What’s more to say about my blog about books I’ve read?
Well, this is my blog about books I’ve read 😀.
I always liked reading books, and it all started on a very silly way… It’s always good to blame my dad, so he is the cause of my reading addiction.
When I was still a little girl, a looooooong time ago, I saw him always going to the bathroom with the newspaper. One day I wondered why he did that, so I took a book and tried to see the fun of that.
And since that day, you can find everywhere in the house a book of mine.
A while ago, I had the opportunity to review some books, and now a new opportunity came to post them on an own blog.
So here we are, my own blog!
I read books, and I will post my thoughts about them.
Some books I’ll like, some I won’t like that much…. but you can be sure that I’ll give you my personal and honest opinion about them.
Falling for your to – be boss, always a bad idea, right?
Synopsis
At 28, with a Ph.D under her belt and a meteoric rise to head of Research and Development at Mercer Robotics, Reese feels her decision to put her career first has worked out pretty well for her. Sure, she doesn’t have many personal relationships to speak of, but she does love her team and they like her too.
So when she’s called to the Big Boss’s office and told she will be looking after his son while he does a rotation in her lab, she’s not thrilled that her hard work and achievements have boiled down to being a glorified babysitter – especially to a billionaire playboy with zero experience of mechanical engineering.
But then tall, blond Thomas walks into her office, and Reese realizes this assignment is going to be even harder than she thought. Because the CEO’s son is not only extraordinarily gorgeous, chiseled, and charming… he’s also on course to become her new boss one day, and so extraordinarily out of bounds. As the pair get to know each other, can Reese hold her nerve and her beliefs, or will she fall victim to the billionaire charm?
A gorgeously funny enemies-to-lovers, work-place rom com, perfect for fans of Sarah Adams, Lynn Painter and Jo Watson.
My review
Reese may be only 28, but she already has a Ph.D and has even become head of Research and Development at Mercer Robotics. Her career comes before everything, and as she has been burnt by love before, she doesn’t have time for personal relationships. But that doesn’t take away that she has a great and passionate team, who has each other’s back no matter what. So even if she doesn’t have that aspiration herself, she is a bit flabbergasted to learn from her Big Boos himself that he has planned for his own son to become her boss one day. And that Reese has to look after him while doing a rotation in her lab. Because Thomas has absolutely no background in mechanical engineering and Reese has no time to babysit him. But the moment Thomas walks into her office, there sparks something between them. And it doesn’t help that Thomas doesn’t stop flirting with her and Reese get to know the Thomas behind the suit and the money. Yet with Thomas one day going to be her boss, and him feeling even a bit inferior to Reese, is there a future truly possible?
I absolutely love Camilla Isley and her books. So obviously I was very very very eager to read Thomas’s story and learn who he would fall in love with. But did I expect to completely devour this book in one long session? Nope… And did I expect to have a huge smile on my face from the very start until the very end? Nope…
Yet I had one small fear, that the technical explanations would be too complicated for me and I wouldn’t understand one bit that was being said. And yes, at moments that was indeed happening, but luckily I could count on Thomas’s likewise ignorance and he has the possibility to ask the questions I had! 😊
Throughout the whole story, I had such an admiration for Reese. At that young age having achieved so much already, she for sure deserves my respect! But it saddened me also to read how on a personal level she has become victim of her own success, making her not be looking for love anymore.
Nevertheless she has a great to work with, and I liked every member of it, with the exception of one… 😊 And obviously she is also very protective of the work they do, and is obviously very wary learning that Thomas one day will be her boss. Because how can someone without any mechanical background make the right decisions?
But Thomas isn’t just anyone, is he? I already liked him in the previous books, and I truly couldn’t wait for his tale. And boy oh boy, I even fell more in love with him! Yes, Thomas has the looks and the money and has perhaps had a rather privileged life. But it was a real delight discovering so many different layers of Thomas.
Because Thomas may be very flirty, he also knows to respect boundaries, and is truly and genuinely interested in what Reese’s team does. Even if perhaps he doesn’t understand everything, he is eager to learn and even succeeds in finding the solution for a problem, even if it was unintentional.
We also see the funny side of Thomas more, the little jokes, remarks, and post – its. It only adds to his charm even more. And I could for sure understand how difficult Reese it found to resist him. And that was frustrating in a way, the both of them holding back for so…long… Not fair Camilla, not fair! 😊 But it was also understandable why Reese would keep her distance, predicting problems in the future when Thomas would be her boss. Not an easy situation, but for sure there would be some loopholes, right?
Reese and Thomas are two very different characters, but opposites attract, and these two lovely characters for sure complement each other. Both Reese and Thomas have self – doubts, for one reason or another. But it was lovely to see how when this pair is together, things just go naturally.
There is one character that stole my heart even more than Thomas did. Or rather, a droid. Because K – 2P felt for me like the secret treasure of this book! Where can I get my own droid? But perhaps not one with my characteristics, because that would be terrible I think! 😊
I said it before, the whole long reading session, I had a big smile on my face. But I also had several laugh – outs, swooning moments, and yes, even a few gasps… And it was of course great to see my other friends from the previous books again! And how Thomas’s story entwined with Blake and Gabriel, running simultaneous and even Marisa’s appearances were a great addition!
I never thought I could possibly fall even more in love with this author, but with this marvellous book, she now turned me into a real groupie! 😊
Set sail for the idyllic island of Jersey in this gorgeous new romance, perfect for fans of Rachael Lucas and Phillipa Ashley…
When Lettie’s parents call her and her brother back to Hollyhock Farm on the island of Jersey, the last thing they expect to be told is that their childhood home is up for sale. Following a health scare, their father needs to take a step back, and the sale of the land and business to their uncle, they are told, is all but done.
