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Hawksley Manor #1
As Weekends Go
What if your entire life changed in the space of a weekend? When Rebecca's friend Abi convinces her to get away from it all at the fabulous Hawksley Manor hotel in York, it seems too good to be true. Pampering and relaxation is just what Rebecca needs to distract herself from the creeping suspicion that her husband, Greg, is hiding something from her. She never imagined that by the end of the weekend she would have dined with celebrities or danced the night away in exclusive clubs. Nor could she have predicted she would meet famous footballer, Alex Heath, or that he would be the one to show her that she deserved so much more ... But no matter how amazing a weekend is, it's always back to reality come Monday morning isn't it?
307 pages, Paperback
Published December 19, 2016
50 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Jan Brigden
4 books46 followersJan lives in South East London with her husband and motley crew of cuddly toys. Jan's written for pleasure from a young age; short stories for classmates, odes for workmates, fun quizzes for family and friends, progressing to the contemporary uplifting dramas she writes today.
The idea for her debut novel, As Weekends Go, sprang from a script she composed as part of a creative writing course assignment via The Writers Bureau. The novel went on to be published by award winning UK independent publishers Choc-lit after winning their Search for a Star competition.
Jan’s latest novel, If I Ever Doubt You, also published by Choc Lit, is the sequel to her debut.
An avid reader, reviewer and all round book devotee, Jan is also one eighth of online writing group The Romaniacs who successfully self-published an anthology of short stories and flash fiction entitled ‘Romaniac Shorts: Fashionably Brief’. The Romaniacs also proudly received the RNA Industry Media Star Award and even got a mention in The Bookseller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 1, 2017
I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Rebecca's marriage is in trouble, her husband Greg is obsessed by ambition and he has gradually changed from the man she married. Now he's all about networking, keeping up with the Joneses, beating the sales targets and his latest conference. He forced Rebecca to move to a bigger house, put their plans for a family on hold and has denigrated her career choices. Oh, and her friends and family don't like him much either.
Becca's best friend Abi(gail) gets the chance to spend the weekend at a country house hotel courtesy of her boss and invites Becca along as her boyfriend Nick is on a stag weekend and Greg is at his conference. As an aside, who has a boss who gives away expensive weekends in a country hotel and then upgrades from a double room to two singles? Do they want a new employee?
Whilst at the hotel Becca sees a famous footballer (soccer player) walking along the corridor, she stumbles, falls into him and bam! Insta-love.
I struggled to understand what Jan Brigden was trying to do with this novel, we see events unfolding during the weekend from the POV of Nick, Greg and Becca - but why? I didn't see the need for Greg and Nick's POVs unless this was the set-up for a series and TBH Greg was such a tool I struggle to see who would want to read his book.
The idea that a famous footballer would fall in love with a married woman after just a weekend, a weekend where they actually spent time away from each other, stretched my credulity. Also, Becca was just a bit of a doormat, quite what Alex saw in her I don't know. After all of Greg's nastiness she still didn't really do anything about it!
This was a pleasant read but Rebecca was a bit of a drip and Alex was too good to be true.
Rebecca's marriage is in trouble, her husband Greg is obsessed by ambition and he has gradually changed from the man she married. Now he's all about networking, keeping up with the Joneses, beating the sales targets and his latest conference. He forced Rebecca to move to a bigger house, put their plans for a family on hold and has denigrated her career choices. Oh, and her friends and family don't like him much either.
Becca's best friend Abi(gail) gets the chance to spend the weekend at a country house hotel courtesy of her boss and invites Becca along as her boyfriend Nick is on a stag weekend and Greg is at his conference. As an aside, who has a boss who gives away expensive weekends in a country hotel and then upgrades from a double room to two singles? Do they want a new employee?
Whilst at the hotel Becca sees a famous footballer (soccer player) walking along the corridor, she stumbles, falls into him and bam! Insta-love.
I struggled to understand what Jan Brigden was trying to do with this novel, we see events unfolding during the weekend from the POV of Nick, Greg and Becca - but why? I didn't see the need for Greg and Nick's POVs unless this was the set-up for a series and TBH Greg was such a tool I struggle to see who would want to read his book.
The idea that a famous footballer would fall in love with a married woman after just a weekend, a weekend where they actually spent time away from each other, stretched my credulity. Also, Becca was just a bit of a doormat, quite what Alex saw in her I don't know. After all of Greg's nastiness she still didn't really do anything about it!
This was a pleasant read but Rebecca was a bit of a drip and Alex was too good to be true.
February 7, 2016
I had this book on pre-order but saved it until all the Christmas brou-haha was over - and I wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed the three 'stories' in the first half of the novel - the stay in the 5* country house hotel, the stag do in Spain and the husband's business conference and I think they worked well separately, yet linked into the whole of the novel seamlessly. I loved Rebecca and her mate, Abi; what a loyal friend. Like some of the other reviewers I had a very poor opinion of Greg, the erring husband, but I wasn't supposed to like him - right? I found the other secondary characters believable and liked Kenny, even if he was a bit of a rogue. Saving my last comment for Alex who was a complete hunk but with the kind of good manners and moral values one might not expect from a Premier League footballer. All in all, a five star read and I hope that Ms Brigden will write a sequel. Or at the very least a novella, to answer all the will they/won't they questions left at the end of the novel. I don't think that Rebecca and Alex's story is finished!
September 1, 2016
Rebecca has been doubting her husband, Greg, for some time. She is, with some reluctance, persuaded to go with her best friend, Abi, on an indulgent spa weekend. Determined to make the most of this pampering, Rebecca vows to sort things out with her husband after the weekend.
A relationship in trouble, and a strong female friendship, set up an interesting situation. Enter footballer Alex Heath, who happens to be staying at the same place and who - after an unfortunate accident in the stairs - finds himself falling for Rebecca.
