Member Reviews
A modern day cinderella story with loveable characters and a gorgeous setting....sign me up! I loved everything about this book! I enjoyed Fran so much and loved seeing her grow throughout the book. I went in thinking this was mainly a romance novel but the romance was not at the front of this story, it was more of a side story with Fran's journey being the focus. And even the romance part was light. But don't let that deter you. I still would have loved it even with no romance. This was my first book by this author and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more!
4 1/2 Stars...
This feel good romance was just what I needed. The main character, Francesca (Fran) has such low self esteem that she doesn't even realize she deserves so much more in her life. When she spontaneously decides to take a short-term PA position, her life changes in ways she never anticipated. The job itself doesn't go as planned, but it gives her the opportunity to see what she's missing in life. That there's so much more out there just waiting for her to explore it.
While Fran is gone for this temporary job, she meets Evan at a formal event known as The Crystal Ball. They agree to only exchange first names and to keep things platonic for the evening. Yet, they each feel a blossoming attraction for one another. This portion of the story had a very slight Cinderella feel to it. Naturally I wasn't disappointed by that whatsoever. Fran and Evan's relationship is a very slow burn. But their interactions along the way are really sweet.
There was just so much to love about On a Night Like This. It was a true delight to read. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
Thank you to NetGally for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
This story gave off a modern day twist on a Cinderella style story, and it was so enjoyable. When Fran wishes she could change her life she never expected for it to truly happen. Let alone to be an acting assistant to a celebrity while on a yacht in the Mediterranean, and en route to a tiny Italian island and the glittering Crystal Ball. A Ball full of the world’s rich and famous.
When a literally run in Evan occurs, Fran's life continues to swirl with more magic and wonder than she ever thought possible.
One night can set out to be so much more than they expected. Even with them being from two completely different walks of life love can created a bridge between them that neither thought was possible. I loved this romantic story so much. Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this story.
I really enjoyed On a Night Like This! This was my first Lindsey Kelk book and it definitely won’t be my last. The story follows Fran as she takes a temp job as an assistant for a mystery celebrity and ends up in her own modern day Cinderella story. This was a quick read for me and the perfect way to start out 2022. It doesn’t take long for you to get sucked into the book. If you’re looking for a fun, light modern day fairytale, look no further!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper 360 for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review!
All it takes is one wish for her life to change and Fran Cooper finds herself on a yacht to be a famous celebrity’s assistant for the upcoming Crystal Ball. When she bumps into a handsome American named Evan, he promises her no last names, no personal stories, but one unforgettable night.
After reading mainly thrillers here lately, this was exactly the book I needed! A fun modern day retelling of Cinderella that made me laugh out loud so many times. The writing style immediately drew me in and I fell in love with the cast of characters. I adored Fran so much! I could easily see myself becoming friends with her. Reading about her journey and watching her grow was so fun. And then there’s Evan! He was everything that a perfect book boyfriend should be. Overall, this was a fantastic read!
Thank you NetGalley, the author, and Harper Collins for my E-ARC!
This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was clever, fun and fast-paced. It held my interest and I wanted to find out what would happen. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.
“This book is going to make a great movie someday.”
That’s what I kept saying to myself, inside my head, as I read this book. This book was simply made to be a perfect romcom movie. I don’t mean that as an insult. I’m not saying that Lindsey Selk sat down one day, cracked her knuckles and said, “I’m just going to write a romantic comedy novel that was destined to be a Netflix movie someday.” No. I’m simply saying this book is brilliant and effortless enough of a rom-com book that it could be a successful movie, making a ton of money without even losing one false set of eyelashes in the process.
Admittedly, it does start out just a little bit slow. I thought it might lose me there for a second. But once it cranks into gear, there’s no escaping this book. It just carries you away as all great escapist fantasy rom-coms should. It’s a Cinderella tale with a twist, and a fairy godmother in the shape of a makeup artist. There’s a ball and a secret identity, but no lost shoes.
