This isn’t my usual romance novel as I don’t tend to read contemporary romances set in the UK - too close to home and too hard to disappear into a fantasy world that way. I’ll admit that it did take me a while to get into the book, but once it got going, I was hooked. It was smart, rich and, at times laugh out loud funny. And perhaps because it was set in the UK, I felt a connection with the story and the characters.

Verity was a very real character and a true introvert. I loved how she owned her quirks and foibles and, without sounding like a sap, I really admired her, identified with her and looked up to her, despite her ‘flaws’. I could feel her pain and was 100% with her when she wanted to punch Marissa and her friends. I did too - so very much. It was nice to read about someone who went through the same problems as normal people and came out the other side - not unscathed - but still happy.

Much like Very, we didn’t get any insight into Johnny’s feelings as the story was told purely from her point of view. I think I ended up being just as frustrated as she was by not knowing what was going on in that daft, gorgeous head of his. He took a bit too long to stop being foolish but it was annoying realistic in that sense.

This book was definitely a slow burner. I loved how the progression of Very and Johnny’s friendship almost meandered along although there were significant milestones that were so small but so huge at the same time. It was lovely to watch the pair. And frustrating at times, too!

I normally prefer my romance books with a decent amount of sex in them. This didn’t have that and honestly, it didn’t need it. No, really - I didn’t miss it.

There were little Jane Austen quotes and titbits littered in the book which were fun to read. And the ending…I think I might have swooned. *Sigh* Definitely a re-readable moment.

I finished the book last night and I still find myself reaching for my kindle to read more about the lives of Very and Johnny. Because it took me about a week to finish the book - and also through the skill of the author in bringing the characters to life and making them feel like very real people - I feel like I know them and I’m going to miss them!

This book was a surprise to me. As I mentioned, it’s not my usual type of book but true love and bookshops? - I just couldn’t resist - and I’m so glad that I didn’t. The only reason for not giving this book the full 5 stars was because it took me quite a while to get into it (and only when I did did I realise it was set in London rather than a cute little village somewhere!). There was a lot of detail throughout the book but in the first few chapters I just wanted Very and Johnny to meet (and meet again) and get the love story started! The other reason is that I could have done with a bit more grovelling from Johnny at the end. It wouldn’t have worked with the way the story played out but I still wanted it.

I’m now off in search of Posy’s story (The Little Bookshop of Lonely Hearts) and (hopefully) any future stories with this same set of friends. The level of detail and richness of their stories means I must have more in my life! Add to that, I really found this story up-lifting. Even if this isn’t your usual sort of romance, I would recommend this book to you. Give it a shot - I know you won’t be disappointed. 4 stars.

This book surprised me. When I started to read it, it struck me as too much into the 'romance chick lit' category, too much so really. But I plod on and I was rewarded by a book that is very self-aware, full of tongue in cheek jokes about romance books and with a nice little romantic love story in the middle of it all. I didn't realise it was the second in the series, but I enjoyed it on it's on.

I absolutely adored this book! I could so easily identify with Verity (as I'm sure many bookworms could!). She finds it hard to socialise enmasse, would rather be in the background than be centre of attention, is a good listener but not very good at hugs or giving advice....and definitely prefers to be in her office rather than chatting to customers at the bookshop where she works.
While all Verity's friends seem to be loved up, she is happy to be single and when she meets gorgeous Johnny, who, by an amazing coincidence also needs a fictional partner for personal reasons, what could be more simple and straightforward they both agree.

I hadn't read the first book in this series The Little Bookshop of Lonely Hearts but I didn't feel I'd missed out too much as this is a stand alone book.
As I said, I loved this book, the storyline was funny, and sweet, and I loved Verity and her cat, and her saying 'what would Elizabeth Bennett do?' when she didn't have a clue what to do, I loved Johnny and his friends, the writing was enjoyable and at just the right pace.
Definitely one to recommend!

Devoured this book, enjoyed the characters and the storyline. Would read more from this author. Verity, her sisters and their friends were very funny, especially the parents. I am definitely going to buy her other book now.