This is romance with honour. No tawdry affairs for our main pair. The only person who indulges in an extra-marital fling is Rebecca's vile husband, Greg, who is shown to be so thoroughly unpleasant that you're rooting for her to walk away...fast!
You know exactly what you're getting with As Weekends Go, but it is indulgent and entertaining. Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
A relationship in trouble, and a strong female friendship, set up an interesting situation. Enter footballer Alex Heath, who happens to be staying at the same place and who - after an unfortunate accident in the stairs - finds himself falling for Rebecca.
This is romance with honour. No tawdry affairs for our main pair. The only person who indulges in an extra-marital fling is Rebecca's vile husband, Greg, who is shown to be so thoroughly unpleasant that you're rooting for her to walk away...fast!
You know exactly what you're getting with As Weekends Go, but it is indulgent and entertaining. Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2016
I just loved this gorgeous, fairy tale anchored in real life romance. Immediately swept into Rebecca's world, I loved her family, her best friend Abi and adored Alex. Greg, well he's so true to life, he's scary! Great characters, superb dialogue and real emotion, I was rooting for the smitten pair from the word go! Highly recommended, what a great read! More please Jan Brigden.
July 28, 2017
4.5!
http://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2017/0...
The opening scene left me in no doubt that Bex and Greg’s relationship was long overdue a reckoning. Some people enjoy playing the ‘victim’ role and Greg knows exactly what he needs to do to manipulate Bex so that she will continue to meet his needs while her own needs lay simmering under the surface. While her family and best friend Abi are supportive, she needs an equal partnership which she won’t ever have with Greg. Hawksley Manor is the perfect setting for her to untangle her emotions. Until she meets Alex Heath. She certainly fell for him 🙂 Alex isn’t your stereotypical celeb footballer (or rather stereotypically portrayed in the media). His ethics and morals had me swooning as much as his physique!
Choc Lit novels are well known for giving the reader the male point of view and in As Weekends Go we’re spoiled with three! I enjoyed not only Alex Heath’s narrative but Nick’s too (best friend Abi’s partner). As for Greg, he just made my blood reach boiling point.
The romance plot may be a common theme but there are a couple of things that made this a romance with a difference for me. The tension and conflict is well paced and not just for the lead characters. I was as emotionally invested in Abi and Nick as in Bex’ love life. The characters became living and breathing people for me. I thought about them after the story had ended. Greg is so getting what he is owed …
I have no hesitation in recommending As Weekends Go. If you’re a romance reader don’t miss it!
http://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2017/0...
The opening scene left me in no doubt that Bex and Greg’s relationship was long overdue a reckoning. Some people enjoy playing the ‘victim’ role and Greg knows exactly what he needs to do to manipulate Bex so that she will continue to meet his needs while her own needs lay simmering under the surface. While her family and best friend Abi are supportive, she needs an equal partnership which she won’t ever have with Greg. Hawksley Manor is the perfect setting for her to untangle her emotions. Until she meets Alex Heath. She certainly fell for him 🙂 Alex isn’t your stereotypical celeb footballer (or rather stereotypically portrayed in the media). His ethics and morals had me swooning as much as his physique!
Choc Lit novels are well known for giving the reader the male point of view and in As Weekends Go we’re spoiled with three! I enjoyed not only Alex Heath’s narrative but Nick’s too (best friend Abi’s partner). As for Greg, he just made my blood reach boiling point.
The romance plot may be a common theme but there are a couple of things that made this a romance with a difference for me. The tension and conflict is well paced and not just for the lead characters. I was as emotionally invested in Abi and Nick as in Bex’ love life. The characters became living and breathing people for me. I thought about them after the story had ended. Greg is so getting what he is owed …
I have no hesitation in recommending As Weekends Go. If you’re a romance reader don’t miss it!
January 24, 2016
A lovely read, there a great deal of warmth in Jan Brigden’s writing and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The dialogue was realistic and the descriptions of the settings, especially Hawksley Manor were wonderful - I could imagine it in perfect detail. The characters were engaging, each with their own personalities, some of them made me laugh, while others I wanted to throttle, but no matter what feeling they evoked, I felt I really got to know each of them. Written from several points of view, the author handled the cast with ease.
I particularly enjoyed the scenes between Alex and Rebecca. Their relationship developed gradually over the course of the book and I became engrossed in the dilemma they both faced and felt their frustrations as I just couldn’t see a way out of it.
As Weekends Go challenges stereotypes and I fell in love with Alex Heath from the word go. Rebecca was kind and thoughtful and, over the course of the story, we see her become independent and much stronger without losing any of her niceness. She is definitely someone I’d like as a friend. I championed Rebecca from the start and was cheering her on all the way.
Will definitely read more from this author.
I particularly enjoyed the scenes between Alex and Rebecca. Their relationship developed gradually over the course of the book and I became engrossed in the dilemma they both faced and felt their frustrations as I just couldn’t see a way out of it.
As Weekends Go challenges stereotypes and I fell in love with Alex Heath from the word go. Rebecca was kind and thoughtful and, over the course of the story, we see her become independent and much stronger without losing any of her niceness. She is definitely someone I’d like as a friend. I championed Rebecca from the start and was cheering her on all the way.
Will definitely read more from this author.
November 23, 2016
A lovely read about finding romance when you least expect it and having the strength to stand up for yourself, As Weekends Go is one of those that makes you think while simultaneously putting a smile on your face.
Rebecca's life seems to be one step ahead of her, with her post-redundancy plans slow in materialising and her husband, Greg, ever more distant. So when her friend Abi begs Rebecca to join her a Hawksley Manor for a weekend of free pampering, Rebecca jumps at the chance. But that was before she made a fool of herself in front of gorgeous footballer, Alex. And before Abi started misbehaving. Can a weekend really change everything?
