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Shopaholic #2
Shopaholic Takes Manhattan
The irresistible heroine of Confessions of a Shopaholic and Shopaholic Ties the Knot is back! And this time Becky Bloomwood and her credit cards are headed across the Atlantic....
With her shopping excesses (somewhat) in check and her career as a TV financial guru thriving, Becky's biggest problem seems to be tearing her entrepreneur boyfriend, Luke, away from work for a romantic country weekend. And worse, figuring out how to pack light. But packing takes on a whole new meaning when Luke announces he's moving to New York for business--and he asks Becky to go with him! Before you can say "Prada sample sale," Becky has landed in the Big Apple, home of Park Avenue penthouses and luxury boutiques.
Surely it's only a matter of time until she becomes an American TV celebrity, and she and Luke are the toast of Gotham society. Nothing can stand in their way, especially with Becky's bills miles away in London. But then an unexpected disaster threatens her career prospects, her relationship with Luke, and her available credit line! Shopaholic Takes Manhattan--but will she have to return it?
With her shopping excesses (somewhat) in check and her career as a TV financial guru thriving, Becky's biggest problem seems to be tearing her entrepreneur boyfriend, Luke, away from work for a romantic country weekend. And worse, figuring out how to pack light. But packing takes on a whole new meaning when Luke announces he's moving to New York for business--and he asks Becky to go with him! Before you can say "Prada sample sale," Becky has landed in the Big Apple, home of Park Avenue penthouses and luxury boutiques.
Surely it's only a matter of time until she becomes an American TV celebrity, and she and Luke are the toast of Gotham society. Nothing can stand in their way, especially with Becky's bills miles away in London. But then an unexpected disaster threatens her career prospects, her relationship with Luke, and her available credit line! Shopaholic Takes Manhattan--but will she have to return it?
387 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 3, 2001
1385 people are currently reading
24116 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Kinsella
159 books43.8k followersSophie Kinsella has sold over 40 million copies of her books in more than 60 countries, and she has been translated into over 40 languages.
Sophie Kinsella first hit the UK bestseller lists in September 2000 with her first novel in the Shopaholic series – The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (also published as Confessions of a Shopaholic). The book’s heroine, Becky Bloomwood – a fun and feisty financial journalist who loves shopping but is hopeless with money – captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Becky has since featured in seven further bestselling books, Shopaholic Abroad (also published as Shopaholic Takes Manhattan), Shopaholic Ties the Knot, Shopaholic & Sister, Shopaholic & Baby, Mini Shopaholic, Shopaholic to the Stars and Shopaholic to the Rescue. Becky Bloomwood came to the big screen in 2009 with the hit Disney movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy.
Sophie has also written seven standalone novels which have all been bestsellers in the UK, USA and other countries around the world: Can You Keep A Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number, Wedding Night, and My Not So Perfect Life, which was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist for Best Fiction in 2017.
In 2014 she published a Young Adult novel Finding Audrey about a teenage girl with social anxiety and her madcap family, and in January 2018, Sophie published her first illustrated book for young readers about the charming adventures of a mother-daughter fairy duo, Mummy Fairy and Me (also published as Fairy Mom and Me).
Sophie’s latest novel, Surprise Me, published in February 2018, presents a humorous yet moving portrait of a marriage—its intricacies, comforts, and complications. Surprise Me reveals that hidden layers in a close relationship are often yet to be discovered.
Sophie wrote her first novel under her real name, Madeleine Wickham, at the tender age of 24, whilst she was working as a financial journalist. The Tennis Party was immediately hailed as a success by critics and the public alike and became a top ten bestseller. She went on to publish six more novels as Madeleine Wickham: A Desirable Residence, Swimming Pool Sunday, The Gatecrasher, The Wedding Girl, Cocktails for Three and Sleeping Arrangements.
Sophie was born in London. She studied music at New College, Oxford, but after a year switched to Politics, Philosophy and Economics. She now lives in London, UK, with her husband and family.
Visit Sophie's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SophieKinsell...
Series:
* Shopaholic
Sophie Kinsella first hit the UK bestseller lists in September 2000 with her first novel in the Shopaholic series – The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (also published as Confessions of a Shopaholic). The book’s heroine, Becky Bloomwood – a fun and feisty financial journalist who loves shopping but is hopeless with money – captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Becky has since featured in seven further bestselling books, Shopaholic Abroad (also published as Shopaholic Takes Manhattan), Shopaholic Ties the Knot, Shopaholic & Sister, Shopaholic & Baby, Mini Shopaholic, Shopaholic to the Stars and Shopaholic to the Rescue. Becky Bloomwood came to the big screen in 2009 with the hit Disney movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy.
Sophie has also written seven standalone novels which have all been bestsellers in the UK, USA and other countries around the world: Can You Keep A Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number, Wedding Night, and My Not So Perfect Life, which was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist for Best Fiction in 2017.
In 2014 she published a Young Adult novel Finding Audrey about a teenage girl with social anxiety and her madcap family, and in January 2018, Sophie published her first illustrated book for young readers about the charming adventures of a mother-daughter fairy duo, Mummy Fairy and Me (also published as Fairy Mom and Me).
Sophie’s latest novel, Surprise Me, published in February 2018, presents a humorous yet moving portrait of a marriage—its intricacies, comforts, and complications. Surprise Me reveals that hidden layers in a close relationship are often yet to be discovered.
