𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝑵𝒆𝒕𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚.


I'm not sure how I feel about this novel.

I admit that the synopsis piqued my interest, but when I read the actual work, it was honestly boring and completely contradictory to how I perceived the synopsis.

Aside from that, I thought the novel was forgettable most of the time. The characters were also unlikable to me.

Overall, it was a disaster & extremely bland.

Josie and Cameron may be kindred spirits, but sometimes timing, and circumstance, can make even the most promising connection more difficult than ever anticipated. This is such a fun, and very funny, book, and I really came to enjoy, admire, and care about all the main characters. I want a Nan! I also like that the story didn't shy away from how complicated and messy it would be to grow up with adult entertainers for parents, even if you love and fully accept them.

That said, there are some things that left me scratching my head. I understand why Josie concealed the things she did, especially because the relationship with Cameron was presented so ambiguously. Were they really together? Were they just people who liked each other and enjoyed hooking up (surprisingly rarely, given everything)? Without them ever establishing what they were to each other, her caution seems sensible. And if their relationship was real enough that she should have told him everything, didn't the same apply to him? That was kind of glossed over. Also, what the heck was Cameron thinking with that first outing??? It was well-written, but...who does that??? And are these people ever sober?

None of this stops this from being a very enjoyable read, though, and I'd heartily recommend it for anyone looking for a good story with some great laughs!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

I'm still smiling!

Great Sexpectations had me grinning from ear to ear! Seriously, this book had so much heart, fun, humor, and witty banter. I adored Josie and her family! Cameron was pretty loveable as well. I had not read a book by Kristen Bailey prior to reading this one, and she knocked my socks off. This was my first book by her, and I look forward to reading many, many more!

Josie, who was dumped by her finance via note on the refrigerator meets Cameron at a Halloween Party. Both were wearing the same costume -Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!

Cameron has a lot in common with Josie. Both have a wicked sense of humor, both are movie lovers, and both aren't looking for anything serious. There is just this one little thing (or two), Josie lives at home with her ex-porn star parents. Josie may have also left out that she runs their sex toy empire. Cameron mistakes her for a caterer and well, Josie runs with it.

This was such a fun, endearing and lovely book. I love the closeness of Josie's entire family, their openness, and their be-who-you-are attitude. Cameron's family on the other hand, well, they are not as open minded as Josie's.

I enjoyed reading as Josie and Cameron bantered/flirted back and forth. I loved the humor in this book. I also appreciated how vulnerability was explored, the fear of being honest due to past pain. When I wasn't smiling from ear to ear, I had my hand over my mouth going 'Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no!" as I feared the cat would be let out of the bag!


This was such a fun and delightful book. What a fantastic book! Great Sexpectations is now on my favorites list.


Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this book! I originally planned to only give it a mini review on my Instagram account, but after finishing it I knew it deserved a blog post. The book is set in London, which I was happy about. As a London girl, I haven’t read many books set in the UK, let alone London. It was nice to recognise location names and think about the accents.

I really liked Josie; it was nice to see a more nerdy character who remained the same. She was socially awkward but still knew how to hold a conversation and put herself forward when she felt she needed to. I think there is a common misconception that being socially awkward means people don’t know how to talk to people at all, and can’t stand up for themselves. I enjoyed reading about a character that disproves this.

This was a rom-com book, and the comedy aspect was most definitely there. As her parents used to be adult film stars, and she’s the CEO of their sex toy company, there was a lot of room for innuendos and comedy. There were hilarious moments where I actually laughed out loud. The overall vibe of the book was just fun and wholesome.

Josie was surrounded by a lot of love, and it was just heartwarming. Her family were so lovely and supportive of her and her brother, and everyone around them. The relationship between her mum and dad was lovely and I like how we saw more of her parents. I’m not used to seeing someone's parents pop up so much in an adult fiction book, but I loved seeing it in this book. They still supported her despite her being at an independent age and I admire them for that. I believe that once you’re a parent, you’re a parent for life, not just until your child turns 18, and they lived by that. Her relationship with her brother was also beautiful, they were always there for each other and it was an admirable bond.

