I used to read nothing but chic lit a few years ago. I was a big fan of the rom coms. On the one hand because I enjoyed it a lot. On the other hand because I was too scared to read a thriller when I was alone at night. ;).

People change though and apparently I grew a pair LOL and I wanted a change. The last couple of years my favorite genre is now (yes, you guessed) thrillers, crime and gangland. Talking about a 180° change of direction, but every once in a while I go back to my first love: rom coms. It's true. You never forget about your first love. :)


I have never tried a book by this author before and now I regret it deeply. She made me smile from the very first page on and the whole story was filled with warmth. That was not only due to the fact the author took us to sweltering Italy, but because of the friendship between Ali and Lila and the way Freddie tried to make Lila feel better. Of course there were a few cold breezes too when certain people arrived on the scene too and even a storm was brewing. 

One thing you are certain you are going to get and that is a happy ending. It might take a while and you might not see how thing are going to turn out for the better, but just wait for it and you will be rewarded.

A lovely book that reminded me again why I used to read this genre a lot. 5 stars 

Thank you

DNF, this book really wasn’t my cup of tea. It was just too, I don’t know, boring? The writing style was good. I felt like it had more promise than what was delivered.

Portia Macintosh is basically my go-to author for all things fun and sexy, and this novel was no exception. Lila finds herself alone at an exclusive couples' resort just when she's been dumped and to top it all off, her ex has just rocked up with his new girlfriend! Luckily, there's a sexy movie star who is perfect fake boyfriend material. Until, that is, things start getting a little too real...

This author is fabulous at creating believable characters you can root for and placing them in increasingly hilarious situations. You can't help but love Lila and the scrapes she finds herself in while trying to save face in front of Daniel and his new girlfriend. Freddie is a great love interest, well-crafted, and his personality bounces off well with Lila's. She also has a unique talent for creating men you can REALLY hate - Daniel being a prime example of this. I wanted to punch him more than once!

Honeymoon For One by Portia MacIntosh is a fun romantic comedy, that I really enjoyed. Lila Rose is a romance writer on her big wedding day when she hears her fiance declaring his love for another women, before the wedding. Lila decides to go on their honeymoon alone. When she gets there she meets a handsome man, Freddie, she thinks is a bartender but he is really a movie star. Everyone on the island is in couples except Lila and Freddie. When Lila ex fiance shows up at the resort with his girlfriend, Lila and Freddie pretend to be together. I really enjoyed this romance, who wouldn't want a Freddie of their own? I am looking forward to reading more books by this author. Highly recommend.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.

Unable to read and review by publication date due to other commitments, Will update immediately upon completion. Thank you NetGalley and Publisher,

I found this book to be charming and so fun to read! It was the perfect novel for a beach vacation with my best friend. This was my first book from this author and I'm looking forward to reading more!

Hilarious and sexy which is a great combination. Fabulous book from start to finish. The setting is great and the the story itself is entertaining. The characters are all believable and on the whole likeable - except for the obvious exceptions! A recommended read.

Thank you Netgalley.

I adore all books written by Portia MacIntosh, so was very excited to see what her writing under a new name was going to entail. Honeymoon for One may be a little bit sexier and use some colourful language, but to me it still had all the elements about Portia's writing that I love; the main two being laugh out loud comedy and swoon worthy romance. Not to mention I always, always feel like her leading ladies become my best friends while reading. This may, or may not have something to do with the fact that I feel like myself and Portia have been best friends for the last five years, when in fact we have never actually met... I am living vicariously through her characters!!!

This story was a complete fantasy in the best way possible. I'll leave you to read it rather than give any spoilers, but it was easy to relate the story to real life, well movie real life and certain celebrities. This made it all the more fun and exciting for me, because I could see it all in my head and enjoyed the few days of fantasizing about what would happen if I went on holiday and fell in love with one of my favourite actors! (If I wasn't happily married of course!) Freddie was an utter dreamboat with no bad qualities and I'm not one of those people that dislike that in books because it's "too good to be true." This is romance and fiction and why I love books. They are a wonderful escape, that build on dreams and joy and happiness. In other words, let me enjoy my chick-lit just the way I like it. Freddie was gorgeous and sweet and humble and I fell for his every word!

