This is a fun read, and the setting was great. A perfect book to read by the beach, and would recommend this for a good holiday read.

I forgot to leave a review when I first got this book, but I do remember that I did read it and did enjoy it

Take me away to a gorgeous location, describe the dazzling sun and pour out some delicious cocktails - sign me up! This book was a perfect "BEACH READ" that was easy, entertaining and such a fun story filled with love, "cheeky" moments, drama and of course some anticipated sizzle **wink**wink**

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Victoria Cooke and HQ Digital for providing me with an eARC of this publication which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Sun, Sea and Sangria by Victoria Cooke is a contemporary romance set in the Canary Islands. Of course being a fan of exotic locations and seeing this beachy beautiful cover I had to pick this one up.

Now getting into this one we meet Kat who had sworn off dating and dove into her work. Of course Kat’s work is most women’s fantasy because Kat manages an all male dance group known as the Heavenly Hunks. And being around these flirtatious hotties has only reinforced Kat’s non-dating policy over the years, that is until Jay joins Kat’s group and sparks fly.

At the time everyone is looking for beachy reads how could something called Sun, Sea and Sangria not fit into that category? This was actually a fun one to read with some laughs along the way and probably as close as I’ll get to the actual Canary Islands so A+ for the setting. I also liked the characters in here and getting to know Kat and her dance group while watching the relationship grow. Now excuse me while I make a cocktail and find my sunglasses!

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Loved Kat and this colorful group of men. The setting sounded so divine I am not certain I’ve ever read a book that took place in the Canary Islands? I loved how talented all these characters were and had a lot of fun when they participated in a talent show of sorts. By the pool, on the sand, or even on your couch this is the perfect afternoon treat.

Sun sea & sangria by Victoria Cooke

Kat has been in Tenerife for eight years and she is the manager of an exotic dance troupe.

A light hearted beach read which is uplifting in the current times.

I found the story easy to read but at certain times is a bit repetitive. However the book will lift your spirits and was enjoyable

Ooh errr Missus, what better way to while away the time than to read about a bunch of male exotic dancers. However, before you get carried away it is not that sort of book - baby oil and coconut may well shimmer on bronzed and toned chests, and there is perhaps a little too many mentions of the word ‘grind’ for my liking. However, the stripping .., I mean ‘exotic dancing’ is actually hardly part of the story, which focussed on the manager, the friendship between her and the men in the troupe, how her past continues to have an impact upon her present and how, just sometimes, we don’t know what we have until we’ve let it go.
I enjoyed the story, the camaraderie between the main characters and how supportive the are to each other was great to read and had my giggling at times, along with the exploits of some other performance artistes at a competition,
This story is full of warmth, both from the sunshine and from friendship and love. It really made me yearn for some warm summer sunshine and sangria. Perfect for reading on the beach, or if 2021 continues the way 2020 did, in your back garden or even snuggled up by the fire - it’s any enjoyable book no matter where you read it.

Lovely feel good book to read. Very well written. Idyllic location. Just felt as though I was there with them. Instead of here in the cold dark evenings. Great storyline

Kat swore off dating many years ago, after her marriage ended in a catastrophic mess. Having moved to the Canary Islands for a fresh start, she has never had much time for romance, channelling all her energy into managing all-male dance troupe – the Heavenly Hunks.

Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read this early. I have never read anything by this author so i was excited when I was granted access. I was hooked from the first chapter. I recommend this one to anyone looking for a fun quick read!

I took this book on holiday with me, intending to pick it up in the evenings when our day was over , starting it on the journey down to Devon thats it! I was hooked! Fantastic read

Kat's history is interesting albeit sad that has made her a fighter. Through flashbacks we're shown that she was in a bad marriage where her husband spent the entire time gaslighting her. Once her marriage was over she took off for the Canary Islands to build a new life. It's here that she has found her independence, gained back her confidence and is now a stronger person. As a business woman who's responsible for one of the area's must-see entertainment attractions - Heavenly Hunks - she's done well for herself and she can be proud of that. Everything is going swimmingly until Jay joins the Hunks and provides a new kind of emotional connection that she hasn't had in years. He tests the boundaries that she's firmly set since her divorce. Being attracted to Jay is one thing - she can control how far that goes - but falling in love, being in a relationship signals giving up control which is frightening for someone who survived an abusive marriage. Then there's also the question of the Heavenly Hunks future - whether the show can go on as is on their island paradise or if they need to dream bigger.

