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The Way You Smile
“THE CHICK-LIT NOVEL TO SPARK ANY WOMAN'S LESBIAN SEXUAL AWAKENING.� � Diva Magazine. “A BOOK THAT WILL SET A NEW STANDARD FOR YOUR CHICK-LIT ROMANCES.� � TLR. "A HIGHLY COMMERCIAL, PINK IS THE NEW GREY, CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE READ." - AfterEllen. Real life doesn’t play out like a movie. Electric connections mostly mean you’ve got static in your jumper. Camila Moore knows that; she’s not daft. She has two teenage boys and bills to pay, plus the only man she’s ever been with has traded her in for a gym bunny. Returning to work’s the answer, but when she finds herself in the wrong room, wrong place at the wrong time, the last thing she expects is to be promoted out of obscurity into the arms of Harriet Imogen Pearson, media darling, hotshot entrepreneur and notorious lesbian playgirl. Camila can’t believe it; she’s an ordinary woman, nothing special � in her view � so what’s Harriet’s motivation? What’s her end game? Are Camila’s feelings just infatuation or is it real life love? Kiki Archer is the mistress of chick-lit romance for women of all ages and inclinations.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2018
183 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Kiki Archer
17books283followersLambda Literary Award finalist and Polari First Book Prize judge, Kiki Archer is the UK-based author of ten best-selling, award-winning novels.
Ranking highly on the Guardian newspaper’s Pride Power List and the Diva Pride Power List in 2017, 2018 and 2019, Kiki’s ‘chick-lit with a lady-loving twist� has reached a mainstream audience now embracing stories with lesbian leads.
Kiki has won a SoSoGay Best Book Award, a National Indie Excellence Award, a Gold Global eBook Award, a Diva Literary Award and three Ultimate Planet Awards. She was a Distinguished Favourite in the New York Big Book Awards, a Distinguished Favourite in the Independent Press Awards, a Finalist in the NIEA Awards, a Finalist in the Lambda Literary Awards and has received two Honourable Mentions in the Rainbow Awards.
In 2018 Kiki won Best Author at the Waldorf’s star-studded Diva Awards.
In 2019 The Independent newspaper ranked Kiki #43 in their Top 100 celebrated LGBT+ people.
Ranking highly on the Guardian newspaper’s Pride Power List and the Diva Pride Power List in 2017, 2018 and 2019, Kiki’s ‘chick-lit with a lady-loving twist� has reached a mainstream audience now embracing stories with lesbian leads.
Kiki has won a SoSoGay Best Book Award, a National Indie Excellence Award, a Gold Global eBook Award, a Diva Literary Award and three Ultimate Planet Awards. She was a Distinguished Favourite in the New York Big Book Awards, a Distinguished Favourite in the Independent Press Awards, a Finalist in the NIEA Awards, a Finalist in the Lambda Literary Awards and has received two Honourable Mentions in the Rainbow Awards.
In 2018 Kiki won Best Author at the Waldorf’s star-studded Diva Awards.
In 2019 The Independent newspaper ranked Kiki #43 in their Top 100 celebrated LGBT+ people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
November 14, 2018
An excerpt from the book -
' Was it a problem for her growing up? Yes, always. A boyfriend suggesting he buy her one of those lovely necklace made from an outline of her initials. No thank you. C. U. M. was not something she wanted dangling around her neck nor a tattoo of her initials below her belly button or using her initials to create a mural of different fonts. No one wanted to see a mural of C. U. M. '
Starting from 3%, I was laughcrying, plenty of those moments but I don't think I can categorized it as a rom-com as there were some serious issues/dramas thrown in.
Camila and Harriet started dating on the 2nd day of Camila's employment, I get why Harriet felt so smitten towards Camila and I loved that Camila did not immediately reciprocate Harriet's affection. I also wished that some scenes allocated for Harriet to get to know/spend time with Camila's amazing boys.
Why 3?
I had a smile on my face when I started reading but a frown replaced it when I finished.
If you're not a fan of lengthy internal monologue then be prepared for rough sea ahead + the most
M. A. J. O. R conflict happened at 94%
Would I reread it? Yes, but only the bookmarked pages.
' Was it a problem for her growing up? Yes, always. A boyfriend suggesting he buy her one of those lovely necklace made from an outline of her initials. No thank you. C. U. M. was not something she wanted dangling around her neck nor a tattoo of her initials below her belly button or using her initials to create a mural of different fonts. No one wanted to see a mural of C. U. M. '
Starting from 3%, I was laughcrying, plenty of those moments but I don't think I can categorized it as a rom-com as there were some serious issues/dramas thrown in.
