What’s more to say about my blog about books I’ve read?
Well, this is my blog about books I’ve read 😀.
I always liked reading books, and it all started on a very silly way… It’s always good to blame my dad, so he is the cause of my reading addiction.
When I was still a little girl, a looooooong time ago, I saw him always going to the bathroom with the newspaper. One day I wondered why he did that, so I took a book and tried to see the fun of that.
And since that day, you can find everywhere in the house a book of mine.
A while ago, I had the opportunity to review some books, and now a new opportunity came to post them on an own blog.
So here we are, my own blog!
I read books, and I will post my thoughts about them.
Some books I’ll like, some I won’t like that much…. but you can be sure that I’ll give you my personal and honest opinion about them.
With a famous name, can fiction and reality collide?
Synopsis
Lizzie Bennet, new recruit at the Little Duck Pond Café, is well used to people teasing her about her name. Actually, she rather likes the fact she shares it with one of author Jane Austen’s most popular heroines. But when life weirdly starts to imitate fiction, it’s suddenly a very different matter. With two potential heroes appearing over the horizon, it’s obvious which one Lizzie should go for – isn’t it?
My review
Lizzie Bennet may be sharing a name with one of the most famous fictional characters in the world, and is used to people teasing her with her name. But for Lizzie, it isn’t a burden, as she is a big fan of Jane Austen. And having found a new job at the Little Duck Pond Café makes her more than happy. Until one day she has a very unpleasant encounter with an annoying stranger, who seems to know her boyfriend Wyatt. And that makes Dan(te) think that Lizzie is too judgemental and doesn’t have a mind of her own, while Lizzie thinks that he is very annoying, pompous and just very unpleasant. Until there is a mystery that intrigue the both of them and they decide to uncover the truth together. And perhaps, just like the famous story, Lizzie and Dan will realize that their first impressions were wrong?
I have many books that I love. But if there is one book that I absolutely adore, it is Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. I heard about this book while I was in high school myself, many moons ago. And then my passion for it started. As there have been adaptations, I can say that there is one that is ranked way higher than any other one, and it is the BBC series (Colin Firth, the lake, you know enough, right 😊).
So when an author that I love, like Rosie Green, has a book that has a connection with Jane Austen, of course I will read it, and even before I have read one word, of course I will love it! 😊
And I loved it seeing how our Lizzie in this book is sharing the same love. It would be easy for Lizzie to dislike her name a little bit, or not loving Jane Austen. But of course Rosie made us love Lizzie even more, by having a shared love.
Lizzie is a very warm character. Even if her whole family, Lizzie included, is still grieving over the loss of her father, Lizzie is the kind of person that does not just sit still. And she also understands that everyone has their own way of grieving, as her mother shows, or as her sisters show.
We also see that Lizzie is the kind of person who wants everyone to be happy, and tries to not let everyone get away. She is the voice of sense in several occasions, and truly a big sister for her siblings.
On the other hand, there are moments where I wished that Lizzie could see who Wyatt truly is. Because just as a reader, there are several red flags, and his behaviour is not something I could handle. But when you think you are in love, right?
Not that Dan(te) makes a better first impression, as I could completely comprehend Lizzie’s initial dislike for him and his colleague. Even if you don’t initially ‘gel’ with someone, there is always a level of politeness and respect you can show that person.
Now, I have to admit, while I don’t agree with his behaviour, I could understand where he was coming from, especially as Dan does it to protect his family… And seeing that side from him, made me just understand him better.
And he for sure makes up for that bad first impression the more the story evolves! We see a kind, generous, warm, funny Dan. A Dan that is well, impossible to resist, even for me! 😊
What I loved about this book, is the connection is had with Pride & Prejudice, and Jane Austen. I don’t know extremely a lot about Jane’s life, but the way Rosie Green in this book managed to write something with some fictional liberties, made it all pretty realistic. It all could have happened for real!
But the real beauty of this book is, is the bond that is growing between Lizzie and Dan (but sorry, even if his name is shortened, I actually like the name Dante and used it while reading 😊). They start off on the wrong foot, but their shared curiosity brings them spending more time together.
And then sparks start to fly around, as not only there is a physical attraction, but they both realize they have more in common than imagined.
Let’s also add to the equation that there are worries that sound very relatable, worries about other’s opinions and lies (or truths) that are not being told…
Oh and let’s not forget about the many, many similarities there are between this Lizzie and Dan and the other Lizzie and Mr. Darcy! Because while this is a different stories, there are many common grounds, links that you could make with the classic.
In other words, Lizzie and Dan captivated my attention, and I loved reading their story from the start till the very end. Even if I reached the end too quickly unfortunately… 😊
Some houses won’t let go of the past. Some people won’t, either…
When single mum Libby is offered a life-changing sum of money to clear out an old cottage in the woods, she expects dust and decay. She doesn’t expect a house full of secrets, a room full of birds, and a woman who refuses to leave.
The handsome but stressed architect who hired Libby is also a puzzle. Why can’t Ross empty Elm Cottage himself? What can he possibly see in Libby, who has been burned by love and is wary of attachment? How can they persuade the mysterious but kindly Isobel to move on?
As Libby is pulled into the cottage’s story, she must face up to her own deepest fears. Can she help Isobel, fight the past that haunts her, and learn to open her own heart to love once more?
Jane Lovering’s new novel is a delicious, romantic mystery where secrets, love and healing weave through every page.
