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You Again?
From the bestselling author of Dumped, Actually comes a hilarious, heartfelt story about marriage, divorce and what the hell happens next.
Amy and Joel’s honeymoon in the Maldives was the perfect week of love, sun, sex and a free minibar…but unfortunately, it was also the high point of a marriage that quickly descended into an absolute disaster zone.
Eight years on, they’re back in paradise, trying to recreate the magic with new partners. What a crying shame they’ve picked the same week to do it…
Trapped together on an island small enough to spit across with the wind behind you, Amy and Joel pick up right where they left at total loggerheads. And so begins a hideous week of rivalry, one-upmanship and score-settling—as each tries to prove they’ve now comprehensively won at life.
The thing is, hurt and pain are strongest where there was once love. And what if being back in this island paradise, with all its wonderful memories, sets sparks flying in more ways than one?
Amy and Joel’s honeymoon in the Maldives was the perfect week of love, sun, sex and a free minibar…but unfortunately, it was also the high point of a marriage that quickly descended into an absolute disaster zone.
Eight years on, they’re back in paradise, trying to recreate the magic with new partners. What a crying shame they’ve picked the same week to do it…
Trapped together on an island small enough to spit across with the wind behind you, Amy and Joel pick up right where they left at total loggerheads. And so begins a hideous week of rivalry, one-upmanship and score-settling—as each tries to prove they’ve now comprehensively won at life.
The thing is, hurt and pain are strongest where there was once love. And what if being back in this island paradise, with all its wonderful memories, sets sparks flying in more ways than one?
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2021
1208 people are currently reading
4130 people want to read
About the author
Nick Spalding
36 books1,385 followersNick Spalding is an author who, try as he might, can't seem to write anything serious.
Before becoming a full-time author, he worked in the communications industry, mainly in media and marketing. As talking rubbish for a living can get tiresome (for anyone other than a politician), he thought he'd have a crack at writing comedy fiction - with a very agreeable level of success so far, it has to be said. Nick is now a multimillion seller. This flabbergasts him every single day.
Nick is now in his fifties - and is rather annoyed at the universe about it, because it gave him no choice in the matter. He's also addicted to Thai food and roast potatoes (not together), loves Batman and Warhammer, and has a dreadful singing voice.
***
Find out more about Nick and his books at www.nickspalding.com
Before becoming a full-time author, he worked in the communications industry, mainly in media and marketing. As talking rubbish for a living can get tiresome (for anyone other than a politician), he thought he'd have a crack at writing comedy fiction - with a very agreeable level of success so far, it has to be said. Nick is now a multimillion seller. This flabbergasts him every single day.
Nick is now in his fifties - and is rather annoyed at the universe about it, because it gave him no choice in the matter. He's also addicted to Thai food and roast potatoes (not together), loves Batman and Warhammer, and has a dreadful singing voice.
***
Find out more about Nick and his books at www.nickspalding.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 435 reviews
December 12, 2021
Attraction?
Nick Spalding is guaranteed to make me laugh out loud in every book he writes, and this one is no exception. Nick identifies contemporary issues and crafts situations around them with his own unique and humorous style. You, Again is a story of Joel and Amy travelling on holiday to the Maldives for the first time since their honeymoon, only this time with two different partners.
Joel and Amy were realtors and once a high-flying successful couple, complementing each other perfectly and revelling in the winning reputation. Following a botched booking and lost sale of a high-end customer, Amy lost her job and blamed Joel for his negligence and failure to support her. Consequently, their marriage ended, and now they are with two new partners, but still profoundly scarred and angry with each other.
As Joel and Amy both tell the story, we discover Joel and his girlfriend Cara in the airport, ready to check-in for their flight to the Maldives, when they spot Amy with her new partner Ray. Surely, they can’t be taking the same flight. Surely, they can’t be going to the same resort. Surely, they can’t be staying in adjacent water bungalows? Joel ponders, “This is the real world, and coincidences don’t just keep piling up on top of one another.” He is right. In the real world, that wouldn’t happen, and adults that they are also wouldn’t act the way they did. I was disappointed that the storyline was so artificial and convenient to enable the comedic moments. The scenes can be quite outlandish, but if that is enough to satisfy then you will be rewarded with funny sketches and enjoyable slapstick humour.
The characters have little depth and, in many ways, are unlikeable. They make the most half-baked decisions that had me shaking my head, so my experience consisted of throwing my head back laughing or shaking my head in disbelief. I'm probably going to get whiplash. There is a formula to Nick’s novels, and you pretty much know the ending before you open a page – he brings struggles, disaster, comedy and a reaffirming life message. I knew exactly how this story would end and who the underhanded villain was.
Criticism of this book aside, I will always read Nick Spalding and lift one of his books when I want something light-hearted and funny. My rating for the book is 3.5 stars, and I want to thank Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ARC in return for an honest review.
Nick Spalding is guaranteed to make me laugh out loud in every book he writes, and this one is no exception. Nick identifies contemporary issues and crafts situations around them with his own unique and humorous style. You, Again is a story of Joel and Amy travelling on holiday to the Maldives for the first time since their honeymoon, only this time with two different partners.
Joel and Amy were realtors and once a high-flying successful couple, complementing each other perfectly and revelling in the winning reputation. Following a botched booking and lost sale of a high-end customer, Amy lost her job and blamed Joel for his negligence and failure to support her. Consequently, their marriage ended, and now they are with two new partners, but still profoundly scarred and angry with each other.
As Joel and Amy both tell the story, we discover Joel and his girlfriend Cara in the airport, ready to check-in for their flight to the Maldives, when they spot Amy with her new partner Ray. Surely, they can’t be taking the same flight. Surely, they can’t be going to the same resort. Surely, they can’t be staying in adjacent water bungalows? Joel ponders, “This is the real world, and coincidences don’t just keep piling up on top of one another.” He is right. In the real world, that wouldn’t happen, and adults that they are also wouldn’t act the way they did. I was disappointed that the storyline was so artificial and convenient to enable the comedic moments. The scenes can be quite outlandish, but if that is enough to satisfy then you will be rewarded with funny sketches and enjoyable slapstick humour.
The characters have little depth and, in many ways, are unlikeable. They make the most half-baked decisions that had me shaking my head, so my experience consisted of throwing my head back laughing or shaking my head in disbelief. I'm probably going to get whiplash. There is a formula to Nick’s novels, and you pretty much know the ending before you open a page – he brings struggles, disaster, comedy and a reaffirming life message. I knew exactly how this story would end and who the underhanded villain was.
Criticism of this book aside, I will always read Nick Spalding and lift one of his books when I want something light-hearted and funny. My rating for the book is 3.5 stars, and I want to thank Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ARC in return for an honest review.
August 19, 2021
You Again? by Nick Spalding would probably best be described as just a chicklit comedy. Some may toss this one into the romance pile but there isn’t really romance as you follow the two couples involved since half of each couple were once married and now feuding.
Amy and Joel had once gotten married and enjoyed a perfect honeymoon on an island in the Maldives. Since that time they have divorced and moved on in the two years since their divorce with other people. The marriage had not ended on a happy note and Amy and Joel have not really spoke in the two years.