Camila and Harriet started dating on the 2nd day of Camila's employment, I get why Harriet felt so smitten towards Camila and I loved that Camila did not immediately reciprocate Harriet's affection. I also wished that some scenes allocated for Harriet to get to know/spend time with Camila's amazing boys.
Why 3?
I had a smile on my face when I started reading but a frown replaced it when I finished.
If you're not a fan of lengthy internal monologue then be prepared for rough sea ahead + the most
M. A. J. O. R conflict happened at 94%
Would I reread it? Yes, but only the bookmarked pages.
December 26, 2018
I was enjoying the story until the end when I suddenly realized that I wasn't enjoying it anymore. The ending threw me off.
February 14, 2020
“The Way You Smile� has terrifically quirky characters, frequently hilarious passages (often featuring MC Camila’s internal musings) and banter and terrific narration. I really enjoyed the audiobook.
The story is written in a slice-of-life style, focusing on events from the POV of 35yo MC Camila, but also featuring events and interactions between many other of the characters. Many of the characters and events do seem quite ordinary and realistic, but then in the next sentence you’ll find yourself wondering how the author managed to create such an unbelievable character or event. At one point, I thought of Matthew Broderick and friends in “Ferris Bueller's Day Off�; three ordinary friends and a day of hilarious adventures and misadventures with a wacky cast of side characters (the maitre d, the school principal, the parking garage attendants, etc.).
In “The Way You Smile�, the love interest MC is 32yo Harriet Imogen Pearson (initials HIP…only the beginning of how initials can be important! Name your children carefully!!!). Harriet is a wealthy public figure, and everyone gossips about her numerous “projects� with numerous women.
Terrific secondary characters (many of whom are nearly MCs, with the amount of book time they’re given), include:
� Never-married Camila’s 15yo son Michael and 14yo son Ethan
� Mick, generally uninvolved father of Michael and Ethan, who recently left Camila to move in with gym bunny Jackie
� Camila’s BF, incorrigible next door neighbor Julia, bargain hunter extraordinaire, and owner of the amazing bacon butty van
� Terry, Julie’s sometimes live-in man. He’s older and disappears frequently philandering
� Debbie, a neighbor two doors down from Camila
� Roy, Debbie’s impotent husband
� Cassie, the cute 18yo friend of Michael’s
� Bill Stevens, the now mostly legitimate father of Cassie
� Harry, the pretty teen boy
� Deana, the disapproving-of-Claudia team member for H.I.Pvention
� Brett, the disapproving-of-Claudia team member for H.I.Pvention
� Geoff, the disapproving-of-Claudia team member for H.I.Pvention
� Lydia, producer for “The Budding Businesses Show�
� oh, and recurring parts for Helen, Tina, Nigel, and the bright pink and blue haired girl who insists the style is “subtle ombre�
Now, I don’t usually include a cast list in my reviews, but I wanted to give you an idea of the number and diversity of the characters. Interactions are numerous, and frequently hilarious. I’ll leave it to someone else to create a Venn diagram!
The only other author that comes to mind that creates such interesting characters interacting in a fun story is Robin Alexander. If you like Robin, you’ll like Kiki Archer!
In many stories, inner thinking can get old, fast (Bridget Essex often overdoes it for me). In “The Way You Smile� Camila’s musings are fun. We laugh as she contemplates shaving in the shower, appropriate gym wear, the role of the on-camera “non speaking co-presenter�, the blurred years as a parent, the nature of love, deciding to become a lesbian like becoming a member of the neighborhood watch, and many many other musings.
Many conversations between Camila and Harriet are light, flirty banter. One early dinner conversation was more in-depth, and I was reminded of the movie “My Dinner With Andre”…which is a compliment.
The main plot involves trying to invent something to showcase the business model for H.I.Pventure: helping individual inventors go from idea to prototype. The storyline is well done, but the most fun with the book are the discussions with neighbors, the relationship between Camila and her sons, the confusing yet exciting interest in spending time with Harriet, and the overall bitchiness of co-workers.
The sex scenes aren’t numerous, but they are enjoyably described. Anxious to decide whether she’s in love with Harriet (it has been only a few weeks, and she was with Mick for 16 years), Camila decides that it’s ok to be unsure; not all stories need a definitive ending or conclusion…sometimes things just carry on. I found that very interesting; several of my friends seem to be carrying on without wanting, or perhaps confronting, a definitive conclusion.
After a generally upbeat, silly and fun book, the final chapter is an explosion of unexpected angst, betrayal, money-seeking friends and relatives, and homophobia. Where did that come from? Several reviewers disliked the ending, yet I found the explosion of activities and emotions worked to wrap-up all of the subplots and character interactions throughout the book.
So, as you may have guessed, I really really enjoyed “The Way You Smile�. I liked the story(ies), the characters, the narration and the cover. Well done, and highly recommended! 5*
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
My rating and my review was not in anyway affected by my having been provided a review copy.
