Why should anyone ever want to grow up when life is all about partying and having fun!

Synopsis

Twenty-seven year old Taylor Quinn rocks the three I’s. She’s immature, impulsive, and totally inappropriate. Now  thatshe’s been admitted to the Sweet Water Circle, a group of long-time friends now in their 30s and 40s who love to push each other to be their best selves, Taylor is tasked with growing up. God knows they have no hope of curing her inappropriate behavior. After calling for a Sweet Water Circle intervention, fellow Circle member and Taylor’s boss, Shelly, puts Taylor on the clock: figure out what she wants to do with her life or join the unemployment line. Who knew getting paid to do nothing wasn’t a long-term career option? Taylor certainly didn’t, so of course, she rebels. Why think about the future when she’s having so much fun in the present? 

The pressure on Taylor intensifies when the a love match set for Shelly falls for Taylor instead. This love match is none other than Benjamin Bach (Billionaire Ben), a contemporary of the Sweet Water Circle who has since made it big in Silicon Valley. Should Taylor take Ben on as her sugar daddy or pursue her own career? Or will the Sweet Water Circle’s top-heavy nemesis, Sasha, beat her to it?

Follow Taylor on a journey of self discovery and misadventure (and total inappropriateness) in love and life. If you’ve read Project Kaitlyn or Jenn Reinvented you know that full maturity for Taylor is out of the question, but perhaps partial maturation is possible? Or maybe not. How can Taylor grow up and find her passion and still be Taylor? You’ll laugh out loud as she tries.

With hysterical antics, witty and humorous dialogue, and a strong character arc, you’ll love the follow-up to Project Kaitlyn and Jenn Reinvented. Taylor Partially Matured is the third book in the hilarious Sweet Water Circle series, exploring the relationships, life adventures, and personal growth of a small circle of friends, who you’re gonna want to hang out with, which is good, because their stories are ready to be told in the rest of the Sweet Water Circle series!

My review

Taylor Quinn is twenty seven years old, but while people of her age are settling down, Taylor surely doesn’t want to settle down. She enjoys partying all the time, hooking up with Cash once in a while and working is totally unnecessary.
However, now being part of the Sweet water Circle, means that her friends have called for an intervention, forcing Taylor to figure out what she wants to do or end up without a job. But when she meets Benjamin Bach, she has a whole new idea: could she turn Billionaire Ben into her sugar daddy?
Or will her nemesis Sasha finally be able to get her claws into him?

So… when I read a book, I am that kind of person that immediately likes the main characters. Because after all, it’s their story and their search for a happily ever after.
And in the previous books of this series, that was certainly the case!
However, in this book, Taylor was not the kind of person I liked…

She is the real party girl, isn’t afraid of shocking people and surely doesn’t think before she speaks. She has a job, but she thinks that working hours are VERY flexible and surely nobody expects her to do some actual work!
It’s like she stayed in her rebellious teenage years, even if she is at the age you are supposed to know better.
So I perfectly understood the intervention of the Sweet Water Circle, and thought they were even being too nice, because her attitude would have gotten her fired even sooner if she were working somewhere else.
But instead of getting her head straight, her solution is making Ben her sugar daddy… and honestly, I even disliked her even more after that thought of her!

Of course, if Taylor was truly such a horrible person, I wouldn’t enjoyed reading this story. But while she is seducing Ben, we also get to see how Taylor, subconsciously, is changing. Because Ben is being her total opposite, she wants to show him how to have some fun. And while Ben is learning to enjoy the fun parts of life, Taylor is learning that growing up doesn’t mean that “fun” is out of the picture.

Taylor and Ben couldn’t be more different, but as so often, opposites attract. Ben is a real workaholic, and even if he is not having a great time with his business, it has his whole focus.
I found it sweet to read how Ben is being persuaded by Taylor to have more fun. And just to learn that Ben is actual a great guy! Yes, having money surely helps him to woo Taylor, but he also has a funny side. The trip to Paris surely wasn’t what Taylor thought would be!

Even is Taylor growing up, she remains herself, and that causes so many hilarious moments! I will never think of a pinkie in the same way!
But seeing Taylor trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life, and learning the hard way nothing comes easy, gave me a kind of proud feeling.

