👙Greece Actually by Sue Roberts👙

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This was such a sweet romance. Thanks @netgalley for gifting me this arc.

Greece Actually is a perfect feel good, beach romance. And who doesn’t love Greece right? Sue’s characters are awesome! Kyros is charming and funny, Becky is intelligent and smart but also shy. The story line is pretty great too. And the case of the bad ex trope is perfectly presented. A very light hearted read!

But the book didn’t exactly sit well with me. Look, bad reviews make me awkward but this is the truth. I didn’t want to wait for 12 chapters to be introduced to the male lead. And sometimes I felt the story was simply dragging on without any plot in the middle. But hey, maybe this is your jam! It just wasn’t mine.

Thanks for this wonderful, sunny arc.

Check my Instagram (_booklipse0401) for a detailed review.

4.5 Stars

I just can’t get enough of Sue Roberts’ feel-good and warm-hearted Greek-set romantic comedies and this talented storyteller is back with a hilarious new novel that will steal your heart and make you roar with laughter: Greece Actually.

Becky does not exactly have the best track record when it comes to romance and relationships. When her latest romantic adventure landed her in hospital, Becky vowed to keep emotions, people and everything that could possibly hurt her at bay and instead lived a life that was free of excitement, spontaneity and happiness. With her overprotective mother watching her every move like a hawk, Becky clings on to her comfort zone with everything she’s got. But when her ex comes sniffing around, she decides that enough is enough and in un-Becky like move books a ticket to the sun-kissed island of Skiathos, the setting to her all-time favourite musical Mamma Mia!

Having unshackled herself from her past fears and insecurities, Becky begins to step out of the shadows and to everyone’s surprise – including her own! – begins belting out ABBA hits in front of perfect strangers and throws herself wholly into the Greek island experience. For the first time in ages, Becky is grabbing life with both hands and is having the time of her life. As she makes new friends, treats herself to some mouth-watering dishes and breaks through the walls she had built around herself, she also finds herself falling head over heels in love with drop dead gorgeous restaurant owner, Kyros.

As the two of them find themselves growing closer and closer, Becky is stunned when Kyros asks her to stay longer! Could Becky really make a new life for herself in Greece so far away from home? Can she trust Kyros with her heart? Or should she face facts and realise that theirs is a holiday romance with no hope of a future whatsoever? With her ex having tracked her down in Skiathos begging her to come back, will Becky find the courage to follow her heart? Or will she find herself retreating back to the safety of her comfort zone?

You can always rely on the fabulous Sue Roberts to deliver a fun, sun-soaked and uplifting page-turner that sweeps you off your feet and she is on top form yet again with Greece Actually. Side-splittingly funny, warm-hearted, charming and a delight from beginning to end, Greece Actually is a wonderful rom-com with a terrific heroine who learns to trust her instincts and follow her heart, a gorgeous hero and plenty of mischief and hi-jinks to keep you giggling until the very last page.

A fun read that will brighten up your day, Sue Roberts has written another winner with Greece Actually.

The books Sue writes are just so authentic as easy heartwarming. The characters are unique with realistic strengths, emotion, weaknesses and shortcomings and so relatable. The story is heartwarming, emotional and is full of love, family, friendship and community. I absolutely adored the Mamma Mia references and the humour, overall a great read to escape rainy/miserable/stuck wherever you are.

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

Another fantastic read, courtesy of Bookouture and NetGalley!
What did I think of it ? Read on to see . . . .

This is a contemporary romance, a delightful read
It is a fun story, great to escape into, just what I need.
There are three friends who support each other
And a caring, protective father and mother…

Becky has recovered from what happened in the past
Making a fresh start and feeling safer at last
With her parents nearby and new friends, too,
Becky’s life is much better and has begun anew.

When Becky’s Uncle invites her to travel and stay
In his Greek villa whilst he sails away
Her parents volunteer her shop to run
Her two best friends will go with her, the deal is done!

Skiathos there new home will be
For a week or two - or even three.
Meeting the locals, exploring around
Wondering just what there is to be found.

The three friends help and look after each other
As new people, new tastes and places they discover.
Through it all there’s a worry, though,
Will her ex find her and where should she go?

The sights, sounds and scents shared in this book
Make me long to visit Skiathos to take another look
With Mamma Mia, ABBA and a beautiful romance
This book is definitely worthy of more than a second chance!

Becky is a shy, reserved character who owns her own shop selling handmade lotions and soaps. Her business is the thing that is really keeping her going of late, especially after the breakdown of her last relationship which landed her in hospital and her ex in prison.

