Member Reviews

Am I allergic to men?
by Kristen Bailey
4 stars
It took a while for me to get into this but once it got close to the ending, I couldn't stop laughing and it even made me cry. Also, in a little bit of what in the world did I just listen to. Kristen is a hilarious writer, and, in the end, she didn't leave you guessing or wondering she rounded out everyone's life down the road and I loved that so damn much. The British slang and humor were so up my alley, and it was throughout the book. Let's all just admit the title is great, that's what drew me to request this arc and even though it was a slow start for me it ended way better than I thought it would.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the Advanced copy for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Having not read any of the Callaghan Sisters series before I wondered if it would be a struggle to pickup the storyline of Am I Allergic To Men? However, I didn't feel that these needed to be read and worked very well as a standalone book. It had me laughing throughout and loved Lucy's humour and attitude to life. I loved the relationships that I saw evolve in the book and loved each sisters background

Was this review helpful?

You think you’ve got it bad? I lost my memory, I’m so single I’ve basically got an allergy to men, and my own cat despises me.

‘Lucy! If you can hear me, squeeze my hand!’

That’s the first thing I hear when I wake up in hospital. Then my sister drops a bombshell: I’ve been in a coma.

It gets worse. In my head, it’s 2009 and I’m seventeen. Somehow, I need to remember the last decade…

Plan A: Track down my exes. Highlights include a one-night stand with someone in a Batman costume, and balcony sex that gave the neighbours a nervous breakdown.

Plan B: Get flirty. Lowlights include a fling with someone hairier than a yeti.

Plan C: Figure out why I have more exes than underwear. Am I allergic to men?

As I piece together my past, I find a mysterious note: Oscar, 9th February. Determined to work out what it means, I uncover a secret I’ve been hiding from everyone.

When the truth comes out, will my memory return? Will I get my life back? And will I ever find the cure to my singledom?

You’ll laugh so much your abs ache! The perfect page-turner for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and TV shows like Schitt’s Creek

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.
Wow. I can’t believe I haven’t read the other books in this series. I’m literally going off to look for them now.
All the laughs and all the feels, I absolutely loved it. I laughed all the way through.
What brilliant characters this family are, although Lucy is obviously our protagonist the other sisters, mum, dad, friends and love interests are so clearly rounded and written that I ended up desperate to know more about them too. Lucy’s life is a perfect little hilarious whirlwind of drama and hilarity. Brilliant, more please.

Was this review helpful?

What a hilarious listen, I absolutely loved this story! Lucy is a force of nature even if a little crude at times, which was a little cringy when my daughter was in the car when I was listening!

The narrator’s voice, although she did a great job, does not really fit in with the character as she sounds quite a bit older than Lucy’s 29 years.

I also don’t get how the title fits with the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for letting me review this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

1 *star*

I would say that the cover and title of the book do not fit the story. THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE BOOK!
If there was humor, I didn't recognize it and it seemed dry to me. Just not my kind of humor.

I would say she isn't allergic to men she's just trying to be herself and find herself again. Being a free spirit, free bird. At one point I find the main character seeking attention and just being rude. I didn't connect with her at all. I know it's difficult when you don't remember anything about yourself, but no, just no ...
The dialogue was also written very weird at times that it was difficult to know who was talking if there was more than one person around.
The voice was weird from time to time. At one point it sounded like she is speaking underwater or the voice echoed. But overall it was okay.

Thank you for the experience!

Was this review helpful?

This ARC was provided by the publisher through Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review, I'm extremely grateful to them.

And here it goes, I went into this with no other expectations but to laugh out loud. I got more, I laughed out loud like I was crazy, but I also loved the sisters relationship how each of them has a part and you get to know them throughout the book.

I absolutely enjoyed the chemistry between the sisters and even the parents. The quest to get her memory back with the information from her phone...

Lucy is a force of nature, unapologetic, free and with no regrets. And the love around her is beautiful. And this story is not about the memory loss or the men, is about love.

The only down side for me is that it felt a bit exaggerated.

But I enjoyed it sincerely, it even made me wish that I had sisters.

This review has been posted to goodreads

Was this review helpful?

This book made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me want to scream and it even made me pee my pants (nearly)!

Lucy is unapologetically Lucy and EVERYONE loves her for it. So much so that when she loses more than ten years worth of memories after a near fatal accident, there is deep concern that 'the real Lucy' might be lost forever.

This is unlike anything I've ever read before. Usually when people, or characters, are a bit scatty, they are 'accepted' to a point.

That is not the case in this book. Of course there is judgment about how Lucy talks or acts but, the people she loves (many, many people) love her so unconditionally that they would never think to judge her or her actions and the others, well they don't matter!

There is definitely a lesson in tolerance, acceptance and unconditional love at the heart of this book.

