Guest Review: From Notting Hill with Love…Actually – Ali McNamara

Movie buff Scarlett O’Brien believes that real life can be just as exciting and romantic as films, and she will stop at nothing to prove that it’s easy to live life like a movie heroine. When she is offered a house-sitting job at an impossibly grand mansion in Notting Hill, she jumps at the chance to live out her film fantasies. It’s just a shame that her new neighbor, Sean, is so annoying and so irritatingly handsome. As a chaotic comedy of her very own begins to erupt, Scarlett must decide where her heart truly lies. What sort of happy ending does she really want? Will it be a case of Runaway Bride or Happily Ever After?

Series:  Actually #1
Release Date:  October 1, 2012
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Landmark
Source:  NetGalley
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Reviewer’s Thoughts:

Everyone who’s seen a romantic comedy at least once in their life knows the story.  Boy meets girl.  They fall in love.  Something happens that separates the two of them.  This is followed by a swoon-worthy, grand romantic gesture that sweeps the girl off her feet.  We’ve seen them, and we love them.  Some of us even wish for one of those grand romantic gestures at least once in our lifetime.  I know I do!  And so does Scarlett O’Brien.

The spitting image of Vivien Leigh, Scarlett is madly in love with the movies.  She spends every day comparing events in her life to romantic comedies.  She wants to live one so badly, that she tries to re-create scenes from various movies with the people around her.  Usually, her attempts are humorous, yet endearing.  She’s fun, imaginative, and incredibly loveable.

Scarlett is engaged to David, a good looking young man who is part owner of a chain of cinemas.  David is wealthy, but incredibly simple and tight with his money.  He is a tad boring, a bit obsessed with DIY projects, and tends to be stuffy.   He discourages Scarlett’s love of the movies, and her imagination. 

When Scarlett takes a trip to Notting Hill, to prove to her loved ones that she CAN live life like a movie, she meets Sean.  Sean is a Brad Pitt look-a-like with a fun, down to earth personality that makes Scarlett laugh.  He’s mysterious, wealthy, and helps Scarlett open up to a world she didn’t know existed.

From Notting Hill With Love… Actually was wonderful.  Reading just like a romantic comedy, I couldn’t put it down.  I laughed several times, and the chemistry between the three main characters is so true to life.  The supporting characters add depth to the story, and help Scarlett find the answers she’s looking for.  With a touching sub-plot, plenty of fun movie references, and a romance that’s truly screen worthy, this is a book that I’d read more than once and recommend time and time again.

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