What do you think?
Rate this book
Great Sexpectations
What’s wrong with a little bit of faking it?
After Josie got dumped by her ex through a note on the fridge, she hasn’t let herself get close to anyone. But when she meets Cameron at a Halloween party, who turns up in the same Ghostbusters costume as her, it’s virtually impossible to stay away.
Cameron, a curly haired video-games designer with dazzling blue eyes, the sexiest dimples and the same encyclopedic knowledge of movies as Josie, seems too good to be true.
And maybe he is… Because there’s one teeny tiny problem as Josie falls madly in love. Cameron has no idea that Josie lives at home with her ex-porn star parents and their dog Dave, or about the minor detail that she works for their sex toy empire. After her ex broke up with her because of the family business, Josie decides to tell a little white lie.
But it’s just a matter of time until the truth comes out. When it does, will Cameron end things, leaving Josie with only Dave the dog for company? And what if she’s not the only one who’s keeping secrets?
So funny it should come with a warning! Don’t read while eating/drinking/in public – embarrassment will ensue. The perfect romantic comedy for anyone whose love life is more extinct than dinosaurs, and for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Emily Henry.
After Josie got dumped by her ex through a note on the fridge, she hasn’t let herself get close to anyone. But when she meets Cameron at a Halloween party, who turns up in the same Ghostbusters costume as her, it’s virtually impossible to stay away.
Cameron, a curly haired video-games designer with dazzling blue eyes, the sexiest dimples and the same encyclopedic knowledge of movies as Josie, seems too good to be true.
And maybe he is… Because there’s one teeny tiny problem as Josie falls madly in love. Cameron has no idea that Josie lives at home with her ex-porn star parents and their dog Dave, or about the minor detail that she works for their sex toy empire. After her ex broke up with her because of the family business, Josie decides to tell a little white lie.
But it’s just a matter of time until the truth comes out. When it does, will Cameron end things, leaving Josie with only Dave the dog for company? And what if she’s not the only one who’s keeping secrets?
So funny it should come with a warning! Don’t read while eating/drinking/in public – embarrassment will ensue. The perfect romantic comedy for anyone whose love life is more extinct than dinosaurs, and for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Emily Henry.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2022
219 people are currently reading
942 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
July 29, 2022
I'm still smiling!
Great Sexpectations had me grinning from ear to ear! Seriously, this book had so much heart, fun, humor, and witty banter. I adored Josie and her family! Cameron was pretty loveable as well. I had not read a book by Kristen Bailey prior to reading this one, and she knocked my socks off. This was my first book by her, and I look forward to reading many, many more!
Josie, who was dumped by her finance via note on the refrigerator meets Cameron at a Halloween Party. Both were wearing the same costume -Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!
Cameron has a lot in common with Josie. Both have a wicked sense of humor, both are movie lovers, and both aren't looking for anything serious. There is just this one little thing (or two), Josie lives at home with her ex-porn star parents. Josie may have also left out that she runs their sex toy empire. Cameron mistakes her for a caterer and well, Josie runs with it.
This was such a fun, endearing and lovely book. I love the closeness of Josie's entire family, their openness, and their be-who-you-are attitude. Cameron's family on the other hand, well, they are not as open minded as Josie's.
I enjoyed reading as Josie and Cameron bantered/flirted back and forth. I loved the humor in this book. I also appreciated how vulnerability was explored, the fear of being honest due to past pain. When I wasn't smiling from ear to ear, I had my hand over my mouth going 'Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no!" as I feared the cat would be let out of the bag!
This was such a fun and delightful book. What a fantastic book! Great Sexpectations is now on my favorites list.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Great Sexpectations had me grinning from ear to ear! Seriously, this book had so much heart, fun, humor, and witty banter. I adored Josie and her family! Cameron was pretty loveable as well. I had not read a book by Kristen Bailey prior to reading this one, and she knocked my socks off. This was my first book by her, and I look forward to reading many, many more!
Josie, who was dumped by her finance via note on the refrigerator meets Cameron at a Halloween Party. Both were wearing the same costume -Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!
Cameron has a lot in common with Josie. Both have a wicked sense of humor, both are movie lovers, and both aren't looking for anything serious. There is just this one little thing (or two), Josie lives at home with her ex-porn star parents. Josie may have also left out that she runs their sex toy empire. Cameron mistakes her for a caterer and well, Josie runs with it.
This was such a fun, endearing and lovely book. I love the closeness of Josie's entire family, their openness, and their be-who-you-are attitude. Cameron's family on the other hand, well, they are not as open minded as Josie's.
I enjoyed reading as Josie and Cameron bantered/flirted back and forth. I loved the humor in this book. I also appreciated how vulnerability was explored, the fear of being honest due to past pain. When I wasn't smiling from ear to ear, I had my hand over my mouth going 'Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no!" as I feared the cat would be let out of the bag!
This was such a fun and delightful book. What a fantastic book! Great Sexpectations is now on my favorites list.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
July 29, 2022
I don’t know if I’ll be able to put into words how much I liked this book but let me try… I F*CKING ADORED IT!!! All my great (s)expectations were met and far surpassed.
I know Kristen Bailey was afraid she didn’t have a rom-com in her, and, let me tell you she certainly did, cause Great Sexpectations was one of the most funny, cute, charming and sexy rom-coms I’ve ever read.
She had set the bar pretty high for herself with the Callaghan sisters series, but with this fabulous and fun story full of laughs, love and sex toys (yeah, you read right, more on that later) she has made me fall in love once again with a gorgeous set of characters you can’t help but love right from their first appearances.
