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Virtual Strangers
Do you believe in love at first type?
When Ada set up her own PR firm from a coffee shop, she didn't expect to meet journalist Fraser. Also working there daily, he soon becomes a friend. Reporting on interesting things to do around Edinburgh, Fraser ropes Ada into accompanying him on his assignments.
As they work side-by-side Ada can't help but notice how attractive Fraser is, and how well they get along. But, Ada has been chatting to a guy she met on an Agatha Christie fan fiction site, and she can't stop wondering about him. His interests are the same as hers, and the anonymity helps them both be more honest and open. As Ada's messages with the mystery man become deeper, she thinks she's falling for him.
Ada is torn between Fraser and Myster-E - but can you have real feelings for someone when you're virtual strangers?
The Flatshare meets a modern You've Got Mail
When Ada set up her own PR firm from a coffee shop, she didn't expect to meet journalist Fraser. Also working there daily, he soon becomes a friend. Reporting on interesting things to do around Edinburgh, Fraser ropes Ada into accompanying him on his assignments.
As they work side-by-side Ada can't help but notice how attractive Fraser is, and how well they get along. But, Ada has been chatting to a guy she met on an Agatha Christie fan fiction site, and she can't stop wondering about him. His interests are the same as hers, and the anonymity helps them both be more honest and open. As Ada's messages with the mystery man become deeper, she thinks she's falling for him.
Ada is torn between Fraser and Myster-E - but can you have real feelings for someone when you're virtual strangers?
The Flatshare meets a modern You've Got Mail
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2023
33 people are currently reading
835 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
November 21, 2023
Започвайки тази книга, много се ядосвах на себе си, че съм го направила. Беше ми ужасно мудна, скучна и изцяло безинтересна. И така до... почти до средата.
Ама си стъпих на ината и реших, че няма тепърва да започна да зарязвам книги.
Та някъде от средата започна да ми става интересна. И не толкова интересна в онзи смисъл да нямаш търпение да разбереш какво ще се случи, защото е предвидима от начало до край и всеки знае какво ще се случи, а по-скоро интересна - как ще се случи. Появиха се и една две забавни сцени, предизвикващи хихикане и ето книгата свърши.
Всъщност това е книга, за моментите, в които е прекратена силна връзка и човек си мисли, че никога повече няма да срещне подходящ човек, а и няма желание да се запознава и да ходи по срещи. Ето защо на помощ идват виртуалните запознанства. Но не тези в сайтове за срещи, а онези в групи по интереси, когато осъзнаеш, че толкова приятно си говориш с човека отсреща, че в един момент сякаш си го познавал цял живот, приемаш го като много добър приятел и наистина вече си готов и в реалността да се запознаеш с него.
Типично като в подобен род книги се оказва, че големият чаровник, с когото си пиеш кафето всъщност е виртуалният ти приятел, но преди да се разбере със сигурност първо нещата трябва много да се заплетат, а после и да се отплетат.
Заради по-приятните емоции от втората половина на книгата ще ѝ дам 3*, макар първоначално да си мислех, че никога не бих дала повече от 1-2!
Ама си стъпих на ината и реших, че няма тепърва да започна да зарязвам книги.
Та някъде от средата започна да ми става интересна. И не толкова интересна в онзи смисъл да нямаш търпение да разбереш какво ще се случи, защото е предвидима от начало до край и всеки знае какво ще се случи, а по-скоро интересна - как ще се случи. Появиха се и една две забавни сцени, предизвикващи хихикане и ето книгата свърши.
Всъщност това е книга, за моментите, в които е прекратена силна връзка и човек си мисли, че никога повече няма да срещне подходящ човек, а и няма желание да се запознава и да ходи по срещи. Ето защо на помощ идват виртуалните запознанства. Но не тези в сайтове за срещи, а онези в групи по интереси, когато осъзнаеш, че толкова приятно си говориш с човека отсреща, че в един момент сякаш си го познавал цял живот, приемаш го като много добър приятел и наистина вече си готов и в реалността да се запознаеш с него.
Типично като в подобен род книги се оказва, че големият чаровник, с когото си пиеш кафето всъщност е виртуалният ти приятел, но преди да се разбере със сигурност първо нещата трябва много да се заплетат, а после и да се отплетат.
Заради по-приятните емоции от втората половина на книгата ще ѝ дам 3*, макар първоначално да си мислех, че никога не бих дала повече от 1-2!
April 17, 2023
3.5 Stars
Heart warming and utterly hilarious, Sam Canning’s stunning rom-com debut was a delight from start to finish!
It follows Ada, who has started up after her own PR firm since moving back to Edinburgh—and works out of the local coffee shop. Where she strikes up a friendship with journalist Fraser, who reports on the strange and interesting things to do in Edinburgh, and even gets Ada to tag along.
But as she spends more and more time working alongside Fraser, Ada begins to realise her feeling may be growing for him. Which complicates matters, for Ada has also struck up an online friendship with fellow Agatha Christie fan-fic author, Myster-E. And she’s begun to develop feelings for him too.
