Meet Me In London by Georgia ‘Toff’ Toffolo is a delightful contemporary debut novel that will warm your heart and leave you smiling.
The novel has the themes of family, friendship and dreams. We all have dreams. Sometimes we pursue them. Sometimes we have to pursue the dreams of others at the expense of our own. We all need people to encourage us to follow our dreams and to fly.
There will always be those ready to squash us. We must not listen to the negative voices – whether they belong to others or our own inner voice. We need people to speak life-affirming words into our lives.
Guilt weighs heavy. Sometimes it is not our burden to pick up. We are our own worst critic. We need to learn to be as kind to ourselves as we are to others.
We all need family and friends. At times our family, though well meaning, puts pressure on us. We need to be strong and kind as we pursue our lives and not theirs.
Within the novel there are characters who have been hurt in the past. Trust does not come easy but not everyone we meet has a black heart.
There is the theme of helping the disadvantaged to achieve their potential. The enthusiasm of the teens is infectious as their dreams are pursued.
Georgia Toffolo has created some delightful characters. I adored the two main ones with their huge hearts but also their realistic insecurities.
Meet Me In London was such a charming read. I could not put it down. I hope for much more from Georgia Toffolo.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

This book was truly enchanting right from the start I loved the way the characters were so perfectly portrayed and brought to life by the Author, and watching their story unfold felt magical.
Another thing I adored about this book was the fact that it also had some deeper issues thrown into the plot, like Victoria's struggles with infertility and Oliver's upbringing.
The friendship that Victoria shared with Zoe, Malie, and Lily was truly beautiful... a group of girls who had shared all the Hugh's and lows of life and stuck together through it all.

An absolute page turner that I didn't want to end... I loved this book!

Meet me in London by Georgia Toffolo is available now and a story that I loved.
It’s the romance story that you don’t even know you need to read because it has a smart and quirky heroine, a hunky hero but their banter and reliable lifestyles makes them even more lovable.
There’s a bit of everything in here, from the first time butterflies to the realisation that she/he is the one, that person that will be with you through hell and high water.
A must read for all the romance lovers.
Many thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. Just what you want to cosy up with as winter draws in. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series

Absolutely fabulous, a perfect Christmas book
Victoria is a fashion designer who has come out of a bad relationship which led to her dreams of her own store being shattered. Ollie is the CEO of the family department store chain but his father is ill and he wants to make his parents happy but he needs a girlfriend or fiancée to make that happen so he makes a deal with Victoria to be his fake fiancée
I loved Victoria as a character, she is strong despite things that have happened to her and she sticks to her dreams. She has always wanted to be a designer and she doesn’t give up hope that she will have her own store some day. She is a very determined character who has a brilliant set of friends who she knows will be there for her no matter what. I think we all have a bit of Victoria in us if I’m honest, she has hopes and dreams but also fear and anxiety about the future which resonates with me
I didn’t get Ollie for a while which made me struggle with him a bit more but once I saw that he would do anything to make his parents happy I felt closer to him. He became more human when he admitted his feelings to himself about his job and how much he isn’t sure he loves it anymore which felt very real and something I’m sure many people struggle
Set in London but more around the Chelsea area this book highlighted parts of the city I didn’t have much experience with but which worked so perfectly with the story. There was also a community element to the story which made me hope that those ideas can be passed on and shared
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a story with main characters who are strong and determined but also care so much about the things in their lives

What a really great book. I am surprised at how much I enjoyed it.

Aspiring clothes designer and bar manager Victoria Scott meets Oliver Russell CEO of Russell and Co. They agree to fake an engagement to keep his parents off his back and happy in return for a fashion show on the opening night of Oliver's shopping centre. But this fake relationship becomes something more and there is now feelings involved.......

