Not my favourite Nick Spalding, but still a laugh out loud, hilarious book, with greatly thought out characters and an engaging story. I'm a sucker for a good present tense narrative, and Spalding's is definetly top notch.
I found the dialogues, though great fun, a bit repetitive. All in all a very pleasant read, that I would certainly recommend, but also have a look at other titles by the same author, because I'm sure they won't disappoint.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

It was an offer they could not let go by: one week on the Maldives for an unbeatable price, the perfect island for a couple. Joel has been there before, for the honeymoon with his ex-wife Amy, but now he is with Cara and wants to relive the happy time on the sandy beach. Yet, when they arrive at the airport, he spots Amy with her new boyfriend Ray. This can only be a coincidence. But it isn’t. Amy, too, has seen the offer and wanted to go there again. Thus, the two of them find each other on the same plane heading to the same destination after two years of hateful ignorance. Trapped on a small island, they cannot get out of each other’s way and therefore, quite some complicated days lie ahead of the former couple.

Nick Spalding’s novel fulfilled all my expectations of a hilariously funny summer read: a great surrounding with beautiful nature, characters who easy fall prey to their own shortcomings and over and over again find themselves victim of their own doings - but in a comical and not too hurtful way.

Even though it is clear from the start what is going to happen, I enjoyed following the alternating accounts of Joel and Amy offering their respective views which are filled with unattended to emotions. Underneath the hatred, you sense that there is still something that binds them and that makes them matter to each other. If it wasn’t, they could easily ignore the ex-partner. Both of them are totally predictable and too much caught in their maelstrom of negative emotions to stand above what happened in the past. Yet, just the fact that they know each other so well allows them to play really foul tricks.

It is totally hilarious to see how they get worked up in trying to outplay each other. A light and entertaining read, perfect for the summer holiday on the beach.

This was my first Nick Spaulding, and having heard great things was super excited. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a fan. Don’t get me wrong the characters are great, it’s well written if not a bit predictable, and Joel and Amy’s entire situation is equal parts cringe & hilarious, but it just didn’t click for me.

I thought it was a bit odd that I hadn't discovered Nick Spalding before as I'm a sucker for humorous prose, the author delivering that and much more besides. And for the joy of raucous laughter, it was either pinching myself or finding another place to read where I wouldn't disturb my folk. I have to mention the book cover, too. I'm not that keen on the graphic art look, but the bold font, bright colours and fitting illustration are easy on the eye.

The story's premise is strong, if not preposterous; however, I’m a staunch believer in coincidences. And no pun intended, but when fate comes out to play the funniest trick on Amy Caddick and Joel Sinclair, they don’t know where to put themselves. I mean, who would ever expect to bump into your ex on the same plane destined to go to the same idyllic island where you’d spent your honeymoon years back!

So, the fun begins! The one-liners and quick-witted comebacks that go beyond sarcasm are cleverly thought-out; nonetheless, Joel and Amy’s intrusive thoughts felt a tad repetitive. But what I liked one helluva of a lot was observing them cope with the now. And the author’s masterful show-don’t-tell-all technique not only kept me on my toes but also had me wondering how the story would pan out.

I didn’t connect to Amy straightaway. She came across as bloody-minded, vengeful and to be quite honest, some of her actions angered me. But my opinion of her slowly changed as I got more into the book. Joel’s a likeable chap and doesn’t sit on his laurels either. I adored Ray, the calming force in a storm of animosity and Amy’s love interest. In contrast, Joe’s girlfriend, Cara, didn’t knock the socks off me.

I’m very partial to present-tense narratives combined with dual perspectives, the author hitting the mark. And I have to say that his descriptive writing and play with words was inch-perfect. Although the unexpected twist was a pleasant surprise, the ending felt a little sudden for my liking. That said, You Again? is an enjoyable summer read that I would hesitate to recommend. Bravo, Spalding!

ARC kindly received from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

A Great book about an Ex couple that meets up again unique story with great thought out characters. However this is not my favorite Nick Spalding

Joel and Amy honeymooned in the Maldives and now, years after their divorce, they're back with their new partners Cara and Ray. You know this isn't going to go well, The story switches between past and present to tell the story of how they fell in love and then fell apart and how they deal with each other now. To be honest, their problem was not that big but it's only with perspective that they realize it. Unfortunately for Cara and Ray, they make the present day week in the sun less than fun, at least for. a while. This is a lovers to enemies to friends novel- quite trope=y in spots- in a terrific setting. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. There are a few LOL spots and a few cringeworthy moments.