Back on the island, with its rolling hills and golden sands, Lettie immediately remembers what it feels like to breath in the fresh air in the green fields, and be part of this tight-knit community – a far cry from the life of events and high fashion she leads in London.
But she surprises even herself when she suggests that she instead could take over Hollyhock farm. Humouring her, her father agrees to give her a three month trial, and Lettie is determined to prove she’s up to the task.
But the summer season is no easy feat for a new farmer, and Lettie has a huge task ahead of her. And when an old flame reappears in the form of dashing local vet Brodie, Lettie’s summer is about to get even more complicated…
My review
When Lettie and her brother are summoned by their parents to return to Hollyhock Farm on the island of Jersey, it’s Lettie’s last thing on her mind to think that her parents want to sell their home. Even if her life in high fashion could not be more different than living on a farm, Lettie finds herself offering to run the place herself. And her father agrees to give her a three month trial. But running a farm isn’t an easy task, not for a seasoned farmer, and for sure not for a rookie like Lettie. Yet Lettie can count on the help of her Uncle, her brother and the whole community of Jersey, and even on the help of someone who also just recently returned to Jersey. A someone that caused Lettie her first broken heart… Is three months enough to persuade her parents to keep the farm? Or is her plan doomed to fail?
Jersey is a place that I didn’t know before, but grew on me while reading this amazing author’s book. It feels such a lovely, warm and welcoming place, I could see myself wandering there amongst my friends.
So in that matter, I could understand how Lettie feels returning back home, after her hectic life in London. Because in Jersey, on Hollyhock Farm, it’s yes about hard work, but also about peace, fresh air and just *home*.
I know for sure that the life of a farmer is nothing for me, I don’t have that endurance or strength. Yet I admire the farmers, working so hard every day, under any circumstance. And even if it’s a sad decision, I could comprehend Lettie’s parents, especially after their scare, how they want to enjoy life and go travelling. It’s also clear that the decision is also a decision that pains them, because the farm has been their home and now it won’t be any longer.
It was admirable that Lettie suggested to take over the farm, but I felt that Lettie didn’t know what she had said. And Lettie quickly learns that farmer days can be long, tiring and perhaps also leaves you feeling unsatisfied as the job is just never don.
Yet Jersey and its inhabitants once again didn’t fail to make me proud, because Lettie finds herself quickly surrounded by people that want to help her, any possible way. She even can rely on the new vet for help, even if the new vet isn’t that big stranger to her…
Oh, I immediately liked Brodie! Okay, I have a weak spot for animals, so anyone else who cares about animals, is to my liking. But Brodie went even beyond that. He is just such a kind and gentle character. He absolutely does whatever he can for the animals, and even prioritizes them above himself. So what that his place is a mess, and he hasn’t had the time yet to unbox everything yet? And of course he is also kind towards people, otherwise he wouldn’t be swoon – worthy, right?
It was a bit funny to see Lettie knows Brodie, yet Brodie himself doesn’t seem to recognize or recall Lettie from his past. When he finally gets it, sorry Brodie, but I had to have a huge eye-roll, because the signs were there!
Yet that didn’t take away my delight to see Lettie and Brodie growing closer, even if is a rival in the field. And even then, Brodie is there for Lettie when she needs help.
This was a delightful story, about fighting for the place you call home, but also about the struggles of running a farm. But mostly it was about family, friends and community. Because when everyone puts their heads in the same direction even the most outrageous idea can be turned into a real success! And all this in a wonderful setting, what else can you possibly want more? 😊
It’s never too late to make amends and to find happiness
Synopsis
It’s never too late…
After five husbands and five broken hearts, Lydia feels like she’s always been chasing something. But now she’s found her purpose, and having moved to Driftwood Bay to spend more time with her daughter Meredith, she’s happier than ever.
But there’s still life in these old bones yet! With her newfound sense of identity, she’s keen to re-explore the things that made her happy as a younger person. Lydia’s passion was dancing – she used to compete in her younger years, and there’s no place she’s more at home than on the dancefloor.
So when widower and antiques restorer Martin tells her about a big dance competition, she’s ready and raring to bring more joy into her life. But while making memories with Martin, the more she realises that both of their hearts need restoring too…
My review
Lydia has made a few mistakes in the past, how she abandoned her daughter with her own mother, getting married five times, giving up her passion for dancing, … But now she has settled in Driftwood Bay, to spend more time with her daughter Meredith, and it seems that finally everything fell into the right place. Lydia is also that kind of person that doesn’t let her age hold het back, because no matter how old she is, she still has still a lot of fire in her! A fire she wants to keep alight with things that make her happy. And as her passion used to be dancing, Lydia is over the moon when her friend, widower Martin, tells her about a dance competition they will be taking part in. And while practicing together, Lydia understands that while making new memories, this is also an opportunity to understand her own heart better.
First of all, it was lovely to return to Driftwood Bay! And as Lydia wasn’t completely my favourite person in Meredith’s story (especially at the start of the book), I was very eager to see how life would be for her in Driftwood Bay, and how her relationship with Meredith would evolve.
And I have to admit, I totally devoured this book, I was totally smitten by the friendship, love and even the fears that are present in this book. Yes, even the sadder moments were perfectly fitting in the story.
