Friday 29 November 2019

Messy Wonderful Us - by Catherine Isaac



The blurb: 


One morning in early summer, a man and woman wait to board a flight to Italy. 

Allie has lived a careful, focused existence. But now she has unexpectedly taken leave from her job as an academic research scientist to fly to a place she only recently heard about in a letter. Her father, Joe, doesn’t know the reason for her trip, and Allie can’t bring herself to tell him that she’s flying to Italy to unpick the truth about what her mother did all those years ago.

Beside her is her best friend since schooldays, Ed. He has just shocked everyone with a sudden separation from his wife, Julia. Allie hopes that a break will help him open up.

But the secrets that emerge as the sun beats down on Lake Garda and Liguria don’t merely concern her family’s tangled past. And the two friends are forced to confront questions about their own life-long relationship that are impossible to resolve.



My Opinion:


*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*


I can't even describe how excited I was for this book. Ever since Catherine Isaac published You Me Everything last year, I wanted more. And she topped it with this!!!

We follow Allie in this story, who is an academic research scientist and has always been careful and organized in her life.
Well, she finds a letter in grandmother's things, talking about a possible boyfriend her mother had, when she was young, namely 9 months before Allie was born. She can't ask her mother, because she died when she was six years old. Her grandmother didn't want to talk about the topic, so Allie decides to go to Italy and find out herself. 

Always by her side is her best friend Ed. They have been best friends since childhood. Ed is married to Julia, but things aren't easy. Him going away with Allie doesn't help. 
Well, their path leads them and us readers on a journey through Italy. The way of finding Stefano isn't easy, they are not successful everywhere. Of course, they spend a lot of time together and one thing kind of leads to another. 
When they eventually find Stefano, things also turn out to be a bit different than expected. 

The great thing about this story: we can read it from different perspectives: Allie, Ed and also the grandmother, which means we learn a lot about her past as well as Allie's mum's past. 

I loved seeing Italy through their eyes and I think Catherine Isaac captured all their feelings beautifully, it was very touching and emotional. A roller-coaster ride with ups and downs and the ending, omg, quite something. 

Rating:










Catherine Isaac on Twitter: @CatherineIsaac_

Tuesday 26 November 2019

Release Day Blitz - Six Weeks of Loving You by Karli Perrin


Get your tissues ready! Six Weeks of Loving You by Karli Perrin is now LIVE and free in KU! This is an epic tale of love, hope and second chances. Download your copy today! mybook.to/SixWeeksofLovingYou



BLURB - 
The news reporters called it a disaster.
The doctors called it a miracle.
I could still walk. I could still talk. I could still remember every little detail about the train crash.
Until I couldn’t.
Six weeks later, I lost my memory. 
I woke up believing that it was the morning of the accident.
Six weeks after that, it happened again.
I have retrograde amnesia. I’ve damaged a part of my brain which allows me to recall the recent past. In other words, I have an extremely limited short-term memory – six weeks to be exact. 
The train derailed eighteen months ago.
I’ve relived that morning twelve times.
When I meet Spencer Hale, I put up a huge fight. 
I won’t let him in. I can’t let him in. But with each day that passes, my walls begin to come down.
I get one step closer to loving him. 
And one step closer to losing him.
Welcome to the train wreck that is my life.


Sunday 24 November 2019

A Million Dreams - by Dani Atkins



The blurb: 
 
Beth Brandon always dreamed of owning a florist, but today the bouquets of peonies and bright spring flowers are failing to calm her nerves. Because today, Beth has a life-changing decision to share with her husband.
Izzy Vaughan thought she and her husband would stay together forever, but sometime last year, their love began to fade. They both find such joy in their young son Noah – but is he enough to keep them together?
Eight years ago, something happened to these two women. Something that is about to bring them together in a way no-one thought possible...
Thought-provoking, emotional and uplifting, this is a gripping love story for fans of Jojo Moyes and Amanda Prowse.

My Opinion:

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Beth Brandon’s and Izzy Vaughan’s lives are suddenly connected in very special circumstances, both are willing to fight for what they want, so be prepared for an emotional roller-coaster. 

