While I enjoyed parts of this "girl goes traveling after her life falls apart and finds herself" story, it was problematic for me in multiple ways. First, I found that it played into female stereotypes that I don't enjoy reading because I think they perpetuate harmful societal standards for women - i.e. must put on makeup to look good/be attractive to a man (this occurred multiple times), a woman who can't spend time any being single without wanting to get with the attractive man around and she jumps from relationship to relationship, etc. While some of these narratives had resolved themselves by the end of the book as the main character Rachel found herself and became more grounded, others did not. Second, I found the book to be disrespectful towards and stereotypical of Indian people and Indian culture in many of its descriptions. While I wholeheartedly agree that travel has the potential to change your life, your priorities, and the way you view yourself and appreciated that component of Rachel's story and journey of going outside her comfort zone, I struggled with this book because of the prevalence of the above-mentioned issues.

This was a fun, easy light hearted read from Zoe May.

It's about Rachel who has a life plan and is expecting her boyfriend Paul to propose, however he suddenly has a change of heart and dumps Rachel to go and find himself in India. Rachel decides to follow Paul to India a few weeks later but what she find's and discovers changes her whole plans.

This was a very quick read for me, I read it in a couple of hours in the garden. For me parts were rushed and I felt that the story ended a bit quickly as I feel there is more to explore and I would love to know how the law case ended, unless the author is planning another book. Apart from that it was a fun read and I loved some of Rachel's antics in the book. If you are looking for a fun, short read in the garden or for a rainy day this book would be perfect.

Flying Solo is an enjoyable read with lots of witty moments. This feel-good read sure makes for a relaxing time. The setting of an Indian ashram was a lot of fun as well! In short: a great chick lit novel.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was four stars for me until the last fourth of the book.

It's a mostly delightful romcom read as we follow Rachel, who set off to India to win back the man of her dreams. Rachel learns about herself and grows in the process. There's a pretty standard B plot that fizzles out and some things I found confusing that are never resolved and without those I would have enjoyed the book more.

I was hoping for more resolution for the ending, but maybe it will be another book.

This book revolves around Rachel, an attorney in London, who starts the book anxiously awaiting a proposal from her boyfriend of 6 years, Paul. Paul sets up a dinner at the restaurant where they had their first date, so Rachel is ready to say "Yes" the minute he pops the question. But, predictably, Paul instead announces that he is breaking up with Rachel so he can go find himself at an ashram in India.

Rachel makes a plan to get Paul back, and her India adventure begins. I don't do spoilers, so you can experience the humorous and sometimes unbelievable situations she encounters along the way. I get the impression that this book is going to have a sequel, since it ended with some key story lines left dangling.

Its a good escapist, summer beach (or quarantined backyard) book. Nothing deep or hard to read. A few small editorial misses, like "lunches" when "lunges" was the right word, but no show stoppers.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review, but my opinions are my own.

A brilliant travel book with a different story to tell!
I loved the way Rachel diverts from her life list to go follow her ex to see if she could win him back after his momentous melt down.
Fabulous descriptive writing about the setting in India, it really drew in the reader to the atmosphere of the camp and helped you understand why Rachel was able to find herself and move on.
I do enjoy seeing characters have a life changing moment, and it was wonderful to see Rachel embracing the activities and making new friendships along the way too.
Some absolutely hysterically funny moments had me laughing out loud, and definitely made the book more enjoyable and engaging.
I hope there will be a follow up as I’m desperate to see how things pan out for Rachel and her next challenge!

Flying Solo is a light, fun read with Bridget Jones Diary meets Eat, Pray, Love vibes. The main character is portrayed as a buttoned up lawyer with a structured life plan, but turns out to also be quite the hot mess stumbling upon a bit of self actualization in this story. Her foibles are amusing but can also be pretty cringe worthy at times. The story touches upon several social issues but questionably so & lacking any meaningful depth. There is some slow burn romance here which culminates in one steamy part that reads a bit sophomoric.
This book simply makes a silly & lightly enjoyable read. But not quite my cup of chai.

2.75 stars

Flying Solo follows Rachel who has her life mapped out. She has been with her boyfriend, Paul for six years and she is ready to take their relationship to the next level. When they go out to dinner one evening, she is convinced tonight is the night he is going to propose, instead he breaks up with her and tells her he is going to India to find himself. Shocked and confused, Rachel soon finds herself following after Paul in the hopes of saving their relationship.

I think this book had a lot of potential. I liked Rachel as a protagonist and the chemistry she had with Seb. I liked the overall message of accepting that sometimes things happen for a reason and how by the end of the book Rachel realises that she can't plan out everything in her life. I enjoyed following Rachel as she left the luxuries of her life in London behind and took the time to reflect and meet new people.

However, I found the pacing to be all over the place and ultimately everything happened too fast for me to feel properly invested in the characters or what was happening. Rachel and Paul were together for six years and after only one conversation they are over which felt unrealistic and I didn't care for the way things were left between them. Rachel tries to get him back but quickly finds that he has already moved on and whilst angry about this, she too is having romantic feelings towards someone else. The ending was rushed and felt unsatisfying because it didn't really feel like an end.