I found this a hilarious story to read, fitting completely with the other stories of the series. Taylor IS partially maturing, thanks to the Sweet Water Circle cheering for her. Learning how to grow up can be scary, but seeing your own potential can be so rewarding.
And seeing how Taylor is changing for the better, even realizing that someone is keeping secrets, and doing the right thing with it, changed my whole opinion over her, making me even like her a lot in the end!

And now I am looking forward to the next story of this series!

When your new job brings you to the magic of Florence…

Synopsis

Sofia Marino is focused on one thing, finding the ideal job… 

When she lands the opportunity to work for Peter Williams at Sublime Retreats, it’s a dream come true and the last thing on her mind is romance.

Then an unfortunate accident means she has to go to Florence with the cold and standoffish Adam Flynn, and she knows she will have to put up with him for two whole weeks. Determined to prove her worth to the company, she throws herself into making the trip successful and dragging Adam out of his shell.

As the sparks begin to fly and Florence seduces them both, will Adam let his guard drop despite his father’s concerns about Sofia’s family ties and can she finally find a man that her brothers will approve of?

My review

Sofia Marino is over the moon that she has convinced Peter Williams at Sublime Retreats that she would be perfect for the position of P.A.
And when Peter’s better half is in an accident, he requests that Sofia takes his place in the trip to Florence, searching for the perfect place to stay as the latest addition to Sublime Retreats’ portfolio.
However, her enthusiasm is diminished when it’s clear that she has to work with Adam Flynn, who acts cold and standoffish. But Sofia is ready to show Adam she can be a real asset and is determined to make this trip a success.
Florence brings Sofia and Adam closer, but even if sparks fly around, both their families are not that easy to persuade of the good intentions of the new love interest…

A story taking place in Florence + romance + an Italian family + funny moments + great characters + Sublime Retreats = the perfect combination to let me enjoy this latest story from Joy Skye!

I had the best time reading this story!

Sofia is a member of a typical Italian family, everyone knows better than you, everyone interferes and has their own opinion.
And trust me, I know what I’m talking about, being Italian myself!
But beside being from an Italian family, Sofia is so easy to like! Her gaffe right at the start was hilarious, yet also something recognizable. Because wouldn’t that be the worst thing happening at a job interview?
And her enthusiasm is truly infectious! Having been to Florence myself a few time, I can still remember being just in awe discovering the place for the first time.

Adam was initially a sad character. The relationship with his father is a strained one. Not because something happened between them, but his father is still focused on a cold case even if he is retired. The both of them are rather introvert, not talking about their feelings.
However, in Florence we see how Adam is more open and starts to see things through Sofia’s eyes.

This was a wonderful story to read, I loved the attraction between Sofia and Adam, and seeing how these cute people were getting closer and also just giving in!
But I found it also hilarious how Adam’s father, Jack, thought how Sofia and her family were involved in something dodgy!

I have one tiny point that irritated me a little bit. Of course I loved it how the chapters had Italian titles. But some words, addressed to Sofia were used in the male form, while there is a female form of that word (Piccolo – Piccola or Bambino – Bambina)
However, I know that this is something typically, annoyingly me, and it didn’t cause a lesser liking of the story!

This story takes you to Florence as a reader, makes you not only fall in love with the place, but also with all the characters in it, even those who may seem being part of a not so legal adventure!
This was again another great work of the author, making me dream of places I want to visit again and why not, make the place make me find that special love too!

Could you help the person that once broke your heart?

Synopsis

A forgotten past…

Could pave the way to forever!

When millionaire Mansur Ali is called urgently home to Somaliland, he’s shocked to find that the woman who broke his heart needs his help. After an accident, Amal has lost many memories…including Manny’s marriage proposal and her rejection! Manny will help her seek treatment in Addis Ababa, but he’s resolved to keep his heart firmly off-limits. A promise that is tested when their journey brings them closer than ever before…

My review

When Mansur Ali received a call from his mother, asking for his help, he doesn’t hesitate to fly back to Somaliland even if it’s not something that makes him happy.
But no matter how he feels about returning home, there isn’t a thing he wouldn’t do for his mother.
However, he couldn’t be surprised more when it appears that the help is not for his mother, but for Amal. Amal, who refused Manny’s marriage proposal and broke his heart. After an accident Amal has lost her memory and now Manny has to help seeking treatment in Addid Ababa.
Not being able to refuse his mother’s pleas, Manny offers his help, but is determined to keep his heart closed. Because there is no way Manny and Amal will be getting closer, right?

