Book Review: Love Punked by Nia Lucas

Synopsis:

When her life is irrevocably altered by a post-Rave tryst on her mother's floral patio recliner, Erin Roberts’ long-standing relationship with Humiliation takes her down a path that's not so much 'less well trodden', more 'perilous descent down sheer cliffs'.

Armed with a fierce devotion to her best friend and the unrequited love for the boy she might have accidentally married at age seven, when Erin falls pregnant at sixteen, life veers off at a most unexpected tangent.

Her journey to adulthood is far from ordinary as Erin learns that protecting the hearts of those most precious to you isn't balm enough when your Love Punked heart is as sore as your freshly tattooed arse.

Whilst raising football prodigies and trying not to get stuck in lifts with Social Work clients who hate her, Erin discovers that sometimes you have to circumnavigate the globe to find the very thing that was there all along.

My Review:

I was very fortunate to be asked by Nia Lucas to read and review 'Love Punked'.  

Slightly different to my usual reads, however after reading the synopsis I was intrigued and wanted to read more!

Blimey! I was gripped! Constantly trying to fit in a few pages where I could...  This read is highly addictive, down to earth and very funny and although it is based on a very serious subject of Teen pregnancy the humour and one liners Nia brings to the story is simply faultless.  Lets just say I cannot look at an Argos patio recliner in the same way! Ha!

I warmed to Erin immediately, loyal, trustworthy, dependable.  Erin is the type of friend that every girl should have.  I loved reading the story from her point of view, a young sixteen year old growing into an independent young lady and mother.  I also loved the closeness she had with her family and the support she received from them was heart warming.

Going back to the fantastic writing of Nia, this book was a rollercoaster of emotions, some pages would have me howling in laughter but at other times the story would turn a 360 and have me nearly in tears.  Loved also the references to the 90's they made me chuckle and cringe at the same time! Some of the outfit choices! What was the 90's thinking! Ha!

I remember feeling desperate by the end of the book wanting to get through the pages to find out how it ended and what lay ahead for Erin.  I wasn't disappointed though, I absolutely loved the ending and it left me with a huge smile on my face.  I really hope Nia brings out a follow up to Erin and the whole gang, I still think about the characters and often wonder what they are up to now. 

Thank you Nia for asking me to read your wonderful book I very much enjoyed it!

Buy the Book!

Book Review: The Middle-Aged Virgin by Olivia Spring

Synopsis:
Sophia Huntingdon seems to have it all: a high-flying job running London’s coolest beauty PR agency, a lovely boyfriend and a dressing room filled with Louboutins.

But when tragedy strikes, Sophia realises that rather than living the dream, she’s actually an unhappy workaholic in a monotonous relationship, with zero personal life. Her lack of activity in the bedroom is so apparent that her best friend declares her a MARGIN, or Middle-Aged Virgin—a term used for adults who have experienced a drought so long that they can’t remember the last time they had sex.

Determined to transform her life whilst she’s still young enough to enjoy it, Sophia hatches a plan to work less, live more and embark on exciting adventures, including rediscovering the electrifying passion she’s been craving.

But after ending her fifteen-year relationship, how will Sophia, a self-confessed control freak handle navigating the unpredictable world of online dating?

If she does meet someone new, will she even remember what to do? And as an independent career woman, how much is Sophia really prepared to sacrifice for love?

My Review:
Firstly a huge thank you goes to Olivia Spring for reaching out and asking me to read and review her debut novel 'The Middle-Aged Virgin' 

The synopsis sounded right up my street, the book cover with it's happy yellow is very eye catching and definitely a book I would have picked up myself in the book shop.

The book is centred around Sophia Huntingdon, after hearing some sad news she decides that her life needs a makeover and some drastic changes need to happen.  Sophia decides to create an action plan of things to change and do over the next year before she hits the big 4 0!  One of the biggest changes was ending her fifteen year relationship with Rich who Sophia decides is not 'The One'. 

We then follow Sophia on her new adventure to find love, passion and happiness.  Along the way there are lots of highs, lows, yummy food, Italian men and lots of OMG moments...

The story throughout was good, I wasn't able to guess the ending and due to a few twists near to the end it kept me guessing right up to the last page however I must admit that I struggled to warm to Sophia.  I found her to be quite shallow and at times selfish, I found myself getting frustrated with some of the choices she makes and at times wanting to jump in the book and give her a slap!  I found it hard to relate to her, but I did find her personality change throughout the book and the Sophia we meet at the start is not the Sophia we leave by the end.

