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Once Upon an Island
A beachy take on a classic romance from romcom author Sarah Ready.
Fun-loving Isla Waterstone loves her laid-back life on Mariposa Island. She has everything she could ever want...a great job as a journalist for the local paper, amazing friends, and pink sand beaches with stunning tropical sunsets. The only problem with tiny tropical islands? There are more sea turtles than single men. So when British billionaire Declan Fox and his aristocratic friend arrive, Isla's friends know this can mean only one thing. Marriage . After all, it's a truth universally acknowledged, when a single billionaire travels to a tropical island, he must be in want of a wife. But Isla isn't convinced. Especially because Declan is the most rude, arrogant, prideful man she's ever met. Or is he?
From tropical Mariposa to England and back again, this playful summer romcom, finds that first impressions don't always tell the whole story.
"A fun and sweet love story..." Kirkus Reviews on Chasing Romeo by Sarah Ready
"...winning read about a little discussed topic." Kirkus Reviews on Josh and Gemma Make a Baby by Sarah Ready
Fun-loving Isla Waterstone loves her laid-back life on Mariposa Island. She has everything she could ever want...a great job as a journalist for the local paper, amazing friends, and pink sand beaches with stunning tropical sunsets. The only problem with tiny tropical islands? There are more sea turtles than single men. So when British billionaire Declan Fox and his aristocratic friend arrive, Isla's friends know this can mean only one thing. Marriage . After all, it's a truth universally acknowledged, when a single billionaire travels to a tropical island, he must be in want of a wife. But Isla isn't convinced. Especially because Declan is the most rude, arrogant, prideful man she's ever met. Or is he?
From tropical Mariposa to England and back again, this playful summer romcom, finds that first impressions don't always tell the whole story.
"A fun and sweet love story..." Kirkus Reviews on Chasing Romeo by Sarah Ready
"...winning read about a little discussed topic." Kirkus Reviews on Josh and Gemma Make a Baby by Sarah Ready
262 pages, Hardcover
Published May 24, 2022
10 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Ready
23 books1,198 followersAuthor Sarah Ready writes contemporary romance and romantic comedy.
Her books have been described as “euphoric”, “heartwarming” and “laugh out loud”. Her debut novel The Fall in Love Checklist was hailed as “the unicorn read of 2020”. She loves to write fast-paced, emotionally compelling romances about quirky, smart women and the men who love them.
Her works include Josh and Gemma Make a Baby, Josh and Gemma the Second Time Around, French Holiday and romcoms in the Soul Mates in Romeo series. Her debut novel The Fall in Love Checklist was hailed as “the unicorn read of 2020”. She lives in the Caribbean with her family and water-loving pup.
Find more books and interesting tidbits at www.sarahready.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
May 24, 2022
Cute girlfriend story with a romantic flair.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is the first book I have read by this author and there are so many great things I can say about this story. I loved the locale. OMG I want to go there and live!
I love the characters for the most part. There are a few who got on my nerves, but the relationship between the friends is delightful, fun, and carefree.
However, there are some things that just did not call my name. Declan was written as an over-the-top arrogant jerk, which is fine, but he never really unwound through the whole book. We have a build-up of like on his part, I think, but it was tough to get a read on him. Way too icy for the complete opposite character of Isla.
Overall, the story came out as a cute girlfriend read with a touch of romance. Charming and fun story, but don’t look for steam or simmering heat.
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/once-upon-an...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is the first book I have read by this author and there are so many great things I can say about this story. I loved the locale. OMG I want to go there and live!
I love the characters for the most part. There are a few who got on my nerves, but the relationship between the friends is delightful, fun, and carefree.
However, there are some things that just did not call my name. Declan was written as an over-the-top arrogant jerk, which is fine, but he never really unwound through the whole book. We have a build-up of like on his part, I think, but it was tough to get a read on him. Way too icy for the complete opposite character of Isla.
Overall, the story came out as a cute girlfriend read with a touch of romance. Charming and fun story, but don’t look for steam or simmering heat.
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/once-upon-an...
May 17, 2022
"If you keep waiting for the perfect conditions to plant, you'll never have a garden."
Once Upon an Island is a sweet tropical island romantic comedy with an extremely slow burn. Isla is looking for a slow trip towards finding love and has a close group of besties, Kate, Arya and Renee. When Kate discovers billionaire Declan Fox and his aristocratic friend Percy Oliver have arrived on Mariposa Island, she plans for two of them to catch the white whale and marry Declan and Percy. But Declan sees the girls as gold diggers even though Arya and Percy have already started to fall for each other.
Isla meets Declan and has a less than pleasant experience. Her first impression of Declan is anything but good. He's arrogant and egotistical and not used to anyone saying no to him. Despite his obvious superiority complex, he exudes magnetism, pulling Isla in regardless of her obvious dislike of him. When they're trapped together in a rainstorm, arguing turns into charged banter, making Isla's feelings for him more conflicted.
Declan typically offers an unreadable expression yet there is so much more to him beneath the surface. While the story is told only from Isla's point of view, I'm so curious about Declan's thoughts and would have loved to see chapters from his point of view as well. He seems to have vulnerability, perhaps also sadness and loneliness, hidden underneath his facade. What motivates his actions and behaviors?
This is a story about first impressions and seeing one's true character. Sometimes we see only what we want to see in others. We focus on how people present themselves and their outward appearances rather than looking to see what's hidden beneath the surface. First impressions are often misperceptions fueled by pride and prejudice. How do we trust others and how do we trust our own judgements? Can we go against everything we believe in for true love? Is there such a thing as love at first sight?
It took me a while to warm up to Declan but Isla and her friends were beautifully developed, each interesting in a different way. I later found Declan to be quite intriguing and he reminded me of the gentlemen in Regency romances. This story seemed less focused on the romance but more so on a character study and a look at first impressions and misperceptions. I loved the suggestion of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, and in carving out one's own life path instead of following in the path of others. I would have liked to see the romance bloom earlier in the story but I never stopped hoping for their happily ever after.
"All ordinary things....that are made extraordinary because of you."
* 3.5 stars rounded to 3 for Goodreads. *
** Special thanks to author Sarah Ready for sending me this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Available May 24, 2022. **
Once Upon an Island is a sweet tropical island romantic comedy with an extremely slow burn. Isla is looking for a slow trip towards finding love and has a close group of besties, Kate, Arya and Renee. When Kate discovers billionaire Declan Fox and his aristocratic friend Percy Oliver have arrived on Mariposa Island, she plans for two of them to catch the white whale and marry Declan and Percy. But Declan sees the girls as gold diggers even though Arya and Percy have already started to fall for each other.
Isla meets Declan and has a less than pleasant experience. Her first impression of Declan is anything but good. He's arrogant and egotistical and not used to anyone saying no to him. Despite his obvious superiority complex, he exudes magnetism, pulling Isla in regardless of her obvious dislike of him. When they're trapped together in a rainstorm, arguing turns into charged banter, making Isla's feelings for him more conflicted.
Declan typically offers an unreadable expression yet there is so much more to him beneath the surface. While the story is told only from Isla's point of view, I'm so curious about Declan's thoughts and would have loved to see chapters from his point of view as well. He seems to have vulnerability, perhaps also sadness and loneliness, hidden underneath his facade. What motivates his actions and behaviors?