I really wanted to like this since it was recommended to me on Netgalley, however this was a miss. It had some strong elements like strong characters and a good story, but the dialogue was not great and the ending. Just not for me and just ok. Disappointing.

Still recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley, Nick Spalding and Amazon Publishing UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 8/17/21

I have a strange relationship with this authors books, I either love them or don’t BUT always just HAVE to read the next one I see by him because even the ones I don’t love I kinda like
And this is funny, it didn’t have me cackling with mirth but it did have me smiling pretty much all the way through it, his matey style of writing really worked in this one and the situations the divorced couple found themselves in when both turned up with their new partners at the airport for the same flight to the same place were unimaginably yet imaginably horrific
He also pulled off an emotive slant as well that worked and showed a real human side to all involved, well most but will leave that there
So if you want to relax in the Maldives, have fun and a few, well a lot of grimaces and keep thinking ‘thank goodness that’s not me’ and occasionally be irritated by it all but ultimately feel better for reading something, this is for you

9/10
5 Stars

I so wanted to enjoy this story, but I found the characters to be petty to the point that I didn't enjoy their jokes or anything. They acted like they hated each other so much but their hate was like children playing pranks on a playground. This just was not for me.

I loved this book. I laughed through so much of it and it was well written and I could actually see all of these things being played out. Great book.
Joel and his girlfriend Cara aka bosses granddaughter and 10 years younger are heading out for a holiday to Maldives. Joel has been stressed out at work and so looking forward to this holiday. Joel hasn't been back to Maldives for 6 years when he was there for his honeymoon.
Amy and Ray are also on there way to Maldives for a holiday. Amy hasn't been in 6 years and Ray has never been. They are engaged and work together. Amy is high maintenance and Ray is just an all around nice guy.
Unbeknownst to each other Joel and Amy, now divorced are heading to the exact same place that they honeymooned but have spent the past 2 years hating one another.
The hostility and craziness runs rampant between the 2 couples.

Amy and Joel had the perfect honeymoon. It was everything you'd want out of honeymoon but that was where their marriage peaked. They didn't make it after that, they could never capture the magic of that trip again. Eight years later they are back on the island chasing that magic with new partners at the same time! This book has a great plot, and setting. I really enjoyed reading it for the most part but I had a problem connecting with the characters. I didn't really enjoy them and found them to be a bit immature. Overall, it's a fun, sweet and quick read!

I really enjoyed some of Nick Spalding’s previous novels but I just didn’t get into this in the same way. It’s a good premise with estranged divorced couple Joel and Amy both ending up on holiday at the same destination with their new partners and there’s plenty of humour in it however I just didn’t like the characters somehow. If you want an easygoing read it’s great and I think plenty will have no issue with the characters it’s just a personal thing.

" You Again?" by Nick Spaulding is a smoothly written tale of two couples mixed up on vacation together. Lots of ribald humor and potty references for laughs. A romp through what it means to be in close quarters with someone you really dislike.

It was a cute story. Characters development is hit and miss. Joel and Cara's characters never developed. He and Cara are immature for their age. The story is predictable. It was an easy read.

Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"You Again?" a new read by Nick Spalding a new author to this reader. What do you get when ex's meet up on vacation at the same resort in Maldives where they honeymooned in marriage...disaster or is it?.

I thought this story was funny and comical. It was a quick read for me and as mentioned found myself smiling and laughing out loud throughout the story. However, I thought slow going in the beginning as it took me some time to get by the angst between Amy and Joel but chalked it up to laying out the background of how they got to where they were as a divorced couple. Way too funny. This was a true rom-com and not the typical I've been used to reading. The situations the main characters and subs found themselves in were hilarious and adventuresome. I really enjoyed Ray's character and memorable, but didn't particularly like Cara's pettiness as she didn't stick out....close to invisible. I love happy endings and enjoyed how this one turned out although the ending was a bit unexpected for how endings go. Nice comfy read and highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was my first book by Nick Spalding and I am so happy to see he has a large collection of other titles for me to also enjoy. His humor throughout the story made this a fast and enjoyable read. Will definitely pick up more books by Nick.