Lila was awesome too and I applauded her way of handling her situation. At some points I worried that she would get over it really quick and jump into bed with Freddie because he was hot and fun to be around, but the fact that she didn't and she still had very raw and mixed emotions to deal with made her more appealing to me. You cam't love someone for four years and immediately get over them without feeling all kinds of pain and confusion. It made it all the more fun when she started enjoying Freddie's attention and gradually getting over her ex. Trust me you will LOVE Lila and Freddie together. They both get to be completely themselves when they are with each other, which leads to embarrassing moments, honest conversations and a lot of playfulness. Honeymoon for One really is a great read that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

Lila’s wedding does not go to plan because she catches out her cheating fiancee before the ceremony. She ends up going on her honeymoon to a couple style resort alone where she meets Freddie a famous actor who is also on holiday solo. Then her ex and his side piece turn up too!!

This was a such an enjoyable book to read. The writing was excellent and I loved Lila’s voice. It felt like she was actually talking to the reader throughout. Freddie was such a sweetie from the moment they met. His showmance with Lila was so lovely and you could see how and why they start really falling for each other. Both felt very believable as characters.

There are some very good side characters as well. Ali, Lila’s bff was fantastic. Loved her and her fierce loyalty to Lila. Everyone needs a ride or die friend like Ali. Eva and Daniel were the worst. Their lack of shame and sensitivity in light of what they did and were doing made me so so mad!! The Italian setting was also fun and makes me want to book my own holiday!!

Very good summer read and well written romance.

You are transported to Italy, to San Valentino, for this summery romcom. I found it to be a real tonic as there is so much humour within the writing. There are some larger than life characters and situations which do cause you to suspend belief but that's OK. I can take all the coincidences when the writing is so enjoyable.

I loved the fact that Lila is a writer of romcoms herself. I am sure the author put in many a wry line around deadlines and generally finding the inspiration for her books. Frankie turns out to be a thoroughly likeable character and such a contrast to the dastardly Daniel. With the latter, you really do question what Lila ever saw in him. If you enjoy escapist, funny romcoms, you will not be disappointed with this one where the writing is as smooth as all those Pornstar Martinis.

Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

Such a good light read! I absolutely adored Ali (the best friend) and felt so sorry for Lila at the beginning. I also loved the way this was written, relating back to the way a book is created is a take I’ve never seen before.

The title sounded interesting. I started to give up on it about 1/4 of the way through the book. because there was no plot and every description of anything was so wordy that it became boring. Then it started to get a little better, a little more of a real plot and realistic scenarios. But then it just went right off the deep end. The plot became totally unbelievable. There was no way I could identify with a silly, weak-willed main character like Lila. So many scenes were just so plain unbelievable and weak that it was all I could do to finish. Example, they are contestants in a couples contest but during the last segment of said contest, Lila has to go to make sure her ex-fiance, who she learned on her wedding day was having an affair with her supposed friend and who has come to the honeymoon site with this new girlfriend, is ok. While Freddie, an A-list actor who she is sleeping with, has to finish the competition alone and somehow wins though he does not have a partner. What???? Who does something that ridiculous? Definitely not for me.

Lila Rose is a romantic novelist that is so used to writing happy endings that when her own wedding day to Daniel goes horribly wrong, she runs away on her own honeymoon leaving her best friend Ali to sort out the mess'
The book is pure escapism, well written , and proved to be a great read which I can recommend!
The characters are very likeable and I loved all the twists. This book is a great holiday read .
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood books and Frankie Collins for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

This story was everything I love in a good romantic comedy. I found myself smiling throughout the entire book. A swoon worthy romance with loveable characters. Perfect summer read!

This is a very good book that is a perfect holiday read.
It is well written and the storyline is at the right pace.
Excellent book. I will look for more books by this author

Well it's safe to say that I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. The story had an exceptional way of pulling me into its midst head first and I was hooked and simply couldn't get enough.



The narrative had everything I could possibly want from a book......a stunning Italian backdrop, a runaway bride (for good reason I must say), a Hollywood hunk (swoon) and the best version of Mr and Mrs I've ever come across. It had wit and charm at the turn of each and every page and I read like a woman possessed in order to find out how the action would play out.



The characters gracing the pages of this book were an absolute dream, they really came alive in all their vivid glory to create an entertaining and lively piece that hit the mark from start to finish. Lila was instantly likeable and stepped into the spotlight of the story with heart and soul and I couldn't have wanted a happy ever after for a character more than I did for Lila Rose. Is it time to talk about Freddie now? I think it is....... I mean talk about a dream boat, swoon worthy, drop dead hunk of a man! He sizzled off the page with his washboard abs and movie star smile and I melted in an instant and would like to request more from this demi god in the future please.