This is a story about first impressions and seeing one's true character. Sometimes we see only what we want to see in others. We focus on how people present themselves and their outward appearances rather than looking to see what's hidden beneath the surface. First impressions are often misperceptions fueled by pride and prejudice. How do we trust others and how do we trust our own judgements? Can we go against everything we believe in for true love? Is there such a thing as love at first sight?
It took me a while to warm up to Declan but Isla and her friends were beautifully developed, each interesting in a different way. I later found Declan to be quite intriguing and he reminded me of the gentlemen in Regency romances. This story seemed less focused on the romance but more so on a character study and a look at first impressions and misperceptions. I loved the suggestion of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, and in carving out one's own life path instead of following in the path of others. I would have liked to see the romance bloom earlier in the story but I never stopped hoping for their happily ever after.
"All ordinary things....that are made extraordinary because of you."
* 3.5 stars rounded to 3 for Goodreads. *
** Special thanks to author Sarah Ready for sending me this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Available May 24, 2022. **
May 28, 2022
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
STEAM: 🔥
Sarah Ready had me at Pride and Prejudice retelling. I am always a sucker for a new take on the Jane Austen classic, and this one did not disappoint.
Isla and her friends are living a quiet Mariposa island life when it is disrupted by the arrival of two gentlemen. Two very rich, very handsome, very eligible gentlemen. Her friend Arya immediately takes a liking to the kinder, friendlier Percy, and while Kate is trying to get the attentions of Percy's broody companion Deacon Fox, it seems like he is much more interested in the adversarial connection with Isla.
I really enjoyed Ready's version of P&P. Intricate and colorful details created a phenomenal scenic backdrop that makes you crave an island vacation. While you will enjoy the lovely parallels and Easter eggs, this story held its own charm and humor. Not only are Isla and Deacon incredibly charismatic, but their supporting ensemble also held their own. I adore Arya, Percy, and Renee, but Harriett took the MVP for me.
If you know P&P, you know this will be a slow burn. But the sizzle along the way was the best part of the love story. The chemistry between Isla and Deacon was filled with fantastic tension that made you look forward to their next interaction. The spicy scenes fade to black, but just like P&P, it is the journey that makes the read worth it.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Sarah Ready and Social Butterfly PR for providing an ARC. **
STEAM: 🔥
Sarah Ready had me at Pride and Prejudice retelling. I am always a sucker for a new take on the Jane Austen classic, and this one did not disappoint.
Isla and her friends are living a quiet Mariposa island life when it is disrupted by the arrival of two gentlemen. Two very rich, very handsome, very eligible gentlemen. Her friend Arya immediately takes a liking to the kinder, friendlier Percy, and while Kate is trying to get the attentions of Percy's broody companion Deacon Fox, it seems like he is much more interested in the adversarial connection with Isla.
I really enjoyed Ready's version of P&P. Intricate and colorful details created a phenomenal scenic backdrop that makes you crave an island vacation. While you will enjoy the lovely parallels and Easter eggs, this story held its own charm and humor. Not only are Isla and Deacon incredibly charismatic, but their supporting ensemble also held their own. I adore Arya, Percy, and Renee, but Harriett took the MVP for me.
If you know P&P, you know this will be a slow burn. But the sizzle along the way was the best part of the love story. The chemistry between Isla and Deacon was filled with fantastic tension that made you look forward to their next interaction. The spicy scenes fade to black, but just like P&P, it is the journey that makes the read worth it.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Sarah Ready and Social Butterfly PR for providing an ARC. **
May 14, 2022
Okay trope fans, hold on to your hats. This one is a slowww burn. An “enemies to holy freaking romance are these two EVER going to get together?!!” I seriously thought it was. Never. Gonna. Happen. And that it probably shouldn’t happen. Isla and Declan are opposites in every way possible, which is exactly when fate laughs and says, “Hey, watch this!”
Isla has a great life on the Caribbean Island of Mariposa as a writer for the local newspaper, and a heritage full of rich island history. She has some wonderful gal pals in her three besties, Arya, Kate, and Renee. Things are great until billionaire Declan Fox and his affluent friend Percy Oliver show up.
Kate decides the men's arrival is the perfect opportunity for two of the four besties to land a billionaire. Which she announces loudly enough at a beachside brunch for Declan to overhear. What ensues is an outrageous string of comedic errors that will keep you in stitches and reading late into the night.
Ready won my heart from her very first offering and never fails to charm and delight my romantic heart. It's never an easy road for her characters to find love, but especially with Isla and Declan (see the aforementioned “never gonna happen"). Yet somehow, despite preconceived prejudices, madcap mayhem, Mother Nature, and misunderstandings, fate does her job and destiny smiles.
Isla is one of my all-time favorite heroines, finding magnificence in the mundane and magic in the ordinary. Her sunny optimism is juxtaposed with a stoic hero whose perceived persona isn’t reality (see aforementioned misunderstandings). It took me a while to warm up to this opinionated, rude, aloof aristocrat and see beneath the layers to his gold-gilded heart.
Witty and humorous, evocative and tender, and magically enchanting, this consummate beach read is heartwarming laughter and pure delight that you absolutely won’t want to miss!
Isla has a great life on the Caribbean Island of Mariposa as a writer for the local newspaper, and a heritage full of rich island history. She has some wonderful gal pals in her three besties, Arya, Kate, and Renee. Things are great until billionaire Declan Fox and his affluent friend Percy Oliver show up.
Kate decides the men's arrival is the perfect opportunity for two of the four besties to land a billionaire. Which she announces loudly enough at a beachside brunch for Declan to overhear. What ensues is an outrageous string of comedic errors that will keep you in stitches and reading late into the night.
Ready won my heart from her very first offering and never fails to charm and delight my romantic heart. It's never an easy road for her characters to find love, but especially with Isla and Declan (see the aforementioned “never gonna happen"). Yet somehow, despite preconceived prejudices, madcap mayhem, Mother Nature, and misunderstandings, fate does her job and destiny smiles.
Isla is one of my all-time favorite heroines, finding magnificence in the mundane and magic in the ordinary. Her sunny optimism is juxtaposed with a stoic hero whose perceived persona isn’t reality (see aforementioned misunderstandings). It took me a while to warm up to this opinionated, rude, aloof aristocrat and see beneath the layers to his gold-gilded heart.
Witty and humorous, evocative and tender, and magically enchanting, this consummate beach read is heartwarming laughter and pure delight that you absolutely won’t want to miss!
May 31, 2022
Fun-loving Isla loves her laid-back life on Mariposa Island. She has a great job as a journalist for the local paper, amazing friends, and stunning tropical sunsets. The only problem with tiny tropical islands? There are more sea turtles than single men.
Enter British billionaire Declan Fox, who is the most rude, arrogant, prideful man she’s ever met.
Or is he?
As a retelling of Pride & Prejudice, it was sweet, hilarious and charming. I loved the twist added as a beach backdrop instead of English countryside.
The forced proximity was my favorite part. I loved how they got stranded on an island first and then again almost drowned & swam back to the island.
