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Solo
When Tessa Duvall, a struggling artist, reluctantly agreed to accompany her best friend Holly to a party at the elegant Charrington Grange Hotel, she had every intention of sneaking off early. For parties full of strangers bored the knickers off Tessa and this one proved to be no exception - until she encountered Ross Monahan, whose wicked reputation was as high profile as the hotel he owned and ran with such panache. But whilst Holly set about ensnaring his reluctant brother Max, Tessa simply accepted Ross for what he was, a sensational one-night stand...until she realised, weeks later, that one-night stands can have far-reaching consequences.
421 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
279 people are currently reading
3071 people want to read
About the author
Jill Mansell
88 books4,917 followersJill Mansell lives with her partner and children in Bristol, and writes full time. Actually that’s not true; she watches TV, eats fruit gums, admires the rugby players training in the sports field behind her house, and spends hours on the internet marvelling at how many other writers have blogs. Only when she’s completely run out of displacement activities does she write.
Jill Mansell's books have sold over ten million copies and her titles include: Making your Mind up, Fast Friends, Good at Games, Sheer Mischief and Solo, among many others.
Jill Mansell's books have sold over ten million copies and her titles include: Making your Mind up, Fast Friends, Good at Games, Sheer Mischief and Solo, among many others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
May 28, 2018
Ugh! Ugh, ugh, UGH!!
I cannot begin to review this book, I just can't. I am so DONE and OVER with Jill Mansell. What is wrong with you? What kind of sad life have you led to make you come up with such drivel?
I could not have thought her books could get any worse, but oh my God, they could. They really could. I wish there was a 0 star rating I could give this book to appease my anger and loathing for it. How can ANYONE think this was worth 5 stars?
The characters are an embarrassment to humankind. Pathetic female protagonist, who starts off as an independent, strong-willed, funny - even witty - woman, turns into a lame, sad, annoying coward who runs away from her problems SEVERAL times. An ass of a male protagonist, who is a known womanizer, sleeps around with anything that moves, filthy rich, and disgustingly self-assured and arrogant, has a one night stand with this independent woman and BAM, is suddenly head over heels for her.
Not that it stops him from continuing to be an ass.
This is a book that promotes cheating, womanizing, and is self-destructive. There was nothing funny about it, nothing humorous, I found it painful to read - and this coming from a person who actually ENJOYS chick-lit and enjoys predictable love stories. But this, THIS, is a story written to insult and humiliate. There is nothing redeeming about it. Not about Ross, not about Tessa, not about Holly and not about Max. Nothing. Holly being the typical best friend who does crazy things to attract Ross's other butt cheek Max. And fails miserably - until the last 2 pages. Ross and Tessa play cat and mouse for 400 pages until they're finally happy in the last 2 or so.
This is a typical example of leaving a good, decent man for the disgusting kind. Holly choosing Max over Adam. Mansell is basically saying, the bad guys win, the bullies win it all.
I hate this book. I hate it so much. I hate every message the book tries to convey, and I hate the writing, and I hate the characters. I hope they all burn in fiction hell.
Mansell, I've given up every ounce of hope that was left since reading To the Moon and Back - my first for you.
I am severely disappointed.
I cannot begin to review this book, I just can't. I am so DONE and OVER with Jill Mansell. What is wrong with you? What kind of sad life have you led to make you come up with such drivel?
I could not have thought her books could get any worse, but oh my God, they could. They really could. I wish there was a 0 star rating I could give this book to appease my anger and loathing for it. How can ANYONE think this was worth 5 stars?
The characters are an embarrassment to humankind. Pathetic female protagonist, who starts off as an independent, strong-willed, funny - even witty - woman, turns into a lame, sad, annoying coward who runs away from her problems SEVERAL times. An ass of a male protagonist, who is a known womanizer, sleeps around with anything that moves, filthy rich, and disgustingly self-assured and arrogant, has a one night stand with this independent woman and BAM, is suddenly head over heels for her.
Not that it stops him from continuing to be an ass.
This is a book that promotes cheating, womanizing, and is self-destructive. There was nothing funny about it, nothing humorous, I found it painful to read - and this coming from a person who actually ENJOYS chick-lit and enjoys predictable love stories. But this, THIS, is a story written to insult and humiliate. There is nothing redeeming about it. Not about Ross, not about Tessa, not about Holly and not about Max. Nothing. Holly being the typical best friend who does crazy things to attract Ross's other butt cheek Max. And fails miserably - until the last 2 pages. Ross and Tessa play cat and mouse for 400 pages until they're finally happy in the last 2 or so.
