This was a lighthearted sweet read.
This was an easy read full of humour and lovable characters.
A very enjoyable read.

As someone who loves Edinburgh and has been to the Fringe several times I was excited to find a romance set with it as a backdrop. Both Lea and Shep are endearing characters who help each other solve the problems that are holding them back from the lives they really want, whilst falling in love on the way.

I want to express my gratitude to NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. I absolutely adored it, and I found myself completely engrossed in the story. One aspect that stood out to me was how relatable and authentic the character of Lea was. The humour in this book was incredibly entertaining and had me laughing uncontrollably, feeling like a young girl again. I am definitely planning on purchasing a physical copy of this book from The Works soon. I wholeheartedly suggest giving it a read if you're in the mood for a light-hearted, genuine, and charming romance novel.

In "Stand Up Guy" by Nina Kaye, readers are treated to a heart warming and uplifting tale of love, self-discovery, and the unexpected twists and turns of life.

Lea finds herself at a crossroads after being dumped via Instagram and feeling like she's missing out on life. Struggling with failed relationships and a lacklustre social life, she's in desperate need of a change. Enter Shep, a charming comedian in need of accommodation during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Their chance encounter sparks an unlikely friendship and sets the stage for a romance neither of them saw coming.

Kaye's storytelling shines as she navigates the complexities of Lea and Shep's budding relationship. From their initial meeting to the ups and downs of falling in love, Kaye captures the essence of vulnerability and connection with honesty and depth. As Lea grapples with her fear of getting hurt again and Shep's career aspirations threaten to pull them apart, readers are drawn into a captivating journey of self-discovery and second chances.

What sets "Stand Up Guy" apart is its blend of humour, heart, and authenticity. Kaye infuses the story with witty banter, relatable characters, and a vibrant Edinburgh backdrop that adds depth and richness to the narrative. As Lea and Shep navigate the highs and lows of the Fringe Festival, they learn valuable lessons about love, courage, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

At its core, "Stand Up Guy" is a feel-good romance that celebrates the transformative power of love and the joy of stepping out of one's comfort zone. With its engaging storyline, lovable characters, and heartfelt message, this novel is sure to resonate with readers who are eager to break free from their shells and embrace life's unexpected adventures.

"Stand Up Guy" is a charming and delightful read that will leave readers smiling long after they've turned the final page. Nina Kaye's enchanting storytelling and endearing characters make this a must-read for fans of romantic comedies and feel-good fiction alike.

Nina Kaye is brilliant and The Stand Up guy has been the perfect pick me up and delight to delve into.

Social media is such a huge part of life right now. How many people can say they’ve been dumped on social media? Even this information has made me want to get stuck into this one.

Kaye has transported me to Edinburgh, provided so many laugh out loud moments that I have had tears streaming down my cheeks. This book is a work of brilliance from beginning to end.

Lea and Shep are just delights. They are characters who you cannot help but become invested in. I loved the journey through this book with them.

This book is so well written, you feel as though you are watching it unfolding. I devoured this gem in just one sitting with no regrets at all. I just wish I could experience this as a first read all over again because it’s brilliant!

I have no hesitation in recommending this gem.

Stand Up Guy" by Nina Kaye is more than just a romance; it's a comforting embrace, portraying the messy yet beautiful reality of womanhood through the eyes of relatable protagonist, Lea. The story unfolds with genuine warmth, capturing life's quirks without overblown drama. The connection between Lea and Shep, a stand-up comedian, is portrayed with sweet simplicity against the vibrant backdrop of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. With humor, authenticity, and heartfelt moments, this book is a delightful retreat into the warmth of a good story, leaving readers with a contented sigh and a lasting afterglow.

This book had me howling in places and sympathising with Lea as it follows the ups and downs of her life, with her list of failed relationships and challenges until she bumps into the comical Shep one night and he ends up as her lodger and then she makes the mistake of falling for him!