The story had an underlying message about being who you are no matter what, and also promoting sex positivity. It highlighted the importance of staying true to yourself, the people who are right for you will stay in your life for you, and those who are not worth it will leave. There was also a strong message of sex positivity, which I loved. It acknowledged that sex should be pleasurable and that masturbating can teach people to learn what they like and be in touch with their bodies. It even commented on the importance of sex education and how without it we open the door to misinformation and shame, which becomes dangerous. It was a really important message and I loved it.

I loved how her parents being adult film stars was a sidenote in their lives, and those who stayed understood that. Despite having insecurities surrounding it because of her ex, she would still defend her parents with her whole heart.

Cameron as a love interest was great, he was adorable and sexy all in one. Again, I’m so used to seeing tall, brooding, muscly love interests who don’t have much of a personality. Cameron was full of personality, he was sexy and kind. Kindness is such an underrated personality trait, and his kindness was very endearing.

The ending was beautiful; it emphasised my earlier point of Josie having a lot of love in her life. My one issue was that we brushed over Cameron’s lie. I understood his reasoning, but it wasn’t acknowledged as a lie, but it was. It was a lie of omission. He could have told her about his secret and simultaneously still protected it. You’ll understand what I mean WHEN you read the book, I don’t want to spoil it.

Overall, the book was hilarious, heartwarming and wholesome, and it taught some beautiful life lessons. I loved the writing and I will be reading more books by Kristen Bailey.

So funny it should come with a warning! Don’t read while eating/drinking/in public – embarrassment will ensue. The perfect romantic comedy for anyone whose love life is more extinct than dinosaurs, and for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Emily Henry.

Kristen Bailey’s books crack me up, SHE cracks me up. I find her to be vibrant, funny, relatable - I would love to meet her and hang out with her for a day and just soak up her tell it like is, fresh, and just over the line humor and personality. Her books are so funny, so real, so true - especially the Callaghan sisters series. This newest book (sadly not part of the Callaghan sisters, though there is a mention), has crossed that line of comfort a bit more than previous ones. I knew as soon as I read the opening conversation what I would be getting into. I blushed, I cringed. But I also laughed and continued to read. I grew up in a house that sex, body parts, and periods weren’t talked about. I almost fell off my chair when I read that someone else in this world knew what winkies were! I thought I was the only one who grew up with calling my boobs that! I even went tinkle instead of pee! That probably explains my cringing and blushing when reading this book, it almost felt naughty and I was a little embarrassed. Josie’s family reminded me of the Schitt’s from Schitt’s Creek, I kept thinking that throughout the book. The romance was cute and fit in perfectly amongst everything else. Josie is such a great character, one you are intrigued by and want to keep reading about. To me, this is one of Bailey’s biggest talents - creating fantastic characters. To sum it up, this is yet another quirky and enjoyable book written by this author, yet one that did bring me out of my comfort zone a bit. Not because of sex scenes, or anything risqué really. You’ll see… being brought out of a comfort zone can be a good thing, right? 😜

And look, I am on my way to becoming almost famous! I made it onto a bus stop advertisement display just by being on this book tour!

Author Bio:

Mother-of-four, gin-drinker, binge-watcher, receipt hoarder, enthusiastic but terrible cook. Kristen also writes. She has had short fiction published in several publications including Mslexia & Riptide. Her first two novels, Souper Mum and Second Helpings were published in 2016. In 2019, she was long listed in the Comedy Women in Print Prize and has since joined the Bookouture family. She writes women's fiction and she hopes her novels have fresh and funny things to say about modern life, love and family.

You can find out more about her at her website: www.kristenbaileywrites.com.
You can also find her on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

#greatsexpectations #netgalley

Great Sexpectations is my first contemporary romcom and it did not disappoint. It’s a great, quick read that’s hard to put down. I am a complete sucker for puns and the fact that the main character runs a sex toy shop only added credence to the hilarious puns. Seriously, I was howling at the puns!
Josie, the main character, is funny, relatable, and loveable. She’s a workaholic who is into film and I fully appreciated all of the movie and TV show references (hello Stranger Things). She finally meets a guy equally into all of the nerdy things but she decides to tell some white lies about her life (parents were in the adult film industry, owns sex toy shop, brother is an actor).
The supporting characters are hilarious. It’s guaranteed laughs in any scene Josie’s grandma or parents are in. Josie’s inner dialogue gave me lots of laughable moments and I hate to admit but many of her awkward moments are too relatable. I love the relationship between the characters. Josie’s family is amazing and there’s some found family as well, which I always love.
If you’re a first born like me, you will want to yell at her whole family because Josie really keeps everyone’s life running smoothly and it may hit a little too close to home.
I love how sex positive this book is. The female characters are all badasses in their own way and the male characters aren’t intimidated by it in the least. (Well, all of the good male characters at least).
As an American reading this, I learned a lot of English terms.