When I read a book, 99.99% of the times it’s taking place somewhere I can easily relate to. If the story is settles in the U.S. or U.K. or Europe, it’s easier for me to get totally submerged into it
So having this story mainly taking part in Somaliland, made me struggle a little bit more with it, because I honestly have no idea what is typical for this place, or how it looks like. If you say London, it’s easy to picture Westminster, Big Ben and even Buckingham Palace.
But If you ask me something famous in Somaliland, I cannot answer you…

However, don’t think I didn’t enjoy this romance!

Not only is Manny forced to return to his family, even if he is being successful in Pittsburgh, it’s clear that there are still ghosts from the past haunting him.
And when he is faced with the woman who broke his heart, it’s obvious and understandable he wants to leave as soon as possible.
However, his behaviour also shows how caring he is. His love for his mother is not that surprising, but also when he realizes what is going on with Amal, he wants to help her, no matter what happened in the past.

I cannot imagine what Amal has to endure, not only she has lost her most recent memories, but she also had to face the reality about her family. The love for her brothers are unquestionable, but her father’s behaviour… well, I won’t give him the satisfaction of wasting more words!

I loved reading how for Manny this was a love story with a second chance, but for Amal it was a love story with its first chance.
And it was sweet to see even when Amal didn’t have any recognition of Manny, she still was feeling this attraction towards him. For me, this is proof that even when the mind doesn’t recognize someone, the heart always does and always will.

This was an entertaining story, and maybe even a bit too short for me! I would have liked to see more the dynamic between these two characters.
It took me to an unknown place, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t like it.
The author wrote a story with perhaps a not surprising ending, but the start and the rush to the climax surely was!

The reality of a reality TV show

Synopsis

‘Hilarious and highly original’

Julie Houston, bestselling author of A Village Affair

Once upon a time, twelve women joined the hottest reality TV show looking for love. Except one had a secret identity . . .

Abby Jones is a serious writer. Or at least she will be, one day. Right now, she spends her time writing recaps of reality television under a secret identity.

When a recap for The Stag – the must-watch dating show – goes viral, her editor thinks she should be on set, writing the drama as it happens. The good news: the next season will be filmed in Sydney. Sun, sea and a glamorous trip abroad, this could be Abby’s big break.

The bad news: the producers don’t just want Abby to write the recaps, they want her to be on the show. Abby can’t think of anything worse than being undercover and followed around by cameras. But her career depends on it, and when she meets gorgeous producer Jack, Abby begins to wonder if this job might not be so bad after all . . .

My review

Abby Jones didn’t expect that her article of the latest reality television would go viral. Her thoughts, written under a pseudonym, over The Stag, are a success in such a way that her editor thinks that Abby should be on set and live the all the drama from the front seat.
not only does this mean that Abby has to fly over to Sydney, but suddenly she is also a contestant on the show.
Will Abby be able to keep her cover from the other contestants? And are friendships made during the show real? And most important, will Abby be able to resist gorgeous producer Jack, who knows about her part on the show?

I am not a great fan of reality shows where women are trying to make a man fall in love with them. Not because I don’t believe in love (happy single over here!!!) but I find it demeaning that women should fight over a man, while the man just has to pick out a woman out of a bunch who would do anything for his attention and affection…
But when this lovely author wrote a book about a dating show, I just *HAD* to read it!

I liked it that Abby was just so normal! She writes what everyone is thinking while watching such shows. Even if she is not using her own name, her thoughts match perfectly mine!
Abby is just so easy to like and love, even if her self – esteem surely could be on a higher level, because she is just so amazing!

Sydney is the place where the Games truly start. Like Abby said herself, in each show you can divide the contestants into different groups, like the Villians, the Dark Horses, the Bride etc. and how hilarious it was to easily divide the participants into these groups and see how nice/lovely/despicable/awful the women could be.

I had to admit, I had rolled my eyes several times reading how the women were seeking the attention of The Stag Daniel, because he was just so easy not to like, being so superficial and just having no own thoughts…
And knowing some of the ladies better, I just wished they could see they all deserved better! Especially knowing that so many moments are being staged behind the scenes!

Talking about behind the scenes, can I have a Jack myself? Not only is he gorgeous (yeah yeah, I know looks aren’t everything, but it surely helps, even for a happy single like me!) but he is kind, caring and just perfect in every way!

