This is genuinely my new favorite romance novel. No miscommunication tropes, just two adults telling each other how they’re feeling consistently. *chef’s kiss*

This will not be my last Nina Kaye novel! Amazingly written dialogue, thoughts, and characterizations. It made me so excited to go to Edinburgh, and I won’t even deduct points for the love interest sharing a name with my ex 🫡

A beautiful story about friendship, family, loneliness, bullying and love at first sight, or almost. Because when Lea approached a solitary and sad man in a bar to give him moral support little did she know her life will take a turn for the better, which some bumps in the road. With awesome city of Edinburgh in the background, Lea and Shep’s love story will make you laugh, spill some tears and feel real emotions.

Kaye's 'Stand Up Guy' captivates with its relatable portrayal of Lea's struggle with isolation and personal growth. Lea's journey, her fear of forging new friendships, and her evolving relationship with Shep make for an engaging and heartwarming read. Kaye beautifully navigates Lea's path to self-discovery, making this book an easy yet compelling page-turner.

While I liked the overall idea of this story, I really just could not get into it. The characters were not relatable to me, so I found their relationship hard to believe. This was a pass for me.

What a lovely book! This was the first time I've read Nina Kaye, and I'm looking forward to reading more.

Lea is somewhat alone in the world. Her closest friends are both in a different season of life, and she's had a series of dubious romantic partners. Shep has come to the Fringe festival hoping to be discovered, but his dreams are almost crushed when his free accommodations fall through only a week into the festival. After a disastrous initial meeting, Lea and Shep grow close, each helping to support and encourage one the other, and it isn't long before sparks fly. But Fringe festival only lasts a few weeks. What happens when their time is up?

I'm a big fan of comedy and stand-up, so the title alone reeled me in. Lea's struggles felt very relatable - it can be hard to find your place in the world (and your people!) during seasons of transition. The way that she and Shep balanced and supported one another was lovely, and the conflict felt believable.

My only reservation was in the conclusion of the B plot line with the friends. Wish that some of those characters weren't so one dimensional. This, however, is very minor when weighing the book as a whole.

Altogether a solid read, in the vein of Beth O'Leary and Mhairi McFarlane.

Full disclosure: This was a free advanced reader copy provided courtesy of NetGalley. And I'm so thankful, because I've discovered yet another author I enjoy!

A romance set at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival? That was enough to make me want to read this book. Well that and the fact I’ve read all of Nina’s other books, and enjoyed them very much and I’m happy to say this was no different.

This book had me in tears twice in the first three chapters as I totally understood where Lea was coming from. It didn’t put me off, in fact quite the opposite, and I eagerly read the rest of the book. I was totally invested in Lea’s story and wanted to know how things turned out.

Loneliness is not a typical subject that comes to mind when thinking of romance but the cleverly woven story handles the theme well. It also gave me personally some food for thought.

Well crafted characters who I was sad to say goodbye to at the end.

I really hope this a smash hit as it totally deserves to be.

Thank you to Canelo and NetGalley for my advanced copy. This review is my own honest opinion

I want to start by saying thank you to Canelo and NetGalley for approving my request to read "Stand Up Guy" as an advanced reader.

I really enjoyed this story written by Nina Kaye. I loved the comedian aspect and the banter that was between the main characters, Lea and Shep. Lea has just experienced a public breakup on social media when she crosses paths with Shep, who at the time is in need of an accommodation during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
The relationship between Lea and Shep feels so authentic and it's easy to relate to their story, while also rooting them on. Overall, this was such a fun read and I definitely recommend!

Great easy read fun story. I really enjoyed this book. The main characters were great and I liked the humour. Recommend

"Stand Up Guy" by Nina Kaye delivers a heart-warming and humour-infused romantic tale that explores love, self-discovery, and the unpredictability of relationships. Lea, the protagonist, is navigating the aftermath of a social media breakup and a series of disappointing connections. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Shep, a comedian in need of accommodation during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Kaye's writing excels in capturing the essence of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the vibrant energy of the comedy scene. The setting becomes more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character that adds depth to the narrative, making the story come alive with the atmosphere of the festival.

The dynamic between Lea and Shep is the heart of the story, and Kaye crafts their relationship with charm and authenticity. The humour that permeates the novel, stemming from Shep's stand-up routines and the banter between the characters, contributes to the overall enjoyment of the book. The chemistry between Lea and Shep feels genuine, and readers will likely find themselves rooting for their connection to deepen.

The novel explores themes of self-discovery and taking chances on love. Lea's journey from a place of emotional vulnerability to finding the confidence to express her feelings adds depth to her character. The fear of heartbreak and the transient nature of Shep's career provide realistic obstacles that add tension to the romantic plot.

"Stand Up Guy" strikes a balance between light-hearted humour and emotional depth. Kaye creates characters that are relatable and endearing, making it easy for readers to invest in their journey. The pacing is well-executed, and the story unfolds in a way that keeps the reader engaged and invested in the outcome.

In conclusion, "Stand Up Guy" is a delightful and uplifting romance novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy a blend of humour, romance, and a vividly depicted setting. Nina Kaye's storytelling prowess shines in this tale of love and laughter, making it a recommended read for those looking for an enjoyable and heartening romantic escape.

