Can't Buy Me Love (Choc Lit)

A stunning book! Funny - it made me embarrassingly laugh loudly in public... I loved the fact that she had her own problems, but then also the way it was all played out. Written wonderfully, I loved how it was like Will was having a conversation with me and all her little rhetorical questions for the reader.

Highly recommend!!

Will's voice throughout is so fun and inviting, it really sucks you in from the first page! There is so much clever humor, and I loved the colorful descriptions and phrases used. And the characters are all so well-described, and generally warm, you just love all the quirks and eccentricities.

And Cal. How do I even begin to describe him? He is snarky, and clever, and funny, and sweet, and so caring... And insecure, but in the most heart-wrenching and adorable way. And beneath the "weird" is a crazy amount of spine-tingling sexy.

As a general rule, I'm not a fan of the heroine being with someone who isn't the love interest, but this is an exception. I spent a third of the book wondering why I wasn't feeling Will & Luke, until I realized.

The big discovery that Will makes was, admittedly, something I saw coming, in every way, very early one. From the first time Will started looking into what she really got from her grandfather. But that really didn't diminish even that aspect of this story for me, the ride and clues were just THAT fun!

Willow can't believe it when she is her local pub one night when in walks Luke the one she had a massive crush on all through college and even more unbelievable he said he always fancied her but was too shy to ask her out

The romance is going great and she is more than happy to lend him some money for his business when he had a cash flow problem he can't have known about her windfall from her grandfather he was seeing her before she knew about it

At the same time she meets Cal her twin brothers geeky friend who is really into computers and helps her out when her laptop breaks so why does she have such a reaction to him every time she sees him when he is gay like her brother

A good fun book with lots comic episodes and I loved the comeuppance at the end!

This book has wonderful, quirky characters that I really minded about, a recalcitrant goat called Winnie, and a villain you love to hate. I was laughing all the way through, and the resolutions of both the drama and the love story were hugely satisfying. As ever, I really appreciated the descriptions of the Yorkshire countryside too.

Another winner from Jane Lovering! When Willow meets her schoolgirl crush and he asks her on a date thing finally seem to be looking up. But is the dashing Luke Fry for real?

I love a geeky hero. Cal is definitely geeky. He's also very funny and weird - you find out why he deflects attention with weirdness as the story progresses. I really liked the fact that this book potrays someone with cerebral palsy as an independent and successful person (not read many other books with heroes with CP - Ben Elton's Gridlock, but can't think of any others).
Willow is odd too, but in a completely different way. As for Winnie the Goat... she's extremely odd, but that's only to be expected of a goat.

This is a book about people trying to escape the expectations other people have of them. It's also very funny in places. The 'reversing over Liberace' bit made me laugh out loud. I love the opening line too.

As always, I should point out that I know Jane, but was a fan of her writing well before I met her. Also, my thanks to Netgalley for a free copy in return for a review.

The first thing that I’m going to tell you about Can’t Buy Me Love by Jane Lovering is that I was smiling while reading the last page–and no, stop it! It wasn’t because I was glad the novel was over. It was because this is just the kind of book that will make you smile. It’s well-written; the characters are rounder than cardboard; and there’s actual stuff that happens.

Willow, the product of hippy parents along with her three brothers and sister, thus their unusual names, has been holding a torch for handsome, charismatic Luke since University where he barely noticed her existence. Now he’s returned to York, confesses that he had always noticed her at Uni, but was just not confident enough to approach her. It seems like her dreams are going to come true and this is not to mention the fact that her inheritance from her beloved Grandfather might just give her a new lease on life.

Her twin brother, Ash, introduces her to Cal, a quirky (okay, all out weird) computer geek who challenges her to start rethinking everything she has accepted and thought.

First off, I have a lot of appreciation for British romance and chick lit novels mainly because you can be assured that you’re getting more than a treacly rendering of a greeting card. The novels have stories that have substance and the characters are typically very well-developed. Can’t Buy Me Love combines all of that, with enough quirky wit that I found myself laughing (out loud—lol to you!) quite often. And, the end was satisfying, thus the smile.

