Irresistibly Yours - by Lauren Layne

The blurb: 

Meet the men of Oxford magazine! In the first captivating spin-off of Lauren Layne’s Sex, Love & Stiletto series, a not-so-friendly battle of the sexes turns into a scorching office romance.
 
Hotshot sports editor Cole Sharpe has been freelancing for Oxford for years, so when he hears about a staff position opening up, he figures he’s got the inside track. Then his boss drops a bombshell: Cole has competition. Female competition, in the form of a fresh-faced tomboy who can hang with the dudes—and write circles around them, too. Cole usually likes his women flirty and curvy, but he takes a special interest in his skinny, sassy rival, if only to keep an eye on her. And soon, he can’t take his eyes off her.
 
Penelope Pope knows all too well that she comes off as just one of the guys. Since she’s learned that wanting more usually leads to disappointment, Penelope’s resigned to sitting on the sidelines when it comes to love. So why does Cole make her want to get back in the game? The man is as arrogant as he is handsome. He probably sees her as nothing more than a barrier to his dream job. But when an unexpected kiss turns into a night of irresistible passion, Penelope has to figure out whether they’re just fooling around—or starting something real. 

My Opinion:

Irresistibly Yours is book one of Lauren Layne’s Oxford series. The series is connected to the Stiletto series and the main male character Cole has had several appearances in these books already. 

That’s why I was very excited for him to finally get his own story told. Cole has been freelancing for Oxford for several years and has found great friends there: Lincoln, Jake and Alex. Now he has the opportunity to get a permanent job at the magazine as a sports editor. Well, the job is not his yet, his biggest competition is female and gorgeous in the name of Penelope Pope. 

Penelope just moved to New York from Chicago, she loves wiring about sports and his happy to have a fresh start. Her love life has not been easy. 

The two of them start spending a lot of time together, at games, at work, lunches, dinners etc. Their chemistry is undeniable and full of sparks. I really liked how their story developed, slow in the beginning, but then very intense and real. Some real emotions, family and their friends are involved as well. The author captured their connection beautifully, included flirty, fun and steamy scenes. The book is full of wonderful moments. 

I really love the sports factor in this story. The go to games, meet players and write about it. 

Of course, another magnet is always the other characters. All the couples we know already and they all have an appearance in one way and play an important part as well. 

I think this has to be my favourite Lauren Layne book so far, she did a brilliant job!

Rating:

Lauren Layne on Twitter: @_LaurenLayne

Website: https://laurenlayne.com/home

Goodreads - Amazon UK - Amazon US

Cover Reveal - Six Weeks of Loving You

Today I have an exciting cover reveal for Six Weeks of Loving You by Karli Perrin! It will be released on September 17th so make sure you mark your calendars! This is an epic tale of love, friendship and second chances. Add it to your Goodreads TBR here.

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.

facebook.com/authorkarliperrin

instagram.com/karliperrinauthor

Summer at Firefly Beach - by Jenny Hale

The blurb: 

Hallie Flynn’s favorite place in the world is her great Aunt Clara’s beautiful beachside house, with its inviting wraparound porch and enchanting views across the sparkling turquoise ocean. For Hallie, going to Firefly Beach, filled with magical memories, feels like coming home, but in one moment Hallie is left broken-hearted when her adored Aunt Clara passes away…

As always, Aunt Clara has thought of everything. In her last letter she included a bucket list Hallie wrote as a child, for Hallie to complete. Leaving her dead-end job and predictable schedule, Hallie returns to Firefly beach and embraces Aunt Clara’s words. All the time her childhood best friend Ben Murray, with his golden charm and infuriating ability to be right all the time, is by her side.

Spending the summer with Ben, as they enjoy drinks on the pier and endless talks stretched out in the soft sand, Hallie begins to remember the things that matter most to her. But following the bucket list isn’t an easy journey. It forces her to face the pain of her past as she starts to fall for the person who has been there for her all along...

Just as her heart is healing, an encounter with a newcomer to the beach town, wealthy and talented photographer Gavin Wilson, leaves her questioning her future and shows her she has to make a difficult decision that could mean losing everything.