This is a typical example of leaving a good, decent man for the disgusting kind. Holly choosing Max over Adam. Mansell is basically saying, the bad guys win, the bullies win it all.
I hate this book. I hate it so much. I hate every message the book tries to convey, and I hate the writing, and I hate the characters. I hope they all burn in fiction hell.
Mansell, I've given up every ounce of hope that was left since reading To the Moon and Back - my first for you.
I am severely disappointed.
April 9, 2013
Let me tell you before hand that I love Jill Mansell's books as my reviews serve testimony. They provide exactly what I crave - a light quick and enjoyable read and sometimes even tend to surprise me.
Reading the blurb I knew exactly what I was getting into - A story about a rich handsome playboy who falls in love with a free spirited independent girl as they play cat and mouse and all this ultimately leads to the happily ever after
And that is precisely what this book was.
But alas! in no way was I satisfied.
I don't mean to sound shallow or anything but I have had with all the baby/pregnancy talk. And this book has like a pregnancy overdose, every third character is spouting babies!! Seriously it bores me to death. And I understand that Ms. Mansell's readers consist of a major chunk of single moms or married women but one can only take it so far.
Tessa Duvall as the stubborn independent artist felt enchanting at first but soon seemed flippant.
As for the hero, Ross Monahan I hated him. The only personality trait he had was ' handsome' which somehow the author felt so necessary to mention on every page. He's gorgeous, we get it.
The whole book was like a prolonged game of picking at rose petals and going, " she will, she wont, she will, she wont." There were times where I felt like screaming, " argggghhhh, come back on track at once and get this over with"
The side characters were interesting but not enough to save this book.
The first part is good but it soon gets stretched and boring
DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME ON THIS SHIT! You can thank me later.
Reading the blurb I knew exactly what I was getting into - A story about a rich handsome playboy who falls in love with a free spirited independent girl as they play cat and mouse and all this ultimately leads to the happily ever after
And that is precisely what this book was.
But alas! in no way was I satisfied.
I don't mean to sound shallow or anything but I have had with all the baby/pregnancy talk. And this book has like a pregnancy overdose, every third character is spouting babies!! Seriously it bores me to death. And I understand that Ms. Mansell's readers consist of a major chunk of single moms or married women but one can only take it so far.
Tessa Duvall as the stubborn independent artist felt enchanting at first but soon seemed flippant.
As for the hero, Ross Monahan I hated him. The only personality trait he had was ' handsome' which somehow the author felt so necessary to mention on every page. He's gorgeous, we get it.
The whole book was like a prolonged game of picking at rose petals and going, " she will, she wont, she will, she wont." There were times where I felt like screaming, " argggghhhh, come back on track at once and get this over with"
The side characters were interesting but not enough to save this book.
The first part is good but it soon gets stretched and boring
DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME ON THIS SHIT! You can thank me later.
June 20, 2024
I actually enjoyed this book. However, it was annoying because people were sleeping around, all over the place. I did like it though, but I’ve read so many books by Jill Mansell and the other books were better.
July 26, 2024
Initially, I thought I would enjoy this book more as an audiobook but struggled to remain focused on the story. I switched to digital and loved it. Jill Mansell does a brilliant job of filling her stories with numerous characters and storylines all occurring simultaneously but they flow so well that the reader isn’t overwhelmed trying to keep everyone and their story straight.
I enjoyed meeting Tessa, Ross, Holly, Max, Grace, Adam and everyone else. OK, maybe not everyone because I wanted to chuck Antonia through a window after first meeting her and my opinion of her didn’t improve. But see, that’s the beauty of Jill Mansell’s writing. Even the odious characters leave an impression.
I was quite intrigued with how Tessa and Ross meet and didn’t think a one-night stand and an unplanned pregnancy would work out for anyone, but it does here. Even though I wanted to shake Tessa sometimes at her stubbornness and quick reactions to believing the worst of Ross, even if he sometimes deserved it. I was rooting so hard for these two to make it work.
I adored Holly and though she comes off as very self-centered and a little bit arrogant, she has a heart of gold. She is in love with Max but he doesn’t acknowledge her existence, much less reciprocate any feelings for her. Adam, on the other hand, is head over heels for her, though he is a bit obnoxious in demonstrating it. I was on pins and needles on how her story would turn out.
I loved Grace and just wanted to hug her. She is barely out of school, probably around eighteen and working at the hotel Ross owns. Her world is turned upside down when she finds out about her father who she has never met. I was worried she would end up on skid row or something. Life is hard in the best of times, but to be dealt such traumatizing news at a young age could cause someone to spiral into a pit so dark and deep they would never be able to climb out. I must say that I think Grace was probably my favorite character and after you read this book, I think you will agree with me.
