When Christmas season is just a reminder of terrible memories…

Synopsis

As the nights draw in, gingerbread lattes and festive hot chocolates are on the menu, and the Little Duck Pond Café girls are gearing up for the cosiest time of the year. But new recruit Laurel just wishes she could sleep through the whole jolly affair! It might be October, but she’s still haunted by the events of last Christmas. Could a new start in Sunnybrook help to heal her heart?

My review

After last Christmas, Laurel has had enough of the season. Her broken heart even took her away from her home and took her to Sunnybrook. In Sunnybrook she is hoping to rebuild her life, without the constant reminder of her past life. And working at The Little Duck Pond Café is the perfect way to distract herself, and she is even ready to make new friends, with the girls that have bonded in time and are welcoming Laurel with open arms. What Laurel doesn’t know is that The Little Duck Pond Café Girls are all into Christmas. So despite her own aversity to the holiday, she hopes that Sunnybrook will still be able to give her the fresh start and new life she truly needs…

There are places and characters that you cannot wait to see again. And Sunnybrook and the girls of The Little Duck Pond Café for sure falls in that category!

And what a delight it was reading this next story in a most marvellous series.

But it needs to be said too, Rosie Green has the ‘great’ ability to let her next chosen main character go through so many things, they for sure have a baggage when the story takes off.

And Laurel… it’s not just one thing that happened to her, or not even two, no she had the whole shebang already happening in her young life.

Even if not knowing all the details, my heart went out to her. She has been treated badly by the people that should be by her side no matter what. And I could understand her need to get away from the place she has been calling home for a very long time. But it saddened me also reading how it was her leaving everything behind…

And with the snippets of revelations we get, I have to admit that Rosie Green for sure perfectly mastered the talent of twisting and turning. Because I was on completely the wrong track with the final revelation. Yet that also made me understand Laurel even better.

Sunnybrook is always the perfect place for someone that needs a fresh start. And thus, Sunnybrook is exactly what Laurel needs. Because she needs to find the good in people again, but she also needs to find calmness in her life again. She needs a place that is not contaminated by hurtful memories. But most of all, she needs to learn to live again. Because of her past, she has not only been running away, but she also went into hiding.

And slowly, very slowly, with the help of the girls at the Café, she gets out of her shell. Even if she is reluctant to opening to the new people in her life, she finds it impossible to keep her distance. And that is not only with the girls, but also with the person she keeps on bumping into, literally too.

While there is obviously a love interest for Laurel in this story, and an amazing one (even if I still have doubts of how on earth his final gesture is possible, or that if I were in Laurel’s shoes, it wouldn’t be possible at all 😊), I felt that this isn’t that kind of love story.

But I felt like it was more a story about a big journey, a journey of letting go of the past, forgiveness in a way, but also about allowing yourself to live again, to love again, to let people in (despite the disappointments faced in the past).

Rosie Green once again swept me of my feet, not letting me take a break in this story, as I devoured it so quickly! And you would think that the more chapters are added in a series, the quality would diminish in a way, yet Rosie Green has set the bar so high, and easily manages to keep it sky-high!  

Christmas is always the happiest time of the year…

Synopsis

A festive treat brimming with the magic of bookshops and Christmas… 

In the seaside town of Micklewick Bay, Florrie Appleton and Ed Harte are gearing up for a magical Christmas at the Happy Hartes Bookshop. Florrie’s book-themed decorations are the talk of the town, while Ed’s dazzling window displays could have been plucked straight from a fairytale. With romance in the air, this promises to be their best holiday season yet. 

But after a surprise phone call from his father, Florrie worries that Ed is keeping a secret. Why is he spending so much time in the attic? And what’s making him act so distantly?

Determined to make this Christmas unforgettable, Florrie packs their days with festive treats from gingerbread hot chocolates to sleigh rides under the stars. But when Ed disappears just a few days before Christmas, Florrie fears the worst. Will her holiday dreams shatter like a dropped bauble? Or is Florrie in for a Christmas surprise of her own? 

The perfect festive read to get you in the holiday spirit, Christmas at the Little Bookshop by the Sea will delight fans of Jessica Redland, Jenny Colgan and Phillipa Ashley.