Honeymoon for One is a rip roaring read that you simply cannot miss out on this summer. I loved each and every moment of my time spent with Lila, Freddie and the gang and urge you all to grab your nearest copy and dive in - you won't be disappointed.

This was a fun chick-lit beach read. The story is simple, and has been done a few times, but I enjoyed the witty dialogue. The characters were fun as was the description of the resort. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Romance author Lila Rose couldn’t write a more dramatic scene than what transpired on her wedding day. After discovering her fiance, Daniel, cheating on her, she leaves the venue without a word. But she doesn’t stay down for long. With her honeymoon pre-booked, and seeing no reason why it should go to waste, she jets off to a remote resort in Italy. It’s perfect. She’ll hide out, write her next novel, and find a way to start over. However, when Daniel shows up with his new partner, Lila enters a “showmance” with her villa neighbor and actor Freddie Bianchi. It’ll make Daniel jealous and it’ll be a nice distraction … she just never expected it to feel so real.

San Valentino just might be the most romantic getaway on earth. Built as the premier destination for couples, it features so many date night amenities it’s practically saccharine. Yet under all of those romantic resort features, author Frankie Collins (who also writes as Portia MacIntosh) has packed a delicious amount of tension and drama.

All of this rests on Lila Rose. Genuine and engaging, Lila first appears on what is supposed to be the happiest day of her life. She has her reservations, and her practical view on marrying Daniel is somewhat wistful. However, after finding out that he’s been cheating on her, practicality is tossed to the wind. Brought to one of the lowest points in her life, her immediate instinct is to run and hide. Yet her fleeing instinct has an adventurous streak, and her bold decision to head off to Italy hints at later daring escapades.

Oh, but Collins knows how to rub salt in a wound, and just when it seems like Lila might be finding a new normal, Daniel and his out-in-the-open mistress show up. But these are the types of surprises Collins excels at. Not obvious but always natural, her choices twist the plot in tantalizing directions. Just when it seems like everything might wrap up in idyllic Italy, she finds a new nugget to mine that ultimately leads to a solid path to a stronger ending.

All of this emphasis on a cheating ex is not to suggest there’s a lack of romance or fun. At its core, it’s wickedly funny. And though Lila hopes to find peace in order to meet the deadline for her newest novel, she can’t help but get caught up in the charm of her villa neighbor, Freddie. They meet with a cute misunderstanding, and from there it’s a whirlwind of charm as the two agree to pose as a couple in front of Daniel. Though their connection builds around spite, the utterly sweet Freddie exhibits such a devotion to Lila it makes for a unique and compelling relationship.

For a rollicking read with a bit of bite, it doesn’t get any better than Honeymoon for One. For added fun, do as Lila would and pair it with a martini on the beach.

