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Honeymoon for One
A cancelled engagement. A non-refundable honeymoon. A Christmas Robin will never forget.
Robin Ellis has had a year she'd like to forget. She's tired, overworked and most definitely not ready to spend the holidays with her rowdy family in Manchester. So when she discovers she forgot to cancel her honeymoon she sees this as the perfect opportunity to get away; it's time to relax and embrace adventure!
The last thing she expects is to clash with standoffish ski instructor Neve. But despite their rocky start these two unlikely people can't help but fall for each other under the starry Canadian skies.
They know that holiday romances don't last, and Robin has had her heart broken one too many times before, but can they overcome the distance between them and find a happily ever after together?
A sparkling LGBTQ+ Christmas romance.
Robin Ellis has had a year she'd like to forget. She's tired, overworked and most definitely not ready to spend the holidays with her rowdy family in Manchester. So when she discovers she forgot to cancel her honeymoon she sees this as the perfect opportunity to get away; it's time to relax and embrace adventure!
The last thing she expects is to clash with standoffish ski instructor Neve. But despite their rocky start these two unlikely people can't help but fall for each other under the starry Canadian skies.
They know that holiday romances don't last, and Robin has had her heart broken one too many times before, but can they overcome the distance between them and find a happily ever after together?
A sparkling LGBTQ+ Christmas romance.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2022
About the author
Rachel Bowdler
20 books142 followersRachel Bowdler grew up and still lives just outside of Manchester, on the edge of West Yorkshire. She was insistent on becoming a dancer until the first time she put pen to paper, and has been writing ever since. After graduating from the University of Salford with a degree in English and Creative Writing, she delved briefly into the world of photography before becoming a freelance romance author, focusing on her passion of representing diverse characters and relationships in her stories, particularly with queer, curvy, and working-class protagonists. Her dream has always been to smell the pages of her own book, and she accomplished this after self-publishing her first novella, Paint Me Yours, in 2021. Her only wish now is that her words make readers feel warm and fuzzy inside – and maybe to see her book on a shelf one day.
When she isn’t assaulting her computer keyboard or daydreaming about fictional people in her pyjamas, you can find her cuddling and walking her talkative dog, Enzo, enjoying and photographing the rural scenery of the local Pennines, wishing it was time to put up her Christmas tree, and painting with watercolours (but not very well!).
Her festive debut novel, Honeymoon for One, will be brought to readers in 2022, with a further to follow later in the year, and this two-book deal will be announced in December 2021.
When she isn’t assaulting her computer keyboard or daydreaming about fictional people in her pyjamas, you can find her cuddling and walking her talkative dog, Enzo, enjoying and photographing the rural scenery of the local Pennines, wishing it was time to put up her Christmas tree, and painting with watercolours (but not very well!).
Her festive debut novel, Honeymoon for One, will be brought to readers in 2022, with a further to follow later in the year, and this two-book deal will be announced in December 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
November 16, 2022
Damn, this was sweet… And a little sad. And relatable. When Robin’s fiancée cheated on her, the wedding was cancelled and Robin forgot about the honeymoon in a Canadian ski resort. Not the most obvious choice when you live in the north of England but Robin didn’t have much say in that relationship. As Christmas approaches and, with it, the nightmare that are their mother’s holiday cooking and the extended family visiting, Robin’s sister convinces her to take advantage of the honeymoon since she already paid for it anyway. In for a penny, in for a pound, once there Robin signs up for a couple of ski lessons, which turns out to be both the worst and the best idea she could have had.
I wasn’t sure I’d like Robin at first. She felt whiny and gullible and a pushover. I was wrong and she grew on me, bad puns and all. She’s extremely sweet and funny and quirky and I’m sure she’ll live in my mind for a while. On the other hand, Neve’s stubbornness made me want to shake her repeatedly yet her fears are entirely understandable.
Rachel Bowdler doesn’t make things easy for her characters. They’re not perfect, they make mistakes, they cling to their denial, and I couldn’t help but root for them, I wanted to see them both (and the people around them) happy, I wanted them to get a break and feel loved and understood. Fighting for what you want and deserve doesn’t seem to come naturally to many of us, and Robin and Neve’s journeys will probably sound familiar to more than a few readers.
The majority of books I read are set in the United States and I always forget how much I love when one isn’t. Honeymoon for One takes place in Canada and England, and I could hear the different accents, especially in the way Robin speaks, which definitely added to the pleasure of reading. 4.5⭐️
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
December 12, 2022
So very cringy, so far from a good holiday romance.
I wanted a sexy, fun little sapphic holiday book, and this just failed on multiple levels (it was sapphic, I'll give it that). First of all, as someone who skis, the teaching skiing details were just painful to read. Just not at all how you would teach a first timer, and I'm convinced this author has never hit the slopes. Also, I also think the main characters are sort of trash?? They aren't the best people, and their jokes and banter just never landed. I didn't find this story to be charming at all.
I actually DNFed this book at 82%, and you can't convince me that it improved much from there on out.
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I wanted a sexy, fun little sapphic holiday book, and this just failed on multiple levels (it was sapphic, I'll give it that). First of all, as someone who skis, the teaching skiing details were just painful to read. Just not at all how you would teach a first timer, and I'm convinced this author has never hit the slopes. Also, I also think the main characters are sort of trash?? They aren't the best people, and their jokes and banter just never landed. I didn't find this story to be charming at all.
I actually DNFed this book at 82%, and you can't convince me that it improved much from there on out.
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November 8, 2022
Whoops, skipped my Happy Release Day bump.
If I had a dime for every F/F book that was marketed as fluffy Christmas romance and turned out to have a lot of depressing and dark backstory, I'd have, well, two, but it's still weird it happened two holiday seasons in a row on Netgalley.
Holiday for One had an implausible premise to begin with, but that's every hallmark channel movie, isn't it. Still, it'd have been better that she -chose to go on her own-, rather than look like an idiot for not cancelling her honeymoon bookings. There are like, emails and phone notifications and bank alerts nowadays, I dunno.
Our British main character, Robin, started off on the wrong foot with me, cracking awful dad jokes (recommending they call a mounted wall moose head Moose-olini? Dictator jokes????) and catapaulted into Just No land even when the preferable character of the love interest showed up (around whom a lot of the depressing family dynamics backstory revolves)
Protag Robin's clumsiness, awful embracing of Canadian stereotypes, and general confusion at life were just not it for this reader. There was a comedy of errors and physical comedy vibe that I suspect might translate decently to screen, but were absolutely cringe to read. And keeping a toxic ex on your social media? The disbelief mounted and mounted til I was just not taking in anything from the text.
Side note to the editors, there's a passage where Robin says "That's my queue" to go instead of "cue". I think nobody working on this gave a fig, lol.
This wasn't for me, but as always I hope it finds its readers who'll enjoy. Two stars.
This title drops November 1, thanks to Netgalley for a copy to review.
If I had a dime for every F/F book that was marketed as fluffy Christmas romance and turned out to have a lot of depressing and dark backstory, I'd have, well, two, but it's still weird it happened two holiday seasons in a row on Netgalley.
Holiday for One had an implausible premise to begin with, but that's every hallmark channel movie, isn't it. Still, it'd have been better that she -chose to go on her own-, rather than look like an idiot for not cancelling her honeymoon bookings. There are like, emails and phone notifications and bank alerts nowadays, I dunno.