There are a large amount of laugh-out-loud moments, particularly in the first half of the book, but there is a good deal of screwball comedy and madcap adventures in the latter half. There are vulnerable moments, sentimental moments, outright sad moments, and moments that might just make you see red. Mostly, though, this is a book that will make you sigh and smile.
And then you might think this might be a great movie someday. .
This was a hard book for me to grade but I ultimately had to rate it average because I didn't enjoy about half which was the "one night in question". While not technically love at first sight (it was second sight :)), the events of the night in question and ultimately the romance totally did not work for me. I enjoyed Fran very much, liked Jess Sarah, even Juliette; however can not say same re male lead. I didn't appreciate wink wink descriptions of him, don't get him as a person tbh, and sadly that didn't have me rooting for the romance.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC
A book by @lindseykelk ? Yes please! This was a fun Cinderella type story but was also a great book about friendship too.
Fran was put on Earth to take care of people. This shows up in her relationship and in her job as a personal assistant. She feels stuck in her relationship with Stew, so she takes a job opportunity as an assistant to a top secret, very rich, and famous person. Her mission was to support this person as they perform at the Crystal Ball…only this performer is…a handful.
Unexpectedly, Fran finds herself attending the Crystal Ball where she spends most of the night with Evan. A no last names, no personal information, amazing night. It was almost a perfect night, including being mistaken as a princess.
The story was fun. The story was funny. The story ends with the perfect amount of feels. It takes a while to develop and at times felt like two different books, but Kelk brings the whole thing together in spectacular fashion! So, if slow burns are your game…this book is for you!
4 Stars
Thank you to @netgalley and @harpercollins360 for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Fran Cooper is in a holding pattern. Her relationship with her fiancée has wavered and although she suspects him of infidelity, she’s almost too tired and resigned to the status quo to have that difficult discussion. Since moving from London, her career as an assistant has stalled as well-until she decides to take a chance on a temporary job as an executive assistant for a high profile client.
Before Fran can scarcely realize it, she’s on board a yacht en route to Italy tasked with “babysitting” renowned singer Juliette who is set to perform at the Crystal Ball, the most celebrated event of the year.
Juliette’s series of diva-like antics and refusal to perform at the ball leaves Fran stranded in Italy. But steady, dependable, reliable Fran decides to take a bold, uncharacteristic chance and attend the ball anyway. Her enchanted evening is not without its challenges and a chance encounter with ball attendee Evan might just give Fran the impetus she needs to question her decisions and claim her life as her own.
I loved this modern spin on a Cinderella story and found Fran to be a relatable heroine. She embodies a lot of decisions that women encounter in love and career life and rooting for her happiness means being wise enough to work towards your own.
This is the perfect rom-com!
This book was too cute. It felt like two different books honestly (the first half and the second half) but I loved it still. Very happy I read this one. Love a good retelling.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper 360 for the ARC.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5 stars
A sweet, cozy take on the classic Cinderella story. On a Night Like This follows Fran Cooper, who accepts a mysterious job as a PA to a famous singer. She is tasked with getting the singer to the Crystal Ball. Little does she know that this night will change her life.
I really loved this story and the humor. I loved Fran, who is such an endearing character that is easy to root for. I wish there was a little more romance, but it was so easy to follow Fran on her romantic and sweet journey. Overall, On a Night Like This is an adorable, whimsical and hilarious read. The perfect book to cozy up with this winter.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Full review to be posted on publication date.
I love a good contemporary British romance book… something halfway between women’s fiction and a romcom, strongly character-driven focused on a woman who needs to make changes in her life. The hero is usually in the background, and the romance is usually slow burn and clean. If you like books by Josie Silver, Mhaira McFarlane, or Maxine Morrey, this newest release by Lindsey Kelk will be right up your alley.