With strong characterisation, a beautifully-woven plot, and a shying away from stereotypes, this is a great romantic read. The characters a multi-faceted and, while we do get a glimpse of the 'bad-boy' celebrity lifestyle, the author reminds us that the ones that make the headlines for the wrong reasons are far from being the only members of a football team. But there's a deeper message there, too, about finding your feet again when you don't even realise you've been knocked down. Recommended.
Rebecca's life seems to be one step ahead of her, with her post-redundancy plans slow in materialising and her husband, Greg, ever more distant. So when her friend Abi begs Rebecca to join her a Hawksley Manor for a weekend of free pampering, Rebecca jumps at the chance. But that was before she made a fool of herself in front of gorgeous footballer, Alex. And before Abi started misbehaving. Can a weekend really change everything?
With strong characterisation, a beautifully-woven plot, and a shying away from stereotypes, this is a great romantic read. The characters a multi-faceted and, while we do get a glimpse of the 'bad-boy' celebrity lifestyle, the author reminds us that the ones that make the headlines for the wrong reasons are far from being the only members of a football team. But there's a deeper message there, too, about finding your feet again when you don't even realise you've been knocked down. Recommended.
March 1, 2016
This was such an enjoyable read. What drew me instantly into the story was the warmth and likeability of the main character, Rebecca.
With her marriage on the rocks,and her husband hell-bent on pursuing his career (and another woman), Rebecca is at her lowest ebb. Lacking self-worth, with her own hopes and dreams in pieces around her, Rebecca's whole world seems to be falling apart.
Her weekend away with best friend, Abi (great character, and some great scenes here!) is where her life slowly starts to change direction. When she meets professional footballer, Alex, Rebecca is left in no doubt as to how special he thinks she is.
I would love a sequel - partly to see the relationship between Rebecca and Alex develop. Best of all though, I'd like the satisfaction of seeing poisonous Greg suffer the consequences of his behaviour!
With her marriage on the rocks,and her husband hell-bent on pursuing his career (and another woman), Rebecca is at her lowest ebb. Lacking self-worth, with her own hopes and dreams in pieces around her, Rebecca's whole world seems to be falling apart.
Her weekend away with best friend, Abi (great character, and some great scenes here!) is where her life slowly starts to change direction. When she meets professional footballer, Alex, Rebecca is left in no doubt as to how special he thinks she is.
I would love a sequel - partly to see the relationship between Rebecca and Alex develop. Best of all though, I'd like the satisfaction of seeing poisonous Greg suffer the consequences of his behaviour!
September 6, 2016
This is one of those books you can truly read in one sitting. It took me about seven hours – with distractions such as ‘lunch’ and ‘telephone calls from Mum’ – but I kind of wish I could go back and read it for the first time all over again. It has it all: a marriage on the rocks, a bubbly best friend who offers a welcome distraction, more good looking chaps than you could shake a stick at, and a dream weekend that it turns out might just become a dream life… If only Rebecca can make a stand against her husband and break free.
Jan Brigden’s debut novel is light, fun, feels like it could really happen, and has a happy ending – what more could you need?
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest opinion.
Jan Brigden’s debut novel is light, fun, feels like it could really happen, and has a happy ending – what more could you need?
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest opinion.
March 5, 2019
Having no interest in football players, real or fictional, I had only bought this book while it was on sale during the World Cup because I know Choc Lit's Tasting Panel can be trusted to select really good stories. And now that I have finally decided to read it, of course, I love it. Alex is such a lovely man! And Rebecca definitely deserves someone like him rather than like her disrespectful husband. I also enjoyed having some scenes in other characters' points of view. And now I hear a sequel is coming. I'll be looking forward to it.
March 30, 2016
Really lovely book. This is so well written, a lovely gentle paced, charming novel. The main character - Rebecca - was very likeable - an endearing warm personality who tried hard for everyone. The setting was a pure escapist fantasy - the hotel sounded gorgeous! Then there was footballer Alex - who sounded like an absolute dish! A fun, enjoyable, lovely read x
July 23, 2017
I bought this book after hearing Jan Brigden talk at a Choc Lit event and I am so pleased I did. I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved Alex Heath (swoon) and Rebecca's best friend Abi. Both were such warm, likeable characters. I wanted to know how the happy ending would play out and found it hard to put down; it's a real page turner! I'd love there to be a sequel.
May 6, 2016
1.5/5.0
The story had a very strong opening and beautiful setting; sadly, the book was disjointed with multiple storylines going on.
Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
The story had a very strong opening and beautiful setting; sadly, the book was disjointed with multiple storylines going on.
Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 8, 2020
As Weekends Go is Jan Brigden's debut novel and a brilliant novel at that!
This book is a perfect romantic read which tackles the issue of Rebecca being in an unhappy marriage and wanting more out of life. Rebecca has done everything she can to try and make the marriage work but despite all her efforts, she feels that the marriage is not going anywhere. Whilst on a weekend away at the Hawksley Manor Hotel in York, with her friend Abi, she meets Alex, a footballer who makes her heart beat, and shows her how she should be treated - he makes her feel alive and special. This was the last thing Rebecca expected to happen when Abi emailed her about the weekend away, a break Rebecca so badly needed. The hotel sounded wonderful - I think we could all enjoy a trip to Hawksley Manor!
I loved all the characters - they were all depicted so well and you could really relate to them. They were so vividly brought to life. The storyline is brilliant - I am not a football fan myself but I found myself getting more and more drawn into how a footballer lives, how their lives and relationships are impacted by being in the public eye and how they are treated by the media.
Life is short, you have to listen to your heart and follow your dreams - however hard it is and however many obstacles you may have to overcome on the way. And you have to continue, even though it may not work out in the end. You have to live for the here and now.
