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The Setup

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Can a weekend change your fate?

As soon as Rory Price’s plane touches down in Britain for her two-year work contract , she has big plans to see and experience everything she can. The one thing that isn’t on the twenty-seven-year old’s agenda is a relationship.

Tell that to her matchmaking British friend who sets Rory up on a coffee date on her first full day in the new country.

Imogen Wright doesn’t want any more complications in her life. The only thing she’s considering committing to is adopting a dog.

Their blind date starts off disastrous, but there might be more than meets the eye.

Will the two headstrong women continue to clash, or will they see what’s so obvious to their matchmaking friend?

Best-selling lesbian romance author TB Markinson, has written a touching and quirky novella about finding love when you least expect it. Read it today!

220 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2020

349 people are currently reading
597 people want to read

About the author

T.B. Markinson

70 books1,151 followers
T. B. Markinson is an American writer, living in England. When she isn't writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order.

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5 stars
401 (36%)
4 stars
355 (32%)
3 stars
242 (22%)
2 stars
67 (6%)
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20 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
Profile Image for Jude Silberfeld-Grimaud.
Author 2 books758 followers
October 2, 2020
3.5* – Rory has barely set foot on British soil that her friend Jane is setting her up with a woman. Even though Rory isn’t looking for a relationship – she’s in London for two years and plans on focusing on her career and on visiting her dream city –, Jane prides herself on her Cupidon gift and is absolutely convinced that her friend Imogen is Rory’s soul mate.

The Setup is a sweet and short read. Most of the story takes place in a span of twenty-four hours, so it’s instalust and instalove, and it works surprisingly well. Seeing Rory go from awkward to charming when she realised what she felt was not one-sided was cute and the banter with Imogen was fun.
Profile Image for Sandra.
553 reviews136 followers
October 7, 2020
TB Markinson's Novella is a fun story of an insta love. Usually not my cup of tea, but TB has never disappointed me with her stories. Even if this is not TB's best book, in my humble opinion, it is an entertaining one.

Rory was sent by her company to London for two years, a dream destination for the travel and adventure-loving American. Jane, a long-time friend who also lives in London, organizes a blind date for Rory with Imogen on the second day, without either of the two protagonists knowing anything about it. Jane is sure that the two women are soul mates who just have to get the chance to meet each other.

Can women fall in love within hours? Although both are convinced that they do not want a relationship at the moment? I have no idea if this happens in real life, but in books, it is definitely possible. And in this case in a fun way.

Both MC's are sympathetic and humorous women who at first glance do not have much in common. When Jane leaves them alone under a flimsy pretext, Imogen ends up as Rory's tour guide. I loved Rory from the beginning, her awkwardness during the first minutes of the blind date, her humor, and the funny tick of her to give a name to everything and anything. The story is told from Rory's point of view and that fits very well here. We can witness first hand how her feelings for Imogen are changing. What was really fun is the way the author expresses the British and American idiosyncrasies.

A light, easy, and entertaining read without angst and drama.
My rating 3.75 stars
Thanks to the authors for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Leah.
502 reviews253 followers
November 1, 2020
‘The Setup’ was a very cute, angst free romance. It’s very much in line with what I’m coming to associate with Markinson’s quirky sense of humor.
It’s full of fun, witty banter between Rory, an American recently moved to London, and Imogen, a local she’s been set up with by a mutual friend. This is an insta-love story and in this instance, it works. The whole story excluding the epilogue takes place in the span of less than 48 hours.
I recommend this to anyone wanting a very quick, fun romance.
Profile Image for AnnMaree Of Oz.
1,510 reviews131 followers
October 16, 2020
Unique & Interesting premise! Basically the first 58% of the book is set over just a few hours (the rest of the book is over the next night and day) - a morning and lunch as our MC's get to know one another with some banter and lots of discussion.

Rory is newly shipped in from the USA, in some sort of job exchange program if you will, where she is an accountant for a large corporation that has offices all over the world. Rory is delighted to be in London and wants to make the most of her 2 years there, she has lots of memories and lists of things she wants to do.

