When the second chance doesn’t go as planned or thought

Synopsis

The emotional and uplifting new novel from the author of the million-copy bestselling CockleberryBay series.

Life at the Seahaven Bay Retreat is flourishing, but Rita Jory’s second chance at happiness is about to face its biggest test yet. When Jago’s glamorous French ex-wife appears on the doorstep with a five-year-old daughter in tow, their blossoming relationship hangs by a thread.

Between juggling retreat guests seeking healing, her daughter Sennen’s desperate need for a last-minute wedding venue, and dealing with Elodie’s impossible demands, Rita’s already stretched to breaking point.

Then some very unexpected news forces her to reconsider everything she thought she wanted. But can she trust Jago with her secret, and embrace the new life ahead? 

Rita must decide whether to protect her heart or fight for her future.

A joyful, tender and laugh-out-loud tale of family, forgiveness and finding the courage to say yes to life’s beautiful surprises. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Jojo Moyes and Amanda Prowse.

My review

After some struggles, Rita Jory’s Seahaven Bay Retreat is truly up and running. And totally unexpected, she has also found love again with her neighbour Jago. Things couldn’t be going better, and even when Rita’s daughter Sennen is in desperate need for a wedding venue, Rita doesn’t hesitate to help Serren out and is willing to let her use the Retreat. But then things start to go downhill… Not only does Jago’s French ex – wife appears on his doorstep with her five – year – old daughter, jeopardizing Rita’s and Jago’s relationship, the new guests of the retreat are also not all that honest and open – minded. And then Rita herself receives news that shakes up things even further, making her reconsider just everything. But which path is the correct one to follow, and is Rita ready and willing to just follow the course that Life has stipulated for her?

When I picked up this book to read, I was happy for my return to Seahaven. Although I have to admit it was also with a bit of trepidation, because I knew that Rita would have to face new and even unexpected challenges.

And believe me, there are challenges and struggles in this book, that I even don’t understand how Rita is holding it all together!

While I believe that I am a kind person, I don’t believe that I would be a great host. I don’t think I would have the patience to handle each customer like Rita does. Of course she has an amazing duo helping her, and they for sure alleviate some of the burden. But as Rita is still the owner of the retreat, it is clear that she has to handle the most difficult matters. And not only is Rita taking care of each ‘issue’, she also quickly understand the nature of each person that is staying at the retreat. For me, it felt that Rita is more of a mother – figure during each retreat than just the owner.

And some people that are staying are more of a challenge than others, or not that honest… making things even more complicated for Rita.

If only those were the only issues Rita is facing. Because while she is happily in love with Jago, I have to admit that I wasn’t all that pleased with Jago in this book. Not because he has completely changed character and has because a d*ckhead, but that he is being just too nice, especially to people that don’t deserve it. You may wonder how a person can be *too nice* but trust me, Jago is.

And while I can understand and I love his kindness, I also felt that there are moments in this book where Jago should be shutting off his heart and not be him. It sounds weird, but you’ll understand what I am talking about. It angered me too seeing how his gentleness and kindness, what made Rita fall in love with, is also exactly what is causing a rift between these two lovely characters.

Were those the only struggles, as Life has something else planned for Rita, something completely unexpected. And while many women would be thrilled with that news, I also could understand Rita, as she for sure didn’t expect to be on the receiving side of this kind of news. Especially as she would have thought to be on the opposite end of this specific journey. Once again, it seems like I am talking in riddles, but it will make sense 😊.

Despite all the chaos taking place in this book, I absolutely loved reading it. Because we see how things can suddenly take an unexpected turn, and you may need to face challenges you never thought that you would need to face.

But what we see in this book, how resilient, how strong someone can be. How even when curveballs are coming your way, surrounding yourself with your loved ones, can get you through everything. And how even if there may be a sense of betrayal, or rather hurt, coming from the person you love, nothing is ever truly lost. Especially if that person is doing those hurtful things for the right reasons, and you cannot actually blame that person.

