I loved this book, I felt so many emotions whilst reading and I felt so invested all the way through,

Cute slowwww burn. I tend to gravitate to book where a main character is a veterinarian. The banter was fun also!

Another adorable RomCom from Lucy Chalice. This time we are in the Cotswalds at a Veterinary practice with Dr. Hannah Havens. Hannah runs into her old crush/nemesis Teddy Fraser, and then proceeds to agree to a ridiculous deal with him where he teachers her how to be nicer and charming (because her job is on the line for her lack of bedside manner), and she helps him remodel the new rectory next door that he's just moved into. Hannah and Teddy have a short but fiery history from when they were 18 and kissed one night at a party. One misunderstanding from post-kiss, and Hannah has held a grudge against Teddy for decades while he's only ever wanted her. What really makes this book work is that Hannah and Teddy have such great banter. They give each other a really hard time while also helping each other out. Teddy brings Hannah out of her shell and supports her when she's unsure. Hannah acts like a "lunatic," but it's probably one of the things Teddy loves most about her. It does get a bit tiring that Hannah doesn't believe Teddy the thousands of times he tells her that she's beautiful and he wants her, but her self-esteem is really low from years of being bullied. You really root for these two the entire time, and are completely charmed by the countryside, farm animals, and cast of side characters. It's easy to fall in love with a Lucy Chalice book.

Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a cute take on a second chance/rivals to lovers trope. I found the female main character a bit hard to like, as she consistently thought the absolute worst of the mmc. The constant interruption of them finally making a move got a bit tedious.

If you are a fan of romcoms with an HEA this book is for you!!! Throw in some dating/people-ing lessons with an added dash of tension and you have a smash hit!!! Hannah and Teddy complement each other so well with their witty banter and spicy personalities. From the beginning of chapter one to the epilogue I was hooked!! I felt like I could really relate to Hannah’s struggle with self-image and was inspired by her confidence (and the fact that the author, Lucy, portrayed the reality of setbacks when trying to reach a goal)! It’s been a long time since I have found a book I couldn’t put down!! I read this in one sitting!!!

I really loved the “Fundamentals in Flirting” which is the sequel to the “Hot Henry Effect.” Hannah is back in town as the local vet after her relationship implodes and she find himself cheating on her. She literally bumps into an old crush while out riding her horse and they realize they are neighbours. Ted is an architect and when he bumps into Hannah he sees it as an opportunity to woo her properly now that he is more mature and won’t put his foot in his mouth this time. Unfortunately her insecurities will not let her be easily wooed nor will his past reputation from High School work in his favour. Will he convince her to take a chance on them?

This was an extremely slow burn but the chemistry between these two was pure fire. I loved Ted but the miscommunications and Hannah’s tendency to run was a bit frustrating. The secondary characters were awesome and I loved their other neighbour Agnes’ storyline. Overall I devoured this book and despite my misgivings the fact that I could not put this book down had me giving it five stars. It was also laugh out loud funny on multiple occasions. So good!

I love love love that this book started the first chapter in the past, giving just enough of a back story for the characters to not be overwhelming. Hannah and Teddy are one of my favorite romance couples. They are absolutely adorable. This is such a cozy, feet kicking romance that is also very relatable. One of my favorite lines is: "To bed, my inebriated little hedgehog of a friend." It was just adorable and make me giggle.

~Thank you to Lucy Chalice, HarperCollins UK One More Chapter, and Netgalley for the chance to read the arc of this book~

I expected a little more from this book if I'm being honest.

There was nothing overtly wrong or off about this story, I just wished there was more tension, more flirting, more batner, more intimacy. More of everything!

I loved the idea of the story and I thought the plot developed at a good pace, but I felt like the issue between Hannah and Teddy at the end was unexpected because there seemed to be no foreshadowing to it at all. I thought the plot twist was there just to fulfill the requirement of a third-act breakup.

The tension between Hannah and her family, and Teddy and his family was never fully explained and I think it would have added depth to the characters and explained why the characters are the way they are. Since their personalities played such a huge role in the basis of the book, I think they should've been dug into a little deeper.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read. So much so I wanted more of it!

