Thank you to Netgalley, Random House, and Sophie Kinsella for this free ARC read.

Being an avid Kinsella fan, I was excited to receive a free review copy of this title and had high expectations. Perhaps that explains my problems with this book. I expected a fantastic read, which ultimately left me flat and disappointed.

First up, some word choices annoyed the life out of me, especially sentences like this: “I really don’t understand Jake very well.” ... bad enough that these non descriptive and lazy words are resorted to often, but to put two in one short sentence? Nope, this puts me right off. The same with the abundance of split infinitives... “Simon swiftly takes his cue.” And then the telling instead of showing.

Second up, the story starts slow and doesn’t pick up until about halfway through the book. The characters and plot are predictable. I saw what was coming from chapter two.

Otherwise, I Owe You One is a light-hearted romance read to enjoy over a relaxed weekend with your tipple of choice, which offers a few giggles along the way.

Fixie Farr gained her nickname from an embedded need to fix things, even things that aren't necessarily hers to fix; she's also been raised with the mantra, family first, always going out of her way and beyond to help them without asking too many questions. Fixie helps to run her late Dad's homeware store 'Farrs' in London, where she spends more time picking up jobs her siblings neglect or fixing their mistakes she's not really focusing on fixing Fixie.

When a stranger asks her to watch his laptop while he takes a phone call Fixie ends up protecting it from a collapsing ceiling, earning her an IOU scribbled on what must have been the biggest coffee cup sleeve the world has ever know; Seb and Fixie's relationship develops through a series of exchanged favours.

Generally I really like Sophie Kinsella novels so I was very excited to have the opportunity to read her latest offering a bit early; it may have been the expectations I had in my own head but for me this fell a little flat. That sounds harsh, this was not a bad book, I read this over a slightly lazy weekend and I did enjoy it, I just struggled to really get on-board with the characters and the plot. I ended up giving it 3 stars, still a good holiday read but not one I personally think I'll remember in a couple of months.

Without going into spoilers my main issues were around the characters but particularly the main romances; its not spoilers that in a romantic comedy novel, the main girl and guy eventually get it together but I think it takes the romantic shine off it if he's broken up with his previous girlfriend just 48 hours before.

Hurrah! A new Sophi Kinsella! Always cause for a celebration! Always a reason to lock the door, turn off the phone and hunker down in front of the fire on a winters day!

Sophie writes about wacky, silly, funny, quirky characters and Fixie Farr is no exception. Although on a personal note the name Fixie Farr just doesn’t work for me, absolutely not. Sophie can do better! Fixie works 8n the family store and feels obliged to fix things. Any things. All things.
This book is a little slow to start but it’s easy reading, warm and funny and you have the Kinsella guarantee of a happy ending so what’s not to love!

2.5 stars
I have read and enjoyed most of Sophie Kinsella's books and was really looking forward to this latest one. I was disappointed, however. There wasn't any usual Kinsella's wit, the plot was ridiculous and the characters stereotypical and irritating. I won't be rushing to buy her next book, although I am hoping it was 'just a blip'.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.

I’m absolutely gutted to only be leaving this three stars as I love all of Sophie Kinsella’s books and I’d been really excited to have had the chance to read this one as an advance copy and just simply delighted that she had a new book out!
I have such high expectations for a Sophie Kinsella book, but this one was just ok. It was well-written, and to the high standard you would expect, but the story left me wanting more from it. So much happened but at the same time, it felt really slow going. It seemed to take ages to get to 50%, but then it sped up afterwards once the story really hit its stride.
Fixie has gotten her name because she likes to fix things, but we don’t see an awful lot of that other than her straightening a few objects that have gone awry. It is more about her being a pushover and very naive. She likes to think the best of people, but it just made her seem like a feeble and not that likeable a character. She does throw off these shortcomings at the end, but it feels like everyone succumbs to her a little too quickly.
The ending also seemed rushed, I would have liked a little bit more of clarification, but it was just presumed that what was thought to have happened, did (don’t want to give anything away).
Overall, you could tell it was written by a high-calibre of author, but it just didn’t grip me.

Romance is a genre I really enjoy reading. It is heartwarming and pleasant, exactly like a Sophie Kinsella novel. I really enjoyed the story. The characters are realistic with many flaws. I liked the choice of Fixie's name. Ms Fixit as well as a Pixie. I could relate to her need to fix things; be it objects, relationships or people.

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As a great Sophie Kinsella fan I knew that this book would be a good absorbing read, and wasn’t disappointed. The main character Fixie Farr, is a charismatic, gentle and kind sort of girl who would do anything for her family and friends. She gained her name ‘Fixie’ as she Is the sort of person who tries to fix things, and when a stranger’s laptop is in danger of becoming damaged, she rushes to save it resulting in being given an ‘I Owe You’ note.

All has been going steadily in the family shop, until Fixie’s mum is forced to take a a break, and Fixie’s old lover returns from abroad. She has a series of decisions to make which are light-hearted and funny. Fixie’s decisions are never considered seriously by her family, and the family shop (Farr’s) looks about to change dramatically. Also Ryan, her schoolboy ‘crush’ is not all he appears to be.
In true ‘Fixie’ fashion, she tries to sort out things, helped by Seb {the stranger from the café).