This book has it all. Friendship, love and laughter- it was very real life for me. Victoria's 'secret' in my opinion was dealt with brilliantly and it had me in tears. I loved the main characters Victoria and Oliver. Victoria is so real and down to earth and is still affected by an accident when she was a teenager. I read this book in two sittings and I'm wanting more now that I'm finished it. I could definitely see there been a second book. Oliver's family involvement in the book worked for me and it really showed how much of a lovely person Victoria was.

I enjoyed the style of writing, found the book had good flow and didn't find any of it unrealistic. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

Thank you net galley, the publisher and author 'Toff' for a copy in return for an honest review.

I enjoyed meet me in London. I really liked how Oliver fell for Victoria practically from the start and how I knew it would be a happy ending but I think I’d have liked more chapters that I cussed Stella & Eric as they were what kept the book going from the middle towards the end. Midway through I was a little bored as it seemed to go in circles but then it picked up again once Stella & Eric came more into play. This was a jolly nice read and that’s all but I reckon that’s enough.

Give it a try!

Thankyou NetGalley and Mills & Boon for providing the e-arc of Meet Me in London in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.

Georgia Toffolo has taken the Chelsea she knows and added a bit of Love Actually, Bridget Jones polish to deliver that perfect hipster, shiny, romanticised London you see in the movies. No problem there at all, it fits the story and romance trope of fake love perfectly.

Victoria, bar manager/struggling dress designer and Oliver, Department Chain CEO agree to a fake engagement for the sake of his parents. And this begins a very easy to read, romance that encounters the usual hiccups before delivering the expected happy ending.

Overall, a well written romance, filled with feel good moments, plus the usual rollercoaster dips, which for the most part I enjoyed.

It’s definitely not a bonkbuster, but nor is it Shakespeare and I’ll be honest, at times the writing did jar, but overall an easy read - perfect for the beach, Christmas holidays or even just an escape from real life.

The book is cute and the writing was nice, although a little overly descriptive . It was easy to read. I didn't quite get the Christmas or seasonal cheer I usually want from these books, but it was still enjoyable . The characters were well rounded and likeable. If you're looking for a light-hearted, easy read then this will definitely be one for you a nice debut.

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

I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this book!
I love Made in Chelsea and am an avid watcher of I'm a Celebrity but I have never read a Mills & Boon and if I'm honest, I had quite a negative view of it. But this is just great, cosy chick lit.
Victoria is a fashion designer, teaching underprivileged kids in the evening and working in a Chelsea bar during the day, where she meets Oliver. Oliver is a billionaire and as well as trying to get his family's latest luxury department store ready for opening, his Mum is on his back about finding a girlfriend so he asks Victoria if she will pretend to be his fiance.
The ending is quite predictable, even from the start but it doesn't detract from the enjoyment of the book. This is a sweet, very British, cosy, wintery read.
I'm so pleased that this is the first of a 4 book series -Meet me in Hawaii is out in Spring and it's on my TBR

Oliver and Victoria meet by chance and strike up a deal. Victoria will pretend to be Oliver's fiancee to get his parents off his back. However, things soon become more complicated as they start to develop actual feelings for each other. Victoria is worried her past might get in the way and ruin her possible future with Oliver.

This is definitely a cute light hearted read, perfect for cosy winter nights! I liked Oliver and Victoria so it made it easy to hope they'd end up together.

I do feel that the end was slightly rushed and we could have seen more of a fallout after the big secret was revealed.

A great debut romance novel!

Thank you to Netgalley and Mills & Boon for providing me with a copy to read.

Victoria is an aspiring fashion designer, who would love a new chance to showcase her collection after her ex smashed her dream. Oliver, busy with the opening of his family’s new department store, needs help getting his mother of his back setting him up with a girlfriend. When they join forces to help each other out, they did not expect their fake relationship would turn into something deeper.

Faced with a devastating secret Victoria tries to fight her feelings and ends their deal before returning home and spend Christmas with her friends Malie, Zoe and Lily. Friends who love her no matter what and have her back when she needs them the most. But luckily, Oliver is not one to give up, and like any Russell, is prepared to fight for what he wants.