SO good! I will be going back to read the first book and anything else that is released by Lucy Chalice. This book was insanely fast paced and kept me enthralled from the first page. The TENSION between Teddy and Hannah is absolutely perfect. This is a grumpy sunshine, but it’s Hannah that’s the grump. I liked that difference since often it’s the MMC that’s the grump. The story is great and builds nicely and believably. The book also had me literally laughing out loud multiple times. Highly recommend.

I just finished an ARC read of Fundamentals in Flirting and it immediately sucked me in and had me not wanting to put it down! Hannah and Teddy knew each other in high school and shared one kiss, but haven’t seen each other in years. They unexpectedly run into each other again and then can’t seem to avoid each other. Hannah is struggling with being too “prickly” and Teddy offers to help her by teaching her a “masterclass in flirting”. This was such a fun read with their adventures around a small town, lots of interesting supporting characters and cute animals. It was such a nice slow burn with lots of will they, won’t they and just enough spice.

This one is such a fun read, filled with a will they, won’t they tension that reeled me in. It’s bringing the opposites attract, he falls first, grumpy x sunshine, and second chance romance tropes along with lots of tricky feelings and heaps of flirting. Teddy is charming, friendly and a much-loved member of the village he and Hannah grew up in whereas Hannah is prickly and reserved, and struggling with her inner demons. Those who have read The Hot Henry Effect may also remember Teddy as Henry’s brother, and this book brings a little sibling rivalry to the fore - and cameos from Clara and Henry.

I enjoyed this book, it’s a bit of fun and though it’s one of those where a good honest conversation would clear up a lot of things, Lucy Chalice really weaves in the complexities of Hannah’s feelings and hang ups that make such things difficult for her character. The banter and the chemistry between Hannah and Teddy is great, and we really see their relationship develop through their interactions which is what I need for a romance! Maybe not one for those who don’t enjoy misunderstanding tropes, but otherwise, not one to miss!

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

Hannah and Teddy were cute. This was a light hearted feel good romance with a little humor. It just fell a little flat for me. Was lacking some pizzazz. It was a super slow burn I’m talking like 80% in.
- But if you enjoy slow burns and he falls first small town kinda books then this is for you!

Hannah and Teddy share a kiss on Teddy's 18th birthday... and then he promptly insults her. When Hannah returns home, 15 years later, Teddy is popping up everywhere and she is not impressed with this development.

I absolutely loved The Hot Henry Effect and, having met Teddy there, I was thrilled to get his book. I really liked the friendship that built between Teddy and Hannah and the supporting characters, as well as seeing Clara and Henry again.

I read this book in one go and I think I love Teddy almost as much as I love Henry. It's also refreshing to read about women in science. I don't really have the words to explain how much I loved this but even the side story of Agnes was so well written. I found myself laughing out loud at certain parts of this.

Overall, this is another absolute banger by Lucy Chalice and I can't wait for her next offering!

Tropes:
- Second chance
- He falls first
- Grumpy x sunshine (in reverse)
- Neighbours

Fundamentals in Flirting is Lucy Chalice's latest novel, and it is a winner. The banter in this fun rom-com is the best. Chalice is an author I'm looking forward to reading more from in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC ebook I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

This was such a cute, fun and a easy romace read with a nice slowburn!

I enjoyed the plot a lot. However it was truly quite slow and the slowburn was SLOW. Which I didn't mind but I can see why its not for everyone. The main characters are just adorable and so real with all their flaws and personality traits. I felt like it was easy to relate to them on multiple levels! Their anxiety, nervousness, insecurities and humor. I also absolutely loved so many of the side characters, my favorite probably being the goat haha.

I would have loved to see a bit more of banter but besides that i absolutely enjoyd reading this book and will definitely pick up some other books from this author! Absolutely loved her writing style!

Thank you Netgalley, the author and the Publisher for an advanced reader copy in exchange of an honest review.

I read the author's first book as a recommend and it was cute with British Ali Hazelwood vibes. This second book was even better, and I am excited to read more from her. There was more language than I usually like, but it felt very British and not crass. I love books with smart female main characters, and the reverse grumpy/sunshine was a cute twist.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy of this book!

Dr. Hannah Havens is an independent and brilliant veterinarian. She’s worked very hard to accomplish her goals. Hannah is starting over and decides to move back to her hometown. Beneath her tough exterior, she’s a sensitive person who was hurt in the past by her ex. Hannah will do anything not to feel that heartache again. She’s also still nursing some old wounds from the bullying she received in high school. It’s only natural that she would be hesitant to start a relationship with Teddy.

