Suddenly Single

I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book. I found Suddenly Single to be a book more about mental health and self care than a romantic comedy. There were aspects that were romantic, and I liked the interactions between the secondary characters, however there wasn't too much chemistry between the main characters. William was very easy to dislike and I liked that Chloe had loyal friends backing her up whenever they'd get stuck together.
A realistic take on divorce and the self-actualisation that is realised when those memories surface.
3.5 stars

This is my second non-crime book by this author in a matter of weeks! Don’t you just love it when one of your favourite crime writers then becomes one of your favourite rom-com writers also! This lovely book, with its ‘oh so tempting’ cover is based around romance author, Chloe Piper. Chloe, whose book Spank Me Harder, Vicar became an erotic bestseller, is moving into her new house out in the Staffordshire countryside following the breakdown of her marriage. Together with her dog, Ronnie, Chloe has to try and put her marital problems behind her to find the inspiration needed to write her next book. But when her new neighbour coerces her into joining a Singles Group, Chloe finds it’s not only her marital problems she needs to overcome, but also her social anxiety which has plagued her for years.

I loved the cover for this book when I first saw it! Such eye catching colours and perfect graphics meant I couldn’t wait to jump into this one, and yet again this author bounces her way up to the top of my ‘To Be Read’ list! I liked Chloe and her friend, Faith from the first chapter and really settled into the story. I also loved the location of this story and, in particular, Chloe’s new house! Yes, it was in the middle of nowhere with hardly any shops or conveniences nearby, but surely that’s the beauty of it! It also sounded absolutely beautiful inside and I could just picture what it must have looked like!! What a perfect place to rediscover yourself following your marriage breakup and to also have the complete peace and quiet to work on your next book – it’s just a pity Chloe didn’t get any of those things!! Her new neighbours, Eleanor and Fairfax take her into the fold of their ‘Singles’ group which they run as a business. This isn’t really what Chloe would normally be into, suffering from a social anxiety disorder, and this then becomes the heart-warming story of Chloe trying to overcome her anxieties and rediscover herself.

Chloe was a lovely character and I really warmed to her as the book moves on. You can truly relate to her and surely everyone at some point has gone through some of the anxieties that she experiences. I loved her relationships with all the other characters and the other characters in themselves were all really likeable, although it would drive me crazy living next door to Eleanor and Fairfax, not matter how good their intentions were!! I did see lots of character names that I recognised from amongst the blogging community also, although did have a little foot stamp and pout when I got to the end and realised mine wasn’t in there!!

This was a lovely heart-warming read with plenty of funny moments to counteract the more serious issues. I adored Ronnie the dog, and I laughed my socks off at him eating Alex’s sandwiches right at the beginning of the book!! It was also great to see mental health issues being written about so that they aren’t taboo subjects. This was superb writing as normal from this fabulous writer and she is constantly proving that she can write anything! Wonderful story, thoroughly enjoyable, would highly recommend!!

This was a funny and charming read! I loved the fact that the main character wrote erotica - very meta! The entire cast of characters are engaging and there is some 'will they, won't they' within the story to keep it interesting. A hilarious summer read!

Loved this book. It was heartwarming and due to the social anxiety suffered by the main character, quite inspirational. Mental health is a subject which needs to be talked about and normalised, so it was a huge plus for me that the character had social anxiety and the story portrayed it as having a huge affect on her life rather than being something which was mentioned a few times and then forgotten about. It was well written and left me feeling warm and uplifted.

What a treasure!!, loved, loved, loved this book and being part of Chloes search of finding herself after the end of her marriage. Be prepare for an intense journey filled with hard times and acceptance.

In the first couple of chapters, I admit I struggled. The writing was a bit clunky - particularly the dialogue - and I found there was too much concentration upon the “social anxiety” aspect considering how quick the protagonist was to overcome it.