I don’t really know Georgia Toffolo, only from her participation in Bake Off: Stand Up to Cancer, but since re-discovering romance novels during lockdown I was curious about her book and absolutely loved it. The characters are well written and easy to connect with and I just loved the friendship between Victoria, Lily, Malie and Zoe, their strong bond wonderfully described by ‘Toff’.

I actually now hope Georgia will write a little series about each of the other girls, giving them their happy ending too.

This is the story of Victoria, bar manager and fashion designer and Oliver, heir to a department store empire and their fake relationship. I love those sorts of books, so was happy to dive in.

The book is well written, although I personally found it a little too descriptive in places. It flowed nicely, so that made it easy to read. I didn't have trouble putting it down though. I did like Victoria and Oliver, always a plus and I think there is the beginning of a series here about Victoria's group of friends.

I enjoyed Meet Me in London but I didn't love it.

I have just finished reading this book and I can honestly say that I loved it.
I thought the cover was great, the characters were loveable and found myself wanting my own Oliver. I was apprehensive about it being a Mills and boon book as I remember my mum and nan reading them years ago and I was worried it would be like them but I was very pleasantly surprised. The only thing I'm not sure wof is why it is called meet me in London... Apart from the story being based in London there is no reference to meeting up in London or any event in the story that relates to this. Nevertheless the title doesn't take away from the great writing and I'm looking forward to reading more by Toff! Thank you to netgalley and the publishers and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review

I didn't get quite the Christmasy vibes I was after but I enjoyed the meet-cute of Victoria and Oliver. They were both very strong characters with clear goals and problems. To have two well rounded leads - not just one was incredibly refreshing and made reading this novel all the more enjoyable.

It was a super easy read so definitely one I would recommend cuddling up with on those short and darkening nights to come.

I will admit to at times finding Victoria's character a little.... childlike in a way? Or perhaps the writing? The way 'kissing' a man was for some reason a really scandalous thing to do (and also I found her saying the word 'babies' incredibly irritating but okay maybe that's just a personal pet peeve.) she wasn't depicted as prudish/reserved per se so I found it a little out of character.

It would have been nice to delve a little deeper into what her friends 'The lost hour group' were up to. They felt like a crutch when they should have been secondary characters. But perhaps I'm jumping the gun, and the author has left their stories purposely vague... Do I smell a series coming?

Meet Me in London is the debut novel from Georgia Toffolo and I admit, I approached this book with some trepidation. However, I was pleasantly surprised!

The story follows Victoria, a bar manager/fashion designer and Oliver, the heir to a department store empire (who are opening a department store in Chelsea to the dismay of the local businesses). I won’t explain the plot in a great level of detail but ultimately Victoria agrees to be Oliver’s fake fiancée.

It was at times a touch predictable, but that isn’t a complaint- I often expect that in a novel which uses the fake dating trope. The writing style is easy to read and I liked the level of detail that the author gave of the surroundings and Chelsea at Christmas.

Overall, the book was enjoyable. I wouldn’t say that it was a page turner for me but it was a light and easy read, which is ideal at the moment! I liked Victoria and Oliver a lot and they seemed like a nice couple. I also liked Oliver’s parents and Victoria’s friends. As they featured a lot, I think it has been set up well for the next book in the series which is out in 2021.

Many thanks to Mills and Boon and NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

BOOK REVIEW: Meet Me In London by Georgia Toffolo @georgiatoffolo

TW: Car crash, Infertility

3.5 stars

This was a really rather sweet and endearing love story that was not only a cute romance but also a book about the importance of friendships and about being true to yourself. There are some serious issues which added a good depth to the story but didn't overwhelm the happy dreamy vibe.
Victoria the lead female was a really interesting character. I loved that she is a budding fashion designer but works in a bar and helps teach disadvantaged teenagers to design and make clothes. She was such a kind character and I liked her from the start.
Oliver the lead male is a wealthy owner of department stores. He is kind and hardworking but also feels trapped by the family business and wants to do something else.
It was great how the characters grew together and learnt from one another.
The storyline was decent, it was quite obvious what would happen but I didn't mind that too much.

