Member Reviews
I think this book is mediocre reading for me. I’m again Switzerland not for satisfying my financial sources and amazing chocolates I’m in the middle: I didn’t hate it but I didn’t enjoy it, too. Maybe I was so ready to read an entertaining rom-com instead of a self-discovery book. So this is about Gemma’s life choices centered by the guys she’s dating with. When she dated Jack for 4 years, she had a simple but happy life, still making youtube videos about make-up products, hair styles which help her to earn a small group of followers. But her douchebag awards winner boyfriend decides to take a vacation with his bestie Olivia. Gemma is still too naïve to save her relationship even it will turn into a long distance one. But as soon as douchebag leaves, he makes his dirty move and dumbs her via email. He also cheats on with Olivia. Gemma makes a breakup video about her heartbreak and BAMMM! She turns into a popular V-logger. She gets her more than 15 minutes fame and now she starts endorsing some selected brands’ products, turns into a famous Youtuber and dating with another famous V-logger Charlie! Now she hangs out fancy, trendy cocktail bars and starts to get used her new style life. Then Jack comes back to apologize tails between his legs. But will Gemma accept his apology or will she resume her virtual and artificial life style with Charlie? Or finally will she find out what she truly desires to do with her life? The book’s pacing is a little slow and some parts seemed like repeating itself and made me bored to death. Ending was good but I think I was expecting more rom-com than a women fiction book. This weekend I had rom-com binge reading but unfortunately this was the weakest book I read. Maybe those are so much emotional and gave me the magical romance I’ve dreamt of so I was a little harsh to compare this book with them. But unfortunately this is not my cup of black coffee or Chardonnay! Special thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for sharing this ARC COPY with me in exchange my honest review. |
<I>*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review *</i> This book is a rom- com set in London, wherein Gemma's boyfriend Jack leaves her to go travelling because he doesn’t want to settle down. Gemma makes a video about her breakup which goes viral and she turns into a blogger/influencer. While this was an entertaining enough read, it was veeeery slow, and seemed to be mostly about Gemma just going about her daily life. Also, there are lot of specific references that make sense if you’re familiar with the UK and London but may be a little confusing otherwise.. |
This book was funny, relatable and just totally fabulous. I didn’t want to put it down once I started and wanted to know more and more about the characters and their situations. Gem was my favourite character and I’d love to read another book with her in. Perfect for romance lovers. Great feel - good Sunday afternoon book |
Woah, sadly that was a dnf at 56%. It was like reading about the daily life and struggle of a YouTube star on the rise. And i thought surely now something exciting will happen... or now... or now... or now... but no. |
Three and a half stars. Gemma thinks getting a job at Clickfrenzy as a junior writer is the start of all her dreams coming true. Finally she'll be able to leave home and get a place in London with her long-term boyfriend Jack. BUt when she breaks the good news to Jack he tells her that he's resigned his job and is going to travel the world with his friend Olivia. Suddenly all Gemma's hopes and dreams are left for dust in Jack's wake, made even worse when he dumps her via email and announces that he and Olivia are an item. Gemma tries to make the best of things, vlogging about hair and make-up to her small group of followers, coming up with imaginative posts about cats for work, and feeling desperately alone in a house-share in Hackney, until her tearful rant about being dumped by Jack goes viral and opens up a new world as a minor celebrity vlogger. Soon she's dating another vlogger, visiting the latest cocktail bars and endorsing products from carefully selected partner brands. But is the social media butterfly lifestyle any more fulfilling than meeting her mates down the pub? And when Jack comes home with his tail between his legs will Gemma choose her old life over the new? This is a bit of a bildungsroman, Gemma starts out as a naive young woman, her hopes and dreams are all built around her life with Jack and her unrealistic expectations that once she got a job she would be living like a character from Love Actually or Bridget Jones. Then she gets swept into the artificial world of vlogging, whilst doing her day-job, but the quest for posts at the expense of integrity feels false. Is Jack's return a wake-up call? Will Gemma choose celebrity romance with fellow vlogger Charlie or normality with Jack? Or is there a third way? I enjoyed this novel, I liked the side plots and stories, in fact although there is romance it is definitely subservient to Gemma's voyage of self-discovery, the romance is almost an afterthought. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. |
Trudie M, Reviewer
I did enjoy this book, even though I thought I wouldn't! Once the story got underway and I realised that it was ultimately centred about social media and vlogging, I was unsure whether it would be for me. I'm really glad I read it though. As a middle aged woman, I was worried that I would get confused or bombarded with social media terminology but, in fact, I throughly enjoyed it and actually learnt things. I loved the characters and found the whole read very easy and engaging. The book had quite a mixture, at it was funny, romantic and it also gave an insight and awareness of domestic abuse. Very powerful message. I would recommend this book to all ages as its a young story but easy reading for us oldies! Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley. |
