Smitten by the Brit: A Sometimes in Love Novel

Melonie Johnson

May 2019 · Sometimes in Love Book 2 · Sold by St. Martin's Paperbacks

About this ebook

DEFINITELY, MAYBE...OR LOVE, ACTUALLY?

English professor Bonnie Blythe expects her life to play out like her favorite novels, especially now that her long-term boyfriend has finally proposed. So when a shocking discovery leads Bonnie to end her engagement, she decides to close the book on love. But the plot thickens when a brand-new character enters the scene—and quickens Bonnie's heart.

With his brilliant blue eyes, sexy accent, and irresistible charm, Theo Wharton is like a romantic hero straight out of a Jane Austen novel. When fate places Bonnie in England for a summer—conveniently close to Theo—she realizes a hot friends-with-benefits fling is exactly what she needs to start a fresh chapter. Just as Bonnie begins to believe she's falling in love, an eye-opening revelation into Theo's life makes Bonnie feel like she's wandered into one of her favorite books. Will Bonnie have the courage to risk her heart and turn the page with the dashing Brit to find her true happy ending after all?

Ratings and reviews

When I read Getting Hot with the Scot, I knew that Theo and Bonnie were going to end up together. Even though Bonnie has been in a long term relationship since middle school with the same guy, there was something about their meeting in book one that the writing was on the wall for me. What was completely unexpected (for me, anyway) was the way Bonnie and Theo got together and all the drama surrounding them. This book had a bit more angst than I thought it would. Even with all of the downs, there were plenty of ups that kept me engaged in the story. I loved Theo's family and seeing some great characters from the first book in the series. I can't wait to see what happens in book 3!

3.5 stars This was a really sweet and charming read. This friends with benefits story with a touch of royal romance thrown in, was a surprising treat. It's the second book in the Sometimes in Love series, but can be read as a standalone. I really liked Theo and Bonnie. There was something electric brewing between them and I kept waiting for their emotions to deliciously boil over. It was definitely a slow burn build up, but like all the Austen/Shakespearean references in the book, it made every stolen moment, longing glance, and brush of the hand that much more meaningful. The drama was a little cliche and I was not a fan of the silly misunderstandings that could have easily been avoided with some communication, but it was an entertaining read that had me rooting for them to get their HEA. The pacing was slow at times, making the book feel excessively long, but I did appreciate that the author took the time to allow our characters to truly get to know each other and come into their own. The secondary cast of characters were a hoot and I especially loved Theo's sister, Tabitha. She brought some wonderful comic relief as did all of Bonnie's girlfriends. That "tutorial" given while trying on bridesmaids dresses was hilariously fantastic! I love books that showcase such strong and supportive female friendships. I would have loved an epilogue, but I'm guessing we will see more of Bonnie and Theo in later books (the same way that Cassie and Logan from book 1, Getting Hot with the Scot, appeared in this one). Overall, a fun and light romance! *I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*

First introduced to Bonnie in the first book of the series, she is engaged to Gabe, and having her own second thoughts. Of course, her girls are all behind her (they see that Gabe is a twit and she can do better) and what’s better than the Duke of Emberton? Theo is wonderfully chivalric, polite, attentive and wholly into Bonnie – all the things that Gabe really isn’t. She is, however, trying to do the right thing and ignore the butterflies. Much like the first book there was more ‘set up’ for the romance with associated dramas, necessary and not, to make it more difficult for them to find their way together. But, Theo was adorable, and unfortunately, his familial obligations and financial difficulties are going to be a major part of their new life – so perhaps Bonnie taking her time and thinking and deciding about a relationship, rather than it just happening, was a good thing. Very timid and a bit of a doormat, Theo gives her the space to grow and decide for herself – and that was nice to see that she had some growth in there. The real problem here was the pacing – the relationship was off and on, with little focus or seeing them together UNTIL near the end of the book – and it felt rushed and simply sketched out, not quite complete and full, even though it was obvious that they are well-matched and meant for one another. It’s a solidly written and characterized story with the exception of the pacing, but the light and sweet relationship between two people who are meant to be together – one that accepts Bonnie’s rather shy and timid nature with Theo’s quiet and polite manners worked well. It’s a solid beach read – distracting and light, perfect for when you just want a taste of the sweetness without a great deal of investment. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

About the author

After earning her Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude from Loyola University Chicago, Melonie Johnson—aka #thewritinglush—taught high school English and Theatre for several years. An award winning author and a two-time RWA Golden Heart® finalist, she writes smart and funny contemporary romance and moonlights as an audiobook narrator under the pseudonym, Evelyn Eibhlin. She lives happily ever after with her husband, two redheaded daughters, a dog that's more like a small horse, and a pair of hermit crabs. She is the author of the Sometimes in Love series which includes Getting Hot with the Scot and Smitten by the Brit.