This was hilarious, funny, but also heart – warming story to read! I liked this from the start until the very end!
The author managed to write a captivating story, showing us what happens behind the scenes of a reality show, but also showing us that love can come when you least expect it and that it can be an opportunity to let your life take a different direction.
But also that friendships can be made at the strangest locations, and even if not all the friendships can be kept alive, the most important can stand the test of time, place and the tests that life gives us!

I had high expectations for the author, and she managed to even exceed them! And the ending was just perfect for my own feelings, because no man is worth of women to fight over! The right man has only eyes for you and surely sees the real you, in all your beauty, inside and outside!

A forced position switch with a lot at stake.

Synopsis

Married couple Molly and Dan are forced to swap lives. But will it bring them closer together or drive them even further apart?

It was only a blip. Just a little mistake. But in the world of television, Dan Whitehead’s little slip could cost him his career.

His only chance is to swap roles with his wife, Molly, who also works part-time, behind the scenes at the show. It’s just for a couple of months. Easy. What’s so hard about looking after their twins and taking a step away from the limelight for a bit? Only, it’s not quite as simple as Dan may think.  With more time, his past begins to haunt him. Then, when a friendly school-mum offers him the comfort he needs, is she everything she seems?

Meanwhile, Molly is more than happy in her sweatshirt and leggings. Why would she want to go back on-screen when she doesn’t even like leaving the house? But she needs to save her husband’s job. After all, it is her fault.  Then, when she’s offered an exclusive interview on the other side of the world, her life in Cherry Blossom Park is under threat. Why is she the only person to ever be offered this interview?  Dan must never know the truth.  

The Juggle is more than just a story about parents keeping everything in the air. It’s about secrets from the past and hopes for the future.

It asks the question – is a marriage every big enough for two dreams to come true?

My review

After messing up big time on live television, Dan Whitehead’s career is at risk. To make things even worse, now he has to swap jobs with his wife!
Molly isn’t jumping at this new opportunity. She enjoys just working one day at the week, and then taking care of her twins. But how can she refuse if the other option is that Dan loses his job?
Dan now finds himself struggling with looking after the kids, and having his wife in his spotlight. And when Molly appears to have exclusive interviews, Dan becomes even more jealous of her success.
The genie is totally out of the bottle when Molly is requested to have an interview with a millionaire who has never given an interview before. And he only wants her, and it’s on the other side of the world.
While everyone in Cherry Blossom Park is proud of Molly, Dan finds himself on the receiving side of the attention from a friendly school – mum, who has an offer that is impossible to refuse.
Will this swap turn out to be the start of the ending of a marriage that started as love at first sight? Or will the swap turn out to be what this couple needed to see the real Molly and Dan again?

I always enjoy reading a story where a husband and wife swap jobs and then the wife appears to be better at the husband’s job than the other way around. I find it hilarious to see how the man is struggling with tasks that seen so mundane to us women.

Even if there are many moments that made me laugh, this is also showing how far things can go, and not always for the better…

And that’s the beauty of this story. It shows us the perks of doing something completely different, but also the downsides.
Molly is comfortable in just yoga pants and hoodie, so forced to be standing in front of the camera is not something she is looking forward to.
But with the help of some great friends, she manages to get strike after strike. Of course it helps that she knows so many people in Cherry Blossom Park, making people wanting to talk to her.

But when her success is being noticed and even a ghost from the past is requesting specifically after her, the story took a turn I didn’t want it to take.
Because the shared past was a bigger one than initially thought.
Also Dan is taking a direction I didn’t like, even if he had total different motives. And Jessica, the school – mum is surely not easy accepting “no” for an answer.

I loved those flashbacks, seeing how Molly and Dan got together and how it was almost love at first sight and how their relationship evolved to that deeper connection.
And those bits of Help with Helen were really useful, not only for married people, but just for each one of us, because the advice she is giving is really helpful!
The community of Cherry Blossom Park was also wonderful to read, the close friends of Molly and Dan were the kind of friends I want to have myself, and just all the inhabitants, even the grumpier ones, are great to read about. And even when it’s clear that there is something dodgy going on, my heart went out for the duped ones.

This book was very entertaining to read. I cannot say lovely, because until the very end I did not have a clue the direction the characters would take. and even if I had my own preference, there was this big chance of changing just everything, leaving me biting my nails because I was so anxious and hoping that the ending would be what I wanted it to be.
The author managed to put perfectly into words what a couple can be going through, when out of their comfort zone.
The characters know when they are in the wrong – doing, but so much like in real life, it’s easier to be sulking and ignoring the hurt we are causing to our loved ones.