While there were a few bits that frustrated and angered me (thanks to some characters), I absolutely loved reading this next chapter in a wonderful series, from an amazing author. Each time I initially don’t think that Nicola May can surprise me (in a good way obviously 😊) and yet each time she does just that!

To join forces when a mystery needs to be solved

Synopsis

When a catastrophe threatens Ellie’s business there’s a puzzling mystery to solve, and Gertie steps in to follow the clues. Love and romance are the very last things on Gertie’s mind right now. But while she’s risking her safety helping to hunt down the culprits, could she also be in danger of losing her heart?

My review

What was supposed to be a great surprise birthday party for Ellie at the Little Duck Pond Café, turns out in a catastrophe, as literally everything has been stolen from the café. Obviously the café cannot open, and thus Gertie makes it her mission between quickly – arranged – shifts, to find out who the culprits are. And who better to help than her neighbour and private investigator Jonah? Together they go on the search of the culprits, which turns out to be more complicated than initially thought. And not without risk for their own safety! And while there has been already some chemistry between Gertie and Jonah, will this quest bring them closer? Or are they both still too hurt from the past?

I don’t think I could squeal any louder when I started reading this book. That excited I was with a new brand chapter in a series that just keeps on getting better and better.

Unfortunately, my happiness rather quickly changed into shock. Now Rosie, don’t go panicking, as it has nothing to do that I disliked the story, but more with what happened at the Little Duck Pond Café. I just cannot grasp how someone can be so evil to go and steal just *everything*!

Now, I also have to admit, having faced burglary myself a few years ago, the shock, devastating, inability to grasp what happened, was something I recognized, although I wish I didn’t.

Despite the horrible event, it warmed me how the friends and family of Ellie and the Café are showing a fire in them. Not only are Ellie’s friends more than understanding that their jobs will change a little bit, with even a few shifts gone, but they, and especially Gertie, are determined to get to the bottom of what happened, why it happened and who the culprit is.

And of course I was excited to see how Gertie and Jonah would be working together, how they would find clues and most important, how their relationship would evolve! 😊

While I often think of myself that I am rather quick with discovering the truth in a mystery, I don’t think that I would be good at finding actual clues. While reading I often base my ideas on my gut feeling, but that isn’t actual proof, is it? So I was curious to see what Jonah’s modus operandi is. And how Gertie would experience it all.

This story felt to me like a real cozy mystery, where lovely characters are on a quest to find out the truth, while also getting to know each other better, and have some crazy moments at time. But even if it was a mystery, the warmth that we have got to know over the whole series never disappeared. You just feel that all that Gertie and Jonah are doing, is because they cannot face injustice and they want to help their friends.

And while I felt angry at the culprits who we don’t know yet, at the end I could understand where they were coming from, even if that doesn’t make it right what they did… But it also shows how sometimes people are pushed into doing things due circumstances.

Of course what I was the most curious about, was discovering how the relationship between Gertie and Jonah would evolve. Because we know that there is some chemistry, but also that both have been burnt by love. And I could understand that neither one of them want to jeopardize the friendship they have built in a short time, but it is a solid friendship.

But obviously, while I understood the both of them, I was also almost screaming at them: make that move!!! Don’t be afraid!!! 😊

I found this an amazing book to read, as it gave me both mystery, romance, but also friendship and just a lot of warmth. Rosie Green made her main characters go on a real quest, which turns out also to be a journey to let go of your fears and doubts.

Absolutely a marvelous addition to an already great series!

Can a leopard truly change its spots when it’s about matters of the heart?

Synopsis

In her early fifties, Harri Caldwell has always prided herself on being a strong, independent woman. Content with her single life, she loves her role as headmistress at the prestigious Lilian Cooper College for Young Ladies in Brisbane.

High profile barrister Charles Kaye has lived a charmed city life. With an amicable divorce behind him and three grown daughters, he is often featured in gossip columns alongside beautiful young women, a revolving cast his daughters nickname Charlie’s Angels.

