After ten years, feelings change, right?

Synopsis

Can one week in paradise…
…heal ten years of heartache?

When the elite M dating agency sends wealthy Freddie Highgrove to the Seychelles for a weeklong “date,” the last person he’s expecting to be matched with is Jasmine Walker, his first love and ex-fiancée! Ten years ago, his family’s expectations for a high-society marriage sent housekeeper’s daughter Jasmine running. Can one week in paradise bring them back together?

My review

Now that her business has really taken off, Jasmine Walker has put matters of the heart in the hands of the elite M dating agency.
A weeklong date on the Seychelles would have been the perfect start of something new, except that her match is not a total stranger, on the contrary… it’s her first love Freddie Highgrove. Even if being engaged for a short while, Jasmine ran away as she thought that the wealthy family wouldn’t accept a marriage with the housekeeper’s daughter.
And even now Freddie’s parents are hoping for a high – society marriage. So one week in paradise surely wouldn’t bring these two ex – lovers together again?

There are some authors you just know that will make sure you’ll have a blast reading their books. And Rachael Stewart is absolutely one of those authors for me!

Jasmine is the kind of woman who mad her own success, without relying on a man to help her out. As a young girl, she was a housekeeper’s daughter, but now she has her own business.
But as a reader it’s obvious that she is missing that one special thing, and it’s also obvious that she still has a soft spot for her first love, no matter how hard she tries to ignore it.
So when on the Seychelles she sees that Freddie was her date, it wasn’t only her heart that skipped a beat!

Even if Freddie may seem like being afraid of a commitment, his pain goes much deeper than thought. He has so much to fight against, not only his feelings for Jasmine, but his parents have wishes for his future he doesn’t share…
And the moment he dares to have a hope, it got crushed rather quickly, which broke my heart all over again!

Whenever Jasmine and Freddie are together, it’s clear that they both had their heart broken when their relationship ended, but they still hold a torch for each other. However, they are also afraid that the past will repeat itself and that their current situation wouldn’t allow them to be in a relationship.

This story is not only about second chances, but also about daring to trust each other again. Understanding each other is important in any kind of a relationship, because only if you understand the actions of the person next to you, you can comprehend how deep their love for you is.

Again a book that ticked all the boxes and fulfilled all my already high expectations and even surpassed them!
I loved reading this story about an initially impossible love, second chances and daring to stand your ground and fight for your loved ones.

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A life changing break from everything

Synopsis

Tess Simpson needs a break!

Under appreciated at home, overlooked at work and now her beloved dog Bella has died. Tess has simply had enough!

So in a spur of the moment act, Tess books a holiday of a lifetime for her, her two grown up kids and useless husband Dave. Maybe they can use the break to reconnect with each other?

But when the kids refuse to go, and Dave breaks his leg, Tess’s dream holiday looks seriously in doubt. And then there’s River Romero, the glamourous LA screen writer who is supposed to be house-sitting for Tess whilst she’s away….

Everything about River sounds so much more exciting than Tess’s boring life in Stratford Upon Avon. From her beautiful LA condo and the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Tess wonders whether a bit of River’s LA life might be exactly what she needs? So when River suggests a house swap, Tess jumps at the chance!

With Dave happily ensconced in the summer house at the bottom of the garden, the kids not needing mum anymore, Tess packs her bags and heads off for the adventure of a lifetime.

But real life isn’t like the movies, and when Tess arrives in LA, things aren’t exactly as they seem. 

Will Tess find what’s she’s looking for or is getting away from it all isn’t all perhaps not all it’s cracked up to be?

My review

When Tess Simpson is not having the promotion she has been hoping to have, she needs a break, especially when also her beloved dog dies.
But when every family member is withdrawing from the planned family holiday, she decides to take the break on her own.
So swapping houses with River Romero, living in L.A. seems the perfect solution. River herself is looking for inspiration for her latest task as a screenwriter and living the English country life seems the perfect solution!
Both women are experiencing a different lifestyle, which makes them think about their own lives… But is turning your whole life upside down the answer?