Some of my favourite scenes from the book were between Sophia and her two closest friends Roxy and Bella.  The friendship circle was very true to life and reminded me of my own group of friends.  True friends who might not agree with everything you say or do but support you throughout the decisions you make.  Sophia, Roxy and Bella meet on a regular basis and over food and drinks they put the world to rights and discuss everything... and I mean everything.  From careers to men to fashion to lady gardens! Yes! I mean everything! LOL

Overall the storyline was good and I would be intrigued to read a follow up on Sophia and what happened next!

I think Olivia Spring is an author to watch, with the right amount of comedy, romance and friendship I will be looking forward to her next read! 

Buy the Book!

Blog Tour Book Review: What Happened to Us? By Faith Hogan

Synopsis:

Carrie Nolan is devastated when she is dumped by Kevin Mulvey after more than a decade without even a backwards glance! On reflection, she has sacrificed her own long term happiness establishing their critically acclaimed Dublin restaurant and pandering to his excessive ego.

Meanwhile Kevin can't believe his luck. Valentina, their new waitress is a stunner, the kind of girl that turns heads when she walks in a room and surprise, surprise she has chosen him! He is living the dream!

Carrie seeks solace from a circle of mismatched friends who need her as much as she needs them. Jane, who struggles to run the pub on the opposite side of the street, Luke, who has stopped drifting while his father settles in a nearby nursing home and Teddy, a dog who asks for nothing more than the chance to stay by Carrie's side.

With Christmas just around the corner, all is not quite as it seems and a catastrophic sequence of events leads to the unthinkable...
How far do you need to fall before you learn the true value of family and friends? And is it ever too late to start again...



My Review:

Welcome to my stop on Faith Hogan’s blog tour for her new book ‘What Happened to Us?’ I am so excited to be part of a jam packed tour and share my review with you all!

Thanks to NetGalley and Aria Fiction for allowing me a sneak peek of this wonderful Autumnal story about friendship, family and love. I’m ashamed to say this is my first ever Faith Hogan book and I am sure I have missed out on some great reads. 

The story follows Carrie who has just been dumped by Kevin (we hate him by the way…!) not only has she been dumped without a second thought but Kevin leaves her for a younger woman, here we meet Valentina a Columbian waitress who works at the restaurant Carrie and Kevin co own in Dublin. Awks! 

First off, all of the characters are so well written, I liked them all apart from a few who I really disliked and after reading the synopsis I am sure you will know who I am talking about… ‘cough Kevin cough!!’ Of course my favourite was Carrie who by the way is the most nicest character I have ever met in a book. I really did feel sorry for Carrie when Kevin paraded his new romance in her face and she still had to work with him, how she kept her calm throughout the breakup of their relationship and still kept it business as usual at the restaurant I do not know! I salute you Carrie Nolan!

With Christmas soon approaching Carrie turns to some new friends for support. Jane who owns the pub across the road from the restaurant and also Luke who she happened to meet only by chance one evening. Oh and Teddy, cannot forget to mention Teddy a gorgeous dog who Carrie finds on the street and becomes Carrie’s confidant and shadow. 

Both Jane and Luke have their own troubles which Faith touches on throughout the story. Luke a Historian back in town visiting his dad who has just moved into a nursing home and Jane, elderly and living alone in the pub she shared with her husband who has past; she finds herself feeling vulnerable, sad and very lonely. Thankfully both Carrie and Luke rally round to help fill the void for Jane and bring life back to the pub while learning some surprising secrets along the way. 

I think the three of them came together at such a great time and were huge supports for each other, I really liked reading the scenes where the three of them were together.

Stopping briefly back to Kevin, Faith wrote his character perfectly. He came across as a very weak, pathetic man who actually relied on Carrie more than you first thought. Both characters Kevin and Valentina were portrayed so well that you have this dislike for them while reading which shows how well written they are. I won’t spoil the story for you but I love that Carrie stands up for herself and doesn’t let them run her out of her life and if anything gives her the opportunity to find the time to do all the things she loves in life, one of which is investing more time in her blog. (Love a blog!) 

Ok so the story is a little predictable in parts but I never mind that in a book, a thoroughly enjoyable story from start to finish a book I would recommend to friends and family best read indoors on the sofa in happy clothes under a blanket with a big mug of tea and a constant flow of biscuits! Brilliant!

Make sure to purchase your copy today! 

Kobo | iBooks | Amazon

Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour! 

Author Bio

Faith was born in Ireland and currently lives there with her husband, four children and two fussy cats.  She gained an Honors Degree in English Literature and Psychology from Dublin City University and a Postgraduate from University College, Galway.  She was a winner in the 2014 Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair - an international competition for emerging writers.  When she's not writing, she's an enthusiastic dog walker and reluctant jogger.

