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It's Complicated #1
Never Fall for Your Back-Up Guy
Three things I’ve learned this week:
1) Never fall for a client
2) Never fall for your best friend
3) And most importantly, never fall for your back-up guy
…especially if they’re all the same person.
Zara Huntington Ross wants to get married. She’s had more dating disasters than you can poke a long-stemmed red rose at. On a dare, she agrees to a pact with her best friend, Asher McMillan: if neither of them are married by the time she turns thirty-five, they’ll get hitched. That’s five full years of searching for The One. Surely she’ll meet Mr. Right by then?
The problem is she doesn’t know Asher quite as well as she thinks. Taking a job redecorating his bachelor pad, Zara learns he has hidden depths—depths that tug at her heartstrings. Hard.
And then disaster strikes. She begins to fall for him, the guy who doesn’t do relationships. It’s getting complicated, and Zara doesn’t need complicated.
But could her back-up guy be The One after all?
Never Fall for the Back-Up Guy is the first book in the It’s Complicated series and can easily be read as a standalone novel. It is a spin-off of the Love Manor romantic comedy series. Catch up with all your favorite Love Manor characters and meet some new ones in this fun, laugh-out-loud rom com with a smart and sassy British heroine and a swoon-worthy American hero.
1) Never fall for a client
2) Never fall for your best friend
3) And most importantly, never fall for your back-up guy
…especially if they’re all the same person.
Zara Huntington Ross wants to get married. She’s had more dating disasters than you can poke a long-stemmed red rose at. On a dare, she agrees to a pact with her best friend, Asher McMillan: if neither of them are married by the time she turns thirty-five, they’ll get hitched. That’s five full years of searching for The One. Surely she’ll meet Mr. Right by then?
The problem is she doesn’t know Asher quite as well as she thinks. Taking a job redecorating his bachelor pad, Zara learns he has hidden depths—depths that tug at her heartstrings. Hard.
And then disaster strikes. She begins to fall for him, the guy who doesn’t do relationships. It’s getting complicated, and Zara doesn’t need complicated.
But could her back-up guy be The One after all?
Never Fall for the Back-Up Guy is the first book in the It’s Complicated series and can easily be read as a standalone novel. It is a spin-off of the Love Manor romantic comedy series. Catch up with all your favorite Love Manor characters and meet some new ones in this fun, laugh-out-loud rom com with a smart and sassy British heroine and a swoon-worthy American hero.
296 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2020
955 people are currently reading
2399 people want to read
About the author
Kate O'Keeffe
66 books851 followersKate O'Keeffe is a USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning author who writes exactly what she loves to read: laugh-out-loud romantic comedies with swoon-worthy heroes and gorgeous feel-good happily ever afters. She lives and loves in beautiful Hawke's Bay, New Zealand with her family and two scruffy but loveable dogs.
When she's not penning her latest story, Kate can be found hiking up hills (slowly), traveling to different countries around the globe (back when we used to be able to do that), and eating chocolate. A lot of it.
Get a free book when you sign up to Kate's newsletter at kateokeeffe.com.
When she's not penning her latest story, Kate can be found hiking up hills (slowly), traveling to different countries around the globe (back when we used to be able to do that), and eating chocolate. A lot of it.
Get a free book when you sign up to Kate's newsletter at kateokeeffe.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews
March 13, 2022
Never Fall for Your Back-Up Guy is more chick lit than romance. The story follows Zara. She is on the moment of that life where everything gone wrong. She mada a pack with her BFF, Shane to get hitch together if they both still single by 30.
Miss O Keeffe does not putting spotlight into the romance. Instead the focus of the story is more into Zara. How she overcomes her obstacle in life. The writing and the humor is pretty sweet and entertaining.
Overall, an enjoyable read to close my weekend.
4 stars
Miss O Keeffe does not putting spotlight into the romance. Instead the focus of the story is more into Zara. How she overcomes her obstacle in life. The writing and the humor is pretty sweet and entertaining.
Overall, an enjoyable read to close my weekend.
4 stars
February 11, 2022
Dnf 32% Really boring. Pages of endless unrelated dialogue: I found myself skimming a lot of it and guess what? I missed nothing. Characters that didn’t have any chemistry. Asher didn’t have a very distinct personality. Main girl was not interesting at all. She felt a bit copy and paste. And you can’t buy a puppy in a shop in this country; no, not even in London - the animal rights groups would be up in arms. Everything about this book was unrealistic and unlikable.
