It Should Have Been Me (Little Black Dress)

It Should Have Been Me… Review

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She had an idea of what her life was going to be like and had always relied on that; when she got dumped, suddenly everything changed! What I liked was that, in her mind, she was hesitant about the whole "embracing a new life" but we see her transformation as the story goes on. Matt Landor, on the other hand, is charming. Despite his "damaged" personality and his slightly cynical nature, I couldn't help but feel a fluttering in my stomach just thinking about him. I mean, he's a doctor AND he works in tribal areas where doctors are really needed AND he's always willing to do what it takes to help people out.

There really is no reason NOT to love him. There are some wonderful secondary characters in the novel including Rowena Carrie's best friend , Nelson Rowena's sort-of boyfriend and Lola. The Story It's really a fun story about how one little event can change everything - your outlook, your personality, your choices.

I like how the whole road trip aspect of the novel tied in with the journey Carrie takes in discovering who she is, what she wants and what she's going to do about it. It's like a coming-of-age novel, only for an older audience. And of course, we can't forget to talk about the romance that's happening! I thought that Carrie and Matt were such a cute pairing. I laughed at their conversations, sighed when they were nice to each other and squealed with joy when something good happened between them!

It is fairly apparent where the story is headed, but there are lots of things that happen before it gets there so it's still something you need to read anyway. The Writing Style I love the fact that this book was so easy to read - the scenes flowed effortlessly into and out of one another, and the character development was on par. Despite having a very good conclusion about what would happen and it did!

Personally, I say you should I think that this would actually make a great beach read, but it did help to lift the dreary weather blues away too. Jan 09, Ezza Syuhada rated it liked it. I chose this book because I just wanted something light to read and doesn't have a lot of page count to rev me up from my reading slump so I didn't have much expectations for this book and it was good actually because it allowed me to just enjoy the book. Surprisingly I really did enjoy the book, I couldn't put it down but now thinking in retrospect I am not too sure why I initially thought the book was great think: The book was very predictable and was fille I chose this book because I just wanted something light to read and doesn't have a lot of page count to rev me up from my reading slump so I didn't have much expectations for this book and it was good actually because it allowed me to just enjoy the book.

The book was very predictable and was filled with a lot of romance tropes but then again it is from Little Black Dress publishing company so I am not surprised. I couldn't relate to the main characters because whilst I was reading it at the back of my mind I am thinking like 'wow they sure sleep around a lot Honestly, I do not have any idea how to write my review because all I feel was that it was an enjoyable book and that is it. I didn't relate to the main characters, some plot points which were supposed to make me empathize to them just made me feel like they were an over dramatic child or on the flip side not dramatic enough, it was full of the usual romance tropes so I already knew the ending from a mile away but I knew this anyway.

The one thing that did stand out for me for which I did like was how Carrie took a year off before getting together with Matt this is because I am a firm believer of that after a break-up you should under any circumstances have some time for yourself before you get into any type of relationship be it man or woman to really figure out what you want from life. So, when she eventually did become an item with Matt we all know this is what she truly wants and she isn't doing this because she is lonely or is hurting or whatever I don't know man I have been out of this dating game for close to 7 years now.

And thus that is my review in a nutshell. Carrie Goes Off the Map is a very enjoyable road trip novel through England. Carrie is two weeks away from marrying her long-time boyfriend Huw, when he drops a bombshell; he is breaking up with her. Carrie had put aside her own dreams of becoming an actress for Huw and had spent the years since graduating from college helping Huw run his family dairy farm. Suddenly, without a purpose in life, Carrie moves in with her friend Rowena and tries to determine what her next move will be.

Unfortunately, Rowena is unable to go at the last minute and has found a new companion for Carrie, the handsome Dr. Matt is back from his work in Tuman after an unfortunate accident. Commanded to take four months off to rest and get himself back together, he is not sure what he is going to do with his time off.

Together they go on a tour of Southern England and learn how to move on with life. And also learn more about each other. I really enjoyed this book. There were indeed elements of that classic story in this book with Carrie and Matt meeting again after so many years and having a misunderstanding that sets the two at odds at first. Carrie was much more against Matt than he is against her. Their delightful friction kept me entranced throughout the book.

