A dream job in a dream place to mend a broken heart…

Synopsis

Art conservator Rose Bennet is still reeling from a bad break-up when she is offered a dream job in Venice, restoring an art collection in the Ca’ D’Ambra, a six-hundred-year-old Venetian palazzo. Despite her fears about travelling to a foreign country on her own, Rose is soon heading to Italy for the summer.

While she is awestruck by the breathtaking beauty of Venice, Rose finds the owner of the palazzo, the arrogant and short-tempered Luca Casserini, insufferable. When he questions her ability to do her work, she almost heads straight back to London, but decides that she won’t let herself be intimidated or driven away before she’s even had a chance to ride in a gondola. 

Losing her way in Venice’s picturesque maze of canals and alleyways, the last person Rose wants to see is her employer, but when they meet by chance and, to her surprise, he offers to show her around the city, she feels it would be churlish to refuse.

Spending sunlit summer days exploring Venice with Luca, Rose discovers a passionate side to him, very different to her first impression, and her feelings towards him begin to change …

Rose knows she can restore a damaged painting, but can she mend Luca’s damaged heart?

My review

Rose Bennet is an art conservator that has just been through a bad break – up. With the help of a good friend, she is offered a job in Venice, where she will be staying in a Venetian Palazzo, Ca’ D’Ambra, restoring an old painting. Even if travelling on her own scared her a bit, she is ready to grab this opportunity with both hands. Because who would truly refuse spending a summer in Venice? Even if the owner of the palazzo, Luca Casserini, has initially doubts of Rose’s ability. But when getting lost through the maze that Venice is, and Luca unexpectedly comes to her rescue, the last thing Rose expected was that Luca would be the one that would the one showing her around the city. And the more time Rose spends with Luca, the more she understand that the Luca she met isn’t the real Luca, as not only Luca shows how much he knows and loves Venice, but how passionate he truly is. So even when things starts to shift between them, can Rose heal Luca’s own broken heart, even if she will only be staying for the summer? And that while she also tries to discover the secrets that the painting she is working on is keeping…

Before I start with my review of this book, I need to make a confession… While I for sure wanted to read the story, I wasn’t all that thrilled about the setting. As an Italian, I love everything Italian, with just one exception, being Venice… Not because Venice isn’t a beautiful city, because it truly is, with all its history. But in my opinion, is had become too touristy, too busy, too commercialised. And that took a bit of the magic away for me. But it’s a me – problem 😊.

I know that a heartbreak is often mandatory for a story to take off. But I also find it despicable how the ex is treating the main character. Why can things not always end amicably, in a decent way? Ending a relationship is already painful on itself, but when someone is hurting the main character on purpose, it also breaks my heart a little bit.

So as this was the case with Rose, I could understand her need to get away from everything and everyone. Now, if I weren’t Italian myself, speaking also Italian, I don’t know if I would have the courage to spend months in Venice. And we see that trepidation also with Rose. While she absolutely sees this chance as a once in a lifetime opportunity, she fears it also a little bit. And that for sure resonated with me, even if I would be even more fearful than Rose!

I am anything but an artsy type. Ask me to draw a tree, and you would think a five – year – old drew it. But I am in absolute awe of famous artists, but also restaurateurs. Not only the patience, but the care, the love, the eye for detail they all have… something I will never have myself, but I for sure admire these people!

Even if Rose and I are very different, but so alike too in some aspects, I truly connected with her. I could understand her trepidations, her passion for the portrait and her eagerness to discover Venice. She is so easy to like, as she is a ‘normal’ person, not too fussy at all. And even when the owner of the palazzo, Luca, doubts her, she doesn’t act meekly.

Obviously, Luca doesn’t make the best of first impressions. It would be strange and change the story, wouldn’t it? 😊

Luca is in that aspect a real Italian macho. As he has been burnt by love before, he wants to keep any emotion in that aspect as far as possible. He pretends that his lifestyle at the moment is what he wants and needs, but when spending more time with Rose, we see so many cracks in his armour… And the real Luca starts to emerge, this kind, generous, open and loving man.

It was sweet to see the relationship evolve between the both main character. They have been both been burnt by love, and in Luca’s case, there are also many worries about his legacy. And how they connect over art, history and those shared heartbreaks, it was just wonderful to read.

Of course there is something that threatens to jeopardize everything Rose and Luca have slowly been building, but that *something* is also a great addition, a great other level to this book, linked with the painting Rose is working on.

And even if that storyline is not as detailed as Rose’s and Luca’s is, I truly enjoyed reading those bits too, going back into the past, reading how things were done or not done there, yet how emotions and feelings are the same no matter whether you are in the past or in the present.

We see in this story not only the relationship between Rose and Luca evolve, but they also mature the further the story evolves. They both learn to open up their hearts again, to put trust in people again, and just dare in general. And that is in my opinion a strong message, even stronger than just finding love unexpectedly. Because when you dare again in life, good things will come on your path.

And yes, perhaps it made my dislike for Venice disappear a little bit 😊.

How to recover from heartbreak?

Synopsis

What if everything you ever wished for turned out to be the loneliest place of all?

Helena Beale is desperately lonely. Still grieving her parents, stuck in the city, and watching everyone around her move on with their lives, she begins to fear that love has passed her by.

So when a psychic predicts a dazzling future – a devoted man, a beautiful home, and a child to call her own – Helena clings to the vision like a lifeline.

And then, impossibly, it comes true. Helena finds herself in the countryside with a charismatic partner, a little boy she adores, and the picture-perfect life she was promised. From the outside, she has everything she ever wanted. But inside the relationship, something is very wrong…

As cracks begin to show, Helena must confront a devastating truth: getting what you wished for isn’t the same as being truly loved. Can she gather enough courage to break free, and choose herself when everything is telling her not to? This emotional romance is perfect for readers of Beth Moran, Paige Toon, Dani Atkins and Laura Pearson.

