Sorry, the style of humor in this book doesn’t appeal to me. I wasn’t able to relate to the main character. DNF

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

The book captivates readers with its unique enemies-to-lovers plot. However, the narrative's pacing feels inconsistent. The female main character's in-depth backstory captivated me, while the male main character, introduced later into the storyline, affects their relationship's progression. A more thorough exploration of their dynamic would enhance the romantic tension for my preferences.

On a more positive note, the author vividly brings the FMC's personality and motivations to life powerfully and compellingly throughout the novel.

Ultimately, this novel could serve as a delightful light read, particularly for those seeking an enjoyable escape during travel, whether lounging on a sunny beach or seated on a train commuting to work on winter mornings!

Stuck Together by Lily Joseph was a great festive rom-com.
I really enjoyed this book, the chemistry between the characters and the story was really interesting.
A sweet Christmas romance that was undeniably cute.
The writing was done so well. I was immediately sucked in.

Cute little Christmas romance read! I did not expect the mystery element that developed, but I was all here for it. Enemies to lovers is always a fav especially with a dash of British nobility in there.

Annie and Penn were ridiculous sometimes but the banter was fun and getting to know the characters and their family dynamics was great,
Annie's mom would try all kind of schemes to sell things so she has a room in her house full of all kinds of products so Annie decides to open up a store.
Penn also wants to open up a viny, record, store and they end up looking at the store at the same time. Things get funny after that and decide to share the store. She has half and he has the other half.
Someone is out to destroy Annie and it wasn't who I thought it was at first.
Penn comes from money and his family wants him to settle down so he brings Annie as his girlfriend. I did not like his mother at all or his ex girlfriend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC to review.

I loved this, it really had me feeling in the holiday spirit and I felt very immersed in the drama and romance.

This was an unusual read, it is told entirely from the FMC point of view, no one else is heard from. For this reason, it made it very hard for the reader to connect with any of the characters..

After the FMC is fired she rents a shop space to try and sell her various MLM products from other failed business ideas. She shares her shop with MMC, who she hates.

I expected this to be a Christmas read, but it was not. Yes it was set sometime in November/December, but Christmas is not a factor in the story.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.

An easy to read Christmas story which follows Annie, who is struggling to keep as job and find her niche. Her parents are so loving, offering money when they are clearly struggling themselves. She sees an opportunity to sell her mums stock of years of failed pyramid schemes.
She finds a pop up shop location but it’s out of her price bracket, Penn a tall, dark and handsome man swoops in to take the shop only to have the offer to share the location with him a few days later.
It seems her Christmas wish may just come true with hopes of saving her family home from being sold. She goes full force into setting up her side of the shop, full of hope only to see Penn opposite her brooding. As each day goes past they grow further apart, not quite full on enemies but they’re not the friends she’s hoped.
Annie gets a shock opening one of her mums many boxes of goodies, let just say she wouldn’t want to display the naughty battery operated stock, it turns out they are very expensive and highly sought after items which Annie ends up doing a roaring trade in, with many giggles along the way.
Penn is intrigued by her under the shelf items, unaware of the true nature of her increase in customers. Much to Annie’s surprise, Penn asks her a huge favour, to pretend to be his girlfriend at his parent’s party.
I won’t give any spoilers but it’s certainly not why she expected and their overnight stay in the cottage brings an unexpected turn in their relationship.
I loved the slow burn between them and the element of suspense at their shop.
I do wish it had been dual POV with Penn however.
Thank you NetGalley, Lily Joseph and Bookouture for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

This is a great festive rom-com. I enjoyed a few laugh out loud moments as well as the fun playful twists.

Bursting with chemistry and all the excellent elements of an "enemies to lovers" Christmassy romance you could wish for.
I liked the twists and how the characters developed through the book with some surprises along the way.
It is well written and fun

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book!

I enjoyed the premise of the book - who doesn't like an enemies-to-lovers?! But I really found the pacing to be off. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I felt that we had almost too much backstory from the FMC, and the MMC wasn't introduced early on enough. I also felt that the romantic tension wasn't built up enough for me...give me MORE! However, I did like the FMC, and how she carried herself throughout the novel.

The book felt too long. I found myself wanting to simply skim the book, which made me sad, because I hate feeling like that. However, I'm willing to revisit the book to try again. Maybe on a second read I'll feel differently!

I would recommend this for someone who needs an airport read.

4.5 Stars
1/5 Spicies (mostly fade to black)

*Special thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and Lily Joseph for providing me a copy of this ARC - this is my honest review*

Stuck Together was a pleasant surprise! Although still a bit early for the Christmas spirit (I am a big fan and observer of the Spooky Season), I had a really good time reading this. I laughed out loud, kicked my feet and sighed throughout - something I consider signs of my reading a good romance (or Christmas rom-com, in this case).

