Love this book. It's emotional and funny. Felicity has some histories because of that she struggles to trust people or accept help. As she starts to live in the village, starts a new life, she begins to trust people and make friends. Her journey is not just romance, it's about rebuilding herself a future. Jesse is patient, understanding and kind hearted. He also has story of his own. Their romance is filled with undeniable chemistry, playful banter and tender love and understanding. If you love small town romance, personal growth, slow burn then this book delivers all of these.

If you’ve ever wanted to buy a crumbling farmhouse on a whim after a heartbreak… same, Felicity, same. This book was such a cozy, feel-good read with just the right mix of heart and humor—I adored the grumpy-sunshine vibe between Felicity and Jesse, and their slow-burn romance gave me all the warm fuzzies. The setting? Total countryside romcom perfection. I knocked off a star only because I wanted a little more emotional depth in a few scenes, but overall, this one left me smiling and swooning—an absolute delight!

Thank you NetGalley, Maxine Morrey, and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read the book in exchange for a honest review.

This was a DNF for me, sorry. If I persevered I may have gotten into it but it really wasn’t grabbing me.

This was such a delightful rom-com that I read it in one afternoon.

Felicity is a no-nonsense interior decorator who doesn’t let anyone get in her way until her scoundrel fiancée dumps her for another woman. This leads to a lot of wine drinking and bad decisions, including quitting her job. During her wine infused haze, she sells her condo and buys a fixer upper in the country-sight unseen. What she didn’t realize was how much it needed fixing and that it came with chickens! The laughter continues with disintegrating clothes, knocking down a Gorgeous Man (who happens to be a neighbor), thunder storms, and trees through her roof.

This is an absolutely delightful story, with many laugh out loud moments. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quick paced romance.

Thank you to Net Galley for this e-arc book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fliss is heartbroken, her life is in tatters, her partner had cheated on her and in the depths of her despair she buys a house in the country. She can do it up and then look to what she wants to do with her future.

This was a very good idea until a tree decides to make life difficult, if life in the country wasnt bad enough she now has to move in with the grumpy handyman Jessie until her house if fixed. But why is he so keen to help her.

Jessie doesnt want to get close to Fliss, but he feels a obligation, his cousin sold the property to her knowing how much of a money pit it was, he knew he had sold it to her for spite as he knew Jessie would have bought it in a heartbeat.

Living with Jessie is confusing, there are mixed messages at every turn, Jessie has a secret but when Fliss discovers it can she make a future with Jessie or will their demons hold them back.

I love a fixer up story, The characters are very well written and deal with some major issues with sensitive and careful handling, the story takes its time to get to the ending but it is so worth the journey.

Would definitely recommend.

Felicity gets completely blitzed after her fiancée leaves her and marries someone else - using the wedding package she paid for; sells her swanky London flat and buys a "fixer-upper" house in the country, sight unseen. Of course, when she arrives she realises the house is in a complete state and not exactly habitable.

She literally knocks the village good guy (and hot guy) on his arse when she nails him with a piece of 2x4 and while they try to be grumpy at one another it lasts for all of about a day before they decide they can help each other out.

Felicity was brought up without any real loving family and only had her Nanny for company. But then her father lost all their money and she was bullied at school. She then clawed her way to the top of the social ladder again only to be knocked off again when she lost her job and her fiancée. Everything she has ever achieved has been on her own and without any help from anyone - to ask for help or show emotion is a weakness!

Jesse is a widower in the village and it was his cousin who sold Felicity the uninhabitable house so he feels duty bound to help her out with fixing it up. He also forces his help on her as it's plain to everyone Felicity isn't capable of asking for it.

I liked the story well enough but I couldn't connect with any of the characters. Felicity was annoying and incredibly cliché while Jesse was a good guy but prone to putting his foot in his mouth every five seconds.

There was no spice and no real build up to them getting together. One minute they're friends, talking about their lives, the next they're making out and are suddenly a couple. Then there is a third act break up which again was completely out of nowhere and completely out of proportion for what the situation required.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Unfortunately this was a DNF for me, I think others will love this but it just wasn’t for me.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the arc. 🫶🏻

I love stories where the characters grow and progress to achieve happiness they had never thought possible due to trauma in the past. Such is the case with Fliss. The ride is fun and enlivened by her relationship with Jesse. I thoroughly enjoyed the situations and the locale of 'Reach for the Stars' and will look for more with this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Unfortunately this book was just not for me. I tried to get into it but felt too much disconnect with the characters and where the story was going.