Who doesn’t dream of just packing everything and leave for a while the hectic life we are all accustomed to?
So I loved reading about all the plans Tess was making after missing out her promotion.
I also understood why she wanted to make a family holiday of it, and even if it was written in the stars, I felt utterly sad when each member somehow managed to get out of this wonderful holiday.

And I was cheering when Tess decided to change her plans and just swap houses with River and spend some time in L.A. instead.

I think there are many families that have a feeling that they are just stuck and don’t feel very appreciated.
And for Tess, this holiday on her own was the perfect get out to overthink just everything.
When in L.A., I admired her determination, because if I would enter a condo like River’s, you would find me running straight back home! I surely wouldn’t do what she did!

I also admired how she just starts doing things she wouldn’t dream of. And even if sometimes it’s a  case of trial and error, she makes new friends, finds herself again and discovers a whole different world.

I have to admit, River was not the kind of character I immediately liked. Her being artistic often came to me as an excuse to be just disorganized and chaotic. But slowly her character is becoming clearer and I started to like this woman who will not accept any bullshit from other people.
She opens Dave’s eyes and shows him that his behaviour and contribution in running the household with Tess is practically non – existing.

I have to mention also Alex… because if there was something that broke my heart in this story, it’s Alex’ tale…
The author managed to tell us his feeling in a very respectful yet also eye – opening way. The feelings Alex is having and yet manages to hide it from everyone, shows us that sometimes it’s nearly impossible to see someone’s real feelings. And that we should never forget that we can take everything and everyone for granted.

I found this a beautiful, yet strong story, because sometimes stepping away is what someone needs to realize what is worth getting back to.
I loved reading how strong characters found themselves in a whole different world, and after the initial hesitation make the best of their current situation.
And even if I didn’t have a clue how our main characters would end up, I enjoyed reading this book and loved every bit of it!

When a new start full of hope changes in a chase for clearing your name

Synopsis

When Ruby Watkiss lands a job at the True Loaf Bakery, she feels as if the sun has finally come out. Having been through a traumatic time that wrecked her confidence levels, it’s a joy to be working for Ellie, and now all Ruby wants is to lead a quiet life and support her mum in getting the help she needs.

But life, it seems, has other plans for Ruby.

Working alongside the bafflingly rude Hudson Holmes would be bad enough – but then odd things start happening. It seems that someone is out to sabotage the café and bakery, and to her horror, Ruby finds the finger pointing at her.

Desperate to prove her innocence, she teams up with the most unlikely person in order to get to the bottom of what’s going on. Tailing suspects and hiding in bushes isn’t something she ever imagined she’d be doing, although her partner in mystery-solving seems the perfect man for the job. Can they clear Ruby’s name by discovering the real culprit?

With all the drama afoot, at least there’s no time for romance. Because that’s the very last thing on Ruby’s mind these days. Or is it…?

My review

Ruby Watkiss hopes that starting her new job at the True Loaf Bakery will be the start of many happy and joyful moments. Her mother being sick and not finding a match for a much needed transplant, made Ruby feeling sad and helpless.
Already during her first day, she enjoys working for Ellie. But not everyone is who Ruby thought. Her aunt trying to blackmail her, someone sabotaging the café and bakery, fingers are pointed towards Ruby rather quickly.
Determined to clear her name and find the real culprit, she joins forces with rude Hudson Holmes. Hudson seems to be the perfect partner for tailing suspects and why not, hiding in bushes. But could it be that Hudson could be more than just an investigating partner?

This was the first book I’ve ever read of the Little Duck Pond Café series, so I was a bit afraid I wouldn’t be able to catch up.
But my fears were unfounded, because this story can be perfectly be read as a standalone. Although I have to admit, I totally fell in love with each characters, I now have the actual need to catch up and read every previous book and every future book!

Most of the times, I just wanted to jump into the book, and give Ruby the biggest hug possible. The situation she finds herself in is just terrible. She wants to do whatever she can to help her mother, even if that would mean to do the unthinkable.
And Ruby being ready to do that to help her mother, shows just how far she would go for the people she loves.
She accepts the consequences, because she knows that she betrayed Ellie in the worst way possible and Ellie surely didn’t deserve it.