Sophie wrote her first novel under her real name, Madeleine Wickham, at the tender age of 24, whilst she was working as a financial journalist. The Tennis Party was immediately hailed as a success by critics and the public alike and became a top ten bestseller. She went on to publish six more novels as Madeleine Wickham: A Desirable Residence, Swimming Pool Sunday, The Gatecrasher, The Wedding Girl, Cocktails for Three and Sleeping Arrangements.
Sophie was born in London. She studied music at New College, Oxford, but after a year switched to Politics, Philosophy and Economics. She now lives in London, UK, with her husband and family.
Visit Sophie's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SophieKinsell...
Series:
* Shopaholic
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,699 reviews
January 16, 2022
Now a financial advisor on breakfast television Becky Bloomwood still has three serious problems, she loves shopping, she can't stop shopping and she shops to de-stress, and in this the sequel to Confessions of a Shopaholic, she finds herself in New York with lots of credit.. Ye Gads!!! Sometimes, the writing, the genre, and the core story concepts don't matter, al that matters, as in this case is a likeable but fallible character, and entertaining and relatively wide supporting cast. some great comedic scenes and at the heart of it a a fun and feel-good read.
The massive added bonus for me is that yet again this book is primarily a romantic-comedy minus the romantic, more a modern relationships-comedy. I don't know how anyone can read one of these books and not find themselves cheering our Becky as she yet again escape financial ruin... that's not a spoiler, you always knew she would, we're just here for the fun-ride. It's so refreshing to read a super best selling series and grasp exactly why it has sold so well and reached so many people. 7 out of 12.
2021 read
The massive added bonus for me is that yet again this book is primarily a romantic-comedy minus the romantic, more a modern relationships-comedy. I don't know how anyone can read one of these books and not find themselves cheering our Becky as she yet again escape financial ruin... that's not a spoiler, you always knew she would, we're just here for the fun-ride. It's so refreshing to read a super best selling series and grasp exactly why it has sold so well and reached so many people. 7 out of 12.
2021 read
November 1, 2023
Reread, didn’t laugh quite as much as the first time, but I can’t help feeling warm inside when I read about Rebecca and her messy life.
September 2, 2009
Love her or hate her, Rebecca Bloomwood is possibly one of the most memorable characters in current fiction. She's so over the top and fabulous even though the poor thing really does have an addiction as bad as any other addiction-she's a shopaholic. I read the first Shopaholic book and absolutely loved how fun and fanciful the whole idea was, and Becky's romance with Luke was unexpected and sweet. However, reading the sequel, I often felt like I was reading the exact same book over again, but with only half of the charm and a less endearing romance story. I wanted Becky to have grown up a bit and have learned from her previous mistakes instead of making all of them over again in the second book. Of course, the author had to find a way to give the reader more of what they loved about the first book, but I just felt like Becky learned nothing the first time around.
In this installment, Becky has a great job as a financial advisor on a London morning talk show, which she is very good at. Her romance with successful and gorgeous entepreneur Luke Brandon is going places. Unfortunately, she still has a teeny tiny problem with overspending which could potentially ruin everything she has worked so hard to gain.
There are truly some laugh out loud moments in this book, and not just the cliched chick lit awkward moments. Becky's faux pas are unique, hilarious, and could only happen to her. Sometimes I couldn't help but feel sorry for her, though, because she shows many signs of a person with a true shopping addiction. She hides her purchases from family and friends, she doesn't remember anything she buys, and she definitely doesn't have the funds to support her habit. I was starting to think it might be time for her to seek professional help. Then other times, I was just so frustrated with her! She has an amazing, fun job that she excels at, and a great boyfriend, supportive friends, awesome parents, and she places more importance on designer clothing than any of that and even risks losing it all for the perfect pair of "clementine" heels.
I thought the romance fell flat in this one, even though I loved Becky and Luke in the first book. I know it's not as dynamic since the two were already a couple, and that can't be helped, but I just found myself forgetting why they ever fell for each other in the first place.
Overall, this book was a fun, satisfying escape. By the end I was ready to find my copy of "Shopaholic Ties the Knot" so I could see what happens to Becky and Luke. But I really hope Becky tries to change for the better at least a little!!
Reviewed for: http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com/
In this installment, Becky has a great job as a financial advisor on a London morning talk show, which she is very good at. Her romance with successful and gorgeous entepreneur Luke Brandon is going places. Unfortunately, she still has a teeny tiny problem with overspending which could potentially ruin everything she has worked so hard to gain.
There are truly some laugh out loud moments in this book, and not just the cliched chick lit awkward moments. Becky's faux pas are unique, hilarious, and could only happen to her. Sometimes I couldn't help but feel sorry for her, though, because she shows many signs of a person with a true shopping addiction. She hides her purchases from family and friends, she doesn't remember anything she buys, and she definitely doesn't have the funds to support her habit. I was starting to think it might be time for her to seek professional help. Then other times, I was just so frustrated with her! She has an amazing, fun job that she excels at, and a great boyfriend, supportive friends, awesome parents, and she places more importance on designer clothing than any of that and even risks losing it all for the perfect pair of "clementine" heels.
I thought the romance fell flat in this one, even though I loved Becky and Luke in the first book. I know it's not as dynamic since the two were already a couple, and that can't be helped, but I just found myself forgetting why they ever fell for each other in the first place.
Overall, this book was a fun, satisfying escape. By the end I was ready to find my copy of "Shopaholic Ties the Knot" so I could see what happens to Becky and Luke. But I really hope Becky tries to change for the better at least a little!!