I loved the easy pace and reading style, it was definitely a good romantic comedy vibe and I loved the descriptions of Edinburgh and makes me now want to book a trip there!
I really felt sorry for Lea in the beginning as she definitely had a rough time but I loved the building relationship between her and Shep and I'm so glad that it ended the way it did! The only reason I gave it 4* is because I would have liked to see a bit more to the story

Ms. Kaye is a new-to-me author so I didn't have any particular expectations going into the book, but I have to say, I was very pleasantly surprised. It was a light read, nothing heavy duty, but was a heartwarming and sweet story. Lea doesn't have much of a social life, and to top things off, her boyfriend is moving to Australia, which she found out via social media. She then later meets Shep, who is a stand up comedian and who essentially doesn't have support from his family and also has no place to stay. Lea has a spread room, and offers it to him, and he accepts. At least now she'll have some company. But as the days go on, Lea begins to fall for Shep, and fears she's just setting herself up for another heartache because she knows he will eventually move on, especially now with the success he's been achieving. Will Shep move on, or do they actually have a chance at a lasting love?
The story was well-written with lovely characters and I was engrossed from start to finish. A very entertaining and enjoyable read!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Stand Up Guy was a nice quick romcom to start believing in humanity again. No games, no manipulation, just two adults communicating their feelings appropriately. Sometimes the dialogue felt too perfect and polished, like, noone talks like that, but other than that, I loved it. Will definitely read from the author again.

Stand Up Guy by Nina Kaye is a heartwarming tale set against the backdrop of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where protagonist Lea finds herself grappling with loneliness and heartbreak after being dumped via Instagram. When she crosses paths with Shep, a charming comedian in need of lodging, their unlikely connection sparks a journey of self-discovery and romance. Through Kaye's skillful prose, readers are drawn into Lea's world, where laughter and tears intertwine as she navigates the complexities of love and the quest for belonging. With a vibrant setting, well-crafted characters, and a narrative that seamlessly blends humor and poignancy, Stand Up Guy is a captivating read that resonates long after the final page.

Lea, dumped by Instagram post and with no social life, finds herself at a crossroads. Tired of failed relationships, both romantic and platonic, she's had enough of life passing her by. A chance encounter with Shep, a comedian at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in need of accommodation, changes the course of her life. Lea decides to take fate into her own hands, offering Shep a place to stay.

As Lea and Shep navigate their time together, they form a close connection. Lea can't help falling for the outgoing Shep, but she's wary of getting too attached. Knowing that Shep is just passing through and with his stand-up routine gaining momentum, Lea fears that her heart will be the casualty of this fleeting romance. Love takes centre stage as the Fringe Festival draws to a close. The question looms: Can Lea summon the confidence to confess her feelings to Shep, and will he choose to stay?

Stand Up Guy promises a heartwarming and feel-good romance that explores self-discovery and the transformative power of love. Lea's journey from feeling stuck to finding a connection with Shep at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival sets the stage for a charming and uplifting story. The writing is likely to resonate with readers who enjoy romances focused on personal growth and overcoming insecurities. The dynamics between Lea and Shep, especially against the backdrop of the vibrant Fringe Festival, offer a delightful blend of humour, warmth, and the promise of love.

The novel appears to be a perfect choice for fans who appreciate heartwarming romances that celebrate the journey to self-discovery and the joy of finding a true connection while promising an exploration of courage, vulnerability, and the magic of love found in unexpected places.

A really enjoyable romantic comedy.

The shortish chapters helped maintain a good flow, especially with the lovely slow burn! I really enjoyed seeing Lea and shep develop, especially with the forced proximity of them living together. The side characters also all played their roles well to make the story more engaging.
I also loved the Edinburgh setting in this book!
This was a lovely entertaining romance read that I would definitely recommend.

It is a lighthearted and enjoyable read, perfect for those seeking a romantic comedy with a strong emphasis on self-discovery. While it may not break new ground in the genre, Nina Kaye's novel provides a pleasant escape into the world of love and laughter, making it a worthy addition to the bookshelf of fans of Beth O’Leary, Laura Jane Williams, and Miranda Dickinson.

I love comedy shows so this was a must read for me. There's some great stories with the side characters and I had a slight problem with the ending.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Stand Up Guy' by Nina Kaye.

Read and reviewed for Nina Kaye, Netgalley, Canelo, Canelo Romance and Rachel's Random Resources.

Publication date 18th January 2024..

This is the first book I have read by this author but it most definitely will not be my last!!

This novel consists of 37 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

What an absolutely fantastic laugh a minute, heart warming, stunning must read!!! Absolutely loved it fair play!!! This book has fantastic descriptions that set you straight in the scenes. The cover, title and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.