As Weekends Go is a wonderful romantic read, with lots of twists and turns and surprises along the way. The book is full of emotion, and will make you laugh and smile.
A definite page turner - I thoroughly recommend this entertaining read. I look forward to reading the sequel and finding out what happens next between Rebecca and Alex and how their relationship develops!
This book is a perfect romantic read which tackles the issue of Rebecca being in an unhappy marriage and wanting more out of life. Rebecca has done everything she can to try and make the marriage work but despite all her efforts, she feels that the marriage is not going anywhere. Whilst on a weekend away at the Hawksley Manor Hotel in York, with her friend Abi, she meets Alex, a footballer who makes her heart beat, and shows her how she should be treated - he makes her feel alive and special. This was the last thing Rebecca expected to happen when Abi emailed her about the weekend away, a break Rebecca so badly needed. The hotel sounded wonderful - I think we could all enjoy a trip to Hawksley Manor!
I loved all the characters - they were all depicted so well and you could really relate to them. They were so vividly brought to life. The storyline is brilliant - I am not a football fan myself but I found myself getting more and more drawn into how a footballer lives, how their lives and relationships are impacted by being in the public eye and how they are treated by the media.
Life is short, you have to listen to your heart and follow your dreams - however hard it is and however many obstacles you may have to overcome on the way. And you have to continue, even though it may not work out in the end. You have to live for the here and now.
As Weekends Go is a wonderful romantic read, with lots of twists and turns and surprises along the way. The book is full of emotion, and will make you laugh and smile.
A definite page turner - I thoroughly recommend this entertaining read. I look forward to reading the sequel and finding out what happens next between Rebecca and Alex and how their relationship develops!
December 3, 2025
❤️ Blurb -
What if your entire life changed in the space of a weekend? When Rebecca's friend Abi convinces her to get away from it all at the fabulous Hawksley Manor hotel in York, it seems too good to be true. Pampering and relaxation is just what Rebecca needs to distract herself from the creeping suspicion that her husband, Greg, is hiding something from her. She never imagined that by the end of the weekend she would have dined with celebrities or danced the night away in exclusive clubs. Nor could she have predicted she would meet famous footballer, Alex Heath, or that he would be the one to show her that she deserved so much more ... But no matter how amazing a weekend is, it's always back to reality come Monday morning isn't it?
💜 Review -
I really enjoyed this novel. I loved the author's writing style and the pacing was just right. I enjoyed the story, which was easy to follow and flowed along nicely, I felt myself swept away with the characters in the story, which were believable and likeable. Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers.
💖 Thank you to Choclit for my free download copy of the book.
What if your entire life changed in the space of a weekend? When Rebecca's friend Abi convinces her to get away from it all at the fabulous Hawksley Manor hotel in York, it seems too good to be true. Pampering and relaxation is just what Rebecca needs to distract herself from the creeping suspicion that her husband, Greg, is hiding something from her. She never imagined that by the end of the weekend she would have dined with celebrities or danced the night away in exclusive clubs. Nor could she have predicted she would meet famous footballer, Alex Heath, or that he would be the one to show her that she deserved so much more ... But no matter how amazing a weekend is, it's always back to reality come Monday morning isn't it?
💜 Review -
I really enjoyed this novel. I loved the author's writing style and the pacing was just right. I enjoyed the story, which was easy to follow and flowed along nicely, I felt myself swept away with the characters in the story, which were believable and likeable. Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers.
💖 Thank you to Choclit for my free download copy of the book.
April 28, 2020
This is a lovely romance with everything you could wish for. Rebecca and Greg have been married for 9 years and currently things are not good between them and his work. A spontaneous weekend away for Rebecca and her best friend Abi leads to Rebecca finally seeing the truth. The story of the interaction between all the characters gives the story a genuine feeling of truth, however unpalatable. How the after effects of the weekend and Rebecca's meeting with Alex are portrayed make you smile and cry. I read this in two sessions, aided by a large chocolate bar. I enjoyed it greatly and I am sure that you will love the way all the characters feel like people who you know.
March 22, 2020
I loved reading this ! I honestly couldn’t put it down. Very often we get complacent in relationships, some people are used more as an assistant than a partner, and the author covered this topic exceptionally well. Being taken for granted by her emotionally distant husband, Bex enjoys a weekend away with her best friend Abi. This turns out to be a time she will never forget as she begins to see her marriage is not what it should be. Torn with emotion Bex has to work through her feelings until she can come to a conclusion which involves her following her brother in laws advice.
April 23, 2020
Rebecca thinks her life is on track. She has a successful husband who wants to start a family with her. Just as soon as he gets that next sale. Or presents at that conference. Rebecca isn’t so sure they are on the same page anymore. Will a weekend away with her best friend open her eyes up to both her reality and a new future?
This was a wonderful book. Very entertaining – I really connected with Rebecca and rooted for her happy ending.
This was a wonderful book. Very entertaining – I really connected with Rebecca and rooted for her happy ending.
September 2, 2024
This is my first novel by Jan Brigden, I enjoyed her world building and character development. Alex is such a good guy!!!! Rebecca is a darling too. I enjoyed the twists and turns. Already reading Book #2!
March 12, 2020
I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book, considering how little interest I have in the game of football, the players or their wives.
June 1, 2020
Not my usual but really enjoyed this! Can't wait to read the next one.
Read
September 22, 2022This book was brilliant, characters were all relatable and very true to life. Throughout enjoyed it, excellent author.
January 11, 2026
Nice story,
Fine for a beach read. Predictable and not very well written but whiled away a few hours pleasantly enough. Could have done with a thorough proof read.
Fine for a beach read. Predictable and not very well written but whiled away a few hours pleasantly enough. Could have done with a thorough proof read.