Follow Faith!

Twitter: @gerhogan

Facebook: @faithhoganauthor

Follow Aria!

Website: www.ariafiction.com

Twitter:@aria_fiction

Facebook: @ariafiction

Instagram: @ariafiction

Blog Tour Book Review: No One Cancels Christmas by Zara Stoneley

Synopsis:
It’s the most magical time of the year, and for travel agent Sarah it’s also the busiest! But this year one man threatens to ruin Christmas for Sarah’s customers – Mr Grinch, Will Armstrong.

The Shooting Star Mountain resort is a magical place, and Sarah has fond memories of Christmas here as a little girl – visits to Father Christmas, husky rides in the snow and hot chocolate by a roaring fire. But as the resorts new owner, Will refuses to play snowball or to deck the halls with anything remotely resembling tinsel!

With customers complaining their Christmas is ruined, Sarah decides it’s up to her to convince Scroogey Will just how magical Christmas can be….

But getting Will into the Christmas spirit is hopeless – he is Bah Humbug personified! But as Sarah gets to know him better, she realises that underneath all the gloom is a man struggling with a pain of his own.

With the big day approaching, Sarah realises that the magic and sparkle can wait. This year, she’s going to spend Christmas day with someone special her very own Mr Scrooge…

My Review:
Yay! It’s my stop on Zara Stoneley’s ‘No One Cancels Christmas’ Blog Tour. Welcome... Welcome...! I was super excited to be able to join the tour and for an early preview of the much awaited read so huge thanks to Netgalley, Harper Impulse and Rachel Random Resources.

Congratulations Zara on a fabulous festive read! I absolutely Loved it! (I just knew I would!)

The main character is Sarah who works at her Aunt Lynn's travel agents along with her best friend Sam. Now if you have read Zara’s other book ‘The Wedding Date’ (and if you haven’t, then where have you been! You need to order it now it’s soooooo good!!!) but if you have read it you will recognise Sam, I nearly jumped up and down when I saw that Sam was featured. I absolutely adore when authors include past characters, it’s like catching up with an old friend finding out how they are doing and what they are up to.

Now, we all know that no Christmas story is complete without a Scrooge or a Grinch... in walks Will Armstrong, new owner of the Shooting Star Mountain Resort and I must add the hottest Scrooge I’ve ever read about!! After complaints come flooding through, bad reviews of frosty welcomes and Christmas festivities being non existence Sarah decides its her obligation to visit the resort and stay there herself and try to convince Will to bring back the Christmas magic that was once there long ago when Sarah last stayed as a child.

I really enjoyed reading about Sarah, such a fun and outgoing character. Zara always has this ability to create such lovely characters that are realistic and loveable. Characters that feel like life long friends that stay with you even after finishing the book. Even characters that show up briefly or have a small part have a back story that help build the plot. One of my favs has to be Ruth! What a hoot she is!

Getting back to the story, can Sarah hold onto her fond memories of the place and help bring festive cheer to save Christmas for the holiday makers staying at the Shooting Star Mountain Resort, or will he be forever a humbug?!

I loved reading the scenes between Sarah and Will, they both have some hidden secrets from their past that have brought them to the place they are now. I loved the bond that develops between them and how close they become to trust and open up to one another, the humour and sarcastic comments between them were spot on. Look out for some festive Zumba! Ha!

I’ll admit I couldn't guess where the story was heading, With quite a few surprises, twists and turns throughout it certainly kept you on your toes and kept me glued to the book for the last few chapters. Isn’t that just the best thing about reading a good book, being so involved in the story that just for a while it can make you forget the real world, work, chores oh the dreaded ironing can wait!

I really hope there is a follow on or Sarah is featured in another book because I’m nosey and I just want to know what she’s up to now! Ha!

This book is the perfect festive read, lots of fun, humour, family, love and friendship it has everything! It even has M&S mince pies (who leaves home without them!) Well done Zara! It was a pleasure to read 'No One Cancels Christmas'!

Make sure to purchase the book today!

You won't be disappointed! 

Amazon UK or Amazon US

Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour!

Author Bio

Born in a small village in Staffordshire, I wanted to be a female James Herriot, a spy, or an author when I grew up. After many years, and many different jobs, my dream of writing a bestseller came true.

I write about friendship, dreams, love, and happy ever afters, and hope that my tales make you cry a little, laugh a lot, and occasionally say 'ahhh'.

I now live in a Cheshire village with my family, a lively cockapoo called Harry, and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron.

Where you can find her-

Website: http://www.zarastoneley.com
Twitter: @ZaraStoneley
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ZaraStoneley
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zarastoneley/

The Year of Taking Chances by Lucy Diamond

Synopsis:

Because love is always worth the risk . . .

