Wednesday 29 May 2019

Book Review: I Heart Hawaii by Lindsey Kelk




Synopsis:
When Angela Clark’s best friend Jenny invites her to join a press trip to Hawaii, three days of sun, sea and sleep sounds like the perfect antidote to her crazed life.

At work in New York, she’s supposed to be the face of Having It All. But the only thing Angela feels she excels at is hiding in the printer cupboard, eating Mini Cheddars and watching Netflix on her phone and if this is living the dream, she's more than ready to wake up.

A few days away with Jenny sounds like exactly what she needs but Angela’s talent for getting into a scrape guarantees nothing goes to plan – and not even the most beautiful beaches, blue skies and daiquiris will get her off the hook…


My Review:
Wow wow wow! I am an emotional wreck. Months of preparing myself for the end but I still wasn't ready to say goodbye to Angela, Alex, Jenny and the gang.

Firstly a huge thank you to Lindsey Kelk, Harper Collins and Rachel May Quin for sending me a box full of goodies including my very own special ARC copy of I Heart Hawaii. I feel so honoured to be a part of Angela's last adventure.

This book was everything I wanted it to be and much more, with a clever prologue leaving me on the edge of my seat, past characters galore and even including a special guest cross over with another fab author... I won't tell but shut the front door what a fantastic surprise! From tropical Hawaii to the epic Big Apple this story will leave you with all the feels and a big fat smile on your face.

Now Angela Clark is still the Angela we know and love but this Angela is all grown up (well mostly!) and now a Mum!  Juggling motherhood, friendships, marriage, and now returning from maternity leave to a new job, where does Hawaii fit into this I hear you ask... So, long story short Jenny invites Angela to a press trip to Hawaii.  Sun, sea, cocktails and maybe a full nights sleep who could turn that down?  Of course Angela has mum guilt leaving behind Alice but Alex being amazing as normal supports Angela's trip.  But in true I Heart fashion things never plan out the way they should.
I haven't wanted to give anything away with regards to the story throughout my review as I would hate to spoil anything and shall let you find out for yourself.

I Heart Hawaii is an emotional roller coaster, full of laugh out loud moments but also pressing on everyday serious subjects which Lindsey always manages to write so well.  As for the ending, I couldn't predict where it was leading but my gosh the ending was simply perfect and tied up a wonderful series.

I am so pleased all those years ago that I randomly picked up 'I Heart New York' but to all those who have yet to start the series, first off, where have you been?! Secondly, do know I am full of jealousy that your about to step foot into the most amazing series of adventures that will have you laughing, crying and swooning over a few hunks along the way.  

Thank you Lindsey for creating an epic series with a fabulous group of friends that no matter how long between books it was always so easy to slip back in and catch up with the gang.  Also we thank you for bringing Alex into our lives...! Everyone needs an Alex!

Not sure what to do with my life now.. Might have to start back at the beginning!!




Saturday 18 May 2019

Blog Tour Book Review & Giveaway: Crikey a Bodyguard by Kathryn Freeman





Synopsis:
She’s got the brains, he’s got the muscle...

When Kelly Bridge’s parents insist on employing a bodyguard for her protection, she’s not happy. Okay, so maybe not every woman is on the cusp of developing a vaccine against a potential biological terrorist attack – but crikey, it’s not like she’s a celebrity!

Ben Jacobs flunked spectacularly out of school, so he knows his new client Dr Kelly Bridge spells trouble for him. But on a conference trip to Rome he finds things are worse than he thought. Not only is he falling for the brilliant scientist, he’s also become horribly aware she’s in grave danger. As they go on the run, dodging bullets and kidnappers, can he resist his feelings and keep her safe?


My Review:
This is my first book by Kathryn Freeman and after reading the synopsis I jumped at the chance to join the blog tour! So here we are on my stop for Kathryn Freeman ‘Crikey a Bodyguard’

I really enjoyed this book, this read is totally up my street... full of action, suspense, humour and romance to boot.

Dr Kelly Bridge is not your typical damsel in distress but a scientist developing a vaccine against a potential biological terrorist attack. After a few odd run ins with strangers, Kelly’s father decides to enlist the help of a bodyguard to protect his daughter and here we meet Ben Jacobs.

Ben ex-special forces after an injury is now a bodyguard working for a private security company called Panther. Of course Kelly thinks the idea is totally ludicrous, but agrees to humour her parents and let Ben shadow her and it’s not long before Kelly’s life is in danger.

This is a fast paced read filled with adventure, but what I love is that Kathryn balances this with romance and humour. I say this so much but I love that we get to read through the eyes of both characters, chapters switching between both Kelly and Ben.