December 5, 2015
As Weekends Go , Jan Brigden
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Woman’s Fiction
This was a fun read. a new to me author so I didn’t really know what to expect but got a story that was fun and realistic.
I liked Rebecca, she’s a loyal friend and family member, married for 18 months to Greg. Somewhere along that time he’s changed though, and now work and promotion consumes him, leaving little time for anything else. Each time Rebecca tries to talk he’s too busy. When he started criticising her, her clothes and style, her creative job, her friends and family it was hard to hear. You can see how slowly, insidiously, he’s chipped at her confidence. He really is an arrogant bore. Then there’s her friend Abi, who Greg hates. She’s full of fun, very outgoing, in love with her boyfriend Nick and does her best to help Rebecca. She doesn’t like what Greg is doing to her, it’s always easier to see from the outside, but Rebecca has always excused his behaviour. The last few months have been tough though, and she’s just beginning to realise how much of herself she’s given up.
Out of the blue Abi gets a weekend in a very elite and fabulous hotel. Her boss is unable to go and has asked Abi if she wants to take his and his wife's place, so she persuades Rebecca to come. Greg’s away yet again for the weekend so they decamp to York. Its a wonderful place and Rebecca begins to relax. Then coming downstairs she trips, and gets caught by non other than famous footballer Alex. Right off there’s a sizzle between them and Alex just can’t get her out of his head. He’s also staying in the hotel for the weekend with a friend, Kenny. Before she knows what’s happened somehow Abi and Kenny have got talking and the four are out together. Its all very above board between Alex and Rebecca, he knows she’s married, but the conversations between them flow easily. Abi and Kenny arrange a dinner the next night with with a relative of his. His uncle and girlfriend were a great pair, very stereotyped but so funny and I’ve seen couples just like them. They added a nice touch to the colour in the novel, and a way to get Rebecca to look at Alex from another view.
Its a kind of slow build, with the deterioration of Rebecca’s marriage and Greg’s bombastic attitude and reluctance to see anything wrong. He just talks over Rebecca, ignores what she says and dumps more arrangements on her. She misses Alex, the easy chats they had, the way he listened to her in contrast to Greg just ignoring her or talking over her, the attraction they both felt that can’t be ignored and it makes her take a stronger look at home. Greg really was a dislikeable person, but I enjoy a character like him in a novel – and his ex Nina, another great bi tch character. As things slowly build up we can see how easy it is for a relationship to crumble if both people aren’t on the same wavelength, how people change over time, how important friends are. Without Abi Rebecca would have struggled so much, in an unhappy marriage, trying to sort it and missing Alex all at the same time. The story and characters felt so very real, showed how easy it is to stray if that extra step is taken. Both Abi and Nick come close to the edge too despite being in love, and I liked the way it made them assess what they had instead, and move forward. Rebecca didn’t get that chance with Greg, he put the blame all on her and his plans were just to kind of upgrade her like a Stepford wife till she fit the role he needed. Sadly that happens, there are people like that :-( husbands and wives.
Its a really fun and interesting read with a HEA. I loved the way it was paced, loved Alex and Rebecca, hated Greg and Nina....I do so love some strong characters in a novel and these worked so perfectly.
Stars: Four, a lovely gentle paced romance that made me think about people and issues
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
If you enjoyed my review I'd love it if you would please click “Like” and if you didn't I'd love to know why, so I can make future reviews more helpful.
December 31, 2015
Originally reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
As Weekends Go is a slice of life type of story. We get a peek into the lives of several people and how their lives are connected and how their perceptions of those lives will change over the course of one weekend.
Rebecca’s best friend Abi has been given the gift of a weekend away at a super posh hotel/resort – a gift since her boss and his wife cannot go themselves. Who better to share such an amazing windfall than with your best friend? Rebecca’s husband, Greg, will be away for business that weekend and Abi’s boyfriend, Nick, will be at a bachelor’s weekend with the guys. It’s the perfect time for some girlfriend time with a bit of pampering tossed in – best of all, it’s free.
When Rebecca accidentally stumbles on the grand stairway after realizing that a famous footballer, Alex Heath is staying at the hotel as well the changes in lives begins. Alex quickly rescues Rebecca from a serious fall and there is an instant awareness between them. More than simply a fan meeting a sports hero, but something clicks between them. For the rest of Rebecca and Abi’s stay at the hotel they will meet up with Alex and his friend often and a bit of harmless flirtation on Abi’s part seals the deal for them all to spend more time together.
Rebecca’s marriage is on shaky ground right now. Her friends and family are aware of what an absolute jerk Greg actually is. His professional climb up the corporate ladder is all that he can see, and he treats Rebecca very much as a servant, the woman with no life but to serve her husband’s every need. He has alienated most of her friends and family – pretty much trying to cut her off from her own support system. Greg has never physically abused her, but he certainly uses her for his own purposes on so many levels. He is a scumbag of the highest degree. Rebecca is not a doormat, she is aware of Greg’s actions and is trying to hold her marriage together in spite of what her instincts are attempting to tell her.
So while there is a strong attraction between Alex and Rebecca, she will not act on it and he will respect her wishes.
Upon returning home, Rebecca will be distraught at returning to her normal. She is honestly very attracted to Alex and knows that she should just walk away from her crumbling marriage but she won’t just yet. Greg’s actions will increase, especially when his plan to show off to a former flame, the woman who dumped him right before Rebecca brought him back from the edge of despair, is finally giving him the results he wants. Nina is a woman who has been in his blood for as long as Greg can remember and when they hook up again, beginning an affair that will benefit them both professionally and physically – then Greg’s true, ugly colors are out in the open for everyone to see… finally even Rebecca has to admit that their lives together are finished.
