Scan barcode
p3tra's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
myendlessshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Funny, sweet and unforgivingly British
I really enjoyed this book. It's unforgivingly British, hilariously witty and still promises a lovely slow burn romance, a true friendship and plenty of sweetness.
I really enjoyed this book. It's unforgivingly British, hilariously witty and still promises a lovely slow burn romance, a true friendship and plenty of sweetness.
karlijnmerle's review against another edition
4.0
Freaking hilarious! Like laughing out loud hilarious.
From the bow ties to the twins and from Destinee to the rat-squirell.
Besides that, it was a nice story about two boys who fall in love, but are because both their backgrounds and pasts not sure about it.
Robers is scared to death that his past will scare Sean away but doesn't realize that he does just that by not telling it in the first place. When that stupid kid turns up on Rob's doorstep I was ready to punch that kid's face. Like really? You think you can destroy somebody's life and career and than ring the bell and ask for forgiveness? Okay, okay, I will back off but hell yeah, that maked me angry a lot.
So, back to my point. I really enjoyed this story and did I tell you how I love the bow tie part? Or the fact that they use a lot of the words 'bloody' and 'bloke'? Yeah, my weak spot (ginger, British) was definitely touched here.
From the bow ties to the twins and from Destinee to the rat-squirell.
Besides that, it was a nice story about two boys who fall in love, but are because both their backgrounds and pasts not sure about it.
Robers is scared to death that his past will scare Sean away but doesn't realize that he does just that by not telling it in the first place. When that stupid kid turns up on Rob's doorstep I was ready to punch that kid's face. Like really? You think you can destroy somebody's life and career and than ring the bell and ask for forgiveness? Okay, okay, I will back off but hell yeah, that maked me angry a lot.
So, back to my point. I really enjoyed this story and did I tell you how I love the bow tie part? Or the fact that they use a lot of the words 'bloody' and 'bloke'? Yeah, my weak spot (ginger, British) was definitely touched here.
ctsquirrel's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't understand why Robert was so secretive, he really hurt Sean a few times.
suze_1624's review against another edition
5.0
I loved the characterisation in this book - each person was unique and I was able to get a real visual and mental feel for them. Perhaps being British helps, but all the social issues as well just made the humour in the story even better.
It did take me a few chapters to 'get' the story - but after that, fun all the way! I liked Rob and Sean together - though because of being set in a school, he was much more Mr Emeny than a Rob! And I loved that Sean wasn't portrayed as a dim blue collar worker, he could get the literally references and he loved Rob's fashion idosyncrasies.
The portrayal of village life was fun, and the school harvest, Christmas and Easter services and modern songs made me glad that is all behind me now! The country house family Christmas was well done (never been to one!) and I loved all the 'Titty' gags.
I was expecting the Oliver issue to be a bit more traumatic, but as it is played is much more in the style of the author.
Rating over 4.5, because I was expecting more of a big denouement, but rounded up to 5 as I thought it was well good, innit! JL Merrow at her best.
Would love to see more of them, this is styled Shamwell Tales 1 so I hope they have a role in book 2.
13.7.17 reread : just in time for book 4, a quick trip back to the beginning. Funny, very British. Rob is a ditherer - majorly so. Sean a great salt of the earth guy with the brains to keep up with Rob.
It did take me a few chapters to 'get' the story - but after that, fun all the way! I liked Rob and Sean together - though because of being set in a school, he was much more Mr Emeny than a Rob! And I loved that Sean wasn't portrayed as a dim blue collar worker, he could get the literally references and he loved Rob's fashion idosyncrasies.
The portrayal of village life was fun, and the school harvest, Christmas and Easter services and modern songs made me glad that is all behind me now! The country house family Christmas was well done (never been to one!) and I loved all the 'Titty' gags.
I was expecting the Oliver issue to be a bit more traumatic, but as it is played is much more in the style of the author.
Rating over 4.5, because I was expecting more of a big denouement, but rounded up to 5 as I thought it was well good, innit! JL Merrow at her best.
Would love to see more of them, this is styled Shamwell Tales 1 so I hope they have a role in book 2.
13.7.17 reread : just in time for book 4, a quick trip back to the beginning. Funny, very British. Rob is a ditherer - majorly so. Sean a great salt of the earth guy with the brains to keep up with Rob.
alisonalisonalison's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this so much and it's wonderfully entertaining. I love a good first-person POV and Robert's voice is what made this book really awesome for me. He is charming and funny and so engaging and I absolutely loved reading this. This is definitely one of my favourites by this author.
veritytease's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars rounded up.
Does exactly what it says on the box- a jolly good easy Brit-packed read.
Does exactly what it says on the box- a jolly good easy Brit-packed read.