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If You Could See Me Now

Keris Stainton (Goodreads Author)

3.49 · Rating details · 1,017 ratings · 139 reviews

Izzy Harris should have it all – but her boyfriend has been ignoring her for months, she’s been overlooked for a promotion, and the owner of her local coffee shop pervs on her every time she has a craving for a salted caramel muffin.

Then her life is unexpectedly turned upside down.

Izzy dumps her oblivious boyfriend, and leaps on the chance to win a big pitch at work. Needi ...more

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Kindle Edition, 223 pages

Published August 4th 2017 by Bookouture

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· 1,017 ratings · 139 reviews

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Jul 10, 2018 Sara rated it did not like it

Shelves: chick-lit-not-to-read

A perfect example of a book that should be great on paper (cover+blurb+reviews) and then turns out so B.O.R.I.N.G.

Fist of all the plot is about Iz becoming invisible (I swear, I kid you not), and I don't mind a bit of magic in my romcoms but the reader should be warned somewhere it's that kind of book. The blurb says "Then her life is unexpectedly turned upside down." which is nowhere near "be ready to have an invisible main character." Also we have no explanation of where this magic comes from. ...more

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Aug 06, 2017 Amy rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley

All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com

What an absolutely fun read this turned out to be! It was different than what I was expecting, but I mean that in a good way. Without spoiling it, it gave me a Kitty French/Chapelwick series vibe and had a touch of magical realism that worked really well for me. It was highly original in both the concept and the characterization, I cannot wait to read more from Keris Stainton.

Izzy was such a fabulous character, she went through quite the tran ...more

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Nov 30, 2017 Shalini rated it really liked it

I picked this book up for a lark, just by its cover. I needed something to perk me up and this book fit the bill perfectly.
Keris Stainton has done a fabulous job to write the book with over-the-top overtones.
Izzy after a night of drinks becomes invisible the next day and that starts the ball rolling...
I loved the way the author has developed Izzy from a quiet yes-girl to a confident young woman. It was just so uplifting.
Izzy and Tash's friendship was another sight to behold and their quirky b ...more

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Jul 10, 2017 Mary Thomas rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley

Thanks to Netgalley for my copy.

3.5 stars really.

Izzy is in a crappy relationship and is treading water in her career. Her best friend Tash is in an open relationship and is frustrated with Izzy settling for the life she has.

Izzy wakes up hungover and has miraculously become invisible. I know right, it is a ridiculous over the top unbelievable scenario. But the ensuing chaos is very entertaining and delightful. Izzy and Tash are a wonderful pairing as best friends and some of their conversations ...more

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Sep 14, 2017 Sophie rated it really liked it

Shelves: adult, uk-author, e-book

Funny, sexy and feminist - Keris Stainton and adult fiction are totally a match made in heaven.

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Jul 25, 2017 Charlotte Burns rated it really liked it

Review also posted on my blog.

If You Could See Me Now is Keris Stainton's first adult novel, but it reads like she's an expert in the genre. I deliberately didn't read too much about this one before picking it up, because I wanted to be surprised. From the line "Apparently, I'm fucking invisible", I was hooked. What's not to love about a story of an invisible woman?

I loved that the story was about Izzy being physically invisible whilst dealing with being metaphorically invisible to those around ...more

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Aug 03, 2017 Lauren James rated it it was amazing

A sweet story about a woman who wakes up one day to find herself invisible - and realises she has to use her words and actions to be seen, for the first time in her life.
Feminist, empowering, buttery and it's made me wish I was invisible too. ...more

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Jul 31, 2017 Meggy Chocolate'n'Waffles rated it liked it

Sometimes, timing is everything. If You Could See Me Now was the perfect read I needed after a difficult story. I'm sure it would also work for you after a long day at work, for an Saturday evening instead of going clubbing, or during your baby's nap in the afternoon. In fact, this book is a remedy to life's pressure, especially with a cuppa! (Tea, no alcohol!)

Have you ever felt invisible? Like no one really saw you. I remember feeling like this last Christmas when dishes were handed out in fron

Have you ever felt invisible? Like no one really saw you. I remember feeling like this last Christmas when dishes were handed out in front of me without stopping. And all I did was stare and shut up. Now if you know me online, I am chatty and happy to share, and delightful, but this me, this real me, really has to try to exist in this world. The old Meggy was invisible. Now it's Izzy's turn. And I mean it on every level.