Reviewed for: http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com/
April 20, 2024
Sophie Kinsella is one of my favorite British authors and the SHOPAHOLIC series is quickly becoming one of my favorites by her (I actually started with her standalones first—which are also great reads.) In this second book in the series, Becky is enjoying success in her television series, is dating Luke, but is still having a bit of an issue managing her shopping habits. Is anyone surprised. The fun in this series is how relatable Becky is, with her Brigit Jones-like scrapes, her attempts to stop overspending that always go awry, and snotty office workers and neighbors who cause her to get into the most comical situations. Just like book one, I ate up every chapter. She and Luke are an item now, so seeing their relationship struggles as they contemplate a potential move to New York was a new and interesting piece.
July 11, 2008
I tried, I really did... but I couldn't get past the first chapter... and knowing that there are, what, 3? 4? more books in the series after this... I just couldn't make myself finish it.
It's probably because I get very irritated by people who are stupid when it comes to managing their money and being irresponsible... so the fact that this dim-wit is now giving others financial advice left a bad taste in my mouth... and the fact that she had dug herself into debt again just made me mad.
I looked at all the other books on my quite-full shelf and decided that I just couldn't waste any more time with Shopaholic!
It's probably because I get very irritated by people who are stupid when it comes to managing their money and being irresponsible... so the fact that this dim-wit is now giving others financial advice left a bad taste in my mouth... and the fact that she had dug herself into debt again just made me mad.
I looked at all the other books on my quite-full shelf and decided that I just couldn't waste any more time with Shopaholic!
January 19, 2015
4.5/5
Book 10/100 for 2015!
I loved this book! Rebecca really grew as a character and I am in LOVE with her and Luke. I really enjoyed the change in location from London to NYC as well! I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!
Book 10/100 for 2015!
I loved this book! Rebecca really grew as a character and I am in LOVE with her and Luke. I really enjoyed the change in location from London to NYC as well! I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!
April 10, 2023
These books are total escapism and I'm here for that.
Becky Bloomwood is so full of life; she really does leap of the page.
These are great books if you are looking to switch off from reality for a bit.
Five stars.
Becky Bloomwood is so full of life; she really does leap of the page.
These are great books if you are looking to switch off from reality for a bit.
Five stars.
October 12, 2019
Well... I am also a bit of a shopaholic and when I go on a trip, I also have big trouble selecting clothes and always end up hauling a too big and heavy suitcase to the airport.... So yeah, this topic is familiar to me. Walking into a shoeshop and having to resist taking more than one set of shoes with me out of the shop... And also, I love New York! This all made this book entertaining for me, but I have to say, on the other hand, it doesn't get any more interesting along the way and it's not really a challenge. Predictable it is too. You know how it's gonna end up any way don't you. And the story about this intelligent business woman being so utterly irrational when it comes to clothes does go a bit far for me. However, 3 stars because it was an entertaining, funny book for me and because it's a nice light book going on holiday to destress and a nice change from the darker themes of for example Cormac McCarthy. There you go, that's my review. Guess I may read more shopaholics in the future, but not sure yet.
October 16, 2022
2,4 stars.
Continuamos com a história de Rebecca, que agora vai viver para New York com o Luke.
Não consigo entender como estes livros são tão bem classificados, vou contra a maré.
A personagem é fútil, zero empatia com os outros.
Luke é um banana, pode não ter muito tempo para ela, mas Rebecca é irresponsável e dependente.
Não consigo gostar de nenhuma personagem aqui.
Tarquim e Suze são super amorosos.
A vida de Rebecca transforma-se num desastre de proporções épicas e nessa altura ela vai ver os amigos que tem...
════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════
2.4 stars.
We continue with the story of Rebecca, who is now moving to New York with Luke.
I can't understand how these books are rated so highly, I go against the tide.
The character is futile, zero empathy with others.
Luke is a wimp, he may not have much time for her, but Rebecca is irresponsible and dependent.
I can't like any characters here.
Tarquim and Suze are super loving.
Rebecca's life turns into a disaster of epic proportions and at that point she goes to see the friends she has...
════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════ ⋆ ★ ⋆ ════
February 25, 2022
Reread 2022
God these books read so fast!
A couple of thoughts I had during my reread.
1. Luke is kinda useless
2. Becky is the most chaotic character I've ever read
3. I used to find it weird that a character starts dating her cousin until I read a couple of biographies about rich people who married their cousin
4. AM I A SHOPAHOLIC???
5. This book is both dated and timeless...somehow.
I think I like this book more than book 1 and it might be my favorite book of the series. I didn't realize just how many of my favorite scenes from the series are from just this book.
No rec but I love this series so much!
_ ______ ____
Original Review
I really really needed to reread the Shopaholic series right now. I need something light and fun as I stay home fighting the Flu. The only things keeping me going are Thera-Flu, The X-Files and Becky Bloomwood.
Last night I decided to read some of the 1 & 2 star rating for this series and it made me laugh. Apparently those readers seem to think that this series is just fluff and Becky is a terrible role model who makes terrible decisions.
No SHIT!
Sophie Kinsella isn't Tolstoy. She writes cotton candy books. I'm high on Thera-Flu, I don't need a book that's going to make me think.
In Shopaholic Takes Manhattan, Becky bring her overspending habits to a city that was made for overspending New York City. As always Becky get in over her head financially and has to find a way to pull herself out. Becky is annoyingly optimistic even when it seems all is lost and she is as always hilarious.