The storyline itself was absolutely unputdownable so make sure you clear your schedules before starting to read it!!

OMG!!! I absolutely love, LOVE, LOVED this absolutely gorgeous book!!! I must say it has got to be one of the best romances I have ever read!! In this gorgeous book we meet Lea who loves her work but not her non existent social life. She is embarrassed by the fact that she has no friends and to make things worse she has just found out that her boyfriend is moving to Australia which she discovered via social media. She decides to cheer herself up by going out when she sees a man who looks like he is having as bad a day as her. After a not so cute meet she finds out his (nick)name is Shep, his family looks down on him, he is a stand up comedian but has nowhere to stay so is giving up. Lea offers up her spare room so he has somewhere to stay and she has some company but when things start looking up for Shep Lea starts questioning her feelings. Will Shep's comedy routine take him away? Has Lea set herself up for another heartache? To find out you'll just have to grab your copy of this stunning book today!! The first thing I have got to say is congratulations Nina on taking the difficult topics of loneliness and bullying and highlighting the impact of them both while still managing to weave them into a fantastic storyline that both makes the reader laugh out loud while seeing the difficulties someone with loneliness faces. I really resonated with Lea in the fact that I am in the same position when it comes to having no go to friends and Nina does an amazing job of the struggles Lea faces with having nobody to talk to about the ups and downs of the day or just going out with a friend. Anyway, sorry, I went on a bit there but I just wanted to say well done. I absolutely loved this beautiful slow burn romance that had me hooked from the first word to the last. It is absolutely rammed with humour, love, friendship, heartache, laughter and just absolutely anything and everything you could ask for in a stunning page turner! I love that the main characters were so realistic and both jumped out of the pages at me. They are amazing characters separately as well as together and I just loved seeing their characters and relationship grow throughout the book. It really is a stunning read with beautiful characters and I was gutted when I came to the end. I was completely invested in the characters and the storyline throughout. This is a stunning book by Nina with multiple layers and many unique and unforgettable characters as well as so much going on!!! Nina's fantastic evocative descriptions ensures the reader can see and feel everything that the characters are feeling and seeing and it felt like I had been sucked into the storyline with them. This is a story and characters that will stay with me for a very long time!! Pick up your copy of this stunner and get ready to jump on a rollercoaster ride of emotions from love, laughter, happiness where you will laugh out loud and cry with happiness!!! I was absolutely addicted to this book and just could not put it down!!! There was no chance of just one more chapter and I ended up devouring it in a day!!! I cannot wait to get the rest of the books by this extremely talented author!! The setting and atmosphere was absolutely gorgeous and I loved watching the characters relationships change throughout while discovering the absolutely amazing Edinburgh and it's festivals. The majority of the characters were amazing but I could not abide Paul or Sal who were bot absolutely horrid. I cannot abide bullies and there is just no excuse for the behaviour seen in this book. However, you cannot love everyone in a book and it wouldn't be as much fun if you didn't love to hate someone!!! Regardless of how I felt about them they all played their parts perfectly and will live in my mind for a long time!! It really is one of those feel good books that is perfect to read curled up in front of a fire or lying on the beach. I could go on and on but seriously just get your copy and get sucked in. Your really won't regret it!!
An absolutely stunning, page turning MUST READ!!

A MASSIVE WELL DONE to Nina on a HUGE success!!! I loved every page of your book and I cannot wait to read more past and future amazing books. This is exactly why I would like to welcome to you to my top 3 romance author list!! Here's to your next success 🥂!

Overall an unputdownable, unforgettable, stunning romcom that will have you staying up late at night to finish it.

297 pages.

This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle and £8.09 in paperback via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

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Stand Up Guy - Nina Kaye

Stand Up Guy is a cute romantic comedy set during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Lea has just had a bad breakup and she decided to go out and have some fun. She sees a guy at a bar who seems sad and she reaches out to him, since she’s also feeling down. Shep is a comic who has lost his housing and is worried about how he’ll keep up with his Fringe run.

I like these characters and their relationship, but I just had a hard time with a big part of the premise. On just meeting Shep, Lea invites him to move in with her as a border. While I admire Lea’s compassion, this is just a plot point that I found unbelievable. I’ve read to many murdery books to think this is ok.

I enjoyed the setting of this story and how Lea finds confidence and a community of friends, aside from her relationship with Shep.