A typical romantic novel with a safe and fairly predictable storyline. Great holiday read.

This book was not for me I'm afraid. It didnt have the sizzle I was looking for and therefore I couldn't read past the first few chapters. It didn't appeal to me.

Probably aimed at a younger reader than myself, I found it hard to relate to Verity who works and lives above the bookshop and has invented an imaginary boyfriend to keep her friends happy. She ends up meeting Johnny and it suits them both to let friends think they are a couple.

I loved this book - I was completely absorbed from the start all the way to the finish. I was initially interested in this book because of the synopsis (it totally had me at the Pride and Prejudice reference), it seemed to be my kind of book. And I wasn't wrong. It had me hooked right off the first chapter, and I just couldn't put it down.

Verity Love was a character I warmed up to very quickly. Verity is smart, kind and funny - and she is also an introvert. I think Annie Darling did a very good job of explaining the characteristics and challenges that come with being an introvert, and beautifully wove it into Verity's story. What I really appreciated was the glimpses into Verity's journey, and how she came to understand herself, and in turn overcome her obstacles. I really connected to Verity and could empathise with her struggles.

There were many things about Johnny that I loved, one of them being the way he understood Verity and there was this gentleness and ease to him that I admired. But, there were honestly some moments where I was so frustrated with him and was mentally face-palming myself. However, to a certain extent I did understand why it was taking him so much time to get out of the vicious cycle he was stuck in. And I couldn't have been happier when he was able to get himself out.

Verity's loud and crazy family which includes her four sisters were so much fun. There was never a dull moment when they were around, even just the presence of one sister brought with it never-ending chatter and a lot of laughter. I wholehearted cheered Verity and Johnny on throughout, and by the end I had the biggest smile on my face. The ending was beautiful and cute.

I did not realise that this was book two of the Lonely Hearts Bookshop series. However, it is a book that can be read as a standalone. I definitely recommend this book to anyone that enjoys romance and chick-lit. I am very sure that I will be picking up the first book!

an enthralling .funny romantic novel.- I loved it, hated putting it down, and couldn't wait to start reading it again. Each chapter heading related the theme of that chapter to Pride and Prejudice,a favourite of mine. .I sjhall be looking out for other novels from Ms Darling.

Oh yes, oh yes and oh yes. I just want more of this. Everything you want in a story that keeps yu interested from start to finish

This is what I like to describe as a light and easy read. Not a great deal of depth but lovely nonetheless, perfect as something to lighten up your reading. Great characters, slightly predictable albeit not my choice of ending! Good all round chick lit

This book was a nice read, but I'm clearly not the target audience for this genre. The ending fell really flat to me and I have a feeling the author rushed the ending, which made it all the more frustrating to me by how main the male character was and how the narrative did nothing about it.

A fun light hearted read. Definitely chick lit, but with loveable characters, and a fun storyline, including lots of things that most women reading will be able to relate to in some way.
There was nothing very deep or meaningful about it - but sometimes that is the kind of read that I am looking for in-between some of the deeper, darker, emotional reads.

Not an author I have come across before, but I am sure I will now read her books again.

This book is part of a series, which I didn’t even realise when I first started reading it, but you don’t really need to have read the first, The Little Bookshop of Lonely Hearts, (although it can’t hurt can it?).

So I was initially drawn to this book by the blurb and the gorgeous cover. It’s not the kind of book I usually read but I am a huge fan of Jane Austen and this book proved to me that sometimes you have to break out and read something different.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was lighthearted, sweet and an easy read. I will warn you now that there are heavy references to Pride and Prejudice throughout the book, (like Verity’s favourite saying ‘What would Elizabeth Bennett do?’), which if you have not read it may not get. Also the whole fake relationship story line is not that original but I think the author makes it her own. But still I really loved the character of Verity, she doesn’t like socialising, prefers books to people and is a little taciturn (reminds me of myself to be honest!). Okay I do think it’s a little strange that she does have so many friends as introverted as she but it is fiction after all.

