Author: Portia MacIntosh

Portia MacIntosh has been ‘making stuff up’ for as long as she can remember – or so she says. Whether it was blaming her siblings for that broken vase when she was growing up, blagging her way backstage during her rock chick phase or, most recently, whatever justification she can fabricate to explain away those lunchtime cocktails, Portia just loves telling tales. After years working as a music journalist, Portia decided it was time to use her powers for good and started writing novels. Taking inspiration from her experiences on tour with bands, the real struggle of dating in your twenties and just trying to survive as an adult human female generally, Portia writes about what it’s really like for women who don’t find this life stuff as easy as it seems.

#BookReview The Time of Our Lives by Portia MacIntosh @PortiaMacIntosh @HQDigitalUK

#BookReview The Time of Our Lives by Portia MacIntosh @PortiaMacIntosh @HQDigitalUK Title: The Time of Our Lives

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Published by: HQ Digital on Apr. 12, 2019

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 300

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: HQ Digital, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

Love is in the air…?

Luca is used to being the ‘single one’ at weddings – it happens, when all your other friends are engaged, married or taken. But when she bumps into Tom, her friend from university who broke her heart into a million pieces, she finds herself wondering what could have been.

It’s ten years later, surely she should be over that Tom by now? So why is he looking even more gorgeous than ever – and why doesn’t he seem to be able to keep his eyes off her either?

And as the champagne flows and old secrets resurface, Luca realises that perhaps the time to take a chance on love and life is…now?


Review:

Witty, addictive, and undeniably romantic!

The Time of Our Lives is a lighthearted, comical read that takes you into the life of the ordinary, but content Luca as she dreadingly travels to the wedding of her old flatmates and embarks on a weekend that includes reminiscing with old friends, a blossoming new love interest, and being reunited with the one that got away. 

The writing is sentimental and whimsical. The characters are multi-layered, gregarious, and endearing. And the plot, using flashbacks to the past is an enticingly nostalgic tale full of secrets, friendship, chemistry, humorous moments, romantic drama, self-reflection, and hilarious mishaps.

Overall, The Time of Our Lives is another uplifting, humorous, addictively entertaining tale by MacIntosh that is perfect for anyone who loves a will-they-or-won’t-they romance that’s not only heartwarming but laugh-out-loud funny.

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

                       

 

 

Thank you to Portia MacIntosh and HQ Digital for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Portia MacIntosh

Portia MacIntosh has been 'making stuff up' for as long as she can remember - or so she says. Whether it was blaming her siblings for that broken vase when she was growing up, blagging her way backstage during her rock chick phase or, most recently, whatever justification she can fabricate to explain away those lunchtime cocktails, Portia just loves telling tales. After years working as a music journalist, Portia decided it was time to use her powers for good and started writing novels. Taking inspiration from her experiences on tour with bands, the real struggle of dating in your twenties and just trying to survive as an adult human female generally, Portia writes about what it's really like for women who don't find this life stuff as easy as it seems.

#BlogTour #BookReview Love and Lies at the Village Christmas Shop by Portia MacIntosh @PortiaMacIntosh @HQDigitalUK

#BlogTour #BookReview Love and Lies at the Village Christmas Shop by Portia MacIntosh @PortiaMacIntosh @HQDigitalUK Title: Love and Lies at the Village Christmas Shop

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Published by: HQ Digital on Oct. 8, 2018

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 208

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: HQ Digital, NetGalley

Book Rating: 10/10

Blast the Michael Bublé, wrap your hands around a cinnamon latte and enjoy this warm, hilarious Christmas novel!

Ivy loves Christmas. As owner of Christmas Every Day, the year-round festive store, you’d expect nothing less!

The only thing missing in Ivy’s life is a dash of romance – something her twin sister Holly will not let her forget…

When her mother passed away, Ivy vowed to take over the running of her mother’s store and keep the Christmas spirit alive in the idyllic seaside town of Marram Bay.

But all this changes when an enigmatic businessman moves to the town, threatening to bulldoze her beloved shop to make way for holiday complex.

Can Ivy save her shop before Christmas? Could there be a different side to the newest resident of Marram Bay that would make all her Christmas wishes come true?


Review:

Jolly, big-hearted, and delightfully fabulous!

