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molly_24's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
evarano's review
4.0
I liked this story! I'm surprised it has not the best reviews. This is a cute, quick and easy summer romance read.
Abigail is a "serious writer", or, she's trying to be. In the meantime, she writes scandalous reviews about the reality show, The Stag, basically The Bachelor under a pen name. That is until, plot twist, the producers think it would be brilliant if Abigail went on the show as a contestant to get the inside scoop for her write ups! Along the way, Abby meets the crew, including the very cute Jack, the other contestants who she befriends, and the awful man they chose to star the show, Daniel.
I enjoyed this story. It was a bit slow to start, and Abby was a bit too prudish and insecure. But as the story goes on and Abby comes to know and act as her true self, I really enjoyed reading about her! She did have to be put in her place by those closest to her, but it worked. The writing did feel new. I felt like the story was long and there was a lot to it, but I didn't really know Abby on a deeper level. I just think that the story is that type of book, more on the surface. I didn't find the amount of characters confusing but I either really loved them or really hated them. I think some would find the ending odd and anticlimactic but I liked it! It is a slow burn on the romance, but worth it. I loved the side characters, I thought they were well developed and funny! This is a good read.
Abigail is a "serious writer", or, she's trying to be. In the meantime, she writes scandalous reviews about the reality show, The Stag, basically The Bachelor under a pen name. That is until, plot twist, the producers think it would be brilliant if Abigail went on the show as a contestant to get the inside scoop for her write ups! Along the way, Abby meets the crew, including the very cute Jack, the other contestants who she befriends, and the awful man they chose to star the show, Daniel.
I enjoyed this story. It was a bit slow to start, and Abby was a bit too prudish and insecure. But as the story goes on and Abby comes to know and act as her true self, I really enjoyed reading about her! She did have to be put in her place by those closest to her, but it worked. The writing did feel new. I felt like the story was long and there was a lot to it, but I didn't really know Abby on a deeper level. I just think that the story is that type of book, more on the surface. I didn't find the amount of characters confusing but I either really loved them or really hated them. I think some would find the ending odd and anticlimactic but I liked it! It is a slow burn on the romance, but worth it. I loved the side characters, I thought they were well developed and funny! This is a good read.
ashleybashleyboo's review
3.0
As someone who has never watched the bachelor or bachelorette, I was kinda meh about this book at first. As I kept reading though, I found it pretty entertaining. Definitely worth the read. Not my favorite, but still good.
marieintheraw's review
2.0
Overall, an interesting concept, but it quickly falls apart once the show starts. Also, I'd rather not have the articles written mixed within.
I received an ecopy of this book via Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
I received an ecopy of this book via Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
emmascr's review
4.0
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Rachel for letting me take part in this tour and to One More Chapter for my copy of this book via Netgalley. This is the second book I have read by Sandy.
I really loved the concept of this book. I watch some reality shows like Love Island and Married at First Sight. I admit I haven't watched The Bachelor which I think The Stag is based on but that's not necessary as Sandy explains how the show works in the book.
Abby is such a great main character. I really enjoyed the different 'hats' she was wearing. I loved the Anastasia recaps. They were sarky and so funny.
I really enjoyed meeting all the Does and seeing the girls all become friends, supporting each other and making memories. The behind the scenes of the show, seeing the 'storylines' etc was very entertaining. We all suspect that some things are faked on these shows so seeing this being played out through the book was interesting.
For me, the only disappointment was that the book ended rather abruptly. I knew I was getting to the end but I wanted so much more to happen. I wanted to see life after the manor. An epilogue would have been a great addition just to see what happened say 6 months later.
This book is perfect for a summer escape. Set in Sydney, the book explores the beaches, wildlife, vineyards and botanical gardens. It really gives you a sense of the area surrounding Stag Manor. I found it so easy to dip into this book in this mini heatwave we are having this week
I really loved the concept of this book. I watch some reality shows like Love Island and Married at First Sight. I admit I haven't watched The Bachelor which I think The Stag is based on but that's not necessary as Sandy explains how the show works in the book.
