Lila Rose is a romantic comedy author and she knows what her readers expect from her - happy ending of course, so she always gives them what they want. She's planned so many weddings in her books that she knows well how her own should look like, without all the pitfalls and troubles her characters experience. However, what she hasn't counted on was hearing her husband - to - be Daniel and her friend Eva confessing their love on the day Lila and Daniel are supposed to get married.
Lila does a runner, flying off on honeymoon on her own. However, San Valentino is supposed to be about coupled and for couples only, so she can't even get a massage on her own. But can Lila find happiness, write her book and recuperate, when there is a man sharing her villa, and several others make an unwelcome appearance?

I immediately knew I have to read this book - Frankie Collins is, in fact, Portia McIntosh, and I love her stories, so there was no way that I was missing out on "Honeymoon for One". And it absolutely lived up to my expectations, the book is like all the other ones that I fell in love with, full of brilliant, quirky characters and fabulous humour. I simply loved it, I think there was not a thing that I can complain about - not that I want to! It made me smile, it made me laugh, it had me cringe with embarrassment, shortly - it kept me entertained and this is what I needed so much at the moment.

The setting was gorgeous, the descriptions of the island were so vivid, bringing all the places to life - it was actually so brilliantly and realistically described that I wanted to have a look at Google and see if it actually exists.. There were some mentions of delicious, Italian food that made me hungry - don't read it on an empty stomach! But as much as all the things were fabulous, those were the characters that made the book so, so adorably wonderful. I think I shouldn't start on Freddie because I won't stop swooning over him, the sort of hero you dream of, period. Ali was hilarious, I'm not sure how I was imagining a literary agent but for sure not like this, and I loved her fierce loyalty to Lila and simply, the way she was. Lila herself was my kind of girl, funny and sharp but also vulnerable. I couldn't believe Eva and Daniel's lack of shame, especially Eva's, but also the way Daniel talked with Lila made me want to bang his head on the wall - I felt very protective of Lila, oh yes. Actually, all the other characters, no matter how background ones they were, were absolutely brilliant, full of personalities, adding so much meaning and fun to the whole story.

The writing style is flowing. It is warm and chatty and full of sarcasm and brilliant one - liners, and the banter between the characters is what makes it so outstanding. And some of the twists in the plot made me go "whaaaaaaat", surprising and unexpected, which is only a huge bonus.

There is sun, heat, sea, delicious food, idyllic location, some incredibly hilarious things happening, the best banter between the well developed characters and hot romance mixed with poignant moments and while it might not be a book that is going to stay with for ever, I loved it and everything that happened between the covers. It was like a welcoming embrace, a great warm hug giving you comfort, a breath of fresh air, I think one of the author's best books. Now I only need a porn star martini. Highly recommended! (The book. Not necessary martini. Though why not?)

Please note: I received an advance digital copy of this book through NetGalley from Boldwood Books in exchange for a honest review. This does not influence my opinions in any way.