If you loved book 1 you'll this one even more. If you hated book 1, why would read this one?
God these books read so fast!
A couple of thoughts I had during my reread.
1. Luke is kinda useless
2. Becky is the most chaotic character I've ever read
3. I used to find it weird that a character starts dating her cousin until I read a couple of biographies about rich people who married their cousin
4. AM I A SHOPAHOLIC???
5. This book is both dated and timeless...somehow.
I think I like this book more than book 1 and it might be my favorite book of the series. I didn't realize just how many of my favorite scenes from the series are from just this book.
No rec but I love this series so much!
_ ______ ____
Original Review
I really really needed to reread the Shopaholic series right now. I need something light and fun as I stay home fighting the Flu. The only things keeping me going are Thera-Flu, The X-Files and Becky Bloomwood.
Last night I decided to read some of the 1 & 2 star rating for this series and it made me laugh. Apparently those readers seem to think that this series is just fluff and Becky is a terrible role model who makes terrible decisions.
No SHIT!
Sophie Kinsella isn't Tolstoy. She writes cotton candy books. I'm high on Thera-Flu, I don't need a book that's going to make me think.
In Shopaholic Takes Manhattan, Becky bring her overspending habits to a city that was made for overspending New York City. As always Becky get in over her head financially and has to find a way to pull herself out. Becky is annoyingly optimistic even when it seems all is lost and she is as always hilarious.
If you loved book 1 you'll this one even more. If you hated book 1, why would read this one?
August 10, 2020
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
Reaching for another Sophie Kinsella book is like grabbing a blanket and snuggling under it: you know it will provide warmth and comfort. And this is exactly how I’ve come to view one of my favourite, go-to authors. I could read Sophie Kinsella all day! This second book in the ‘Shopaholic’ series continues to delight, even more so as it is now the second time I have read it.
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
Reaching for another Sophie Kinsella book is like grabbing a blanket and snuggling under it: you know it will provide warmth and comfort. And this is exactly how I’ve come to view one of my favourite, go-to authors. I could read Sophie Kinsella all day! This second book in the ‘Shopaholic’ series continues to delight, even more so as it is now the second time I have read it.
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
July 15, 2021
Becky and Luke are a couple now. I honestly didn't care much about the romance in the first book and still didn't really care about it in this. Becky still has a tiny addiction with shopping.
Becky really annoyed me in the first book but I found narration to be enjoyable but this felt a little too flat and parts of the book felt very similar to the first book. Becky hasn't grown up at all.
I wanted to enjoy this as much as I enjoyed the first book but it just didn't happen. I will still read the next book in the series.
2.5 stars
Becky really annoyed me in the first book but I found narration to be enjoyable but this felt a little too flat and parts of the book felt very similar to the first book. Becky hasn't grown up at all.
I wanted to enjoy this as much as I enjoyed the first book but it just didn't happen. I will still read the next book in the series.
2.5 stars
June 6, 2018
It’s like leading an alcoholic to all the best hidden bars. Oh, Becky. I liked this one even more than the first. A funny, engaging series with a heroine who has zero self-control when it comes to spending money she doesn’t have. Cringe-worthy at times but written with entertainment in mind and well-meaning underlying themes.
March 5, 2022
It’s a whole new beginning. It’s yellow taxicabs and skyscrapers, and Woody Allen and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The weird thing is that although I’ve never actually been to New York, I already feel an affinity toward it.
************************************************
Then she turned to me and smiled brightly, and said, “I’ve always thought you would suit New York, Becky. It’s the perfect place for you.”
************************************************
Tiffany’s. It’s Tiffany’s, right in front of me! I mean, this is what New York is all about. Little blue boxes, and white ribbon, and those gorgeous silver beans.
************************************************
I mean, visiting any shop for the first time is exciting. There’s always that electric buzz as you push open the door; that hope, that belief, that this is going to be the shop of all shops, which will bring you everything you ever wanted, at magically low prices. But this is a thousand times better. A million times. Because this isn’t just any old shop, is it? This is a world-famous shop. I’m actually here. I’m in Saks on Fifth Avenue in New York.
************************************************
I dump my stuff on the table and look around the bright, buzzing room at the girls milling about, grabbing at merchandise, trying on scarves, piling their arms full of glossy new gorgeous things. And I feel a sudden warmth, an overwhelming realization. These are my people. I’ve found my homeland.
************************************************
But at the same time, half of me wants to run away, give up on the idea, and buy myself a nice pair of shoes to commiserate.
************************************************
The reason my stomach feels so hollow and my hands feel so damp is that this really matters to me. I can’t tell myself I don’t care and it’s not important, like I do about most things. Because this really does matter.
************************************************
Limos and flowers; waxed eyebrows and designer clothes from Barneys; a purse stuffed with business cards of TV executives. These are my people; this is where I’m meant to be. My old life seems a million, zillion miles away, like a tiny dot on the horizon.
************************************************
And to start my life all over again. Another chance. That’s all I want.
************************************************
I feel as though that whole part of my life is over. Luke, America, television, everything. Time to start again.
************************************************
It’s feng shui! You have to let things out of your life to allow the new good things in.
************************************************
Then she turned to me and smiled brightly, and said, “I’ve always thought you would suit New York, Becky. It’s the perfect place for you.”
************************************************
Tiffany’s. It’s Tiffany’s, right in front of me! I mean, this is what New York is all about. Little blue boxes, and white ribbon, and those gorgeous silver beans.
