Review: Much Ado About You – Samantha Young

Blurb:

The cozy comforts of an English village bookstore open up a world of new possibilities for Evie Starling in this charming new romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young.

At thirty-three-years old Evangeline Starling’s life in Chicago is missing that special something. And when she’s passed over for promotion at work, Evie realizes she needs to make a change. Some time away to regain perspective might be just the thing. In a burst of impulsivity, she plans a holiday in a quaint English village. The holiday package comes with a temporary position at Much Ado About Books, the bookstore located beneath her rental apartment. There’s no better dream vacation for the bookish Evie, a life-long Shakespeare lover.

Not only is Evie swept up in running the delightful store as soon as she arrives, she’s drawn into the lives, loves and drama of the friendly villagers. Including Roane Robson, the charismatic and sexy farmer who tempts Evie every day with his friendly flirtations. Evie is determined to keep him at bay because a holiday romance can only end in heartbreak, right? But Evie can’t deny their connection and longs to trust in her handsome farmer that their whirlwind romance could turn in to the forever kind of love.

Review:

Much Ado About You’s premise is a dream! Leaving behind an awful job with no career progression and a seemingly lacklustre life for a holiday in a quaint English village which involves living above a cute little bookstore and working temporarily in said bookstore? Sign me up. Befriending the local villagers (subsequently becoming like family with them) and falling in love with the sexy local farmer? Even better.

Pretty sure Samantha Young took many of these components directly out of my brain and crafted a story she knew I’d love. And love it, I did. Roane and Evie were such a delight to get to know and their build up to a genuine friendship felt authentic. There might have been instant attraction (standard in many relationships and romance stories) but it definitely wasn’t insta-love. Evie is self-aware and know she needs to take things at her own pace. She’s aware of her circumstances, her goals, and her wants vs needs. I admired her independence a lot in this book.

I also adored the friends she made along the way with the local villagers. So many of them were so sweet and it instantly felt like Evie belonged. It actually made me think of Young’s other series and the wonderful friendships she created amongst the side characters there too. So much so, I wonder if there might be plans down the track of turning this into a series? I for one, would love to see some of the other single characters meet their love interests, or even simply getting a glimpse of how everyone is doing in the future.

I’ll admit I’m not a huge Shakespeare fan so I haven’t read the original Much Ado About Nothing and therefore couldn’t tell you how similar the plots are or not, but can tell you that you can certainly enjoy this story without needing to know anything else. Young’s writing is easy to read and as quaint as this lovely English village setting. Basically, I loved it.

Want more romance reviews and recommendations similar to Much Ado About You?
Check out these titles below!
Hiring Mr Darcy – Valerie Bowman
Outmatched – Kristen Callihan & Samantha Young
You Deserve Each Other – Sarah Hogle
If I Never Met You – Mhairi McFarlane
🖤