As you might have guessed, I related to Izzy from the very beginning. A personality hidden by years of lack of confidence, a fear of change, a fear of not being loved for who you really are, a fear to exist. So Izzy stays in the grey. A good job that she does without extra motivation, an unsatisfying but convenient relationship with someone who stopped looking at her as if she were the 9th Wonder of the World (I'm the 8th!), if he ever did. Been there, done that.

But everything in If You Could See Me Now is done with such humor, originality, and truth that no matter where you are in your life, you can only fall for this fun existential crisis which rings true and makes you laugh until you get cramps.

I was skeptical at her very special and literal wake up call for … two minutes. The dialogs, intern and with her best friend, her thoughts, everything about Izzy is hilarious and fantastic and she's the only one not seeing it. So I believed in the story, and I believed in Izzy. I had all the reactions that were expected, the “OMG what a douchebag”; the “How is there always a cute guy around in books and never here with me??”; and the “I need a BFF for whom sex is an acceptable subject at any hour!” Except I am lucky to have that last point. No naming... Right Jill? So yes, there's quite some … talks and adventures in this area, which the prude I am blushed at! But it was a key point in the story to make a turn towards more in depth analysis and the chuckles it gave me make me unable to resent the author! After all, I read the book in two hours. Had I not enjoyed it all, I would not have been so keen on reading!

Invisibility, true or not, is something we face when we need to grow up, to accept who we are, what we are not, and to decide what we want to be. Izzy learns her lesson the hard and visible way! But not everyone dares to take the step and the message behind the seemingly light story was perfectly conveyed.

Armed with the most amazing best friend and a yummy and oh-so-sweet guy, I rooted for Izzy with my whole heart, wishing her to be seen, recognized, and valued for what she is. But old habits and old protective walls are not so easy to dismantle, which made her journey so weird and genuine. We all have those shameful moments, some of us are so shy the slightest interaction feels like a mountain. This is why the top of it is the most beautiful place. A place the author reminds us we can reach.

If You Could See Me Now is a hilarious and shameless self-discovering story filled with extreme situations, amazingly endearing characters, and a feel-good sparkle that makes it a great read.

Thank you to Bookouture for letting me be a part of this blog tour!

...more

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Jul 31, 2017 Agi rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017-releases, 2017

"If You Could See Me Now" was my first book by Keris Stainton, but also the author's first try at writing an adult novel, and heck, Ms Stainton, if they're going to be as brilliant as this book then pretty please, keep them coming! This book, guys, has totally taken me by surprise.

So, writing about such things as invisibility in woman's literature may be a very tricky thing - sometimes it works, more often it doesn't - but this time Keris Stainton has managed to really pull it off. It completely
"If You Could See Me Now" was my first book by Keris Stainton, but also the author's first try at writing an adult novel, and heck, Ms Stainton, if they're going to be as brilliant as this book then pretty please, keep them coming! This book, guys, has totally taken me by surprise.

So, writing about such things as invisibility in woman's literature may be a very tricky thing - sometimes it works, more often it doesn't - but this time Keris Stainton has managed to really pull it off. It completely worked, even though - to be completely honest - at the beginning it was a bit confusing, this whole invesibility things as there was nothing explaning why this happened to Izzy. But the more I read, and especially after her becoming visible again, I just had a feeling that I've got it, this invisibility thing - Izzy changed, started to appreciate herself, to believe in herself, stopped to fear to stand out, and I really liked this message!

The author has delivered a brillianty funny, captvating and different story. She has created great characters, added many moments of uncertainty, when you didn't know what's going to happen and how the plot is going to turn out. Keris Stainton's writing style is brilliantly light, entertaining and easy to follow and the story is fast - paced.
What was great was the depth of this novel. You know, there are really many laugh - out - loud or cringe with embarrassment moments but this book is so much more than meets the eye. It was about finding yourself and what it really is you want from your life, about overcoming your insecurities, realising how much you are really worth - so under all this lightness and humour here were many important and poignant messages to Izzy, and to us, and I truly appreciated how well the author has mixed it all.
So altogether, "If You Could See Me Now" was deliciously filthy, sexy, with a great balance between humour and seriousness and I totally enjoyed it. Already looking towards Keris Stainton's next release!