************************************************
I mean, visiting any shop for the first time is exciting. There’s always that electric buzz as you push open the door; that hope, that belief, that this is going to be the shop of all shops, which will bring you everything you ever wanted, at magically low prices. But this is a thousand times better. A million times. Because this isn’t just any old shop, is it? This is a world-famous shop. I’m actually here. I’m in Saks on Fifth Avenue in New York.
************************************************
I dump my stuff on the table and look around the bright, buzzing room at the girls milling about, grabbing at merchandise, trying on scarves, piling their arms full of glossy new gorgeous things. And I feel a sudden warmth, an overwhelming realization. These are my people. I’ve found my homeland.
************************************************
But at the same time, half of me wants to run away, give up on the idea, and buy myself a nice pair of shoes to commiserate.
************************************************
The reason my stomach feels so hollow and my hands feel so damp is that this really matters to me. I can’t tell myself I don’t care and it’s not important, like I do about most things. Because this really does matter.
************************************************
Limos and flowers; waxed eyebrows and designer clothes from Barneys; a purse stuffed with business cards of TV executives. These are my people; this is where I’m meant to be. My old life seems a million, zillion miles away, like a tiny dot on the horizon.
************************************************
And to start my life all over again. Another chance. That’s all I want.
************************************************
I feel as though that whole part of my life is over. Luke, America, television, everything. Time to start again.
************************************************
It’s feng shui! You have to let things out of your life to allow the new good things in.
June 25, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ four stars -
I originally read this one back in 2001 when it was first published, and when I was still viewing Kinsella’s Shopaholic series as compulsory 😂
I am a Kinsella fan, and her first published works under the Kinsella name (not the earlier M Wickham books) are fantastic, escapist, romantic comedy, and thoroughly enjoyable reading. This second book in the Shopaholic series is no exception and falls firmly in with Kinsella’s winning chick lit formula.
This book sees our madcap Becky moving to Manhattan with our often mentioned, but not the star of the show, Hero. In this series number two book, their romance is still cute, Becky is still tolerable, and her antics are still engaging. Later books, when we get to Becky in book four of this series or so, I personally want to slap some sense into her 😂
“Shopaholic Takes Manhattan” shows us more of the Hero, Luke, and I love that we get more of him here. The story is truly more chick lit than romance and all the action centers around the intrepid Becky and her hijinks in the glamorous New York City.
Fans of classic Kinsella, as well as those newer to this series, will surely enjoy this trip back in time to the early twenty first century - fun times, and NY was definitely the place to be in those days. It’s fun to watch our English Becky get into all sorts of trouble on the other side of the pond, all in high style, of course 👌
A solid four stars. Anyone new to the series should definitely read in order, so go pick up Book I, “Confessions of a Shopaholic” first.
Highly recommend for Becky’s shenanigans alone. Enjoy! 📚
I originally read this one back in 2001 when it was first published, and when I was still viewing Kinsella’s Shopaholic series as compulsory 😂
I am a Kinsella fan, and her first published works under the Kinsella name (not the earlier M Wickham books) are fantastic, escapist, romantic comedy, and thoroughly enjoyable reading. This second book in the Shopaholic series is no exception and falls firmly in with Kinsella’s winning chick lit formula.
This book sees our madcap Becky moving to Manhattan with our often mentioned, but not the star of the show, Hero. In this series number two book, their romance is still cute, Becky is still tolerable, and her antics are still engaging. Later books, when we get to Becky in book four of this series or so, I personally want to slap some sense into her 😂
“Shopaholic Takes Manhattan” shows us more of the Hero, Luke, and I love that we get more of him here. The story is truly more chick lit than romance and all the action centers around the intrepid Becky and her hijinks in the glamorous New York City.
Fans of classic Kinsella, as well as those newer to this series, will surely enjoy this trip back in time to the early twenty first century - fun times, and NY was definitely the place to be in those days. It’s fun to watch our English Becky get into all sorts of trouble on the other side of the pond, all in high style, of course 👌
A solid four stars. Anyone new to the series should definitely read in order, so go pick up Book I, “Confessions of a Shopaholic” first.
Highly recommend for Becky’s shenanigans alone. Enjoy! 📚
August 8, 2016
Following Becky Bloomwood's life with her little issue of overextending herself with credit cards and her need for the designer offerings.
I first saw the movie and it set a pretty high bar. when I read book 1 I didn't find the movie in that book, but it was definitely lurking inside this one.
I was happy to find the familiar workings of Becky's mind in full glory in this book. I liked the book enough to move on to book 3.
I first saw the movie and it set a pretty high bar. when I read book 1 I didn't find the movie in that book, but it was definitely lurking inside this one.
I was happy to find the familiar workings of Becky's mind in full glory in this book. I liked the book enough to move on to book 3.
September 21, 2021
“Look into your heart- and go after what you really want.”
Poor Becky. She keeps on trying to hide who she really is and what she really likes, to the point where she feels forced to hide her truth from everyone, even her loved ones. Just be yourself, girl! We love you for who you are... messy, funny, flawed... a lovely disaster!
For the whole book I kept hoping Becky would finally accept who she is and be herself unapologetically. Start to stand for herself a bit! And also learn to ask for help when she really needs to. I mean, I admire her will to take everything in her own hands, but she just has so many people surrounding her who love her and are ready to support her if only she would ask!!!
Well, I guess she finally managed to do all this and turn her life around :) You go girl!