Fran is engaged to her college sweetheart, Stew, and feeling stuck in her life, when she accepts a job as a temporary assistant to a famous singer for five days. Suddenly, she is leaving her dour fiancé behind and is on a yacht in the Mediterranean Sea, sailing to an island off the coast of Italy for the very exclusive Crystal Ball. In the midst of her new experiences, she meets an American man, Evan, who is handsome and clever. From the moment of their meet-cute, both Evan and Fran are struck by their immediate connection, and so when Evan proposes escorting Fran around the ball (keeping everything PG), she accepts.
This book is for anyone who wants to feel like Cinderella for a day. It reminds me of a glass of champagne or a decadent truffle - I had a smile on my face for most of the book, and was entertained by the secondary characters (Juliette - the pop star, and Jess - Fran’s best friend, are phenomenal). The story is pure wish fulfillment, and sometimes we need that in a book. Celebrity friends, glamorous ball, hot male love interest, even a makeover scene - all a true delight to read.
At the beginning of the book, I was worried, as Fran comes across as a bit of a doormat. We know that she has traded in her dreams for her fiancé’s comfort, and the author lets us know from the first time we meet Stew on-page that he isn’t worth it. However, as soon as Fran is aboard the yacht, I started to like her and feel committed to her happiness. With some celebrity romance books, the secondhand embarrassment of one main character being a huge fan, or not knowing who the famous person is, is real. Luckily, Fran is level-headed when it comes to Juliette – she is aware of who Juliette is, and maybe a little starstruck – but not over-the-top with her enthusiasm. I think this is aided by the fact that Evan is not a celebrity, just a very wealthy and privileged man. Based on the set-up, I was also worried that there would be cheating in this book – luckily, the author steered clear of that, and the love triangle isn’t much to write about either, with Stew set up to be very bad and Evan set up to be unbelievably good.
I love character growth in books, and we see that Fran has a lot of growing to do. She is clearly unhappy in her relationship and seems unable to change it. Unfortunately, her reasons for not leaving her fiancé are flimsy at best, and ultimately not as believable if the reader had seen any of the good parts of their relationship. I wish the author had given us some nice moments or flashbacks with Stew and Fran, so we could understand why it has been so challenging to leave this 12-year relationship. Instead, I wanted to shake Fran and yell “why are you still with him?!” multiple times throughout the book. We also never learn too much about Evan, and he stays rather perfect. If you read other books in this genre, you will not be surprised, but because we don’t know Evan very well, I’m not fully convinced of the HEA at the end.
Overall, I think this is a great book to read the next time you are in the mood for a modern day fairytale, with some very clever dialogue and a dreamy hero. The book releases on 1/18/22, and I am sure many will enjoy the luxurious fantasy of it – especially around award season. I love when the hero falls fast, hard and very transparently, and Evan’s obvious interest was a delight to witness. I do not regret reading a single star-struck moment of this romp - a solid B rating from me.
Fran Cooper seems to be stuck in a rut. She works as a temp assistant but hasn't been able to find an acceptable assignment lately unless she's willing to travel. Newly engaged to her boyfriend of 12 years, Stew, which from the first seemed to be a relationship of convenience rather than love, she seems to put him first in everything. But lately he's been spending a suspicious amount of time with his ex, and refuses to speak to her about it. She decides to accept a short 5 day job assignment in London, but before getting the details, she has to sign an NDA. All of a sudden, she is in charge of a spoiled celebrity and on her way to the Crystal Ball aboard a yacht. Upon arrival, she is abandoned on the island with no clothes, no money, and no passport. Out of frustration and spite, she decides to attend the exclusive ball on her own, wearing the celebrity's dress and sneaking into the venue. When security becomes suspicious, she is rescued by a handsome man who agrees to escort her for the night, no names or personal information exchanged. They spend one night dancing and talking, knowing they can't take anything further because of her engagement. But is it possible that she's falling in love with the mystery man in one special night?