This has obviously left Becky rather sceptical about love, and has every reason to be cautious about opening up to others following this awful incident. When her Uncle Harry asks her to look after his villa in a small, picturesque town in Greece it seems like the perfect opportunity for her to take a much needed break. She invited her friends Paige and Abby along on the vacation with her, knowing that they will certainly make the experience unforgettable.

Whilst in Greece Becky meets handsome restaurant owner Kyros who really captures her attention from the moment they cross paths. With her friends, this handsome stranger and a beautiful island to occupy her, it looks as though this break could be exactly what Becky needs to rebuild herself once again.

Sue Roberts has once again provided us with a laugh out loud, heart-warming read that has you enchanted from the start. With the picturesque setting of Greece, we are taken on a journey alongside Becky and her friends, allowing us the perfect form of escapism. The storyline itself is wonderfully written and certainly leads you through a range of emotions as the story pushes forward, and as we learn more about Becky as an individual and all that she has lived through you find yourself really rooting for her and her happiness.

Each of the characters you meet within the pages of this book have their own vibrant personalities which certainly provides us with some amazing dialogue between them. The romance that begins to blossom between Becky and Kyros is a beautiful slow-burner, as she has to learn to open herself up once more. A truly wonderful story that nestles its way into your heart.

Becky had experienced a horrific experience with her ex and has lived hrr life in a bubble ever since. Her ex is now out of prison and has begun making his presence known. Becky leaves the comfort of her loving parents, her small business and existense to head to the Greek island of Skiathos to look over her uncle's villa while he goes on a much-needed vacation.

Becky takes the chance and takes off with two of her close friends. This proves to be a fabulous experience for Becky and she finds out how wonderful life could be - if only for a brief while. One of the things Becky least expects is being drawn to restaurant owner Kyros. He is flawless, but naturally, Becky has reason for caution. Is there a chance that the time Becky and Kyros spend together could possibly lead to more? Can she trust her heart again after what she had previously suffered?

Greece Actually is a wonderful read, perfect for reading while lounging at the beach or pool. As sweet as the romance is between Becky and Kyros, there are moments of levity where her ex is concerned. The story balances out and proved to be quite enjoyable.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

I received this book for free for an honest review from netgalley #netgalley

Such a fun travel read. The characters were fun but the setting really stood out.

Happy P-Day to Sue Roberts and her Greece Actually. And thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book before it was published.

Well, Greece Actually is a very light, quick read. If you are looking for a beach read, look no further. If you are looking for a read to get acquainted with all things Greek (islands) look no further.

Greece Actually has big boots to fill (playing on timeless and perfect Love Actually fame). It aims do to so just right. It has an amazing setting (of Mama Mia fame). It has yummy food and drinks galore (you, as a reader, will get to know many of Greek delicacies). It has gorgeous men and women in need of pampering, spoiling and loving...

But... the voice of the story is that of old radio soaps - 'tell rather than show'. It has too many words, too much detail and not much of happenings. You get a step-by-step run down on absolutely everything, from outfits to food and steps on the staircase...

Also, I found characters quite a bit cardoardy. The bit on domestic violence was not thought through properly and was thrown in for drama effect. Did not glue with me at all.

But... story is nice, with a very happy end. It is quick to read and light as a Greek frappe. Enjoy.

Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Greece Actually is a pleasant storyline, nothing offensive, nothing gripping and nothing really happens. Girl has had a tough previous relationship that ended in hospital, ex is soon to be released from prison and she foolishly leads him to her new home. Girl has loving family and friends and starts a new relationship in a beautifully hot, dreamy villa in Greece.
If you want a book for a journey, where you can take toilet breaks and still pick up the storyline, this book is perfect.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Greece Actually' by Sue Roberts.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Sue Roberts, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 13th August 2021.

This is the second book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'Going Greek' which I also recommend.


I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover, its intriguing synopsis and title and its extremely talented author. The synopsis stated that 'Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan and Sophie Kinsella.' I am a huge fan of Jenny Colgan and Sophie Kinsella so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Sue Roberts and if this is half as good as 'Going Greek' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of a prologue, 35 chapters and an epilogue . The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based in England, UK 🇬🇧 and Greece 🇬🇷 . The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited England on several occasions so am looking forward to see if I recognise anywhere.

This book is written in first person perspective and the main protagonist is Becky. This book is written in first person perspective and the main protagonist is Sam. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them.

Awww another absolutely fantastically gorgeous book Sue, Well done!!!!

This book is beautifully written and completely absorbs you in the stunning atmosphere of Greece and really sucks you in with the vivid descriptions leaving you feel the warmth of the the sun and smell of the sea. The synopsis and cover suits the storyline perfectly.