When an Expedia deal pops up for the Maldives Joel knows it would be the perfect place to take his girlfriend to relax after some rough times at work lately. However, when Joel is checking into the airport he sees his ex-wife and does his best to avoid her while he waits for his flight. While boarding though Amy is right there across the aisle from Joel heading to the Maldives with a new man.
You Again? was one of those books that it seemed like as soon as I started reading I was cackling out loud making my family wonder if I’d completely lost it. This one brings to mind the old saying of there are three sides to every story, his, hers and the truth and readers get to follow a hilarious week in an amazing locale while they peel back the layers to the characters stories to find the truth. The only reason I didn’t give this one a full five stars was because being American a few jokes didn’t translate with the characters being European otherwise it was a great read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Amy and Joel had once gotten married and enjoyed a perfect honeymoon on an island in the Maldives. Since that time they have divorced and moved on in the two years since their divorce with other people. The marriage had not ended on a happy note and Amy and Joel have not really spoke in the two years.
When an Expedia deal pops up for the Maldives Joel knows it would be the perfect place to take his girlfriend to relax after some rough times at work lately. However, when Joel is checking into the airport he sees his ex-wife and does his best to avoid her while he waits for his flight. While boarding though Amy is right there across the aisle from Joel heading to the Maldives with a new man.
You Again? was one of those books that it seemed like as soon as I started reading I was cackling out loud making my family wonder if I’d completely lost it. This one brings to mind the old saying of there are three sides to every story, his, hers and the truth and readers get to follow a hilarious week in an amazing locale while they peel back the layers to the characters stories to find the truth. The only reason I didn’t give this one a full five stars was because being American a few jokes didn’t translate with the characters being European otherwise it was a great read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
August 15, 2021
This book's biggest downfall was the immaturity of the main characters and being advertised as a romance book. I picked this book up thinking it was going to be a second chance romance that was going to be a mix of You Deserve Each Other and The Unhoneymooners. I even came across it on NetGalley in the romance section. The summary suggests it will be a romance. But boy was I wrong.
This book is about a divorced couple who find themselves on vacation at the same time with their new significant others at the same spot they had gone for their honeymoon 6 years prior. In order to get on each other's nerve, both end up finding themselves in the middle of prank war as if they were 2 year olds.
Don't get me wrong, I think a good prank war can build chemistry and propel the story. But pranks in books have to be done very well for me to enjoy them. They were done very, very poorly in this book. The reason the prank war begins is because the heroine and the hero's bungalows end up being next to each other, the heroine decides to move to another bungalow. Once she gets there, she realizes she can't see the sunset she as she had dreamed about. So she blames it on the hero. The next day, she sabotages his massage session and tells the massage lady to give him a deep tissue massage instead of the relaxing massage he requests for. Their immature prank war starts from there. They proceed to act like children on a vacation they could have easily ignored each other on.
That wasn't the limit to their immaturity. You know in middle school, there was that weird, toxic "couple" that were super mushy gushy and then broke up because one of them didn't show up on time to hold hands around the courtyard, and then for the rest of middle school those two would call each other names and go out of their way to be mean to each other and act like children? That was this couple. They behaved like literal children. Right off the bat, the hero and heroine were calling each other names, causing fights in public, constantly being super passive aggressive in their minds, letting their negative vibe take over their entire day, doing these "comical" bits where they would hide behind plants or underneath tables to avoid each other like this is some early 2000s disney channel movie, etc. The worst part? Their divorce could have easily been solved by communication and maturity, which neither of them possessed. If I am being honest, I did not want them to end up together because they were so immature and had zero chemistry. I felt bad for the guy who ends up with the heroine, he was way to understanding and mature for her.
I was super creeped out by how the hero's new girlfriend was 10+ years younger than him and he was consistenlty being described as old and wrinkly with a receding hairline or something like that. He would also mention how he can't wait to see his girlfriend in tiny clothing in the weirdest way. Don't get me wrong, I am not against an age gap romance, especially with a dilf or a nice guy with a dad bod. I am in no way trying to body shame or age shame the hero. (One of my favorite heroes, Martin from Olivia Dade's Teach Me is an average looking man with a dad bod in his 40s. So looks and age aren't an issue). The way they were described made me envision a slimy, subpar white male with a bitchy, milf-wannabe girl. Their dynamic was so off putting. Don't even get me started on the girlfriend. It was very evident from the way she talked and behaved that she was significantly younger than him. In age gap romances, I need maturity from both parties. The worst part? The young girlfriend was secretly sabatoging the hero and heroine's relationship the whole time. I mean, really? I am so tired of the "bitchy younger girlfriend" stereotype. If the hero and heroine would have just communicated then they could have resolved their issues.
I just can't with this book. I normally don't get this upset over a book, but I did not like it at all. But I am an advocate for writing holistic reviews, to try and find the best in every book. So I guess I will say this, the book does do a good job of being an "anti-romance" I guess. Despite the divorced couple being the hero and heroine, just because they were married once does not mean they have to end up together. It does a good job of showing how to identify when you really aren't made for a person and how to let yourself be ok with that and find happiness elsewhere. That is, honestly, an extremely valuable lesson to learn.
I wish this book gets better marketed so it doesn't end up in the hands of someone expecting a romance because of the way it was advertised.
I do thank Amazon Publishing, Nick Spalding, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion, but this book is a pass for me.
This book is about a divorced couple who find themselves on vacation at the same time with their new significant others at the same spot they had gone for their honeymoon 6 years prior. In order to get on each other's nerve, both end up finding themselves in the middle of prank war as if they were 2 year olds.
Don't get me wrong, I think a good prank war can build chemistry and propel the story. But pranks in books have to be done very well for me to enjoy them. They were done very, very poorly in this book. The reason the prank war begins is because the heroine and the hero's bungalows end up being next to each other, the heroine decides to move to another bungalow. Once she gets there, she realizes she can't see the sunset she as she had dreamed about. So she blames it on the hero. The next day, she sabotages his massage session and tells the massage lady to give him a deep tissue massage instead of the relaxing massage he requests for. Their immature prank war starts from there. They proceed to act like children on a vacation they could have easily ignored each other on.
That wasn't the limit to their immaturity. You know in middle school, there was that weird, toxic "couple" that were super mushy gushy and then broke up because one of them didn't show up on time to hold hands around the courtyard, and then for the rest of middle school those two would call each other names and go out of their way to be mean to each other and act like children? That was this couple. They behaved like literal children. Right off the bat, the hero and heroine were calling each other names, causing fights in public, constantly being super passive aggressive in their minds, letting their negative vibe take over their entire day, doing these "comical" bits where they would hide behind plants or underneath tables to avoid each other like this is some early 2000s disney channel movie, etc. The worst part? Their divorce could have easily been solved by communication and maturity, which neither of them possessed. If I am being honest, I did not want them to end up together because they were so immature and had zero chemistry. I felt bad for the guy who ends up with the heroine, he was way to understanding and mature for her.
