Overall, I enjoyed the You Again? by Nick Spalding, it was fast-paced and funny which lead to it being a quick read. The book itself as a whole wasn't terrible, it just didn't hit the mark in my opinion. I did believe, going into the book that it would be about second chance love with the lovers-enemies-lovers trope, but the book really wasn't a romance book at all. The immaturity of the characters and a few jokes which fell a bit flat were slightly offset as well,

Personally, this book wasn't for me. But if you're looking for a book that is funny and full of banter, but is less heavy on romance then this book may be for you!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC copy of You Again?

The second half of this book made up for the first half. The first half was funny, but I didn't think it was funny enough to justify or balance out some of my issues with it. One issue was that the book was shallow--it's about two people who used to be married that are now with other people and end up on the same vacation as each other since they're going back to the Maldives where they had their honeymoon, and there was an Expedia deal they both found. It makes sense enough not to be too coincidental, but at the same time, the author spends pages and pages with them at the airport then getting set on the island, and it's way too detailed and dragged out. There's no depth there. My other issue is that one of the first-person narrators, Joel, comes off ignorant and judgmental. He makes internal comments and observations about people that are really mean and prejudiced.
But, then, the book redeemed itself. Joel redeemed himself. Spalding isn't "like that"--Joel is. Amy's narration is completely different than Joel's, and you realize that Joel's character is to make fun of people and create nicknames and be judgmental because he is very insecure. The focus also shifts off details of details and gets a bit more "big picture." There's a really deep conversation between Amy and her fiance, Ray, that shows Spalding's intelligence. There are also observations of and connections to nature that reveal his depth and insight. I wish he'd included more of these intelligent commentaries and descriptions because I can tell he's a smart writer and includes slapstick to get a laugh. But I think he could do more of what he did in the second half of the book, which is still really funny and made me laugh out loud but was balanced out with intelligent, moving, moments that made me like the characters and feel for them.
Even though this book isn't romance, I would categorize it as romantic comedy, and I've always loved and appreciated love stories that don't have to be between two people who sleep together. I think some of the best love stories are platonic, and I genuinely appreciated the resolution of this book and how Spalding brought it all together.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I'm glad I read through the beginning to get to that ending, and I think the book gets better and better as it moves along. I recommend it if you're looking for a funny book that contains some surprises and that ends in a satisfying way.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with a free digital copy of the book!

Joel and Amy were married. They went in Maldives for their honeymoon. But now they are divorced but found each other on the same flight to Maldives again. They can not jump from the plain. The can just wish they are not going on the same island. The both want to rebulid their life with an other person. So the challenge begins there. And when it ends?

I loved the book. Not a classic ending and so not expecting ending. But so nice read. A page turner and tender reading. But full of laughter too. All things in life are not just white or black. We should remember that always.

Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the copy in exchange for a fair review.

At first Joel thinks he's mistaken when he catches a glimpse of his ex-wife, Amy, at the airport. But then he sees her and her new boyfriend, Ray, again. Surely it's a strange coincidence that they're traveling the same day Joel and his new girlfriend, Cara, are flying to the Maldives. But, no. Not only are they on the same flight, they're seated in the same row, and board the same speedboat to the secluded island resort. Perhaps it's not such a shocking coincidence; Joel and Amy had honeymooned at that very resort.

Avoiding one another doesn't work, so Joel sees fit to display his massive insecurities by alternating competing with them and playing mean-spirited jokes on them. Unfortunately, the book is not as funny as it's meant to be. I failed to see any of Joel's redeeming qualities until the end of the book. His constant kvetching was annoying and the meanness bothered me. The book ended well, with Joel and Amy discovering the real cause of their marriage breaking down, so it did conclude on a positive note. And, of course, the setting was perfect. #YouAgain #NetGalley

I generally like Nick Spalding books they make me laugh.

When you go on holiday and your ex is there too!! Awkward!
There had been a bitter divorce and they hate each other.
This book was funny and enjoyable

Lighthearted, don’t have to think about it easy read. Great for holidays

When exes both take their new loves back to their honeymoon spot at the same time there is bound to be all sorts of chaos. This book is filled with many laugh out loud moments and provides a great escape to the day by day.