The storyline is authentic and realistic as well as easy to read and heartwarming. There was plenty of events going on throughout and it kept me hooked from start to end, I read it in one sitting. The storyline was filled with a range of emotions and was heartwarming, devastating and had love, relationships, family, friendship and history all going on in this beautiful atmosphere. It felt like a lovely break away from a rainy Wales!! I loved how the story ended and I would love to read more about the life in this gorgeous Greek village. I was absolutely devastated when I can to the end of this book as I was truly whisked away to Greece feeling the sand on my feet and looking at the stunning views. I absolutely LOVED all the Mamma Mia references which definitely helped with the visualisation. The storyline was so heartwarming and it was such an easy and relaxing read with moments of laughter, some tension and overall happiness. It ended absolutely perfectly and I would love to see what Becka decides to do in the end. This would make a lovely series. An absolutely gorgeous book!! I cannot wait to go on my next Greek adventure with the very talented Sue Roberts. I absolutely adored being in Greece but I also enjoyed learning and reading about Becka's shop and meeting her Mum and Dad who I absolutely adored how supportive they were of Becka and all she was doing. I thought Becka's shop was adorable and definitely somewhere I would visit if u came across it. I thought the friendship between Becka and Sheila was sweet and how Becka was constantly concerned for Sheila being in the market during the colder months.

The characters were all unique with their own realistic traits, strengths and weaknesses. It was intriguing to watch Becka and Kyros's relationship grow, develop and change throughout the the storyline. It was also intriguing to see how not only Becka and Kyros's relationship change throughout the book but also Becka's friendships and relationship with Paige, Abby and Uncle Henry. I loved meeting them along with Alex. The friendship between the girls was beautiful and it must be amazing to have such friendships where they supported each other so much. Kyros is an absolute sweetheart and such a romantic that I started falling in love with him myself. I loved the adorable hideaway he found for her and how thoughtful he was arranging the girls a night out. Anyway, I best not say anymore as don't want to give anything else away for future readers!! It's just so easy talking about this fantastic book and so much I want to tell you all about but i really need to control myself!!! Needless to say I absolutely adored everyone apart from a certain person. All characters worked perfectly with the storyline and I would love to meet them again and hope to see this made into a series or even a movie!!!

Well done Sue on another absolutely gorgeous book!!! I will definitely be looking for your books any time I need to be swept off to another country!!!

Overall a perfect light hearted unputdownable romance that will sweep you off your feet and land you in Greece.


Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel , Humorous Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Humour and Holiday Fiction amongst others.

I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Jenny Colgan, Sophie Kinsella and anyone who needs a holiday!!


278 pages.

This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews

#GreeceActually #Bookouture #SueRoberts #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@SueRoberts @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86

https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86

https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?ref=bookmarks

https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__tn__=%2As-R

Everything a book needs for that summer escape. There's Skiathos, sunny skies, silky sands and a gorgeous Greek man - what more could you ask? This light-hearted rom-com will magic you away and have you looking to put the 'Mamma mia' island at the top of your bucket list.

Skiathos and Skorpelos were already on my list but with travel still difficult, Sue Roberts allowed me to visit vicariously.

Okay let me start out and say that Mamma Mia is my favorite. So I was too excited for this book. I absolutely loved Going Greek and was very ready to read this book.

I really liked our heroine, Becky. She was independent and very strong especially after what she went through, And she had such supportive friends. I loved learning more about Abby and Paige.

It definitely made me want to go to Greece like right now. It was so descriptive and I really felt like I was there. There were times that I thought the story kind of dragged because there was so much description. But it really was like I was there.

And now the wonderful love interest Kyros. This was a slow slow burn, but I really enjoyed the ease of their relationship. It wasn't overnight. But It was super natural. They fell for each other. And Kyros was such a book crush. He was patient and caring when she needed. I would love to find a relationship like that.

Overall, this was a sweet simple read.

4/5

Becky is a young woman who has moved quite a distance from where she was brought up, in order to start her life again. Luckily for her, her parents followed her so she has them close by for support. This book is set mostly set on the holiday isle of Skiathos, the setting of the Mamma Mia movies, and it does sound like a very nice place to visit. The scene where she gets to see the movie in the open air and the whole audience have a singalong is my favourite, by far.

Otherwise, I am sorry to say, I think the blurb for this book is a bit misleading. Becky's mum doesn't seem particularly overbearing to me, just a mum who cares about her daughter. Becky housesits for her uncle, she wasn't really planning on starting a new life in Greece. And, my least favourite part, her ex-boyfriend was violent towards her, he wasn't just some disgruntled bloke.