Description Gemma didn’t expect her life to look like this. She’s still living with her mother, who steals her leggings and tells her off for leaving crumbs in the butter. After twenty failed interviews she thought she’d bagged her dream job as a journalist – except it turns out to be writing articles about cats that look like George Clooney. Luckily she has her wonderful boyfriend, Jack, to help her forget just how rubbish things are. Then Jack dumps her out of the blue. With nothing but her childhood teddy bear, Stanley, and a whole heap of heartbreak, Gemma resolves to turn things around. She throws herself into her new job and soon she’s hanging out with cheeky, golden-haired hunk Charlie, eating in swanky restaurants and sipping trendy cocktails – and her old life seems like a distant memory. But it’s not long until her shiny new world starts to lose its sparkle – and Gemma misses the days of wearing battered pink converse and eating peanut butter on toast in bed. Then Jack turns up, backpack in tow, and things starts to go wrong with Charlie. ‘Out with the old, in with the new’, the saying goes. But what happens if neither one is quite right? It was good. Not great. I just found it too much of "humor" that tried to hard. Not many LOL moments. |
An ., Reviewer
In this book we follow the life of Gemma, a young graduate from university who is trying to find her place in work and life. Gemma is a youtuber who has a few followers but that changes after she post a video, showing how her boyfriend of four years suddenly broke up with her and broke her heart. Her video goes viral and her life is fast changing after that. The book gives a good insight to the youtubers world. I thought the story was a bit slow at some points. Gemma's character is trying to be strong but her actions don't reflect that. She often does things that she doesn't want to because others pressure her. Her romantic life is a big part of the book but not the main focus of it. It was a good book to spend an afternoon on. * I received an arc from the publisher through Netgalley. |
Out with the Ex, In with the New is the first book I’ve read from Sophie Ranald and I am already a fan! I was really in the mood for a lighter read (and it totally delivered), but I also loved how much depth was packing into this novel! I know I’ve said it a million times, but I adore novel that make me literally laugh out loud and I lost count of how many times I lol’ed! If your looking for a book to make you forget all of the drama of the holiday season than Out with the Ex, In with the New is the book for you! This is the first time I’ve read Sophie Ranald, but I will absolutely be reading more from her in the future! |
This novel was okay. I would read it again. This novel discusses the life of Gemma. She was first introduced with having a boyfriend named Jack. They have been together for 4 years. They seem to have a good relationship when Jack tells Gemma that he is going on holiday with Olivia his bestfriend. They discussed doing a long distance when Jack and Olivia the bestfriend get together. He breaks up with Gemma which causes her to go onto her YouTube channel and rant about breaking up. This caused her to go viral. She starts getting more immersed into the world of YouTube She finds herself promoting products, dating a popular YouTube. This is where i lost interest in the book because it kept talking about YouTube and the romance around her and her YouTube boyfriend just didnt feel romantic enough. This book was okay. |
I knew I needed this book when Bookouture shared it would be published on Twitter. So I requested it on NetGalley ASAP, and I’m so lucky I was approved. Gemma seems to have a good life starting for her when the book begins. She’s found a new job, and she’s in love with her boyfriend Jack. She is still living with her mom, but she’s planning a move to London so her commute is shorter. However, Gemma is thrown for a loop when Jack reveals he’s not ready to live together and settle down. He wants to travel the world with his friend Olivia, but he will totally come back to Gemma in a year. No big deal. So Gemma starts her new job and finds a place to live in London. She also is a YouTube content creator, focusing on makeup and shopping hauls. Gemma does it as a fun hobby. Then, Jack breaks her heart and she posts a vlog about her feelings which goes viral. She’s catapulted into a new level of YouTube fame where she gets an agent and product partnerships. Not to mention, she starts dating famous YouTube star, Charlie Berry. So her life seems perfect. Honestly, it’s an adorable romantic comedy book I did not want to stop reading. There were times I was a little annoyed with Gemma, but she is very relatable. She is doing her best to juggle her job, YouTube, and her boyfriend. I didn’t really love the relationship with Charlie, but I think it’s because he was so unlikeable. They met and slept together and suddenly he’s posting a video in his channel about how they are dating and so happy. I know this is how the media world works... being fake and all, but I was very turned off. I know YouTube is meant to be perfect and catered to a certain type of way. But this was too much, and it made me wonder if anyone I ever watch online is genuine in any way. I know that’s not about the book, but this made me really question what we view online and its validity. Hence, I do appreciate the book for making me think. This book also ends up talking about domestic violence, but it’s not til the end of the book moreso. I do want to provide a warning for domestic violence because there’s a scene in the book and it’s mentioned in other contexts. I’m glad it’s brought to attention and how it needs to be confronted, but I wish the author would have had links to resources at the end of the book. As someone who left an abusive relationship, I’m glad it’s being talked about more because it’s a scary thing... women die a lot because of abusive partners. Just please include resources for readers. Overall, I would suggest this book to anyone who enjoys romance with a funny side. Or anyone who wants some lighthearted fun, too. I’m planning to read the other books from the author since they were blurbed so well in the back of the book. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. |
