I really liked this book it was feel good cute story enjoyed the storyline read it in one sitting just a feel good book

Vicky, Kat and Mikey were the best of mates until Vicky and Kat went away to travel the world. Before she left though, Vicky made Mikey promise that they’d end up together if when they turned 30 they were still single.

Now Vicky who was expecting a proposal from her flighty boyfriend Jez, realizes that he wants to end things and she’s on her way back to her small hometown, her parent’s home and to wondering what happened to her best friends. She decides she needs to find a job to keep her sanity and to find what happened to Kat and Mikey.

While it’s been eight years since the friends have seen each other, when Vicky and Kat meet up although they are tentative around each other, it’s like they’ve never been apart. Vicky realizes that Kat’s life hasn’t turned out how they expected either. She’s not the high powered lawyer but instead is in a nearby town and about to marry.

Unfortunately it’s going to be harder to patch things up with Mikey. He now goes by Murphy and isn’t quite so geeky any more. Actually it seems that he’s the one that made something big out of his life but when he sees Vicky he is reminded about their past and just how much her and her family helped him through his family drama.

There were a lot of misunderstandings between the friends but can time heal all wounds? With flashbacks for the three characters we find out what made them change. Big secrets, romance and two characters (Vicky and Mikey) who really had me rooting for them. A fun, light-hearted modern romance novel.

Source: Advance review copy

Sweet story but a bit choppy. The characters were fun & the ending entertaining. Some of the plot was predictable but not in a bad way. Good read to relax & enjoy the ride.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

This is a lovely, pleasant story that really connects with the past and present of my generation - 80s baby, 90s school child. It explores friendship and the loss of close friendship with real understanding. You really connect with all of the three main characters and come away feeling that the author really gets you.

I originally thought the premise of this well written and highly entertaining novel was a little old fashioned and maybe even silly but stick with it and you will be rewarded. Kemp has written a funny tale with three good characters in Mike, Kate, and Vicky, all of whom do grow up over the course of the story. This made for a pleasant read on a cold snowy day but because it's very plot driven, it would also be great if you're traveling ( ;)_ and want something diverting to read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC- thumbs up!

Whatever Happened to Vicky Hope's Back Up Man is a novel of friendship, misunderstanding, hurt feelings, forgiveness, and reconciliation. This is the fourth novel by Laura Kemp.

Best friends Vicky, Katherine, and Mikey were all rather misfits in high school. Katherine's controlling mother removed her from the threesome by over scheduling her every moment. Vicky and Mikey became ever closer, even through Vicky's college years. Family issues kept Mikey at home, but his crazy tech skills and forward thinking may be even more valuable than a degree.

The night before Vicky leaves on a world backpacking trip with Kate, Vicky swears Mikey to promise if they are both single at 30, they will get together. And although along the way each one realizes the feelings they have for each other are much more than friendship, neither acts on it.

When Kate leaves Vicky behind in southeast Asia, Vicky gives her a letter to give Mikey that explores the possibility of a future for them. The letter is never delivered and Vicky feels lost, only to align herself with Jez, a ne'er do well artist with whom she travels, then returns with him to Brighton, only a short distance from Vicky's childhood home in Cardiff.

Feeling ignored by Mikey and betrayed by Kate, when Vicky returns to Cardiff after a bitter breakup, she feels its time to reach out to her former friends. The things Vicky learns about her friends, their past, and herself are the crux of the story.

A well written study of interpersonal relationships and the twists and turns involved in long term friendships, this story explores the myriad of ways people react to situations and how, with every occurrence there is a choice to be made as to how one reacts and the pathway that reaction will lead. I did find this an interesting character study and do recommend this book.

I loved this story. I had no expectations going in as to what it would be about but found myself engrossed in the story quickly. I loved the characters and how their lives ebb and flow over the years, but the friendship prevails in the end. Kudos!

The Blurb :
Twenty-one and insecure, Vicky Hope comes up with a plan on the eve of travelling the world with her high flying friend, Kat Lloyd: if she isn't married by the time she's thirty, she'll marry her geeky best mate Mikey Murphy.
Fast-forward eight-and-a-bit years, Vicky, now Vee wakes up on her thirtieth birthday in Brighton, expecting a proposal of marriage from her arty boyfriend Jez. Instead he tells her their relationship is over and she has no choice but to return to her parents' home.
Devastated and alone in her childhood bedroom, she decides she has nothing to lose and tracks down her two old mates. With shock, she discovers Mikey, now Murphy, is a successful app designer driven by his tragic upbringing. Kat, or Kate, never made it - but she hides a devastating secret, which threatens the happiness of all three.