Stuck Together is about Annie, who after losing her job at a restaurant decides to open a pop-up shop in a Newcastle arcade ahead of the holidays. Her mum had accrued a lot of failed business venture stock and Annie figured what better way to earn some money to help her struggling parents (and herself). But the rent turns out to be out of her league - until she's offered a shop-share arrangement with broody musician, Penn.

Penn is a pain in her ass - but also makes her skin tingle. Her drives her crazy with both annoyance and desire. How is she supposed to run a successful pop-up shop without either strangling or shagging her fellow shopkeeper?

Whilst this wasn't a perfect story, it ran slightly too long, and Annie's hot and cold behaviour began to wear a little thin, I genuinely loved my experience reading this. I appreciated how Annie and Penn's relationship slowly developed in spite of their miscommunications, misunderstandings and general misalignments. I thought Penn's family dynamics were really interesting and I definitely didn't pick Sophia becoming a good friend to Annie. I did however guess who the mysterious saboteur was ahead of time - that felt signposted clearly enough for me to pick up early on.

Overall though, this was a solid Christmas rom-com with varied characters and a satisfying ending. I recommend.

I’ll admit, in my pathological craving for Christmas in October, I dove straight into this book the second I saw the cover. But this story is so much more than that — there’s mystery, new friendships, and two main characters who are both determined to get what they want in their own way. After yet another job she hated, Annie decides to take the leap and open a pop-up shop... only to share it with Penn, a broody guitarist with “impeccable” musical taste. And of course, no one can resist the tension!

Thrown together to share the rental for a pop-up shop, Stuck Together tells the story of Annie and Penn who cannot stand each other but have to work out a way of both along the shop as success.

Lots of assumptions and miscommunication between the pair occur but they eventually come together in the end and share a better understanding and appreciation of the other.

I feel it would have had greater impact to have dual POV to get Penn’s feelings as you are only seeing things from Annie’s mindset. I did enjoy the mystery aspect that popped up and it played out nicely even though some of the plot at times felt flat.

If you’re looking for a cute easy holiday read I would recommend it still.

LINKS TO BE POSTED

ENGLISH

Stuck Together, by Lily Joseph, is one of those Christmas romance novels that hooks you with its enemies to lovers or rather rivals to lovers trope. The plot revolves around two characters who, although seem completely opposite at the beginning, end up sharing a shop (one has a music shop and the other a miscellaneous shop that later transforms into something more interesting). What starts with prejudices and constant clashes, slowly turns into a deeper relationship when they both realise that they are not as different as they thought.

What stands out most in the book is the light and fun tone. From the very first chapter, the scenes between the main characters are entertaining, with many comical situations that keep a good pace. The dialogue is witty and reflects well the back-and-forth that is typical of this type of novels, but without being too heavy-handed. It also plays very well with the theme of prejudice and how it can blind people, something that is always present in the evolution of their relationship.

What is interesting is that it is not just a romantic comedy. It also touches on more serious issues, such as environmentalism, violence against animals, sexual abuse and, above all, the difference in social classes, which really affects the relationship of the main characters. However, it seems that the author wanted to cover too many topics, and some are not developed as much as they could have been. The issue of class difference, for example, seems to be the most relevant and directly affects the conflict between the protagonists, but it would have been great if more space had been devoted to it.

One detail that didn't quite work for me was the subplot of the sabotage in the shop. Although at first it seemed to be an intriguing part of the story, by the end the twists and turns were too far-fetched, and when it is finally revealed who was behind it all, it is rather absurd. Moreover, it was sort of obvious from the beginning, so the revelation doesn't have as much impact as it should.

Despite these ups and downs, the relationship between the protagonists is very well constructed. While much of the conflict revolves around misunderstandings and miscommunication, which is typical for some novels in the genre, here it is well handled and doesn't feel forced or overly frustrating. There does come a point where you feel like stepping in and sitting them down to talk as if it were a schoolyard fight. As I say, although it's a common occurrence in these types of stories, it would have been more interesting if, after some evolution in their relationship, the conflict stopped being based on miscommunication and was more about working together as a couple, which would have added another layer to the story.

All in all, Stuck Together is a light and entertaining read, perfect for those who enjoy a romantic Christmas comedy with a touch of some social issues. Although some parts could have been better explored and the sabotage subplot doesn't quite convince me, the humour and chemistry between the main characters make it a worthwhile read, especially if you like your contemporary romance with sparkle.


SPANISH

Stuck Together, de Lily Joseph, es una de esas novelas románticas navideñas que te engancha con su dinámica de enemies to lovers o más bien rivals to lovers. La trama gira en torno a dos personajes que, aunque parecen completamente opuestos al principio, terminan compartiendo un local (uno tiene una tienda de música y la otra una de cosas variadas que luego se transforma en algo más interesante). Lo que empieza con prejuicios y constantes choques, poco a poco se convierte en una relación más profunda cuando ambos se dan cuenta de que no son tan diferentes como pensaban.