Will Hallie be able to fulfill Aunt Clara’s last wish and change her life? Or will a secret she’s been keeping destroy her new beginning—and the chance to experience true love?

My Opinion:

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

When Hallie Flynn’s great aunt Clara dies, she leaves her a bucket list to complete. Hallie wrote this list herself as a child. Hallie and her whole family are heart-broken when Clara dies. They all return to Firefly beach, where they go every year and also take care of her great uncle Hank. 

The group includes Sydney, her sister, and Sydney’s son Robby, her mama and her best friend Ben. They have been friends since childhood and he is part of the family. Back in her favourite place, Hallie starts completing her list. It’s not easy and there are a lot of ups and downs on the way. 

Ben is always there for her and understands her so well. They seemed like the perfect couple from the beginning, but he has a girlfriend and she had someone too. The sparks between them were flying, even though they didn’t always see it. And then there is also Gavin Wilson, a very talented photographer living in town. 

Hallie is also hiding a secret, which adds a lot to the drama and the storyline. 

I absolutely loved the location in this book. Jenny Hale captured it beautifully and with so much detail. I also think that the family atmosphere she created is wonderful. I felt like being one of them. 

This is a beautiful and fantastic story, perfect for summer. There were moments when I wanted to shake Hallie, because I just didn’t understand her actions and thoughts. I still liked her as a character though. Ben was my fave, I think I fell in love with him a little bit. He was adorable with Robbie and he is just so caring and sweet. All the characters played an important part in this story and I think they were all very well lined out. 

This story covers grief, loss, but also friendship, family and love. Just lovely!!!

Rating:

Jenny Hale on Twitter: @jhaleauthor

Website: https://www.itsjennyhale.com

Goodreads - Amazon UK - Amazon US

The Trouble With Love - by Lauren Layne

The blurb: 

As Stiletto magazine’s authority on all things breakup-and-heartache, Emma Sinclair writes from personal experience. Five years ago, Emma was Charlotte, North Carolina’s darling debutante and a blushing bride-to-be. Now she’s the ice queen of the Manhattan dating scene. Emma left her sultry Southern drawl behind, but not even her closest friends know that with it she left her heart. Now Emma’s latest article forces her to face her demons—namely, the devilishly sexy guy who ditched her at the altar. 
 
After giving up everything for a pro-soccer career, Alex Cassidy watches his dreams crumble as a knee injury sidelines him for good. Now he’s hanging up his cleats and giving journalism a shot. It’s just a coincidence that he happens to pick a job in the same field, and the same city, as his former fiancée . . . right? But when Emma moves in next door, it’s no accident. It’s research. And Alex can’t help wondering what might have been. Unlike the innocent girl he remembers, this Emma is chic, sophisticated, and assertive—and she wants absolutely nothing to do with him. The trouble is, Alex has never wanted her more.

My Opinion:

Book four in the Stiletto series finally means learning more about Emma Sinclair’s and Alex Cassidy’s past. From the previous books in this series, we find out that they have been together and that they also were engaged. Of course that mead me very curious and I was really excited about this book.

Emma’s boss Camille is away for a few months and since Alex is the editor in chief of Stiletto’s brother magazine Oxford, he takes over. On top of that Emma’s apartment is flooded and she can stay at Camille’s place. Well, guess who’s her neighbour. Alex wants Emma to write a story about her ex-boyfriends. She is not happy about it but does it anyway. She meets them and asks them some questions. 

The tension and chemistry between Emma and Alex have always been there and it’s building up again. They spend more and more time together and even though they don’t want to admit it, they really enjoy it. We kind of find out what happened between them seven years ago, which makes things clearer. The other girls and their men play an important part in this story and I just love them as a group. Always there for each other, fun to be around and so much more. 

I couldn’t put the book down and really loved the atmosphere Lauren Layne created in this story. The storyline has a fabulous flow and the writing is passionate, flirty, fresh, modern and fun!

I can’t wait to read the Oxford series, I need more!!!