My Final Verdict: This book made me laugh, made me cry, made me angry and frustrated me. I loved it and highly recommend it to readers of contemporary romance and women’s fiction.
Thank you to the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark who provided an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
I enjoyed meeting Tessa, Ross, Holly, Max, Grace, Adam and everyone else. OK, maybe not everyone because I wanted to chuck Antonia through a window after first meeting her and my opinion of her didn’t improve. But see, that’s the beauty of Jill Mansell’s writing. Even the odious characters leave an impression.
I was quite intrigued with how Tessa and Ross meet and didn’t think a one-night stand and an unplanned pregnancy would work out for anyone, but it does here. Even though I wanted to shake Tessa sometimes at her stubbornness and quick reactions to believing the worst of Ross, even if he sometimes deserved it. I was rooting so hard for these two to make it work.
I adored Holly and though she comes off as very self-centered and a little bit arrogant, she has a heart of gold. She is in love with Max but he doesn’t acknowledge her existence, much less reciprocate any feelings for her. Adam, on the other hand, is head over heels for her, though he is a bit obnoxious in demonstrating it. I was on pins and needles on how her story would turn out.
I loved Grace and just wanted to hug her. She is barely out of school, probably around eighteen and working at the hotel Ross owns. Her world is turned upside down when she finds out about her father who she has never met. I was worried she would end up on skid row or something. Life is hard in the best of times, but to be dealt such traumatizing news at a young age could cause someone to spiral into a pit so dark and deep they would never be able to climb out. I must say that I think Grace was probably my favorite character and after you read this book, I think you will agree with me.
My Final Verdict: This book made me laugh, made me cry, made me angry and frustrated me. I loved it and highly recommend it to readers of contemporary romance and women’s fiction.
Thank you to the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark who provided an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
March 19, 2018
3.5 Stars
To start off, I love reading Jill Mansell! Her books are light and easy, a great escape, and just fun (and funny) to read. They do require one to remember that they are reading fiction, and to not be bothered by the characters seeming lack of moral fortitude.
Solo is one of her earlier books, written initially about 25 years ago or so, but just released in the USA for the first time in 2018. I found it funny and great light reading for a vacation. The characters are little “loose” though, and the book itself highlights what can happen when you have a bed partner and hope for no further attachment. Or decide maybe you do:) Lots of quirky characters and misunderstandings, until things finally shake out right. Recommended to her fans!
To start off, I love reading Jill Mansell! Her books are light and easy, a great escape, and just fun (and funny) to read. They do require one to remember that they are reading fiction, and to not be bothered by the characters seeming lack of moral fortitude.
Solo is one of her earlier books, written initially about 25 years ago or so, but just released in the USA for the first time in 2018. I found it funny and great light reading for a vacation. The characters are little “loose” though, and the book itself highlights what can happen when you have a bed partner and hope for no further attachment. Or decide maybe you do:) Lots of quirky characters and misunderstandings, until things finally shake out right. Recommended to her fans!
April 9, 2012
I’ve read quite a few Jill Mansell books and I’ve started to notice the pattern that most of them follow:
-The rich guy that sleeps around until he finds the perfect woman and falls in love with her in about five minutes in spite of her bland personality
-The beautiful best friend who is flighty and shallow but has a good heart
-Endless descriptions of what the characters are wearing (some of which are bizarre- orange pants and a purple sweater? Is the author color blind?)
-The same phrases used over and over again- “He smiled slightly.” “He spoke evenly.” “He looked amused.”
-Predictability- we know from the beginning which characters will get together but it doesn’t happen until the last ten pages.
And this book is no exception, though it’s more disturbing than the others. Ross is a controlling, womanizing jerk, but for some reason, women throw themselves at him. Because it’s totally okay for a man to treat you like dirt as long as his good looks make your heart race. Take a look at this line:
“Sleep with Nico Coletto and I’ll kill you.”
And this one, even more troubling, a few paragraphs later:
“‘You’re damn right you won’t seduce him,’ he said grimly, circling the back of her hand with the point of his knife.” Was that a threat?
Ross also cheats on her with a married woman, Antonia, and runs off to comfort her when her husband dies. He never proves that he is capable of being faithful- later, Antonia conveniently moves to the U.S., otherwise she’d probably always be interfering in his life- yet, he and Tess have a happy ending. Of course they do; the author keeps saying they have chemistry, even though we’ve seen no evidence of this. Show, don’t tell, Jill Mansell!
You know much you hate a character when he falls down the stairs and you’re disappointed that he doesn’t die. I’ve never read a book with more unlikeable characters. Not only that, but the story is boring, repetitive- oh, Tessa disappeared again?- and drags on and on.
