Actual rating: 3,5 Let’s start this review saying how I loved that this book was set in Ireland. It was truly refreshing to read about a Scottish woman who goes to live temporarily in Ireland, especially when most stories that I read nowadays are set in the USA or in London. Becca was a great character, and I was really into her story, I was very emotional about the whole grief that she goes through and her difficult feelings of discovering a secret from someone that she loves, misses and is grieving about. I do think this, and her character development was the highlight of the book. Saying that, I think this book could be easily market it as a literary fiction because the romance part wasn’t quite there. Becca and Riley’s friendship was really well developed and so is Becca’s friendship with Bridget and the other people around town, and it would have been great if the story had intended to do this. However, I think Becca and Riley’s romance lacked chemistry, so it took me awhile to get into the story because I wasn’t convinced about them as a couple. Once I realised that I was more connected to the other elements of the book, I stopped setting expectations for the romance and enjoyed the story. Overall, it was very nice, and I think it’s a great book for those who love books about books with a small-town charm. Thanks to NetGalley UK and Headline for sending me this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Plot twist is a really sweet romance set in the Irish countryside with very realistic, loveable characters. The story follows a primary school teacher and aspiring children’s author who is grieving the recent loss of her best friend. She takes a risk and goes to stay in Ireland with an online acquaintance that she believes is female, but turns out to be a gorgeous single father to a four year old. As well as a heartwarming friends to lovers romance the story has some hilarious moments, lots of family drama and brilliant side characters. I loved all of them and especially Ivy, who was wonderfully written. The ending felt a little bit rushed and I would have liked to have seen some more of Becca and Riley starting their relationship, but I still very much enjoyed the book and would love to read more from this author in the future.

A special thanks to Headline and NetGalley for providing me an advanced copy of this book to review. A very sweet and enjoyable read. Loved the pacing and progression of the story itself, and the use of flashbacks. All the characters introduced felt necessary to aid the story’s direction. Truly left me giggling at times for sure. Definitely recommend if you enjoy sweet, cosy reads.

Becca Taylor, primary school teacher and amateur writer, is grieving the death of her best friend Rae. To Becca's fury one of the main mourners at the funeral is her own ex-boyfriend Drew who cheated on her ten years ago with his boss, a caricature of big boobs and false finger nails. Before the service Rae’s brother explains that Rae and Drew were living together and Drew was about to propose, this information infuriated Becca even more, even although she and Drew broke up years ago. When Drew approaches Becca he's clearly distraught, she reacts by coldly by turning him away. I lost all empathy with Becca, Drew has lost the woman he hoped to marry, Becca selfishly considers she's suffering the most. Her online writing pal Riley, is stuck with writer's block and invites Becca to Ireland for the summer, hopefully they can encourage each other to regain their creativity. Off she goes, having casually arranged with a teacher colleague to cover her classes for the last two weeks of school term. Arriving in Ireland Becca discovers that Riley is a he not a she, he’s a perfect 10, with a four year old gorgeous daughter, they live in a gorgeous cottage, with gorgeous views. Everything is gorgeous. Becca meets Riley’s family who immediately adore her. The book continued to irritate me, if I include more details I'd be giving spoilers. Annoying characters and not for me. eARC generously supplied by Headline Publishing Group and NetGalley, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion

When Becca Taylor's world implodes she jumps at the opportunity to visit her writing friend Riley in Ireland for a few weeks of writing therapy. Unfortunately, Becca is under the impression that Riley is a single mother, and not a single father. Nevertheless, after an initial shock Becca and Riley think they can still help each other. Riley has published a romance but is struggling to complete his second novel, Becca wants to write a children's book. Together through speed writing, and other challenges they hope to overcome writer's block. But as Riley and Becca become closer there are other forces determined to pull them apart. This was a sweet romance, I have to say I've not heard of Riley as a girl's name so the misunderstanding seemed a bit contrived - but otherwise this was an enjoyable read. I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.