The story is written in a slice-of-life style, focusing on events from the POV of 35yo MC Camila, but also featuring events and interactions between many other of the characters. Many of the characters and events do seem quite ordinary and realistic, but then in the next sentence you’ll find yourself wondering how the author managed to create such an unbelievable character or event. At one point, I thought of Matthew Broderick and friends in “Ferris Bueller's Day Off�; three ordinary friends and a day of hilarious adventures and misadventures with a wacky cast of side characters (the maitre d, the school principal, the parking garage attendants, etc.).
In “The Way You Smile�, the love interest MC is 32yo Harriet Imogen Pearson (initials HIP…only the beginning of how initials can be important! Name your children carefully!!!). Harriet is a wealthy public figure, and everyone gossips about her numerous “projects� with numerous women.
Terrific secondary characters (many of whom are nearly MCs, with the amount of book time they’re given), include:
� Never-married Camila’s 15yo son Michael and 14yo son Ethan
� Mick, generally uninvolved father of Michael and Ethan, who recently left Camila to move in with gym bunny Jackie
� Camila’s BF, incorrigible next door neighbor Julia, bargain hunter extraordinaire, and owner of the amazing bacon butty van
� Terry, Julie’s sometimes live-in man. He’s older and disappears frequently philandering
� Debbie, a neighbor two doors down from Camila
� Roy, Debbie’s impotent husband
� Cassie, the cute 18yo friend of Michael’s
� Bill Stevens, the now mostly legitimate father of Cassie
� Harry, the pretty teen boy
� Deana, the disapproving-of-Claudia team member for H.I.Pvention
� Brett, the disapproving-of-Claudia team member for H.I.Pvention
� Geoff, the disapproving-of-Claudia team member for H.I.Pvention
� Lydia, producer for “The Budding Businesses Show�
� oh, and recurring parts for Helen, Tina, Nigel, and the bright pink and blue haired girl who insists the style is “subtle ombre�
Now, I don’t usually include a cast list in my reviews, but I wanted to give you an idea of the number and diversity of the characters. Interactions are numerous, and frequently hilarious. I’ll leave it to someone else to create a Venn diagram!
The only other author that comes to mind that creates such interesting characters interacting in a fun story is Robin Alexander. If you like Robin, you’ll like Kiki Archer!
In many stories, inner thinking can get old, fast (Bridget Essex often overdoes it for me). In “The Way You Smile� Camila’s musings are fun. We laugh as she contemplates shaving in the shower, appropriate gym wear, the role of the on-camera “non speaking co-presenter�, the blurred years as a parent, the nature of love, deciding to become a lesbian like becoming a member of the neighborhood watch, and many many other musings.
Many conversations between Camila and Harriet are light, flirty banter. One early dinner conversation was more in-depth, and I was reminded of the movie “My Dinner With Andre”…which is a compliment.
The main plot involves trying to invent something to showcase the business model for H.I.Pventure: helping individual inventors go from idea to prototype. The storyline is well done, but the most fun with the book are the discussions with neighbors, the relationship between Camila and her sons, the confusing yet exciting interest in spending time with Harriet, and the overall bitchiness of co-workers.
The sex scenes aren’t numerous, but they are enjoyably described. Anxious to decide whether she’s in love with Harriet (it has been only a few weeks, and she was with Mick for 16 years), Camila decides that it’s ok to be unsure; not all stories need a definitive ending or conclusion…sometimes things just carry on. I found that very interesting; several of my friends seem to be carrying on without wanting, or perhaps confronting, a definitive conclusion.
After a generally upbeat, silly and fun book, the final chapter is an explosion of unexpected angst, betrayal, money-seeking friends and relatives, and homophobia. Where did that come from? Several reviewers disliked the ending, yet I found the explosion of activities and emotions worked to wrap-up all of the subplots and character interactions throughout the book.
So, as you may have guessed, I really really enjoyed “The Way You Smile�. I liked the story(ies), the characters, the narration and the cover. Well done, and highly recommended! 5*
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
My rating and my review was not in anyway affected by my having been provided a review copy.
November 30, 2018
This is the first Kiki Archer book I've read, and I am very impressed. It is side-splittingly funny, yet heart-warming at its core. I am not generally a chic-lit fan, but if that's what this is, then I'm convinced.
November 28, 2018
Welcome to the only book in the history of the world (probably) which opens with the main character starting her first day back in the workplace sitting in the shower tray, contemplating her life, before using her ex’s razor to shave her legs.