But when she is accused of sabotaging Ellie in the café and the bakery, she shows her inner strength. She will not let someone drag her through dirt while in these cases she was innocent! She shows also her investigating skills, because instead of just pointing fingers towards her suspects, she starts to search the truth with the necessary proof. She shows us that she doesn’t want another innocent being dragged through dirt!

And how wrong can first impressions be! Hudson was totally not what I expected. And of course, if he would be a real asshole as it would seem, he wouldn’t be taking this big part in the story. But when the truth about his past is revealed, my heart early broke, because his pain was so palpable from the pages!

The search for the real vandal was both intriguing as funny. There were several suspects, and I was looking myself for clues all over the place to find the culprit. However the situations Ruby found herself in, were sometimes hilarious.

The author wrote a captivating story, even for people who haven’t read the previous parts. The book has some sadder bits in it, even a few twists, which I didn’t see coming, that could have let the story take a whole different turn. But Rosie Green found a way to fill even the darker moments with a lightness, showing that nothing is unsurmountable.
All the character (with the exception of the villain of course) were so lovable, recognizable and just normal, making reading this book a real joy, making the reader wishing to be staying with them!

Now all I need is extra time because I have some serious catching up to do with the other parts!!!

Can playing pretend change into the real thing?

Synopsis

A pretend proposal

For the unconventional heiress

When American heiress Violet Wilkins crosses paths with William, Duke of Charteris, she has extremely low expectations of the “Duke of Bore.” But when this seemingly stuffy aristocrat offers her escape from a dreadful arranged marriage, she leaps at the chance! To her surprise, the arresting Charles whisks Vi into an exhilarating make-believe romance. And as she gets to know the man behind the title, she can’t help wanting more…

My review

American heiress Violet Wilkins is shocked when her parents have arranged to get her married to her father’s business partner Harold Rogers. Not only is Mr. Rogers a business partner, but he is also thirty years older than Violet, and not really appealing.
When she meets William, the Duke Of Charteris, a strange alliance is being made. Even if he is better known as ‘The Duke Of Bore’, they will pretend to be engaged, avoiding an arranged marriage for Violet, and for William avoiding being chased like a hunted animal by women who only care about his title.
However while they are pretending to be in love, Violet gets to know William better and learns that there is much more to him than thought. And could she dream that their fake romance could change into a real one?

So here we are, the next chapter in the ‘Dollar Duchesses’ Series…
And this time it’s Violet who is searching for that true love. She knows what true love looks like, she just needs to look at her sisters.

Violet is really easy to like. It’s not that she is doing something extraordinary, but her just being herself is enough to be extraordinary.
She has a passion for photography (the old fashioned way of course) and it just a kind, warm, caring and loving woman.
Her reaction when she learns about her arranged marriage is obviously making sense, because just imagine the horror, marrying someone so much older and someone who doesn’t inflict any kind of feelings except a bit of disgust.
So who of us wouldn’t agree to pretend to be engaged, just to escape that kind of marriage?

Of course, being pretend – engaged to William, The Duke Of Bore, doesn’t seem that very exciting, but I immediately liked him!
It’s no secret that it’s the quiet types are the most wonderful, swoon worthy characters! William may seem like an old soul, but while spending more and more time with Violet, we see this whole other side of him. Not only is he very caring and warm, but he also shows this passionate side. And the way he encourages Violet to keep pursuing her dreams of photography… not every man, especially a Duke, would like to see a woman being so independent!

I found this an entertaining second part of the series, showing us also glimpses of a past not that far away, full of wonder too and taking us even to Russia for a whole different experience and also laughter.

This story shows us that sometimes a forced arrangement can lead to much more, even exceed your dream. But all it takes is to believe in yourself and courage to come clean about your feelings. Sometimes a dive in the deep can be the most rewarding!

How one event can follow your whole life

Synopsis

Carlo Gesualdo, prince, composer and murderer has his wife and her lover killed in Naples in 1590. The wife’s maidservant,Laura Scala, witnesses the events and vowes to avenge her mistress.

