Well from the title and the opening few chapters of the book you just about know what is going to happen. However in saying that, there were a few good twists and turns along the way to make it an enjoyable read.

Overall, the book had potential but failed to be memorable. To summarize, both main characters require fake "other-half's" for the summer so they make an agreement to help each other out and predictably feelings develop. This was the perfect setting for a lovely love story full of suspense and funny moments, but was a lost opportunity instead. I recognize the strategy to create non-perfect characters; these characters felt contrived and much of their dialogue tended to annoy me. One or two of the side characters had potential.

I quite enjoyed True Love at the Lonely Hearts Bookshop. Annie Darling has a clever, humorous voice and she infuses the story with wit and colour. It took me a while to really warm to Verity, but the portrayal of an introvert is well done and sensitively handled, and many of the features will be recognisable to similar mindsets. Loved the dynamic palette of secondary characters and the heartwarming way in which they all constantly rally around the heroine. An enjoyable, light-hearted romantic read.

Full disclosure: I'm not really a big romance reader (well, not since I used to raid my nan's bookshelf as a teenager for the Mills & Boons she bought at 5p each from the market), and in the case of this book, the title, cover and even the author's name make it pretty clear that "gritty urban thriller" is probably off the table and romance is most definitely on it. (To be fair, I'm not that big on gritty urban thrillers either.) However, I *am* all for variety in my reading matter, and I'm certainly not such an old misery as to be entirely averse to a spot of romance if it's fun, interesting and well written.

Bookshops/teashops/a combination of both seem to be big news in publishing at the moment and titles featuring them abound. This is the sequel to a previous book, The Little Bookshop of Lonely Hearts (which I haven't read), featuring the same shop - the romance-themed Happy Ever After - but a different central character. In this case, it's the bookshop's admin manager Verity Love (*the* most perfect name for a romantic heroine), a twenty-seven year old self described spinster, Jane Austen addict - she has a quote for every situation - and owner of a difficult cat called Strumpet (excellent name also).

Verity's invented an imaginary boyfriend, perfect Peter Hardy (oceanographer), entirely in order to get her friends off her back, but of course this backfires when they inevitably seize an apparent opportunity to meet him and Verity has to throw herself on the mercy of a random handsome stranger. It's all a bit far fetched, but it would be curmudgeonly to complain. Handsome stranger Johnny, announcing upfront that his heart Belongs To Another, offers a mutually beneficial arrangement whereby he acts as Verity's real fake boyfriend, Peter Hardy (oceanographer) having been retired, at social occasions - hence getting both sets of friends off their backs. There follows a summer of weddings and parties as Verity and Johnny get to know each other better.

I did relate to Verity, an introvert who finds the modern world just a bit too overwhelming at times and needs her alone time to recover. She has friends, a job and a loud, eccentric family but just doesn't feel she has space for a boyfriend. Will she change her mind and can Johnny ever get over the thoroughly undeserving woman who currently holds his heart to ransom? Well, the answers to those questions will come as no great surprise, but it's fun getting there.

This is a light, cosy, humorous read which once I got into it, I thoroughly enjoyed. The ending was perhaps a bit too pat after a long build up and as I said, there are no big surprises, but the story was fun and I liked all the characters, with Verity's family being particularly good value.

Recommended for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance, or even those who think they don't but are prepared to give it a chance!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for this review copy. Also thank you to Jaime Frost, from Harper Fiction for allowing me to take part in the blog tour.

This is the second book of the Lonely Hearts Bookshop series. It can be read as a standalone book, but does make sense to read the books in order to understand the story (and because they are both very good books!)

This story focuses on Verity Love – the quiet, vicar’s daughter, manager of the Happy Ever After bookshop. Verity is now living in the flat above the bookshop with her overweight cat, Strumpet and her friend and colleague Nina. She is still in a relationship with her imaginary boyfriend, oceanographer Peter Hardy. That is until one day, her colleagues follow her to her ‘date’ to meet the elusive Peter and Verity has to quickly sit at the table of a handsome stranger and beg that he goes along with her story! This handsome stranger is Johnny the architect. He is in a bit of a love quandary himself being in love with a woman that he can’t have, and him and Verity agree to become pretend boyfriend/girlfriend for over the summer to stop their friends from setting them up with totally unsuitable dates and to have someone to accompany them to a round of weddings and parties they have been invited to. Can they do it just as friends?