April 18, 2023
The romance is not the highlight in this book for me, it's the friendship.
Things I liked:
🧡 The cute puppy. Stevie, the dog, is described in such a cute way.
🧡 The group of girlfriends. The four of them had a such strong bond. It's appreciated in a rom-com.
Things I wasn't impressed with:
⚫ The whole backup guy plan isn't fully implemented in the story apart from the male lead calling the lead-"wifey". A lot of witty situations could've been added.
⚫ The romance: It's not the best, tbh. They don't spend much time together for them to realize their love for each other.
⚫ The ending point: I'm not a fan of miscommunication in books, but well, the male lead didn't take the reveal nicely towards the lead of the book as I expected from someone who's always cool and calm.
Things I liked:
🧡 The cute puppy. Stevie, the dog, is described in such a cute way.
🧡 The group of girlfriends. The four of them had a such strong bond. It's appreciated in a rom-com.
Things I wasn't impressed with:
⚫ The whole backup guy plan isn't fully implemented in the story apart from the male lead calling the lead-"wifey". A lot of witty situations could've been added.
⚫ The romance: It's not the best, tbh. They don't spend much time together for them to realize their love for each other.
⚫ The ending point: I'm not a fan of miscommunication in books, but well, the male lead didn't take the reveal nicely towards the lead of the book as I expected from someone who's always cool and calm.
September 4, 2021
DNF 51%…
I gave it my best shot. I really, really tried to see it through. But when I started feeling claustrophobic reading it, I knew I had to put it down.
The book, the characters, all over the place. Zara is as annoying as she is immature. From the way her thought process works, you’d think she’s just out of high school and not 29-30 years old.
The Brit-American difference conversations were happening so often, I started thinking the author is obsessed with Americans. Maybe she is. No, scratch that. She IS obsessed with Americans. All that talk was a major turn-off for me.
I really wanted to know how it ended (obviously HEA with Ash -but the path to it) but I just couldn’t do it to my emotional well-being anymore. I didn’t want to give this book 1 star, as I at least made it halfway through, but I could safely say it is just barely covering the second star.
I gave it my best shot. I really, really tried to see it through. But when I started feeling claustrophobic reading it, I knew I had to put it down.
The book, the characters, all over the place. Zara is as annoying as she is immature. From the way her thought process works, you’d think she’s just out of high school and not 29-30 years old.
The Brit-American difference conversations were happening so often, I started thinking the author is obsessed with Americans. Maybe she is. No, scratch that. She IS obsessed with Americans. All that talk was a major turn-off for me.
I really wanted to know how it ended (obviously HEA with Ash -but the path to it) but I just couldn’t do it to my emotional well-being anymore. I didn’t want to give this book 1 star, as I at least made it halfway through, but I could safely say it is just barely covering the second star.
August 3, 2021
I smiled a lot while reading!
And can’t we all use some smiles? I know I do! A fun read, a well-written book. It swept me away, and I loved it!
And can’t we all use some smiles? I know I do! A fun read, a well-written book. It swept me away, and I loved it!
July 17, 2021
Dumped by Zack, no more Zara and Zack (even though it sounds good ) unless of course, I want a friend with benefits......no way.
I know that when I open a book by Kate O'Keefe my day is going to get brighter, this one is no exception. This is a standalone book but I would suggest reading the series in sequence to get the most enjoyment.
Zara Huntington-Ross is from an English aristocratic family, a family whose fortunes had declined until Zara's brother, Lord Sebastian, went on an American TV show to find "Mrs. Darcy".
Zara, along with her friend Scarlet, had opened an interior design shop ScarZar which was doing well.....until it wasn't.
At thirty Zara was being pushed by her mother and her overbearing, very snooty but very funny grannie, to find a husband, as Zara's biological clock was ticking she decides on a five year plan, if she wasn't married in five years she would marry her backup boyfriend, best friend Asher, she just had to get him to agree.
Asher was an American working in London as a Lawyer, he was very attractive to the opposite sex and took advantage of that fact......but Asher had a secret.
I love how Zara and her friends Lottie, Tabatha and Kennedy share everything and are there in spades for one another when the chips are down.
I love how Zara still writes e mails to her much loved but dead father.
I love the banter between the friends but mostly the funny banter between Zara and Asher.
Finally I loved the many humorous episodes, the initiation at Penelope's Pooches to get her Jack Russel, Stevie, the hilarious but surprising outcome of her date with George Honeydew, all typical Kate O'Keefe.
