Thank you, Embla Books, for allowing me to read Honeymoon for One early!

Rachel Bowdler's full-length debut is a contemporary novel about a young woman who forgot to cancel her honeymoon trip, an oversight that brings her unexpected joy.

This was such a good book. I’d never heard of this author but I will definitely be keeping an eye on her. The writing was engaging, the Canadian ski resort Christmas setting was so well depicted it made me wish I was there, despite it being summer when I read the book. The chemistry between the two characters jumped off the pages from the start, and the angst level was just right (I may have shed a few tears). I really related to both characters and rooted for them. I hope to read more from this author and publisher soon.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange of a honest review. All the thoughts on the book are my own!

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Rachel Bowdler has a very easy to read writing style, it was very easy to fall into the rhythm of the book, however, the sudden perspective shift was a little daunting, maybe the finished copy will have better demarcations but other than that I found it very easy to read the book

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Plot wise this isn’t really very unique and it follows the formula of romance and stories with similar premises but what made me enjoy it were the characters and we’ll get to them soon enough.

This story at it’s core is about self-love, acceptance and healing with a lot of great banter, cringy yet funny puns thrown into the mix and it is set in a wonderfully cold setting and I loved that we got to explore a lot of the town in which it was set in though I would have appreciated more exploration.

Given the fact that the majority of this book is set over the course of two weeks the romance had to be a little more fast paced that the ones I usually like and given the fact that the relationship had a very quick start the author did a nice enough job in trying to make it as believable as possible by subtly showing their reactions to each other behaviours and personalities.

And I had a lot of fun seeing the romance develop into what it did bloom but honestly even though I knew the timeline was short, I wish there was more of a base to the relationship because the quickness at which everything happened felt a little unrealistic…

Though my favorite part of the book was definitely seeing both the characters heal from their old wounds, Robin’s journey was much more in focus and we saw her through the course of the book, trying to piece her life back together and loving herself and Neve’s journey of healing from her abandonment issues and finding it in herself to trust people again.

Both the characters played important rolls in each others journey and it was done well!

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Robin is a very bubbly person and though though she is suffering from a lot of heartbreak and it is very evident despite that she tries to look at the bright side and works hard to find happiness in her life and though we see her break a few times, she is ultimately a very strong person and I loved seeing her character growth, she is also very sassy and though her puns are terrible, they were also very charming.

Neve, was the grumpy character in this Grumpy-X-Sunshine pairing she has intense mommy-issues and rightfully so, thus she is very guarded and standoffish, she too is harboring a broken heart and a lot of guilt based on a particular situation in her past and you can see how it weighs her down but through the course of the book we do see her accepting her mistakes and trying to move on and her character development, though not shown as well as Robin’s, was also a good one to follow.

Overall this was a cute romance centring on healing and self-acceptance, peppered with adorable scenes and terrible yet charming puns

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a cute and quick romance novel focusing on self-love and healing

CONTENT WARNINGS:
Parental abandonment, Cheating, Death of a loved one (in the past and mentioned through out the book), Death of a parent (past, mentioned) and Death by Accident (past, mentioned).

Honeymoon for one by Rachel Bowdler

Thank you Netgallery and Embla Books for the ARC for an unbiased review.

This was another fantastic wlw Christmas rom-com book. Yes, it is full of cliches and tropes we all see in the Hallmark movies, yet distinctively made their own.

We start with the trope of the fiancée leaving, and although not at the alter, it was because they were sleeping with someone else. Then we get the family dynamics that show love, yet also conflict between Robin and her mum.

It is during that time we meet Cleopawtra. I may or may not have sniggersnorted at the name.

Then we get Robin leaving the family to take the honeymoon, which isn't a honeymoon. Cue all the awkward times' Robin then has to explain why she is in the honeymoon cabin. Alone.

We get introduced to Neve. Who initially thinks very little of Robin, but eventually we begin to see her dislike fade and interest is taken.

It seems although different circumstances, that Robin and Neve aren't too unlike each other after all. The question remains though, what happens when Robin goes home?

Well, you'd need to read the book to find out how it is all resolved, and while there are no surprises, it all feels like a good solid storyline. No, it isn't unique, yet it still felt fresh enough within the story here to enjoy.
I think a solid 4/5 star rating for me. I contemplated 5/5 but it wasn't quite a standout book for me. That doesn't mean it wasn't great either. Just not quite the wow factor I tend to want to give a full star rating.

