The Flip Side – by James Bailey

The blurb: 

 

Penny wise or pound foolish? A heartbroken young Brit decides to turn his love life over to

the flip of a coin—in this delightfully British rom-com in the vein of Jenny Colgan, Rosie Curtis, Nick Hornby, and David Nicholls.

To coin a phrase, Josh is suffering a quarter-life crisis. He just broke up with his long-term girlfriend, lost his job, and moved back home with his parents (shudder). Welcome to rock bottom in Bristol. As Josh starts questioning all his life choices, he has a mad thought: Maybe he would just be better flipping a coin. After all, careful planning has landed him homeless, jobless, and single.

What starts as a joke soon becomes serious and Josh decides to start putting his faith in the capriciousness of currency. He doesn’t have anything to lose.

But when the chance of a lifetime and the girl of his dreams are on the line, will the coin guide him to a rich love life or leave him flat broke?

 

 

My Opinion:

 

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

 

I loved the sound of this book from the start and was very excited to read it! James Bailey’s debut novel definitely didn’t disappoint, I absolutely adored the book!

 

We follow Josh, who gets dumped by his girlfriend when he proposes. He also loses his job and lives with his parents again, things are not easy. 

 

He decides to put his faith into a coin. He just flips the coin to see where life takes him, he doesn’t have anything to lose right?!

 

Following his journey with the coin was great! I really enjoyed the storyline and following his adventures. And then he meets a girl, the click right away and have instant chemistry, but then she’s gone. His journey of finding her continues, always by his side of course is the coin. His friends are always there as well and they are a fab addition to the story. I love them all and think they added another layer to the storyline. 

 

I was hooked from the start. James Bailey’s writing is gripping, funny, compelling and he just has a fresh and unique style. There are so may LOL moments in this story and adorable scenes! 

 

A wonderful read, full of ups and downs and a gripping storyline, a definite must read!!! I hope we hear more from James Bailey!

Rating:

James Bailey on Twitter: @jbaileywrites

Website: www.JamesBaileyWrites.com

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About James Bailey

 

Born in Bristol, James Bailey began to dream of a writing career following a top mark in a Year

8 English exam, and he soon pursued journalism, starting a student newspaper and a sports website, interviewing athletes including Usain Bolt and Rafa Nadal. This burgeoning career was halted however, when he was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a cardiac arrhythmia. Following two operations, James supported the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young, carrying the Olympic Torch, running the London Marathon, speaking in the House of Commons, and appearing in BBC1’s Lifeline appeal, alongside pop star Pixie Lott.   

Upon moving to London for university, during which time he avoided high rent by living in a Travelodge, James juggled studying Spanish with working as a red carpet reporter, interviewing stars such as George Clooney, Emma Stone and David Beckham.

Following his graduation, he travelled the world, journeying through twenty one countries looking for himself, and hopefully love. Having found neither, he returned home to Bristol, where he founded a walking tour company of the city and began working on his debut novel, having been selected for Curtis Brown Creative’s Six Month Novel Writing Course.

The Flip Sideis his debut novel. He can be found on Instagram @JamesBaileyWrites, and at www.JamesBaileyWrites.com.

 

He Will Be Mine – by Kirsty Greenwood

 

The blurb: 

 

Nora Tucker is an admin assistant from a tiny English village.

Gary Montgomery is Hollywood’s hottest new star.

After seeing him on the silver screen, Nora believes that Gary is her soulmate, her one true love, the man she's supposed to grow old and wrinkly with. She knows it sounds nuts, she knows it’s completely crazy. But sometimes love is crazy, right?


Only... how on earth is this Plain Jane introvert supposed to get to Los Angeles, infiltrate Gary’s inner circle AND convince him that they’re meant to be? Throwing herself into this mission might be a tall order but it means Nora can stop thinking about that one awful day, two years ago, when everything in her life fell apart...