My review

After also losing her mother, Helena Beale is feeling the loneliest person in the world. With everyone around her moving forward, Helena believes that love isn’t in the cards for her. Until a psychic predicts that her future involves a man and a child with curly hair. Years later, Helena finds herself having moved to the countryside with her partner Noah and his son Raffy. Life couldn’t be any better and Helena never thought that she could love so deeply. However, one day Noah makes a choice that devastates Helena and turns her whole world upside down. Can Helena be strong enough to heal from the heartbreak and experience that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?

I am always very wary both in real life and while I am reading, and there is a psychic, or gypsies who claim to predict the future. I don’t believe it and I always take it with an inch of salt what they claim to know.

And when in this story, broken Helena has a conversation with a psychic who seems to know and sense a lot about her life, even then I was wary. I was almost telling Helena to not fall for those tricks, as it could not be possible true.

So yes, I was a bit surprised when several years later, Helena seems to have found exactly what the psychic predicted. And I was happy for her, but I also knew that her whole world would be falling apart, somehow.

I need to say, that while on paper (pun intended), Noah seems the perfect match for Helena, the more we see his actions (past and present), the more red flags arouse. And in a way, I was satisfied that my gut feeling about this character seemed to be right.

Because it may seem that Helena the past years has been happy with Noah and Raffy. However, even before Noah breaks Helena’s heart, there are signs that in fact, Helena is bending over backwards to please Noah. It has gone even that far that Helena since their move, hasn’t made any new friends and that even Raffy isn’t going on any playdates.

And that truly angered me, because a relationship is about compromising. You cannot agree on every aspect in life, but in a normal relationship, both partners give and take. And it is clear that Noah only takes, never gives. Not even for Raffy and his wellbeing.

I just cannot understand how Noah can act this way, being to selfish, controlling. Not only is it his way or no way, but his reactions when being contradicted are just so wrong. And what I also couldn’t understand, is how Helena is just going along with Noah’s erratic behaviour.

Of course, as an outsider, it is always easier to say what someone should do in this kind of situations. But is also a fact that finding yourself in an unhealthy relationship doesn’t just happen overnight. It is bit by bit that changes are taking place, and before you know, you have also changed so much that you are just a shadow of your former self.

So while I absolutely despise Noah and his actions, especially the way how he just leaves Helena behind, I was somehow happy. Obviously, Helena finds herself in so many difficulties that first of all could be avoided would Noah just have been honest, and secondly, no one should ever find themselves into.

On the other hand, beside all the struggles and the heartbreak Helena is going through, I also saw this as an opportunity for her. An opportunity to not only do as she ‘pleases’, but also and much more important, to find herself again.

And while the struggle is real, and Helena doesn’t get everything fixed right away, I loved seeing her work in progress.

We see how in fact, Helena is a real caring person. That shouldn’t truly surprise us, seeing how much she loves Raffy as her own son. But we see that even as a neighbour she goes beyond just politeness to help out Margery. It truly warmed my heart to see how that relationship evolves into a real friendship. The same can be said of Nathalie. Helena and Nathalie couldn’t be more different, but difference can make the strongest friendships!

And the best bit of the whole book, is seeing Helena grow into a strong, independent woman. After the initial struggles, she knows what she wants to do with her life, and with the help of her new friends, she just gets going. Seeing the new Helena, in a way even the old – pre – Noah Helena again, shows not only resilience, but strength, courage and determination.

Obviously, it didn’t come as a surprise to me, that just the moment where everything falls into perfect place for Helena, a certain person that we all dislike, reappears. It didn’t come as a surprise, but his audacity for sure did! And while I wanted to scream at Helena not to fall into his trap, I could also understand her, as Raffy is still a big part of the equation…

And here, we see how much Helena has grown throughout the story. Because, without giving the endgame away, we see how she is not the meek Helena any longer while standing in front of Noah. She isn’t afraid of speaking out, confronting Noah and just stand tall against him. But we also see that as a real mother, her feelings towards Raffy haven’t changed at all.

In this story, there may or may not be a love interest for Helena. But whether it is a match or not, the romance isn’t the red line. By far!

Because while it is heartbreaking to read what Helena has been through in the past, and is going through now, it is also a very inspiring story. We see with Helena, that no matter how deep you fall, step by step you are able to stand up again. Not only stand up, but stand up tall and proud again. You can find yourself again, you can find new and important people in your life.

While it is not always an easy story to read, I found myself absolutely devouring this book. It shows us the ugliness of people, yes, but mainly the beauty of people, the strength of people and how even the most devastating heartbreak can be a learning point and change your life for the better, somehow.

What started as a lie, brings you into a war zone…

Synopsis

Hunger Games meets Escape from Alcatraz meets West Side Story.

A war zone in prison

A secret identity

A forbidden love

She never should have lied. Now she’s Scarlen Smithson, petty thief in the notorious Horstal Island prison where Bear Vyer, enemy to the king, is an inmate. Luckily, he doesn’t know she is the princess, but that doesn’t stop him claiming her for his own.

Tropes:

Enemies to lovers

Hidden identity

Forced proximity

Shapeshifters 

Fated mates

Found family

Spice

Ring of Fire is book one in the Ring of Fire series, a fated-mates romantasy that takes place in more than one world and contains adult themes.