Josie and Cameron were such great leads. Their chemistry together was out of this world and I lost count of the number of times I sighed liked a teen in love for the first time or had a silly smile on my face at their interactions. They were so frigging cute!! 😍
As usual in her books, not only the leads were great. The whole cast was amazing! Susie and Johnny, Josie’s parents, ex-pornstars and sex toy empire moguls; Nan, her grandma and (fake) showgirl in Vegas; Michelle, Tina…I could keep mentioning names forever cause I loved every single one (even the hateful ones).
Yeah, yeah, I know you’re still wondering about the sex toys, so when you pick this one up get ready to take a crash course on dildos, vibrators, plugs, beads, vegan condoms and much more. Oh my, that must have been some fun research! 😂
I can imagine some people gasping at this, dropping in shock the device in which they’re reading this review as if it was on fire, but do yourself a favor…Don’t be a f*cking prude and give this story a chance (you might even learn something!). This whole backdrop is just the excuse to deliver such an important message on sex positivity, being comfortable and proud of who you are and where you come from, and let prejudices aside when it comes to meeting someone. Not many commercial titles approach sex in such a natural and relaxed way and that’s to be appreciated.
There might be some swearing, some sex talk and even a huge dick (named Henry), but the thing Great Sexpectations has more of is heart. It is a great romance story that will have you in tears both from laughing (those double entendres!) and from those emotional moments that in true Kristen Bailey fashion will have you shedding tears while having a smile on your face.
Hands down, this is my favorite rom-com of the year.
Thanks to the author, NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I know Kristen Bailey was afraid she didn’t have a rom-com in her, and, let me tell you she certainly did, cause Great Sexpectations was one of the most funny, cute, charming and sexy rom-coms I’ve ever read.
She had set the bar pretty high for herself with the Callaghan sisters series, but with this fabulous and fun story full of laughs, love and sex toys (yeah, you read right, more on that later) she has made me fall in love once again with a gorgeous set of characters you can’t help but love right from their first appearances.
Josie and Cameron were such great leads. Their chemistry together was out of this world and I lost count of the number of times I sighed liked a teen in love for the first time or had a silly smile on my face at their interactions. They were so frigging cute!! 😍
As usual in her books, not only the leads were great. The whole cast was amazing! Susie and Johnny, Josie’s parents, ex-pornstars and sex toy empire moguls; Nan, her grandma and (fake) showgirl in Vegas; Michelle, Tina…I could keep mentioning names forever cause I loved every single one (even the hateful ones).
Yeah, yeah, I know you’re still wondering about the sex toys, so when you pick this one up get ready to take a crash course on dildos, vibrators, plugs, beads, vegan condoms and much more. Oh my, that must have been some fun research! 😂
I can imagine some people gasping at this, dropping in shock the device in which they’re reading this review as if it was on fire, but do yourself a favor…Don’t be a f*cking prude and give this story a chance (you might even learn something!). This whole backdrop is just the excuse to deliver such an important message on sex positivity, being comfortable and proud of who you are and where you come from, and let prejudices aside when it comes to meeting someone. Not many commercial titles approach sex in such a natural and relaxed way and that’s to be appreciated.
There might be some swearing, some sex talk and even a huge dick (named Henry), but the thing Great Sexpectations has more of is heart. It is a great romance story that will have you in tears both from laughing (those double entendres!) and from those emotional moments that in true Kristen Bailey fashion will have you shedding tears while having a smile on your face.
Hands down, this is my favorite rom-com of the year.
Thanks to the author, NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2025
Nice, liked the writing, and except for the ML, the novel is pretty fun for a first-time romcom author. 3.5 stars
Very sex-positive and the FL's character is very nicely written. The ML though was boring, and I didn't get why he was so flabbergasted when the truth was revealed. (There's a spoiler that I don't want to spoil for the readers).
Very sex-positive and the FL's character is very nicely written. The ML though was boring, and I didn't get why he was so flabbergasted when the truth was revealed. (There's a spoiler that I don't want to spoil for the readers).
July 7, 2022
I bloody love Kristen’s books, I’m always laughing hysterically while reading. If you’re looking for a sex positive, fun romcom read with of laughs, cute moments and great characters then look no further than this book (or any of Kristen’s books). I binged it in a couple of hours because I just refused to put it down, Josie is such an incredible character. I adore her.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for sending me a copy of this incredible book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for sending me a copy of this incredible book.
dnf
August 2, 2022dnf @ Chapter 1
This just isn't a writing style that works for me.
This just isn't a writing style that works for me.
February 18, 2023
This book was mostly vibes, not much plot. But the vibes were excellent. It was all very Georgia Nicholson-like chaotic inner monologues, which I was here for. I also really enjoyed the family dynamics.
I just wish more happened, and with more sense of urgency. The main tension of the plot was one miscommunication.
It was also odd that such a sex-focused book was a clean romance. But maybe I’m just a book hoe (likely).
3⭐️ No🌶️
I just wish more happened, and with more sense of urgency. The main tension of the plot was one miscommunication.
It was also odd that such a sex-focused book was a clean romance. But maybe I’m just a book hoe (likely).
3⭐️ No🌶️
August 4, 2022
Your parents are ex porn stars and you're the CEO of a sex shop, just what can go wrong with introducing your new love interest to the family?
Full of laugh out loud moments, a crash course in sex toys...definitely not one for the prudish 🤣 Me, I loved ecvery minute of reading this book and I can't wait to read more of Bailey's books.