I doubt I’ll be reading any more from this author.
-The rich guy that sleeps around until he finds the perfect woman and falls in love with her in about five minutes in spite of her bland personality
-The beautiful best friend who is flighty and shallow but has a good heart
-Endless descriptions of what the characters are wearing (some of which are bizarre- orange pants and a purple sweater? Is the author color blind?)
-The same phrases used over and over again- “He smiled slightly.” “He spoke evenly.” “He looked amused.”
-Predictability- we know from the beginning which characters will get together but it doesn’t happen until the last ten pages.
And this book is no exception, though it’s more disturbing than the others. Ross is a controlling, womanizing jerk, but for some reason, women throw themselves at him. Because it’s totally okay for a man to treat you like dirt as long as his good looks make your heart race. Take a look at this line:
“Sleep with Nico Coletto and I’ll kill you.”
And this one, even more troubling, a few paragraphs later:
“‘You’re damn right you won’t seduce him,’ he said grimly, circling the back of her hand with the point of his knife.” Was that a threat?
Ross also cheats on her with a married woman, Antonia, and runs off to comfort her when her husband dies. He never proves that he is capable of being faithful- later, Antonia conveniently moves to the U.S., otherwise she’d probably always be interfering in his life- yet, he and Tess have a happy ending. Of course they do; the author keeps saying they have chemistry, even though we’ve seen no evidence of this. Show, don’t tell, Jill Mansell!
You know much you hate a character when he falls down the stairs and you’re disappointed that he doesn’t die. I’ve never read a book with more unlikeable characters. Not only that, but the story is boring, repetitive- oh, Tessa disappeared again?- and drags on and on.
I doubt I’ll be reading any more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2021
Ai wat een tegenvaller ! Ik heb nu bijna alle door J.M. geschreven boeken gelezen en dit is de enige die maar 2 sterren van mij krijgt . Solo is haar 2e gepubliceerde werk en dateert uit 1991 en tja .. het is wat gedateerd , geen mobieltjes , ketting roken etc. Maar wat veel erger is .. is dat de mannelijke hoofd personen in dit boek karakter loze vrouwen verslinders zijn . Géén idee waarom Tessa en Holly zo verliefd op hun zijn !
February 21, 2018
I really enjoyed this one, but some of the characters were just too annoying to me. It’s funny that this is one of her most loved books and so far, it’s my least favorite from her. But still a solid four stars!
October 18, 2010
this is awful. Super rich guy and poor struggling artist from disadvantaged single parent home... blah blah. This is trite, clichéd pathetic and TEDIOUS. There is NO chemistry. The book makes fairytales like Cinderella sound realistic. Its utterly ghastly.
if the "hero" wants to really show he's committed to being a husband and father (or at least hoping to make a good impression as a husband let alone father) than he needs to have more than money and good looks. He acts like an idiot. And other than his money I don't see any attraction between the characters. The lack of chemistry and her "poor girl" behaviour was vomit inducing
Jill Mansell's books that I have read so far have been far too chick lit and stupid for me. Be prepared to lose brain cells when reading her trite, clichéd rubbish.
The heroine is generally naïve is either unsuccessful in her career or from a disadvantaged background, and a bit of a sap and misunderstood by the “hero” - and are usually been betrayed by a former boyfriend or just broken up from a long term relationship.
The hero's generally are all from the same chick lit text book of romance : tall dark and handsome (and invariably wealthy).
I loath absolute chick lit – but all her books are thus. Great of you're a bimbo though – because these books are so light that they float. Enjoy.
if the "hero" wants to really show he's committed to being a husband and father (or at least hoping to make a good impression as a husband let alone father) than he needs to have more than money and good looks. He acts like an idiot. And other than his money I don't see any attraction between the characters. The lack of chemistry and her "poor girl" behaviour was vomit inducing
Jill Mansell's books that I have read so far have been far too chick lit and stupid for me. Be prepared to lose brain cells when reading her trite, clichéd rubbish.
The heroine is generally naïve is either unsuccessful in her career or from a disadvantaged background, and a bit of a sap and misunderstood by the “hero” - and are usually been betrayed by a former boyfriend or just broken up from a long term relationship.
The hero's generally are all from the same chick lit text book of romance : tall dark and handsome (and invariably wealthy).
I loath absolute chick lit – but all her books are thus. Great of you're a bimbo though – because these books are so light that they float. Enjoy.
December 6, 2008
Another fun read by Mansell.
Mansell is great at weaving several plots together but not losing the reader's interest. Mansell's books are full of surprises from one page to another. I found it hard to put the book down.