When Charles and Harri meet at an art gallery opening, the instant connection is undeniable and, much to the chagrin of Charles’ daughters, a relationship quickly ensues. Their romance attracts media attention, not only because of Charles’ public profile but because Harri is so different from the women he is usually linked to. Older, private and firmly outside the socialite mould, she becomes an unexpected fascination for the press.

As the media attention and his daughters’ disapproval weigh on Harri, she begins to question whether their love can withstand the pressure. Will this prove to be the breaking point for their relationship or will Harri be Charlie’s last angel?

My review

Harri Caldwell is in her early fifties, but is clearly a strong, independent woman. As a headmistress at the Lilian Cooper College for Young Ladies, she is strict but correct. She is also happy with her life as a single woman, and doesn’t feel that she is missing out on anything. Until at an art gallery, she meets barrister Charles Kaye and there is an undeniable connection between them. But Charles is not just a barrister, he is one with a high profile. Often he is mentioned in gossip columns with women by his side that could even be younger than his three adult daughters.  And those daughters have nicknames all these temporarily women as ‘Charlie’s Angels’. When the romance between Harri and Charles because public, not only Harri finds herself suddenly out of her depth, but Charles’s daughters aren’t all that happy with their father’s latest ‘conquest’. As Harri is the complete opposite of Charles’s former partners, she finds herself suddenly in the spotlight and under scrutiny of three women wanting to protect their father. Harri is not used to all this kind of attention and despite having finally found love, she starts to question if she is ready for all the changes that are coming her way. Is their love strong enough or will it break though all the pressure for outside?

Another story by an author who is able to grab my attention even if the main characters are in a different stage in their lives as myself.

Yet I felt this instant connection with Harri, as I am also a happy single woman, believing that I am strong and independent 😊. At the start of the story, we see how Harri has always been content with her life, how she has found what she wanted from her life. Even if she hasn’t found love, she doesn’t feel like it is a missing piece. And I could feel that if life continued this way for Harri, she wouldn’t mind it all.

And then she meets Charles at an art gallery…

Charles is anything that Harri is not. And I don’t mean this in a bad way, it’s just that Charles has a completely different life and lifestyle. Where he is accustomed to be photographed, Harri isn’t.

That contrast between these two characters was wonderful to read, it just shows how love can work in mysterious ways, unexpected ways. And that love doesn’t look at a lifestyle, but it looks at someone’s heart.

It was absolutely sweet to see how this unlikely pair has found each other and how deep their feelings just are, even if it may all seen to progressing so quickly. And it truly seems that Charles has changes his tune and is ready to settle down with a woman different than his previous dates.

Now, it may seem that Charles used to be a player, and perhaps he indeed was. But after meeting Harri and falling for her, we see a caring man, who just adores Harri and would do anything for her. Although it also needs to be said, that his love perhaps is being professed in a way that Harri isn’t accustomed too, as Charles doesn’t have to look at a dollar more.

It saddened me though reading how not everyone was happy for the happy couple. That the gossip pages are having a ball is predictable. But I was so disappointed in the behaviour of Charles’s daughters…

On one hand, it is understandable that they are not all that happy to see their father settling with a woman they don’t know. But especially in Nicole’s case, I was truly shocked by her behaviour and antics. Give Harri a chance for God’s sake!

Gabi is having her issues on her own, and somehow her lacklustre response made sense to me. The last thing she is thinking is about her father and his new love… She has enough issues on her own which she doesn’t know how to handle, so in a way, she gets a free pass from me.

And Becky… while she is happy for her father, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that she saw it only as how it could benefit her own life, with her ‘new stepmother’ being the headmistress of her own daughters’ school… So it didn’t feel all that altruistic…

Obviously Harri is doubting now her relationship with Charles. Not that she doesn’t love him, but it’s all the side activities that she isn’t prepared for, even if Charles is by her side.

In this book we see how beautiful love can be, at whatever age it arrives, but how doubts, self-doubt and interference of others, can jeopardize exactly that. But we also see that staying true to your real self, to not pretend to be someone else, or even not hold a tiny bit of a grudge (even when it would be justified), can let people see your true colours and that even if things are a little bit going fast, it can be just right.