Lo que más destaca en el libro es el tono ligero y divertido. Desde el primer capítulo, las escenas entre los protagonistas son entretenidas, con muchas situaciones cómicas que mantienen un buen ritmo. Los diálogos son ingeniosos y reflejan bien ese tira y afloja típico de este tipo de novelas, pero sin llegar a ser demasiado pesado. Además, juega muy bien con el tema de los prejuicios y cómo pueden cegar a las personas, algo que siempre está presente en la evolución de su relación.

Lo interesante es que no se queda solo en la comedia romántica. También toca temas más serios, como el ecologismo, la violencia contra los animales, el abuso sexual y, sobre todo, la diferencia de clases, que realmente afecta la relación de los protagonistas. Sin embargo, parece que la autora quiso abarcar demasiados temas, y algunos no se desarrollan tanto como podrían haberlo hecho. El tema de la diferencia de clases, por ejemplo, parece ser el más relevante y afecta de manera directa el conflicto entre los protagonistas, pero hubiera sido genial que le dedicara más espacio.

Un detalle que no funcionó del todo fue la subtrama del sabotaje en la tienda. Aunque al principio parecía que iba a ser una parte intrigante de la historia, al final los giros eran demasiado exagerados y, cuando por fin se descubre quién estaba detrás de todo, el desenlace resulta bastante absurdo. Además, se veía venir desde el principio, así que la revelación no tiene tanto impacto como debería.

A pesar de esos altibajos, la relación entre los protagonistas está muy bien construida. Si bien gran parte del conflicto gira en torno a malentendidos y falta de comunicación, algo típico en algunas novelas del género, aquí está bien llevado y no se siente forzado ni excesivamente frustrante. Eso sí, llega un punto en el que dan ganas de intervenir y sentarlos a hablar como si fuera una pelea de patio de colegio. Como digo, aunque es algo común en este tipo de historias, habría sido más interesante que, después de cierta evolución en su relación, el conflicto dejara de basarse en la falta de comunicación y fuera más sobre trabajar juntos como pareja, lo que habría añadido otra capa a la historia.

En resumen, Stuck Together es una lectura ligera y entretenida, perfecta para quienes disfrutan de una comedia romántica navideña con una pincelada sobre algunos temas sociales. Aunque algunos podrían haber sido mejor explorados y la subtrama del sabotaje no termina de convencerme, el humor y la química entre los protagonistas hacen que valga la pena leerla, sobre todo si te gusta el romance contemporáneo con chispa.

Funny. Sweet. Seasonal. What more could you even need from a Christmas story!

This was so much fun to read, I devoured it within 48 hours because I couldn’t put it down! I had several moments where I giggled to myself and then over explained to my long suffering partner, because I was just having so much fun I had to share what I was thinking!

I loved the characters, they were so much fun to get to know. I had moments where i giggled, some where i sighed in frustration, or outright wanted to kick someone. The writing style just sucks you in from the start and I found myself remaking my cup of tea several times because I had devoured a few chapters again and let it go cold. Note to self. When reading a book from this Author, use my keep mug!!

I didn’t want to put it down even when I reached the end. So I know that this is one I will be reading every year!

This book is 7.8 out of 10 and thoroughly enjoyable!

It was an easy and quick read full of very vibrant and loveable characters. From Annie's parents to the other proprietors at the arcade, I found myself imagining how lovely and fun life would be if I could have this cast of characters in my life.

I laughed out loud so much and was so inspired by Annie's entrepreneurial pursuits that I considered starting a pop-up shop! I think Annie and her mom Denise were so relatable when it was revealed their history of ever-changing interests. This plus the day-to-day and the special events they put on in the shop, I found this to really fulfil the cozy-Christmas vibe and I suddenly cannot wait for the Holiday Season.

The romance unfolded very nicely and was more slow burn but it seemed much more realistic than in other romance books that I've encountered so far. The mystery aspect of the book had such twists that I did not at all see coming! This book comes out October 29, 2024!

Thank you to NetGalley, Lily Joseph and Bookouture for the eARC of this book!

I really enjoyed Stuck Together - romance/hate, Christmas and great characters. A book perfect for a cosy autumn evening.

Opposites (in more ways than one), colleagues to lovers, fake engagement and.....Christmas! Annie and Penn come from two different worlds but she doesn't really know that when she sets up shop in his record store. They pick at one another (delightful dialogue) but then Penn needs her and she comes through. You'll smile especially when their families are in the frame. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read for a lazy day.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lily Joseph and Bookouture for allowing me to ARC read for ‘Stuck Together.’

I really enjoyed this, though I have to say, I didn’t really egg ‘enemies to lovers’ from Annie and Penn. They were more like friends that hen peck each other.
The story was fun and interesting, and I liked the contrast of ‘privileged family’ Vs. ‘every day, working class family.’

I will say that the first 40% of this dragged, not much was happening with little pay off. The pacing did pick up after this point, and it became more enjoyable.
I don’t feel like the third act breakup was necessary, because there were already a few other plot devices going on.

The characters were fun, and I loved that this was set in Newcastle.

Overall, this is a fun, festive read. I’d recommend giving this one a go!