My review
Libby is a single mother hiding in a hostel from an abusive relationship. With money being a struggle and not having anyone to help her, she accept the offer and the substantial sum of money. What she has to do, is clear out an old cottage in the woods. Would be easy-peasy, But the woman living in the derelict cottage with a bunch of scary birds doesn’t want to leave her home at all. So with Rob chasing Libby to clear the cottage, and Isobel refusing to budge, Libby finds herself between two fires. She also finds herself invested in the story of Elm Cottage and also the reason why Rob cannot empty it himself. And then there is the issue with Rob, who clearly shows an interest in Libby. But with so many fears, Libby needs to face them first, before she can even think about anything else…
Before I start with my actual review of the book, I have to say that with this title, the genre could have perfectly been also a thriller or a horror 😊.
But, as it is a Jane Lovering, of course it is not a terrifying thriller or horror!
Right from the start, it is so obvious that Libby is not living her life, rather just surviving. With her lovely daughter Tilly, Libby is trying to make the best out of her current situation. But anyone can see that it isn’t a healthy situation they are living in. Not that Libby is a bad mother, but her fear is holding her back. And while she tries to be more courageous, to not show Tilly her fears, it isn’t easy.
And seeing that situation, truly saddened me. It shows us how left to your own devices you can be. Because yes, Libby is in hiding, and she for sure could use more help from authorities, but she is struggling on every possible level.
Despite all her struggles, Libby tries to be the best possible mother to Tilly, under these difficult circumstances. She wants her little girl to feel save, to enjoy her childhood. But she also wants to protect her from all the dangers in the world.
So when Rob ‘hires’ Libby to make sure Elm Cottage is being cleared out asap, I could understand Libby’s wariness. It is a strange request, and when Rob makes clear that money isn’t an issue, it sounded even more and more strange even to me.
I had several question marks with Rob’s behaviour, and I wondered why he cannot clear out the cottage himself. How hard can it be, right?
However, while his behaviour may look a bit shady initially, there is a logical explanation for it all, and even the money – issue made sense after Rob’s explanation.
Rob doesn’t make the best of first impressions, but the further the story evolves, the more we see how he tries to comprehend Libby and how he can support her. And while I would have expected him to want to help Libby more out, I could see how him just supporting Libby and wanting to solve everything for her, is not only the best solution for Libby, but also for Rob himself, with his background.
Libby’s fear for birds was something I could easily relate with. I am also afraid of everything with wings, but not as much as Libby. So when reading how Libby enters the cottage filled with birds, I just got terrible goosebumps! I would be running outside, screaming like a madwoman 😊.
Yet it amazed me how all those terrifying birds were somehow trained by Isobel, the woman living in the cottage.
To say that Isobel is a character, would be an understatement. She chose to not talk anymore, and that alone is already something unique. But she is also a remarkable woman, as without any words, she sees and understands everything that is happening around her. And without any words, she is able to pass her thoughts and remarks.
And yes, it is thanks to Isobel, that there are changes taking place. Not only with Libby and Tilly, but also Rob gets some important insights, that without Isobel perhaps would be kept hidden.
There is also an important message about mental health in this story. I am not going to divulge into it, as it is something you need to read and understand yourself. But what I can say, is that it made me realize that things aren’t always what they seem to be, and that it isn’t easy to understand what is truly going on. There still isn’t a clear map about how the brains and the mind function, making it also more difficult for the people around to act in the right way, without scaring away the person involved.
Perhaps this issue was handled a little bit too hasted, as I for sure found myself looking up for more information. But on the other hand, this isn’t a psychological book.
Because this book shows us how a woman living in fear, with meeting perhaps random people, can start to become a little bit more courageous. It can go from not being too scared around birds, to trust people, to let people back in your life. And perhaps even allow your heart to open up again…
While perhaps Libby’s story will not be too relatable to you, as it didn’t always was to me, it for sure worked as an inspiration, as a moment that made me want to know more. And of course, as accustomed with this lovely author, this book gave me the need to just keep on reading!
The winds of change are sweeping through the idyllic Cotswold village of Lower Leaping.
After a tumultuous few months, Tess Alexander is ready to welcome her first guests to The Garden Retreat, a beautiful lodge in the grounds of Hollyhocks Cottage.
With her daughter Hannah home from her travels in Australia and her mother, Marjorie, acting out of character, Tess has to juggle many demands on her attention. Even her flourishing relationship with dashing Rob Templeton is put to the test when he faces an emotional dilemma from his past and Barney, her beloved beagle, has her at her wits end.
Tess can weather most storms with the unbridling support of her close friends Dilly, Gina and Suzy but when a passing remark in the local pub causes her to question one of those friendships, she wonders who can she really trust?
Can Tess overcome the obstacles in her path to find the happy ending she truly deserves?
My review
Tess Alexander had to face a lot of changes the last few months. But now things are finally coming along, and Tess is ready to welcome her first guests to The Garden Retreat in her garden. And even if things started a bit rocky, her relationship with Rob Templeton made her believe in love again. However, Tess quickly realizes that her worries are far by over, as her daughter is back home from Australia with more than just a broken heart, Tess’s own mother is acting completely out of character, and even Rob is acting differently as his past is catching up with him again. And even a passing remark in the local pub makes her question the loyalty of her best friends. So can Tess find her silver linings again, can she reclaim her happy ending that she for sure deserves?
It is always a bit scary starting a second book in a series. Because the story previously wrapped up perfectly, and with a new book, you are a bit afraid for what is looming around the corner once again for the main characters.
We left Tess previously with a happy feelings, as after her marriage falling apart, with her own ‘stubbornness’, she has been able to turn her life around, find a purpose again and even found love again. At the start of this book, I was still proud of how far Tess has come and how she was looking forward to her changed yet better future.
But of course life always keeps on throwing curveballs, that is just how life goes. And with each curveball, we see how much Tess has grown.
