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Your Place or Mine?
'The queen of rom com!' Rebecca Raisin Two reluctant housemates. One Is this your place or mine...?
When Serena is kicked out of her flat, an offer from her friend, Taylor, to house sit for her while she and her husband go travelling could not be better timing. But unfortunately for Serena she’s not the only one to have received this offer…
Enter arrogant, messy (and annoyingly handsome) musician, and friend of Taylor’s husband. Living with him is far from ideal, especially when he claims the best room, has loud parties - and the least said about his kitchen manner the better...
There's just one solution for Serena – drive him out of the house by being twice as difficult to live with than he is! But Ziggy knows Serena's game and as war ensues between them, being forced together under one roof may result in some unexpected consequences...
A laugh-out-loud, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, opposites attract romantic comedy from MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER Portia MacIntosh - guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Praise for Portia
'Smart, funny and always brilliantly entertaining, every book from Portia becomes my new favourite rom com.' Shari Low
'I laughed, I cried - I loved it.’ Holly Martin
‘This book made me laugh and kept me turning the pages.' Mandy Baggot
'A fun, fabulous 5 star rom com!' Sandy Barker on Your Place or Mine?
'Loved the book, it's everything you expect from the force that is Portia! A must read' Rachel Dove on Your Place or Mine?
'Fun and witty. Pure escapism!' Laura Carter on Fake It Or Leave It
'A hilarious, roaringly fun, feel good, sexy read. I LOVED it!' Holly Martin on Honeymoon For One
'A heartwarming, fun story, perfect for several hours of pure escapism.' Jessica Redland on Honeymoon for One
'A feel good, funny and well written book. I read it in 2 days and enjoyed every second!' A.L. Michael on Honeymoon for One
'Super-romantic and full of festive spirit. I loved it!' Mandy Baggot on Stuck On You
When Serena is kicked out of her flat, an offer from her friend, Taylor, to house sit for her while she and her husband go travelling could not be better timing. But unfortunately for Serena she’s not the only one to have received this offer…
Enter arrogant, messy (and annoyingly handsome) musician, and friend of Taylor’s husband. Living with him is far from ideal, especially when he claims the best room, has loud parties - and the least said about his kitchen manner the better...
There's just one solution for Serena – drive him out of the house by being twice as difficult to live with than he is! But Ziggy knows Serena's game and as war ensues between them, being forced together under one roof may result in some unexpected consequences...
A laugh-out-loud, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, opposites attract romantic comedy from MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER Portia MacIntosh - guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Praise for Portia
'Smart, funny and always brilliantly entertaining, every book from Portia becomes my new favourite rom com.' Shari Low
'I laughed, I cried - I loved it.’ Holly Martin
‘This book made me laugh and kept me turning the pages.' Mandy Baggot
'A fun, fabulous 5 star rom com!' Sandy Barker on Your Place or Mine?
'Loved the book, it's everything you expect from the force that is Portia! A must read' Rachel Dove on Your Place or Mine?
'Fun and witty. Pure escapism!' Laura Carter on Fake It Or Leave It
'A hilarious, roaringly fun, feel good, sexy read. I LOVED it!' Holly Martin on Honeymoon For One
'A heartwarming, fun story, perfect for several hours of pure escapism.' Jessica Redland on Honeymoon for One
'A feel good, funny and well written book. I read it in 2 days and enjoyed every second!' A.L. Michael on Honeymoon for One
'Super-romantic and full of festive spirit. I loved it!' Mandy Baggot on Stuck On You
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2023
947 people are currently reading
2510 people want to read
About the author
Portia MacIntosh
52 books2,114 followersPortia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 30 romantic comedy novels.
From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.
Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.
Find out more at www.portiamacintosh.com
From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.
Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.
Find out more at www.portiamacintosh.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 727 reviews
January 29, 2023
This was a fun and cute book that had me turning the pages with a smile on my face. I also enjoyed how Serena was dealing with real life issues: grief/loss, financial issues, relationship issues, loss of a job, etc. This had me rooting for her.
Serena finds herself out of a job and a place to live when her employer Diana, (who is more like a mother to her) dies suddenly. Diana's children decide to see the tearoom where Serena worked and everyone is let go. As Serena lived in a float over the business, she was left without a home as well. Talk about having a lot on your plate. Dealing with the loss of someone close to her and being out of a home, Ugh! Plus, her personal life....
Luckily her friend, Taylor is going to be traveling with her husband, Tim for a few months and tells Serena she can stay in their home while they are away. Tim, not knowing that Taylor has invited Serena to stay in their home, invites his friend, Ziggy to stay there until he gets back on his feet. Woops!
Serena and Ziggy could not be more opposite if they tried. Serena likes quiet and order yet has a quirky personality. Ziggy is a messy musician with an easy-going personality. Neither was expecting to share the home with someone. Soon they engage in pranks in hopes of making the other move out.
For me, Romance books are all about the journey. I enjoyed the journey these characters went on. Both are likeable and their scenes are great. They go from being annoyed with the other to having other emotions. I also enjoyed reading about what Serena was left by her deceased employer.
This book is great escapism reading. I have not read a book by Portia MacIntosh before, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
#YourPlaceorMine #NetGalley#Boldwoodbooks #PortiaMacIntosh
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Serena finds herself out of a job and a place to live when her employer Diana, (who is more like a mother to her) dies suddenly. Diana's children decide to see the tearoom where Serena worked and everyone is let go. As Serena lived in a float over the business, she was left without a home as well. Talk about having a lot on your plate. Dealing with the loss of someone close to her and being out of a home, Ugh! Plus, her personal life....