**trigger warning: DV scenarios** - as a DV survivor, I was absolutely triggered. If I had known there was DV featured in this story, I wouldn't have read it. There are some books where the blurb will tell you that it is a psychological thriller where a woman's ex was a stalker or something and I NEVER read those, I can't handle it, so I thought I would pass on a bit of a warning to others. It isn't the majority of the book but it features more than enough for me.

Unfortunately, the romance that develops in this book was nice, rather than something amazing that sweeps a lady off her feet. The characters were nice enough, but this book was almost written like a series of journal entries e.g. today we did blah, and saw blah etc, rather than a story that organically evolved. It seemed to be pretty much a bunch of young women getting dressed to the nines, having dinner in nice restaurants, getting drunk and coming home. Rinse and repeat. They clearly seemed to have a LOT of disposable cash if they can do that, even though none of them knew they were coming on holidays until the last minute and none of them seem to be independently wealthy. I am glad that they at least tried to see a bit of the island as well though. It must be hard for local people who live on island which have a lot of tourist trade. I mean, without the tourists, it is difficult to make a living but you have to change to cater to tourists and that must be hard too. As much as I love the music of ABBA, I am not sure that could listen to it for several hours a day, each and every day.

I liked the character of Kyros, but I wasn't convinced that neither he nor Becky were all that bothered one way or the other, once the holiday was over, about seeing each other again.

Sorry, it just didn't really hit the mark for me.

3 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

I loved this book so much!! It's cute, short and super sweet. A relaxing read tbh. The descriptions of Greece and the food made me want to visit Greece. The story is kind of like Becky's journal, her feelings and her experiences.

I love Becky and Kyros ngl! Becky is such a strong woman, she is a person you can see in our society. A woman who believed in the man she loved, a woman who got that trust broken, a woman who is strong enough to move on from it. She and Kyros is just adorable!! And I loved Abby and Paige, they're super supportive and the kind of friends you need in your life. Paige and Rob is adorbs, and I am so happy for Abby!

Overall this was a great read, one you can pick up to relax and have a drink with. Maybe even lay under the sun (this book made me want to visit a beach so badly!) A 4.5/5 star read for me!

Another fun escape of a book from Sue Roberts! Becky has just escaped an abusive relationship, completely uprooted her life and started over. When her uncle reaches out and asks her to housesit his Villa in Greece she jumps at the chance. Now can I just say I would love to have an uncle or any relative for that matter that would pay for me to housesit their villa on a Greek island. Anyways I digress… as in all of Sue Roberts books she really brought the essence of Greece to life in the pages of this book. The sun, the sand, the food. Part of the story Becky spends with her two BFFs Paige and Abby. Glorious days lounging on the beach, nights of delicious dining, and even an Abba boat cruise that sounded like a blast. Becky also meets A handsome local Kyros, Who just might convince her to prolong her stay. Becky was a sweet relatable character who I was definitely rooting for. Loved this gorgeous setting and all the outings with her girls. My only teeny tiny complaint is the romance I wish it was perhaps a little more developed. This was a perfect getaway for those of us that probably won’t be getting a tropical vacation this summer.

This book in emojis: 🏝 🍹 👙

*** Big thank you to Bookouture for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

I have never read such an inaccurate, misleading summary in my life. Let me just break it down for you: Did Becky’s last romantic relationship land her in the hospital? Yes. It was a physically abusive relationship. Is her mom “fiercely over the top”? Not in the least. She encourages her daughter to get back out there and live life, and even watches Becky’s store while she’s gone. Is her ex back? Not until about half-way through the book, and he isn’t “sniffing around” until about 80% through. Does she just decide to pack her bags in a spur of the moment decision to visit Greece? Nope. Her uncle wants her to house sit while he goes sailing. He even offers to pay for Becky and her friends so they can have a girl’s holiday. It takes her several days to agree. Is Mamma Mia her favorite movie? She doesn’t say so. In fact, there is an embarrassing lack of Mamma Mia for a book that uses it for so much marketing. Does Becky go in a Mamma Mia boat tour and sing out loud? Hardly. There’s a boat tour but there’s no commentary on the surroundings or how they relate to Mamma Mia– just ABBA blaring from the speakers. And she only sings at a screening of Mamma Mia that lasts all of two hours. And does Kyros ask her to stay? No. Not even vaguely.

What this book is really about is a woman who just takes a vacation to Greece. Becky owns a soap shop and when her uncle offers an all expenses paid trip to Greece for her to watch his house, Becky grabs her two best friends and the three women set off for a much needed holiday. While reading in the town center, Becky meets local restaurant owner Kyros. There’s an immediate attraction and the two strike up a holiday romance.

