It was an okay book. I was not a fan personally and I think it missed the mark. I felt bored at times and wasnt able to truly follow through it.

Loved this story. The main characters are written to almost perfection. Lauren who's a gym manager is equal parts confident, self assured, and vulnerable at the same time. Allegra who's a barrister and mother to Hugo is self assured in her job, but relationships are a little out of her comfort zone, so this makes her shy and vulnerable at the same time. Hugo is a teenager coming into the gym to get strong, so that he's not bullied at school by the other kids,and this is where the story begins. I loved the relationship between Lauren and Hugo and that she willingly got to know him as a person and helped him without judgement. The relationship between Lauren and Allegra was pretty sweet as well both seemed to fit together well even though there was a bit of drama and angst in their relationship you could just tell that they were meant to be together. The drama came, because Lauren didn't want anyone to know about her reading illiteracy especially not the woman she loved. I liked how the author handled the two situations throughout this story, and that she didn't go for the quick fixes, because bullying is an on going problem around the world and not being able to read can take someone who can't quite a long time and hard work, before they are proficient at it. I would definitely recommend this book to all my friends and family, and I look forward to what this author does next.

This story is just so likeable right from the start. The flirtation dialogue is witty and fun. The gym setting is nicely done and the teenager is realistically enthusiastic/moody/hormonal challenged all at the same time. The story gets a bit bogged down in the middle, as the two women seem to become a tad mundane very quickly, but the literacy issue is handled well. With both the problems and the coping strategies cleverly interwoven through the plot. The only thing I didn’t like was the title, as it is a bit too obvious.

Amanda Radley knows how to write a sexy, successful business woman. She also knows how to write an excellent age gap novel. The blend of these two elements were exceptional in this new release.

Allegra, the sexy, successful business woman, was written exceptionally well. She was well developed, had a bit of an icy feel to her initially but had the heart of gold underneath. Although she's a good few years older to Lauren, the age gap was tackled in a way that I love - it's addressed but quickly becomes a non-issue. I could easily see why these two characters gelled together and I loved the following their romance.

I really like Radley's novels but she has shied away from intimacy scenes in her last few. While I completely understand the choice, it was an element that I particularly missed from her work. I'm happy to report that while this wasn't steamy it definitely featured some a few intimacy scenes.

A great novel by Radley and I look forward to reading what's next.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Amanda Radley has always been one of my go-to authors when I’m looking for a HEA, feel-good romance novel. She is an expert at writing stories in this genre, so I was eager to get her newest novel, Reading Her. I’m happy to say this book lived up to all my expectations.

This starts out as an enemies-to-lovers tale since the two love interests (Barrister Allegra Whittaker and fitness instructor Lauren Evans) have a less than amicable run in over Allegra’s fourteen year old son, Hugo. This happens when Hugo uses his mother’s credit card without her permission to attend the gym. In spite of the initial hard feelings, though, there is a connection that seems to grow each time they meet. Hugo is the catalyst that brings the two together, but there is so much that could keep them apart, especially a secret that Lauren has kept for most of her life.

This is not only a beautiful romance, the story showcases the problems teenagers sometimes face with bullying as well as other societal problems. Lauren and Allegra also must deal with class and financial disparity because of their very different backgrounds and occupations.

The characters make this story something special, especially Lauren. Her character is so deep and vibrant, sensitive and caring even as she tries to be something of a player. It is easy to fall for her as Allegra does in the story. Allegra and Hugo are also well-developed and realistic. Hugo acts just like I expect him to.

This is a beautiful tale of love, family, and the joy of happy ever after. All romance lovers need to read this novel.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

I really liked this book. It is an age gap romance and they have great chemistry.
With Hugo, Allegra's son, the story also brings the bullying theme which is always important.
Lauren keeps a secret and this book makes us think how difficult it might be.
Usually, Radley's books don't bring sex scenes, but it is different in this one, and it was great.

Five stars, easily. Six or seven, even.

The fact that I read all four of the books Radley published last year surely says something about how much I love her writing. I want to say this is my favourite of hers, but I'm blown away each time, and I seem to recall thinking this about the others as well. To name-drop them, Detour to Love. And Humbug. And Protecting the Lady. Oh heck, I really don't think I can pick one over the rest.

Here are a few of the ingredients of an Amanda Radley book.

