Alice and Joe met as trainees at the same law firm, when we meet them they're both celebrating being offered permanent jobs at the firm, they're blissfully happy living together in their little flat and just generally gazing misty eyed in what's looking like an idyllic future. Alice is then hit by a complete curveball and its looking like her permanent job might not be as secure as she thought, at the same time Joe's ex Zoe appears with nowhere to live following a breakup. Before Alice realises she's sharing a flat with her boyfriend, her boyfriend's ex and her boyfriend's ex's cat, Frazzle.

What follows is a big journey of self-discovery and a lot of reflection, Alice is forced to look at her goals in life and try to access where they originated, why did she decide to pursue a career in law to start with? Is a career in law even what she wants?

As well as Alice this books has loads of side characters that were great! Local landlady Shirley who loves Princess Diana, Alice's brother Drew who no matter what he shoots for always seems to land on his feet. Best friend Heather and he reliable tuna sandwich Pret choices. Local business owner Archie who is crazily good at Scrabble and a group of pub regulars Alice learns to rely on.

There is a trigger warning needed for this book with regards to sexual assault and the Me Too movement and I was hoping the book would have investigated that side a bit more, it doesn't play a big part but if you'd rather avoid the topic then maybe this isn't the book for you.

My main gripe with this is with the tagline and these next few sentences will have slight spoliers in. For me the tagline suggested that Alice and Joe were going to have a big fall out/break up at somepoint in the book and I guess I was waiting for it to happen and while it nearly does they are together for the whole book.

I received this book as an ARC request from NetGalley with a couple friends. We each requested and decided to read together!

I mainly requested for the title and then I read the description - “SOLD”! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found myself getting concerned and angry and loving along with Alice!

Given that I’ve read this with friends, throughout most of the book, I was so, so, SO angry with Joe and she-who-I-will-not-name (she doesn’t deserve it), but I believe the conclusion has left me on the unpopular opinion side 🤔
Once everything was aired out - I forgave him, too! Apparently, I sure do love a happy ending.

I RECIEVED THIS COPY FROM BOOKOTURE VIA NETGALLEY... THIS HAS NO BEARING ON MY RATING OR REVIEW. JUST MY HONEST OPINION.

I love the storytelling in this book, we meet our protagonist Alice who is a trainee in law. She seems to be getting her life on the right track, perfect boyfriend, great friends. Life is on the up..... untill she's given some bad news regarding her career and is then forced to find something else. This however is a million miles from the career she trained to do, or so we are lead to believe. I live the characters in this book, their own story in this book is like meeting up with old friends over drinks. I loved picking this book up knowing I was in good company and was going to have a laugh out loud moments.....As the story goes on we realise Alice's life isn't as perfect as we are lead to believe with a big secret, and when Alice and her boyfriend bump into an ex, we realise maybe their love isn't as perfect as they think. I promise this book will have you feeling as though you can achieve anything as long as you belive it's possible, especially with the right people behind you.

Thanks to the publisher for allowing me to read this book in advance via Netgalley.

I didn’t have high hopes for this book but I’ve also had this author on my radar for a while and wanted to finally read one of her books. So even though this is the first book I’ve read from this author, I can’t wait to read some of her earlier books.

This book follows the typical trope where a girl has a high powered job, something major happens and she decides to work in/takeover/start up a cafe/bakery/pub. You know the drill. Those kinds of books are my guilty pleasure. I tend to binge them and then avoid them for a little while before my next binge.

One thing I loved about this book is that Alice was already in a relationship with someone who didn’t cheat on her in the first chapter. They had their issues and both made some poor decisions, but it was refreshing to see that Joe wasn’t the typical guy in these books who only exists to break the protagonist’s heart.

My one wish for this book is that it hadn’t been quite so graphic when describing the urinal blockage. I felt like it was a bit tmi! I’m such a child and love a bit of toilet humour but this was a bit too gross and unnecessary even for me. I know it was an important event for the story to continue; I just didn’t need quite so much detail.

Despite that, this book was highly enjoyable. It’s perfect for a quick, light read with a lot of laughs. As I said, I’m looking forward to reading more of Sophie’s books very soon!

The story of Joe and Alice seems to start out as a typical one: they meet at work, fall in love, plan successful careers together at the same firm... you know how the story goes. In “Just Saying”, the story doesn’t quite go how you think after all.

Alice and Joe met while they were working as lawyers-in-training at the same firm in London. Because they were in different types of law, they were able to keep their relationship outside of work. Both had jobs promised to them once they passed their lawyer qualification tests, until suddenly Alice decides that maybe being a lawyer isn’t what she wants after all. Maybe something as simple as helping out at the bar across the street, where she can actually feel connected to real people, is what she wants.