The princess, Donna Maria d’Avalos, rescued Laura in Sicily after she had been raped at the age of thirteen. Laura devotes her life to her saviour and after the murders she spends years of her life trying to be revenged on the musical prince.

The scene moves from Sicily to Naples and Venice, back to Naples and finally to the New World. Laura believes she is carrying a curse. Everyone she becomes involved with appears to suffersmisfortune and death.

A Jewish girl in the Venetian ghetto is kidnapped and sold into the Sultan’s harem, Laura’s daughter is placed in an orphanage without her knowledge, the artist Caravaggio uses Laura as a model and meets a tragic end.

Three beautiful pearls given to Laura by her mistress play a part in the story. Is Laura really cursed – or is it her connection with the murderous prince who dabbles in the occult?

A gypsy woman is burned at the stake, a Venetian gondolier meets a mysterious fate and Laura becomes a skilled herbalist and poisoner by default before the story ends in the New World. The background to these events is the strange and compelling music of Gesualdo.

My review

Laura Scala is the maidservant of Donna Maria D’Avalos, wife of Prince and Composer Carlo Gesualdo. But when Maria is murdered together with her lover by her husband, Laura swears that revenge will be taken on Carlo Gesualdo.
No matter where life takes Laura, from Sicily, Naples, Venice, together with artists, gypsies and gondoliers, she always keeps an eye on the prize: Carlo Gesualdo.

While it may look like this is just a story about a woman seeking revenge, for me it was more the tale of an unfortunate woman.

From a very young age, it’s obvious that the cards Laura has been dealt by life, aren’t the best in the game.
However each time she tries to make the best of the current situation, how hard it is and no matter how many are against her.
Through the whole story, after several points that would break everyone, we keep seeing the strength Laura possesses.
She promises revenge when Donna Maria is murdered, and her determination is clear because even after the years passing by, she never forgets that made promise.

I found this a sad, dark story, because every new adventure Laura embarks (of free will of nearly being forced to escape her current situation), I was hoping that Laura could finally find some happiness.
But it saddened me that the bad luck kept following her, no matter what. Each time it would appear to be a happy period for Laura, something came along, crushing that little happiness she found.

I found it interesting how the author managed to write a story around real events, giving her own twist to it.
The fact that there were several people who truly existed, made it even more possible to submerge me in the right setting and mind-set.
The author managed also perfectly in capturing the way of living of each city. Because there is a difference in living in Sicily, or Naples, Rome, or Venice. All being in Italy, doesn’t mean that there isn’t a different way of life in each city. And there are many contrast comparing places.

Laura’s life is a tragic one, and that’s what kept me reading, it’s enthralling to see how she copes with every twist thrown at her. And of course, more important, will she succeed in keeping her promise?

You never know where one train trip will take you!

Synopsis

Ruby’s life is about to change for ever…

After years of dating losers, cheats and one guy who did something unrepeatable to her kettle, Ruby has all but given up on romance. But then a stranger sits next to her on a train to London and explains his plan to propose to the woman of his dreams. Maybe true love does exist after all?

When the man accidentally leaves the engagement ring behind, Ruby is determined to save the day. But she hasn’t counted on fellow passenger Curtis stepping in and insisting he should be the one to track the stranger down.

As summer closes in, the unlikely pair make a promise to reunite the ring with its owner. But can they find their own happy ever after along the way?

My review

Ruby has had enough of dating men that eventually appear to be the worst kind. So when she finds herself on the train to London, it’s to taka matter in own hands and make a life changing choice.
However when she meets Lewis, her faith in love is restored, after discovering the proposal plans and seeing the ring he has bought for his girlfriend.
When thanks to confusion, Lewis leaves the train without the ring, Ruby is determined to track him down and make sure the proposal is happening as planned.
With fellow passenger Curtis by her side, it shouldn’t be so difficult, but Curtis is not so sure. With Ruby all ready for a romantic proposal and Curtis putting a damper on all her enthusiasm, will this strange couple manage in their task? And will they be able to keep their differences apart?

After finishing this book, I felt perfectly satisfied! The author managed to write again a story that pulls you in and takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions!