For example: when her lovely daughter is at a crossroad again, it would be easy as a mother to tell her what to do. But Tess knows that the best way to learn, is to make your own choices and perhaps even mistakes. And Hannah is old enough to know what she wants, or what she doesn’t want, or that she just doesn’t know yet. Tess is being the supportive mother that Hannah needs her to be, without judgement, but just being by her side.
However, Tess is still a worrier 😊 Not only does her daughter cause Tess worries, but also her own mother. We know that all the women of the family are strong women, so seeing the matriarch acting out of character, made me worry too. It couldn’t be that something terrible would be happening to this fierce woman?
And when Rob also starts to act different, or is apparently keeping things from her, we see how previous doubts and insecurities start to resurface. It was for sure recognizable, because no matter how growth we have been through, it is easy to fall back into traps of the past.
But we see with the struggles that Tess is facing, whether it is with her own thoughts about her daughter, her worries about her mother, the doubts with Rob, that communication is key. Of course communicating openly about things is easier said than done, as there is the risk that you may hear things you don’t want to hear, but especially in this case, it would have avoided many worries for Tess.
Yet also in this story Tess keeps on growing, she is more courageous. She has the guts to stand her ground, to clearly show her borders, and doesn’t let anyone walk over her that easily anymore.
And like the title says, also her heart is healing. Where it already was opening up with Rob, matters of the heart are always a work in progress.
This isn’t a story that is filled with drama over drama over drama. Yes, there is *some* drama 😊 but it isn’t always earth – shattering. There is drama that could happen to any of us, and how it is handled is how any sensible person would.
But no matter what curveball is thrown, Tess never loses her ‘Tess-ness’, as she doesn’t act indifferent no matter who is in front of her. She never stops caring, worrying and loving. And that is the strength of her character, but also of the story in itself. Because with heart, even if it is still a healing one, the right thing will always be done. And with heart, even a healing one, love (any kind of love) always will be victorious.
Scarlett Hope has found a surprising rhythm at Haddon House. Just months into life with Laird Edward Cameron-Reid, their chemistry is electric, and the future feels full of promise – but something inside her is stirring. She’s traded city charm for estate calm yet still feels caught between worlds.
Then Harry shows up. A famous music producer – and a blast from Scarlett’s past – he’s in town to film with a renowned band. His arrival is magnetic, disruptive, and the last thing she ever expected. Scarlett loves Edward, but Harry’s presence reawakens the version of herself she thought she’d left behind.
When Edward’s daughter announces she’s pregnant and moves in full-time, the pressure only grows. And when Scarlett meets Sophie, a young woman struggling to make a home for her unborn child, one small act of kindness turns into something far bigger – a project that might just change everything. But as tragedy strikes, Scarlett faces a deeper choice – not between two men, but between who she was and who she’s becoming.
Too Much to Hope For is a high spice, emotionally layered story of love, legacy, and identity – about staying rooted in love while growing into something more. Perfect for readers who loved the emotional fire of A New Hope in the Highlands, the small-town heart of Things We Never Got Over, and the soul-deep reckoning of After I Do.
My review
Scarlett Hope couldn’t be happier now that everything fell into place. The bond with her mother is slowly restoring, and she is happily in love with Edward Cameron – Reid. After everything she has been through in the past, she has finally find a place to call home in Haddon House, with people she can trust and love. Yet Scarlett cannot shake the feeling that she cannot be truly be herself, as she also doesn’t has all the answers to her own questions about who the real Scarlett truly is and what would give her real purpose. To add further complications, not only is Edward struggling with holding everything together, but also an old friend from Scarlett arrives and ads extra pressure on the already frail relationship. And then there is unexpected news from Edward’s family that shakes the boat even more. How much can both Scarlett and Edward take and how strong is their relationship, as there must be a limit to their strength…
In many books, the story ends when the main characters finally get together. But in real life, we all know that getting together is the easiest part. Being in a relationship means to open up, let the other person completely in, to find compromise, to communicate and be honest. All easier said than done, but it is always a work in progress, no matter how big the love is.
We know that there is a lot of passion and desire between Edward and Scarlett, but we also know that Scarlett comes with a lot of baggage and that Edward needs to find a way to open up and let Scarlett truly in. And they should not just give in to their desire to each other, but also find a way to openly communicate about, well, everything.
And to be honest, while I loved reading the passion and the love between Edward and Scarlett, it was a bit frustrating to see how especially Scarlett is always facing a brick wall. Edward does his best, but it is difficult to let go of some habits. And it also frustrated me a bit reading how Edward doesn’t always seem to understand Scarlett. And mainly, it angered me also to see how he doesn’t always think before he speaks, hurting Scarlett more than just once in the process.
Now, I need to admit too, that Edward for sure has a lot on his plate, and things are just added on the immense pile… He truly is trying to be the man that Scarlett deserves, but you know, old habits…
When Harry enters the scene, I was truly worried about Edward and Scarlett, because not only does Edward shows a level of jealously (righteously or not…) but I could see how Harry’s presence could risk things even furthermore…
On the other hand, I was happy for Scarlett to see her old friend back, as he could remind her of the Scarlett she used to be. And perhaps that remembering the shared past, Scarlett could find her real self again. And I could see that Harry was a real supportive friend to her, even if it was crystal clear to me that his feelings perhaps weren’t just amicable…
Another thing I need to admit, is that the author for sure has a cruel streak, because Edward, Scarlett and their families are going through several hardships. Life for sure isn’t always fair to any of them, and they are all tested to their limits…
Cruel author too, as Rachel Debrave at one point made several hearts break in this book, but mine included… Again it shows how Life goes, and just how unfair and frail it all is…
In this book, Edward and Scarlett for sure are tested, not only as individuals, but also as a couple, especially as a couple. The both of are on a learning journey, where Scarlett learns and rediscovers the old Scarlett again. And she learns to stand up for herself and knows that love isn’t a free pass for one’s behaviour.