I do wished to have seen more of the chemistry & bonding but overall it was a quick read.
Enter British billionaire Declan Fox, who is the most rude, arrogant, prideful man she’s ever met.
Or is he?
As a retelling of Pride & Prejudice, it was sweet, hilarious and charming. I loved the twist added as a beach backdrop instead of English countryside.
The forced proximity was my favorite part. I loved how they got stranded on an island first and then again almost drowned & swam back to the island.
I do wished to have seen more of the chemistry & bonding but overall it was a quick read.
May 20, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam Level: 🔥🔥 (one fade to black sex scene)
Isla Waterstone and her three friends love living on Mariposa Island. Unfortunately none of them have had much luck finding decent men while living in paradise. When billionaire Declan Fox and his friend Percy arrive on the island, Isla's friend Kate decides one of them should marry him. Sure he's good looking, but he's also arrogant, stubborn, and rude- the total opposite of what Isla wants in a man. So why does she feel tingly and warm after being forced to spend time with him, and why is she dreaming about him and his piercing glare? Maybe there's more to this billionaire than she first believed.
This was another enjoyable book from Sarah Ready! Not only did we have the romance between Declan and Isla, but we also had a sweet romance between Declan's friend Percy and one of Isla's friends as well as a surprise relationship near the end of the book. It was so fun! The first half of the book was my favorite as we had lots of forced proximity situations that allowed Declan and Isla to get to know each other and develop some excellent tension. And Declan's stern looks and gruff manner had me fanning myself in anticipation of some steamy, passionate kisses. Unfortunately I had to wait a loooooonnnnggg time for that satisfaction to come, and the second half of the book started to make me wonder if they would actually end up together at all. Thankfully, it was worth the wait. That ending was so sweet and satisfying, leaving me with a big, goofy grin. And I can't forget to mention how much I loved the island setting. It definitely helped add to the magic of this romance. I'm looking forward to whatever comes next from Sarah Ready!
Thank you to Social Butterfly PR and the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Steam Level: 🔥🔥 (one fade to black sex scene)
Isla Waterstone and her three friends love living on Mariposa Island. Unfortunately none of them have had much luck finding decent men while living in paradise. When billionaire Declan Fox and his friend Percy arrive on the island, Isla's friend Kate decides one of them should marry him. Sure he's good looking, but he's also arrogant, stubborn, and rude- the total opposite of what Isla wants in a man. So why does she feel tingly and warm after being forced to spend time with him, and why is she dreaming about him and his piercing glare? Maybe there's more to this billionaire than she first believed.
This was another enjoyable book from Sarah Ready! Not only did we have the romance between Declan and Isla, but we also had a sweet romance between Declan's friend Percy and one of Isla's friends as well as a surprise relationship near the end of the book. It was so fun! The first half of the book was my favorite as we had lots of forced proximity situations that allowed Declan and Isla to get to know each other and develop some excellent tension. And Declan's stern looks and gruff manner had me fanning myself in anticipation of some steamy, passionate kisses. Unfortunately I had to wait a loooooonnnnggg time for that satisfaction to come, and the second half of the book started to make me wonder if they would actually end up together at all. Thankfully, it was worth the wait. That ending was so sweet and satisfying, leaving me with a big, goofy grin. And I can't forget to mention how much I loved the island setting. It definitely helped add to the magic of this romance. I'm looking forward to whatever comes next from Sarah Ready!
Thank you to Social Butterfly PR and the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 7, 2023
I love a great island romance. The vivid descriptions of the colors and sounds makes you feel you are there. What an amazing book. Highly recommend.
May 24, 2022
Rating: 3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Anytime I hear Pride and Prejudice, my automatic response is - sign me up. Whatever it is, I’m here for THE romance novel that got me into the genre. There’s something so magical about that story that ever fades, so when I heard Sarah Ready was going to do a modern day retelling, you know I had to put my hand up for it!!!
Once Upon an Island sees Isla and her 3 friends Renee, Kate & Arya enjoy the sun-kissed tropical paradise of Mariposa Island, named after the abundance of butterflies present on the island. Isla is a column writer for the local newspaper and very satisfied living a magically ordinary life. That is, until billionaire Declan Fox and his aristocrat friend Percy Oliver come into town inspecting new properties.
Sarah’s writing is short, sharp, funny and easy to read, and you find yourself flying through the pages caught up in all the character’s shenanigans. There are cheeky callbacks to the 2005 movie throughout, so fans will love that. If you’ve read the Jane Austin original or watched any of the media adaptions, you will easily be able to pick out what character represents who, and where the story is going. So in that sense, it is predictable, however, this didn’t bother me at all, and I found it a great comfort to revisit one of my favorite romances.
If you are a fan of Lizzy & Darcy, and are looking for a fun, light-hearted read that doesn’t betray the original, then this is the book for you.
Thank you Social Butterfly PR & Sarah Ready for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Anytime I hear Pride and Prejudice, my automatic response is - sign me up. Whatever it is, I’m here for THE romance novel that got me into the genre. There’s something so magical about that story that ever fades, so when I heard Sarah Ready was going to do a modern day retelling, you know I had to put my hand up for it!!!
Once Upon an Island sees Isla and her 3 friends Renee, Kate & Arya enjoy the sun-kissed tropical paradise of Mariposa Island, named after the abundance of butterflies present on the island. Isla is a column writer for the local newspaper and very satisfied living a magically ordinary life. That is, until billionaire Declan Fox and his aristocrat friend Percy Oliver come into town inspecting new properties.
Sarah’s writing is short, sharp, funny and easy to read, and you find yourself flying through the pages caught up in all the character’s shenanigans. There are cheeky callbacks to the 2005 movie throughout, so fans will love that. If you’ve read the Jane Austin original or watched any of the media adaptions, you will easily be able to pick out what character represents who, and where the story is going. So in that sense, it is predictable, however, this didn’t bother me at all, and I found it a great comfort to revisit one of my favorite romances.
If you are a fan of Lizzy & Darcy, and are looking for a fun, light-hearted read that doesn’t betray the original, then this is the book for you.
Thank you Social Butterfly PR & Sarah Ready for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts are my own.
May 20, 2022
This book was fast ! I love retellings of Pride and Prejudice. I love reading all the new stories. This one was unique, it took place on an island. I loved all the characters I loved it all. This is a fade to black. No sex scenes unfortunately but it was still a great read and I recommend it to everyone who loves Pride and prejudice ♥️♥️
May 23, 2022
A tropical Pride & Prejudice
5 stars
I’m a huge fan of Sarah Ready’s and have especially enjoyed her Soul Mates in Romeo romcom series. This is something different again for her as she adds a tropical, contemporary twist to Jane Austen’s classic, Pride & Prejudice.
Our action starts on Mariposa Island - a tropical getaway that I’m very disappointed to find out is fictional. I mean, an idyllic, sultry paradise with lush greenery, azure blue seas and shenanigans involving British billionaires? Sounds legit! We do end up in the damp and drizzly north of England but there’s tea - so all’s well with the world!