My Thoughts :
Having enjoyed Laura's last book Frankie Green, I couldnt wait to get stuck into this one. I feel her covers are bright and have a happy feel to them, and I can just see them sitting on a shelf in an airport shouting 'read me, read me'.
Vicky, Mikey and Kat make a great little friendship group but fast forward 8 years and things are very different. I enjoyed delving into each charactors background and what has made them the people they are today. Laura Kemp also included some twists and turns which you dont see coming. Aswell keeping the reader on their toes. A well told fast paced story that in parts will have you laughing loud and remembering your own school days.
Another great read from Laura Kemp and I am looking forward to her next book.

Sometimes, life just doesn't go to plan. For Vicky Hope, life is crashing down very quickly indeed, when she finds herself dumped, jobless and back at her parents' place on her thirtieth birthday.

It wasn't what she expected; at twenty-one, Vicky was preparing for her future, about to jet off around the world to embark on a life-changing experience and a bit of fun with her sensible and privileged friend Kat before real life and study took hold. Worrying about her young single status and what the future holds, Vicky and Mikey Murphy made a pact on the night of her farewell barbecue - that if they were still single at thirty, the pair would marry.

Now, eight years later, Vicky's alone. Something she hadn't envisioned all that time ago. And with her life currently in disarray, she decides to track down her former best pals Kat and Mikey, who she hasn't spoken to for years. Only to discover that life has gone on for the others too. Once-quiet Mikey is now a highly successful app designer. Kat, who was always destined for greatness, didn't exactly achieve the glowing future in finance that she had hoped for, and harbours a big secret. Even though they've been separated, Vicky and her friends still share a bond, and it's up to her to not only get her life back on track, but also get back her friends. Including Mikey - but the Mikey that she once knew.

Whatever Happened to Vicky Hope's Back Up Man was a good read. Sweet, nostalgic and warming. Admittedly it did take me a little while to get into it at first - when I began to read about Kat's story, I felt that the book started to pick up. However, it's obvious from the very beginning that Vicky and Mikey share a close bond that's more than friendship, however much they deny it. The chapters are set both in present-day, and also in the past, as we learn more about Vicky, Kat and Mikey's lives throughout their twenties and what happened after the girls went travelling. I did enjoy the sense of nostalgia.

The book includes more than just romance - there is drama, betrayal and tested friendships. I'm not going to reveal any spoilers here, but there are twists in this book that I did not see coming, even though the main plot is quite a predictable one. One thing I particularly liked about the novel was the development of Vicky's character from the beginning to the end, and the prospect of reality. Let's face it, many of us had big dreams when we were twenty-one. Then the real world gets in the way. Laura Kemp has done an amazing job of portraying that young-adult naivete and combining it with the realities of thirty-something life.

This began as a very YA sounding read, but it opens up and continues into a wonderful tale of three friends who met at school and despite the strong forged friendships go on to live their lives separately. The story slips from one to another, and back and forth in time, quite seamlessly and is full of the anguish, joy, self-doubt and confidence which we all have in us, until one day everything clicks and falls into place and suddenly we're all grown up!

The characters aren't perfect - far from it, but it's the mistakes and vulnerability of each of them which strikes a chord ... we have all known a Vicky, Katherine or Michael. Did we stop to think what went on in their lives? Probably not, but this book will make you think about friends and acquaintances who have crossed your path from time to time and let you wonder.

Whatever Happened to Vicky Hope's Back Up Man is the perfect title which truly encompasses everything written on the pages. A read full of love, laughter, tears and the kind of book you really can't put down for long as what's currently happening on the page plays on your mind. A really enjoyable, well written and entertaining novel which I'm so happy to have read

I received an arc copy from Net Galley in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

At 21 Vicky's best friends are Mikey and Kat and they think they have their lives mapped out but just in case Vicky makes a pact with Mikey that if they are not married by the time they are 30 they will marry each other.

Approaching her 30th birthday Vicky thinks that her life is all going to plan she has all that she wants and she thinks that her gorgeous boyfriend is going to propose on her 30th birthday - so imagine her shock when he dumps her instead!

Being back home at her age is so depressing and so she decides to track down her two old friends Mikey and Kat and see what they are up to. Mikey has been very successful but Kat hasn't, and Kat has the secret that could blow their friendships apart!

Another lovely book by this author - her characters are so warm that you cant help but take to them and so you are willing everything to turn out right with the happy ending

Having read and enjoyed Laura Kemp's two previous books I was incredibly happy to see that "What Happened to Vicky Hope's Back Up Man" is to be released. I love the title! I always thought that the shorter the title the better but lately I am changing my mind, the longer titles are really great, don't you think? The cover of this novel is also so promising and it has such a happy feeling - and this is what I have expected from the book when I started reading it.

The story follows Vicky, Kat and Mikey, three friends who couldn't imagine a world without each other. However, fast forward eight years and things look a little different. They've lost touch, in fact they split up not as best friends, and now Vicky tries to make amends with her - back then - best pals.

