A Girl Like You by Gemma Burgess

"I've discovered the secret to successful singledom. I'm acting like a man. And it's working." "I've discovered the secret to successful singledom. I'm acting like a man. And it's working." After breaking up with her boyfriend of, well, forever, Abigail Wood must learn how to be single from scratch. Her dating skills are abysmal, and she ricochets from disaster to disaster -- until Robert, one of London's most notorious lotharios, agrees to coach her. With his advice, she learns to navigate the bastard-infested waters of the bar scene and practices the art of being bulletproof. The new Abigail is cocky, calm, composed!but what happens when she meets her match? A Girl Like You is the second book from Gemma Burgess. Her first book, The Dating Detox, was published in 2010 to rave reviews: "Laugh out loud funny" Closer magazine. "Smart, plotty and funny! Buy it, read it, love it." The Irish Herald. "For those waiting to option the next Bridget Jones, Gemma Burgess answers back." VF Daily, http://www.vanityfair.com/.

This book is great for girls who have just broke up with a partner and are back on the dating scene. Abigail has just finished in a long term relationship, moves out of the house and into the spare room of a friends brother. Her new housemate becomes her guru into all things date related, with Abigail asking his advice, sometimes mid-date. The speed dating evening was a great scene! The book tracks her journey through the dating cycle - the one night stand, the relationship which doesn't appear to be all it seems and ..... well you will have to read it to find out more.

Abigails sister is also getting married and there are lots of occasions throughout the book where the wedding party meet up for occasions and rehearsals, fittings and getting to know you sessions. This enables us to see the group of friends together and how they relate. The wedding is also part of the story and I really enjoyed this part of the book.

There were many times during the book where I laughed out loud, others where I wanted to take Abigail's hand and shout at her to realise her feelings. There were times to laugh and also times to cry.

There are some great one-liners within the book - and I loved how Gemma got the famous line out of Dirty Dancing into the book ' I carried a watermelon'. Gemma's style of writing is brilliant, easy to read, full of humour and great storytelling.

I would love to have a group of friends and family like Gemma, they appear to be a great group, there for support, while also having a great social life. There are quite a few in the group, but they each have their own characteristics and parts to play throughout the book.

This is a great feel good read, one to read on a summer holiday, or when you are relaxing curled up on a cold winter night. One to give to friends who have just broken up from their partners or one to pass on as a good read.

I recommend it to anyone who likes a good chick lit read.

Thank you to Gemma for arranging for me to review this book and to Avon Publishing.