With some unexpected twists and turns (and people) along the way, it’s no longer clear if Alice and Joe really are “that couple”. Can their relationship withstand her giving up a more prestigious career to serve pints in a pub? Or the reappearance of someone from Joe’s past?

“Just Saying” is that perfect combo of funny and sweet; serious and silly. A great read to escape for a day or two!

Just Saying follows the story of Alice and Joe who are one of those happy couple's just meant to be together. Joe is the perfect boyfriend, he's kind, supportive, and most of all loves Alice. Alice cannot thank her lucky stars enough for meeting Joe. There is no doubt in her mind that Joe is it for her and she for him.

However throw in a live in ex-girlfriend, a career change, and a handsome work neighbor, and suddenly the Happy Ever After isn't as sure a thing as Alice thought it was.

I would give this book a 1 out of 5 star rating, because while the book had some good points, it was a hard book for me to keep reading. The negatives outweigh the positives for me. Starting with the fact that the cover and title don't really make sense for the plot, and the romance element was too little for it to be considered a romance in my opinion, there was too much going on in this book.

First of all. this book is a great example of the importance of communication in any relationship. Alice and Joe didn't talk about the major issues, which I found odd seeing as Alice could not stop raving about how amazing her boyfriend is. Joe was the perfect man (in her opinion) and she still couldn't properly communicate with him.

Additionally, this book which had been marketed as a feel good romance took me completely by surprise at finding an element of sexual assault. I really hope the description of this book and a trigger warning is updated to the synopsis before publication date. I will commend the author for incorporating current issues in to her book such as the #metoo movement, but would have been more prepared for it had there been a trigger warning. I felt that the acceptance of the assault was too rushed, for complete closure. In my opinion, there were too many subplots incorporated into one book, and the story would have been better off if the author had focused on just one and really explored that one plot topic.

The emotions we felt from Alice, were what really made me keep going. By all means, Alice is very smart and successful. After losing her job, she could have gone to another firm, but choose not. She was insecure, and jealous but also hard working and determined. Which I loved. Her flaws are what make her "human". However I felt that Alice was the only character who was well rounded, The other character's weren't given as much time in the book and felt flat

I thank the author, the publishers, and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy, even though this book didn't turn out to be for me.

I have read a couple of Sophie Ranald books before and like the fact that her stories have a few unexpected twists in them that make you continually wonder how it is all going to end. Just Saying is another great book where the twists and turns bring you to the ending you hope for with a journey you were not expecting.

The book follows Alice and Joe who by all accounts seem perfectly happy and one of those couples who are just meant to be. However throw in a change in career, and live in ex-girlfriend, a handsome work neighbor and the happy ever after Alice thought was hers might not be the sure thing she thought it was.

Just Saying tackles some difficult issues which adds more depth to the story and characters and whilst the book has a light-hearted nature to it these issues help make the book real and not a sickly sweet romance. Alice's character is relatable in her need to be friendly and likable but also feeling self-conscious and vulnerable. Some of the conversations she has in her head rationalizing her behavior got a bit annoying but it not to the extent it spoiled the story.

This is a funny, easy read that reminds you that sometimes the right path for your future is not always the one you expect it to be.

That being said, for me the title cover of the book and to some extent the title itself didn't reflect the story, nor did the tag line. I think it gives a wrong impression on the basis of the plot.

When your boyfriend wants to do a flat share with his ex girlfriend, you shouldn’t be worried right? I found myself siding with Alice so much throughout this story. How was she not going mad living in a house with her boyfriend and his long ago ex girlfriend, who seems to still have the hots for him?

I really found myself falling in love with Joe, and I was rooting for Alice to make the right choices, even though I didn’t find her as likeable as other characters. Where is my Joe, and how do I get one?

A heartwarming story about truly finding yourself and being happy.

I would like to thank the author, publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book.

That being said, I did not like this book. I feel that the description (which I hope will be changed before actual publication) was for a different book than the one I actually read. Several of the character traits didn't fit, the attitude of the characters didn't fit. This wasn't a romance, and it wasn't a comedy. It was cringe worthy at best. And a perfect example of why ONE single little honest conversation can fix a LOT of problems.

I honestly can't think of anyone I would recommend this book to, and I am confused at the number of high ratings for it as it is.

Alice is an up and coming solicitor on the verge of turning professional. Until a scandal in the workplace results in the swift firing of her future boss and all those under his pay role. Downtrodden and jobless, Alice begins working at her local pub The Nag’s Head while she figures out her next move career wise. Unfortunately this part time arrangement won’t help pay the rent but her loving boyfriend Joe has a temporary solution... invite his ex Zoe and cat Frazzle to become their new flat mates.