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4815564979?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley, all opinions are my own.*

Josie is the head of her parents company, The Love Shack, where they sell a variety of adult products to the masses. When her ex boyfriend cruelly leaves her, citing her family and career as why, Josie tells a little white lie when she meets adorable Cameron at a Halloween party. The problem is that lies have a way of spiralling, and eventually the truth must come out.
This book was laugh-out-loud funny with excellent characters and an entertaining storyline. Josie is a character you can sympathize with even as you’re laughing at the endless innuendos and the shenanigans of her family. This book is a fun read that has depth, lightness and a main character you can’t help but root for.

I’ve been fangirling Kristen for a while now and Great Sexpectations did not disappoint. It has definitely been a joy to read and the romcom I needed in my life. My cheeks still hurt from laughing - the dogs looked at me like I was insane a few times!

I LOVED this book and stayed up way past my bed time. I really enjoyed getting to know Josie and was routing for her to find her happy ending, praying Cameron wasn’t too good to be true. The inclusion of her family brought so much love and warmth to the story too. These scenes were particularly funny - Fabio made me snort! I think Josie could be relatable to a lot of us as she is fiercely loyal and has a heart of gold. I also liked the message that not everyone will hurt you and it’s ok to be you. Also I have to applaud Kristen for all the sex positivity included in this novel.

i’m about to binge read all of kristen bailey’s books! this was fantastic! not only is this book laugh out loud funny (seriously i was cry laughing in places) but it’s full of so much heart it’s bursting at the seams. josie is an amazing main character and i thoroughly enjoyed being in her head for the entirety of the book, she’s smart, strong, fiercely protective of those she loves and hilariously funny, she’s also not perfect and makes mistakes but she owns up to them and has an incredible heart. cameron, our love interest is, well, lovely and sweet and funny and their chemistry with each other is amazing! josie’s family very much steal the show in all the right ways and contributed greatly to my love of this book. something else that’s really wonderful about this book is the sex positivity, it would have been really easy for the author to make a gimmick out of josie’s career or that of her parents but she didn’t and instead treated them with the respect they deserved and that was really refreshing to read.

this was an absolute pleasure to read and i highly, HIGHLY recommend it to anyone and everyone that loves to read!

Can I immediately petition to join Josie and the Jewell family as a permanent member? This was an absolutely hilarious rom-com filled with all the sex-positivity, witty banter, lovable characters, and just enough of the heartbreak and self-discovery to make this the perfect feel good read.

The storyline feels so absurd and unique that I couldn’t help but love Josie, her parents, nan, and of course Cameron. Parents who are former adult film starts that started a sex toy company that the daughter now runs? This was one big bachelorette styled story and I loved it. Focusing less on actual spicy scenes, the author navigated more of a general sex positivity and shedding the shame surrounding talking about it. I will absolutely be adding a physical copy to my collection and can’t wait to see what is next from Kristin Bailey

Following the life of Josie who's cautiously moving forward in a potential new relationship, after being dumped by her ex via a note on the fridge. Josie's family are not your average, nor is her job.... Following the highs and lows, awkward but funny family gatherings.

Another great read from Kristen Bailey, lighthearted, funny with a pinch of family dramas.

This book is so damn fun! I loved reading about Josie and Cameron's story. I really enjoyed all of the silly details about Josie's job at the sex toy company and her interactions with her family. There were a few things that didn't wrap up fully for me (i.e. exes new wife encounter) but overall I could look past that. Super funny read!

Josie Jewell is the heir of the family sex toy business, but the closest she's come to getting any recently is accidentally crashing a hook-up at a Halloween party.

Everyone assumes she's some kind of sex guru, especially considering her parents literally met on a porn set. And yes, she knows all the moves, all the toys, all the tricks - in theory, anyway. So when she meets Cameron at a party, accidentally in matching outfits, everyone tells her it's fate - it's a love story just waiting to happen. But her life is complicated, and so is his - so can she ever live up to her expectations of her reputation if he ever finds out who she really is?