Our British main character, Robin, started off on the wrong foot with me, cracking awful dad jokes (recommending they call a mounted wall moose head Moose-olini? Dictator jokes????) and catapaulted into Just No land even when the preferable character of the love interest showed up (around whom a lot of the depressing family dynamics backstory revolves)
Protag Robin's clumsiness, awful embracing of Canadian stereotypes, and general confusion at life were just not it for this reader. There was a comedy of errors and physical comedy vibe that I suspect might translate decently to screen, but were absolutely cringe to read. And keeping a toxic ex on your social media? The disbelief mounted and mounted til I was just not taking in anything from the text.
Side note to the editors, there's a passage where Robin says "That's my queue" to go instead of "cue". I think nobody working on this gave a fig, lol.
This wasn't for me, but as always I hope it finds its readers who'll enjoy. Two stars.
This title drops November 1, thanks to Netgalley for a copy to review.
November 1, 2022
Kindle Unlimited! This was a really sweet and fun Holiday Rom-Com with two different yet complimentary women.
I loved our MC Robin, the British pastry-chef! She was very quirky and funny, and more than a little accident prone. But still had an open, charming quality that was so endearing.
Her love interest is Neve, a ski-instructor who is more closed off, kind of prickly like a cactus. Both women have their issues, pertaining to past hurts from relationship and family. It was lovely to see them get to know each other and become something more.
This has your typical Winter Christmas town and community feel, with lovely supporting characters. You just really find yourself rooting for the couple, and wanting them to work it out, and become something more, opening their hearts and leaving behind hurt and pain.
It just gave me everything I want from a Christmas WLW Rom-Com read, and I would absolutely recommend it to others wanting the same!
ARC Received from NetGalley.
I loved our MC Robin, the British pastry-chef! She was very quirky and funny, and more than a little accident prone. But still had an open, charming quality that was so endearing.
Her love interest is Neve, a ski-instructor who is more closed off, kind of prickly like a cactus. Both women have their issues, pertaining to past hurts from relationship and family. It was lovely to see them get to know each other and become something more.
This has your typical Winter Christmas town and community feel, with lovely supporting characters. You just really find yourself rooting for the couple, and wanting them to work it out, and become something more, opening their hearts and leaving behind hurt and pain.
It just gave me everything I want from a Christmas WLW Rom-Com read, and I would absolutely recommend it to others wanting the same!
ARC Received from NetGalley.
Read
April 23, 2023
Things were strange - light - between them. They talked and joked with ease as they shopped for baking ingredients in a little supermarket on the corner of town, falling into new habits and new ways of seeing one another. They were so different, but Robin was okay with that. She was okay with the sheet of ice that remained between them, a guard Neve seemed to keep up always. Robin would have been just as okay if they didn’t talk at all.
final review to come
For anyone looking for a Christmas or holiday themed book in winter, this one has all the right ingredients: romance, snowy getaways, fabulous meals and elaborate cocktails, ski lessons, fluffy dogs, small town festival nights, a general feeling of cosiness. It's a romance novel about healing broken hearts and endless disappointments by opening yourself up to new places, new people and new possibilities.
I decided I wanted to keep track of all the amazing sounding Christmassy, wintery dishes and drinks because Bowdler really did make me so hungry throughout the entire book! Here goes: cranberry sauce margaritas; vodka-doused eggnogs; sizzling hog roasts; pulled pork and apple sauce; lemon drizzle; chocolate fudge cake; maple-crumb doughnut; toffee apple cinnamon roll; biscuits and cupcakes; tourtière (meat pie); crushed candy-cane cheesecake; maple and cinnamon buns; clementine cake; cheesecake; hot chocolate with extra cream and marshmallows; cranberry granola bar and latte; candy canes; salted caramel blondies; peppermint glazed cheesecake and probably more I didn’t remember to underline, ha! Even being a vegetarian reading about many meat dishes, it definitely left me in the mood for holiday food!
Thoughts as I read [SPOILERS]:
- Wow this makes me miss Canada. And snow. And I want cosy weather while wrapped in a jumper and sitting by a campfire.
- Robin’s ex is such a bitch.
- Neve and Nick are super sweet as supportive siblings. Love their banter and relationship.
- Wren is probably my favourite. I love her background bickering with her husband and their cat, lmao. She’s also such a wonderful support for Robin.
- Robin’s mother is so stifling, passive-aggressive, controlling, manipulative and cruel. Refusing to speak to your daughters for months because they’re having their own lives and relationships and going on holiday is horrendous. I really hope there’s a scene where they just lose their shit on her. The way she treats Robin and Wren is just absolutely beyond acceptable and I’m glad that Robin and Wren can rely on each other, at least. Their dad seemed like he was a good foil for the mother’s treatment and I’m glad they have their memories of him to fall back on.
- The food descriptions make me so hungry!
Thank you to the author for a paperback copy.
My review of Safe and Sound is here.
My review of A Haunting at Hartwell Hall is here.
My review of Along for the Ride is here.
My review of Partners in Crime is here.
My review of No Love Lost is here.
My review of Paint Me Yours is here.
☆ My Book Reviews | Indie Book Twitter | Indie Book Instagram ☆
final review to come
For anyone looking for a Christmas or holiday themed book in winter, this one has all the right ingredients: romance, snowy getaways, fabulous meals and elaborate cocktails, ski lessons, fluffy dogs, small town festival nights, a general feeling of cosiness. It's a romance novel about healing broken hearts and endless disappointments by opening yourself up to new places, new people and new possibilities.
I decided I wanted to keep track of all the amazing sounding Christmassy, wintery dishes and drinks because Bowdler really did make me so hungry throughout the entire book! Here goes: cranberry sauce margaritas; vodka-doused eggnogs; sizzling hog roasts; pulled pork and apple sauce; lemon drizzle; chocolate fudge cake; maple-crumb doughnut; toffee apple cinnamon roll; biscuits and cupcakes; tourtière (meat pie); crushed candy-cane cheesecake; maple and cinnamon buns; clementine cake; cheesecake; hot chocolate with extra cream and marshmallows; cranberry granola bar and latte; candy canes; salted caramel blondies; peppermint glazed cheesecake and probably more I didn’t remember to underline, ha! Even being a vegetarian reading about many meat dishes, it definitely left me in the mood for holiday food!
Thoughts as I read [SPOILERS]:
- Wow this makes me miss Canada. And snow. And I want cosy weather while wrapped in a jumper and sitting by a campfire.
- Robin’s ex is such a bitch.
- Neve and Nick are super sweet as supportive siblings. Love their banter and relationship.
- Wren is probably my favourite. I love her background bickering with her husband and their cat, lmao. She’s also such a wonderful support for Robin.
- Robin’s mother is so stifling, passive-aggressive, controlling, manipulative and cruel. Refusing to speak to your daughters for months because they’re having their own lives and relationships and going on holiday is horrendous. I really hope there’s a scene where they just lose their shit on her. The way she treats Robin and Wren is just absolutely beyond acceptable and I’m glad that Robin and Wren can rely on each other, at least. Their dad seemed like he was a good foil for the mother’s treatment and I’m glad they have their memories of him to fall back on.
- The food descriptions make me so hungry!
Thank you to the author for a paperback copy.
My review of Safe and Sound is here.
My review of A Haunting at Hartwell Hall is here.
My review of Along for the Ride is here.
My review of Partners in Crime is here.
My review of No Love Lost is here.
My review of Paint Me Yours is here.
☆ My Book Reviews | Indie Book Twitter | Indie Book Instagram ☆
October 27, 2022
3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4. Thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Honeymoon for one is a sweet sapphic holiday romance with elements that reminded me of Kirsty Greenwood's Big Sexy Love and Courtney Kae's In the event of love.