It's New Year's Eve, and Gemma and Spencer Bailey are throwing a house party. There's music, dancing, champagne and all their best friends under one roof. It's going to be a night to remember.

Also at the party is Caitlin, who has returned to the village to pack up her much-missed mum's house and to figure out what to do with her life; and Saffron, a PR executive who's keeping a secret which no amount of spin can change. The three women bond over Gemma's dodgy cocktails and fortune cookies, and vow to make this year their best one yet.
But as the months unfold, Gemma, Saffron and Caitlin find themselves tested to their limits by shocking new developments. Family, love, work, home - all the things they've taken for granted are thrown into disarray. Under pressure, they are each forced to rethink their lives and start over. But dare they take a chance on something new?

My Review:

I picked this book up by chance in my local library and I'm pleased I did, after reading a few reviews I knew I had picked a fab read.

The book kicks off at a house party, New Year's Eve and hiding out in the kitchen are three women who have just met for the first time.

Gemma the hostess of the party, happily married to Spencer living in their new house with their two children.
Caitlin an old school friend of Spencer's who has returned to the village to sort her mums house who sadly passed and to figure out what's next in her life.
Saffron a PR executive taking a break from life, staying in the cottage next door to Gemma, with no one to greet her and with no help when the electrics go out decides to pop next door to seek help.

The three women brought together by the party, bond over dodgy cocktails, fortune cookies and making New Year resolutions.

The three main characters were likeable from the start, the storyline too was very easy to get into and believable. We follow the three women throughout the year, each chapter switching to each character. I always enjoy books that are written this way, reading each characters point of view always gives you that extra insight into their mind.

Over the next few months Gemma, Saffron and Caitlin face change and they are forced to adapt to their new situations. Throughout the changes, struggles and opportunities arise for the three women and they are all made to rethink their choices in life.

I felt that the story was to teach us that change although sometimes can be daunting, it can always be a good thing and helps us to learn, be brave and take risks and to take the positive out of any situation.  However much you plan things never go the way they should!

Throughout this review I know I haven't gone into depth about the storyline itself, with a few secrets and twists I would hate to give away any spoilers and ruin it for others. I would class this book as a feel good read, although the story hits some tough times for each character, the close friendship they form is really heart warming and made me think of my own support network and how grateful I am.  Lovely read and I recommend! 

Buy the Book!

Book Review: The Cherry Tree Cafe by Heidi Swain

Synopsis:
Lizzie Dixon's life feels as though it's fallen apart. Instead of the marriage proposal she was hoping for from her boyfriend, she is unceremoniously dumped, and her job is about to go the same way. So, there's only one option: to go back home to the village she grew up in and to try to start again.

Her best friend Jemma is delighted Lizzie has come back home as she has just bought a little cafe and Lizzie's sewing skills are just what she needs to help get it ready for the grand opening.

With a new venture and a new home, things are looking much brighter for Lizzie. But can she get over her broken heart, and will an old flame reignite a love from long ago...?

My Review:

So I will let you into a little secret, I have never read a Heidi Swain book before.  I know what you are all thinking... what a shocker!  So I decided to start from the beginning and read her debut novel 'The Cherry Tree Cafe' I LOVED it!!  I mean seriously why have I never read her books before, I have been missing out on some fantastic reads! 

'The Cherry Tree Cafe' is a total feel good book packed with friendship, love, crafting and of course CAKE!  What's not to like!

We meet Lizzie, out for a romantic dinner thinking her boyfriend Giles was about to propose when in fact she gets dumped, being dumped on any day of the year is gutting but it's poor Lizzie's birthday and to top it off Giles didn't even remember!  Oh Giles what a sleazebag he was totally in love with no one but himself, he decided he wanted to get back with his ex Natasha.  Natasha we soon realise was the girl he had left at the aisle just before he met and romanced Lizzie.

Lizzie had moved to London, changed her hair and style all for Giles, but without him in her life now Lizzie decides its time to pack up and head back home to Wynbridge.  This is where we meet her best friend Jemma, her husband Tom and daughter Ella, thankfully Jemma comes to her rescue and lets her stay with them saving her from having to move back home to her parents.  

Lizzie soon finds out that she isn't the only homeless one camping out on a friends sofa, she meets Ben (Hottie Alert!) Ben, a close friend to Jemma and Tom and also an old school crush of Lizzie's. Eeek!  Is also bunking down at theirs however we don't know why, of course Jemma and Tom are in on the secret but as a true friend to him they do not let on to Lizzie which drove me mad during most of the book as I just wanted to know his secret!!!  Of course I wont tell you and let you find out for yourself, I guessed completely wrong and my god I was so wrong!  What a secret!