My review

Florrie Appleton and Ed Harte couldn’t be happier, as not only they are very much in love with each other, but they are also running rather successfully the Happy Hartes Bookshop in Micklewick Bay. And this Christmas Florrie believes that it’s going to be a real magical one. When she hears that Ed has missed many Christmas traditions, she is determined to create as many memories together with him. However, when Ed gets a surprise call from his father, Florrie feels that Ed is keeping things from her, making her fearful for a repeat of the past… Especially as Ed starts to act even more distantly…So what kind of Christmas will it be for Florrie? One filled with lovely memories, gingerbread and love? Or will it be one that will shatter her heart in littles pieces?

I have to say, it was a while ago that I last visited Micklewick Bay, so it took me a little bit to remember the lovely place and the great couple that Florrie and Ed are…

But once my memory came back, I truly enjoyed reading how one of the loveliest couple were faring.

It was so sweet to see how Florrie and Ed were thriving. Not only seeing how well they are running the bookshop, what amazing ideas they are even having for the future. And then there are the displays that Ed has created…just wow, I could see it all in my head too!

But what was just so lovely, was seeing the love between these two amazing people. We know how a struggle it was for them to get to this point, thus seeing how well things are going was so heartwarming.

Florrie and Ed are in sync with each other on so many levels, even if their upbringings were so different from each other. They would do anything to see each other happy. In Florrie’s case that even means to make Ed experience the thrills linked with Christmas, even if those things are normally done during childhood, like building a snowman, the excitement of opening Christmas gifts and so on. And seeing how Ed’s excitement is infectious, put a real smile on my head.

However… and unfortunately there is a however… there are some darker clouds over this Christmas. Clouds that may put in danger everything Florrie and Ed have been building. And clouds coming from different directions. Because it’s not only that ominous call that Ed receives from his dad, but also a dodgy character returns on the scene.

And perhaps the thing that scared me the most, was Ed’s odd behaviour. Even if I had my own idea of what Ed was probably doing, there was a bit of fear that history would be repeating itself once again.

If I was already being a bit fearful, I couldn’t imagine what Florrie must be going through. And so we see that no matter how good things may seem to be going, fear is always lurking around the corner, fear that all the happiness is all that easily taken away once again…

Of course this wouldn’t be Micklewick Bay if Florrie and Ed would be surrounded by just like them amazing people. People that we also know and have been rotting for their own happy end. And seeing how a united bunch they are all, truly warmed my heart all over again.

Obviously Christmas is doing its magical thing in this book, because for sure the story, beside the dark clouds, is filled with so much love. Love that make you look brightly towards the future, love that makes you want to create new memories that will last a lifetime, love that will make you cry happy tears (but also sad ones).

I truly enjoyed reading this story, bringing me back to a wonderful place, with wonderful people who deserve all the happiness in the world. But we also see that even in romance books, things don’t always go easy or are that straightforward. Yet we also have to keep the faith, trust the people that we love and that love us.

An unexpected return that will just change everything…

Synopsis

It’s been years since Ruaidhri abandoned Sorcha, and she’s no longer the woman she once was. Now leader of the Suibhne clan, she must unite her people against invading forces. When rumours of Ruaidhri’s return to Ireland prove true, she’s unsettled at seeing him again. He offers to help her, but his past betrayal still burns—even if desire is as strong as ever. Should Sorcha trust her head…or her heart?

My review

When the Suibhne Clan is under threat, it’s up to their leader Sorcha to protect her people. But where she isn’t prepared for, is to face the ruthless mercenary Ruaidhri. Not because she is afraid of his strength, but because he grew up in her clan, and when they were younger, they fell in love with each other. Only to leave Sorcha broken hearted one day, without any explanation or inkling of him leaving. And now the man she once loved, is hired to invade parts of Ireland, and thus also the land of Sorcha’s clan. But Ruaidhri is struggling with his return, as he has many memories of living with the Suibhne clan. However, those memories are not all good, but also bad…While Sorcha is not being fooled by Ruaidhri’s return, her heart is thrilled by the return of her love. But as they are standing on opposite sides, will their heads rule, or will their hearts be victorious?