This may be the first Jane Lovering novel that I have read, but it will assuredly not be the last. Can’t Buy Me Love is book #6 in her Yorkshire Romance series.

Heat index: * (the heat is hinted at; no swoon)

Can’t Buy Me Love will be available on June 28, 2016 and would make a perfect summer beach/vacation read.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I couldn't wait to open it up and get settled for a fun filled read.
Jane, once again, did not let me down. One day I will learn not to read her books outdoors as laughing alone may one day have me taken away by the men in white coats. This is such an entertaining read which will have the old chuckle muscles working overtime and the bladder doing somersaults

When Willow’s grandfather dies, he leaves his grandchildren some odd bequests. Not that Willow minds about her wacky inheritance, she has other things on her mind, namely the reappearance of the only major crush she has had in life, drop dead gorgeous, former university student, Luke. Life is looking good for Willow and she has even gained a new friend, namely her brother’s computer expert partner Cal. What more can a woman want? Trust would be a nice thing.

I loved this book, which is told from Willow’s viewpoint. It is funny and witty and it is easy to warm to Willow as she falls, hook, line and sinker in love. Lovering’s story-telling nails human behaviour to a tee, the good and the bad, and we are right inside Willow’s head as she discovers that being in love can be a bumpy ride and your final destination is not always where you hoped to go.

This was a lovely book embracing families, romance, and strong characters with a very humourous writing style. It makes you laugh out loud at times.
The cover drew me to the book initially- it is very eye catching. I’m always attracted to a great cover and glad I found this book.
You are left feeling you know the characters really well and extremely happy to have spent time with them during the book! I loved the names Jane chose for the characters- they really suited them! Willow is looking for love- but having to overcome an unfortunate anxiety effect. Can she choose the right one and find love? Will her heart rule her head- or will she see things how they really are?
I will definitely look out for more of Jane’s work- I really enjoyed this one.
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Can't Buy Me Love is another definite "must read" by author Jane Lovering. This is the third book that I have read by this author, and once again, it exceeded my expectations and then some.

Willow lives a quiet life and works for the local paper. When she's not at the family home or at work, she's hanging out with her best friends, Jazz and Katie. Willow hasn't exactly been lucky when it comes to love, and is totally surprised when she runs into an old crush, Luke. Luke confesses to Willow that he has always liked her, but was just too shy to approach her. They start dating, and Willow is living on cloud nine. The relationship moves along rather quickly, and they begin talking about getting married. However, there is one major problem that everyone can see except for Willow...Luke is only using Willow for her money. During this time, Willow is introduced to Cal, a friend of Willow's twin brother, Ash. Cal is everything Luke is not. Cal isn't the strong, sexy, athletic type...he's basically a computer geek with an awesome sense of humor. It's obvious that they have a connection, but since Willow's brother is gay, she assumes that Cal is, too. They begin to spend more time together, and Cal finally tells Willow that he is suspicious of Luke. The story that unfolds is definitely entertaining.

Jane Lovering knows how to weave a wonderful story. The colorful cast of characters are well developed and well-written...quirks and all. I absolutely fell in love with Cal...loved his witty humor and just felt he was so adorable and charming. Luke definitely knew how to get what he wanted, and I'm surprised he didn't need to keep notes on the lies he told so he wouldn't trip himself up. Willow was naive when it came to Luke, but that's what made this story believable. She finally got the guy she had a crush on, so she was blind to his deceit. Once she started having feelings for Cal, I couldn't help but laugh because initially she believed he was gay. Trust me, that made for some humorous moments. Overall, this was a fun, witty, and heartwarming read. I would strongly recommend this book.

I was given an advance digital copy of this book from Choc Lit and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Willow is over the moon happy when her secret crush from their university days walks into the pub where she and friends are having a drink. She’d stopped in after the reading of her grandfather’s will, and the odd inheritance she’d received. She’d been looking just to talk with those that cared, she never in a million years expected to see Luke across the room. And to discover that he remembered her and wanted to be in contact – totally unbelievable. Yeah, that part should have stuck in her brain for longer than a minute.

