This is the second book written by Keris Stainton that I have read. The first one ‘If You Could See Me Now’ was released earlier this year and became an instant bestseller. I know that I really enjoyed the first book and so I had high hopes for her second. I was not to be disappointed. I really enjoyed it but more about that later.

I took to Bea’s character from the start. It becomes clear that she has certain issues regarding her family. She shares a flat with some friends, who have become her ‘family’ so to speak. Bea has my dream job- she works in a book shop!!! Bea works with her best friend Henry and they make a fantastic team. Bea gets on well with her housemates, who are all quirky in their own sweet way. I had to chuckle out loud more than once at the antics of the couple who share the flat with Bea and the others. The couple aren’t exactly quiet when they ‘get it on’ and the walls are horrendously thin, so Bea either puts her headphones on or stuffs a pillow over her head so she can’t hear them. It so reminded me of when I lived in Halls Of Residence at university, where you could hear everything that was going on in the flats around you. Bea has had the same dream for the last few years. The dream is that she is going to meet somebody called ‘Dan’ in the park and he is going to be the one. Well guess what? She does meet a Dan in the park and she starts seeing him, although he is quite different from how she imagined him to be. She also starts comparing Dan to Henry. Is Dan ‘the one’ or is her dream man a bit closer to home? Well for the answer to that question you are just going to have to read the book to find out.

I must admit that it took me a little while to get into this book, as I felt that the story was a bit slow to start with. However, when I started to meet Bea’s housemates and other characters were introduced, the story got a bit quicker. The descriptions of the housemates were so realistic that I started to think that I really knew them and I began to think of them as friends. In fact I felt as though I was an ‘invisible’ housemate watching everything happened around me. There were certain times when I felt as though I needed to jump into the pages of this book to give Bea a slap with a wet flip flop or a shake by the shoulders. As I mentioned before I did laugh out loud at some of the shenanigans that went on both in Bea’s life, her housemates’ lives and at some of the bizarre customers that the book shop attracted.

In short, I did really enjoy reading ‘It Had To Be You’ and I would recommend it to those people, who enjoy reading light hearted, romantic comedies. The score on the Ginger Book Geek scoreboard is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.

I adored this book. It's the perfect book for curling up under a blanket with. It is warm and charming, and so brilliantly funny. I found that Bea, the main character, was a breath of fresh air - she hasn't got it all sorted, she's hesitant at times and so so easy to identify with. I loved that she doesn't have that sense of confidence and life experience that so many main characters seem to have, here was a character that was so like me and I loved her all the more for it. I loved the supporting characters too, if my house share experiences had been more like Bea's then they would have been amazing. A truly wonderful read!

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

Thanks to Netgalley for my copy.

Bea works in a bookshop along with her friend Henry. Bea is a hopeless romantic who has a recurring dream that she will meet the man of her dreams in the local park. She has very little experience with men and thinks the perfect man is out there.

This is a light fluffy funny read which I enjoyed. It is a great beach read and is a definite chicklit book. It has some laugh out loud moments and a great cast of characters.

Aww... Lovely, truly.

I'm so giddy about this book. Why do such good books have to end so soon? This is a brilliant love story: quirky and quite unpredictable. Keris Stainton clearly has a knack for writing a story that keeps you up late even when you know you really shouldn't. I plan to read more of her work.

Bea has had a recurring dream of a man sitting on a park bench. She calls him the man of her dreams and plans to find him. Will she succeed? Will it end in a happily ever after?

This was cute and wonderfully warm, as a proud rom-com fan this book was definitely one I was guaranteed to enjoy. I loved it, it never became boring and there were times when I just couldn't contain laughter at Bea and her friends' antics.

A lovely book which wonderfully exceeded my expectations. I was reminded of the film In Your Eyes (2014) after which I watched In My Dreams (also 2014) because I couldn't get enough of the ingenuity of the bizarre but always endearing storyline. I watched both quite some years ago, so I was grateful for a sense of familiar fun. Except this book definitely has more funny moments. I wish there were more books which shared this theme, it never gets old.

I received this book through NetGalley.

Hopeless romantic Bea has been having the same recurring dream for more than ten years. In this dream, she meets a man in a park and knows he's the one. When he dream becomes a reality and she meets Dan, she couldn't be happier. The more she gets to know Dan, the more she wonders if he's actually Mr. Right, or if she's just forcing the relationship because she feels like she's supposed to. Will Bea work up the courage to end things and realize she wants more? 