But even if the couple is facing a crisis like they never faced before, the love is still there, and the lengths they would go to protect each other, is heart –warming.

This is a very realistic story about real feelings and inner demons each and every one is facing. But it’s also about seizing opportunities and making the best of a situation. And eventually, you’ll never know what a change in your life will turn out to be for your future!

Even terrible news can be the start of a brand new bright chapter!

Synopsis

Life is better lived in the moment

Meet Alex. She has a wonderful fiancé, a job she thrives in, and a best friend she’s known since childhood. Life’s not perfect, but it’s pretty fantastic. Until a shock diagnosis suddenly throws everything off course.

But Alex has never been one to back down from a fight. Now single and unemployed, she packs up and moves from her Glasgow hometown to vibrant Birmingham for a fresh start. In a new job, in a new city, she’s learning all over again what’s important in life.

Friendship, fun and even romance lie just around the corner – but can Alex get out of her own way and learn to just take a moment, and live?

A stunning, uplifting romance for fans of Mhairi McFarlane and Jo Watson.

My review

Life couldn’t be better for Alex. She cannot wait to marry Dom, the man of her dreams, she is great in her job and she has a best friend since childhood.
But everything changes when an apparently innocent incident turns out to be a life changing shock diagnosis.
So even being suddenly unemployed and single, won’t stop her. And refusing of being seen as “lesser” person, she decides to leave Glasgow for Birmingham for a fresh start.
A new place where almost nobody knows about her health issues, is what Alex needs to feel alive again and learn what truly matters in life.

Ooh how did I devour this book???? I found it just impossible to put it away!

I immediately liked Alex, she is this cheerful, energized happy woman, ready to jump over every hurdle.
Being a little bit clumsy and easily distracted myself, I didn’t see her being like me like signs that there would be something wrong with her.
And even when she has this tiredness over her, I saw it just as a sign that she was working too hard, having stressful moments at her work etc.
However, when it all takes a turn for the worse, and she is diagnosed with her disease, I was left flabbergasted!
Of course, reading the blurb you know that there is something wrong with her health, but having *that* disease at her age, was heart – breaking!

However, I admired Alex and her positivism, as she won’t allow her disease to take control over her life. And yes, obviously there will be moments that she won’t be able to do just how she plans, but she is adamant of not letting her life revolve around her condition.
She doesn’t want to be treated differently, and that clashes with just everyone around her.

I understand both perspectives…
Alex just want to have a normal life, while her parents, her sister, her fiancé and best friend are afraid of Alex relapsing.
I understand Alex still wanting to do things she normally used to do, and not being treated like she has a dead sentence and could drop dead any instance.
But on the other hand, I understand her loved ones too… having this disease isn’t surely a walk in the park, and over exhausting yourself is a recipe for paying later the consequences. So when Alex moves to Birmingham, it was just right for her, even if it caused a breach with her family.

I loved how she was welcomed at her new job, it seems a place I want to work myself! With the exception of Danielle of course, that was the only negative of the whole place!
And when she meets Matt again, it was just everything I wished for Alex! Matt is the kind of man I could fall in love too. He does things that made me not only swoon but sometimes even drool! 😄

I followed her need to hide her disease to her new friends and colleagues, because she knows that people will start to treat her differently, but when things with Matt evolve to something more, I just wished she could see how different Matt is.

This story had my heart broken, but it also had my heart skip a few beats of excitement! Alex’ courage and determination are inspiring, those nearby her show us how difficult it is to act ‘correctly’ in such circumstances.
I found this a wonderful, meaningful story to read, showing a woman ready to start all over again (which can be difficult as a standalone fact), but also facing the reality that she has to live her life differently (which doesn’t mean a lesser good life!)

The author managed to grasp the limitations Alex is and will be facing. Life will never be the same, but you can choose to make the best of it, and even start adventures you never dared to do before, or you can just sit back and let life pass you by.
Having an illness doesn’t per se mean giving up on everything. You maybe cannot do everything like before, but there are so many things you can still be doing, as long as you listen to the signs your body is sending.
And even having an illness doesn’t mean love won’t come your way anymore, because the right person won’t be afraid to face the darker moments together with you, because the lighter moments will make it all worth of it!
And if that is not worth fighting for…

A fresh start in France, with family you don’t know very well, couldn’t be easier, right?