Well, let’s start at the beginning. When Beth loses her husband, everything changes, there is a possibility to still have part of him in her life, she goes for it. On the way she meets Liam, who has lost his wife and they start spending a lot of time together. 
Izzy’s marriage is falling apart, luckily there is Noah, their son, but is he enough for them to stay together?!

Noah is suddenly the centre of the story, without knowing it. A lot of emotions and feelings are involved; it was interesting to read about both sides. I didn’t always understand their way of thinking though and sometimes got frustrated with how it developed. I also felt like the story dragged a little bit at times and it took a long time to get to the point. 

I think the author did a great job with the characters, as well as the idea of the story. It really grabbed me from the start and even though I didn’t always understand the characters, I really enjoyed the story. It’s very touching and moving!!


Rating:



About the author

Dani Atkins is an award-winning novelist. Her 2013 debut FRACTURED (published as THEN AND ALWAYS in North America) has been translated into sixteen languages and has sold more than half a million copies since first publication in the UK. Dani is the author of four other bestselling novels, one of which, This Love, won the Romantic Novel of the Year Award in 2018. Dani lives in a small village in Hertfordshire with her husband, one Siamese cat and a very soppy Border Collie.

Follow Dani: 

Twitter: @AtkinsDani
Facebook: @DaniAtkinsAuthor

Buy links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/30LKHyv

Kobo:  https://bit.ly/2JOaAXW
iBooks: https://apple.co/2OjhXdD
Google Play: https://bit.ly/30M6pSE

Follow Head of Zeus

Twitter: @HoZ_Books
Facebook: @headofzeus
Instagram: @headofzeus


Tuesday 12 November 2019

The Day We Meet Again – by Miranda Dickinson


The blurb: 

‘We’ll meet again at St Pancras station, a year from today. If we’re meant to be together, we’ll both be there. If we’re not, it was never meant to be . . .’
Phoebe and Sam meet by chance at St Pancras station. Heading in opposite directions, both seeking their own adventures, meeting the love of their lives wasn’t part of the plan. So they make a promise: to meet again in the same place in twelve months' time if they still want to be together.
But is life ever as simple as that?
This is a story of what-ifs and maybes – and how one decision can change your life forever…

My Opinion:


The concept and the idea of this story are absolutely brilliant, well done Miranda Dickinson!!!

Two people meet at the train station, when all trains are delayed. They spend some time together and really hit it off. Sparks between them fly immediately. However, they go to two very opposite directions and have plans of staying there for a year. One year later they want to meet again in the same spot. If it's meant to be they will, otherwise not.

Lucy and Sam talk to each other on the phone during that year, they text a lot and write postcards. Their feelings intensify and get deep, but what will happen a year later?! 

I will of course not tell you more, but as a reader you are just eagerly waiting for that day one year later. The story is full of surprises and the ending seemed a bit unnatural for me, I still enjoyed it very much. Miranda Dickinson's style is gripping, emotional, funny, exciting and so much more. She really knows how to get her readers hooked and creates this special, wonderful and unique story. The storyline is amazing, especially in the beginning.

A wonderful story based around two great characters, who discover themselves and start to build a new life, just brilliant!!! 

Rating:




Miranda Dickinson on Twitter: @wurdsmyth


Tuesday 5 November 2019

Starlight Over Bluebell Castle – by Sarah Bennett



The blurb: 


The most magical time of the year…


Jessica Ridley’s life has just been turned upside-down – and not in a good way! So when blast-from-the-past Tristan Ludworth invites her to stay at Bluebell Castle and transform it into a winter wonderland, it’s the perfect distraction for Jess and her two young children…

Jessica is used to planning even the most elaborate events in her sleep, but she certainly didn’t expect to be working so closely with Tristan at the castle – or that she could still find him quite so handsome after all this time!

And with a little holiday magic in the air, it’s becoming harder and harder to resist his charms. Can Tristan convince Jess to give love one more chance, just in time for Christmas?

My Opinion:

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Starlight Over Bluebell Castle is book three in Sarah Bennett’s Bluebell Castle series. It can totally be read as a standalone, but I recommend the whole series, it’s wonderful! 