That said, what emerged after the first third was an accessible, enjoyable story. It didn’t take much to read, and would be perfect as a holiday read or a bit of sheer escapism. It’s not one I would reread, but it’s recommended if the genre suits you.

Funny ~ Accessible ~ Satisfying

tl:dr: Women writes smut and finds good changes in her life.

Wyer's voice has the ideal level of snark. This romance novel is about a woman dropped by a cheating cad just before she publishes her first erotica novel. The story continues with her endeavors, and it ends with a happy ending. The book does play into some tropes, like the boyfriend is with the other woman at the start of the novel, but the quality writing makes this book still readable. Enjoyable. The easy humor is what makes the book. Good beach read.

3.5

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

First book I have read by this author and enjoyed reading it.

The story of Chloe, who has moved to a house in the country following the break-up of her marriage. She struggles with new situations, and her anxiety makes it difficult to meet new people, but she doesn't get a choice once new neighbours get involved in her life.

I Just read this book in one sitting. So good! It has fantastic characters, hilarious antics, an adorable pooch and some will they, won't they romances. Suddenly Single also deals with some mental health issues, which is so important these days.

This has to be one of my contenders for book of the year, and it's only February!

This story held my interest through to the end, although I can't help thinking the ending was a little cheesy and predictable. Too many books end like this (SPOILER ALERT - the gentle swell of her stomach).

I'm pleased that the author tackled social anxiety, but I don't think her portrayal of this was quite accurate. Chloe seemed to get over her nerves very quickly. And lucky her having so many supportive friends. Would everyone really be so understanding?

It wasn't really a romance. Chloe does have a love interest, but it takes up very little space. I didn't get any strong feeling from either Chloe or her love interest for that matter. In fact, there was more chemistry between Sean and Chloe!

Loved Ronnie, and I enjoyed the writing element, as well as Chloe transforming her home and garden.

A good read, but don't think the portrayal of social anxiety quite hit the spot. Shame, but at least the issue was highlighted.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I really liked the main character Chloe Piper and also most of the characters in the very enjoyable and recommended book.

Absolutely loved this book. Couldn't wait to get back to it when I was away!

Loved the relationship between Chloe and her dog Ronnie! LOVED Alex and could totally move onto the development of homes.

It was just a thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommended!

Another refreshing book from Carol Wyer.
Newly separated Chloe moves to a new house, that is in the middle of a small building site. The tranquil location suits her and her dog Ronnie. Within a few days she meets her new neighbours who invite her to join a singles club. Chloe doesn't want them to find out she's written a novel and that she has a social debilitating condition.
Throughout the book we read Chloe's story, her ups and downs. Her fears and wishes. Can this new environment change Chloe?
An easy read, which I enjoyed. A book about friendship, determination and a reason to turn your life around.

Chloe Piper has just separated from her cheating husband and is looking for a fresh start far away from everyone. She’s hoping her new home at Sunny Meadow Farm will give her the space she needs to cope with her severe anxiety disorder and work on writing her next book. But instead of staying at home, Chloe finds herself drawn out by her new neighbors and ends up agreeing to take part in a new singleton group that takes her way outside of her comfort zone.
A quick, fun read, Suddenly Single also gives us a nuanced and realistic portrayal of someone dealing with severe anxiety. Chloe has setbacks, makes progress, and grows so much over the course of this book. I also greatly enjoyed Carol Wyer’s sense of humor throughout the story. She’s given us a feel-good story that everyone can laugh and empathize with.

Suddenly Single by Carol Wyer is a charming read about finding the strength to persevere through life's many challenges and, ultimately, emerging in triumph. This is a life-affirming novel that had me rooting for the all too relatable Chloe from the very start.

