I'm fairly new to this genre, reading mostly heavier fiction but I've been enjoying picking up these types of books to read between the others. Overall I rated the book a 4. It's a fairly quick read with a good overall story, and as a woman, relatable. There were a few good quotes I had even highlighted to come back to a being very poignant and something we should all remember. The main character, Jess, was not annoying until maybe the last third of the book. There's definitely some cringe worthy scenes in the book but can be somewhat relatable when you have trouble getting over a person post break up; sometimes you just want to yell at Jess to get over it. The other characters in the story are so friendly and kind that it makes me wish I found people like that (and would be that way more myself). Overall it had a good underlying moral to the story, something every woman (and man) should learn and isn't taught enough. I don't want to give anything away but did want to say how much I enjoyed the overarching message throughout the book and the reminder that sometimes our emotions overtake our brain/logic. And also, just because it looks like someone has their shit together, chances are they feel like they don't either and are just muddling through.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I enjoyed the writing, minus a few editing corrections needed, and look forward to more from Elizabeth Neep!

The Spare Bedroom by Elizabeth Neep is the story of one woman's attempt at making a new beginning, only to be thrown off course by a relationship from the past that was never fully or satisfactorily resolved. Sometimes the heart wants what it wants, regardless of distance or circumstance, and this is one such example.

Jess has decided to leave the UK to start anew in Sydney. Having been let down by a friend, and finding herself both jobless and homeless, Jess is feeling low when she runs into her old flame Sam on the other side of the planet. When Sam generously offers Jess the use of his spare room until she can sort herself out, she wonders if things are taking a turn for the better. Could the couple pick up where they left off and create a new life together in sunny Oz? This optimistic view is quickly shattered, however, when Jess realizes that 'Jamie' will also be a part of the house sharing scheme.

Told in alternating timelines between present day Sydney, and the UK in 2012, when Jess and Sam first began their relationship, we see the full evolution of a friendship, and the question of 'will they or won't they?' remains at the forefront of a well-crafted plotline. I would certainly be keen to read more from this author in future.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.

The spare bedroom is set over three parts
Jess moved to Sydney Australia 1 August 2020 for what she hoped to be a fresh start. Weather, etc not as she'd anticipated, not the dream start she hoped for and then.... 'Jess?' That familiar voice she did not expect to hear, Sam, her ex, the one she'd not managed to get over.

Originally Jess was going to travel with a friend to Australia, then ended up going alone, her friend arranged for her to stay in a friends spare room which was not quite as described...

Rewind 9 sept 2012 Nottingham England when they first met

It takes you on a journey from the present, to various stages in Jess' life from meeting Sam to events prior to leaving for Sydney. Things do not go the way she imagined, not knowing what to do but determined not to return to London, having not succeeded, as they predicted. A bit of a bumpy journey, but Jess discovers what she wants along the way.

Great read.

This book reminded me a bit of 'The Flat Share' by Beth O'Leary. So if you were a fan of that you should love this! I really liked the character of Jess and her chemistry with Sam. The book jumps from past to present to develop a full picture of their relationship. This is the first book I've read from Elizabeth Neep but will certainly be looking out for more books bu her. Good holiday read!

This is a funny and fell-good read, and Jess is such a relatable character! I couldn't put down the book and finished it in 3 days.

Jess, 27, comes to Sydney from London looking after a new start far away from everything, only to come across his ex, Sam, the one she couldn't forget. He is so happy to find her, he invites her to crash for a few days at his place... and his girlfriend's.

Told alternating the past and the present, we learn more about Sam and Jess' story. I loved how Jess grew up and faced her problems.

I'll definitely be reading more from this author!

** Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion **

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for for this awesome read.

I started reading this as soon as I got approached and I had a blast with this one. This book reminded me so much of the movie ' My Best Friend's Wedding' and I can honestly relate to the main protagonist of the story. She wanted Sam so desperately that she did some pretty lame things but at the end of the day I like how everything worked out both for Jess , Sam and Jamie. I don't want to give away the story but the ending was definitely bittersweet. I thought this was a light read which it is but it has its moments of seriousness too. I really felt bad for Jess but I am happy with the way her character developed and she had her own happy ending. Just not the one she thought she was going to have.

I recommend it to all rom com fans and the lovers of 'MBFW'. If you loved Julia Robert's and Dermot Mulroney starrer then you are gonna adore Sam and Jess.

Thank you and happy reading!