Our heroine is Isla - a local who is more than happy with her ordinary life on the island. She has her house, her friends and the island she loves. As a kind and caring person, it’s amusing to watch her be annoyed by, spar with, and become reluctantly attracted to the brooding Declan. She’s got enough sass to make me like her and reading her internal thoughts was a right hoot.
Declan is a British billionaire that wears his cynicism on his sleeve. Wow is this boy grumpy! We only get the book from Isla’s point of view but you definitely pick up his thoughts and feelings in subtle ways that even Isla isn’t aware of. I’m a sucker for a brooding hero that’s really a big ol’ softie inside and that is Declan to a T. With an added dose of cynicism thrown in for good measure.
I adored Isla and Declan together. They both appeared to be fighting against their feelings and doing a damn poor job of things. I love it when characters are tortured with their feelings for each other throughout a book.
We get a whole host of characters in this book - some that have more page time and are better developed than others. Some I liked, some I didn’t particularly like and some I downright didn’t like at all and didn’t want to have a happy ending.
Buuuut… my feelings are pretty much the same for Pride and Prejudice which this story is based on. This story doesn’t try to do anything too wild or fancy with the storyline and it stays relatively true to the original plot. Well, I don’t think there were any tropical thunderstorms or falling off yachts in the original, but it’s been a while! It also means that there is little to no shenanigans - no, not even kissing - until the very end. And even then, it’s all PG. I would have liked at least some snogs to keep me happy but that’s not the way the author wanted to go and I was fine with that. It was fun to try to marry up the original with this story and found I really enjoyed that aspect on top of appreciating the story on its own merits, too.
As always, Sarah Ready brings her fresh, fun and light writing style that never fails to draw me in. She also somehow always manages to surprise me when I’m suddenly so invested in her characters and her worlds that I find myself unintentionally blubbing with all the feelings. As I said, big fan of Sarah Ready’s work and this offering just cements her as one of my go-to authors for a good time of love and laughter. 5 stars.
May 25, 2022
Unfortunately, this was not a successful reading experience for me, which is really disappointing because I’ve enjoyed Ready’s work in the past. There are a million romance novels inspired by Pride and Prejudice, and I've read some pretty great ones. Getting the hero's personality just right is one of the major requirements, and this hero is a straight up jerk. Like... not a sexy jerk, just a jerk. Some of the things he says are SO very off-putting, and there are honestly not enough moments with them together to counteract those mean remarks. They spend much of the book apart, and I needed more from the hero during their time together. Granted, that's true of P&P too, but those interactions could've made a much stronger impact. It's a faithful enough retelling that there were not a lot of surprises, though it's executed in such a way that there were plenty of cringey moments. Maybe P&P fans will find some positives here, but it's not very successful on its own.
The story is told exclusively from Isla's point of view, a woman who lives on a beautiful island. When her friends discover that a single billionaire is in town, they are excited to sink their claws into a wealthy target. Isla isn't interested in the sexy stranger though; their first interaction does not go well at all, and the cold, aloof man doesn't make a great second or third impression either. There is something about him that has Isla intrigued, but she's never able to see past her initial assumptions.
I'd call this more of a retelling than a book that's inspired by P&P, because the location may be different, but the story has a LOT of familiar moments. It's quick, cute, and easy, with an exceptionally slow-burning romance (that is somehow also instalove) and no steam at all. Though it has rom com vibes, I didn't find anything funny - but maybe that's just me. It lost me early on, and I likely would've DNF'd if the book had been longer. I do love a sexy grump, but I only found Declan appealing in a few brief moments. There's a lot more that could've been done there. I don't want to completely bash the book - there are certainly readers who are going to love this, but I'm clearly not one of them. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this beachy romance.
The story is told exclusively from Isla's point of view, a woman who lives on a beautiful island. When her friends discover that a single billionaire is in town, they are excited to sink their claws into a wealthy target. Isla isn't interested in the sexy stranger though; their first interaction does not go well at all, and the cold, aloof man doesn't make a great second or third impression either. There is something about him that has Isla intrigued, but she's never able to see past her initial assumptions.
I'd call this more of a retelling than a book that's inspired by P&P, because the location may be different, but the story has a LOT of familiar moments. It's quick, cute, and easy, with an exceptionally slow-burning romance (that is somehow also instalove) and no steam at all. Though it has rom com vibes, I didn't find anything funny - but maybe that's just me. It lost me early on, and I likely would've DNF'd if the book had been longer. I do love a sexy grump, but I only found Declan appealing in a few brief moments. There's a lot more that could've been done there. I don't want to completely bash the book - there are certainly readers who are going to love this, but I'm clearly not one of them. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this beachy romance.
May 23, 2022
What a cute story about 4 girlfriends living on an island which is perfect for a quick romantic getaway BUT these girls live here year round and keep looking for LOVE in the wrong places. So when Kate finds out two wealthy bachelors are coming to the island real estate shopping she is on the case for find 2 of the 4 friends HUSBANDS !!
Little does Kate know that she is the only one on the market for a husband because of her family and she will do everything in her power to make it happen except for the fact that one of the bachelors only has eyes for ISLA !!
Isla just got out of a 3 year relationship from Chet and isn’t looking for love in the right places she thinks .. maybe Chet will come back .. maybe she will become and old cat lady and live on the island old and lonely ?? That isn’t the case if Declan has anything to do about it … BUT he has his own issues with TRYST and GOLD DIGGERs. So when he over hears the girls conversation on how Kate needs one of the bachelors Declan believes it is all of them that feel that way .. which isn’t the case at all !!
So when Isla and Declan find themselves on a kayak, overboard a sailing yacht, lost in a maze who would ever think these two would actually like each other ?? Or was it just survival on an island ?? So when Declan goes back to England and doesn’t say goodbye Isla knows it is for good .. Or is it ??
Can Declan work thought his trust issues and Can Isla let someone take her heart again ?? The banter back and forth between these to is hilarious !!
they want out of life and that is to LIVE !! Don't forget the boobies .. BIRDS !!
Little does Kate know that she is the only one on the market for a husband because of her family and she will do everything in her power to make it happen except for the fact that one of the bachelors only has eyes for ISLA !!
Isla just got out of a 3 year relationship from Chet and isn’t looking for love in the right places she thinks .. maybe Chet will come back .. maybe she will become and old cat lady and live on the island old and lonely ?? That isn’t the case if Declan has anything to do about it … BUT he has his own issues with TRYST and GOLD DIGGERs. So when he over hears the girls conversation on how Kate needs one of the bachelors Declan believes it is all of them that feel that way .. which isn’t the case at all !!
So when Isla and Declan find themselves on a kayak, overboard a sailing yacht, lost in a maze who would ever think these two would actually like each other ?? Or was it just survival on an island ?? So when Declan goes back to England and doesn’t say goodbye Isla knows it is for good .. Or is it ??
Can Declan work thought his trust issues and Can Isla let someone take her heart again ?? The banter back and forth between these to is hilarious !!
they want out of life and that is to LIVE !! Don't forget the boobies .. BIRDS !!