Laura Kemp has greatly described the characters and I think the best parts of the book were when they were forced by the author to made choices, because it makes you, as the reader, think what you'd do in such situation, how you'd behave. All of the three characters told us their own stories, explained what has happened and how their lives went. The most - maybe not hooking but touching - was Kat's story, in my opinion, and while sometimes it felt too far fetched for me, it was also great to see how she's been changing and how strong she became at the end of the story. Vicky working in a deli has lightened the story, I enjoyed the moments incredibly, especially as her new boss was lovely, full of humour and he believed in Vicky so much - liked the positivity there.

So, so far so good, right. For me, however, the book didn't work as well as Ms Kemp's previous novels. It took me a lot of time to get into the story and to be honest, till the end I wasn't as engaged in it as I'd like. I had problems to warm to the characters, I had problems with the plot, I had problems with the way the story was organized. For me this novel was full of negativity and poor feelings. Mostly I had a feeling we are going in circles and the flashback chapters made me roll my eyes. The characters felt somehow immature and their problems so forced and so over - exaggerated, it was full of lies and secrets. Maybe my biggest problem with Vicky was the fact that she seemed not to know what to do with her life at all? After her relationship crashed she really didn't know what she wants, what it is she wants to do with her life. I couldn't understand the negative feelings between the friends, who they were coming from, and especially Mikey - he was behaving like a child who's just lost his favourite toy, so moody and full of unnecessary sarcasm. The plot felt under - developed to be honest and it was so often hinted that something wrong happened in the past between the friends that made them go separate ways that I eventually lost hope and interest to see what it was. And I don't know why, guys, but it took me a lot of time to warm to the characters, and while at the end I've started to accept Vicky, no, sorry - Vee *eye roll*, I think it was Kat's fiancé that I liked most because I've never warmed to the others.

But I don't want to blame the book for my feelings, perhaps it is the case of "it's not you, it's me", and seeing the high ratings and raving reviews it must be it, so don't let me discourage you to read this novel - just make yourself comfortable and enjoy "What Happened to Vicky Hope's Back - Up Man" - it was a cute, cosy story about friendship and trust, about making mistakes, forgiving, leaving past behind and looking towards a new and promising future - or making the future promising for yourself, just - sadly - not so for me. However, I am already looking towards Laura Kemp's new novel as I love her sharp dialogues and her sober way of seeing the world. If you are looking for a tender story, showing how friendship can evolve and change but that when it is a real friendship, it can stay so for your whole life then look no further and buy "What Happened to Vicky Hope's Back Up Man".

Favorite Quotes:

‘Well, why don’t we make a pact? You know, if both of us are still single by the time we’re thirty and ancient, we get together.’ … ‘You must be joking! I’m never getting married. Not to you nor anyone. Not even Laura Croft.’

But if she was dissected at this very moment, they’d find she was one hundred percent No Use To Anybody, a composite of devastation, grief, self-loathing, failure and fear. And they’d find no evidence of water because she’d cried it all out.

I’d started eating meat again when I got back to Mum and Dad’s… I was vegan for years because of Jez, well, apart from my secret cheese stash. I used to feel terrible about that, but now, well, I wish I’d shoved a salami up his arse.

‘Would you like to play my anger drum?’ he said, earnestly. Her jaw dropped. He was weird, she knew that, but she’d never put him down as a pervert… ‘But it helps, having a good bang. It’s a release. We can do it quick while the shop’s quiet.’ … There was no way she was standing for this. Before she could run away, he was back with a huge smile… And a hand drum. A bloody instrument. That was what he’d meant!

It was as if they’d unscrewed a bottle marked ‘chemistry’ and sniffed, drunk and bathed in it. To think it had been there, bubbling under all this time. Mind you, maybe it was only so intoxicating because they’d waited so long.

The morning after he told her how beautiful she was when she was sleeping. He’d watched her into the early hours. She almost died from the romance of it – until he said he’d even found her dribbling cute.

My Review:

I was quickly sucked into this tale and remained entranced and fascinated with each story thread until reaching that oh so satisfying conclusion. Whatever Happened to Vicky Hope’s Back Up Man was heaving with clever humor, witty banter, heartbreaking misunderstandings, family drama, secrets, and endearingly quirky and complicated characters. Ms. Kemp’s cleverly entertaining writing style was crisp, refreshing, and so highly amusing that I was smirking, snorting, chuckling, chewing my lip, and cradling my kindle all day. The storyline was brilliantly crafted and ingeniously well-paced. I was rapturously engaged, intrigued, and impatient with myself for being a weak human that required bathroom and meal breaks, as well as severely hampered by my need to read every word (I didn’t want to miss a thing) and limited by an inability to read faster, as I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. Poor Vee, she was expecting to celebrate her thirtieth with a long-awaited marriage proposal from her scruffy boyfriend, only to get a scribbled blow-off containing among other things, two of the sentences no one ever wants to hear.