And Edward learns that love is worth the change. That being the old Edward is not what will keep the love alive and being his old self will only push Scarlett, and his loved ones further away.
This book is about change. Change that is necessary, change to just be your real self, change to let love win. Change to survive whatever curveball Life throws you. Change to become a stronger person than you already are. And that all for love’s sake…
When the risk of losing your home makes you open your home to help others
Synopsis
The heartwarming new novel from the author of the million-copy bestselling CockleberryBay series
Seahaven Bay has always been a place where the sparkling tides bring laughter, love and a lot of fun. But when Rita Jory’s beloved husband Archie dies in a tragic accident, she’s left alone on their failing Cornish farm with nothing but her grieving heart, a mountain of debt and some very badly behaved goats. Faced with selling the home she loves or finding a way to make it pay, Rita has a moment of desperate inspiration. She decides to transform her beloved Seahaven Farm into a place where broken souls can heal by the sea.
With help from her sharp-tongued mother-in-law, loyal best friend, daughter and new friends, the rundown farm soon blossoms into a haven of healing, creativity and community. Rita dares to believe her future might still shimmer with possibility – and even admits her growing attraction to Jago, the gorgeous neighbouring farmer with whom the Jorys had a decades-long feud.
But just as Rita begins to find peace, long-buried secrets about Archie’s past begin to surface, forcing her to question everything she believed about the life they built together.
Rita must discover the truth and decide if she’s ready to open her heart again – to love, to hope, and to the possibility that even after loss, life can still be full of surprises.
A tender, uplifting and hilarious tale of resilience, friendship and finding light in the darkest moments, perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Jojo Moyes and Amanda Prowse.
My review
After meeting Archie, Rita Jory left her life in London behind and moved to Seahaven Bay. While the differences couldn’t be more different, Rita enjoyed her married life on the farm with all their animals. With now her adult children having left home, and Archie dying in a tragic accident, Rita is now all left alone and with a mountain of debts she didn’t know about. The only idea she can come up with to save her beloved home and animals, is to transform her Seahaven Farm into a haven where people can heal, find their creativity (back)and find a sense of community. With the help of her best friend, her daughter, new friends and unexpectedly her mother – in – law, Rita is proud of her safe haven. And slowly Rita starts to see a bright future again, especially as there may be some growing feelings for Jago, her neighbour. But falling for Jago is dangerous, as the Jorys have a decades – long feud with the gorgeous and kind farmer… And then there are secrets from Archie’s past to surface, and Rita’s own son that doesn’t understand his own mother, jeopardizing once again Rita’s whole life…
Before I started with this book, I made sure I was comfortable, I made sure that for a while I wouldn’t be disturbed and I was all ready to get swept away by another great story of an author that is only able to write wonderful stories!
Obviously, it saddened me that Rita lost her beloved husband Archie. And that now she is trying to cope with all there is left. On the other hand, I liked it how deep the love between the married couple was. Of course there are the usual disagreements between husband and wife, but Archie and Rita loved each other very much. And that was in a way refreshing, because often in a book, the main character has been facing some wrongdoing, or things ended badly. And yes, Archie died, so Rita is heartbroken, but you get what I want to say, right? 😊
Yet it saddened me also to read in how much trouble Rita is now. She didn’t know the depth of the debts, and she already made the difficult decision to sell some of the land. But it is just not enough…
But while initially Rita is a bit down, and doesn’t see any silver linings, she comes up with a great idea. The idea may have come out of desperation, but for sure it is a great one. In a world with too many expectations, too much stress and too many temptations, a Seahaven Farm is exactly what a lot of people could and would need in their lives.
And the revamped Farm is also what Rita needs at this moment in her life. Because it is clear that while she keeps her head up high, she still finds it difficult to be in a life where there is no Archie anymore. And it broke my heart to see how difficult Rita finds it to talk about her loss, to even her own daughter…
Rita truly starts to live up again when the wheels have been set into motion, and seeing this Rita, full of energy in a way, with a determination to make it all work, was just lovely to read. The matter of opening her Farm up for those who need a helping hand in any way, makes her realize that her life isn’t over and that there is still so much that Rita can do, and that she still matters.
It also warmed my heart reading how Rita is making new friends. New friends that perhaps you and I would chase away. But it is a testament to Rita’s character, that she accepts everyone how they are. She doesn’t have any prejudice, and even when a big secret is being revealed, she shows with her actions that she is one of the good ones.
Talking about secrets… It would be strange if everything would go straightforward for Rita. There is the mystery of the will, the weird behaviour of her son, and a mother – in – laws who helps her, but also warns her to stay away from her neighbour and let the past rest.
A past that haunts her, as secret messages are telling her that the truth will be revealed at the right time… A past that somehow yet mysteriously also involves her neighbour Jago.
As an Italian, I know how feuds works, and how they can last for decades 😊 But I was also very curious how Jago fitted into the whole picture.
Because the Jago we see in this book, is perhaps a bit standoffish at the start, but we also see that he doesn’t hesitate to help Rita in one way or another. So I couldn’t understand how this nice man could be part of a feud between families lasting for so long.
Despite that feud, I was cheering for Rita and Jago, because it is clear that there is attraction between them. And even if it went against my own hopes, I liked it how Nicola May made it a attracting and pulling away story. The one moment things seem to evolve positively, while the next, something (even inexplicable) happens, pulling Rita and Jago even further away…
It may seem that there isn’t a lot happening in this book, it isn’t filled with action. But don’t be fooled, it isn’t because there isn’t a lot of action, that there aren’t a lot of things going on. Rita for sure has her hands full with making her vision become reality. But there is also a calmness in this book, which is infectious to the readers.