Jemma and Tom have recently bought the little village café and asks Lizzie for her help in refurbishing in time for the grand opening in return Lizzie is offered to stay in the cosy little flat above the café.  The café is transformed and Lizzie's passion for needlework and craft come to light, something she hasn't done or thought of for quite a while but becomes so popular in the café with the locals that Jemma decides that Lizzie should hold a crafting session to bring in business.

Business is booming in the café and the crafting sessions are super popular, but then Ben's big secret is let out the bag and Lizzie soon realises that everyone knew but her.  After cutting off her friends and feeling lost an opportunity arises back in London could this send Lizzie packing back to the big smoke? I wont tell you of course!

All the characters were written so well, believable, likeable (apart from a few...), and totally down to earth and fun that by the end they felt more like friends than just characters in a book.

Like I said earlier, this book does not disappoint, it's brilliant, a real page turner with hidden twists and turns throughout.  

Buy the Book!

Book Review: Alice of the Rocks Part One by E. Graziani

Synopsis:

“Promise that you will come back.”

Born in 1495 and raised in 2012, Alice Ferro’s life has been anything but normal. The only problem is, she doesn’t know it. As a 17-year-old in 2029, she has an ideal life, complete with loving parents, the latest technical gadgets, and a summer vacation in Italy. Upon arriving in Florence, sensations of surreal memories begin to surface, leaving her puzzled and confused. 

Knowing that reconnecting with his lost love could be dangerous for both of them, but willing to take the risk, Claudio Moro seeks out Alice in her new world. His very existence in 1512 is at stake! Having been accused of both treason and murder, he needs Alice to help clear his name and redeem his family’s honour. The question is, will Alice remember their love and care enough to leave her perfect future to redirect his doomed past?

My Review:

A big thank you to E. Graziani for letting me read her debut novel ‘Alice of the Rocks’. This read was a little different to the usual books I go for but it didn’t disappoint! This is a great story of adventure, time travel and romance.

The story focuses on two time periods:

Florence in 1512. Elise a scullery maid working for the Medici family is one day confronted by two courtiers and thankfully saved by Count Claudio Moro. 

Florence in 2029. Alice is on holiday with her family visiting her home town where she meets Claudio who is working at the villa she is staying in. 

Now first off, I am rubbish at knowing any history so I could be completely wrong but I felt that the book was well researched and I enjoyed reading all about Florence and its history. The story was very cleverly put together, how it jumped back and forth and connecting the two time periods. I never once found the story confusing, E. Graziani is fantastic at putting all the pieces of the puzzle together so well to produce a well thought out plot. 

Going back to the story and in 1512, Elise and Claudio grow close however the love they have for one another is not permitted and after trying to escape together Claudio is accused of treason and murder. Having to part, Elise ends up running for her life with guards out for her arrest, she arrives at the door of Leonardo Da Vinici (who Claudio had been an apprentice for) desperate and alone she asks him for safety. 

Fast forward to Alice in 2029, she starts to encounter some déjà vu moments where certain places trigger long lost forgotten memories that she struggles to understand and feelings for Claudio start to develop. Claudio takes a risk and comes clean to her on why he is there, the déjà vu moments and the connection she feels towards him. Claudio must try and convince her that she returns to 1512 with him to prove their innocence.  Will Alice leave 2029 and her life for him?

Like I said before, the story is very clever and the characters are so likeable, the relationship between both Claudio and Elisa and Claudio and Alice are so lovely to read. 

This story is set in beautiful Italy, includes romance, science fiction, history and the one and only Leonardo Da Vinci if you need escapism then this book is ideal! I know there is a follow up to this story which I will definitely be reading!

Buy the Book!

Book Review: One in a Million by Lindsey Kelk

Synopsis:
Annie Higgins has given up on love: she’s too busy trying to get her tiny business off the ground. Infuriated by the advertising agency across the hall making fun of her job, Annie accepts their crazy challenge – to make a random stranger Instagram-famous in just thirty days.

And even when they choose Dr Samuel Page PhD, historian and hater of social media, as her target, Annie’s determined to win the bet – whether Sam likes it or not.

But getting to know Sam means getting to know more about herself. And before the thirty days are out, Annie has to make a decision about what’s really important…

My Review:
Hand’s up I am a massive fan of Lindsey Kelk! I was so eager to get my hands on her latest book ‘One in a Million’, even better I got to purchase it on the paperback publication day and meet her in person courtesy of Waterstones along with Giovanna Fletcher and Paige Toon! (Yay!) It was a fun evening of book chat and Lindsey as always is so nice to meet… Even when I was a stuttering wally..! Doh!