My review

Being locked up as a thief in the notorious Horstal Island Prison, isn’t what you expect from a princess. However, now she has the name of Scarlen Smithson, and even if she knows how cruel and uninterested her own father, the King, can be, she hopes that she will be released quickly. But the King sees this as a lesson, and is determined to let her serve the complete sentence. While Scarlen is trying to finds her bearing in the cruel world of prison, she finds herself suddenly claimed by shapeshifter Bear Vyer. Bear, who is determined to get revenge on the King, while protecting his also imprisoned family. However, Horstal Prison is a place where you have to fight for your life, literally. And Scarlen finds herself doing exactly that, trying to survive the cruelties taking place at Horstal, while the despise and dislike she initially felt for Bear starts to shift into something deeper and somehow destined. But Bear does not know who Scarlen is, and as Bear stands on the complete opposite where Scarlen’s father stands, how can things ever work, if Scarlen and Bear should ever get out prison?

When I started this book, it was already a dilemma. I know this author as K.T. Dady, and I have loved her romantic books. The issue was however, that I am not the kind of person that easily picks up a romantasy. So should I give the author a chance in a genre that isn’t really my cup of tea? Or should I stick with what I love?

After an internal debate, I decided, with the agreement of myself, to give this book a chance. And hoping that Kate would be able to pull me into a story with a lot of mystery, magic, shapeshifters and why not, an impossible love.

And yes, I have to admit after finishing this first instalment, that I was happy that I decided to give it a go.

To make things easier, I will call the main character Scarlen, as this is how she is addressed in the book.

As I have never been in a prison myself, not even for visiting someone, I believe that I would be very scared if I had to spend several months there. And I am talking about a normal prison… So reading about Scarlen’s trepidation upon her arrival at Horstal, made perfect sense to me. And that was even before I know about the strict regime and how it would be a real war zone for everyone. En plus, how once reached a certain age, this prison would be the final stop… Just horrendous!

So of course I was a bit relieved reading how Scarlen finds someone that will look after her. Not really a friend (at least at the start), but someone that shows her how things work here and what she should be steering far away from. Good advice that Scarlen for sure takes to heart!.

However, no matter how much Scarlen tries to stay away from trouble, somehow trouble starts to find her. Especially once Bear Vyer claims her. I have to admit, I found it a bit strange, how Bear just claims her, like just deciding to a bar of chocolate in the store… But the more the story evolves, and the more Bear and Scarlen are spending time together, the more it becomes clear that even if it was an unexpected act of Bear, there is something so much deeper between the two. Despite Bear truly hating Scarlen’s father…

The bond between Bear and Scarlen is truly the silver lining during their ‘stay’ at Horstal. Because the cruelties taking place there, just horrific! I truly believe that if I were incarcerated there, I would be the first person down! There would be no way I could survive in such a cruel and mean environment.

An environment that is no place for Scarlen at all, and I would think that her father would do anything to get her out of here. But her father, with all his power, isn’t the kind of father that is loving and caring. And that angered me, because why wouldn’t a father want to protect his own daughter? But the more I got into the story, the more I understood that not only has Scarlen been living a secluded life, she doesn’t know the truth about her father and what he is capable of.

And that made me understand better Bear’s (and everyone else’s) dislike (to put it mildly) of the King. I could understand where Bear was coming from, but I was also afraid of how this would affect the growing relationship between him and Scarlen.

I have to say, that for being a first book in a series, a LOT is happening. Not only there is Scarlen arriving in prison, and she meets Bear. There is also an actual survival of the strongest and smartest, fighting for your life. And then there is an escape plan, with revelations and secrets that can jeopardize everything that has happened earlier in the book…

And then I am not talking about those last, final chapters! It just left me with even more questions! How can I survive without knowing more???

As you can see, I have been totally captivated by this book, something that I absolutely did not expect! But as there is for sure fantasy bits into it, while reading I did not have the feeling that it was romantasy. Somehow, in a strange way, it felt like a ‘normal’ story to be. Difficult to put into words what I mean, but the shapeshifters, the magic, it didn’t bother me at all, like it normally would. So all I can say to this author is: well done as you proved me wrong! And now hurry with the next instalment of this series! 😊

One murder never comes alone…

Synopsis

The BRAND NEW instalment in the bestselling, beloved Armstrong & Oscar Cozy Mystery series! 

A road leading to Rome

Former DCI Dan Armstrong has been living and working in Florence for nearly three years—yet somehow, Rome has always eluded him. That is, until glamorous TV celebrity Tamsin Goodfaithturns up with a request he can’t refuse: investigate her uncle’s suspicious death in the Eternal City.

Murder at the castle

Philip Hastings was a billionaire financier, found dead at his magnificent—if slightly spooky—medieval castle in the Roman hills. Dan and his faithful canine companion, Oscar, soon find themselves surrounded by luxury, secrets and more suspects than sightseeing opportunities.

This time it’s personal

But when a second murder follows close behind, the case turns dangerously personal. With whispers of ghosts and crumbling alibis, Dan and Oscar must sniff out the truth before he becomes the next victim. Harder to crack than castle walls—and harder still than stopping Oscar from stealing snacks—this Roman holiday is anything but relaxing. 

My review

Dan Armstrong feels like he has found his second life. Living for several years now in Florence, he has started his own private investigation business, has found love again with Anna and has the most loyal companion with Oscar. His investigations have brought him to several places in Italy, but somehow he managed to stay away from Rome. Until glamourous TV celebrity Tamsin Goodfaith needs his help, to investigate if her uncle’s death is truly as innocent as it may seem. Because according to Tamsin, there is something suspicious about the passing. So Dan heads off to Rome with Oscar to the medieval castle in the Roman hills, where Tamsin’s relatives are staying, and why not, even all the suspects. But things take a turn for the worse when another death is taking place, an obvious murder this time. Dan and Oscar are now helping the local forces with the investigations, trying to decipher who is lying, has motive, and meanwhile also trying to stay rationale about suspects and not believing the local gossip of ghosts… It is a race against time, hoping to catch the killer before another victim falls into the murderous hands…

How can I possible refuse another chapter in the lovely series that has brought Dan and especially Oscar in my life? And this time, the setting is wonderful Rome!