I would hang my head in shame seeing as I managed to worm my way onto this particular blog tour, but I'm not going to. Instead, I am going to get my pom poms out, sprinkle a bit of glitter and be honoured that I am able to help champion Laura Kemp's latest novel. Be prepared though; this book takes you on a walk down memory lane and BOY does it feel good. It's even better than a Tamagotchi (and that's saying something).

Cover + title = one rather curious reader. How could anyone NOT be intrigued about a back up man? Ahhhhhh, oh to be 21 again! I say that like I'm in considerably older (I'm not, i'm nearly 27), but memories of our youth can always stir up a teensy bit of nostalgia. Well, unless you're Vicky of course! A teensy bit is quite an understatement. You see, Vicky made a plan; a plan to have a back up man if she wasn't married by the time she turned 30. No pressure, right? What Vicky didn't really account for was life, and how fast that bad boy moved. She decided to see the world, be free, live a little, find her inner peace....and end up on her own. It is safe to say that Vicky's fool-proof idea didn't exactly go to plan.

Fast forward nine years where Vicky finds herself at a crossroad; make...or break?

Delving into Vicky's youth had me in absolute hysterics! The reminiscing of childhood favourite items and go to things, made me put my head in my hands and forget how to breathe due to my oh so sexy, full-blown belly laughing. Laura managed to keep those all time favourite memories in their own little bubble, without tainting them in today's world. In my eyes, Laura had reached legen-DARY status with that alone. Genius.

As I sunk my teeth into more of the storyline, it soon became clear that the novel had more to it than just laughter. The characters had depth, quirky personalities and most importantly, relatable emotion. I didn't dislike any of them either, I just understood some of the characters more than others.

I'll cut to the chase; I absolutely LOVED this book. There was just something rather special about the entire storyline and I cannot put my finger on exactly what that is, even after having weeks of letting it settle in my mind. It was just...unique. Fragile perhaps. Maybe even soulful. No, definitely soulful. Yes, the humour was off the chart; but so was the emotion, lifestyle turbulence of the characters and the 'I cannot stop reading this book' factor.

Laura Kemp has written such a down to earth, relatable and highly amusing read which takes hold of your soul, emotion and all of the cringey memories from your youth that you wanted to hide (but secretly think about). Absolutely brilliant read, I cannot recommend this book enough.

Thank you Aria & Netgalley.

*Book provided on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Three friends, three lives, three stories.

When Vee is dumped by her boyfriend she decides to get in touch with her old friends Kate and Murphy.

The three characters take turns telling their story and there are a lot of flashbacks included as well, which makes it easier to understand what they are actually going through. Kate has a big secret and it’s actually deeper than we first think. Both Vee and Murphy are not sure about their feelings for each other, but eventually can’t ignore them. Of course there is some drama included as well.

It’s great to see how they changed in the years, but their memories still haunt them, they are part of their lives. The mystery about certain things really hooked me to the story and Laura Kemp’s writing is heart-warming and very clever.

The book has everything a good story needs: love, mystery, secrets, friendship, betrayal, family and more. I really enjoyed this story!!!

At 21, Vicky prods her best friend, Mikey, into agreeing to be her back-up man in the event neither are married by the time they’re thirty. She then takes off to see the world with her other best friend, Kat, but their friendship comes unstuck during their time abroad. Years later, Vicky heads back home when her relationship with an artist falls apart. She decides to look up her former friends again. Mikey has become successful in the tech world, while Kat may be getting married but still hasn’t escaped the clutches of her controlling mother. Told with short flashbacks to earlier periods in their lives, this is an engrossing story – albeit with predictable twists - with a raft of interesting characters. As the trio deal with disappointments, troubled family matters and life-changing secrets, are their ties strong enough to bring them back together again?

I really tried loving Whatever Happened to Vicky Hope's Back Up Man but I could not. It does not happen to me often but so I am rather disappointed. The novel was horribly boring and I had to drag myself through it for a decent month. I gave up at around 70%.

One thing I really appreciated about the book is how real it is. The situations described do happen to people and sometimes they are not as successful or unsuccessful at handling them. That part I really really liked. What I did not like is the writing style. I am pretty sure this was the case since I liked the story but I could not get myself through a chapter without dozing off or feeling like I need a reward right after. Another thing is that I did not feel the switch between POVs. I felt like this whole story was told from Vicky's side instead of having three different people. Her voice was the strongest and, in my opinion, the author failed at switching that voice once the story was told by Kate or Murphy. As I result I could not connect with anyone except Vicky. Also, she was forever Vicky to me, I absolutely could not believe in any changes she was going through, so no Vee for me.

I feel like this book had so much potential but the writing absolutely destroyed it. I also hope that there will be readers who will enjoy it more than I did!