Member Reviews

This story is about Kira Murphy, a junior doctor in the UK in the genitourinary department. She has on out there, eccentric personality which she sometimes gets flack for. She has been mooning over Barclay Lucas who is a politician in the British Parliament. One day, she meets him because she has been able to help his little brother with an issue that he thought was unresolvable. Thus their journeys begin.

I really came to love Kira as a character because her eccentricities make her who she is although she does have some insecurities about. She also becomes more insecure due to her boss sexually harassing her and I’m glad that she found her voice to speak up. It’s not easy to speak on these issues, especially in work environments that are dominated by males. I also loved the added touch about her work and what she does and trying to correct misinformation about sexual health, HIV and the stigma that comes with having it.

However, Barclay really got on my nerves at times. I didn’t really like how he was trying to change Kira’s personality to fit with him, his job and society. I did really like that the issues he had were very realistic and was not sugar coated and just skimmed over. I like that the big blow up that him and Kira has wasn’t skirted over and they just made up because he said sorry. She really had an issue with what he said, she told him outright and did not take him back immediately. Although, maybe fleshing out the time in between when they break up and get back together would be good. I like that they both changed some parts of themselves for the betterment of their relationship.

I also really liked all the side character as well, especially Henry, Kim, Mark, and Mellie. I would love to learn more about Mellie and her journey as well.

Overall, I liked this book, although there were some issues. I feel like with a bit of tweaking here and there, it could’ve been a 5 star read.

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** ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review **

This has to be hands down my favourite Susie Tate book so far, and I have loved each one.

This is a romantic comedy and the story is told in an engaging way in alternating first person viewpoints of the main characters. The plot is absorbing and well paced and is reminiscent of a Pride and Prejudice theme, which is quite frankly the best trope there is (in my humble opinion).

The dialogue is what makes the book such a good romantic comedy, there are some real laugh out loud moments. But there are also some tough subjects addressed in the story, which are done respectfully, but with a little banter, which really brings a sense of 'normal' to the discussion of sexual health

I found the main characters of Kira and Barclay to be incredibly well written, having truly relatable vulnerabilities and flaws that made them all the more likable and compelling. It was easy to become emotionally invested in them as a couple, they really are the embodiment of opposites attract.

Highly recommended!

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I breezed through this book and I may not be a Doctor or dye my hair pink, but on wearing colorful prints and some scarves I am definitely ok Kira's side!
It's a fun read because I found Kira to be a ball of sunshine and Barclay the man who takes on the weight of the world on his shoulder even though he shouldn't. Their chemistry is good and the saddest bit for me at some point was that I felt like Kira had to put in more work, be more vulnerable and as the story progressed Barclay gave his own too but it still wasn't enough for me to shake off that initial feeling of disappointment.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

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As always I just love these British books by Susie Tate (a GP herself), in this case about tiny hurricane Kira and Tory politician Barclay.

I must say I found Kira to be a bit tiresome sometimes, the energy exploding from her making me roll my eyes. But I do know some people like her and it is spot on. I liked the fact the characters from the other books are in this book as well (Millie/Pav, Libby/Jamie and even Sam - who notes the fact Kira is like his wife Katie). Very enjoyable!!!

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This book was very interesting. I loved the heroine. I thought she was amazing the way she was. I was upset with the Hero for not understanding her, but it seemed to have build an interesting plot line. The heroine was strong, sweet, and funny! I hope to read more from this author. I like how she handled some very delicate topics in this book. Overall it was a book I would read again.

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I really like Susie Tate’s writing style and her previous books have always been good so I was very excited to get stuck into this one. I liked that we got both Kira and Barclay’s pov throughout the story and I also enjoyed catching glimpses of characters from past books. I did find Kira to be a bit of a ‘manic pixie dream girl’ at times and there were some points where I got very irritated with her character (lack of caring for her own personal safety!). Even though I was rooting for them I did feel Barclay needed to do a lot more than he did at the end given how harsh he was to Kira. Think I need him to show more of an interest in her whole world rather than just the “weird” / “wacky” bits. I especially liked the way the author handled Henry’s story and HIV. Kira’s interactions with Henry and how she played a role in pulling him back into the world were a highlight for me. Overall a good book, well worth a read.

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Great read! Many laugh out loud moments!

The setting is London! Characters are a politician, a sex health doctor, strippers, a gay nurse, a man with HIV, and more. They embrace each other's differences. You can't help but feel for all of these characters. Serious moments are well balanced with humorous ones.

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Susie Tate's Anything But Easy is Hilary, romantic and witty, not to talk of wholesome. I laughed all through the first three chapters and I could not put the book down.

I have to say that I definitely look forward to more of Ms. Tate's books.

A most interesting novel.

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Anything But Easy by Susie Tate is an excellent read. Focusing on ornery, uninhibited, uber caring, self-described sex doctor, Kira and uptight politician, Barclay, the pairing seems like a match made by a Mt. Olympus deity wanting to make a joke. Kira has crushed on Barclay’s public persona for a long time. When circumstances put them together...readers will find out just how well oil and vinegar can mix. Although the majority of this book is lighthearted, the medical credentials of Dr. Tate clearly shine through the eyes of Barclay’s brother, Henry, a heterosexual character struggling to deal with his HIV and the workplace stress Kira must deal with. Fans of the author have waited a very long time for this book. The wait has not been in vain! So buckle up and enjoy. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly and happily recommend.

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Thank you publisher and NetGalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own and not influenced by others.

When I saw this e-arc on NetGalley, the cover got my attention. The description sounded funny so I was intrigued to read this arc. I started right away with reading because I was eager to get to know the personages and the story.

Kira likes Barclay when she sees him on television; they however meet each other when Barclay comes to her work to thank her for her help with his brother. He offers her a job to keep working with his brother which she declines because she doesn’t want to work private. Even when he raises the salary, she refuses. Not after he begs her to help his brother, she accepts his offer, but still refuses to get paid. This was something I liked, a personage who doesn’t wants to be bought.

What I didn’t like in this book were the personages. I thought Kira is unprofessional, irritating and at many situations tacky. About 50 pages before the book ends Barclay finally admit he misses her and does something about it. The description sounded as it would happen shortly after the beginning and not almost at the end, which makes this story in my opinion, in no way other than other stories.
This story is told from Kira’s as well as Barclay’s point of view which is a nice way to get the both personages well.

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