When I read the premise for It Had To Be You, I knew I had to read it! I'm a big fan of romantic comedies, and this seemed right up my alley, and I was not disappointed! Our story follows Bea, who hasn't dated since getting her heart broken by her one ex-boyfriend, until she meets a handsome man named Dan in the park the exact same way she's always dreamed. While her friends are skeptical, Bea is convinced that he's "The One". 

I loved Bea as our protagonist - she was funny, innocent, and hopeful, and I really enjoyed that about it. Her friends balanced her out, as they were more jaded and realistic, and I thought that was a great match. One of the best parts of the book was Bea's relationships with her friend group! There were definitely moments I laughed out loud when all of the friends were together!

Without giving anything away, there was a storyline toward the end of the book around Bea's stepfather, and I would have loved to see some closure about it, because I felt like it was left open ended in the book with no resolution, but since it was a minor storyline, it didn't take away from the overall story. 

Overall, I loved the book and thought it was a really quick, bingeable read! I'd definitely recommend this one for fans of the chick lit genre or for anyone who loves watching romantic comedies! This book will be right up your alley! I'd like to thank Bookouture, NetGalley, and Keris Stainton for an advanced copy of the book - it was my pleasure to provide an honest review! It Had To Be You is out now, so be sure to pick up a copy!

Bea is a twenty-something woman who always compares every man she meets to her recurring dream – one she’s had since she was a teen. A bit shy and slightly awkward, her best friend Henry is also her landlord and co-worker at the bookshop. Both Bea and Henry are more than a bit on the conservative side – their flatmates are not – Freya a mouthy lesbian and the couple who are either fighting loudly or making up at decibels loud enough to inform the neighborhood. With her own back and forth about “him” the man in her dreams – Bea’s entire life has been arranged around this one London park and place – the park where her dream is staged.

Bea is overlooking everything and everyone until one day, on an errand to get milk for their tea at work she sees “him”. Him is Dan, a man biding his time in the park before an interview – and Bea, in a very non-Bea like reticent mode introduced herself to the man she believes is ‘the one’. Oh Dan is very nice – but they have NOTHING in common – he doesn’t read, and she is a bookworm, and the chemistry is just ‘meh’. Meanwhile, poor Henry is the one everyone can see she needs to be paired with – their banter, their camaraderie and their similarities they are meant to be together.

Throughout the story, we are given multiple versions of Bea’s recurring dream – subtle changes to the dream as she meets Dan, as she deals with her own past (which is pretty sad) and the constant input from Freya (wanted or not) and the slow days at the shop which allow her to muse and dream of her relationship with Dan to no end. There are some moments that have laugh out loud reactions, and situations that are clearly depicting life in a flat share with multiple people – but there is a sense that Bea is someone out of her time and element –striving to be what Dan wants, convincing herself that as her “one’ they are fated to be together and that doesn’t come with fireworks and butterflies. I was sad to see her so untethered to her own likes and desires in an effort to ‘keep’ someone who really wasn’t all that decided on being kept.

Stanton’s writing is wonderful and smooth, from dialogue to interior voice each comes of clear and distinct, the path that Bea is travelling is clear to everyone BUT herself – even as she perseveres forward – eyes on the prize. Dealing with old hurts, new expectations and even newer revelations, Bea’s journey is clear to everyone – and you wish the best for her (Henry) even more so when her own romantic and childhood histories are revealed. Clever, sweet and despite what felt like an over-reliance on her ‘dream interpretations’, Bea is a character that could be any young person trying to discover their way and just who they are.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9wf/”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

This book was okay. It had me laughing at times. I didn't mind some of the characters. I unfortunately found my self annoyed with the main character more often than not .

I was delighted to be able to get my hands on the second adult book (not adult in a "50 Shades" way I hasten to add) by one of my long time writer pals and all round inspirational friends Keris Stainton.
I loved her adult debut this summer and so 'It Had To Be You' was one I really wanted to dive into. (And not just because Keris wrote it, or because the title is the same as the theme song from my favourite movie of all time 'When Harry Met Sally).
What I got when I started reading this book was a truly heart-warming, funny and at times very touching take on modern relationships. I identified with the main character Bea a little more than is probably normal. A late bloomer, she hasn't experienced much romance although is very much in love with the idea of romantic love. Mildly obsessed with romantic comedies. she moves to London in the hope of finding the man of her (actual) dreams - a mysterious stranger she has dreamt about every night for 10 years.
Yes this is a delightful rom-com but it's also much more. It's about confidence, trusting your gut, knowing the relationships (even dream ones) are not always perfect - but they are real and they are to be cherished.
It's about not settling for less than fireworks.
All this is told with Keris' wonderful sense of humour and she has that coveted ability to make the reader laugh one minute and feel all the actual feels the next.
I was sold with the mention of When Harry Met Sally too, if the truth be told.
On a very cold, dark and blustery December evening this book offered a bright spark of comfort and light. It's funny, fabulous and feisty and I could not have enjoyed it more. More of this kind of thing, please!