Luckily her friend, Taylor is going to be traveling with her husband, Tim for a few months and tells Serena she can stay in their home while they are away. Tim, not knowing that Taylor has invited Serena to stay in their home, invites his friend, Ziggy to stay there until he gets back on his feet. Woops!
Serena and Ziggy could not be more opposite if they tried. Serena likes quiet and order yet has a quirky personality. Ziggy is a messy musician with an easy-going personality. Neither was expecting to share the home with someone. Soon they engage in pranks in hopes of making the other move out.
For me, Romance books are all about the journey. I enjoyed the journey these characters went on. Both are likeable and their scenes are great. They go from being annoyed with the other to having other emotions. I also enjoyed reading about what Serena was left by her deceased employer.
This book is great escapism reading. I have not read a book by Portia MacIntosh before, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
#YourPlaceorMine #NetGalley#Boldwoodbooks #PortiaMacIntosh
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
January 4, 2023
TW// death (of maternal figures), cheating
I was really hoping to start 2023 off with a new favorite… but unfortunately it looks like the universe had others plans for me.
Your Place or Mine? involves two different plotlines. One of them centers around Serena and Ziggy, who are two strangers that are forced into living in the same house while their friends are on vacation. They hate each other right off the bat, but some feelings rise up that start to change things. The other plot involves Serena trying to expose a cheater for the cheat that he is.
These two plotlines made the story a little messy. The plots didn’t combine until the very end, so it was like I was reading two different stories combined into one. The hate-to-lovers plot is the one that’s mentioned in the synopsis, so the cheating plot was shocking and I honestly wouldn’t have requested this book off of NetGalley if I was aware of the cheating plot. I was debating whether or not I wanted to mention the cheating element in my review, but it takes up at least 50% (if not more) of the book so readers should be aware of it. The cheating plotline wasn’t even resolved well. I was hoping for some epic reveal of the cheating, but the resolution ended up being awkward and annoying.
The characters in this book were a massive problem for me. Serena had a bland personality and she often solved her problems in terrible ways. Ziggy was annoying and honestly sort of gross. I was confused how we’re honestly supposed to believe that someone would fall in love with a sweaty, smelly manbaby like Ziggy. Dean was bad, too, but at least the plot was purposefully set up so that he was somewhat of the bad guy. The other minor characters were awful, but I won’t get into that here.
I was hoping that the romance would somehow make the characters more redeemable to me, but it didn’t at all. All of the romances in this book seemed to be purely physical. Most of the characters don’t talk to each other like normal functioning adults, and the only thing the characters cared about was banging each other. None of the characters had chemistry with each other, too, which made every romantic scene really uncomfortable for me. It was disappointing.
The humor in this book wasn’t great either. The author tried too hard to make this book funny, which went so far as to make this book extremely unfunny. I was rolling my eyes and cringing nonstop at the “funny” scenes.
I also had an issue with the author’s writing style. I’m sure some people will like it, but it felt like there was a lot of quirks to the writing that I wasn’t fond of. For example, there was an excessive use of ellipses at the end of chapters and there were forced moments where the narrator seemed to attempt to talk to the audience.
There was a Marilyn Manson mention in here, too, which wasn’t my biggest issue with the book but it’s still not great. I don’t understand why someone as problematic as Marilyn would be mentioned in any book.
It’s probably obvious by now but I hated this book and I couldn’t wait to be done with it. Here’s to hoping that my next reads in 2023 are better.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an eArc of this book.
I was really hoping to start 2023 off with a new favorite… but unfortunately it looks like the universe had others plans for me.
Your Place or Mine? involves two different plotlines. One of them centers around Serena and Ziggy, who are two strangers that are forced into living in the same house while their friends are on vacation. They hate each other right off the bat, but some feelings rise up that start to change things. The other plot involves Serena trying to expose a cheater for the cheat that he is.
These two plotlines made the story a little messy. The plots didn’t combine until the very end, so it was like I was reading two different stories combined into one. The hate-to-lovers plot is the one that’s mentioned in the synopsis, so the cheating plot was shocking and I honestly wouldn’t have requested this book off of NetGalley if I was aware of the cheating plot. I was debating whether or not I wanted to mention the cheating element in my review, but it takes up at least 50% (if not more) of the book so readers should be aware of it. The cheating plotline wasn’t even resolved well. I was hoping for some epic reveal of the cheating, but the resolution ended up being awkward and annoying.
The characters in this book were a massive problem for me. Serena had a bland personality and she often solved her problems in terrible ways. Ziggy was annoying and honestly sort of gross. I was confused how we’re honestly supposed to believe that someone would fall in love with a sweaty, smelly manbaby like Ziggy. Dean was bad, too, but at least the plot was purposefully set up so that he was somewhat of the bad guy. The other minor characters were awful, but I won’t get into that here.
I was hoping that the romance would somehow make the characters more redeemable to me, but it didn’t at all. All of the romances in this book seemed to be purely physical. Most of the characters don’t talk to each other like normal functioning adults, and the only thing the characters cared about was banging each other. None of the characters had chemistry with each other, too, which made every romantic scene really uncomfortable for me. It was disappointing.
The humor in this book wasn’t great either. The author tried too hard to make this book funny, which went so far as to make this book extremely unfunny. I was rolling my eyes and cringing nonstop at the “funny” scenes.
I also had an issue with the author’s writing style. I’m sure some people will like it, but it felt like there was a lot of quirks to the writing that I wasn’t fond of. For example, there was an excessive use of ellipses at the end of chapters and there were forced moments where the narrator seemed to attempt to talk to the audience.
There was a Marilyn Manson mention in here, too, which wasn’t my biggest issue with the book but it’s still not great. I don’t understand why someone as problematic as Marilyn would be mentioned in any book.
It’s probably obvious by now but I hated this book and I couldn’t wait to be done with it. Here’s to hoping that my next reads in 2023 are better.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an eArc of this book.
