Book Review - The Love Shack by Jane Costello

Amazon UK

Title: The Love Shack

Author: Jane Costello

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK

Publication Date: 23rd April 2015

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Life's great when you're 29 years old with a gorgeous girlfriend and fulfilling job. Until you have to move back in with your mum . . . 

Dan and Gemma have found their dream first home, but the asking price is the stuff of nightmares. The only way they'll ever save enough for the deposit is by moving in, rent-free, with Dan's mum. 

It's a desperate solution, but it's only for six months. And Gemma's determined to make it work, no matter how bad things get. 

But between Dan's mum's kitchen karaoke, her constant innuendos, irrepressible argumentative streak and - worst of all - her ham and pineapple curries, life back at home would test the patience of two saints. Which Dan and Gemma most definitely are not. 

Then, as they're trying to convince themselves it will all be worth it, Gemma's past comes back to haunt her. And suddenly the foundations of their entire relationship are shaken to their core…

The Love Shack is an entertaining story of Dan and Gemma attempting to purchase their first home together. After months of viewing completely unsuitable properties, they fall in love with Pebble Cottage. Just one small snag, it is slightly out of their price range, and the seller won't budge on the asking price. 

So Gemma comes up with  a solution, if they live thriftily, give up their flat and save every penny they can meet the asking price, so long as they also move in with Dan's mum. Dan although he has reservations, as after all, what 29 year old wants to move back in with his mum, agrees because he loves Gemma and wants her to have her dream house. 

Dan's mum, Belinda is a larger than life character, her brain doesn't seem to filter anything she says, but she is letting the young love birds live there rent-free, until they get Pebble Cottage. It doesn't take too long for Gemma and Dan's patience is tried to the limit. 

The Love Shack is like  a comedy of errors. The scenes with Belinda are generally very funny, and the situation with how the house sale progresses is the stuff of nightmares. Add in, an ex boyfriend getting back in touch with Gemma, and you are suddenly wondering exactly who will end up with who, and if they will ever get their house.

There is a whole host of ancillary characters, and some sub-plots, my favourite of which involves Gemma's best friend Sadie, and their new boss. Also to watch out for is estate agent Rich, who is almost cringe-worthy with the way he talks. 

The story is told from both Dan and Gemma's perspectives, alternating, but giving a continuous story. They pick up wherever the other leaves off, and this makes it feel as though they are telling the story together, perhaps sitting next to each on a couch, reminiscing. 

The Love Shack is a very entertaining story, with a lovely voice to it. It is incredibly light hearted romantic comedy, and I loved reading it. 

The Love Shack is out on Thursday.