With the help of a sunny Californian weather girl, a super hot but super grumpy script writer, and a very passionate Adam Levine tribute act, Nora is about to try the impossible and let fate decide her future…

 

 

My Opinion:

 

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

 

I have always loved Kirsty Greenwood as an author and I enjoyed all her books very much. So obviously, I was very excited for this one. 

 

Nora Tucker has been through a lot in her life and right now she’s not in a great place. Her sister sends her off to LA, because Nora is “in love” with actor Gary Montgomery. I know, you heard right! We all had one or the other crush on a celebrity I guess, but Nora brings it to a new level. The first time she saw him on the screen, she had a feeling that he is the one. 

 

Well, in LA introverted Nora has to do something to actually find Gary. She is staying with Kennedy, who likes the same books she likes and then there is also her grumpy brother Brandon. Along with the Uber driver and Adam tribute singer, Kennedy and Brandon play an important role in this story and they all brought a refreshing element into the storyline. 

 

Nora ends up on Gary’s set, goes to an event where he is speaking and even ends up having brunch with him. However, every time something weird or embarrassing is happening and that doesn’t make it easier for her. 

 

Being in LA is good for Nora though, because she finally experiencing life again and is learning to let go and care for herself.

I adored that the story was told from both perspectives. Gary got to share his feelings as well, in kind of a journal form and that was great! We saw his side as well and it was definitely interesting and made the story more exciting. He goes through a lot in this book as well. Of course we also get to see how his life as an actor is, which was awesome. 

 

LA is the perfect setting for this book and I got hooked immediately. Kirsty Greenwood’s writing is funny, gripping, fresh, unique and very entertaining. It’s full of witty scenes and special moments and Kirsty just captures the magic beautifully. 

 

Sometimes I felt like there were too many “coincidences”, but I kind of forgot about that again and just enjoyed the story. 

 

The ending is absolutely brilliant and I actually want more!!

 

It’s the perfect story to escape in and just enjoy! 

 

AWESOME!!!

Rating:

Kirsty Greenwood on Twitter: @Novelicious

Website: https://www.kirstygreenwood.com

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Christmas at Fireside Cabins – by Jenny Hale

The blurb: 

 

Escape to the idyllic small town of Pinewood Hills in this enchanting romance, about falling in

love under the mistletoe with a sprinkle of Christmas magic…

For Lila Evans, Christmas is the toughest time of year––a heartbreaking reminder of losing her father, and just how lonely she is… This year, she’s organized a blissful getaway with her closest friends: just the remedy for the December blues.

The countryside resort of Fireside Cabins, tucked away in the snowy Tennessee hills, seems like this year’s perfect setting to get into the festive spirit. But it’s far from a winter wonderland––the crumbling cottage is falling apart, and the owner, a widow named Eleanor Finely, confesses that the cabins are on the brink of closure. Lila and her friends should pack their bags right there and then, but Lila can’t bear to leave the tearful elderly woman. She clearly has no one, and Lila, more than anyone, knows how that feels.

In search of holiday cheer, the women find a local coffee shop. But the rugged, surly owner Theo Perry has an apparent aversion to Christmas, seeming downright angry when Lila asks for a peppermint latte. No one in the area knows who he is––but it’s clear he’s running from something.

Yet there’s more to this small town than Theo’s frosty reception. As much as his coldness infuriates her, Lila can’t deny that on the rare occasions when he does smile, it feels like coming home. Plus, the cabins are just calling for some festive sparkle.

And, unexpectedly, Pinewood Hills could hold a new beginning for Lila… But can she save Fireside Cabins in time for Christmas? With a dusting of festive magic, spiced apple cider and sugarplum pie, could this be the first holiday she doesn’t spend alone?

 

 

My Opinion:

 

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

 

Jenny Hale has done it again and she is definitely the queen of Christmas books!

 

In this story we follow Lila Evans, who has lost her family very early and Christmas is never an easy time. She has her three best friends and the go away the Pinewood Hills for some Christmas magic. 

 

The start isn’t easy though, because the coffeeshop owner Theo is rude and doesn’t even have almond milk. Their cabin is not what it looked like and things start to break and on top oft hat one of her friends has to leave again soon. 