Robin faces her fears and takes her broken heart across the Atlantic for a holiday vacation when she forgets to cancel her honeymoon. There, she meets Neve, her ski instructor, and the two initially clash. But as the holiday cheer pulls them closer, they each have to contend with their own insecurities and baggage to decide if they give in to a fling, or if what they have is worth something more permanent.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and the protagonists' journeys individually and as a couple, even though the premise of forgetting to cancel the very expensive honeymoon you're paying for *for months* and nobody bringing it up until the day of is a tad unrealistic.
The story was a mix of humour and drama, with beautiful descriptions of Clement Falls, but don't expect a fluffy romcom. Robin is unpacking the ways her toxic ex and overbearing mother affected her; Neve is doing the same with her abandonment issues that stem from absent parents (more on this later). There's plenty of angst to go around, which might not be everyone's cup of tea for a holiday read. However, the story is also full of feel-good moments and holiday traditions that balance out the mood.
While I generally liked the characters, I'm not a fan of the clumsy-quirky girl trope that Robin fell into, with her constant puns and accidents. I don't understand why writers can't make things like that part of the characters' personality without making it their entire personality. Nonetheless, I liked her dynamic with Neve and the way they complemented one another. I especially liked following Robin's journey into discovering who she really is and what she wants to do, as well as Neve giving her dreams another chance.
I really enjoyed granpa Artie, Nick, Wren, and Juniper as supporting characters.
This book has two open door smut scenes that were nicely done, although I thought the pacing of the book dragged a little bit towards the end for me, which meant I didn't enjoy the second sexy encounter as much as I could have.
Not to hit my feminist pots and pans, but I took issue with the focus being on "bad mothers" in this story. I'm not saying that abandoning mothers don't exist, that it's not their fault, or that their children should understand them regardless of how they feel about it. But there were two characters in this book who grew up with other relatives because their mothers worked, remade their family, preferred to travel around, etc. The bio fathers in both cases are barely even mentioned because they checked out early - but the abandonment issues still stem from mom. This is a problem on a much broader and deeper level than a single romance book, obviously, but I had to point out that seeing these two cases *and* also Robin's mother being so unsupportive of her rubbed me the wrong way. And to be fair, I will say that there is a conclusion to the journey of Robin and Neve with their mothers that I appreciated.
So there you have it! If you want a sweet and spicy story for the holidays and you like the grump/sunshine dynamic, you'll probably enjoy this one!
Honeymoon for one is a sweet sapphic holiday romance with elements that reminded me of Kirsty Greenwood's Big Sexy Love and Courtney Kae's In the event of love.
Robin faces her fears and takes her broken heart across the Atlantic for a holiday vacation when she forgets to cancel her honeymoon. There, she meets Neve, her ski instructor, and the two initially clash. But as the holiday cheer pulls them closer, they each have to contend with their own insecurities and baggage to decide if they give in to a fling, or if what they have is worth something more permanent.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and the protagonists' journeys individually and as a couple, even though the premise of forgetting to cancel the very expensive honeymoon you're paying for *for months* and nobody bringing it up until the day of is a tad unrealistic.
The story was a mix of humour and drama, with beautiful descriptions of Clement Falls, but don't expect a fluffy romcom. Robin is unpacking the ways her toxic ex and overbearing mother affected her; Neve is doing the same with her abandonment issues that stem from absent parents (more on this later). There's plenty of angst to go around, which might not be everyone's cup of tea for a holiday read. However, the story is also full of feel-good moments and holiday traditions that balance out the mood.
While I generally liked the characters, I'm not a fan of the clumsy-quirky girl trope that Robin fell into, with her constant puns and accidents. I don't understand why writers can't make things like that part of the characters' personality without making it their entire personality. Nonetheless, I liked her dynamic with Neve and the way they complemented one another. I especially liked following Robin's journey into discovering who she really is and what she wants to do, as well as Neve giving her dreams another chance.
I really enjoyed granpa Artie, Nick, Wren, and Juniper as supporting characters.
This book has two open door smut scenes that were nicely done, although I thought the pacing of the book dragged a little bit towards the end for me, which meant I didn't enjoy the second sexy encounter as much as I could have.
Not to hit my feminist pots and pans, but I took issue with the focus being on "bad mothers" in this story. I'm not saying that abandoning mothers don't exist, that it's not their fault, or that their children should understand them regardless of how they feel about it. But there were two characters in this book who grew up with other relatives because their mothers worked, remade their family, preferred to travel around, etc. The bio fathers in both cases are barely even mentioned because they checked out early - but the abandonment issues still stem from mom. This is a problem on a much broader and deeper level than a single romance book, obviously, but I had to point out that seeing these two cases *and* also Robin's mother being so unsupportive of her rubbed me the wrong way. And to be fair, I will say that there is a conclusion to the journey of Robin and Neve with their mothers that I appreciated.
So there you have it! If you want a sweet and spicy story for the holidays and you like the grump/sunshine dynamic, you'll probably enjoy this one!
November 20, 2022
I'm a sucker for Holiday romance books and Bowdler delivered.
Robin and Neve meet at a ski resort in this sweet little romance. Burnt by a cheating fiancee, the wedding is cancelled but not the honeymoon and Rachel is urged to go for a solo trip to Canada to get away from the messy situation, clingy family and lying ex. Neve is the resort ski instructor (who was once touted as a future winter Olympian). She is as chilly as the surrounding snow and ice. The two women meet when Robin gets lost and mistakes Neve's huskie Juniper for a wolf.
Robin is a klutz but her honesty shines through all her emotional pain. Neve has closed herself off to getting close to anyone since they always leave in the end. I enjoyed how with each fall and misstep the main characters grew closer - is anything long distance possible?. The humor, angst and side cast in Wren, Hazel, Nick and Grandpa all worked well - even the two Mums and of course Juniper. Throw in baking, romance, a grand cross pond gesture of love and ski dreams realized and you have a winner.
This is a cute Holiday read from the author and on my Christmas Romance shelf.
Robin and Neve meet at a ski resort in this sweet little romance. Burnt by a cheating fiancee, the wedding is cancelled but not the honeymoon and Rachel is urged to go for a solo trip to Canada to get away from the messy situation, clingy family and lying ex. Neve is the resort ski instructor (who was once touted as a future winter Olympian). She is as chilly as the surrounding snow and ice. The two women meet when Robin gets lost and mistakes Neve's huskie Juniper for a wolf.
Robin is a klutz but her honesty shines through all her emotional pain. Neve has closed herself off to getting close to anyone since they always leave in the end. I enjoyed how with each fall and misstep the main characters grew closer - is anything long distance possible?. The humor, angst and side cast in Wren, Hazel, Nick and Grandpa all worked well - even the two Mums and of course Juniper. Throw in baking, romance, a grand cross pond gesture of love and ski dreams realized and you have a winner.
This is a cute Holiday read from the author and on my Christmas Romance shelf.
August 30, 2022
Robin ends up on a solo vacation after forgetting to cancel the honeymoon trip her ex fiancee made her book. She hates snow and cold but two weeks away from her family at a ski resort seems like just what she needs. After meeting her ski instructor Neve she's not so sure this ski trip is really the best idea. After a rough start though they find themselves not wanting the two weeks to end.