"'True love hath a sense of timing that is both a farce and a shitter.', Sonny adds. 'Is that Shakespeare?'"

Right from the first mention of strawberry-scented dildos a mere 35 words in, this book was sweet, sassy, silly and a little sexy.

You might think this story is going to be all sex and no substance, but you'd be wrong. This is a story about sex, but about sex-positivity and safety, about the importance of sex education, consent, boundaries and of course - sexual empowerment in a world that doesn't want women to be empowered.

I adored Josie - I felt her undeserved shame and the judgement she felt from society, and the rage she felt towards the world for making her feel like that. But she was also painfully real along with the rest of the cast of her family and friends who were undeniably lovable and most definitely bonkers in the best ways.

Witty and pant-wettingly hilarious, there is definitely only-happens-in-books chaos that unfolds through the pages, but mixed in with some genuinely beautiful stories of friendship, family and of course, a love story.

The romance is just a part of Josie's tale, but Bailey brings a few of your favourite romcom tropes and adds some sparkle to create a slow-burning romance that simmers and sizzles through the pages. The entire story is so easy to read, with quick-chapters and a character-driven plot that seamlessly progresses, each word bringing us closer to the characters as they get closer to their final chapter.

Enjoy an indulgently sweet romcom with a bold dose of fierce feminist commentary and that trademark Kristen Bailey feel-good glow - because this book will meet your greatest sexpectations.

I was so excited to see that Kristen had a new book out, and really pleased to be asked to read and review as part of its book tour!

While I was sad to say goodbye to the Callaghan sisters, I love Josie and her family! Josie’s parents own a sex toy business and her mum, Susie, is a keen advocate for positive sexual experiences for young people. We all need a Suse in our lives! However, I think Nan has got to be my favourite with her no-nonsense attitude to life.

A beautiful love story, with twists in all the right places and a real curve ball in there too. Real laugh out loud moments and plenty of crying in there for good measure.

I love the important message of positivity, how you should never be ashamed to be who you are and to not let other people's actions shape your future.
A real feel good rom com that should definitely be on your summer read list!!

When you do a miscommunication trope you need to thread carefully and not over do it, which this book definitely did. The lies kept piling up on both sides of the coupling. Not telling her about the child, the fake family history, fake job fake family even(brother Nicholas) it was all taken too far. It made them eventually getting back together very unrealistic to me at least.
2 stars unfortunately.
I truly wanted to like it and it had some good things in it like the banter and family being there for each other and supportive(well one of the families) but it was a miss for me.

WOW!

What brilliant writing!

I was so worried that with Kristens' reputation with the Callaghan women, it would be hard to get into her next book.
Boy, was I wrong!

Great Sexpectations brings you into the world of Josie Jewell who is hardworking, family orientated, super fun but also a little bit broken.
Josie had her heart broken by a man who couldn't handle what her parents did for a living.

This book was FULL of laughter and fun. I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading it!
Also, very impressively, I was so lost in the world, I didn't even think about the Callaghan sisters which turns out was a BIG mistake as Kristen put some little links in there!
I'm so gutted I missed them, so if you have read any of Kristen's previous books, be sure to look out for the connections and tell me? THANKS!

Absolutely loved this book and it was well worth the wait.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookoture for the early copy of Josies' story, I'm so grateful!

Great Sexpectations is a good read. It's not the most memorable read but what stood out for me with this book is the positivity of sex, talking about bodies, enjoying sex, that it shouldn't be something that is shied away from. I found Josie to be a wonderful character and her relationship with her Parents, her Nan and Sonny was so sweet. Cameron was quite swoon worthy and the ending will have any chick lit fan grinning. Let's not forget about the laugh out loud and cringe worthy moments throughout the book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is so hysterical and unexpected! Great Sexpectations is a totally outside the box concept, with great banter, fun characters, and a sex positive message. But don't be fooled by the title, this is not a super steamy/spicy book as the author shows you different ways to promote sex positivity.

Josie has had a great childhood with super supportive parents and an adoring brother. What most people don't know, however, is that her parents are former porn stars. They left adult entertainment to give their kids a more normal life and started a family business selling sex toys. While Josie's brother is a soap opera star, Josie got a business degree and takes over the family business. She is a powerful business woman and takes the business to the next level of success.