Ben is cheeky, loveable and assertive oh and of course a bit of alright...! But you quickly understand his insecurities when faced with his next assignment to protect the scientist. Ben comes across as macho man but a school drop out, Ben struggles with his confidence of feeling less intelligent to the brilliant Dr Kelly Bridge.

Both characters were written well, however I was a little frustrated on numerous occasions with Kelly’s character. Her stubbornness often got them into danger which could have been avoided if she only listened to Ben, but then I guess where would the fun be in that! I liked that Kathryn included explanations on the work that Kelly was taking part in, my science knowledge is shocking so it helped to feel included and understand the ins and outs of Kelly’s project.

Of course this read is predictable but I really didn’t care, I think expecting the outcome of the story was what made me want to read this book in the first place. This has all the feels of a movie with its entertaining plot twists, not to mention hero Ben who I kept picturing as Jason Statham!

As well as the action, what’s a book without a little romance... During a work trip to Rome Ben suddenly develops feelings for Kelly, however he must push his emotions aside and concentrate on protecting Kelly when her life is threatened.  I loved the chemistry between the two when they worked together the heart warming moments were perfect for this thrilling story.

Overall an entertaining read from start to finish, I wasn’t ready to leave the characters though (am I ever?!) I would love to revisit the characters again!

A big thank you to Rachel Random Resources and ChocLit UK for the ARC and for letting me join this wonderful Blog Tour!


Buy the Book!





Author Bio


A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero.

With two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.



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Wednesday 8 May 2019

Book Review: You, Me and the Movies by Fiona Collins





Synopsis:
Two people. Ten classic films. A love story you’ll never forget.

Arden has just started university when she meets Mac – and quickly falls head over heels for the handsome, charismatic film lecturer. Their love affair is dramatic, exciting and all-consuming; the sort of thing you only see in the movies.

It couldn’t last. But thirty years later, leading a very different life, Arden is visiting a friend in hospital when she suddenly comes across the man she never forgot. Badly injured in an accident, Mac can only make brief references to the classic films they once watched together: Casablanca, A Star is Born, Pretty Woman among others… and they make Arden remember everything.

The bittersweet memories of their relationship help Arden re-connect with the world in a way she no longer thought was possible. But will a movie-worthy love ever be hers again?




My Review:

I love Fiona Collins books so obviously I jumped at the chance to request her latest book ‘You, Me and the Movies’ when it appeared on Netgalley. Huge thanks to Netgalley, Random House UK and Fiona Collins for allowing me an early read.

Wow! No other words but wow what a story! Firstly this is a completely different genre to Fiona’s other books but I must admit this is my most favourite book of Fiona’s to date. I love that this book took me by surprise, I wasn’t expecting to feel such emotion for the characters and the plot. Long story short this book is simply about two souls connected through their love of movies and proving that it never matters how much time can pass between people, simple references or quotes can bring memories back that was once forgotten.

The story jumps between the ‘then’ and the ‘now’, which Fiona managed perfectly; I never once was lost or felt I had missed anything. The book is written through the eyes of the main character Arden who living in London, separated from her partner with a grown up son and working as an assistant to the locations manager in the Production office of a long running police series called Coppers. During a hospital visit to a friend she comes across her first love Mac Bartley-Thomas who she hasn’t seen for thirty years, here we are transported back to Arden’s University days when she first meets film studies lecturer Mac and they embark on an all consuming romantic relationship.

Fast forward to the present and Mac, badly injured following an accident and no visitors coming by, Arden struggles to walk away so she begins to visit Mac in hospital. Mac’s injuries result in him being unable to communicate, however seeing Arden sparks Mac to reference quotes from classic films that they watched together during their relationship. Quotes that Arden thought had been buried deep down but brings all the emotions crashing back like it was yesterday.

Of course Pretty Woman is one of the classics featured! I will admit I haven’t seen any of the other films mentioned throughout the story which I know is shocking and I will be rectifying that situation soon however it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book as Fiona gives detailed snippets from the films to understand why the quotes were chosen.

These film references are the link that brings the then and the now together within the story.  On the whole Arden's memories are positive and happy but with them also comes painful reminders of an unhappy childhood and a strained relationship with her mother. 

Mac being back in her life helps her to remember the Arden she used to be, helping her to reconnect with the world and opening new doors to opportunities she may have hid away from before now. 

Overall an emotional read from start to finish, I couldn’t call where Arden’s story was going to take me but it really showed how people and situations can really make an effect and leave their mark on your life.