We all know how this story is going to end but it is the hilarious journey that had me laughing and crying, I would definitely recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I know that when I open a book by Kate O'Keefe my day is going to get brighter, this one is no exception. This is a standalone book but I would suggest reading the series in sequence to get the most enjoyment.
Zara Huntington-Ross is from an English aristocratic family, a family whose fortunes had declined until Zara's brother, Lord Sebastian, went on an American TV show to find "Mrs. Darcy".
Zara, along with her friend Scarlet, had opened an interior design shop ScarZar which was doing well.....until it wasn't.
At thirty Zara was being pushed by her mother and her overbearing, very snooty but very funny grannie, to find a husband, as Zara's biological clock was ticking she decides on a five year plan, if she wasn't married in five years she would marry her backup boyfriend, best friend Asher, she just had to get him to agree.
Asher was an American working in London as a Lawyer, he was very attractive to the opposite sex and took advantage of that fact......but Asher had a secret.
I love how Zara and her friends Lottie, Tabatha and Kennedy share everything and are there in spades for one another when the chips are down.
I love how Zara still writes e mails to her much loved but dead father.
I love the banter between the friends but mostly the funny banter between Zara and Asher.
Finally I loved the many humorous episodes, the initiation at Penelope's Pooches to get her Jack Russel, Stevie, the hilarious but surprising outcome of her date with George Honeydew, all typical Kate O'Keefe.
We all know how this story is going to end but it is the hilarious journey that had me laughing and crying, I would definitely recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
Trigger Warning: brief mentions of death of a parent and cheating (side character)
Zara Huntington Ross is turning 30, and, with a struggling design business and no prospects for love, she decides she needs a plan for her future. That's where Asher McMillan comes in. He's one of her best friends, and the perfect back-up guy. Not only do Zara and Asher agree to get married if they're both single in five years, but he also gives her business a boost by allowing her to redecorate his new bachelor pad. But when Zara unintentionally discovers a secret about Asher's past, she suddenly sees him in a whole new light and begins to realize that he's more than just her friend. Could her back-up guy actually be The One she's been dreaming of?
After absolutely loving the third book in this series, I had to go back and start from the beginning with Zara's story. This was definitely more women's fiction than romance as the first half of the book really focuses on Zara's birthday, her struggling business, and the new puppy she adopts. I enjoyed all the trouble her little puppy got into, and the bizarre pet shop workers were very entertaining. I also wasn't expecting the outcome for her business, so it was interesting to read about how things turned out for her and her business partner. The romance with Asher didn't really kick in until around 60% into the story, but then it moved very quickly. It was definitely a bit of whiplash with how fast Zara went from friendship to love with him, but it was pretty swoony when they got together. Their first date was just too cute even with the unexpected conflict at the end. Asher was such a flirt, but he was so sweet to Zara. And the way he showed up for her at the end was really endearing. I'm looking forward to continuing the series and reading Kennedy's story next!
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
Trigger Warning: brief mentions of death of a parent and cheating (side character)
Zara Huntington Ross is turning 30, and, with a struggling design business and no prospects for love, she decides she needs a plan for her future. That's where Asher McMillan comes in. He's one of her best friends, and the perfect back-up guy. Not only do Zara and Asher agree to get married if they're both single in five years, but he also gives her business a boost by allowing her to redecorate his new bachelor pad. But when Zara unintentionally discovers a secret about Asher's past, she suddenly sees him in a whole new light and begins to realize that he's more than just her friend. Could her back-up guy actually be The One she's been dreaming of?
After absolutely loving the third book in this series, I had to go back and start from the beginning with Zara's story. This was definitely more women's fiction than romance as the first half of the book really focuses on Zara's birthday, her struggling business, and the new puppy she adopts. I enjoyed all the trouble her little puppy got into, and the bizarre pet shop workers were very entertaining. I also wasn't expecting the outcome for her business, so it was interesting to read about how things turned out for her and her business partner. The romance with Asher didn't really kick in until around 60% into the story, but then it moved very quickly. It was definitely a bit of whiplash with how fast Zara went from friendship to love with him, but it was pretty swoony when they got together. Their first date was just too cute even with the unexpected conflict at the end. Asher was such a flirt, but he was so sweet to Zara. And the way he showed up for her at the end was really endearing. I'm looking forward to continuing the series and reading Kennedy's story next!