Abby is such a great main character. I really enjoyed the different 'hats' she was wearing. I loved the Anastasia recaps. They were sarky and so funny.
I really enjoyed meeting all the Does and seeing the girls all become friends, supporting each other and making memories. The behind the scenes of the show, seeing the 'storylines' etc was very entertaining. We all suspect that some things are faked on these shows so seeing this being played out through the book was interesting.
For me, the only disappointment was that the book ended rather abruptly. I knew I was getting to the end but I wanted so much more to happen. I wanted to see life after the manor. An epilogue would have been a great addition just to see what happened say 6 months later.
This book is perfect for a summer escape. Set in Sydney, the book explores the beaches, wildlife, vineyards and botanical gardens. It really gives you a sense of the area surrounding Stag Manor. I found it so easy to dip into this book in this mini heatwave we are having this week
gailalison's review
3.0
This was a fun rom-com. I don’t actually enjoy watching reality shows like the one featured in this book, so I appreciated that it talked about all the machinations that go on behind the scenes, and that reality shows are not reality. The main character is very likeable as are most of the other characters. I wondered how accurate it was that there only ever seemed to be four crew members filming the show. Maybe this was simplified for clarity’s sake? Also, I found some of the transitions between the Anastasia blog posts and the rest of the story a bit confusing at times, although that could partly be because I read the unfinished version. Hopefully that will be fixed later. Overall, although I wasn’t completely invested in the romance of the story, I still had fun reading this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for providing me access to this eARC for my honest opinion!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for providing me access to this eARC for my honest opinion!
michellehenriereads's review
4.0
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion - thanks for letting me read this book by Sandy Barker.
This is a fun, fast-paced romp jetting from England to Sydney, Australia with a dating show as the backdrop.
Our heroine, poor Abby/Abs/Abigail/Anastasia is spinning from one snarky personality to another humorous one as she tries to keep up with her own lies and storylines as a journalist and participant on the dating show. She is full of wit and insight, but can she figure out what she wants?
My favorite part of the book is Abby's relationship with the other women on the dating show. Not everyone is who they appear to be - not even when you've read their secret dossier. These relationships are tested through the course of "dating" the same man on the reality TV show. Abby is the glue for these women, helping them stick together and to stick up for each other. Way to go for girl power!
My next favorite part is Abby's relationship with Jack. They are unsure of each other, they don't always get along, and they keep coming back for more clandestine meetings. He is charming, maybe a little nerdy, and has a large collection of memorable t-shirts. Jack also seems to really want what's best for Abby, but he's not sure what that is going to be.
I wasn't sure what to think about Daniel, the "stag", on the dating show. Sometimes, most times, he's a twat. But then there are a few real moments with him where he is more than a cardboard character. In the end, I feel a little sorry for him.
There are some fun kissing scenes, but no sex on the page.
Overall, this is hilarious and a great light-hearted read. I recommend it.
This is a fun, fast-paced romp jetting from England to Sydney, Australia with a dating show as the backdrop.
Our heroine, poor Abby/Abs/Abigail/Anastasia is spinning from one snarky personality to another humorous one as she tries to keep up with her own lies and storylines as a journalist and participant on the dating show. She is full of wit and insight, but can she figure out what she wants?
My favorite part of the book is Abby's relationship with the other women on the dating show. Not everyone is who they appear to be - not even when you've read their secret dossier. These relationships are tested through the course of "dating" the same man on the reality TV show. Abby is the glue for these women, helping them stick together and to stick up for each other. Way to go for girl power!
My next favorite part is Abby's relationship with Jack. They are unsure of each other, they don't always get along, and they keep coming back for more clandestine meetings. He is charming, maybe a little nerdy, and has a large collection of memorable t-shirts. Jack also seems to really want what's best for Abby, but he's not sure what that is going to be.
I wasn't sure what to think about Daniel, the "stag", on the dating show. Sometimes, most times, he's a twat. But then there are a few real moments with him where he is more than a cardboard character. In the end, I feel a little sorry for him.
There are some fun kissing scenes, but no sex on the page.
Overall, this is hilarious and a great light-hearted read. I recommend it.