***************Spoiler Alert***************
This one was about Tessa. She meets Ross and has a one night stand. The consequences of this meeting begins the tangled web.
The characters:
Holly-Tessa's friend who is in love with Ross's brother Max
Max-Ross's brother who is not one of my favorite characters. He is in love with a very shallow actress named Francine.
Grace-works for Ross and Max. Has some secrets of her own.
Maxie-Grace's mother
Antonia-having affair with Ross
Richard-Antonia's husband. Meets and falls in love with Maxie
Happy ending.
Enjoyed this!!
Mansell is great at weaving several plots together but not losing the reader's interest. Mansell's books are full of surprises from one page to another. I found it hard to put the book down.
***************Spoiler Alert***************
This one was about Tessa. She meets Ross and has a one night stand. The consequences of this meeting begins the tangled web.
The characters:
Holly-Tessa's friend who is in love with Ross's brother Max
Max-Ross's brother who is not one of my favorite characters. He is in love with a very shallow actress named Francine.
Grace-works for Ross and Max. Has some secrets of her own.
Maxie-Grace's mother
Antonia-having affair with Ross
Richard-Antonia's husband. Meets and falls in love with Maxie
Happy ending.
Enjoyed this!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2014
Solo is an awful story, totally a waste of time and money.
Irritating, infantile, TSTL 'heroine' (), annoying, clichéd 'hero', nonsensical storyline.
Not recommended.
Irritating, infantile, TSTL 'heroine' (), annoying, clichéd 'hero', nonsensical storyline.
Not recommended.
September 1, 2012
This was adorable...a typical Jill Mansell, my only issue was that it dragged on a bit so I did find myself getting impatient for the end but it was worth the wait!
June 3, 2018
heerlijki boek voor tussendoor. is te raden hoe het afloopt maar leest lekker weg.
March 31, 2018
This book really annoyed me at times. Too predictable and the characters were shallow.
January 3, 2017
3 stars – rounded from 2.5
Usually a book from Jill Mansell is a must-grab for me as her stories are full of humor and heart, often with multiple characters that are compelling and intriguing. I was hoping for the same in this bad boy makes good story.
Tessa is an artist, wholly different from her best friend Holly and completely unconcerned with the outward trappings of wealth, and not interested in a relationship. Holly is a bit more driven, focused, and completely convinced that Tessa needs a change, as well as wanting to further her own moments with her boss, Max.
Max and Ross are brothers, also very different from one another. These two own an upscale hotel that Max manages, while Ross reaps the benefits in terms of status, wealth and his own little black book. A well-known playboy, Ross is wholly unsuitable for a relationship, but Tessa surprises herself with her attraction to him. She’s aware of what he is – and isn’t looking for more.
So – if the book stopped here, I would have thought it felt a bit ‘written to request’ as the Billionaire Alpha Bad Boy Male trope is strong with Ross. And Tessa is just that right, slightly unfocused, not too bright but wholly supportive female friend that works for these stories. And then the wheels fell off the bus.
Who, in their right mind (and YES – I know this is fiction – but let’s at least pay nodding acquaintance to sexual health and good practice. Tessa is, oh woe is me, pregnant. From a one night stand – with a renowned player with a history of women in his past. So, she moves down from not too bright to perhaps too stupid for words – but the story goes on. She’s going to raise the child Solo, with no interference or assistance from the father. In fact, she doesn’t want him told. Perhaps a noble move in some respects, but wholly selfish - and I hate this sort of trope. But, I soldiered on hoping that Ross would show me some reason to like him, that Mansell’s previous skill in character development, dialogue and interconnecting stories and people would save me.
It didn’t. The book went from not for me to SO not for me: there was little character development, few moments of laughter or lightness, and I was left feeling as if the story was half-hearted. Flat and rather unispiring, I found Tessa insipid, Ross loathesome and while together Holly and Max were cute – there just wasn’t enough emotion or believability in any of them for me to care if their story ended happily. I struggled through to the end, but now struggle with my rating. Solid fans of Mansell may find this story entertaining and similar to Three Amazing Things About You. I thought this lacked the layered characters that brought that story to life. Perhaps not a first choice for a Mansell title, but fans who devour all her books are sure to like this.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
Usually a book from Jill Mansell is a must-grab for me as her stories are full of humor and heart, often with multiple characters that are compelling and intriguing. I was hoping for the same in this bad boy makes good story.
Tessa is an artist, wholly different from her best friend Holly and completely unconcerned with the outward trappings of wealth, and not interested in a relationship. Holly is a bit more driven, focused, and completely convinced that Tessa needs a change, as well as wanting to further her own moments with her boss, Max.