Imogen is a local, introduced by a third common friend to them both who considers herself a match-maker and sets Rory and Imogen up to spend time with eachother. Imogen is in insurance, and seems a little more reserved at first, but soon opens up to the more free spirited Rory.

Both characters have a lot of similarities, they have serious and professional jobs, but they also have fun playful sides too. Both also have family issues, although Imogen's are far more encroaching.

Their communication is realistic but also heartfelt, and amusing. I really felt like I was watching a normal date of two people with good chemistry getting to know eachother. They were honest and self-aware, which I absolutely love. Rory realized she can be a bit full on at first, and Imogen recognized she has a hard time letting people in. Both feel an attraction but more importantly a deeper emotional understanding between them. Both express a desire for their interactions to be a good basis for a foundation of something more.

While they did move fast, it didn't seem unrealistic. It's not like they were professing absolute love for eachother. They just knew there was the start of something real happening, which was lovely to read.
Every now and then I do think it's possible to meet someone and just click with them instantly, especially if you're both talkers and are all about honesty. I think it is possible to get a good idea about who a person is and what they are about in a short time when you're really connecting emotionally and talking well etc. Of course this isn't common, but I have experienced that and this short (2.5 hours) novella reminded me of those few occasions when I was younger and less jaded lol.

It ends almost as quick as it starts, and we do get an epilogue 2 years later, which is great. I would totally have loved more time with Immie and Rory, but what we got was heart-warming and adorable, just a good fluffy read to make you smile and feel good!

A kindle unlimited read - check it out!
Profile Image for Lexxi Kitty.
2,060 reviews477 followers
May 26, 2021
When I opened the door, my arm brushed under the hand dryer, causing it to roar to life, and I stifled a scream because my brain first thought a tiger had leaped out at me.


A review with two beginnings:
Beginning 1: I was somewhat confused when I read reviews and kept seeing words like "short story" and/or novella, then glanced over at the page count on Goodreads (and Amazon) and saw "222 pages". That's not a lot of pages, but it seemed more than I'd normally see for a short story or a novella. Then I read the book. Is Amazon/Goodreads correct? This did not seem like 222 pages. The book really did seem to be a super quick read of not many pages. Eh, whatever.

Beginning 2: The only way to add to the authors I read, is to try authors I've not read before. Which I've been attempting to do more often this year. Purposely dodging and skipping over books by authors I've read before, to dive into books by authors I haven't read before. Slight twist here, though: I've known about this specific author since, at least, 2018 since I've been collecting, when I notice, their books when they are offered for free. Which this book here was - collected for free at some point (I think). For one reason or another, though, this is the first work I've read by this author (didn't help that most of the free books I picked up were series books and not the first book in their series).

Right, so, let's get out of the beginning and move to the middle, or more accurately, the beginning of the middle.

This book stars 27 year old Rory Price, and 28 year old Imogen Wright. Rory is the only one with a POV in the book, though.

Rory Price is an accountant from, if I recall correctly, Denver Colorado (though more recently from Boston . . . I think? I might be merging this book and the The Date). Rory has been sent by her company to London on a two year contract to open an office there.

Imogen Wright is a London born 28 year old who still lives in London. And works in insurance.

The two meet when their mutual friend has them come to a breakfast the first day Rory was in London. 'Course, Jane, that friend (hopefully I'm remembering her name correctly), didn't actually tell either of them that the other would be at the breakfast. Jane, you see, is something of a matchmaker. And has decided to match up Rory & Imogen.

Rory is dressed for "moving boxes, unpacking things" type clothing. Denver Broncos shirt, messy hair. While Imogen is dressed all fancy like. Described as gorgeous with ice queen vibes. Rory . . . well, everything is from her point of view, so we can't see her from other people's eyes. Though there was some comment here or there that indicated that she's also attractive. heh. This paragraph was supposed to continue that "neither expected this to be a date/surprise meeting" paragraph. And I turned it to be more about appearances.