Many misunderstanding occur as the story progresses, which result in a laugh-a-minute, light hearted tangle which Sophie Kinsella fans (old and new) will enjoy reading. There are also emotional moments resulting in a wonderful all-rounded book. The secondary characters are so likeable and funny I didn’t want it the story to end.
The author is a master of this genre and I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy light-hearted, ‘over the top’ escapism.

Reading a Sophie Kinsella book is always a delight from first page to last and this one is no exception. Her style of writing is so easy for the reader and the words just flow into yet another fabulous, warm, funny, tale that quickly draws you in making it difficult to put down even when sleep is beckoning.
When Fixie saves a stranger's laptop from being ruined by a deluge of water the title of the book comes into play. Seb writes an IOU on a coffee cup for Fixie to redeem in the future and so their relationship begins. In the midst of this is Ryan, the supposed love of Fixie's life, who we all realise is a total user but will Fixie see through him? Woven through all of this is the task.Fixie has of living up to her nickname as she endeavours to sort out the multitude of problems created by her family. A brilliant book!!!!

Thank you to Netgalley, Sophie Kinsella and Random House Uk for my ARC of I Owe You One.

Synopsis: Fixie Farr who's nickname comes from her 'flaw' of needing to fix everything lives by her father's motto 'family first'. She helps her mum run the family shop Farrs picking up the slack from her erstwhile siblings. Then one day in a coffee shop when she innocently saves a man's laptop he writes her an IOU that she never thinks she'll need to call on. That is until her ex Ryan arrives back on the scene in need of a job...

At one point in the story, Fixie is described as a 'blip'. That's what I'm going to refer to this novel as. Sophie Kinsella's 'blip.' I have loved all of Sophie's books from her Shopaholic novels to her stand-alone ones, they're usually funny, witty and feel good. This though, the word that pops into my head to describe this book is toxic. This book has made me feel unsettled, sad and despondent. There's nothing feel good about it.

1. The characters - Fixie the main character is accurately described at one point as a doormat. No matter whether or not she gains confidence later, literally 80% of the book is her letting everyone walk all over her and treat her like crap and the worst thing of all being completely naive to it. Her siblings are equally frustrating in their absolute selfishness. Jake a wannabe businessman who just shouts at and dominates everyone while acting like a ten bob millionaire, and Nicole who floats around in a world of her own and is so superficial I wanted to reach into the book and give her a good slap. Ryan is an ass and it's obvious he's an ass and it's unclear to me why nobody else sees it. Even if we're going to go along with Fixie being blind in her doormat state why did nobody else see it? Why did Jake not acknowledge his best friend was treating his sister like garbage? Seb was the only character with potential and I'd even gone off him by the end.
2. The Plot - this was just all over the place. Relationships on and off like traffic lights, random side stories going away in their own direction and making no sense, ridiculous and unbelievable storylines. And everything with such an absolutely negative feel to it.

I won't be put off reading Sophie's books again in the future, every author is entitled to at least one bad novel but I would not read this again nor recommend it for fans of Sophie's books.

I admit that I am partial to a book by Sophie Kinsella - her Becky Bloomwood series started when I too had a low paying job in the financial industry so she really was a heroine that I could relate to. Even now I occassionally hope that my purchases will be allocated to the wrong credit card. And when I see a purchase that I don't recognise the indignation equals Becky's until the realisation that, yes I did spend that much money. Me, me, all me. 

When the opportunity arose to review the new novel (I owe you one) my heart skipped a beat before panic set in. Because honestly i absolutely adore the vast majority of Kinsella's work - I've read most of the Madeline Wickham books too. But I just didn't care for her last book. It just wasn't the usual mix that I'd expected in one of my go-to authors. Thankfully this book was much more like the ones that I love than the previous book. We have a relatable heroine who is underestimated by those around her, a love triange, confusion and sentimentality. 

I'm not going to lie, I know the formula. But I also love the formula. There is something reassuring about knowing from the outset what is going to happen at the end. The journey there may take many twists and turns but knowing where the story is heading is pretty reassuring for me. And enjoyable. I suspect, like most novels from the author, I will re-read this book again. 

I feel like there will be a Sophie Kinsella super post in my future - I do really appreciate her work. My ultimate favourite book is Forget You (and on a slight aside I am absolutely gutted that the unabridged version is not available on audible) although Domestic Godess gets funnier with every read. But then there is Can You Keep a Secret. Throw in the original Bloomwood trilogy and you have some of my feelgood reads. My do-tos for when I feel blue. I Owe You is not as funny as some of the aforementioned novels, but it's not meant to be. The heroine is less secure in herself and her abilities and that can make for some uncomfortable reading.

All in this book is absolutely a 4.5/5, to be honest I think it is 5/5 and suffering from my high expectations and anticipation going in. Because I have enjoyed some of Kinsella's previous work more does not mean that this book is not excellent - it is. It's very excellent. 