I was  a bit afraid at the start of the book (yes, I am the kind of person that doesn’t read the blurb if it’s a book from an author that I already know 😊), as Rome is a city that never sleeps, hectic, tourists everywhere. So I was happy that the setting was a castle in the Roman hills, away from all that chaos that Rome is.

Of course I was happy to see how things have evolved throughout the whole series for Dan. And as an Italian, I absolutely loved it to see how Dan is in fact a real Italian now 😊.

Now, a new book means also a new cozy mystery and also a new murder (or two…).

Initially, I was a bit wary of Tamsin. Not that I didn’t trust her, but isn’t it a fact that when a loved one dies, unexpectedly, we never want to accept it that perhaps it was intended by the deceased person? So I always kept in mind that perhaps a murder did not actually take place in this book. Because with this author, anything is possible, right?

Anything is possible, even another murder taking place, even with when Dan and Oscar are already investigating the first death. And yes, that changes all the cards, doesn’t it? Especially as the family, each and every member, would have a motive and could be in fact a suspect…

It may seem a very dark story, especially with a spooky castle as a setting. But keep in mind that this is an Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery, and thus there are several moments that will put a smile on your face, and you will find yourself investigating along with Dan and Oscar, eager to find who the culprit (or culprits) is (or are).

This author has the wonderful ability to keep you questioning everything and everyone in the book, but also gives you a great enjoyable time while investigating. And as a loyal reader of the series (and the author in general 😊) I knew somehow how to look at each character, putting the right questions marks, suspecting even perhaps the right person right away! I felt like the female Dan in this book! 😊

Saying that I was swept away by this book, somehow sounds wrong. But as I was so intrigued by the story, the characters and just love being around Dan and Oscar again, I found it impossible to put this book away for even just an instance.

I need to say, that with each book I also fall more and more in love Oscar! He is not just a dog with remarkable investigating skills, but also a great judge of character. And just adorable! 😊

After finishing the book, I was thinking by myself: wouldn’t it be time that Dan and Oscar would go even more south in Italy, perhaps around Naples. And yes, I actually screamed at loud (poor neighbours 😊) learning that the next instalment would be about a murder in Pompeii! I think that T.A. Williams and I are now very in sync with each other! 😊

When the need to escape brings you the safety you longed for

Synopsis

Dolly Lymford is having one of those days… 🧁🫖

The kind that starts with dreams of opening a café… and ends with discovering your boyfriend kissing your best friend!

Heartbroken and with nowhere else to go, Dolly accidentally-on-purpose borrows her now-ex-boyfriend’s campervan and drives until the road runs out. This leads her to Thimblenouth, a picture-perfect Yorkshire Dales village where life moves more slowly and the kettle is always on.

After literally bumping into gorgeous local builder Reece Sterling, Dolly begins to feel something she hasn’t in a long time: safe. She also rediscovers her love of baking, filling the campervan with the scent of warm scones and freshly brewed tea. And Reece is always around to share a lemon pie or two…

When Dolly has an idea to open her own pop-up café, Reece is all too happy to help. And as the summer sun begins to warm everything it touches, Dolly wonders if she’s finally found a place to call home… maybe even with Reece.

But can she really build a future on borrowed wheels?

A warm, uplifting story of fresh starts, village kindness, and finding love where you least expect it — best enjoyed with tea and cake.🍰

My review

Dolly Lymford never expected that the day she would be finally opening her dream café with her best friend, would not just end but also start terribly. Because when she finds her boyfriend kissing that same best friend, not only do they not realize just how much they betrayed Dolly, but that same boyfriend just throws her out of their home, just like that. Having no other option, being heartbroken and perhaps not thinking all that straight, and having the keys, Dolly decides to take the now – ex – boyfriend’s campervan and just drive. And driving brings her to a place that brought her a lot of happiness when younger, a little Yorkshire Dales village,  Thimblenouth. While several things have changed over the years, the small village’s way of life haven’t. Of course her arrival could have been better, as she literally collides with local builder Reece Sterling. With his positive attitude, as even a hurting leg cannot bring him down, Dolly not only becomes friends with her ‘victim’, but she also start to rediscover her passion for baking. Filling the campervan with lovely scents, gives her the idea to open her own pop – up café, offering her cakes and teas. And Reece is more than happy to help her out. But how long can her new found safety and hominess last, as in fact, she is running a business in a campervan that isn’t her and people are looking for her?

How excited I was when it was this book’s turn to be read! I knew before reading one sentence that the warmth would be flying of the pages. And I was right!

Although, the start for sure doesn’t seem so promising. And while I could understand Dolly’s initial excitement, as she is finally opening a café with her best friend, which is not an easy or cheap task, I knew that she would end up heartbroken.

It not just saddened me, but it also angered me reading how Dolly’s own boyfriend and best friend betrayed her. I can understand that feelings change, but at least have the guts to come clean about it, and not go behind someone’s back. To make things even worse, the despicable ex just throws her out of their home, with total disregard of her stuff.

So while it of course it is not the right thing to so, I could comprehend why Dolly decides to take the campervan and drive off. Not only because she needs a roof above her head, but also, and I liked it even more, how Jared cares about the campervan and it sounds for sure like sweet revenge! 😊

It is so recognizable that in times of need or distress, we go to a place of our youth, a place that used to bring us joy and happiness. So of course Dolly finds herself driven off to Thimblenouth, a place that holds exactly that for Dolly.