As Weekends Go is an intense look into the lives we have behind the scenes that everyone else is aware of. In many ways it reads like a night time television drama with scenes changing to the events in other couples/people’s lives happening at about the same time. While I enjoyed the story I also had some misgivings with it. But this is the author’s world, not mine so I can only judge the story by what I am presented with. Personally I felt that Rebecca’s suffering at Greg’s hands was drawn out too long. I get why it was written this way, but from a personal opinion I wanted Rebecca’s anguish to finally cease and move on to a happier ending for her. And, truthfully I really wanted Greg to suffer, I mean really suffer for his actions. Yet, again that reaction is on me and not the author.
If you enjoy a story with relatable characters that is emotionally intense, and draws you into the characters lives deeply then As Weekends Go is a story that you will want to pick up.
*I received an e-ARC of As Weekends Go from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
As Weekends Go is a slice of life type of story. We get a peek into the lives of several people and how their lives are connected and how their perceptions of those lives will change over the course of one weekend.
Rebecca’s best friend Abi has been given the gift of a weekend away at a super posh hotel/resort – a gift since her boss and his wife cannot go themselves. Who better to share such an amazing windfall than with your best friend? Rebecca’s husband, Greg, will be away for business that weekend and Abi’s boyfriend, Nick, will be at a bachelor’s weekend with the guys. It’s the perfect time for some girlfriend time with a bit of pampering tossed in – best of all, it’s free.
When Rebecca accidentally stumbles on the grand stairway after realizing that a famous footballer, Alex Heath is staying at the hotel as well the changes in lives begins. Alex quickly rescues Rebecca from a serious fall and there is an instant awareness between them. More than simply a fan meeting a sports hero, but something clicks between them. For the rest of Rebecca and Abi’s stay at the hotel they will meet up with Alex and his friend often and a bit of harmless flirtation on Abi’s part seals the deal for them all to spend more time together.
Rebecca’s marriage is on shaky ground right now. Her friends and family are aware of what an absolute jerk Greg actually is. His professional climb up the corporate ladder is all that he can see, and he treats Rebecca very much as a servant, the woman with no life but to serve her husband’s every need. He has alienated most of her friends and family – pretty much trying to cut her off from her own support system. Greg has never physically abused her, but he certainly uses her for his own purposes on so many levels. He is a scumbag of the highest degree. Rebecca is not a doormat, she is aware of Greg’s actions and is trying to hold her marriage together in spite of what her instincts are attempting to tell her.
So while there is a strong attraction between Alex and Rebecca, she will not act on it and he will respect her wishes.
Upon returning home, Rebecca will be distraught at returning to her normal. She is honestly very attracted to Alex and knows that she should just walk away from her crumbling marriage but she won’t just yet. Greg’s actions will increase, especially when his plan to show off to a former flame, the woman who dumped him right before Rebecca brought him back from the edge of despair, is finally giving him the results he wants. Nina is a woman who has been in his blood for as long as Greg can remember and when they hook up again, beginning an affair that will benefit them both professionally and physically – then Greg’s true, ugly colors are out in the open for everyone to see… finally even Rebecca has to admit that their lives together are finished.
As Weekends Go is an intense look into the lives we have behind the scenes that everyone else is aware of. In many ways it reads like a night time television drama with scenes changing to the events in other couples/people’s lives happening at about the same time. While I enjoyed the story I also had some misgivings with it. But this is the author’s world, not mine so I can only judge the story by what I am presented with. Personally I felt that Rebecca’s suffering at Greg’s hands was drawn out too long. I get why it was written this way, but from a personal opinion I wanted Rebecca’s anguish to finally cease and move on to a happier ending for her. And, truthfully I really wanted Greg to suffer, I mean really suffer for his actions. Yet, again that reaction is on me and not the author.
If you enjoy a story with relatable characters that is emotionally intense, and draws you into the characters lives deeply then As Weekends Go is a story that you will want to pick up.
*I received an e-ARC of As Weekends Go from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
November 30, 2015
3.5 Stars
For the most part I really enjoyed As Weekends Go, however I felt it sort of dragged out a bit, and although the lovely ending did go some way to improving my overall feelings about the book, I just couldn't quite get past the bits that I wasn't so keen on.
Rebecca's whole marriage to Greg is my main issue. I really hated Greg, and how he treats Rebecca, and also found I was getting frustrated with Rebecca to not have the balls to stand up to Greg and to try to fix her life.
The first half of the book, I loved. The trip to Hawksley Manor Hotel, and seeing what Rebecca and Abi got up to, and the descriptions of this magnificent, and luxurious hotel were great. I had a great time imagining myself that I was there with them. While they were staying in York, we also got to see what Greg and Nick were up to.
Greg as I have already mentioned is a nasty piece of work, and we learn very early on, some of what is causing him to act the way he currently is. But yet we only have the author's word through Rebecca, that he ever had a nicer side. I never saw any evidence of it, which in some respects made him feel slightly one dimensional to me.
Nick is on a stag weekend in Spain, and is having a great time reliving his youth and drinking plenty. Meanwhile back in York, Rebecca stumbles into top footballer Alex, and you can see there is an instant connection there.
All the scenes between Alex and Rebecca I loved, and I was really rooting for that to go somewhere, or for us to have seen a lot more of Alex than after the weekend is over.
It is amazing how one weekend can change five lives, forever, in different ways. However after the focus on the weekend away, I just felt that the rest of the book was lacking that certain something to keep me hooked.
A good debut from Jan Brigden, but its just a book that didn't gel with me properly, I'm sorry to say.
Thank you to Netgalley and Choc Lit for this review copy. This is my honest opinion.
For the most part I really enjoyed As Weekends Go, however I felt it sort of dragged out a bit, and although the lovely ending did go some way to improving my overall feelings about the book, I just couldn't quite get past the bits that I wasn't so keen on.