4.75 stars

Gosh, I had a huge grin on my face as I read this book! Lila and Freddie were simply adorable!
Lila is all set to marry Daniel, her boyfriend of five years. He's a safe bet, being financially stable and not prone to dramatics, despite what her best friend Ali thinks. But on the morning of her wedding day, Lila discovers he’s been cheating on her with her friend, Eva. Horrified and devastated, she leaves the venue, and since their honeymoon was already paid for, she decides to go on it alone to hide away and sulk in misery. Only she bumps into Freddie, a new movie star unbeknownst to her, who accidentally catches her in embarrassing situations much to his amusement. To make matters worst, Daniel arrives with Eva, his new partner, and move into the suite next door. So when Freddie suggests he and Lila pretend to be a couple to level the playing field and annoy them back, Lila takes him up on his offer. She has noting to lose and everything to gain. But as they play pretend, Lila finds how much of herself she was compromising to be with Daniel and finds herself developing very real feelings for Freddie. Does he really like her back? Or is he just a really good actor?
Lila and Freddie’s cute-meet(s) were hilarious! Though Lila was oblivious to his movie star status, thinking he’s just a barman (and later pool boy), it’s made quite obvious to us through Freddie’s subtle reactions. It left me grinning, gasping, and even burying my face in my hand right alongside with Lila.
Lila is a brave woman. Finding out your fiancé is cheating for almost a year on your wedding day is tough, and seeing them together constantly for days on end would be a nightmare. But she pulls through without growing bitter towards love or couples. I liked her friendship with Ali, a clever foil to her friendship (or lack of) with Eva. I especially loved all her interactions with Freddie. They make me smile so much. Despite coming from different social centres, countries, and financial backgrounds, they complimented each other so well. With Freddie, Lila realized she almost settled for less that she deserved, sacrificing things that made her happy for Daniel and getting almost nothing in return.
Freddie is an absolute sweetheart. Despise being a new star, he’s pretty down to earth. Wanting to escape his new found stardom, he goes away on a vacation only to end up alone and bored until he meets Lila. Her not recognizing him was undoubtedly a breath of fresh air. I love how charming and caring and fun he was, always making Lila smile. But most importantly how respectful, giving Lila the space she needed to grieve, but always having her back when she needed him. What a gentleman! I think I might’ve fallen in love with him right alongside Lila. I do wish we got to see his point of view, but I understood why we didn’t, that would’ve taken away the mystery of whether or not his feelings are genuine. Still, I feel the author did a brilliant job getting his feeling and thoughts across clearly.
Their banter was so much fun to read! Even when they were upset with each other. <spoiler> This passage literally made me laugh out loud:
<blockquote>
“What happened?” Arnold asks.
“I tried to kill her,” Freddie says.
In perfect synchronization, both Victoria’s and Arnold’s jaws drop.
“Usual couple stuff,” I say, deadpan, before quickly clearing things up, so they don’t call the Carabinieri. “He accidentally nearly fed me something I’m allergic to.”
The second these words leave my lips, I realize just how daft they sound.
“I can’t believe you think I still think about Daniel,” I say to Freddie.
“We’re literally taking part in a competition against him, just so we can win,” he reminds me.
“Which you have been more than happy to take part in,” I point out.
“And then today... ‘Oh, Daniel. Oh, Daniel. Daniel, you’re my hero.’”
“Is that suppose to be my voice?” I ask him. “You sound like Dick Van Dyke.”
“So do you.”
</blockquote> </spoiler>
I also want to mention Ali, Lila’s best friend. She’s a wild party girl who hides her age. After the whole incident with Eva, I’m glad the author included Ali, having her end up joining Lila on her honeymoon. At first, I’ll admit I wasn't too happy since that would cut into Lila time with Freddie, but having Ali join them only brought Lila and Freddie closer. And most importantly, it showed how a true friend should act compared to Eva, since I hate reading girl-on-girl hate. I also liked the little character arc Ali got with her views on marriage and herself changing after meeting Marty, without changing who she is at her core.
I hated Daniel, Lila’s ex, which means he was a good antagonist. I liked how he was a regular, every day guy and not made out to be some evil asshole. I’m glad Lila realized how unhappy he made her, how she deserved better than settling for him.
And lastly, I just have to mention Kevin and Jen, the random couple Freddie and Lila meet in their group therapy session. They made me literally laugh out loud with their dynamic (with him obsessed with Lord of the Rings and her plain annoyed) and it was wonderful to get an deeper insight into their problems and to learn all worked out for them too. I loved how the author ties this back to Lila and Freddie, reminding Lila that all relationships are work. The two people involved have to be willing to put in the effort.
It’s funny, with this being a romance novel, but I feel I should also mention the world-building here. San Valentino, the resort island off the coast of Naples, felt like such a real honeymoon destination, I actually looked it up multiple times and found nothing. (Someone please correct me if I’m wrong!) Also, I love the Italian cuisine, words, and phrases dropped about throughout the novel. It really filled me with nostalgia and wanderlust.
I did have a couple small, tiny problems, which stopped me from rating this 5 stars. I found some sentences awkwardly worded and had to reread them to fully understand what the author was getting at. But I think that could be because of my Canadian English and with this being written in British English. I also felt, with all the blatant hints to sexual acts (with the sex toy gift, loud moaning though paper thin walls, the erotic film) I felt pretty surprised and admittedly a little disappointed their intimate scene was fade to black. Oh wells. At least their kisses was pretty hot.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book! I would definitely recommend it if you’re in a mood for a romcom and a light, summer read. I will definitely be checking out more works by this author. Thank you so much to Frankie Collin, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for this opportunity.