You Again? had all of the elements of being a great romp: divorced exes coincidentally find themselves back on the Maldives island they went to for their honeymoon. What shenanigans could they both get into and what delicious reconciliation should we expect?

Unfortunately, the story does not deliver on its potential. The main characters are cliched and unpleasant. I was quite jarred by how grumpy both characters were: they read like two people in their 50s or 60s, which I don’t think was the author’s intention. I understand they are both still angry with each other, but I could not empathise with either. Even the ending, with its attempt to establish a villain, simply doesn’t work.

I am loath to give a bad review, but I can’t bring myself in good faith to recommend this book.

Typical Nick Spalding laugh out loud book! I love the humour that is quite often toilet humour or slapstick which is right up my alley. Set in the beautiful Maldives, thus book had me aching to get on a plane.

This is the first book by Nick Spalding I’ve had the pleasure to read - thank you to NetGalley for introducing him to me!

Amy and Joel want to experience their honeymoon again and 8 years later they finally have the chance. And this time they are going to do it with the right person.

I found myself laughing out loud as I bounced back and forth between Amy and Joel’s internal monologues as they are found at a resort at the same time and all the shenanigans they pulled to make sure the other was having a poor time.

I found myself crying and torn as I couldn’t chose a “side” between Joel and Amy. I truly sympathized with both parties and really and truly appreciated seeing what happens when happily ever after doesn’t happen. I loved that both main characters grew emotionally during the book and that we were given closure and a “bad guy” in the end.

I would not necessarily classify this as a romance book. Yes there are 2 couples but the majority of the book centers around the tension surrounding the exes (Amy and Joel) from said couples.

This book is about a divorced couple who find themselves on vacation at the same time with their new significant others at the same spot they had gone for their honeymoon. Great premise for a second chance romance right?! Not so fast. This is a not the usual rom com. I liked the alternating POVs here between Joel and Amy. Seeing how their lives in the present, and reliving the events of the past that ultimately led to their divorce through their eyes was different. It is a funny and at times awkward look at divorce and relationships..

I was ecstatic to receive an ARC of You, Again? by Nick Spalding from Netgalley. Spalding is my go to author when I need a funny slapstick type read. He did not disappoint with You, Again?

We meet Joel, who is embarking on a vacation to the Maldives, with his girlfriend, Cara. While at the airport he sees his ex-wife, Amy and her boyfriend, Ray. And wouldn't you know it they are all on the same flight going to the same small island for a holiday. Joel and Amy did not end on amicable terms. To say they are less than thrilled to see each other is an understatement. Instead of ignoring each other they start pulling pranks on each other trying to one up the misery the other has caused. Until things come to a head and the truth of what really happened at the end of their marriage and work partnership comes out. I was not expecting the twist the author threw in explaining that situation! I knew there would be something with one of the other characters, but this was not it. Kudos to Spalding as I usually figure out plot twists from the first ten pages.

I enjoyed the story told in alternating view points between Joel and Amy. Each voice felt unique. What I love most about Spalding's books is that he keeps the plot moving! There is no repeating situations when the point of view changes. And no long passages about nothing happening. Authors who spend pages describing a meal or how a scene looks drag the story down. Spalding keeps the action coming and doesn't let up.

If you need a fun read with entertaining characters grab a copy of You, Again? Joel and Amy are perfect companions for one last summer getaway!

Mostly utterly predictable, but the hi-jinks Joel and Amy get up to in attempts to on up the other make it funny enough to be enjoyable.

I have mixed feelings on this book. Some parts of it made me literally laugh out loud, other parts seemed too ridiculous, but I could identify with the two main protagonists, Amy and Joel, so I went along for the ride. Loved Ray and detested Cara and didn't see the ending coming. The only other flaws in the novel, for me, were the references to British chefs, etc., that I did not know so, outside of Gordon Ramsay, I was lost with these references. Maybe I need to enrich my knowledge of British chefs? I received an Advanced Readers' Copy in exchange for an honest review and all thoughts in this review are my own.