I received a free ARC of this book from Netgalley for review.

After a string of failed relationships both romantic and platonic, Lea had had enough of watching life happen without her. When she bumped into Shep, a comedian at the Edinburgh festival in need of accommodation, it felt like destiny. She had a lodger and some company.

These two immediately got along like kindred spirits do, and love definitely followed. But, their relationship had an expiry date as Shep was only there for a month, so the dilemma was whether or not to confess her feelings for Shep.

I loved reading about a main character who's a stand-up comedian. I got to see the ups and downs of trying to make it in an area where tons of other people are trying to do the same. Shep also had to deal with prejudice from his family and other people he came across.

Lea supported him through all that and opened up herself to new friendships in the process. She became more confident and stood up even to bullies who didn't want her taking up space. I also enjoyed the Edinburgh festival atmosphere that was center stage in this book. Sounds like fun.

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Nina Kaye’s books before and am delighted to be sharing my review for her latest romcom. This is a book which most definitely has a proper comedy element as one of the characters, Shep, is an aspiring stand-up comedian in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

I really enjoyed the setting of Edinburgh of course, there was a great sense of place. Nina Kaye really captured what it’s like to be here during the Fringe with so much going on, the streets being packed, being spoiled for choice for shows, having leaflets thrust at you on the High Street. Of course, as someone who actually lives here, sometimes it can all be a bit of a pain and there’s a collective sigh of relief across the city when it’s all over for another year! It was interesting to read about what a struggle it can be for smaller shows and performers to get noticed and how important getting a bit of online or printed publicity can be. I did enjoy the snippets of Shep’s comedy we got to read about. Comedy is very subjective of course but it did make me laugh and I’d definitely go to see him at the Fringe.

Lea is Shep’s accidental landlady and I wasn’t quite sure what to make of her. Sometimes I didn’t know whether to feel sorry for Lea or irritated with her. She never seemed to stand up for herself even when people were frankly being rude to her. On the other hand, her low-self esteem meant she really didn’t have the courage to do that. It was lovely to see her blossom and grow in confidence throughout the novel and begin to appreciate her own self worth. What came through strongly was that even in a city and one that is so busy and buzzing during the festival, it is still easy to be lonely and as an adult, it can be difficult to make friends.

However, through another chance meeting, Lea does begin to make some friends and become part of a welcoming group. There was a bit of intrigue here as Becca and Tess seemed so lovely but the other member of the group, Sal was so different and always seems to be distant. I wondered why the other two wanted to be friends with her. At times she was truly horrible and I wanted to know what exactly was going on to make her the way she was.

The book has an interesting take on how romance is often portrayed in novels as Lea and Shep get together almost immediately. They know that their time together is limited because he’s only here for the Fringe but does either of them want it to end. Both are reluctant to share exactly how they’ll felt in case the other didn’t feel the same way. This could be a case of bad timing. What if they are the right people meeting at the wrong time. What will happen if Shep does get his big break?

All of these elements combined to make a really enjoyable read for me. Lea and Shep were such a sweet couple and of course I wanted things to work out for them. Stand Up Guy is another great read from Nina Kaye with some deeper themes sensitively explored but with a charming romance at its heart.

I love Nina's books and this one is no exception. Quirky title and hoped it would as good as it sounded. In fact, it was amazing. A lovely, cosy read for those autumn/winter nights. Thank you for the ARC.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.

Lea is a somewhat anti-social, insecure, research scientist who lives alone, and finds out via social media that the guy she's been dating is moving to Australia. They have a bad breakup over text, and she goes into town, pretty weepy, and encounters a guy named Shep, who she eventually asks to move in with her. Shep is a comedian who is trying to get discovered. They become friend and then more than friends. And also Shep tries to help Lea find some new girl friends.

This book...ugh. I wanted to like it because it was a fast-paced, British read. But I found Lea just so off-putting. She's so insecure and her inner monologues of doubts are so clearly NOT what is actually happening that I wanted to reach through the pages and shake the woman to be like "grow a flipping spine!". Shep was a good love interest, very supporting and empathetic, until the third act break up where he does something wildly out of character and then the "get back together" is like 3 paragraphs long.

The pacing was odd. The girl friends were awkward. Lea does grow, but the juice wasn't worth the squeeze for me. That being said there are some cute parts and it's not awful. Just didn't strike my fancy.