I really loved this book, though as a fan of Sophie Ranald - I knew I would! If you have read the books 'Filter This' by Sophie White and 'Living my Best Life' by Claire Frost and enjoyed them, you should definitely pick up this book as it has a similar vibe to them and set in the world of social media and influencers. |
I just want to stop and give Gemma a hug as this poor girl can't catch a break! Recently landed a media journalism job while enjoying her new found fame on YouTube and now can finally move forward with her plans with her boyfriend Jack and subsequently leave her mom's house behind. Well not so quick because it seems there's two men on the scene vowing for the coveted title of Gemma's heart but who will she choose or does she even want to make a selection? Sadly things are going in a downward spiral quickly as Jack emails to inform they are no more. Trying to figure it all out is the hardest part as her new found fame is also slowly being altered and she wonders how far and how long she wants to become involved in this crazy mad world. It's a pure joy to have read this new work by Sophie Ranald as many of us can relate to the ups and down we frequently endure in this whacked out life. While she had her problems this book didn't just look for a quick fix but rather showed the dilemma with insight, appreciation, and humor. |
A funny, lighthearted, fabulous, feel good book. I really enjoyed this one and laughed out loud in many places. Love this author’s writing style and the characters in this book were just great. |
Reviewer 533184
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for sharing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. After going through many interviews, Gemma has finally landed a job in London. She can finally move out of her mum's house and possibly in with long-time boyfriend, Jack. Her boyfriend is happy for her but he has news of his own: he's going travelling with his best friend, Olivia, and it's going to happen very soon. Meanwhile, Gemma carries on doing her vlogs on YouTube and has a nice little following going on. She takes comfort in the fact that hasn't changed. She starts her new job in new media journalism and finds herself doing the trials of cat stories daily. She rents a room in a nice house and things seem to be looking up when Jack emails her to dump her. She lets it all out on her vlog and suddenly goes from a small following to much larger when the video goes viral. Life starts to change with her new-found fame and being a well-known vlogger has its ups and downs. It didn't quite get me at the beginning but this story did grow on me as I read and I enjoyed reading it. I guess part of me isn't that up on the media describe her although I know it exists...so it's a bit hard to relate in some ways. Still it's an interesting take on life in the limelight and on figuring out what she really wants from her vlog. Overall I'd give this abotu 3.5 stars. Review will be posted publicly a week ahead of publication. |
If you are looking for something to devour over a few days check this one out!! It was a cute little story that I read over a few days. I will be checking out more of her titles in the future. It was full of humor and lightness and I could not stop reading. Laugh out-loud goodness! |
Olivia L, Reviewer
Although the premise for this story is typical for the usual chick-lit book, 'Out With the Ex, In With the New' is anything but typical. In the span of five months, Gemma gets a new job, a new home in London, a new career path, and most of all, a new sense of self. After Jack and Olivia's betrayal, Gemma finds herself alone and depressed, trying to get her professional and personal life back on track. However, as her vlogging career becomes more successful, along with her new relationship with Charlie, Gemma soon discovers some home truths about the pitfalls of stardom, young love, and denying your true identity. Yay, Stanley! Wrapped up in an at-times quirky, lighthearted prose, 'Out With the Ex, In With the New' is a smart and poignant coming of age story not to be overlooked. Highly recommended. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Sophie Ranald for an ARC of 'Out With the Ex, In With the New' in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. |
Loved it!! All about finding your voice in a big world and the good that can come of it. Such a fun, interesting read! Definitely one to add to your must read list. |
Karen K, Educator
Gemma is trying to rebuild her life after breaking up with her boyfriend Jack, taking on a new job as a successful Vlogger and all that comes with that unexpected fame. Gemma is a sweet character who’s head is turned by her new lifestyle, will she be able to find her way back to herself? A lighthearted and comedic read, while it won’t tax your brain much it’s an easy way to spend a few hours! |








