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Laura Barnard
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Excess Baggage (Standalone) A Second Chance Romantic Comedy (Babes of Brighton Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Laura Barnard (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
3.9 out of 5 stars 257 ratings

You never forget your first love...

I just didn’t expect to bump into him while on a girl’s holiday. A much older, hotter version.

It isn’t long before sparks begin to fly, but fifteen years is a long time. We were just kids back then.

A week of fun won't hurt, right?

Will our excess baggage wreck our second chance at love?

Readers can't get enough of Excess Baggage

'An absolute must read this Summer!' - Lady Living in Bookland

'Quintessential British humour, I felt like I was on a girls holiday with my own chicks' - Persuing Princesses Blog

'Almost made me pee myself I laughed so hard' - Shelly's Book Corner

'A great story which keeps you turning the page, major hot 'I need a fan' scenes, and laugh out loud moments!!' - Reading, Willing and Able

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  1. Book 1 of 3
    Babes of Brighton
  2. Print length
    222 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    May 23, 2017
  5. File size
    2.7 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 3 books in this series.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

'A delightfully naughty and amusing tale.' Books and Bindings'I cried with laughter.' Tangets and Tissues Book Blog'The perfect Summer read!' Book Addicts Reviews

About the Author

Laura Barnard lives in Hertfordshire, UK and writes romantic comedy or 'chick lit' as its so often described. In her spare time she enjoys drinking her body weight in tea, indulging in cupcakes the size of her face and drooling over hunks like Jamie Dornan, Ryan Gosling and Leo Dicaprio. She enjoys wearing yoga pants and reading fitness magazines while sitting on the sofa eating chocolate. She's a real fan of the power nap and of course READING! She writes not to get rich or famous, but because she LOVES writing. Even if one person tells her they enjoyed her book it makes the midnight typing worth it!
laurabarnardbooks.co.uk
Winner of Favourite British Author - Two Peas in a Pod Reader's Choice Awards

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B06XZDMZRF
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (May 23, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 23, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.7 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 222 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.9 out of 5 stars 257 ratings

About the author

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Laura Barnard

Laura Barnard

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Amazon Bestselling Author Laura Barnard lives in Hertfordshire, UK and writes British, quirky laugh out loud romantic comedy.

In her spare time she enjoys drinking her body weight in tea, cuddling dogs, matchmaking her friends, binging True Crime, dancing in Popworld, indulging in the power nap and reading past her bedtime.

www.laurabarnardbooks.co.uk

Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
257 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Wendy Livingstone
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2017
    Jack and Erica were each other’s first love as teenagers, now 15 years later they meet again. I loved the humorous banter for all of the characters. No spoilers though, please give this one a go for yourself, you will not be disappointed!
    This is a fast paced read, with humour, drama, mishaps, sex, romance, and is a fun and crazy rollercoaster journey. Laura has done a great job in writing this storyline, and I was hooked and enthralled from the very beginning. I recommend this authors work for all romance readers.
    I voluntarily reviewed and ARC of this book!
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  • Sharon_M
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Fun Second Chance Romance
    Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2017
    Excess Baggage is a cute second-chance love story by Laura Barnard. Erica and her gal pals are taking a much-needed vacation to have some hot fun. Erica’s mom is on the mend after chemo, and the girls want her to let loose and enjoy a week of relaxation. Unbeknownst to Erica, also on a week’s vacation with the guys is Jack her first love.

    Erica and Jack met on a family vacation when they were young teens, hit it off, and thought they could continue a long-distance relationship. As typically happens in these cases, it is hard for young love to stay focused and in touch for an extended period of time and the couple said and did some things to hurt the other, and the relationship fell apart. Now fifteen years later, the old fires start to burn again. The question now is whether this is going to be a vacation romance or will they find a way to work out the long-distance pitfalls that still hound the couple?

    Erica is a fun character. She is funny and a little wimpy and a lot of klutzy. She treats her boyfriend badly but in her mind, they aren’t going anywhere. For the most part, Erica a barrel of laughs and relatable.

    I like Jack a lot, even though he did treat Erica poorly years ago they were fifteen and sixteen at the time. He has grown into a good man. Since the story is told in duel points of view, Jack struggles with doing the right thing. Honestly, I feel bad for both characters because neither one would address the elephant in the room until it is almost too late.

    Erica’s and Jack's friends are a nice mix of personalities that adds tremendously to the story. My favorite character is Brooke and Tom is a perfect complement to her character. She knows how to have fun and doesn't take life too seriously. She encourages Erica to do the same.

    Evelyn, Erica’s best friend, is pretty much a “B” -itch. I must agree with Brooke on this one, sometimes we outgrow a relationship and Erica needs to move on. I get that Evelyn watched Erica fall apart years ago when Jack and Erica broke it off, but they were kids. I don’t get the grudge at all. Evelyn doesn’t know how to let it go and live in the present.

    My biggest criticism, is one I make a lot—it takes until the end of the book to find out Jack’s big secret. I don’t know why so many authors think this is a good story-telling methodology. To be used effectively, the big secret needs a reason to carry it on forever.

    In this case, it is the secret that will keep Jack from trying the long distance again. Here’s the thing. It is easy for the reader to guess so why prolong the inevitable discussion? Honestly, isn’t that big a deal, in my opinion. In most cases, if the characters aren’t axe murders the problems can be discussed and worked out before eighty percent of the book is over. That is just entirely too much pushing away by one or the other characters for me.