This was a cute holiday romance and I really enjoyed it. I liked both of the MCs and found their banter funny. Robin was hilarious and I loved her clumsiness as I am equally uncoordinated. Neve had a more serious demeanor but her interactions with Robin brought out her more lighthearted side and I enjoyed seeing that evolution. I also really liked Nick, Hazel and Grandpa Artie and would have liked a bit more interactions with Margo. Overall a fun read that I would definitely recommend.
This was a cute holiday romance and I really enjoyed it. I liked both of the MCs and found their banter funny. Robin was hilarious and I loved her clumsiness as I am equally uncoordinated. Neve had a more serious demeanor but her interactions with Robin brought out her more lighthearted side and I enjoyed seeing that evolution. I also really liked Nick, Hazel and Grandpa Artie and would have liked a bit more interactions with Margo. Overall a fun read that I would definitely recommend.
December 15, 2022
‘Honeymoon for one’ is a sweet, slow-burn festive read that I couldn’t put down. I loved the main character of Robin who is awkward and adorable and in the chaos of cancelling her wedding she never quite did get around to cancelling her honeymoon trip. For me this story gave me all the feelings of my favourite rom coms like ‘The Holiday’ and ‘The Proposal’; where a MC really takes a risk by going out of their comfort zone to really find happiness and even love along the way. Robin needs an escape so decides, despite her mother’s disappointment, to spend Christmas in Canada alone. Cue Neve, a ski instructor, who doesn’t exactly warm to the new Brit but as each woman lets their guard down a little more they allow a little festive magic to do its work. A sapphic spin on the ultimate christmas romance- perfect.
December 28, 2022
3.5⭐️ This was a nice holiday romance. I liked both MCs but especially Neve. The side characters were fun especially grandpa Artie and Hazel. The author used them well to help develop both MC’s characters.
I got a new Kindle for Christmas and I’m liking so much that I can’t stop myself from reading KU books while ignoring my ARCs and Scribd books.
I got a new Kindle for Christmas and I’m liking so much that I can’t stop myself from reading KU books while ignoring my ARCs and Scribd books.
December 29, 2022
I’m here for the moose puns and Canadian setting.
You could consider this a holiday romance as the setting is around Christmas and New Year’s but aside from an insane mum and a Christmas market there isn’t really much focus on the holidays.
I particularly like how Robin and Neve warm up to each other but don’t just jump in a holiday fling, proclaim their love and all that. It’s a gradual story with flawed characters that find a way together and by themselves to what they want and need to be as individuals and as a couple.
You could consider this a holiday romance as the setting is around Christmas and New Year’s but aside from an insane mum and a Christmas market there isn’t really much focus on the holidays.
I particularly like how Robin and Neve warm up to each other but don’t just jump in a holiday fling, proclaim their love and all that. It’s a gradual story with flawed characters that find a way together and by themselves to what they want and need to be as individuals and as a couple.
September 13, 2022
I really loved this lesbian holiday rom-com. It is quite funny, but the romance between Neve and Robin is so wholesomely sweet too. There was a moment where I realised that Neve is possibly one of the most romantic characters I've read in lesfic. She pulls out a few showstoppers to woo Robin, which I really loved to read. I also just loved their general vibe together.
I highly recommend a read if you're looking for a sweet, funny lesbian rom-com set at Christmas.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Embla Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I highly recommend a read if you're looking for a sweet, funny lesbian rom-com set at Christmas.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Embla Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2024
For a holiday-themed story, I really enjoyed Rachel Bowdler's Honeymoon for One. Is it the most amazing thing I've ever read? No. Was it cute? Yes, mostly. Was it believable? Not a chance.
Honeymoon for One is going to require a lot of suspension of disbelief, and it was cute enough that that was easy for me to do. But Bowdler is a British author. Our main character, Robin, is also British. Robin travels to Alberta (Canada) for what was supposed to be a honeymoon. But Bowdler didn't seem to have a Canadian (or even North American) reader read this before publication because all the dialogue is very British. Plus, there's the whole idea of immigration that is just not addressed at all in this book and that was a bit irritating, especially as someone who immigrated to Canada.
The romance was cute, even if it happens way too fast. But I did appreciate how imperfect both Robin and Neve are. And there's a dog, which always makes me happy.
3.5 stars
Honeymoon for One is going to require a lot of suspension of disbelief, and it was cute enough that that was easy for me to do. But Bowdler is a British author. Our main character, Robin, is also British. Robin travels to Alberta (Canada) for what was supposed to be a honeymoon. But Bowdler didn't seem to have a Canadian (or even North American) reader read this before publication because all the dialogue is very British. Plus, there's the whole idea of immigration that is just not addressed at all in this book and that was a bit irritating, especially as someone who immigrated to Canada.
The romance was cute, even if it happens way too fast. But I did appreciate how imperfect both Robin and Neve are. And there's a dog, which always makes me happy.
3.5 stars
November 6, 2022
3.5
Honeymoon for One is a cute sapphic holiday romance. It follows Robin, who finds out she forgot to cancel her honeymoon after she got cheated on and dumped by her fiancee. As the holidays near, Robin is dreading spending them with her family, so she decides to go on her honeymoon to Canada alone, as it's a better alternative (and it's too late to cancel it now, anyway). When she gets there, she meets Neve, a ski instructor and they definitely do not hit it off right away. The book follows them as they get to know each other and fall for each other, all while facing their issues.
Robin starts the book off still heartbroken over her failed engagement and her fiancee's cheating, which is completely fair, and I really liked seeing her go from the person she was at the beginning to someone more confident, more self-assured, and just overall happier. But, she and Neve start off shakily, Neve seems incredibly annoyed by everything Robin does. Robin is a mess at first, she wallows in self-pity and is so clumsy she actually hurts herself. The beginning of the book is probably why I didn't rate this four stars (even though I considered it) - it took me a moment to get invested in the story. I wasn't a fan of Neve right away and Robin fell too much into an i'm-so-clumsy stereotype.
However, as the book progresses, I really grew to like both of them, as they were actually three-dimensional, real-feeling characters. I really appreciated both a lot more once we got to know them. As much as I didn't like how dismissive Neve was of Robin in the beginning, I fully understand why she was annoyed with her. So I was pleased that we go more in-depth with their characters and get to understand them more, it really brought the story to life and made me so invested.
Robin and Neve are pretty much polar opposites, and I think that's why the story works so well - they balance each other very nicely. Robin comes from a very close-knit family, a little too much, you could say. Her mother is definitely overbearing, placing a lot of guilt on Robin for missing holidays and family stuff. On the other hand, Neve is close with some of her family but deals with the abandonment issues caused by her absent mother. They both face their own issues, and this book actually deals with those issues more in-depth than I would've expected from a holiday romance. Their romance was really sweet and I enjoyed reading about them a lot.
I liked most of the side characters, namely Neve's brother and grandfather. Their family dynamics were so heart-warming and sweet. What I didn't like was how overbearing Robin's mother was and how that was kind of glossed over. She was entirely unsupportive of Robin and guilt-tripped her for leaving (and it seemed as if she would've been upset at Robin for leaving even if this had been an actual honeymoon) and that was quite weird to me. The situation is sort of resolved, I suppose, as her mother says she wants the best for her but with how much it upset and occupied Robin it didn't seem like enough to me.
All in all, this was a really cozy holiday romance. I would definitely recommend it, if that is something you're looking for. Do know it does touch on more serious issues, like grief and abandonment in terms of family so it's not just sunshine and rainbows at all times. It is still really sweet!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
Honeymoon for One is a cute sapphic holiday romance. It follows Robin, who finds out she forgot to cancel her honeymoon after she got cheated on and dumped by her fiancee. As the holidays near, Robin is dreading spending them with her family, so she decides to go on her honeymoon to Canada alone, as it's a better alternative (and it's too late to cancel it now, anyway). When she gets there, she meets Neve, a ski instructor and they definitely do not hit it off right away. The book follows them as they get to know each other and fall for each other, all while facing their issues.