Tristan Ludworth gets his story told as well. He works with Jessica Ridley, who is going through a big change in her life. Well, their story started years ago, she had a crush on him and he seemed interested as well, but things progressed in a different direction. Now, he gives her the chance to work with him at the castle. 

Life is different now, Jess has her two sons to look after as well. I really adored the boys, they added a lot of fun and cuteness to the story. Sparks definitely fly between her and Tristan and it was interesting to see how their relationship developed. 

Of course Tristan’s family played an important part in this book as well and it was fab to catch up with Iggy and Arthur and everyone else. 

Sarah Bennett created this wonderful, magical and sweet atmosphere, added a lot of feeling and passion to the story and created these great characters, I loved it!!!

Rating:





Sarah Bennett on Twitter: @Sarahlou_writes

Friday 1 November 2019

Release Day Blitz - Just a Kiss by Carrie Elks


Title: Just A Kiss
Author: Carrie Elks
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: Nov 1, 2019
Cover Designed by: Najla Qamber

Beautiful, perfect and everything he needs.
Caitie Russell's big brother is getting married. As the proud owner of Holiday Magic, Caitie is the obvious choice to organise the perfect Christmas wedding. Piece of cake, right?
If it weren't for one gorgeous man-shaped problem...
Her brother's best friend, Brecken Miller.

He was her first crush.
Her first kiss.
Her first broken heart…

Construction worker Brecken Miller is a modern-day Scrooge.
The confirmed bachelor would rather pull his nails out than celebrate Christmas, until he sees Caitie again.
Like a moth to a flame he’s drawn to her.
But there’s a problem with fire. It always leaves a scar.

Buy Links

AMAZON US LINK: https://amzn.to/2mNZzOr

AMAZON UK LINK: https://amzn.to/2mp25KB

AMAZON UNIVERSAL LINK: http://mybook.to/JustAKiss



Excerpt 
When the door closed behind her for a second time, Caitie bit down a smile and slowly turned to look at Breck. He was leaning on the wall, arms folded across his chest, the skin at the corner of his eyes crinkling up as he smiled at her.
“Hello,” he said, his smile widening.
“Hi.”
She felt breathless as the air around them snapped and crackled. The hairs on her neck stood up. Breck slowly pushed off the wall and walked over to the sofa where she was standing, his strides long and confident.
Caitie didn’t move. She wasn’t even sure if she could. Her muscles were tense with anticipation, her skin tingling with need. There was a half-smile on his lips as he reached out for her chin, using the pads of his fingers to tip her face up.
“Cait…” His voice caressed her ears. She loved the way her name sounded on his lips.
“Did you know you’re the only one who calls me that?” she asked breathlessly.
“Do you mind?”
She shook her head slowly, his fingers still holding her. “No. I like it.” Too much.
He took another step forward, his eyes firmly on hers. “I like it, too,” he said. “The same way I like you.”
Her chest tightened. Standing so close to him felt overwhelming. She could smell the woody scent of his cologne, feel his firm touch as his fingers caressed her jaw. Everywhere she looked, all she saw was him.
“Where were we last week?” he asked her.
The corner of her lip quirked up. “Remind me?”
He chuckled and lowered his head until his lips were a breath away from hers. She could see the thickness of his eyelashes, the strong line of his nose, the warmth of his skin where it was kissed by the California sun.
“I think it was a little like this,” he murmured, brushing his lips against hers.

Advance Praise For Just A Kiss
'Another trip to Angel Sands, and another beautifully written romance. The entire book is gorgeous.' - MB, Goodreads reviewer
'Undeniable chemistry, bro code guilt, a single-minded flirty bridesmaid, & it makes a fun, roller-coaster of a holiday romance'- Steph, Goodreads reviewer 
‘The perfect beachy Christmas romance with lots of steam.’– Lea, Goodreads reviewer 



About The Author
Carrie Elks writes contemporary romance with a sizzling edge. Her first book, Fix You, has been translated into eight languages and made a surprise appearance on Big Brother in Brazil. Luckily for her, it wasn’t voted out. Carrie lives with her husband, two lovely children and a larger-than-life black pug called Plato. When she isn’t writing or reading, she can be found baking, drinking an occasional (!) glass of wine, or chatting on social media.

