I always know when I pick up a book by Sue Roberts, I am going to be transported to some amazing foreign destination filled with wonderful descriptions of the places, amazing scenery and always filled with mouthwatering food and colourful characters, This book was no exception.

Samantha is co-host on a morning television programme and is well know in the UK, after a scandal threatens to end her career she retreats to the beautiful island of Rhodes to stay with her Sister Fi, her Husband Nick and their adorable twin girls on a farm they own. The Island is filled with wonderful in habitants like Sofia, Vasillis and of course the tall dark and handsome cheese maker Sypros. The writing draws you in and transports you to sunny Greece, especially on a cold day in the UK when you look outside the window and you see hailstone, in May!

This is a lovely book about friendship, family values and spending the time you have with people you care about.
I love the cover it is so bright and vibrant and I definitely think the name change of the book is more reflective on the content.

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book, this review was my choice and entirely my own opinion.

A cute and light read, this book is great for taking your mind off of things. While I enjoyed Sam's adventures and food porn, I was very put-off by a lot of very problematic relationships in this book -- especially Aaron!!!

Starting with the beginning, in the setup, Sam hooks up with a man who she didn't know was married. As a result, she gets completely dragged through the mud. And while I get that this is just a product of the misogynistic society we live in, I feel like this would have been a great opportunity to talk about the slut-shaming and blaming of the female victims, instead it was portrayed as Sam needing to hide from her mistake.

AND getting into the whole business with Aaron. From the very first time he was introduced in the prologue, I was like this guy sounds like a flaming pile of trash. Believe it or not, he gets even worse from there!!! What I don't understand is how Sam is like, yeah this dude is horrible, he treats me with no respect, and is manipulative and entitled, yet somehow every time he asks her out or something, she's always like ~swoon~ ok. And while I understand how addictive toxic relationships can be, I don't think the author really established why Sam was always drawn back to him other than just explicitly stating it. Therefore, I just could not understand why she went to him WHEN SHE HAD AN AMAZING CHEESE FARMER GOD ALTERNATIVE, but what can i say? 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Also the relationship brought up in the epilogue seemed very disturbing to me and really seemed to erase some of the progress that some of the side characters made through the book.. Also minor detail-but why is the MC's name Sam Southern???? Idk why this just sounds so fake to me and every time it's mentioned I crack up LOLOLOLLL

Sam is presenter on a British morning show that is going into its summer break. After the end of season party she unknowingly makes the mistake of spending the night with a married man that she met at a club and it blows up in the news and social media. As a result she ends up moving up her visit to spend time with her sister Fi and her family in Greece.

I love how the story includes the importance of family and taking the time for a real break. Relax and enjoy Going Greek.

I received a copy of this book to review from Bookouture through NetGalley.

Going Greek (aka The Great Greek Escape)
By Sue Roberts
⭐⭐⭐⭐4 stars

This book caught my attention because of the "The Great Greek Escape" name and its gorgeous cover and also because I absolutely love Greece and it's my dream destination. I didn't really like the name change and I think "The Great Greek Escape" suits it better, since Sam is escaping to Greece from London after a social media scandal.

It's a cute book and it's kinda like a Hallmark novel. The location description was amazing. I could feel like I was there with them. All the details about Rhode and the Greek countryside got me hooked. This book had everything to be the perfect summer read but then it takes way too long for Sam to realize what's going on around her. And I kept wanting to see the romance but when it finally happened it was the last chapter and it was super rushed and that made me frustrated because I wanted to know more about that! Like, this is what I've been wanting to read the whole time and it's in only a small chapter. Also, all the subplots were rushed as well and felt a little off. Overall I really enjoyed reading about Greece and I think if a few more chapters were added to talk about Sam and Spyrus this would be the best beach read of 2021.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions on this book are my own.

I rated this book 2.5 of 5 stars, which I rounded up to 3.

The Great Greek Escape was a light read that took us into the heart of Greece. We follow Sam, who flees to Greece and the comfort of her family for the summer after her life is upended. While in Greece, Sam just wants to enjoy her downtime and not have to worry about any drama back home. That does not happen.

I enjoyed being immersed in the Greek culture and experiencing Greece through Sam's eyes. I loved her interactions with her family and her twin nieces were darlings. We were treated to how peaceful and welcoming the community was, as opposed to the hustle and bustle of London. Spyros was a dreamboat and was a welcome distraction after the disaster of what happened in London.

But did Sam appreciate that? No, she didn't!