I received an advance reading copy from the publisher through netgalley.

A lovely lighthearted read. I have read lots of Sophia Kinsella’s books and enjoyed them, though I’m not a fan of the Shopaholic series.

This book is written in Sophie’s classic style, with likeable lead characters to root for and a romance that seems to develop well, but as always in these kind of stories misunderstandings and obstacles get in the way of true love!.

I really liked Fixie, though I wished at times she stood up for herself more, she only seemed to develop a backbone towards the end of the story . And the nickname - Fixie is a bit naff isn’t it?

I thought the description of Sebastian’s eyes being “forest like” was rather lovely and I really liked the way the relationship developed, all from a favour after saving his laptop from being damaged in a cafe.

Thank you to the author, Random House and Netgalley for the ARC and giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.

I’ve never really been a fan of the ‘Shopaholic’ series of books but I was willing to give I Owe You One a try as I liked the sound of the blurb and was pleasantly surprised.

Meet the Farr family: Fixie who as the name suggests always try’s to fix things, Jake who sees himself as a bit of an international wheeler dealer and Nicole, who is a bit ditsy but has her heart in the right place.

This is a story of love and empowerment, an IOU and a girl who may have found the one. The story draws you in and is entertaining to its conclusion. Well written and definitely recommended. I would give this book 3.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House UK and the author for the chance to review.

The thing with Sophie Kinsella is you know exactly what you’re getting in a novel. It’s light, some humour, a relationship, possibly some family, a dash of heartbreak. And it’s all good fun and easy reading. This is no different.

And her books always require a suspension of disbelief. They’re not quite believable, but you forgive that because it’s frothy, but good frothy. A breather from real life.

So why only 3 stars? It’s not because it’s formulaic, or nothing new, because it’s still perfectly enjoyable - a good read. But it was a little bit too saccharine, with characters who were more caricatures. From the name of the character (“Fixie”, a nickname given because she fixes things) which made my teeth itch every time I read it, to some of the events, I did struggle and wonder if I am possibly now too old for her writing. It just seemed too twee.

Sophie Kinsella can do no wrong when it comes to writing feel good, modern romance novels.
I’ve loved her books since the shopaholic series and this new book did not disappoint. You quickly get drawn into all of the characters and the main one, Fixie is hugely likeable. The book will leave you with a big smile on your face and you’ll be disappointed you’ve finished it.

I used to love Sophie Kinsella books, but I thought the latest in the Shopaholic series was a book too far, and I didn't read any of her work for awhile. I'm so glad I read I Owe You One, which is a standalone title. I liked Fixie (hate the name though, was it really required to get across the fact she can't help fixing things?) and I loved Seb, her love interest. Their romance was lovely, if a tad unbelievable at times. I enjoyed the story about the family shop, Farrs. I didn't think much of Fixie's siblings, but they became a bit more likeable at the end. All in all, a good read.

Sophie Kinsella can do no wrong! As with all of her novels this was funny and heartwarming with a great cast of characters. The plot (as with, well all, of her books really) does stretch credulity as far as it can go but it works, and you end up rooting for Fixie and the rest of her family as the novel draws to its inevitable happy ending. A fantastic example of a great romantic, comedic novel- I highly recommend!

I've read every book Sophie Kinsella has released so would count myself a big fan. Although my tastes have certainly changed a lot since I started reading the Shopaholic series, Kinsella's books usually provide some light relief so I cannot help me pick them up.

I unfortunately didn't get this with 'I Owe You One'. The storyline should have been adorable but I found the characters too unlikeable to be able to enjoy the story. The main character Fixie was the only character who seemed like a good person - but she was almost too nice, letting her family walk all over her. A key part of the book was seeing her develop and become stronger but I was so frustrated by pretty much everything that this didn't save the book for me. Nothing much seemed to happen and I found I didn't much care what happened anyway.

Thank you very much to the publisher for offering an early copy of the book. I know I will continue to read and devour Kinsella's future releases!

Sophie Kinsella never fails to please. As good as ever. Fixie's character is so well written, the reader can't help but empathise with her .

I Owe You One is an enjoyable, fun read – which I always expect from Sophie Kinsella – and it combines fun characters with a sweet (albeit predictable) storyline.

I found main character Flixie a bit too naïve and timid at times so I don’t think I connected with her as much as I have with characters in Kinsella’s other (great) books, and I hated her siblings with a passion! I really warmed to Flixie as the novel continued, and as she developed and became more confident.

The storyline of I Owe You One, as mentioned, was very easy to guess and you can see what’s coming a mile off, but I do feel that this is often the case with this genre; it didn’t really hamper my enjoyment. There was also some funny parts that made me really smile, and it still left me with that warm, happy feeling that I always love from Sophie Kinsella’s books.

So, I'd say not her best (but that’s a high bar to be up against anyway), but definitely worth a read, especially for her fans!

A decent enough read but I didn’t love it. I found the characters a bit annoying and irritating but not enough to make me lose interest in the book. A nice, easy read.