I was super creeped out by how the hero's new girlfriend was 10+ years younger than him and he was consistenlty being described as old and wrinkly with a receding hairline or something like that. He would also mention how he can't wait to see his girlfriend in tiny clothing in the weirdest way. Don't get me wrong, I am not against an age gap romance, especially with a dilf or a nice guy with a dad bod. I am in no way trying to body shame or age shame the hero. (One of my favorite heroes, Martin from Olivia Dade's Teach Me is an average looking man with a dad bod in his 40s. So looks and age aren't an issue). The way they were described made me envision a slimy, subpar white male with a bitchy, milf-wannabe girl. Their dynamic was so off putting. Don't even get me started on the girlfriend. It was very evident from the way she talked and behaved that she was significantly younger than him. In age gap romances, I need maturity from both parties. The worst part? The young girlfriend was secretly sabatoging the hero and heroine's relationship the whole time. I mean, really? I am so tired of the "bitchy younger girlfriend" stereotype. If the hero and heroine would have just communicated then they could have resolved their issues.
I just can't with this book. I normally don't get this upset over a book, but I did not like it at all. But I am an advocate for writing holistic reviews, to try and find the best in every book. So I guess I will say this, the book does do a good job of being an "anti-romance" I guess. Despite the divorced couple being the hero and heroine, just because they were married once does not mean they have to end up together. It does a good job of showing how to identify when you really aren't made for a person and how to let yourself be ok with that and find happiness elsewhere. That is, honestly, an extremely valuable lesson to learn.
I wish this book gets better marketed so it doesn't end up in the hands of someone expecting a romance because of the way it was advertised.
I do thank Amazon Publishing, Nick Spalding, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion, but this book is a pass for me.
August 28, 2021
DNF. I stopped reading at the 40 percent mark. There are some genuine chuckles in this novel, in which Amy and Joel meet up eight years after their honeymoon in the Maldives after a nasty divorce and with their new partners. I can imagine how awkward it would be to be on a small island with my ex after our venom-filled divorce, but we’d probably just shoot each other some nasty glances and do our best to avoid each other. The silly antics these alleged adults got up to as a means of exacting revenge on one another simply strained credulity and I couldn’t finish. That's the challenge of writing comedy.
Thanks for NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel.
Thanks for NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel.
August 5, 2021
I have a strange relationship with this authors books, I either love them or don’t BUT always just HAVE to read the next one I see by him because even the ones I don’t love I kinda like
And this is funny, it didn’t have me cackling with mirth but it did have me smiling pretty much all the way through it, his matey style of writing really worked in this one and the situations the divorced couple found themselves in when both turned up with their new partners at the airport for the same flight to the same place were unimaginably yet imaginably horrific
He also pulled off an emotive slant as well that worked and showed a real human side to all involved, well most but will leave that there
So if you want to relax in the Maldives, have fun and a few, well a lot of grimaces and keep thinking ‘thank goodness that’s not me’ and occasionally be irritated by it all but ultimately feel better for reading something, this is for you
9/10
5 Stars
And this is funny, it didn’t have me cackling with mirth but it did have me smiling pretty much all the way through it, his matey style of writing really worked in this one and the situations the divorced couple found themselves in when both turned up with their new partners at the airport for the same flight to the same place were unimaginably yet imaginably horrific
He also pulled off an emotive slant as well that worked and showed a real human side to all involved, well most but will leave that there
So if you want to relax in the Maldives, have fun and a few, well a lot of grimaces and keep thinking ‘thank goodness that’s not me’ and occasionally be irritated by it all but ultimately feel better for reading something, this is for you
9/10
5 Stars
November 16, 2021
Amy and Joel both suck in a lot of different ways. But that is not why I gave this book 1 star. Nope, I gave it 1 star because this is not a romance. This is billed using similar terms to other romance books that are going for the "second chance romance" trope. And instead we get this. This mess of a book that ends on a decidedly not happily ever after or even a happily ever for now. This is just....nope. I have loved some of Spalding's earlier books that were funny and also romantic. But his latter stuff seems to be fixated on juvenile humor acts that no one would find funny (case in point the ex-wife setting up her husband for a terrible massage, the ex-husband setting up the ex-wife by having her eat something he knows is going to cause her gas). I just kept reading and shaking my head. And the reason behind the break-up was dumb as can be and sigh. Anyway, this is not a romance book and should not be billed as such.
"You Again" follows ex-spouses Joel and Amy who take their love interests back to where the two shared a honeymoon years ago. That right there should let you know that Joel and Amy are on some f***ery. There two love interests I started calling Bland (the dude) and Way Too Young (the woman). The book jumps back and forth between Joel and Amy's point of view that gets into what went wrong in their marriage, their jobs, etc. and how they decide to make a vacation into a game of one up man ship that makes everyone around them tired.
If I had to point out who sucked more I am going to go with Amy. She's the one who started the whole mess. And then Joel comes out no better IMHO. Why either of them have romantic partners who want to put up with them is baffling. And what kills me is that Spalding writes this so that those two are the only pairing with any type of romantic chemistry. Which makes me wonder what in the world was he thinking with his ending.
Yup jumping right to the ending. It doesn't work. At all. I think Spalding is going for some see how I can buck the usual trope here, but that's the thing. If this isn't a romance or a second chance romance it should not be billed as such. Call it freaking fiction and keep it moving. Luring in readers by saying yep this is a romance and when they get to the ending is going to cause them to gnash their teeth.
The writing is not that great. I am tired of Spalding's toilet humor appearing in all of his books. I get it, gas apparently is supposedly funny. And people having diarrhea? I don't know. The plot is very weak on this one and the supposed thing that happened to cause Joel and Amy to break up made zero sense and then Spalding throws in something that has a character suddenly turn out to be 100 percent insane. But somehow forgiven in like 5 minutes. Whatever.
"You Again" follows ex-spouses Joel and Amy who take their love interests back to where the two shared a honeymoon years ago. That right there should let you know that Joel and Amy are on some f***ery. There two love interests I started calling Bland (the dude) and Way Too Young (the woman). The book jumps back and forth between Joel and Amy's point of view that gets into what went wrong in their marriage, their jobs, etc. and how they decide to make a vacation into a game of one up man ship that makes everyone around them tired.
If I had to point out who sucked more I am going to go with Amy. She's the one who started the whole mess. And then Joel comes out no better IMHO. Why either of them have romantic partners who want to put up with them is baffling. And what kills me is that Spalding writes this so that those two are the only pairing with any type of romantic chemistry. Which makes me wonder what in the world was he thinking with his ending.
Yup jumping right to the ending. It doesn't work. At all. I think Spalding is going for some see how I can buck the usual trope here, but that's the thing. If this isn't a romance or a second chance romance it should not be billed as such. Call it freaking fiction and keep it moving. Luring in readers by saying yep this is a romance and when they get to the ending is going to cause them to gnash their teeth.
The writing is not that great. I am tired of Spalding's toilet humor appearing in all of his books. I get it, gas apparently is supposedly funny. And people having diarrhea? I don't know. The plot is very weak on this one and the supposed thing that happened to cause Joel and Amy to break up made zero sense and then Spalding throws in something that has a character suddenly turn out to be 100 percent insane. But somehow forgiven in like 5 minutes. Whatever.
August 15, 2021
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I can't believe I am just discovering Nick Spaulding. This was a fun read and many, many times, I found myself laughing out loud and seriously annoying my dog.
Joel and Amy were once married and kicked off their marriage at a resort in the Maldives. But their marriage ended and the divorce was messy. The two have moved on and have found their perfect person. Unbeknownst to each of them, they plan a much-needed vacation with their partners to their little paradise, and soon discover each is on the same trip. The author really punctuates their disdain for one another which morphs into opportunities to give each other a bollocking. It is hilarious, and your respect for the author is escalated because his imagination to one-up the other is so creative and sometimes cringy.