Robin starts the book off still heartbroken over her failed engagement and her fiancee's cheating, which is completely fair, and I really liked seeing her go from the person she was at the beginning to someone more confident, more self-assured, and just overall happier. But, she and Neve start off shakily, Neve seems incredibly annoyed by everything Robin does. Robin is a mess at first, she wallows in self-pity and is so clumsy she actually hurts herself. The beginning of the book is probably why I didn't rate this four stars (even though I considered it) - it took me a moment to get invested in the story. I wasn't a fan of Neve right away and Robin fell too much into an i'm-so-clumsy stereotype.
However, as the book progresses, I really grew to like both of them, as they were actually three-dimensional, real-feeling characters. I really appreciated both a lot more once we got to know them. As much as I didn't like how dismissive Neve was of Robin in the beginning, I fully understand why she was annoyed with her. So I was pleased that we go more in-depth with their characters and get to understand them more, it really brought the story to life and made me so invested.
Robin and Neve are pretty much polar opposites, and I think that's why the story works so well - they balance each other very nicely. Robin comes from a very close-knit family, a little too much, you could say. Her mother is definitely overbearing, placing a lot of guilt on Robin for missing holidays and family stuff. On the other hand, Neve is close with some of her family but deals with the abandonment issues caused by her absent mother. They both face their own issues, and this book actually deals with those issues more in-depth than I would've expected from a holiday romance. Their romance was really sweet and I enjoyed reading about them a lot.
I liked most of the side characters, namely Neve's brother and grandfather. Their family dynamics were so heart-warming and sweet. What I didn't like was how overbearing Robin's mother was and how that was kind of glossed over. She was entirely unsupportive of Robin and guilt-tripped her for leaving (and it seemed as if she would've been upset at Robin for leaving even if this had been an actual honeymoon) and that was quite weird to me. The situation is sort of resolved, I suppose, as her mother says she wants the best for her but with how much it upset and occupied Robin it didn't seem like enough to me.
All in all, this was a really cozy holiday romance. I would definitely recommend it, if that is something you're looking for. Do know it does touch on more serious issues, like grief and abandonment in terms of family so it's not just sunshine and rainbows at all times. It is still really sweet!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
October 3, 2022
Honestly, Rachel's books never ever let me down. I'm so glad that I got to read this as an ARC copy, but I also can't wait to own it as a paperback!
I am not much of a romance reader most of the time, but something about Rachel's stories always drags me in and keeps me hooked throughout. The characters are always so special, so real, and so fun!
Neve and Robin are no exception to the rule. I already knew from the premise that we would have our usual dose of tension, but I also love the family dynamics, as always. This isn't just a run of the mill romance. It feels like you're reading about real lives unfolding before you, even in the unlikeliest of scenarios. The story can be dark at times, but the balance of the light, gorgeous romance makes you realize that everything will work out at the end, as it should!
It's cozy, it's cute, and it's gay. What more could you ask for?
I am not much of a romance reader most of the time, but something about Rachel's stories always drags me in and keeps me hooked throughout. The characters are always so special, so real, and so fun!
Neve and Robin are no exception to the rule. I already knew from the premise that we would have our usual dose of tension, but I also love the family dynamics, as always. This isn't just a run of the mill romance. It feels like you're reading about real lives unfolding before you, even in the unlikeliest of scenarios. The story can be dark at times, but the balance of the light, gorgeous romance makes you realize that everything will work out at the end, as it should!
It's cozy, it's cute, and it's gay. What more could you ask for?
November 5, 2022
On my blog.
Rep: lesbian mc, pan mc
Galley provided by publisher
Honeymoon for One is a sweet romance, centering on Robin who, months after having just been unceremoniously cheated on and dumped by her fiancee, realises that she forgot to cancel their honeymoon, and Neve, the ski instructor at the resort where Robin ends up, convinced by her sister to use the honeymoon on her own.
At first, Robin and Neve do not click. Whatever the polar opposite of clicking is, they do it. But, as they’re sort of forced to spend more and more time together, each starts to thaw. Probably a highlight of this book was their relationship, how it built slowly, and how it made you believe they hadn’t just met each other. By the end of the book, they’d only known each other for about two weeks, but it didn’t feel like that, which is a hallmark of a good romance author for me.
Of course, this believability is, I think, helped by the fact that both Robin and Neve feel like real people. They’re not cardboard cutouts being shoved into a plot progression that the author thinks they should fit, without any consideration to whether they do fit it—it’s Robin and Neve and their personalities that drive how the plot goes. If it doesn’t make sense for Robin and Neve to act in a certain way, they don’t.
I think this is the best part of the book, how much thought and care has been put into developing the characters. And it’s not just Robin and Neve who benefit from this, but all of the side characters too. It’s one of those romance novels where you hope there’ll be a sequel that focuses on some of the side characters, because they feel like they should be allowed their own story.
Possibly then, the one reason that I didn’t rate this book more than 3 stars (which, I would like to take a moment to stress, is a good rating. It means I liked it) was that, at times, it felt a little dry. Robin and Neve’s attraction was there on page, but I just didn’t feel it so much. That might have been why the middle section seemed to drag a little too.
But on the whole, this was a book I enjoyed reading and what much more can I ask for?
Rep: lesbian mc, pan mc
Galley provided by publisher
Honeymoon for One is a sweet romance, centering on Robin who, months after having just been unceremoniously cheated on and dumped by her fiancee, realises that she forgot to cancel their honeymoon, and Neve, the ski instructor at the resort where Robin ends up, convinced by her sister to use the honeymoon on her own.
At first, Robin and Neve do not click. Whatever the polar opposite of clicking is, they do it. But, as they’re sort of forced to spend more and more time together, each starts to thaw. Probably a highlight of this book was their relationship, how it built slowly, and how it made you believe they hadn’t just met each other. By the end of the book, they’d only known each other for about two weeks, but it didn’t feel like that, which is a hallmark of a good romance author for me.
Of course, this believability is, I think, helped by the fact that both Robin and Neve feel like real people. They’re not cardboard cutouts being shoved into a plot progression that the author thinks they should fit, without any consideration to whether they do fit it—it’s Robin and Neve and their personalities that drive how the plot goes. If it doesn’t make sense for Robin and Neve to act in a certain way, they don’t.
I think this is the best part of the book, how much thought and care has been put into developing the characters. And it’s not just Robin and Neve who benefit from this, but all of the side characters too. It’s one of those romance novels where you hope there’ll be a sequel that focuses on some of the side characters, because they feel like they should be allowed their own story.
Possibly then, the one reason that I didn’t rate this book more than 3 stars (which, I would like to take a moment to stress, is a good rating. It means I liked it) was that, at times, it felt a little dry. Robin and Neve’s attraction was there on page, but I just didn’t feel it so much. That might have been why the middle section seemed to drag a little too.
But on the whole, this was a book I enjoyed reading and what much more can I ask for?
December 16, 2022
A wonderful festive sapphic romance with loveable but flawed characters.
Having enjoyed Bowdler's previous sapphic novellas, I had high hopes for her first full-length novel and it definetely did not disappoint. Where Bowdler always really shines is her characters and this is no exception.