Nicola May let us met with a wonderful, kind and open main character, who shows us that it is never too late to start again. But also that grief and hurt isn’t something that easy to get over, but that it works differently to each of us. And that same grief and hurt can let us act in a way that isn’t us.
I truly loved this book, as it shows us so many emotions, from the ugly ones to the beautiful ones. And it shows us how one idea can be the right incentive to see life again brightly. And how happiness can be found again, if you just are courageous enough.
What an inspiring and heartwarming story once again from an amazing author!
Do to damage control with the person you and your family despise the most…
Synopsis
Rhiannon I walked out of my wedding and straight into the arms of a stranger. One night. No names. No regrets. Until I find out who he really is—Robert McAllister, the investigative journalist who nearly destroyed my family. Now the tabloids think we’re a couple, and the only way to control the chaos is to fake-date the man my whole family hates. Smile for the cameras. Lie through your teeth. Try not to punch him in the throat.And whatever you do, don’t fall for the enemy.
Robert Sleeping with Rhiannon Morrigan hours after she jilted her fiancé wasn’t my smartest move. She’s a rugby icon. A walking headline. Off-limits in every way, and the one subject I swore I wouldn’t write about. But my editor’s ultimatum is clear—write her story or lose my job. Now we’re faking it for the press, and I’m holding the biggest scoop of my career…
If I write it, I’ll lose her. If I don’t, I might lose everything else.
My review
After discovering the betrayal of her fiancé and her supposed best friend, Rhiannon choses to expose them on her own wedding day. Together with her sisters, she decides to let some steam off and she ends up acting out of character and has one steamy night with a complete stranger. So many people have nights with complete strangers, with no regrets and no one exposing the fling on the tabloids. Weren’t it that Rhiannon is a rugby icon, and her family name Morrigan is known by every rugby fan over the world. And that the man she spent the night with, is her family’s worst enemy, investigative journalist Rober McAllister. Robert, who has made it his mission to expose everyone who isn’t clean in the sports world. And his eyes are set on the Morrigan family for a while. So Rhiannon is off – limits in so many different ways… However, when Rhiannon needs him to control the chaos that erupted, Robert agrees to fake – date her. And when his own editor demands from Robert to write a story about Rhiannon, Robert does not know what to do, write a scoop and lose the frail relationship that is building, or lose not only his job, but everything else?
I got to know this amazing author with her books about hockey players. And I loved every story so far. Even with her other nickname, and not – hockey – related books, she got me hooked. So with now expanding the horizon towards rugby, I was more curious than other times.
And also with rugby, I have to admit that even if my sister – in – law is a big fan of it, I don’t know much about it. I just see the players running, jumping on each other, and a weird shaped ball… Don’t ask me about the rules, because I just don’t know! 😊
Even if I didn’t know anything about rugby, I felt an immediate connection with Rhiannon. Not because we have a lot in common, as our worlds couldn’t be more different. Yet there was something in Rhiannon’s character that resounded very loudly with me. I cannot pinpoint exactly what, but I just clicked with her.
I am single at the moment, but is there a bigger betrayal than discovering that your fiancé and your friend are hooking up together? My heart broke for Rhiannon, but at the same time I also admired her. Because she has planned to expose their betrayal in front of anyone, at the actual wedding! You need some big balls for that!😊
What saddened me also, was reading how she didn’t get the support from her father. Because yes, the humiliation is there, but as a father, a parent, you have to stand by your daughter’s side and protect her from the person that harmed her.
Luckily, Rhiannon has the best sisters and *real* friends in the world. They support her through the worst day of her life. They for sure know how to put a smile on Rhiannon’s face, and mine too! And they are always there for Rhiannon, also seeing through the ‘lies’ Rhiannon tries to tell them. This shows how well they all know each other and as they don’t judge her, just how much they love her.
Now, I am not the kind of person to have a fling for just one night, that is just not my cup of tea. But I can understand why people have them, and I could understand Rhiannon needing to feel different. Although, perhaps there would have been a better location, and a more laid – back outfit 😊.
And hooking up with a complete stranger, you never know who you have in front of you… And in Rhiannon’s case, she couldn’t have picked a worse match. Or for book – purposes, a better match 😊.
Not that Robert is a bad person, but being an investigative journalist, having already haunted Rhiannon’s family, he not exactly persona grata in the family…
And he also has a big baggage of his own, with he still hasn’t come completely to terms with, and his past is still haunting him, on so many several levels.
Obviously he knows who Rhiannon is, and even if he knows that hooking up would be a terrible idea, he just cannot resists Rhiannon. And I cannot blame him! 😊
Of course we know that their fling will come out, and that they will have to start fake – dating. Yet there is always the curiosity of reading how it all will start, will they get along at least at some level, or are they enemies from the very start? So many questions, and the only way to get answers, is just keep reading!
Rhiannon and Robert have their own agenda of why agreeing to the fake – dating, and in a way it angered me. Because, why should a woman be brought to shame of having a fling, after being betrayed? Especially if it were a man instead of Rhiannon, nobody would care, or worse, they would applaud him…
And Robert is forced to write an article about Rhiannon, which he absolutely does not want to write. Not only would he lose his job if he refuses, but he is also partnered up with the scumbaggiest of scumbags…
Both of them have a lot at stake, and they want to pretend when needed, but they want to keep their distance, for self-preservation. They don’t want to show the real Rhiannon and Robert to each other, out of fear. And that is somehow the red thread throughout the whole story, the fear of being just Rhiannon and Robert. And not only towards each other, but also to others, even their loved ones.