May 10, 2024
Your standard romcom that didn’t quite touch my heart.
January 22, 2023
3.75⭐
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, down on your luck, close proximity, roommates to lovers, enemies to lovers, musician, unknown cheating, no steamage
Serena & Ziggy
Serena has lost her job at Diana's (a tea room), and her apartment in quick succession when her boss/friend, Diana, passes away. It just so happens that her friend, Taylor, is looking for someone to house sit for a few weeks. Perfect!...or not, since Taylor's husband, Tim, has asked his mate, Ziggy, to house sit too.
They agree they can make it work and live together, but right off the bat they don't get along so well and begin to frustrate each other. When a prank goes too far they put their differences aside and work together to fix their mistake. Eventually their hate for each other grows into more.
I wish we had more time with Diana. She seemed like a great person that her two selfish money grubbing children neglected and didn't deserve. No wonder she left her pride and joy business, Dirty Di's, to Serena. I would have liked more emphasis on the business part of the story. And how do you use the sculpture ~ did I miss the answer?
The whole cheating plot went on a bit longer than I would have liked. Speaking up would've been a lot easier than what Serena did to get him caught.
Side character Al was great and I love that he found a love interest ~ I wouldn't mind a book about him, but only if he wears his plastic thong.
Overall, a quick and easy read.
*Thanks to the author, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, down on your luck, close proximity, roommates to lovers, enemies to lovers, musician, unknown cheating, no steamage
Serena & Ziggy
Serena has lost her job at Diana's (a tea room), and her apartment in quick succession when her boss/friend, Diana, passes away. It just so happens that her friend, Taylor, is looking for someone to house sit for a few weeks. Perfect!...or not, since Taylor's husband, Tim, has asked his mate, Ziggy, to house sit too.
They agree they can make it work and live together, but right off the bat they don't get along so well and begin to frustrate each other. When a prank goes too far they put their differences aside and work together to fix their mistake. Eventually their hate for each other grows into more.
I wish we had more time with Diana. She seemed like a great person that her two selfish money grubbing children neglected and didn't deserve. No wonder she left her pride and joy business, Dirty Di's, to Serena. I would have liked more emphasis on the business part of the story. And how do you use the sculpture ~ did I miss the answer?
The whole cheating plot went on a bit longer than I would have liked. Speaking up would've been a lot easier than what Serena did to get him caught.
Side character Al was great and I love that he found a love interest ~ I wouldn't mind a book about him, but only if he wears his plastic thong.
Overall, a quick and easy read.
*Thanks to the author, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
December 15, 2022
DNF @ 38%
The synopsis of this book sounds so good but it’s just boring so far.
To start off, the heroine is already in a relationship with someone else and by 38%, she’s STILL in a relationship but not just that, she found out he has a fiancé and she hasn’t dumped him yet and he’s not even the love interest in this book? What?!
No thank you, not for me.
Personally, I just don’t enjoy romance books that start off with one of the main characters already in a relationship with someone else.
The synopsis of this book sounds so good but it’s just boring so far.
To start off, the heroine is already in a relationship with someone else and by 38%, she’s STILL in a relationship but not just that, she found out he has a fiancé and she hasn’t dumped him yet and he’s not even the love interest in this book? What?!
No thank you, not for me.
Personally, I just don’t enjoy romance books that start off with one of the main characters already in a relationship with someone else.
June 16, 2024
Your Place or Mine embodies that middle of the road feeling that a three star rating was made for. I didn’t find it to be super fun or romantic. The two leads could’ve maintained a platonic friendship for all the chemistry they exuded. I don’t think the trajectory would even been thrown off by much if they had. I just didn’t believe the attraction. At all.
Serena and Ziggy have both been invited to house sit for mutual friends. Through a series of unfortunate events, they both need a place to stay ASAP.
Serena’s character had to deal with heavy issues that made her seem more realistic. She’s grieving, lost her home and job, and has relationship issues. I didn’t agree with how she handled her relationship drama and the resolution was not worth the page time of the journey to arrive there. Ziggy is an overgrown child. I would pity anyone sharing space with him.
There’s two big plot lines and the way they swap back and forth is messy in places. The converging of everything towards the ending felt rushed and lackluster. The writing tries too hard to be humorous and missed its mark with me.
Although I never found myself 100% engaged in this story, the audiobook proved a nice enough distraction during a week filled with driving.
Overall it’s an OK read, nothing remarkable or memorable here though.
Serena and Ziggy have both been invited to house sit for mutual friends. Through a series of unfortunate events, they both need a place to stay ASAP.
Serena’s character had to deal with heavy issues that made her seem more realistic. She’s grieving, lost her home and job, and has relationship issues. I didn’t agree with how she handled her relationship drama and the resolution was not worth the page time of the journey to arrive there. Ziggy is an overgrown child. I would pity anyone sharing space with him.
There’s two big plot lines and the way they swap back and forth is messy in places. The converging of everything towards the ending felt rushed and lackluster. The writing tries too hard to be humorous and missed its mark with me.
Although I never found myself 100% engaged in this story, the audiobook proved a nice enough distraction during a week filled with driving.
Overall it’s an OK read, nothing remarkable or memorable here though.
January 19, 2023
“Grief is the cost of love. If you feel a lot of sadness to have lost someone, they must have given you a hell of a lot of love while they were alive”
Things I struggled with:
✔️understanding Serena’s thought patterns and her willingness to risk her happiness for something she must have known wouldn’t work out
✔️misleading synopsis; prank wars were mild in comparison to what a generous part of the book was focused on
✔️connecting to Ziggy; I think I’m too old for books like this!!!!