Let's get this out of the way - Kat's a freaking warrior to get where she is today! It's taken so much out of her to achieve her independence and learn to rely on herself. Her recollections of her husband are heart-rending but they explain why she's hyper sensitive or quick to draw conclusions when she senses even a hint of the mistreatment she received in the past. I'm glad she and Jay became friends and gradually developed a level of intimacy that they were both in need of. The pair come with burdened hearts that require a lot of patience and sympathy, and most of all, trust - something that they're both attempting to be better at.

All that being said, I'm sad to admit that I didn't quite feel the story pull me in completely. Sometimes it felt like Kat was listing things she was doing or feeling. It's a bit confusing, really because the flashbacks from her marriage felt more poignant compared to what felt kind of robotic in the present. It seemed like whatever was going on with her took me to just the very surface without allowing me in any further so it felt more like I was observing the motions rather than experiencing along with her. It's odd that I felt that difference but that's how I interpreted things.

Overall, Sun, Sea and Sangria was fine. Aspects of it were interesting like the behind-the-scenes workings of the Heavenly Hunks, their camaraderie, and of course, Kat's metamorphosis from victim to being her own heroine. The island life is an obvious draw. It's just that I wanted something more in the in between; to delve deeper into Kat's mindset but that would probably have taken the story in a different direction than what the author intended. It's still a good read for anyone looking for fun and island love.

It was escapist and feel-good, with some depth and gravitas thrown in. I just felt a tad confused, especially at the start, when all those Hunks are being mentioned and I found I had no way of keeping track. While the descriptions were pretty good, I felt it would fare better as a visual scene on a screen rather than as a descriptive bit of prose. I also felt very lost as to who was who throughout in that posse, too, which kinda made me feel I was wandering around a crowd with no faces.
I didn't expect the characterization turn and the depth many of them were given, which lent gravity to a flighty-in-nature story. It held the line, and it was a nice story, though I can't say it kept me entirely enthralled

This book was Magic Mike on the beach. It was such a good book to read during this pandemic. It was fun, flirty, sexy, all around feel good read.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

I just couldn’t resist reading this book, set in one of my favourite holiday destinations, I usually go to visit at least one of the Canary Islands most years but I’ve never seen a dance troupe like the Heavenly Hunks! This is a lovely story about Kat, their manager, who moved to the islands more than eight years ago, after divorcing her husband who was controlling, trying to isolate her and convince her she was losing her mind! That experience means she no longer trusts easily and she hasn’t dated since settling there. She is like a mother to the dancers, until they have an unexpected new recruit, Jay, with whom she struggles to keep to her usual professional relationship. He’s great at listening to her and she actually enjoys talking to him but can she really be his boss and partner? What about the man her supportive friend wants her to date? Is now the chance for her to find romance in the idyllic islands?

There are secrets, surprises, competitions, worries and more in this delightful story which also explores the impact of past experiences on relationships. Everyone really needs a friend like Andrea, someone who is supportive but straight talking, always ready to be a shoulder to cry on or the person who forces you to stop feeling sorry for yourself and helps you move on – what a superb character! The troupe of dancers are all highly individual and have a great, heartwarming relationship with Kat. It shared how important it can be to risk running to someone who matters in your life and not to always run away – the risk can be well worth taking. This is a great story to escape into, a lovely romance with settings that had me dreaming of holidaying in the region again soon!

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

Great summer read, easy to get into, great characters. I almost felt like I was on holiday reading it! My first book by this author and I’m going to read more from her.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

A fantastic fun summer read, cute characters, a lovely story and great chemistry, a fun way to spend an afternoon in the garden or on your staycation

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

5☆ Sizzling Sun, Stunning Location, Plenty of laughs, Giggles and smiles. A Must Read!