May 25, 2022
Once Upon an Island is the first book in a new romantic comedy series by Sarah Ready. Isla “La-La” Waterstone is a journalist for the local newspaper on fictional Mariposa Island. She broke up with her boyfriend three years ago and is lamenting the lack of potential suitable husbands on their island with her three close friends. Then British billionaire Declan Fox arrives on the island with his best friend, a minor royal named Percy Oliver. Declan hires Isla’s friend, Kate, a successful real estate agent, to help him find a home on the island.
Declan and Isla clash as soon as they meet, so this story has the enemies-to-lovers trope. Percy is very interested in puffins and immediately befriends Arya, who is a naturalist studying booby birds. The female friends are encouraging the sweet romance between Arya and Percy.
Sarah Ready puts fresh twists on familiar romantic tropes, and this book doesn’t disappoint. The tale is a celebration of friendship as much as it is a love story. The characters are engaging, and the dialogue is refreshing and funny. It's like a funny modern version of Pride and Prejudice. I’m looking forward to reading future books in this series.
Thank you to Social Butterfly PR for providing me with an advance review copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
Declan and Isla clash as soon as they meet, so this story has the enemies-to-lovers trope. Percy is very interested in puffins and immediately befriends Arya, who is a naturalist studying booby birds. The female friends are encouraging the sweet romance between Arya and Percy.
Sarah Ready puts fresh twists on familiar romantic tropes, and this book doesn’t disappoint. The tale is a celebration of friendship as much as it is a love story. The characters are engaging, and the dialogue is refreshing and funny. It's like a funny modern version of Pride and Prejudice. I’m looking forward to reading future books in this series.
Thank you to Social Butterfly PR for providing me with an advance review copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2022
*Paperback
I wasn’t sure if I’d like this one because I understand it’s a retelling of pride & prejudice. I think I’m the only one who didn’t like Pride & Prejudice…I just don’t think I like the classics. That book was a snooze fest for me but Once Upon An Island…yeah I devoured it in less than 24 hours (would’ve been faster but I had to work). I LOVED it. I’ve come to the conclusion, that I basically love whatever Sarah Ready writes.
Once Upon An Island is adorably perfect. It’s steamy with virtually no steam. How on earth does Sarah Ready pull that off!? I legit don’t have a clue but she does it so well. She has a wonderful way of setting the stage for insanely angsty, passionate, romantic moments but they almost always fall short of that kiss (or maybe more) the reader is hoping for BUT eventually we get the payoff….our HEA. It’s never cheesy and I love that about her books. Sarah Ready is witty & sarcastic, the swoon factor is always on point with Sarah Ready.
Upon An Island is plot driven with likable characters. It’s captivating all the way through.
I basically smiled through the majority of this book. I just adored it. I definitely recommend it. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
I wasn’t sure if I’d like this one because I understand it’s a retelling of pride & prejudice. I think I’m the only one who didn’t like Pride & Prejudice…I just don’t think I like the classics. That book was a snooze fest for me but Once Upon An Island…yeah I devoured it in less than 24 hours (would’ve been faster but I had to work). I LOVED it. I’ve come to the conclusion, that I basically love whatever Sarah Ready writes.
Once Upon An Island is adorably perfect. It’s steamy with virtually no steam. How on earth does Sarah Ready pull that off!? I legit don’t have a clue but she does it so well. She has a wonderful way of setting the stage for insanely angsty, passionate, romantic moments but they almost always fall short of that kiss (or maybe more) the reader is hoping for BUT eventually we get the payoff….our HEA. It’s never cheesy and I love that about her books. Sarah Ready is witty & sarcastic, the swoon factor is always on point with Sarah Ready.
Upon An Island is plot driven with likable characters. It’s captivating all the way through.
I basically smiled through the majority of this book. I just adored it. I definitely recommend it. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
May 28, 2022
Fans of Jane Austen - especially Pride & Prejudice - will go wild with this modern version of the book, where everything takes place on Mariposa Island.
A journalist who loves her own life, but knows that in a place with so few available single men, how could she even think about marriage?
But here comes Mr Darcy... I mean, Declan Fox (F-O-X), an arrogant, rude and prideful (OMG!)
Have fun while mentally making all the connections with the classic.
"It’s a truth universally acknowledged, when a single billionaire travels to a tropical island, he must be in want of a wife"
5 stars
A journalist who loves her own life, but knows that in a place with so few available single men, how could she even think about marriage?
But here comes Mr Darcy... I mean, Declan Fox (F-O-X), an arrogant, rude and prideful (OMG!)
Have fun while mentally making all the connections with the classic.
"It’s a truth universally acknowledged, when a single billionaire travels to a tropical island, he must be in want of a wife"
5 stars
May 27, 2022
This book was SO cute! It was a slow burn (very slow lol,) enemies to lovers, grump/sunshine - so many tropes 😂. Isla lives on a tropical island and Declan, a British billionaire, visits that island. Antics ensue. A lot of the focus was on the group of friends that all live on the island and their varying opinions on dating and love. And I love all the banter when Declan and Isla are forced into spending time together. This is definitely the perfect summer/beach read. ☀️
May 27, 2022
I read a lot of P + P retellings because it is one of my favorite stories. This one followed the main plot very closely. At times, it almost seemed like the characters had gone back to the original time period with their dialogue. I tend to favor more abstract retellings where the reader has to look and find the connections to the original story. This one was a bit too on the nose for me and my preferences.
May 14, 2022
This book was a fun, fast beach read. The characters were quirky and the setting made me wish for an island cocktail and a view of the ocean. Isla was looking for an ordinary, run of the mill love story. While her friends were looking to bag billionaires. When a couple of wealthy bachelors landed on the small island of Mariposa, Isla and her friends' lives got interesting. This story is first person from Isla's point of view. I really wanted to read Declan's point of view in this story. He seemed like a character worthy of his own chapters.
May 20, 2022
A sweet and funny retelling of Pride & Prejudice . We have four best friends who live in the island and all of them are single and looking for their love . When two men come for business on the island they all meet . Our main couple have a love to hate relationship . He thinks she is a gold digger and she thinks he is worst man . After some accident they spent time together their is spark . I loved how everytime they told how they hated each other . A happy ending for all three couples .
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.
June 18, 2022
Uh Sarah Ready!!! I love her. I loved this book. It was sweet & sassy in all the right ways. And now I want to live on a small warm island. 💓
May 20, 2022
I received an ARC from Social Butterfly today.
This author never disappoints. This was a sweet love story. It was a great retelling with a twist of a classic. I can't recommend it enough.
This author never disappoints. This was a sweet love story. It was a great retelling with a twist of a classic. I can't recommend it enough.
May 24, 2022
#sp #arcteam
Lecture en Vo
Résumé
Une version balnéaire d'une romance classique de l'auteure de comédies romantiques Sarah Ready.
Isla Waterstone, qui aime s'amuser, aime sa vie décontractée sur l'île de Mariposa. Elle a tout ce qu'elle pourrait souhaiter... un excellent travail de journaliste pour le journal local, des amis incroyables et des plages de sable rose avec de superbes couchers de soleil tropicaux.
Le seul problème avec les petites îles tropicales ? Il y a plus de tortues marines que d'hommes célibataires.
Ainsi, lorsque le milliardaire britannique Declan Fox et son ami aristocratique arrivent, les amis d'Isla savent que cela ne peut signifier qu'une chose.
Mariage .
Après tout, c'est une vérité universellement reconnue, lorsqu'un milliardaire célibataire se rend sur une île tropicale, il doit avoir besoin d'une femme.
Mais Isla n'est pas convaincue. Surtout parce que Declan est l'homme le plus grossier, arrogant et orgueilleux qu'elle ait jamais rencontré.
Ou est-il?
De Mariposa tropicale à l'Angleterre et vice-versa, cette comédie romantique d'été ludique, constate que les premières impressions ne racontent pas toujours toute l'histoire.
Mon avis:
Je remercie Sarah Ready pour ce service presse en vo.
Once upon an island est une version moderne d'orgueil et Préjugés tout simplement.
Si vous aimez ce classique vous pourriez aimer cette adaptation ou vous ferez comme moi vous oserez à chaque page la comparaison.
C'est toujours délicat d'adapter un grand classique et j'avais beau le lire, essayer de ne pas comparer j'avais Darcy en tête.
Bien sûr, vous serez happé par les beaux paysages que peut offrir l' île de Marioposa, vous serez aussi intrigué par la personnalité de Declan. Il aurait été même plus intéressant d'avoir sa vision pour donner un peu plus de longueur dans cette romance.
Isla à beaucoup de préjugé et ne se laisse pas faire face à Declan. Mais il paraît froid et hautain, il ne se laisse pas facilement approcher. Pourtant lorsqu'ils se retrouvent coincés sur une île, il n'hésite pas à donner de sa personne. Et pour Isla c est un bon début mais pas assez car elle n'arrive pas à voir au delà de cette froideur qu'il impose.
Lui aussi a des Préjugés, une phrase entendue et il pense qu'elle est à la recherche d'un homme riche, que si elle mange du chocolat c'est qu'elle déprime sur sa vie amoureuse. Et pourtant, peu lui importe, Isla a ses amies et un travail qu'elle adore.
Pourraient-ils aller au delà de tous ses Préjugés ? Peut elle percer cette carapace que prône Declan?
Lecture en Vo
Résumé
Une version balnéaire d'une romance classique de l'auteure de comédies romantiques Sarah Ready.
Isla Waterstone, qui aime s'amuser, aime sa vie décontractée sur l'île de Mariposa. Elle a tout ce qu'elle pourrait souhaiter... un excellent travail de journaliste pour le journal local, des amis incroyables et des plages de sable rose avec de superbes couchers de soleil tropicaux.
Le seul problème avec les petites îles tropicales ? Il y a plus de tortues marines que d'hommes célibataires.
Ainsi, lorsque le milliardaire britannique Declan Fox et son ami aristocratique arrivent, les amis d'Isla savent que cela ne peut signifier qu'une chose.
Mariage .
Après tout, c'est une vérité universellement reconnue, lorsqu'un milliardaire célibataire se rend sur une île tropicale, il doit avoir besoin d'une femme.
Mais Isla n'est pas convaincue. Surtout parce que Declan est l'homme le plus grossier, arrogant et orgueilleux qu'elle ait jamais rencontré.
Ou est-il?
De Mariposa tropicale à l'Angleterre et vice-versa, cette comédie romantique d'été ludique, constate que les premières impressions ne racontent pas toujours toute l'histoire.
Mon avis:
Je remercie Sarah Ready pour ce service presse en vo.
Once upon an island est une version moderne d'orgueil et Préjugés tout simplement.
Si vous aimez ce classique vous pourriez aimer cette adaptation ou vous ferez comme moi vous oserez à chaque page la comparaison.
C'est toujours délicat d'adapter un grand classique et j'avais beau le lire, essayer de ne pas comparer j'avais Darcy en tête.
Bien sûr, vous serez happé par les beaux paysages que peut offrir l' île de Marioposa, vous serez aussi intrigué par la personnalité de Declan. Il aurait été même plus intéressant d'avoir sa vision pour donner un peu plus de longueur dans cette romance.
Isla à beaucoup de préjugé et ne se laisse pas faire face à Declan. Mais il paraît froid et hautain, il ne se laisse pas facilement approcher. Pourtant lorsqu'ils se retrouvent coincés sur une île, il n'hésite pas à donner de sa personne. Et pour Isla c est un bon début mais pas assez car elle n'arrive pas à voir au delà de cette froideur qu'il impose.
Lui aussi a des Préjugés, une phrase entendue et il pense qu'elle est à la recherche d'un homme riche, que si elle mange du chocolat c'est qu'elle déprime sur sa vie amoureuse. Et pourtant, peu lui importe, Isla a ses amies et un travail qu'elle adore.
Pourraient-ils aller au delà de tous ses Préjugés ? Peut elle percer cette carapace que prône Declan?
June 12, 2022
When Isla’s friend Kate gets wind that two eligible bachelors have arrived on their tropical island of Mariposa she makes it her mission to bag herself a white whale&pulls Isla&Arya along for the ride. To bad it would just seem that Isla&British billionaire Declan just can’t seem to stand each other no matter how many times they are thrown together. But somewhere between being stranded on a deserted island in the rain&having to swim back to shore something begins to change between Isla& Declan&their heated arguing soon turns into playful banter, but can anything really come of these two after having so many bad impressions of each other?
..
This was a really cute fast read with a slow burn romance between two very unlikely people. I just loved the banter&playfulness between Isla&Declan. I have to say it was also really nice that we got three different love stories all in one book.
..
Isla was a really cool character, I really liked that she wanted to take the slow route to finding love instead of just jumping into something. Which is kind of what happened with her&Declan. They sure did not get off to the best start&this is exactly where the theme of first impressions comes into play. If anything this book hammers home the fact that we can’t go off by only a first impression thinking we know the person. Nevertheless the more time these two spend together the more things begin to clear up.
..
Declan was just great, I like that it took time for us to get to know the real him. I do wish that this book had been in duel pov this way we could get to see things from his side. It really would have cut out a lot of drama. Though I will say that he did a really good job at saving the day&winning Isla over.
..
I just loved the cute insta love that Arya&Percy had and that they bonded over their shared love for birds, these two were just the cutest. As for Kate &Micheal, well these two were made for each other with their scheming&plotting. As much as this was a romance I will say it was also largely about first impressions¬ taking people at face value.
..
Once Upon An Island is definitely worth checking out this quirky cute banter filled book is a fast read that makes you appreciate the extraordinary moments in those everyday ordinary moments.
..
This was a really cute fast read with a slow burn romance between two very unlikely people. I just loved the banter&playfulness between Isla&Declan. I have to say it was also really nice that we got three different love stories all in one book.
..
Isla was a really cool character, I really liked that she wanted to take the slow route to finding love instead of just jumping into something. Which is kind of what happened with her&Declan. They sure did not get off to the best start&this is exactly where the theme of first impressions comes into play. If anything this book hammers home the fact that we can’t go off by only a first impression thinking we know the person. Nevertheless the more time these two spend together the more things begin to clear up.
..
Declan was just great, I like that it took time for us to get to know the real him. I do wish that this book had been in duel pov this way we could get to see things from his side. It really would have cut out a lot of drama. Though I will say that he did a really good job at saving the day&winning Isla over.
..
I just loved the cute insta love that Arya&Percy had and that they bonded over their shared love for birds, these two were just the cutest. As for Kate &Micheal, well these two were made for each other with their scheming&plotting. As much as this was a romance I will say it was also largely about first impressions¬ taking people at face value.
..
Once Upon An Island is definitely worth checking out this quirky cute banter filled book is a fast read that makes you appreciate the extraordinary moments in those everyday ordinary moments.
May 26, 2022
I quite enjoyed reading Once Upon an Island, and I found it to be a quick read, I just sped through it. I have read a number of Sarah Ready's books and this book was probably in my top five of her books that I've read. I think the only reason that I gave this book a 4 and not 5 stars was that I felt that the romance between Isla and Declan happened in like a snap. Once second they were constantly fighting, then Declan said he loved her and wanted her to marry him when she didn't love her, then she realized she loved him too and they lived happily ever after without ever really dating. And I realize that a lot of romance novels can be like this but I felt this was just too quick for my liking.
But with that aside I really loved the character, even the annoying ones that you're supposed to love to hate. I also really enjoyed the fact that it was kinda three stories in one with there being three weddings by the end of the story. I find that Sarah Ready writes really good contemporary romances that have at least some comedy in them, and this book was no exception.
Writer Isla Waterstone is happy living on her small island of Mariposa living her easy, relaxing life, but then her friend Kate gets it into her head that the two of them, and their third friend Arya are going to bag some whales. Meaning they were going to find and hook some rich men to marry, while Isla and Arya don't agree with her sentiment they don't disagree with her out loud . So when they run into wealthy Declan Fox he immediately talks poorly about Isla, calling her a pathetic singleton and that there was something with her face. Having heard this Isla is even more turn off at the idea of being with a wealthy man. But they just keep running into Declan and his friends, forcing her to spend time with the jerk. But Isla just can't get a hold on whether Declan is actually a jerk or a nice guy...
But with that aside I really loved the character, even the annoying ones that you're supposed to love to hate. I also really enjoyed the fact that it was kinda three stories in one with there being three weddings by the end of the story. I find that Sarah Ready writes really good contemporary romances that have at least some comedy in them, and this book was no exception.
Writer Isla Waterstone is happy living on her small island of Mariposa living her easy, relaxing life, but then her friend Kate gets it into her head that the two of them, and their third friend Arya are going to bag some whales. Meaning they were going to find and hook some rich men to marry, while Isla and Arya don't agree with her sentiment they don't disagree with her out loud . So when they run into wealthy Declan Fox he immediately talks poorly about Isla, calling her a pathetic singleton and that there was something with her face. Having heard this Isla is even more turn off at the idea of being with a wealthy man. But they just keep running into Declan and his friends, forcing her to spend time with the jerk. But Isla just can't get a hold on whether Declan is actually a jerk or a nice guy...
May 27, 2022
“I believe that life is made up of the ordinary moments. It’s the ordinary bits of our life that define us.”
ONCE UPON AN ISLAND is the perfect summer read. Set on Mariposa Island following four best friends, this story is a modern-day Pride and Prejudice retelling that is full of fun adventures, hilarious banter, and enough angst between our two main characters to fill an entire island with sand. Sarah Ready has crafted another charming love story that reminds us that first impressions are not always correct, and that there’s always more to someone than meets the eye.
Isla and Declan’s story was so fun to read, mostly because of the shenanigans they get into whenever they were together. From being stranded on a small island together from falling off a sailboat and having to swim to shore, each encounter slowly chipped away at their mutual hatred for each other. They’re convinced that they’re not interested in the other, but their hearts have another plan. This one is a slow burn, but when it finally does happen, your heart will be so happy. I loved seeing Isla’s sunshine-y demeanor annoy Declan to no end, and it was such a treat to see the more soft and caring sides of Declan that’s so different from his usual brooding behavior. We follow their story from the island to England and back again, and I was hooked the entire time.
There were so many nods to Pride and Prejudice (personally a huge fan of the 2005 adaptation) and I really enjoyed reading this fun spin on a story that is beloved by so many. We even get a glimpse into some of Isla’s friend’s love stories—the more the merrier! Be sure to pick up ONCE UPON AN ISLAND and escape to a beautiful paradise where love might be right under your nose—or next to a sea turtle. A big thanks to the author and Social Butterfly PR for the advanced review copy.
ONCE UPON AN ISLAND is the perfect summer read. Set on Mariposa Island following four best friends, this story is a modern-day Pride and Prejudice retelling that is full of fun adventures, hilarious banter, and enough angst between our two main characters to fill an entire island with sand. Sarah Ready has crafted another charming love story that reminds us that first impressions are not always correct, and that there’s always more to someone than meets the eye.
Isla and Declan’s story was so fun to read, mostly because of the shenanigans they get into whenever they were together. From being stranded on a small island together from falling off a sailboat and having to swim to shore, each encounter slowly chipped away at their mutual hatred for each other. They’re convinced that they’re not interested in the other, but their hearts have another plan. This one is a slow burn, but when it finally does happen, your heart will be so happy. I loved seeing Isla’s sunshine-y demeanor annoy Declan to no end, and it was such a treat to see the more soft and caring sides of Declan that’s so different from his usual brooding behavior. We follow their story from the island to England and back again, and I was hooked the entire time.
There were so many nods to Pride and Prejudice (personally a huge fan of the 2005 adaptation) and I really enjoyed reading this fun spin on a story that is beloved by so many. We even get a glimpse into some of Isla’s friend’s love stories—the more the merrier! Be sure to pick up ONCE UPON AN ISLAND and escape to a beautiful paradise where love might be right under your nose—or next to a sea turtle. A big thanks to the author and Social Butterfly PR for the advanced review copy.
May 26, 2022
Pride & Prejudice meets Girls Trip set in the Caribbean. Once Upon An Island is a refreshing and flirty reimagining of Pride & Prejudice. Isla lives happily on Mariposa Island finding joy in the simple pleasures in life. Declan is a British billionaire on holiday with his friend. Their first encounter proves Declan to be the abhorrent, pompous, stuck-up man Isla cannot stand. Declan makes his distaste with Isla’s person and friends known and establishes their polarizing relationship. Sarah Ready’s adaptation of Pride & Prejudice is brilliant. She contemporised the main characters and plot points of the classic story in unique, funny ways, while upholding the integrity of the original. Once Upon An Island is a delightful, adventure-filled, genuine, witty romcom.
“I let out a long breath and wait for my body to stop overreacting. It’s Declan Fox, for crying out loud. Not my dream man.”
I love Isla. She is an independent, astute, effervescent journalist. Isla appreciates the beauty in small gestures and finds magic in the ordinary. Declan is the consummate jaded, stand-offish, billionaire bachelor. Resolute to hold tight to his initial judgments, Declan maintains his icy demeanor at each run-in with Isla. Despite his status and imposing personality, Isla refuses to pander for his approval. Her self-awareness and confidence are eye-opening for the cold, guarded billionaire accustomed to enterprising gold-diggers. Once Upon An Island is reminiscent of one of my favorite classic comedies, It Happened One Night as well. This book is a lovely vacation enemies-to-lovers, clean, quirky romance. It’s a tropical island romcom with the enchanting charm of the Jane Austen classic romance.