My Review
If there's one thing that this Ginger Book Geek likes, it's discovering new authors. Frankie Collins is certainly a new author for me and having enjoyed 'Honeymoon For One' as much as I did, I will most certainly be reading Frankie's future work too. I totally, utterly and flipping well loved reading 'Honeymoon For One' but more about that in a bit.
I took to Lila Rose from the very first moment that I met her and it didn't take long until I began to think of her as a friend of mine. She is a successful author of romantic fiction and she is about to get married to the love of her life Daniel. However her world comes crashing down when she overhears her husband-to-be having a rather revealing conversation with one of their friends. It emerges that he has been rather a naughty boy in more ways than one. Lila's heart breaks and it was at this point that I wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to punch Daniel on the nose end, knee him in a rather delicate area of his body and slap the other woman across the face a fair few times with a wet flip flop. Lila doesn't react as a lot of women would. Rather than react as I would have done (as I describe above), Lila seems rather calm, she cancels the wedding via her best friend, she carries out little bits of revenge against her now ex- fiancée and then promptly goes on what was supposed to be their honeymoon, on her own. I don't really want to go into too much further detail about what happens from that point onwards because that would be giving away far too many spoilers and I would hate to spoil the book for anybody.
I was attracted to this book from the moment I clapped eyes on the bright and uplifting cover. When I read the synopsis, I just knew that I would absolutely adore this book and how right I was. 'Honeymoon For One' was just the sort of book I needed to read at the moment. I was feeling a bit fed up, down in the dumps, in pain (I suffer with chronic back pain) and I was in need of a laugh. Well this book certainly made me laugh and then some. I started chuckling away to myself practically from the beginning of the book and I didn't stop chuckling until after I had finished reading the book. I soon became addicted to reading 'Honeymoon For One' and I just knew that this was one book I would finish reading the same day as I started reading it. I couldn't put this book down and not because it was glued to my hand (it wasn't), but I was enjoying the book so much that it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to be parted from it even for just a nanosecond. My addiction to 'Honeymoon For One' meant that I finished reading the book a lot quicker than I had intended, which I was genuinely disappointed about.
'Honeymoon For One' is brilliantly written. The author has a way of writing that grabs your attention from the start and keeps that attention all the way through the book. That's what happened to me at any rate. Frankie writes so realistically that I actually began to feel as though I was part of the story myself. I found myself becoming far too involved with the story and that I was beginning to interact with the book. Yes before anybody says anything, I know this book is fictional but I find that if I read and enjoy a book as much as I enjoyed 'Honeymoon For One', then I tend to 'live' the story as if it was real. 'Honeymoon For One' has everything you could wish for in a book - a lovable lead character, it has oodles of drama, oodles of romance and double oodles of humour. I can't honestly remember the last time I laughed so much during a book, as I laughed during 'Honeymoon For One'.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Honeymoon For One' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Frankie's work in the future. I can't wait to read her next book. I hope that we don't have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

Lila Rose is a romantic comedy author and she knows what her readers expect from her - happy ending of course, so she always gives them what they want. She's planned so many weddings in her books that she knows well how her own should look like, without all the pitfalls and troubles her characters experience. However, what she hasn't counted on was hearing her husband - to - be Daniel and her friend Eva confessing their love on the day Lila and Daniel are supposed to get married.
Lila does a runner, flying off on honeymoon on her own. However, San Valentino is supposed to be about coupled and for couples only, so she can't even get a massage on her own. But can Lila find happiness, write her book and recuperate, when there is a man sharing her villa, and several others make an unwelcome appearance?

I immediately knew I have to read this book - Frankie Collins is, in fact, Portia McIntosh, and I love her stories, so there was no way that I was missing out on "Honeymoon for One". And it absolutely lived up to my expectations, the book is like all the other ones that I fell in love with, full of brilliant, quirky characters and fabulous humour. I simply loved it, I think there was not a thing that I can complain about - not that I want to! It made me smile, it made me laugh, it had me cringe with embarrassment, shortly - it kept me entertained and this is what I needed so much at the moment.

The setting was gorgeous, the descriptions of the island were so vivid, bringing all the places to life - it was actually so brilliantly and realistically described that I wanted to have a look at Google and see if it actually exists.. There were some mentions of delicious, Italian food that made me hungry - don't read it on an empty stomach! But as much as all the things were fabulous, those were the characters that made the book so, so adorably wonderful. I think I shouldn't start on Freddie because I won't stop swooning over him, the sort of hero you dream of, period. Ali was hilarious, I'm not sure how I was imagining a literary agent but for sure not like this, and I loved her fierce loyalty to Lila and simply, the way she was. Lila herself was my kind of girl, funny and sharp but also vulnerable. I couldn't believe Eva and Daniel's lack of shame, especially Eva's, but also the way Daniel talked with Lila made me want to bang his head on the wall - I felt very protective of Lila, oh yes. Actually, all the other characters, no matter how background ones they were, were absolutely brilliant, full of personalities, adding so much meaning and fun to the whole story.

The writing style is flowing. It is warm and chatty and full of sarcasm and brilliant one - liners, and the banter between the characters is what makes it so outstanding. And some of the twists in the plot made me go "whaaaaaaat", surprising and unexpected, which is only a huge bonus.

There is sun, heat, sea, delicious food, idyllic location, some incredibly hilarious things happening, the best banter between the well developed characters and hot romance mixed with poignant moments and while it might not be a book that is going to stay with for ever, I loved it and everything that happened between the covers. It was like a welcoming embrace, a great warm hug giving you comfort, a breath of fresh air, I think one of the author's best books. Now I only need a porn star martini. Highly recommended! (The book. Not necessary martini. Though why not?)