 

Eleanor Finley ist he owner oft he cabins and Lila soon warms up to her. Eleanor is all alone and Lila knows exactly how that feels. She wants to help her and bring some Christmas cheer tot he village. It isn’t easy, especially after her other friends leave as well and then there is Theo, mysterious Theo. Nobody knows, who he really is and seemed to have built up a wall around himself. 

 

Lila somehow feels a connection to him and doesn’t give up, she wants to get to know him better and find out what is behind it all. Their chemistry is electric and at one point even he can’t deny that anymore. He is running away though and doens’t make it easy for Lila. 

 

The whole storyline is full of magic with a wonderful variety of characters. I was routing for Lila and Theo from the start, despite the fact that we didn’t know a lot about him. I absolutely adored their scenes and moments and I think Jenny Hale captured their connection beautifully. The book is full of ups and downs and I just couldn’t put it down, I was absolutely hooked. 

 

The setting is amazing, especially after Lila takes the initiative to include some Christmas magic in the village. Jenny Hale just has a gift of creating stunning settings and including so many wonderful details. 

 

The story has it all: passion, love, festive cheer, friendship, family, a beautiful place and so much more. The book also life and all the struggles that can occur.

It’s the perfect Christmas book and I was really sad when it ended, I really wanted to stay with the characters. 

 

Little Rex warmed my heart as well ;). 

 

AMAZING!!!

Rating:

Jenny Hale on Twitter: @jhaleauthor

Website: https://www.itsjennyhale.com

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The Winter Garden – by Heidi Swain

 

The blurb: 

 

Freya Fuller is estranged from her parents and has been following her childhood dream of becoming a

gardener ever since. When an opportunity to design a winter garden opens up at a Victorian property in Nightingale Square, Freya jumps at the chance to make a fresh start. But while the majority of the residents are welcoming, local artist Finn seems determined to shut her out, and when Freya's family make a surprise appearance, it seems that her new life is about to come crashing down . . .

 

 

My Opinion:

 

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

 

The book title had me intrigued from the first moment and I was very excited to read the book.

 

We are back at Nightingale Square, which is an extra bonus.

In this story we follow Freya Fuller a gardener, who is focused on fulfilling her dreams. The opportunity to design a winter garden comes up and she takes this chance.she is welcomed with open arms, but not by everyone. 

She also meets Finn, who is a sculptor. I loved reading about how their relationship developed, Heidi Swain has a gripping writing style and manages to pull you into the story.

 

When her family comes into town things get even more interrsting and the storyline is full of ups and downs. 

 

I loved catching up with some familiar characters and I really enjoyed the setting as well.

 

It‘s the perfect winter book full of love, friendship, family and just life.

 

Heidi Swain always manages to put a huge smile on my face with her writing. It‘s fresh, romantic, funny and so much more.

 

Wonderful!

 

 

Rating:

Heidi Swain on Twitter: @Heidi_Swain

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Autumn Skies Over Ruby Falls – by Holly Martin

The blurb: 

 

Get swept away to the sparkling Cornish coast with the stunning new novel from bestselling

author Holly Martin. Autumn Skies Over Ruby Falls is the perfect romantic treat to snuggle up with this autumn.

Clover Philips is exactly where she’s meant to be – back home on Jewel Island teaching dance to the guests at the beautiful Sapphire Bay Hotel that she co-owns with her sisters Skye and Aria. Her life is complete, except for one thing…

When Clover left London she also left behind a devastating betrayal. She hasn’t been able to date anyone since, let alone allow herself to fall in love. What she needs is a casual fling to ease herself back into romance. And as luck would have it, the very handsome Angel Mazzeo is back in town.

The chemistry between Clover and Angel has been undeniable ever since Angel first arrived on Jewel Island six months ago. And though content to be her friend till now, Angel is more than willing to help Clover find her dating feet again.