✔️character’s behaviour didn’t always reflect their age
✔️pacing issues - almost DNF by 1/3 but knew I had committed to a book tour! Thankfully, it picked up
Things I enjoyed:
✔️plenty of great characters showing growth
✔️lots of subplots to keep me interested
✔️laugh out loud moments
✔️insight into being ‘the other woman’
✔️prank wars
✔️good emotional balance with grief and humour
✔️mindless entertainment
This is my very first Portia Macintosh book. My curiosity is filled and I was entertained - that’s all I was asking for during this week between holidays! Those who love romcoms, friends-to-lovers and forced proximity tropes will love this one.
I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Things I struggled with:
✔️understanding Serena’s thought patterns and her willingness to risk her happiness for something she must have known wouldn’t work out
✔️misleading synopsis; prank wars were mild in comparison to what a generous part of the book was focused on
✔️connecting to Ziggy; I think I’m too old for books like this!!!!
✔️character’s behaviour didn’t always reflect their age
✔️pacing issues - almost DNF by 1/3 but knew I had committed to a book tour! Thankfully, it picked up
Things I enjoyed:
✔️plenty of great characters showing growth
✔️lots of subplots to keep me interested
✔️laugh out loud moments
✔️insight into being ‘the other woman’
✔️prank wars
✔️good emotional balance with grief and humour
✔️mindless entertainment
This is my very first Portia Macintosh book. My curiosity is filled and I was entertained - that’s all I was asking for during this week between holidays! Those who love romcoms, friends-to-lovers and forced proximity tropes will love this one.
I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
December 16, 2022
I’m a little torn on how I feel about this book. On one hand, there’s nothing inherently wrong with it. But on the other, I feel like the focus of the book was lost.
Nowhere in the blurb does it talk about anything other than Ziggy and Serena’s living arrangement and ensuing feud. However that is a very VERY small part of the story.
I would have liked it better if it was closer to the description.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. All thoughts expressed above are mine, and true.
Nowhere in the blurb does it talk about anything other than Ziggy and Serena’s living arrangement and ensuing feud. However that is a very VERY small part of the story.
I would have liked it better if it was closer to the description.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. All thoughts expressed above are mine, and true.
January 17, 2023
This was another fun read from MacIntosh, an author I have come to expect will give me a great story. What I enjoyed most about this book was the different strands to the plot and how there were plenty of surprises along the way.
Not only do readers see how Serena has to deal with her new-found unemployment, she is also shacked up with the annoying Ziggy. The story follows how Serena tries to maintain a connection with her former, (deceased) boss, although her boss’s children have other plans – and they are quite cruel in the process too. Whilst poor Serena (poor both emotionally and now financially) takes stock of her life plan, she gets the opportunity to house-sit for her best friend. Unfortunately, Ziggy was also invited for the role at the same time, so now Serena has an unexpected housemate who seems to drive her up the pole.
As tensions mount, so, it would seem, do both Serena and Ziggy’s intentions. From their first meeting deciding who should get the more lavish bedroom, I was entertained by their constant bickering. Fighting like cats and dogs only begins to escalate into pranks that cause more harm than good. Both are equally stubborn and determined that their behaviour will drive the other person out the house… but it only leads to more juvenile behaviour.
On top of this, Serena’s discovery that connects her to Diana was as much of a surprise to Serena as it was to me. I think it would have helped if the blurb actually referenced this because I thought the story would just be about the conflict between her and Ziggy. There were a couple of elements that were glossed over from MacIntosh which I thought slightly disappointing (what on earth did that discovered contraption do?!) and I could not decide whether this was supposed to be a main or sub plot. Either way, it added a different part to the story, even if I was far more interested in Serena and Ziggy’s antics.
Finally, Serena also has to rethink her relationship with Dean. Again, I enjoyed this part of the story because it added something new to the narrative but, on reflection, it did make me think that this was a story that could have been broken up into three separate novels. I was intrigued by how Serena would resolve her connection with Dean, particularly with an annoying Ziggy to distract her, but think MacIntosh could have also expanded on this further.
I liked the key characters in this story and enjoyed the fun of the narrative. However, there were parts that could have been developed further to make this even more enjoyable. I think I particularly liked the surprising direction that the story took but wanted to see more focus on Serena and Ziggy in the first place, especially as this was implied to be the main element to the book. Despite these criticisms, I still thought this book gave some great escapism and was a perfect distraction from a rainy weekend.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Not only do readers see how Serena has to deal with her new-found unemployment, she is also shacked up with the annoying Ziggy. The story follows how Serena tries to maintain a connection with her former, (deceased) boss, although her boss’s children have other plans – and they are quite cruel in the process too. Whilst poor Serena (poor both emotionally and now financially) takes stock of her life plan, she gets the opportunity to house-sit for her best friend. Unfortunately, Ziggy was also invited for the role at the same time, so now Serena has an unexpected housemate who seems to drive her up the pole.
As tensions mount, so, it would seem, do both Serena and Ziggy’s intentions. From their first meeting deciding who should get the more lavish bedroom, I was entertained by their constant bickering. Fighting like cats and dogs only begins to escalate into pranks that cause more harm than good. Both are equally stubborn and determined that their behaviour will drive the other person out the house… but it only leads to more juvenile behaviour.
On top of this, Serena’s discovery that connects her to Diana was as much of a surprise to Serena as it was to me. I think it would have helped if the blurb actually referenced this because I thought the story would just be about the conflict between her and Ziggy. There were a couple of elements that were glossed over from MacIntosh which I thought slightly disappointing (what on earth did that discovered contraption do?!) and I could not decide whether this was supposed to be a main or sub plot. Either way, it added a different part to the story, even if I was far more interested in Serena and Ziggy’s antics.