Thank you to Bookouture for letting me take part in this tour. I read my frat book by Keris a few months ago and enjoyed it so when I saw this one on Netgalley I had to request it! When Kim mentioned the tour I knew I had to be on it. 

The book follows Bea as she literally meets the man of her dreams. I liked Bea but I thought she was a little bit naive a times. Some of the time I just wanted to give her a little shake but I don't think I was alone there as her flatmate Freya pretty much says the same thing.  On the subject of Freya, I really loved her! I think she was my favourite character in this book. 

I have to say that I wasn't sure about Dan from the start. I mean he seems like a nice guy but it all seemed a bit forced. 

There was some real laugh out loud moments for me. I really loved all the romcom mentions. Many of which I haven't seen but will be making sure I track them down.

The ending is predictable and easily guessed but it doesn't affect the enjoyment of the book. I think it was one of those scenarios where everyone can see it but the people its about, which is exactly how it happened with me and my boyfriend. If you love a good romcom then you will really enjoy this one.

I always enjoy Keris Stainton's writing but I have been loving her romantic comedies, emphasis on the comedy, that she has released recently. This book had me laughing out loud, had me championing the main characters and is so easy to relate to. I love the premise behind this book, that you can meet someone who seems like your perfect guy and meets all the criteria you have learned to put in place from watching romcoms, but something just isn't right. It is so true to real life, as so much of this book is. There are moments in this book where I said out loud "that's just like me/I did that/I've soooo been there' and I think if something is going to be easy to relate to, that's what you should be doing as you are reading it.

I really loved the characters in this book too. You are dropped right into the middle of their lives and yet you feel like you've always been friends with these people. I could so easily picture their shared house and their work place. I really liked Bea as a character. She is slightly unsure of the world and we get to see that through her eyes although she doesn't really want to let on to her Friends that this is the case. Again something we can probably all relate to!. I also really loved the fact that she is in her twenties and yet we don't see her being sexually active. I think there is often a stereotype that is embraced in books about twenty somethings that they are always looking for their next sexual partner and that they are incredibly sexually experimental, and whilst that is true in some cases and I absolutely embrace that, it isn't always the case and so not every twenty something character has to be portrayed this way.

I love Bea's group of friends too. Henry is so down to earth, and like Bea, he is single for the majority of the time that we know him! Freya is amazing gives great advice and has amazing stories abut her own hookups with women all over London. And then there is the couple of the house, Adam and Celine. We've all been in that house share where we can hear someone we live with having sex and so again, so easy to relate to this friendship group. They also have an amazing restaurant where they go fro brunch with a sage Mrs C character, who is Greek. Again, I swear I have met this person before, she is so like people I know who have played that exact same character in my life!

There are plenty of moments of real truth as well as comedy in this book. Bea has some issues with her family and spends some time with them, she isn't sure about her career choices and she is obviously questioning her romantic choices. The story about her ex is very real as well and is an unfortunate reality of life. But whilst this story definitely keeps it real there are some proper crying with laughter moments and I had to try really hard to laugh quietly when reading this book in public or when my husband was still asleep!

I wold definitely recommend this read. It is fast-paced and fun, but with a real message that I'm sure we can all relate to. If you are fans of romantic comedy films, you will definitely love this and even if you are not, I will guarantee that this will make you laugh. Download it to read over the holiday period to give yourself some much-needed me time, you won't regret it!

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Bea is a dreamer. She has had the same dream for 10 years. The dream involves a man sitting on a bench in a park. Well, that’s how she meets Dan. Could he be the one?!

Bea gives it a go and spends a lot of time with Dan. They get along really well and things move forward. It was funny seeing their relationship develop, but for Bea something feels wrong.

She works in a bookstore with her friend Henry. I really liked Henry from the start and also some of her other friends. They brought a great mixture into the storyline and made things more exciting.

Every chapter begins with a snippet of Bea’s dream, which is very clever and exciting. I really liked this. There were times I was really absorbed in the story and was hooked and then other times I couldn’t find a connection. Something was missing for me and I just can’t explain what. The ultimate spark was just not there, which is a shame, because Keris Stainton is a very talented author. I really like her style and her smooth writing.

