As expected, Portia MacIntosh's latest novel, You Had Me at Chateau, is a winner. This rom-com is a funny page-turner from the beginning to the end. The great plot, interesting characters, and witty text made this an easy afternoon read.
Thanks, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with the ARC ebook I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

Amber Page, a rom-com writer in a creative slump, is tasked with adding more "spice" to her books—a challenge she dreads. In a bid to find inspiration, she attends a writer’s retreat at a luxurious château in the stunning French Alps. Surrounded by eccentric romance authors, Amber’s attempts to heat up her writing don’t quite go as planned. However, her real-life romantic comedy begins to unfold when two leading men enter the picture, leaving her caught between work struggles and unexpected romance. It’s a delightful story full of humour and heart.

Enticed by the title I had to read it. Loved it. Just what you come to expect from Portia's books. Funny, set in a great location and filled with fab characters. I must admit I do like books with authors as characters... and this didn't disappoint.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

So, Amber is a romance author who is struggling to finish her book. Her editor sends her on a writer's retreat with 3 other authors who are the bitches of Eastwick. Amber also (weirdly) looks like the ex-girlfriend of reality TV star, Caleb, who decides that they can help eachother out as he needs to promote some stuff online.

It was a slow starter and I'll admit that it wasn't my favourite book by Portia MacIntosh (I, unashamedly, am Millsy til I die) and was VERY monologue heavy.

I found the premise of the book interesting though as it did make me consider the fact that Ms. MacIntosh is also not good at writing smut. However, the other authors had me wondering if they were based on anyone in particular!!

I didn't really see the point in Henri, he seemed like a bit of a useless character, although I can appreicate that he did move the plot along somewhat.

In direct comparison to the slow start, the ending seemed somewhat abrupt.

I enjoyed the story but it was not my favourite book by Portia MacIntosh.

What an adorable comedy romance! Just in time for the change in seasons (for Minnesota at least) and getting me ready for Christmas and the holidays. I loved the MC and storyline, but what I felt was missing was the SPICE! How can we have the MC on a writers retreat to find more spice and not get any SPICE? Still a really good read, recommend it for this winter!

Amber is a rom-com writer who has a writers block and is told by her editor to “spice up” her books. As she tries another genre but can't sell her latest idea, she’s sent on a writers retreat in the Alps to get inspiration. In this french, wintery beautiful described scenery she meets two love interests which give her all the inspiration she needs.

I love the way the author described everything, you can almost see it. The MC is very relatable and likeable and makes it easy to really feel for her and get into the story. It's a really great rom-com, it sure made me laugh out loud a few times.
The writing is light and airy, but the author really knows how to give you the feels. If you love rom-coms, I totally recommend this one.

Portia has done it again! Another hilariously swoony rom com set in a stunning location!

I adored the beautiful chateau and I felt so sorry for Amber as she tried to hold her own with her peers.

Both Henri and Caleb were such good guys and I was torn between them!

A great festive story with incredible characters!

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Portia always has some very silly plots with a colorful cast of characters! There are some good plot points I never guess either. Fun holiday read!

Portia Macintosh, your English teacher was soooo wrong! Each book just keeps getting better, if thats even possible. I loved You Had Me at Chateau. This is without doubt a must read fall/winter book.
It is the perfect blend of funny and romantic, set in the beautiful French Alps.
I would sincerely like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and most importantly the author, for writing this very entertaining read!

The writing was light, funny and engaging. I found myself laughing out loud a few times and smiling throughout the rest of the book. There were some deeper moments and some times when I really felt for the main character, so overall there was a great mix of emotions going on.

I particularly liked how it felt as though the main character was speaking to you, telling you how her life was going. It made me feel more involved with the story.

The chapters were fairly short which kept the story moving. There was always something happening and this technique kept my attention. There was a good flow to the book, which made it easy to read.

The characters were great. I loved the relationship that the main character had with her brother and how they were there for each other when their parents were having their own problems.

There were some lovely moments between the main character and each of her potential suitors. I really wasn't sure how it was going to end!

The relationship between the main character and the other writers was interesting. It really made me feel for the main character. She tried so hard to fit in with them, when really there should have been equal effort from all parties. Having this storyline running through gave the main story a grounding and a more serious note.

Lastly the settings. They were wonderfully described. I really wanted to be there! The description of the food was also excellent. As soon as someone starts describing food, they are on to a winner with me!

Overall an entertaining read that I recommend.

Portia Macintosh is having a purple patch, her last book was excellent and You Had Me At Chateau is right on its heels.
 
All the usual elements, a love triangle, sunny location, but for me it is always the lightness of touch. There are always memorable sections,
in this book, it was the damp knickers in the handbag on a blind date and the French maid cleaning scene. I also loved the dynamic with
Ambers’s quarrelling parents.
 
Such an enjoyable read and hopefully, there will be a new novel hot on its heels.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Portia never fails to deliver a cracker. I really enjoyed this book A LOT.