The story evolves and eventually gets to the reason for the breakdown of the relationship. While the comedy is entertaining, the emotions of the characters are spot on and you find yourself liking them and wanting a good ending which in this case was perfect.
I can't believe I am just discovering Nick Spaulding. This was a fun read and many, many times, I found myself laughing out loud and seriously annoying my dog.
Joel and Amy were once married and kicked off their marriage at a resort in the Maldives. But their marriage ended and the divorce was messy. The two have moved on and have found their perfect person. Unbeknownst to each of them, they plan a much-needed vacation with their partners to their little paradise, and soon discover each is on the same trip. The author really punctuates their disdain for one another which morphs into opportunities to give each other a bollocking. It is hilarious, and your respect for the author is escalated because his imagination to one-up the other is so creative and sometimes cringy.
The story evolves and eventually gets to the reason for the breakdown of the relationship. While the comedy is entertaining, the emotions of the characters are spot on and you find yourself liking them and wanting a good ending which in this case was perfect.
September 9, 2021
You Again? was a pretty quick read to dive into last night. In it, you will meet Joel and Amy. At first, they were happily married and enjoying their little vacation. Until that all went up in flames. Years later, they had a very messy divorce and somehow found new loves. It's a little hilarious that they both planned to revisit their little love island around the same time because things go from bad to really bad very quickly.
Each situation that they were thrown into made me laugh so hard. I will admit, though, that at times it felt like they were throwing little tantrums here and there instead of acting like adults. Which, I guess in their very weird case - made sense? Maybe? Not sure right now. I think I need more coffee before I figure that out.
It took these two forever to finally acknowledge what really went down and it was a little annoying that it did take so long. It also doesn't hurt that their feelings for one another never went away. Which, yes, made things very awkward and difficult for their significant others. Yikes!
In the end, it was very cute and hilarious at times. I will definitely look out for another Nick Spalding book.
Each situation that they were thrown into made me laugh so hard. I will admit, though, that at times it felt like they were throwing little tantrums here and there instead of acting like adults. Which, I guess in their very weird case - made sense? Maybe? Not sure right now. I think I need more coffee before I figure that out.
It took these two forever to finally acknowledge what really went down and it was a little annoying that it did take so long. It also doesn't hurt that their feelings for one another never went away. Which, yes, made things very awkward and difficult for their significant others. Yikes!
In the end, it was very cute and hilarious at times. I will definitely look out for another Nick Spalding book.
August 16, 2021
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this arc.
The idea behind this book is fun; it features enemies to lovers, a tropical holiday to the Maldives and lighthearted banter - all things that are right up my alley in a rom-com-esque book.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t for me. I struggled with the characters and found them very petty and immature despite their ages. I didn’t connect with the story at all and found it fairly difficult to get into, especially as I didn’t warm up to anyone the more I read.
The pranks had the potential to be amusing and a highlight of the book, but I found them to be executed quite poorly, adding to the childish tone surrounding the main characters.
In saying this, there were definitely times that I genuinely laughed and I did enjoy some parts, but overall, I wouldn’t pick this book up again and I feel as though it is wrongly advertised as romance.
The idea behind this book is fun; it features enemies to lovers, a tropical holiday to the Maldives and lighthearted banter - all things that are right up my alley in a rom-com-esque book.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t for me. I struggled with the characters and found them very petty and immature despite their ages. I didn’t connect with the story at all and found it fairly difficult to get into, especially as I didn’t warm up to anyone the more I read.
The pranks had the potential to be amusing and a highlight of the book, but I found them to be executed quite poorly, adding to the childish tone surrounding the main characters.
In saying this, there were definitely times that I genuinely laughed and I did enjoy some parts, but overall, I wouldn’t pick this book up again and I feel as though it is wrongly advertised as romance.
August 7, 2021
I thought it was a bit odd that I hadn't discovered Nick Spalding before as I'm a sucker for humorous prose, the author delivering that and much more besides. And for the joy of raucous laughter, it was either pinching myself or finding another place to read where I wouldn't disturb my folk. I have to mention the book cover, too. I'm not that keen on the graphic art look, but the bold font, bright colours and fitting illustration are easy on the eye.
The story's premise is strong, if not preposterous; however, I’m a staunch believer in coincidences. And no pun intended, but when fate comes out to play the funniest trick on Amy Caddick and Joel Sinclair, they don’t know where to put themselves. I mean, who would ever expect to bump into your ex on the same plane destined to go to the same idyllic island where you’d spent your honeymoon years back!
So, the fun begins! The one-liners and quick-witted comebacks that go beyond sarcasm are cleverly thought-out; nonetheless, Joel and Amy’s intrusive thoughts felt a tad repetitive. But what I liked one helluva of a lot was observing them cope with the now. And the author’s masterful show-don’t-tell-all technique not only kept me on my toes but also had me wondering how the story would pan out.
I didn’t connect to Amy straightaway. She came across as bloody-minded, vengeful and to be quite honest, some of her actions angered me. But my opinion of her slowly changed as I got more into the book. Joel’s a likeable chap and doesn’t sit on his laurels either. I adored Ray, the calming force in a storm of animosity and Amy’s love interest. In contrast, Joe’s girlfriend, Cara, didn’t knock the socks off me.
I’m very partial to present-tense narratives combined with dual perspectives, the author hitting the mark. And I have to say that his descriptive writing and play with words was inch-perfect. Although the unexpected twist was a pleasant surprise, the ending felt a little sudden for my liking. Having said that, You Again? is an enjoyable summer read that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. Bravo, Spalding!
ARC kindly received from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
The story's premise is strong, if not preposterous; however, I’m a staunch believer in coincidences. And no pun intended, but when fate comes out to play the funniest trick on Amy Caddick and Joel Sinclair, they don’t know where to put themselves. I mean, who would ever expect to bump into your ex on the same plane destined to go to the same idyllic island where you’d spent your honeymoon years back!
So, the fun begins! The one-liners and quick-witted comebacks that go beyond sarcasm are cleverly thought-out; nonetheless, Joel and Amy’s intrusive thoughts felt a tad repetitive. But what I liked one helluva of a lot was observing them cope with the now. And the author’s masterful show-don’t-tell-all technique not only kept me on my toes but also had me wondering how the story would pan out.
I didn’t connect to Amy straightaway. She came across as bloody-minded, vengeful and to be quite honest, some of her actions angered me. But my opinion of her slowly changed as I got more into the book. Joel’s a likeable chap and doesn’t sit on his laurels either. I adored Ray, the calming force in a storm of animosity and Amy’s love interest. In contrast, Joe’s girlfriend, Cara, didn’t knock the socks off me.
I’m very partial to present-tense narratives combined with dual perspectives, the author hitting the mark. And I have to say that his descriptive writing and play with words was inch-perfect. Although the unexpected twist was a pleasant surprise, the ending felt a little sudden for my liking. Having said that, You Again? is an enjoyable summer read that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. Bravo, Spalding!
ARC kindly received from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
November 21, 2021
Once again Nick Spalding has had me in hysterics with this simply amazing book.
In a set of coincidences ex husband and wife Joel and Amy are both going back to the Maldives to where they honeymooned together, but with their new partners on the same week.
