The book is cute and the writing was nice, although a little overly descriptive .  It was easy to read. I didn't quite get the Christmas or seasonal cheer I usually want from these books, but it was still enjoyable . The characters were  well rounded and likeable. If you're looking for a light-hearted, easy read then this will definitely be one for you a nice debut.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this book!
I love Made in Chelsea and am an avid watcher of I'm a Celebrity but I have never read a Mills & Boon and if I'm honest, I had quite a negative view of it. But this is just great, cosy chick lit.
Victoria is a fashion designer, teaching underprivileged kids in the evening and working in a Chelsea bar during the day, where she meets Oliver. Oliver is a billionaire and as well as trying to get his family's latest luxury department store ready for opening, his Mum is on his back about finding a girlfriend so he asks Victoria if she will pretend to be his fiance.
The ending is quite predictable, even from the start but it doesn't detract from the enjoyment of the book. This is a sweet, very British, cosy, wintery read.
I'm so pleased that this is the first of a 4 book series -Meet me in Hawaii is out in Spring and it's on my TBR

Oliver and Victoria meet by chance and strike up a deal. Victoria will pretend to be Oliver's fiancee to get his parents off his back. However, things soon become more complicated as they start to develop actual feelings for each other. Victoria is worried her past might get in the way and ruin her possible future with Oliver.

This is definitely a cute light hearted read, perfect for cosy winter nights! I liked Oliver and Victoria so it made it easy to hope they'd end up together. 

I do feel that the end was slightly rushed and we could have seen more of a fallout after the big secret was revealed. 

A great debut romance novel!

Thank you to Netgalley and Mills & Boon for providing me with a copy to read.

Victoria is an aspiring fashion designer, who would love a new chance to showcase her collection after her ex smashed her dream. Oliver, busy with the opening of his family’s new department store, needs help getting his mother of his back setting him up with a girlfriend. When they join forces to help each other out, they did not expect their fake relationship would turn into something deeper.

Faced with a devastating secret Victoria tries to fight her feelings and ends their deal before returning home and spend Christmas with her friends Malie, Zoe and Lily. Friends who love her no matter what and have her back when she needs them the most. But luckily, Oliver is not one to give up, and like any Russell, is prepared to fight for what he wants. 

I don’t really know Georgia Toffolo, only from her participation in Bake Off: Stand Up to Cancer, but since re-discovering romance novels during lockdown I was curious about her book and absolutely loved it. The characters are well written and easy to connect with and I just loved the friendship between Victoria, Lily, Malie and Zoe, their strong bond wonderfully described by ‘Toff’.

I actually now hope Georgia will write a little series about each of the other girls, giving them their happy ending too.

This is the story of Victoria, bar manager and fashion designer and Oliver, heir to a department store empire and their fake relationship.  I love those sorts of books, so was happy to dive in.

The book is well written, although I personally found it a little too descriptive in places.  It flowed nicely, so that made it easy to read.  I didn't have trouble putting it down though.  I did like Victoria and Oliver, always a plus and I think there is the beginning of a series here about Victoria's group of friends.

I enjoyed Meet Me in London but I didn't love it.

I have just finished reading this book and I can honestly say that I loved it.
I thought the cover was great, the characters were loveable and found myself wanting my own Oliver. I was apprehensive about it being a Mills and boon book as I remember my mum and nan reading them years ago and I was worried it would be like them but I was very pleasantly surprised. The only thing I'm not sure wof is why it is called meet me in London... Apart from the story being based in London there is no reference to meeting up in London or any event in the story that relates to this. Nevertheless the title doesn't take away from the great writing and I'm looking forward to reading more by Toff! Thank you to netgalley and the publishers and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review

I didn't get quite the Christmasy vibes I was after but I enjoyed the meet-cute of Victoria and Oliver. They were both very strong characters with clear goals and problems. To have two well rounded leads - not just one was incredibly refreshing and made reading this novel all the more enjoyable.

It was a super easy read so definitely one I would recommend cuddling up with on those short and darkening nights to come.