Rebecca's whole marriage to Greg is my main issue. I really hated Greg, and how he treats Rebecca, and also found I was getting frustrated with Rebecca to not have the balls to stand up to Greg and to try to fix her life.
The first half of the book, I loved. The trip to Hawksley Manor Hotel, and seeing what Rebecca and Abi got up to, and the descriptions of this magnificent, and luxurious hotel were great. I had a great time imagining myself that I was there with them. While they were staying in York, we also got to see what Greg and Nick were up to.
Greg as I have already mentioned is a nasty piece of work, and we learn very early on, some of what is causing him to act the way he currently is. But yet we only have the author's word through Rebecca, that he ever had a nicer side. I never saw any evidence of it, which in some respects made him feel slightly one dimensional to me.
Nick is on a stag weekend in Spain, and is having a great time reliving his youth and drinking plenty. Meanwhile back in York, Rebecca stumbles into top footballer Alex, and you can see there is an instant connection there.
All the scenes between Alex and Rebecca I loved, and I was really rooting for that to go somewhere, or for us to have seen a lot more of Alex than after the weekend is over.
It is amazing how one weekend can change five lives, forever, in different ways. However after the focus on the weekend away, I just felt that the rest of the book was lacking that certain something to keep me hooked.
A good debut from Jan Brigden, but its just a book that didn't gel with me properly, I'm sorry to say.
Thank you to Netgalley and Choc Lit for this review copy. This is my honest opinion.
January 13, 2016
Choc Lit and their reading panel do have a bit of a talent for spotting something special that their readers will enjoy, and they've done it again with this lovely book. The story's partly the stuff of every girl's fantasies (and several rather older women's too...!) - meeting a famous footballer on a weekend break, living the high life for a while, and finding that he's not only gorgeous but also a really, really nice guy. But it's not just the stuff of fantasy - Rebecca's marriage is on the rocks, her plans for a family forgotten, while her husband Greg relentlessly pursues his career (and a few other things he really shouldn't be pursuing).
I really liked the way Rebecca's friendship with Abi was drawn - Abi's quite a character, but also one of the most genuine and supportive friends anyone could wish for. I also liked the twists and turns of Abi's own relationship with Nick, and the fallout from the stag do in Spain. Rebecca is a real well developed character - your heart aches for her, knowing what Greg is up to while she continues trying to discuss things with him. Jan's very good at depicting friendship actually - I also thought Alex's relationship with larger than life friend Kenny was really well handled. I do know some reviewers have felt that the portrayal of Greg left a little bit to be desired, but I don't really agree - people do change, particularly when circumstances change and a couple don't have anything in common any more. Thank goodness for Abi - but thank goodness for Alex Heath too.
This was a lovely story, really well told - just to be nitpicky, I did think the Hawksley Manor stay, particularly the night at the club, were maybe a little more drawn out than they could have been, but the scenes in the restaurant were extremely funny (what horrendous people!) and really well written. I really look forward to seeing what Jan does next. OK, I do look forward to getting to know Alex better too - but this is a really good read from a first-time author well worth watching.
I really liked the way Rebecca's friendship with Abi was drawn - Abi's quite a character, but also one of the most genuine and supportive friends anyone could wish for. I also liked the twists and turns of Abi's own relationship with Nick, and the fallout from the stag do in Spain. Rebecca is a real well developed character - your heart aches for her, knowing what Greg is up to while she continues trying to discuss things with him. Jan's very good at depicting friendship actually - I also thought Alex's relationship with larger than life friend Kenny was really well handled. I do know some reviewers have felt that the portrayal of Greg left a little bit to be desired, but I don't really agree - people do change, particularly when circumstances change and a couple don't have anything in common any more. Thank goodness for Abi - but thank goodness for Alex Heath too.
This was a lovely story, really well told - just to be nitpicky, I did think the Hawksley Manor stay, particularly the night at the club, were maybe a little more drawn out than they could have been, but the scenes in the restaurant were extremely funny (what horrendous people!) and really well written. I really look forward to seeing what Jan does next. OK, I do look forward to getting to know Alex better too - but this is a really good read from a first-time author well worth watching.
January 15, 2016
Love it! 5 stars! Review to follow.
We all know that when you escape reality for a weekend, it’s always hard to return. Jan Brigden turns a girly spa weekend into a couple of days that will change the lives of everyone involved, and I loved it!
Rebecca was a fantastically developed character, and throughout the novel we see her progress and grow from a shy, understated and downtrodden wife to a woman who refuses to let her worth go to waste. I loved her passion for life, her hopes and aims for the future, but felt for her when we learn that in her marriage, she struggles to make herself heard. I loved to hate her husband, and was so intrigued to read the scenes written from his point of view. They made me both pity him for the issues he’d obviously held onto for years, and loathe him for how genuinely uncaring he was to Rebecca and the little regard he had for her feelings.
When we are introduced to Alex Heath, I had to make a little happy sigh. It was great to see another side to a footballer being portrayed, and not just what the public are shown. His enthusiasm for his sport, and his dedication to his chosen career is clear and seeing how he worked so hard at helping Rebecca feel comfortable with him was swoonworthy. Together he and Rebecca grow as people and it was heartwarming to witness.
Jan Brigden did a really great job at showing us sides to the characters that we wouldn’t have seen otherwise. We see Greg, Nick, Abi and Kenny’s from their own perspectives, and it made the characters more real to me.
Although quite a long book, ‘As Weekends Go’ didn’t drag. It was the perfect length and paced perfectly. I liked how Rebecca and Alex’s relationship wasn’t rushed and how Rebecca didn’t make any sudden decisions or changes when it came to her marriage. It made the pain they both felt at being separated, and Rebecca’s inner turmoil at whether or not her marriage was beyond saving, more realistic and all the more emotional to read.