Seeing Dolly struggling with the campervan was both hilarious as recognizable. Hilarious because the panic Dolly feels and does not know how to drive such a big vehicle. Recognizable because that chaos and panic is what I have when driving a new car, or I am driving in a new place 😊.

And that chaos makes Dolly meet Reece. Meet… that is putting it kindly of course, as she drives him over, leaving him even with an injured leg. Hilarious for us readers, but for Dolly not so funny at all, and painful for Reece!

But this meeting, let’s just call it that, is the start of the actual awakening of Dolly. Because Dolly and Reece start to become friends, over her looking after Reece and taking care of his wound. And we get to know both characters, for who they truly are and not, in Dolly’s case, the person she forgot to be.

Reading how Dolly is finding her feet again, finding her passion for baking again, was just so sweet (literally and figuratively). Because over the years, Dolly somehow lost not only that passion, but also herself, her joy. And seeing the real Dolly reemerge was like I said, sweet but also rewarding in a way.

It needs to be said, it is also with the help of Reece that Dolly finds safety, joy, happiness and herself again. Because I have never met a more optimistic man than Reece. No matter what he encounters, what is happening to him, he always sees a silver lining. And that rubs off somehow to Dolly 😊.

But the further the story evolves, and the more we get to understand Reece and why he always sees things on the bright side of life. But especially that it hasn’t been always like that for him.

However, Reece’s kindness, care and support, that is something that not only Dolly needs at this moment in her life. I truly think that everyone needs a Reece in their lives, to understand that no matter how bad things may seem, there is always a way to look positive to it.

What I truly liked about this book, is how important it is to never lose yourself. And that if you have lost yourself, that you can find your real self back again. And that is something we need to remind ourselves…
What else I loved in in this book, is the sense of community. Not only the growing friendship and feelings between Dolly and Reece (which of course is delightful to read), but mainly how at one point just everyone of the whole little village is  joining forces. A community that sticks to how things were, but also a community that is welcoming, accepting and yes, hilariously funny! 😊

Obviously there is romance too, but it didn’t feel like Jaimie Admans is making that storyline her main plot. And of course Dolly cannot keep on running away from what happened back home. But once again, the running away isn’t the main plot. But finding a place to feel safe, to feel home, to feel yourself again, that is the main plot. To find your passion again, to find your spark again, to find people that will support you, understand you, and will help you no matter what.

Jaimie Admans once again swept me away with her latest books. The warmth, the love, the friendship is just something that you can feel on every page. And that made me devour the book at an impossible pace, as it was just impossible to put away! 😊

When a misunderstanding makes you pretend to be engaged with a cowboy…

Synopsis

She’s not getting hitched. He’s just here for the ride.

Whitney’s life is not going to plan. Her romantic comedy novel isn’t selling, her career feels stuck, and by the time she realises she’s in love with her best friend and roommate, Andy, he’s back from his work trip with a fiancée – and a wedding date that is alarmingly soon.

Enter Jake: a cowboy with his own problems, including a country estate he’s desperate to buy and an owner who doesn’t trust developers – or men without roots. When a viral moment throws Whitney and Jake together, they strike a deal. Whitney gets the real-life love story publishers want. Jake gets to look like a committed, family-minded man who belongs at Rosewood. All they have to do is pretend they’re in love.

As Andy’s wedding approaches, Whitney uncovers a plot twist that could change everything for him – but the romcom she’s acting out with Jake is starting to feel dangerously real.

Falling for your best friend is complicated, but riding off into the sunset with a cowboy is pure fiction… Right?

My review

Whitney is at the moment struggling a little bit in life. While there aren’t any major issues, the fact that she is having troubles with selling her romantic comedy novel, causes her a few headaches. And when due some eye – opening moments, she realizes that she is in love with her best friend and roommate Andy, Whitney does not know what to do. Because years ago, she pushed Andy clearly in the friendzone, yet now she knows that no one gets her better than he does. But when Andy comes back from a work trip, Whitney is ready to come clean about her feelings, weren’t it that Andy now has a fiancée and there is already a wedding date, in the near future. At the estate where the wedding is going to take place, Whitney rather embarrassingly meets Jake, an actual cowboy. Unfortunately, their meeting is gone viral, making people believe a romantic engagement took place, Whitney and Jake both see this as an opportunity for the both of them. Because for Whitney not only is this a chance to show publishers a real – life love story, and perhaps make Andy a bit jealous. And for Jake, it is a perfect chance to show what a committed, family – minded man he is, as his plan is to buy the Rosewood Estate, but from an owner who doesn’t trust men without roots. So their fake engagement is perfect for both Whitney and Jake, it also means a lot of pretending. However, the better they get to know each other, the less pretend is taking place… And when a plot twist involving Andy could change everything, what story line is the one to be followed?

Starting a book written by Portia MacIntosh, is knowing beforehand you will be laughing, gasping for air, rooting for the main characters and just have the best of times. And for me personally, when an actual cowboy will be involved, my ovaries too are ready! 😊

Whitney is such an easy character to like. She is down – to – earth, kind, funny and also a bit sarcastic. And the fact that she is also an author, made me like her even more. She also has the best kind of friends, where Andy is also her roommate, share the same hobbies, and even without a word they understand each other. And how peculiar it also may sound for a friendship between man and woman, they tell each other everything, they hear each other all the time.

And JJ is not only Whitney agent, but a real friend. Because she is the person that will push Whitney out of her comfort zone, even challenging her to go out in the dating pool. JJ is a bit unhinged, acting before she thinks at moments. But JJ is what Whitney needs, as she sometimes needs that little nudge.