1. Strong, lovable, relatable, yet human characters. I'm very picky when it comes to characters. There are certain shades of grey that I just can't tolerate, and while everyone needs flaws, some are overused or inexcusable to most in the real world. You won't find clichés in Radley's books. You will find people who spring off of the pages, whom you wish you could know in real life, and even sometimes give you a tiny fictional crush. I adored both Lauren and Allegra. Okay, and Hugo too. No fictional crushes this time, but it's hard for me to vocalize just how fond I am of them when I spent only two hours in their world.

2. Love. You can feel it radiating out of the pages, out of the characters' hearts. Radley books aren't about attraction and seduction, they're about souls connecting. I think I read Reading Her with heart eyes (like the emoji) and a sappy smile.

3. Something bigger than relationship drama. I've lost taste for stories that contain nothing more than purposeful and unsubtle drama. I know that the romance genre is sort of characterized by it, but sometimes you want more than, "they're attracted to each other, one person can't stomach commitment for some reason or another, heartbreak, yay they're back together." I've been consistently impressed by Radley not only for giving all relationship drama more purpose than a plot device, because it never feels contrived in her books, but for including something just a little bigger than a romance. There are always hints of something, some real problem that gives me something to chew on, but there is never a preachy "message" that would put off readers looking for nothing beyond romance. She dishes it out in bite-sized portions that are quietly insightful but never detracting from the emotion in the love story, only engaging with it. For me, it's so much easier to process her stories as taking place in our world, with our problems, and not in an unrealistically optimistic bubble.

Everything above applies to Reading Her, of course, but a couple of points that pertain to it more specifically. It is indeed, (Radley's own words) "a bit of a departure from [her] usual style." I was a little surprised, but ultimately impressed. There's not much more to say about that without giving it away... but if it was an inch out of her comfort zone, it did not come through in the writing.

This has never not been the case in a Radley book, but I thought it important to point out how much I loved the reveal of Lauren's backstory. Yes, the pieces fit together long before the confession comes out, and it's amazing. Radley brings us characters from all walks of life and thus characters who often have problems that we don't see in our own social circles. For me, Lauren has been the hardest character to relate to in that sense. It was never, not for one second, difficult to understand how this affected her, though.

Finally, a spot of criticism. Really, it's nothing. It occurred to me that details are a bit sparse when it comes to the characters' occupations, like their careers are so secondary to the relationship that they don't warrant detailed research. I know this isn't fair, because it truly is a small matter in a romance novel, and Radley puts out new books of such calibre so frequently it's insane. Research into occupations is something that takes up a considerable amount of time but has so little pay-off. Yet I struggled a little to see Allegra the way Lauren saw her, as a confident, collected lawyer, because there's just a little lacking in the scene where Lauren watches her. We also never see Allegra at work, except to discuss her personal life.

I didn't intend to write an essay about why others might want to read Amanda Radley's books, but here we are. If you're already a fan of hers, there literally isn't a single reason not to pick up this book. If you're not yet a fan, you will be.

Lauren Evans grew up in foster homes and while they were all right the constant moving from one family to another has left a huge gap in her education. She couldn't’ read but she has made her way through life ‘faking it’. Her life now revolved around the gym where she worked/ managed the business. The managing part wasn’t her favorite but her boss was very understanding, even offering to pay for her to go back to school, learning to read and being able to take on more of the paperwork that came with running a business. But Lauren was more than content ushering people through the workouts they came for. One day a young man came to the gym, Lauren took a liking to Hugo and decided to help him reach his goals.
Allegra Whittaker, a barrister, was Hugo's mother and she had no idea her son had used her credit card to join the gym. Neither did Lauren. But he was so interested Allegra decided to let him ‘really join’ the gym and to make it even more appealing for Allegra was the fact that the young instructor, Lauren, insisted she’d be his personal trainer.
At first neither Allegra or Lauren realized Hugo was dealing with some bullies at school. As Lauren and Allegra become closer they can’t help the attraction growing between them. All the time spent together led Allegra to believe Lauren was hiding a secret but she had no idea what it could be. All she knew was that she was falling for Lauren. Luckily for her Lauren felt the same way.
Ms Radley has given us a very nice romance between two women who at first glance didn’t seem to fit together. Very nice read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books

I am rarely surprised by a book – especially when it is by a familiar and beloved author. I always know that I'll enjoy an Amanda Radley penned book. I have read most, if not all her books. Yet, I was caught off-guard by Reading Her; it is not her usual offering, and it is my new favorite. I am not knocking her previous work, but this book is something special.