And that saddened me a little bit, because no matter what you have been through, are going through, what your baggage is, you should be able to be just yourself, to know who you are.
What I liked in this book especially, is reading how Rhiannon learns to talk and help Robert with his disability. His disability is not a secret, as you can clearly see it on the cover. It is easy to pity someone like him, but Robert makes it clear to Rhiannon and the readers too, that pity is the last thing that is needed. And he explains very clearly what the do’s and don’ts are. Because just because you want to help out, doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do. And that was very informative and eye-opening too.
And also, we see how the right support can make you believe in yourself more, and understand yourself more. Because Rhiannon is a great player, but also very much under the influence and pressure of her own father. And Robert makes her understand that she is great, but that is on her, even without her father she would be awesome. And Rhiannon learns in this book to go more with her own gut feeling. And she knows that Robert will be in her corner. Isn’t that a great thought, knowing that you will always have someone ready to fight with you?
There are of course dilemmas in this book, to let the other one in, or keep your distance? Be loyal to your editor, trainer, manager, or trust your own (gut) feelings? So many issues are addressed in this book, and the amazing Queen that Las is, lets the main character go through the whole process, even if they are filled with doubting thoughts.
This was once again a marvellous story, about how life can break you, but also how with the right people surrounding you, you can become a stronger version of yourself. And yes, of course there is some spice in it. But in a way, those heated moments weren’t doing it for me, but the growing mutual respect, understanding and care between Rhiannon and Robert did more to me than any spice between them ever could…
Summer 1745: Prince Charles Edward Stuart has landed in the Highlands, igniting a rebellion that will set Scotland ablaze.
Redcoat Captain Robert Catto has painful personal reasons for hating all Jacobites with a passion. Except for one. Christian Rankeillor is a fiercely intelligent apothecary in Edinburgh. Her loyalty to the Jacobite Cause is unshakeable.
Now, as the Rising gathers force and loyalties harden into life-or-death choices, Catto must confront enemies on and off the battlefield as well as the ghosts of his troubled past. On opposite sides of a brutal conflict, can Robert and Kirsty dare to hope against all the odds they might have a future together? Or will the coming storm destroy their last chance at love?
The renowned and well-loved author of Damn’ Rebel Bitches: The Women of the ’45 and Bare-Arsed Banditti: The Men of the ’45, Maggie Craig brings to life the drama, danger and defiance of 1740s Scotland with a storyteller’s touch and a historian’s insight.
Maggie Craig is a celebrated Scottish author whose passion lies in bringing Scotland’s rich history to life. She’s written well-loved family sagas set in her native Glasgow and Clydebank, while her Storm Over Scotland series is a tale of star-crossed lovers negotiating Jacobite intrigue and political tension before and during the 1745 Jacobite rising. She’s equally renowned for her non-fiction: Damn’ Rebel Bitches: The Women of the ’45 and Bare-Arsed Banditti: The Men of the ’45 highlight the personalities of the Jacobite Rising, and her latest, One Week in April: The Scottish Radical Rising of 1820, examines radical eighteenth-century movements. She’s also written a social history of Red Clydeside and a vivid biography of wartime nurse and Jacobite historian Henrietta Tayler. Renowned for her meticulous research, Maggie has been described as writing with a brilliantly authentic voice.
She broke into the wrong house. Now, three brutal men will make her pay—with her body, her secrets, and her soul.
When runaway heiress Marigold Calder crashes into the forbidden Isles of Kassel during a blizzard, she’s desperate for shelter. The isolated mountain lodge seems like salvation, until she realizes it belongs to The Bears, three massive Russian brothers who own the most exclusive—and dangerous—private men’s club in Kassel.
HUNTER – The violent one who takes what he wants🔥 STONE – The cold mastermind who’ll break her with a single look🔥 ASH – The deceptively gentle one who’s anything but safe🔥
In Kassel, trespassing has a price. And once they catch her sleeping in their bed, eating their food, and wearing their clothes, these territorial predators decide she’s theirs.
Trapped by the storm and their obsession, Marigold discovers a dark connection between their families that turns their hospitality into a hunt for revenge. Now, they won’t just keep her, they’ll ruin her.
A scorching hot, morally grey, billionaire reverse harem featuring possessive anti-heroes, forced proximity, primal dominance, explosive chemistry, and a heroine who refuses to break. This standalone dark romance contains mature themes and explicit scenes that will leave you breathless.
Step into their den… if you dare.TROPES: Reverse Harem/Why Choose • Dark Romance • Forced Proximity • Snowbound • Captive Romance • Morally Grey Heroes • Touch Her and Die • Possessive/Obsessive • Enemies to Lovers • Found Family • Russian Heroes • Private Club • Billionaire Romance • Secret Identity • Revenge Plot • High Heat 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
My review
When Marigold Calder escaped, she never expected that she would be literally crashing and would have to fight for her life. So when she finds an isolated mountain lodge on the forbidden and very private Isles of Kassel, she believes that she is safe. But what she doesn’t know, but will realize soon, is that the owners of the lodge, the Bears, three Russian brothers, don’t allow anyone in. And whoever dares to trespass, has to pay a price. And all three brothers, Hunter, Stone and Ash, have decided that this trespasser with golden hair, is now theirs, to do as they please. As a storm rages on, Marigold has no other choice to submit to the three brothers, with their own different character but all also having a pull that Marigold finds strangely to ignore. And then Marigold discovers that the Bear Brothers are seeking out for revenge as someone of Marigold’s family hurt the one person the brothers love the most. Turning Marigold into a pawn in a very dangerous game…
Having read the first book of the series The VIllians of Kassel, I knew that not only it would be a complete retelling, with many liberties of the author. Lydia Michaels may use famous tales as inspiration, yet she changes so much in her own story, that while there still are a few similarities, a lot is, well, just not. And I also knew that there would be a lot of explicit scenes, and even moments where the female main character would be acting against her own will. But there are several of warnings at the start of the book, so I as warned well beforehand.