    Finally, the ending is entirely too quick. The majority of the book deals with these two people trying to figure out what their relationship will be now and in the future. Can they realistically make a go of the distance or will it be a repeat of the disaster they faced fifteen years prior? Then BAM! With approximately nine Kindle pages (medium size font) or 95% through the book, the problem is discussed and solved, and the story ends. Really? There is no time spent showing how this works. I believe part of the reason is that Ms. Barnard is setting up a second book (that I want to read by the way) and may visit Erica and Jack some more but I do feel slightly cheated.

    Regardless of the negatives I mentioned, Excess Baggage is a good, lighthearted romance. It held my interest with a sometimes sweet, sometimes funny, second-chance romance. I enjoyed reading Erica’s story. Now, I am very interested in Brooke's and Tom’s story. These two characters have a lot of potential for hot, angst-filled fun.
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  • louvejita
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this second chance romance
    Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2017
    Erica and Jack met as teenagers and had a summer romance that endured for a little after summer was over, but not long enough. Fast forward some 12 years and Erica is with her girlfriends on a holiday trip at an island resort when she encounters her former flame across the hotel lobby. What’s a girl to do?
    When their groups meld together, Erica and Jack will be constantly around each other. With the attraction still there and strong as ever, they’ll have to decide whether or not they can risk a second summer fling.
    This was my first read by this author and, for the second time this week, I have been greatly impressed. Excess Baggage was a page turner for me and I couldn’t put it down until I read the very last line. The book flowed effortlessly and I enjoyed both the storyline and the characters. Also, their visit to the local pharmacy almost made me pee myself I laughed so hard.
    Jack and Erica have each their own baggage plus the fact that they still live in different cities. They are reminded every step of the way the reason they didn’t work out the first time around and they are conflicted about their feelings. I found myself upset about the amount of mixed signals Jack gives her, but it didn’t stop me from liking him. And the secondary characters do not disappoint at all, especially her friends Brooke and Evelyn. What a pair!
    Excess Baggage is a second chance romance, filled with unexpected laughter and I recommend it to anyone looking for a quick romantic read with the perfect ending.

    4.5 stars
    *An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review*
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Top reviews from other countries

  • LJ Nelson
    5.0 out of 5 stars 5 heart-warming & hilarious stars!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 27, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I’m a sucker for a second chance love story. I’m sure we’ve all played the ‘What If?’ game at some point in our lives. Or maybe, it’s just *coughs* women of a certain age (myself included) that do that sort of thing *snorts*

    Arriving on Luna Island with her friends for a much needed holiday, Erica Bennett can’t believe it when the boy from her first holiday romance, all those years ago, walks into the same hotel. Only that boy, Jack Lawson, is very much now a M-A-N *winks*

    One thing’s for sure, their attraction to one another hasn’t lessened any. No Siree Bob! It has intensified ten-fold with the sexual tension leaping from the pages. Psst, I will say one thing – wait till you get to the shower scene. Holy smokes!

    With well-meaning and meddling friends on both sides, plus Erica and Jack’s own ‘baggage’ – this was one hoot of a tale! Two things; the truth will out, and you know what they say about assuming anything, don’t you? *smirks*

    I felt a natural affinity with Erica and the series of hilarious calamities that befall her:

    “What a magical day. Well, apart from the flashing of one’s t#ts.”

    As I’ve come to expect from this author’s writing, I cried (and had to cross my legs to prevent any accidents) with laughter, and sighed like a sap. I also wanted to slap some sense into the characters as well, but, come on, you expect that from me now – right?

    A huge 5 stars from me 😊
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  • Vicki K-S
    4.0 out of 5 stars Funny,Second chance love....Want MORE!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 23, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    *REVIEWING FOR ROCK HARD ROMANCE*
    *ARC received and PURCHASED to add to own collection

    Having read a few by this Author,and enjoying each one,I was excited to read this,a second chance romance,with a beautifully designed cover to catch your eye!

    Erica and Jack met years ago(Erica 15/Jack 16),when each on a Family holiday,young love and teenage angst led to broken hearts(due to distance away from each other)...Fast forward to 15 years later,Erica and her friends are on a last minute break away,and fate steps in as at the same place is Jack and his friends! Told in DUAL POV,with some flashbacks to their teenage time together,there are,as expected from a story by this Author,some hilarious banter,mishaps that will have you laughing out loud,along with hot scenes ,character's who are well written,secrets leading to misunderstandings before reaching a HEA,with the potential for more!
    I haven't gone into great detail as to all that happens,as it would spoil it-Read it and Enjoy it for yourselves,and encourage a demand for a sequel!
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  • Cheshire
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cute and adorable with some grea 'aaw' moments
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 29, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was short and sweet and very cute with adorable characters. While I felt the plot twist at the end could have come earlier and provided more to the story that way, it didn't spoil my enjoyment. Jack and Erica were likeable and cute together and their story really captured the 'holiday romance feel'. It was evocative and funny and I loved it. Would love to hear more from them and the rest of the gang.
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  • Sarah Loopy Green
    3.0 out of 5 stars Funny
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 5, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I found for the most part there were some seriously funny moments, especially at Erica's expense. She certainly wasn't very lucky. I found the dynamic of her and Jack's reunion was sweet at times, but struggled to believe they were 30 with the drama.
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  • Angela Hart
    5.0 out of 5 stars Old love leads to new love
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 8, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Erica & Jack were each others first love 15 years ago. She was 15 he was 16. They were on holiday with their parents. They stayed in touch when they went home. They even had a reunion, it went wrong, add one bad text & heartbreak takes over.
    15 years later they bump into each other in a holiday . As soon as they are face to face the strong feelings are back again.
    They both have a secret, hers gets reviled on the holiday.
    Their need for each other is so strong, but is that enough , can they make it work.
    Loved this story, so many funny bits
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