Got distracted by background noise - the "music guest" part of the show I had on the background started singing.

Right.

So - Jane does that "oops, I need to be elsewhere, why don't you two . . . do something while I leave?" trick. And Rory and Imogen explore London for the rest of the day/night/day. Then book over (with an epilogue set two years later). Probably helps the book feels short - being set over a very short period of time; plus everything from one point of view.

I'm tired of those people. The ones who are always telling others how to be, the way they should live their lives, what's appropriate and what's not. It's fucking exhausting to please everyone else and not take into consideration that doing so makes me miserable.


Rating: 4.66

May 26 2021
Profile Image for Sarah.
106 reviews11 followers
May 7, 2021
This was a very sweet, entertaining story with likable characters and no drama. I liked it a lot and finished it in one day.
Profile Image for Ameliah Faith.
859 reviews43 followers
September 28, 2020
Fun
Rory has been transferred by her job to London for two years. She is super excited and can’t wait to explore every nook and cranny. She has no plans to look for love, what’s the point when she will have to leave again. A British friend has other ideas and sneakily sets her up on a blind date on her first full day in the country!!! Imogen is expecting to have coffee with a friend, she never expected to be playing tour guide to an American with fanciful ideas…. But there is something about her…. And just maybe Rory feels the same.

This is an adorable story!! I just loved it! It’s a sweet, fun, light hearted tale with nothing to distract from the delightfulness. The two women seem to have nothing in common at first and don’t particularly care for each other but to watch them get to know each other as they explore the streets of London brought joy to my heart. I loved how they were so different yet so well complimented each other. The ending is perfect and really I was quite smitten with the whole thing!
Profile Image for M.E. Tudor.
Author 17 books102 followers
August 30, 2021
Adorable!

This was a wonderful romantic story. I loved the characters! Rory and Imogen are so cute. I'd love to have q pint with them.
Profile Image for Joon.
93 reviews6 followers
May 29, 2021
Interested in a brief excursion over London with romance in the foreground?

American lady, Rory and British lady, Imogen find themselves on a blind date arranged by their mutual friend, Jane. Coincidentally Jane used to date Rory as well as Imogen, so she knows both of them well and assumes they are perfect for each other. Throughout 222 pages the reader is learning if they are really a match.

There’s a lot of talking. Sometimes even too much of that, though the author tries to entertain with some humorous expressions, catch-up phrases and double-meaning. There are moments of fun with American and British variations of English. However, I’d like to be introduced with cultural and social variety more. There are some but not enough for me.

The story is a nice read. While reading, I felt like listening to a friend reminiscing her own experience, exceptional moment in life that was full of excitement and happiness. Also, bringing back all those details which become meaningful in time, was an enjoyable part of the book.
I dared to classify this book as a slow-burn romance only because of the text proportions in depicting getting to know each other phase to actual being together phase. In fact, the whole story time span can be counted in hours, so this definitely does not mean a slow motion love story.

I recommend this read to romance lovers and London seekers. There are descriptions of city footpaths that are worth following.
Profile Image for Zoe.
55 reviews10 followers
October 28, 2020
Nice, but not long enough

A short review - to go with a short story. I’m normally a fan of novellas since I love finishing books the same day I start reading them, but this one didn’t entirely do it for me.

Don’t get me wrong... it was cute and had a whole lotta instalove, but there was no drama or anything to suggest it wasn’t going to end up in a syrupy pool of awwwws.
3.5 stars.
Profile Image for khi.
237 reviews11 followers
March 8, 2021
Normally love TB Markinson but I just did not like the characters of this one, main character was a bit too quirky for my taste.