Rating:

Lauren Layne on Twitter: @_LaurenLayne

Website: https://laurenlayne.com/home

Goodreads - Amazon UK - Amazon US

Professor With Benefits - by Hazel Kelly

The blurb: 

Sadie’s no princess, and she doesn’t appreciate being treated like one. As far as she’s concerned, women who don’t wear ridiculous shoes don’t need to be swept off their feet, and the last thing the world needs right now is one more hopeless romantic maiming one more unsuspecting daisy.

But when a handsome, young professor takes an unprofessional interest in her mossy green eyes and muddy attitude, she can’t help but enjoy the sparkly feeling his attention stirs in her. And the more he lays on the charm, the more she fears she’s not as attached to her loneliness as she once thought. 

Too bad he’s off limits. Then again, limits have never really interested Sadie.

But dreamy professors with penetrating blue eyes and sinfully sexy stubble? That’s a subject that’s about to make her senior year very interesting indeed… 

My Opinion:

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

Professor With Benefits is book three in this series by Hazel Kelly. I have read book two, but not the first one. 

It was great already knowing the characters and also get to read about the main characters from the previous books again. Sadie and Kellan tell the story in alternate chapters, which gave insight in both their minds and feelings. They meet at a frat party and they instantly click. Their connection is real and electric. That’s until they meet again in class, him being he professor.

Now things get complicated, but their chemistry seems to get stronger. We learn more about Sadie’s past and also more about his life. 

The storyline seemed unrealistic to me and especially the ending was very rushed. There are some flirty, passionate and steamy scenes, but all in all I didn’t like how it all progressed. 

The author’s writing is gripping and fresh. The spark just didn’t fly for me. 

Rating:

Website: http://www.hazelkelly.com

Goodreads - Amazon UK - Amazon US

Harry Potter things to do in London

London is full of magical spots and things to do. I have put together a little

list here: 

First up are three fab stores and shops, who also have fabulous displays. 

- The House of Mina of Mina Lima

It just celebrated the third birthday and is a little store on a few floors right behind the Palace Theatre in London. It's full of designs by Eduardo Lima and Miraphora Mina. They designed The Marauders Map, the Hogwarts School books, the Dialy Prophet and so many other things. It's a must-see for every fan, they have wonderful prints as well. 

- The Noble Collection

This store is located in Covent Garden and is full of replicas and other Harry Potter merchandise. You can get a time-turner, the Philosopher's Stone, all the Horcruxes, house related items, plushies, wands and so much more. I love the way they displayed everything, so pretty. 

- Platform 9 3/4 store

This one is obviously located at King's Cross station and has so many things. Shirt, house related items, bookmarks, notebooks etc. A dream come true for every potterhead. 

Now let's continue with other activities and places. 

- King's Cross and St. Pancras

These two stations are right next to each other. You can take a photo in front of platform 9 3/4 and of course visit the shop as well. 

- Warner Bros Studio Tour

The obvious must for every fan. The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour is located in Watford and can easily be reached from London by train. It's a unique experience to visit the  Harry Potter film set. You can walk through the great hall, see the Gryffindor common room, walk through the Forbidden Forest, see the Hogwarts Express, Gringotts, Privet Drive and so much more (will publish a separate post). The store, in the end, is paradise. 

- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Go see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre, it's amazing!

Read my review here. 

- Millenium Bridge

It played an important part in the beginning of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. 

Other places: Piccadilly Circus, Tower Bridge, Grimmauld Place (houses and Claremont Square), Diagon Alley (Cecil Court and Godwin's Court). 

Of course there are also several walking tours you can do through the city.

The Princess Pose - by Aven Ellis

The blurb: 

A modern princess. A charming commoner. Can they hurdle tradition to find true love?

Princess Elizabeth “Liz” York isn’t interested in a fairy tale life. Determined to use her elite platform to champion children’s causes, she’d much rather raise awareness than find her prince. If only she could stop picturing one certain gardener with vivid hazel eyes…

When the relentless paparazzi invade her space, Liz’s crush comes to her rescue and steals her heart. Tossing aside centuries of tradition for something real, she takes Roman’s calloused hand and braces for the backlash. But after her progressive approach ruffles, more than a few feathers, one member of the monarchy vows to keep the princess locked in her stylish but decidedly ivory tower.