Robin is a delight from the start - adorkable and full of puns that made me laugh and groan at the same time - but also having to work to recover from a bad relationship and overcome her people-pleasing tendencies. Neve, meanwhile, though she's rather grumpy when we first met her, really grew on me throughout the story. They both also have complicated families and we see how that impacts them and their relationships in a very realistic way.
Also, shout out to Juniper, the 'wolf' and the real MVP of the story!
Overall, this is a story I heartily recommend reading over the festive period - would go perfectly with blankets & hot chocolate (or mulled wine!)
Having enjoyed Bowdler's previous sapphic novellas, I had high hopes for her first full-length novel and it definetely did not disappoint. Where Bowdler always really shines is her characters and this is no exception.
Robin is a delight from the start - adorkable and full of puns that made me laugh and groan at the same time - but also having to work to recover from a bad relationship and overcome her people-pleasing tendencies. Neve, meanwhile, though she's rather grumpy when we first met her, really grew on me throughout the story. They both also have complicated families and we see how that impacts them and their relationships in a very realistic way.
Also, shout out to Juniper, the 'wolf' and the real MVP of the story!
Overall, this is a story I heartily recommend reading over the festive period - would go perfectly with blankets & hot chocolate (or mulled wine!)
December 17, 2023
Together or apart, Robin would fight for it. And she would let it hurt if it had to, as long as it meant moments like this.
3.5 stars. A very cute and very Christmassy f/f holiday romance. It's actually the second book I've read this year with this exact title and premise. Robin forgot to cancel her honeymoon after her fiancé cheated on her, and her sister convinces her to take a little holiday break on her own, have a little honeymoon for one. So she flies from England to Canada, gets settled into the small resort town with all its pre-Christmas festivities and activities, and finds herself falling for her grumpy ski instructor.
My favourite things about this were just the sweet, cosy vibes and atmosphere, and all the humour. They spend a lot of time on the slopes, there's cuddling on a couch, they watch Christmas movies, there's baking, there's holiday markets, ice-skating... just a lot of great cosy activities that absolutely put me in the holiday mood. Also, Robin is an absolute pun fiend, and look, you'll never convince me that puns AREN'T the greatest form of humour, lol. I was giggling so much. (Elkon John and Cate Blanket in particular took me out.) There's a cute cast of side characters, complicated family dynamics, and writing that I really enjoyed. There's also an adorable dog, and it really is always precious, watching someone fall for a person, and also their pet. :3
The romance itself went both ways for me; I really enjoyed parts, and others, not so much. It's grumpy-sunshine, which is a fun dynamic, but as can often be the case for me, I found Neve to be a little TOO grumpy at times, and it took a little too long for her to sort of thaw off. We learn pretty early on that Robin's ex didn't really take her seriously, or take her feelings into consideration, and was always making fun of her clumsiness and her mistakes. It honestly made my heart break for Robin, because it's not like that's something that she can help? So the fact that Neve was so rude at the ski lessons, and so exasperated about her clumsiness... eugh. I don't know. It definitely wasn't the same as the way Lexi treated Robin, and it didn't have the same twang of cruelty, but it was supposed to be funny, I guess, and I didn't find it comedic at all. I just wish Neve had softened towards Robin a little quicker. When she did, it was really cute, because it's obviously so new to her, and she actually initiated a lot of their firsts. But then on the other hand, she kept flip-flopping on Robin so much, offering a bit of herself, and then suddenly being like 'no, we can't do this, it doesn't make sense!' It was really frustrating, as a source of conflict, and didn't allow for their chemistry to shine through. That kinda sapped my enthusiasm for the romance. I also didn't love
Listened to the audiobook as read by Lucy Dixon, and I really enjoyed it, both the Manchester and Canadian accents. This was a fun time, and definitely fits the bill for a cosy Christmas read, but it had its issues.
October 23, 2022
DNF at 36%. Even getting this far felt like a slog and I just couldn’t keep going.
I was excited for a sweet fun sapphic holiday romance and instead I got a strangely petty, anxious, unkind mess. Let’s start with Robin a character who is so inexplicably incompetent at such a wide verity of things you have to wonder how she has survived to this point. She is Bella Swan clumsy, has no backbone with her overbearing mother or ex who was mocking and cruel, in her head is judgmental and get alarming angry at a child for bumping in to her and getting food on a coat (she admits isn’t expensive and she doesn’t wear often). And then on the other hand we have Neve, a mean emotionally shut off hottie. Neve instantly hates Robin (is clearly a terrible ski instructor) and while I might not like Robin I also don’t like that she gets a love interest that actively dismisses her thoughts and feelings. This was not helped by the stylistic choice to use third person with the perspective switching between Robin and Neve seemingly without rhyme reason or warning. I think if you want dual perspective you have to commit to it and while I’m sure the author felt it helped explain and soften Neves actions, maybe just not have her be a dick?
This book couldn’t seem to decide if it wanted to be enemies to lovers, and it spent way too much time convincing me these are two women who desperately need therapy for me to rooting on them to fall in love. And I read romance to root for love and have fun, and this was not fun
Thank you NetGalley and Embla Books for a free ARC a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I was excited for a sweet fun sapphic holiday romance and instead I got a strangely petty, anxious, unkind mess. Let’s start with Robin a character who is so inexplicably incompetent at such a wide verity of things you have to wonder how she has survived to this point. She is Bella Swan clumsy, has no backbone with her overbearing mother or ex who was mocking and cruel, in her head is judgmental and get alarming angry at a child for bumping in to her and getting food on a coat (she admits isn’t expensive and she doesn’t wear often). And then on the other hand we have Neve, a mean emotionally shut off hottie. Neve instantly hates Robin (is clearly a terrible ski instructor) and while I might not like Robin I also don’t like that she gets a love interest that actively dismisses her thoughts and feelings. This was not helped by the stylistic choice to use third person with the perspective switching between Robin and Neve seemingly without rhyme reason or warning. I think if you want dual perspective you have to commit to it and while I’m sure the author felt it helped explain and soften Neves actions, maybe just not have her be a dick?
This book couldn’t seem to decide if it wanted to be enemies to lovers, and it spent way too much time convincing me these are two women who desperately need therapy for me to rooting on them to fall in love. And I read romance to root for love and have fun, and this was not fun
Thank you NetGalley and Embla Books for a free ARC a copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 1, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌈👭🎿⛄🐺
I loved this Christmas holiday rom-com!
A British lesbian, and a Canadian pansexual meet due to the clumsy, forgetful, amazingly kind-hearted Brit, named Robin, forgetting to cancel her honeymoon after her engagement got called off because her ex-fiancee cheated on her.
This book shows the reason why the sayings "everything happens for a reason" and "something better is just around the corner," are so true. Also, it goes to show that if you take a chance on something that may seem weird to others, and even to you, that good things can happen.
Neve and Robin are the grumpy/sunshine couple you didn't know you needed in your life. Robin's silly puns, bubbly personality and clumsy nature slowly win over guarded, strong-willed and ski-loving Neve, and her dog Juniper over the course of Robin's alone honeymoon.
The relationship was cute, romantic and beautiful. The friends and family that surround the two are precious and loving, and make your heart melt. Especially the understanding and forgiveness at the end.
I really enjoyed this book, and can't wait to buy it for my shelf.
Thank you to @netgalley , @emblabooks and @rachelbowdler_ for a copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌈👭🎿⛄🐺
I loved this Christmas holiday rom-com!
A British lesbian, and a Canadian pansexual meet due to the clumsy, forgetful, amazingly kind-hearted Brit, named Robin, forgetting to cancel her honeymoon after her engagement got called off because her ex-fiancee cheated on her.