Camila Moore lives in our real world. She makes choices about where to shop for the cheapest products and when to change the head on the razor. She purchases towels, and other items, through recommendations from Julie Biggs� Bargains, but secretly wishes she had just gone to John Lewis. She is a ‘mum returner� to a brand new job after raising her two children, confident enough to interview for a good position, but insecure enough to wonder why she actually was successful. She is a normal woman, living with her two teenage boys, who just seems to find herself in every day frustrating and mostly hilarious circumstances. �
Kiki Archer skilfully manoeuvres her readers through Camilla’s first couple of days in her job, meeting the CEO of the company, Harriet Imogen Pearson, then being promoted shockingly quickly, both to the fifth floor of the building, and to first place in her boss’s heart. �
As have several of my other current favourite UK authors, Kiki has written this from a very British perspective. This is lovely for readers from the UK who have to wade through so many America based books. If you are more tuned in to American humour and don’t understand all of the wit in this book, that is your loss, and our gain!
I gave this latest Kiki Archer book the tag ‘the funniest book I read in 2018.� It is possible that could be edited to ‘one of the funniest books I have ever read.� It is certainly my favourite Kiki book. So far.
And it is the only book I read in 2018 where the walls bounced back the sound of my laughter.
Camila Moore lives in our real world. She makes choices about where to shop for the cheapest products and when to change the head on the razor. She purchases towels, and other items, through recommendations from Julie Biggs� Bargains, but secretly wishes she had just gone to John Lewis. She is a ‘mum returner� to a brand new job after raising her two children, confident enough to interview for a good position, but insecure enough to wonder why she actually was successful. She is a normal woman, living with her two teenage boys, who just seems to find herself in every day frustrating and mostly hilarious circumstances. �
Kiki Archer skilfully manoeuvres her readers through Camilla’s first couple of days in her job, meeting the CEO of the company, Harriet Imogen Pearson, then being promoted shockingly quickly, both to the fifth floor of the building, and to first place in her boss’s heart. �
As have several of my other current favourite UK authors, Kiki has written this from a very British perspective. This is lovely for readers from the UK who have to wade through so many America based books. If you are more tuned in to American humour and don’t understand all of the wit in this book, that is your loss, and our gain!
I gave this latest Kiki Archer book the tag ‘the funniest book I read in 2018.� It is possible that could be edited to ‘one of the funniest books I have ever read.� It is certainly my favourite Kiki book. So far.
And it is the only book I read in 2018 where the walls bounced back the sound of my laughter.
January 11, 2019
I really enjoy books written by Kiki Archer and this one didn’t disappoint. It was cute, heartwarming, and HILARIOUS.
January 30, 2019
The ending totally blew this out the water. It was a comedy that was a good laugh but degenerated into a rather spiteful affair that was not funny, just sordid. Kiki, you'll better than this.
November 16, 2018
3 stars. This book was my first Kiki Archer novel. This book seemed just okay. This book is about a mother returning to work, Camila and Harriet Imogen Pearson the head of the company she works for. Harriet sees her in a market research group and immediately pulled her out and introduces herself. Harriet instead puts her on a reality show she is working on to help build a new invention and new company. Harriet sees potential in her for her business. Harriet also seems attracted to Camila, a straight woman who has two teenage boys, and does anything to spend time with her. Their relationship starts and moves pretty quickly throughout the book.
Their relationship evolved awfully fast, the whole book only took place over a couple days and it seemed too fast. Camila also seems to freak out a lot over the relationship and it had me screaming in my head and frustrating me. There was also a conflict that happens towards the end of the book that seems to just be thrown in there and did not need to be. I am unsure if I will read more Kiki Archer books, as this book was a little disappointing to me. I am a little hesitant to recommend this one.
Their relationship evolved awfully fast, the whole book only took place over a couple days and it seemed too fast. Camila also seems to freak out a lot over the relationship and it had me screaming in my head and frustrating me. There was also a conflict that happens towards the end of the book that seems to just be thrown in there and did not need to be. I am unsure if I will read more Kiki Archer books, as this book was a little disappointing to me. I am a little hesitant to recommend this one.
November 10, 2018
The best part of any book from Kiki Archer is the humor. No matter what book you read, the sassy, witty British humor comes out! I loved this book....with its ups and downs, the pull and push....and of course happy ending 😍
July 27, 2019
DNF. Second Kiki book I couldn’t finish. Wah... I tried so hard. Is it me? Is it the book? Normally I tear through her books, I read one earlier in week and loved it! The second 2 hard very hard.
Hate writing bad reviews, but 2 out of how many? Ain’t bad!
Hate writing bad reviews, but 2 out of how many? Ain’t bad!
November 20, 2022
I really wanted to love this one, it seemed absolutely perfect for me, and yet... for a modern wlw romancer it really felt so very nineties chick-lit. A book so intent on ticking all those genre boxes that it somehow forgot to be fun. So many wacky side characters wandering about living their lives. So much going on! Sure, the romance was lovely, hence the 3 stars, but I could have done with more of it. Certainly a tad more steam wouldn't have gone astray.