What a fantastic cast of characters. I loved the chemistry between Josie and Cameron, and their favourite film being Ghostbusters!
Sexpectations fulfilled!
Many thanks to Bookouture for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Full of laugh out loud moments, a crash course in sex toys...definitely not one for the prudish 🤣 Me, I loved ecvery minute of reading this book and I can't wait to read more of Bailey's books.
What a fantastic cast of characters. I loved the chemistry between Josie and Cameron, and their favourite film being Ghostbusters!
Sexpectations fulfilled!
Many thanks to Bookouture for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 25, 2022
So funny it should come with a warning! Don’t read while eating/drinking/in public – embarrassment will ensue. The perfect romantic comedy for anyone whose love life is more extinct than dinosaurs, and for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Emily Henry.
Kristen Bailey’s books crack me up, SHE cracks me up. I find her to be vibrant, funny, relatable - I would love to meet her and hang out with her for a day and just soak up her tell it like is, fresh, and just over the line humor and personality. Her books are so funny, so real, so true - especially the Callaghan sisters series. This newest book (sadly not part of the Callaghan sisters, though there is a mention), has crossed that line of comfort a bit more than previous ones. I knew as soon as I read the opening conversation what I would be getting into. I blushed, I cringed. But I also laughed and continued to read. I grew up in a house that sex, body parts, and periods weren’t talked about. I almost fell off my chair when I read that someone else in this world knew what winkies were! I thought I was the only one who grew up with calling my boobs that! I even went tinkle instead of pee! That probably explains my cringing and blushing when reading this book, it almost felt naughty and I was a little embarrassed. Josie’s family reminded me of the Schitt’s from Schitt’s Creek, I kept thinking that throughout the book. The romance was cute and fit in perfectly amongst everything else. Josie is such a great character, one you are intrigued by and want to keep reading about. To me, this is one of Bailey’s biggest talents - creating fantastic characters. To sum it up, this is yet another quirky and enjoyable book written by this author, yet one that did bring me out of my comfort zone a bit. Not because of sex scenes, or anything risqué really. You’ll see… being brought out of a comfort zone can be a good thing, right? 😜
And look, I am on my way to becoming almost famous! I made it onto a bus stop advertisement display just by being on this book tour!
Author Bio:
Mother-of-four, gin-drinker, binge-watcher, receipt hoarder, enthusiastic but terrible cook. Kristen also writes. She has had short fiction published in several publications including Mslexia & Riptide. Her first two novels, Souper Mum and Second Helpings were published in 2016. In 2019, she was long listed in the Comedy Women in Print Prize and has since joined the Bookouture family. She writes women's fiction and she hopes her novels have fresh and funny things to say about modern life, love and family.
You can find out more about her at her website: www.kristenbaileywrites.com.
You can also find her on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
#greatsexpectations #netgalley
Merged review:
So funny it should come with a warning! Don’t read while eating/drinking/in public – embarrassment will ensue. The perfect romantic comedy for anyone whose love life is more extinct than dinosaurs, and for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Emily Henry.
Kristen Bailey’s books crack me up, SHE cracks me up. I find her to be vibrant, funny, relatable - I would love to meet her and hang out with her for a day and just soak up her tell it like is, fresh, and just over the line humor and personality. Her books are so funny, so real, so true - especially the Callaghan sisters series. This newest book (sadly not part of the Callaghan sisters, though there is a mention), has crossed that line of comfort a bit more than previous ones. I knew as soon as I read the opening conversation what I would be getting into. I blushed, I cringed. But I also laughed and continued to read. I grew up in a house that sex, body parts, and periods weren’t talked about. I almost fell off my chair when I read that someone else in this world knew what winkies were! I thought I was the only one who grew up with calling my boobs that! I even went tinkle instead of pee! That probably explains my cringing and blushing when reading this book, it almost felt naughty and I was a little embarrassed. Josie’s family reminded me of the Schitt’s from Schitt’s Creek, I kept thinking that throughout the book. The romance was cute and fit in perfectly amongst everything else. Josie is such a great character, one you are intrigued by and want to keep reading about. To me, this is one of Bailey’s biggest talents - creating fantastic characters. To sum it up, this is yet another quirky and enjoyable book written by this author, yet one that did bring me out of my comfort zone a bit. Not because of sex scenes, or anything risqué really. You’ll see… being brought out of a comfort zone can be a good thing, right? 😜
Kristen Bailey’s books crack me up, SHE cracks me up. I find her to be vibrant, funny, relatable - I would love to meet her and hang out with her for a day and just soak up her tell it like is, fresh, and just over the line humor and personality. Her books are so funny, so real, so true - especially the Callaghan sisters series. This newest book (sadly not part of the Callaghan sisters, though there is a mention), has crossed that line of comfort a bit more than previous ones. I knew as soon as I read the opening conversation what I would be getting into. I blushed, I cringed. But I also laughed and continued to read. I grew up in a house that sex, body parts, and periods weren’t talked about. I almost fell off my chair when I read that someone else in this world knew what winkies were! I thought I was the only one who grew up with calling my boobs that! I even went tinkle instead of pee! That probably explains my cringing and blushing when reading this book, it almost felt naughty and I was a little embarrassed. Josie’s family reminded me of the Schitt’s from Schitt’s Creek, I kept thinking that throughout the book. The romance was cute and fit in perfectly amongst everything else. Josie is such a great character, one you are intrigued by and want to keep reading about. To me, this is one of Bailey’s biggest talents - creating fantastic characters. To sum it up, this is yet another quirky and enjoyable book written by this author, yet one that did bring me out of my comfort zone a bit. Not because of sex scenes, or anything risqué really. You’ll see… being brought out of a comfort zone can be a good thing, right? 😜
And look, I am on my way to becoming almost famous! I made it onto a bus stop advertisement display just by being on this book tour!