Synopsis

Escape to hills high above the French Riviera with international bestseller Jennifer Bohnet.

After tragically losing her husband, Nicola Jacques and her teenage son Oliver relocate to his father’s family’s Olive Farm in the hills above the French Riviera.

Due a family feud, Oliver has never known his fathers’ side of the family and Grandpapa Henri is intent that Oliver will take over the reins of the ancestral farm and his rightful inheritance.

Determined to keep her independence from a rather controlling Grandpapa, Nicola buys a run-down cottage on the edge of the family’s Olive Farm and sets to work renovating their new home and providing an income by cultivating the small holding that came with the Cottage.

As the summer months roll by, Nicola and Oliver begin to settle happily into their new way of life with the help of Aunts Josephine and Odette, Henri’s twin sisters and local property developer Gilles Bongars.

But the arrival of some unexpected news and guests at the farm, force Nicole and Aunt Josephine to assess what and where their futures lie.

This book was previously published as The French Legacy.

My review

Nicola Jacques is still coping with the loss of her husband Marc. Also her son Oliver is still struggling knowing that his rather absent father will never return back home after his trips.
So when Oliver’s grandfather Henri wants them to relocate to the family’s olive farm, Nicola and Oliver pack their belongings.
Not because Nicola really wants to go, but Henri is adamant that Oliver will take over the farm in time and his inheritance. And moving to France is the only way for Oliver to receive what in the future will be his, as dictated by Henri.
Is moving to France the right solution, removing Oliver from a life he knows? And even if Nicola bought a cottage to keep their independence, will Henri not interfere with their lives?

I cannot imagine to pack just everything and make the move to a whole different country. There is not only the logistics, but also just leaving a life behind you…
To start all over again, for me it would be pure horror!

But of course, I understood Nicola’s reasoning, she surely wouldn’t want Oliver to miss his inheritance or the choice of what he will want to do in the future.
However… me being a bit mistrusting, if I were in Nicola’s shoes I would have done a little bit of more research, to see what legally was right and what not.
Because things she discovers later, could have been avoided.
But of course, if she did, we wouldn’t have this wonderful story!

Nicola is a strong woman, even if she is heart – broken, and that was even before she lost her husband in a terrible accident. She wants her independence, not wanting anyone to tell her what to do or not. However, the only thing that matters, is Oliver. She truly has a mother’s heart, wanting to do everything to have a happy son (obviously she isn’t saying to just everything, because she can also be strict when necessary).

I found it heart – warming to see how Nicola and Oliver are adapting to a whole different life, and how easy it all went. Yes, there are hurdles to jump over, but they quickly embrace the French way of living.
Also I found it sweet how Oliver loved working on the farm and even made Henri change for the better.

There is one character whose story broke my heart, and that’s Andrew’s… he is a good friend of Nicola and Oliver. And even if his feelings are reciprocated, he shows what real friendship is about. And what happens to him, is just terrible. It left me just shocked!

Reading how Nicola is trying to keep Henri from interfering too much, with the help of Aunts Josephine and Odette, was funny, even if it can be frustrating having to cope with such a stubborn man. but the Aunts surely manage to make him see when he’s wrong!

Yes, there is some romance involved in this story, and it’s not only Nicola meeting local property developer Giles Bongars. There is also a past love story making a reappearance, uncovering a hurtful past.
But for me, this was a story about family.
Because whatever Nicola decides, it’s for her family she is doing it. She knows how important family is, even if there are members in it that you don’t know.

This story was a perfect read, if you’re looking to escape to France yourself, but it was also heart – warming. Because all characters have faced tragedies, but slowly find a way to get past their grieve and reconnect with those who matter, and even change for the better.

I loved reading this story, as it was exactly what I expected from this author and this genre. This book shows us how difficult moving to another country can be, but on the other hand also how rewarding it can be. And that even after tragedies, happiness can be found again.

Will coming back home result finding (back) love?

Synopsis

When life goes off track sometimes the only thing you can do is go back to where it all began…

Emmy Palmer is the star of Bragadon Forest, the biggest fantasy series on TV; adored by the public, living the life of glamour and luxury in London.

But when scandal strikes, Emmy must escape the city and return to her seaside hometown to lie low and wait for the storm to pass.

Emmy’s agent decides it would be a good look to star in the community Christmas pantomime, but who else could be playing her leading man but her ex-boyfriend who she may or may not have ditched to move to London a decade ago…

As the show approaches, love and friendships blossom and the real question is – Will they? Won’t they?