And naturally once they are aware of this fates conspire to keep bringing them together,
Cue a game of one-upmanship and jokes as they try to get to grips with this holiday and how they cab live alongside each other in paradise.
And there are so many moments that had me laughing out loud in public places as this caught my imagination in so many ways and greatly amused me.
It was light hearted pure escapism at is best and just an all around fabulous book, and a great holiday read.
Nick Spalding really is my king of hilarious comedy novels!
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
In a set of coincidences ex husband and wife Joel and Amy are both going back to the Maldives to where they honeymooned together, but with their new partners on the same week.
And naturally once they are aware of this fates conspire to keep bringing them together,
Cue a game of one-upmanship and jokes as they try to get to grips with this holiday and how they cab live alongside each other in paradise.
And there are so many moments that had me laughing out loud in public places as this caught my imagination in so many ways and greatly amused me.
It was light hearted pure escapism at is best and just an all around fabulous book, and a great holiday read.
Nick Spalding really is my king of hilarious comedy novels!
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
August 23, 2021
This is an hilarious read! I enjoyed it a lot and literally couldn't stop laughing throughout the book!
Joel and Amy were married for four years, and the marriage ended very badly two years ago. They are now both with new partners, and without knowing they both book the same week holiday in the same perfect maldivian island.
The situations they encounter when they are forced to be together for the week are laugh out loud funny. The book is told alternating Joel's and Amy's points of view, which worked perfectly (it reminded me a bit of Love... From Both Sides, another Spalding's book I read a long time ago and also liked a lot).
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion. **
Joel and Amy were married for four years, and the marriage ended very badly two years ago. They are now both with new partners, and without knowing they both book the same week holiday in the same perfect maldivian island.
The situations they encounter when they are forced to be together for the week are laugh out loud funny. The book is told alternating Joel's and Amy's points of view, which worked perfectly (it reminded me a bit of Love... From Both Sides, another Spalding's book I read a long time ago and also liked a lot).
** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion. **
August 20, 2021
The second half of this book made up for the first half. The first half was funny, but I didn't think it was funny enough to justify or balance out some of my issues with it. One issue was that the book was shallow--it's about two people who used to be married that are now with other people and end up on the same vacation as each other since they're going back to the Maldives where they had their honeymoon, and there was an Expedia deal they both found. It makes sense enough not to be too coincidental, but at the same time, the author spends pages and pages with them at the airport then getting set on the island, and it's way too detailed and dragged out. There's no depth there. My other issue is that one of the first-person narrators, Joel, is...okay, he's not racist. I don't know the word for it. Just ignorant, I guess? And judgmental. He makes internal comments and observations about people that are really mean and definitely prejudiced and again, just ignorant. He consistently notes that the Maldivians are short and look young, and as a brown person who's not even five feet tall and whom people consistently mistake for a student rather than a professor, I found that annoying and not worth pointing out. Brown people look different than white people? Individual brown people look different than other brown people because we're all created differently? So, yeah, the humor wasn't really enough to balance that out.
It is funny, though. I did laugh out loud or chuckle throughout the first half.
But, then, the book redeemed itself. Joel redeemed himself. Spalding isn't "like that"--Joel is. Amy's narration is completely different than Joel's, and you realize that Joel's character is to make fun of people and create nicknames and be judgmental because he is ignorant, insecure, and super immature. The focus also shifts off details of details and gets a bit more "big picture." There's a really deep conversation between Amy and her fiance, Ray, that shows Spalding's intelligence. There are also observations of and connections to nature that reveal his depth and insight. I wish he'd included more of these intelligent commentaries and descriptions because I can tell he's a smart writer and just resorts to slapstick to get a laugh and sell books. And, I mean, it works. The guy has published a lot and is hugely successful, especially in self-publishing, which is notoriously hard. But I think he could do more of what he did in the second half of the book, which is still really funny and made me laugh out loud but was balanced out with intelligent, moving moments that made me like the characters and feel for them.
Well, I do have a slight issue with , but it's also semi-realistic that someone would go to such lengths for love.
People on here have said they're disappointed this book is marketed as romance because it's not really romance, and I get that. I'm not an avid romance reader, so I guess if I was, I'd be disappointed, but I actually think this book is a romantic comedy, and I've always loved and appreciated love stories that don't have to be between two people who sleep together. I think some of the best love stories are platonic, and I genuinely appreciated the resolution of this book and how Spalding brought it all together.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I'm glad I read through the tougher beginning to get to that ending, and I think the book gets better and better as it moves along. I can't forget all the other stuff I slogged through, but even with those issues, as I said, the book still made me laugh. I recommend it if you're looking for a funny book that contains some surprises and that ends in a satisfying way.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with a free digital copy of the book!
It is funny, though. I did laugh out loud or chuckle throughout the first half.
But, then, the book redeemed itself. Joel redeemed himself. Spalding isn't "like that"--Joel is. Amy's narration is completely different than Joel's, and you realize that Joel's character is to make fun of people and create nicknames and be judgmental because he is ignorant, insecure, and super immature. The focus also shifts off details of details and gets a bit more "big picture." There's a really deep conversation between Amy and her fiance, Ray, that shows Spalding's intelligence. There are also observations of and connections to nature that reveal his depth and insight. I wish he'd included more of these intelligent commentaries and descriptions because I can tell he's a smart writer and just resorts to slapstick to get a laugh and sell books. And, I mean, it works. The guy has published a lot and is hugely successful, especially in self-publishing, which is notoriously hard. But I think he could do more of what he did in the second half of the book, which is still really funny and made me laugh out loud but was balanced out with intelligent, moving moments that made me like the characters and feel for them.
Well, I do have a slight issue with , but it's also semi-realistic that someone would go to such lengths for love.
People on here have said they're disappointed this book is marketed as romance because it's not really romance, and I get that. I'm not an avid romance reader, so I guess if I was, I'd be disappointed, but I actually think this book is a romantic comedy, and I've always loved and appreciated love stories that don't have to be between two people who sleep together. I think some of the best love stories are platonic, and I genuinely appreciated the resolution of this book and how Spalding brought it all together.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I'm glad I read through the tougher beginning to get to that ending, and I think the book gets better and better as it moves along. I can't forget all the other stuff I slogged through, but even with those issues, as I said, the book still made me laugh. I recommend it if you're looking for a funny book that contains some surprises and that ends in a satisfying way.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with a free digital copy of the book!
January 4, 2024
Do you want your rom-com heavy on the romance part or on the comedy part?
Or do you want balance between the 2?
I have my own pov on the matter. In the case of "You Again?" it's safely said that I've never been mislead by a cover/ by a synopsis/ by goodreads tags quite like this one.
"You Again?" is full of humor, silly comedy and funny inner monologues.
It's not like the comedy part was so brilliant that the romance part got neglected. NO! It was a creative justified choice from the author.
Nick Spalding does not want to make you fall in love with the characters. He wants you to have great time feeling second hand embarrassment because of them.
And trust me our silly MCs delivered!
It's about Joel and Amy who went back to their honeymoon destination after 6 years.
There is only 2 catches:
1/ Joel and Amy are divorced now and they hate each other
2/They traveled with their new significant ones.
I know what you're thinking: is it a second chance romance?
Is there a severe case of enemies to lovers drowsed in jealousy?