If you are expecting a laugh-out-loud three’s a crowd romance I’m sorry to say this isn’t it. I really wanted to love this book after hearing such great things about Sophie Ranald’s previous work, unfortunately I found the plot a little messy.

There were too many unnecessary sub plots for me which left little or no explanation of the key events. The romance between Alice and Joe was fairly lacking throughout, while a lot of emphasis was placed on a potential fling with Archie the cafe owner. I also felt that there was not enough character development of anyone other than Alice. I would have liked to have known more about Joe, the dynamic with Zoe, her best friend Heather also seemed a lot of fun but again little audience interaction.

I commend the author attempting to write about current and political issues that are representative of the time, however I don’t think they were done particularly well. Alice deals with trauma from a sexual assault throughout but the acceptance of what happened to her felt rushed. This could have been done better in my opinion and I really didn’t like the chance meeting of her abuser, it just didn’t need it.

I would have enjoyed the book I read on the blurb a lot more, this wasn’t it sadly.

Just saying by Sophie Ranald was a relatively easy read. There are some triggering underlying themes in this book regarding sexual assault so please bare that in mind should you want to read it. I loved following the journey of Alice in finding out who she really was and what path she wanted to take in life. I think we all have these moments where we question what it is we really want but a lot of us don’t know whether to change our plans and do something different for fear of failing. The same can be said for Alice who after a traumatic event decides she no longer wants to pursue the career she had set out to pursue. I enjoyed meeting and learning about the other characters in this story however, I do wish the underlying theme was explored more as part of me felt it was a bit rushed and possibly brushed over too quickly. Overall it was an enjoyable read so I rate it a 3.5

I liked this one 🙌
Wasn't mind blowing or full of Mystery & Suspence (but you don't really go into rom coms thinking that's what your going to get do you)
Funny in places especially Nigel the Penis LOL! 😂
Liked that there was a few things going on throughout the story and Two serious issues were covered aswell #metoo and #windrush which definitely added more substance to the book...
Overall a Nice & Pleasant read I'm glad I've read 😁
Thank you to #netgalley #bookouture and #sophieranald for this early read ☺️☺️☺️
⭐⭐⭐⭐
JUST SAYING is out on JULY 3rd! -Leanne 😊

Alice was skeptical she could find real love until she met Joe. Both working in the same law firm he came to her rescue one morning after she'd had a particularly rough night. Now it's 2 years later, the job she had been offered has been rescinded because of allegations about the person who offered it to her. To make matters worse, Alice and Joe bump into Zoe, Joe's ex. Zoe is everything Alice isn't. Alice is trying her best not to feel threatened, and at the same time, figure out what she wants to do with the rest of her life.

Sophie Ranald does a fantastic job writing characters who feel very real, Alice was relatable on so many levels, the conflict, emotions, thoughts, it's like listening to a good friend. This is a potential spoiler, but I really really love a plot centered around a long term couple who works it out. I was surprised (in the best way) by the direction the Archie storyline went. Just Saying is about so much more than just Alice, Joe, and Zoe working out relationships, it brings up sexual assault, the #MeToo movement, and equality issues. Overall this is a good read, but should maybe have a trigger warning for sexual assault, while a decent part of the plot, it's not the entire book.

Light Hearted, Touch of Humour with Elements of Life's Struggles 💝

Alice and Joe are training to be solicitors, on Alice's birthday during a visit to the local farmers market, a familiar face from the past for Joe which raises concerns for Alice... his ex Zoe❣️

Whilst Alice had thought her life was sorted on completing her training, an event out of her control changes her job prospects instantly. Life the way she knew it then became very different.

Just Saying is a great easy read, whilst there is humour, it also touches on subjects that some people can relate to. I've not read any books by this author before, but definitely intend to read more.

What a great read Sophie, took me from shock to laughter to dispare to anger to tears to joy..and most of all to hope. I loved the relationships ,'best friends', 'siblings', 'lovers', 'exlovers', 'community' a real story about what really matters in life, totally brilliant.

This is my first book by the author and undeniably a cosy read. It took me a while to engage with the MC but there were a number of other secondary characters to bond with. Several storylines where covered throughout the book which I felt could have been expanded slightly.
What was different was the fact the author built the storyline around an established relationship and not a start up relationship.. The story flowed well, contained both funny and heart warming moments . From an eccentric landlady to a vegan ex girlfriend ...there is something for everyone. What was great is that it wasn’t predictable either and kept me guessing. A great read and I will definitely read another book by this author.

Although this hasn’t been my favourite book from this author it is still a good, quick read.

Alice lives with her boyfriend Joe they’re both trainee laywers about to qualify at a big London firm. When Alice’s career path takes a different route they end up renting their spare room to Zoe who is an old girlfriend of Joes! … Crazy, right?!

