Paris For One – by Jojo Moyes

Original Cover

My own copy

The blurb:

Bestselling author Jojo Moyes brings us a charming and heart-warming short story in association with Quick Reads.

Nell is twenty-six and has never been to Paris. She has never even been on a weekend away with her boyfriend. Everyone knows she is just not the adventurous type.

But, when her boyfriend doesn't turn up for their romantic mini-break, Nell has the chance to prove everyone wrong.

Alone in Paris, Nell meets the mysterious moped-riding Fabien and his group of carefree friends. Could this turn out to be the most adventurous weekend of her life?

My Opinion:

I finally got to read another Jojo Moyes book again, it’s a short one, but still.

Nell is at the train station waiting for her boyfriend to arrive. He’s not going to make it, so she goes to Paris alone. What a fun weekend ahead…

It gets worse when she arrives at the hotel and her room is double booked, an American lady book it as well and it’s the last one available. Nell still hopes that her boyfriend turns up, but he cancels.

On Saturday morning she tries to go back home, but it’s just too expensive and when she finds two tickets for an exhibition she goes there. It’s where she meets the waiter again. She gives Fabien the second ticket and they spend the day together.

Fabien is trying to be an author and he somehow is constantly reminded of his ex-girlfriend.

Nell is not sure whether she shall go out with Fabien in the evening, but then she goes for it. It all gets really complicated when her boyfriend turns up. All Nell wants is to be with Fabien. She tries to find him…

I loved how free these two were, when they were together. No commitments, no rush, no nothing and I guess that’s what attracted them to each other. And they were able to be themselves.

A cute little story, about an adventurous weekend full of freedom, fun and passion. Jojo’s style is fresh and sweet and the story was a real pleasure to read.

Rating:

My possible cast:

Nell: Leighton Meester

Fabien: Hugo Becker

Jojo Moyes on Twitter: @jojomoyes
Website: http://www.jojomoyes.com

Promo Blitz - Dare to Dream by Carys Jones

The blurb:

“The world was going to end. Of that, Maggie Trafford was certain.”


Fourteen-year-old Maggie Trafford leads a normal life. Well, as normal as being crammed in a three-bedroom house with four siblings and a single parent can be, anyway. But despite being somewhat ignored at home, Maggie excels, earning top grades, a best friend who would do anything for her, and stolen looks from a boy in Maths. 

It’s not until the dreams start that Maggie realizes “normal” is the least of her problems. Every night, she lives the same nightmare—red lightning, shattered glass, destruction. But nightmares are just that, right? No one believes her when she says it’s an omen. At least, not until the already mysterious pillars of Stonehenge start falling. 

No longer alone in her fear, Maggie and the world watch with bated breath as one after another, the historic stones tumble, like a clock counting down. But only Maggie knows what it means: when the last stone falls, destruction will reign. And when the world ends, there’s only one option left—survive.

Horrifying and raw, Dare to Dream is equal parts tragedy and hope, detailing the aftermath of apocalyptic catastrophe, the quest for survival, and the importance of belief.
About the author:

Carys Jones loves nothing more than to write and create stories which ignite the reader's imagination. Based in Shropshire, England, Carys lives with her husband, two guinea pigs and her adored canine companion Rollo. 

When she's not writing, Carys likes to indulge her inner geek by watching science- fiction films or playing video games. 

She lists John Green, Jodi Picoult and Virginia Andrews as her favorite authors and draws inspiration for her own work from anything and everything. 

To Carys, there is no greater feeling then when you lose yourself in a great story and it is that feeling of ultimate escapism which she tries to bring to her books.

For more information about Carys please visit www.carys-jones.com or follow her on Twitter: @tiny_dancer85 Book Links:

Amazon UK

Amazon UK

Amazon UK

Amazon UK

Book of the Month - February

The books I read this month:

-       Paris For One – by Jojo Moyes 5/5

-       Don’t Tell the Brides-to-Be – by Anna Bell 5/5

-       Kiss Me Kate – by Katy Regnery 5/5

-       Connectivity – by Aven Ellis RE-READ

-       First Time in Forever – by Sarah Morgan 5/5

-       The Dandelion Years – by Erica James 5/5

-       Valentine’s on Primrose Hill – by Nikki Moore 5/5

-       My So-Called (Love) Life – by A.L. Michael 5/5

-       Kept – by Elle Field 4/5

-       The Venice Bucket List – by Ella Fairlie 5/5

-       Melting Ms Frost – by Kat Black 5/5

-       Playing with Fire – by Kat Black 4.5/5

-       Spice – by Scarlet Smith 3.5/5

I have read a lot of 5* books this months, here are my faves:

Don’t Tell the Brides-to-Be – Anna Bell

The bit on the back:

With a baby on the way and her business starting to boom, has Penny finally found her happily ever after? 

Things are looking up for Penny Robinson. She's kicked her gambling addiction and even started her own business: Princess on a Shoestring, an all-inclusive service for brides-to-be looking to pinch pennies on their big day. Between family fights and wardrobe calamities, wedding planning is no piece of cake, but Penny's got it all under control. That is, until a rival planner decides to take her down—one hard-won bride at a time. Now Penny must fight to save her reputation and her livelihood before it's too late. But when a romantic weekend away has some unexpected consequences, Penny's expectations for her career are brought back down to earth with a bump.