Author Bio:
Mother-of-four, gin-drinker, binge-watcher, receipt hoarder, enthusiastic but terrible cook. Kristen also writes. She has had short fiction published in several publications including Mslexia & Riptide. Her first two novels, Souper Mum and Second Helpings were published in 2016. In 2019, she was long listed in the Comedy Women in Print Prize and has since joined the Bookouture family. She writes women's fiction and she hopes her novels have fresh and funny things to say about modern life, love and family.
You can find out more about her at her website: www.kristenbaileywrites.com.
You can also find her on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
#greatsexpectations #netgalley
Merged review:
So funny it should come with a warning! Don’t read while eating/drinking/in public – embarrassment will ensue. The perfect romantic comedy for anyone whose love life is more extinct than dinosaurs, and for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Emily Henry.
Kristen Bailey’s books crack me up, SHE cracks me up. I find her to be vibrant, funny, relatable - I would love to meet her and hang out with her for a day and just soak up her tell it like is, fresh, and just over the line humor and personality. Her books are so funny, so real, so true - especially the Callaghan sisters series. This newest book (sadly not part of the Callaghan sisters, though there is a mention), has crossed that line of comfort a bit more than previous ones. I knew as soon as I read the opening conversation what I would be getting into. I blushed, I cringed. But I also laughed and continued to read. I grew up in a house that sex, body parts, and periods weren’t talked about. I almost fell off my chair when I read that someone else in this world knew what winkies were! I thought I was the only one who grew up with calling my boobs that! I even went tinkle instead of pee! That probably explains my cringing and blushing when reading this book, it almost felt naughty and I was a little embarrassed. Josie’s family reminded me of the Schitt’s from Schitt’s Creek, I kept thinking that throughout the book. The romance was cute and fit in perfectly amongst everything else. Josie is such a great character, one you are intrigued by and want to keep reading about. To me, this is one of Bailey’s biggest talents - creating fantastic characters. To sum it up, this is yet another quirky and enjoyable book written by this author, yet one that did bring me out of my comfort zone a bit. Not because of sex scenes, or anything risqué really. You’ll see… being brought out of a comfort zone can be a good thing, right? 😜
August 1, 2022
Josie is CEO of her family's highly-successful business selling sex-toys, lingerie and erotic gifts, she is hugely proud of the business they have built up and her former porn-star actor parents (goodness only knows how I'm going to get this review past the B&N review algorithm). Then her fiancé Mike dumps her without a word, leaving a cruel and hurtful note on the fridge and absconding with their wedding savings to Venezuela. Apparently he couldn't envisage a life explaining his wife's job or his in-laws' former profession.
Now Josie is over Mike (mostly) and is helping her TV actor star little brother Sonny celebrate Halloween in epic style with a lavish party which (of course) she organised for him. Eschewing the sexy vampire/nurse/Catwoman costumes chosen by so many other women at the party, Josie has chosen to go as one of the Ghostbusters, these things really aren't her scene. Then she comes across someone else dressed as a Ghostbuster and they just click. Josie didn't mean to mislead Ghostbuster Cameron about her job, she did organise the party food, but she isn't the caterer, but when he assumes she doesn't correct him, she even avoids acknowledging Sonny when he calls her out for organising the party from the stage. But as their friendship progresses, the lie begins to grow, Josie's father even pretends his name is Fabio, and it gets harder and harder to tell the truth. What makes it worse is that Cameron's family are all uptight, uber-conservative, snobs whereas Josie's family are free-wheeling liberals - never the twain and all that!
The dildo, penis and swearing factors are high in this book (as to be expected when you are the CEO of a sex empire), but at heart this is about protecting your heart from hurt after a bad break-up. It's sweet, funny and I devoured it. Love Kristen Bailey.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release and to correct numerous typos.
Now Josie is over Mike (mostly) and is helping her TV actor star little brother Sonny celebrate Halloween in epic style with a lavish party which (of course) she organised for him. Eschewing the sexy vampire/nurse/Catwoman costumes chosen by so many other women at the party, Josie has chosen to go as one of the Ghostbusters, these things really aren't her scene. Then she comes across someone else dressed as a Ghostbuster and they just click. Josie didn't mean to mislead Ghostbuster Cameron about her job, she did organise the party food, but she isn't the caterer, but when he assumes she doesn't correct him, she even avoids acknowledging Sonny when he calls her out for organising the party from the stage. But as their friendship progresses, the lie begins to grow, Josie's father even pretends his name is Fabio, and it gets harder and harder to tell the truth. What makes it worse is that Cameron's family are all uptight, uber-conservative, snobs whereas Josie's family are free-wheeling liberals - never the twain and all that!
The dildo, penis and swearing factors are high in this book (as to be expected when you are the CEO of a sex empire), but at heart this is about protecting your heart from hurt after a bad break-up. It's sweet, funny and I devoured it. Love Kristen Bailey.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release and to correct numerous typos.
July 26, 2024
Everyone, meet one of my favorite reads this year!
Josie is a 24-year-old, and she is a CEO of a sex shop. Her parents are ex-porn stars, and her brother is a soap opera star. Sounds a lot, right? That's why her ex breaks up with her via a refrigerator note. Now she is kind of insecure because of her family and their business.