I don't know if there are any plans for a sequel but if there were I would definitely give it a try as I think a sequel would give that proper conclusion and an opportunity to continue to flesh out these characters.

Unfortunately I found this book lacking in depth. I had hoped with the premise that the story would provide the opportunity for someone to not just find another man or a hookup but themselves. It is just very lighthearted and a little superficial, no one seems to stick to any one thing or person for very long.
It wasn’t even a great romance, or a hot and steamy Love story. The book was just lacking in my opinion.

Flying Solo is about Rachel, who, when she doesn't get the proposal she's expecting from her boyfriend, follows him to an ashram in India to win him back, but ends up on a journey of self-discovery instead. It was a nice story, nothing ground breaking or out of the usual for a chick-lit novel, but it was an entertaining read. I didn't find it laugh out loud funny, like it claims in the title, though. Maybe it's just my sense of humour. Entertaining, yes. Funny? Nope. I also had a minor quibble about a Canadian character who called university "uni." We do not shorten it here. Maybe he picked that up from his travels, but as a Canadian myself, it was glaringly weird sounding to hear that coming from a supposedly Canadian character. Overall it was a light hearted read. Recommend if you need a fluffy book to read this summer. 2.5 out of 5.

Light hearted, fun chick lit that is a perfect summer read! This book really put me in Rachel's shoes as she followed her life plan....then changed her plans when she followed her (ex) boyfriend to India. I loved her journey, both physically and spiritually. This book had me laughing, rolling my eyes, cheering and, most of all, rooting for Rachel. The ending was a bit rushed but I appreciate the theme of going with the flow!

Love. India, finding oneself, romance, strong woman... what's not to like?
I really enjoyed the story of Rachel, a woman with a plan. Or a list, at least. She's worked hard to achieve all her goals in life so far, with the exception of one; to get married to her perfect man. But that is all about to change,
just not in the way she expected.
Rachel winds up in an ashram in India, attempting to rescue her boyfriend and perfect life, but ends up on a journey of self-discovery, and realises that the best-laid plans aren't always the 'best'.
Rachel is a fabulous character. Don't we all want to be like Rachel? Someone who knows exactly what she wants, and when.
Oh, I wanted to throttle her no-god boyfriend, Paul, but then we met Seb, and I loved him! What a hottie! And a spiritual one at that.
A really good read, and I loved the ending!
Many thanks to NetGalley for an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the author, Zoe May, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a quick and light-hearted read about a woman whose life path and planning is upended by her partner, who - instead of finally proposing, as hoped and expected - announces he's leaving her and going to India to find himself. She follows, intent on winning him back, and of course the experience shows her how narrow her view of life has been until now. The story as such is more than a bit formulaic and foreseeable, but also a relaxing and fun read.

Flying Solo by Zoe May is a deliciously fun contemporary novel about discovering just what you want in life.
Life is not all about ticking off events on a list. Life is to be experienced and enjoyed. We need to discover our passion in life and live for what we were created for.
Swapping the corporate boardroom for life in an ashram in India is a freeing experience. One has rules and restrictions, the other is about discovering the inner you. Your place in life is not always where you thought it was going to be.
Zoe May has created a really fun light-hearted novel with some serious underlying themes. The atmosphere in India is hot and exotic contrasting with the drabness of London. Zoe May has vividly painted India with her words. The reader is able to ‘experience’ the heat and the light. We can almost ‘see’ the exotic birds and ‘smell’ the spices.
All the characters are wonderfully drawn. The leading lady was a real breath of fresh air with her outlook on life and her verbal musings. She was easy to relate to –who can forget her observations on outside toilets?
I always love Zoe May’s books. She writes in such a wonderful warm. Light-hearted way and always leaves me smiling.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

What a fab story! Rachel and Paul are like so many couples. Work too hard, spend too much time doing things that don't really make them happy and just kind of drifting.

So when Paul decides it's time for a drastic change, Rachel has no choice but to reassess her life goals too.

Jetting off to an Ashram in India isn't what she had planned but it's where she ends up. Rachel isn't really into the whole spiritual enlightenment gig, but reluctantly gives it a chance. She also meets Seb. Delicious, Quebecois, Seb. Mmmm.

Needless to say, Rachel doesn't find what she was looking for but instead finds exactly what she needs.

This is a gorgeous, fun, sweet and romantic story by a great up and coming author!

This is a book that I didn’t have to think too much about! It made me laugh and I believed in the main character, Zoe.
Zoe has a life list that she ticks off achievements on. University, Degree, job, promotion, house, boyfriend, Engagement......
Unfortunately just when she thinks her boyfriend Paul is going to propose, he announces he’s had enough and is going off to India to find himself....without her!!
A few weeks later, Zoe decides to track him down to an Ashram in India in the hope they can still be together!
I really warmed to Zoe and her ‘challenges’ and saw Paul for the idiot he was!
A laugh out loud book that is easy reading.