My review

Emmy Parker is the star in one of the biggest fantasy series currently on TV. However, nobody knows that her character will leave the show in a brutal way, making Emmy hope that she will now be able to show what a good actress she really is by starring in movies.

But when she finds herself suddenly the main character of a scandal, she sees no other option than currently laying low back home, where also tragedy strikes.

Being back home makes old friendships resurface and even an encounter with a former love interest. A love interest who happens to be the leading man in a pantomime Emmy’s agent is happy to see Emmy take part.

Will old feelings also resurface? And will they finally get back together, or won’t they?

My list of authors that I love reading is getting longer each time I discover a new author. But the list of TOP authors that I adore, isn’t that long, and this author is a member of my VIP club! Memberships are for free, the only requirement is writing stories that completely captivate me!

So, obviously I made myself comfortable when I started this new adventure. And did it manage to keep the author in my VIP club? Yes it did!

I immediately liked Emmy. Even if she is a successful actress, she isn’t one of those actresses who are completely b*tches in real life.

Her relationship with her grandfather was adorable and also with the rest of her family she has a great bond, no matter how weird some of them are. The only failing relationship is that with her father, as he left his family and never looked back.

For me, the scandal could have been a bit more juicy, even if it weren’t true at all. But if you are bringing a scandal into the story, why not go over the top with it? But that’s just me, having an evil streak!

I loved reading about Emmy returning home, but also my heart broke when some very sad news was told to Emmy.

Seing the dynamics between Emmy and each member of her family was so recognizable too. We all have that crazy aunt in our family, or members with secrets or just who we don’t get along that well. But no matter what, Emmy still loves each one of them, even if that feeling is buried deep down inside.

The concept of a pantomime isn’t that well known in Belgium, so I had to investigate a little bit for understanding what the fuss is all about. And now I surely want to see one myself! But I also understood why Emmy wasn’t so keen on participating but being genlty forced by her old friends, family and her agent, she finds herself playing Cinderella.

I had so many laughs while reading this story, because of the situations Emmy finds herself in. Seeing her former boyfriend in one of the most awkward situations EVER nearly made me spill my drink.

Having an irritating person working on your just bought house, clashing each meeting, was hilarious. And also reading about puberal behaviour by adults was real funny.

The romance bit was not really what I expected, but nevertheless I loved it! Even if I initially was rooting for one romantic development, I find myself going a whole other direction. However, the end was perfect!

This story was just the total package. It wasn’t just about returning back home, but also about family, friendship,and passion. Returning home can be the opportunity to face the past and give people a new chance.

But returning home can also mean finding something new and find the courage to start a whole new, different adventure. And realize it’s never too late to give love a chance!

Where could one meeting bring two broken hearted persons…

Synopsis

Welcome to Pepper Bay. A small close-knit community where you’ll find chocolate box cottages, quaint shops, drama, friendship, and love.

Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Phillipa Ashley, and Holly Martin.

The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories that intertwine with recurring characters.

Starlight Cottage – Anna Cooper and Jake Reynolds both live at the luxury London building, River Heights. The only difference is that Jake lives in the penthouse, and Anna lives in a tent on the roof.

When Jake finds out, he offers Anna a chance of a new life in his grandmother’s childhood home in Pepper Bay, and she decides to take the opportunity to see if she really can make a fresh start somewhere else.

The beauty of Pepper Bay, with its quaint shops, chocolate box cottages, and all of Jake’s closest friends, immediately fills Anna’s heart with nothing but love, and it isn’t just Starlight Cottage that she finds herself falling in love with.

My review

Anna Cooper is currently in a dark place… she thought that breaking up with her then – boyfriend Rob, would be the start of her new and brighter life. But she didn’t expect to be living in a tent on the roof of luxury London building River Heights with her dog Max.
Of course it’s only a temporarily thing, just until she has her life back on tracks. Luckily she can count on Stan, the building manager, giving her a cover and a helping hand.
Jake Reynolds is also staying at River Heights, only he is living in luxury in the penthouse.
When Jake discovers Anna’s secret, he offers not only to clean his penthouse, but he also offers her the chance of a new life in Pepper Bay, in his grandmother’s childhood Starlight Cottage, a place he avoided as much as possible.
Will Starlight Cottage and Pepper Bay, with all the quaint shops and everyone close to Jake and his family, be the home Anna was longing to find? And is Pepper Bay the only thing Anna will find herself falling in love with?