This book shows the reason why the sayings "everything happens for a reason" and "something better is just around the corner," are so true. Also, it goes to show that if you take a chance on something that may seem weird to others, and even to you, that good things can happen.
Neve and Robin are the grumpy/sunshine couple you didn't know you needed in your life. Robin's silly puns, bubbly personality and clumsy nature slowly win over guarded, strong-willed and ski-loving Neve, and her dog Juniper over the course of Robin's alone honeymoon.
The relationship was cute, romantic and beautiful. The friends and family that surround the two are precious and loving, and make your heart melt. Especially the understanding and forgiveness at the end.
I really enjoyed this book, and can't wait to buy it for my shelf.
Thank you to @netgalley , @emblabooks and @rachelbowdler_ for a copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2022
A really sweet Christmassy sapphic romance!
The setting was beautiful snowy Canada; just the kind of wintery feel that’s perfect for a seasonal romance. Loved the descriptions of the Christmas market, shops and food, I was like I want to go!!!
Neve and Robin’s romance played out in a mostly satisfying way, even though they made silly decisions at times!! I got a little frustrated with all the pushing each other away, but it did make sense due to their backgrounds and they got there in the end!
Both characters had their flaws, yet were very likeable. I was particularly drawn to Robin and could see a lot of myself in her - the clumsiness and silly sense of humour. There’s also a super cute dog, so that was obviously a highlight.
A few bits were a little repetitive and I noticed a few typos. However, I read an ARC copy so I imagine these things will be neatened up before final publishing.
Overall a very sweet and super cheesy romance. An ideal read for Christmas.
Grateful to have received this as an ARC from NetGalley.
The setting was beautiful snowy Canada; just the kind of wintery feel that’s perfect for a seasonal romance. Loved the descriptions of the Christmas market, shops and food, I was like I want to go!!!
Neve and Robin’s romance played out in a mostly satisfying way, even though they made silly decisions at times!! I got a little frustrated with all the pushing each other away, but it did make sense due to their backgrounds and they got there in the end!
Both characters had their flaws, yet were very likeable. I was particularly drawn to Robin and could see a lot of myself in her - the clumsiness and silly sense of humour. There’s also a super cute dog, so that was obviously a highlight.
A few bits were a little repetitive and I noticed a few typos. However, I read an ARC copy so I imagine these things will be neatened up before final publishing.
Overall a very sweet and super cheesy romance. An ideal read for Christmas.
Grateful to have received this as an ARC from NetGalley.
November 29, 2023
Trigger Warnings: cheating, past death of a parent, grief, alcohol, cursing, vomit, parental abandonment, past death of a grandparent, minor car crash, sex
Representation: Pansexual, Lesbian
Honeymoon for One is a sparkling LGBTQ+ Christmas romance with a cancelled engagement, a non-refundable honeymoon, and a Christmas Robin will never forget.
Robin Ellis has had a year she'd like to forget. She's tired, overworked, and most definitely not ready to spend the holidays with her rowdy family in Manchester. So when she discovers she forgot to cancel her honeymoon she sees this as the perfect opportunity to get away; it's time to relax and embrace adventure! The last thing she expects is to clash with standoffish ski instructor Neve. Despite their rocky start, these two unlikely people can't help but fall for each other under the starry Canadian skies. They both know that holiday romances don't last, and Robin has had her heart broken one too many times before, but can they overcome the distance between them and find a happily ever after together?
This may be my favorite Christmas romance yet! This story definitely needs to be made into a Hallmark movie! I loved the character of Robin, who is awkward and adorable, as well as Neve, with all of her sass and big heart! I also really enjoyed that Robin and Neve warm up to each other but don’t just jump in a holiday fling and proclaim their love. Both women have baggage to work through and it is handled so well on page. Despite this, the flawed characters still find a way together and by themselves to what they want and need to be as individuals and as a couple. Ultimately, the story is a perfect rom com and even has an amazing “Friends-esque” HEA! The writing includes great humor and angst, plus the side cast were also so lovable.
Representation: Pansexual, Lesbian
Honeymoon for One is a sparkling LGBTQ+ Christmas romance with a cancelled engagement, a non-refundable honeymoon, and a Christmas Robin will never forget.
Robin Ellis has had a year she'd like to forget. She's tired, overworked, and most definitely not ready to spend the holidays with her rowdy family in Manchester. So when she discovers she forgot to cancel her honeymoon she sees this as the perfect opportunity to get away; it's time to relax and embrace adventure! The last thing she expects is to clash with standoffish ski instructor Neve. Despite their rocky start, these two unlikely people can't help but fall for each other under the starry Canadian skies. They both know that holiday romances don't last, and Robin has had her heart broken one too many times before, but can they overcome the distance between them and find a happily ever after together?
This may be my favorite Christmas romance yet! This story definitely needs to be made into a Hallmark movie! I loved the character of Robin, who is awkward and adorable, as well as Neve, with all of her sass and big heart! I also really enjoyed that Robin and Neve warm up to each other but don’t just jump in a holiday fling and proclaim their love. Both women have baggage to work through and it is handled so well on page. Despite this, the flawed characters still find a way together and by themselves to what they want and need to be as individuals and as a couple. Ultimately, the story is a perfect rom com and even has an amazing “Friends-esque” HEA! The writing includes great humor and angst, plus the side cast were also so lovable.
December 19, 2024
Perfect holiday story.
Robin flies from Manchester to Calgary right before Christmas. Her fiancé left her months ago and so Robin decides to take the non-refundable honeymoon trip by herself. She makes new friends, has a good old time, and best of all, meets a grumpy but lovable ski instructor named Neve and her husky, Juniper. Both Robin and Neve are beat up by love and discouraged but each reacts in her own way. Robin has rock bottom self esteem and Neve is angry at the world. But Robin’s cheeseball humor and sweet nature bring down Neve’s walls. They are a good pair and their moments together in a Christmas themed ski town made for a warm hearted story. Plenty of family and friends play important roles in their lives. Snow, carols, and heavenly pastries fill out the background. I rooted for them and got a bit teary eyed at the right moments. Swooned at others. But when everything was said and done, HEA in my favorite way.
4.5 stars.
Robin flies from Manchester to Calgary right before Christmas. Her fiancé left her months ago and so Robin decides to take the non-refundable honeymoon trip by herself. She makes new friends, has a good old time, and best of all, meets a grumpy but lovable ski instructor named Neve and her husky, Juniper. Both Robin and Neve are beat up by love and discouraged but each reacts in her own way. Robin has rock bottom self esteem and Neve is angry at the world. But Robin’s cheeseball humor and sweet nature bring down Neve’s walls. They are a good pair and their moments together in a Christmas themed ski town made for a warm hearted story. Plenty of family and friends play important roles in their lives. Snow, carols, and heavenly pastries fill out the background. I rooted for them and got a bit teary eyed at the right moments. Swooned at others. But when everything was said and done, HEA in my favorite way.
4.5 stars.
September 20, 2023
Honeymoon for One was such cozy read. A funny and witty holiday romance story between Robin and Neve. It may have a lighthearted enemies to lovers facade but this story has other trauma up its sleeve to pull at your heartstrings.
Although the book is supposed to be a romance, the emotional pull for me came from the dysfunctional relationship the main characters had with their mothers. One mother was just plainly negligent while the other had narcissistic tendencies. Such potent ingredients for a healthy adult progeny.