And when Josie meets Cameron at a Halloween party (his girlfriend cheats on him with his best friend and roommate at this party!) she doesn't tell him about all of this sex staff. As you can imagine, things are getting complicated.
I loved everything about this rom-com! It's super fun, it has a lot of cute moments, and it even has a little bit of spice. So good! I loved all of the characters most of all (even the bad guys, yeah). They're not shallow, you can see real people with all of their nice traits, insecurities, etc. while reading this book.
I give Great Sexpectations 4.5 / 5 only because of the ending. I didn't really like it, because it seemed rushed. I'd love to have at least an epilogue. There were not enough scenes of Cameron and Josie knowing all the truth and still being happy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Josie is a 24-year-old, and she is a CEO of a sex shop. Her parents are ex-porn stars, and her brother is a soap opera star. Sounds a lot, right? That's why her ex breaks up with her via a refrigerator note. Now she is kind of insecure because of her family and their business.
And when Josie meets Cameron at a Halloween party (his girlfriend cheats on him with his best friend and roommate at this party!) she doesn't tell him about all of this sex staff. As you can imagine, things are getting complicated.
I loved everything about this rom-com! It's super fun, it has a lot of cute moments, and it even has a little bit of spice. So good! I loved all of the characters most of all (even the bad guys, yeah). They're not shallow, you can see real people with all of their nice traits, insecurities, etc. while reading this book.
I give Great Sexpectations 4.5 / 5 only because of the ending. I didn't really like it, because it seemed rushed. I'd love to have at least an epilogue. There were not enough scenes of Cameron and Josie knowing all the truth and still being happy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2022
Thank you to Bookouture and Kristen Bailey for sharing this ARC with me through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Josie is a child of two ex-porn stars who runs an online sex toy retailer full of various toys, lingerie, seasonal condoms, and the like. She meets Cameron on Halloween where they find kindred geeky spirits in each other after both coming out of difficult breakups. They bring out the best in each other with their senses of humor and love for Ghostbusters.
For as much as these characters talk about dildos, vibrators, and porn, I definitely expected more romance from this book marketed as a romantic comedy. The relationship with Cameron was more on the back burner. It felt more like a family saga with the amount of in depth looks at Josie’s relationships with her parents, brother, and grandmother. Don’t get me wrong, they’re all quirky and ridiculous in a lovable way, but I was expecting a different type of story.
Overall, I loved the sex positive message that radiates throughout, all the different forms of love that is shown between the family members, and the support and camaraderie shown between coworkers.
Josie is a child of two ex-porn stars who runs an online sex toy retailer full of various toys, lingerie, seasonal condoms, and the like. She meets Cameron on Halloween where they find kindred geeky spirits in each other after both coming out of difficult breakups. They bring out the best in each other with their senses of humor and love for Ghostbusters.
For as much as these characters talk about dildos, vibrators, and porn, I definitely expected more romance from this book marketed as a romantic comedy. The relationship with Cameron was more on the back burner. It felt more like a family saga with the amount of in depth looks at Josie’s relationships with her parents, brother, and grandmother. Don’t get me wrong, they’re all quirky and ridiculous in a lovable way, but I was expecting a different type of story.
Overall, I loved the sex positive message that radiates throughout, all the different forms of love that is shown between the family members, and the support and camaraderie shown between coworkers.
August 16, 2022
Great Sexpectations
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance / Rom-Com
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 7/28/22
Author: Kristen Bailey
Publisher: Bookouture
Pages: 298
Goodreads Rating: 4.23
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Bookouture and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: After Josie got dumped by her ex through a note on the fridge, she hasn’t let herself get close to anyone. But when she meets Cameron at a Halloween party, who turns up in the same Ghostbusters costume as her, it’s virtually impossible to stay away. Josie falls madly in love. Cameron has no idea that Josie lives at home with her ex-porn star parents and their Josie decides to tell a little white lie about her job. But it’s just a matter of time until the truth comes out. When it does, will Cameron end things, leaving Josie with only Dave the dog for company? And what if she’s not the only one who’s keeping secrets?
My Thoughts: This was such a cute and adorable fun read! I absolutely fell in love with Josie, and her family of course; I just really connected with her, she was close with her family and they firmly believed to stand in your truth, which is how I live. While I had heard of Kristen Bailey, this was my first read by her, but will not be my last as she has been added to my TBR authors! The characters were well developed with layers of depth, witty banter, instant connection, awesome chemistry, and were creatively written. The author’s writing style was complex, emotional, humorous, heartwarming, and just brilliantly done. I loved the premise of this story, your ex-porn parents run a sex shop business, who doesn’t smile at this?? I really love the message that this story delivers, stand in your truth, whatever that is and sex positivity. I ran the gambit of emotions with this one from laughing out loud, tears, and happiness. I would highly recommend this book that came out late last month.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance / Rom-Com
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 7/28/22
Author: Kristen Bailey
Publisher: Bookouture
Pages: 298
Goodreads Rating: 4.23
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Bookouture and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: After Josie got dumped by her ex through a note on the fridge, she hasn’t let herself get close to anyone. But when she meets Cameron at a Halloween party, who turns up in the same Ghostbusters costume as her, it’s virtually impossible to stay away. Josie falls madly in love. Cameron has no idea that Josie lives at home with her ex-porn star parents and their Josie decides to tell a little white lie about her job. But it’s just a matter of time until the truth comes out. When it does, will Cameron end things, leaving Josie with only Dave the dog for company? And what if she’s not the only one who’s keeping secrets?