On one hand it was sweet to see how at home Lydia has been feeling since her move to Driftwood Bay. And also how her relationship with Meredith has been growing. But in another way, it was also a bit sad to see that Lydia is still carrying around a lot of guilt of the mistakes of her past, and is trying to do the right thing without jeopardizing that still fragile bond between mother and daughter. And it was extra sad to see how lonely people can feel, even if they are surrounded by people that love them.
In that view, I found it great to see how the friendship between her and Martin grew stronger. It helps to create that bond when both their children are together with each other, but Martin seems to comprehend what Lydia needs. And he wants to put a smile on her face, by bringing her things that bring her happiness.
It is such a silly thought, do what brings you happiness. Yet how small those things may be, it’s true that even the smallest things can bring happiness. From seeing a sunset, a walk on the beach, or to just dance again. Anything can bring happiness, but it’s to find those little gems and use them.
Lydia in this book goes to a whirlwind of emotions. She loves being close to Meredith again, she is making new friends, finding new old passions again. But she also gets several scares… And while in a book it would be great if everything would run smoothly, life isn’t always a walk in the park and bad things can happen…
Perhaps for me personally it was a bit more difficult to relate completely to Lydia, because she could be my mother or grandmother even, but that didn’t take away the wonderful feelings I had while reading page after page! I found this an amazing and even inspiring story about how you are never too old to dream and to pursue your little happiness’s. And while pursuing those happy moments, you can learn to mend your own heart, and understand what it truly wants and needs… This is once again an amazing story by the hand of the talented Kim Nash, who had to fulfill my high expectations and succeeded in it splendidly! 😊
Sometimes one act of kindness can make a world of difference…
Synopsis
Meet Tilda Wright…
Tilda has done everything she can to make her life neat, protected, tidy. No longer the girl who was scared of everything, whose family pushed her away, who hit rock bottom. Now she runs her life – as she does her successful business – with the utmost organization. As long as she keeps everyone at arm’s length, she will be fine. She will be safe.
But then a chance encounter with a man who’s fallen on hard times changes everything. Milo needs a break, and self-contained Tilda surprises herself by deciding she should help him. Just for a while. A few days at the most.
Maybe all he needs is someone to organize him, to help him clean up his act? She is sure she knows how to kick-start Milo into turning his life around.
What Tilda doesn’t know is that – with this single act of kindness – it might actually be her own life that’s about to change forever…
My review
Tilda Wright has worked hard to make her cleaning business a successful one. her life has not only been easy, and she knows what it’s like to be rock-bottom. That is why now that finally her life is back on track, everything in her life is neat and protected. Tilda doesn’t do spontaneous, even her dinners are planned. And she keeps everyone at distance, not only the people that work for her, but also her neighbours, and even her own family. Yet that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t feel sorry for Milo, who is living on the streets, in her street. She knows how difficult life can be… So when Milo has been literally hit, she cannot leave him in pain on the streets. Even while everything inside her screams to not do it, she offers Milo her help. And Tilda makes it her plan to get Milo’s back life on track. But little does Tilda know that her act of kindness, no matter how much she eve surprised herself, could be an act that will change her life too…
How often do we see people on street and have our judgement ready? Yes, there are some people only pretending to be living on the streets, trying to gain some money from you. But now I am talking about the real people living on the street, how saw their lives falling apart, and having no other option that living on the streets.
And do we truly know what happens behind closed doors? What people, even the successful ones, are going through? What inner demons they are still fighting and trying to defeat? No, of course we don’t…
This book was in that aspect so overwhelming, making me realize that while I have had only little demons to fight, I can count myself lucky that I have never fallen so low. But also that falling so low is nothing to be ashamed of. Life can throw you lemons, and sometimes they hit you very hard…
It’s clear from the start that while Tilda is proudly running her own business, her life is not that okay at all. Ever since losing her father as a child, her whole life changed. From going to boarding school, not connecting with any other child there, losing the close bond she had with her little brother, her mother ready to pinpoint all Tilda’s “flaws”, leading all to that dramatic point in her life a few years ago… My heart just broke for her, and learning about her past for sure made me understand her nature and behaviour so much better. As she has been disappointed by so many people, she had to toughen up, even not letting her own cat, Dettol, getting too close. Because all that Tilda knows is that if you let someone too close, it will end in heartbreak.
So in a way it was lovely to see that despite Tilda’s hard lessons, she never lost her kindness. Every fibre in her bone screams to just walk away from Milo, to not offer some help, because you may never know how that would backlash. But with her heart screaming louder to help out, Tilda finds herself doing the exact opposite, and offers Milo the help he desperately needs.
Poor Milo… he also has been through a lot, and is also still carrying the burden and the guilt of what happened years ago. My heart broke also for him, because it’s clear that he wants to get his life back on track, but with being so at the bottom, it’s not easy to pick yourself back up…
He is even shocked himself with the help Tilda offers him, because he isn’t used to people being kind to him.
He understands that Tilda is still wary of him, but it was sweet to see how slowly Tilda is letting go of her strict policy, and how Milo is slowly getting the much needed opportunities all because of Tilda’s kind heart.
Obviously Tilda and Milo clash over a few things, but as they are both growing in the story, they also come more and more to an understanding. And there were a few revelations that came as a surprise to both the main characters and to me, but also a few revelations that for me were a bit obvious, yet I was eager to read how that revelation would flabbergast Tilda and/or Milo.