March 1, 2022
4.5 stars…I found this book to be so charming. There were so many things to love about it. For starters, I liked that the setting was England which was a really nice backdrop to the story. The descriptions were so detailed that I felt like I was trudging through the streets of London. I also loved the British lingo which had me laughing way too hard.
Zara was such a well rounded character. She was sweet, snarky and independent with a great sense of humor. One of my favorite things about this book was how Zara regularly e-mailed her dad telling him about her day or confiding in him about the goings on of her life. It was sweet and added another feature of her personality, making her a lot more human and relatable.
Asher was just the right blend of charming and cocky. He was such a class clown at times but his friendship with Zara and the girls was adorable. He and Zara had a great friendship so they had something solid to build on when more complex feelings were involved. Together, they not only complimented each other but had great chemistry.
Zara had the best of friends. They were supportive and loads of fun to see her interact with and they weren’t just one dimensional characters either but actually had their own personalities that made me enjoy this book even more.
After reading this one I was left with a smile on my face so I was very satisfied with how things ended. Looking forward to reading about the rest of the gang.
Content: Clean, Kissing, Mild innuendo, Mild language
Zara was such a well rounded character. She was sweet, snarky and independent with a great sense of humor. One of my favorite things about this book was how Zara regularly e-mailed her dad telling him about her day or confiding in him about the goings on of her life. It was sweet and added another feature of her personality, making her a lot more human and relatable.
Asher was just the right blend of charming and cocky. He was such a class clown at times but his friendship with Zara and the girls was adorable. He and Zara had a great friendship so they had something solid to build on when more complex feelings were involved. Together, they not only complimented each other but had great chemistry.
Zara had the best of friends. They were supportive and loads of fun to see her interact with and they weren’t just one dimensional characters either but actually had their own personalities that made me enjoy this book even more.
After reading this one I was left with a smile on my face so I was very satisfied with how things ended. Looking forward to reading about the rest of the gang.
Content: Clean, Kissing, Mild innuendo, Mild language
August 1, 2021
Squee! We get to check back in with the Huntington Ross family, and this time beautiful daughter Zara is our leading lady. (You don’t have to have read the Love Manor series to enjoy this book, but it helps to understand some of the relationships we see in action here.) This was one of the sweetest, quirkiest, zaniest friends to lovers stories I’ve read in a long while. Asher may have the reputation of a Player, but we never really see him taking advantage of it. What we do see is a James Bond level of devastating charm that makes people flock to assist him. And most of that charm is bent on seeing Zara achieve her dreams. I thought this pair were fabulous together. Witnessing the awkwardness as Zara comes to realize her deeper feelings for Asher was comedy gold and kept me giggling for much of the book, along with her adventures in puppy training. Zara’s dedication to her father’s memory left me choked up on several occasions, and her speech at the end made me shed more than one tear. Now I want to read the stories of the rest of Zara and Asher’s friends finding their happy ever afters.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
March 11, 2022
1.5⭐
this wasn’t for me honestly. the writing wasn’t awful and i didn’t hate the characters but i just didn’t care for the romance at all.
there was no romance between the main characters for like the first 70%, and then her feelings change once she finds out he was married? and then all of a sudden they’re just in love with each other? i just felt the pacing was off for the romance and it wasn’t interesting at all.
but i’m sure some people will really enjoy this book, i’m just not that person.
this wasn’t for me honestly. the writing wasn’t awful and i didn’t hate the characters but i just didn’t care for the romance at all.
there was no romance between the main characters for like the first 70%, and then her feelings change once she finds out he was married? and then all of a sudden they’re just in love with each other? i just felt the pacing was off for the romance and it wasn’t interesting at all.
but i’m sure some people will really enjoy this book, i’m just not that person.
June 4, 2022
What was the point?
Kinda spoilery if you have never read a romance novel?
The plot of this book is as straight forward as it can get: Zara just turned 30 and is freaking out because she is still single, so she asks her best guy friend Asher to be her backup. Obviously they develop feelings for each other (at least that's what I assume happened because the book didn't do a great job in showing this)
The execution of this plot was incredibly lacking for a couple reasons.
First of all the protagonist: She was so incredibly pretentious (My family doesn't have money, they only have a massive estate and my brother is a Lord??) and I hated how she behaved like a spoiled 4 year old. E.g. she naively got this puppy without proper training and just keeps her in a storage room for ages at a time because it isn't properly trained??? That is not how you treat animals!! Why are you getting a dog if you can't take proper care of it?
Secondly the love interest....He is American and from San Diego (The author seems to be really obsessed with Americans because she constantly mentions it). That's it. He is as boring as a slice of toast and has no personality aside from being the backup guy.