Poor Becky. She keeps on trying to hide who she really is and what she really likes, to the point where she feels forced to hide her truth from everyone, even her loved ones. Just be yourself, girl! We love you for who you are... messy, funny, flawed... a lovely disaster!
For the whole book I kept hoping Becky would finally accept who she is and be herself unapologetically. Start to stand for herself a bit! And also learn to ask for help when she really needs to. I mean, I admire her will to take everything in her own hands, but she just has so many people surrounding her who love her and are ready to support her if only she would ask!!!
Well, I guess she finally managed to do all this and turn her life around :) You go girl!
November 24, 2020
I loved this book, it’s so funny, just what I needed at this moment. It took my mind off all the troubles in the world and all my worries about Christmas and whether I’ll get to see my lovely family. I have read this book before many years ago but, I’d forgotten a lot of it so it was like a first time read.
Ok so some of it is silly but, that’s all part of it’s charm a little bit of escapism.
Ok so some of it is silly but, that’s all part of it’s charm a little bit of escapism.
March 1, 2021
4+
Non metto in dubbio che le avventure di Rebecca/Becky e i suoi maldestri tentativi di tenersi lontana dallo shopping possano essere ripetitivi, ma leggere le sue avventure una volta ogni tanto, fa sicuramente bene all'umore. In più in questo secondo capitolo, oltre a farci una cultura su vari negozi presenti a New York, ho trovato una crescita dei personaggi. I rapporti personali cambiano, le situazioni lavorative evolvono e i personaggi si adeguano, non rimangono piatti.
Becky, con la sua ingenuità per quanto riguarda i "rapporti bancari", i suoi contorti discorsi con se stessa che la portano sempre a considerare un oggetto indispensabile o utile in un prossimo futuro, continua a cacciarsi nei guai e, anche se aspetta un pochino troppo per risolverli, sa quando è il momento di rimboccarsi le maniche e dimostrare al mondo che non è una sciocchina. Come dice
È proprio vero quello che dice "Sweetie Smeathie", alias Derek Smeath, direttore della sua banca di fiducia:
"Quando decide di usare il cervello è insuperabile!"
Non metto in dubbio che le avventure di Rebecca/Becky e i suoi maldestri tentativi di tenersi lontana dallo shopping possano essere ripetitivi, ma leggere le sue avventure una volta ogni tanto, fa sicuramente bene all'umore. In più in questo secondo capitolo, oltre a farci una cultura su vari negozi presenti a New York, ho trovato una crescita dei personaggi. I rapporti personali cambiano, le situazioni lavorative evolvono e i personaggi si adeguano, non rimangono piatti.
Becky, con la sua ingenuità per quanto riguarda i "rapporti bancari", i suoi contorti discorsi con se stessa che la portano sempre a considerare un oggetto indispensabile o utile in un prossimo futuro, continua a cacciarsi nei guai e, anche se aspetta un pochino troppo per risolverli, sa quando è il momento di rimboccarsi le maniche e dimostrare al mondo che non è una sciocchina. Come dice
È proprio vero quello che dice "Sweetie Smeathie", alias Derek Smeath, direttore della sua banca di fiducia:
"Quando decide di usare il cervello è insuperabile!"
February 27, 2024
ЦЕ БУЛО ДУЖЕ ДОБРЕ ❤️🩹
Дякувати усім богам, що з'явився Майкл Елліс. Якщо Ребекка його не забирає, то спакуйте мені. Оплачу карткою.
Візою 😃☎️📞
Дякувати усім богам, що з'явився Майкл Елліс. Якщо Ребекка його не забирає, то спакуйте мені. Оплачу карткою.
Візою 😃☎️📞
February 6, 2017
I am glad that I re-read this book, but feel disappointed overall with how the earlier books in the Shopaholic series no longer stand up. I think it's because I have already read these books and the latest, that I just feel nothing but flat out annoyance towards Rebecca (Becky) and her hare-brained schemes to not pay her bills, to cover up when she's in over her head, and somehow through sheer luck to get out of trouble. And then somehow is in the right in the end when she is 100 percent in the wrong.
I read the first book several years ago and remember being charmed by it. In this second book, we now have Becky and Luke dating. Becky has convinced Luke to go off and take a mini-break to the country. While there she realizes that Luke has plans to expand his company to America, specifically New York. Becky after the events in the last book has paid off all of her debts and thinks she finally has her shopping bug under control.
Spoilers, she does not.
Pretty much Becky acts as if she has paid her bills off, that apparently if she uses her credit card that means her balance stays zero. Considering that Becky is a financial expert (seriously this was always funny to me) on a morning television show, you would think she be a bit smarter. I think readers are supposed to find Becky endearing. I just found her to be hopelessly immature.
Becky's relationship with her parents is to keep them in the dark (though you of course realize they are not that dumb) and she wants Luke to make a public declaration of his love for her. Honestly, I never got to be much of Luke fan until the later books. He feels like a non-person in these earlier books. We are given bare bone facts about him and you can feel yourself sympathizing with him. But then we are supposed to ignore his need to prove himself in America cause Becky gets her feelings hurt when they go to New York.
There are secondary characters long time readers know about like Tarquin and Suze. They also don't age very well in this second book in my opinion.
The writing was okay, but the flow was pretty bad. I think it is because you are just waiting for the characters to move along to New York. Of course once we move from London to New York I was bored senseless. You don't get a real sense of the city, crowds, movement, the uniqueness of New York. That's cause all Becky is focused on is shopping and hiding it from Luke.