At the start of the book, it is obvious that Marigold is literally running away from something and someone (or rather, several people). But the exact who, why, when, etc. is not made obvious further along in the book. But her desperation is obvious from those first few pages. And reading what she had to endure, at the hand of the people that perhaps should protect, cherish and love her the most, isn’t that the worst possible betrayal?
I could understand that her need to survive was bigger that questioning whose house she would be trespassing. And I could also understand the reason that she lies when the three brothers find her. Again, that need to survive at any cost…
If she would have literally crashed anywhere else but this lodge, perhaps she would have met someone who would show her kindness and help her out. Unfortunately, she crashed the lodge of the most fearful, savage, revengeful brothers of the whole continent.
There are so many signs that the three brothers are not to mess with, they have laws of their own, no law stopping from what they want to do.
Hunter, Stone and Ash are the closest as siblings could ever be, and I am close to my brother, but not to their extension! They have been through a lot, together, but there is nothing that would tear them apart. On the contrary, their family bond is just unbreakable.
And when there is a threat, in any form or shape, they are united to protect what is theirs and what they love.
So when they find Marigold in their home, they won’t just let her walk away. Because nobody comes to their home and just walks away… And they also now that Marigold isn’t telling the truth, and one way or another they will get it out of her…
I cannot say that the brothers sparked something inside of me from the start. They are controlling, intimidating and also scary… Yet even if they are brothers and have a lot of similarities, they are all different characters. Where Ash shows a gentle side (but don’t get fooled by it), Stone is a cold mastermind and Hunter seems to be the most violent and vengeful one.
United they are a force to be reckoned with, but somehow, Marigold is their weak spot…
Of course I knew they wanted to use Marigold for their own benefit and pleasure. And I knew that Marigold would have no other option than complying, as these men saved her but also as she has no other place to run.
And yet, there is something about these brothers, and it isn’t just their power that emanates from the pages… We see this when they let Marigold know why they are seeking revenge, as they want to protect and avenge the person they love the most.
We also see how Marigold starts to see behind this strong façade all the brothers have. I am not saying they are suddenly saints, because they are not. But there is just something about those three Bears, a hidden vulnerability in a way, that made me understand the attraction…
Talking about attraction… or rather, I need to talk about the spicy and all the action that is taking place. First of all, while initially Marigold does not have a choice and has some with all the brothers, I could see how it would be an impossible choice to just pick one. Not my cup of tea, a reversed harem, but I am not judging someone else’s choices, if it makes them happy and they don’t hurt anyone else in the process.
Secondly, pfew, there is A LOT of action taking place! And even if there was a moment I was wondering about the logistics about a certain scene, I perhaps needed to take a break myself, as sometimes it got a bit too hot! 😊
Of course it is a spicy story, that perhaps is not for everyone, but I also saw something else in this book. I saw how a hurt, broken woman may have found herself in the lion’s den. But the lions, or rather Bears, that she encounters, make her understand that she is not completely broken, that she in fact is a strong fighter. And those three strong brothers, they realize that no matter how much they protect what is theirs, no matter how closed up they are, there may be one woman with golden hair that is able to open their hearts in a way they never expected.
Lydia Michaels also with this story turned a well – known tale into something completely different. But different isn’t a bad thing. Different is just another way of looking at life, different is just understanding that there are more ways to see things. And that one evening where you need to survive, can open a gate (or a door) to a whole different life that may fit you better than you may ever believe…
A BRAND NEW spicy summer romance set in everybody’s favourite matchmaking hotel 🌞🌴💖
For fans of Meghan Quinn and Ali Hazelwood!
Tropes: 🌶️ Matchmaking 🌶️ Rockstar romance 🌶️ Grumpy sunshine 🌶️ Opposites attract 🌶️ Forced proximity 🌶️ Fake dating 🌶️ Celebrity comeback 🌶️ Playboy with hidden depths 🌶️ Luxury hotel setting
They say opposites attract… right?
Ex-rock star Jake used to have it all. But a fall from grace has left him with a career in tatters. Trying to salvage his reputation, his agent suggests a trip to sunny California’s brand new five-star Love Hotel. The plan is to instigate a fake whirlwind social media romance to reignite his star power. Simple. Except, Jake barely knows how to use a hashtag. And he’s definitely not looking for love.
Looking for a second chance at finding true love, Halle has categorically sworn off musicians and social media after a painful break-up. So, when matched with notorious bad boy Jake, they’re a dating disaster waiting to happen, right?
Jake’s here for the clicks. Halle is craving a connection. ¬ Except the Love Hotel’s matchmaking team are the experts for a reason. And after two weeks of forced proximity in paradise, Halle and Jake discover that the pairing which at first seemed so wrong starts to feel so right…
Perfect for fans of Abby Jimenez, Meghan Quinn and Sarah Adams!
Praise for Olivia Spring:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘ADORE Olivia’s pitch perfect romances – one of the few who can have me swooning over her male characters.’ Bestselling author Kristen Bailey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘I was hooked from the first chapter. An absolute delight!’ Bestselling author Laura Carter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Through Olivia’s wonderful writing style, I honestly felt as though I was there’ Reader Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Well what can I say apart from this book is a rare gem. It has everything book lovers will adore’ Reader Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Once you get hooked into the story you won’t want to put it down.’