Finally, Serena also has to rethink her relationship with Dean. Again, I enjoyed this part of the story because it added something new to the narrative but, on reflection, it did make me think that this was a story that could have been broken up into three separate novels. I was intrigued by how Serena would resolve her connection with Dean, particularly with an annoying Ziggy to distract her, but think MacIntosh could have also expanded on this further.
I liked the key characters in this story and enjoyed the fun of the narrative. However, there were parts that could have been developed further to make this even more enjoyable. I think I particularly liked the surprising direction that the story took but wanted to see more focus on Serena and Ziggy in the first place, especially as this was implied to be the main element to the book. Despite these criticisms, I still thought this book gave some great escapism and was a perfect distraction from a rainy weekend.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2023
Favorite Quote:
Agatha… looks just like her mum. Well, a version of Diana that had been run through a machine that creates Disney villains. Her facial features are tight– almost as though she begrudges using the muscles (well, that plus the Botox she’s using to try to suspend her looks in time, but they’re really just suspending her face in the miserable state it must have been in when they injected her).
My Review:
This was a lively and breezy read laced together with smirk-worthy snark and clever wit. I always enjoy Ms. MacIntosh’s wry humor. Her colorful and observant character descriptions never fail to draw keen visuals to my mind’s eye and an amused smile to my lips. There were multiple storylines that eventually merged, it was game on in all directions. Each thread was busy and eventful yet easy to follow and equally entertaining and humorous.
Agatha… looks just like her mum. Well, a version of Diana that had been run through a machine that creates Disney villains. Her facial features are tight– almost as though she begrudges using the muscles (well, that plus the Botox she’s using to try to suspend her looks in time, but they’re really just suspending her face in the miserable state it must have been in when they injected her).
My Review:
This was a lively and breezy read laced together with smirk-worthy snark and clever wit. I always enjoy Ms. MacIntosh’s wry humor. Her colorful and observant character descriptions never fail to draw keen visuals to my mind’s eye and an amused smile to my lips. There were multiple storylines that eventually merged, it was game on in all directions. Each thread was busy and eventful yet easy to follow and equally entertaining and humorous.
February 24, 2023
This was cute, but not as cute as most of the author's other books.
January 12, 2023
This book made me laugh and smile a lot. It was such a warm and sunny book which when it is raining outside most of the time makes you forget it for awhile. The story was great and very entertaining and had alot of funny moments. I enjoyed this one very much. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
February 27, 2024
*Entertaining*
This was a very cosy and light read. Hard to put down, I just could not get enough of it. When you read a Portia MacIntosh book you kind of know what you are going to get, entertainment, quite often there are enemies to lovers tales like this one and I generally enjoy the journey of seeing the characters develop.
Serena is grieving when her boss who was very kind to her and others passes away. She worked in Diana’s wonderful tea room/cafe that was doing a roaring trade and Diana allowed her to live in the flat above virtually rent free.
At this news Diana’s awful children with pound signs in their eyes royally kick Serena out and close the business. Serena’s friend Taylor offers her the chance to house sit while she goes travelling with her husband.
Now her joy at having a place to stay is short lived. When she arrives unbeknownst to Serena she will not be alone. Taylor’s husband also asked someone to house sit in the shape of a musician called Ziggy.
Serena and Ziggy clash from the outset, each one trying to do things to get rid of the other, then things come to a head - I will say no more….
This was a very cosy and light read. Hard to put down, I just could not get enough of it. When you read a Portia MacIntosh book you kind of know what you are going to get, entertainment, quite often there are enemies to lovers tales like this one and I generally enjoy the journey of seeing the characters develop.
Serena is grieving when her boss who was very kind to her and others passes away. She worked in Diana’s wonderful tea room/cafe that was doing a roaring trade and Diana allowed her to live in the flat above virtually rent free.
At this news Diana’s awful children with pound signs in their eyes royally kick Serena out and close the business. Serena’s friend Taylor offers her the chance to house sit while she goes travelling with her husband.
Now her joy at having a place to stay is short lived. When she arrives unbeknownst to Serena she will not be alone. Taylor’s husband also asked someone to house sit in the shape of a musician called Ziggy.
Serena and Ziggy clash from the outset, each one trying to do things to get rid of the other, then things come to a head - I will say no more….
August 5, 2023
Maybe the worst book I’ve ever read?? All the characters were unlikeable bar the dead one and I can’t believe I read the whole thing. Spoilers incoming
The fact the author had to make the protagonist’s current bf a cheater with a fiancée to make Ziggy seem dateable was almost funny. But he wasn’t dateable, he was petty, he was freezing her milk and he already got the good room. She was homeless, he was just a bad roommate. He refused to clean which is just vile behaviour from an adult man and his attempts to get her to leave, into i say again homelessness, nearly killed her. Also she was apologising as if she set the fire. Then she watches him perform at a show and now they’re happy as clams? It was so stupid
The cheating plot line was beyond contrived, so after her stupid plans to try to get the fiancée (Lacey) to break up with Dean she goes I’m worth more than this drama and dumps him, but DOESNT TELL Lacey? Way to make the lead seem like a self centred arse.
The shoehorned attempts at putting feminism in the book were comical. Ziggy not caring about who she slept with and the bit about the adult shop felt so performative when the protagonist ended up settling for Ziggy and treated Lacey like that.
Just utter trash. 1 star for making me so mad tho, impressive writing in that sense
The fact the author had to make the protagonist’s current bf a cheater with a fiancée to make Ziggy seem dateable was almost funny. But he wasn’t dateable, he was petty, he was freezing her milk and he already got the good room. She was homeless, he was just a bad roommate. He refused to clean which is just vile behaviour from an adult man and his attempts to get her to leave, into i say again homelessness, nearly killed her. Also she was apologising as if she set the fire. Then she watches him perform at a show and now they’re happy as clams? It was so stupid
The cheating plot line was beyond contrived, so after her stupid plans to try to get the fiancée (Lacey) to break up with Dean she goes I’m worth more than this drama and dumps him, but DOESNT TELL Lacey? Way to make the lead seem like a self centred arse.