Can I just also say that Dettol is my personal hero in this book! I just wanted to grab her and give her all the possible hugs ever! 😊
This book shows us that even with a small gesture, an act of kindness can truly mean the world to someone. And that with one act, one gesture, it can also change our own lives. I was truly touched by this story, as it shows that no matter how deep you fall, it takes just one person to lift you back up. But also that even if we don’t see it, how events of the past can hold us back, not letting us being all that spontaneous again. But also that all it needs is one person, perhaps even one that irritates you, to bring spontaneity back in your life, just like letting love back in your life. And that can be by easy things, like learning how to pet an cat, or even rekindle broken relationships.
When the desire to escape brings a marriage of convenience…
Synopsis
Her betrothed cheated on her. The duke offers to save her. Can a marriage of convenience turn into true love?
In this steamy historical romance, a sheltered baron’s daughter and a celebrated duke agree on a marriage of convenience, but he has a secret that may ruin it all.
She is desperate to escape …
When Miss Annabel Ridley learns her betrothed has been unfaithful, she knows she must cancel the wedding. The problem is no one else seems to agree with her, least of all her father. With her wedding day approaching, she must find a way to escape her doomed marriage. She seeks out the Duke of Halmesbury to request he intercede with her rakish betrothed to break it off before the wedding day.
He is ready to try again …
Widower Philip Markham has decided it is time to search for a new wife. He hopes to find a bold bride to avoid the mistakes of his past. Fate seems to be favoring him when he finds a captivating young woman in his study begging for his help to disengage from a despised figure from his past. He astonishes her with a proposal of his own—a marriage of convenience to suit them both. If she accepts, he resolves to never reveal the truth of his past lest it ruin their chances of possibly finding love.
The Duke Wins a Bride is the delightful first book in the Inconvenient Brides series of steamy Regency romance books. If you like worthy heroes, strong heroines, fast-paced plots, and enduring connections, then you’ll adore Nina Jarrett’s charming novel. Can be read as a standalone book.
My review
Miss Annabel Ridley cannot wait to marry her betrothed. That is until she finds out that he has been unfaithful and isn’t planning on making any changes in his behaviour. No matter how hard Annabel tries to cancel the wedding, both her father as Richard want the wedding to take place. Her only option left is to ask the Duke of Halmesbury for help. But what Annabel doesn’t know, is that the Duke, Philip Markham, has just decided that the time has come to search for a new wife, after losing his first one. Wanting to avoid the mistakes of the past, he hopes that he can find a bold bride, even a fierce one. So when he finds Annabel in his study, he thinks that she may be the answer. Because a marriage of convenience is what they both need to solve their problems. And it for sure helps that Philip is captivated by Annabel. But even in Regency, can a marriage of convenience work, when Annabel is not perse looking for love, but at least respect? And where Philip has already been burnt in a marriage before?
I can truly enjoy reading a Regency story. But I enjoy those stories even more when there is a strong female lead, ready to fight for herself and her happiness.
And that is exactly the kind of character that Annabel is. We meet her when her wedding is approaching. And while perhaps there isn’t that big passionate love with her betrothed, there is a good base to start a marriage with. Until the moment she discovers that he has been unfaithful…
I have to admit, that moment, despite the tragedy for Annabel, put a little smile on my face, reading how Annabel sees the situation and compares it with well, animals… 😊
But of course it’s terrible for Annabel to see what Richard has been doing behind her back and isn’t even a tiny bit remorseful about it, or has any thoughts about acting differently after getting married to Annabel.
Just like Annabel, it angered me to read how both her father as Richard expected to just let the wedding take place, despite everything that happened… I was especially disappointed in her father, his lack of interest, his lack of even love towards Annabel and how only the title and reputation count for him…
So yes, while perhaps it isn’t the smartest idea, I could completely comprehend why Annabel decides to fight for herself and even isn’t afraid to put herself into danger, as long as it means that she can get the much needed help to escape that marriage.
Annabel is clearly not that meek woman everyone expects a woman to be. Even while requesting the help from the Duke, she doesn’t let him intimidate her, but she stands her ground. And only after realizing that what Philip offers is the best possible option, AND after she has made her own ‘inspection’ and added a few of her own stipulations, she agrees to the marriage of convenience.
It could have been a weird tactic of Philip, proposing marriage to a woman he just literally met. But slowly learning about his previous marriage, and understanding how that and losing his wife affected him, well it made a lot clear of the persona Philip is. He also immediately sees the fire that Annabel is, and that is exactly what he is looking for in his wife. So why would he look any further? And of course it helps a bit getting his own revenge.
Revenge that perhaps was also understandable, but also perhaps based on conclusions that were made too quickly, making him lose also his best friend…
But it was great to see Annabel and Philip slowly getting to know each other, learning from each other. Of course there are some hiccups and that trust isn’t gained all that easily. But slowly they are getting there, the both of them wanting to see the other one happy. Even if that means putting your own personal thoughts aside.
And their attraction for sure sparks from each page, but those sparks never take the spotlight. It is an important aspect in the relationship, but it’s also the emotional bond that they have that is just great to see, and the mutual interests that they have.
This was a lovely book to read, about strong characters trying to find a way to happiness. And while it all starts with a marriage of convenience, there is growth as a couple, understanding each other, and also most important, respect from both parties. And also learning to understand one’s own feelings and admitting them and not let fear hold you hold.
As this was the start of a brand new series, I cannot wait to see what else this author has in store for her readers! 😊
Abi is distraught when her ex-husband Alex takes their twelve-year-old daughter, Chloe to spend the summer with his glamorous fiancée Marisa and her parents at their home on the beautiful Italian island of Procida. Persuaded by her best friend to book a holiday at the island’s Hotel Paradiso, Abi finally meets the woman she’s been avoiding for so long. Will the two women’s strained relationship survive the summer?