Thirdly: What was up with these side characters? Were they supposed to be comedic relief or something because I swear they did not serve any purpose other than making me cringe (especially the "Penelopes")
Lastly: The storytelling. If you can't tell your story without having info-dumps or emotion-dumps in the form of the protagonist writing e-mails to her dead dad, there's something really wrong.....
Kinda spoilery if you have never read a romance novel?
The plot of this book is as straight forward as it can get: Zara just turned 30 and is freaking out because she is still single, so she asks her best guy friend Asher to be her backup. Obviously they develop feelings for each other (at least that's what I assume happened because the book didn't do a great job in showing this)
The execution of this plot was incredibly lacking for a couple reasons.
First of all the protagonist: She was so incredibly pretentious (My family doesn't have money, they only have a massive estate and my brother is a Lord??) and I hated how she behaved like a spoiled 4 year old. E.g. she naively got this puppy without proper training and just keeps her in a storage room for ages at a time because it isn't properly trained??? That is not how you treat animals!! Why are you getting a dog if you can't take proper care of it?
Secondly the love interest....He is American and from San Diego (The author seems to be really obsessed with Americans because she constantly mentions it). That's it. He is as boring as a slice of toast and has no personality aside from being the backup guy.
Thirdly: What was up with these side characters? Were they supposed to be comedic relief or something because I swear they did not serve any purpose other than making me cringe (especially the "Penelopes")
Lastly: The storytelling. If you can't tell your story without having info-dumps or emotion-dumps in the form of the protagonist writing e-mails to her dead dad, there's something really wrong.....
February 24, 2022
- ( Never Fall In Live With Your Back-Up Guy - book review) -
•
Kate O'Keefe has a special way of spinning a romance story, Never Fall In Love With Your Back-Up Guy is a clear representation of that ☕
I quite enjoyed the book, I think it relayed important messages through our main character who is Zara Huntington Ross. Zara, aka Zee, has a beautiful personality. She is a great example of being brave, resilient, and strong. All these characteristics are put in the spotlight as she goes through difficult life situations that have her questioning her abilities as an interior designer and friend 🌷
Zara's not the only one I love. Her best friend, Asher McMillan, is the prime example of the 'man of our dreams'. Fight me on it... 😂
I loved everything about him, from his kindess, his charming smile, and that killer bod... i mean i ain't the only reader who appreciates that... 😉
Not only is his abs a dream, and the fact that he has a soft spot for dogs, he has a kind soul that looks out for his friends, especially for Zara. He's wise, cute, and independent... i mean if that's not the full package idk what is.
Even the side characters had my attention! Tabitha, Kennedy, and Lottie all have my heart, they have such bright personalities and minds, I loved their role in the story 💛
Never fall in love with your back up guy was an enjoyable read, one that had me tearing up, laughing out loud, and gasping out loud. I'd recommend it to those who love romances, hot dudes, and a bit of drama 💋
rating: 4/5 ✨
•
Kate O'Keefe has a special way of spinning a romance story, Never Fall In Love With Your Back-Up Guy is a clear representation of that ☕
I quite enjoyed the book, I think it relayed important messages through our main character who is Zara Huntington Ross. Zara, aka Zee, has a beautiful personality. She is a great example of being brave, resilient, and strong. All these characteristics are put in the spotlight as she goes through difficult life situations that have her questioning her abilities as an interior designer and friend 🌷
Zara's not the only one I love. Her best friend, Asher McMillan, is the prime example of the 'man of our dreams'. Fight me on it... 😂
I loved everything about him, from his kindess, his charming smile, and that killer bod... i mean i ain't the only reader who appreciates that... 😉
Not only is his abs a dream, and the fact that he has a soft spot for dogs, he has a kind soul that looks out for his friends, especially for Zara. He's wise, cute, and independent... i mean if that's not the full package idk what is.