The ending at first I thought redeemed itself. But when we go to two months later and things are just kind of hand-waved away and Luke telling Becky how right she is (after once again having her finances get to threat level midnight levels) I just yawned myself through it.
I read this for Romance Book Bingo 2017 square: Second Chances
I read the first book several years ago and remember being charmed by it. In this second book, we now have Becky and Luke dating. Becky has convinced Luke to go off and take a mini-break to the country. While there she realizes that Luke has plans to expand his company to America, specifically New York. Becky after the events in the last book has paid off all of her debts and thinks she finally has her shopping bug under control.
Spoilers, she does not.
Pretty much Becky acts as if she has paid her bills off, that apparently if she uses her credit card that means her balance stays zero. Considering that Becky is a financial expert (seriously this was always funny to me) on a morning television show, you would think she be a bit smarter. I think readers are supposed to find Becky endearing. I just found her to be hopelessly immature.
Becky's relationship with her parents is to keep them in the dark (though you of course realize they are not that dumb) and she wants Luke to make a public declaration of his love for her. Honestly, I never got to be much of Luke fan until the later books. He feels like a non-person in these earlier books. We are given bare bone facts about him and you can feel yourself sympathizing with him. But then we are supposed to ignore his need to prove himself in America cause Becky gets her feelings hurt when they go to New York.
There are secondary characters long time readers know about like Tarquin and Suze. They also don't age very well in this second book in my opinion.
The writing was okay, but the flow was pretty bad. I think it is because you are just waiting for the characters to move along to New York. Of course once we move from London to New York I was bored senseless. You don't get a real sense of the city, crowds, movement, the uniqueness of New York. That's cause all Becky is focused on is shopping and hiding it from Luke.
The ending at first I thought redeemed itself. But when we go to two months later and things are just kind of hand-waved away and Luke telling Becky how right she is (after once again having her finances get to threat level midnight levels) I just yawned myself through it.
I read this for Romance Book Bingo 2017 square: Second Chances
January 13, 2009
I am (slowly) working my way through this series and re-reading it before the movie premiers. I laughed my way through the books the first time and really got a kick out of it. And I am laughing again the second time 'round too; however, I am starting to realize that Becky is - to put it quite frankly - DUMB! Who does the things that she does? And then gets by with it? Pure dumb luck is the only thing that pulls her out of the strange and contradictory situations that this girl gets herself into.
But Luke Brandon - I just adore Luke. Even if he is an obsessed, over-the-top workaholic who is attracted to airheads. Kinsella writes Luke so well that you really don't need to hop into his head to know what he is thinking. And I just loved it when he gives Becky the special scarf that he secretly bought at her clothes auction. It made my heart go pitter patter. =) Only a man like Luke would overlook something as stupid as FedEx-ing your clothes to a hotel and not packing a small bag "just in case".
I have high hopes for the movie. The script re-write appears to be funnier and smarter than the books.
But Luke Brandon - I just adore Luke. Even if he is an obsessed, over-the-top workaholic who is attracted to airheads. Kinsella writes Luke so well that you really don't need to hop into his head to know what he is thinking. And I just loved it when he gives Becky the special scarf that he secretly bought at her clothes auction. It made my heart go pitter patter. =) Only a man like Luke would overlook something as stupid as FedEx-ing your clothes to a hotel and not packing a small bag "just in case".
I have high hopes for the movie. The script re-write appears to be funnier and smarter than the books.
December 8, 2021
I'm going on leave in three days time, and there's nothing like these lighthearted, almost over the top Shopaholic books to let my brain know that it's holiday time. I'm not reading these sequentially, so this is actually the oldest in the series I've read, and I must I prefer the newer editions as they don't focus on shopping quite as much. I adore Bridget Jones, and this is the poor man's version - perfect beach reads.
February 7, 2017
3.5 stars
February 6, 2025
Disliking this book makes me feel like I’m the worst person on the planet, but I still can’t get pass how stupid this was - not you, Becky, you didn’t do anything wrong.
↠ 2 stars
↠ 2 stars
January 21, 2019
Becky Bloomwood the addicted to shopping girl is back for instalment two. Starting from the beginning again are the hilarious bank manager letters (the replacement bank manger is so different but still so fun to read about).
''Only buy what you need'' This was bound to last possibly for five minutes.
Her and Luke in this book are a little hot and cold, he's off not telling her about New York but it's brilliant when he turns up at the awful wedding. The lowest Luke got to me was when he cared more about his cow of a mother and impressing her to get a New York business over how Becky felt with the press reports. Yes she was in the wrong spending so much but a little support with tough love would be a better approach. I'd have been more annoyed she didn't take in all the sights just went to all the designer sales. I'm still not his greatest fan (I liked Micheal better) but his proposal at the end was starting to get me to warm to Luke.(Only a little) ''Will you be my personal shopper?'' Maybe he'll continue to grow on me.
Suzie and Becky's mum and dad all grew on me in this instalment i'm starting to like the connection between all the characters. Tarquin also returns and is as lovely as usual.
I liked the second story in the set a little more than the first, let's hope it will continue to get even better through the rest of the series.
''Only buy what you need'' This was bound to last possibly for five minutes.