Just when things seemed perfect, Josie is dumped by her fiancee and has to move back in with her parents. When she meets Cameron at her brother's party, her insecurities over her family history surface and she lies about who she is. Thinking she'll never see this guy again, the plan seems full proof. What she doesn't plan for is Cameron becoming a fixture in her life and perhaps just the right guy for her.

I enjoyed following Josie as she battles her insecurities, grows as an individual and finds a way to get the healthy relationship she deserves. This is a terrific and hilarious rom-com that is a must read!

What a hoot! This is a fabulously funny and fun story. The jokes, banter, and innuendo are top notch and when you add in the geeky stuff, it’s gold.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When an author has penned a fabulous and well received series such as the one featuring the unforgettable Callaghan sisters the pressure is really on when it comes to the next novel and fulfilling readers high expectations. Having raved at length over those five,funny, feisty, family oriented gals it was with slight trepidation that I plunged into Kristen Bailey’s newest romcom. Would it deliver in terms of witty, belly laugh inducing dialogue? Would I experience that ‘like at first sight’ feeling when introduced to the main character? Would I feel so thoroughly entertained as to have a smile plastered across my face and feel buoyed up with happiness for the duration of the novel? Yes, Yes and Yes! I really should have had more faith as this author has a natural gift for creating characters who ooze loveliness, enabling you to engage wholeheartedly with them and the storyline as it progresses.

When it comes to setting the tone Kristen Bailey doesn’t beat around the bush. Her aim is to ensure you have a damn good giggle and that’s precisely what happens the minute you dive between these covers. NO PRUDES ALLOWED BEYOND THIS POINT! She’s straight in there with an opening scene guaranteed to score the first laugh of many, catapulting Josie Jowell into the spotlight as she discusses strawberry flavoured dildos with her best friend Tina. CEO of The Love Shack, a company selling all kinds of paraphernalia designed to add oomph to peoples sex lives, Josie is also the daughter of two former porn stars. Surrounded and supported by a warm loving family and a network of super loyal, friendly work colleagues, Josie should be feeling inordinately proud of her achievements, who she is and where she comes from. Instead, owing to the manner in which her last relationship ended, singleton Josie, for the first time ever feels shame and embarrassment over her day job and her parents colourful past. Maybe in future she should keep this aspect of her life under wraps if she’s to ever find the man of her dreams? So when, at a Halloween party hosted by her soap star brother Sonny she meets fellow ghostbuster attired Cameron and the sparks begin to fly, secrecy seems to be the only way forward.

There’s a real buzz (nothing to do with the dildos!) about this romcom, thanks to a good energy surrounding the characters (with only a couple of exceptions) and the refreshingly frank and open minded attitude adopted towards sex. I honestly don’t know what’s more funny about this storyline; all the dildo dialogue and the saucy silliness or the hilarious scenarios that ensue as a result of Cameron (from an incredibly strait laced family) and Josie’s worlds colliding. You couldn’t find people with more contrasting backgrounds than these two! Expect some hot under the collar moments as well as some candid confessions as it becomes increasingly difficult for Josie to hide behind those little white lies!

I love the fact that Kirsten Bailey writes such strong, independent, inspiring women characters who also aren’t afraid to show their vulnerable sides. They might all have their wobbly moments, Josie included but you’ll never find any wilting wallflowers gracing the pages of this author’s books. It’s positive role models all the way. As much as I instantly wanted to befriend Josie (I could easily imagine sharing a bottle of wine with this woman and putting the world to rights) and was charmed by Cameron, revelling in all the romantic moments the couple share, I was just as smitten with her lovely folks. Josie’s dad and his alter ego Fabio is a character and a half. As for Josie’s mum, well she is an absolute legend! Even nan gets in on the action when it comes to keeping a lid on the truth! Family is EVERYTHING in Kristen Bailey’s novels and that for me is part and parcel of their appeal.

Always UPBEAT, always HILARIOUS, definitely NAUGHTY, life feels that little bit brighter and your worries a little bit lighter after reading one of Kirsten Bailey’s novels. I’d be happy to recommend Great Sexpectations to those romantic souls who favour a touch of escapism as it definitely hits the spot!

My thanks as always to the publisher Bookouture and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.