I will admit to at times finding Victoria's character a little.... childlike in a way? Or perhaps the writing? The way 'kissing' a man was for some reason a really scandalous thing to do (and also I found her saying the word 'babies' incredibly irritating but okay maybe that's just a personal pet peeve.) she wasn't depicted as prudish/reserved per se so I found it a little out of character.

It would have been nice to delve a little deeper into what her friends 'The lost hour group' were up to. They felt like a crutch when they should have been secondary characters. But perhaps I'm jumping the gun, and the author has left their stories purposely vague... Do I smell a series coming?

Meet Me in London is the debut novel from Georgia Toffolo and I admit, I approached this book with some trepidation. However, I was pleasantly surprised!

The story follows Victoria, a bar manager/fashion designer and Oliver, the heir to a department store empire (who are opening a department store in Chelsea to the dismay of the local businesses). I won’t explain the plot in a great level of detail but ultimately Victoria agrees to be Oliver’s fake fiancée.

It was at times a touch predictable, but that isn’t a complaint- I often expect that in a novel which uses the fake dating trope. The writing style is easy to read and I liked the level of detail that the author gave of the surroundings and Chelsea at Christmas. 

Overall, the book was enjoyable. I wouldn’t say that it was a page turner for me but it was a light and easy read, which is ideal at the moment! I liked Victoria and Oliver a lot and they seemed like a nice couple. I also liked Oliver’s parents and Victoria’s friends. As they featured a lot, I think it has been set up well for the next book in the series which is out in 2021.

Many thanks to Mills and Boon and NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

BOOK REVIEW: Meet Me In London by Georgia Toffolo @georgiatoffolo

TW: Car crash, Infertility

3.5 stars

This was a really rather sweet and endearing love story that was not only a cute romance but also a book about the importance of friendships and about being true to yourself. There are some serious issues which added a good depth to the story but didn't overwhelm the happy dreamy vibe.
Victoria the lead female was a really interesting character. I loved that she is a budding fashion designer but works in a bar and helps teach disadvantaged teenagers to design and make clothes. She was such a kind character and I liked her from the start.
Oliver the lead male is a wealthy owner of department stores. He is kind and hardworking but also feels trapped by the family business and wants to do something else.
It was great how the characters grew together and learnt from one another.
The storyline was decent, it was quite obvious what would happen but I didn't mind that too much. 

I unfortunately struggled with the beginning of the book as the writing and story didn't get off to the best start. However, I am glad I stuck with it as I did enjoy it as a fun, cute and easy read. The writing was unfortunately lacking a little finesse. It was often quite clunky and the dialogue felt forced, unnatural and didn't flow. There was also A LOT of cheesy and over the top moments which I think could have been changed to make the book a bit better. 

Overall it was a decent debut by Georgia Toffolo and one I would recommend if you are looking for a cute and easy read. I think I will read the second book in this series which continues with a story from one of Victoria's friend. 

Please note that I was #gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.

The book was nice for a plod along love story, something to read for a light escape to read by the pool.

However... there were a few things that could have been better - the book was really rather predictable, it was clear what was going to happen. Now don't get me wrong it was a nice love story but we knew what was going to happen, a little suspense or a twist here or there wouldn't go a miss.

For a love story, it was the friendship of the girls that really shone through, it was great reading about their friendships and seeing how strong it was, without any kind of unrealistic expectation.

Somethings in the book was rather unrealistic, the flat Victoria lived in for one. The so-called 'voluntary' work she does isn't realist either as someone who does on the ground voluntary work the book certainly doesn't reflect how it is.

I think I would read the next one to see if it was more exciting and at least a little less predictable compared to this one.

When Victoria and Oliver met two worlds literally collide together and changes their fate forever.
Victoria has suffered pain and guilt for years, she is almost content in her small corner of the world, with her close group of people, happy to avoid her ex and hide from the pain he caused her.
Oliver is not able to hide, he is the son of a famous businessman, and ensuring the family name and reputation is upheld is his job, even if his cousin is determined to do his best to ruin it. 
When the two characters meet cracks start to show in their lives and when Oliver hatches a plan to spare his father's pain and get his mother off his back, Victoria agrees. But as with all good love stories, the best-laid plans are often upturned, and the fun begins.

It’s Christmas time in London, love is in the air and one fall could be the making of a love that can heal many wounds. 