I mean it wasn't bad, it was perfectly fine. I... I just expected something more.
I mean it wasn't bad, it was perfectly fine. I... I just expected something more.
February 13, 2019
SOOOO, I almost didn't make it through this one. I actually almost quit in the first chapter, but decided to push through it. In some ways I am glad I finished this one, but I had to skip parts to finish. So let me start off by saying I am going to rate this one 2.75 which I can round to 3. Let me explain. This story is actually a good one. Harriet is a rich 32 yo owns several business. Camile is a single 35 yo mother of two who is hired to work at Harriet's marketing firm (HIP). She can't figure out why they would want to hire someone who hasn't worked in years, but is excited (we do find out why she they hired her with no experience but if I told you it would be a spoiler). On her first day, she is mistakenly put in a focus group (wrong room with the wrong group). Harriet is behind a one way mirror and instantly falls for Camile who is brutally honest - among other things. So the courtship begins.
There is chemistry between the two characters, good supporting characters and the book has many funny parts. My problem is that I have a very very hard time with books that describe what a person is thinking at length. I am sure there is a term for this, but I don't know what it is. What I would call it is extremely boring for me. It drives me nuts and I end up skimming over pages at a time because it makes me yawn. If this romance didn't have those extremely long moments where Camile is hashing things out in her brain, I probably could have given this another star. I will not go on, but just know if you are into that sort of inner dialogue, you will enjoy this one. If you aren't you might want to skip this one.
There is chemistry between the two characters, good supporting characters and the book has many funny parts. My problem is that I have a very very hard time with books that describe what a person is thinking at length. I am sure there is a term for this, but I don't know what it is. What I would call it is extremely boring for me. It drives me nuts and I end up skimming over pages at a time because it makes me yawn. If this romance didn't have those extremely long moments where Camile is hashing things out in her brain, I probably could have given this another star. I will not go on, but just know if you are into that sort of inner dialogue, you will enjoy this one. If you aren't you might want to skip this one.
November 21, 2018
Another enjoyable funny read from Kiki Archer. I trust this author so much that I bought this book without even reading a synopsis and delved straight into it. It did actually take me a little while to get into the story as Camila appeared to be a little old before her time, however this is understandable as the story goes on you find out more about her and the responsibilities she had so young. The character of Harriet is great and refreshing for Camila. I liked how she put Camila's mind at ease and when it got serious such as a little bit of work place bullying over Camila's name Harriet didn't stand for it. I was worried she'd brush it under the carpet but she didn't. This is a brilliant sexy story and gives single mums hope that life isn't dull and there is always an opportunity to have a bit of fun.
May 6, 2019
Funny. Absolute chaos. Ludicrous events, followed by WTF. And I loved it. I think I snorted coffee at one point. "Frangipane" indeed.
Kiki Archer manages to take the absurd and make them too good to miss. The romance is mostly about irresistible lust, but it morphs into something more somewhere along the line. I would have liked to have seen more Harriot and seemed obessed with "f**king." This diminished the meaning of sex, and made it was hard to see when the love came in.
Julie, the best friend needed a slapping right from the start. And when it came to the homecoming scene I just wanted to go and slap people around the head. Still, it is what it is. A funny romp and I love this humour.
More please.
April 30, 2019
This certainly is a very funny book. Sometimes it made me laugh loud. On the other hand I found this book to be an exhausting read. That’s why My rating is three stars and no more. So much internal dialogue and some of it is like a rollercoaster, so many thoughts going all directions. Some of the humour also was a bit exhausting as sometimes it felt forced especially when connected to neighbour Julie. It nearly made me put the book away without finishing it. That I didn’t do that is because also some of the humour in this book is hilarious and high quality. And I loved the warmhearted mc’s in this book.
3 stars
3 stars
February 16, 2020
3 75 stars, this book took me a while to get into, based on the writing style. This is my first book I've read by this author. There's a quite a bit of inner monologue style that gushes through certain chapters. I did find myself laughing out loud at certain times.
November 24, 2018
I have never laughed so much in my entire life. Ever. And this woman knows me! I recognised so much of myself in this book and I bet a lot of women will. Kiki Archer has the amazing knack of seeing the humour in situations we all can recognise. She is hilarious and so observant. I don’t think I stopped smiling the whole time I was reading this book. That and laughing out loud. My chuckling every two minutes got me some very strange looks from the kids.And when I was doubled over in fits of laughter at a certain scene in Boots they thought I’d gone mad!