Teddy Fraser is a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. He’s never met someone he couldn’t charm. He’s a kind and thoughtful guy, and he complemented Hannah’s personality well. Teddy is a well-liked guy and a bit of a flirt to put it mildly, and Hannah is determined to keep him at arm’s length, which is difficult to do as he also happens to be her neighbor. When her boss tells Hannah she needs to improve her bedside manner, Hannah asks Teddy for help, and they embark on a quest to make Hannah more personable. Teddy is the sunshine to her grumpy. Their banter is quite fun! I enjoyed Teddy’s friendly nature and jovial personality. He kept Hannah on her toes and out of her own head.

The pacing of the novel was perfect, and I breezed through it quickly. The banter and thoughtful characterizations kept things flowing nicely. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to more from Lucy Chalice.

This is Lucy's second novel, and I really enjoyed her first, "The Hot Henry Effect" and Fundamentals in Flirting is just as good! I loved the fact that we get to see characters from the first book in this one periodically and I think it adds a level of familiarity to the story.

Thank you to @Netgalley and @harpercollinsuk for the advanced e-readers copy, as well as @lucychalice.author for another great story.

Fundamentals in Flirting is another great novel by Dr Lucy Chalice! I was so excited to see this novel available, I have had it on my list to read since I read The Hot Henry Effect and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed reading Hannah and Teddy’s story. Their fun banter and crazy shenanigans make this such a fun read! I’m looking forward to what Lucy comes out with next! Thank you to the author, NetGalley, HarperCollins and OneMore Chapter publishing for the ARC!

The follow up and companion book to The Hot Henry Effect, Fundamentals in Flirting follows veterinarian Hannah as she ends a toxic relationship with a pompous, overbearing man with whom she works in academia, and returns to her home town to work as a vet in a small town clinic.

Shortly after her return, Hannah is in a minor accident - horse vs. mountain bike - and finds herself face to face with the man she had a crush on in high school, Teddy.

Here’s the thing, Hannah is an anxiety ridden, prickly hedgehog of a human, all of her interactions short and verging on awkward at best and unkind at worst. Why? It stems from bullying in high school about her appearance (she’s freckly). And while that might seem silly to some, if you already struggle from low self esteem - her mother did her no favors, it doesn’t take much to leave you feeling unsure and unwilling to trust.

Anyway, Teddy (Henry’s twin brother) is fantastically sexy, charming, and flirtatious. And he seems to be interested in Hannah.

She doesn’t believe he’s being forthright but she needs his help. It seems that her curt manner might result in losing her job and he’s the best person at peopling she’s ever met.

So Teddy sets her up in his “Fraser Foundation for Flirting” to help. His motives, though, are not quite innocent. He has been pining for her for more than a decade and hopes this will bring them together.

It’s a sweet, incredibly slow burn (we’re talking 87% in). However, given Hannah’s anxiety and trust issues paired with Teddy’s own hidden insecurities, it makes sense. There’s a sweet scene in a treehouse where Teddy lays his own issues bare, and there’s no way you’re getting out of there without wanting to hug him.

While not top tier romance for me, I loved Teddy and thought the banter was great. Some things get lost as the plot moves along but there’s a sweet aside with an elderly neighbor and Teddy that will leave you swoony.

I’m definitely keeping Lucy Chalice on my authors to watch list. Her writing is great and I expect more good to come!

Thanks to @netgalley, @harpercollinsuk, and @onemorechapter for the chance to read and review this ARC. Publication date is November 7, 2024.

This was just so frigging cute. It had me grinning almost nonstop for the first half of the book. The banter, the descriptions, the situations, it's all so funny and written so well. And so quintessentially English.

Really the only con of this book is if you have a low tolerance for FMCs you want to slap some sense into...
I wouldn't even call it miscommunication, he's very clear from the start, but she does levels of mental gymnastics that are unbelievable, to turn it into something it's not. The first time was silly, the second was frustrating, the rest were infuriating..

I'll likely reread the first half, whenever I have the urge to snack on fluff, because I truly did like it so much.