A Winter Kiss on Rochester Mews: The perfect cosy Christmas romance! (Lonely Hearts Bookshop Book 4) Kindle Edition

This book doesn’t quite measure up to the first three in the series, but it was still better written than many of the offerings out there from other authors which is why it still rates 5 stars. Darling has written some prickly characters who have been through romantic trauma. The problem is that, this time, she didn’t explore the characters’ trauma as deeply as she has in her other books. To be fair this is a challenging task. Mattie is an outsider compared to close knit trio who were the heroines of the first three books. Darling doesn’t shy away from the anger and awkwardness that Mattie feels, but she also doesn’t let her grow past it. This book takes place during the Christmas season, and Darling captures what it is like to work retail/food service at the most wonderful time of the year. Mild spoilers ahead. During this realistically hectic backdrop, we learn Mattie’s backstory and slowly she unravels Tom’s too. They slowly become friends after real antagonism. The bustle of the Christmas season and enforced close quarters exaggerate their attraction, but somehow I didn’t quite believe that they resolved their issues and found true love. It manages to seem like the start of something, but Darling’s self imposed Christmas countdown doesn’t allow the reader to really see more than a possibility.

Mattie and Tom!This is Book 4 in an excellent little series.Mattie is a French trained baker who recently began to run the teashop in Rochester Mews that's attached to the Happy Ever After romance bookshop.She's obviously been burned in love before but no one really knows what happened.Tom is a handsome, albeit shabbily dressed man who has worked at Happy Ever After for quite a few years(including at it's previous incarnation called Bookends). Despite years of working together he's a complete mystery to the staff that consider him a friend.The two are constantly at eachothers throats, but both are vying to have free rent in the flat above the shops and end up as roommates!Despite both compartmentalizing and keeping work separate from their lives all this time their hidden hurts are slowly revealed to one another through their prolonged (forced) proximity. Proximity that starts to make sparks fly!I would have liked more time with them as a couple but can't say more without giving things away.This did wrap things up pretty nicely for ALL the characters from the books but I'm greedy and I'd also like to see a story about side character Pippa. Maybe Pippa and Phil?! She's so motivational, with it, and on the go, while he was endearing, clueless, and not going anywhere...I could see a potential opposites attract thing there. ;) Please Annie Darling? For a fan??Anyway another well written, witty, smart story.

I loved the previous 3 books in this series - each distinctively different, all generous of heart and of humor. This is just as true of the final book in the quartet. The characters ring true: Mattie and Tom are real people, and discover each other's real-ness as they move behind the facades to understand the life experiences and hurts that have brought them to this place. While the writer's tongue remains firmly in cheek, tempered by a benevolent gentleness, there were scenes where I was laughing out loud. This is several notches above the usual run of chick-lit: it captures something about a certain generation in a specific place that is so real, it's timeless. Enjoy!

Tom works at a romance bookshop and Mattie has opened up the tea shop annex. She's running from a failed love affair/treachery while Tom is mysterious about his background. When they end up as roommates in the flat over the shop, it will either be a disaster or romance.This is a fitting ending to the series, set at Christmastime in London. Mattie and Tom both have some prickly edges to rub off, but they really are a great couple. The rest of the characters from the series make appearances and the story is a satisfying, perfect ending. I rushed through this series because I enjoyed it so much but it's definitely one I'll reread.

The postcards of this book are incredible, a bookstore in a dream sector of England and with a pastry shop inside. I can't think of a better read for Christmas or for a winter afternoon.

Another great novel in the series. I really enjoyed this series and how real the characters are. Definitely recommend for a light fun romance read tucked into the couch with a cat or two.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It's funny, lighthearted and just a great way to pass an afternoon reading in the garden. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading a really good romance.

Adorable story. I’ve read all in the series and they don’t disappoint!

🌟 🌟 🌟 ½I liked this final instalment to the series best, I think. Of the love interests across the series, I probably found Tom the least interesting, to begin with, but overall I found this rivals to friends to lovers relationship the least confusing of the four, with probably the least toxic start/motives aside from perhaps Posy and Sebastian but ugh, she cries so much.I found Mattie a really relatable character, she’s a strong independent woman who learns from her mistakes and guards her privacy and trust closely. I actually really didn’t see how she and Tom had anything in common but it – inexplicably – works. I just found it unfortunate the other characters you’ve grown to love through the series seem to have a bit of a glitch and mob mentality to drive a plot point here, and at Mattie’s (the newest character) expense at that.I enjoyed this story but I think I’m glad it’s the last in the series. There’s only so far these stories can go and I’d rather end here, satisfied then over-indulge and become irritated with it. Probably not one I’ll revisit but hey, never say never.To read more of my reviews, visit my blog, Bloodthirsty Little Beasts.

I have loved all of Annie Darling's novels. She has created some great characters and placed them in the unique setting of the best romantic bookshop in London.Although it was good to see all the characters get their own happy endings, I was sad to say goodbye to them.I do hope Annie has lots of ideas for many more romance novels, which I look forward to reading.I highly recommend this series, but would urge new readers to buy the Happy Ever Bookshop stories in order of publication.

I've enjoyed all the books in this series and this is no exception. This time it's Mattie and Tom's story and is not a straightforward one, with them somehow ending up sharing a flat above the bookshop. Sparks fly, but what will the outcome be?

A really lovely romance .I really wondered at one stage whether they could get together as a couple .A nice clean ,easy happy eve r after .

I read the first three books in this series and couldn't wait to read the last one. I wasn't disappointed! Loved all the characters and particularly enjoyed the Christmas theme. Just couldn't put it down!