The story of thirty-something Camila, a mum returner to the workforce and Harriet, high-powered famous business woman is funny, scorchingly hot and romantic. There is such a lovely connection between them and an honesty that shines through. This story has it all. Kiki Archer gets under the skin of Women-loving-Women. She really sees them- and it shows in every beautifully crafted page. A brilliant story that deserves 10 Stars! Highly recommended.
The story of thirty-something Camila, a mum returner to the workforce and Harriet, high-powered famous business woman is funny, scorchingly hot and romantic. There is such a lovely connection between them and an honesty that shines through. This story has it all. Kiki Archer gets under the skin of Women-loving-Women. She really sees them- and it shows in every beautifully crafted page. A brilliant story that deserves 10 Stars! Highly recommended.
August 12, 2019
Lots of laughs, life & love guaranteed!!
A unique storyline made this a very entertaining book. Very enjoyable with nice flow, interesting narrative & relatable characters made it an easy read.
Its a delightful story with characters that feel so authentic its like these people actually exist & are a part of your real life. Added to the engaging & creative narrative & subplots that draws you in so effortlessly & subtly without you even noticing, its undoubtedly a success worth reading.!
A unique storyline made this a very entertaining book. Very enjoyable with nice flow, interesting narrative & relatable characters made it an easy read.
Its a delightful story with characters that feel so authentic its like these people actually exist & are a part of your real life. Added to the engaging & creative narrative & subplots that draws you in so effortlessly & subtly without you even noticing, its undoubtedly a success worth reading.!
November 26, 2018
So funny!
I literally had tears in my eyes reading parts of this book. The laughing kind. I thought I might die reading the hairspray scene. So funny! I like a good romcom but often find them lacking in the romance department. Not the case with this book.
I literally had tears in my eyes reading parts of this book. The laughing kind. I thought I might die reading the hairspray scene. So funny! I like a good romcom but often find them lacking in the romance department. Not the case with this book.
December 19, 2018
Sweet and fun. If you’re feeling a bit low, this will pick you up.
December 19, 2021
This book is exactly what I needed to read now. I wanted something extremely funny, with over the top excentric scenes that would make me smile, even if I didn't want to smile these days.
It lifted me up and made me believe that sometimes life can surprise you in a way you'd never thought.
I loved Camila's senses awakening and her overthinking. Those long interior thoughts were to funny and sweet at the same time.
I could sense a bit of satire in the marketing/business brainstorming sessions, and I had to giggle a lot as they were spot on.
This book teaches you that no matter how simple you think you are, you are special in your own way and worthy. Believe in yourself and trust that some people have all the good intentions to show you how wonderful you are, just being yourself, with all your worries, fears, akwardness and disarming honesty.
If you find yourself in a dark place, this is the book you need to read to get a smile back.
I'm grateful to the people that recommended it to me.
Sometimes all you need is a good laugh and take life with philosophy.
It lifted me up and made me believe that sometimes life can surprise you in a way you'd never thought.
I loved Camila's senses awakening and her overthinking. Those long interior thoughts were to funny and sweet at the same time.
I could sense a bit of satire in the marketing/business brainstorming sessions, and I had to giggle a lot as they were spot on.
This book teaches you that no matter how simple you think you are, you are special in your own way and worthy. Believe in yourself and trust that some people have all the good intentions to show you how wonderful you are, just being yourself, with all your worries, fears, akwardness and disarming honesty.
If you find yourself in a dark place, this is the book you need to read to get a smile back.
I'm grateful to the people that recommended it to me.
Sometimes all you need is a good laugh and take life with philosophy.
January 13, 2019
I loved Lost in the Starlight, but for me although similar style it did not match up to my previous expectations. It felt like the someone had pressed the fast forward button and insta lust turned into undying love within a short time span. All that was missing was the removal van.
I did love the British humour and the author delivers this very well. The side characters were good, but I did feel I knew more about them than Harriet. But with internal dialogue from one MC this would be difficult. Sometimes the internal dialogue was a little lengthy in places.
The angst came too late for my personal taste and so the ending felt similar to the romance, rushed.
I probably need to reread it when I'm in the mood. For fans of the author's style I'm sure you will enjoy. Its well written and very humourous.
I did love the British humour and the author delivers this very well. The side characters were good, but I did feel I knew more about them than Harriet. But with internal dialogue from one MC this would be difficult. Sometimes the internal dialogue was a little lengthy in places.
The angst came too late for my personal taste and so the ending felt similar to the romance, rushed.
I probably need to reread it when I'm in the mood. For fans of the author's style I'm sure you will enjoy. Its well written and very humourous.
July 13, 2019
Light read. Not deep and fundamental in anyway but if you want a lil pick me up this is it. I laughed so much I swear I could see a six pack forming. I was sweating too from all the ab crunching I was doing. It was that funny. I loved everything about Camila. Even in those soul cringing moments, I laughed and cringed at the same time. It was a really fun read.
