This book follows Lana as she rebels against her snooty family’s wedding rules, planning to bring the most inappropriate date she can find. After failing miserably, she runs into her charming ex, Ethan, and the two decide to stir up some chaos together. While the book is fun and fast-paced, I didn’t feel a strong connection between Lana and Ethan, and I couldn’t stand most of the other characters, who were self-absorbed and rude. Still, it was an enjoyable read with some amusing moments of chaos.

This book had it all for me, I loved the characters and there were so many funny moments, great quicky read overall.

Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Portia Macintosh for my free arc copy in exchange for my honest review.
This was a quick enjoyable read, full of classic british humour and a small dose of steamy romance between the main characters.

The beginning was great, however the story felt a little predictable for me and the ending seemed a little rushed. I have read books from this author before and loved them, so this has not put me off reading more in the future, I guess this one just wasn’t my favourite.

"I'm not bossy, I'm the boss!"

Lana is annoyed. Her family is nothing like her. She's down to earth while they are snooty. She is having fun and her younger half sister is getting married. After finding out that they've moved the wedding to her 30th birthday AND have a list of rules that have been designed to help keep her from embarrassing anyone else. Lana has decided to get revenge.

She'll bend the rules and find the most inappropriate wedding date that she can bring with her. But after several unsuccessful attempts, she runs into her gorgeous ex, Ethan. The one with whom she finds she causes chaos with. Perfect. He's up for helping her out but there's a problem. He changes the game once they get to the wedding and is being the perfect date.

This was cute, but I felt it was a little flat. I didn't really feel like the relationship between Ethan and Lana was really developed. Also, I HATED every other character. They were mean and very self-centered. Not only that, but with Lana wanting to prove them wrong about her, why would she want to try to date someone from the same circle.

Overall, enjoyable. I read it fairly quickly and did enjoy the chaos that Ethan and Lana seemed to cause! Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Portia MacIntosh for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book!

Wish You Weren’t Here by Portia McEntire, I really thought this book started out like gangbusters because Lana was so likable and then the first two or three chapters. I thought she would absolutely be my favorite character by this author, but I must admit I liked her with Eathan but didn’t like the way she let her family get over on her not to mention the book is called. Wish you weren’t here and for most of the book Eathan isn’t. Lana meets Eathan by pretending to be the COO of the app company where she works only to be embarrassed when her real boss shows up. despite that he still wants to date her on Valentine’s night where they played the “yes” game and I’m not gonna lie. I thought this part was so funny. Unfortunately, the bliss only lasts a couple of days because he has to head back to London. It’s two years later and her stepsister’s big day has arrived. She’s getting married in Australia and Lana is scrambling for a date when she runs into none other than Eathan. she soon starts thinking about their chaotic fun filled relationship and decides to invite him thinking it will shake things up in Australia, but unfortunately, Eathan, who was supposed to be a negative distraction and over shine the event turns out to have a public meet the parents persona that only goes to impress her dad and Beatrice her stepmom. I think where this book went wrong is the whole thing with Steve her being 30 and not having her life together nor her own apartment her definitely having problems with personal space and self-respect I mean that whole thing with bringing him to Jennifer‘s office I just thought that was terrible. Not to mention Eathan when they first meet tells her he lives with his parents and is on a job interview so he is unemployed I just think this whole book could’ve been way better because it was funny and initially I loved Lana but then again in the beginning I like Steve as well but boy did he change. i’m still giving this book 3 stars because I laughed so much as always. It just wasn’t in my opinion, swoon worthy.#NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks, #PortiaMcEntire, #WishYouWeren’tHere,

A year on from Enemies to Lovers I am back for another dose of Portia Macintosh. Wish you weren’t here- a great read to kick off 2025. Lana was a great lead. Unlucky in love and the black sheep of the family. Sister’s wedding in Australia on her big birthday gives Lana the opportunity to get even with her family. Question is what lengths would she be willing to go to.

Enjoyed it. Looking forward to more reading in 2025

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC of Wish You Weren’t Here, while there parts of this book I really loved it mostly fell flat for me. I felt like there were too many unanswered questions and the characters were underdeveloped. The ex boyfriend was creepy and that side plot felt unnecessary. I’m sure this book will definitely find its way into many readers hearts.

A really easy read, perfect for your holiday read in the sun!
It was simple, funny, and quick to get through.
Just what you need to escape from the cold weather!!
First from this author and won't be the last. Definitely will pick up another for my next holiday.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I felt like this was a pretty cute rom-com! It definitely had some cute moments and some moments that tended to drag a bit. Towards the beginning/middle when she’s trying to find someone to take with her to Australia I felt like it dragged a bit. I would have preferred to cut some of that section, but still show her struggle while finding someone, and then have more story of them falling for each other in Australia. I’m thankful to NetGalley for the ARC (whoop whoop) and I’m glad a read it even though it wasn’t a 5 ⭐️ read for me personally
3/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️

Another fantastic romcom from one of my favorite romance authors! Portia MacIntosh masterfully creates female characters facing realistic issues, problems, and challenges in both their professional and personal life and I adore her for it!