My review
Halle has been seriously burnt by love, but is ready to find it again. So when with the help from her friends, she gets a spot in The Love Hotel resort in California, Halle is over the moon. The Love Hotel is known for finding perfect matches, and the only thing that Halle doesn’t want, is to be matched with someone famous, like a musician and someone very present on social media. So when she learns that her ‘perfect match’ is ex – rock star Jake, she is rather angry. Not only because Jake used to be famous, but over the years he has created a notorious bad boy reputation. What Halle doesn’t know though, is that Jake needs to salvage his reputation somehow. And according to his agent, instigating a fake romance plastered over social media is the perfect solution. Where Jake is looking for redemption, Halle is looking for a connection. And with this match, it would seem that The Love Hotel made a mismatch. Or could it be that in the two weeks Halle and Jake are spending together, they realize that perhaps their mismatch isn’t so mismatched at all?
When I started reading this book, I was excited as a little child 😊. Not only because I was so ready for another couple in The Love Hotel, but also because we see Sammie and Romeo from the previous book working as Love Alchemists!
At the start of the book, I was a bit angry with Halle! How dare she use her connections to gain a spot on the Love Hotel, and I don’t even know how to apply for it! 😊
It’s clear that Halle has been hurt by love before, and I could understand how she saw that fame is the cause of it. Because since her then – boyfriend became famous, he changed and he hasn’t been the perfect boyfriend. Nobody is a perfect partner, but he for sure does know how to treat his girlfriend in an awful way.
So I could understand how Halle wants to find her perfect match, that has to be anything but a famous person! But I also felt a tiny bit offended in the name of any musician (not that I am one 😊) because it isn’t fair to paint everyone with the same brush.
Yes, Jake is the perfect example how volatile fame is. He has made mistakes in the past, and he has a bad boy reputation and he lost everything. And initially, I didn’t pity him, because I only based my opinion on the little details that I knew. But just like Halle, I had to get to know Jake better and learn about his history.
I also found it a bit a dirty game of his agent, whom I just immediately disliked, without even a real piece of evidence. I understood that Jake needs to do something to change the world’s perception. Jake may think that his match will be playing along, and knows about why he is in the resort, but we all know better, don’t we? 😊
When Halle and Jake meet, of course they don’t get along. Halle does not want to be around Jake at all, and makes her disdain for him and his reputation very clear. I for sure liked her playlist, making her feelings very very very obvious!
Being at the Love Resort means that Halle and Jake are ‘forced’ to spend together. And initially even on the pictures it is clear how they feel about each other. But slowly, the more time they spend together, it becomes clear that they both have a misperception of each other, and that they share a lot of common thoughts, interests and ideas.
And the more time I spent getting to know Jake, the more I not only understood him, but also how everything fell into place. Because with his story, not only we see how bad choices and decisions can affect your life and reputation, but also how one tragic event changes just everything.
With Jake, we see that behind every tabloid cover is a story, a reason why that persona acted in that way. And that is something important to realize, that behind every façade there is a person that perhaps has been broken and is just trying to pick up the pieces of his/her life again.
Halle and Jake slowly start to comprehend that The Love Hotel Resort didn’t mess up with them matching up together. Halle has a lot of baggage of her own, and Jake is so understanding, non – judgmental and comforting. His acceptance of her and her ‘faults’ makes Halle realize that she in fact does not have anything to feel ashamed about and that Halle being Halle is more than good enough.
And Jake finds someone that is willing to listen, without expressing any kind of judgement. With Halle, Jake feels that he can open up, not only about his mistakes but also about what haunts him, and what broke him. With Halle, he finds someone that is just there for him.
We see with this pair that opening up can release a burden, and that it can make you feel more confident too. Jake gives an extra incentive to Halle, to believe more in herself and her capacities, he makes her understand that why shouldn’t she pursue her dreams? He also becomes very protective of her, wants to protect her from all the evils of the world, even if that evil is his own agent. And Halle makes Jake understand that not everything bad that happened to him, is his fault. Halle makes Jake see that even the most terrible thing that he has endured, can be turned into a lovely remembrance.
I feel with each review that I write for Olivia Spring, that I am repeating myself. Because also with this next book in a great series, she just swept me away. Because despite the hurt both main characters have been through, with their match, they find not only each other matched, but so much more. They find strength, acceptance, resilience and self – confidence.
Yes, this is a romance, but it shows so much growth in the main characters, there is an evolution. And seeing that movement is the strength of the book, seeing how not only perceptions can change, but how also you can change yourself, into a more confident, stronger person.
Lynn grew up believing that saluting magpies could keep bad luck at bay. But after a string of disasters—illness, financial ruin, divorce—she’s forced to admit: the magpie magic isn’t working.
At rock bottom, she turns to a lifeline—a list of treats and adventures she’d always meant to try but never quite got round to. As she slowly ticks them off, what begins as a quest for distraction becomes something deeper.
A train rattles across America. Flamingos flap. Secrets surface. There’s clifftop terror. And step by step, old fears, inherited wounds, and superstitions begin to loosen their grip—creating space for forgiveness, of herself and of others.
How I Learned to Stop Saluting Magpies is a funny, thoughtful memoir about letting go, moving on, and inching—slightly suspiciously—toward joy.
While working as a research psychologist, Lynn Farley-Rose became fascinated by how people cope when things get tough. 31 Treats And A Marriage is a personal account of reconnecting with life after unforeseen calamities, and in The Interview Chain she talks to remarkable people about things that help to make the world a kinder and more connected place. She grew up by the sea in Devon and then lived in London until a move to rural Sussex resulted in a complete change of lifestyle. At one point she was responsible for the welfare of thirty-two animals and eight species including her four children. She now lives in Hampshire and loves her adult children but has no pets.
Tizi’s Book Review 