Love and Lies at the Village Christmas Shop is an amusing, heartwarming tale that takes us back to Marram Bay and into the life of the thoughtful, optimistic Ivy Jones as she struggles to keep her mother’s Christmas shop alive and out of the hands of the mysterious, yet charmingly handsome businessman who’s suddenly moved to town.

The prose is polished and effortless. The characterization is spot on with a cast of characters that are unique, fun-loving, and adorable. And the plot is an irresistible blend of heart, humour, nostalgic moments, family, friendship, tension, loyalty, attraction, chemistry, wonderful shenanigans, community spirit, and Christmas cheer.

Overall, Love and Lies at the Village Christmas Shop is nothing short of magic. It’s a light, funny, wintery treat that’s deliciously absorbing and hands down one of my favourite holiday reads of the year!

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

           

 

 

Thank you to Portia MacIntosh and HQ Digital for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Portia MacIntosh

Portia MacIntosh has been 'making stuff up' for as long as she can remember - or so she says. Whether it was blaming her siblings for that broken vase when she was growing up, blagging her way backstage during her rock chick phase or, most recently, whatever justification she can fabricate to explain away those lunchtime cocktails, Portia just loves telling tales. After years working as a music journalist, Portia decided it was time to use her powers for good and started writing novels. Taking inspiration from her experiences on tour with bands, the real struggle of dating in your twenties and just trying to survive as an adult human female generally, Portia writes about what it's really like for women who don't find this life stuff as easy as it seems.

 

#BlogTour #BookReview Summer Secrets at the Apple Blossom Deli by Portia MacIntosh @PortiaMacIntosh @HQDigitalUK

#BlogTour #BookReview Summer Secrets at the Apple Blossom Deli by Portia MacIntosh @PortiaMacIntosh @HQDigitalUK Title: Summer Secrets at the Apple Blossom Deli

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Published by: HQ Digital on May 1, 2018

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 384

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: HQ Digital, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8.5/10

Lily Holmes is ready for a fresh start. And there’s no better place to begin again than the idyllic seaside town of Marram Bay.

All Lily wants to do is focus on making her new deli a success and ensuring her son’s happiness. Not the postcard creeping out of her handbag, and definitely not finding a new man in her life!

But this isn’t going to be as easy as she first thought. The town is in uproar about the city girl who’s dared to join them and she’s fighting a battle at every turn.

Perhaps with a little help from the gorgeous cider farmer next door, she may be able to win them over, but her past secrets threaten to ruin everything…

The brand new laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from bestseller Portia Macintosh. Perfect for fans of Jo Watson and Tilly Tennant.


Review:

Comical, uplifting, and delightfully sweet!

Summer Secrets at the Apple Blossom Deli is a charming, summery read that takes us to Marram Bay and into the life of Lily Holmes as she meanders through all sorts of highs and lows, from single motherhood, moving to a new town, disgruntled locals, opening a new restaurant, an unexpected visit from her ex, and a blossoming new romance.

The prose is well turned and light. The characters, including all the supporting characters, are amusing, quirky, authentic, and cordial. And the plot is a fun, flirty, beguiling tale full of tricky situations, tender moments, humorous mishaps, self-discovery, friendship, family, community, happiness, romance, and scrumptious food.

Overall, Summer Secrets at the Apple Blossom Deli is another entertaining, refreshing, enjoyable treat by MacIntosh that reminds us that life is truly an adventure!

If you haven’t had a chance to read my reviews for Portia MacIntosh’s other novels be sure to check them out here:

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This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

            

 

 

Thank you to Portia MacIntosh and HQ Digital for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Portia MacIntosh

Portia MacIntosh has been 'making stuff up' for as long as she can remember - or so she says. Whether it was blaming her siblings for that broken vase when she was growing up, blagging her way backstage during her rock chick phase or, most recently, whatever justification she can fabricate to explain away those lunchtime cocktails, Portia just loves telling tales. After years working as a music journalist, Portia decided it was time to use her powers for good and started writing novels. Taking inspiration from her experiences on tour with bands, the real struggle of dating in your twenties and just trying to survive as an adult human female generally, Portia writes about what it's really like for women who don't find this life stuff as easy as it seems.

