This book was a DNF for me at the 30% mark. I could just not get into the story line at all. The writing felt very erratic, like the main character. Lana's upset that her family has this very negative viewpoint of her, so she goes out to prove them right by potentially doing all the wrong things.
I also could not stand the inconsistencies within the writing. In the first couple of chapters, Lana finds out her sister is being married, "the next February", but then "part 2" of the story takes place two years later.

I could not get into this book, and maybe I will try again in the future, but I don't think I will.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Lana and Ethan have a meet cute but after they hook up they agree not to see each other again because they cause havoc together. Book then jumps to 2 ish years later, when Lana has to go to a family wedding in Australia and needs a date that will horrify her family. I was into the story prior to the time jump, but after I felt like it dragged to the point that I almost gave up. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this closed door romance. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldworld Books for the eARC.

Wish You Weren't Here by Portia MacIntosh is another fun, laugh out loud read from this always entertaining author.

Lana has been invited to attend the wedding of her sister in Australia, and the date just happens to coincide with her milestone thirtieth birthday. Desperate to find a date who will behave just disgracefully enough to rattle her snobbish family, Lana struggles to find the right man for the job, until her ex Ethan steps into the breach in just the nick of time. Things have a way of becoming chaotic when these two exes mix, but perhaps their relationship will be just the thing for getting through the madness of a family wedding.

I flew through this one as I find Ms MacIntosh's narratives to be so compulsively readable and hugely enjoyable.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

This book starts a little slow, but once it picks up, it’s a fast and easy read with a few twists that kept me hooked. I appreciated how unpredictable it was at times, and the MMC Ethan completely stole the show for me. His charm and energy made him an absolute standout!

Lana, the FMC, was relatable, but her indecisiveness was frustrating at times - especially since she only sorted out her feelings near the end. Her family’s terrible treatment of her was a major plot point, but I wish the story had addressed it more in depth. And while I’m a sucker for happily ever afters, the lack of an epilogue left me wanting a bit more closure.

That said, the chemistry between Lana and Ethan was undeniable, and their banter was top-tier. I loved how their dynamic kept me laughing throughout. If you’re in the mood for a fun, over the top, romantic comedy, this one is worth the read!

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood books for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback!

I feel like this book had so much potential, but I was a bit underwhelmed with it. First, the writing felt a bit juvenile to me. The characters are supposed to be in their 30’s but were quoting TikTok and acted like teenagers I almost forgot they were 30 until Lana’s birthday was mentioned. I also felt like the chapters ended weird. A lot of them ended with questions or “…” which feels inexperienced, in my opinion. I will say I really enjoyed the characters (mostly), the banter, and the comedic timing. I also enjoyed the concept of the book-I love the fake dating trope! Overall, I enjoyed the book but didn’t love it.

I am a Portia MacIntosh fan and her latest book was a winner. Wish You Weren’t Here was a fun read! Pick this one up on publication day!

I wish Lana was my bestie that’s how great she is. There was something about Lana that just warmed your heart, I know lots of people will see the party girl who doesn’t take life seriously, but she is so much more than that, maybe Ethan will be the one to show her that, or maybe it will be someone else. This was such a funny and romantic story, there are twists and herrings galore and enough to keep you hooked, even if it’s a dumpster fire. This is such a great story and an author that just writes amazing stories with such creative characters that you cant help falling in love with even the craziest ones.

A cute romcom that is relatable and a quick and easy read. Love the concept of this book and how realistic is is, thus making it relatable.

Trying to pick a favorite book of Portia’s is like asking you to pick your favorite child. You know the correct answer is all of them but deep down you know if you had to choose there would be a pecking order. That’s probably said in poor taste as I have no children, but this book would be in the top five of all of her works I’ve read. Ethan and Lana were so wrong for each other on paper but were so right where it counted. This book had me grinning until the end. This was the perfect combination of humorous exploits, a cast of odd characters and a love story that was meant to be. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for this free advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a really great addition to MacIntosh's books! I really enjoyed the time jump between encounters.

Lana has had enough. Her ‘perfect’ sister is getting married. In Australia. On Lana’s 30th birthday and no one seems to have noticed. To make matters worse, she’s been given a list of rules she must follow.

Lana plans to bring an inappropriate date to cause chaos at the wedding. She can’t find anyone then ex Ethan reappears in her life. Previously it didn’t work, but could Lana make this work in her favour… just for the wedding?
However, when they arrive in Australia Ethan seems to have forgotten he’s only there to help cause chaos. Instead he’s charming, nothing like she remembers. Lana wants revenge, not a rekindled holiday romance…but Ethan isn’t playing ball.

What another fabulous read by Portia. I love her books. This book was so easy to read I breezed through it enjoying every moment and wanting more. You could feel the connection with Lana and Ethan which continued throughout and I loved the humour and emotion. The book was funny and romantic with a few twists. Another really enjoyable read.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood
Books for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

I had fun reading this book! It has a little bit more spice (still fade to black) than Portia's the books, and I loved it. It helped to emphasize their pull and connection to each other. I thought the two main characters did a good job at balancing each other out. I had quite a few laughs with their ever growing hysterics. I do wish her family was confronted or got their comeuppance so to speak. I also wish there was an HEA but who knows...maybe there will be another book!

Another comedic/romantic read from Portia MacIntosh!
I was expecting a little more development from Beau & Lana, but happy endings are good, although the big move above the Sydney Harbour bridge seemed abit out of the blue.

I enjoyed the book, I refuse to delve too deeply into the problems of the main character because I am also having a hard week and a difficult family (I totally relate to the horrible mum/stepmum think, when every word from them is a cutting one)... so would recommend this book for a beach read as well!