One-time teenage swimming sensation, Loretta, has run the Hotel Paradiso since leaving Capri broken-hearted. When childhood friend Salvo comes to stay, Loretta is forced to confront her past and the fears that have kept her away from the water for forty years. But just as she finds the courage to open her heart, she discovers all is not as it seems with Salvo…
It’s a summer of new beginnings for Abi and Loretta – and one they will never forget.
Take a trip to Italy with Victoria Springfield for a summery getaway any time of the year!
My review
Abi is heartbroken when her ex – husband takes their daughter Chloe for the whole summer to the Italian island of Procida, with his fiancée and her parents. It’s not about the plans that Abi made herself, but more the fear that she is losing her daughter to the more glamourous side of life. S when her best friend persuades Abi to book a holiday at Procida’s Hotel Paradiso, Abi takes off, ready for the confrontation too with the woman that took her husband. Once upon arriving at Hotel Paradiso, Abi befriends the owner, Loretta, who has run the hotel since she left Capri heart – broken many years ago. But also for Loretta it’s time to face her past when an old friend appears to be staying at her place…
A story set in Italy? Do I really need more to pick a book up? Of course not! And it being set in a place so near my own roots, of course it has an advantage!
At first I have to admit, I didn’t truly warm towards Abi. Not because she is a bad person, or a terrible mother. But it felt like she was too clingy towards her daughter Chloe. I understand that Chloe is all Abi has left, but I also felt that Abi was relying a bit too much on Chloe being around and Chloe wanting to spend her time with her mother. Because Chloe is a teenager, and there can be nothing more humiliating for a teenager to be seen with her mother! 😊
So with those thoughts in my mind, I found it over the top that Abi flies over to Procida to check on her girl. I felt that Abi should have let Chloe enjoy a wonderful summer in a wonderful place, without having a mother lurking around each corner.
Yet it was bittersweet to see how Chloe needs her mother, even in a wonderful place like Procida, because no matter the setting, it’s clear that Chloe isn’t having the best summer ever. And being a teenager, not wanting to need your parents, yet wanting to need your parents, is only adding more confusing in the head of Chloe.
While I initially not truly liked Abi’s decision to go to Procida, it turns out to be that in fact it was the best decision she could make, as it’s clear that not only she is needed, but also that Abi is slowly learning to move forward and even perhaps think about her own future, and not let it rule by her daughter.
Of course there are some awkward situations, as Abi finds herself slightly forced to spend time with her ex – husband, his fiancée and her family. I felt the odd one out in her place! But just like any real Italian would, Marisa’s family welcomed Abi like she was truly a member of the family!
This book is a treat, as we get two stories for the price of one, because we also get to know Loretta, the owner of Hotel Paradiso. It’s clear from the start that Loretta has been through some dramatic moments in her, life, making her escape Capri and start a hotel in Procida. Not only is it the heartbreak she endured after a phenomenal achievement, but she is also haunted by an event that took place not that much later.
No matter how much Loretta tries to hide her demons, with the appearance of Salvo, it all quickly resurfaces. To only show us that sometimes hurt and shame can linger for a very long time.
But it was also sweet to see how with the arrival of Salvo, Loretta now is able to put everything into perspective, and put it behind her, even being able to look positively towards her own future, and even daring to open up her heart again…
I found this a heart – warming story, about two women at different stages of life. But somehow, they have both been holding back, because of their pasts. In that matter, it was inspiring to see how one summer can impact people. Yes, even during that one summer mistakes are made, miscommunications happen and fear is still holding them somehow back. But in this one specific summer, with meeting new and old people again, both Abi and Loretta find the courage to look forward to a future, a future with much more and brightful colours, because that is what opening your heart can do, make you take that plunge into the unknown. And yes, of course it helps to realize your potential in a setting as wonderful as Procida! 😊
Summer, 1816. A notorious rebel is about to meet her match…
Lady Georgiana Pendlebury is no stranger to breaking the rules of polite society. But when a so-called ‘friend’ invites her to a clandestine party, Georgiana is shocked to discover the event is more scandalous than even she could have imagined. So when a mysterious stranger offers help, she accepts, not realising their encounter will turn her life upside down.
Later that summer, Georgiana is invited to attend a house party at an infamous castle in Yorkshire. The gathering is a loosely veiled effort to arrange a marriage for the Duke of Northriding, who desperately needs an heir. Duke Gabriel Mauleverer has a terrible reputation as a rake, and Georgiana is happy to be a guest purely for the entertainment, but upon arrival, she is shocked to discover that the Duke is none other than the stranger who rescued her weeks earlier.
As the other ladies vie for the Duke’s attention, Georgiana is desperate to avoid their shocking secret getting out. But she finds herself caught, unable to avoid Gabriel’s gaze. Are they a threat to each other? Or could they be the answer to each other’s greatest desires?