 

#BlogTour #BookReview How Not to be a Bride by Portia MacIntosh @PortiaMacIntosh @HQDigitalUK

#BlogTour #BookReview How Not to be a Bride by Portia MacIntosh @PortiaMacIntosh @HQDigitalUK

#BlogTour #BookReview How Not to be a Bride by Portia MacIntosh @PortiaMacIntosh @HQDigitalUK Title: How Not to be a Bride

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Published by: HQ Digital on Oct. 17, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 384

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: HQ Digital, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

Definitely, maybe…yes?

Mia Valentina gave up her high-flying life in LA to move back to Kent over four years ago. But it turns out that life in the slow lane isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!

So when her boyfriend Leo proposes, she says yes, hoping it will bring some much needed sparkle back into her life. The trouble is, Mia never wanted a big white wedding, just the happy ever after…

The laugh-out-loud, uplifting new book from Portia MacIntosh, author of It’s Not You, It’s Them. Perfect for fans of Rosie Blake and Sophie Kinsella.


Review:

Heartwarming, amusing, and positively enchanting!

How Not to be a Bride is a lighthearted rom-com full of heart and humour that reminds us that life is often full of pressures, challenges, misunderstandings, and surprises and sometimes all we need to do to find happiness is communicate, compromise and find balance.

The writing is crisp and witty. The characters are flawed, lovable, funny and sincere. And the plot sweeps you away into the lives of Mia and Leo as they learn the importance of being true to one’s self, family, friendship, trust, acceptance, and unconditional love.

Once again, MacIntosh has written a novel that I truly adore. How Not to be a Bride is wonderfully entertaining, enjoyable and has a storyline that will make you laugh, smile and most definitely leave you wanting more. 

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

                                 

 

 

Thank you to Portia MacIntosh and HQ Digital for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Portia MacIntosh

Portia MacIntosh has been 'making stuff up' for as long as she can remember - or so she says. Whether it was blaming her siblings for that broken vase when she was growing up, blagging her way backstage during her rock chick phase or, most recently, whatever justification she can fabricate to explain away those lunchtime cocktails, Portia just loves telling tales. After years working as a music journalist, Portia decided it was time to use her powers for good and started writing novels. Taking inspiration from her experiences on tour with bands, the real struggle of dating in your twenties and just trying to survive as an adult human female generally, Portia writes about what it's really like for women who don't find this life stuff as easy as it seems.

#BookReview The Accidental Honeymoon by Portia MacIntosh @PortiaMacIntosh @HQDigitalUK

#BookReview The Accidental Honeymoon by Portia MacIntosh @PortiaMacIntosh @HQDigitalUK Title: The Accidental Honeymoon

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Published by: HQ Digital on Jun. 16, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 384

Format: ARC, eBook

Source: HQ Digital, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

What happens in Vegas…
When Georgie discovers that her fiancé has been cheating on her, only a few days before her cousin’s wedding, her whole world explodes. Facing a romantic trip to Vegas alone, she decides to go out and have some fun…

…but Georgie never expected to wake up wed! And even worse, she can’t remember who to. So when gorgeous Jack reveals himself as her husband, she can’t believe her luck – he’ll act as the perfect wedding date!

Even if it is their very accidental honeymoon, surely the newlyweds can keep their emotions in check for just a few days more?

Don’t miss the laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from Portia MacIntosh, author of It’s Not You, It’s Them. Perfect for fans of Rosie Blake, Sophie Kinsella and Lindsey Kelk.


Review:

Delightfully romantic, lighthearted and charmingly entertaining!

The Accidental Honeymoon is an exceptionally humourous tale about the outgoing, spontaneous Georgie who suddenly finds herself heading to a family wedding with not only a fake fiancé but an unexpected groom.

The prose is playful and lively. The characters, especially Jack, are dishy, kind and easygoing. And the plot is quick-witted, funny and full of quirky mishaps, awkward moments, tricky situations, delicious chemistry, and the predictable but mandatory happy ever after we all love.

I have to admit that there’s just something about Portia’s novels that keep me coming back for more. They truly are the perfect rom-com with the right amount of laughs, appealing storylines, and endearing characters.

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

            

 

 

Thank you to Portia MacIntosh and HQ Digital for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Portia MacIntosh

Portia MacIntosh has been 'making stuff up' for as long as she can remember - or so she says. Whether it was blaming her siblings for that broken vase when she was growing up, blagging her way backstage during her rock chick phase or, most recently, whatever justification she can fabricate to explain away those lunchtime cocktails, Portia just loves telling tales. After years working as a music journalist, Portia decided it was time to use her powers for good and started writing novels. Taking inspiration from her experiences on tour with bands, the real struggle of dating in your twenties and just trying to survive as an adult human female generally, Portia writes about what it's really like for women who don't find this life stuff as easy as it seems.