My Thoughts: This was such a cute and adorable fun read! I absolutely fell in love with Josie, and her family of course; I just really connected with her, she was close with her family and they firmly believed to stand in your truth, which is how I live. While I had heard of Kristen Bailey, this was my first read by her, but will not be my last as she has been added to my TBR authors! The characters were well developed with layers of depth, witty banter, instant connection, awesome chemistry, and were creatively written. The author’s writing style was complex, emotional, humorous, heartwarming, and just brilliantly done. I loved the premise of this story, your ex-porn parents run a sex shop business, who doesn’t smile at this?? I really love the message that this story delivers, stand in your truth, whatever that is and sex positivity. I ran the gambit of emotions with this one from laughing out loud, tears, and happiness. I would highly recommend this book that came out late last month.
May 14, 2023
A lovely easy book to read over the weekend. Lovely main characters (and epic supporting characters) and despite the title not that spicy. Lots of discussions about vibrators and dildos though (😂).
Probably a 3.5/3.75 but 3 stars felt to low 🤷♀️
Probably a 3.5/3.75 but 3 stars felt to low 🤷♀️
March 29, 2023
4.5* rounded up
Review to follow
Review to follow
October 13, 2023
3.25 stars
Entertaining and funny, but for a book with SEX in its title, this was (unfortunately IMO) closed door and had zero spice. 🥲
Entertaining and funny, but for a book with SEX in its title, this was (unfortunately IMO) closed door and had zero spice. 🥲
February 5, 2023
4,5 stars! this was such a fun read and i enjoyed most of it. i just thought the ending was very rushed, so for me it doesn't really feel finished? i did however, really really enjoy this book so i would definitely recommend it if you're into romcoms!
August 22, 2023
It was hilarious, romantic and slightly geeky. I loved it.
June 30, 2022
Thank you to the author and the publisher, Bookouture, for sharing an ARC of this book with me on NetGalley!!
“Yes, that’s my business, I sell dildos”
“Why is it the girls’ problem when they get pregnant?”
I wasn’t expecting this book to be so good!!!
A contemporary romance where apart from the romance itself we have whole chapters of sex education where you can FINALLY get why it should be important for people to teach some things before it’s too late!!!
A controversial family made of good and kind people working in the “adult industry” against another family where the father is … well a misogynist !!!
I loved how the romance between the main characters developed and I honestly believe I learnt a lot from this book … especially when it comes to be open minded and respectful before anything else!!!
Judging people for their past job … really??? Undermining someone else’s opinion because of something they did in the past ???
We definitely should move on from such antiquated behaviours.
Jodie’s family is amazing !!!! One of the most caring and kind family I can ever read about. And she is too!!
I’m so glad I had the chance to read this book !!!! People check it out when it’s published !!!!
“True love hath a sense of timing that is both a farce and a shitter”
“Yes, that’s my business, I sell dildos”
“Why is it the girls’ problem when they get pregnant?”
I wasn’t expecting this book to be so good!!!
A contemporary romance where apart from the romance itself we have whole chapters of sex education where you can FINALLY get why it should be important for people to teach some things before it’s too late!!!
A controversial family made of good and kind people working in the “adult industry” against another family where the father is … well a misogynist !!!
I loved how the romance between the main characters developed and I honestly believe I learnt a lot from this book … especially when it comes to be open minded and respectful before anything else!!!
Judging people for their past job … really??? Undermining someone else’s opinion because of something they did in the past ???
We definitely should move on from such antiquated behaviours.
Jodie’s family is amazing !!!! One of the most caring and kind family I can ever read about. And she is too!!
I’m so glad I had the chance to read this book !!!! People check it out when it’s published !!!!
“True love hath a sense of timing that is both a farce and a shitter”
June 30, 2022
Great Sexpectations - Kristen Bailey
4🌟
Thanks a mil to Netgalley and Bookouture publishers aswell as the Author Kristen Bailey for an ARC of this book (due out in July) in exchange for an honest review.
After reading a bunch of thriller reads this month, I wanted something light and easy for a change so picked this one up and boy am I glad I did. It was such a refreshing fun read, a twist of a typical romance novel and one that you'll defo get a giggle out of. Quite a few laugh out loud moments. I just Loved it. It was a short enough read with less than 300 pages and I devoured it in a few hours. It was such a refreshing take on a rom-com, with plenty of laugh out loud and cute moments. The characters were lovely and the romance was a sweet one. I just loved Josies family.
I've read Kristen Baileys books about the Callaghan sisters and really enjoyed them so knew this one would be a safe bet and it really was.
100% recommend it if your looking to escape the stresses of work and life for a few hours - full of cute moments and giggles, the perfect tonic. I also loved how sex positive and empowering this book is. Defo an ideal summer read. Full of heart. Make sure to read it when it comes out next month.
Looking forward to the next one by this author ❤️
🌟🌟🌟🌟
4🌟
Thanks a mil to Netgalley and Bookouture publishers aswell as the Author Kristen Bailey for an ARC of this book (due out in July) in exchange for an honest review.
After reading a bunch of thriller reads this month, I wanted something light and easy for a change so picked this one up and boy am I glad I did. It was such a refreshing fun read, a twist of a typical romance novel and one that you'll defo get a giggle out of. Quite a few laugh out loud moments. I just Loved it. It was a short enough read with less than 300 pages and I devoured it in a few hours. It was such a refreshing take on a rom-com, with plenty of laugh out loud and cute moments. The characters were lovely and the romance was a sweet one. I just loved Josies family.