This book has everything you need, bundles of humour, likeable characters, romance, friendship and a cat called Wellington.

We meet Annie who works all hours running her own agency involving social media. Being a big fan of social media this story was already a firm fav… Like Annie my phone is the first and last thing I check of a day, never going too long without checking my phone, a constant scroller on social media and never letting my battery fall to below 50%.

After the guys at the advertising agency across the hall (Martin and Charlie) make fun of Annie’s business they decide to set her a challenge to make a stranger instafamous. Challenge accepted! Annie needs the instagram account to reach 20k followers within a month, but when faced with her chosen target Dr Samuel (NOT Sam) Page, historian, badly dressed and an all time hater of all social media this challenge may be harder than she first thought.

Unfriendly and slightly haughty (my new fav word by the way) Samuel is the complete opposite to Annie, hater of all social media, badly dressed and recently dumped by his girlfriend Elaine he doesn’t jump at the chance to become an Instagram influencer. After Annie’s words of persuasion and promises of getting his girlfriend back by enrolling him into boyfriend bootcamp, Samuel agrees to help Annie win the bet.

With help from her friends and work colleagues, Annie sets to work on her mission to get Elaine back for Samuel while creating his instagram profile. Restyling Samuel, changing his bad boyfriend habits, posting history facts and booking him into dance classes… Annie is well on her way to winning, or is she?
Of course there are some bumps along the way, it wouldn’t be a Kelk story if it was all smooth sailing!

The book is a great read (I didn’t expect anything less) with laugh out loud one liners like ‘show me on the croissant where he touched you’ this book is a modern day social media rom com that you should all purchase especially as it’s  currently only 99p for eBook!

Buy the Book!

Book Review: Burning Moon by Jo Watson

Synopsis:

Chase your dreams. Dance under the stars. Fall in love at the festival of Burning Moon.

WARNING: Being jilted at the altar in front of 500 wedding guests can lead to irrational behaviour, such as going on your honeymoon to Thailand alone.

On the way to paradise, symptoms may include getting arrested, setting yourself on fire, turning up on a 'Missing Poster' and going viral.

Side-effects may include desert island stranding, star gazing and jungle trekking.

Recovery will lead to partying the night away at Burning Moon festival - and falling in love with the person you least expect...

My Review:

After reading and enjoying 'Love to Hate You' I had to read more of Jo Watson's books, starting off with Burning Moon!  

First off, how beautiful is the cover of the book, I know we all shouldn't judge books on their covers but when a cover is this pretty I'm going to.  

Burning Moon is a fantastically funny romantic story featuring Lilly... We meet Lilly on her wedding day, surrounded by friends and family, dressed in white and ready to walk down the altar to her husband to be.  With just one problem, the husband to be has vanished.  That's right poor Lilly has been jilted.

With the groom gone AWOL, Lilly decides to honeymoon it alone to Thailand!  With an adventure in front of her and not short of some disasters along the way, Lilly meets mysterious Damien who shows her the true Thailand experience.  Damien is not her usual type in fact the complete opposite but by meeting Damien, Lilly soon discovers a different side to herself.  

I really liked Lilly, she was lots of fun and I loved experiencing her Thailand adventure's through Jo Watson's fantastic descriptions, making me feel like I was there.  

What's not to love about this story?  Set in a beautiful part of the world, likeable characters, adventure and some romance chucked in.  This is the perfect romantic comedy book you all need to read!

Buy the book!

Book Review: Wilde Like Me by Louise Pentland

Synopsis:

Single mum Robin Wilde adores her six-year-old daughter and loves her job as a make up artist's assistant. She has a wonderful best friend and an auntie who is bonkers, yes, but loves her to the moon and back.

But Robin has a secret. Behind the mask she carefully applies every day, things just feel ... grey. And lonely. She struggles to fit in with the school mum crew. Online dating is totally despair-inducing, and she worries every day about raising her little girl with self-confidence, courage and joy.

What Robin longs for is someone (over the age of six) to share with - someone who's always on her team. 

After 4 years (2 months, and 15 days!) of single-mum-dom, it's time for Robin Wilde to Change. Her. Life. 

Exciting new opportunities are about to come Robin's way ... Perhaps a man, perhaps the chance of a lifetime ...

What will Robin do with the possibilities she creates for herself? And what potential will she unlock if she takes the leap?

My Review: 

I have seen this book pop up on Amazon and book shops so much and I’m now kicking myself as to why I hadn’t read it before now! 