Thanks for Netgalley for the ARC!

After a whirlwind date with Ethan, Lana wants to keep her distance. Though sparks were flying between the pair, these sparks were causing damage all around them. But a year and some change later Ethan is back in Leeds and Lana needs a date to her uppity’s sister’s wedding. After an infuriating lunch with her family about her “bad behavior” aka being a regular human vs a rich elite Lana decides to bring a date that her family would be appalled by. Will Lana and her date end up being more than just chaos makers?

This one was really funny, but super unrealistic. I have to admit I was sucked in instantly. Fast paced plot, funny characters, and interesting story line. If you like funny, black sheep stories, with a hot mmc this one’s for you!

One bed
Destination wedding plus one
Fake dating

Thanks netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars rounded up)

Lana's sister is getting married, and the family is worried she's going to wreck it somehow. Instead of changing their minds she decides to show up with the exact kind of date they expect her to bring.

I found it slow to begin until Lana really starts looking for her terrible date for her sisters wedding. There were some definite laugh out loud moments, especially when Lana starts dating.

Once I hit about half way through I flew through the rest not wanting to set it down. I will definitely read another of Portia's books in the future.

This was ok, Lana and Ethan have a meeting cute in the beginning and then they cause some havoc - cut to 2 years later her sister is getting married she needs a date to prove a point to her family - she feels like odd man out with them - through a series of events she takes Ethan (who she has sworn off ) to the wedding (in Australia from the UK) i don't know it felt rushed, didn't feel like to me they addressed the family stuff, Lana was kinda whiny, it's fine for something to read but it was just ok for me

I read this book on my Kindle, and it was such an engaging journey. The story had a strong focus on the magnetic connection between the main characters—a friends-with-benefits dynamic that naturally grew into something deeper. Their interactions, rooted in a work environment, added a realistic tension that kept me hooked.

The family subplot, however, felt underdeveloped and not impactful enough to be memorable. It didn’t add much to the overall narrative, which might have been stronger if the focus had stayed entirely on the two leads.

What stood out to me was how the story balanced humor and emotional moments, making the relationship feel genuine. I only wish there had been an epilogue to give the characters’ journey a more complete resolution. Still, this was an enjoyable read for anyone who loves workplace romances with layered characters and a touch of spice.

1.5/5

Two years ago, Lana and Ethan spent a few days together in a wild, passionate fling that ended in disaster. Fast forward to now, Lana is getting ready to celebrate her 30th birthday when her younger sister announces she's getting married...in Australia...on Lana's 30th birthday. As if that isn't bad enough, she lays out a list of rules that Lana is to follow at the wedding since Lana is the "irresponsible" and "trashy" one of the family, and they don't want her to embarrass herself. To spite her family, Lana tries to find an inappropriate date to the wedding and meet each of their expectations. However, when no date is found, there is Ethan. And, he is just as dreamy as before. Lana fears the repercussions of spending any time together, let alone pretending to date at a destination wedding, but she has no other choice.

This was not the book for me, unfortunately. From the beginning, I started to notice the quality of the writing was not there, and this theme stayed true for the rest of the book. When Ethan and Lana meet for the first time, it was completely insta-love. There was no true connection shared between the two, outside of physical; the fling that they shared was based on sex alone. The pacing was off; the plot of the entire book (fake-dating trope) is not even hinted at until 53%. Dialogue and family dynamics felt unbelievable. The characters themselves were extremely immature and emotionally childish. The entire storyline (Lana spiting her judgemental family by proving them right with inappropriate and trashy behavior) is absolutely mindboggling. A reasonable person would have ~communication~ which I know is so crazy OR kindly stop interacting with such people. But no, not Lana. Ethan is characterized as smart and charming, but he only eggs Lana on in her ridiculous ways. On the plus side, this book was completed closed door; of course, things are alluded to but no graphic descriptions which I appreciate. However, I am very sad to report that I was thoroughly not impressed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC! All opinions are my own

Lana and Ethan meet at her job when he walks into her boss’ office (the COO) for a meeting with said boss to find Lana there pretending to be said boss and he pretended to be IT support so she went along with it pretending to have a computer problem for him to fix as he shamelessly flirts with her and asks her out that night (Valentine’s Day) then the actual COO comes into the office bahahahaha it’s so ridiculous that it’s hilarious. Well anyways, they have a crazy date night and after the chaos that ensues, they decide to part ways since he’s was from out of town visiting and due to the aforementioned chaos even though they had a great time and amazing chemistry.

I thought the relationship with Lana and Molly was weird. Molly came for her all the time at first, but then they became fast friends and Lana confides her petty plan in her? I also wish we got more of a confession for the two years they spent apart from him or both of them. Also, we needed to have some words with Beau, and Eleanor, and her terrible dad, and her rude af stepmother.

There were many parts I literally laughed out loud. It delivered on both romance and comedy. Lana and Ethan were so adorable together. Everyone else was a bit annoying in different ways.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

📖 Book Review 📖 Portia MacIntosh always delivers a swoon worthy, heartfelt read. Wish You Weren’t Here is comic gold about finding yourself in life when you are in the unfortunate situation of being the black sheep of your family. As Lana approaches the big 3-0, she is stuck celebrating the day with her half-sister’s wedding halfway across the world in Sydney. She might as well add more fuel to the fire of this family chaos and bring her ex Ethan to the wedding…the pandemonium does ensue but it brings about truth and beauty that is written in true Portia MacIntosh form. Wish You Weren’t Here is one delightful roller coaster of emotions that whisks the reader away on an adventure of a lifetime…