Not in a Million Years: A totally hilarious and feel-good enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy

Thoroughly enjoyed this book great holiday read, story line good how opposites can end up good well written Sophie Ranald

This book reads like a synopsis of 21st century life. There's the gay man, the hottie, the drug addict, the group of ladies and the carpenter, all mish-mashed together, and eventually by the end the problems are sorted and those meant to be together are together. It's moderately funny, twanging ovaries and recorded simulated sex apart which had me cracking up, and enough of a feel-good read that I'll probably read it again.

I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of Not in a Million Years in return for an honest review - just before I had a 10-h train journey and needed some serious distraction.This was a rare opportunity for me to sit and read and read and yep, I totally ripped through Not in a Million Years.Firstly, Sophie Ranald’s got a great way of bringing each story location to life - her description of Turkey, the beaches, the food, the sunshine and the cats drew me right in and made me realise how l much I long for a week on a beach with nothing to do but read and swim!I really enjoyed the way the story between Kate and Daniel is intertwined with their relationship with Andy. The book starts with Andy disappearing, forcing K to reluctantly travel abroad with D and track down their missing mate. But as the book continues it becomes clear this isn’t the first time Andy has caused chaos in their lives.The story moves forward and back in time, without ever being confusing, and as the whole friends-frenemies-could it be more relationship unfolds, it reveals a history between Daniel, Andy and Kate that is a lot more complicated than she initially led you to think.As always, Sophie Ranald’s characters have a real depth and warmth, showing strengths and flaws that are convincing and make you care about what happens next. Kate, Daniel and Andy have you really hoping they can just get their heads straight and reach that happy ending…

How this book could be rated as a comedy I don't know, from my point of view it was one of the saddest books ever written

This book takes peripheral characters you might recognise if you've read some of the author's other books, and tells their story, flitting between present day and the past. It centres around the disappearances of Andy, a friend to both Kate and Daniel who have a history that makes their relationship complicated, and increasingly fraught as they travel to Turkey to try and find their mutual friend. The book doesn't shy away from serious issues, but has enough warmth and light heartedness to carry you through. Strong recommend.

I found the serious undertones around addiction and the impact this has on not only the addict but those around them made this book not your typical “rom com”. The tensions between Daniel and Kate are particularly well written.

Sophie delivered again! It was such a good story I didn’t want to end!

TRIGGER WARNING: drug use and addictionKate's best friend Andy disappears abroad and she is anxious when he doesn't keep in contact. He has a history of drug abuse so she fears for his safety. In her desperation she agrees to travel to his last known location with Daniel, a friend of Andy's that she despises. Can they keep their arguments to a minimum and find their mutual friend...?Not In A Million Years is described as a romantic comedy but I feel this doesn't do justice to the intense and emotional plot and characters. Yes, the romance strand is clear throughout the book as Kate and Daniel deny their true feelings for each other. But for me, the strength of friendship and the perils of addiction were just as strong as themes.That makes it sound a bit heavy, and at times it was. I was so wound up by Andy's selfishness even while I tried to remember that addiction is an illness. Kate has good intentions and seems like a genuinely caring person. She suffers from insomnia as well as having a fear of heights and flying. These elements added to her authenticity as a character.There were other moments of wonderful comedy, passionate sex scenes, and episodes that showed the gentleness and kindness of Kate and Daniel. I also want to mention the wonderful descriptions of the location. I have been to Turkey twice and felt like I was back there (plus I loved the inclusion of the cats!)Not In A Million Years is an entertaining book and makes me yearn for the summer!