There is nothing deep about this story. It’s repetitive, not only in dialogue and descriptions, but also in the sense that the whole holiday is broken down like “today we did this and today we did this and today we did this…” Everything feels like generic descriptions of Greece and things you would expect a tourist to do. Roberts tries to imbue a sense of “insider Greek knowledge” but that just makes it feel even more fake.

The characters are so bland. You’re in Greece! Where’s the flavor!? They have the same conversations every day, and for supposedly being three inseparable best friends, they’re so stiff with one another. They’re be better described as coworkers than friends.

Maybe because the characters are one dimensional, the romance between Becky and Kyros is even worse. Roberts alludes to the hours long conversations they supposedly have, but what she actually writes are stiff greetings and Greek history lessons. It’s hard to get invested in their romance when it’s literally “Love you, bye.” And from the beginning it seems like Becky forgets she’s hesitant around men because if her past abusive relationship. After their second conversation sue accepts a rude from him. Alone. And he’s supposed to be stranger in a strange place! But then once they get closer, she’s suddenly wary. It’s backwards, and a disservice to her character.

There’s a difference between a fun, easy beach read and something that has no substance. Greece Actually has no substance and I really had to force myself to finish it. If it were more like the summary, maybe it would’ve been better. I guess the summary is so misleading because they had to find some way to get people interested.

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Another great book from Sue.

When Becky takes her two friends to look after her uncles villa in Skiathos whilst he goes on holiday. She meets Kyros a local restaurant owner and has an instant connection to him. Kyros asks her to stay and Becky is stunned. Can she make the biggest decision of her life or will her ex begging for her to go back with him make her take the safe option.

Becky and her two best friends are heading to Greece for a spur of the moment holiday. Becky’s Uncle Henry has a villa there and the girls can enjoy the pool, the food, and the sites. Her friends have their own reasons for wanting to escape but for Becky its to distance herself from the memories that haunt her of her ex. She leaves her shop Love The Skin Your In to her mother’s capable hands and heads off to Lancashire for some R and R. The sights, the smells, the taste of the food…Becky could get use to this indeed! As the trip winds down Becky meets a very handsome restaurant owner named Nikos and feels all those wonderful butterflies in your stomach flutters, but what’s the point, she’ll be going home soon. Everyday Becky explores and spends more time with Nikos and has thoughts of making Greece her permanent home. Could this even work? Could she open her shop in Lancashire? Could Nikos see a future with her in it?
Once Becky heads home she dives back into work. She’s inspired by the smells from Greece and wants to create a few new scents to sell at the shop. She has video chats with Nikos and hopes that the feelings they have won’t fizzle out over time. She has a lot of decisions to make for her future but just as she starts to really be happy her ex appears to take her right back to that tragic day she ended up in the hospital. All Becky wants is to be happy and not have to look over her shoulder. Over the next few weeks Becky will get a few surprises, one good and one really bad, that will help her decide what she wants to with her future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Greece Actually by Sue Roberts.

Becky lives a quiet life in a small Lancashire town, running her own business where she makes soaps and sells them from a tiny shop down a side street in the small market town. Escaping from a traumatic episode a few years ago, Becky moved up north to begin again, where no one knows her and she was closely followed by her supportive parents. Upon being given the opportunity to escape for a couple of weeks to a villa in Greece, Becky and her two friends jump at the chance and so begins the holiday, which may change Becky’s life forever.

I’m pretty sure this is the first Sue Roberts’ book I have read (although I can never be sure), but it’s definitely the first one since I’ve been reviewing books. This book was just so, so lovely, sheer escapism in an exquisite setting with Roberts describing everything in such great detail you can imagine that you were with Becky every step of the way. I wanted to be with her when she was reading her book on the harbour front, watching the world go by and I definitely fancy trying the aubergine dip!

I love a book set anywhere, where the sun and the sea play a part, and this was no exception. Let yourself escape to Skiathos for a few hours with Becky and her friends and enjoy the relaxation that this story will bring you.

This is another enjoyable romance by Sue Roberts with vivid and colourful descriptions which certainly make you want to go to Greece! Reading this might be the next best thing!

Becky is struggling with her little shops where she sells scented soaps and creams, and she is also dealing with trauma caused with her ex-boyfriend. Her uncle's invitation to spend a holiday at his villa is perfect to get away from all this. She takes a couple of friends, who each have their own problems. Will the sunshine, gorgeous scenery and perhaps some romance revive her?

This is great escapist reading during the depression and insanity of the pandemic.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.