Maggie Christensen wrote once again a beautiful story about love at a next stage in life, but one that can still be just as amazing, even if it can be a bit terrifying.

Can a casual summer fling turn into something more?

Synopsis

Can a no-strings attached holiday fling really just stay casual?

Olivia is a fiercely independent woman climbing the ladder of corporate finance. But when her family demands she take time off to go to her niece’s bachelorette and wedding in Nantucket, she reluctantly agrees.

On the island, she catches the eye of Connor: a handsome, cocky, playboy type—also ten years her junior. Olivia’s sisters egg her on, encouraging a summer fling, but she’s more interested in catching up on her finance reading. Except…he’s funny and sexy, and doing her ego a world of good.

As their attraction steadily grows, Connor gets Olivia to relax her tightly held control and indulge in the fling she won’t admit she needs. But too soon, the holiday is over and they’re back home, living two very different lives.

And yet, neither can ignore the intense chemistry that didn’t go away after the summer. Are they just a Nantucket fling… or something much more?

Tropes:

• Opposites attract

• Age gap

• Summer fling

• No strings attached

• Single dad

My review

Olivia’s goal in life is to climb as high as possible in the world of corporate business. She doesn’t have time for romance, and believes that love and family is a choice that she will never make. Even taking time off for a holiday is something Olivia will never do, as she can use that time better for her work. So when her niece is getting married and also has a bachelorette party organized in Nantucket, Olivia has no choice than agreeing to join her family. Upon her arrival, she meets Connor, who is working during the summer on the island. Connor may a good looking, real handsome man, and also a cocky one. And Connor for sure knows how to boost Olivia’s ego with his attention. But despite his playboyerish behaviour, Connor is in fact a responsible single father, with no greater desire to give his daughter all that she dreams of, even if in reality it is a struggle. And the summer is the only opportunity he has to be and feel somewhat young again. While Olivia for sure is out of his league, he cannot resists the attraction he feels for Olivia. And while initially Olivia is reluctant to have a summer fling with a man so much younger than herself, with the persuasion of her own family, she gives into temptation. But what when the holiday is over and both Olivia and Connor have to return to their lives?

I always have a smile on my face when I start reading a book of this author. And the fact that there is an age gap, and that the characters couldn’t be more different, intrigued me even more!

But I have to admit, it took me a while to get completely into the story. I know that it takes a moment to get to know the characters, to understand them and to connect with them. And while I understood Olivia’s choices, those choices also made it a little bit difficult to connect with her.

Of course, everyone is free to chose how to life their lives how they want. And why shouldn’t a woman go for her career? When a man makes this kind of choice, nobody questions that choice. But when it is a woman, it feels like everyone is judging that choice. So in a way I admired Olivia for being so open about her own choices and dreams. On the other hand though, and while I understand that not everyone wants to have a family, I found that Olivia is also taking away her chances of finding love, even when not wanting to have children.

Now, of course her choice has to come from somewhere, especially as it is a perhaps unpopular opinion. And the more I got to know Olivia, I could understand her reasoning, even if I didn’t agree with her the full 100%.

That doesn’t mean that Olivia is not a lovable character. She has her own views and thoughts about things, but even if that differs from those of her own family, she loves them very deeply. She is also a focused woman, she knows what she wants and goes for it. She won’t allow anyone to put her in a corner. If she stands in a literal corner, it is because she wants it.

And at first instance, you would think that Connor is Olivia’s complete opposite. Of course they are different, and his initial player attitude, or rather his past player attitude, would make you think that they would never work.

Yet rather early we learn that Connor is a single dad, and that his player – days are definitely over. And that also made me change my mind about him quickly. Because not everyone would take up the responsibility of raising a child while almost being a child yourself. And that is something I admired about Connor.

Because we see that he hasn’t had it easy, and still isn’t having an easy time. Yet he is a loving father to his little girl, a devoted one. He would do anything for her.