This was a cute and clean Cinderella remake. I like how Fran finds herself by getting away from her normal life, standing up for herself with her employer and Stew, and finally giving herself time to be herself before starting a new relationship. She was such a pushover in the beginning of the book, giving up some of her favorite things because Stew didn't like them. I'm glad she finally got a happy ending.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
On a Night Like This was everything I never knew I needed. If it weren't for stupid adult responsibilities, I would have devoured every page in little to no time. 🙃
I immediately caught serious Cinderella vibes when I first saw the front cover. I'm a sucker for romance and HEAs, so I knew this book was for me as soon as I read the book blurb. 😍
This book was a unique and beautifully written story that I'm pretty sure I cannot say enough about it. There was, of course, a ball, a tall, dark and handsome stranger, a make-over of sorts, and mention of midnight, but all done in a very modern way. So much so that while the story referenced Cinderella multiple times, it never came off fairy-tale-heavy.
I loved it. 😍
Every bit of it. 🥰
I loved the Taylor Swift references (as well as other pop culture mentions).
I loved Fran's note to Stew that I think had a hidden message - maybe? Probably? 😉
I loved the book so much that I found myself highlighting the text like a kid in college; I either loved the writing, something that made me laugh, or because it felt relatable.
This is a great story, and I can't wait to add a physical copy of the book to my collection! 📚 I will also be checking out Lindsey Kelk's other publications since this one was right up my alley.
Thank you, NetGalley, Harper Collins, and Lindsey Kelk, for an advanced reader copy of On a Night Like This in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve had a rough week and Lindsey Kelk’s humor was just what I needed to brighten my weekend. On a Night Like This is a hilariously wonderful story about Fran and the relationships that influence her life. Through an absolutely bizarre work trip that turns into a Cinderella-story evening, Fran discovers her voice and the journey to get there is quite an adventure. The whole time I was reading, I kept thinking “what is Fran going to get herself into next?” This was a fun read that I just couldn’t put down.
Thank you @harpercollins360 and @netgalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS – Lindsey Kelk
Harper Collins
ISBN: 9780008496753
January 18, 2022
Romantic Comedy
England & Mediterranean Sea – Present Day
Fran Cooper’s life is in a rut. Her boyfriend is selfish and wants her to do what he wants to do and not what Fran wants. She works for a temp agency and her latest assignment means that she will be gone for several days. But does her boyfriend care? No, he refuses to discuss it with her. So, after waking up and finding him gone, Fran heads to the assignment, where she learns that she will be a temporary assistant to a well-known singer—and it requires that she accompany the singer on the trip to a remote Italian island where the glitziest of parties is being held. Sounds like fun, but it’s the start of a nightmare for Fran.
Fran is supposed to keep an eye on the demanding celebrity singer, such as to make sure she doesn’t drink too much, but that’s hard to do when expensive champagne is flowing freely. She does develop a sort of friendship with her charge, but at the same time, the job isn’t easy. After they drop anchor in the harbor of the Italian island, Fran goes ashore to get a special request from the singer. But while she’s gone, the yacht leaves—without her! After contacting her boss in London, Fran learns that she can “take over” the suite that had been reserved for the celebrity. Fran plans to hide out until a makeup artist comes and convinces her to crash the ball. Fran becomes like Cinderella at a ball and her secret should be safe, until she meets Evan…
Fran has a night to remember in ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS by Lindsey Kelk. While she enjoys her work as a temp, it would be nice to have a steady job in a field she enjoys—if she can figure out what that should be. Her boyfriend/fiancé would rather she get a mundane job, such as teaching. He is rather controlling and refuses to listen to her. He avoids talking to her by disappearing, which is what he did that morning she left. Fran has spent most of their years together appeasing him, so now she has a chance to do what she wants to do.