Well, to everyone who's curious, I'll let you simmer patiently seeking the answer like I did! (or maybe I'll have mercy and spoil the novel for the interested ones)
Or do you want balance between the 2?
I have my own pov on the matter. In the case of "You Again?" it's safely said that I've never been mislead by a cover/ by a synopsis/ by goodreads tags quite like this one.
"You Again?" is full of humor, silly comedy and funny inner monologues.
It's not like the comedy part was so brilliant that the romance part got neglected. NO! It was a creative justified choice from the author.
Nick Spalding does not want to make you fall in love with the characters. He wants you to have great time feeling second hand embarrassment because of them.
And trust me our silly MCs delivered!
It's about Joel and Amy who went back to their honeymoon destination after 6 years.
There is only 2 catches:
1/ Joel and Amy are divorced now and they hate each other
2/They traveled with their new significant ones.
I know what you're thinking: is it a second chance romance?
Is there a severe case of enemies to lovers drowsed in jealousy?
Well, to everyone who's curious, I'll let you simmer patiently seeking the answer like I did! (or maybe I'll have mercy and spoil the novel for the interested ones)
August 2, 2021
"You Again?" a new read by Nick Spalding a new author to this reader. What do you get when ex's meet up on vacation at the same resort in Maldives where they honeymooned in marriage...disaster or is it?.
I thought this story was funny and comical. It was a quick read for me and as mentioned found myself smiling and laughing out loud throughout the story. However, I thought slow going in the beginning as it took me some time to get by the angst between Amy and Joel but chalked it up to laying out the background of how they got to where they were as a divorced couple. Way too funny. This was a true rom-com and not the typical I've been used to reading. The situations the main characters and subs found themselves in were hilarious and adventuresome. I really enjoyed Ray's character and memorable, but didn't particularly like Cara's pettiness as she didn't stick out....close to invisible. I love happy endings and enjoyed how this one turned out although the ending was a bit unexpected for how endings go. Nice comfy read and highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
I thought this story was funny and comical. It was a quick read for me and as mentioned found myself smiling and laughing out loud throughout the story. However, I thought slow going in the beginning as it took me some time to get by the angst between Amy and Joel but chalked it up to laying out the background of how they got to where they were as a divorced couple. Way too funny. This was a true rom-com and not the typical I've been used to reading. The situations the main characters and subs found themselves in were hilarious and adventuresome. I really enjoyed Ray's character and memorable, but didn't particularly like Cara's pettiness as she didn't stick out....close to invisible. I love happy endings and enjoyed how this one turned out although the ending was a bit unexpected for how endings go. Nice comfy read and highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 3, 2023
Another fun but slightly predictable read from Nick Spaulding. A couple of spots had me in stitches while I was driving as I was listening to the audiobook! Thank you for making me laugh!
August 8, 2021
I adore Nick Spalding's novels as they are hilarious and snarky. This one didn't disappoint as the premise is two exes coincidentally meet again when they are with their new loves--on the way to a week's vacation in the Maldives. Joel and Cara are off to a luxury tropical vacation as are Ray and Amy, but there's so much bad blood between Joel and Amy that things get off to a bad start when they can't seem to get away from each other! I love how Spalding can write from both a man and a woman's perspective with such humor (and I have to remind myself not to sit next to my husband while I'm reading as I usually laugh out loud)! Spalding's books also carry a message; in this case it's about love and marriage, blame, deceit, and ultimately redemption. Really, he's worth reading!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
July 31, 2021
DNF @ 60%...tried it but not worth continuing
August 7, 2021
It was an offer they could not let go by: one week on the Maldives for an unbeatable price, the perfect island for a couple. Joel has been there before, for the honeymoon with his ex-wife Amy, but now he is with Cara and wants to relive the happy time on the sandy beach. Yet, when they arrive at the airport, he spots Amy with her new boyfriend Ray. This can only be a coincidence. But it isn’t. Amy, too, has seen the offer and wanted to go there again. Thus, the two of them find each other on the same plane heading to the same destination after two years of hateful ignorance. Trapped on a small island, they cannot get out of each other’s way and therefore, quite some complicated days lie ahead of the former couple.
Nick Spalding’s novel fulfilled all my expectations of a hilariously funny summer read: a great surrounding with beautiful nature, characters who easy fall prey to their own shortcomings and over and over again find themselves victim of their own doings - but in a comical and not too hurtful way.
Even though it is clear from the start what is going to happen, I enjoyed following the alternating accounts of Joel and Amy offering their respective views which are filled with unattended to emotions. Underneath the hatred, you sense that there is still something that binds them and that makes them matter to each other. If it wasn’t, they could easily ignore the ex-partner. Both of them are totally predictable and too much caught in their maelstrom of negative emotions to stand above what happened in the past. Yet, just the fact that they know each other so well allows them to play really foul tricks.
It is totally hilarious to see how they get worked up in trying to outplay each other. A light and entertaining read, perfect for the summer holiday on the beach.
Nick Spalding’s novel fulfilled all my expectations of a hilariously funny summer read: a great surrounding with beautiful nature, characters who easy fall prey to their own shortcomings and over and over again find themselves victim of their own doings - but in a comical and not too hurtful way.
Even though it is clear from the start what is going to happen, I enjoyed following the alternating accounts of Joel and Amy offering their respective views which are filled with unattended to emotions. Underneath the hatred, you sense that there is still something that binds them and that makes them matter to each other. If it wasn’t, they could easily ignore the ex-partner. Both of them are totally predictable and too much caught in their maelstrom of negative emotions to stand above what happened in the past. Yet, just the fact that they know each other so well allows them to play really foul tricks.
It is totally hilarious to see how they get worked up in trying to outplay each other. A light and entertaining read, perfect for the summer holiday on the beach.
August 25, 2021
Here is a perfect pick you up book. It is light reading and made me smile and cringe on every page. The story follows two couples as they set off for the holiday of a lifetime to the Maldives. But two of them have been there before, on the perfect honeymoon getaway. Now they have a divorce two years behind them and are with different partners.
Amy and Joel had worked together in real estate and were like two peas in a pod until an error at work that they both blamed each other for. It ended their marriage and lost one of them their job. The hate between them had never lessened, and now two years on, Joel has spotted Amy and her new bloke at the airport, and it looks like they are heading the same place as Joel and his girlfriend.
The story takes the couples through an obsessive game of attempting to avoid each other, with hilarious outcomes. It is followed by sabotage, one-upmanship, and the ultimate showdown. There are butt-clenching moments and very windy times ahead in every possible way. I have to say that the author does get inventive in the tac-ticks that they use. Some of this story is corny, but I enjoyed this light side of it, with the over the top situations and the visual delights that were created.
I wish to thank the publisher and Net Galley for an e-copy of this book, which I have reviewed honestly.
Amy and Joel had worked together in real estate and were like two peas in a pod until an error at work that they both blamed each other for. It ended their marriage and lost one of them their job. The hate between them had never lessened, and now two years on, Joel has spotted Amy and her new bloke at the airport, and it looks like they are heading the same place as Joel and his girlfriend.
The story takes the couples through an obsessive game of attempting to avoid each other, with hilarious outcomes. It is followed by sabotage, one-upmanship, and the ultimate showdown. There are butt-clenching moments and very windy times ahead in every possible way. I have to say that the author does get inventive in the tac-ticks that they use. Some of this story is corny, but I enjoyed this light side of it, with the over the top situations and the visual delights that were created.