As I write this review I am thankful for four things – 1) the rainy weather which means I have been able to stay in and read, 2) the school holidays which mean I get longer to read without being interrupted with the school runs, 3) the fact that I don’t sleep well and was able to read it until the early hours and 4) the author for writing this amazing series of books. This book was great, wonderful, fantastic, and absolutely brilliant. I can think of many other ways to describe it, but I think that might be a bit over the top. I had read some reviews of this book before I read it and it seemed to have a mixed bag. Some people felt it didn’t live up to the first book’s expectations……not me!! I thought this was better than the first book. It has taken me less than a day to finish it, and believe me nothing else has been done until it was finished!

I knew Verity from the first book, but you didn’t get to see the real Verity until now. You now understand why she prefers her own company and is so shy and introvert. Her relationship with Johnny was wonderful, even though at times I did want to shout at her to get out and don’t fall in love with him! Johnny is stuck in this relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Marissa. He lost out to her and she married his best friend, but he just can’t let her go. Marissa was probably the only character I didn’t like (although I didn’t like Johnny at some points) as she was so nasty and spiteful to poor old Verity. We all know how these stories go, you know there is going to be a happy ending, but that didn’t matter! It was just heaven to get swept along on a wave of love, friendships, weddings, books and cake! Now what more could you want in a book!

This is a 110% recommendation for this series of books. Don’t just read this one, go out and get the other one as well, you will not regret it! Fingers crossed there will be another book in this series!! I’m off for a well-deserved nap now considering this book had me awake until the very early hours! Five huge big stars!

I have found a new author to add to my favourites! In her second novel about the Lonely Hearts Bookshop, Annie Darling – such an apt name for an author of romantic fiction – writes about Verity Love, the manager of the bookshop and a keen Jane Austen fan. Circumstances force her into using a complete stranger as her boyfriend for the summer, and the well-written storyline is highly believable. There is one occurrence towards the end of the book that I found to be rather disappointing, but the story picked up again quickly and I didn’t want it to end. I only finish reading books which have grabbed me in the first few pages, and this one certainly did. In fact, I’m now going to go back and read Annie’s first novel about the bookshop whilst I eagerly await her next book.

This is the second book in the series. I really enjoyed the first book so had high hopes for this one and I wasn't disappointed. It could be read as a standalone novel as the story doesn't really follow on from the first book

I enjoy novels with book references and I loved the references to Pride and Prejudice - including What Would Elizabeth Bennet do? Both of the lead characters Verity and Johnny are interesting and I warmed to them although Johnny is annoying in places. I loved the interactions of Verity's family members and enjoyed all of the wedding preparations which made me laugh in places.I loved Strumpet the stroppy cat!

An easy lighthearted read, perfect for the beach or an afternoon in the garden.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The first thing I will say is this, (full disclosure): I haven't read the first book, so shoot me. I enjoyed this, I really enjoyed this, but it didn't effect the story line in anyway - so don't worry if you're interested in reading this and haven't had the chance to read the first book yet – it’s wonderful on its own, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

In fact, I loved it. I needed a book like this. It’s full of parties and ridiculous, if not gorgeous, situations. The book was led by Verity and her fake relationship with Johnny. I’d be lying if I said I wasn't attracted to this book for this reason; I live for a fake relationship, and this one didn't disappoint. But Johnny… Johnny did. He was perfect in every respect; he’s gorgeous, an architect, willing to save her in an awkward situation. All these boxes were ticked and I was a very happy lady. Then as the story progressed a problem appeared: his obsession with his ex, now his best-friends’ wife. Yeah, you heard that right. He is completely convinced the pair of them are still in love, and this woman is the ‘love of his life’ - even through she’s married to someone else. But this is ‘Chick Lit’ and to be honest, I like a flaw in a hero, even if this one did grate a bit.

Unlike him, Verity is an absolute delight! The story starts with her having to concoct a fake boyfriend. In a hurry, her actions and her reasoning are both hilarious and recognisable. She's lovable, as are her friends and family - they're funny, warm and irritating. The parts featuring Verity and her support network are as enjoyable (if not more so) than those situated with her and Johnny, which made this book flow really well.

Verity's actions, which lead to the novels’ main plot point for Johnny, are thanks to the creation of her fake boyfriend, and this art of creating a fake boyfriend is one I can sympathize with; I’ve done it. Yes reader, I've created my very own Oceanographer! He's called Aaron; he's a lighting technician with the RSC Theatre, we’re engaged - and very happy, thank you very much! I’ve used this in pubs, trains, and even on a rare occasion, in the loo of a Marks and Spencer's toilet. (I am aware I’m ridiculous.)

I thoroughly enjoyed the Austen element, although I wasn't a huge fan of the slating of the 2005 version. Although, I can live with this! I loved the massive nods to Austen and the ‘What would Elizabeth Bennett do.’

