I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Billy and Me by Giovanna Fletcher Also by this author: Dream a Little Christmas Dream, Christmas With Billy and Me, Eve of Man, The Eve Illusion
Series: Billy and Me #1
Also in this series: Christmas With Billy and Me
Published by Penguin on 23rd May 2013
Genres: Chicklit, Humour, Love & Romance
Pages: 416
Source: from Netgalley
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Sophie May has a secret.
One that she’s successfully kept for years. It’s meant that she’s had to give up her dreams of going to university and travelling the world to stay in her little village, living with her mum and working in the local teashop.
But then Sophie unexpectedly meets the gorgeous Billy Buskin – a famous actor with ambitions to make it to the top. As they begin to grow closer, Sophie finds herself whisked away from the comfort of her life into Billy’s glamorous – but ruthless – world.
After years of shying away from attention, can Sophie handle the constant scrutiny that comes with being with Billy? How much is she prepared to give up along the way? And is their love strong enough to keep them together against the odds?
Thank you to Penguin for accepting my request for this book via Netgalley. I have a few of Giovanna’s books on my TBR pile but this is the first one I have read. I will admit that I totally requested this book because Giovanna is married to Tom Fletcher in McFly.
Sophie May lives in the little village of Rosefont Hill. Sophie works in the teashop on the hill run by Molly. Molly has helped Sophie turn from this shy introvert to someone who isn’t afraid to chat to the customers or make friends. Sophie didn’t go to university or take a gap year like everyone else she went to school with. Sophie stayed at home where she was needed and got a job. Sophie blames herself for something that happened in her past. I have to say that, without telling you what it was, Giovanna got those feelings perfectly. I have had a similar experience at a similar age and I can say I understood Sophie perfectly.
When Billy first enters the teashop Sophie has no idea who he is. This scene was funny and cringe-worthy all at the same time. At first I really liked Billy but as the story progressed I really started to hate him. Not all of it was Billy’s fault but I really wanted to slap him.
There are some real tear-jerker moments to this book that will have you grabbing those tissues but there are also many moments that are so sweet and romantic you can’t help but get swept away.
I really enjoyed Giovanna’s writing style and was soon as I finished this book I picked up the Christmas Novella, Christmas with Billy and Me. I look forward to reading more of Giovanna’s books in the future.
About Giovanna Fletcher
Giovanna grew up in Essex with her Italian dad Mario, mum Kim, big sister Giorgina and little brother Mario, and spent most of her childhood talking to herself (it seems no one wanted to listen) or reading books.
At thirteen she left Essex behind to attend the full-time Sylvia Young Theatre School, where she met her husband Tom Fletcher. Following SYTS she completed an acting BA (hons) at Rose Bruford – since then she’s been acting, chaperoning mini actors and dabbling in a spot of freelance journalism.
Giovanna is a firm believer in the power of magpies and positive energy. To see what makes Giovanna smile, view her blog at www.giovannasworld.com, or her Twitter page @mrsgifletcher
Billy and Me is Giovanna’s debut novel.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- Goodreads Challenge (2017)
- Netgalley Challenge (2017)
- TBR Pile (2017 )
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