And it is that same JJ that makes Whitney realize what her feelings for Andy are. Now, I have to admit, while on paper Whitney and Andy may seem like a perfect match, it felt also a little bit that JJ is the one making Whitney ‘feel’ things for Andy. Because if JJ hadn’t put that little seed in Whitney’s head, Whitney would have never gone that direction.

Of course as a reader I already knew that Andy would return home with a fiancée. But just as Whitney, I could not be more surprised at the speed of it all (yes yes, I knew it beforehand, but still…). And just like Whitney, I found several moments truly cringy (e.g. the nicknames). Cringy but also hilarious 😊.

Talking about hilarious… our first introduction of Jake… hilarious, but definitely also swoon – worthy! Poor Whitney, falling into the fountain like that, but what a rescue by Jake! I don’t think that a rescue could be any more heroic or ovary-exploding! 😊

Jake is in a way the typical cowboy, with his “ma’am”, loves horses perhaps even more than humans. But he is also clearly a man with his heart at the right place. Because I don’t think that many people would be leaving their home behind to ‘just’ be closer to a parent.

And I liked it how Jake wants to do the right thing, but also doesn’t want to ignore his essence, with a passion for horses. He somehow wants to find the perfect balance between remaining himself but also being here for his father. What a man!

What else what I found hilarious, was how Jake rescuing Whitney is captured and how online it gets a completely different storyline! How a simple rescue transforms into a very romantic proposal.

Of course I could understand why Whitney and Jake decide to keep up the pretence. Because them pretending to be a couple deep in love, also ready for the next step, would help the both of them to achieve their goals.

I found it sweet and funny at the same time, seeing how Jake and Whitney are trying to make everyone believe how much in love they are. And meanwhile, while faking it, they learn just how much they are alike. They care about the same things, share the same opinions and they also just seem to understand each other.

As so often in books (and in reality too) the more time is spent with someone, the quicker feelings are changing, especially is there is a lot of faking taking place. And seeing that shift taking place between Whitney and Jake truly warmed my heart. Even how impossible it may seem to have feelings changing, they show us that in fact, it is possible.

It is clear that I truly enjoyed reading this story, had many laughs and loved the sweet, heartwarming moments. Portia MacIntosh wrote an amazing story, about how faking it perhaps can result in making it. And that feelings can grow really fast, and that is okay, as long as the feelings are genuine, honest and real.

In time of need, can all be forgiven?

Synopsis

Fifteen years ago, one desperate act tore sisters Bex and Briony apart. 👭💕✨

Growing up side by side against the backdrop of a feckless father and a hardworking mum, they were inseparable—until Briony’s attempt to save Bex from a disastrous engagement shattered their bond.

Now Bex has the life she dreamed of: a loving family, a new glamping site on the family farm, and roots she’s proud of. Briony, living under the online alias “Holly Day,” drifts from place to place in her van, watching her sister’s happiness from afar.

When their beloved mum falls seriously ill, Bex must track down the sister she hasn’t seen in over a decade. But finding Briony brings more than old wounds—it brings unexpected closeness, new beginnings, and the realisation that some bonds never truly break.

As secrets unravel and hearts tentatively open, Bex and Briony must decide whether they can finally forgive, heal, and find their way back to each other—and to the family they both desperately need.

My review

Bex couldn’t imagine her life going any better than it does now. She is happily married with the love of her life, sharing three children together. And now that she is finally opening a new glamping site on the family farm, it is truly a dream coming true. Also the relationship with her parents is one filled with love and warmth. But when her beloved mother falls ill and even needs a transplant, Bex finds herself doing something she never imagined doing, contacting her sister Briony. The sisters couldn’t be more closer while growing up, until Briony, wanting to protect Bex from a disastrous engagement, betrayed her sister in a way Bex could never forgive. And for years, Bex did not want to hear anything about Briony. So Bex doesn’t even know that Briony now has an online life as ‘Holly Day’, going from one place to another in her van, putting videos about her experiences on the web. Nor that Briony has kept an eye on Bex’s life from afar… Now that Bex needs Briony, for their mother’s sake, Bex wants to keep her distance, which is just impossible. As old wounds resurfaces, can the bond between the sisters be restored, if not only just for their mother’s sake? Or is what has been broken beyond repair?

A new book from an amazing author, so no doubt at all I had to read it! And perhaps a little different from the other series I have read from her, but that doesn’t mean I did not enjoy reading it!

At the start of the book, it is obvious how close Bex and Briony are, especially after what the sisters (and their mother too) have been through with their father. And that thick bond is something that I recognize with my own brother. Of course I cannot confide in my brother with absolutely everything (like you could with a sister). But when I say that even now, where I am almost forty and he is 4 years older than me, we still go on holidays together, you know how close we are, right?

I could understand Bex’s anger upon discovering Briony and her betrayal many moons ago. And while it may seem very despicable what Briony did, I felt it even before I knew what truly happened, that it couldn’t be just that straightforward. And it saddened me to red how even in the present, with Bex having a great life with an amazing family of her own, the pain and feeling of betrayal never left her… And how Bex has excluded Briony from her life completely. I could understand Bex, but I also couldn’t, if you get what I mean? Because before that specific event, Bex and Briony couldn’t be any closer, and without even trying to hear Briony out, for years… I found that difficult to understand…

And we see how Briony’s complete life is affected by that event. She is living a nomadic life, cruising around with her van and her dog. Not only is that kind of life rather lonely, and difficult to bond with people, what has happened also truly made her more introvert and closed off. She has an online life, where nobody knows her real identity. Because she is known now as Holly Day.

It truly saddened me reading how lonely in fact Briony has been for all these years. Yes, her parents are still in touch and visit whenever possible. But as Bex keeps that door clearly shut, Briony feels like that she isn’t a real part of the family…

I have to say, that I liked it how from a parental side, there was no preference. They respect Bex’s choice but that doesn’t mean that they also break all contact with Briony. Bex and Briony are both their daughters, and they love them both equally.

