Book Review: Just Date and See by Portia MacIntosh

I am so pleased to be welcoming Portia MacIntosh back to Novel Kicks. She’s here with the blog tour for her novel, Just Date and See.

Billie is looking forward to a quiet, man-free Christmas. It’s just a shame her family doesn’t feel the same way…

With a house full of unexpected (and unwanted) guests, Billie needs to find the perfect escape to get away from the chaos.

So when her dating app recommends a week of singles nights in her area, Billie decides that braving these events has to be better than making conversation with her dad’s new wife, dealing with her mum’s mid-life crisis or witnessing her sister flirting with her insufferably arrogant next-door neighbour.

While this is definitely not the festive season she had planned, between disco bowling and boozy bingo, little does Billie know that she may find love this year after all – she’ll just have to date and see…

*****

Having had a year where her boyfriend left her and having to face renovating her house, Billie just wants a quiet Christmas.

However, it’s not long before her family descend on her along with some not so welcome houseguests.

In an attempt to escape the chaos, Billie signs up to some singles nights but will these just cause more trouble?

I have become such a big fan of Portia MacIntosh and so was looking forward to reading Just Date and See, especially when I found out it was set over Christmas.

Billie is a wonderful character. She seems comfortable enough in her own skin but seems real at the same time. I want to be her friend.

Rocco is the best kind of male lead. He’s a gentleman. I loved him.

Kate and Jess are brilliant too and bring much humour to the story.

There is so much about this novel that people will relate to – the family Christmas and the drama that usually surrounds it (although not like in this novel I hope,) as well as having the courage to put yourself out there, even if it’s to escape the chaos at home.

Portia MacIntosh has such a wonderful way of drawing you into the story with lots of warmth and humour it almost feels like it’s conversational and you’re catching up with a great friend you’ve not seen for a while.

The atmosphere built in this novel is magical. I am not sure whether I’d want to see the pink wreath though. Haha.

There were some proper laugh out loud moments and poignant ones too where the lesson is that, even when you think you know someone, they can still surprise you.

OK, as usual, no more spoilers.

Just Date and See is a warm, romantic, funny novel that shows us the importance of family in whatever form it happens to take, as well as letting yourself discover what life has to offer. I loved it. It’s made me feel very festive and I didn’t want it to end. I hope this isn’t the last we see of these characters. Oh, and I would love to actually see this as a Christmas movie.

Thank you to Boldwood Books, Netgalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review. 

About Portia MacIntosh: 

Portia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 20 romantic comedy novels. From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.

Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.

Say hello to Portia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Bookbub. Click here to sign up to Portia’s newsletter. 

Just Date and See is due to be released by Boldwood Books on 24th September 2022. Click to pre-order/buy on Amazon UK and Waterstones. 

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.