At first, the job, which is on an expensive yacht, is fun, even if the celebrity is hard to please. But soon, they forge a friendship, though Fran still must give in to keep things going smoothly between them. But the morning the yacht drops anchor in the bay, hell breaks loose when the celebrity must have a special soft drink. After Fran is left stranded, she finally reaches her contact in London, who advises her to stay there until a certain time the next day, upon which the yacht will be back to pick her up. The one thing Fran must not do is to tell anyone that the celebrity singer is not coming. What happens next is Fran sneaking into the ball—and meeting the charming Evan, a man she had run into earlier that day. They hit it off, though Fran can’t forget that she is somewhat engaged. I say “somewhat engaged” because she is by now wondering if it’s time to end that. And when the hour arrives where she must go, she leaves Evan sleeping…
ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS is an intriguing tale, though it takes halfway through the book before Fran meets Evan. Is this a romance or a tale about a woman’s journey? A bit of both. Fran is an engaging character and one that readers will root for. Will she find a happily-ever-after or will she return to her fiancé? Will she find a career she enjoys? Be sure to grab a copy of ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS to find out the answers.
Patti Fischer
It took me a bit to get into the story, but once I did I enjoyed it. I liked that while it was obvious that Fran had been making poor choices in her life leading up to the timeframe of this book, she was open to making changes for the better.
I’d read several reviews before starting the book and those warned that this was not a romance novel. I adjusted my expectations going into this book because of those reviews, but found that I would still consider this story to be incredibly romantic.
The main focus of the novel was not the romance; the main focus was Fran figuring out who she was and what she wanted out of life. I loved it for her and it was important that she experience this development. However, the time she spends platonically discovering what she really wants? Romantic.
I was afraid that the book would end without a resolution to her new relationship but was relieved to find that Fran still got her happily ever after. I really enjoyed the story overall and I finished it feeling happy for the main character. I would recommend this as a feel-good read.
It's probably been a couple months since I've read On a Night Like This and I still find my mind drifting off to think, and honestly process, this book. On a Night Like This wedged itself into my heart, just a smidge.
Fran's identity has somehow been washed away after years of pushing aside her needs to take care of others. After a fight with her husband she impulsively takes a job assisting a the diva pop star Juliette on a Mediterranean yacht for five days. Only, things don't go quite to plan and she ends up stranded on an island in Italy.
In a very un-Fran-like move, she ends up crashing the "party of the year" and meeting the modern day Prince Charming, Evan. After a magical evening at the party they part ways without having exchanged any names or personal information. After all, Fran still has to figure out what to do about her marriage. (Side note, there is no cheating involved here).
I am a sucker for female characters that come apart and remake themselves by the end of the book. The romance in this book is remarkably sweet, but I wouldn't say it was the focus. On a Night Like This celebrates Fran waking up and seizing her life back.
Why you should read:
✨ Flawed heroines
✨ Cinderella moments
✨ Genuine friendships
✨ Post-divorce relationships
✨ Pseudo fairy godmothers
✨ Spoiled celebrities
Thank you so much to @netgalley and @harpercollins for this ARC, Lease on Love is out January 18, 2022!
Oh my goodness when I tell you I absolutely love this book! This has become one of my new favorite books!
I had no idea what to expect when I began reading this book, it started out with Francesca, Fran for short stuck in a rut and trapped in her life with her fiancé who was holding her back.
Fran goes from sitting in a cafe with her friend Jess to being whisked away onto a luxurious yacht to be an assistant to a famous singer. They bond and they chat as if they were old friends but before Fran knows it she’s stuck on an island she’s never been to with no way home until the next morning.
Firstly I just want to say that while there is romance it’s not the center of this novel and that is what I think I love the most about this book. It is about a woman who learns that she deserves better, she needs to put herself first for once and stop letting other people get in the way of her happiness.
Fran has always been the type to listen and do what’s best for other people but through this journey to a small island in Italy in a place she isn’t supposed to be she learns from a special someone, Evan that life is like a jigsaw puzzle and her jigsaw puzzle has been in a box in the furthest part of the attic for much too long. The end of this book was bittersweet and left me wanting more of Fran and Evan, crossing my fingers we meet them again in the future.
I finished this book in one sitting and I have to say that I will definitely be buying a physical copy so that I can read this many more times in the future!!
Thank you so much to HarperCollins, Edelweiss+, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this novel! I also want to thank Lindsey Kelk for writing this incredible novel!