The main characters, Lauren and Allegra (which is not just the name of an antihistamine) are complex and about as opposite as two people can be. I won't dive into the plot, but Lauren became very dear to me. They flirt and each reckons that they could have some fun dating. Neither is looking for anything more. Besides, they both have good reasons to keep things casual.

Hugo, Allegra’s son plays a big role in the story, first to bring them together and then as an interesting character in his own right. I was glad that he was prominent throughout the book and not just as a plot device and then forgotten. He is a teenager and acts like one.

Like I stated before, this is my new favorite. It is a full five-stars book and I highly recommend reading it.

“Reading Her” by Amanda Radley is an age-gap, opposites-attract romance.

Lauren Evans is a 30-something fitness instructor when she meets Hugo Whittaker. He’s a teen wanting to lose some weight and get fit because of some bullies at school. Unfortunately for Hugo, he stole his mom’s (Allegra) credit card to sign up for the gym and she has some words to say to Lauren about it.

Radley is pretty well known for writing ice queens and this was a departure from that. While Lauren is a bit cocky in the beginning, once you get to know her, she grows on you and is very likable. Allegra is a wealthy barrister in her early 50’s and hasn’t dated in years. She’s attracted to Lauren right off and is surprised when she learns the feeling is mutual. Lauren hasn’t had a serious relationship in years because of a personal issue that she has to deal with so neither one is ready for their undeniable chemistry.

This was a heartwarming romance with family and communication at its core. Allegra and Lauren actually communicate with one another aside from the one thing that Lauren keeps to herself. It doesn’t have anything to do with the Allegra or their relationship but it’s something she lets get in the way of her future. Lauren’s process was eye opening for me as a reader and was something she had to be honest about if she wanted a future with Allegra and Hugo. I mention Hugo here because he does play a pretty important role in the book.

Also, Radley didn’t go her usual route of fade to black intimate scenes (if that.) There were one or two actual steamy scenes so if that has stopped you from reading Radley before, don’t let it now.

I recommend this for fans of heartwarming romances with a small dose of angst.

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book did a great job with the characters making you really care about them. The storyline flows well with no slow spots. Lauren, Allegra, and teenager Hugo feel like people you would love to know. I like that nothing was rushed. Lauren's secret keeping caused more problems than her secret itself. Very well written book by a great author.

Amanda Radley surprised me, in a very good way, with her new book. Her last few had me going "meh" a little bit, yet I sat up and took attention with this one. It's a bit different from her previous books, she also added some heated scenes, but the changes are all good! I loved Lauren and Allegra together, especially the character journey you could follow in Lauren was nice to see and the addition of Allegra's son Hugo was a strong one.
This is an age-gap romance and well worth the read for anyone who wants to read a wellwritten romance with witty banter, no over the top drama and/or angst and wants to close the book with a smile on their face.

***Thank you Netgalley and BoldStrokeBooks for giving me the chance to read and review this book***

Amanda has done it again; this was an amazing story. The characters were awesome and relatable. I enjoyed the story very much. I recommend 4.5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for this Arc in exchange for my honest review.

Lauren Evans meets Allegra Whittaker when she finds out her newest client at the gym she runs has joined using his Mom’s stolen credit card. Allegra can’t help but be angry but when she finds that her son Hugo has been training with Lauren due to some bullying at school she allows them to continue. As they grow closer they both find that their previous notions about having a real lasting relationship with someone else aren’t exactly how that imagined. Both end up having some eye opening revelations about themselves and each other.
I really enjoyed this newest book by Amanda Radley. The MCs had tons of chemistry and I was really rooting for Lauren. There was some angst and self doubt on her part but she was such a heartwarming character that I just wanted her to have a happy ending. Loved the age gap and also loved the interactions we see with Allegra in court, they had me laughing out loud when Lauren watched from the gallery. Hugo was also a sweet teenager and all his actions and dialogue seemed to be age appropriate for a 14 year old, I hate when child characters don’t seem to act like a or Al kid their age would. Overall this was a great read and I’d recommend picking it up!