As I said before, I really enjoyed this; it was lovable, if not ridiculous. However, there was something about this book that didn't quite hit the mark for me, and I blame Johnny - his character and the leading for his choices were pathetic and irritating. But that said, I will be looking out for this author in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley for my review copy.

A wonderful, heart warming and addictive read.
Each page was a delight and I couldn't get enough of Darling's beautiful prose.
If only I could visit the shop.

Verity Love is the introverted middle child from a family of chatty extroverts. After a terrible breakup she's been avoiding dating. Sick of the social pressure to be in a relationship she makes up a fake boyfriend. Of course it proves impossible to keep up the facade and when her friends surreptitiously follow her to see what he looks like she throws herself on the mercy of a stranger in her favourite restaurant. Johnny reaches out a couple of days later with the offer to fake-date over the summer to keep both their sets of friends off their backs.
This is a very sweet fake-dating story with a very enjoyable lead character in Verity. Her friends and, in particular, her family are all fun to read about. The lead male is generally likeable except when he's on about his 'one true love'. The fact he's in love with a pretty terrible human being who I could not sympathize with in the slightest counts as a real black mark against him.
I enjoyed this book and will happily read other books by this author.

Perfect holiday reading-feel good,funny and very enjoyable.A great beach read!

What a fun book! Flows beautifully and is highly entertaining, I truly just couldn't put it down and felt a little bereft when I finished it - always the sign of a good read - more like this please Annie Darling!

This was a romantic read about Johnny and Verity. Verity is a quiet introvert who is afraid of love and makes up a pretend boyfriend. Enter Johnny, who wants to be her pretend boyfriend because he is trying to stop loving Marissa who is married to his bestfriend. Lots of references to Pride and Prejudice. I found the character calling her father, Our Vicar - a little grating. Not sure the two leads had anything in common, and would fall in love with each other. The book felt a little too twee.

I really loved the return to the ‘Happy Ever After’ bookshop to follow the story of ‘Pride & Predudice’ fan Verity Love; the introvert who can’t take the sensory overload of too many social interactions. She manages to avoid social invitations and her friends trying to match-make her by inventing perfect Peter Hardy, Oceanographer. Unfortunately it’s wearing to keep up the pretence and just as she is about to be found out, inadvertently meets a real life fake boyfriend, Johnny. They both need social partners and excuses to avoid being matched up. Verity finds herself being drawn further into the pretence. As their summer’s party attendances proceed, Johnny & Verity learn each other’s secrets. Can Verity save Johnny from his painful, unrequited love? I found it such a pleasure to meet Very’s eccentric family and see the story unfold. Highly recommended.

True Love at the Lonely Hearts Bookshop is the second book in the series by Annie.
I loved the first book and have loved the second book, hope there's more to come as I'm not ready to say goodbye to the characters yet.
An easy well written read, great for reading on holiday.

You just have to love a book that is based in a romantic fiction bookshop, has lots of quotes from "Pride and Prejudice" and features a cat called Strumpet.
Verity is the middle daughter of a vicar from Lincolnshire who gave up competing to get her voice heard above those of her 4 sisters and now relishes peace and quiet and no boyfriend. Johnny is in love with an unattainable woman. Both Johnny and Verity are happy with their single status except that their friends believe that they need a partner and keep fixing up blind dates for them.
After an unexpected meeting Verity and Johnny decide to become fake boyfriend and girlfriend - what happens next is not always predictable!
A fun read and recommended to take on a stress free summer holiday.

Verity Love - Vicar's daughter and huge Jane Austen fan - is perfectly happy being single after her last relationship ended three years ago. She has a great job working in the Happy Ever Bookshop on Rochester Mews in Bloomsbury, good friends, four loud sisters, a love for romance books, a demanding cat called Strumpet and no need for a boyfriend. However, her friends are desperate to set her up with someone. So she has a bright idea to stop everyone from continuously attempting to set her up with men she has no interest in. Peter Hardy Oceanographer - the god of boyfriends and a prime catch. Apart from he doesn't exist and is a fake boyfriend who acts as a convenient excuse for Very.

Her friends are obsessed with him even though they have never even met him in six months, because Verity has an endless list of excuses. The easiest is his job as an oceanographer, meaning he's away an awful lot. However, she was now running out of reasons at keeping her friends away from meeting him and at arms length, it was becoming more of a pain. So she decides it's time they "broke up".