I also loved the description of the road trip in the campervan. It sounded like a lot of fun. Phillipa Ashley wrote a great guest post for this blog describing her travels in a campervan as part of the research process for this novel. The post is intriguing http: I also really liked an odd thing too, that Huw was a dairy farmer.

The descriptions of the mega farm and life on the farm reminded me a lot of life around Wisconsin, aka Dairyland USA. It made me realize that things really are not that different between the United States and England. It was funny that Huw was considered quite a catch as he was a rich farmer, which is the same as some of the farmers in my county who are millionaires.

Family farms are not the same as they used to be anywhere anymore it seems. Overall, I found Carrie Goes Off the Map to be a delightful book with great characters, romance, and a wonderful journey. Phillipa Ashley has become one of my new favorite contemporary romance authors. This review was originally posted at: As a card carrying Anglophile, I relish stories from British authors, both historical and contemporary. Phillipa Ashley offers an older heroine in Carrie, who thought life was safe with her college "uni" boyfriend, Huw.

They have lived together and worked together on his family farm for 10 years. When Huw calls off the wedding days for the blessed event, Carrie finds herself As a card carrying Anglophile, I relish stories from British authors, both historical and contemporary.

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She retreats both physically and emotionally. I could relate to Carrie's pain and dilemma. Rowena recruits a "uni" acquaintance, Matt, to take her place on the road trip. Matt is adrift during mandatory leave as a charity doctor in remote locations. Carrie and Matt share this one trait - a certain detachment from real life - but they clash as road companions. Carrie expected to travel Europe; Matt's expired passport limits them to England. Their personality conflicts leads to many laugh out loud moments as they travel to the next best destination - Devon.

Devon allows Carrie to throw back her ring where Huw proposed. It turned into a symbolic "release" for both Carrie and Matt as they encounter the surf culture, take new lovers, and come to terms with who they are. Only after the road trip is over and Matt has returned to the South Pacific do they realize that they have fallen for the other. Phillipa Ashley delivers a predictable ending but one that is satisfying. I appreciated the glimpse into British culture, including the sacred rituals that make the Brits so lovable to American audiences. Some Americans may not understand the slang language throughout the book.

Yet any reader will understand, and sympathize with, the raw emotions that Carrie, Rowena, Matt, and even Huw experience. Although the book spans almost two years, it is a fast read that I could not put down. Recommended read for a lazy afternoon. I was lucky enough to win a signed copy of this book and having never read the author before I didn't know what to expect but after reading the blurb on the back I couldn't wait to start reading it. Carrie has been with her farmer fiance Huw for 10 years and then just 2 weeks before the wedding Huw suddenly announces he doesn't want to marry Carrie, no hint anything was wrong just bang sorry I can't marry you.

Well Carrie goes from being close to her wedding day to rock bottom and no really under I was lucky enough to win a signed copy of this book and having never read the author before I didn't know what to expect but after reading the blurb on the back I couldn't wait to start reading it. Well Carrie goes from being close to her wedding day to rock bottom and no really understanding as to why Huw has changed his mind. She moves in with her friend Rowena and she tries to put herself back together and realises that she's going to have to go and see Huw about her share of the farm and the financial arrangement because of all the time and money she put into helping him run the farm whilst they were together.

Rowena finds something out through a friend which makes her worry about Carrie so she decides to suggest a month long girl's road trip in her boyfriend's beloved VW camper, but life rarely runs smoothly and so just as they're due to go off on their trip Rowena is offered her dream job of acting in a TV series and is torn between taking the job and going on the road trip. Here enters a man who has troubles of his own, a Humanitarian doctor whose been sent home by his boss saying he needs to take a break and Rowena decides to ask Dr Matt Landor if he will go with Carrie on the road trip as she knows Carrie needs to get away from the village and he agrees but can't imagine with a month in a camper van is going to be like, poor Carrie is expecting a continental road trip but at the ferry Tom turns off and admits he doesn't have a passport his has just expired so instead they just get a map and drive around for a month.