Chloe Piper is a romance author who suffers from a debilitating social anxiety disorder. When she catches her husband cheating, not for the first time, Chloe makes the bold decision to forge a new start at Sunny Meadow Farm, a barn to home conversion project where she is almost immediately embraced by neighbours Eleanor and Fairfax, and Alex, who is heading up the conversion, and is also living on site. Despite her reservations, and inclination to stay at home with her faithful dog Ronnie, Chloe is persuaded by the neighbours to join their singles club, where she soon finds herself opening up to new friendships. The group's various events help Chloe to confront her anxieties and, ultimately, reaffirm her grandmother's sage wisdom. Chloe is stronger than she believes.

This is a lovely rom com with the added benefit of an uplifting message. I felt as if I was almost an honourary singleton, partaking in each event vicariously. The title of Chloe's first novel, 'Spank Me Harder, Vicar', had me laughing out loud each time I read it. A fun and enjoyable read that I would not hesitate to recommend.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for this ARC.

A funny light hearted read but also thought provoking. I loved Chloe, she is such a lovable character. Watching her blossom and fight her demons of crowds and people was actually an inspiration. I think all of us can sympathise with Chloe as we all have inner demons like this. Just some others are better at covering it up. I would definitely recommend this book.

#SuddenlySingle #NetGalley Another delightful escapade from the very talented Carol Wyer. A very easy to read rom com which I devoured in just two days with all the essentials including adorable dog Ronnie. The characters were well developed and I loved the competitive element from the Singleton club - very reminiscent of "What Happens in France" - another superb rom com from this same author. A very uplifting read, which did bring a tear or two towards the end. Carol is fast becoming one of my favourite authors -someone who, it seems, can switch effortlessly between Rom Com and Crime novels excelling at both. Will definitely look out for more by this author.

I love the authors police procedural books a lot, but I also love her more light hearted, easy to read stories. This one definitely fits into the latter category.

Chloe needs a quiet place to be, she is escaping a breakup and needs to try and find herself again. However what she actually finds is somewhere she didn’t realise she needed, with neighbours she very quickly comes to love. She pushes herself past her limits and soon discovers that what she thought she wanted wasn’t, in fact, what she needed. This is a great easy read.

Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.

I really enjoyed this book and I would highly recommend it. It has a great story line, excellent main characters and it is a real page turner. I read this book in one sitting and the hours just flew by!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to.

ah an amazing read, plot flows smoothly and won't be too predictable . characters are well written. a nice, light hearted read, gives you a good laugh and relax for a while!

Really enjoyed this book with its beautiful setting and great neighbours. Chloe is nursing a broken heart and has a secret that she’d rather keep from the locals. I particularly enjoyed the variety of events that she goes to, and the characters that she meets on the way. A fun read.

After the breakdown of her marriage Chloe is keen to move out of Appletree and find somewhere peaceful and away from it all. Appletree is the setting where she based her best-selling novel, mostly on pub gossip from her ex William. There had been a few rumours on the identity of novelist C J Knight, so a good time to move away.
She finds her new home at a new development of old farm buildings called Sunny Meadow.
The name is idyllic as the setting….countryside, reservoir, winding lanes and a dark starry sky. I want to live there too.
Chloe keeps to herself. She has a close friend, Faith, who is also her publisher.
She lost her family in an accident and since then she suffers with social anxiety disorder. This holds her back a lot, avoiding crowds and social gatherings. She’s happy to sit at home in her pyjamas, writing and shopping online.
Since her break up she’s suffering with writers block, and her submission date for her next novel is getting nearer. A bit of a panic!
Back to Sunny Meadow. It’s quite a small and exclusive development. Her nearest neighbours pop over and introduce themselves, Eleanor and Fairfax, and before she knows it she’s been invited to their house, drunk far too much, and signed up to their singles club.
She’s dreading the first activity day and makes herself ill with worry.
I won’t give any spoilers for The Singleton Club, but the activities were a lot of fun and are a big part of the story. It also pushed Chloe out of her comfort zone in terms of meeting new people.
Alex was another neighbour, son of Thomas the site developer. He was really nice.
William, the ex, reappears and he was a real creep!
Not forgetting Ronnie, her faithful dog. I loved him.
Funny, entertaining and easy to read too with a satisfying conclusion.