Even the side characters had my attention! Tabitha, Kennedy, and Lottie all have my heart, they have such bright personalities and minds, I loved their role in the story 💛
Never fall in love with your back up guy was an enjoyable read, one that had me tearing up, laughing out loud, and gasping out loud. I'd recommend it to those who love romances, hot dudes, and a bit of drama 💋
rating: 4/5 ✨
August 3, 2021
A wonderful story about a girl, Zara, and her BFF, Asher and how they make a pact to marry each other if by the time Zara turns thirty five she hasn't found "the one". It starts out with Zara being broken up with by her current boyfriend, Zack. On her way home from the bar where this break up occurred, she comes to the realization that she's turning thirty soon and she hasn't found the "big love" of her life and her biological clock is ticking. She makes the quick decision that she needs a "back-up guy" to marry. She looks in the window of a restaurant and sees her BFF and his date. She rushes in and drags him away from his date to ask him to be her back up guy; to marry her if in five years she hasn't found her "one." I'll leave the rest for you to discover by reading the book, but let me say this, there are secrets revealed, friend's betrayal and an unpredicted turn in her back-up plan. It has an original storyline that gently pulls you along through the book and is really, a wonderful romance with characters you can't help but root for. It's definitely a must have if you love friends to lovers romances and sweet, heart felt romances.
July 21, 2022
Super cute romcom! Loved the friendships, going around London and learning new expressions. Asher was very swoony and I felt so inspired by Zara and how she fought for her business.
Great audiobook. The narrator did a great job!
Great audiobook. The narrator did a great job!
October 26, 2022
It was a 3.5 for me.
Positive thoughts:
- I loved the deal made between Zara and Asher and because of it they casually called each other Wify and Husband (but a bit disappointed there was no flirting or glances, nothing).
- I listen to the audio-book for this one and I was so glad I did. The narrator is brilliant. There were many accents in the story and she did all of them wonderfully. Loved it!
- Dog lovers will adore this book. Most of the humour was surrounded by this adorable dog.
- I loved the plot twist in the end, it was light but needed.
Negative thoughts:
- It felt more like a girl's daily diary then a romance.
- There was no chemistry at all, it only started very late, -+66% into the book. So it was quite bland for me.
- We don't get Ashers POV, so we have no idea if his actions are purely innocent of if he has been crushing on her all along.
Overall:
- This is a clean, fast and easy romance read/audio.
- Like I said, I'm glad I had the audio, I suspect I would have DNFed the book if I had to read it, just because it was very bland. Listening to the book, for me, was what saved it. It made it a fast book to get through and when the good part came I forgot the bland past.
Romance: 2/5
Chemistry: 2/5
Swoon: 3/5
1st kiss: -+75% in
Spice: 0/5 (it's a clean one Y'all)
Foul language: 0/5
Humour: 3/5
Drama: 2/5
Tropes:
- He falls first
- Interior designer
- American MMC
- British FMC
- Adorable dog
- Posh side of London
- Pining MMC
Positive thoughts:
- I loved the deal made between Zara and Asher and because of it they casually called each other Wify and Husband (but a bit disappointed there was no flirting or glances, nothing).
- I listen to the audio-book for this one and I was so glad I did. The narrator is brilliant. There were many accents in the story and she did all of them wonderfully. Loved it!
- Dog lovers will adore this book. Most of the humour was surrounded by this adorable dog.
- I loved the plot twist in the end, it was light but needed.
Negative thoughts:
- It felt more like a girl's daily diary then a romance.
- There was no chemistry at all, it only started very late, -+66% into the book. So it was quite bland for me.
- We don't get Ashers POV, so we have no idea if his actions are purely innocent of if he has been crushing on her all along.
Overall:
- This is a clean, fast and easy romance read/audio.
- Like I said, I'm glad I had the audio, I suspect I would have DNFed the book if I had to read it, just because it was very bland. Listening to the book, for me, was what saved it. It made it a fast book to get through and when the good part came I forgot the bland past.
Romance: 2/5
Chemistry: 2/5
Swoon: 3/5
1st kiss: -+75% in
Spice: 0/5 (it's a clean one Y'all)
Foul language: 0/5
Humour: 3/5
Drama: 2/5
Tropes:
- He falls first
- Interior designer
- American MMC
- British FMC
- Adorable dog
- Posh side of London
- Pining MMC
August 1, 2021
The perfect back-up plan!
I was delighted to get the chance to check in with the Love Manor set again as we get Zara's story as she searches for 'The One' in London after yet another break up. I loved reading more about her and her friendship with Kennedy, with check ins on Emma and Seb of course. And I adored Asher as her back up guy. I loved all the Love Manor books and this first book in a new (connected series) was just as engaging and well written with fabulous characters. I mean, the Penelopes were so weird! I shed a tear or two as well. Somehow you just get so invested in the characters that when their hearts are broken, so is yours.