But Luke said all the right things, even when they didn’t exactly mesh with her memories. She’d been so stricken with him back then, she probably knew nore details about his life than he could ever imagine. So there should have been red flags popping up all over the place – but Willow was a woman in love (with being in love) and she refused to see until it was almost too late.

Cal is a friend of her twin brother Ash. Perhaps she’d been led to believe that Cal was Ash’s boyfriend.. or simply what her sneaky brother wanted her to think. You see, Willow has a peculiar physical reaction to stress, to meeting handsome new men or simply feeling strong emotions – I’ll leave that discovery to you as you read. So it was further proof to her when this reaction did not happen around Cal, that this man was safe and completely in the friend category. Slowly, Cal and Willow spend time together, getting to know each other and when she discovers her brother’s exaggerated fib about his friend’s place in his life, wouldn’t you know it but that particular ailment returned once again.

As Willow is gradually handing more cash over to Luke for his business, their new home and furnishings, those around her are beginning to point out flaws in Luke’s behavior – flaws that she’s noticed but is overlooking because well, he’d never use her like that. They were to be married after all.

Can’t Buy Me Love is a charming and at times, heartbreaking story of loving the wrong person, trusting them with everything you are only to find out just how badly they behave. It’s also a story about discovering the true worth of a person. No matter what outward appearances show, you’ll never know the true person until you go digging a bit deeper, trusting in your instincts and making the choice that is right for you, and you alone.

Now, I am not a reviewer who gives spoilers – I don’t like to have a story messed up for me so I try my best not to do it to you…a t least on the really important parts. But I have to tell you the ending is abso-freaking-lutely brilliant! And I’m betting that once you finish up this story for yourself, you’ll think of a few men in your past that you’d have loved to do exactly that to. I know I sure did.

I never have a problem falling into any world that Jane Lovering creates, and Can’t Buy Me Love was no exception. If you enjoy romance, close friendships, the characters finding the right partners at last… and maybe a bit of revenge. Then this story is perfect for you.

*I received an e-ARC of Can’t Buy Me Love from the publisher, Choc Lit and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

5 Words: Family, attraction, secrets, lies, revenge.

What happens when you read a book by Jane Lovering:
• Goofy smile on your face
• Inappropriate giggles
• Yorkshire accent in your head
• Craving for wine/beer/SHOTS
• Thinking "That's me!" when you read a character
• Warm fuzzy feels
• Indignant rage
• Fancying a fiction character
• Loving everyone except for him

I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes. And I already had it pre-ordered anyway.

I am a big fan of Jane Lovering's writing and this latest book did not disappoint. As opening lines go, this has one to make you spit out your (Yorkshire) tea! "My grandfather's left me his nose. It's in a matchbox." Willow has just learned of her unusual inheritance from her much loved grandfather. The other members of her family have similarly odd inheritances. Will, as she is known, is a single girl working for a newspaper and enjoying spending time with her friends. She's not been particularly lucky in love, partly thanks to her 'little problem' - she is physically sick every time she meets a man she finds attractive. She has also been harbouring a crush on Luke, who she knew at university ten years ago. When she bumps into him again she still finds him as attractive as ever and amazingly (she thinks!) he seems to fancy her too. They begin a passionate affair but is he all he seems?

Jane Lovering has a real talent for creating characters that I love. Some make me laugh. some make me furious and some make me feel protective. There is a combination of all of these in Can't Buy Me Love. Her family are as quirky as their names: Flint, Breeze, Ocean and Willow's twin Ash, blame the hippy parents! They are all quite different and like most families have their disagreements but as shown in the book, come together as a family when it matters most. Will's friends, Katie and Jazz, were brilliantly funny, supportive and honest with her. Alarm bells were ringing for them about Luke, as they are for the reader, as they try to warn Will to be cautious and not move too fast. Ash's friend Cal was an excellent addition to the story. Gorgeous working hard on his farm and a bit of a computer geek, he would seem to the be the perfect match for Will but he is the subject of her brother Ash's attention so that doesn't seem likely. They strike up a firm friendship which is a charming part of the story.