I don't usually re-read romance but this will be getting re-read around Christmas time because it was such a joy. I love Portia's books because they have me cackling along throughout the entire book, they're brilliant and the FMC are always so relatable that you can't help the connection and really enjoying being on the journey with them.

I loved the relationship between Amber and Tom, usually you don't get the happy sibling dynamic but this was a really nice change so THANKYOU. I liked the blossoming between Caleb and Amber, but I do wish that she made him sweat a little more at the end. However the humour even at this point still had me laughing.

What didn't I like about this book? The three witches! Bette, Gina and Mandy were awful, but I'm glad they were in the book because it was such a great addition - in fact I still liked it in the book, I just didn't like THEM (so great work Portia).

Honestly Portia's books are always an easy recommendation for me and I'm so chuffed to have read this one.

❄️ I absolutely loved this book. I've been reading Portia's books for years now (I'm sure it's close to 10 but I could be wrong & that makes me sound old, but I'm sure it's getting up to that!) I always trust her to put a smile on my face & make me laugh out loud & this book certainly did that!

🧀 It was the perfect mix of romance & comedy & such an easy to get into read that had me so excited to curl up each night.

❄️ I won't do spoilers but the romance & how it all developed made me so happy. I could see it but it was so natural & also still had me guessing at times. I found it too cute & just yes!! 🥰

🧀 If you're looking for plenty of laughs, a beautiful setting & some swoony romance, I highly, highly recommend it!

You Had Me at Chateau, is yet another winning romcom from Portia MacIntosh. Amber is a romcom author but is having trouble with her latest book. She just isn’t feeling it and has the itch to try her hand at a cozy mystery instead. Her editor insists the publisher much rather she just add some spice to her romance novels. And as it turns out she is getting sent to Alps for a writing retreat with a number of more successful romance writers. Complications ensue and before she knows it Amber finds herself in something of her own love triangle. As with most of Portia’s books there is also a fun subplot or two, the main one dealing with her parents who have announced they are ‘pre-divorcing’. Note that while this one is not exactly billed as a Christmas romcom, the story does use Christmas as a backdrop. With some great characters, a funny storyline, and a healthy dose of cheeky humor, fans of MacIntosh are sure to enjoy this one. I’d like to thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review You Had Me at Chateau.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R3O366S0Q46TO3/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Book Review: You Had Me at Chateau by Portia MacIntosh

From the moment I started You Had Me at Chateau, I was completely charmed by Portia MacIntosh’s delightful storytelling. As a fan of romantic comedies, I had high hopes for this book, and it exceeded every expectation.

The story follows Amber Page, a romance writer who finds herself in a creative slump. I immediately related to her struggles—after all, who hasn’t faced moments of self-doubt? When she receives an invitation to a writer's retreat at a stunning château in the French Alps, she reluctantly agrees, hoping to find inspiration. The setting itself was practically a character, with its picturesque views and charming ambiance, making me wish I could be there too.

MacIntosh has a knack for blending humor with heart, and this book is no exception. The eccentric group of fellow writers at the retreat provided plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as they tried to help Amber “spice up” her writing. The comedic scenarios felt fresh and relatable, making me chuckle throughout.

As Amber navigates her writer's block, she also finds herself caught in a love triangle with two intriguing men. I appreciated how MacIntosh crafted this romantic tension; it felt genuine and added layers to Amber's journey. Each character was well-developed, and I found myself rooting for Amber as she learned to embrace her true self amidst the chaos of romance and career challenges.

What truly resonated with me was Amber's evolution. Watching her confront her fears and ultimately find her voice was inspiring. The narrative is filled with warmth and wit, and by the end, I felt a sense of fulfillment that only a great rom-com can

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

This book was great! I loved the writing style and I loved the characters and their chemistry. I loved this great pallet cleanser.

I found this romcom to be hilarious. It is so clever to build the story around a romcom writer who is struggling with the demands of her editorial team. There are so many references to romance tropes which make you feel that you are in on the joke. The central character, Amber, is very engaging. Feeling an outsider to the group of writers she is sent to join; she finds herself in a love triangle. Her parents are dissatisfied with their marriage and she has pressures from work and home.
Henri and Caleb turn out to be very different characters although first impressions can be deceptive. There witty observations on the life of the influences and the effect of social media which gives the story a modern feel. With larger than life characters and some hilarious interludes, this is great fun and all round entertainment. The festive setting is perfect and so on message.
In short: fun, flirty and festive

First of all thank you for approving my request!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The authors writing style had me hooked throughout this book.

I didn't want it to end, a book I really couldn't put down.

Imagine being sent to a 5 star chateau in a ski resort for work, all expenses paid and you just have to write a book while you’re there. Dreamy work if you can get it I say! I enjoyed this book- Amber was very likeable and her relationship with her brother Tom was sweet. Caleb was surprisingly normal for an influencer and Henri seemed like a catch too. I definitely enjoy books which reveal a bit about life behind the scenes as an author and this did that in spades. A very heart warming, easy to read, festive story. Would definitely recommend