It should be easy to keep things carefree when love is off the table, but when every moment is magical what started as casual soon becomes something much deeper. Will Clover and Angel find the courage to tell each other how they really feel? And is Clover ready to do the one thing she swore she’d never do again, fall in love?

 

 

My Opinion:

 

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

 

We are back on Jewel Island and I couldn’t be happier!

 

This time the story is focused on Clover. We got to know her in the first book of the series and now it’s time to tell her story. She teaches dance tot he guests of the hotel she owns together with her sisters Aria and Skye. 

 

She went through a lot in her past and a big betrayal changed the way she acts around men. She is scared, so a casual thing between her and Angel Mazzeo is perfect. He is Noah’s assistant (Aria’s boyfriend) and their chemistry is next level. 

 

All their moments are electric and full of passion. It’s clear that it’s much more than just a casual fling, but can they admit it. Angel brings some baggage as well and he travels a lot for work, sometimes gone for months, so the basis is not ideal. 

 

I absolutely adored Holly Martin’s writing. She set the moments perfectly and put a lot of heart into it. She captered their feelings perfectly and created a wonderful story around their relationship. Her style is vivid, passionate, fresh, romantic and just lovely!

I loved catching up with some familiar characters and I can’t wait fort he next book in the series!

 

The book has absolutely everything: a beautiful location, wonderful characters, a gripping storyline and much more. 

 

LOVE!!!

 

Rating:

 

Holly Martin on Twitter: @HollyMAuthor

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Royal Icing – by Aven Ellis

 

The blurb: 

 

Poppy Davies has a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be a baker for the upcoming royal wedding. But falling in

love with the Prince of Wales? Ha! Not unless her middle name is Cinderella.

Or so she thinks …

Welsh baker Poppy Davies is happily living her best life in London. Passionate about her work, there is nothing more she could possibly want-except to land the coveted job of baking the official biscuits for the upcoming royal wedding for Prince Christian, second in line to the throne. It’s an assignment that could change the entire trajectory of her professional career.

But what about her personal life?

An accidental meeting with Prince Alexander of Wales, the future king, changes everything. Poppy won’t deny the sexy, dark-haired prince is madly attractive, but his reputation as a playboy—and the fact that she’s the least likely woman he’d ever be interested in—puts this in the TV movie category, not real life.

Yet Poppy can’t deny the spark between herself and Xander. As their relationship grows, so does the looming realities of a royal romance in the public eye. Can a baker be accepted as the girlfriend of the heir to the throne—and can she keep true to herself in the role? And will Xander come to believe that he truly is a man worthy of the sacrifice a romance with him requires?

Royal Icing is the third book in the feel-good Modern Royals romantic comedy series but can be read as a standalone. If you like smart heroines, swoon-worthy princes, and laugh-out-loud humor, then you’ll love this heartwarming novel.

 

 

My Opinion:

 

Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

 

It’s finally here... Xander’s story!!! I have been waiting for it and I was very excited when it landed in my inbox. 

 

Aven Ellis is one of my fave authors and I just adore her Modern Royal series. 

 

Poppy Davies is a baker and hast he chance tob e the baker for the royal wedding. That’s when she accidentally meets Price Alexander of Wales, the future king. Her world changes completly and takes her by total surprise. They hit it off immediately and a spark is definitely there. He seems tob e different tot he media Xander and I absolutely adore how their relationship develops. It’s not easy, because his future is set and being with him means being part of this. 

 

The moments and scenes between them are adorable and sweet. The storyline is full of ups and downs. His mother and father play a big part in it too and then there ist he squad!!! The best, I love them as a group and how they are always there for each other. 

 

Aven Ellis’ writing is romantic, fresh, funny, sweet and passionate. She captures all the emotions perfectly and puts in a lot of detail. It’s clear that she researches a lot to make it authentic. 

 

This story is one of Aven’s best. I grew really close to these young royals and can’t wait fort he next book in this series. 

 

AMAZING!!!

