Another lovely story from Sheila O’Flanagan. I really enjoyed the way this was told and the multiple view points, the ending was exactly was I was hoping for too! A good summer must read.

I know that a book by Sheila O'Flanagan will be a good read. Likeable and realistic characters and always a different slant to a story. The ideal read for holiday or a weekend read.

This author is one of my all time favourites so I couldn’t wait to delve into their latest. This was a slow burning read about second chances and as always was beautifully written. I loved Izzy and how her character unfolded as the story developed.

We need a sequel to see what happens next

A great story to get lost in and would make a brilliant holiday read. I loved the characters, the setting and storyline. A real page turner for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for a honest review.

It’s always a pleasure to get lost in a Sheila O’Flanagan book. You’re immediately invested in the characters and their situations and this one is no different but please can we have a sequel- I need to know what happens next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for an ARC in return for an honest review.

This is the story of Charles, Ariel and Iseult, who wants to be called Izzy, but no one ever does. Charles is 49 and a famous author, Ariel is 45 and his ex-slash-agent (you don't know how sick I was of this description at the end), and Iseult is the 29 year old customs worker who becomes Charles' new girlfriend, later fiancée, after they meet in the Caribbean where Iseult was supposed to get married to Steve. (Hence the book title, I guess.)

The problem is that Charles is separated but not yet divorced and his ex has her office in the garden mews. She is also still his agent and over at the main house all the time to discuss his books and drink wine with him. Neither Charles nor Ariel think there is anything wrong with that. With Iseult's arrival there begins a slow and astutely observed process of disentangling their lives and careers.

"I was too comfortable with being half in and half out of our marriage. Maybe I even grew to like it. I’m such an idiot."

We also get an interesting glimpse into bookworld, and it will surprise no one that if a woman writes romance, she gets a nice, floral cover and better never comes out of that corner again, but if a man writes romance, he gets feted and wins the Booker prize. We also get endless literary quotes and hashtags - if I never see another hashtag again, it will be too soon!

I found the book well-written and entertaining - I know what it's like when an ex hangs around as a friend, and it causes nothing but conflict. I'm not even sure what they all saw in Charles - he had the ego of Australia and the jealousy to match. There he was, being annoyed at Iseult for caring for her ex Steve who had broken bones, while he was sitting pretty on the sofa with Ariel. What a hypocrite. Also, why can't you set a date until you're divorced? Planning for a wedding takes ages anyway!

But hey, I still liked the book and read it quickly, because Sheila O'Flanagan is a very accomplished writer who knows how to write a story, and I actually liked both women very much. But then came the ending, and after 480 long pages, there was no conclusion? We get a cliffhanger? That's a first for a romance book, and I couldn't believe it. Please no one ever do that to me again!

"If you can’t annoy somebody, there is little point in writing."
Kingsley Amis

Oh, be quiet, Kingsley.

Unfortunately I didn't finish this book. I'm usually a fan but didn't like this style of writing, what I read of the story felt vague & generic.

I've read many of Sheila O'Flanagan's books over the years but have to say that this wasn't my favourite. It was ok, just a bit slow moving and fell a bit flat for me, the ending seems to tease at a possible sequel but if I'm honest, if there was, I'm not sure I cared enough about the characters to read it.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

This is a book I read in one day as I had to know what happened! It starts with our heroine Izzy is in the Caribbean, on what was supposed to be her honeymoon with her couson Celeste. Whilst there she meets Charles Miller, an author with whom she has an attraction.

However Charles has an ever present ex wife at home who is also his agent - will the path of true love run smoothly?

An easy read novel that would be an ideal holiday read. A glimpse into the literary world with likeable characters you could imagine going for a drink or meal with

I wasn’t overwhelmed by this story, until almost half way through I found it a little slow and didn’t really enjoy the character’s personalities.
I did enjoy the second half a little more but was still expecting a little more anticipation before the next chapter. I don’t think it was necessarily the story, but just not enough excitement for me!

Two women leading completely different lives find their worlds collide… Iseult (Izzy) a customs officer has a wedding planned in white sands until her fiancé cancels it. Ariel a book agent - her divorce is not finalised and she thinks they may get back together.