Thank you Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for this cute new ebook.

You Again? By Nick was a relaxing, enjoyable, cute story.
I liked how this book made me laugh.
The writing flowed great. These characters were such a great group.
If you're looking for a book to escape into this is it.

Again thank you again for the opportunity to dive into book.

5 stars!

Omg! I loved Ray so much. He is hands down my favorite character in this novel. The guy is too good to be true. And, I'm so happy the book ended the way it is. The ending was absolutely perfect.

This book made me laugh so much. I loved the setting. I've never been to Maldives, but I do plan to visit it. The pranks were stupid indeed, but at the same time I enjoyed it so much. I loved the writing style of this author and finished the book in one sitting.

Lastly, though I feel bad for Joel. Not gonna lie, the guy was kinda dumb and I didn't like him at the beginning heck even in the middle, but at the end when things were revealed I truly felt sorry for him.

Overall, I loved this book. I've never read this author before, but now I will definitely check out the author's other works.

I'll start by saying that I've never read a romance book from a man's perspective before.

This was a lot of fun.

Joel Sinclair and Amy Caddick are both headed to the Maldives for a week of sunsets, Sin Cities, blue waters, and relaxation. But they're not together. They used to be, but now they're not. However, they are on the same holiday, and the two exes are not having it. At all.

I really liked the alternating POVs here between Joel and Amy. Seeing their present, and the events in the past that led to their divorce through their eyes was interesting, and made me care more about the two of them as characters. At the beginning they both seem unlikeable, but as I got deeper into the story, I began to understand who they were, and appreciated their growth more.

What I loved best in this story was the ending, which I won't spoil here, but I will say that it's very satisfying for any reader who loves a bit of romance but is also grounded in reality.

I highly recommend this for summer reading, as a beach read, as a comfort book, or just as a book to read in between heavier stuff.

I give this 4 stars.

Thank you for the digital copy, NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Amazon Publishing UK!

You Again? By Nick Spalding
Published: August 17, 2021
Lake Union Publishing
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

Nick Spalding is the bestselling author of fifteen novels, two novellas, and two memoirs. Nick worked in media and marketing for most of his life before turning his energy to his genre-spanning humorous writing. He lives in the south of England with his wife.

“I bet reef sharks don’t have to worry about this kind of stuff.”

Joel is excited to be going on vacation with his girlfriend, Cara, to an island in the Maldives. As they are waiting to print their luggage tags, Joel catches a glimpse of his ex-wife and a man. Mild panic takes over, but they wouldn’t be going to the same vacation destination- right? Joel and Amy come face to face as they are boarding their plane to the Maldives for the first time in two years. Now they have the next eleven hours sitting on the same flight, in the same row, to marinate in what went wrong between them. Anger, frustration, and witty humor are about to arrive for an all-inclusive vacation.

I applied for this arc on Netgalley because there were sharks on the cover. I had never read Nick Spalding before, and the blurb sounded interesting, so I applied for it and was approved.

I am so glad. I enjoyed this book so much. There were several scenes that had me literally laughing out loud. Spalding did such a brilliant job writing from two perspectives, and he infused so much humor throughout, I could not put the book down.

The characters are so charming. I appreciate it when an author creates characters that are very human. Their flaws, insecurities, and internal dialogue reflect the thoughts and feelings we actually have.

Joel was such a fun character. A tad neurotic, insecure, and infallibly funny- he captivated your heart from the first page. Amy was so fierce, bold, and passionate. She was also stubborn, angry, and outspoken. Ray was such a voice of reason in a span of chaos. Cara appeared to be doting and highly compassionate, but she had issues of her own.

The resort was stunning; the descriptions of the island were so vibrant and lifelike it was easy to visualize paradise. You almost feel the warm, salty breeze on your face.

There is so much wit, sass, humor, and shenanigans in this novel. But it is so much deeper than a romantic comedy. There is so much heart packed within this story. The realization of the complexity of relationships is so defined.

Everything about this story is a win. I strongly recommend giving this book a read. You will laugh, scoff, get angry, and swoon. This novel is charming, funny, and a breath of fresh air. Original and emotional, the complications are so relevant. This story is so refreshing and an absolute must-read!