If you're looking for a contemporary wlw Christmas rom-com book, then this is one to add to your list.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌈👭🎿⛄🐺

I loved this Christmas holiday rom-com!

A British lesbian, and a Canadian pansexual meet due to the clumsy, forgetful, amazingly kind-hearted Brit, named Robin, forgetting to cancel her honeymoon after her engagement got called off because her ex-fiancee cheated on her.

This book shows the reason why the sayings "everything happens for a reason" and "something better is just around the corner," are so true. Also, it goes to show that if you take a chance on something that may seem weird to others, and even to you, that good things can happen.

Neve and Robin are the grumpy/sunshine couple you didn't know you needed in your life. Robin's silly puns, bubbly personality and clumsy nature slowly win over guarded, strong-willed and ski-loving Neve, and her dog Juniper over the course of Robin's alone honeymoon.

The relationship was cute, romantic and beautiful. The friends and family that surround the two are precious and loving, and make your heart melt. Especially the understanding and forgiveness at the end.

I really enjoyed this book, and can't wait to buy it for my shelf.

Thank you to Netgalley, Embla Books and Rachel Bowlder for a copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Robin ends up on a solo vacation after forgetting to cancel the honeymoon trip her ex fiancee made her book. She hates snow and cold but two weeks away from her family at a ski resort seems like just what she needs. After meeting her ski instructor Neve she's not so sure this ski trip is really the best idea. After a rough start though they find themselves not wanting the two weeks to end.
This was a cute holiday romance and I really enjoyed it. I liked both of the MCs and found their banter funny. Robin was hilarious and I loved her clumsiness as I am equally uncoordinated. Neve had a more serious demeanor but her interactions with Robin brought out her more lighthearted side and I enjoyed seeing that evolution. I also really liked Nick, Hazel and Grandpa Artie and would have liked a bit more interactions with Margo. Overall a fun read that I would definitely recommend.

A great tale with a gorgeous Canadian backdrop. So good to see LGBT+ in a romance read, refreshing and a welcome change. I was bought into this couple immediately and loved to read their early exchanges in particular.
Fun, festive and feisty females!

Honeymoon for one is a cute winter romance!

Robin is still devastated over her ex fiancé cheating on her and she realizes very belatedly that she forgot to cancel their honeymoon.

The honeymoon is scheduled for Canada which she doesn’t really want to go to because she dislikes snow but her sister pushes her to go because she thinks the change of scenery will do her a world of good.

Neve is a ski instructor at the resort and has run into Robin several times since Robin arrived, her first impression is not a good one because Robin seems to be a total mess.

Fate keeps tipping them into each other’s paths and eventually sparks begin to fly.

This is definitely a cute romance with a happy ending! Recommend this for sure!

Honeymoon for One by Rachel Bowdler immediately drew me in with its Canadian setting, and I was quickly charmed by Robin and Neve's romance as it played out against the snowy landscape in the lead-up to Christmas.

Robin is heartbroken when her fiance calls off their nuptials and, having mistakenly forgotten to cancel the honeymoon reservation, decides to embark on a solo trip to Canada. After an awkward and rocky start, and a meeting with ski instructor Neve, who is struggling with her own demons, the adventure takes a positive turn. Perhaps taking a solo honeymoon is Robin's true path to happiness. A light and cozy romance for the holidays. 3.5 stars

Many thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for an ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for the chance to read an arc of Honeymoon For One.

This was a cute queer Christmas story but while it didn’t really grab me, it was still a good book.

I received an ARC of, Honeymoon for One, by Rachel Bowdler. How do you forget to cancel your Honeymoon reservation? I would not, but Robin did. So Robin decides to go on her honeymoon alone. A quirky read.

A really sweet Christmassy sapphic romance!

The setting was beautiful snowy Canada; just the kind of wintery feel that’s perfect for a seasonal romance. Loved the descriptions of the Christmas market, shops and food, I was like I want to go!!!

Neve and Robin’s romance played out in a mostly satisfying way, even though they made silly decisions at times!! I got a little frustrated with all the pushing each other away, but it did make sense due to their backgrounds and they got there in the end!

Both characters had their flaws, yet were very likeable. I was particularly drawn to Robin and could see a lot of myself in her - the clumsiness and silly sense of humour. There’s also a super cute dog, so that was obviously a highlight.

A few bits were a little repetitive and I noticed a few typos. However, I imagine these things will be neatened up before final publishing.

Overall a very sweet and super cheesy romance. An ideal read for Christmas.