My review
Lady Georgiana Pendlebury is not one that strictly follows the rules. But her not following rules is also what brings her in trouble during the summer of 1816, as someone she thought to be her friend invites her to a party that turns out to be more clandestine and scandalous than Georgie could ever imagine. It’s only with the help of a stranger that Georgie manages to get away. So obviously Georgie is shocked when she learns later that summer, during a house party in a castle in Yorkshire, that the Duke of Northriding, Gabriel Mauleverer, who has an infamous reputation, is the stranger who saved her. And it’s that same Duke that is now looking for a wife to give him an heir… While the other ladies are trying to gain Duke Gabriel’s attention, Georgie tries to avoid him at any cost, afraid that he will reveal her secret. But nevertheless, she manages to catch the Duke’s eye…
Regency… a period that has for sure always interested and intrigued me, especially as the female characters are limited in what they can and are allowed to do, yet strong characters arise, not letting society dictate them.
And Georgie for sure is a strong character, not always following the rules and follows her instinct. But she is also the kind of person that learns from her mistakes, and knows when to lay low. Yet she is also a woman that is ready to cut off ties when she has been victim of the wrong kind of friendships and makes her position and thoughts known. So even if being in the 19th century, Georgie is the kind of woman who stands her ground and doesn’t want to fit in if that means losing herself. She is also a very curious woman, bringing her perhaps in situations that a young woman like her shouldn’t be in.
Perhaps it’s just that curiosity and her behaviour to those situations, that it took me a while to warm towards her. Especially after reading what truly happened at that infamous party. I could understand her curiosity, but it somehow didn’t felt right for Georgie to act that way? Curiosity can be understood, but I don’t know how realistic (yes yes, I know this is a fictional book 😊) her behaviour truly was. Because being as innocent as she was, I don’t know if anyone would do that? But of course, if Georgie wouldn’t have acted that way, we wouldn’t have this story, right? 😊
As a reader, we obviously already know that the Duke will turn out to be that same stranger. That didn’t take away the fun I had reading how shocked Georgie was at that discovery! Because Georgie truly believed she would never encounter the stranger again, but was left flabbergasted to learn that she is actually staying in his castle.
The Duke for sure is a cheeky character, with an infamous reputation. Yet it’s to his credit that he understands what he must do for his family and is ready to do what must. But it was also nice to see a kinder side of him, a protective side, an understanding side, as while perhaps he lures Georgie into marrying him, but quickly realizes that Georgie and he are alike in many ways.
There is an instant physical attraction between the main characters, but there is also a reluctance into giving in, especially from Georgie’s side. And perhaps as a feminist, it angered me that Gabriel wouldn’t just take no for an answer, even if it were perhaps a case of ‘I say no but perhaps I mean yes’. In my eyes ‘no’ means ‘no’ and everyone should respect that. But once again, if Gabriel would have accepted Georgie’s answer, well, we wouldn’t have this book…
It was in a way sweet to see how slowly the two characters are learning to trust each other, to get to know each other and also just learn from each other. Of course there are a few extra dramatic moments in this book, but while those moments were quickly resolved, it also gave Gabriel and Georgie the chance to understand their own feelings better, and see what has been clear for the readers from the start.
There are also a few side stories that perhaps during Regency would absolutely cause a scandal, but in current times wouldn’t be so scandalous. Yet for being in those times, I admired those characters for the choices they dared to make, not bothering what society may think.
This was an entertaining story, about a young woman making her own choices, even sometimes the wrong ones, but finding someone that matches her perfectly. The spice for sure is present in this book, but while in other books that overshadowed the plot line, in this book it for sure didn’t, as it fitted greatly to the main characters and their persona.
To work together with the person you hate the most, to save your home…
Synopsis
He wasn’t banking on someone else taking the reins…
Lady Estelle Foxbrooke is done cleaning up the mess left by her wild parents. She’s got a plan: take the reins and save the family estate her way. But then she’s saddled with a business partner she’s hated all her life. He’s her twin brother’s worst enemy and looms in her path like a six-foot-four hurdle.
After a catastrophic business failure, rich and successful James Hunter-Savage has watched his dream life in London crash and burn. Forced to ditch the city for the Somerset countryside, he’s now living with his parents and expected to work with the infuriatingly attractive Estelle. She’s sharper than a whip, pushes all his buttons, and seems determined to break him.
As Estelle and James jockey for position, their explosive personalities combust into passion, sending Estelle’s plans to the edge of ruin. With James’s flimsy reputation in tatters, and the biggest event on the Foxbrooke calendar on the brink of collapse, will they realise their love is worth fighting for? Or are their hearts and hard work heading for the ultimate fall?
The Upper Crush is a laugh-out-loud, enemies-to-lovers, steamy, standalone, smalltown romantic comedy with a fiery country girl giving a cocky city boy a run for his money. No cheating or cliffhanger, but snort-laughs, swoons and a deliciously happy ending guaranteed in this sparkling and sizzling romcom!
My review
Lady Estelle Foxbrooke may be a lady in name, but she also carries around the burden of the wild life her parents have. Once again it’s up to her to save the day, and she is ready to take the reins and save the family estate. But this time it will be on her terms. That is until she learns that her business partner is no one else but James Hunter – Savage, the man she has hated all her life, and her twin brother’s enemy. But for her home, she is ready to work together with her nemesis. Yet what Estelle doesn’t know, is that James has seen his life fall apart after one wrong decision. Living back with his excentric parents, James is forced to work with Estelle, in order to restore his reputation. But working together is not easy, and it’s only because of Estelle’s despise of James. Because they both have explosive personalities, and also their visions clash. Yet that doesn’t stop their feelings to shift into the passionate kind…
When I started with this book, I kinda knew what to expect, but in a way, I also didn’t know what to expect. I have to admit, I haven’t read the previous books of this series, and while everything what happened before, and all the dynamics were explained very clearly, I now have the need to read those parts too. Although that won’t be a too big of a sacrifice! 😊
I liked Estelle from the very start. Because it’s obvious she is a fierce woman, knowing her mind. But it’s also clear that somehow she is carrying around a lot of burden. Not only because her parents don’t have the most conventional relationship, but also because she is the one that has to come and save the day. And with a strong-willed family like hers, it isn’t always that easy to stand her ground.
