Laura Barnard

This was such an entertaining read for me and this author is new to me, but I was not disappointed at all. The book starts with sisters that inherit a pub from their estranged aunt and the youngest sister Ella thinks they should give it a go and try to get it up and running again. Phoebe, the older and more practical sister knows this is probably going to be a disaster but decides they should try it at least, but life keeps throwing so many twists and turns into their plans it seems like they are doomed to fail. With so many things that go wrong Phoebe becomes more and more distraught, but she doesn’t give up. Then we are introduced to Clooney Breen, the cocky playboy with secrets of his own. Clooney and Phoebe don’t know if one second, they want kiss or argue, and it makes the tension so tangible. Clooney has so many sides to him that I often wondered if he had multiple personalities because one second, he could be sweet and charming, then the next he could snap at Phoebe for no reason at all. This back and forth of emotions had Phoebe questioning if she could really trust him, if he were just another playboy out to hurt her or was there more to him than meets the eye. There is a fun little unexpected treat for readers that helps break up the tension between the main characters and was fun to read about when Phoebe must do some crazy tasks. These two fought their attraction for as long as they could be could they let go of insecurities, secrets, and their pasts to make something out this or were they doomed to fail? This book had me laughing, swooning, and boy those steamy moments were amazing. Definitely will read more.… (more)

Christmas with children.
This was a fun Christmas read and probably my favourite of the three I've read in the run-up to Xmas 2020. I think what really made this one a hit for me was the build up of excitement from the two children as Christmas approaches.

Ruby Campbell has taken on the job of nanny for 2 adorable little girls, but their father is another matter. Barclay Rothchester lost his wife some years before and he is still grieving. He is impossible to please and has already scared off several nannies before Ruby appears on the scene. She immediately falls for the girls and fights their corner when Barclay declares there are not going to be any Christmas decorations, nor photos of his deceased wife.

Ruby is a bit of a super-nanny and the girls love her. She even joins the PTA so Jessica can ride on the Christmas float. She is totally sassy, but is rather quick to declare everyone she doesn't like as a B*tch, and this put me off her a bit.
The girls are similar ages to my granddaughters (3 and 6) and I totally related to their emotions and excitement.

I wasn't a great fan of the narrator, who only had 2 voices, twee and super-twee. I actually wished I'd been reading rather than listening. Still, the book was entertaining and helped build some Christmas spirit at the end of a really strange year.… (more)

I give this story 2.75/5 loosely tied bikini tops.

Every time Laura Barnard has a new book coming out or she wants to relaunch one of her books, she always sends me a message through Instagram and asks if I want to be a part of the launch or review the book. I always say yes because her stories are always hilarious and the characters are very real and imperfect. I find some of her characters irritating at first and then you will end up rooting for them. There was one story where I wasn't sure if I liked the main character but I really enjoyed the whole book which actually speaks a lot about the ability of the author to keep her audience. So, I was just thrilled when she asked me again to read and review this book. Excess Baggage was released August 18, 2020.

This book is another one with a very clumsy and imperfect main character in it. Erica is far from being perfect. I think she has the misfortune of always embarrassing herself in front of the guy he likes. The situations she gets herself into are the stuff that would mostly go viral on the internet if they were caught on camera that should never see the light of day. Yes, I feel so sorry for her every time this happens. Her character reminds me of Lindsay Lohan's character in 'Just My Luck. '

This is a second chance romance every one would wish would happen in their life except for the accidents that happen to Erica. She's like an accident magnet which reminds me of one of my bestfriends who happen to fall most of the time. At least, my friend only got scratches and a little blood here and there. Unlike Erica whose minor accidents are pictures you can't un-see.

This story had me thinking if I like Erica's character at all. I am not sure but I sure do wish she'd end up with Jack. I think Erica's character wasn't so striking except for holding her head high every after embarrassing situation she's into. But aside from that, I don't find a lot of other things endearing in her character. This story is at times hilarious but it came to a point where it felt predictable, especially where Erica is involved. I would most likely could tell when something embarrassing would happen to her again.

I give this story 2.75/5 loosely tied bikini tops. Though the story is very easy to read and you would want to finish it in one reading, I felt it to be so predictable. Of all the stories of Barnard that I've read, this is probably the less engaging of all. I wasn't so taken with the story. There were very few points of interest that would make you wonder what's going on like what Jack's hiding. But other than that, you pretty much would know how the story would end or when Erica would humiliate herself again. So, this was okay but I've read her other stories and they were more entertaining and delightful than this one. I would have given this a lower rating but I remember there were some parts, though very few, that had me curious. Jack's character is also a saving grace for this story. He's everything you would want in a guy and he's very protective and patient with Erica. I am glad that his feelings for Erica is as sure as the next moment Erica will embarrass herself. Realizing this was the first book in the series, and I've read book three, is I guess a good thing. Bagging Alice, book three, is way more hilarious and more fun to read. I like the cover of this book though.

All I know is that the butterflies that have been lying dormant in my stomach have come back to life, flying around screaming 'He's here! He's here!'
- Laura Barnard, Excess Baggage (Babes of Brighton #1) -

Thank you again, Laura Barnard for the advanced review copy. I look forward to reading your other books.… (more)

Phoebe and Ella have uprooted their lives in London to reopen the Cock & Bull, an Irish pup left to them by their great-aunt. But the pup looks like a hopeless cause and Phoebe and Ella have no idea how to run a business. When the handsome but incredibly rude Clooney offers his assistance, Phoebe is desperate enough to accept his help. Business fluctuates, personalities clash, and sparks fly, but Phoebe is determined to make the Cock & Bull a success. And in a dramatic turn of events, Phoebe discovers another “gift” passed down by her aunt. One that might help give her and Ella the acceptance they so desperately need in the community.

This was a fun story. It’s one of those comedies where everything that can go wrong, will. Failed inspection? Check. Sabotage from a rival pub? Check. Shoved in the back of a car and get tumbled into extremely close quarters with the hot Irishman you so desperately hate? Check, and check! There’s a lot of downhill storytelling in this book, and poor Phoebe just can’t get a break. I kinda wish she’d gotten a little more than just one bad thing after another. And when her “gift” appears, it takes a paranormal turn and makes things go from bad to downright awkward. It’s like watching an episode of The Office. I couldn’t actually make much sense as to why her gift was relevant to the story though. It was funny, but seemed unnecessary.

The characters were pretty typical for a romcom: heavily jaded girl with a strange upbringing, angsty guy who’s obviously hiding some part of his life and has a tragic past, overly-bubbly sister who likes to get drunk out of boredom, and your typical housepet- a de-glanded skunk. Wait, what? Yes, a pet skunk! I definitely squealed with joy when Suki was introduced. Phoebe and Clooney had that enemies-to-lovers vibe going on and they had good bickering that gradually leads to attraction and then they bickered some more. Phoebe was a bit of a damsel at times, but hey, if I was in her place and had all that on my plate, I’d jump in a lake too.

So Cock & Bull is one of those stories that you just sit back and read for funsies when you need a good laugh and an angsty love story. I enjoyed the characters the most, especially Suki (because, hello- a pet skunk!). It was entertaining, but not spectacular. I could’ve used a bit more explanation in some areas that fell a little flat, but all in all, it was fun! Would read Laura Barnard again!

I received this arc for free in exchange for an honest review.… (more)