Sparks fly between them, there is unrequited love for Matt from an old friend and he doesn't want to hurt Natasha, they meet some very funny people along the way and as the time goes on they finally start to open up to each other and what started off as a 2 people at logger heads with each other and wishing they had never agreed to go on this trip start communicating, what will happen between them will they keep hitting off each other and arguing or will they find common ground?

You'll need to read it because I hate spoilers but I will say I can't wait to read more of Phillipa's books.

Goodreads summary

Many contemporary romance and chick-lit books read just like a romantic comedy. Two lonely or scorned people meet, they spend a lot of time together, they argue or some kind of misunderstanding happens and they refuse to speak to one another… only to find their way back to each other, a happily ever after in their very near future, leaving a smile on your face. Carrie Goes Off the Map gives you just that. Carrie is left two weeks before her wedding after a 10 year relationship! Her best friend takes her in and decides she needs something to get her mind off of it, so she arranges a European vacation for the two of them in a vintage VW van.

But when her friend, Rowena, is given a job opportunity, she has to find a stand in for the vacation. That stand in is her friend, Matt. Matt has his own problems and needs the distraction as well. The two of them spend time together, nagging, arguing, and essentially developing hidden feelings for one another.

When their time gets intense, they go their separate ways. I adored the characters in the book. The chemistry between Matt and Carrie was awesome. During their trip, their moments were hilarious yet touching.

You just knew they HAD to end up together. I also enjoyed Rowena. I loved the idea of the road trip. How much fun would that be?! Their trip was a big highlight of the story, as it was entertaining and was what brought the characters to each other. Overall, I enjoyed this sweet romance, and am looking forward to reading more from this very talented author. Reviewed by Marie for Cocktails and Books Never thinking that Huw would ever do such a thing, she makes up clever ideas about what she might do. Neither one could even imagine that he could ever cheat on her, but right before the big church wedding, he calls it off after a ten year relationship.

Rowena rescues Carrie from their shared home and decides they need a road trip to get the bad taste out of her mouth. Everything is set to go until Rowena lands a role on a soap opera but quickly finds a replacement so that Carrie can get her mind off the horrible breakup and have a month on the road.

The replacement Rowena finds for herself is Matt. A dashing doctor that has been working in a doctor without borders type of organization in a tropical island. Matt has a horror that he is trying to forget himself. He was involved in an accident and is sent home by his boss to recuperate. Carrie meets Matt again at her ex's wedding where she intends to disrupt it but he convinces her otherwise. They do end up on the trip where each of them grow to like each other. After several false starts and mixed signals between the two of them, some which are incredible funny and terribly sweet.

I love Phillipa Ashley's writing style and her romances are so wonderfully put together, you find yourself taken away to another place with them. Carrie is so believable and down to earth that you want to try and make her feel better after her horrible relationship. You just know that Matt with his damaged background and playboy ways will come around to find Carrie "the one". I so enjoy these romances since they really have a perfect balance of humor with interesting characters and dialog.

Now, I am patiently waiting for Ashley to write me another story. Shocked and dismayed, Carrie shacks up with her best friend Rowena and finally agrees to her scheme to get out of town on a European road trip involving an ancient VW Camper Van. But at the last minute Rowena lands a job, leaving Carrie in what she thinks is in a lurch until she realizes that her friend has not left her to cancel her plans or to travel alone at all.

Instead, she has invited Matt, an old acquaintance from school, to accompany her instead. Every character in this novel stood out and I especially loved Rowena. She was the perfect best friend and I would love to have her in my corner. Matt was the perfect dreamy doctor. His tense relationship with his brother came through wonderfully as did the tension with Carrie. There was nothing not to love about his character either. I really enjoyed watching Carrie pick herself up and become determined to move on instead of mope around and I especially loved the scene where she first encounters Matt again.

This was a perfect romantic adventure and fans of British Chick Lit will not be disappointed. I would definitely read more from Philippa Ashley! Apr 01, Rosy rated it it was amazing. Phillipa Ashley's fourth and latest novel is a chip off the old block: Things take a surprising turn when Rowena is offered a chance-of-a-lifetime acting job in London, and persuades the sexy Matt Landor to stand in as Carrie's travelling companion.

Drag act interrupts Glasgow wedding singing 'It should have been me!'

