Cock & Bull
by Laura Barnard
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Release Date: July 28, 2020
Who knew that owning a pub would come with so many extras?
When Phoebe and Ella Bellerose left England behind to run the Irish pub they’d inherited, it sounded like a great adventure… until they saw for themselves what a wreck they’d been left.
With no experience, a severe lack of money, and a rival pub owner threatening to ruin them, the two girls aren’t convinced they can actually make this work.
Not until they meet Clooney Breen, who just so happens to be packed with charm, charisma, and barman skills that could help them all survive. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s the son of Cock & Bull’s biggest rival, and he’s desperate to help Ella and Phoebe teach his father a lesson.
But can mysterious Clooney, with his obvious secrets and desire to be their saviour, really be trusted? Or are they being played by this handsome lothario who seems too good to be true? Their problems only seem to grow and grow, until Phoebe discovers a ‘gift’ of her own that changes everything for all of them…
With lots of laugh out loud moments and a slow-burn angsty romance, Cock & Bull is a fun romantic comedy with lots of “what could possibly go wrong next” moments, all taking place in a small, colorful Irish town…and did I mention there is a pet skunk?!!
It was easy to get caught up in the story as Phoebe and Ella try to get the pub in order. I loved watching them be so committed as they struggled through trying fix things up, even though it seemed they could never catch a break. Clooney showing up was a gift and a curse…and poor Phoebe had her hands full trying to fight an attraction that didn’t want to be denied. I wasn’t a huge fan of Clooney most of the time - he added a bit too much angst into things and I didn’t like how he treated Phoebe, not sharing with her what he was feeling and why he didn’t think he could commit. I get that he has some pretty serious issues from his past, but his hot/cold routine was enough to make me crazy. Plus, knowing how good they could be with one another, how sweet and caring Clooney could be, and how supportive Phoebe was, it was tough watching these two fight themselves and deny what their hearts wanted. I did enjoy their banter - there was always a laugh, even when they were having a sweet moment!
“Clooney?” I ask into the darkness, the moon light casting a slight glow onto the snow.
It’s then that I see it. Someone has carved out I’m sorry in the snow and built three snow men. Two have mine and Ella’s hats. His one has a carrot as a dick, as well as the nose. I can’t believe he did this. I mean, I can believe the dick carrot, but not that he’s apologized.
The supporting cast of characters were quirky and colorful, and it was fun to see them interact, especially with Phoebe as she discovers her gift and finds herself in the middle of some awkward and downright hysterical situations - like making new friends (not) by interrupting a wedding! Phoebe and Ella’s parents were quite an interesting couple and even though they were very unconventional in so many ways, their ability to help Phoebe understand love was awesome. The townspeople all had different quirks and personalities, and I loved how they ultimately came to see Phoebe as one of their own - even Clooney’s father, who was such a jerk for most of the book!
Cock & Bull was an easy and entertaining read. There was just a touch too much angst for me at times with regards to the romance and I did struggle a bit at times with some of the British and Irish slang, but overall I laughed a lot and was smiling at the happy ending. This is one that should appeal to anyone wanting some good laughs, a bit of an angsty romance, and wants to spend time with a pet skunk!
Amazon Best Seller Laura Barnard lives in Hertfordshire, UK and writes quirky British romantic comedy. In her spare time she enjoys drinking her body weight in tea, indulging in cupcakes the size of her face and drooling over hunks on Pinterest.
She enjoys wearing yoga pants and reading fitness magazines while sitting on the sofa eating chocolate. She's a real fan of the power nap, loves setting her friends up together and of course READING!
She writes not to get rich or famous, but because she LOVES writing. Even if one person tells her they enjoyed her book it makes the midnight typing worth it!
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