On a Friday night after work drinks with Popy and Nina in The Midnight Bell pub, Very escapes to Il Fornello, the Italian restaurant she frequents by herself every Friday night with only a book for company. She told her friends she was meeting Peter, so when she realises Popy and Nina have followed her, she plonks herself down in front of a guy at a table by himself, and asks him to go along with her. But she was too late. Wires crossed and her friends concluded she was also now dating Johnny, the gorgeous man Verity sat down at the table across from... As soon as her friends left Verity also makes her grand escape.

The following Friday night, when she's back in her usual cozy spot at her little table, with a book in hand and waiting for her lasagne to make an appearance, Johnny sat down in front of her. He suggested that as they're both in similar predicaments - she didn't want a boyfriend, and he was in love with a woman he couldn't be with - that they are each other's pretend other halves to keep their friends off their back.

They make an agreement and Johnny tells Verity not to fall in love with him because his heart his taken. She is adamant she won't. So they start the summer season of weddings and garden parties as "a couple" and fool their collective friends. The only people Verity has told the truth to are her sisters. But how long can the charade continue for? Will the truth out? There are obstacles galore to tackle; crazy exes, nosey friends and awkward situations. Verity finds herself referring to her favourite book of all time - Pride and Prejudice - and asking herself on countless occasions "what would Elizabeth Bennet do"?

This is the second book in The Lonely Hearts Bookshop series. However, "True Love at the Lonely Hearts Bookshop" can be read as a standalone book, I didn't even realise until the end of that it was part of a series. So don't let that put you off this one.

It's a light and heart warming book, that should delight fans of Jane Austen with references peppered throughout.
Some of the characters were lovely and others on the unpleasant side. There were parts of the storyline I found unbelievable and annoying and I wanted to yell at the infatuated and love struck Johnny on more than one occasion. The plus points for me are the setting and descriptions of Bloomsbury and the bookshop Verity works in, the relationship between the five Love sisters and the fact a lot of the story takes place in a bookshop that specialises in romantic fiction is great for bookworms. The downsides for me were parts of the storyline being far fetched and certain characters being rather irritating.

Overall I found it a nice and enjoyable read, which fans of chick lit and romantic fiction should lap up.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.

Perfectly pleasant bordering on bland. I found it readable and interesting enough to finish but there was nothing surprising or new to set it apart from the rest of the genre. I'm not sure I'll remember it in a week. Sorry, it's a fine quick read but it's not a series I'd go out of my way to continue to follow.

If you're looking for a fun, romantic read without a simpering heroine or a controlling alpha male and with an Austen-esque twist, this one's for you.

Verity only needed one bad relationship to prove that love was overrated and she was perfectly happy on her own. If only her friends could see that. Cue Peter Hardy, oceanographer, Very's fictional boyfriend whose existence is only necessary to get her out of unwanted social obligations. After a misunderstanding in an Italian restaurant, Very ditches one fake boyfriend for another, although this one is very much alive. Johnny also needs someone on his arm to prevent dreary evenings spent at the singles table as he's desperately in love with a woman he cannot have. Faking a relationship is their perfect solution.

I really enjoyed this novel, I was quickly sucked in by the humour of the first few chapters and enchanted by the well developed side characters. They all felt very real, from Very's sisters to Marissa, the villain of the piece. I think she was well crafted and never felt over done. We've all come across women like her and I think what made her realistic was her honesty. She never pretended to be anything other than what she was and I think we could all put ourselves in Very's shoes during their exchanges and share her horror at Marissa's vitriol. 

Verity was also super relatable even if her need for alone time sometimes felt a bit much. She was comfortable in her own skin but still relied on the comfort of a good book to get her through tough times. My only issue with this lovely book was Johnny. He went from an aloof Mr Darcy to a delusional Wickham, and never really made it back. Don't get me wrong, I can see why someone in Verity's situation would his good side, but personally I felt his behaviour in the library scene was deplorable. Unfortunately, I don't think he made up for it all. At least Darcy redeemed himself through helping Lydia, Johnny never even apologised to Verity for his behaviour. That said, it still worked out better than I expected after that, and I would still recommend this novel to anyone who wants to lose themselves in a funny, heartwarming novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book. I absolutely loved it the first book and the second was just as good, if not better.

This is the story of Verity Love who runs the Happy Ever After bookshop, and the perfect example of an introvert, preferring the company of books and her needy cat, Strumpet, and just a few close friends. She likes having routines and one of those is dining along at the end of the working week in a nearby restaurant.

She has trouble convincing her friends that she's happy with this life and has pretended to have the most fabulous boyfriend, who exists only in her dreams. She unexpectedly meets a fellow single diner who helps her out of a sticky situation, they soon find that they both could use each other as their 'fake other halves' to keep their friends and families from messing into their personal lives.

All the characters are loveable and the story is really enjoyable - I couldn't put the book down.