I wish to thank the publisher and Net Galley for an e-copy of this book, which I have reviewed honestly.
July 21, 2023
4.25⭐️
You again follows Amy and Joel who are divorced and end up going to the same holiday destination with their new partners. They try to avoid each other as much as possible but it doesn’t work out quite as planned. I honestly thought this novel was quite funny. Joel was so awkward throughout the whole thing that it made me laugh and the ending isn’t the cliche of them both ending up together again after all this time. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did but it was such an easy read and I finished it in one sitting. If you’re looking for an easy read for going on holiday, I would highly recommend this one.
You again follows Amy and Joel who are divorced and end up going to the same holiday destination with their new partners. They try to avoid each other as much as possible but it doesn’t work out quite as planned. I honestly thought this novel was quite funny. Joel was so awkward throughout the whole thing that it made me laugh and the ending isn’t the cliche of them both ending up together again after all this time. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did but it was such an easy read and I finished it in one sitting. If you’re looking for an easy read for going on holiday, I would highly recommend this one.
June 26, 2022
{kindle}
An enjoyable read! Loved the ending, because it was different to how I thought it was going to end when I started the book. The characters were funny and cute by the end- at start I did think Joel and Amy complained a bit too much but you soon find out the real reason behind it and it makes sense.
Loved how the holiday setting was described too. I could really imagine the sunsets on the Maldives beaches! A chicklit comedy that will make you giggle. Highly recommend. Another book from Prime Reading!
An enjoyable read! Loved the ending, because it was different to how I thought it was going to end when I started the book. The characters were funny and cute by the end- at start I did think Joel and Amy complained a bit too much but you soon find out the real reason behind it and it makes sense.
Loved how the holiday setting was described too. I could really imagine the sunsets on the Maldives beaches! A chicklit comedy that will make you giggle. Highly recommend. Another book from Prime Reading!
April 12, 2022
This book made me laugh at the outrageous things the main characters did to each other. They’re exes, back in the Maldives again, this time with different partners.
The descriptions of the Maldives are stunning. This is a fun getaway type of romance! 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The descriptions of the Maldives are stunning. This is a fun getaway type of romance! 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 14, 2022
I have so much to say about this book..
But all i can do is type all the wonderful things over and over!
The words that spring to mind are
Funny, fantastic, brilliant, witty, humourous and very very engaging! I didn't want it to end!
It made me laugh out loud, spit my coffee out and I kept telling my husband he needs to hear this bit and that bit!
The characters were funny, and really enjoyable to live alongside whilst I fell into this story.
I haven't read many books that are romantic come from a males perspective but I will define doing so in the future and this author has found a new fan!
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers and the author Nick spalding for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion
But all i can do is type all the wonderful things over and over!
The words that spring to mind are
Funny, fantastic, brilliant, witty, humourous and very very engaging! I didn't want it to end!
It made me laugh out loud, spit my coffee out and I kept telling my husband he needs to hear this bit and that bit!
The characters were funny, and really enjoyable to live alongside whilst I fell into this story.
I haven't read many books that are romantic come from a males perspective but I will define doing so in the future and this author has found a new fan!
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers and the author Nick spalding for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion
May 25, 2024
Took my easy read holiday too far and this was a bit boring💔💔💔💔 all a bit silly really. Back go regular programming once I’m back I feel xx
January 3, 2022
3.5 🌟
How strange and off putting would it be to go on a dream vacation in the Maldives with your significant other only to find out your ex-husband or wife is on the same vacation.
Chaos ensues, but in the end all the wrongs are righted (at least for the most part). Cute little beach read.
How strange and off putting would it be to go on a dream vacation in the Maldives with your significant other only to find out your ex-husband or wife is on the same vacation.
Chaos ensues, but in the end all the wrongs are righted (at least for the most part). Cute little beach read.
August 21, 2022
3.5⭐️
August 15, 2021
DNF @ 25 %.
Listen, I tried.
I feel like getting to the quarter of the book is enough to get a feel of the story.
We have two people, ex-es, who find themselves on the same island, on the same week, same plane, same row, same boat, same resort and in the next door bungalows. At this point, there are just so many coincidences I find the story hard to believe.
Then there's the characters. I did not feel connected to them in any way. I do not feel any chemistry so far between them except hate or a really strong disliking. I do not see them together and I think that the author actually doesn't put them together at the end and that's just sucks. Because if I read about two MCs I at least expect them to be together at the end.
But like I said that's just my guessed based on some reviews I read here.
I am on the 25 % of the book and honestly, we still aren't to the good stuff. They just arrived at their bungalows with their new partners. I really don't know what happened until that moment other than they were at the airport. I guess the first quarter of the book basically just says and describe what they are doing on the airport.
But what also bothered me beside the story that just wasn't really moving is the writing style.
I didn't like it.
First, there are some weirdly phrased sentences such as
"I’m pretty sure I don’t need a poo..."
"I am going to have a pee – and possibly a small, time-wasting poo..."
Honestly, who says they need to have a pee? Just say you need to pee! Either way, I would prefer sentencing this differently because I really do not care if the heroine shits or not. Just say she's going to the bathroom!
Second is the judgement/prejudices. I cannot stand them.
Case in point:
"It’s just that the Maldives obviously has a habit of breeding people of a youthful disposition..."
"These are two young people, who really have no business being here. He looks about twenty-five, and if she’s more than twenty I’d be surprised. This is awful. People of that age should not have access to this kind of holiday. It’s something you should have to strive towards for a good decade or two before you can afford it – and then only barely with Expedia concessions. But these two don’t look like they’ve done a day’s work in their lives. They must have rich parents. Or be YouTubers. That’s how young people get rich these days, isn’t it? They change their hairstyles, or throw themselves at plate glass windows on YouTube."
Because young people shouldn't go on holidays and enjoy themselves???
Third are inner dialogues. So many of them!
Anyway, I can't read this book anymore. It's not working for me.
2 stars.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are of my own.
Listen, I tried.
I feel like getting to the quarter of the book is enough to get a feel of the story.
We have two people, ex-es, who find themselves on the same island, on the same week, same plane, same row, same boat, same resort and in the next door bungalows. At this point, there are just so many coincidences I find the story hard to believe.
Then there's the characters. I did not feel connected to them in any way. I do not feel any chemistry so far between them except hate or a really strong disliking. I do not see them together and I think that the author actually doesn't put them together at the end and that's just sucks. Because if I read about two MCs I at least expect them to be together at the end.
But like I said that's just my guessed based on some reviews I read here.
I am on the 25 % of the book and honestly, we still aren't to the good stuff. They just arrived at their bungalows with their new partners. I really don't know what happened until that moment other than they were at the airport. I guess the first quarter of the book basically just says and describe what they are doing on the airport.
But what also bothered me beside the story that just wasn't really moving is the writing style.
I didn't like it.
First, there are some weirdly phrased sentences such as
"I’m pretty sure I don’t need a poo..."
"I am going to have a pee – and possibly a small, time-wasting poo..."
Honestly, who says they need to have a pee? Just say you need to pee! Either way, I would prefer sentencing this differently because I really do not care if the heroine shits or not. Just say she's going to the bathroom!