In a way, the result of this month of enforced close proximity is never in doubt - and yet the path by which we reach the typically sweet ending is never predictable for a moment. The story unfolds with all the usual, wonderful Ashley ingredients: The central romance is carefully crafted for a slow, believable build.

Humanitarian doctor Matt, with his own troubled past, cuts a powerfully magnetic figure, and Carrie is a typical Ashley heroine: But it is also tender and sweet - I defy you to finish it without a smile on your face and a lump in your throat. Dec 03, Becky R. Phillipa Ashley has a fun, lively style to her writing that keeps the tempo moving in her stories, and her characters progressing. I'm always struck by writers who can get me to care about the main character quickly, and I always seem to feel that way with Ashley's heroines. However, her situation seems compounded by feelings of all the time she lost and for being played a fool.

It's not as if the relationship fizzled Phillipa Ashley has a fun, lively style to her writing that keeps the tempo moving in her stories, and her characters progressing. It's not as if the relationship fizzled out and they both knew it wasn't right, it was like being jilted and left the outsider and the unwanted. All you have to do is add a main male lead character who is charismatic, attractive, aloof, and a Mr.

What can I do to prevent this in the future?

Darcy comparison, and you have a real recipe for sure romance. Whatever it is about a woman who has been scorned and left aside that draws a man in, I'll never quite understand, but we all seem to love it. I can't say that I know of anyone who has done that in real life gotten together on the back of a nasty split, although I know they exist , but there is something appealing about having that resolution. This story isn't an easy get together though. Much of the story is spent traveling the countryside, as Carrie and her handsome doctor, Matt, take a road trip to forget their woes.

As any road trip is bound to do, the two get into their quarrels and eat their fair share of gas station fare. With that comes short tempers, but also a number of conversations brought on by fatigue and heightened emotions. As with Phillipa Ashley's novels, I really enjoyed this newest one. Carrie's story is one that many women will recognize and see themselves in from start to finish or at least wish to.

Carrie thinks she's got it all figured out. An upcoming wedding, a well planned out life. And then the unthinkable happens. The breakup came out of nowhere. There were no signs or hints that it was coming.

Wish You Were Here (Little Black Dress)

It's time for Carrie to pull herself together and move on. In this funny, lighthearted romance, Carrie takes an adventurous path to self discovery. Star Originally posted at: Starting over isn't easy, but this woman is winging it quite well There was that little incident that led her to meeting Matt Landor for the first time. First impressions are everything, and she didn't make the best one. In many instances, Matt and Carrie get on one another's nerves. A road trip forces the two to bond a little more. Who knew what that would eventually lead to?

Their stubborn pride could cost the two real love if they aren't careful. Carrie Goes Off The Map is enjoyable, enlightening, and fun. The author creates believable characters that the reader will love or or dislike, depending on their role in the story. The path to happily ever after for Carrie and Matt takes readers on a roller coaster ride of ups and downs, memorable moments, and along the way will meet some charismatic characters that leave their mark in this well crafted novel.

Set in various places, including some of Europe, the pacing flows smoothly from one thing to the next.

If you enjoy a contemporary novel that has the high potential to leave a smile on your face after the last page is read, then don't miss out on a chance to read this story. Hurry and get yourself a copy. Carrie Brownhill is hurt and angry when her fiance abruptly ends their relationship. Even worse is when she finds out that he's marrying another woman just a few months later. Carrie decides to go on a trip through the English countryside to clear her head and finds herself traveling with Matt Landor, a doctor who's trying to come to terms with an accident that he was involved in.

Carrie and Matt don't exactly get along at first, but they eventually find themselves admiring and getting close to one another. But their trip has to come to an end sometime, and neither one knows what to do about their future I thought this sounded like an interesting read, and there were some things I enjoyed about it, including the characters and the overall voice. Plus, it's set in England, and I always think it's interesting to see the differences in the language and more between various countries.

However, the book, the characters, and the situations are pretty run of the mill. You know as soon as Carrie gets dumped that her ex is seeing someone else and that Carrie will find out about it in the worst way possible, which she does. Also, you know that she and Matt will fall for each other as the road trip goes along.