Thursday 31 October 2019

The Garden on Sparrow Street – by Tilly Tennant


The blurb: 

As the cold winter nights draw in, escape to the sleepy town of Wrenwick, where the streets sparkle with snow and a lonely young widow is about to find that true love really can strike twice… 

As Christmas cheer fills Sparrow Street with excitement, grieving widow Nina is having a hard time. December is always a difficult month to face without her beloved husband Gray, the days feel long and bleak, and to cap it all, she’s just lost her job. 

So when Nina hears that Sparrow Street’s Community Garden, one of Gray’s favourite places, is to be put up for sale she knows she must do something. Filled with purpose, she gathers the residents of Sparrow Street around her to turn the neglected patch of land into a Garden of Memories. 

Working with her neighbours, single mum Kelly and eighty-year-old Ada, Nina soon finds that she’s not the only lonely soul on Sparrow Street. And as the community comes together and the garden flourishes, Nina can’t help but be drawn to Irish gardener Colm with his sparkling blue eyes and kind heart, finding herself confiding in him about all her recent troubles. 

But just as Colm and Nina grow closer and he opens up to her about his own secret loss, Colm’s estranged wife returns from Scotland, wanting to try again. Nina knows she should let the man she’s falling for go – it’s the right thing to do. But what if fate has other plans in store? Will the beautiful garden on Sparrow Street have brought two people together only for Nina’s cautious heart to push them apart? 

If you love an uplifting, moving love story, then The Garden on Sparrow Street is the perfect romantic read to curl up with on a winter’s afternoon. Fans of Josie Silver and Carole Matthews will love this book! 

My Opinion:

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

In this story we follow Nina, who has lost her husband and it’s always especially difficult during Christmas time. The community garden one one of her husband’s favourite places and when it’s put up for sale, she knows, she hast o do something. 

The whole comminity comes together to create a garden of memories. Nina is drawn to gardener Colm and they slowly grew closer. When things get serious, his wife comes back to town, which complicates things of course. 

Nina has a great friend in Robyn, who has lost her husband as well. I loved these two women being there for each other and we got to read about Robyn’s story as well. 

Tilly Tennant created a beautiful atmosphere and ambiance, her writing is fresh and sweet. 

A lovely and wonderful story full of heart and love!


Rating:



Tilly Tennant on Twitter: @TillyTenWriter


Sunday 27 October 2019

The Gift of Happiness – by Holly Martin


The blurb: 


Christmas has arrived in the little village of Happiness, promising snowflakes, hot chocolate and plenty of seasonal romance. So snuggle up and fall in love with the gorgeously cosy new story from the bestselling author of Christmas at Lilac Cottage…

Christmas has always been such an important part of Ruby Marlowe’s life and at a time of year that always holds so many memories, Ruby likes to throw herself into the magic of the season head first. So when she is offered the opportunity to open a year-round Christmas shop in the little village of Happiness it seems like a dream come true.

Accepting the offer has absolutely nothing to do with sexy Jacob Harrington, the sculptor she had a fling with in the village during the summer.

After all, Jacob is known to love the ladies and has never had a commitment. Ruby, on the other hand, made the ultimate vow of love and suffered heart-wrenching loss in return. She vows she will never be committed to a man again.

But when fate throws Ruby and Jacob together in this town in the most magical of seasons, will more than snowflakes fall? As the Christmas celebrations get underway and Ruby tries to spread her own Christmas magic over the little village, can love sparkle and come back to life.

A glorious, feel-good romance that’s like a warm hug on a cold winter’s day. An unputdownable festive treat for lovers of Sarah Morgan, Miranda Dickinson and Lucy Diamond.

My Opinion:

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*


We are back in the lovely village of Happiness and I couldn't be more excited.