I can't wait for more in this series. I really hope we're finally going to find out what the heck happened between Kennedy and Charlie when they first met! I'm sure their story is going to be very interesting...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was delighted to get the chance to check in with the Love Manor set again as we get Zara's story as she searches for 'The One' in London after yet another break up. I loved reading more about her and her friendship with Kennedy, with check ins on Emma and Seb of course. And I adored Asher as her back up guy. I loved all the Love Manor books and this first book in a new (connected series) was just as engaging and well written with fabulous characters. I mean, the Penelopes were so weird! I shed a tear or two as well. Somehow you just get so invested in the characters that when their hearts are broken, so is yours.
I can't wait for more in this series. I really hope we're finally going to find out what the heck happened between Kennedy and Charlie when they first met! I'm sure their story is going to be very interesting...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2021
Zara and Asher: The Plan . . .
Sometimes Zara doesn’t think things through and acts impulsively… but at least she tries to make plans. This book was fantastic in presenting the reader with Zara’s plans and how amusing they can be.
When Zara breaks up with her current boyfriend, she realized that she was getting old and really needed a back-up plan for marriage if she didn’t find “The One” by the time she realized her target of 35. So she snatches Asher, her best friend, away from his date to ask him to make a pact with her that if neither of them have married by age 35, they will marry each other. That gives her 5 years of searching for “The One” while making sure she still has time to make a family. She is sure she will meet Mr. Right in 5 years! That’s a long time to look!
Since the reader most likely knows that 5 years will fly by in an instant, at least it feels that way, how will Zara proceed with her plan? How long will it take her to discover how she really feels about Asher? And if you haven’t laughed enough, focus on the puppy training (stifling more of my laughter). The characters are hilarious, the story line seeming simple until Zara complicates it. But you won’t want to stop reading until the last page!
Sometimes Zara doesn’t think things through and acts impulsively… but at least she tries to make plans. This book was fantastic in presenting the reader with Zara’s plans and how amusing they can be.
When Zara breaks up with her current boyfriend, she realized that she was getting old and really needed a back-up plan for marriage if she didn’t find “The One” by the time she realized her target of 35. So she snatches Asher, her best friend, away from his date to ask him to make a pact with her that if neither of them have married by age 35, they will marry each other. That gives her 5 years of searching for “The One” while making sure she still has time to make a family. She is sure she will meet Mr. Right in 5 years! That’s a long time to look!
Since the reader most likely knows that 5 years will fly by in an instant, at least it feels that way, how will Zara proceed with her plan? How long will it take her to discover how she really feels about Asher? And if you haven’t laughed enough, focus on the puppy training (stifling more of my laughter). The characters are hilarious, the story line seeming simple until Zara complicates it. But you won’t want to stop reading until the last page!
August 8, 2021
What a fantastic book, funny, gripping, dramatic and lots more. Zara hasn’t had much luck finding the one, so she makes a deal with her best friend Asher that if she doesn’t find anyone by the age she is 35 then they will get married. Avery continues to try and find the right man, whilst juggling a struggling business and a new pup however she is totally caught unawares when she starts to develop more feelings for Asher than friendship. When Zara’s business partner betrays her, Asher is there supporting her and helping her rebuild it again. When both Asher and Zara admit their feelings for each other go deeper than friendship they decide to give things a go, however the fact that Zara is aware that Asher hasn’t fully told her about his past leads to a bump in the road for them. A fantastic read, I laughed at so many parts and so many characters. Such an easy to read book! Fantastic!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2021
Love, Love, Love - This book has it all! Laughs, Tears, Friendship and Love!
Perfect start to a new (clean) Rom-Com series by Katie O'Keefe. I loved that Zara and Asher started off as best friends and then realized they were "more than a back-up"! This book also had great friends supporting Zara - I can't wait - and hope - for them to all get their own stories! Not to mention the hilarious "Penelope's Puppy Palace" and Stevie's antics. And of course everyone has nosy relatives like Zara's grandma! This book had it all - laughs, tears, and even visits from Zara's brother and sister-in-law -the hero and heroine of the Dating Mr. Darcy series (another must read!)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Perfect start to a new (clean) Rom-Com series by Katie O'Keefe. I loved that Zara and Asher started off as best friends and then realized they were "more than a back-up"! This book also had great friends supporting Zara - I can't wait - and hope - for them to all get their own stories! Not to mention the hilarious "Penelope's Puppy Palace" and Stevie's antics. And of course everyone has nosy relatives like Zara's grandma! This book had it all - laughs, tears, and even visits from Zara's brother and sister-in-law -the hero and heroine of the Dating Mr. Darcy series (another must read!)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2021
Just love this book and this series of books that began with a reality show that paid homage to Jane Austen and continued with several books with the same characters -- as well as plenty of minor characters for future books. And this book focused on one of the minor characters who simply shines in this book. Loved everything about it -- the setting, the conversations, the romance, and the daily work life for a young woman in London. So much fun! I couldn't put it down. And...can't wait for the next installment, which I hope is coming soon.