The book isn’t overly romantic and it has a few interesting side stories touching on the #metoo movement and the Windrush generation.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC

This follows our main character Alice, who resides with her boyfriend Joe. She considers him to be "the one" and their life is pretty much perfect... until it isn't. When Joe asks his ex, Zoe, to move in since she is homeless and has no where to go, Alice reluctantly agrees and starts to second guess Zoe's intentions and if her relationship really is as good and secure as it seems.

This book was fun! I liked the main story line and how there were other story lines weaving into it. I thought that Alice was a really passionate character. She was also relatable in the insecurities she felt in regards to herself and her relationship, because all women feel that. Even those that seem the most confident.

I liked how the author also tackled the #MeToo movement and made it part of Alice's story, but not to the point where it was overtaking the original plot and story line. I do wish that Alice had told Joe sooner, since a lot of the book was about Alice thinking about this event and secret she had from Joe and how she was going to tell him. I understand why the author wrote it this way, and it is realistic in the fact that there are many women who never come forward, or who take a long time to do so.

This review will be published on the below-mentioned blog and other social media on 22nd June 2020

Book Title: Just Saying

Author: Sophie Ranald

Genre: Fiction / Romance

Publishing Date: 03 July 2020




Line Summary:

This story is about the character "Alice", her life after her boyfriend's ex-girlfriend moved into their apartment as a flatmate and her decision to quit her lawyer job and be a bar employee!

My Review:

This is my first book from this author and I kind of feel "meh" about this book! I don’t love it but I don’t hate it either. But the blurb definitely misguided me! I have a very different expectation from the blurb and its a totally opposite one! This is clearly not a humorous romance book! I didn’t even smile at any scene! The plot is a good one but not interesting at all! The characters are good, deep, and very natural. The initial chapters seem wandering without any point but after some time the sideline story of “me too” movement and sexual harassment kind of getting our attention. but the main story kind of boring without any turning points. I love the way the sexual harassment been handled very sensitively but without compromising its evilness! The bar and the love towards it didn't much influence me. The gay rights and the issues around them also didn’t get much notice. I think the book tried to handle too many things and ends with watering down all the emotions! And so we couldn’t connect deeply with any single thing/emotion! The love /insecurity between the couples, the love towards the bar, the sadness behind the gay couple, meanwhile the sexual harassment and its impacts everything seems too much to put into a single story and so it’s kind of getting weakened! This is a flat, in the end, all a good story! If you prefer one, it’s a decent enjoyable read!

Thoughts while reading:
I love the "Alice" character! Her good heart, patience, insecurities, love everything seems natural and quite good to read!

I don’t know why but The way she loves the bar and tried to save it didn’t impact much at all maybe, it's because the story implies she tried to distract herself from her trauma than having a passion for the bar job!

As expected I hate the "Zoe" character! But the way she is sneaking into the story is wonderful and the way the story pictures the uneasiness around her is so natural!

Kudos for capturing all those sexual Harassment victim's emotions! Everything related to it is heartbreaking and it definitely creates awareness about the victims! Those who asked "why they keep silent at that time" should read it I don’t have enough words to praise it!

I wish the story handled only the main romance/ insecurities with "me too" movement rather than the other topics! The sideline flirt, the case of deportation everything seems squeezed into it and so I couldn’t enjoy it at all!

I liked the climax even though it’s a cliche! Overall a good story to enjoy!


Thanks to #netgalley and the publishers #bookouture for this ARC. This review is straight from my heart not biased in any way!

-- Read this review, and others, on my blog www.hookedbythatbook.com –

Alice and Joe are very happy together and working at the same company, both as lawyers. Until Alice’s new boss is fired for inappropriate behaviour, and she loses her coveted position at the company. Alice falls into working at the local pub, and finds that she really loves it. But this means that Joe and Alice need some extra money to pay the rent, and Joe offers the extra room to his ex-girlfriend, Zoë.

I’m not a big fan of this trope. When Zoë moved in with Joe and Alice, I started to feel very antsy. There is just so much that can potentially go wrong here and I could feel myself tensing up about it. I have never wanted to skip ahead so much! But I didn’t. And even though I felt anxious about this situation for much of the book (definitely not the author’s fault!), I still enjoyed the story.

I liked Alice and I think her reactions to the things that happened to her were very normal and expected. Joe is the best guy ever. Ladies, you should aim for this kind of man.

This book made me think a lot. Even though you might have a very strong relationship that can withstand almost anything, doesn’t mean you should deliberately test that bond. Like inviting your ex to share the apartment with you and your partner, or playing secret online Scrabble matches with a guy who is not your boyfriend (and not telling him about it).

I’m happy with the ending. There was definitely a lot to think about, and I think this will make an excellent book for a book club discussion.

Thank you to Boukouture and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC. Any thoughts and opinions are my own.