Inwill definitely be looking out for future releases from Kristen Bailey.

Was this review helpful?

Lucy has an accident and loses her memory. In her mind she is still 17 and remembers nothing. Her four sisters and parents agree to all live together again to try and bring her memory back. The book follows Lucy trying to understand why she made some of the decisions she did and why she has a note on her phone saying ‘Oscar 9th Feb’.

There were definitely some laugh out loud moments on this audiobook and I really enjoyed the story. I found it a little hard that the narrator didn’t change voices for different characters like most audiobooks do and I found myself not knowing which sister was talking (if it wasn’t Lucy).

I initially found so many sisters confusing and thought there were seven of them until near the end when Lucy says she was the fifth child. I also thought her friends at the beginning were her sisters so it was a little puzzled. Apparently there are books about the other sisters but this was the first time I had read this author.

Many thanks to Netgalley for the ARC audiobook.

Was this review helpful?

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book but I ended up really enjoying it! I’m not sure the title matches the story but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless.

Was this review helpful?

I believe the plot is probably OKAY but the narrator made it really difficult to focus on the plot. I really WANT to like this book, I would absolutely pick up a physical copy of the text if it was available and likely be able to write a much better review but the audiobook is rather difficult to get through.

Was this review helpful?

Lucy Callaghan is living her life to the fullest. With acting as her passion but no huge leads, she works as an entertainer doing kids parties dressed as a Disney princess among other odd end jobs, drinks like a fish and isn't afraid to speak her mind. All she cares about is that she's happy. Her life comes to a screeching halt as she is suddenly in an accident and ends up not only with a shaved head, but also having no recollection of the last decade, believing herself to be 17 again. Her family tries everything to help her to regain her memory, including reaching out to friends and taking her to old stomping grounds. Lucy learns about what she's been up to last 10 or so years, leading to a lot of reflection on her life. With no serious relationship and just a message on her phone with a name and a date but no description, she is determined that this person must be of importance, but how? Will Lucy ever get her memory back or is she stuck living a life of the semi unknown?
Thank you to Netgalley, Kristen Bailey, and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to read and review this book. I was granted the audio version and I feel like it gave even more character to the book. The narrator did a great job bringing the story to life. This was the first book I've read by Kristin Bailey. I didn't realize that it was book 5 in a series, but it didn't make a huge difference.  At first I wasn't entirely sure what to think about the book, but I stuck with it and after a few chapters I got to really appreciate the Callaghan sisters and their incredible bond and willingness to support one another. This book had me laughing and I really enjoyed it. Lucy definitely has a unique and strong personality that may be crude to some people. If you want some good laughs and aren't easily offended with some crude behavior this is a good one for you. I rate this ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Was this review helpful?

This book was a great audio. I loved the narration as well as the magical realism. The quality of the sound left a bit to be desired though. I enjoyed the cover and the title really sucked me in. As an event planner I loved the party planner vibe a lot.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 Stars
While this book was not necessarily what I expected, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Am I Allergic to Men? follows Lucy who is about to turn 30 and is not living a cookie cutter life. She works as a party princess and isn't looking for a man to settle down with but just looking for a good time. When Lucy forgets her all of her adult life after an accident with a bus, her and her sisters work to try and figure out who she was. This leads to a lot of reflection and adventures.
I enjoyed the premise of this book that not everyone has the same path. I through Lucy was a fun main character with a clear attitude difference between her 17 year old self and her 30 year old self.
The beginning was definitely my favorite part as you get to know Lucy as her adult self and see how she is living life being a party princess. She is shown to be strong and showing others how to be strong as well and I quite enjoyed that about her.
Where it fell flat for me was the quick changes between characters, this made some characters feel used out of convenience and one dimensional.
Thank you to net galley and the publisher for this ARC

Was this review helpful?

Why, why, why…Have I never read/listened to any Kristen’s books before?! This book is freaking hilarious full on laugh out loud…piss yourself laughing until you cry book. I loved this book that much that I went and brought the other four in the series. Yes this is book 5 but can be easily read has a standalone.

The title is what sold it to me, so I didn’t bother reading the blurb so i had no idea what to expect and I sure has hell was not disappointed. I loved everything about it and the fact that it made me laugh so much. I must of looked a right twat walking around my village with a woolly hat on covering my ear phones…..Full on laughing my socks off! but who cares because I certainly did’nt…This book is pure entertainment!

In this book we meet the Callaghen sisters, well I did anyway. People that have read Kristina’s books before will know them! This story focuses on Lucy who wakes up from a coma and has lost her memory. We are taken on an hilarious journey with her sisters to help get her remember the last ten years…..Yes that’s how long she has been in a coma.

