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A review by javakiss
Make or Break at the Lighthouse B&B by Portia MacIntosh
3.0
* I received a review ARC courtesy of NetGalley.*
3.5 stars
Make or Break at the Light House B&B (say that five times fast) was my first experience with author Portia MacIntosh. It was also my first approved arc for review on Netgalley so, naturally, I went into it with high hopes and utter excitement. I cannot say I was disappointed.
Our girl Lola is a small town girl living in the big city with a rather unique career as a celebrity matchmaker. She’s got the hot boyfriend and ritzy friends. So, naturally, she loses it all in a cringy tumble off six inch Louboutins at her friend’s grossly over-the-top wedding (I mean, there was a swan as ring-bearer. Talk about extra.) Now hobbled by a wheelchair that makes it impossible for her to live in her own apartment, she’s ultimately forced to return to her tiny home town and the converted lighthouse her folks turned into a Bed & Breakfast when her turns-out-not-so-great boyfriend and equally shitty supposed best friend brush her real life problems aside.
I really enjoyed this book as a quick weekend read. It’s light, fun and, as an American, a great look into life as a Brit. Because of that there were a few euphemisms that I didn’t get but just accepted them for what they were and carried on. Lighthouses are some of my favorite kind of historic landmarks so to read a story about a family that actually lives in one was very interesting, especially because it was on a tidal island. Which meant access to the lighthouse via a causeway was completely dependent on the tide. I do wish there was some more touring of Marram itself, but this is only one book among two or three others that are set in the same town/world, so my interest in picking up the others has piqued. Also, I REALLY hope we get a Kim & Robbie story because I WAS INVESTED. Robbie was adorable and I need more of him.
Anyway, we have Lola who reunites with an old schoolmate that is now a doctor named Will. At first glance, their romance seems pretty apparent and then something happens that totally turns that on its head, which, if I’m being honest I was not a fan of. Especially, after the whole revelation with her big city boyfriend (I can’t even remember dudes name), which also, seemed a little flat. We only ever meet him at the beginning of the story and then never again except through Lola’s inner monologue as she is deciphering his likely infidelity. It just started to feel like a “woe is me” sort of deal.
On the other hand, Dean, our second love interest in this weak triangle, was a much better suitor and I was a bit disappointed it took him so long to make an appearance when his sister tricks him (pretty much) into joining the singles looking for love group Lola was running. He is cheeky and difficult but very genuine and has a good heart. He turns into the man that all of the others in Lola’s life were not. They go on fun outings that weren’t actually dates but to the reader were CLEARLY dates. Also, he’s a detective which turns into a basis for quite a few of their outings.
Before I sign off, I also want to mention the members of the singles group were all so fun, especially (again forgot her name) the elderly woman that was absolutely down with the young people and savvy of new technologies.
ANYWAY, I’ve rambled here. I haven’t quite gotten concision down just yet with writing reviews. Ultimately, I was pleased with this book. It wasn’t mind-blowing but entertaining and I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
3.5 stars
Make or Break at the Light House B&B (say that five times fast) was my first experience with author Portia MacIntosh. It was also my first approved arc for review on Netgalley so, naturally, I went into it with high hopes and utter excitement. I cannot say I was disappointed.
Our girl Lola is a small town girl living in the big city with a rather unique career as a celebrity matchmaker. She’s got the hot boyfriend and ritzy friends. So, naturally, she loses it all in a cringy tumble off six inch Louboutins at her friend’s grossly over-the-top wedding (I mean, there was a swan as ring-bearer. Talk about extra.) Now hobbled by a wheelchair that makes it impossible for her to live in her own apartment, she’s ultimately forced to return to her tiny home town and the converted lighthouse her folks turned into a Bed & Breakfast when her turns-out-not-so-great boyfriend and equally shitty supposed best friend brush her real life problems aside.
I really enjoyed this book as a quick weekend read. It’s light, fun and, as an American, a great look into life as a Brit. Because of that there were a few euphemisms that I didn’t get but just accepted them for what they were and carried on. Lighthouses are some of my favorite kind of historic landmarks so to read a story about a family that actually lives in one was very interesting, especially because it was on a tidal island. Which meant access to the lighthouse via a causeway was completely dependent on the tide. I do wish there was some more touring of Marram itself, but this is only one book among two or three others that are set in the same town/world, so my interest in picking up the others has piqued. Also, I REALLY hope we get a Kim & Robbie story because I WAS INVESTED. Robbie was adorable and I need more of him.
Anyway, we have Lola who reunites with an old schoolmate that is now a doctor named Will. At first glance, their romance seems pretty apparent and then something happens that totally turns that on its head, which, if I’m being honest I was not a fan of. Especially, after the whole revelation with her big city boyfriend (I can’t even remember dudes name), which also, seemed a little flat. We only ever meet him at the beginning of the story and then never again except through Lola’s inner monologue as she is deciphering his likely infidelity. It just started to feel like a “woe is me” sort of deal.
On the other hand, Dean, our second love interest in this weak triangle, was a much better suitor and I was a bit disappointed it took him so long to make an appearance when his sister tricks him (pretty much) into joining the singles looking for love group Lola was running. He is cheeky and difficult but very genuine and has a good heart. He turns into the man that all of the others in Lola’s life were not. They go on fun outings that weren’t actually dates but to the reader were CLEARLY dates. Also, he’s a detective which turns into a basis for quite a few of their outings.
Before I sign off, I also want to mention the members of the singles group were all so fun, especially (again forgot her name) the elderly woman that was absolutely down with the young people and savvy of new technologies.
ANYWAY, I’ve rambled here. I haven’t quite gotten concision down just yet with writing reviews. Ultimately, I was pleased with this book. It wasn’t mind-blowing but entertaining and I am looking forward to reading more by this author.