#BookReview It’s Not You, It’s Them by Portia MacIntosh @PortiaMacIntosh

#BookReview It’s Not You, It’s Them by Portia MacIntosh @PortiaMacIntosh Title: It's Not You, It's Them

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Published by: Carina UK on Nov. 4, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 216

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: HQ Digital, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

An irresistible, feel-good romance, perfect for fans of Rosie Blake, Sophie Kinsella and Lindsey Kelk.

First comes love. Then comes family…

After a lifetime of kissing frogs, Roxie Pratt has given up on finding her own fairytale romance. That is, until she meets her very own Prince Charming, Mark Wright, and he sweeps Roxie off her feet!

So when Mark finally gets down on one knee and pops the question, there’s only one thing left to do: meet the family! And when everything has been picture-perfect so far, what could possibly go wrong…?


Review:

Outrageously funny, exceptionally charming, and adorably romantic!

This novel is a hilarious journey to “meet the family”, complete with a meddling mother, conniving ex, eccentric father, and whimsical cousin.

The writing is smooth and effortless. The plot is clever, humorous, flirty, and a barrel full of laughs, romps, embarrassing moments, awkward situations, and entertaining hijinks. And the characters are affable, quirky, self reflective, and genuine.

It’s not often as a book lover that I read a book and wish I could see it as a movie, but this book I can honestly say I think would be a great rom com. It’s definitely got that perfect combination of humour and heart.

If you haven’t had an opportunity to read my review of “Truth or Date”, also by Portia MacIntosh, check it our HERE!

This book is due to be published on November 4, 2016. 

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon Canada

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially HQ, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Portia MacIntosh

Portia MacIntosh has been 'making stuff up' for as long as she can remember - or so she says. Whether it was blaming her siblings for that broken vase when she was growing up, blagging her way backstage during her rock chick phase or, most recently, whatever justification she can fabricate to explain away those lunchtime cocktails, Portia just loves telling tales. After years working as a music journalist, Portia decided it was time to use her powers for good and started writing novels. Taking inspiration from her experiences on tour with bands, the real struggle of dating in your twenties and just trying to survive as an adult human female generally, Portia writes about what it's really like for women who don't find this life stuff as easy as it seems.

#BookReview Truth or Date by Portia MacIntosh @PortiaMacIntosh

#BookReview Truth or Date by Portia MacIntosh @PortiaMacIntosh Title: Truth Or Date

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Published by: Carina UK on Apr. 11, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 243

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Carina UK, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

Falling for the man of her dreams…

Ruby Wood is perfectly happy playing the dating game – until she has a red-hot dream about her very attractive flatmate, Nick. He might spend every day saving lives as a junior doctor, but he’s absolutely the last man on earth that fun-loving Ruby would ever date!

The solution? Focus on all of Nick’s bad points. And if that fails, up her dating antics and find herself a man! So what if she manages to make disapproving, goody two-shoes Nick jealous in the process…

Only, after a series of nightmare first dates, there’s still just one man on Ruby’s mind. Maybe it’s time to admit the truth and dare to ask Nick to be her next date?


Review:

I really enjoyed this story.

This is a great, laugh-out loud, British contemporary romance novel.

The characters are quirky, charming, and fun. And the plot flows nicely, with just a little drama, to keep you turning page after page.

I definitely recommend this story to anyone who is looking for a sweet, flatmate-to-more, light-hearted read. I guarantee it will put a smile on your face.

 

This book is due to be published on April 11, 2016.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UK

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Carina UK, for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Portia MacIntosh

Portia MacIntosh has been 'making stuff up' for as long as she can remember - or so she says. Whether it was blaming her siblings for that broken vase when she was growing up, blagging her way backstage during her rock chick phase or, most recently, whatever justification she can fabricate to explain away those lunchtime cocktails, Portia just loves telling tales. After years working as a music journalist, Portia decided it was time to use her powers for good and started writing novels. Taking inspiration from her experiences on tour with bands, the real struggle of dating in your twenties and just trying to survive as an adult human female generally, Portia writes about what it's really like for women who don't find this life stuff as easy as it seems.