5 Stars!
We all know that when you escape reality for a weekend, it’s always hard to return. Jan Brigden turns a girly spa weekend into a couple of days that will change the lives of everyone involved, and I loved it!
Rebecca was a fantastically developed character, and throughout the novel we see her progress and grow from a shy, understated and downtrodden wife to a woman who refuses to let her worth go to waste. I loved her passion for life, her hopes and aims for the future, but felt for her when we learn that in her marriage, she struggles to make herself heard. I loved to hate her husband, and was so intrigued to read the scenes written from his point of view. They made me both pity him for the issues he’d obviously held onto for years, and loathe him for how genuinely uncaring he was to Rebecca and the little regard he had for her feelings.
When we are introduced to Alex Heath, I had to make a little happy sigh. It was great to see another side to a footballer being portrayed, and not just what the public are shown. His enthusiasm for his sport, and his dedication to his chosen career is clear and seeing how he worked so hard at helping Rebecca feel comfortable with him was swoonworthy. Together he and Rebecca grow as people and it was heartwarming to witness.
Jan Brigden did a really great job at showing us sides to the characters that we wouldn’t have seen otherwise. We see Greg, Nick, Abi and Kenny’s from their own perspectives, and it made the characters more real to me.
Although quite a long book, ‘As Weekends Go’ didn’t drag. It was the perfect length and paced perfectly. I liked how Rebecca and Alex’s relationship wasn’t rushed and how Rebecca didn’t make any sudden decisions or changes when it came to her marriage. It made the pain they both felt at being separated, and Rebecca’s inner turmoil at whether or not her marriage was beyond saving, more realistic and all the more emotional to read.
5 Stars!
December 27, 2015
AS WEEKENDS GO by Jan Brigden was a good read, it however should come with a Bristish dictionary.
The story in this book is well written and developed the plot was very well written and is the reason I read this book, it sounded so good and dont get me wrong it was a good book, however I did have a hard time reading it as it has some british sayings and sentences that I am not familiar with, which for me made some parts of the book to understand, but the overall story of the book was great. The characters in this book are well developed and I found myself feeling right along with the main character Bex.
One would not think that one weekend away could change peoples life, but in this book one weekend was all it took. One weekend and the chance meeting of Bex and all star footballer Alex Health when staying at the same hotel for a weekend getaway for Bex and her best friend Ali and Alex and his best friend Kenny there for a weekend of golf. Alex and Bex meeting changes everything, from Bex and how she feels about her husband and the way he's been treating her. Following Bex as she tries and tries to make things work with her lying, cheating husband and trying to resist her feelings for Alex, she is trying her best to hind it all from everyone but she is not doing a very good job. What will happen, will Bex stay with her husband or will she see him for what he really is and what about Alex, where does he stand in all of this???
AS WEEKENDS GO bu Jan Brigden was my first read by this author, this is a standalone book and is well worth a read through. I would give AS WEEKENDS Go 3/5 stars.
Review on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha
The story in this book is well written and developed the plot was very well written and is the reason I read this book, it sounded so good and dont get me wrong it was a good book, however I did have a hard time reading it as it has some british sayings and sentences that I am not familiar with, which for me made some parts of the book to understand, but the overall story of the book was great. The characters in this book are well developed and I found myself feeling right along with the main character Bex.
One would not think that one weekend away could change peoples life, but in this book one weekend was all it took. One weekend and the chance meeting of Bex and all star footballer Alex Health when staying at the same hotel for a weekend getaway for Bex and her best friend Ali and Alex and his best friend Kenny there for a weekend of golf. Alex and Bex meeting changes everything, from Bex and how she feels about her husband and the way he's been treating her. Following Bex as she tries and tries to make things work with her lying, cheating husband and trying to resist her feelings for Alex, she is trying her best to hind it all from everyone but she is not doing a very good job. What will happen, will Bex stay with her husband or will she see him for what he really is and what about Alex, where does he stand in all of this???
AS WEEKENDS GO bu Jan Brigden was my first read by this author, this is a standalone book and is well worth a read through. I would give AS WEEKENDS Go 3/5 stars.
Review on behalf of Once Upon an Alpha
August 29, 2016
Rebecca Stafford’s best friend, Abi, persuades her to have a respite from her unhappy marriage and enjoy a girlie weekend of pampering in an upmarket hotel. There they share girlie chats, make fond memories and rub shoulders with the odd famous football star, such as the handsome Alex Heath. Only the fond memories Rebecca makes are hard to forget, particularly when they have shone a light on just how unhappy her marriage really is. And then Alex and Rebecca meet again. This is a story about forbidden love that cannot be denied.
I loved Abi and Rebecca’s friendship. Their dialogue, and Abi’s habit of egging Rebecca to step outside her comfort zone, was realistic, entertaining and makes you wish you had a best friend like that.
I loved Alex too and witnessing Rebecca and Alex’s romance gently build from an innocent foundation to something that plagues their minds when they are apart. However this story is also about a crumbling relationship that many readers will recognise and the novel does not shy away from these issues. This is gentle, adorable romance.
Now I’m off to book a weekend away to get some pamper time like Rebecca and Abi.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
I loved Abi and Rebecca’s friendship. Their dialogue, and Abi’s habit of egging Rebecca to step outside her comfort zone, was realistic, entertaining and makes you wish you had a best friend like that.
I loved Alex too and witnessing Rebecca and Alex’s romance gently build from an innocent foundation to something that plagues their minds when they are apart. However this story is also about a crumbling relationship that many readers will recognise and the novel does not shy away from these issues. This is gentle, adorable romance.
Now I’m off to book a weekend away to get some pamper time like Rebecca and Abi.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
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