Had all the brilliance of perfect "chick lit". Couldn't put this book down, wanting to reach, but not really wanting to reach the ending where Elizabeth Bennett truly gets her Mr Darcy! We need a sequel!!

I must have enjoyed this book to some extent as I read it all, and pretty quickly, but there were so many things I didn't like.

Verity was such a whiny character, I didn't like her at all and was not invested in her happy ending. I thought the whole fake girlfriend thing was ridiculous and wanted to yell at Johnny for still being in love with Marissa - what on earth was that about?! Some of the characters were quite irritating and the whole Farv and Muv / Our Vicar and Our Vicar's wife I found a bit silly. Whilst I get that these sorts of books are always predictable this one just felt a little too apredictable.

Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins and Annie Darling for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a delightful read. It is funny, and sad, and emotional; a perfect read for lifting the spirits! the path of true love never runs smooth, especially when Mr Johnny True, and Miss Verity Love don't intend to be in love at all. Johnny has an ex-girlfriend that he has pined for ever since she married his best friend, and Verity has vowed never to get involved with anyone again, she wants a peaceful, quiet life. She has invented a boyfriend, Peter Hardy, Oceanographer, so that friends and family will stop trying to pair her off. As an oceanographer Peter isn't around much, as he is away on the high seas so she can live her quiet life. She and Johnny meet by accident in a restaurant where they have both gone, separately, to dinner, and she has been followed by friends, thinking they will meet the elusive boyfriend. Once her friends leave they chat, and agree to act as friends, to accompany each other to various parties and gatherings, to fend off the match-makers.

In the course of their agreement they do become really good friends, looking out for ea.ch other. Like all good stories it builds to a mighty crescendo of emotion, and you really don't know whether you will get the happy ending you are expecting. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and will look out for more books by Annie Darling.

Let's get straight to the point; Annie Darling set the bar extremely high with the first book in the series, which meant my expectations for this book were extremely high. #sorrynotsorry. At least I'm being honest about it, right?

Verity Love is an independent woman (if you're not singing the Destiny's Child version of that song....do I even know you?!) who just wants to be left alone to live her life as she pleases. With multiple sisters, however, Verity is constantly badgered about the 'state' of her relationship status. Why can't her sisters and friends, understand that she actually WANTS to be single? To keep the Spanish Inquisition at bay, Verity Love creates her own boyfriend, just so she can get some peace. Despite of Verity's on the ball planning (her fictional boyfriend just happened to be away for work A LOT), her foolproof plan falls through quicker than a pair of heels being dropped in a nightclub ready for dancing on a Saturday night. Will Verity Love ever find true love with anyone other than Jane Austen?

As you're aware, this is the second book in the #Littlebookshop series, and whilst it COULD be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend you reading the first book in the series beforehand, because there is a lot of background information in the first novel, which could hinder your enjoyment for the second book if not known. If you wish to get your hands on book one now, click here.

Verity Love's attitude to life and relationships always seems to make me giggle. Weirdly enough, it's not because it's funny, it's because she is absolutely bang on the money and if anyone else attempted to live their life just like her, they would fail miserably. What I did find hilarious however, was the name of Verity's cat. Even though I'm allergic to cats, I just want to get one so I can call it the same name....STRUMPET. Oh my god, what a fabulous name! The cat totally lives up to its name, although it's a greedy heifer and can usually be found sticking his paws into places which he shouldn't. No, I mean REALLY shouldn't - health and safety ring a bell?

Verity's fictional boyfriend was a genius move. I did feel quite sorry for her and how she constantly got bombarded about being single, all because those around her were either married, or giving the cat a run for his money in the name stakes. In this instalment, we find ourselves meeting a brand new character who certainly makes himself known during the storyline; Johnny True. Please, please say that you've just had a lightbulb moment and seen the connection between the two surnames?!

For me, Verity was such a relatable character who became the voice of single women around the world. Well, aside from the fictional boyfriend thing...that could get messy. She came across as such an honest, warm-hearted yet fiercely independent woman, who knew what she wanted, as well as knowing that she could ask herself one question and get the 'right answer'. So readers, what WOULD Elizabeth Bennett do?