Nevertheless it’s a well written book, nice short casual. Even though I did not particularly vibe with it I’ll still recommend because it could still be your cup of tea!
Profile Image for currentlyreadingbynat.
871 reviews103 followers
July 4, 2021
I really enjoyed this novella. The romance was super sweet and I loved the storyline of an enthusiastic American moving to London for two years. I felt like I was along for Rory's new adventure, as we meet her on her very first day in London, which also happens to be the day she meets Imogen.

Typically I steer clear of novellas as I prefer reading longer books so there's (typically) a heap more character and story development. However, I thought the development between Rory and Imogen was done really well. initially I was a little worried we'd be in instalove territory but I think the development of the relationship felt really natural. I would've loved to have spent more time with these two but I thought the novella overall was really good.
Profile Image for Tinything.
245 reviews
October 25, 2020
Quite a nice short read. The book is first person POV of Rory all the way through. I feel like this book is not for me. I couldn't find the chemistry between the main characters. Their conversation that they had sound to flat in my head. I'm not sure, thats probably just me, since this book rating quite good. I'll give it another try next time i guess. If people ask me about this book, I would say "ehh.. i don't know please dont ask me" 🙈
Profile Image for Kexx.
2,331 reviews100 followers
December 25, 2020
Lovely short novella - just right for this Covid-strewn Christmas. I have a real love-hate relationship with TB - her novels are either brilliant or just don't work for me. This was the former. And I do like Novellas - no time for the last minute angst! Class.
Profile Image for Michelle  Schuler.
922 reviews12 followers
March 7, 2021
Charming

T.B. Markinson's book is full of wit and instant chemistry. Imogen and Rory are setup on Rory's first full day in London. This is a quick book full of banter and the differences between Brits and Americans. The characters are not as intricate one can usually expect from T.B. Markinson, however it is a novella. I greatly enjoyed it and looking forward to more.
Profile Image for Heidi.
701 reviews32 followers
November 6, 2020
Fun, quick read. American moves to London for work and is set up by her only British friend. The set up takes a turn, but finds its HEA.
Profile Image for Carol Hutchinson.
1,124 reviews72 followers
February 15, 2023
The cutest!

Rory is embarking on a new adventure for work and finds herself living in London. On her first day her friend sets her up with another of her friends, Imogen. Imogen and Rory spend a day together even though Imogen was hesitant at first but they end up discovering they actually have a lot in common.

Simple, sweet, cute and everything you could want from a romance. I loved the premise of this whole story, from how Rory and Imogen were set up by their friend to the lovely time they spent together as they cemented their connection with one another. The story was jam packed with moments to keep you smiling and laughing the whole time, and really feeling like you were getting to know them both.

T. B. Markinson so brilliantly brings Rory’s experience of the UK to life in a way no one else could. It was magical and even though I live in the UK, Rory’s way of seeing London was something else. It was like the wonder you see things with as a child and it was so infectious. Rory had some brilliant quirks so it was inevitable she was going to have Imogen falling in love with her in no time.

Just lovely and a story you can definitely enjoy again and again and never tire of the brilliantly fun times they shared.
Profile Image for Lorraine Rusnack.
1,126 reviews32 followers
September 30, 2020
I had a great time reading this book. I loved all the different references through out the book to different movies all filmed in London. Rory is adorable and on the adventure of her life. Her friend Jane decided to set her up on a blind date and the fun really beings. Imogen is not too impressed at their first meeting but turns up again later that day and is interested to get to know Rory. This is a lovely story of two people getting to know each other and falling in love. I would love to see more of their story. You can’t help but fall in love with them.
Profile Image for XR.
1,980 reviews106 followers
September 30, 2020
I really liked both main characters and I loved their banter. A nicely written short and sweet story.
31 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2021
Would have loved a longer story or a sequel, I loved everything about it!
Profile Image for Monique S..
Author 12 books56 followers
June 17, 2021
Really it is worth 4.5 stars.

A lovely light read with a straight plot line from start to finish, a cute romance practically free from complications, two lovable well worked out characters and funny, witty dialogues.