Ruby is a lovely character to get to know. Together with her boss Kim, she is a florist, with a passion for making beautiful bouquets.
But it was just nice to see how Ruby and Kim are not just employee and boss, but also real friends.
They have each other’s back  and give a shoulder to cry on when needed.

Having read about Ruby’s list of just wrong boyfriends, I understood her reasoning for making that choice that would change her whole life. Being disappointed too often, makes you think about taking different directions to gain your dream.
However, when she meets Lewis on the train, chasing her dream, somehow she gets her faith in love restored.
And when Lewis is gone without the ring, Ruby’s true nature appears all over again! She truly believes in love, and wants to at least someone else have his happily ever after!
How easy would it have been for Ruby to just take the ring and pretend nothing happened?

Unexpectedly, she has a partner in Curtis, the rude fellow passenger, who appears to have overheard her whole conversation with Lewis.
Curtis is not an easy character to like, because of his behaviour. But during the story, more is made clear and my feelings towards him changed for the better!

Beside the story of Ruby and her quest with Curtis, there is also the bittersweet story of Kim, Ruby’s boss. Her story shows us that we can always be surprised by people, in a good way, but unfortunately also in a bad way…
But Kim also shows us that sometimes the hardest work can be the most rewarding. Her taking a hyperactive dog like Boomer, is the perfect example.
She is a kind character, a real mother – figure for Ruby and is ready to help out, no matter what wrong doing she has faced in the past.

I found this a wonderful story, showing us both beautiful things, but also a few nasty ones. That’s why this book is a rollercoaster, because there are a few twists (some I saw coming far ahead but a few not) that puts mankind not in a good light. But unfortunately that is also the reality in the current world…
But do not despair, because there are so many sweet moments, teaching us that despite our first impressions, people can be totally different than what we see.
And that sometimes, we have to learn to see what we have in front of us, and realize that nobody is worth changing your all persona, because the right one will accept you as you are, weirdness included!

When in Ibiza…

Synopsis

Sometimes first impressions are far from the truth… 

Nina Darwish is a scientist who likes to proceed with caution and careful deliberation. When she arrives at the party destination of Ibiza to play PA for her best friend and international pop sensation Isla Starr, she has trouble adapting to the carefree and easy-going vibe on the island. The situation isn’t aided by Isla’s seemingly surly yet irritatingly attractive music producer, the world-renowned dance DJ Logan Wild, known by his real name—Cameron—to his friends. Plus, Nina’s run-ins with, and repeated rebuttal of, an extremely entitled and very annoying male singer named Zac don’t help to aid her mood.

Unbeknownst to Nina, Cameron remembers her from the past, when he was a geeky student who admired her from afar. Unfortunately, it’s clear that Nina considers him ill-natured, no doubt due to his natural awkwardness, which he masks using a stage persona. However, even if that weren’t the situation, he’s involved in a dead-end relationship with his celebrity girlfriend Ash. Plus, Nina’s eye appears to have been drawn onto Ash’s no good ex-boyfriend, Zac, therefore there’s no point in believing anything could ever happen between them. 

But despite all of that being the case, for some reason, he just cannot stop thinking about her.

My review

Nina Darwish is flying over to Ibiza. Not because she is such a big party girl, but because she is going to be the PA of her best friend, and international pop star Isla Starr.
However the pace in Ibiza is not something scientist Nina is used to. Instead of spending a lot of time with Isla, Nina finds herself often more spending time with anyone else but Isla… And being around attractive music producer DJ Logan Wild, real name being Cameron, is only making Nina feel more confused… But no matter how she feels around Cameron, he is in a relationship with Ash…
Add an obnoxious singer Zac who doesn’t seem to comprehend a “no” and being Ash’ ex – boyfriend…
So of course her feelings are doomed to be unrequited, right? Or does Cameron feels anything for her too? Because apparently this is not the first time they meet…

Spending some time in Ibiza, with your best friend, is there even a better offer around here somewhere?
So when Nina sets off for her new adventure, I was very curious to see which adventures she would be living.
Obviously, if everything would go perfectly, we wouldn’t have such a captivating, beautiful story!