I booked tickets to see Louise Pentland for her book tour to promote her new novel and the sequel to Wilde about you (Wilde About the Girl) so I decided now was the perfect time to read it (also helped that it was on an offer on Amazon for only 99p! Whoop!)

I’m pleased I can now say I have read it, I really enjoyed it!  The book features Robin Wilde, she’s a single mum to her six year old daughter Lyla and a part time makeup artist’s assistant. 

As you know from the description above, Robin has her struggles with being a single parent, not so much the struggles of parenting itself, more the feeling of being alone without a partner or adult conversation after Lyla had gone to bed or stayed at her dad’s, even the school meetings or dinners where Robin was the single one between many couples.

I struggled at times with those moments, I found it difficult to read those sections when Robin was negative and sad but just because I didn't enjoy those parts doesn’t mean those feelings are not important to the story, they play a massive part and this book is a very honest and down to earth account of one woman's journey through motherhood and it opened my eyes to how easy people can hide their true feelings.

Robin's feelings of sadness and loneliness made me want to be her own personal cheer leader and jump up and down with pom poms and give her the support to get her through the blue times.

The sad times were a massive contrast to the happy bubbly Robin which appeared more often by the end of the book (phew!) I liked this Robin a lot, she took some risks and was brave to put herself out there and sometimes the risks paid off.

I loved the relationship between the characters, specifically between Robin, Lyla and Auntie Kath.  Being close to my own mum I really loved the scenes with Robin and Lyla, they are Team Wilde and Lyla was Robin's number one fan.  I loved Auntie Kath, although slightly eccentric you could totally feel the love she had for Robin and would do anything for her niece. The story shows that although you could feel the loneliest person in the world there is always someone there to be on your side and root for you, you just have to let them in!

I think I will leave this review here, I won't tell you whether Robin gets her happily ever ending, I will leave that for you to find out.  

I am really looking forward to reading her follow on 'Wilde About the Girl' It's always nice to catch up with old characters and I am sure it is as good as the first! 

Top tip, don't read the synopsis of the follow up otherwise it gives away a few spoilers! Although unlike me you probably have read this by now!

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Book Review: The Bucket List to Mend a Broken Heart By Anna Bell

Synopsis:

Abi's barely left her bed since Joseph, the love of her life, dumped her, saying they were incompatible. When Joseph leaves a box of her possessions on her doorstep, she finds a bucket list of ten things she never knew he wanted to do. Will completing the action-packed list - no easy challenge for the naturally timid Abi - be the way to win back her man? Or might Abi just have a surprise in store...?

My Review!

I have read quite a few books by Anna Bell so when a family member gave me this book I was thrilled! For starters it was an actual paperback book (whoop!) I’ve read quite a few books lately on Kindle and sometimes it’s just so nice to have a paperback in your hands. I know they say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but look at it… it’s sooo pretty! 

The story is all about Abi and how she tries to turn a bucket list into a ploy to win back the love of her life. Will it work? 

Abi is happy and in love with Joseph but after a disastrous dinner he suddenly announces she isn’t for him, they are no longer suited, and their relationship over. Along with her broken heart he returns a box of her things, and after Abi and her friend Sian go through the box, coming across a few racy pieces of underwear in the meantime (whoops! Not what you want your friend seeing!!) Abi uncovers a book that doesn’t belong to her, inside the book a bucket list with ten things to do. Assuming this must be Joseph’s list, a list he wanted to complete, a list of activities he had never mentioned to her, giving Abi the idea that if she completed everything on the list he would notice her and regret his decision. Easy peasy lemon squeezy! 

With her love life in tatters along with someone at her job out to get her, sabotaging her work, Abi sets out to complete the list with some help from her friends old and new. 

I really liked the characters in the book, if you needed an example of a scaredy cat then Abi would be your prime suspect, I did like Abi, I felt sorry for her at times, I was proud of her and I also wanted to slap her! (You’ll understand when you read! Ha!) 

I loved Sian, Abi’s best friend she was fun, caring and honest, I liked that within the story Sian got her own little starring role as her own love life kicked off. We got to know Abi’s work friends and the new friends she makes along the way while carrying out the bucket list, my favourite being Ben… How can you not like a man who always has on hand a flask of tea and cakes! We hated Joseph of course… He broke Abi’s heart so of course we hate him! 

I will let you find out if Abi completes all ten on the bucket list and whether it has the desired effect on Joseph!

This book is an enjoyable light hearted fun read with plenty of laugh out loud moments, it also shows you how a love life disaster can make or break you, turning your life upside down and doing things you wouldn’t normally do… When life gives you lemons… Make lemonade :)

Has it made me want to do my own bucket list, mmm maybe..! Watch this space!