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review. ...more

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Jul 09, 2017 Belinda rated it did not like it

Shelves: fiction, netgalley

3 stars. I was looking forward to this book so much and was so happy to receive an ARC on Netgalley . It was an ok read that I finished in a weekend but it wasn't really what I had hoped for. There were no real twists or turns or conflict and I found there was absolutely no build up to Izzy's romance with Alex. I've been reading lots of slow burner women's fiction lately so everything just seemed to happen as quick as it was wrapped up. I was also left asking why was Izzy actually invisible? Did ...more

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Aug 09, 2017 Kirsty rated it it was amazing

Shelves: feminist, uk-author

I thoroughly enjoyed Keris's latest novel. It was funny and thoughtful and had real heart.

If you could see me now is the story of Izzy. We've all been a bit like Izzy at some point. She puts up with a less than perfect relationship because it's easy. She puts up with a less than perfect job because it's easy. She never quite puts herself first or thinks about striving for more because what she has is fine. However this is about to change for Izzy.

Izzy wakes up one morning and finds that she is i ...more

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Jul 15, 2017 Megan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc

This book was advertised as a laugh-out-loud comedy but I didn't really find it very funny at all. What I found instead was a brilliant story about overcoming insecurities and finding your path in life. This was a beautiful journey of self-discovery for Izzy, that had so many poignant messages about society as a whole that I found it absolutely inspiring. It was sweet, sexy, romantic and totally addictive. I quickly devoured this book and now I'm sad it's over. I want to say so much more but I f ...more

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Jul 19, 2017 Gem ~ Bee rated it it was amazing

This is such a delightfully funny feelgood book that is guaranteed to lift your spirits and provide all the feels!
It has a supernatural element similar to that of Kitty French's Chapelwick mystery books and, like those, it completely works and provides such an original, captivating plot you are just hooked from the start. It is full of actual laugh out loud moments, so funny and so hilarious you can't even explain them if someone asks. Great characters, great writing and great plot. Definitely o ...more

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Sep 15, 2017 Fiona M rated it really liked it

Such a brilliant, fast paced sexy book. I loved all of it. Izzy is such a relatable character and it was brilliant to see her blossom, find courage to stand out and not care what others think anymore. I greatly enjoyed this book.
(I had to stop reading it on the plane because it was getting a bit steamy otherwise I would have read it in 1 sitting)

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Jul 12, 2017 Nina Rossing rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017, feel-good

Funny, light, perfect for summer relaxation.

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Aug 11, 2017 Michelle (Fluttering Butterflies) rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-read-in-2017, british-reading-challenge, adult

Soooo much fun. And it's funny and sexy and empowering. I loved it. ...more

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Aug 03, 2017 Fabulous Book Fiend rated it it was amazing

Oh this was such a fun read and just the kind of thing I was looking for. This is a classic romantic comedy with a healthy dose of decent sex and just a little twist in the tale. This book made me laugh out loud but also made me think. It;s a book about relationships but also about friendship and female empowerment.

This was an incredibly quick read because of all those reasons above. It has short chapters, which I love and sped up the pace a bit too. This book surround Izzy and her quest to get Oh this was such a fun read and just the kind of thing I was looking for. This is a classic romantic comedy with a healthy dose of decent sex and just a little twist in the tale. This book made me laugh out loud but also made me think. It;s a book about relationships but also about friendship and female empowerment.

This was an incredibly quick read because of all those reasons above. It has short chapters, which I love and sped up the pace a bit too. This book surround Izzy and her quest to get her work life, her personal life and her relationship life on track. I loved her as a main character because she is just so much fun. She is optimistic and yet she knows the realities of every day life. I think this is helped by the fact that she has been living in London for a while and she is a lady who knows how to take care of herself. She has also been coasting through life until a couple of events happen to her, including this big work pitch and she realises she is worth more than that. I found her so easy to get along with and could definitely recognise her in a few of my friends!

