I was pleasantly surprised that this was a UK-set book, and really enjoyed the familiarity of the setting, which was 'small town' in a very British, Costwoldy way! Likewise, there was plenty of nostalgia to be had in terms of the sixth form flashbacks - and the sense of humour throughout was also something that resonated, and I hope it will be something that overseas readers are able to enjoy.

I loved the awkward but undeniable chemistry between Hannah and Teddy. Their story was very much one of them both trying to get out of the boxes they'd been assigned to (by themselves and others). Hannah in particular had a lot of work to do to shed her prickly armour, and while I'm glad she eventually was able to, I have to admit I found her slightly draining as a protagonist and POV character. Totally relateable, but also not easy to be in her head for the entire narrative, and I came to the conclusion that Teddy was either a saint or a masochist to stay invested! I'm not totally wedded to dual POV stories, but I did feel that maybe - since this one relied so much on Hannah's unreliable self-image - the contrast between hers and Teddy's POVs would have helped me understand *why* Teddy was all in, and how he'd seen her 15 years ago (the one initial scene set back then didn't quite paint the full picture, for me). I also felt that things with Hannah's mother were just kind of left unresolved, and I would have enjoyed a bit more attention to Agnes' story and her memories of her brother-in-law, so that the reunion landed more, emotionally.

All that being said, this was the perfect cosy romcom for a weekend's read, I enjoyed it a lot, and it was great to be able to get my small town, spicy, grumpy/sunshine fix in a cool, British flavour.

This is my first book by the author, and while it became apparent that this is a sequel of sorts to The Hot Henry Effect, this was a standalone story and no prior acquaintance with the characters was required. That said, I'd definitely consider circling back to read Henry and Clara's story!

This is the second novel I have read by Lucy, and I really enjoyed it. I love a grumpy/sunshine romance, small town setting, emphasising successful women and ultimately a HEA.

Another super fun and cute STEM romance book! If you're a fan of Ali Hazelwood, then this book is for you. I enjoyed Henry and Clara's story in The Hot Henry Effect, but I think I enjoyed Ted and Hannah's story even more. It was hilarious, witty, great banter, and a fun rom com that I think so many people will enjoy!

Thank you to NetGalley, Lucy Chalice, and One More Chapter for the ARC of this book.

Loved this book! Ever since finishing The Hot Henry Effect, I've been looking forward to reading Ted's story and this book didn't disappoint.

It's heartwarming and beautiful and gave me all the feels. It has everything a cute romance should have.

Highly recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter / HarperCollinsUK for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an adorable, fun and very easy read. I enjoyed Henry and Clara’s story in The Hot Henry Effect, but I think I enjoyed Ted and Hannah’s story even more. Hannah was oblivious and adorable, and Ted was very funny and sweet. I enjoyed the cameos from Henry and Clara, and the side characters were cute too (animals as well as humans) (except for you, Jonathan).

I liked how the misunderstandings were resolved in this one, it was very cute.

Overall a great read and I’ll definitely continue reading Lucy’s books ☺️

This was cute, and light, and while it handled some more serious topics like self-confidence and self-worth, it did so in a way that managed to stay mostly upbeat and bright. It was a delightful British palate-cleanser of a book with an entire ensemble cast of people who are terrible at reading other people’s feelings even when they are outright told them! Because we are all prickly little hedgehogs.

Clara and Hannah have so much in common and Teddy and Henry do too, in spite of their obliviousness to it. But they’re all different enough that they balance each other out perfectly. You just know Clara and Hannah are besties now and don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing in front of each other. Now that they’ve been locked down, their men can chill for once 😂

4.5 beautiful stars for Fundamentals in Flirting by L. Chalice, published by Harper Collins UK/ One More Chapter.
A witty and fun read, hilarious, a beautiful rom/com, flirtily gives it all the feels.

I seriously jumped at the chance to get this and was SO EXCITED to get approved. Lucy Chalice is the next Ali Hazelwood, but I gotta say that Lucy writes more intriguing MMCs. I have absolutely adored both Henry and Ted and I need a million more of these, stat!

Hannah is freaking hilarious and I absolutely love how completely oblivious she is.

As soon as I was sent the invitation to join the ARC team for this book I ran as fast as I could!

Teddy took the "He Falls First" and said: "Hold my beer and let me show how it's done."
Wow, just wow! The warm and fuzzy feelings I felt while reading this adorable and fantastic love story of second chances will be hard to forget.
At the beginning, Hannah wasn't my favorite, there was something about her almost being on the cusp of going back to her ex that sat wrong with me, but she redeemed herself beautifully.
She was also a bit blind, I can't understand how someone who spent so much time around Teddy couldn't see how much he loved and yearned for her.
Their relationship was wonderfully developed, and it didn't bore me one bit, I was engaged from the first to the last page.

I can't wait to find out what Lucy will write next!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.