February 28, 2020
I absolutely loved it! It’s so funny in places that I frightened the dog with my bursts of laughter. I enjoyed it so much that I might now get the written version and read it myself. I can’t really say anymore about it, it’s just a bit too quirky to explain. Wonderfully silly, with what I think is a nice, conclusive ending.
Warning to American readers; the humour is very British.
Warning to American readers; the humour is very British.
September 28, 2019
this was basically like reading a fanfic so like I enjoyed it 😂😂😂
November 9, 2018
The Way You Smile
What a brilliant story and read. The story is about a mum with two teenage boys whose partner left them for another woman. She goes to an interview and gets the job. Now the fun begins.
Kiki Archer the author did a brilliant job writing this and if You want a story where you will laugh out loud whilst read this. Then I highly recommend this book.
What a brilliant story and read. The story is about a mum with two teenage boys whose partner left them for another woman. She goes to an interview and gets the job. Now the fun begins.
Kiki Archer the author did a brilliant job writing this and if You want a story where you will laugh out loud whilst read this. Then I highly recommend this book.
July 25, 2024
3,5/5
Wth did I just read about.I feel like I just drinked 4 beers and 3 glasses of cold champagne .
The end of the book becamed a competition of who can be more toxic.
Wth did I just read about.I feel like I just drinked 4 beers and 3 glasses of cold champagne .
The end of the book becamed a competition of who can be more toxic.
March 26, 2022
This started out okay, which is why I kept reading. Although the beginning is mostly cringey in its attempt at a 'fun romp' with lots of physical comedy, there are a few successes, mainly regarding the banter between the main characters. But overall, it's just all overly dramatic.
And 1) the main character goes from over-thinking sexless straight mother to yolo lesbian sex addict in two literal days (and calls herself "sex bitch" and "lesbian whore" or whatever). In the process, she turns into a terrible mother apparently. Not to mention that she's never the one to initiate sex, even if there's one semi-instance where she flips them to be the one to kiss and lick the love interest for about two seconds.
2) the LI is pushy, to put it mildly, since the beginning, which is whatever when it comes to work (it's unprofessional but she's the boss and I thought it was meant to show her as being one of those entitled over-busy ordering types), but it's even worse in their friendship, then in their sexual dynamic and romance. The LI keeps dismissing her when the MC tells her no (when the LI says they'll have dinner and skydiving simulation, when she wants to have sex in the office, when she wants to have sex in the restaurant, when she declares her love on television, etc). All of this is apparently found hot and normal and okay by the MC.
3) the rightful conversation the main characters should have about money is barely broached once by the MC at the beginning in a way that is clearly meant to be easy to counter and then never brought up again expect for the MC to worry she's 'not enough' and then to confront the LI about being a "trophy" for her (on that note, there is never any discussion of their status as boss/employee apart from 'I quit anyway' the first time they have sex). I felt that the depiction of the neighbors was meant to reinforce this petit (or grand tbh) bourgeois mentality by depicting them all as terrible and/or dumb except for the MC and her sons whom she brought up so well.
4) although I truly appreciated that the MC is shown to struggle to recognize if what she feels for the LI is romantic love despsite having earth-shattering sex, her realization that yes, this is love, has zero basis, she just freaks out when the LI accuses her of betrayal and suddenly she knows.
And 1) the main character goes from over-thinking sexless straight mother to yolo lesbian sex addict in two literal days (and calls herself "sex bitch" and "lesbian whore" or whatever). In the process, she turns into a terrible mother apparently. Not to mention that she's never the one to initiate sex, even if there's one semi-instance where she flips them to be the one to kiss and lick the love interest for about two seconds.
2) the LI is pushy, to put it mildly, since the beginning, which is whatever when it comes to work (it's unprofessional but she's the boss and I thought it was meant to show her as being one of those entitled over-busy ordering types), but it's even worse in their friendship, then in their sexual dynamic and romance. The LI keeps dismissing her when the MC tells her no (when the LI says they'll have dinner and skydiving simulation, when she wants to have sex in the office, when she wants to have sex in the restaurant, when she declares her love on television, etc). All of this is apparently found hot and normal and okay by the MC.
3) the rightful conversation the main characters should have about money is barely broached once by the MC at the beginning in a way that is clearly meant to be easy to counter and then never brought up again expect for the MC to worry she's 'not enough' and then to confront the LI about being a "trophy" for her (on that note, there is never any discussion of their status as boss/employee apart from 'I quit anyway' the first time they have sex). I felt that the depiction of the neighbors was meant to reinforce this petit (or grand tbh) bourgeois mentality by depicting them all as terrible and/or dumb except for the MC and her sons whom she brought up so well.
