This book had the snarkiness of the British humor that I adore with the strength of a woman who realized that surrounding herself with the superficial nature of the Gang wouldn't bring her happiness. She really grew in this book and I would like to see more from this author. Admirable.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book. Despite never travelling to London or Devon myself, I could really feel the differences in the writing between these places and the dissatisfaction in Lulu's life. Devon had a presence of community and acceptance, and it was understandable that London life wasn't cutting it anymore. Especially because her ex was a total knob.
I would have liked a bit more of Joe and Lulu at the end, maybe an epilogue a few months later to see where they ended up, regardless of the implication. Maybe I'm just being selfish because I liked their interactions. :)

The Mini-Break by Maddie Please is a delightfully British romcom, a breezy and humourous antidote to the winter doldrums.

Lulu Darling is a thirty-nine year old romance novelist who is feeling increasingly dissatisfied with her partner Benedict, and the somewhat superficial life they lead in London. While on a mini-break at the home of her editor in the Devon countryside, Lulu first encounters Joe Field, a neighbouring sheep farmer, and the attraction is almost immediate. Upon returning to London, Lulu feels the pull of country life and returns to Devon with the hope of further exploring her feelings for Joe. Lulu is a perfectly imperfect and relatable figure, and I was rooting for her throughout her journey to an admittedly predictable happily ever after.

I would love to read more of Lulu and Joe's story (please Ms Please!), and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this delightful ARC.

Terribly English~ Romantic ~ Expected

tl: dr: Romance writer finds herself needing a break and finding something she didn't know she needed.

Anglophiles will love this story, with its breaks on Devon and moments in London. The main character is a British Romance writer who likely writes books much as this one. This book, though, is somewhat reminiscent of One Day in December. The love interest isn't nearly as "much" as the One Day fool. In this book, the main love interest is a kind man named Joe. But, some of the same situations happen here: cheating, missteps, misapprehension. The story luckily doesn't require a decade of heart-break before sewing up. If you don't mind cheating as a story plot, then I recommend this book. The main character is well-drawn, and there are real linguistic gems, particularly in the MC's interior dialogue. Her boyfriend at the start of the book is a classic gaslighter; his ending is enjoyable for anyone who has been treated this way. There isn't much of a surprise in the happy ending, but I don't think that is the point for this type of book. This a great book for someone who needs an English romance fix (and is okay with cheating on a jerk).

3.5
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.