I have to say that this book includes one of the best revenge scenes ever. I can't say what of course but let's just say it was well planned, well executed and very well deserved. The hero of the book turned out to be everything you would expect of a ChocLit hero. And Will's grandfather knew exactly what all his grandchildren needed, even if they didn't know it themselves, with their odd inheritances all working out for the best in unexpected ways for all of them.

Can't Buy Me Love is funny, warm and down to earth. You can rely on Jane Lovering for an absorbing and entertaining read every time.

Full of romance, suspense, laughter and tears. This book will keep you turning pages. A fun and quirky read. Definitely recommend.

I loved this book! It took me a little bit longer to get hooked on but then I was sucked in and had to finish it as fast as I could! Perfect justice for Luke in the end and I loved to see Jazz and Bree find each other. Loved the setting of Cal's house as well!

As part of my 2016 Reading Challenge, I had to read a book that was ‘guaranteed to bring me joy’. I spent a few months debating which book to go for when Can’t Buy Me Love was released, immediately I knew this was the book.

Jane Lovering has such a talent for bringing joy as you turn the pages through her novels, and Can’t Buy Me Love is no exception. In turns funny, romantic and sad, Willow’s story will have you bent double in fits of laughter one moment and then going on a feminist rampage the next, shaking your fist in anger. The emotions she evokes, all whilst keeping a witty narrative style is genius, and I felt so satisfied after turning the last page, like you do when you finish a fantastic story.

Willow was a heroine that I really took to. Despite her bravado and sarcastic humour, it was obvious that she felt there was a lot of weight on her shoulders, and I admired her for the way that she looked after her family, and was there for each of them in her own way. In turn, Luke was the character that I loved to hate. At first I enjoyed seeing him and Willow banter and become closer, but as the questions about him started piling up, I became suspicious, and with the arrival of Cal, Luke was quickly banished from my mind and I fell hard for the nerdy Computer whizz. Jane Lovering made him such a brilliantly complex character, with his own emotional flaws and past let-downs. But despite his lack of self-confidence, his view on life and happiness was powerful, and I loved seeing him and Willow argue about what you should do with your life.

A gorgeously funny romance with some devious and colourful characters, I can confirm that Can’t Buy Me Love is guaranteed to bring you joy!

5 Stars!

*Review copy kindly provided by the publisher through Netgalley, in exchange for an honets review*

Can't Buy Me Love by Jane Lovering has the best opening line that I have read in years. Then there is Willow’s little problem. How does Ms. Lovering think these things up?
As usual Ms. Lovering quirky characters stole my heart and made me laugh. I did worry about Willow for a bit that she might not see who is the right guy for her until something irreparable had happened. This shows how these characters just grab your heart and refuse to let go. Thanks to Jane Lovering Yorkshire is high on my must go to list to meet the people there who surely inspire her writing. Until then one of her books is the next best thing.

Jane Lovering has done it again...delivered yet another fabulous read. I absolutely loved this story and it's not hard to see how women can so easily be fooled by unscrupulous men. The worst thing about Luke Fry was the fact she already knew him from her uni days.. Jane's hero's are always very human and that, as much as their physical appearance (which does help of course) is a draw for me. Cal was no exception. Added to all this, of course, we have the comedy. Not many people could begin a book with 'My grandfather's left me his nose. It's in a matchbox.' From this moment we get to meet a great array of people, Willow's close family and her friends all with their own individual personality traits and problems. This book is a great learning curve as Willow learns what you want in life is not necessarily what you need and as the title says. Can't Buy Me Love...

This is a fantastic story. Its easy to read and very hard to put down. Willow meets Luke again, after having a massive crush on him during college. To her enormous surprise he asks her out and she feels like all her dreams have come true. Her friends and family are pleased, but warn her to slow down, when she announces her engagement after only a few months. Willow discovers she has inherited £50,000 from her grandfather. He recently passed away and the money is an advance payment for an invention being tested by the local council. Luke has cash flow problems and Willow is only to pleased to invest in his business and pay the deposit on their new flat. Is Luke too good to be true? When Willow starts to doubt him, her friends and family are all there to help in any way they can. Especially her new friend Cal, who she seems to be getting rather fond of. Read on and have a brilliantly entertaining journey!