When as a reader I discovered about Anna’s current living accommodations, I felt truly sorry for her. Of course, not knowing the whole story, I found it hard to understand that there wasn’t any other solution.
And the fact that Anna is a kind and lovely woman, made it even more sad for her, being at the mercy of other people.
Luckily she has Stan, who does so much more than he is allowed, just to help her out.
When more is known of the reason she is where she is, I felt so much more sadness for her, and so much anger for her ex – boyfriend Rob.
The sense of injustice was so overwhelming, it got me almost yelling at the book!

Jake was a harder nut to crack. he doesn’t have any money problems, and is living in his penthouse. My first impression of Jake wasn’t a positive one, the way he reacts to Anna and Max. I found it hard to understand why it would be so difficult to just show some kindness.
Yet I found it really sweet how he started to care for Anna and Max, by following her grandfather’s last moment of advice.
And showing this other side of him, made it for a reader clear that he has so much to offer, only is he afraid of showing it.

I found Pepper Bay, and Starlight Cottage a wonderful place to read about. It was funny how Jake was welcomed back, like he actually is one of the family. And how people around there making assumptions, creating some awkward situations.
But Pepper Bay shows also towards Anna how welcoming and caring and just how lovely the inhabitants are. They open their arms and also hearts for her, understanding her without many words being spoken.

I also had many laughs, because it’s obvious that there are feelings developing between Jake and Anna, but as they are not expressing them, again here many understandings are being created.  And I found it adorable to read how Jake would become jealous when Anna quickly befriends his own best friend Nate!

Maybe the feelings are developing a bit too fast for my taste, but on the other hand, nobody can stop what they feel… Even if there is a difference in status, Jake being obviously “better off” compared to Anna, nobody can command the heart. And even if Jake, while just wanting to help Anna, does the wrong thing, I couldn’t blame him, because he does it all with from the kindness from his heart.
And seeing how both these characters are changing, by being with each other, was really sweet to read.
Jake is showing more and more his true character, wanting to help out, while Anna is learning to stand up for herself, even if it’s against Jake himself.

I found this a heart – warming story, about two broken people, trying to find happiness and love again. It shows us that sometimes people do the wrong thing, but only with the best interest at heart. And that with the right person by your side, you will able to dare to open your heart and not be afraid to love anymore. A wonderful story with a wonderful message!

Everyone wonders what’s being hidden under a kilt! Unfortunately I won’t reveal *that* today, but I will reveal the cover of Evie Alexander’s book!

Synopsis

A fiery heroine, a Scottish god, a cabin, a castle, and enough heat to warm the coldest Scottish winter…

Highland Games is an unputdownable, enemies-to-lovers, romantic comedy, with sparkle and sizzle and a guaranteed happy ending. This sexy, witty, debut from Evie Alexander will have you laughing, swooning, and staying up way past your bedtime…

Perfect for fans of Sally Thorne, Talia Hibbert, Sophie Kinsella, and Helen Hoang. If you’re looking for a riotous romantic comedy with plenty of heat, then Highland Games is for you!

♥♥♥ Welcome to Kinloch, and the hottest winter Scotland’s ever seen. ♥♥♥

Zoe’s always played it safe, just as her parents wanted. But when her great-uncle dies and leaves her a ramshackle cabin in the Scottish Highlands, she decides it’s time to change her life.

Upping sticks seems like a good idea in her cosy flat in London, but the reality is very different. There’s no electricity or running water, the roof leaks and there’s no front door. If that wasn’t bad enough, she’s moved up in the depths of winter and her scorching hot neighbour wants her out.

Rory’s got a fifty thousand tonne problem. If he can’t make Kinloch castle profitable, he’s out of a job. He needs a clear head, but there’s someone living in the cabin he saw as his own and she’s turned his world upside down.

Rory needs Zoe out of Scotland, and out of his life. The trouble is, she has no intention of leaving.

Let the games begin…

Pre-order Link – https://amzn.to/3la37GY

Publication Date: 15th October

About the author

Evie Alexander is the author of sexy romantic comedies with a very British sense of humour. She takes a method approach to her work, believing her capacity to repeatedly fail at life and love is what has given her such a rich supply of material for her writing.

Her interests include reading, eating, saving the world, and fantasising about people who only exist between the pages of her books. She lives in the West country with her family.

THE COVER