!
I had quite a bit written about the Irish aspect of the book but I deleted it, lets just say as an Irish person I in no way believed Liz was Irish.
A little bit of research would have made a huge difference to this part but of course most readers probably won't notice!
All in all just not the book for me.
I enjoyed the chapters based around the travel it was lovely to read especially being stuck at home this year!
I had quite a bit written about the Irish aspect of the book but I deleted it, lets just say as an Irish person I in no way believed Liz was Irish.
A little bit of research would have made a huge difference to this part but of course most readers probably won't notice!
All in all just not the book for me.
April 26, 2021
I haven’t read romance in years and it’s not my go to genre but I fancied something a bit different to lighten the lockdown gloom. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel particularly the latter two thirds as by that point I felt fully engaged with the characters and the pace really picked up. I like the fact it’s a romance about 40 somethings and also the multi location setting. I also found some of the secondary characters very engaging especially Ava who is a bit bossy but likeable with it. The main character Lizzie while frustrating at times is also sympathetic in that her work and relationship issues have plagued most women at some point in our lives. If you like the idea of a modern romance with a cast of decent characters then I recommend this book.
January 11, 2021
Really quite enjoyed this book overall.
I read with gaps so it was difficult coming back to to it every couple of days.
It's a classic boy meets girl and falls in love with a few obstacles thrown in their way. It was quite refreshing that the obstacle wasn't another man or woman for a change....this the it was business.
I found the solutions to the problem were a little rushed through and not very well planned out. Also the way professional.afults of their.age.spight to.deal with the problems was a little odd - but a nice light read all the same.
I read with gaps so it was difficult coming back to to it every couple of days.
It's a classic boy meets girl and falls in love with a few obstacles thrown in their way. It was quite refreshing that the obstacle wasn't another man or woman for a change....this the it was business.
I found the solutions to the problem were a little rushed through and not very well planned out. Also the way professional.afults of their.age.spight to.deal with the problems was a little odd - but a nice light read all the same.
January 19, 2021
**2.5 stars**
Which way to Happiness is a classic romantic novel.
It is formulaic, light and easy to read; a book to enjoy on a holiday.
The plot is simple and predictable, perhaps it is slightly lacking in depth.
I could not find affinity with any of the characters.
I thought the main characters were immature, whimsical and unprofessional.
The supporting characters did little to enhance the story.
It was middle-of-the-road experience.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and Laura Danks all the same for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Which way to Happiness is a classic romantic novel.
It is formulaic, light and easy to read; a book to enjoy on a holiday.
The plot is simple and predictable, perhaps it is slightly lacking in depth.
I could not find affinity with any of the characters.
I thought the main characters were immature, whimsical and unprofessional.
The supporting characters did little to enhance the story.
It was middle-of-the-road experience.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and Laura Danks all the same for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
January 11, 2021
Liz is working for COBA, and starts to fall for Hudson who works for her client, STYLE. Knowing that her boss Connor won't approve of a work relationship, she tries to deny her feelings. We have the usual will they, won't they storyline, with a few twists along the way relating to the different companies they work for.
Overall I enjoyed this book, but I was annoyed that a part of the story I found to be quite significant, was skimmed over and not fully explained.
Overall I enjoyed this book, but I was annoyed that a part of the story I found to be quite significant, was skimmed over and not fully explained.
January 22, 2021
This is the first book I have read by Laura Danks, and whilst not a genre I typically read I did enjoy this book, as it was a bit of light relief. I found the main characters to be a bit unbelievable for the ages they were supposed to be, and my favourite character was Ava.
I may read more books by this author in the future.
< I read this book for free on Pigeonhole >
I may read more books by this author in the future.
< I read this book for free on Pigeonhole >
January 13, 2021
This a light (very) predictable romance.
Found the story incredibly frustrating & immature. This was two forty year old ( Liz & Hudson) the way they behaved was so cringe and pathetic, I don't know many of this age that would behave like this.
It was a light read and might be more positively received by those why really enjoy the romance genre.
Thanks to The Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity.
Found the story incredibly frustrating & immature. This was two forty year old ( Liz & Hudson) the way they behaved was so cringe and pathetic, I don't know many of this age that would behave like this.
It was a light read and might be more positively received by those why really enjoy the romance genre.
Thanks to The Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity.
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