Love Rachel’s story. Will she get married? Follow her journey here in a page turner. From London to India, Rachel’s path is far from boring.

This review will be published on the below-mentioned blog and other social media on June 26.

Book Title: Flying Solo

Author: Zoe May

Genre: Humor Fiction

Publishing Date: 06 July 2020




Line Summary:

When Rachel Watson expects to get engaged, her boyfriend decided to go to India to find himself, Rachel decided to go to India to chase down his love. This story is about whether or not she could able to make him realize and end with a happily ever after the club?

My Review :

Wow! It’s my first book from the author and I thoroughly enjoy it! She is killing it! As true to the blurb it’s a laugh out loud rom-com. I was having laughing tears in my eyes at certain scenes !!! 😂. The plot is so unique and refreshing. The characters are believable and relatable. The narration is perfect! Lucid, easy to read, and downright humorous! It’s so good to see the true meaning of the ashram and self-realization through the character’s view! It’s a light-hearted story but we can’t put it down without finish it. Beneath all those humorous scenes it has a great underlying message too! It has the right proportions of love, humor, romance, and message! If you want to enjoy a humorous story, I highly recommend this!

Thoughts While Reading :
The initial chapters were giving me the impression of, "this is going to be another corporate lawyer chick lit where the heroine going to find her boyfriend is not her true love" but man how wrong I am!!! This is entirely a different story so if the initial chapters are giving you the wrong impression please don’t give up!

The story picks up when she started her travel to India! The following chapters were downright funny and I laugh out loud like a lunatic.

It is ironic that the person who wants to find himself couldn't achieve it in the slightest but the one who didn’t believe in it has had self-realization.
The maximum setting of the story is in Bangalore, India but man there is no beach in Bangalore as described in the story!

The minute I know the story is going to take place in an ashram in India, I was curious! A  little slip would results in a big controversy especially in a humorous story but to my wonder, it handled so well! I love the way she described India and Adoring it in her own way!

Overall this is the best humorous story I read in recent times! I hope you too enjoy it!
Thanks to #netgalley and the publisher #xpressobooktours for this ARC. This review is straight from my heart, not biased in any way.

**I was provided an e-ARC by the publisher of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rachel has a plan for her life: she has mapped out her goals for her education, career, and personal life. The only box she hasn’t been able to check off her list is marriage. When her long-time boyfriend plans a dinner date, Rachel thinks he is about to pop the question , but he instead reveals that he’s decided to travel to India to find himself—ALONE. Rachel decides to pursue him and travels to India herself to win him back.

I found this book to be light hearted, but it still had a great underlying message. It’s a quick read and has some laugh-out-loud scenes. The setting was so unique and interesting. I enjoyed watching Rachel grow and mature as a character. I also really liked the other characters in the book—Paul, Seb, Meera, and even Blossom all seemed like real people I have encountered.

The ending of the book felt a bit abrupt. I would have liked to read just a little more, possibly an epilogue to give a little resolution on how things develop in Rachel’s life in the coming months. Aside from that, this was a fun read that I found extremely enjoyable.

How delightful it is that a story written and sold as a romance doesn’t end with a happily ever after. How wonderful that a modern, educated savvy woman doesn’t fall apart when a guy suddenly walks out on her (to find himself) and that she doesn’t automatically find the Dream Man that she was supposed to be with all along. That she stays true to herself amid the turmoil and that her career is something she is passionate about and something she finds solace in is realistic and encouraging for the contemporary person reading this book. That a happily, for now, is the perfect ending for our heroine.

Rachel Watson is a planner. She has planned out her life and achieved pretty much everything she set out to do. Except for one niggling matter. Her plan was to be engaged at 28 years of age and now she is 30 and her long term boyfriend Paul, whom she shares a bed and mortgage with still hasn’t put a ring on it. Indeed, rather than getting engaged one night when she fully expects it, Paul rants and raves like a child about being bored by life and leaving her to go find himself in India knocking Rachel for a loop. But as a modern woman, with other modern friends, she is encouraged to chase after Paul, fix the problem and win him back, although flying out from the United Kingdom to spend time at an ashram in India was never on Rachel’s To-Do list. The trip is a romantic disaster, with Paul having found himself in the arms of another woman, but unexpectedly there is an undeniable attraction to within the friendship Rachel shares with Seb, the French Canadian who she takes more than a passing interest in. And the unsettling truth behind the ashram’s guru leads Rachel to a new place in her career when she puts the needs of others before her own. Could life be teaching her something about herself, about love and life that she was meant to learn all along?

This story is told in a humorous manner. The whole bag exploding in front of Seb with unmentionables and Rachel’s newfound appreciation for flowers leaves one howling with laughter whilst cringing with embarrassment. The life of hippies and the pool party is eye-opening and funny in the same turn. The supporting characters within the story are needed but not intrusive. This book is entertaining and refreshing for not following the predictable route so many romance novels follow. Rachel is believable, relatable and someone worth investing in. And maybe, just maybe we all could do with some time in an ashram to find our true selves