Oh my goodness! I have been so excited to read this beauty of a book! I definitely have not been disappointed.
The story captures the reader from the very beginning. You just have to know what is going to happen after Lila finds out about the affair that has been going on while she has been planning the perfect wedding.
The characters in this book are extremely likeable and I have had many laugh out loud moments from the book. It is written in such a way, you feel as though you are there watching each event unfold.
I was rooting for Lila from the very start of this book. I absolutely adored the descriptions of her best friend Ali- she seemed an hilarious yet protective companion which was needed. Freddie is the perfect man throughout the story, he is definitely wonderful.
This is an easy rating to give, this is a five star book. It is fun and romantic with moments to make you both laugh and cry. Five stars doesn’t show how fantastic this book is- I truly wish I could give it more.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

My thanks to Boldwood Books for the blog tour invite and my gifted ebook review copy of the fabulous ‘Honeymoon for one’ by Frankie Collins which is out now in paperback and kindle editions.

Where to begin? This is a hilarious summer romp that washes over you like a luscious Mediterranean wave that envelops you in it’s embrace-big hearted, hilarious and poignant I loved it!
Romantic novellist Lila is so used to writing happy endings for her fictional characters that she has totally forgotten her own. Planning her dream wedding to Daniel has created a sort of writer’s block which worsens when she finds her fiancee cheating on her on her wedding day.

Broken hearted and humiliated, she leaves best friend Ali to break the news and runs away on her honeymoon to San Valentino-literally Love Island-to lick her wounda and recuperate.

However, when everything from her arrival onwards is predicated on her being part of a couple, and being surrounded by loved up people is rubbing salt in an extremely deep wound, can Lila break her deadlock, write her book and find herself some happiness in the meantime? And who exactly is the man sharing a villa with her when she just wants to be alone?

When several others make an unwelcome appearance into a much needed break, Lila finds herself reassessing what her love life balance is and throws herself thoroughly into reclaiming herself.

It’s incredibly clever, hilarious and so well plotted, it was a breath of fresh air after reading many many serial killer/crime thriller novels lately that I feel like I have emerged from a basement, brushed off the cobwebs, and gone for a porn star martini on a lounger with Lila and Ali. Very much recommended to anyone looking for a holiday read!

The cover and title for this one had me intrigued even before I read the synopsis and it lived up to my expectations, proving to be a great, fun read about realising dreams and reality don't always match and that love really has to find a way!

Lila Rose is a romantic comedy author who has written about so many weddings she's determined her own will be just perfect, avoiding all the pitfalls, angst and turmoil so often experienced by the characters in her stories. However, she hadn't counted on hearing her husband-to-be, Daniel, telling Eva, someone she'd thought of as a friend, that he loves her shortly before they're supposed to be marrying. Lila does a runner, deciding to fly off to their Italian honeymoon dream destination of San Valentino on her own. However, the holiday island has everything for couples to enjoy and really doesn't cater for solo travellers . . . . When the she mistakes Freddie, a fellow solo holidaymaker, for a barman and then he sees more of her than she'd bargained for, could they act as a couple to join in with the events? When Daniel and Eva turn up at the resort, too, Freddie endeavours to protect Lila by pretending they are a couple but then Eva recognises that Freddie is a movie star and life gets even more intriguing, this is definitely a honeymoon they'll not be forgetting!

It is a great read with fabulous food, an idyllic location, well developed characters and plenty of humour. Freddie is such a great character, the sort of hero you dream of . . . . Ali is a brilliant best friend . . . . and I can't believe Lila ever found Daniel attractive enough to go out with, let alone live with or plan to marry! There's competitions, confrontations, sun, sea and romance in this brilliant story that had me giggling my way through it from start to finish!

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and thoroughly enjoying doing so!

This wasn’t for me at all, but then I realised it said for fans of love island so I should have known wouldn’t be. Unrealistic and not relatable, not my cup of tea at all.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

This story has me smiling from the beginning. Lila is funny, self-critical and a planner, she likes to be in control, believing that things will only go to plan if she organises it. I can relate to her, and that makes her realistic. The overheard conversation, is not in the plan for an ideal wedding, neither is going on a honeymoon alone, but if you're running, might as well make it somewhere hot and luxurious?