In this book, we see when in time of need, people are able to put their own feelings aside for the “greater good”. Because Bex knows that the only way to help her ‘stubborn’ mother, is contacting the person that hurt her the most…

Some may think about that feud, that Bex should just let it go, and as she has found her happily ever after anyway. But I could understand her pain, because she has lost the most important person of her life in the process, and how often do we hold onto old feelings, instead of addressing the issue and solve it?

Of course, the first encounter could not be a warm one between the sisters. Yet somehow I could read between the lines the longing for that bond Bex and Briony once used to have, from both sides. But pain and hurt (and even a grudge?) that have been festering for so many years, cannot just disappear overnight, can it?

I found this book one with several emotions and feelings. Because there is the long-lasting feud between Bex and Briony, but also the serious health issues of their mother, just like Briony finding herself and her voice again, and finding that special connection with someone.

Jo Bartlett wrote (as I expected) a wonderful, bittersweet story. How one person in the past can break bonds that were unbreakable before, and how that can change the course of several lives. But with the warm characters in this book, we see that when the need is high, personal feelings can (and must) be put aside. And how perhaps one terrible event in the present can be a way to restore something that seemed broken forever… Perhaps this book can even work inspirational for people in somehow the same situation that Bex and Briony find themselves, as proof that it is never too late for forgiveness and love…

The need for a fresh start, to find the unexpected

Synopsis

Pack your bags and get ready to fall in love with The Hotel by the Sea—your next romantic getaway awaits!

Rebecca needs to escape. After making a complete fool of herself watching the man she’s secretly loved for years run off with someone else—she jumps at a temporary job at the family-run Quinta do Mar hotel. Sun, sea, and a fresh start sound perfect.

What she doesn’t expect is Felipe Rebelo.

Charming, infuriatingly confident, and always ready with a flirty quip, Felipe seems to have life sorted. But beneath his carefree exterior lies a man carrying the weight of his entire family. The last thing he needs is another responsibility. Especially one who challenges him at every turn, makes him laugh, and is dangerously easy to fall for…

Escape to Portugal’s stunning Algarve coast in this uplifting summer romance about finding yourself, choosing happiness, and discovering that love isn’t about being needed—it’s about being seen.

My review

Rebecca has been having feelings for her friend Will for a long time. But after seeing how he ran off with another woman, while Rebecca was his plus one, she has had enough. So when she finds a temporary job at a family – run hotel, Quinta do Mar, she grabs this chance with both hands. Because nothing mends a broken heart better than getting away and have sun and sea at your disposal. There is no better fresh start that Rebecca could imagine, weren’t it that almost immediately she meets Felipe Rebelo, who co – owns the hotel, although it doesn’t seem he is doing a lot for the family business. Felipe is charming, confident and always has a flirty response. However, what Rebecca doesn’t know is that in fact, Felipe is making sure that everything at the hotel runs smoothly. And he cannot take more responsibility, even if Rebecca is not only challenging him, intriguing him, but also making him laugh and is amazing to have fun with…

I was very eager to start with this book. Because I know how this wonderful author can captivate me with her amazing stories!

Right from the start, my heart went out to Rebecca. Not only is it terrible to have feelings for someone who doesn’t seem to reciprocate them, but just at the time when you decide to make a move, you see your love interest suddenly going away with someone else. And that while you were being each other’s plus one! So in fact, Will just abandons her without a second thought.

And to be honest, not only this but also events further along in this book, made me dislike Will. I could understand Rebecca’s loyalty towards Will, as they have been friends for so long, and she has been by his side during the most difficult moments. But I couldn’t understand the attraction.

Getting away from a situation is sometimes the best thing you can do, so I was totally in agreement when Rebecca accepts a temporarily job in Portugal. Not only is she away from Will, in order to move on from him, but also she is able to work as a Pilates instructor. And let’s be honest, the Algarve couldn’t be a more perfect place for both purposes!

Even if the setting is in Portugal, and I am an Italian, I cannot deny that the Mediterranean warmth flies of the pages. The way Rebecca is welcomed by the family, it is very recognizable for a Mediterranean woman like me. I don’t think I would act differently, or perhaps even more at the risk of being over the top welcoming 😊.

I found it sweet to see how Rebecca is feeling while working at the hotel, how she is slowly finding herself again. Having some distance is exactly what she needs, and the distance gives her the necessary perspective.

When she meets Felipe, we see also who Rebecca truly is. Yes, she is competitive (all the swim challenges she has with Felipe… 😊) but she is funny, even sarcastic when needed. She is also committed, not only to her job. And yes, perhaps she needs initially a moment to adjust to new situations, with new people around, but once she understands the situation and dynamics, she is so easy to be liked and she as easily likes people too.

Also when she meets Felipe, there is an instant connection. Yes, they ‘fight’ over their swimming challenges, and at first sight Rebecca may have some prejudices that aren’t correct, but the attraction between them cannot be denied.

So of course I was a fan when they decide to not ignore that attraction anymore! But I also have to say, that while things evolve very heatedly between them, I felt that their romance is not the main plot line, but the growth both characters go through is. And their romance is the catalyst, a helping hand to understand who truly Rebecca or Felipe is.

Because while at first instance it looks like Felipe is a bon vivant, as a reader we quickly discover that in fact, he is carrying a lot of responsibility. I found it bittersweet to see how much he cares about his family, and how he wants to make a success out of the hotel. But he is just doing too much… Nobody can do it all without the help.