I've read Kristen Baileys books about the Callaghan sisters and really enjoyed them so knew this one would be a safe bet and it really was.
100% recommend it if your looking to escape the stresses of work and life for a few hours - full of cute moments and giggles, the perfect tonic. I also loved how sex positive and empowering this book is. Defo an ideal summer read. Full of heart. Make sure to read it when it comes out next month.
Looking forward to the next one by this author ❤️
🌟🌟🌟🌟
July 28, 2022
Thank you so much to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.
Omg this book was brilliant, it was so funny that I laughed out loud so many times during it. I love when a book does that.
This is my first book by this author and now I need to go and binge all of her backlist.
In this book we come across Josie, she is the MD of a sex toy shop, a business passed down from her parents. We also meet Cameron who was at a party held by her famous brother. The way this couple met was a bit crazy but they definitely hit it off straight away.
I absolutely loved this pair together, they had such amazing chemistry and laughed so much together. Josie was a strong beautiful woman and Cameron was a charming guy and together it was pure fun, they just worked.
I think the thing I loved most though was Josie’s family, I’m not sure I have ever met a family that absolutely love and support each other more than these guys? I absolutely loved every single person in this family, and I loved how their family unit worked, yes it was probably a bit out there compared to other families but it didn’t matter as it worked for them.
Everything about this book was just fabulous, such a great RomCom and one that I wholeheartedly recommend you go pick up.
Omg this book was brilliant, it was so funny that I laughed out loud so many times during it. I love when a book does that.
This is my first book by this author and now I need to go and binge all of her backlist.
In this book we come across Josie, she is the MD of a sex toy shop, a business passed down from her parents. We also meet Cameron who was at a party held by her famous brother. The way this couple met was a bit crazy but they definitely hit it off straight away.
I absolutely loved this pair together, they had such amazing chemistry and laughed so much together. Josie was a strong beautiful woman and Cameron was a charming guy and together it was pure fun, they just worked.
I think the thing I loved most though was Josie’s family, I’m not sure I have ever met a family that absolutely love and support each other more than these guys? I absolutely loved every single person in this family, and I loved how their family unit worked, yes it was probably a bit out there compared to other families but it didn’t matter as it worked for them.
Everything about this book was just fabulous, such a great RomCom and one that I wholeheartedly recommend you go pick up.
August 3, 2022
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews
Thank you to Bookouture for letting me take part in this tour and for my copy of this book via Netgalley. I LOVED the Callaghan Sisters and was devastated when that series was over. I admit I am always nervous when an author starts a new series or has a standalone. However, I had no reason to be nervous on this occasion.
Kristen brings her trademark humour to this wonderful book. I absolutely adored all the main characters. Josie is such a sweetheart. She is so likeable and easy to identify with. I just wanted things to go well for her.
Josie’s family are the absolute best. They are so open, funny and at ease with each other. I honestly fell so much in love with them. Nan is my favourite. She is so funny and so wise.
Cameron, oh Cameron. What can I say about this kind soul. It’s obvious that Cameron and Josie are meant to be. They just get each other.
If you are looking for a hilarious, laugh out loud read then this is the book for you. Kristen has captured my heart again with this family and I can’t wait to see what new stories she brings us.
Thank you to Bookouture for letting me take part in this tour and for my copy of this book via Netgalley. I LOVED the Callaghan Sisters and was devastated when that series was over. I admit I am always nervous when an author starts a new series or has a standalone. However, I had no reason to be nervous on this occasion.
Kristen brings her trademark humour to this wonderful book. I absolutely adored all the main characters. Josie is such a sweetheart. She is so likeable and easy to identify with. I just wanted things to go well for her.
Josie’s family are the absolute best. They are so open, funny and at ease with each other. I honestly fell so much in love with them. Nan is my favourite. She is so funny and so wise.
Cameron, oh Cameron. What can I say about this kind soul. It’s obvious that Cameron and Josie are meant to be. They just get each other.
If you are looking for a hilarious, laugh out loud read then this is the book for you. Kristen has captured my heart again with this family and I can’t wait to see what new stories she brings us.
June 22, 2022
This book was a fun ride! Just a warning, it is NSFW based on the major themes and sex topics. It features our narrator, Josie, who is funny, selfless, recently out of an engagement, and the manager of a high end sex toy company. If that wasn’t enough, her parents are former adult film stars and her brother is a famous soap opera star. She has faced many relationship problems in the past due to others’ judgements of her family. She meets Cameron, a video game developer who has so much in common with her, and sparks fly but misunderstandings and deception occur.
There were so many aspects of this book that I enjoyed, but one of the biggest was Josie’s parents and grandmother. They embodied an amazingly supportive, sweet, and hilarious family. I want to go to their parties! I appreciated the funny jokes and innuendo throughout the book, as so many of the characters had a great sense of humor- especially Nan! I loved the messages about acceptance, sex positivity, judgement, and being true to yourself. The only thing I didn’t love about this book was some of the deceptions that both main characters took part in. I’m not a huge fan of those types of dishonesty, especially when both had so many opportunities to be honest. I liked how the more spicy aspects of the book were secondary to the characters’ banter and character development. Overall, I would recommend this book to those who enjoy hilarious banter, quirky but fun family dynamics, and lots of innuendo!
