Member Reviews

This light-hearted tale of friendship (with romance), which spans two timelines, is just OK. I have loved some of this Author's other books, but I found this story to be hard going, with not a lot to set it apart. The characters were OK, but I didn't find myself invested in their lives, or wellbeing. Many thanks to NetGallery and Boldwood Books for allowing me to get a copy - The book is out on 6th July 2023

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This book was surprisingly less light hearted than what I had anticipated going in. In a way it almost feels more like knives out than a romance? They’re all hiding something and I felt a sense of unease for the first half of the book. Liked the MC though and the LI was lovely too.

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I love this author, so was happy to read this, but for some reason, something just didn't click with me.

A nice enough story. just didn't hook me in like others have.

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I wasn't sure about this at first because it doesn't read like a typical Portia book, however about halfway through, her writing style really starts to shine through. It's a multi-protagonist, dual-timeline book, which could have been messy but reads easily enough. Everyone is hiding something, and they are forced to out themselves and come back together as a group, as they once were. There are flashback elements that actually detract from the story, particularly in the last half of the book, but overall it's a solid summer read.

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Five high school friends reunited for a luxurious week in Italy after fifteen years apart. What could go wrong?

Long Time No Sea is a bit of a departure for Portia MacIntosh. While told from Jas's point of view, this book is really more an ensemble comedy and the 'love' story is more about the group's friendship, which I find refreshing.

As teenagers Jas, Maxi and her boyfriend DJ, Mikey, Clarky and Cam were thrown together commuting on the same bus. When plans for them to attend the same university fall apart, particularly after a mysterious fire, the friends go their seperate way. Fifteen years later they're reunited when Maxi, now married to a tech billionaire she supported from their broke days, organises an all-expenses paid trip to a secluded Italian island.

For Jas its a welcome invitation, having being forced to return to her parents after losing her job as a live-in tutor thanks to her creepy boss (I do think she should've forced the husband to pay her extra compensation).

For all the successes in the group, however, each character is hiding secrets. Jas also feels the sparks of an old flame towards Cam, while jealous ex-boyfriend Mikey (now Mike) looks on. Tension builds as Clarky, the more outrageous one of the group, deceitfully arranges for them to go a 'shipwrecked' experience, which forces the group to start confronting their past.

The book moves between the past and the present. I don't always have an issue with this storytelling convention, however I think there were some past chapters we didn't need, especially towards the end. I'd have instead rather had a bit more present day with a focus on Clarky, who I feel didn't get a chance to have a better resolution to his storyline, his seemed wrapped up too quickly. While I loved how the story resolved, I would've loved the final chapter to have been a time jump one year into the future. But maybe I'm being greedy?

I adored all of the characters, especially Jas and Cam, and poor old Clarky. MacIntosh also writes with a lovely off-beat sense of humour which kept me hooked until the end. This book is a charming, funny and entertaining ensemble comedy. I do hope we see a return to these character in some form.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

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This was cute, if slightly long winded. The flashbacks didn't add a lot to the story, but I appreciated the character development.

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Long Time No Sea by Portia MacIntosh is another laugh out loud escapist romp from the inimitable author.

Jas finds herself unemployed, through no fault of her own, and so is at a loose end when her old school chum, Maxi, gets in touch to offer an all expenses paid holiday to Italy with the old gang. Among the small group are Jasmine's ex-boyfriend Mike, class clown Clarky, and the one that got away, Cam. What could possibly go wrong? Whatever happens, this will be a holiday to remember.

I must admit that I initially felt that the story lacked some of the humour of Portia's earlier work, but then I got to the sex games where her trademark wit shone through, and all was once again right with the world.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

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Get ready to laugh until you have a sea of tears from laughing so hard. This is such an easy to read five-star read. I simply adore this author; they just keep writing engaging and funny stories. There were a couple of moments in this one that did make me struggle, but honestly, they were few and far between. Although Jas may be the main character in this story, we have five very strong secondary characters, Maxi, Cam, Clarky, Mikey and DJ. They each play a role in the story, both the past and the current and I really liked how they entwined and gave us a deeper understanding of everyone, without getting too deep. This was different to some other examples from this author, in that it took Jas a while to go what she was after romantically, but that fit so well with the story that you don’t mind. If you need something to read in the sunshine, then pick this story up.

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This was a really wonderful read. So many different threads running through it but all well constructed so you could follow them. I loved the characters (well nearly all of them), the bits of mystery which were all eventually clarified and the plot. It's a light-hearted, fun read which is perfect for relaxing with a glass of wine. I would heartily recommend it to anyone who likes romance, fun and a bit of a twist.

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Will I start every review I write for a Portia MacIntosh book with saying how much I love her writing style? Yes, because I love her writing style. Parts of this felt a little different than usual, but certainly not in a bad way, but there was still her usual fun and charm. I think what felt different was that there was a larger group of main characters. Well, Jas is the main character and then there’s 5 very prominent side characters, all of whom are very well described and developed. Sometimes I can struggle with stories that have a lot of characters but they were differentiated really well, and that helped a lot.

There was a lot going on with this story, especially with there being multiple characters and two timelines, but it was pretty easy to follow. I never knew what was going to happen next, which I personally enjoy with books. It was a bit of a slow burn, and at times I was basically waiting and begging for the romance to pick up, but the timing did fit the story.

I love love love how everything wrapped up. It felt like a really realistic and fitting conclusion to the story, and nice for the characters. There were some moments along the way where lying got involved that I didn’t care for, but again, realistic. People aren’t perfect, but it’s lovely when things turn out nicely.

Thank you to Boldwood Books & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book! I voluntarily read this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Jas is whisked away to Italy She sees her ex-bf and the one that got away... It's a fun love triangle. I love the sass and banter. Great characters. I love the friendships among the friends especially.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

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Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve read everything by Portia, so I was thrilled to be accepted to read and review this ARC. I really enjoyed this story about long lasting friendships, holidays, life lessons and love.

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