Verity's need for peace and quiet was written beautifully. It wasn't just a case of 'leave me alone I have a headache', it was more of a case of sensory overload which drained her from top to toe. Some might find it funny, but it is actually a real thing. People out there do actually suffer with things like this.

So, the burning question for me regarding this book wasn't 'what would Elizabeth Bennett do?', it was 'did I enjoy the book as much as the first one?' Honestly? Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed 'True Love at the Lonely Hearts Bookshop', it didn't blow me away as much as 'The Little Bookshop of Lonely Hearts'. Personally, I felt like there was something missing; a little bit more magic perhaps. The storyline, (whilst written truly lovely - sorry), felt like it was going through the motions without much element of surprise. Don't get me wrong I laughed, smiled and was completely engrossed with Verity's journey, but I found myself waiting for that extra something to pop up.

If I could describe Annie Darling's new book in one word it would be; cosy. If you're a romantic at heart who is a fan of Jane Austen - you will absolutely loved this book. If you're not a romantic at heart, don't stress because this book contains something for everyone. It has humour. It has a cat with a belter of a name. It has true friendship. It has true love. It has grabbing life by the bookshelf. It really is the perfect read to curl up with and forget all the hate that's going on in the world right now.

Thank you Annie Darling for yet another enchanting novel.

Enjoyed the tale of Johnny True and Verity Love who both had issues stopping them moving forward. It was great to see the slow realisation that there could be a different way of living. Read the story and didn't want to put it down then was sad when it had finished. The sign of a good book.

TRUE LOVE AT THE LONELY HEARTS BOOKSHOP is a fun, romantic read with an Austen-esque twist. It is the second book in the THE LONELY HEARTS BOOKSHOP series, although it can be read as a standalone story.

The story follows the life of Verity Love, a self-confessed Jane Austen fangirl and manager of London bookshop Happy Ever After. Fed up of her friends trying to hook her up with lonely individuals, Verity decides to make up a fictional boyfriend - Peter Hardy, Oceanographer - whose presence is very useful for getting her out of social events. But when a case of mistaken identity forces her to introduce a perfect stranger (Johnny) as her boyfriend, Verity’s life suddenly becomes much more complicated and by the end of the summer, there’s a bad case of heartache that even Verity’s beloved PRIDE AND PREJUDICE might not be able to cure.

With the main character as a self-confessed Jane Austen fangirl, it’ll come as no surprise that the book is peppered with references to PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. In fact, Verity’s life philosophy is “what would Elizabeth Bennet do?” which she uses to help her out in times of stress.

The main character, Verity is a likeable yet complex individual. As an introverted woman, she struggles with the daily social interactions that most people take in their stride. She hates to be hugged or touched and she’d much rather prefer to spend time in solitude than interact with anyone she doesn’t know. As such, she comes across as a little abrupt and rude at times which can make her difficult to like at the start but by the end of the book, her kind heart and quirky ways have won you over.

The same can be said of Johnny, who initially comes across as arrogant and self-centred. Johnny is desperately in love with a woman he can't have and like Verity, his friends put him under constant pressure to find a girlfriend. It’s clear that the only woman in Johnny’s heart is his ex-girlfriend Marissa and as such, it’s easy to dislike him but by the end of the book, you’ll have warmed to his ways.

In contrast, Darling has created some wonderful warm characters with Verity’s family. The Loves are a modern version of the Bennets with Verity’s four chatty and loud sisters providing most of the light relief and some of the book’s most comical moments.

While TRUE LOVE AT THE LONELY HEARTS BOOKSHOP makes for a light-hearted and entertaining read, there are some parts of the storyline that are a little farfetched and the dialogue is a little cheesy in parts. Considering the story is set against the backdrop of a romantic book shop, I also expected more novels to feature in the storyline (even some of Austen’s other books would be welcome), especially as this was so prevalent in the first story in the series.