I unfortunately struggled with the beginning of the book as the writing and story didn't get off to the best start. However, I am glad I stuck with it as I did enjoy it as a fun, cute and easy read. The writing was unfortunately lacking a little finesse. It was often quite clunky and the dialogue felt forced, unnatural and didn't flow. There was also A LOT of cheesy and over the top moments which I think could have been changed to make the book a bit better.

Overall it was a decent debut by Georgia Toffolo and one I would recommend if you are looking for a cute and easy read. I think I will read the second book in this series which continues with a story from one of Victoria's friend.

Please note that I was #gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.

The book was nice for a plod along love story, something to read for a light escape to read by the pool.

However... there were a few things that could have been better - the book was really rather predictable, it was clear what was going to happen. Now don't get me wrong it was a nice love story but we knew what was going to happen, a little suspense or a twist here or there wouldn't go a miss.

For a love story, it was the friendship of the girls that really shone through, it was great reading about their friendships and seeing how strong it was, without any kind of unrealistic expectation.

Somethings in the book was rather unrealistic, the flat Victoria lived in for one. The so-called 'voluntary' work she does isn't realist either as someone who does on the ground voluntary work the book certainly doesn't reflect how it is.

I think I would read the next one to see if it was more exciting and at least a little less predictable compared to this one.

When Victoria and Oliver met two worlds literally collide together and changes their fate forever.
Victoria has suffered pain and guilt for years, she is almost content in her small corner of the world, with her close group of people, happy to avoid her ex and hide from the pain he caused her.
Oliver is not able to hide, he is the son of a famous businessman, and ensuring the family name and reputation is upheld is his job, even if his cousin is determined to do his best to ruin it.
When the two characters meet cracks start to show in their lives and when Oliver hatches a plan to spare his father's pain and get his mother off his back, Victoria agrees. But as with all good love stories, the best-laid plans are often upturned, and the fun begins.

It’s Christmas time in London, love is in the air and one fall could be the making of a love that can heal many wounds.

Check out my latest book and audiobook review @ https://sloantate-mckate.blogspot.com/2020/10/meet-me-in-london-by-georgia-toffolo.html

My thanks to #Netgalley, #Mills&Boon, and @GeorgiaToffolo for allowing to review a copy of #MeetMeInLondon

Purchase Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meet-Me-London-sparkling-bestselling-ebook/dp/B0875QY836/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=meet+me+in+london&qid=1602783204&s=digital-text&sr=1-1
Barnes & Nobel: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/meet-me-in-london-georgia-toffolo/1136867575?ean=9780008375867
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/meet-me-in-london-1
Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/meet-me-in-london/georgia-toffolo/9780008375850
Audible UK: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Meet-Me-in-London-Audiobook/0008375879?qid=1602784386&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=c6e316b8-14da-418d-8f91-b3cad83c5183&pf_rd_r=2J4QBC0MHK2550HTNW52
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/audiobook/meet-me-in-london-2

This is a lovely first novel from Georgia Toffolo. A heartwarming story with just enough Christmas in it for it to be magical.
The main characters Victoria and Oliver first meet in a bar where Oliver asks Victoria to marry him.
Oliver is opening a huge department store in the neighbourhood and Victoria, a fashion designer who also works in the bar and teaches young people with a passion for design, wants to support the local shop owners whose businesses may suffer with the opening of his store.
While they work on a plan to support all the local businesses and the young designers at the store opening, they also pretend to be romantically involved to get Oliver's parents off his back!
However things get tricky as they find themselves falling in love. The only thing stopping them is a secret Victoria has which would stop the family business from being handed down through the generations.
I thoroughly recommend this read and cannot wait for the next book!