Sam embodies all the attributes of the female MC that frustrates me to no end. I wanted to shake her, I wanted to sit her down and see if she was okay. Sam is the type of person that knows that if she eats an apple she will get sick, but will still go ahead and eat the apple. And while eating the apple she will lament about how sick she is going to be. Sam and I did not get along well.

Now, as it relates to the romance, Sam is a fickle gal and that was communicated through her interactions with her two love interests. Ultimately, she did make the right decision but of course, we were taken on a winding journey to get there.

I believe the romance took a backseat to Sam rediscovering who she is. The story really centred on Sam taking a well-deserved break. It was about her re-evaluating what she wanted out of life. The Great Greek Escape tells the story of what can happen when people just take a step back to breathe.

The Great Greek Escape is for anyone who is longing for a Greek adventure, especially during this pandemic. It is for the lovers of light, fun summer getaways. This is for anyone who loves a good summer escape

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the Digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️/5 stars

This one was hard for me to get through. I was excited going into this book! The cover is gorgeous! It’s set in Greece and the promise of a RomCom in the description. Unfortunately I found the plot unrealistic, slow and hard to get through.
I almost DNFed this book around 60%. But I pushed myself through it. There was no romance or comedy that I found. The big scandal at the beginning felt overblown. The only reason I’m giving it 2 stars instead of 1 is because with did enjoy the descriptions of Greece and Greek Culture. I really wanted to like this one but I’m disappointed.

✍️ One Sentence Synopsis: Escape a toxic situation, grab a dreamboat.

💭 Overall Thoughts: As a summer escape romance read, this is perfect. It’s a cute story where things go awry and the protagonist, Samantha, finds out what will truly make her happy. The book we could all use to get our minds off the world right now for sure. It’s funny and witty, there’s beautiful imagery from the Greek countryside, and an adorable potential book boyfriend for you all in Spyros.

However, it read a little too Hallmark vacation romance for me. Everything was just a little too easy— especially in the subplots happening “back home.” I also wanted to yell at Samantha for being completely oblivious at times.

What I Liked:
👍 It’s a cute, light, fun, escape read— just what I needed after my last two reads.
👍 Spyros is adorably dreamy.
👍 The setting and imagery of the Greek countryside was like a daydream.

What I Didn’t Like:
👎 Samantha, girl, get a grip and stop being oblivious to what’s going on right in front of you.
👎 The subplots— some seemed unnecessary— they also all just happened too easy or were too flat.
👎 Overall just a bit too unrealistic, especially with the timeline.

💞Read this if you liked: Under the Tuscan Sun

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ability to read with request for an honest review.

This book, which I devoured in 24h, has me yearning for Greek salads.... not to mention Greek men!

Lovely summer read, highly recommended.

Loved the cover, was hoping to be in for a treat but really. Minor tv presenter has picture in paper kissing a married man and we are meant to believe anyone would be that bothered. Said tv presenter would then invite any old journalists into her house to tell her side of the story and it didn't go well. No really. Sorry not for me.

Samantha is a morning talk show host in Britain. Think Kelly Ripa. Lol After being caught in a photo that while looks bad is truly just an unfortunate mistake, she's no longer Britain's darling and is suddenly known by far more colorful names. To give things time to die down, she visits her sister in Greece. Sam intends to just go for the summer, but as the slower pace and nicer people make her feel much more relaxed than she has in years she truly wonders why she's in Britain at all.

I really wanted.to love this one as the synopsis claims that among others this book would be reminiscent of Sophie Kinsella. That couldn't be farther from the truth. This book was neither a romantic comedy nor hilarious. That's not to say its a bad book per say, but there's not even really one comedic incident let alone a book worth. The only interesting characters were her sister Fi and Nick and the twins! There wasnt even much romance. More of her being stuck between two men and one was so absolutely horrible I'm unsure why she gave him any consideration at all beyond their first meal together.The story was predictable and while that's ok in some romances, the lack of romance made it kind of meh. The secondary character stories were kind of thrown in as well but were kind of unnecessary. The descriptions of Greece were beautiful however. Maybe skip this if you're looking for a romance or any sort of comedy. Its more a fictional location read.

⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGalley, Sue Roberts, and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

What a fun, uplifting story! I truly enjoyed this book.
The characters are great, with lots of fun dialogue and real life moments. The description of the Greek village is amazing, and made me wish, more than once, that I could be there.
Sam is ending her season as a presenter on a British TV station, when she is caught up in a public scandal. She decides to escape the backlash by visiting her sister and her family on their sheep farm in Greece. While very different from her life in England, Sam completely fits in. She loves it so much she wonders how she will ever leave!
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is a very cute and light romance that takes place on the beautiful Agean island of Rhodes, Greece.
Sam is a TV presenter in London who finds herself in an embarrassing scandal and decides to get away to visit her sister in Rhodes. While she is there, she meets a local guy, Spyros AND runs into her first love from high school. Will she find romance with one of them?

A fun and quick read with a gorgeous setting. A solid 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the chance to review this delightful book.

I enjoyed this book! it wasn't necessarily new and innovative but sometimes it's just what you need. after a work scandal samantha goes away to greece to stay with her sister until the scandal is forgotten. there see meets spyros
her sister's neighbor and they click. but then she runs into her ex aaron and we follow along samantha's journey as she navigates between those two.

I was able to travel to Greece and enjoy the summery and small village vibe. This book was all I needed, a perfect get away from stress and to dive in a beautiful story about love, getting to know ourselves, being able to grow and being courageous to make life changing decisions!
Spoiler:
I didn’t give five stars for only two motives, the first one being the little accident she had which wasn’t explained how it happened, if she fell over and hit her head or if she only slipped sideways but if so she would have waken up immediately because it wouldn’t be strong enough to knock her out. Second thing, was how fast the relationship between her and Spyros happened, especially in the epilogue. Either way I loved the book and highly recommend to anyone wanting a travel romance!

I absolutely love this authors books and this one was no exception. It was the perfect escapism read and takes the reader off to sunnier climes and to a Greek escape of their own as transports you into a whole new world while reading. This was a lovely light hearted read with likeable characters and amazing descriptions of Greece since reading this authors books I have definitely put Greece on my list of places to visit on the future. Once I had picked it up I couldn’t put it down and read it over a weekend.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. Oh for a long awaited and needed holiday, if you can't have the real thing this book will help. Loved it, liked the characters and the storyline and of course the location

When Sam Southern, English television presenter extraordinaire, finds herself in a social media nightmare she decides to escape to Greece to spend the summer with her sister. While on her sister’s sheep farm Sam is forced to reevaluate her life (especially after two men grab her attention) and decide what she really wants.

Funny, romantic, and heartwarming. This book was the perfect one to read on Greek Easter! I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of Sue Roberts’ books.

*I was provided with an ARC from @netgalley and the publisher @bookouture for my honest review

I have never been to Greece, but I recognized the feeling you get when the sun shines every day. Whether it’s there or in any other country where you can bask in the warmth life is so different compared to the rat race in the ‘colder’ countries. Everything is more laid back and why not. Life is worth so much more when you take the time to enjoy the things around you in stead of always working with no or little fun.

It’s hard in the beginning to adapt to that slower rhythm, but you will soon find out it suits you. Somewhere in your mind though you think you belong to your life at home. Where is home exactly? Is it where your house is or rather where you heart is?

Sam is about to find out what it means to her. After all family and good friends are always there whether they are near or far. It’s up to you to do what’s best for you. In this time and day they are only a phone call or a plane ride away.

As a public figure you feel like you always have to watch your step, but does that give people the right to judge you…? Looking back they maybe did you a favor or you would never have gone on this great Greek escape.

I loved this warm and sunny story. It was very well written and I wished I could have escaped too. Looking for something to make the sun shine, you really should pick this book. 5 stars.

Thank you, Sue Roberts and Bookouture.

After a works do before breaking up for the summer doesn't end quite as intended, Sam takes a trip to Rhodes to stay with her sister and family to take time out. After an extended stay, a blast from the past (but not necessarily a good one) Sam eventually takes a close look and reevaluates what she wants in life.

A lovely read, wishing you were holidaying in the Greek islands. Lighthearted, easy read.

I typically love destination/travel romance, so I was excited for this. I initially felt for Sam a bit, surprised by her naivete, but willing to look past it for the story.

As the story unfolded, I just found myself enjoying Greece and Fiona's family, but not very interested in Sam. Her character felt very shallow, and just a bit .. flat. She wore ridiculous shoes, talked about how amazingly posh her home and London were (all those "award-winning restaurants" and "high fashion"...), and worried about her hair a bit too much for my liking.

There is a love triangle, but I'm honestly didn't feel much of any romance between her and either guy.

I wanted to love this, but I am sad to say it just wasn't for me.

2.5 Stars rounded up