The story was a bit too predictable for me, but I think for some people this will not be the case. There are surprises in there, I think I just had this feeling ;).

It Had to Be You is a wonderful contemporary romance with the perfect title. I really enjoyed this book.

This book is pure chick-lit, an easy light fluffy read. I read this as a mind cleanser to reboot the brain.

The story is simple Bea has been seeing the same dream for years about meeting a man on the park bench and one day she does. DAN. So she believes fate has spoken and asks him out, but there are no fireworks between them. And the story continues… Will she, won’t she dump Dan??

This is my second book by the author Keris Stainton, I felt the first one if you could only see me was far better. Bea lives in a townhouse with her housemates, all of them are quirky and some are downright kinky. They make fabulous read. The friendship between them was nicely written. I could feel their easy comfort with each other. All of us want friends like these…

I liked the way Keris has portrayed the chemistry which Bea has with her landlord/workmate/friend Henry. Their dialogues are good but nothing earth shattering or remarkable.

The rest of the book continues on, with dates with Dan, no fireworks, Bea’s friendship with her house mates, Henry and Bea conversations. None of the characters are well developed, the story needs more depth, more fireworks for it to claim that lovers should have fireworks to make the relationship work.

Amongst all the characters I liked Bea’s best friend Freya the most. She was fun, clear headed and only sane thinker. Rest of them muddled through. The whole book was lacklustre.

Maybe it’s just me, but I want real laugh out loud moments if the book promises me one…

Overall, a good read in this genre.

Bea, who works in a book store, has been having the same dream for years – of seeing the man of her dreams in a park. She even moved to London to be closer to the location. And then one day, while visiting the park, she sees Dan. And it’s exactly like her dream. He’s good looking, sweet-natured, interested in her … so why isn’t she feeling it?
With plenty of rom-com references, this cute romance explores whether the man of your dreams can be your Mr Right in real life.

If you think this is the kind of book where you're casting the Hallmark movie version while reading - you're right. Yes, it may be a bit predictable but the characters are so endearing that it does not really matter. One of our heroine's favorite rom-coms (among many) is Notting Hill and there are definitely shades of the film in this book - the bookshop, the cast of zany characters and roommates and, of course, a hopeless romantic or two. While this book does not specifically reference the holiday season, it is still the perfect cozy winter read.

I was genuinely excited to start reading the book and I wasn't disappointed.  It was a funny read and had me laughing out loud in places - it is an excellent way to be cheered up if you are ever feeling down!

The plot was great and I thought it all flowed really well.  The characters worked so well together and their interaction really made the story such a good one - I have given the book a five star rating and it's definitely one I would recommend, I really enjoyed it!

Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.

This wasn't much different from other romantic novels around there plot-wise. But its execution was beyond expectations.

Bea has dreamed of a man in a park for ten years. She's found the park, it's right next to the apartment she shares with her coworker and three more friends. However, the man took longer to show up. When she finally meets the "men in her dreams", she has doubts if he's really The One.

This is the romantic comedy I wanted to read. It's quick, it's funny, it's cute. Bea is a very inexperienced young woman. With only one failed relationship in her resume, she isn't sure how love is supposed to feel. I thought her backstory sounded so real I couldn't not pity her, although in the beginning I was expecting more drama from the way she felt about her ex. Despite relatable, Bea isn't that interesting, though. Not a character you'll hate but also not one you'll love.

My favorite thing about this plot is that Dan isn't a bastard. He is Mr. Wrong, but he's also a nice guy—with the exception of one scene... I really hate it when authors want to show that character A is the right one by turning character B into the worst SOB ever. I think that's just sad for the main character that she's only left with one choice. This book didn't fall into that, the two are good guys (at least, most of the time), and that's Bea's problem. How to let go of her perfectly romantic story?

I think there were three problems. The first one I have already mentioned and it was the biggest one, the plot isn't that exciting, even if the story is so nice to read. I don't remember fervently cheering for someone or even laughing out loud. I knew from the start most of what would happen. So even though this was much more entertaining than the romance novels we usually read, it lacked the something else.

My second issue is a couple of questions I was left with related to Bea's father-in-law. That turn of events was interesting but a little "why did it happen again?", I hoped we heard more about it.

Last, the main couple had their moments but, I don't know, it lacked something. Should things just be easy like that? I'm not sure if it's really because it seemed to simple in a way or maybe the problem was something else but I know the book could have focused more on them.

In sum, this was an enjoyable read. I was afraid this would become another book that would make me drag but the story flowed so well I was already near the end when I noticed it. I'm definitely paying attention to Stainton's next releases from now on. If you like romance, don't miss it.