The shoehorned attempts at putting feminism in the book were comical. Ziggy not caring about who she slept with and the bit about the adult shop felt so performative when the protagonist ended up settling for Ziggy and treated Lacey like that.
Just utter trash. 1 star for making me so mad tho, impressive writing in that sense
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2023
Hug in a book
Another lovely feel good, funny book by Portia. The characters are brilliant and what I love most about her books is it isn't ALL about the romance (whilst that is lovely) but also about the ups and downs of life and the unexpected twists, turns and coincidences where it can all take you. Would highly recommend and can't wait to read another one of her books.
Another lovely feel good, funny book by Portia. The characters are brilliant and what I love most about her books is it isn't ALL about the romance (whilst that is lovely) but also about the ups and downs of life and the unexpected twists, turns and coincidences where it can all take you. Would highly recommend and can't wait to read another one of her books.
March 19, 2024
Version audio 🎧
J'ai teelllleemmeeent enjoy cette histoire 🤗🩷 vraiment drôle + les personnages attachants!! Je conseille vraiment d'écouter le livre VS le lire, la narration en "british" rend le tout vraiment spéciale et encore plus authentique ☝🏼✨
J'ai teelllleemmeeent enjoy cette histoire 🤗🩷 vraiment drôle + les personnages attachants!! Je conseille vraiment d'écouter le livre VS le lire, la narration en "british" rend le tout vraiment spéciale et encore plus authentique ☝🏼✨
December 2, 2022
4 stars//
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!!
I loved this book!!! I went into it without any expectations, and I wasn't disappointed! If you enjoyed The Flat Share by Beth O'Leary or The Co-op by Tarah Dewitt, you will love this one. This book follows Serena and Ziggy who move into their friends' house to watch it while their friends travel for a few months. Serena had lost both her flat and job after Diana ,the owner of both, passed away. Ziggy is a band's frontman who moved out of a shared house after not getting along with his roommates. Both of them need a place to stay so they begrudgingly have to get along.
These characters were so different and well fleshed out. Both are cunning in a good way and know how to get their way. I loved their chemistry, banter, and little pranks to try and drive one another out. Serena's subplots were also so well written and interesting. I loved getting to know Diana and who she was to Serena. I also loved Serena's character development by the end of the book. She acknowledges her mistakes and she grows from them. Ziggy's character development is also remarkable and really sweet. Their relationship dynamic is lighthearted and laid back which I adored.
Overall, this book was so much fun to read and has so much potential to blow up like other popular romance books. In fact, it really deserves that type of hype. I highly recommend getting your hands on this one when it comes out. <3
p.s you can find this review on my blog along with other book reviews and bookish content !
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!!
I loved this book!!! I went into it without any expectations, and I wasn't disappointed! If you enjoyed The Flat Share by Beth O'Leary or The Co-op by Tarah Dewitt, you will love this one. This book follows Serena and Ziggy who move into their friends' house to watch it while their friends travel for a few months. Serena had lost both her flat and job after Diana ,the owner of both, passed away. Ziggy is a band's frontman who moved out of a shared house after not getting along with his roommates. Both of them need a place to stay so they begrudgingly have to get along.
These characters were so different and well fleshed out. Both are cunning in a good way and know how to get their way. I loved their chemistry, banter, and little pranks to try and drive one another out. Serena's subplots were also so well written and interesting. I loved getting to know Diana and who she was to Serena. I also loved Serena's character development by the end of the book. She acknowledges her mistakes and she grows from them. Ziggy's character development is also remarkable and really sweet. Their relationship dynamic is lighthearted and laid back which I adored.
Overall, this book was so much fun to read and has so much potential to blow up like other popular romance books. In fact, it really deserves that type of hype. I highly recommend getting your hands on this one when it comes out. <3
p.s you can find this review on my blog along with other book reviews and bookish content !
December 18, 2022
This was a perfect "palate cleanser", totally weightless entertainment. This is the third Portia Macintosh book I have read and I am shocked that she can really take a predictable story and making it funny, unpredictable and entertaining.
This book did have a whole lot going on, I could barely keep up with all the subplots, but each of them were entertaining themselves ( Inheriting an Adult Store, Living with a crazy rock band roommate, finding out her boyfriend is engaged....)
Very fast paced and fun read! I feel like this was a total pool read, but I was cozy on my couch!
Great read if you need a good mood booster!
Bonus props for the whole Dominos scene! AHH! I loved it! If you know me, I love Dominos pizza so that whole thing cracked me up(Holly, you are not allowed to comment on this statement--I type this as I am figuring out what to order from Taco Bell-no regrets)
Thank you Netgalley For This Advanced Copy. I was not paid or influenced in any way shape form or fashion for this honest review. I can't wait for more from Portia Macintosh
This book did have a whole lot going on, I could barely keep up with all the subplots, but each of them were entertaining themselves ( Inheriting an Adult Store, Living with a crazy rock band roommate, finding out her boyfriend is engaged....)
Very fast paced and fun read! I feel like this was a total pool read, but I was cozy on my couch!
Great read if you need a good mood booster!
Bonus props for the whole Dominos scene! AHH! I loved it! If you know me, I love Dominos pizza so that whole thing cracked me up(Holly, you are not allowed to comment on this statement--I type this as I am figuring out what to order from Taco Bell-no regrets)
Thank you Netgalley For This Advanced Copy. I was not paid or influenced in any way shape form or fashion for this honest review. I can't wait for more from Portia Macintosh
April 10, 2024
I wish I could permanently erase this from my brain
February 8, 2023
Your Place or Mine?