Max and Ross are brothers, also very different from one another. These two own an upscale hotel that Max manages, while Ross reaps the benefits in terms of status, wealth and his own little black book. A well-known playboy, Ross is wholly unsuitable for a relationship, but Tessa surprises herself with her attraction to him. She’s aware of what he is – and isn’t looking for more.
So – if the book stopped here, I would have thought it felt a bit ‘written to request’ as the Billionaire Alpha Bad Boy Male trope is strong with Ross. And Tessa is just that right, slightly unfocused, not too bright but wholly supportive female friend that works for these stories. And then the wheels fell off the bus.
Who, in their right mind (and YES – I know this is fiction – but let’s at least pay nodding acquaintance to sexual health and good practice. Tessa is, oh woe is me, pregnant. From a one night stand – with a renowned player with a history of women in his past. So, she moves down from not too bright to perhaps too stupid for words – but the story goes on. She’s going to raise the child Solo, with no interference or assistance from the father. In fact, she doesn’t want him told. Perhaps a noble move in some respects, but wholly selfish - and I hate this sort of trope. But, I soldiered on hoping that Ross would show me some reason to like him, that Mansell’s previous skill in character development, dialogue and interconnecting stories and people would save me.
It didn’t. The book went from not for me to SO not for me: there was little character development, few moments of laughter or lightness, and I was left feeling as if the story was half-hearted. Flat and rather unispiring, I found Tessa insipid, Ross loathesome and while together Holly and Max were cute – there just wasn’t enough emotion or believability in any of them for me to care if their story ended happily. I struggled through to the end, but now struggle with my rating. Solid fans of Mansell may find this story entertaining and similar to Three Amazing Things About You. I thought this lacked the layered characters that brought that story to life. Perhaps not a first choice for a Mansell title, but fans who devour all her books are sure to like this.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
December 15, 2016
Tessa Duvall is an independent artist, who depends on no one but herself. It doesn't matter that she's barely scraping by: she has her pride. When Tessa reluctantly agrees to accompany her best friend, Holly, to a party at the ritzy hotel where Holly works, she isn't expecting much. Tessa isn't one for the lavish affairs that take place at the Grange--a hotel owned by the two incredibly wealthy Monahan brothers. That night, however, Tessa meets Ross Monahan, a renowned playboy. The two have a one-night-stand and Tessa doesn't think much of it: until she realizes she's pregnant. Meanwhile, Holly, spends her entire life throwing herself at Ross' brother, Max, but Max doesn't give her the time of day.
So, while this is a romance, and we're sort of all supposed to know how it ends up, we--as readers--are also supposed to enjoy getting there. It's like the cheesy Christmas movies I've been enjoying during the holiday season. Sure, you know immediately how they will end, but you should like watching the lovelorn workaholic and the handsome Christmas tree farmer fall in love nonetheless. Alas, it just didn't happen for me in this one. The plot was enjoyable at first, but then it just seemed like the same things kept happening over and over. And over. Pregnancies! Weeping! Running away! Angst! Some of the plot twists were just so strange and seemed inserted to keep the book going, but it didn't need to keep going, because it was *lasting forever.*
The majority of the characters annoyed me for most of the novel. Tessa, our supposedly independent heroine, spends a decent chunk of the novel running from her issues. And while I suppose that meant she wasn't running into Ross' arms, it was irritating nonetheless. Ross seemed to just be a cad, and I honestly didn't blame Tessa for avoiding him. The supporting cast was more enjoyable, but after a while, the book seemed bogged down by their own endless problems and "will they or won't they" issues of their own, along with a lot of plot devoted to Ross' exploits. After a while, I really didn't care who ended up with whom, I just wanted it all to be over. I smiled a few times and laughed a bit (Holly is a trip) but overall, this one just irritated me.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review.
So, while this is a romance, and we're sort of all supposed to know how it ends up, we--as readers--are also supposed to enjoy getting there. It's like the cheesy Christmas movies I've been enjoying during the holiday season. Sure, you know immediately how they will end, but you should like watching the lovelorn workaholic and the handsome Christmas tree farmer fall in love nonetheless. Alas, it just didn't happen for me in this one. The plot was enjoyable at first, but then it just seemed like the same things kept happening over and over. And over. Pregnancies! Weeping! Running away! Angst! Some of the plot twists were just so strange and seemed inserted to keep the book going, but it didn't need to keep going, because it was *lasting forever.*
The majority of the characters annoyed me for most of the novel. Tessa, our supposedly independent heroine, spends a decent chunk of the novel running from her issues. And while I suppose that meant she wasn't running into Ross' arms, it was irritating nonetheless. Ross seemed to just be a cad, and I honestly didn't blame Tessa for avoiding him. The supporting cast was more enjoyable, but after a while, the book seemed bogged down by their own endless problems and "will they or won't they" issues of their own, along with a lot of plot devoted to Ross' exploits. After a while, I really didn't care who ended up with whom, I just wanted it all to be over. I smiled a few times and laughed a bit (Holly is a trip) but overall, this one just irritated me.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review.