Her and Luke in this book are a little hot and cold, he's off not telling her about New York but it's brilliant when he turns up at the awful wedding. The lowest Luke got to me was when he cared more about his cow of a mother and impressing her to get a New York business over how Becky felt with the press reports. Yes she was in the wrong spending so much but a little support with tough love would be a better approach. I'd have been more annoyed she didn't take in all the sights just went to all the designer sales. I'm still not his greatest fan (I liked Micheal better) but his proposal at the end was starting to get me to warm to Luke.(Only a little) ''Will you be my personal shopper?'' Maybe he'll continue to grow on me.
Suzie and Becky's mum and dad all grew on me in this instalment i'm starting to like the connection between all the characters. Tarquin also returns and is as lovely as usual.
I liked the second story in the set a little more than the first, let's hope it will continue to get even better through the rest of the series.
June 15, 2007
I know I know - I hated the first one, why read the second? I actually really TRIED to like these since my friend just LOVED them and raved about them and continuously wanted to discuss them. *sigh* I wouldn't have finished if I didn't have this obsessive tendency to HAVE to finish a book I start. Our favorite whiny, self-destructive, vacuous character on a rampage in Manhatten - despite finding the "job of her dreams" she manages to be miserable. Bah. I don't think I disliked it because of the genre, though it's not my favorite, I just hated the main character...still.
September 3, 2025
This was a good follow up to the first novel. Becky is on top of the world with a great boyfriend, and a great job. However she hasn't stopped her tremendous shopping habits. There were several cute scenes in this book. I really enjoyed when she had to attend her old neighbor's wedding and things did not go quite as she planned. Her trip to New York City also made me laugh out loud. I also really liked how the book ended. I thought there was a fabulous message to it all. I look forward to reading more in this series.
February 23, 2018
Enjoyed this one more than Confessions of a Shopaholic. Look forward to reading more of her antics. 3.5 stars!
August 30, 2015
4.5/5
Once again, Sophie Kinsella does it: she creates a funny, romantic and original novel.
I loved the first book in this series. Its idea is so original, so well-thought and so addicting that I know that, no matter how long it takes me, I'm going to read this series to its end, because it's really amazing. The continuation of the story in this book is just great. Becky is more aware of her tendencies, even though that doesn't mean she doesn't make mistakes again ('cause she makes A LOT of them in this book). I loved how she tried, in vain sometimes, to refrain herself from buying something. Her pride in doing so made me laugh so much sometimes, because I know how it feels to be proud of doing something that people don't even need to think about and we've got to support each other.
Becky's character is incredible. While she isn't perfect at all and she gets on my nerves (and on most readers') when she's so wrapped up in shopping that she spends way too much on clothes, accessories, makeup or simply random stuff, she's a character I absolutely love. We've all got our own faults and Becky's are pretty inoffensive, to anyone but her, if you think about it. She just gets herself in bad situations, but little by little, she learns.
I loved how Becky and Luke's situation progressed in this book, because I have to admit I was scared when I learned that they got in a relationship in the first book of a series and I'm always scared of reading more about some characters' relationship when I'm already satisfied by it. However, I feel like everything that happens in this book was necessary and I'm definitely happy with the way it ends.
There's just something about Sophie Kinsella's writing that's SO DAMN FUNNY! I swear, she's probably the author who cracks me up the most, and that's saying a lot. Whether it's what Becky's saying or doing or simply the way it's described, it's hilarious and I love this series for making me decompress. In this book, I felt a lot more sadness than in the first one, because there's some injustice that made me really angry and sad at the same time. I wasn't expecting to tear up while reading this, but a person's life can't always be great, even when it's a fictional character's. I absolutely loved the ending, though, and I'm so happy and proud of Becky. I feel like she grew up a lot in this book, maybe even more than in the first, no matter how subtle it is.
If you haven't started this series yet, please do.
Once again, Sophie Kinsella does it: she creates a funny, romantic and original novel.
I loved the first book in this series. Its idea is so original, so well-thought and so addicting that I know that, no matter how long it takes me, I'm going to read this series to its end, because it's really amazing. The continuation of the story in this book is just great. Becky is more aware of her tendencies, even though that doesn't mean she doesn't make mistakes again ('cause she makes A LOT of them in this book). I loved how she tried, in vain sometimes, to refrain herself from buying something. Her pride in doing so made me laugh so much sometimes, because I know how it feels to be proud of doing something that people don't even need to think about and we've got to support each other.
Becky's character is incredible. While she isn't perfect at all and she gets on my nerves (and on most readers') when she's so wrapped up in shopping that she spends way too much on clothes, accessories, makeup or simply random stuff, she's a character I absolutely love. We've all got our own faults and Becky's are pretty inoffensive, to anyone but her, if you think about it. She just gets herself in bad situations, but little by little, she learns.
I loved how Becky and Luke's situation progressed in this book, because I have to admit I was scared when I learned that they got in a relationship in the first book of a series and I'm always scared of reading more about some characters' relationship when I'm already satisfied by it. However, I feel like everything that happens in this book was necessary and I'm definitely happy with the way it ends.
There's just something about Sophie Kinsella's writing that's SO DAMN FUNNY! I swear, she's probably the author who cracks me up the most, and that's saying a lot. Whether it's what Becky's saying or doing or simply the way it's described, it's hilarious and I love this series for making me decompress. In this book, I felt a lot more sadness than in the first one, because there's some injustice that made me really angry and sad at the same time. I wasn't expecting to tear up while reading this, but a person's life can't always be great, even when it's a fictional character's. I absolutely loved the ending, though, and I'm so happy and proud of Becky. I feel like she grew up a lot in this book, maybe even more than in the first, no matter how subtle it is.
If you haven't started this series yet, please do.
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