From online heart to hearts and erotic pottery lessons, Ada’s You’ve Got Mail-style journey into love and friendship was really entertaining, if a little predictable at times but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment in the slightest.
The writing was beautifully engaging and super easy to follow—and the descriptions of Edinburgh (as well as Ada and Fraser’s active itineraries) have me eager to visit.
The characters were all really likeable (except for Dan) and I really enjoyed the banter which genuinely made me chuckle. The emotional development we see both through Ada, Fraser and several of the supporting characters was also really well done.
Particularly Ada’s friend, Amal and her deeply emotional arc, which sensitively explores her experience with post natal depression and really had me wanting to give her the biggest of hugs. Another standout character was Ada’s mum who definitely has such a wicked sense of humour—I’d definitely love to see more of her in a sequel (or maybe even her own spinoff.)
Overall a really fun, charming and utterly enjoyable read that’s perfect for fans of low stakes cosy rom-coms, Edinburgh or Nora Ephron.
Also a huge thank you to Zaffre for the finished copy.
Heart warming and utterly hilarious, Sam Canning’s stunning rom-com debut was a delight from start to finish!
It follows Ada, who has started up after her own PR firm since moving back to Edinburgh—and works out of the local coffee shop. Where she strikes up a friendship with journalist Fraser, who reports on the strange and interesting things to do in Edinburgh, and even gets Ada to tag along.
But as she spends more and more time working alongside Fraser, Ada begins to realise her feeling may be growing for him. Which complicates matters, for Ada has also struck up an online friendship with fellow Agatha Christie fan-fic author, Myster-E. And she’s begun to develop feelings for him too.
From online heart to hearts and erotic pottery lessons, Ada’s You’ve Got Mail-style journey into love and friendship was really entertaining, if a little predictable at times but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment in the slightest.
The writing was beautifully engaging and super easy to follow—and the descriptions of Edinburgh (as well as Ada and Fraser’s active itineraries) have me eager to visit.
The characters were all really likeable (except for Dan) and I really enjoyed the banter which genuinely made me chuckle. The emotional development we see both through Ada, Fraser and several of the supporting characters was also really well done.
Particularly Ada’s friend, Amal and her deeply emotional arc, which sensitively explores her experience with post natal depression and really had me wanting to give her the biggest of hugs. Another standout character was Ada’s mum who definitely has such a wicked sense of humour—I’d definitely love to see more of her in a sequel (or maybe even her own spinoff.)
Overall a really fun, charming and utterly enjoyable read that’s perfect for fans of low stakes cosy rom-coms, Edinburgh or Nora Ephron.
Also a huge thank you to Zaffre for the finished copy.
February 1, 2023
As one of the other reviews for this book said, this book feels like a love letter to Edinburgh. I bought this one on a whim because 1) I was at a bookshop in Edinburgh (and I was very adamant about buying some Scottish-themed books) and 2) the synopsis felt like something right up my alley. I strongly recommend you read this one AFTER a trip to Edinburgh. It's a cute and funny story, very predictable but also comforting in a way only a rom-com can be. Did I love the main character? Very far from it, but this book felt just like a cozy hug after a day of work.
April 4, 2023
Narrated by Lesley Harcourt ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Story by Sam Canning ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have not been so invested in a fictional relationship since The Flat Share.
This played out like a movie in my head. I loved everything about Ada and Fraser. I wish these people were my real life friends. I'd love to go on a double date with them ♥️💙
Story by Sam Canning ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have not been so invested in a fictional relationship since The Flat Share.
This played out like a movie in my head. I loved everything about Ada and Fraser. I wish these people were my real life friends. I'd love to go on a double date with them ♥️💙
February 2, 2023
Ada returns to Edinburgh to live with her mother when a love affair goes horribly awry and sets up her own PR company, even if at the moment she only has one, rather flaky, client. Ada's best friends are a married couple with two small children; compared to them she feels like she's not really adulting, especially when she is sleeping in her childhood bedroom. Ada doesn't feel she can tell her friends what really happened to bring her back to Edinburgh, she's too ashamed, and they keep trying to get her to go on dates.
Rather than get under her mother's feet all day, Ada rents a space in the back of a local café to work, as do several other regulars. After complaining bitterly when a new man takes what Ada considers to be 'her table', she and the man, Fraser, strike up conversation. It turns out that Fraser is a journalist for a local newspaper, tasked to write about unusual local events and attractions. With time on her hands Ada starts to accompany Fraser on some of his wild and wacky adventures. But although they have great conversations, neither of them shares anything very personal.
Meanwhile, while searching through her childhood bedroom Ada finds a pile of Agatha Christie fan-fiction that she wrote as a teenager and after rereading a few, decides they are actually not too bad and submits them to a low-key Agatha Christie fan-fiction website. Imagine her astonishment when one of the other site users nominates her for fan-fiction of the month. Ada and this person Myster-E begin messaging back and forth about their Agatha Christie obsessions and develop a real friendship, exchanging quite personal details about their lives.
This was another riff on You've Got Mail (or The Shop Around The Corner for the old-timers), I have no idea why I have read so many of these book recently. This one worked very well. I liked the way in which Fraser and Ada showed each other different parts of their personalities in person and online. Again, I wasn't pleased that both Ada's friend and Fraser blew things out of proportion and 'hit the nuclear button', although I did like the way in which both conflicts were resolved.
I haven't read any books by this author before, but I will definitely look out for more.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Rather than get under her mother's feet all day, Ada rents a space in the back of a local café to work, as do several other regulars. After complaining bitterly when a new man takes what Ada considers to be 'her table', she and the man, Fraser, strike up conversation. It turns out that Fraser is a journalist for a local newspaper, tasked to write about unusual local events and attractions. With time on her hands Ada starts to accompany Fraser on some of his wild and wacky adventures. But although they have great conversations, neither of them shares anything very personal.
Meanwhile, while searching through her childhood bedroom Ada finds a pile of Agatha Christie fan-fiction that she wrote as a teenager and after rereading a few, decides they are actually not too bad and submits them to a low-key Agatha Christie fan-fiction website. Imagine her astonishment when one of the other site users nominates her for fan-fiction of the month. Ada and this person Myster-E begin messaging back and forth about their Agatha Christie obsessions and develop a real friendship, exchanging quite personal details about their lives.
This was another riff on You've Got Mail (or The Shop Around The Corner for the old-timers), I have no idea why I have read so many of these book recently. This one worked very well. I liked the way in which Fraser and Ada showed each other different parts of their personalities in person and online. Again, I wasn't pleased that both Ada's friend and Fraser blew things out of proportion and 'hit the nuclear button', although I did like the way in which both conflicts were resolved.
I haven't read any books by this author before, but I will definitely look out for more.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
February 8, 2023
This is a love story but it is also a look in the mirror for protagonist Ada and a wander around the delights that Edinburgh has to offer.
Ada has just moved back home and in with her mum, running away from her previous life. Setting up her own PR company she has one client who is a bit of a disaster to say the least. Using a coffee shop as an office she has her regular table ‘stolen’ by journalist Fraser.
Coming to an agreement to share the table a friendship of sorts happens and she agrees to help him discover the stranger things in Edinburgh. Erottery had me grinning alongside the antics of Ada’s one client Steve but the chemistry between her and Fraser was obvious to all except Ada.
Then there is the question of her online chats with fellow Agatha Christie fanfic guy Myster-E.
While this was a romance it also highlighted the reality of friendships that go off on different trajectories. How postnatal depression can be hidden unless you take the time to really look. Ada’s friendship with Amal was a big strength to the book and only made me like the characters even more for all their wonderful and honest flaws.
A slightly deeper than your average light read that had the funnies while also feeling very real.
Ada has just moved back home and in with her mum, running away from her previous life. Setting up her own PR company she has one client who is a bit of a disaster to say the least. Using a coffee shop as an office she has her regular table ‘stolen’ by journalist Fraser.
Coming to an agreement to share the table a friendship of sorts happens and she agrees to help him discover the stranger things in Edinburgh. Erottery had me grinning alongside the antics of Ada’s one client Steve but the chemistry between her and Fraser was obvious to all except Ada.
Then there is the question of her online chats with fellow Agatha Christie fanfic guy Myster-E.
While this was a romance it also highlighted the reality of friendships that go off on different trajectories. How postnatal depression can be hidden unless you take the time to really look. Ada’s friendship with Amal was a big strength to the book and only made me like the characters even more for all their wonderful and honest flaws.
A slightly deeper than your average light read that had the funnies while also feeling very real.
May 24, 2025
The story goes exactly how you expect it to go but it was fun nevertheless
June 11, 2023
A cute rom com set in the best city ever, Edinburgh. I wanted to know what coffee shop Ada and Fraser were working in every day!
February 26, 2023
I loved this book so much. It was You've Got Mail but updated for millenials. It was also hilarious; I haven't had this much fun with a book in a while. I also loved the nods to and riffs on all the classic 90s romcoms that I grew up loving.
Having Ada and Mr. E meet via Mrs. Marple fanfiction was brilliant and I loved how authentic their quick-blossoming fanfic friendship was and how easily they bared their souls to each other in their messages. And their like-minded banter.
I also loved Ada and Fraser's blossoming friendship, and how much fun and laughter they shared going to all the quirky events for Fraser to write articles about. Paranormal Architecture. Erotic Pottery. There was so much material for their amusement and shared banter, and it all felt so authentic. Shared laughter is one of the most important things in a relationship, in my experience, and Ada and Fraser's style of humor often matched my own.
I could see myself and my partner standing in the corner and whispering together in much the same way that Ada and Fraser do in almost every event they end up attending together, poking gentle fun at the more ridiculous aspects.
There was a lot of humor in this book but there was also a lot of heart and some real struggles. Grief, relationship betrayal, and postpartum depression were all touched on and handled deftly. I loved Ada's relationship with Alma and the way they learned to navigate childhood friendship that follows you into adulthood.
There's also a very interesting thread of Ada and her mother getting used to Ada living at home again in this book. I loved Ada's mom. She had Ada's back and shared her sense of humor but also wasn't afraid to embarrass Ada whenever possible.
The audiobook narrator did a fantastic job bringing the characters and story to life. I couldn't stop listening to it once I started and finished it in a day and a half. It was a very addictive listening experience.
Highly recommend.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Bonnier UK Audio, and Zaffre for providing an early copy for review.
Having Ada and Mr. E meet via Mrs. Marple fanfiction was brilliant and I loved how authentic their quick-blossoming fanfic friendship was and how easily they bared their souls to each other in their messages. And their like-minded banter.
I also loved Ada and Fraser's blossoming friendship, and how much fun and laughter they shared going to all the quirky events for Fraser to write articles about. Paranormal Architecture. Erotic Pottery. There was so much material for their amusement and shared banter, and it all felt so authentic. Shared laughter is one of the most important things in a relationship, in my experience, and Ada and Fraser's style of humor often matched my own.
I could see myself and my partner standing in the corner and whispering together in much the same way that Ada and Fraser do in almost every event they end up attending together, poking gentle fun at the more ridiculous aspects.
There was a lot of humor in this book but there was also a lot of heart and some real struggles. Grief, relationship betrayal, and postpartum depression were all touched on and handled deftly. I loved Ada's relationship with Alma and the way they learned to navigate childhood friendship that follows you into adulthood.
There's also a very interesting thread of Ada and her mother getting used to Ada living at home again in this book. I loved Ada's mom. She had Ada's back and shared her sense of humor but also wasn't afraid to embarrass Ada whenever possible.
The audiobook narrator did a fantastic job bringing the characters and story to life. I couldn't stop listening to it once I started and finished it in a day and a half. It was a very addictive listening experience.
Highly recommend.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Bonnier UK Audio, and Zaffre for providing an early copy for review.
January 8, 2023
Described as "You've Got Mail" meets "The Flatshare", this is a rom-com set in Scotland featuring two leads that I fell in love with fairly quickly.
Ada set up her own PR firm in Edinburgh after leaving her London job due to heartbreak. She runs her business from an open office space in a coffee shop. Fraser works there too - he's a journalist, and they don't exactly get off to the best start when he takes Ada's usual spot. They come to an agreement, and build up a friendship.
After work, Ada enjoys nothing more than checking in with the online Agatha Christie fanfic forum that she has recently rediscovered after writing some of her own Marple inspired stories when she was younger. She gets chatting to a guy, Myster-E, and begins to grow closer to him. But can you fall for someone you've never met?
I enjoyed this book so much. I loved the characters, I loved the storyline, and I loved the (I almost typed 'side quests') additional storylines involving Ada's friend Amal and how she was struggling with parenthood. The author captured those early days of parenting so well - you're tired, you're cranky, you're annoyed, you're simultaneously trying to hide your feelings while getting annoyed that nobody can see how you're feeling - I really identified with Amal's storyline and I appreciated the way it was handled.
I loved the banter, the wit, the humour, the setting - all of it. It was exactly what I was looking for from a rom-com and I really hope it takes off because it's better than 99% of the rom-coms I read last year.
Apologies, Charlie Lastra, but Fraser Evans has just booted you off the #1 Book Boyfriend spot. The man wore a KILT for heaven's sake.
LOVED IT.
Thank you so much to Zaffre books for the ARC via Netgalley. I'll be buying this one anyway.
Ada set up her own PR firm in Edinburgh after leaving her London job due to heartbreak. She runs her business from an open office space in a coffee shop. Fraser works there too - he's a journalist, and they don't exactly get off to the best start when he takes Ada's usual spot. They come to an agreement, and build up a friendship.
After work, Ada enjoys nothing more than checking in with the online Agatha Christie fanfic forum that she has recently rediscovered after writing some of her own Marple inspired stories when she was younger. She gets chatting to a guy, Myster-E, and begins to grow closer to him. But can you fall for someone you've never met?
I enjoyed this book so much. I loved the characters, I loved the storyline, and I loved the (I almost typed 'side quests') additional storylines involving Ada's friend Amal and how she was struggling with parenthood. The author captured those early days of parenting so well - you're tired, you're cranky, you're annoyed, you're simultaneously trying to hide your feelings while getting annoyed that nobody can see how you're feeling - I really identified with Amal's storyline and I appreciated the way it was handled.
I loved the banter, the wit, the humour, the setting - all of it. It was exactly what I was looking for from a rom-com and I really hope it takes off because it's better than 99% of the rom-coms I read last year.
Apologies, Charlie Lastra, but Fraser Evans has just booted you off the #1 Book Boyfriend spot. The man wore a KILT for heaven's sake.
LOVED IT.
Thank you so much to Zaffre books for the ARC via Netgalley. I'll be buying this one anyway.
February 5, 2023
My Thoughts: I bloody loved this, it had everything you would want from a rom com!
Ada as a main character seems confident despite the devastating shock she gets at the beginning.. she’s just returned home to Edinburgh so she is around her best friend again and has her mum for support too!
She’s setting up her own PR company so hires a table at the local cafe to give her the space she needs to work without getting under her mums feet at home.. it’s here she meets Fraser, they hit it off immediately as friends the humour and the banter is on point.
Ada believes that Fraser has a girlfriend and she’s currently talking to a Myster-E online, so as far as she’s concerned it’s purely platonic and therefore easy and uncomplicated!
They find themselves in situations regularly that made me laugh out loud multiple times.. watching them discover the truth had me utterly hooked and I couldn’t put it down.
🐧❤️
Ada as a main character seems confident despite the devastating shock she gets at the beginning.. she’s just returned home to Edinburgh so she is around her best friend again and has her mum for support too!
She’s setting up her own PR company so hires a table at the local cafe to give her the space she needs to work without getting under her mums feet at home.. it’s here she meets Fraser, they hit it off immediately as friends the humour and the banter is on point.
Ada believes that Fraser has a girlfriend and she’s currently talking to a Myster-E online, so as far as she’s concerned it’s purely platonic and therefore easy and uncomplicated!
They find themselves in situations regularly that made me laugh out loud multiple times.. watching them discover the truth had me utterly hooked and I couldn’t put it down.
🐧❤️
January 8, 2024
No comment! 🤦♀️
July 18, 2024
Dit boek krijgt echt niet de aandacht dat het verdient. Een heerlijke romcom. Niet volledig origineel, de invloed van you’ve got mail is groot, maar wel verfrissend. Ik kreeg hierdoor ook meteen terug zin om in de Agatha Christie’s te duiken.
Het is goed uitgewerkt met sterke karakterontwikkeling, het is onproblematisch en ècht grappig. Het enige minpuntje was dat het tempo soms wat hoger mocht liggen.
Het is goed uitgewerkt met sterke karakterontwikkeling, het is onproblematisch en ècht grappig. Het enige minpuntje was dat het tempo soms wat hoger mocht liggen.
March 3, 2023
I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to read this as an Arc! Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author Sam Canning!
I’d like to start this review off with the rating I gave it so that I can then go from there and explain everything I loved about it!
5/5 stars! One of my favourite books I think I’ve ever listened to. The author does an amazing job of writing as well as the way characters! Ugh Ada is an absolute gem and I have never fallen so madly in love with a character in my whole life.
This book is not only a romance, also a slice of life/ friendship story. The characters were all written so perfectly, I honestly will miss them so much and cannot wait to listen to/read this book again in the future. The end line was so amazing I know I keep saying how beautiful it was, but seriously it was!
Ada moves back home after an affair with a coworker turns sour, while she is home she decides to start her on company a firm where she represents clients. Her one client Steve, while I enjoyed listening about, is the biggest pain in the backside ever. Constantly relying on Ada for everything and dragging her down further and further. Honestly he was such a pain.
Ada goes to a cafe everyday for work where she sits at the same table/coffee desk. When she goes one day to find her table has been occupied by a stranger. Who we later learn is frasier, the love I have for him is endless. You know when characters don’t do anything terrible, there’s nothing to redeem and their hearts are just pure goodness ? That’s him.
But struggling Ada finds herself in a love triangle with three men, Frazier, Neil (a man her best friend sets her up with) and Mr E. Mr E is a man she meets on a fan fiction site where he nominated her story for an award. Their budding friendship ends up causing a rift in Ada’s life between her and the other men.
I honestly cannot recommend this book enough. I loved the twist and all the turns of the story and I cannot stop raving about this book please please read this! It’s beautifully written, such a gorgeous story and I cannot wait to read more by this talented author!
I’d like to start this review off with the rating I gave it so that I can then go from there and explain everything I loved about it!
5/5 stars! One of my favourite books I think I’ve ever listened to. The author does an amazing job of writing as well as the way characters! Ugh Ada is an absolute gem and I have never fallen so madly in love with a character in my whole life.
This book is not only a romance, also a slice of life/ friendship story. The characters were all written so perfectly, I honestly will miss them so much and cannot wait to listen to/read this book again in the future. The end line was so amazing I know I keep saying how beautiful it was, but seriously it was!
Ada moves back home after an affair with a coworker turns sour, while she is home she decides to start her on company a firm where she represents clients. Her one client Steve, while I enjoyed listening about, is the biggest pain in the backside ever. Constantly relying on Ada for everything and dragging her down further and further. Honestly he was such a pain.
Ada goes to a cafe everyday for work where she sits at the same table/coffee desk. When she goes one day to find her table has been occupied by a stranger. Who we later learn is frasier, the love I have for him is endless. You know when characters don’t do anything terrible, there’s nothing to redeem and their hearts are just pure goodness ? That’s him.
But struggling Ada finds herself in a love triangle with three men, Frazier, Neil (a man her best friend sets her up with) and Mr E. Mr E is a man she meets on a fan fiction site where he nominated her story for an award. Their budding friendship ends up causing a rift in Ada’s life between her and the other men.
I honestly cannot recommend this book enough. I loved the twist and all the turns of the story and I cannot stop raving about this book please please read this! It’s beautifully written, such a gorgeous story and I cannot wait to read more by this talented author!
February 18, 2024
I'll be honest, based on the average rating, my expectations for this were pretty low going in, but the appeal of an Edinburgh-set romance plus the whole You've Got Mail/Agatha Christie angle just seemed too good to pass up, especially as I was on the hunt for a fun Valentine's read.
From almost the very beginning, this reminded me quite a lot of The Flatshare, from the anonymity of the love interest to the main character just having gotten out of a rather manipulative relationship. Ada's job wrangling Steve also reminded me quite a lot of the author relationships Tiffany had to contend with. Honestly, a lot of the early setup felt like it was just Flatshare transplanted onto an Edinburgh setting. Take all of that as you will.
Speaking of Edinburgh, though, I'll admit that I was a bit disappointed by Canning's use of it. She mostly just threw around place names without really bothering to describe the actual setting, which felt a bit lazy and almost like a monopolization of such a beloved city. I was convinced until I actually bothered to read her bio that she had no real personal connection to Edinburgh and did all her research on Google Maps.
The plot does move along at a good pace and I think did an excellent job of balancing drama with Ada's relationships, best friend and mum included, though some of the falling out towards the end was quite obvious. It was frustrating, however, how apparent it was that , frustrating enough that I couldn't tell whether that was intentional or not.
While I adored Fraser as a love interest, I really couldn't stand Ada, which was an unfortunate damper on the entire experience here. I was shocked when she said she was 30 — her voice sounded much more like a 22-year-old's. Steve to me was more lovable than she was.
All in all, this was a pretty mixed experience and, honestly, a rather unoriginal one. This was a fun, light read to scratch my Valentine's itch, but not one I would go out of my way to recommend.
From almost the very beginning, this reminded me quite a lot of The Flatshare, from the anonymity of the love interest to the main character just having gotten out of a rather manipulative relationship. Ada's job wrangling Steve also reminded me quite a lot of the author relationships Tiffany had to contend with. Honestly, a lot of the early setup felt like it was just Flatshare transplanted onto an Edinburgh setting. Take all of that as you will.
Speaking of Edinburgh, though, I'll admit that I was a bit disappointed by Canning's use of it. She mostly just threw around place names without really bothering to describe the actual setting, which felt a bit lazy and almost like a monopolization of such a beloved city. I was convinced until I actually bothered to read her bio that she had no real personal connection to Edinburgh and did all her research on Google Maps.
The plot does move along at a good pace and I think did an excellent job of balancing drama with Ada's relationships, best friend and mum included, though some of the falling out towards the end was quite obvious. It was frustrating, however, how apparent it was that , frustrating enough that I couldn't tell whether that was intentional or not.
While I adored Fraser as a love interest, I really couldn't stand Ada, which was an unfortunate damper on the entire experience here. I was shocked when she said she was 30 — her voice sounded much more like a 22-year-old's. Steve to me was more lovable than she was.
All in all, this was a pretty mixed experience and, honestly, a rather unoriginal one. This was a fun, light read to scratch my Valentine's itch, but not one I would go out of my way to recommend.
February 6, 2023
*I received a free DRC of this book with thanks to the author, NetGalley and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
I knew this would be a five star read for me within the first few chapters, as I simply adored main character Ada in a somewhat obsessive, want to be her/her best friend kind of way!
I also loved the side characters, who were full of character and verve, including Ada’s mum, Fraser, Amal and Aidan, Myster-E and even bloody Steve! (I read the bit about him and the puppy more than once because it made me smile in a warm, glow-y way).
The plot, too, was great fun to read – romantic, funny and sadly touching, all in the right places. There is a bit of a trigger warning around struggling in the post-natal period, which forms an important part of the side plot but is mostly touched on ‘off-page’ through discussions, rather than seen directly by the reader.
As is always the way with romantic drama novels, there is a point in the story where the main character loses everything and everyone and hits rock bottom, so for those that get anxiety acid like me, I just want to reassure you that you do get a HEA eventually, and it is a lovely, satisfying one (more warm, glowing smiles).
In terms of suspense, the main myster-e is fairly obvious to the canny reader, but I didn’t care that I had sussed what was going on before the big drawing room reveal scene (this is a Christie reference… there is no actual drawing room here), as I enjoyed spending time in Ada’s head and reading about her misadventures anyway.
Speaking of Agatha Christie and mysteries though, I could just see Ada and her Raymond/Hastings equivalent returning for sleuthing adventures in the future now that the romantic outlook has improved… I would definitely be up for reading some investigations from the casebooks of Myster Marpel! 😉
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
I knew this would be a five star read for me within the first few chapters, as I simply adored main character Ada in a somewhat obsessive, want to be her/her best friend kind of way!
I also loved the side characters, who were full of character and verve, including Ada’s mum, Fraser, Amal and Aidan, Myster-E and even bloody Steve! (I read the bit about him and the puppy more than once because it made me smile in a warm, glow-y way).
The plot, too, was great fun to read – romantic, funny and sadly touching, all in the right places. There is a bit of a trigger warning around struggling in the post-natal period, which forms an important part of the side plot but is mostly touched on ‘off-page’ through discussions, rather than seen directly by the reader.
As is always the way with romantic drama novels, there is a point in the story where the main character loses everything and everyone and hits rock bottom, so for those that get anxiety acid like me, I just want to reassure you that you do get a HEA eventually, and it is a lovely, satisfying one (more warm, glowing smiles).
In terms of suspense, the main myster-e is fairly obvious to the canny reader, but I didn’t care that I had sussed what was going on before the big drawing room reveal scene (this is a Christie reference… there is no actual drawing room here), as I enjoyed spending time in Ada’s head and reading about her misadventures anyway.
Speaking of Agatha Christie and mysteries though, I could just see Ada and her Raymond/Hastings equivalent returning for sleuthing adventures in the future now that the romantic outlook has improved… I would definitely be up for reading some investigations from the casebooks of Myster Marpel! 😉
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
February 5, 2023
Love 90s romcoms? Love you've got mail and when Harry met Sally? Then you'd love this! Also bonus set in the beautiful city of Edinburgh.
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In January I went and visited Edinburgh for the first time and I fell in love and to read a romcom based there and based upon one of my favourite 90s films was just perfect. I could easily picture everything the author wrote as I've walked princes Street, I've seen the cobbled Streets and Edinburgh Castle so it made the book even more special for me.
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I'll admit the beginning was a little bit slow for me but after a few chapters it picked up and I found myself unable to put the book down. Some pages had me howling at the story and I had to actually put the book down as I was laughing to much to even be able to read 'erotic pottery' 'ripping bears faces off'
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The relationship between mother and daughter was so nice and their jokes between each other had me giggling. The two protagonist has me smiling and laughing Constantly; the quick comments, the little jives at each other reminded me of my own relationship so it really made me happy. The author was able to make this story so fun and light hearted and really enjoyed myself.
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She mentions heavy themes in such a normal way such a postpartum depression. And I think she did it very well. She didn't make it seem odd she made it normal and that I think that reflects how we need to see it. It is normal for a lot of women to have it after giving birth and I think we need to start realising that as a society. So props to the author for blending it into the story so well and not making seem odd or unnatural.
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In January I went and visited Edinburgh for the first time and I fell in love and to read a romcom based there and based upon one of my favourite 90s films was just perfect. I could easily picture everything the author wrote as I've walked princes Street, I've seen the cobbled Streets and Edinburgh Castle so it made the book even more special for me.
.
I'll admit the beginning was a little bit slow for me but after a few chapters it picked up and I found myself unable to put the book down. Some pages had me howling at the story and I had to actually put the book down as I was laughing to much to even be able to read 'erotic pottery' 'ripping bears faces off'
.
The relationship between mother and daughter was so nice and their jokes between each other had me giggling. The two protagonist has me smiling and laughing Constantly; the quick comments, the little jives at each other reminded me of my own relationship so it really made me happy. The author was able to make this story so fun and light hearted and really enjoyed myself.
.
She mentions heavy themes in such a normal way such a postpartum depression. And I think she did it very well. She didn't make it seem odd she made it normal and that I think that reflects how we need to see it. It is normal for a lot of women to have it after giving birth and I think we need to start realising that as a society. So props to the author for blending it into the story so well and not making seem odd or unnatural.
March 11, 2023
Virtual Strangers was an excellent read. I genuinely loved this book and the writing.
Every time I picked Virtual Strangers up, I fell into it effortlessly and read it with a smile on my face.
There were points in the book where I laughed out loud and there were times where I really felt for what the characters were going through. (Shout out to my man, Clive)
The integration of the love for Agatha Christie’s works was a beautiful touch, as was having the book set in Edinburgh!
The characters feel real! You really feel for the trials and tribulations of Ada. She shows real strength of character through the situation with Dan and it felt authentic that she showed so many mixed feelings on the whole situation. Connor is the worst person - get in the bin. Neil is so sweet and harmless but also clueless - protein bars? Cmon.. Ada’s relationship with her mother is beautiful.
It’s been great and I’m looking forward to more work from the author, who also clearly has a great taste in biscuits.
Every time I picked Virtual Strangers up, I fell into it effortlessly and read it with a smile on my face.
There were points in the book where I laughed out loud and there were times where I really felt for what the characters were going through. (Shout out to my man, Clive)
The integration of the love for Agatha Christie’s works was a beautiful touch, as was having the book set in Edinburgh!
The characters feel real! You really feel for the trials and tribulations of Ada. She shows real strength of character through the situation with Dan and it felt authentic that she showed so many mixed feelings on the whole situation. Connor is the worst person - get in the bin. Neil is so sweet and harmless but also clueless - protein bars? Cmon.. Ada’s relationship with her mother is beautiful.
It’s been great and I’m looking forward to more work from the author, who also clearly has a great taste in biscuits.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2023
Thanks Netgalley for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Oh my my, what a wonderful discovery!
This book is the perfect romance, it ticks all of my boxes:
✨ heroin trying to figure out life
✨ nerd MCs (I wish I liked murder mystery, because that would have made this book so much more appreciable)
✨ the slowburn, or rather, the fact that Ada and Fraser become friends first and lovers eventually
✨ the setting!
✨ the chemestry, both online and in person, was to die for
Oh my my, what a wonderful discovery!
This book is the perfect romance, it ticks all of my boxes:
✨ heroin trying to figure out life
✨ nerd MCs (I wish I liked murder mystery, because that would have made this book so much more appreciable)
✨ the slowburn, or rather, the fact that Ada and Fraser become friends first and lovers eventually
✨ the setting!
✨ the chemestry, both online and in person, was to die for
May 23, 2025
Лека, приятна и неангажираща книжка.
Опитали са да вкарат и по-сериозни теми, но никак не се е получило.
За съжаление, докато я четях, се сетих за поне още 3 романа със сходно изграждане на "познати-непознати". Не е нищо оригинално или впечатляващо.
Страшно ми хареса обаче една мисъл. Нямам точния цитат, но в общи линии беше, че сърцето е мускул, а мускулите имат памет. От нас зависи дали ще помним лошите или хубавите трепети на сърцето!
Опитали са да вкарат и по-сериозни теми, но никак не се е получило.
За съжаление, докато я четях, се сетих за поне още 3 романа със сходно изграждане на "познати-непознати". Не е нищо оригинално или впечатляващо.
Страшно ми хареса обаче една мисъл. Нямам точния цитат, но в общи линии беше, че сърцето е мускул, а мускулите имат памет. От нас зависи дали ще помним лошите или хубавите трепети на сърцето!
January 23, 2023
Easygoing story, makes for a nice enough read. I didn't really click with Ada at any point, to be honest, and the writing never really made me super invested or totally lost in its prose, but it's a good story as far as this trope goes
**ARC provided by Netgalley & the publisher - all views & opinions are my own**
**ARC provided by Netgalley & the publisher - all views & opinions are my own**
March 29, 2023
Listened to this on audio - loved the Edinburgh accents - which really made the book for me.
Having been to Edinburgh several times I could picture the locations in my mind.
Not so much of a romance and the bits with her best friend Amal were so sad - but very believable.
I didn't see the ending coming.
An entertaining read.
Having been to Edinburgh several times I could picture the locations in my mind.
Not so much of a romance and the bits with her best friend Amal were so sad - but very believable.
I didn't see the ending coming.
An entertaining read.
April 1, 2023
I loved this book!!! It was witty and hilarious, but also had depth - touching on issues such as the struggles of parenthood, cheating and grief. I wanted to read through it again as soon as I finished and I’ve never had that urge before. This book deserves more readers!!
July 29, 2023
Cute but not memorable. I admit I skimmed through some parts, the book isn't bad, it just didn't keep my attention.
August 24, 2023
A really cute and adorable romance that suprised me how much I liked it. And also i now want to go back to Edinburgh.
October 18, 2023
I didn’t want this book to end ☹️ it was so wholesome and I haven’t been invested in characters or laughed so much at a book in AGES 500/5*
August 19, 2023
Е сега нямам търпение да се запозная по-добре с романите на Агата Кристи, а Единбург вече е в списъка ми с желани дестинации.
April 13, 2024
Loved it - really cute story, all the good elements of a romcom :) the characters were good, they didn’t drive me crazy, and the story was pretty relatable. Easy read and I really enjoyed it.
December 22, 2023
I'm going through my backlog of ARCs and I'm so glad I requested this one at the start of the year. It was a really enjoyable book that I probably wouldn't have known about if it weren't for NetGalley.
Virtual Strangers centres around Ada's life as she finds out that the man she'd been in love with was actually married and his wife was about to give birth. Ada is crestfallen and decides to quit her job and life in London and go back to live with her mum in Edinburgh. She starts working as a publicist for a local celebrity and tries to put her life back together, and we get to go along for the ride.
The fact that this story is set in Edinburgh was the main reason I decided to request it, especially because I got an audio version of this book, so I was able to enjoy the Scottish accent. I went to Edinburgh for the second time last year and it is the most stunning city ever. I can't wait to go back. This was Sam Canning's debut and I thought the author did a wonderful job, and so did the narrator, Lesley Harcourt.
Thank you very much to Zaffre/Bonnier UK Audio and NetGalley for this ARC!
Virtual Strangers centres around Ada's life as she finds out that the man she'd been in love with was actually married and his wife was about to give birth. Ada is crestfallen and decides to quit her job and life in London and go back to live with her mum in Edinburgh. She starts working as a publicist for a local celebrity and tries to put her life back together, and we get to go along for the ride.
The fact that this story is set in Edinburgh was the main reason I decided to request it, especially because I got an audio version of this book, so I was able to enjoy the Scottish accent. I went to Edinburgh for the second time last year and it is the most stunning city ever. I can't wait to go back. This was Sam Canning's debut and I thought the author did a wonderful job, and so did the narrator, Lesley Harcourt.
Thank you very much to Zaffre/Bonnier UK Audio and NetGalley for this ARC!
June 23, 2023
Great setting in Edinburgh (I really want to visit it again) and great characters.
The you've got mail vibe is big and add a fun element with the Agatha Christie talk.
The main characters are not perfect but have flaws, I liked that.
The narrator did a great job.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The you've got mail vibe is big and add a fun element with the Agatha Christie talk.
The main characters are not perfect but have flaws, I liked that.
The narrator did a great job.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
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