The main character in this book is Ruby Marlowe, who goes to Happiness to sell her Christmas things. Her store is not ready yet, so she has to share with a guy called Phoenix Blade. Well, it turns out she knows him. It's Jacob Harrington, her summer fling, you could call it. Apparently, the chemistry was really there, but she definitely doesn't want more. 

Ruby's best friend Willow is also still in Happiness and of course still together with the lovely Andrew. Jacob is Andrew's brother. It was so lovely to read about them again. Their story develops as well in this book, which is just great. 

Let's get back to Ruby and Jacob now. Sharing the same store, evidently means spending a lot of time together. Well, one thing leads to another of course, but Ruby just shoves away her feelings. She went through a lot in her past and it's hard for her to move on, even though she clearly feels attracted to him. Jacob is absolutely adorable to her, cares for her, helps her and does everything for her, even if it's his greatest fear. 

Their scenes and special moments are captured beautifully and it feels very intimate. Holly Martin's descriptive, deep and emotional writing is on point and very gripping. The characters go through a lot emotionally and have lots of people Round them, caring for them. The book is set around Christmas time and that adds a lot of magic to it. Happiness is the perfect festive town and all the festivities and events are lovely. The setting of this book is absolutely perfect and unique. 

I fell in love with the characters and the story immediately. The storyline is very exciting and full of ups and downs, Holly Martin's writing is beautiful and full of feelings and passion!

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!


Rating:


  

Tuesday 22 October 2019

Outscored – by Aven Ellis


The blurb: 

One bubbly seasonal decorator. One fiery hockey captain. And a wagon full of gnomes who play matchmaker better than Cupid…

When seasonal stylist Whitney Green heads to a Denver flea market to find gnomes for a client’s upcoming party, she thinks she has hit the jackpot when she discovers a slew of them.

Little does she know that gnomes aren’t going to be the only thing she picks up that Saturday.

When fate throws Whitney and hockey superstar Gavin Tremblay together, she finds herself questioning her policy of staying on the bench when it comes to romance. She came to the Rockies to escape the pain of a broken heart. Not to date. Especially when she knows she is due to return to Seattle in four months and she can’t figure out what went wrong in her last relationship…

The captain isn’t looking for love, either. Battered and bruised by not only a broken romance but a devastating leg injury, he’s focused on getting his game back. The last time he trusted his heart it gutted him. He refuses to go down that path again.
But the chemistry between Gavin and Whitney is too hot to deny and falling in love is the only option. However, when personal fears come to the surface and cause problems between them, can a relationship prevail? Or will defense outscore offense in this game of love?

Outscored is a laugh out loud, swoony romance with a good-boy hero and a hilarious heroine. Flamingos, gnomes, and a happily ever after are guaranteed in this book. 

My Opinion:

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

We are finally back in Denver with the Mountain Lions and captain Gavin Tremblay gets his story. 

The leading lady in this book is Whitney Green, she is a seasonal decorator and is only in Boulder on a temporary basis. Interior design really is her thing and that's why she finds herself on flee markets quite regularly. That's where she bumps into her friend Skye (yes, we all know her and Maxime), they are on a double date with Gavin and a friend of Skye
s, but she doesn't seem to be his type. When Gavin and Whitney start speaking, they hit it off immediately. They get on so well that the go in a date the next day. 

It's a beautiful date in the Denver National Park area and they really have the best time. It's clear that they are made for each other and sparks fly between them. Of course things have to develop first, but the chemistry is there for sure and Aven Ellis captures it beautifully. 

I really adored their scenes and moments, it was like watching a movie. Gavin had a terrible injury at the end of last season and when the new season starts, he struggles. Whitney tries to be there for him, but it's not as easy as it seems. She fights to stay in Boulder and that is also easier said than done. He encourages her as well and is always there for her, now he just needs to let her in as well. All this leads to an exciting and dramatic storyline with lots of ups and downs.

Whitney's best friend Lila plays a very important role as well. Friendship is a key point in this story anyways and I really loved that aspect of it. Of course the other thing I really enjoyed is the hockey and it was interesting to see a struggling player for once. 

Aven Ellis has done it again, a wonderful story! I can't wait for the next one. 

Rating:




Aven Ellis on Twitter: @AvenEllis