I needed a sure palate cleanser for my consecutive heavy, serious reading so naturally I picked a Rachel Bowdler book. She hasn’t disappointed so far!
Although the book is supposed to be a romance, the emotional pull for me came from the dysfunctional relationship the main characters had with their mothers. One mother was just plainly negligent while the other had narcissistic tendencies. Such potent ingredients for a healthy adult progeny.
I needed a sure palate cleanser for my consecutive heavy, serious reading so naturally I picked a Rachel Bowdler book. She hasn’t disappointed so far!
March 20, 2023
3.75*
يالله !!! وايد وايد عيبني 😫 ما توقعت أتأثر بسببه بهالشكل الحقيقة...الكتابة جداً جداً مرضية والشخصيات - جميعها الحقيقة - بس خصيصاً شخصية البطلتين وايد عيبوني ! رغباتهن ومخاوفهن وردات فعلهن وايد مفهومة بالنسبة لي 😫💖 سعيد إني قررت أعطي هالكتاب فرصة !
يالله !!! وايد وايد عيبني 😫 ما توقعت أتأثر بسببه بهالشكل الحقيقة...الكتابة جداً جداً مرضية والشخصيات - جميعها الحقيقة - بس خصيصاً شخصية البطلتين وايد عيبوني ! رغباتهن ومخاوفهن وردات فعلهن وايد مفهومة بالنسبة لي 😫💖 سعيد إني قررت أعطي هالكتاب فرصة !
October 29, 2022
In a fun beginning premise, Robin who lives in England, ends up going her honeymoon alone to Canada. When her engagement is called off months before Robin didn’t remember to cancel her honeymoon plans. Her sister encourages her to take the trip. Robin is someone who has always given in to other people. Even her honeymoon at a mountain skiing cabin was her ex’s choice and not hers. Neve is a local ski instructor. She was almost an Olympian but family issues brought her home and she hasn’t left again.
In a slow burn romance Robin and Neve’s paths keep crossing. Neve helps Robin find her cabin in the dark, sees she gets home after drinking too much and teaches her to ski. A lot of activity is packed into a short week holiday. I’m not actually sure the time frame works to get in ski lessons, helping out at a bakery, holiday markets, dog sledding, drinking etc.
I liked the narration giving inner thoughts for both of the main characters. Both have gone through a lot in their young lives. It was almost overwhelming on the down side. Both want to be seen and appreciate by mom and others. The book relies on farce for comedy which I find more common for British writing. The clumsiness of Robin, funny puns, the over the top uncle who has to dance in his underwear, the extremely horrible sounding food options for holiday dinners. That is a minor quibble but it can come off as too much or unrealistic for some readers.
I’m new to the author and am always up for a holiday romance. I think I felt more sorry for the characters than loving them. I mentioned this is slow burn and on the very, very mild, non descriptive side of steaminess. I was happy with the eventual and realistic HEA. Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In a slow burn romance Robin and Neve’s paths keep crossing. Neve helps Robin find her cabin in the dark, sees she gets home after drinking too much and teaches her to ski. A lot of activity is packed into a short week holiday. I’m not actually sure the time frame works to get in ski lessons, helping out at a bakery, holiday markets, dog sledding, drinking etc.
I liked the narration giving inner thoughts for both of the main characters. Both have gone through a lot in their young lives. It was almost overwhelming on the down side. Both want to be seen and appreciate by mom and others. The book relies on farce for comedy which I find more common for British writing. The clumsiness of Robin, funny puns, the over the top uncle who has to dance in his underwear, the extremely horrible sounding food options for holiday dinners. That is a minor quibble but it can come off as too much or unrealistic for some readers.
I’m new to the author and am always up for a holiday romance. I think I felt more sorry for the characters than loving them. I mentioned this is slow burn and on the very, very mild, non descriptive side of steaminess. I was happy with the eventual and realistic HEA. Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2024
This was a cute sapphic Christmas romance which gave me all the same warm fuzzies as watching a Christmas Romance movie!! It was super easy to read and the characters were very likeable but for me I don’t think it had quite enough special spark to become a new favourite- however if you are looking for a cute fun quick read this won’t disappoint!
November 3, 2022
Great Read
This is a lovely, easy read. With a Christmassy theme and a cute dog. Great MC’s and good storyline. My first book I’ve read from this author, but not the last. Enjoy!
This is a lovely, easy read. With a Christmassy theme and a cute dog. Great MC’s and good storyline. My first book I’ve read from this author, but not the last. Enjoy!
December 22, 2022
The mug of hot cocoa warmed her hands as a fire blazed in the hearth beside her. Outside the massive windows in front of her was a winter wonderland glistening in the sun. Skiers swooshed their way down the mountainside and children laughed as they tossed snowballs at each other. A smile tugged at her lips as she watched the world of wonder and hoped that maybe she’d find some magic this Christmas, too.
Honeymoon for One is a cute sapphic holiday romance, following Robin, a pastry chef and Neve, a ski instructor. Robin finds out the honeymoon she booked from her now failed engagement was never cancelled and since the money was spent she decides “why not go?” and takes her honeymoon trip alone to a Canadian ski resort. It’s there that she meets Neve.
This was a sweet romance, filled with all the winter fun, and a perfect chilly setting. A bit of enemies to lovers to start off, and then navigating the nuances of a new relationship and a possible long distance connection. These characters were fun to read about and while a cute romantic read, there were still some real life heavier topics each character was grappling with. The middle dragged for me a bit and got a little mundane, but the beginning and ending were great!
If you’re looking for a sapphic holiday read with a great winter backdrop, then pick this one up!
CW: Infidelity, Death of a Parent, Grief, Abandonment.
Honeymoon for One is a cute sapphic holiday romance, following Robin, a pastry chef and Neve, a ski instructor. Robin finds out the honeymoon she booked from her now failed engagement was never cancelled and since the money was spent she decides “why not go?” and takes her honeymoon trip alone to a Canadian ski resort. It’s there that she meets Neve.
This was a sweet romance, filled with all the winter fun, and a perfect chilly setting. A bit of enemies to lovers to start off, and then navigating the nuances of a new relationship and a possible long distance connection. These characters were fun to read about and while a cute romantic read, there were still some real life heavier topics each character was grappling with. The middle dragged for me a bit and got a little mundane, but the beginning and ending were great!
If you’re looking for a sapphic holiday read with a great winter backdrop, then pick this one up!
CW: Infidelity, Death of a Parent, Grief, Abandonment.
December 6, 2023
I bought this last year when I was searching for a sapphic Christmas romance that didn't set my teeth on edge. I never got around to reading this one, so I picked it up this year (even though I have REAL LIFE ROMANCE to occupy me).
Ultimately, it was an easy read, but was rather derivative. Since the cover only has one person on it, I was hoping that the story would be more introspective. There were personal issues for many of the characters to work through, but the writing did not feel that genuine to the reality of how people act and change. I like that it took a while for the two leads to have sex, because I hate when the crux of a connection is based on sex. I can't say I cared a lot about any of the characters, but I read the whole thing and was mildly interested for most of it (lol).
2.5 stars, rounded up, methinks.
Ultimately, it was an easy read, but was rather derivative. Since the cover only has one person on it, I was hoping that the story would be more introspective. There were personal issues for many of the characters to work through, but the writing did not feel that genuine to the reality of how people act and change. I like that it took a while for the two leads to have sex, because I hate when the crux of a connection is based on sex. I can't say I cared a lot about any of the characters, but I read the whole thing and was mildly interested for most of it (lol).
2.5 stars, rounded up, methinks.
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