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 1/17/23
Author: Portia MacIntosh
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pages: 289
GR: 3.77
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
My Thoughts: Trigger Warning of cheating. This is not my first MacIntosh book, I love her writing style. I have found a lot of the authors from Boldwood Books write such quality stories and I always enjoy reading them. Serena is hit with a lot at once, when her employer/close friend dies, she is left without a job and home, not to mention the loss of her friend. Serena is invited to her friends house to stay while they are out of town, but the friend’s husband did the same with Ziggy, whoops, unexpected roommates! While they are complete opposites, can they learn to stand each other in order to move on the next step in their journey?
The story is narrated in a first person POV. Serena and Ziggy are definitely polar opposites. A classic enemies to lovers trope that played out well. Serena is quirky, laid back, and has to have everything in order. Ziggy, on the opposite end is very easy going and doesn’t feel like everything should have a place. The tension and pranks was brilliant. The characters were developed well with witty banter, chemistry, and creatively woven throughout the story. The author’s writing style was complex, funny, swoony, and kept me engaged. There were some separate storylines developed but in the end, they all made sense.
This was such a fun, lighthearted story, it just kept me smiling throughout the story. The only con for me is that the cheating plot went a little longer than I would of liked. Now, cheating tropes do not bother me, I just would liked more focus on the relationship. Having said that, this is still a great book to read and I would highly recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 1/17/23
Author: Portia MacIntosh
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pages: 289
GR: 3.77
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
My Thoughts: Trigger Warning of cheating. This is not my first MacIntosh book, I love her writing style. I have found a lot of the authors from Boldwood Books write such quality stories and I always enjoy reading them. Serena is hit with a lot at once, when her employer/close friend dies, she is left without a job and home, not to mention the loss of her friend. Serena is invited to her friends house to stay while they are out of town, but the friend’s husband did the same with Ziggy, whoops, unexpected roommates! While they are complete opposites, can they learn to stand each other in order to move on the next step in their journey?
The story is narrated in a first person POV. Serena and Ziggy are definitely polar opposites. A classic enemies to lovers trope that played out well. Serena is quirky, laid back, and has to have everything in order. Ziggy, on the opposite end is very easy going and doesn’t feel like everything should have a place. The tension and pranks was brilliant. The characters were developed well with witty banter, chemistry, and creatively woven throughout the story. The author’s writing style was complex, funny, swoony, and kept me engaged. There were some separate storylines developed but in the end, they all made sense.
This was such a fun, lighthearted story, it just kept me smiling throughout the story. The only con for me is that the cheating plot went a little longer than I would of liked. Now, cheating tropes do not bother me, I just would liked more focus on the relationship. Having said that, this is still a great book to read and I would highly recommend.
February 16, 2023
Grief is how we love people who are no longer around anymore.
July 7, 2024
I looked for a rom-com audiobook on audible, and this book popped up as a recommendation for me and for free.
So I was curious about this.
I never heard about this author, but with so many good ratings, what could go wrong, right?
To answer the question, that's my first book by this author, and to be honest, it's probably my last.
I'm not sure if this book is better in reading-version or not, but the audiobook was just not for me.
Zero chemistry. I didn't feel a bit of real feelings or emotions from the characters.
The characters were just nerve-wracking and not interesting at all.
The main heroine is someone I can't stand.
She dates a guy who is engaged to another woman, and she has known it since the beginning of the book.
She tries to break with him but does it first at the very end of the book.
I could be wrong, but shouldn't a rom-com be at least a little bit funny?
I haven't read such a boring and frustrating book in a very long time.
So I was curious about this.
I never heard about this author, but with so many good ratings, what could go wrong, right?
To answer the question, that's my first book by this author, and to be honest, it's probably my last.
I'm not sure if this book is better in reading-version or not, but the audiobook was just not for me.
Zero chemistry. I didn't feel a bit of real feelings or emotions from the characters.
The characters were just nerve-wracking and not interesting at all.
The main heroine is someone I can't stand.
She dates a guy who is engaged to another woman, and she has known it since the beginning of the book.
She tries to break with him but does it first at the very end of the book.
I could be wrong, but shouldn't a rom-com be at least a little bit funny?
I haven't read such a boring and frustrating book in a very long time.
January 19, 2023
An enjoyable rom com that had me wanting to keep turning the pages.
I found myself smiling and laughing and enjoying every page of this one. Down on her luck, Serena is looking for somewhere to stay until she gets on her feet. When a friend of her offers her house to her while she and her husband travel, Serena thinks this is the perfect opportunity for her. And then she meets Ziggy, who just so happens to also be staying in the house while they’re gone. Things get pretty complicated for so many reasons, but by the end, my heart was melting. This book is perfect for someone looking for a light read with an enemies-to-lovers trope.
A big thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Portia MacIntosh for providing me with this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
I found myself smiling and laughing and enjoying every page of this one. Down on her luck, Serena is looking for somewhere to stay until she gets on her feet. When a friend of her offers her house to her while she and her husband travel, Serena thinks this is the perfect opportunity for her. And then she meets Ziggy, who just so happens to also be staying in the house while they’re gone. Things get pretty complicated for so many reasons, but by the end, my heart was melting. This book is perfect for someone looking for a light read with an enemies-to-lovers trope.
A big thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Portia MacIntosh for providing me with this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 19, 2024
how many chances can i give this genre before it irrevocably breaks my spirit
January 1, 2023
DNF at 30%. I’m sorry, I’m supposed to believe that she falls for this guy? And that she doesn’t dump the boyfriend when she finds out he’s engaged? AND FALLS FOR ZIGGY?