I really like Nick Spaulding books! His characters are not flashy. They have faults. Ordinary people. In You Again, we see a divorced couple reunite under awkward circumstances. How do you end up in your honeymoon spot with your new girlfriend and your ex-wife and her perfect fiance? Paradise is ruined. So of course the two of you battle it out in childish behavior. The ending is not a HEA, but it is real and satisfying. I was unaware of the Maldives, but they seem to be the perfect vacation for couples.

Thank you NetGalley for another great read.

This reminded me of an episode of Frazier where Frazier and new girlfriend end up in a beach room next to his ex wife and new partner. The same happens to Joel and Amy - divorced for two years and hating each other. Set in the Maldives it’s an example of how paradise can be ruined!! There were a few bits that I laughed out loud at and it was generally a fun read!
Thanks to netgalley for an advanced copy.

Once again we are offered a quirky not so ordinary situation type story. I love this author for that and always look forward to his books. This one gave us a couple of ex-spouses that happen to take the same vacation with their new partners. That should have been the foundation for some great hijinks. And the book was cute but a bit grating and tiresome. I felt like it got bogged down a bit in the middle with the revenge and mentally rehashing what had happened to the two main characters when they were partners and spouses. The comedic moments didn't quite hit their mark and were instead that harsh humor based on hurting someone instead of being funny. I liked that the ending was not what I was expecting. That was a nice relief. But I think my biggest reason I didn't give it more stars was Ray. Poor sweet sucker Ray. That man in his little white shorts was too good to be true. How much was he going to take? Will there be a sequel: Ray's Revenge.

I always enjoy books by Nick Spalding, he is one of the only authors who actually make me laugh out loud with some of the ludicrous scenarios the characters get into! This one was as good as all the rest, Divorced couple Joel and Amy unexpectedly meet up while on holiday with their new partners. The fact that they despise each other leads to some hilarious scenes as they try to avoid each other then decide to wreak revenge. The author's writing really appeals to my sense of humour so I thoroughly enjoyed this book. although it did get a bit more serious towards the end as some soul searching took place. Would recommend all of this author's books.

I have mixed feelings about You Again by Nick Spalding. From the get go, I was annoyed by Amy and Joel and as the story progressed they only got more annoying and childish. The story was well written so I kept going, well that and Ray was a pretty charming guy and I wanted to see more of him.

The ending was satisfying but by the time I got there, I didn't really care about Joel or Amy even a little bit.

I received a copy of You Again from NetGalley for an honest review.

It’s not very often that I think books would do better as movies. You again would fall into this category for me. Cute concept, beautiful location but poorly written characters. They sounded to similar and I didn’t love or hate either of them, they were very unremarkable. I really wanted to love this book but I’m the end it just wasn’t what I was hoping for.

You Again? by Nick Spalding would probably best be described as just a chicklit comedy. Some may toss this one into the romance pile but there isn’t really romance as you follow the two couples involved since half of each couple were once married and now feuding.

Amy and Joel had once gotten married and enjoyed a perfect honeymoon on an island in the Maldives. Since that time they have divorced and moved on in the two years since their divorce with other people. The marriage had not ended on a happy note and Amy and Joel have not really spoke in the two years.

When an Expedia deal pops up for the Maldives Joel knows it would be the perfect place to take his girlfriend to relax after some rough times at work lately. However, when Joel is checking into the airport he sees his ex-wife and does his best to avoid her while he waits for his flight. While boarding though Amy is right there across the aisle from Joel heading to the Maldives with a new man.

You Again? was one of those books that it seemed like as soon as I started reading I was cackling out loud making my family wonder if I’d completely lost it. This one brings to mind the old saying of there are three sides to every story, his, hers and the truth and readers get to follow a hilarious week in an amazing locale while they peel back the layers to the characters stories to find the truth. The only reason I didn’t give this one a full five stars was because being American a few jokes didn’t translate with the characters being European otherwise it was a great read.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.