Oh my goodness me this book could not have come at a better time!! Have you ever felt so down, that all you wanted to do was laugh? No, I don't mean a little snigger at a rubbish Christmas joke. I mean a proper belly laugh, tears rolling down cheeks, sides hurting type laughter. You know the sort I mean? Well, I have to admit that I have been in an absolute funk of a mood lately due to various reasons - all I wanted to do was feel carefree by laughing. 

By golly that happened! I hadn't even finished reading the first chapter when I began snorting like a pig with laughter. Seriously! I thought Keri Stainton's previous novel was hilarious but this is even funnier!

Bea is a closed box type of character as she has gone through life on the safe route, as opposed to travelling 90mph in the fast lane. Nothing wrong with that, obviously, but Bea is at the age where she feels like she is missing out on things due to her guarded nature, especially seeing as most of her friends are doing grown up things and she is stuck in dreamland...

Considering this book has a lot of characters to keep up with, I surprised myself by being able to follow each individual characters life without getting too confused! I know, right?! I think it helped that all of the characters personalities were SO different, it was easy to remember who was who and what they were all about. I absolutely LOVED Freya! She is the most hilarious character I have come across in a long time. Everything about her is brilliant and if I reckon if she were a real life person, the queue to be her best friend would be never-ending. Freya just has that....vibe. She truly has grabbed life by the, in her case, breasts, and isn't afraid to travel down the fast lane. Absolutely brilliant.

Now, I did like Bea. She came across as such a warm-hearted character and to be honest, I found myself relating to her a little bit. Especially as, just like Bea, I struggle to see things which are right in front of me.

'It Had To Be You' truly is the modern-day 'My Best Friends Wedding', without the wedding. A lot of readers will be able to relate to the storyline in its entirety due to how close to real life it is. Not only that, I am sure a lot of readers will also be able to relate to at least one of the characters, if not more. Hell, I genuinely think that men should read this book as Keris Stainton seems to have catered for the entire population. Not all women's/contemporary fiction is for the ladies, gents!

What hit home a lot for me was the underlying message about things being right in front of you the whole time. We are all known to make life a lot difficult for ourselves by choosing to go down the complex path in search of happiness, completely bypassing the one thing that has made us happy the entire time, ignoring it because it has always been there. We all do it, and we will continue to do so. However, on a personal level 'It Had To Be You' has made me think about my own choices in life and how I seem to over think things instead of just....being. 

I really could not have loved this book even more if I tried. From start to finish I was in hysterics with a heart so warm, I'm surprised that nobody tried to roast marshmallows off it. Keris Stainton is an author who fills me with such joy every time I read one of her books. I really think that every one of you should go and buy her book now because really, it is THAT good. 

Such a feel good, side-splitting, thought-provoking and relatable read which will leave you feeling hugged from the inside out. Absolutely hilarious and brilliant written, Keris Stainton has quickly become one of my all-time favourite authors with her genius writing.

Thank you Keris Stainton for making me laugh like I have never laughed before.

Thanks Bookouture.

Hands up, Keris Stainton writes the funniest books; guaranteed laugh out loud antics & funny characters you instantly warm to & feel a part of the group dynamic!
I loved that two of the main characters worked in a book store,I loved that they had real wonderful & weird customers. A feelgood, uplifting, real account of life, love, friendships & 'dream romances'. The really interesting part for me was how off the wall from your average book heroine Bea is; she's quirky, gutsy, geeky & gives herself a narrative of her day in her head, just searingly honest and endearing.
The pop culture references to films was awesome, the book title itself epitomises When Harry Met Sally, I think pretty much all my favourite 90's/00's films were mentioned. I was addicted to this book and couldn't put it down.
Another smasher from Stainton!
Thanks Bookoutre & netgalley for accepting me to receive this copy to review honestly.

I adored joining the sweet and quirly Bea on her journey to find her 'dream' guy! I totally identified with her as i too have voices in my head (glad to know I'm not a wierdo!) Hennnnrryyyy! and Celine were two of my most favourite characters... i think Ms Stainton has a real talent for writing out BRILLIANT supporting characters!
I'm sorry I did NOT like Dan, he was sweet but seemed like a tool!
I'm glad Bea got her dream in the end!
Kudos Ms Stainton!
Great Cover... Cracking Book... totally LOVABLE characters!
5 Stars! (One for each of my fave characters ) and one from the Cover Junkie in me!

**Thank you Netgalley and BOOKOUTURE (i <3 the name) for my ARC**