Her best mate Tash is definitely a good influence on her, even if those from the outside might think quite the opposite. I think these two made a great team. At first they seem to be kind of ying and yang, but as the book progresses, we see just how alike they are and just what bonds their friendship together. Obviously we have possible love interest Alex too, he is an interesting character and it takes a while to work him out but I am really glad he came into the picture! There are a couple of villains too which help to make up a great cast for this novel.

I really like the fact that this book does definitely touch on female empowerment. It is really all about Izzy taking back that control and along the way she learns some invaluable lessons. She does get a little help from her friends but really she is an independent woman with a lot going for her and once she realises this, she knows that she's got this and i loved this message coming through throughout the novel. There are also some fabulous sex scenes in this book which definitely help to balance it out and just make it an even more fun read. There's nothing too offensive but I would give a little public service warning not to read too much of this book in public; a, because you'll find yourself laughing out loud and b, because you may find yourself blushing just a little.

This was a great read. If you're a fan of Keris's other books, you'll see her wicked sense of humour coming through in this one, but if you are new to her novels, this is a great place to start. Get this one ordered now, a definite read if you're looking for something to cheer you up this summer! ...more

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Aug 04, 2017 Claire Allan rated it it was amazing

Keris Stainton is one of the funniest women on Twitter - and indeed online. Especially if you have a *thing* for Harry Styles. I've known of Keris for a long time - probably about 11 years since we were in the same online writing group - all of us working on what we would hoped would be our first books. Keris indeed went on to write many books - but aimed them at the YA market. If You Could See Me Now is her first foray into a "grown up" book and all I can say is.... ABOUT BLOODY TIME!!

Okay, so Keris Stainton is one of the funniest women on Twitter - and indeed online. Especially if you have a *thing* for Harry Styles. I've known of Keris for a long time - probably about 11 years since we were in the same online writing group - all of us working on what we would hoped would be our first books. Keris indeed went on to write many books - but aimed them at the YA market. If You Could See Me Now is her first foray into a "grown up" book and all I can say is.... ABOUT BLOODY TIME!!

Okay, so the concept of If You Could See Me Now is a little strange. I had purposely avoided reading anything about it because I didn't want to have preconceptions about the book. So when the main character Izzy wakes up invisible (yes, invisible) after a few chapters, I was a bit flummoxed. This was a bit left field - but I've known Keris long enough to trust that she isn't completely off her rocker and this was probably going somewhere good.

Where it went, in fact, was somewhere which elevated this book from just another chick-lit type rom-com to something a little more special. Definitely something funnier. Definitely something more thought-provoking. Definitely something perhaps a little sexier in places too. It's a relatively simple concept as they come - but with Keris' funky feminist take on things it became something much more, About how as women we blend in - we have been taught not to stand out, that it's not always safe or desirable to be noticed and that we colour our behaviour to not make a fuss - even when we perhaps really, really should be making a fuss.

Keris has created a brilliant cast of characters - not least the very memorable (and maybe Harry Styles-esque?) Alex. More of him please, Keris. Thank you very much! This was an easy read - a really, lovely enjoyable read that was the tonic to a stressful week.

I found myself turning the last page and wishing for more. So it may have taken Keris Stainton some time to write that first grown up novel - but hopefully it won't be long until we are treated to another... and another... and another.

Funny, frothy, feminist and sexy, If You Could See Me Now is a real treat to read.
...more

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Aug 20, 2017 Desiree rated it really liked it

This book is totally unexpected. I was caught off-guard by the strange twist that turned Izzy’s life upside down. I didn’t see that invisibility thing coming. But it’s a welcome surprise and actually made things funnier. It made the story more appealing, too. I considered it as a solid read, what with its uplifting message. I’m sure all of us, at one point, feels invisible. And with that, the desperation to be seen. To be recognized. To be appreciated. And sometimes, be okay with being ignored. ...more

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Aug 05, 2017 Trish Hills rated it it was amazing

Where do I start?! Right, the premise. This book, to me, is completely fresh and unlike anything I've read before. It isn't your average girl dumps useless boy, meets perfect man scenario. It's much more complicated (and hysterical) than that.