The honeymoon setting is vividly described and lovely, but it's the characters that make this romantic comedy an enchanting, hilarious, and sometimes poignant read. Lila is brave but vulnerable, I love her first meeting with Freddie, full of dramatic irony and so visual you can see the scenes playing in your mind as you read.

There are so many comic moments in this story, and also some, where you want to protect Lila, especially from Daniel. The conflicts are real, but the chance for real romance is always there.

I love the ending, very 'Hollywood', and the perfect completion for this charmingly humorous, romantic story.

I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I was looking forward to reading this book as I have never read any books from this author. From the minute I started reading this I could not put it down. I laughed so much it is hilariously good. A bunch of brilliant characters and gorgeous location. It really is the perfect summer read. This is one hot read!

About Books: Honeymoon for One
I'm a firm believer that clichés can be amazing - as long as they're used right. Undoubtedly, Lila Rose, as a romcom-author, would agree with me. But what is the author to do, when her life becomes the book? I mean, why else would you go on a Honeymoon for One, right?
I was offered an ARC by Netgalley in exchange for a review. All opinions are strictly my own.

The story

When disaster strikes, paradise calls...
As a published novelist, Lila Rose has been writing about fictional weddings all her life. But disaster strikes on her own big day when she hears her philandering fiancé, Daniel whispering sweet nothings to someone else.
With her dream day shattered, all Lila wants to do is run and hide, so she decides to fly solo on her own honeymoon.

When Daniel arrives in the resort with his new squeeze, Lila strikes up a ‘showmance’ with hot new movie star, Freddie Bianchi. Freddie is perfect for the part and Lila soon relaxes into her leading lady role.

But as truth starts to merge with fiction, could real love be in the air?

The opinion
Now, as I said before: this is a book that is not afraid of a healthy dosis of clichés. Here's the thing though: Honeymoon for One sees those clichés executed right. There's little twists thrown in, there's great attention to detail... And best of all: there's a level of self-awareness that I really enjoyed.

As I mentioned before: the main character is an author of romcom fiction. That means that she, herself, is very much aware of the cliché-ness of what's going on. I mean, she even starts the book writing about her and her fiance, to then realise she has to start a new book... Which will, of course, turn out to be some sort of self-fulfilling prophecy.

One final note: I've gabbed about how I don't typically like books narrated in the first person - quite - often on this blog. However, this book does that, and manages to do it right. In other words: there's a certain lack of self-importance in the way Lila describes everything going on which I really appreciated. Even if it did get at times annoying just how convinced she was Freddie would never fall for someone like her. Give the man some credit!

The rating: 3.75
Honestly, I surprised myself with how much I liked this book. The writing really just got me hooked from page one. Combined with the attention to detail as well as the slightly humoristic effect the self-awareness offered? This was a perfect summer-holiday-read!

-Saar

I really enjoyed reading Honeymoon For One By Frankie Collins. It's a story of love, hope and humor after a heartbreaking discovery about her fiance on the day of their wedding.
I definitely don't think some of the things that happened on the honeymoon were realistic and handled to well. I won't post spoilers but if you read this book you will know exactly what I mean lol. If you love rom coms you will definitely like this!

So I’m not normally someone into a romance book but loved this one. A well written, humorous book that ever will love.
Lila has planned her wedding to the finest detail. What she didn’t expect was that she’d find out an hour before the wedding that her husband to be was cheating with one of the guests.
Lila flees the venue and goes to the place she would have been spending her honeymoon. After all it’s paid for and no one will look for her there.
Once on the island of her dreams she meets another single traveller. Then the gilted groom turns up.
A fantastic read at times with tears of laughter (the wedding gift from Ali) read the book and you’ll discover what it was.

Honeymoon For One by Frankie Collins is a fabulous super sweet rom com.

Lila Rose is a romance writer, literally just hours away from her perfect wedding when she overhears her fiance Daniel talking to their friend Eva about should he go on with the wedding or not.
Devastated by him betrayal she needs to go somewhere to get away from everything so she chooses her honeymoon destination since it's already paid for.
As soon as she gets there she meets Freddie charming young man who also happens to be in a resort alone.
They become conspirators of sorts in order to enjoy all the lovely things the beautiful romantic island has to offer.
Not only can things go from bad to worse they can go to hell, especially when Daniel and Eva show up on the island.