On the other hand, we also see how he has lost his own freedom. Freedom isn’t exactly the right word, but where young people were and still are enjoying their lives without a real second thought, Connor took his responsibilities and all he tries to do is to make Ellie happy.

And I can understand that during the summers, he brings Ellie to the good care of her grandparents, while he tries to earn extra money and yet feel a little bit ‘more free’. Also it is a way to get closer to his own dream, opening his own restaurant.

So while slowly I got to know and learned to appreciate each character separately, I also absolutely enjoyed reading about their dynamics and how their combined story was evolving.

Because I absolutely loved reading how in Nantucket Connor is able to change Olivia’s mind and have a fling with him. Already on the island the electricity flies between them and it made me even more curious to discover what would happen when they would be both back home, as the book was far by its end!

And let’s be honest, we see people getting together all the time, whether it started as a fling or not. But what when there is a character so set on her own ideas (not pointing the finger towards anyone, OLIVIA!!! 😊) how can things towards a happy ending where both parties don’t give up or lose the essence that makes them?

Just that, reading how the characters would evolve, what made me truly love this story.

Because of course once back home Olivia wants to keep her distance, and not continue their fling.  But when they cross paths again, would this summer be that easily forgotten like nothing ever happened?

Seeing that evolution, made me once again believe in the power, the strength of love. Because as we all know, Olivia is a strong, independent woman, who isn’t looking for love, for a family. But when the right person comes into your life, a lot can change. And what you thought you would never want or need, suddenly becomes impossible to not have. Most important though, is how the right person (whether in this case it’s Olivia or Connor), will always support you, understand what you need, what you want, and is there for you, even at moments when you don’t think you need that support. And the right person will always accept you for who you are, will never try to change you. Even if that acceptance will hurt that same person…

What a wonderful story this was, even is it took me a while to get into it, it was sooooo worth it!

Giveaway time!

Giveaway to Win a paperback copy of A Nantucket Fling (Open Internationally)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Gleam box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Gleam from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

https://gleam.io/PNcxM/win-a-paperback-copy-of-a-nantucket-fling-open-internationally

What to wish when a genie appears?

Synopsis

A heartwarming paranormal cosy romance set in a small Scottish village, featuring a flamboyant genie, three unexpected wishes, and a second chance at love after loss.

Love, second chances, and a dash of magic… what could possibly go wrong?

Beth Calder’s life so far:

Marriage falling apart? Check.
Heartbreak she can’t quite move past? Check.
Fresh start in a quiet Scottish village? Check.
Discovering a genie inside a pinball machine? That’s new.

Arriving in Cranley is meant to be Beth’s chance to begin again. A job as head chef at The Jekyll and Hyde pub, a cosy place to call home, and a village that doesn’t ask too many questions feel like exactly what she needs. Romance is firmly off the table.

That becomes harder to hold onto when she meets Kieran, a thoughtful and quietly charming tech developer who understands more than she expects. It becomes even harder when the pub’s dusty basement reveals a glitter-loving genie with a habit of interfering and a belief that Beth’s story isn’t over yet.

With three wishes she doesn’t quite trust and a heart still holding onto the past, Beth must decide whether to keep playing it safe or risk everything for a chance at something new.

In Cranley, even the most unexpected kind of magic can help you find your way forward.

A Wish for Beth is Book 4 in the Cranley Wishes series. Perfect for readers who love small-town charm, gentle paranormal romance, and uplifting second-chance love stories filled with warmth, hope, and a touch of magic.