August 4, 2021
Such a sweet romance! Love that we get to spend more time with the Huntington-Ross family. You don't need to have read the Mr. Darcy books but they are so good, you should! LOL! Zara is such a sweetie and Asher is scrumptious. Even when you think he's a player, he's adorable. The romance is a great friends to lovers story with lots of humor. And the puppy, Stevie, is the belle of the ball. Definitely shouldn't miss this one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2021
Having read the Mr. Darcy series, it is nice to see an offshoot focusing on his sister Zara's life while still keeping in touch with the rest of the family. Despite coming from an aristocratic background, Zara is down to Earth navigating the same trials and tribulations as anyone else. With the ticking of her biological clock getting louder when she turns 30, she decided to have a backup plan just in case coming to an agreement with her best guy friend Asher. But as time goes by, she realizes she may want to move that timeline up as she falls for him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2021
Engaging, charming story.
Never Fall for Your Back-Up Guy by Kate O'Keeffe is a charming story of friendship and romance. Her characters are likeable and well described and developed. The dialogues are witty, well-thought-out with good vocabulary. The storyline is engaging, easy to read and enjoyable. I am more than happy to recommend this book to all. You won't regret reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Never Fall for Your Back-Up Guy by Kate O'Keeffe is a charming story of friendship and romance. Her characters are likeable and well described and developed. The dialogues are witty, well-thought-out with good vocabulary. The storyline is engaging, easy to read and enjoyable. I am more than happy to recommend this book to all. You won't regret reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2023
Oh My Gosh I LOVED!!!!! This......
Zara a Interior Designer is looking for her Mr right with BFF Asher agreeing to be her Back up, When she meets George she thinks things are too good to be true.... (When they look it they usually are).
Along with deceitful friends and a new Fur Baby Stevie... this book was just so cute
Zara a Interior Designer is looking for her Mr right with BFF Asher agreeing to be her Back up, When she meets George she thinks things are too good to be true.... (When they look it they usually are).
Along with deceitful friends and a new Fur Baby Stevie... this book was just so cute
August 2, 2021
I always look forward to a new book by Kate O’Keeffe, as you know you’re in for plenty of humour, romance and a bit of feel good escapism. This one is a great read and I loved getting to know Zara better after glimpses of her in previous books. The puppy storyline had me laughing out loud and I loved her determination as a business owner. Can’t wait for the next novel to come out.
August 12, 2021
Cute & Fun & Endearing
This book just hot me out of a funk. Made me smile and feel. I loved all the characters and the way they supported each other. Plus, it makes me want to travel to London. Perhaps someday...
This book just hot me out of a funk. Made me smile and feel. I loved all the characters and the way they supported each other. Plus, it makes me want to travel to London. Perhaps someday...
March 29, 2023
Meh. I probably would have DNF’ed this book if doing so was in my nature. Light read with a boring plot and boring characters who were severely under developed. You could skim through the book and miss nothing of importance.
June 30, 2023
fun, sweet read
I really enjoyed this friends to lovers story. This series has characters from the Love Manor series. I enjoyed seeing Zara again and watching her get her HEA with her back up guy. Asher is totally hot, charming romantic and a true gentleman. It was also good to see Sebastian and Emma with their adopted daughter, Darcy. A clean and sweet read I really enjoyed:)
I really enjoyed this friends to lovers story. This series has characters from the Love Manor series. I enjoyed seeing Zara again and watching her get her HEA with her back up guy. Asher is totally hot, charming romantic and a true gentleman. It was also good to see Sebastian and Emma with their adopted daughter, Darcy. A clean and sweet read I really enjoyed:)
August 11, 2021
This book is a really sweet friends to lovers story. Zara and Asher are adorable and while you know how it’s going to end, the journey is well written. The ancillary characters are fun, too. Easy read and delightful. It will put a smile on your face.
Read
April 5, 2022If I can put a book down and don’t have the itch to read it, then I know it’s just ok. That’s how I felt about this one - sweet, cute, but a little bit syrupy for my taste. Content: clean
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