This book was a four star read. I enjoyed the fake-date to a family wedding trope especially since it was set in Australia. I loved how Lana was determined to be her worst self after her wealthy father and his new family felt the need to warn Lana about her behavior at her half sister’s wedding just for Lana to realize she only needed to be herself. And I loved how Ethan was there, every step of the way, to help Lana come to the conclusion she was more than good enough even if her family didn’t agree.

I HIGHLY recommend checking this book out as soon as you can! And I also encourage you to binge all of Portia’s other novels. I’ve loved every single one of the books I’ve read by her and am always excited to see a new one.

Thank you to NetGalley, Portia MacIntosh, and Boldwood Books for gifting me an advanced reader copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another Portia novel, another fab read. Yes, it was a little predictable and cheesy but it was just what was needed. I love reading these, they’re so quick and full of fun that you can’t put them down. This one was read in a day and was just as good as the others I’ve read.

Lana is the definitive black sheep, invited to her sister’s wedding in Australia on her 30th birthday. So after being told how to act, what to wear etc, she decides to give the family exactly what they’d expect of her. She just needs to find a man who’ll fit the description to take with her. Cue some disastrous dates including Pat….IYKYK!

If you’re a lover of easy fun romcom’s then Portia is the queen and you need to read this and her previous books. She’ll quickly become one of your go to authors.

Wish You Weren't Here, by Portia MacKintosh, starts as a funny meet-cute and grabbed my attention right away. The story, however, lagged a bit in the middle and I found myself skimming the text to get to the more interesting parts. It did come around and ended up being a fun entertaining read!

Thanks for the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Lana’s sister, who has been brought up in a better surrounding to her is getting married, that too on her 30th birthday in Australia.

Lana has always felt like an outsider to her family, and she’s advised specific things how she’s to dress and act on the day. But, feeling riled, she wants to get back at her family, Not having much luck in finding a plus one, she decides to ask her ex boyfriend Ethan, and informs him how or what he has to do. But on arriving in Australia, he’s forgotten that he’s to make trouble, and is instead charming her family.

It was lovely to see how Ethan was there for Lana, and eventually Lana too changed her outlook on life.

I recommend this book.

This s was a fun read and I enjoyed it very much. I always enjoy Portia's stories. If you're looking for a fun, quick read, this is for you.

This is a typical Portia MacIntosh book - fun, funny, and a plot where things keep going wrong.

I liked the characters and the plot, although it has that slightly frustrating aspect - why can’t everyone just say what they need to say?! I was glad there wasn’t a ton of Lana pushing “the” guy away and misunderstandings were resolved quickly. All in all, another light, fun read!

Well that was a fun, chaotic rom-com! This was my first novel from Portia Macintosh and I enjoyed the writing style and pace of the book. I thought Ethan was charming and fun, though a few spots were a bit over the top! You couldn't help but feel for Lana in the midst of all the family drama and to root for her throughout. I think it's worth a read if you like second-chance romances and lovable chaos!

Another hilarious book by Portia Macintosh.......

Lana is turning 30 and her life isn't exactly on track. To top things off, her younger sister announces her wedding will be held on Lana's birthday. Her family are well to do and like to portray that rich person image whereas Lana is a wild child.....determined to enjoy life as much as possible......what could go wrong??!!
Throw in a trip to Australia and a dodgy partner as her plus one along with a wicked stepmother....Portia brings us a fantastically fun story. A great book to curl up with on a cold English day.

Really loved this book by Portia Macintosh!
The fact it took me 2 days to read it shows I didn’t want to put it down. Her books are a delight to read and she’s quickly becoming one of my favourite authors.
Lana is a nearly 30 year old single lady living in Leeds. She meets Ethan at work and their couple of nights together blow her mind. Her sister Seph and her dads side of the family are different to her and when a big family event looms she decides she wants to pick a date to take, so she tries to find the most unfitting bachelor in town… I won’t say more as I don’t want to spoil it but I really enjoyed it!

Wish You Weren't Here is a perfect romance for anyone who likes a strong female lead. I read it in one sitting as it was fast-paced. The chemistry between our main characters is great.

My first, but certainly not last Portia Macintosh read!

‘Wish You Weren’t Here’ follows Lana and life as she knows it in the lead-up to her “perfect” younger sister’s wedding, which of course happens to also fall on her thirtieth birthday - an occasion her entire family appears to have completely forgotten.

As if that wasn’t painful enough, she’s pulled aside like a child for a lecture on rules, etiquette, and expectations for the big day. Not that Lana would actually cause a problem - she just doesn’t fit in. And God forbid she upstage or embarrass the bride!

Well, the joke’s on them, Lana decides. She’s going to wear what she wants and bring a date that will show them the true meaning of inappropriate. Not enough to ruin a wedding, but definitely enough to liven things up.

I’m careful to avoid spoilers, but I’ll share this: her plus one ends up being an ex, and what follows is full of laugh-out-loud moments!

I really enjoyed this. Like any good romcom, it was light and entertaining, and the main characters had the best banter.

The only thing I wish was different was the length of the book as a whole, because I would have loved to read more about them!

Thank you for the advanced copy Netgalley.