Sun, Sea and Sangria is a whole lot of fun, and as the title suggests Sun, Sea and a very hot under the collar sexy dance group, what more can you ask for 😏

Kat has moved to the stunning Canary Islands to help manage a Male Exotic Dance Group ...The Heavenly Hunks (think magic Mike!)

As you expect with alot of male testosterone running about, things are not exactly easy, with plenty of drama and cheeky moments. Kat certainly has her work cut out for her.

But one of the members Jay is slowly making an impact on Kat, and it's not just her heart that he has got racing!
But can Kat break her own rules and never date her staff, or is Jay too much of a catch to let slip away!

I adore the Canary islands and my very first holiday abroad was Gran Canaria so any book that travels to the stunning islands is a winner. Brings back lots of memories!

Wow oh wow to say this book didn't leave me a lil hot would be an understatement it was sizzling.
The Characters are superbly written. Kat and Jay are perfectly suited despite the emotional baggage they each carry.
Once again Victoria Cooke has written an absolute Gem of a book! What would of made this even better would be a picture of two, or three of The Heavenly Hunks!
Steamy hot Hunky Men, Stunning locations, Sexy Dance Moves, Sizzling Heat and a potential romance oh and plenty of laughs, giggles and smiles.

Sun, Sea and Sangria is the perfect read for a lil piece of escapism, I can't recommend reading enough!

Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

This book was so much fun that I ended up reading it in one sitting! Not only is the romance very well paced and beautifully developed throughout the story, but the characters are also very well written. I really liked our main leads, Kat and Jay. Kat is not only very strong, both as a self-made business lady and as someone who has survived a horrible past relationship, but she is also incredibly sweet and funny. And Jay is just the dreamiest and most lovable of love interests. The setting of the story is also wonderfully summery. Set in the Canary Islands and featuring amazing descriptions of all the wonderful beaches, bars and, of course, the exotic shows, this book is the perfect summer read. The Heavenly Hunks (best name ever), the troupe of exotic dancers that Kat manages, were also super fun to read about. The guys are all great and it was really fun to read about their shows and all the backstage prep that goes into those. If you’re looking for your next summer read or you just want to read a fun, feel-good story, then this book is perfect for you.

Victoria Cooke is sure to bring some sunshine into your summer – regardless of the weather – with her latest breezy, feel-good and enjoyable new novel Sun, Sea and Sangria. As delicious as your favourite cocktail and as uplifting as sunshine after a rainy day, Sun, Sea and Sangria is another unmissable treat by this wonderfully talented writer of romantic comedy.

After the acrimonious end of her marriage, Kat had sworn off men and vowed never to make that mistake ever again. Leaving her life behind and moving to the Canary Islands, Kat plans to invest all of her time, energy and effort into her new career. Who needs romance, marriage and commitment when she gets to spend her life under the sun-kissed sky of the Canary Islands managing a troupe of sexy male dancers? The Heavenly Hunks provide Kat with all the excitement she could possibly need. She has never been tempted to take things further with any one of her gorgeous dancers – until she meets Jay and begins to wonder whether she has been too hasty in writing off the opposite sex….

Jay is nothing like the usual dancers who form part of Kat’s troupe. Sure, he has all the good looks and smooth moves, but he has made Kat feel like there is something missing from her life. Hardening her heart and refusing to let anyone in might have precluded her from getting hurt, but it certainly hasn’t stopped her from feeling lonely. Is Kat about to take the plunge after spending years keeping everyone at arm’s length?
Is Kat ready to take on last chance on a happy ending? Or will she continue to hide in the shadows?

A delightful romp that is escapist, enjoyable and wonderfully romantic, Sun, Sea and Sangria charms and entertains from beginning to end and whether you are reading Victoria Cooke’s latest rom-com on a sunny day by the pool or curled up at home on the sofa with a cup of tea, one thing is guaranteed: you are absolutely going to love this brilliantly written and wonderfully funny tale.

A terrific antidote to all the worrying things going on in the world at the moment, there simply is nothing better than escaping between the pages of Victoria Cooke’s latest novel: Sun, Sea and Sangria.