Yet we also see the very protective nature of Estelle. Because for sure she deeply despises James for the way he has behaved towards her twin brother. And for sure she won’t ever forget that or will let the past be in the past.
And that protectiveness turns her into a feisty tiger, ready to make James pay for what he has done. The things she does to make it clear to James what she thinks of him are just over the top hilarious. If only I could come up with some of her ideas! 😊
Nevertheless, no matter how much Estelle tries to fight it, it’s clear that there is something simmering between the pair. And wow, for sure that gave some serious sparks when the heat just got too much! I have to say, I don’t know how Estelle managed to resist James that long! Because that man for sure knows how to get a woman all flustered!
But don’t be fooled by James’ behaviour. Because once I learnt about his real situation, and how he is struggling to not only save his face but so much more, I understood him so much better. His reputation is just a façade, while he is trying his best to just keep everything afloat. And his own family isn’t truly helping around…
Beside the attraction between Estelle and James, it was just too funny to see them clashing. They have different views over how to make the event a success, each with their own reasons. And there isn’t a wrong side or a right side, as each side was comprehendible.
This isn’t only a steamy romance (but there is plenty of it 😊) but there is also a lot of room for several kind of drama, jeopardizing everything that has been building up till that point. By that drama we can see how fragile not only Estelle’s and James’ relationship is, but also how important openness and communication is…
I truly enjoyed reading this book, even if sometimes I wished that they would finally be getting to the point I wanted them to come, as there were coming curveballs after curveballs. All while I just wanted to see their happiness!
But most important, I truly enjoyed reading how people may have a certain idea of you, only learning by spending time together (forced or not), that to each story there are two sides. And that we never know what is hidden behind the façade, who is hidden behind a reputation, until we take the time to discover those bits, by exposing layer after layer.
This was a great book to read and made me very eager to discover what happened previously as I know that Estelle’s siblings for sure will be just as amazing to get to know as Estelle was in this book!
Primrose Woods, the perfect place to start over again
Synopsis
Primrose Hall is more than Jackson Moody and his fiancée Pia’s home – it’s the heart of the community.
The Sunday craft fairs in the renovated stables are a popular draw for the locals and tourists alike, enticed by the beautiful surroundings of Primrose Woods as well as the irresistible goodies on display. But for Sophie Wright they’re a chance to forge a new life and a new business. After leaving behind a turbulent relationship, Sophie is starting again – and romance is the last thing on her mind.
Drop dead gorgeous Tom Moody, Lord of the Manor Jackson’s newly-discovered older brother, is loving being a member of the Primrose Hall community. Content to muck in where he can be helpful, he’s just happy to be part of the family. But when tragedy strikes, Pia needs Tom more than he ever expected. And when Tom needs a shoulder to cry on, Sophie might be the perfect person to help – if only she hadn’t sworn off romance for good…
Join the gang at Primrose Hall for laughter, tears, friendship and romance, perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Heidi Swain and Julie Houston.
My review
After the end of her relationship, Sophie Wright is ready to start over. She cannot wait to her new life to start, together with her new business. And she for sure counts herself lucky, as at first she had the help from a friend, and now she is lucky to have found her own place, surrounded by the Primrose Woods. A fresh start, with no room for romance. That is until at the Sunday craft fairs in Primrose Hall she meets Tom. Tom is Lord of the Manor Jackson’s older and just found brother. While the relationship with Jackson at moments is still not easy at moments, Tom loves having found his family. He is ready to help anywhere he can, while trying to think where his future may be. And after breaking up with his girlfriend, love is the last thing on his mind. But when tragedy strikes, and Pia, Jackson’s fiancée needs Tom’s help, it Sophie that is there for Tom…
What a delight it was returning to Primrose Hall! After the previous books I was left with a few questions so obviously I was thrilled to have a whole new book!
Sophie for sure was a great character to discover. I admired her choices, as how she managed to get out of a relationship before it became really toxic. And I admired her how determined she was not only to start all over again, but she was also determined to finally chase her own dreams and find a way to make it all work.
Of course, seeing how her relationship ended, I understood why she clearly states that she has no time for romance anymore, and how she will focus only on herself from now on. After what she has been through, she absolutely deserves to create her own happiness. I liked it how she was able to see how bad her relationship was getting, even becoming dangerous, a downward spiral. So she took the matter in her own hands, before things got out of control.
It was also heart – warming to see how she found a helping in perhaps the least obvious person, but seeing how that friendship evolve, was truly amazing. But Sophie isn’t the kind of person that is just on the receiving side of help, because she herself is also an amazing friend. Whenever she can, she doesn’t hesitate to help, and she just shows kindness to everyone and everywhere.
And it’s her kind character that makes her connect with Tom, together with an alike ‘sad’ story. Because Tom for sure also deserve all the possible hearts. I can only try to imagine how it feels to find your family. And while his father has been very accepting, it was heart – breaking to see Tom’s attempts to bond with Jackson…
But this situation isn’t one where there is party right and one party wrong… normally siblings grow up together, and that bond is there automatically. But when you just meet as adults, it’s way more difficult and it for sure takes time to get accustomed to each other.