REVIEW: Reach for the Stars by Maxine Morrey ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reach for the Stars is a delightful, light-hearted romantic comedy that shines with cozy charm and adorable shenanigans. The story follows Fliss, a city girl who, after losing her job and attempting to escape the heartbreak caused by her ex-fiancé's wedding, moves to the countryside to renovate a dilapidated farmhouse. Enter Jesse Woods, a handy and handsome local whose help (and possibly his heart) Fliss begins to rely on.

The characters, especially Fliss, experience significant development throughout the book. Fliss grows from a heartbroken woman to a more self-assured and resilient person, and it’s gratifying to witness her evolution. Morrey’s strength lies in her portrayal of Fliss’s gradual transformation. Throughout the book, we witness a believable character arc as Fliss moves from heartache to a slow, albeit clumsy, journey of self-discovery.

The quirky situations- from mishaps like a misbehaving roof colliding with a tree provide the perfect set-up for laugh-out-loud moments, adding an enjoyable element to the narrative. Along with endearing small-town shenanigans that add a cozy, feel-good vibe. The supporting cast of lively, warm-hearted villagers further enriches the backdrop of this story.

This is a sweet, closed-door romance, making it ideal for readers who prefer romance without explicit content. The countryside setting and friendly village characters offer a warm, welcoming atmosphere that beautifully complements the charming story. There's certainly an undeniable "meet-cute" vibe between Fliss and Jesse, making their interactions engaging despite the slower build-up of their relationship. That said, the romance is where the story stumbles for me. The chemistry between Fliss and Jesse feels muted, too formal, and at times forced. Given the focus on Fliss’s perspective, we miss out on understanding Jesse's thoughts and emotions. A dual POV might have added crucial depth, heightening the anticipation and strengthening the romantic tension. Additionally, the story’s pacing can be slow, and it took quite a bit of time for the plot to really gain momentum and bring the characters together.

Overall, "Reach for the Stars" is an enjoyable story filled with warmth, humor, and moments of growth. However, it lacks that spark of chemistry that could have made it unforgettable. I would rate this book 3 out of 5 stars - charming, but with room for more passion and depth.

Reach for the Stars was such a sweet book! I loved seeing the character growth and found family for Fliss! I love a renovation and this one felt super special!

Reach for the Stars was a nice story but I did struggle with it. I feel it was quite drawn out in places so my attention tended to drift which caused me to loose interest - maybe I just wasn't in the mood for a story from this genre.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.

The story is cute. Small town, tight community, trying to figure out her purpose FMC. The writing was hard to get through, however. The author knew how to build relationships but the communication between the characters could be trying. I’ll give this author another go, though.

This is a second Maxine Morrey book I have read and I absolutely loved it! Nothing like a rom com with a fixer upper house … more like a money pit! Thank you for this early copy - Maxine Morrey never disappoints!

I I was utterly inspired by how effortlessly this story seized my attention, drawing me in with Felicity's journey and leaving me deeply invested. Right from the start, I found myself rooting for her with unwavering enthusiasm, yearning to celebrate her triumphs and offer solace during her struggles. There's something profoundly captivating about a beautifully crafted small-town romance, and this one shines with the same irresistible charm that has captivated me in the works of Abby Jimenez and Emily Henry. While certain moments may feel a touch sentimental, the dialogue remains refreshingly genuine and delightful, allowing me to envision these characters thriving in real life. As I grew to cherish each character, including those in supporting roles, I appreciated the closed-door approach to this romance, where the palpable chemistry between Felicity and Jesse was masterfully woven, rendering the absence of explicit content utterly inconsequential. What resonated deeply with me was the story's thoughtful balance, where Felicity's personal growth took center stage, and the romance elegantly complemented her journey rather than defining it. Although the narrative's pacing occasionally felt uneven, making it challenging to discern the passage of time and external events, this minor quibble did little to diminish my enchantment with this profoundly moving tale.

This is a delightful read for fans of feel-good, laugh-out-loud romantic comedies who enjoy stories about overcoming heartbreak, self-discovery, and second chances, with a dash of witty humor and a strong, relatable heroine.