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Book Review: How to Get a (Love) Life by Rosie Blake

Synopsis:
Nicola Brown doesn't like to lose control.  Her flat is always meticulously tidy and her weekly meals carefully planned; Nicola keeps her life in order.  When her carefree colleague Caroline challenges Nicola to find a date for Valentine's Day, it's a surprise to them both when Nicola agrees.

As Nicola's search for a man beings, she is thrown in at the deep end - sometimes quite literally - of the dating scene.  From men more likely to sell their mother than open their wallet, to those who are determined to find a girlfriend who shares their passion for extreme sports, Nicole has to run the full gamut of dodgy dates.  But as the deadline looms closer, Nicola realises it isn't so bad to lose control.  It turns out that trying to get a love life can be rather a lot of fun...

My Review!
This book has been on my 'to be read' pile for aggeesss and I thought it was about time I started it. I am so pleased I did, I really enjoyed it, such an enjoyable fun read.

This story is all about Nicola and her dating disasters!

As the synopsis stated Nicola doesn't like to lose control or stray away from routine, eating the same dinner on the same day at the same time... I must admit it took me a few chapters to warm up to Nicola, I just found her character so rigid, however my opinion on her soon changed after her colleague Caroline decides a challenge is in order. Nicola, Caroline and even myself were surprised when she took up the dare of finding a date for Valentine's Day.

With only four months to go until the Big V Day we follow Nicola through some funny, disastrous and down right dodgy dates! The one date that sticks in my mind even after finishing the book was kayaking in November, WTF! I really did feel sorry for her then, (I must admit I did giggle through that scene, just the craziness of it!)

However bad the dates were Nicola was a fantastic sport and I enjoyed this side to her, although the dates weren't always up to scratch I really liked reading about this carefree version that was totally different to the beginning of the story. 

I loved the relationship between her and her brother Mark, you could tell straight away how close they were and the special bond they have (just don't trust him to arrange sensible dates for you!!) I liked the other characters too, Caroline her work buddy and James her boss, they had a really nice friendship within the group and it came across as a great place to work. 

So, I hear you ask... Does Nicola find the one? I won't answer that of course and let you find out for yourself. But know that to find your Prince Charming you must date some dodgy frogs first! 

This is only the second book I have read of Rosie Blake's and I thoroughly enjoyed both so I think I need to get onto Amazon quick sharp and get buying!!

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Book Review: The Sister Swap by Fiona Collins

Synopsis:

Two Sisters. Two very different lives...

Meg simply doesn't have time for men in her life. Instead, she has a strictly one-date rule, survives on caffeine and runs one of the biggest model agencies from her smart office in London. That is, until she collapses one day at work and the doctor orders her to take some R&R in the country...

Sarah is used to being stuck behind tractors and the slow pace of her cosy village life. But now her children are all grown-up (and her ex-husband long forgotten) she's ready to change things up a bit - starting with taking back her old job in the city!

After a devastating falling out, the sisters haven't spoken in years. Swapping houses, cars, everything is the only option - surely they'll be able to avoid bumping into each other?

My Review!

First off a big thanks to Harper Collins and Netgalley for an early preview of this wonderful book.

I recently lost my reading mojo (don't you just hate it when that happens!) but thankfully this story pulled me back and gripped me from the beginning.

This is such a lovely easy read about two estranged sisters who haven't seen or spoken to one another for 20 years suddenly brought back together due to changes in both their lives. Meg and Sarah, 10 years apart in age were once close but due to devastating events led them to lead very separate and different lives to each other.

After leaving her childhood home for a new life in London, successful businesswoman Meg is forced to take time out for her health and decides the only place she could go to get away from the hustle and bustle of London is back to the countryside where she grew up. In the mean time Meg's older sister Sarah, single mum to teenage twins has got her big break and her old job back in the big city. 

After 20 years of little to no contact the sisters reach out to one another for a favour, a place to stay for 8 weeks. They decide the best solution to avoid having to meet is to swap lives, homes, cars the lot. 

The swap takes place but with the sisters now living in the shoes of one another their feelings towards each other start to change and maybe a reconciliation could be on the cards.

The story is not without some drama for both sisters, they both face a few challengers throughout their time during the swap not to mention romance is in the air for both! The ending was perfect, couldn't have thought of a better way to finish it.

This book made me laugh, smile, it made me wish I had an older or younger sister, a local village library phone box to visit and it also made me want vol-au-vents for tea! ha!

Fiona Collins is fast becoming one of my favourite authors, you just know your in for a treat when you begin reading one of her books.

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