This was an amazing book, but all of Amanda Radley's books are. It's amazing how Lauren has such understanding and grace for Hugo, even though she didn't have it for herself. And how she later learns to have it for herself. And only because she finally, desperately, pushes past her fear of judgement to salvage her relationship with Allegra.

Even though a romance usually has two main characters, there is absolutely no way to say that Hugo is a secondary character in this. And the way that these three main characters, with so much difference in life experience, come together and learn to love each other is so heartwarming.

I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher, and am giving an honest review.

Reading Her is a charming and heartwarming story which will leave the reader with a small smile of satisfaction. The story revolves around Hugo, a young teenager being bullied at school. Hugo believes if he can lose weight and bulk up he would become less of a target. Lauren is the fitness instructor who takes an interest in shaping Hugo’s workouts while working on her attraction to his mother Allegra.
Hugo, Allegra and Lauren are all wonderfully crafted characters. You get to really know and understand them while admiring their strengths and forgiving any bad decisions. Although Allegra and Lauren come from vastly different backgrounds, the opposites attract theme in the hands of Radley is superbly written. Her elite storytelling skill has you easily invested in their happiness.
Reading Her is joy to read and will leave you satisfyingly lighthearted. I wholeheartedly recommend this novel.

I received an advance review copy from Bold Stroke Books and NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I like reading Radley’s books because I know what will be there and what won’t be there. This one managed to surprise me, it’s unlike and of the Radley books I read before. I won’t tell you why that is, you’ll have to find out yourself.
For me it was a pleasant surprise, one I knew of because other reviews, but it still managed to surprise me.

I think the author touches on a very important topic in this book, literacy. I work in publishing, schools books, so it’s a subject I know quite a bit about. And honestly it’s shocking, if you find the numbers in this book to be surprising and thinking it’s pure fiction, they are not. Radley did a great job writing about it and the shame that a lot of people feel about their level of literacy. The match between barrister Allegra and personal trainer Lauren is pretty good. They both have doubts about the viability of the relationship, Allegra’s concerning their age gap (some 20 years) and physical appearance and Lauren about level of education and the shame she carries with her.
Hugo, Allegra’s teenaged son, is a good “instrument” to show who these characters are.
A lot of the time I have issues with age gap because some sort of power imbalance is there or one of the characters just doesn’t seem ready. In this one I think both characters have their issues, but age and where they ar en life isn’t a big concern. They match well and it’s all because of the kid connection. Never thought I’d like a kid in a story, but this one is decent enough ;)

It’s a fun read, some unexpected scenes from Radley and it was an amazing surprise!

am a huge fan of Radley’s ice queens and witty dialogue so I jumped when I saw her newest was available. This book is actually quite different from her usual, and I enjoyed it.

It’s an age-gap romance between Allegra, a fifty-something barrister and Lauren a younger and very fit fitness instructor. Their dialogue is less wit and more real feelings, especially in the second half of the story. Initially, Lauren comes off as cocky and something of a player, but once we find out the reason she doesn’t let anyone get close to her, she really grew on me. Another thing I like is Lauren is written as (IMO) soft-butch when I’ve come to expect femme-femme from Radley. Overall, the characters are nuanced and their dialogues are heartfelt and lovely.

Due to the sensitive nature of the issues dealt with, the gentler tone really fits. I was also pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of not one but two!! intimate scenes. They were hot and sweet in just the right measure, so this old perv was extra happy I didn’t have to use my imagination.

It’s a bit of a cookie-cutter romance with insightful side-characters giving good advice at just the right time and a magically disappearing child when things started getting heated.

This is an enjoyable read that deals with some difficult topics but doesn’t get bogged down with angst or self-pity. I read this all in one go, it’s just the perfect length for a quiet afternoon read (or in my case, hopping on and off trains and grabbing a few minutes between classes).

4.5 stars

I loved this book!!!. This is beautifully written and you truly feel engulfed in the story. The main characters were wonderful and Reading Me was truly an original story.

Although I'm familiar with the author, this is actually the first book I've read from her and it didn't disappoint. At all. I've heard that Radley makes chaste/mild sex scenes for their books but for this one, it didn't really bother me because the romance, the chemistry, and the banter between the two main characters are just off the charts.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one despite my preference for reading books with detailed spicy scenes. But I'm glad I picked this one up and would like to see more into the author's works in the future.