I loved Lucy she is honest, straight talking and so bloody funny….I would love to go on a night out with her! She is right up my street and not prudish in anyway at all. You can talk to her about absolutely anything and when I say anything I mean anything. And the relationship between all the sisters is amazing.

Am I Allergic To Men is an addictive read, I couldn’t stop listening to it. I loved the narrator who has told this story brilliantly. She has brought the characters to life and made it all so real…..I loved this book so much.

I am fussy when it comes to chick lit because other than Sophie Kinsella, Linsey Kelk and Kirsty Greenwood. No one has made me laugh this much in a long time! This book is a must read, I cannot recommend it enough.

Massive thank you to Bookouture for a copy, all thoughts are my own and not biased in anyway.

Was this review helpful?

I didn’t realize this was the fifth book in the series but I don’t think it affected the storyline. I don’t understand the title. It does not match the book at all… it’s not a romantic comedy. It’s more like a journey of self re-discovery after suffering from amnesia, and sisterly love and support. I absolutely would have titled it differently (the title seems to meet the structure of the others in the series, almost like the titles were set for each character based on a portion of their life, but not necessarily the story that was told).

The book was interesting enough. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about how it ended and I think you have to suspend some disbelief while reading it at parts (IE some medical aspects).

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book comes out February 3rd, 2022.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook.

I really wanted to love this book. The first think that drew me in was the title and picture. I have never read anything by Kristen Bailey so I had high hopes.

I went in think it was going to be about a lady who was having man problems. I mean the title. But what I found was a book that was about learning to accept yourself and how important family is.

While I loved the humor from the main character I couldn't help but felt let down constantly with each chapter that it didn't really go with the title. I think had the title been different I wouldn't have had a preconceived notion on what to expect.

Forget the title, and you'll enjoy the book.

Was this review helpful?

What if you woke up and suddenly couldn't remember the last 12 years of your life? As you get to know yourself, you start to question who you are, where you where in life, what had you accomplished compared to those around you and that you had some pretty major secrets? A hilarious look at life through the lens of someone who doesn't remember living her best life. The narrator did an outstanding job of bringing the characters to life and enhancing an incredibly fun look at life and romance. A happily ever after, but not what you would expect from your typical rom com! I enjoyed this fun and unique look at life through the eyes of this author and can't wait to read more of her books!

Was this review helpful?

What a fun, moving, and heartfelt story this was! I wasn't sure where this story was going to go, and when Lucy is hit by a bus, this went from silly and lighthearted to quite serious very quickly! Lucy is such an interesting, vibrant, hilarious person, and when she loses years of memory from the accident, her family rises up in droves to help her in any way they can. All the sisters move back into their parents' house together to help break the memories free.

Can you imagine waking up in a 30 year old body, but thinking you are 17? Sisters are married, relationships have been formed and lost, everything is different. As Lucy goes on a journey to figure out who she was between 17 and 30, we get to come along for the ride. It's hilarious, but also incredibly moving. The family bonds throughout this story make you want to go give someone in your inner circle a hug. It's filled with love and strength, and I loved it!

My only actual complaint about this one is that the cover and the title didn't match the story (at least in my opinion). They feel very rom-com, and this is a women's fic story through and through.

I highly recommend it!

Was this review helpful?

I must be honest, and at first, I couldn't get into this book, and I thought it was too crude for me, but I persevered, and I am so glad that I did, as I ended up really enjoying it.

The book is about Lucy, who gets hit by a bus and goes into a coma. When she wakes up in hospital, she has lost the last ten years of her memory, and she thinks she is 17 again. The story is then about how she tries to remember the previous ten years of her life, and her parents, sisters, friends and ex boyfriends all try to help her with this. Her family are all so lovely and caring towards her, and as she is the youngest of the family, they all want to protect her and help her to get well again.

The book is quite funny, although there is a bit too much crude talk for me. Maybe this is because of my age. However, I got used to it as the book went on, and a lot of it I enjoyed.

The narrator of the book was great and I really liked her.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Oh I just love love love the Callaghan clan. They are this mad family that love dearly, fight to the death for one another but tell each other how it is. This is the 5th book in the series and I’m so sad to say it’s the last, say it isn’t so Kristen Bailey 😢. This read focuses on Lucy who is the youngest, most outspoken and free spirited of the sisters. It has a different feel to the others but it’s no less enjoyable and is perfect for how the Callaghan Sisters story should come to a close. As like the other 4 it’s a laugh out loud (to which I did A LOT 😆) read. I’m so sad that this is the last we’ll hear from this loveable family as each time I read the next in the series it’s like getting reacquainted with old friends. I don’t know what I’m going to do without all the relationship antics, no filter speak and the general family dynamics. If your looking for a lighthearted, funny, read that will grab you from the first word then this is a series for you.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review this ARC that was published on the 3rd of Jan.

Was this review helpful?