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture, and Kristen Bailey for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
There were so many aspects of this book that I enjoyed, but one of the biggest was Josie’s parents and grandmother. They embodied an amazingly supportive, sweet, and hilarious family. I want to go to their parties! I appreciated the funny jokes and innuendo throughout the book, as so many of the characters had a great sense of humor- especially Nan! I loved the messages about acceptance, sex positivity, judgement, and being true to yourself. The only thing I didn’t love about this book was some of the deceptions that both main characters took part in. I’m not a huge fan of those types of dishonesty, especially when both had so many opportunities to be honest. I liked how the more spicy aspects of the book were secondary to the characters’ banter and character development. Overall, I would recommend this book to those who enjoy hilarious banter, quirky but fun family dynamics, and lots of innuendo!
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture, and Kristen Bailey for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 22, 2022
Ah Kristen Bailey has smashed it again!
From the first few lines i knew this would be funny and it only got me giggling more and more throughout.
I love how this embraces the sex industry and shows 'normal' people who work these roles. They are clumsy, they are businesswomen, they are empowered!
The romance was a sweet one, although how anyone could fancy anyone dressed as a ghostbuster is slightly surprising.
Some major cringe factor moments and one awkward dinner that'll never make you want to meet the parents ever again.
Throw in a crazy Nan, a strange hotel meeting, and an unforgettable TV appearance and this has the perfect ingredients for a rom com read.
I was shouting Yes so much in agreement with this read that I suspect my neighbours may have even suspected my own Meg Ryan moment. Just good writing. Promise!
From the first few lines i knew this would be funny and it only got me giggling more and more throughout.
I love how this embraces the sex industry and shows 'normal' people who work these roles. They are clumsy, they are businesswomen, they are empowered!
The romance was a sweet one, although how anyone could fancy anyone dressed as a ghostbuster is slightly surprising.
Some major cringe factor moments and one awkward dinner that'll never make you want to meet the parents ever again.
Throw in a crazy Nan, a strange hotel meeting, and an unforgettable TV appearance and this has the perfect ingredients for a rom com read.
I was shouting Yes so much in agreement with this read that I suspect my neighbours may have even suspected my own Meg Ryan moment. Just good writing. Promise!
July 26, 2022
Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is so hysterical and unexpected! Great Sexpectations is a totally outside the box concept, with great banter, fun characters, and a sex positive message. But don't be fooled by the title, this is not a super steamy/spicy book as the author shows you different ways to promote sex positivity.
Josie has had a great childhood with super supportive parents and an adoring brother. What most people don't know, however, is that her parents are former porn stars. They left adult entertainment to give their kids a more normal life and started a family business selling sex toys. While Josie's brother is a soap opera star, Josie got a business degree and takes over the family business. She is a powerful business woman and takes the business to the next level of success.
Just when things seemed perfect, Josie is dumped by her fiancee and has to move back in with her parents. When she meets Cameron at her brother's party, her insecurities over her family history surface and she lies about who she is. Thinking she'll never see this guy again, the plan seems full proof. What she doesn't plan for is Cameron becoming a fixture in her life and perhaps just the right guy for her.
I enjoyed following Josie as she battles her insecurities, grows as an individual and finds a way to get the healthy relationship she deserves. This is a terrific and hilarious rom-com that is a must read!
This book is so hysterical and unexpected! Great Sexpectations is a totally outside the box concept, with great banter, fun characters, and a sex positive message. But don't be fooled by the title, this is not a super steamy/spicy book as the author shows you different ways to promote sex positivity.
Josie has had a great childhood with super supportive parents and an adoring brother. What most people don't know, however, is that her parents are former porn stars. They left adult entertainment to give their kids a more normal life and started a family business selling sex toys. While Josie's brother is a soap opera star, Josie got a business degree and takes over the family business. She is a powerful business woman and takes the business to the next level of success.
Just when things seemed perfect, Josie is dumped by her fiancee and has to move back in with her parents. When she meets Cameron at her brother's party, her insecurities over her family history surface and she lies about who she is. Thinking she'll never see this guy again, the plan seems full proof. What she doesn't plan for is Cameron becoming a fixture in her life and perhaps just the right guy for her.
I enjoyed following Josie as she battles her insecurities, grows as an individual and finds a way to get the healthy relationship she deserves. This is a terrific and hilarious rom-com that is a must read!
Read
August 10, 2024dnf @ 52% i really tried to get into this because i enjoyed the authors other book but it was sooooooooooo boring and felt... juvenile like the main character has to mention shes so different because she likes marvel every 10 seconds like news flash btch millions of women do. anyway wasnt feeling the romance either or the premise of her lying so... goodbye goodbye goodbye
October 22, 2024
Cute and sweet, not quite as funny or steamy as Sex Ed. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars; liked it but didn't love it. Not fully the book's fault, I'm on day 3 of illness isolation and book fatigue may be setting in lol. Working my way through the author's bibliography. :)
Read
July 10, 2022An empowering and funny read! So many laugh out loud moments. Kristen has really excelled herself with her latest novel. Absolutely loved it!
August 15, 2022
Loved the banter in this book!
April 4, 2023
This was funny romance story. Listen to in audio. Highly recommended
January 31, 2024
This might be controversial but I kind of tend to like romance books where the love interest doesn't have a lot of screen time. It leaves a lot of room for for the main character to be a full human being and we don't need to pretend that a normal human being love interest has to be super angsty.
Anyways, enough about me. This book was hilarious, but does contain quite a bit of (somewhat justified) lying. Read at your own peril.
Anyways, enough about me. This book was hilarious, but does contain quite a bit of (somewhat justified) lying. Read at your own peril.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews