Absorbing romance in France
5 Stars

I’m a big fan of Sarah Ready’s stories, especially her romcoms. This book is a complete standalone - not connected to any previous book or series - and comes with its own HEA.

I connected with Merry from the very first. She’s got a lot going on what with her sister marrying the only man she’s loved, her unrequited love of said man, her job being terrible and her crazy family. Despite all this, she was written in such a way that made me like and relate to her. She made me laugh, too, which is always good. But I really liked her best when she was interacting with Noah.

I can’t help but fall for a character like Noah. He’s a bit of a grump yet he’s a secret sweetheart - and so in need love that I just want to smoosh him into a giant hug. He’s something of an enigma but it’s clear he’s hiding deep feelings and that’s my catnip right there.

This story is told completely from Merry’s perspective - in first person, present tense. I normally prefer to hear from both my main characters but that just wouldn’t have worked in this tale. By just hearing and knowing Merry’s point of view, we’re equally in the dark about Noah’s thoughts, feelings and what he’s really up to. I was as confused and frustrated as Merry herself which really helped me connect with her more.

I love a good enemies-to-lovers story and this had the added bonus of forced proximity, only one bed, a little mystery and, of course, the French setting. I admit to being slightly apprehensive when I heard the story was about two Americans in France. Would be getting a rose coloured glasses, stereotypical and a bit cringe view of France and the French? Now I’m not French, but I didn’t get that vibe at all. In fact, the setting really made me yearn to be in France and, in France or not, eat lots of cheese, bread and pastries.

There is some sex in this story and while it’s descriptive, there’s not a lot of it and it comes towards the end of the story. And to be honest, it’s exactly the right amount. The build up of affection, sexual tension and love between Noah and Merry is slow, but you really feel it so any sex is just the icing on the cake.

Sarah Ready’s writing style is so absorbing that you’re right there in the story with the characters and in France along with them. I got shivers down my spine when the gothic romance was at the fore, I was distraught when Louis was about to meet his maker and I got teary when the mystery came to its conclusion. I was utterly engaged from the first and continued to be so to the very last page. Another superb tale from Sarah Ready and she can take me to France at any point in the future. 5 stars for this one. ( )

This was a very light, entertaining and delightful read. Merry’s sister has just married her best friend, and the only person Merry has ever loved. So when given the chance to spend three months in a French Castle, she jumps at the chance. Only problem is the ‘best man’ also turns out to be staying there, and to say she dislikes him is putting it mildly.

This was a very enjoyable read with sone great characters, great interactions between them, and plenty of laughs along the way. Of course you could feel the direction the book was heading in, but this didn’t spoil the reading experience at all. Before long you find yourself rooting for Merry. There are a fair few twists and turns along the way, and it also deals with some difficult themes that have impacted on Merry and Noah. This RomCom is brought to a very good ending that has you cheering for Merry.

If you like a good RomCom I would definitely recommend this book, and enjoyed it more than a previous Sarah Ready book I read. I listened to the audiobook, and this book was almost made for the audiobook format, and I really enjoyed the narration of it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ( )

Sarah Ready has done it again. I loved Josh and Gemma Make a Baby and was excited to read her new book.
Merry's little sister is getting married with Leo, a man Merry secretly loves. After some unpleasantness she also quits her job and hatches a flight plan with the aid of her godmother Jupiter. A three month vacation in France living in an adorable chateau. Except for Noah, an old enemy, who is also staying at the chateau. And there is only one bedroom and one bed.
This story is quite atmospheric. I fell in love with the descriptions of France and especially the food. The romance was slow burn and I enjoyed the build-up. The chateau was old and charming, but also dilapidated and housed some groovy pets like rats, bats, cocroaches and last but not least Louis the Lobster. There were funny moments and adorably romantic moments. I really liked Merry and Noah. They were passionate but also very level-headed individuals with baggage that did not bring them down. The only thing I did not like was the continuous use of the word toasty. I grew to detest that word.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kelsey Navarro. Her narration was very good. Her raspy voice irritated me now and then, but it did not hinder my enjoyment of the story.
Thank you NetGalley and Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC for a copy of this book. ( )

Is this enemies-to-friends-to lovers romance predictable? Yes, definitely. Is it entertaining? Also yes, reasonably. Read my full review here.

Publication is expected April 26.

#NetGalley #Swift&LewisPublishing #FrenchHoliday ( )

“No. No. But haven’t you noticed? Women are always told, chin up! Don’t complain! Be quiet! Don’t ever ask for more. If your life is hard, too bad, that’s your lot! Stay with the terrible husband, stick with the horrible job, keep trudging along until you die… No one ever tells women that it’s okay to leave. It’s okay to get out!”

French Holiday reminded me of 27 Dresses... but better. Merry has secretly been in love with her best friend Leo for years, but on the night she plans to tell him about her feelings, Leo meets Merry's little sister Angela. The next morning Leo and Angela are engaged, and Merry is left heartbroken. After the wedding and a spur-of-the-moment decision to quit her job, Merry accepts an offer from her godmother to spend three months at a French chateau. She needs an escape—a flight plan—and the chateau is just that.

The only problem: the property’s already been leased to her ‘nemesis’ Noah. Noah is a famous travel documentarian who is in France researching his next project and hoping to get answers about his past. Neither Noah nor Merry is willing to give up the chateau to the other, so they are stuck sharing the chateau and its only bed.

This book does not take itself too seriously and is full of humor and laughter. It is a great choice for anyone who likes tropes such as enemies to lovers or forced proximity romances. While reading this novel, I laughed regularly and shed a few tears. From angry lobsters to falling down castles to family mysteries, it will keep you entertained from beginning to end.

Thank you Netgalley for this e-ARC.

Read if you like
🦞enemies to lovers
🦞forced proximity
🦞vacation romance
🦞family mystery
🦞 light-hearted romance ( )