Second is the judgement/prejudices. I cannot stand them.
Case in point:
"It’s just that the Maldives obviously has a habit of breeding people of a youthful disposition..."
"These are two young people, who really have no business being here. He looks about twenty-five, and if she’s more than twenty I’d be surprised. This is awful. People of that age should not have access to this kind of holiday. It’s something you should have to strive towards for a good decade or two before you can afford it – and then only barely with Expedia concessions. But these two don’t look like they’ve done a day’s work in their lives. They must have rich parents. Or be YouTubers. That’s how young people get rich these days, isn’t it? They change their hairstyles, or throw themselves at plate glass windows on YouTube."
Because young people shouldn't go on holidays and enjoy themselves???
Third are inner dialogues. So many of them!
Anyway, I can't read this book anymore. It's not working for me.
2 stars.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are of my own.
August 2, 2021
You Again? By Nick Spalding
Published: August 17, 2021
Lake Union Publishing
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Nick Spalding is the bestselling author of fifteen novels, two novellas, and two memoirs. Nick worked in media and marketing for most of his life before turning his energy to his genre-spanning humorous writing. He lives in the south of England with his wife.
“I bet reef sharks don’t have to worry about this kind of stuff.”
Joel is excited to be going on vacation with his girlfriend, Cara, to an island in the Maldives. As they are waiting to print their luggage tags, Joel catches a glimpse of his ex-wife and a man. Mild panic takes over, but they wouldn’t be going to the same vacation destination- right? Joel and Amy come face to face as they are boarding their plane to the Maldives for the first time in two years. Now they have the next eleven hours sitting on the same flight, in the same row, to marinate in what went wrong between them. Anger, frustration, and witty humor are about to arrive for an all-inclusive vacation.
I applied for this arc on Netgalley because there were sharks on the cover. I had never read Nick Spalding before, and the blurb sounded interesting, so I applied for it and was approved.
I am so glad. I enjoyed this book so much. There were several scenes that had me literally laughing out loud. Spalding did such a brilliant job writing from two perspectives, and he infused so much humor throughout, I could not put the book down.
The characters are so charming. I appreciate it when an author creates characters that are very human. Their flaws, insecurities, and internal dialogue reflect the thoughts and feelings we actually have.
Joel was such a fun character. A tad neurotic, insecure, and infallibly funny- he captivated your heart from the first page. Amy was so fierce, bold, and passionate. She was also stubborn, angry, and outspoken. Ray was such a voice of reason in a span of chaos. Cara appeared to be doting and highly compassionate, but she had issues of her own.
The resort was stunning; the descriptions of the island were so vibrant and lifelike it was easy to visualize paradise. You almost feel the warm, salty breeze on your face.
There is so much wit, sass, humor, and shenanigans in this novel. But it is so much deeper than a romantic comedy. There is so much heart packed within this story. The realization of the complexity of relationships is so defined.
Everything about this story is a win. I strongly recommend giving this book a read. You will laugh, scoff, get angry, and swoon. This novel is charming, funny, and a breath of fresh air. Original and emotional, the complications are so relevant. This story is so refreshing and an absolute must-read!
Published: August 17, 2021
Lake Union Publishing
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Nick Spalding is the bestselling author of fifteen novels, two novellas, and two memoirs. Nick worked in media and marketing for most of his life before turning his energy to his genre-spanning humorous writing. He lives in the south of England with his wife.
“I bet reef sharks don’t have to worry about this kind of stuff.”
Joel is excited to be going on vacation with his girlfriend, Cara, to an island in the Maldives. As they are waiting to print their luggage tags, Joel catches a glimpse of his ex-wife and a man. Mild panic takes over, but they wouldn’t be going to the same vacation destination- right? Joel and Amy come face to face as they are boarding their plane to the Maldives for the first time in two years. Now they have the next eleven hours sitting on the same flight, in the same row, to marinate in what went wrong between them. Anger, frustration, and witty humor are about to arrive for an all-inclusive vacation.
I applied for this arc on Netgalley because there were sharks on the cover. I had never read Nick Spalding before, and the blurb sounded interesting, so I applied for it and was approved.
I am so glad. I enjoyed this book so much. There were several scenes that had me literally laughing out loud. Spalding did such a brilliant job writing from two perspectives, and he infused so much humor throughout, I could not put the book down.
The characters are so charming. I appreciate it when an author creates characters that are very human. Their flaws, insecurities, and internal dialogue reflect the thoughts and feelings we actually have.
Joel was such a fun character. A tad neurotic, insecure, and infallibly funny- he captivated your heart from the first page. Amy was so fierce, bold, and passionate. She was also stubborn, angry, and outspoken. Ray was such a voice of reason in a span of chaos. Cara appeared to be doting and highly compassionate, but she had issues of her own.
The resort was stunning; the descriptions of the island were so vibrant and lifelike it was easy to visualize paradise. You almost feel the warm, salty breeze on your face.
There is so much wit, sass, humor, and shenanigans in this novel. But it is so much deeper than a romantic comedy. There is so much heart packed within this story. The realization of the complexity of relationships is so defined.
Everything about this story is a win. I strongly recommend giving this book a read. You will laugh, scoff, get angry, and swoon. This novel is charming, funny, and a breath of fresh air. Original and emotional, the complications are so relevant. This story is so refreshing and an absolute must-read!
August 12, 2021
Amy and Joel worked well together at a real estate company and ended up getting married. Things weren't perfect and came to a head when they missed an important meeting with a prospective client ... Amy ended up getting fired, they bitterly divorced and blamed each for the lost client.
Two years later, they have moved on ... Amy is engaged to a nice fella named Ray and Joel is dating a younger woman named Cara, who is the granddaughter of his boss. They all need a vacation and when a deal pops up on Expedia to Maldives, where Amy and Joel had pleasant memories from when they went there on their honeymoon, little do they know they both go for it the same week. The two couples end up on the same flight, the same boat right to the resort and yes, the same resort. It's a small resort so needless to say, it hard not to run into each other. Amy and Joel are still very angry with each other and when they aren't trying to avoid each other, try to sabotage each other's vacation every chance they get.
This is the seventh book I've read by this author and I liked it. I liked the writing style ... it was funny and light. It is written in first person perspective in Amy and Joel's voices and it's as if they are speaking to me, the reader. The author is English as are the characters so there were some references to people I didn't know. As a head's up, there is a swearing (lots of F-bombs).
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2021/08...
Two years later, they have moved on ... Amy is engaged to a nice fella named Ray and Joel is dating a younger woman named Cara, who is the granddaughter of his boss. They all need a vacation and when a deal pops up on Expedia to Maldives, where Amy and Joel had pleasant memories from when they went there on their honeymoon, little do they know they both go for it the same week. The two couples end up on the same flight, the same boat right to the resort and yes, the same resort. It's a small resort so needless to say, it hard not to run into each other. Amy and Joel are still very angry with each other and when they aren't trying to avoid each other, try to sabotage each other's vacation every chance they get.
This is the seventh book I've read by this author and I liked it. I liked the writing style ... it was funny and light. It is written in first person perspective in Amy and Joel's voices and it's as if they are speaking to me, the reader. The author is English as are the characters so there were some references to people I didn't know. As a head's up, there is a swearing (lots of F-bombs).
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2021/08...
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