February 1, 2018
Jill Mansell is a master at writing contemporary romances set in English small towns. They’re always filled to the brim with characters, storylines, and laughter. This book was no different…except that the more that I read this book, the more pissed off I got. The different stories worked for me and while I was more invested in Max and Holly, I was still interested in what was happening with everyone else. Everything was going swimmingly until about halfway through and the stuff that worked was still happening with no kind of growing happening. There was a lot of infidelity, a lot of boneheadedness and the characters that showed promise in the beginning, I started to hate.
Ross and Tessa drove me nuts, I wanted to knee Max in his balls every time he went running back to that old hag, hurting Holly in the process and then the whole thing with Antonia, Richard, Mattie, Grace, all of it made me either roll my eyes around the room or seriously pissed me off. I was Team Max for Holly until he kept right on hurting her because then he stopped deserving her. Same with Ross. I was frustrated with Tessa’s inability to ride things out. She was always running away and that annoyed the snot out of me.
By the time the end came, I was glad to be done with these characters. Ross was a huge disappointment, and while Max came around, I thought Holly let him off the hook too easily. The character that I probably liked the most was Grace. Her story was funny because she fell in love with her Dad before she knew that he was her Dad and then once she found out, she was so grossed out. That was funny.
Overall, this was a miss for me. It started off great but kind of veered off into the OMG what the hell is going on right now? land. I just couldn’t get behind all of the dumbass antics of everyone involved. Such a disappointment.
Grade: 1 out of 5
Ross and Tessa drove me nuts, I wanted to knee Max in his balls every time he went running back to that old hag, hurting Holly in the process and then the whole thing with Antonia, Richard, Mattie, Grace, all of it made me either roll my eyes around the room or seriously pissed me off. I was Team Max for Holly until he kept right on hurting her because then he stopped deserving her. Same with Ross. I was frustrated with Tessa’s inability to ride things out. She was always running away and that annoyed the snot out of me.
By the time the end came, I was glad to be done with these characters. Ross was a huge disappointment, and while Max came around, I thought Holly let him off the hook too easily. The character that I probably liked the most was Grace. Her story was funny because she fell in love with her Dad before she knew that he was her Dad and then once she found out, she was so grossed out. That was funny.
Overall, this was a miss for me. It started off great but kind of veered off into the OMG what the hell is going on right now? land. I just couldn’t get behind all of the dumbass antics of everyone involved. Such a disappointment.
Grade: 1 out of 5
November 15, 2016
I just love what Jill Mansell does with words. This book twists relationships around like pretzels until you're just not sure where anyone stands or with whom they stand. Simply amazing! Full review to follow.
My Review:
This book has gotten widely mixed reviews. Everything from one to five stars. I personally gave it a five-star rating. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! It was totally different from the other Jill Mansell book I read, Three Amazing Things About You, but it was just as good in its own way. It was also about those crazy interpersonal relationships that men and women have and how lack of communication can really screw them up.
This time it's Tessa, an artist, and Ross, a rich hotel owner and playboy, who have to work out a relationship with lots of interference and very little communication. They have lots of "help" from their friends and relatives. There's also Holly and Max to consider, if Holly has anything to say about it. And Mattie has the ultimate loss and gain. If I'm seeing a formula in Ms. Mansell's work, it might be this stroke of painful reality in it. But perhaps reading a third book of hers will tell me more. Truly not a hardship, I don't think.
I would recommend this book to any of Ms. Mansell's readers who enjoy the way she brings her characters together and apart time and again as they change their minds as fickle as the weather and wallow in their angst. Solo certainly has lots of that!
I was provided an eARC of this book by NetGalley and Kindle in exchange for an honest review. I am not being compensated in any way. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley
My Review:
This book has gotten widely mixed reviews. Everything from one to five stars. I personally gave it a five-star rating. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! It was totally different from the other Jill Mansell book I read, Three Amazing Things About You, but it was just as good in its own way. It was also about those crazy interpersonal relationships that men and women have and how lack of communication can really screw them up.