My opinion:

This is the PERFECT chicklit novel!!!! It’s funny, loving, sweet, dramatic, exciting and very entertaining! This story has it all!!! A charming storyline, authentic characters, witty scenes, touching moments and lots of surprises. I loved every single second of it and I can’t wait to read more Anna Bell books! Read my review here: Don't Tell the Brides-to-Be Review

Anna on Twitter: @AnnaBell_writes

Website:  http://www.annabellwrites.com

First Time in Forever – Sarah Morgan

The bit on the back:

Windswept, isolated and ruggedly beautiful, Puffin Island is a haven for day-trippers and daydreamers alike. But this charming community has a way of bringing people together in the most unexpected ways…

It's been a summer of firsts for Emily Donovan. From becoming a stand-in mom to her niece Lizzie to arriving on Puffin Island, her life has become virtually unrecognizable. Between desperately safeguarding Lizzie and her overwhelming fear of the ocean—which surrounds her everywhere she goes!—Emily has lost count of the number of "just breathe" pep talks she's given herself. And that's before charismatic local yacht club owner Ryan Cooper kisses her…

Ryan knows all about secrets. And it's clear that newcomer Emily—with her haunted eyes and the little girl she won't let out of her sight—is hiding from something besides the crazy chemistry between them. So Ryan decides he's going to make it his personal mission to help her unwind and enjoy the sparks! But can Puffin Island work its magic on Emily and get her to take the biggest leap of trust of all—putting her heart in someone else's hands?

My opinion:

This story is brilliant!!! Sarah you took this story to a whole new level with your beautiful writing! The book has it all: love, passion, friendship, family, emotions and authenticity!!! A MASTERPIECE!!!

Read my review here: First Time in Forever Review

Sarah on Twitter: @SarahMorgan_

Website: http://sarahmorgan.com

The Venice Bucket List – Ella Fairlie

The bit on the back:

Single mum Tess has enough on her plate without being forced to tag along on her brother and his girlfriend’s romantic winter holiday to Venice, and she certainly isn’t looking for a Valentine love affair of her own. But with the annual Carnival afoot, Venice has some magic and mayhem in store for her, in the form of a handsome masked stranger with a surprising secret. Will the city of glass and gondolas be able to work its charm, or is this one amore that’s lost in translation?

‘The Venice Bucket List’ is a deliciously escapist destination romcom novella about how love can surprise you when you least expect it.

My opinion:

Ella’s writing is just beautiful. This story is full of love and passion and I loved the Italian element in the whole thing. The storyline is wonderful and I just loved the characters! Read the review here: The Venice Bucket List Review

Ella on Twitter: @EllaFairlie

Website: http://ellafairlie.com

Valentine’s on Primrose Hill – by Nikki Moore

My own copy

Original Cover

The blurb:

The third short story in the fun & flirty #LoveLondon series from exciting new chick lit author Nikki Moore!

For Georgiana Dunn, life changed forever in the devastating moment that the lorry hit her car.

Scarred and scared, she's not left the house in months. Then her mum buys her a puppy, forcing her to face the world again, walking on London's beautiful Primrose Hill. But that doesn't mean she's looking forward to Valentine's Day.

Leo devotes himself to working with children with special educational needs. In fact, he does very little else, and his friends are always telling him to get a (love) life. So when they challenge him to find a date for Valentine's Day, and he meets a lovely but lost girl who looks like she could use a friend, he thinks he's found the perfect solution.

But life has a way of being less than perfect … Will he be left standing on his own on the most romantic day of the year?

My Opinion:

Yay, book 3 in the #LoveLondon series, I was really excited to read this and I loved every second of it.

Georgiana’s life has changed from one minute to the other, being in an accident. She was an outgoing, flirty student, enjoying life. Now is full of scars and scared. She’s not confident anymore and doesn’t have the courage to leave the house and meet people. She’s back with mum and dad and they move to London and then her mum buys her a puppy. This forces Georgiana to go outside for walks on Primrose Hill.

This is where she meets the young teacher Leo. I have to say I liked him from the start, I’m a teacher too and he was also very caring and nice. They start talking more and more and become really good friends. Leo finds ways to cheer Georgiana up and make her smile and he also sees the beauty inside her. He’s not offended by her looks and is open to get to know her better. Also Georgiana likes his company and when their friendship is on a good basis, she tells him about her accident and everything else.

Now, what about Valentine’s Day, will they spend it together?! One of Leo’s FB posts confuses her and there is a bit of drama involved. Leo and Georgiana had a strong bond and a lot of chemistry, he is just what she needed, making her see the world and her situation in a different light.

I absolutely loved the ending of this book! Just the way I wanted it to be.

This book is about friendship, trust and a new start. The writing is uplifting, gripping, sweet and beautiful. Thank you for writing such a wonderful story Nikki and I can’t wait to read book #4 in the series.

Rating:

My possible cast:

Georgiana: Jessica Serfaty

Leo: Sam Claflin

Nikki on Twitter: @NikkiMoore_Auth

Website: http://nikkimooreauthor.wordpress.com