In a way, Felipe is a typical man. He let everyone believe that nothing is a burden, nothing is too much for him, while in fact he has to work at night to get it all done. Yet he refuses to admit things are getting over his head and that helping hands would be so much appreciated. Is it male pride? Is it that Mediterranean thing again? I don’t know…

To say that both Rebecca and Felipe are both a bit at loss, would be stating the obvious. While their lives couldn’t be more different, yet they both have lost themselves. And with being with each other, they slowly learn again who they are, what they want from life and how to truly enjoy life again.

And at the same time, by spending more time with each other, they also learn what they want, or rather need, in a companionship. And that a relationship, a partner, is not adding more responsibility, but sharing it, dividing it. It is not a sacrifice, but an addition to life.

Once again Julie Capling swept me away with a wonderful story, about how when escaping from life can bring you all the answers. Answers that you were looking for, but more important, answers you didn’t know you were looking for. Answers that make you realize who you in fact truly are. And if you find someone by your side during the process, it is only the cherry on top!

This for sure was a story that was heartwarming, but also inspiring. It made me laugh, it made me frown and yes, here and there, there were also a few facepalms. A great story about searching yourself, growth, understanding and love. Love for yourself (and self-worth too), but also love for people who have just arrived in your life.

When wanting to do good means choosing between the known safety or a mean to change things

Synopsis

Wakefield, 1901

Emmeline Ashworth has never known real want. As the grocer’s daughter, she has warm meals, a solid roof, and a father who dotes on her. She’s always understood she is luckier than most, but nothing prepares her for the day a half-starved young woman runs into the shop, desperate for help.

The girl – Lily – is bruised and ragged from the slums that sprawl at the edge of town and opens Emmie’s eyes to the harsh realities of life for some in Wakefield. Determined to offer her friendship and a lifeline, Emmie faces resistance from her beau, Rupert, who insists Emmie must keep her distance.

Then Emmie meets Sebastian Fraser, a passionate local councillor fighting to improve conditions in the slums. His compassion mirrors her own—and awakens feelings she can’t ignore. Feelings she’s never had for Rupert.

As Emmie risks everything to protect Lily from the dangers she’s fled, she must choose between the safe life she’s always known and the braver, kinder world she longs to build.

But can Lily find a place in Emmie’s life or will the shadows of the slums follow her to their door?

My review

At the start of the 20th century, Emmeline Ashworth is living a rather comfortable life. As the grocer’s daughter, she knows that she should count her blessings and she somehow has a little privileged life, with no real worries, a roof above her head, daily warm meals and a father that truly dotes on her. Yet Emmie also knows that not everyone is as lucky as she is. When one day a half – starved young woman runs into the shop, Emmie feels it as her duty to help her out. Lily makes Emmie open her eyes to the harsh, even brutal realities for the unlucky people living at the edge of Wakefield. Emmie is determined now to help out Lily, and offer her not only help, but also friendship and sisterhood, despite the resistance of her own father and Emmie’s beau, Rupert. Luckily, Emmie meets a kindred spirit in Sebastian Fraser, a local counsellor who wants to turn Wakefield into a better place for everyone. However, Lily’s past keeps on catching up on her, not only putting a risk on Lily, but also Emmie and her whole family. With so much at risk, what will be in store for Emmie’s future? And will Lily still be part of that future?

I am the kind of person that when I see a new book from an author that I like/love, I don’t even bother with reading the blurb. So when I started with this book, with this title and cover, I thought that (after I met Lily) the focus would be on this runaway young woman, trying to change her life for the better, with the help of kind-hearted people.

However, I discovered rather quickly that in fact this isn’t Lily’s story, but Emmie. Of course Lily has a huge impact on Emmie’s life, as not only is Lily the catalyst but also the cause and reason of all the changes in Emmie’s life.

Right from the start, I truly liked Emmie. Yes, it is a sad thing that she lost her mother, yet together with her father she has a rather happy life. She enjoys helping out in the grocery store, and shows kindness towards not only the customers, but everyone. She also has a soft spot for Rupert, the man that is courting her.

And in the love aspect I could understand somehow her doubts. Yes, she has warm feelings for Rupert, but as she is rather inexperienced in the matters of the heart, she doesn’t know what it is exactly she is feeling. Is it just fondness, or is it love?

Emmie shows her kind and caring heart in so many different aspects, towards so many different people. So it doesn’t come as a surprise that she wants to help Lily when they meet for the first time. I don’t know if I would go as far as Emmie is doing in this book, as I think I would be just as wary as Emmie’s father and even Rupert is. But I could understand Emmie, as she is just this kind, caring and gentle woman, only wanting to help out those in need.

And it is very admirable what Emmie is doing for and with Lily, yet I just couldn’t warm towards Lily…

The more of her thoughts we were having, the more I was becoming suspicious of what Lily was would contrive. And the more the story evolved, the more I unfortunately saw my suspicions getting confirmed in ways that Emmie for sure didn’t deserve.

On the other hand, with Emmie’s determination to help out Lily, it also means that Emmie crosses paths with Sebastian Fraser.

While Sebastian doesn’t appear that extremely often, when he does, he for sure makes an impression, and not only to Emmie! He is proof that even early 20th century, there were good men, wanting to make a change, one step at the time.

And I could for sure understand how well Emmie and Sebastian connected and understood each other. They show that having the same idealisms can be the start of a deeper connection.

This book took me in a not so far away past, showing us how far people are ready to go to make their lives a better one, even not afraid to betray those who opened up their home and hearts. But, and more important, we see the kindness and generosity of goodhearted people. And how even if they don’t know what direction they want to go with their lives, at one moment, they will know where their future is, and with whom that future will be spent.

This was a great story, even if there were moments that angered me, saddened me. But the feeling of hope, positivity, kindness and care never left me. And that made this book for sure worthy of reading!