I received Suddenly Single by Carol Wyer as an ARC from Netgalley. Chloe Piper is a bestselling romance writer who discovers that her husband has been cheating on her. She leaves their village and buys a new home in the country. Chloe deals with social anxiety and she just wants to get away from people. I'm an introvert and deal with minor social anxiety so I can relate to how Chloe feels. Her neighbor, Eleanor, has started a new Singles Group business and convinces Chloe to come to the group's first event. Chloe learns to have confidence in herself and also learns how to deal with her social anxiety. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.

This was definitely one of those books that I did not want to finish, and I'm already hoping for a sequel! The book follows romance novelist Chloe Piper, who, after her marriage falls apart, flees her cheating ex and village to the newly built Sunny Meadow Farm with her dog Ronnie. After her friendly neighbours get her hopelessly drunk, she agrees to join their Singleton Club, although she has a social anxiety disorder. It was an extremely enjoyable, quick read, that had me laughing and crying at times, and falling completely in love with Chloe's personality. Huge praise for Carol Wyer!

A joyous gem of a love story! Suddenly Single had me rooting for all of the members of the singles club but especially Chloe and Alex. The friendships that were developed were just as sweet as the romantic couples. And any book that has a dog as practically a main character gets bonus points. Lovely read.

Simple yet entertaining.

This is a good take on the happenings of divorce and the idea of starting to date again when suddenly left single.

There were moments of laughter and moments of reflection.

Over all this is a well rounded novel that makes for an easy but enjoyable read.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. Suddenly Single by Carol Wyer is a light hearted British Women’s Fiction story about starting over after your marriage ends. Chloe Piper, writer of a wildly successful first novel called Spank Me Vicar has just moved in to her new home shortly before Christmas. She wakes up the morning after a very alcohol infused evening at her new neighbours Eleanor and Fairfax to find that she has agreed to attend a singles outing that they run. Unfortunately for Chloe not only is she very hung over but she suffers from extreme social anxiety and the thought of meeting strangers has her paralyzed. That first outing leads to others and to her surprise slowly but surely Chloe finds that she is able to make new friends, enjoy the outings, overcome her writers block and perhaps find romance along the way. I enjoyed this story of beginning again and learning to thrive. I should mention that Chloe also has an awesome dog Ronnie a very good best friend Faith and a very hot new neighbour Alex Collins. No Steam Publishing Date April 8, 2019 #NetGalley #SuddenlySingle #CarolWyer #Canelo

Chloe, a romance novelist, suddenly finds herself without a husband. Looking to start over, she moves to a house in a small town away from the hussel and bussel of city life. This story takes us through Chloe's social anxiety and learning how to deal with her new life on her own. After a night of drinking she joined a club and slowly, but surely she gets to know her neighbors, all with interesting stories that add to her life.

The quality of writing in this book is top notch. I loved the little snark and sarcasm in Wyer's style and found myself smiling while I was reading the story.

This book was an easy read that had just enough to hold my attention and make me feel like I had watched a great movie.

It does have some stereotypical characters, but the writing made it more unique.

Thank you for allowing me to read an ARC of this book! I will highly recommend this book for a GREAT SUMMER READ for 2019

I felt like this was a perfect chick lit read. The premise was relatable and emotional, the outcome was hilarious and fulfilling and the main character had such a voice throughout the story that I felt like I was looking in on a friend. It was a great romance, with some wittiness and raciness thrown in. This was my first book by this author and I look forward to more of her novels in the future.

Absolutely loved this book!!! It is a great story with a very serious theme about mental health but is very much a great read

Love, love, love this book! Such a feel good factor to it, I couldn’t wait to read it! All of the characters bar one (for reasons which will become obvious when you read it) are wonderful especially the kind and caring Alex - where is a man like this for me in real life please?? 😂

I recommend you read this, you won’t regret it!!!