Nina is a very recognizable woman. Okay, except her being a scientist, because science is not a lost love in my case!
But she is just like us, she just doesn’t jump into a new adventure, but thinks about just every possibility and weights what would be best for her, but without taking too many risks…
She is also a kind, caring person, wanting to help when realizing something is not right with Isla. But she also understands boundaries, and knows that pushing too much, can be counterproductive.
Beside her kind character, she is also not afraid to put a certain annoying character into place, no matter how famous he is!

Oh and if there is a man that made my heart melt, it was surely Cameron! Even if my first impression of him wasn’t a very good one, it’s obvious that there is so much more to him than we think!
Okay, his looks are amazing  and he has an amazing career with the corresponding wealth, but when we get to learn the REAL Cameron, and not just Logan Wild, I fell in love with him too!

Nina and Cameron are having this mutual attraction, but Cameron being in a relationship with Ash surely complicates things. And Nina really liking Ash makes it even more difficult. Adding then a Isla behaving not like herself, is giving Nina more issues than she imagined thought before venturing to Ibiza.
And the fact that Nina doesn’t do anything with her feelings for Cameron, shows the reader the real character of Nina. She has standards and no matter how much the pull is, she will not be the reason of a relationship ending. And even when things look terrible for a moment, Nina has a clear head about what doing the right this is.

This was a lovely story, but not only about a woman falling in love with a man. It shows us also the complications that life can throw us. Friendships are being tested all the times, and a world of fame and fortune isn’t a guarantee for happiness. People aren’t always what we initially think of them, and can surprise us both in a good way and in a bad way.
However, the author managed to tell us that no matter how terrifying a jump may be, sometimes it’s worth it!

I loved reading this new book of this author, and I am surely looking forward to read even more of her! She’s got a new fan!

Love isn’t something real, right?

Synopsis

The cool, aloof earl

And the enchanting lady

For Jack Beresford, Earl of Hawkenden, emotional entanglements are the path to pain. But when his brother brings his new wife and her best friend to his country home, everything changes. Lady Cecily Thornhill is both vibrant and beautiful, and Jack finds himself increasingly captivated by her sunny nature. Yet he must resist her charms, for in a month she’ll be gone—unless his frozen heart thaws before then…

My review

Lady Cecily Thornhill is, after her being initial sceptical, over the moon about the marriage of her best friend Nell with Tom Beresford.
She is happy to be spending some time with them at the country home. But when Tom’s brother Jack also planned to be spending some there. But Jack and Tom couldn’t be more different… while Tom is totally in love with Nell, Jack has his doubts about this marriage. He truly believes that love is not real, and that women are bound to leave the men they claim to love.
So certainly his growing attraction to Cecily is something he should ignore…

Whenever you read a Harlequin book, you know what to expect. So why bother with this book you must think? Well, because I said so!

First of all, we have Cecily. She is kind, loving, warm and wants the best for those she cares about. But she is not just a giddy woman, looking for a man who would provide the most advantageous marriage.
She knows how a marriage out of love looks like, and she wants the same. However she also has her head on her shoulders. Because when Nell married Tom very quickly, Cecily is initially having her doubts about it being so hasted.
But when she sees the pure happiness, she cannot not be happy for her friends!
She is also the kind of person who wants to understand why someone is the way he is. And Jack’s behaviour may be cold and even rude in some moments, but she knows that there is something still haunting him. And her kind character wants to find out what it is and help out every way that she can.

Jack… it’s obvious that he has his heart broken several times. But not because his love was unrequited, but on a much deeper, meaning and thus also hurtful level. Slowly his behaviour makes more and more sense and him being sceptical towards Nell is something I could understand. Not that I agreed with him, but I saw where he was coming.

This was partially a sad story, because seeing how the past had an effect on Jack was terrible. And then learning that is was because of someone that supposed to have your best interest at heart, made it even worse!

But it was also a heart-warming story, because no matter what happened in the past, it can always be overcome.
There are so many sweet moments, enlightening moments and even moments I almost had tears in my eyes.
It was beautiful to see how thanks with Cecily’s presence Jack could face his demons and come clean about his fears and feelings. And that’s what daring to love is all about!