“I let out a long breath and wait for my body to stop overreacting. It’s Declan Fox, for crying out loud. Not my dream man.”
I love Isla. She is an independent, astute, effervescent journalist. Isla appreciates the beauty in small gestures and finds magic in the ordinary. Declan is the consummate jaded, stand-offish, billionaire bachelor. Resolute to hold tight to his initial judgments, Declan maintains his icy demeanor at each run-in with Isla. Despite his status and imposing personality, Isla refuses to pander for his approval. Her self-awareness and confidence are eye-opening for the cold, guarded billionaire accustomed to enterprising gold-diggers. Once Upon An Island is reminiscent of one of my favorite classic comedies, It Happened One Night as well. This book is a lovely vacation enemies-to-lovers, clean, quirky romance. It’s a tropical island romcom with the enchanting charm of the Jane Austen classic romance.
June 10, 2022
This book was a cute story of four women who live on an island and have a great friendship. Kate has decided that they are going to find rich men to marry and then as the one has decided they will be married for a year and then divorce them and take half their money and live happily ever after. Kate's friends think she is slightly nuts but one by one they each meet a man that is wealthy and possible marriage material. Isla or LA-LA as her friends calls her is not up for this plan but at a brunch with a bunch of her friends she meets a multi billionaire who is totally rude and she has no interest in. BUT, fate keeps throwing them together....will love develop?
Kate is out to find anyone she can and when Isla starts dating Michael she moves in to take him away for herself. Isla eventually finds out but doesn't mind because she has found out the Michael is a money grubbing gold digger. She tries to stop her friend but no such luck. Will their marriage survive and why did Kate do it in the first place?
Her friend who is into birds finds Declan's best friend charming and they end up falling in love but Declan comes between then and she is heartbroken.
The last friend is an attorney wants to just be married with her job and has no intention of doing any of what the other girls have done.
This is a fun book with lots of twists and turns and is out now for your reading pleasure. A must read beach or pool book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kate is out to find anyone she can and when Isla starts dating Michael she moves in to take him away for herself. Isla eventually finds out but doesn't mind because she has found out the Michael is a money grubbing gold digger. She tries to stop her friend but no such luck. Will their marriage survive and why did Kate do it in the first place?
Her friend who is into birds finds Declan's best friend charming and they end up falling in love but Declan comes between then and she is heartbroken.
The last friend is an attorney wants to just be married with her job and has no intention of doing any of what the other girls have done.
This is a fun book with lots of twists and turns and is out now for your reading pleasure. A must read beach or pool book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2022
I will never say no to a new P&P retelling... ;)
Once Upon an Island was a cute modern version with a tropical setting and the occasional sea turtle. I liked what Sarah Ready did here--Isla (Elizabeth) was relatable, and I liked using her friend group in the place of Elizabeth Bennet's sisters. The way the Lydia/Wickham storyline was handled was an interesting twist--a bit more believable for this time period. IMO.
Like the original, we only see the heroine's perspective in this story so Declan (Darcy) is hard to read. We don't quite get the he's socially awkward and maybe a little shy vibes here that I think the original had, which makes him seem unlikable longer. Isla's conversion from Declan hater to hey this Declan guy isn't too bad...wait, I think I might love him is a tad bit abrupt--Elizabeth got confirmation of what Darcy told her from outside sources too, but Isla took Declan's word for it (which was a bit strange, given that it was essentially his word against Michael's at that point).
Still, it was a cute story and *obviously* she made the right choice, so... ;)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Once Upon an Island was a cute modern version with a tropical setting and the occasional sea turtle. I liked what Sarah Ready did here--Isla (Elizabeth) was relatable, and I liked using her friend group in the place of Elizabeth Bennet's sisters. The way the Lydia/Wickham storyline was handled was an interesting twist--a bit more believable for this time period. IMO.
Like the original, we only see the heroine's perspective in this story so Declan (Darcy) is hard to read. We don't quite get the he's socially awkward and maybe a little shy vibes here that I think the original had, which makes him seem unlikable longer. Isla's conversion from Declan hater to hey this Declan guy isn't too bad...wait, I think I might love him is a tad bit abrupt--Elizabeth got confirmation of what Darcy told her from outside sources too, but Isla took Declan's word for it (which was a bit strange, given that it was essentially his word against Michael's at that point).
Still, it was a cute story and *obviously* she made the right choice, so... ;)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
May 31, 2022
Pride and Prejudice has always been a favorite of mine. So when I saw this island version I was excited to see where it goes. This being my first book by the author I enjoyed it. Isla Waterstone is journalist on Mariposa Island she loves the simple life. The Islands are lush from description and the nature part seems beautiful. This starts of with Isla and her friends planning to bag a billionaire Declan Fox. Though he overhears their plans and wants nothing to do with it.
So it goes like the the original but with island escapades and differences. But the themes and storyline is there. Like Declan calling off his friend's relationship with Isla's friend. Like Michael ruining Declan's image and intervention with his relationship with Isla. It isn't till Isla goes to the England and meets Declan there with his confession that things clear up.
I admit I knew Michael was a rat when first introduced.
I don't find Declan that bad he's just had experiences and yes he is stoic and grumpy but who wouldn't be after all that. He's honest and direct I find and he and Isla are opposites but I like their dynamic. Isla now is in a predicament after saying mean things to Declan how she'll fix it will be amusing. A lot of lessons in love and life with friendship along the way. This was a delightful take on a classic. The ending was sweet just rightly Isla and Declan.
So it goes like the the original but with island escapades and differences. But the themes and storyline is there. Like Declan calling off his friend's relationship with Isla's friend. Like Michael ruining Declan's image and intervention with his relationship with Isla. It isn't till Isla goes to the England and meets Declan there with his confession that things clear up.
I admit I knew Michael was a rat when first introduced.
I don't find Declan that bad he's just had experiences and yes he is stoic and grumpy but who wouldn't be after all that. He's honest and direct I find and he and Isla are opposites but I like their dynamic. Isla now is in a predicament after saying mean things to Declan how she'll fix it will be amusing. A lot of lessons in love and life with friendship along the way. This was a delightful take on a classic. The ending was sweet just rightly Isla and Declan.
May 17, 2022
I like when an author takes a classic and remakes it in their own words. I just find the spin to be unique and interesting. This story definitely was. I loved getting to know all of these characters. But I also loved looking for the similarities and the differences. If you have read the classic you know that this is a very slow burn,and enemies to lovers. And when I say slow I mean nothing happens until the very end.... and that drives my romantic heart crazy. But I knew this going in so I could handle it. That doesn't mean I didn’t want to reach through my kindle and strangle them at times, especially Kate and Isla. I knew what was going to happen, just not how the author would spin it or when. But I have to say my heart still bled for all of them (well except for Renee... she knew her own happiness... and Michael that rat.. lol). I loved the bright vibrant beach theme. It added a splash of color to the cold and dreary day in England. This was a light hearted read with my favorite kind of outcome... a happily-ever-after.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review*
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review*
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