A sweet, thoughtful story about opening up your heart when the monster called loneliness is nipping at your heels. I would give this. 3 1/2 stars if I could but can’t say I can round up to 4–read on for why.

Lea meets up-in-coming stand up comedian Shep during the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Feeling incredibly lonely without a friend circle and recently dumped, she offers Shep a place to stay during his time at the Fringe when his accommodations fall through. These new mates become lovers pretty quickly — but what happens to them when the festival ends?

The running themes of how difficult it is to take chances and how crippling loneliness can be are well drawn here. While I didn’t quite connect personally to the main protagonists, the themes are important ones to address. I also felt the dialogue between Lea and Shep didn’t flow naturally. (Though it did between Lea and other characters in the book.) Edinburgh as a place didn’t really shine as much as it does in real life either. In all, it’s a lovely read, but not as realistic or thought provoking as I hoped.

Thank you so very much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to review!

This book wasn’t written for me. I didn’t resonate with any of the characters but that doesn’t mean this is a “bad” book by any means. It flowed well, the dialogue was great between characters.

This romcom book had some lovely banter and is un general an easy read.

It’s light for when you need a palette cleanser but I won’t spend weeks thinking about the characters.

The setting of the book in Edinburgh is lovely and the mix between a researcher and a stand up comedian has potential.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC of this title . There were some parts of this book that I enjoyed, but I think ultimately I just didn't connect with the storyline of the main characters. I would say I would consider reading other books by this author though!

On the heels of another breakup with a not so great guy, Lea is out by herself and meets Shep. He's in Edinburgh for a comedy festival and is a stand up comedian. He is lost his lodging and is ready to give up and go back to Ireland. On a whim, Lea offers up her spare room because she's lonely and would enjoy the company. They then develop a relationship unexpectedly. The reader also gets to see Lea overcome her friendship and loneliness struggles. Cute moments throughout even if it wasn't my favorite.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book.

I enjoyed this book, I'm from Scotland so enjoyed the Edinburgh references. I would re-read hence the 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc.

I had a hard time getting into this book and liking the characters. I DNF at about 40%.

The premise of this story is excellent, Lea meets Shep, down on his luck and offers him a place to stay during the Edinburgh Festival. I loved the setting of the novel, Edinburgh is a fantastic city, the Fringe is one of its biggest tourist attractions during the summer.. and I thought the issue of Lea's loneliness was addressed well, I think a lot of people believe that everyone is having a wonderful social life especially with the rise of social media, however this is not always the case and making friends as an adult is hard!
What puzzled me was the lack of chemistry between Lea and Shep, for me, it didn't translate very well and Lea appeared more jealous of people who were friendly to Shep who was clearly trying to make a name for himself. I just felt this could have been explored a bit better as essentially, they end up falling for each other.
I would happily read more of the authors work as it was a lovely read overall. Tha ks to Net Galley for the advanced copy.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Stand Up Guy" by Nina Kaye isn't just a romance; it's a cup of warm cocoa on a chilly evening, a tale that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. Lea, the protagonist, feels like that friend you share your deepest secrets with, and her journey is a mirror reflecting the messy, beautiful reality of womanhood.

What I adore about this book is its genuine portrayal of life's quirks. Lea isn't a flawless heroine, and that's what makes her so relatable. In her struggles and triumphs, I saw shades of my own story, and it felt like Nina Kaye had somehow stepped into the pages of my life.

"Stand Up Guy" keeps it refreshingly real. No overblown drama or exaggerated crises—just a heartfelt narrative that captures the rhythm of everyday life. The connection between Lea and Shep unfolds with a sweet simplicity, reminding us that love isn't always grand gestures but the quiet, genuine moments.

Shep, the stand-up comedian, injects humor into the story like a burst of laughter shared with girlfriends. His chemistry with Lea is both charming and authentic. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival serves as a vibrant backdrop, and Kaye paints the atmosphere with such vividness that you can almost hear the laughter and feel the energy.

As a woman who cherishes stories with heart, "Stand Up Guy" left me with a contented sigh. It's a narrative of self-discovery, friendship, and the bravery it takes to embrace love, even when it feels fleeting. Lea's journey is a comforting reminder that sometimes, the most magical moments happen when you decide to stand up and be your authentic self.

In a world that can be chaotic and demanding, "Stand Up Guy" is like a retreat into the warmth of a good book. It's a 5-star read that nestles into your heart, leaving you with that lovely afterglow of a beautifully told story—a true gem for any woman bookworm. 📚💖

It's very rare of me to say that the mc annoyed me because Lea was a bit too much for me
I wish the story was from Sheps point of view because he is sort of a brilliant and fun character but it was sort of hard for me to get into the book because of Lea.

Thank you netgalley for the arc.

I started off this book with high hopes and it didn’t disappoint. Set in Edinburgh, the capital of my home nation, I was able to really get immersed in the story as I have been to a lot of the names places. A cute meet between a local and an out-of-town comedian which made me laugh out loud and often groan in despair due to their struggles. I loved the use of text messages throughout the book, this is a great add on in my opinion. The book touched on some heavier topics, such as bullying and loneliness, in a very subtle and classy way. In my opinion, the only downfall of the book, was that that their relationship developed too quickly and was difficult to believe that it would happen like that in real life.

Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice - 🌶️

This was a fun and quick read and I was excited to read but I will say Lea wasn’t my favorite character.