Can Liz break through her birthright to find a powerful kind of love?

The Princess Pose is the second standalone book in the charming Modern Royals romantic comedy series. If you like strong heroines, determined love, and lots of laughs, then you’ll adore Aven Ellis’s sweet tale.

My Opinion:

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

With The Princess Pose Aven Ellis’ ma A Modern Royalsseries goes into round two. We already know the main character Liz, because she was in the first book and meet Roman, the gardener, in that story too. 

She is Xander’s, Christian’s and James’ cousin. She has two sister Victoria and Bella. Liz lives at Kensington Palace as well and is a working royal, she really knows what she wants and loves looking after children. 

Liz is not interested in men, until she meets Roman. She can’t get him out of her head. Time passes, but he is still I her head. Roman works at Cheltham house, where there are yoga classes held. One day Liz goes there and he kind of saves her from the paparazzi. 

That’s when they hit it off, very quickly. They start spending a lot of time with each other immediately and sparks are definitely flying. They have a real and deep connection and I loved seeing their relationship develop. It was a bit fast for my taste, but I still enjoyed all their special moments and scenes. I think Aven Ellis’ captured that beautifully. 

Liz is a very modern royal and doesn’t want to follow the rules. Especially the queen doesn’t like that. Xander, Christian and also Arthur, the king, have her back though. How will Roman react to all the attention and the reactions?! Her family is intense, we saw how difficult it was for Clementine. 

I loved seeing the gang together again. They are such a great bunch, always there for each other and I can’t wait for each of their stories. I’m most excited about Xander, because he is the future king and we get some hints in this book. 

The feelings and emotions in this book seem so genuine and it felt like being in Liz’s head. Liz is a fabulous character, who fights for what she wants. There was still a moment, when I really wanted to shake her. Roman is great too. I’d definitely take him, if Liz doesn’t want him anymore ;).

The epilogue wasn’t really to my taste, because it is always the same and the time frame just seems abrupt. 

I still adore Aven Ellis’ writing style and I can’t wait for the next book. She only used British terms, which makes this so much more real. Her royal world is very well thought out and I love that other characters get their story told as well. 

Magical!

Rating:

Aven Ellis: @AvenEllis

Website: http://avenellis.com

Goodreads - Amazon UK - Amazon US

Harry Potter Spots in Edinburgh

I have always wanted to go to Edinburgh, all the Harry Potter related places were a very great extra. Here is a list of places you should go to, when you are a potterhead. 
The Elephant House

It's the birth place of Harry Potter, where J.K. Rowling spent some time writing Harry Potter. There are some frames in there with her pictures on and you should definitely go to the toilet there, the walls are full of Harry Potter related quotes and words. 
Nicolson's Café (now Spoon)

This is where J.K. Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Outside the café there is also a little sign with her photo on and the information. 
Greyfriars Kirkyard, George Heriot's School

On the graveyard, you will find graves of people, who have inspired some names for the books: Moodie, McGonagall and most famously Thomas Riddell. The spelling is a bit different, bit still. Next to McGonagall's grave, there is the George Heriot's School, it inspired Hogwarts. The graves are not easy to find. You have to go to the back of the church through an archway and then to the right or towards the gate to the school. 
City Chambers for J.K. Rowling's handprints

City Chambers is located on the Royal Mile, you can hardly miss it. There are a lot of fingerprints there, I thought I will never find them. I started on the left hand side though and they were right there. What a special moment!
Shops: Boy Wizard and Museum Context

Both shops are located on Victoria Street (the inspiration for Diagon Alley) and several other locations. Both sell lots of Harry Potter merchandise and they are just full of magic. A must-see place for every fan. 
Victoria Street (Diagon Alley)

It was inspiration for Diagon Alley and it's so pretty!!! It's colourful and very cute. There is also a Diagon Alley sign in Candlemaker Row. 
The Balmoral Hotel

J.K. Rowling finished the last chapter of the last book in this hotel. The suite is now named after her. 

Potterrow Port (Order of the Phoenix)

It has inspired the tunnel/walk way for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, where the dementor attacked Harry and Dudley.