Rating:

Aven Ellis on Twitter: @AvenEllisWebsite: http://avenellis.comGoodreads - Amazon UK - Amazon US

Sunny Days and Sea Breezes – by Carole Matthews

The blurb: 

Jodie Jackson is all at sea, in every sense. 

On a ferry bound for the Isle of Wight, she's leaving her London life, her career, and her husband behind. She'd like a chance to turn back the clocks, but she'll settle for some peace and quiet on her brother Bill's beautifully renovated houseboat, Sunny Days. But from the moment Jodie steps aboard her new home, it's clear she'll struggle to keep herself to herself.

Jodie soon delights in her newfound freedom. But out of mind isn't out of sight, and when her old life comes knocking Jodie is forced to face reality. Will she answer the call or choose a life filled with Sunny Days and Sea Breezes?

My Opinion:

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

When we meet Jodie in this book, we don’t know much about her, but she definitely seems ready for some time off on the Isle of Wight. Her brother Bill lets her stay at his houseboat and really has her back, I loved how caring he was. 

After time we find out what happened to Jodie and the history with her husband. Jodie is determined to let it all behind her, but that’s easier said than done. 

The Isle of Wight is a beautiful setting and I loved getting to know the place together with Jodie. There are a lot of lovely characters in this book, like Ned, George, but especially Marilyn. I absolutely adore her. I dont want to give to much away, you have to read it yourself. 

All these characters help Jodie and they take her on different trips and other exciting things. It was fun to watch all that develop. Until a ceratin someone turns up and everything changes. 

I didn’t really like the way the story went from that point onwards and the ending seemed a bit rushed. I still enjyoed this book very much. 

It touches some difficult topics, but the storyline is always full of fun and engery. Carole Matthews style is fresh, heart-warming, sweet and very gripping!

A great book for summer!

Rating:

Carole Matthews on Twitter: @carolematthews

Website: https://www.carolematthews.com

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The Secret Seaside Escape – by Heidi Swain

The blurb: 

Tess Tyler needs a break. Weighed down by her high-pressure job and her demanding father, she’s left little time to take care of herself. But after a shocking discovery sends her spiralling, she flees to Wynmouth, the seaside town she fell in love with as a child, to escape it all.

With its sandy beaches, stunning rock pools and welcoming community, Tess feels like she can finally breathe again. And as she grows ever closer to local barman Sam, she dares to dream that she might never return to her real life. But when a familiar face returns to town, Tess realises that there are secrets in Wynmouth too, and that her own past may be about to catch up with her . . .  

My Opinion:

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

Reading Heidi Swain is always a treat and I was really looking forward to this book. 

We follow Tess Tyler in this book. She needs a break from work (she works in her father’s company) and just time for herself. Some shocking news confuse her even more, so she decides tp go back to Wynmouth. A little town she visited as a child during holidays. The town is by the sea and she connects a lot of memories to it.

She rents a cottage and turns her phone off completely. She starts hanging out with barman Sam and they have an instant connection. She also makes friends with Sophie, who ones a little café in town. Things aren’t easy though, especially because Sophie’s daughter Hope comes back and spends a lot of time with Sam. And then there is Joe, who knows Sam and Hope as well. 

A lot has happened in their past and we slowly find out more about it. Tess doesn’t tell them she has been in town before and she has more secrets and they are all connected to a kiss. I won’t tell you more here though ;) 

Tess is very committed and starts helping out in town a lot. It the break she needs, even though her feelings are all mixed up. When her dad comes to town as well things get even more complicated. 

The storyline is lovely though and I really enjoyed following these people around. Heidi Swain included a lot of emotions, heart, love and passion. The story is full of beautiful moments, family relations, friendship and so much more. I love how detailed the writing is, I felt like being there with the characters. 

The setting is absolutely gorgeous and I love how present and past connect in the story. It’s full of ups and downs, but I always felt a warmth. It’s the perfect summer read!!!

Rating:

Heidi Swain on Twitter: @Heidi_Swain Website: https://heidiswain.co.uk Goodreads - Amazon UK - Amazon US