Check out my latest book and audiobook review @ https://sloantate-mckate.blogspot.com/2020/10/meet-me-in-london-by-georgia-toffolo.html

My thanks to #Netgalley, #Mills&Boon, and @GeorgiaToffolo for allowing to review a copy of #MeetMeInLondon

Purchase Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meet-Me-London-sparkling-bestselling-ebook/dp/B0875QY836/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=meet+me+in+london&qid=1602783204&s=digital-text&sr=1-1
Barnes & Nobel: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/meet-me-in-london-georgia-toffolo/1136867575?ean=9780008375867
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/meet-me-in-london-1
Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/meet-me-in-london/georgia-toffolo/9780008375850
Audible UK: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Meet-Me-in-London-Audiobook/0008375879?qid=1602784386&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=c6e316b8-14da-418d-8f91-b3cad83c5183&pf_rd_r=2J4QBC0MHK2550HTNW52
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/audiobook/meet-me-in-london-2

This is a lovely first novel from Georgia Toffolo. A heartwarming story with just enough Christmas in it for it to be magical. 
The main characters Victoria and Oliver first meet in a bar where Oliver asks Victoria to marry him. 
Oliver is opening a huge department store in the neighbourhood and Victoria, a fashion designer who also works in the bar and teaches young people with a passion for design, wants to support the local shop owners whose businesses may suffer with the opening of his store. 
While they work on a plan to support all the local businesses and the young designers at the store opening, they also pretend to be romantically involved to get Oliver's parents off his back! 
However things get tricky as they find themselves falling in love. The only thing stopping them is a secret Victoria has which would stop the family business from being handed down through the generations.  
I thoroughly recommend this read and cannot wait for the next book!

Ive always loved Georgia ever since she started on Made in Chelsea so I was so excited to read her first novel! 
This was such a cute read that is perfect for Christmas, I loved the relationship between the two characters and it was so well written and kept me wanting to turn the page and keep reading even if I was busy!

I would really recommend this wonderful book!

I really enjoyed this book it was such a wholesome read. It was such a cosy nestle down and easy read. I highly recommend to anyone that wants a cute chick lit

This is the debut book of Georgia Toffolo a winner of I’m a Celebrity and also from Made in Chelsea for this reason I was curious to read it. It’s also a Mills and Boon book and my memory of them, from younger days, were of bodice ripper stories and being a bit cheesy (I’m not knocking that, who doesn’t love a bit of cheese). I was pleasantly surprised how good the book was and I enjoyed the authors style of writing, it flowed well.

The two protagonists are Victoria and Oliver. Victoria is scarred from an accident as a teenager and a previous relationship. She works in a bar but her dream is to be a dress designer. Oliver is the heir to the Russell dynasty a workaholic who has no time for love. Their two lives collide when the Russell’s new department store is set to open up in Victoria’s neighbourhood. They strike up an agreement that mutually benefits both but when it’s time to end will they want more. Well, it’s a Mills and Boon book so you can guess the ending is a happy one!

All the characters were well rounded and believable and I liked the bond that Victoria shared with her friends. There are a few more serious issues thrown in like infertility and loss which is handled sympathetically.

One of the things I liked best about the book is how Georgia describes Victoria when she is around material and haberdashery. That’s how I feel being around books!

A quick, easy read which tugs a little at your heart strings.

Thanks to Netgalley and Mills and Boon for the Arc

Victoria Scott spends her days working at a bar, and her nights designing vintage clothes, all in the hopes of one day owning her own boutique. Oliver Russel is the owner a new department store in need of a Christmas miracle - his mother wants to meet his made up girlfriend and he needs a diversion--fast. Enter Victoria, and a business arrangement that will suit them both. But all to soon what started as a fake relationship begins to feel all too real...

Okay, so honestly I had a hard time with this one and it's all down to the writing. 

It's very clunky, and the dialogue seems very unnatural at times. Also some of the events were a bit eyebrow raising (one in particular involving a helicopter was a bit over-the-top). 

I do think if it had been polished up a bit I would have enjoyed it more. The author did an amazing job of describing London and there were some very sweet moments in the romance between Victoria and Oliver - Oliver in particular was very lovely. 