A chance encounter when Izzy meets Charles (#theperfectman) in the Caribbean on what should have been her wedding week. A love story unfurls. The age gap doesn’t bother them - but it does bother Ariel and Izzy’s mum! Everyone’s concerned she’s on the rebound - but is she!? It doesn’t help when the ex-wife works in the mews in the garden!!

Blurred lines and unfinished business. This book keeps you on your toes!

Perfect read for those who enjoy:
- Beach reads
- Romance
- Heartache and heartbreak fiction

With thanks to Headline and NetGalley for an ARC copy in return for an honest review.

Dumped just before the wedding and going on honeymoon with your cousin instead of the groom.
The last thing expected is to find romance. Let alone it to continue when you get home.
Meshing two lives with a 20 year age gap, a glittering literary career and working shifts in the customs department takes work.
Not quite ex wife is still Charles agent and has offices in the mews at the end of the garden.
Boundaries, respect and love mixed together for fun, heartache and confusion. Will it be happy ever after or more hearts broken.

As with all books by Sheila O Flanagan this was one of her best I Fell in love with this book and the characters! Was rooting for Izzy she was really relatable. It was a light hearted , Rom com easy read. I couldn’t put it down and really hope there will be a follow up!

A delightful story set in my favourite city in the world.
Izzy is a customs officer in Dublin and when her fiancée Steve ends things before their wedding in the Caribbean she decides to head off and spend her non wedding day with her cousin Celeste.
Izzy is intrigued by the man sitting in the restaurant on his own every night and when she stumbles across him on a private beach she discovers he’s a million selling Author. Charles is on a writing retreat trying to shift his writers block when Izzy suggests changing his genre, they strike up a friendship which will take them back to Dublin and their every day life.
Can Izzy slot into Charles’s world of book launches and his life with his n9t so ex ex?
I loved this book and the fact it’s set in Dublin is a real plus as I love noth8ng more than a wee trip to Dublin. I even think I r3cignise some of the shop and pubs I visit when I’m there.
Definitely a five star from me.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this fabulous book.

Thoroughly enjoyed this new offering from Sheila O Flanagan. When Izzy's relationship ends..she decides she'll go on the Caribbean honeymoon anyway and takes her friend Celeste. Whilst there she meets a grumpy author - Charles and over time begins a relationship with him. Fraught with ups and downs, not least Charles' editor Ariel ( not to mention also his ex wife!) and a considerable age gap.
Well written, easy read with characters that are relatable. Loved Izzy's journey and thought the ending gave food for thought...
Highly recommend.

I enjoyed this read however I found the ending a surprise. I know it was to keep us guessing, did she go back or not. But I would have prepared to know what decision she made.

Good storyline

Good read

Izzy had been going to the Caribbean to get married to Steve..... their Honeymoon. But it's all over. She's still going though; holidaying with her cousin Celeste. Would she end up having a good time-or would she think of what might have been? Steve had said he wasn't ready for marriage. So why did he ask her then, and shatter her dreams?

Like some of my other favourite fiction authors; Erica James, and Patricia Scanlan; the book focuses on everyday family and relationship happenings, and she puts across the feelings and emotions of the characters so perfectly. She writes scenes from the different characters' points of view.

Tales of life and relationships, perfectly woven by Sheila O'Flanagan. I've read quite a few of her books and think she's a great author. This is not my most favourite of her writings; I liked and enjoyed it, but wasn't totally wowed by it. Still a nice gentle read, with a realistic pace; not rushed, yet not too drawn out; and with some unexpected and unpredictable instances.

Fell in love with this book and the characters! Was rooting for Izzy she was really relatable. It was a light hearted , Rom com easy read. I couldn’t put it down and really hope there will be a follow up!

This book was an easy read for me , as I took it on holiday I enjoyed the easy pace something I may have found less enjoyable had I not been lazing by the pool in the sunshine,

The main characters are Izzy who is sharing her honeymoon destination with her cousin instead of her new husband after being dumped just before her wedding .

Charles who is in the same resort on a writers retreat trying to get his writing mojo back .

Ariel is Charles agent and ex wife who seems to be very involved in his life.

When Izzy and Charles start a holiday romance which continues when they come home to Ireland many obstacles seem to stand in their way . I was constantly wondering if they could last the course and if they their ex partners would jeopardise their happiness.

This book was a slow burner for me but one I did enjoy and if you are a fan of romantic books you will enjoy getting to know the characters and finding out how their story ends.