Book Review: Stars in the Gutter by Maxine Morrey

Maxine Morrey’s Stars in the Gutter is a heartwarming and hilariously charming rom-com that is the perfect antidote to a tough day. A delightful fixer-upper romance with a relatable heroine, swoon-worthy hero, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this book is a must-read for fans of romantic comedies.

Fliss’s life takes a nosedive after a bad breakup with her ex-fiancé, whose perfect wedding to another woman she can’t escape on social media. In an impulsive attempt to escape her heartache, Fliss makes a rash decision that leaves her jobless but gains her the kind of project she never expected: a rundown farmhouse in the country. Though the house may be a money pit, Fliss’s new life offers the promise of a fresh start, especially with the kind and handsome Jesse Woods around to help with the renovations. But as sparks fly between them, Fliss is reluctant to trust her heart again.

Fliss is a relatable and endearing protagonist, and her journey from heartbreak to healing is both touching and full of humor. Her self-deprecating humor and witty inner monologue had me laughing out loud throughout the book. I absolutely adored how she navigates her emotional turmoil, from her struggle to let go of her past to the hilarious mishaps as she tries to fix up her new home.

Jesse is the perfect romantic lead—genuinely kind, down-to-earth, and incredibly helpful. His patience and understanding are just what Fliss needs as she learns to open up and trust again. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their slow-burn romance kept me eagerly turning the pages. Jesse’s willingness to lend a hand (and a heart) to Fliss is swoon-worthy, and his unwavering support as she takes on the challenges of her new life makes him utterly irresistible.

The book also has a perfect blend of supporting characters who add warmth and humor to the story, while the beautiful country setting creates a cozy, feel-good backdrop for the romance to blossom. Maxine Morrey has a wonderful ability to create lovable, relatable characters that readers can’t help but root for, and Stars in the Gutter is no exception.

If you’re looking for a charming, uplifting rom-com filled with heart and humor, Stars in the Gutter is the perfect read. Maxine Morrey’s writing is sharp, witty, and brimming with warmth. I couldn’t put it down, and it left me with a smile on my face and a lightness in my heart. If you’re a fan of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk, or Sophie Ranald, you’ll love this delightful, romantic tale.

Rating: 5/5
A fun, heartfelt rom-com that will make you laugh, swoon, and believe in second chances. Maxine Morrey delivers a story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.

If you are looking for a cosy, uplifting romantic read then look no further. Reach for the Stars was a delight to read and I really enjoyed my time with the characters. Let’s just say that Fliss does not have it easy at the start of this book. I was willing her to succeed and turn all the little and well, big disasters into something more positive. I especially loved the first meeting between Fliss and Jesse. It made me smile and was kind of embarrassing for both of them, albeit for different reasons. What follows is a tentative friendship that develops into something more.

I thought Maxine Morrey did a lovely job of crafting their romance. It was a bit of a slow burn and it worked so well for Fliss and Jesse. I felt for both characters, both with pasts that could have had negative effects on them. Let’s just say that I was really rooting for them. The pacing of the book was good and I was fully invested in Fliss and Jesse’s story. I also really liked some of the minor characters too like Caro and Julie.

Reach for the Stars was a complete hug in a book. I definitely recommend this wonderful feel good story!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book got off to a slow start, but I ended up really enjoying it!

"Reach for the Stars" by Maxine Morrey follows Felicity (Fliss), whose life takes an unexpected turn when her ex-fiancé decides to marry someone else – at the very wedding she paid for. In the aftermath of this betrayal and a drunken night, Fliss finds herself unemployed in London and the surprising owner of a run-down farmhouse in the countryside.

Adjusting to village life proves challenging for the fiercely independent Fliss, especially when it comes to accepting help from others. Her path crosses with Jesse, a generous soul whose natural inclination to assist others conflicts with her self-reliant nature. It takes a tree crashing through her roof for Fliss to finally begrudgingly accept that sometimes, we all need a helping hand.

Morrey excels at peeling back the layers of both Fliss and Jesse's characters, revealing their depths through moments of kindness and vulnerability. The novel thoughtfully explores how past hurts can lead us to build walls, as Fliss embodies the belief that avoiding trust means avoiding disappointment.

This compelling story strikes a delicate balance between raw emotion and humor while offering insightful observations about human nature. Though romance plays a significant role, "Reach for the Stars" transcends the genre, delivering a nuanced exploration of trust, healing, and the courage it takes to open oneself to new possibilities.

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books. All opinions expressed are my own.