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Plus, the ending felt a bit hurried to me. I would have liked to have seen more of Carrie and Matt working out their problems together. Overall, this one didn't quite work for me, but if you enjoy books set in England, you might want to check it out. Complete and utter chick lit. I'm not a big reader of chick lit, but I do enjoy it every now and then and I did enjoy this book.

It was very predictable, but it also contained a few surprises here and there. Startling before and after photos lay bare Hurricane Heartbroken mother is found dead days after her daughter, Dakota Meyer admits he's had a vasectomy and won't ever Angry mom records the moment two foul-mouthed KFC You and Woody Allen Comments 2 Share what you think. Bing Site Web Enter search term: Konnie Huq sends fans wild as she's spotted in the audience watching husband Charlie Brooker win his third gong Victoria Beckham shows her wild side in stunning leopard print wrap dress while Anna Wintour opts for leather during trip to her Dover St store Rhian Sugden stuns in lace and tulle gown as she marries former Coronation Street star Oliver Mellor in dream seaside ceremony in Turkey Jessica Simpson announces she is pregnant with her third child: Sarah Jayne Dunn teases 'massive' Mandy and Darren affair reveal Soon-Yi Previn says the reason the relationship worked was because Allen 'took a big leap' Johnny Vegas reveals the grief over his father's death pushed him to lose a staggering three STONE by 'ignoring bread and cheese' Lisa Armstrong steps out in bizarre neon pink legwarmer Former Made In Chelsea stars part ways just 15 months after welcoming daughter India Chrissy Teigen falls down a flight of stairs in freak accident Dylan and Ronan Farrow berate New York Magazine's 'hit job' as they rally round Mia Farrow Bodyguard stars Keeley Hawes, 42, and Richard Madden, 32, dine out at posh Mayfair restaurant as drama nears its climax Good times Gordon Ramsay looks dapper as he joins glamorous wife Tana at close friend Victoria Beckham's star-studded tenth anniversary party Stepping out Shauna Sexton dons low-cut top as she runs errands after visiting rumoured boyfriend Ben Affleck in rehab Checked into rehab on August 22 Khloe Kardashian flashes her midriff in knotted top with leggings while heading to the movies with Tristan Thompson Casual How unBEARable!

Simon Cowell's son Eric, four, steals the show as he sweetly introduces himself to Louis Tomlinson and they high five Gabby Allen kisses Rak-Su star Myles Stephenson and calls him her 'baby' as X-Factor star celebrates his birthday Christine Lampard showcases her baby bump in Breton striped top as she enjoys a stroll with her dog Minnie And who is Vicky Budd's new mystery man?

Today's headlines Most Read Former Liverpool defender Stephen Darby, 29, forced to retire with motor neurone disease just months after Iranian couple marched daughter, 18, to doctor for 'virginity check' after discovering she had secret Married couple were the 'Fred and Rose West' of Welsh seaside town where they raped three girls over Gary Speed's wife tells of 'horror film' moment she found Storm Helene smashes Scotland and north of England with 80mph gusts Prince Harry admits he 'panics' when he bumps into his grandmother the Queen in a revealing new documentary British couple moved granddaughter out of their Egyptian hotel room hours before they died due to 'musty Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, 72, 'is taken to hospital amid rumours over the serial killer's failing Police killer Dale Cregan begs his criminal friends on an illegal mobile phone from prison to send him money Incredible images show the wave of hope that swept Europe as life returned to normal Lib Dem leader Vince Cable fumbles bizarre claim Brexit is an 'erotic spasm' and instead tells conference it Widow of reservist who was one of three who died on scorching SAS Brecon Beacons march blasts elite unit's Not such a wonderful world!

Thought-provoking images that show the VERY dark side of modern life will make Stressed city trader, 36, who worked for Merrill Lynch took his own life after his wife and child went away Is Doria in London? Meghan's mother is spotted catching a flight out of LAX amid reports she is preparing to Landlord makes his small village pub the first in the country to go completely cashless with only bank cards Meet the man who can retire at Why your phone battery lasts for DAYS when it's new, but loses charge in a few hours after a year: British woman, 22, given jail term in Dubai over champagne-fuelled brawl escaped country ahead of sentencing Father blasts boxing champion Billy Joe Saunders for taunting his drug addict daughter in sick video and

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