Tuesday 31 May 2016

B-Side – by Elle Field

My own copy
Original Cover














The blurb:

"What do I honestly know about the music industry? I’m just another idiot with a dream who is naive enough to hope that I might be the next big star."

Etta Millhouse has always had big musical ambitions to match her big voice, but she’s also got three very big problems - the addiction she won’t admit to, her godmother’s illness she can no longer ignore, and her godmother’s useless business partner (who she wishes she could ignore).

Keeping an eye on Arielle’s bad business decisions is the last thing Etta wants to do when she’s offered the chance to record a demo with a top producer. But, a promise is a promise, even if it has her reaching for another pick-me-up... And then another. And then one more.

When the secret she must keep for her godmother, Felicity, sends her drug habit spiralling out of control, can Etta battle her demons in time and make her dream happen? Or, will her music career be over before it’s even begun?

My Opinion:

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

B-Side is a spin off novel in the Kept series by Elle Field, it’s officially book 2.5, because the stpry is about another character, but it’s all still part of the series.

B-Side tells the story of Etta, who wants to be a successful singers, but several things are in her way: her godmother Felicity’s illness, Arielle (her godmother’s business partner) and her own addiction (she won’t admit to). Etta has a difficult life and had to go through a lot in her past, that’s probably also the reason for her drug addiction. It’s time for her to make a decision and basically decide between family and her career.
The story is very character driven and actually plays at the same time of Lost (book 2 in the series). It was great to get another perspective of the whole story and setting. Unfortunately, I had quite a tough time relating or even liking Etta. Believe me I tried, but it just didn’t work, I just didn’t understand why she hates Arielle so much, because I love Arielle as a character. This book is a bit deeper and maybe “darker” than Elle’s other books, but that proves that she is a great writer. Yes, I had problems relating to Etta, but Elle’s writing got me hooked anyway. It’s modern, fresh and so down to earth.

I would recommend reading the other two books of the series before reading this one. It gives you a better picture of the situation and a good overview of the characters.
This book is a great change and mixes the series up a bit. I’m now even more excited to read about Arielle again in book 3 of the series, it’s called Found! Roll on summer!!!

Rating:




My possible cast:

Etta: Natalie Martinez

















Author profile:

Elle Field writes romantic comedies, and is the author of the Arielle Lockley series and Geli Voyante's Hot or Not. She grew up in Yorkshire, then moved to Scotland to study International Relations and Social Anthropology at the University of St Andrews. Elle now lives in London with her boyfriend and their cat. She's a massive fan of sunshine, giraffes, The Killers, Audrey Hepburn movies, playing Scrabble and tea. Oh, and reading, of course!

You can buy Elle's books here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00CHIC1GE
Visit her website: http://www.ellefield.co.uk
Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ellefie

Giveaway:
To celebrate the publication of B-Side, I’m running a giveaway. Prizes are Amazon vouchers, a paperback set of the full Arielle Lockley series (Kept, Lost and B-Side), and a set of vinyl coasters.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday 29 May 2016

Perfume and Promises – by Ellen Faith


Original Cover
My own copy

The blurb:

Chloe Richards is a small town girl with a big heart. At least, that’s what the local folk of Rosehip Village think. But when her parents turn up on her doorstep asking for help, her secret past is about to be revealed.

Being the daughter of Hollywood royalty was never going to be easy, but at 19, Chloe Richards managed to leave that life behind along with the scandals that almost destroyed her. A fresh start was all she needed, and a fresh start was what she got in Rosehip. Girlfriend of a local bookshop owner, best friends with fiercely loyal café owner and owner of a perfume business herself, Chloe has a happy life. But her parents are about to turn her perfect life on its head. Again.

What do you do when you’re torn between loyalty and protecting yourself? Should you trust your heart when your head is telling you not to?

My Opinion:

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

Can we just first take a moment to look at this gorgeous cover?! I love it!

Chloe Richards is at a good point of her life when we meet her. She has a boyfriend, does what she loves and lives in a small town. When her parents turn up however everything is turned upside down. Her past catches up with her again and suddenly everything comes back.
Her parents are famous actors and they bring attention to Rosehip Village.

Her past almost destroyed her and now it’s all coming back. Her parents, the couple that comes with them (rockstar Reilly and actress Bree) and then there is also her boyfriend Billy.

A big plot twist shakes everything upside down and adds a lot of drama. I just felt with Chloe all the time. The things she had to go through come basically back to haunt her and her parents are finally there to help her, but will she let them?! And then there is Reilly who comes across arrogant at first, but proves to be charming and caring!

Ellen striked again! The writing of this story is beautiful and I love how well the characters were lined out and how they were all connected. Some unexpected moments added great excitement and drama to the gorgeous setting of Rosehip. Ellen has a wonderful way to include emotions in a story and take you right into it, as if your part of it.

Rating:




My possible cast:

Chloe: Merritt Patterson
















Links


About the Author

Ellen lives in the wonderful county of Yorkshire, England with her husband where she spends most of her time with her nose in her laptop, a book or plate of food.

Legal secretary and daydreamer by day, writer and serial tweeter by night, Ellen finally decided to put all the magic in her head to some use one day and put finger to laptop where The Story of Us was born and became her debut novel. Four novels later, the daydreams are still going strong, thankfully!

She loves to travel and enjoys taking her readers on a journey to escape with her, in whatever country or village she decides on next.

Links