This book is absolutely non sensical. If you told me you inputted every single romance trope into a computer, gave it a fake scenario, and hit generate, I would believe you. I have a note on almost every page of this ARC because of how ridiculous it is. This is pure trash, it’s like a bad version of that roommate book that was popular last year.
This book is absolutely non sensical. If you told me you inputted every single romance trope into a computer, gave it a fake scenario, and hit generate, I would believe you. I have a note on almost every page of this ARC because of how ridiculous it is. This is pure trash, it’s like a bad version of that roommate book that was popular last year.
February 1, 2024
I looked up pseudonyms for the word "insufferable" and not a single one could properly convey how annoying and insipid the main character was in this "romcom" (where was the rom, where was the com).
The authors first mistake? Thinking I would root for a slovenly man named Ziggy.
The authors first mistake? Thinking I would root for a slovenly man named Ziggy.
May 30, 2024
Listened on audiable.
Thoroughly enjoyed this rom com chic lit novel. Yes, the outcome may be slightly predictable, but it brings alot in between.
From the offset, there is just something off about Dean, her boyfriend, her relationship with Diana was a beautiful one, that resembles close to what most wish for in a motherly daughter relationship. When Serena has to then face Diana's horrible children and her lofe begins to spiral, it all starts to unfold into the wonderful story that is your place or mine.
This book had me laughing, almost plotting alongside Serena and Ziggy in what became their ways and just simply feel good vibes for what I was looking for.
Well narrated, all characters are very well portrayed and brought to life with flow easy to listen to and follow a simple pleasure.
Thoroughly enjoyed this rom com chic lit novel. Yes, the outcome may be slightly predictable, but it brings alot in between.
From the offset, there is just something off about Dean, her boyfriend, her relationship with Diana was a beautiful one, that resembles close to what most wish for in a motherly daughter relationship. When Serena has to then face Diana's horrible children and her lofe begins to spiral, it all starts to unfold into the wonderful story that is your place or mine.
This book had me laughing, almost plotting alongside Serena and Ziggy in what became their ways and just simply feel good vibes for what I was looking for.
Well narrated, all characters are very well portrayed and brought to life with flow easy to listen to and follow a simple pleasure.
January 3, 2023
Final Rating : 3.5
So, in general, I can resume this book in two words, cute and fun.
I thought the book vibes where identical to " Flat Share" ( that I simply Loved ), although there was obviasly differences in the twists and the main story.
If you like Enemies to Lovers and Forced Proximity this might be just the book for you !
I couldn't give more stars because i really wanted to read more about the business and the relation of Serena and Ziggy.
It was a good book and it gave me desire to read more of the author.
This book was provided byt NetGalley as an ARC and this review is completely honest.
So, in general, I can resume this book in two words, cute and fun.
I thought the book vibes where identical to " Flat Share" ( that I simply Loved ), although there was obviasly differences in the twists and the main story.
If you like Enemies to Lovers and Forced Proximity this might be just the book for you !
I couldn't give more stars because i really wanted to read more about the business and the relation of Serena and Ziggy.
It was a good book and it gave me desire to read more of the author.
This book was provided byt NetGalley as an ARC and this review is completely honest.
November 27, 2022
This book is such a fun read. I’ve read a lot of Portia MacIntosh’s books and always find her books to be fun, easy reads. She just has that style of writing, and I love it. But this seemed even more fun than normal! The storyline had quite a lot going on but I felt like it was all handled really well and wrapped up in a satisfying way.
Serena and Ziggy were both such great characters to read about. They were both so well developed, as was their connection to each other. Not just romantically/physically, but in a friendly way as well. I was a bit nervous when I started the book, reading right at the beginning that Serena was dating someone, because sometimes I feel like I struggle to feel a connection between the main characters if one (or both) of them is initially with someone else, but I’m glad that wasn’t the case here.
All of the side characters were also wonderful, Al specifically won me over basically instantly. He was just such a ray of sunshine right from the moment he was introduced and all the way to the end and his ‘Eiffel Tower party’ comment made me laugh out loud, after recently reading Just Date and See. It was a fun reference to that book for someone who has read it, but someone who hasn’t read it wouldn’t be missing out on anything.
I can’t get too specific about why I gave this a 4 instead of a 5 without getting into spoilers, so I will just say that I didn’t love the way the romance actually started. By no means was it bad, it’s just not my preference. It felt like things got a little bit rushed at the end, but I did really adore the way the book ended so this was a really great read.
Thank you to Boldlake Books & NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!
Serena and Ziggy were both such great characters to read about. They were both so well developed, as was their connection to each other. Not just romantically/physically, but in a friendly way as well. I was a bit nervous when I started the book, reading right at the beginning that Serena was dating someone, because sometimes I feel like I struggle to feel a connection between the main characters if one (or both) of them is initially with someone else, but I’m glad that wasn’t the case here.
All of the side characters were also wonderful, Al specifically won me over basically instantly. He was just such a ray of sunshine right from the moment he was introduced and all the way to the end and his ‘Eiffel Tower party’ comment made me laugh out loud, after recently reading Just Date and See. It was a fun reference to that book for someone who has read it, but someone who hasn’t read it wouldn’t be missing out on anything.
I can’t get too specific about why I gave this a 4 instead of a 5 without getting into spoilers, so I will just say that I didn’t love the way the romance actually started. By no means was it bad, it’s just not my preference. It felt like things got a little bit rushed at the end, but I did really adore the way the book ended so this was a really great read.
Thank you to Boldlake Books & NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!
July 3, 2023
DNF at 45Ish percent. Just wasn’t invested in the characters which is essential for a romance in my opinion.
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