My review

After a failed marriage and heartbreak over her biggest wish not coming true, Beth Calder was in desperate need of a fresh start. So the Scottish village of Cranley is exactly what Beth needs, and is happy with her new job as head chef at The Jekyll and Hyde pub, where she can try out new recipes with funny names. But the last thing Beth expected, is that the pinball machine in the basement is the home of an actual genie. A peculiar genie that will grant Beth three wishes. Even if Beth is initially wary and distrustful of this genie, she starts to wonder what she can wish for. She just knows that one thing she won’t be asking for, and that is for a new love in her life. And then she meets Kieran, a tech developer who also recently moved to Cranley. Kieran seems to understand more what Beth is going through. Kieran himself is struggling with his new idea and his new life in Cranley. And while love is out of the equation for him, there is something about Beth he cannot ignore. So while both Beth and Kieran are not looking for romance, Gigi the Genie has other ideas and the community  seems to share not only that idea, but also the belief in genies for some strange reason… But with a past that still haunts Beth, can she start looking beyond the pain that love can cause?

It has been a while since my last visit to Cranley. And it took me a moment to remember exactly what happened with the other inhabitants. But just reading a few names and it was all coming back to me 😊.

Right from the start, my heart broke for Beth. Of course the end of a marriage, where Beth loved her husband so much, is terrible. But all what transpired before in her marriage, the attempts to have their own baby… As I am not a mother myself, I can only try to imagine how devastating it can be to feel like a failure after each time…

And of course, after all that she has been through, she needs a fresh start, away from everyone and everything she knows. And I could even understand her reluctance of coming clean about the real reasons of her move. It is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, but it is normal that Beth doesn’t want any looks of pity at all.

Now, it needs to be said that Cranley is a special village, where the inhabitants aren’t surprised by sudden and inexplicable appearances. But as a stranger landing in Cranley, it can be a shocking discovery that in a pinball machine a genie is living. Especially as we have all learned that genies aren’t real.

It makes sense that Beth initially is wary and even believes that she is imagining things, and how she thinks that she cannot tell anyone what she is experiencing with Gigi. Any other village would claim her being crazy!

I found it funny to read about Gigi’s antics. As we know from this series, is that each genie is up to some mischief. And I loved it! 😊But it also needs to be said, that Gigi has also some great insights. It felt to me that Gigi expresses the inner voice of Beth somehow. Because beside the antics, Gigi truly gives some good advice to Beth. Perhaps not in the most subtle ways, but what is being said, is perhaps a message that Beth needs to hear, in able to move forward in her life.

Although, I need to say that also playing tricks with Kieran’s mind isn’t perhaps the best way of Gigi to make things work. Even if it’s done with the best intentions 😊.

Kieran, who made the move to Cranley for the same reason as Beth: to start again. Not for completely the same reasons, but he also went through a heartbreak, and thus can rely with Beth easier.

I truly sympathized with Kieran, because even after his move to Cranley, I could not shake of the feeling that after everything he has been through, he must be very lonely. It also felt to me that that aspect transpires in the ways that he is at moments reluctant to go outside, to go to the pub for example.

Yet we also see clearly that he is smart, and has great ideas, as it shows with his idea for an app. And even if it takes him a moment to feel at ease, we see that he is empathic, cares about his (new) friends and is ready to help out. Even if perhaps that isn’t always the brightest of ideas with a reappearance of someone from his past… But also here it just proves what a kind heart he has.

It is no rocket science figuring out who will be involved with the romantic storyline. And while I was cheering for them, for me it didn’t feel like the major storyline. Because it is about letting go of the past, or at least giving it a place in order to move on. And it is not an easy task, and perhaps we could all benefit from a genie like Gigi, voicing out loud (too loud? 😊) what maybe is already brooding in our minds and hearts?

This was at moments a very bittersweet story, but mainly and more important a heartwarming and even inspiring story, about how life perhaps doesn’t always go as you want or plan, and causes you heartbreak in the process. But life always finds a way to make things right again, somehow. And that is, no matter how difficult it may seem initially, to keep in mind. And that the biggest heartbreak can give you the opportunity to grow, to digest and to give a second chance at the most beautiful emotions that exist.

Audrey Davis captured all this heartbreak but also beauty in this wonderful, funny story!

Can one trip across Europe bring love?