This was such a absorbing, easy to read book that I just couldn't put it down. It still brings a smile to my face whenever I think about it.
Even though the main idea is not novel, the lovely and charming characters are what makes this book so special. Both main and supporting characters are so nice and genuinely decent human beings that try to help each other and be there for their friends.
Freddie has definitely become one of my most favorite male protagonists.
There is a beautiful love story between man and a woman, but also talks about love and support between friends and how they can make our lives more special.

Perfect read!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was everything it promised to be. It started off with Lila cancelling her wedding and going off on her honeymoon. (That’s not a spoiler as it’s the title!). The story was funny, light hearted and set in the most beautiful environment of Italy. I couldn’t put it down. Perfect beach read

This book was excellent! Totally kept my attention and I wanted to find out what would become of the main characters. Highly reccomended.

Storyline-⭐⭐⭐
Characters-⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dialogue-⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romance-⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cheating-yes
Cliffhanger-N/A
Do I recommend this one?--absolutely. If you are a fan of sophie kinsella or lindsay kelk or christina lauren you should definately try this one!

Firstly I have to convey a huge thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for granting me this book. And also the lovely author for penning it down.

This is such a charming book. But it starts off very rocky. In the begining we see that our protagonist Lila breaks off her wedding after finding out that her seemingly perfect for her fiance is cheating behind her back. She was as expected utterly devastated with the turn of the events. One moment the girl thought that she had it all. Never had she ever thought that Daniel would cheat on her with someone else and that so on their own big day. She never imagine that the girl who has been waiting and writing about frictional wedding all her life would be slapped with this kind of humiliation and heartbreak! Lila kicked Daniel out of her life! Well good for her. You go girl! And to hide from all the further humiliation,heartbroken Lila decides to go to her honeymoon all alone. But the odds weren't on her side because Daniel strides into the same hotel and the girl had to face him further after all she had gone through. Finally angry and to save herself from further humiliation she decides to fake a romantic relationship with new hot movie hero,Freddie,who reluctantly agrees to help lila and they strike a deal. But eventually hearts get in their platonic deal and the rest is just history with a pinch of matter of hearts. I loved this story very much and would definately recommend it to all the fans of christina lauren and sophie kinsella and lindsay kelk. This delightful romance will fill your hearts with joy though we all know whats gonna happen next cause the storyline is quiet common but the excution is simply unique. The characters were a complete joy so were the supporting characters and writing is wonderful. Hope you enjoy reading this!

I have become wary of books promoting themselves as 'fun' this summer, which have then fallen flat - however, I'm pleased to say that this book does deliver exactly what it promises on the 'blurb'.

This book is well written, with comedy, tragedy and romance thrown into the mix. I love the fact that the main character Lila Rose is a romantic novelist (when the book is being written by a romantic novelist) who appears to have as much luck in life as Bridget Jones who meets Freddie (who appears to be modelled on the actor playing the main male character from Fifty Shades of Grey) after leaving her cheating fiancé at the altar.

It is difficult to say much more without giving away all the twists and turns in the story. This is a good fun summer read, perfect for reading on a sun lounger whilst drinking a pornstar martini.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for my digital ebook copy - my thoughts about the book are totally my own.

Ein echtes feel-good-Buch: ich habe mich sehr gut amüsiert, habe mitgefiebert und bin tief in die Geschichte eingetaucht. Sommer romance at its best.

This ARC was courtesy of netgalley - the thoughts and opinions are mine and unbiased

The perfect summer read

Light, funny

So well written - laugh out loud funny - loved the story, the characters and the setting

I've not read any of Frankie Collins work before, but will certainly be looking out for more

This is one I will keep for holiday and reread - loved it

This is the ultimate take a bad thing and make it good book. It has everything you need for a good time in the pages. Definitely a great summer read.

Riotously funny. I was giggling, smiling and laughing along at so many of the fabulous lines. Great story, wonderful characters and an idyllic setting. A Summer of fun and Pornstar Martinis.