If you're looking for a light-hearted, easy read then this would definitely fit the bill. It definitely wasn't bad for a debut but it could have been better. 

Many thanks to Netgalley and Mills and Boon for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, I struggled to maintain interest in this book and the one-dimensional characters. The plot was slow-moving and the writing felt unpolished. It could have done with editing.

Yes you will know exactly what is going to happen from the first couple of chapters but I promise you, you will not care! This was the perfect bit of escapism and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I loved both Victoria & Oliver and warmed to each of them immediately. Throughout the book we get to read from each of their points of view which was a really nice way of finding out more about them as characters and the struggles they were both facing.

It is set during the lead up to Christmas but it’s not overly heavy on the festive theme which I liked. This was a book about the two main characters more than anything and despite all the warm fuzzy romance that this book exudes it also covered some important subjects. Victoria is dealing with life after a horrific accident, from the overwhelming feeling of guilt, up to her infertility issues. Meanwhile Oliver is trying to keep his family happy even though he’s not doing what he loves. It take’s them both to make each other realise what they’re missing in life.

If you’re looking for an impressive and delightful romance to get lost in this winter then this is the book for you!

I think the nation fell in love with Toff when she paired up with Stanley Johnson on I'm a celebrity & I was excited to read her debut novel. I usually hate reading Mills & Boon romances as they tend to be dated & super cheesy, but this one broke the mould & was the perfect Christmas chicklitty type romance obviously set in Chelsea, with a fifty shades feel to it in certain places.

Thankyou to Netgalley for my ARC in return for my honest review.

A sweet treat
4 stars

I am a fan of Made in Chelsea so am familiar with - and liked - Georgia Toffolo before knowing she’d written a book. However, if you’re not a fan of reality TV, or have no idea who Toff is, please don’t let that put you off. Ms Toffolo has always been a writer - the TV programme showing her when she worked at a popular ladies magazine. So her credentials aren’t just that she was previously on a reality show.

Anyway… onto the book.

This was a super cute treat and a perfect Mills & Boon Christmas treat. The writing is fresh, fun and has the enthusiasm and excitement I’ve come to expect from Ms Toffolo. There is quite a lot of conversation and a lot of detail, but you never get bogged down or overwhelmed. In fact, it’s the myriad of little details that really draw a bigger picture of London at Christmas time. It’s clear that the author has a real love of London and all its nooks and crannies - especially fabric shops!

Victoria is a likeable character and felt real to me. She has lots of layers, including trauma in her past - but it’s never too much and never lets you feel sorry for her. She acts in ways true to how I think I would act if I was participating in a fake relationship - and was falling for my fake fiancé! Panic, fear and over-thinking everything, mainly!

Oliver was an equally delightful character. He’s frustrated with his life and the path that he’s on so the joy he finds in Victoria’s company is especially delightful. He’s like a hot, sexy geeky millionaire and such a decently nice guy. He was perfect for Victoria and the book as a whole.

As I mentioned, Victoria has gone through some trauma that has affected her outlook on life and love. While this is an important part of Victoria, and is ‘teased’ for a few chapters before finally revealed, it’s never too upsetting or angsty. And with the right man, her medical issues are not issues at all - a fact Oliver proves when he’s finally told.

There’s talk of it, but the sex in the book happens completely behind closed doors which definitely fit with the tone of the book. Seeing anything would have felt kind of wrong, somehow - so I’m pleased, for once, that there were no overt shenanigans!

One thing I will say is that I felt this read more like a new adult romance than a contemporary one. The characters are 28 and 31, if I recall correctly and while Oliver was probably more believable as someone in his early 30s, Victoria’s position, outlook and overall demeanour definitely read, to me, as someone in their early 20s. This isn’t necessarily a criticism as I very much enjoy NA romances, but I felt happier once I adjusted their ages in my head!

Overal, this was a sweet, lively and readable Christmas romance that perfectly fits the Mills & Boon brand. Victoria’s friends appear quite heavily in this story, and seemed to have a close bond as a group. If Ms Toffolo writes stories for the rest of the friend group, I’m going to snap them right up. As a first book, this was a super sweet treat and one I would recommend if you enjoy a M&B tale. 4 stars.