4) although I truly appreciated that the MC is shown to struggle to recognize if what she feels for the LI is romantic love despsite having earth-shattering sex, her realization that yes, this is love, has zero basis, she just freaks out when the LI accuses her of betrayal and suddenly she knows.
April 8, 2020
A wonderfully fun and naughty story about a single mother getting back to a life of her own and starting a sexy love affair with her new boss. A deliciously fun and sultry read.
Camila is delightfully sweet, I loved being inside her head which was full of wild tangents and conflicting feelings. She is super relatable and has a very authentic feel about her, I especially loved her outlook on life. You get to spend so much time in her head and really get to know her personality as you follow her different trains of thought.
I loved the open communication between Camila and Harriet as they explore their budding relationship. I loved all the wonderful cheeky and flirty banter that is a hallmark in all of Archer’s books.
The premise was fantastic, all the little coincidences and events driving the characters together against all odds, makes you want to believe in fate and magic.
The spark between Camila and Harriet is bright and enticing. The have a great connection both with words and bodies and fill the story with humor, temptation, desire, ecstasy, and love. They are great at reading each other and see each other like no one else does.
There are a lot of side stories whirling around adding to the drama and complications of the story which makes for and exciting time.
Kiki Archer never fails to create a satisfying, sexy, and heart warming story of love and humor, and The Way You Smile is no exception.
Claire Storey has a clear and silky voice. Her accent is great and she does a great job with most of the different voices, Harriet and Camila did sound a bit similar and I did get confused about who was talking a couple times.
Camila is delightfully sweet, I loved being inside her head which was full of wild tangents and conflicting feelings. She is super relatable and has a very authentic feel about her, I especially loved her outlook on life. You get to spend so much time in her head and really get to know her personality as you follow her different trains of thought.
I loved the open communication between Camila and Harriet as they explore their budding relationship. I loved all the wonderful cheeky and flirty banter that is a hallmark in all of Archer’s books.
The premise was fantastic, all the little coincidences and events driving the characters together against all odds, makes you want to believe in fate and magic.
The spark between Camila and Harriet is bright and enticing. The have a great connection both with words and bodies and fill the story with humor, temptation, desire, ecstasy, and love. They are great at reading each other and see each other like no one else does.
There are a lot of side stories whirling around adding to the drama and complications of the story which makes for and exciting time.
Kiki Archer never fails to create a satisfying, sexy, and heart warming story of love and humor, and The Way You Smile is no exception.
Claire Storey has a clear and silky voice. Her accent is great and she does a great job with most of the different voices, Harriet and Camila did sound a bit similar and I did get confused about who was talking a couple times.
February 20, 2020
This was a fun, fast-moving tale about an unlikely romance between Camila and Harriet. Camila is trying to get back in the workforce after her long term boyfriend father to her two teenage sons dumps her. Harriet is a successful entrepreneur with a playgirl reputation. Sparks happen immediately when they meet.
A lot of this story feels like it’s the kind with an ordinary person swept up into a nutty situation. Camila is relentlessly pragmatic and sees beyond the bull that other people try to offer as truth. In that way, she can be a refreshing character.
The narrator was quite good, and I found her voice easy to listen to. She was also annoying when she had to be. There’s a long sequence where Camila is yelling at her best friend for help, and she keeps repeating “Julie!� over and over again. As that’s my name, I really wished she (the character) would wrap it up already. Of course, book Julie ended up with a twist ending and deserved to be yelled at a million times more.
The fun in this story is that Camila never really considered herself a lesbian or bisexual before meeting Harriet, but she commits fully to enjoying the physical benefits of it all. Like many romances, it takes a while before the couple can end well, and they have hurdles to overcome (like a case of professional sabotage). But they do get their happy, Pretty Woman-style ending.
For readers of women’s fiction (“chick lit�) and FF romances. Nice fluff to fill a few of your hours.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
A lot of this story feels like it’s the kind with an ordinary person swept up into a nutty situation. Camila is relentlessly pragmatic and sees beyond the bull that other people try to offer as truth. In that way, she can be a refreshing character.
The narrator was quite good, and I found her voice easy to listen to. She was also annoying when she had to be. There’s a long sequence where Camila is yelling at her best friend for help, and she keeps repeating “Julie!� over and over again. As that’s my name, I really wished she (the character) would wrap it up already. Of course, book Julie ended up with a twist ending and deserved to be yelled at a million times more.
The fun in this story is that Camila never really considered herself a lesbian or bisexual before meeting Harriet, but she commits fully to enjoying the physical benefits of it all. Like many romances, it takes a while before the couple can end well, and they have hurdles to overcome (like a case of professional sabotage). But they do get their happy, Pretty Woman-style ending.
For readers of women’s fiction (“chick lit�) and FF romances. Nice fluff to fill a few of your hours.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
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