This time it's Tessa, an artist, and Ross, a rich hotel owner and playboy, who have to work out a relationship with lots of interference and very little communication. They have lots of "help" from their friends and relatives. There's also Holly and Max to consider, if Holly has anything to say about it. And Mattie has the ultimate loss and gain. If I'm seeing a formula in Ms. Mansell's work, it might be this stroke of painful reality in it. But perhaps reading a third book of hers will tell me more. Truly not a hardship, I don't think.
I would recommend this book to any of Ms. Mansell's readers who enjoy the way she brings her characters together and apart time and again as they change their minds as fickle as the weather and wallow in their angst. Solo certainly has lots of that!
I was provided an eARC of this book by NetGalley and Kindle in exchange for an honest review. I am not being compensated in any way. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley
November 24, 2015
I usually enjoy Jill Mansell for a bit of light relief and a happy ending without too much cliche. This stood out as an early book. The men were all assholes who don't change but looks and money seem to make that ok. I don't enjoy the love conquers all idea, their bad behaviour should at least be addressed, not forgiven as inevitable on such a 'good catch'. Also the initially strong and principled main character Tessa becomes a ridiculous sap by the end. Turns out it's not that the Ross' behaviour runs from bad at worst to inconsiderate of her at best, it's that she's 'afraid of her feelings'. I kept hoping the issues would be resolved before the 'happy ending' but everyone getting together was actually an unhappy ending for me!
Try one of her other books instead!
Try one of her other books instead!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2017
It reads like one of those thick Malay romance novels. You'll know the ending before the story even begins, but it's the process of analyzing feelings and thoughts reflected in each character that makes this readable. We all know what it is like loving someone hard, not getting enough of them yet at times being totally upset with them, or unable to identify our feelings towards them. This is one novel that will lend you some words to that complicated feelings of love we all have in our life.
September 15, 2011
I LOVED THIS BOOK! i think that this is one of Jill mansell's best books. I loved all of the characters in this story and the story had me thinking and wondering about what would happen in the end of the book and whether it would be a happy ending!!! A FANTASTIC READ!!!
February 2, 2009
it was ok, but not good enough to make me read it to the end.
Want to read
April 22, 2009Recommended by Kelly
October 11, 2009
Couldn't believe that this book has so many pages for such a limited plot. Skim read most of it as it was so boring, but I did want to see if I was writing it off too early. I wasn't!!!
November 11, 2013
Ok of course I wasn't expecting a masterpiece but this one failed to even slightly entertain me. No humor in it at all. And nothing else either...
April 23, 2014
I give up. Too many characters, too many bullshit. I'm gonna move on to the next one. This is why I don't risk in too much chicklits.
January 30, 2017
A cast of unlikable characters who are unredeemable. And....everybody smoked and cheated on their spouses/partners. I was forewarned, but didn't listen, much to my detriment.
December 27, 2022
Not her best. The male characters are pretty awful. The female ones not so far behind falling for the jerks. It's a wonder they're not all rife with STDs.
September 3, 2021
NOPE!
I DNF at about 4-5 chapters in. Here are the reason.
1. I hate the 'I'm not like the other girls' troupe. The MC is supposed to be a plain jane. Fine, but the author constantly compares her to the women MC hangs out with who are glamorous and have make up/hair/nails done. While I might be a no nail varnish/seldom makeup/almost never hair kinda girl, I'd never sit here and say negative things based SOLELY on their appearance. Not cool!
2. The insta-love was terrible. No chemistry whatsoever.
3. The best friend was so sweet to make sure the MC went places, she was a strong advocate for her art, and she even helped her through a crisis when MC was being super secretive. But all the while, MC judged her best friend as vapid.
4. The men were ASSHOLES.
I couldn't go on.
I DNF at about 4-5 chapters in. Here are the reason.
1. I hate the 'I'm not like the other girls' troupe. The MC is supposed to be a plain jane. Fine, but the author constantly compares her to the women MC hangs out with who are glamorous and have make up/hair/nails done. While I might be a no nail varnish/seldom makeup/almost never hair kinda girl, I'd never sit here and say negative things based SOLELY on their appearance. Not cool!
2. The insta-love was terrible. No chemistry whatsoever.
3. The best friend was so sweet to make sure the MC went places, she was a strong advocate for her art, and she even helped her through a crisis when MC was being super secretive. But all the while, MC judged her best friend as vapid.
4. The men were ASSHOLES.
I couldn't go on.
June 25, 2018
Reading this Jill Mansell book felt like watching a very addictive soap opera, you get really attached to each character, they all have their own story but intertwine with each other, the characters are quirky and easy to picture and the story is most dramatic. Luckily with a Jill Mansell book you know (or hope) she’ll give you another happy ending all along and you enjoy the ride. Very enjoyable read.
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