Synopsis

A romantic comedy of missed chances, awkward encounters, and one unforgettable trip across Europe. In the summer of 1985, Will Evans sets off interrailing with one goal: win the heart of Ruby, the girl he’s been hopelessly in love with since university. But with bad timing, bad jokes and a rival named Tom Bellows, Will’s chances are slim. As they journey through cities, cultures and chaos, Will must navigate more than train timetables – like growing up, letting go and learning what love really means.  Funny, heartfelt, and painfully relatable, No Chance is a nostalgic coming-of -age story for anyone who has ever loved too hard, too soon.

My review

It’s 1985 and Will Evans has decided to join his friends interrailing throughout the summer. Not because he is interested in all the countries and cities, but he mainly hopes to conquer Ruby’s heart. He has been desperately in love with Ruby since university and hopes that this journey will be where Ruby will fall for him too. But his timing is off, and his jokes don’t always land as he hoped, and then there is a rival, Tom Bellows. This journey turns out to be not only a literal journey through Europe, but a journey through growth and being just yourself.

At the start of this book, I didn’t know what to really expect. Of course the story is about Will attempting to win over Ruby’s heart. But as often in book where a journey is taking place, the journey is not only a literal one.

But as the setting of the book is about a year before I was even born, there were things that I know about, but haven’t actually lived through. Obviously, making a road trip through Europe isn’t something that I never heard before, but the practicalities of how Tom and his friends are doing it, was something I never heard of. And to be honest, while I love travelling and discovering cities and countries, I don’t know if I would be able to be travelling like Will is doing. I need my comfort, my food and a good bed 😊.

I sympathized with Will, as his love for Ruby is unrequited. Something that we have all experienced at least once in our lives, haven’t we? Even if I had some initial doubts about his feelings for Ruby, as it happened at a party and Ruby wasn’t the most sober of ladies there. But who am I to judge someone’s feelings and who I am to judge about the ways that love works?

And I was rooting for Will, even if I never truly warmed towards Ruby. Obviously they both young and are still discovering who they are and how their future should look like. And as Ruby just got out of a relationship, I could understand that the last thing she wants, is starting something new with someone else. But still, especially her behaviour towards the end of the book wasn’t something that I could completely comprehend.

But Will’s story is for sure a journey filled with wanting to do the right thing, but ending up doing the wrong thing, saying the wrong, surrounded with bad jokes that make everyone around him feel awkward. And perhaps not on his same level, but that was something recognizable too, as we have all felt awkward and insecure.

The kind of journey Will is doing, isn’t the kind where you have the option to recharge your batteries, but is one with lack of sleep, lack of comfort, even lack of good food. And yes, some incidents while eating and drinking the wrong things… For me personally, it would feel like torture!

But this journey is a journey to adulthood, with a lot of trail and error, ups and downs, self-discovery and figuring out how you want the future to look like. Not an easy task at all when you are young, and a head filled with dreams which you don’t know if they can be realized.

And just like the story doesn’t have a clear and closed ending, so doesn’t our own lives, because you will never know what will happen next…  This was a story that makes you think back about your own choices as a young person, and makes you reflect on how your own life changed over time.

To learn new things, but what exactly?

Synopsis

Seven days of temptation…

Good girl Juno Darlington-Hume has always pursued excellence in every field—now she’s determined to master the art of sexual pleasure. Gorgeous, notorious, and utterly irresistible, Italian playboy Alessandro Ricci has the experience, the charm, and the expertise to give her exactly what she’s craving.

From the magical streets of Florence to the golden hills of the Tuscan countryside, Alessandro leads Juno on a journey of desire, teaching her every delicious lesson with a wicked smile.

But there’s one thing Alessandro refuses to take: her heart. And as Juno surrenders to temptation, she discovers that passion isn’t the only lesson in store—because some pleasures run deeper than the body, and falling for Alessandro might be the most intoxicating—and dangerous—experience of all.