While the situation with Jackson isn’t an easy one, it was sweet to see how Tom finds himself belonging somewhere. The missing pieces have finally been found and put into the right place. But that is the charm of Primrose Hall and everyone living around the Woods, it’s such a welcoming and open community, where there is room for everyone!
In this book we also have some more Pia & Jackson – time which was absolutely delightful! Perhaps at moments I found Jackson a bit selfish and thoughtless, but let’s not forget where he came from. So even those few missteps are easily covered by the blanked of love! 😊
Yet the main focus of this book is definitely on Sophie and Tom. And they for sure deserve that spotlight! Because they show us not only how a friendship can evolve, but also how sometimes we let fear of rejection hold us back. We see clearly the feelings change into something deeper, but both parties are aware of what has been said in the past, how neither of them was ready yet to love again. And what they have now, is too tender to be jeopardized by perhaps not reciprocated feelings.
But this book is also about family and the sometimes difficult dynamics in it. We see how everyone wants to protect everyone, only having the opposite results sometimes. While things are done out of love, sometimes it’s not always the best choice. Nevertheless, we see that family loves every member unconditionally, despite the errors, and no matter how long someone has been in the family group. And we also see how much a family wants to help, again unconditionally and full of love.
This was once again a beautiful, heart – warming story, set in a wonderful place, filled with so many nice characters. I found myself surrounded by love, kindness and generosity. Jill Steeples wrote a magnificent story about characters that even if they are determined not to fall for it, deserve all the best kind of love in their lives.
When your Gran needs your help, you would do anything, wouldn’t you?
Synopsis
A Greek island holiday. A fake-dating pact. A chance at true love?
After losing her job as a book scout, hopeless romantic Evie needs a fresh start. So when she hears that her eccentric grandmother has just taken on a small bookshop in Santorini, Evie jumps at the chance to visit her.
But life on the island is not as idyllic as it first seems. Gran has a tempestuous relationship with her landlord and he’s threatening to take the bookshop away from her. So when Gran asks Evie to fake a romance with her landlord’s Greek God of a grandson, Georgios, to keep the family on side, she reluctantly agrees.
As the sun sets on Evie’s Greek holiday, can she save the bookshop – and fake date her way to love?
My review
Evie truly enjoyed being a book scout, until her new boss decided to go a different direction, making Evie end up without a job. Finding a new job isn’t that easy, and as she needs a fresh start and decide which direction to take next, the chance to visit her excentric Gran in Santorini is the perfect getaway. But Evie doesn’t only go there to visit Floretta as she truly misses her Gran, but also because Floretta is known to act impulsively. Especially now Floretta has gotten married once again, and took over a small bookshop. A bookshop the landlord is threating to take away from Floretta. So with Evie in Santorini, Floretta thinks it would be perfect to get on the landlord’s good side if Evie would be dating his grandson Georgios, or rather, fake – dating… To protect her Gran, Evie agrees with the scheme. But as her holiday comes to an end, will she be able to save the bookshop? And what about Georgios, as it may have started as faking to date him, but was is truly all just pretend?
When I picked up this book, I had never heard of a book scout before. And I have to say, that for sure seemed a wonderful job to have: reading books to see if they would work on the big screen. And as Evie was responsible for the romantic books, well I actually envied her! But that wasn’t the only thing I could relate to, with a character as Evie. Because she isn’t the most extravert character, and prefers to sit quietly in a corner, totally enthralled by the books she is reading. She doesn’t even truly dares to stand up after being let go, she just meekly packs her stuff and leaves.
Her persona is the total opposite of the rest of her family… her mother is a fancy lawyer, her sister is make a name of her own as an actress, and then there is Floretta, her Gran. Floretta is a very outspoken person, very extravert. She loves falling in love, and has been married many many times. I have to admit, reading how each of her husbands left the scene, for sure made me a bit suspicious of her… I would never dare to get on her wrong side, as I would honestly fear for my life! And even if Floretta is still walking around freely, I never was completely sure of her innocence! Luckily at the end of the book, a lot is made clear! 😊
With fake – dating as a plot, we often think about two parties agreeing to pretend of being together for a greater good. But I liked it how the author gave this trope a twist, as Evie is only seeing Georgios to save the bookshop. While perhaps it is not an honest thing to do, faking an interest in a person and even playing him, it fitted the story. But it was also good to see how that ploy completely backfired, as Evie and Georgios are actually growing closer together. And while Evie believes she is still pretending, the pretence is long over.
As Evie spends more and more time with Georgios, she dares to get out of her rather closed world. Initially she doesn’t agree on everything Georgios has planned, but slowly she finds the courage to get out of her comfort zone and she starts doing things she never imagined she would be doing.
And Georgios for sure shows patience and understanding towards Evie. He doesn’t push her to do what she truly doesn’t want to do. But his presence somehow makes Evie to want to be more courageous. And that was lovely to see, how a person without doing something that exceptional, makes you want to do unthinkable things!
Floretta is, like I said, a force to reckon with. but her passion for the bookshop for sure also sparks from each page. She invested a lot in the place, wanting it to make something spectacular. And I could totally see the complete picture, a place to lose yourself in this wonderful place, but also having that little extra thing that nowhere else can be found.
I found myself not only totally falling in love with not only the bookshop, but also with Santorini itself. It felt like I was discovering the island alongside Evie, feeling the charm of it. All that on top of reading a wonderful story about how the desire to save a place that matters can turn into a place that feels like home, finding a place where you belong and even a place to find love.
Tizi’s Book Review 