TB evidently loves London and doesn’t shy away from making fun of herself(?) and fellow Americans or the special traits of her English counterparts. It is sad, that she hasn’t experienced London in the early seventies like I did, when I worked in a pub Princedale Road off Holland Park Avenue. Life was even more different then, our pub, the Prince of Wales, was practically a common meeting place for all the craftspeople living in the flats around the squares on the north side and the “posh” people of the villas on the Kensington side, who were MPs, publishers and the like. It was the beer garden out the back, that was the main attraction of it.

Also London was still without all the terrible “modern” high rise buildings, the Docklands and other “developments”.
Profile Image for J H.
526 reviews12 followers
April 3, 2022
A meddling mutual friend tries to play matchmaker

SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: author's pick, meet-cute, favorite trope, butch character, possibly other categories

Romances that involve a character moving to a different country can be fun, and this one fell into that category. A majority of the story took place over a few days in a row, and that was a new experience for me. Like the characters, I wouldn't have trusted a bit dishonest and flighty friend to be a worthy judge of character about anything, either. The story was sweet and often funny, the characters were interesting and very likeable, it was well-paced, and I really enjoyed if.
Profile Image for Darlene.
1,969 reviews220 followers
March 9, 2021
What have I said about mysteries and romances? Travel. In this romance, I got to go to London. Through the main character, Rory, I got to take a job in London and meet with an old friend who sets her up with a new friend.

This was another Kindle Unlimited, so it was a free, sort of, read. I read it in one night. Yes, that was with text-to-speech.

I found the main character okay. I like her new friend, Imogen, boring, but Rory loved her, so that's not for me to care. I was in London.

Anything more gets into spoilers, and the book is too short for that. It was fun. Give it a try.
Profile Image for Nicole.
156 reviews
November 15, 2020
Super cute

Super cute book with two very likeable characters that may have thought the other was weird to begin with, but ended up falling in love. This book could have been twice as long and I still would have loved every word. Description and detail are fantastic and writing keeps a reader entertained.
Profile Image for Patricia Salazar.
77 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2020
Lovely!!

This is the cutest story ever!!! Light reading, love at first sight, page - turner and even 🌶!! Love it!!
Profile Image for yas.
72 reviews11 followers
February 10, 2021
sapatonas que se conhecem de manhã e a noite já estão pensando em nomes pro cachorro, é isso adorei
Profile Image for mili.
384 reviews14 followers
June 13, 2021
5/10

This is a cute very short non angsty romance book.

I, honestly, can’t believe it’s a 200+ page book. I mean, is it really? It’s like a 4 hour read and it’s really short. Something doesn’t add up.

Okay, this is very fast (even for lesbians) in my opinion. Especially that soulmate talk after a day of knowing eachother. I love the slowburns. They feel more real so this wasn’t really my cup of tea.

The MCs aren’t my favourite but I feel like I would like the Brit one had I a chance to really meet her. Sadly, I didn’t feel any chemistry between them. It just didn’t feel right. It’s too fast and too.. forced? Forced.

The whole book (minus the epilogue) is set in like two days time where everything happens. But that wasn’t my biggest problem with this story. I really got tired of all the generalization.

Oh, the Americans are such and such but the Brits are completely opposite.

The Americans are open and cheerful.

The Brits are moody and fashionable.

The Americans are good.

The Brits are the worst.

The Americans are bad.

The Brits are the best.

Like?? Why????!

And it goes on and on throughout the whole book that it drove me to the point where I almost stop reading.

But, really, though. I wanted to give it a second* chance so I didn’t even turn it off at that f*ot fetish scene which I can’t stand. Do you really do that the first time you have sex with a person? IDK seemed weird.


7/10 audio

Ella Lynch did a solid job with this one. I definitely love the dramatics she brings, she’s amazing at it but her American accent is really flawed. I, mean, like, it’s really bad. I couldn’t get into the story because of all the cringing. That’s really her only weak point, though. Would wanna listen to her narrate a book with all the British characters. Bet it’d be the best.


*100th
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