My review

Juno Darlington – Hume may have a famous last name, but she is building her career on her own merits and her own brains. While she excels in many different fields, when it come to matters of the heart, she is inexperienced. And as she is in love with Adam, a lecturer where Juno is getting her PhD, but he doesn’t see her, Juno believes that it is of her inexperience also in the sexual matters. Determined to change her inexperience into something that she masters, she asks the one person she knows that will be able to give her what she needs to learn, the gorgeous, even infamous, Italian playboy Alessandro Ricci. Initially, Sandro refuses Juno’s offer, but as his own father needs him to show everyone that Sandro is reliable and not the playboy, he is ready to ‘teach’ Juno in what he is an expert in. Not only in Florence, but also the Tuscan countryside, not only does Juno get to experience the beauty of Tuscany, but she is ready to learn everything there is to need to know about desire, pleasure and sexual temptation and passion. However, Sandro makes it clear that there will be one line that he will not cross with her. And there will be no way that feelings will be involved. But the more time Juno and Sandro are spending together, is it possible to keep things platonic and just keep on enjoying the pleasures that sex can bring?

When I started reading this book, it was a bit with mixed feelings. Having read the first book of this series, I was curious to read how Juno’s and Sandro’s story would evolve. On the other hand, knowing about Sandro’s reputation, I was a bit afraid it would be a little bit too much just ‘action’ and less story itself.

So let me start with when I reached the ending, because I was very happy with the story, how the characters evolved and grew.

Right from the start, I truly sympathized with Juno. Not that I could relate with her background, not at all. But the fact that she has an unrequited love, has a lot of self-doubt and insecurities, isn’t that something we can all relate? And then there also the matter of her being the youngest sibling and feeling lesser than her older sisters…

And it saddened me read that, because it is obvious that Juno is just a wonderful person. And that her insecurities are unjustified. Of course I have to use my imagination to ‘see’ Juno, but I could see Juno as the kind of person that is the perfect mix of having both beauty and brains. 

I liked it how, even if I didn’t agree with the vision she has of herself, she is determined to take matter in own hands. And no matter how embarrassed she feels, she just ‘proposes’ to Sandro. It for sure takes some b*lls to do that! I don’t know if I would have that courage!

While I admired Juno for her courage, I could also understand Sandro’s reaction of some kind repulsion. He knows that he has a reputation, and he for sure isn’t ashamed of him a player. But I could comprehend how it would feel for him like he would be selling himself for sexual pleasures. And while I initially didn’t like – like Sandro, I liked it how he stood up for himself, but without losing his calmness or insulting Juno.

Now, it isn’t that Sandro is that altruistic person at the start of the book, that he is ready to help out Juno just out of the kindness of his heart. He does benefit from being seen with Juno in Italy.

But the more the story evolves, we see that there is so much more to Sandro than just the infamous Italian player. Not only does he show his character and moral compass when he makes clear agreements with Juno what they will do and what they won’t do. We also see it how he makes Juno feel outside the bedroom. He makes her understand that she is a great and amazing woman.

And he also has a lot of depth, and passions that he doesn’t show just anyone. Plus he also shows a vulnerability and even insecurity that you wouldn’t expect from such an exuberant character like him.

Of course there are a lot of steamy moments between Juno and Sandro. But I loved the most how there is a real connection between them, not just a sexual one. Juno learns from Sandro, that she is more than good enough, that she just has it and that she shouldn’t be doubting herself so much. And Sandro also learns from and with Juno. Because he finds himself opening up more and more, telling her his real passions and even his fears. And seeing the both of them maturing, evolving, truly warmed my heart.

Now, there has to be a moment where everything seems to be falling apart, jeopardizing everything they have both been slowly building. And yes, it was not a  nice thing to do, as it was even a small level of gaslighting. But the reaction that comes from the alteration shows the growth both characters have been through. The realization of the wrong – doings and the wish to make it all right, is not something that would be possible at the start…

Like I said at the start of this review, this book for sure surprised me in a good way! Perhaps I was a bit prejudiced by the blurb of the book, as I didn’t expect so much depth, and so much growth from the characters. And that I would truly connect with the characters and like them so easily! Only shows that you never should never judge a book by its cover, or its characters, as I can attest to!