Izzy had an unusual affliction and has to figure her life out while dealing with that too. She shows strength of character, poise (most of the time) and humility. She is feisty, funny and caring. She is the kind of woman you want as your friend.

Her best fri ...more

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Jul 08, 2017 Eunice Lan rated it liked it

This book is really different from any i have read so far. It is an easy read and funny in many parts. I considered it is a book that can be read in one sitting and if you didn't want to to spend a lot of time. The story is really different at first but then in my opinion the ending is predictable. The actions are sometimes hilarious but the characters didn't make it for me. ...more

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Aug 07, 2017 Katey Lovell rated it it was amazing

Fun, fresh, feminist fiction that had me hooked from the get-go. This quirky tale of invisible Izzy learning to love and assert herself will make you believe you can take on the world and win. I loved everything about this book.

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Aug 13, 2017 Alicia Brooks rated it it was amazing

Love, love, loved. Funny, sexy and heart warming. The best kind of emotional gut punch and a look at what happens when you decide to stop simply existing and really grab your life back. The perfect frothy summer read.

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Jul 20, 2017 D.J. rated it it was amazing

This is a delightful, laugh-out-loud, and empowering novel. Reading it made feel good about myself and other people, and there aren't a lot of novels that I can say that about. ...more

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Aug 13, 2017 Helen Costello rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 500-books-before-50, 2017-reads

This is a really clever book. From the start I was hooked. I was fooled into thinking it would be a light, easy read and it is, but so much more. There are hugely funny moments but it doesn't feel slapstick. The premise of suddenly becoming invisible is carried out so well - as is how friends in the know react. I loved how feminism is the underlying message throughout a really good story. What was a really lovely thread is that the characters are mainly nice people, kind to each other, girls sup ...more

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Aug 04, 2017 Kaisha (The Writing Garnet) rated it it was amazing

All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

Uhhhhh hellooooo swoonerific book cover!!!

‘If You Could See Me Now’ completely caught me off guard! I had no idea what to expect before I read the book, yet what I got wasn’t at all what I expected! That make sense? I absolutely LOVED this book! The storyline is so unique and incredibly refreshing, my mind kept thinking ‘HALLELUJAH’ the entire way through! FINALLY something completely different!!

Without giving away too ...more

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Jul 27, 2017 Vicki Bowles rated it really liked it

Thank you to Bookouture, Netgalley and the author for the ARC. I'm delighted to be involved in the Blog Tour for this hilarious book.

I can honestly say I started to read this book and put it down once so I could cook and eat dinner, and then one more time when I went upstairs to bed - I finished reading it that same evening. I kept getting funny looks from my family - I actually laughed out loud several times throughout the book.

The story starts off well enough; the lazy-arsed boyfriend; the hot ...more

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Aug 10, 2017 Alicia rated it really liked it

http://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2017/08...

Rainbow Rowell was recommending this on Twitter the other day, which makes a book like must-read for me. And this was super cute and very silly and just what I needed. It centers on a woman in England with a crappy boyfriend and job stress and an awesome best friend--and then something totally unexpected happens. And I won't tell you what bc I was awesomely surprised. Anyway, this has a cute romance, some really great woman empowerment (seriously, this boo ...more

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Aug 05, 2017 Claire rated it really liked it

I enjoyed If You Could See Me Now. Following the story of Izzy Harris who is being overlooked at work for promotion and doesn't have the best boyfriend. After a night out with her best friend Tash, Izzy's life is turned upside down. She dumps her boyfriend and throws herself into trying to win a big contract at work.

There is an unexpected twist to this book that makes it more interesting. It would be a perfect beach read and you'll definitely warm to both Izzy and Tash.

I'd give this book 4 star ...more

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Aug 06, 2017 Laura marked it as did-not-finish

Shelves: net-galley, chick-lit

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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About Keris Stainton

Keris Stainton

492 followers

My mum always claimed that when she lived in America for a year, my dad wrote to her every day and, in one of his letters, proposed. My dad denied this. But when she got home they got married anyway. In 1966 they emigrated to Canada. They'd wanted to go to New Zealand, but it was full.

I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which, by all accounts, is very cold. And also hot. But when I was four months ...more