I have said it before, and I will say it again. There are several prejudices against this kind of books and stories. But if you enjoy a story, if you are enjoying reading, does it truly matter what genre you are into? Isn’t a book’s purpose to take you away to another world, letting your own imagination go wild while reading the words on the paper (or tablet 😊)?

So when I picked up this book, that was my resolution: enjoying Sorcha’s and Ruaidhri’s story and not think about what people will think of my choice!

I for sure didn’t regret reading this book, as I found this book a perfect mix of romance, adventure, drama and action.

And I liked getting to know especially Sorcha better, as she is a feminist before the word was even invented!

Because Sorcha for sure is a better leader of the Suibhne clan than her father was, and for sure a better one than her late husband. Who says that women cannot be great leaders? But it’s not only that Sorcha is a good leader, she is also a smart lady and a woman with a kind heart. A heart that has loved deeply, but has also been broken.

And that brokenness is still palpable in her tale. She is fierce, but also vulnerable. But she won’t allow that vulnerability show or take the overhand, even with Ruaidhri’s return and her ‘silly’ heart remembering that boy she fell in love with… Because Sorcha knows one thing: she won’t go down without a fight and won’t let her clan be ruled over by anyone.

With Ruaidhri we see how at loss even the fiercest man can be feeling. It was easy and presumptuous to judge his choices in the past and present, without knowing what drove him to make those choices.

And the more I got to know Ruaidhri, the more I liked this strong man. And the more the story progresses, the more layers Ruaidhri shows.

Because yes, he is a mercenary, but he is not a ruthless one. He is a man of honour, when he gives his word, he keeps it. He doesn’t play games but wants to get to the truth.

Nevertheless, his life is truly in turmoil. He already knows a few bits of his past, but the depth of it is still a mystery haunting him.

As readers, we know his real background, but the why and who is still a big question mark, and I was eager to know what happened to him. And the more was revealed, the more I could understand Ruaidhri’s impossible position.

However, seeing Ruaidhri and Sorcha standing against each other, but also by each other, was just great. They have been both hurt, and have been through a lot even during the years apart. Yet seeing how the heart never forgets was just wow.

And then there was the presence of the most wonderful, sweetest, most courageous for his age, character. That is all I am going to say, but I think that your heart will explode just like mine when you will meet him! 😊

In this book we see clearly how heads and hearts can be pulling the characters in different directions. And we also see how by the hand of others, heartbreak can be caused. But we also see how the heart never forgets and that choices may be difficult to make and trust may be difficult to give. Yet we also see that strength and power isn’t only a physical trait, but that those traits are even more powerful when it’s something that is just inside you.

I truly enjoyed reading this book, as this author gave me everything I was expecting from it! It was perhaps a guilty pleasure reading it, but one that I have read without any sense of guilt at all! 😊

Can you turn around your life?

Synopsis

They only had each other – now they’re being torn apart.

When thirteen-year-old Bertram Jordan is arrested and sent to a penal colony in Australia, his biggest regret is leaving behind his friend Alice Truelove. The children were each other’s comfort when they had to live rough on Wednesbury heath, surviving on whatever meagre funds they could pilfer from passing market-goers. Now they must face their futures alone.

While BJ is learning to survive and then thrive on a cattle ranch in Fremantle, surrounded by the hundreds of other men and boys who have been shipped from England, Alice is making her own way in the poverty-stricken Black Country. When a stroke of good fortune means that Alice can start her own business, she cunningly disguises her young age, and before long has established a thriving bakery. As her business grows, so do her responsibilities, and Alice relishes the opportunity to help those who helped her when she was down.

But every night as Alice and BJ rest their heads on opposite sides of the world, both go to sleep with the same last thought. Will they ever see each other again?

The Queen of Black Country sagas is back with a fascinating tale of bravery, forever friendship, heartbreak and joy. Perfect for all fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.

My review

While growing up hasn’t been easy for Alice and her best friend BJ, somehow things have turned around during the years, despite being separated as BJ has been arrested and sent to a penal colony in Australia.
No matter how dire their initial circumstances were, and how far they are from each other, BJ is showing his worth in Australia and Alice is expanding her own bakery ‘empire’. While initially the contact was lost between them, somehow they have found each other again, and with regularly writing each other, they keep each other updated about each other’s lives.
However, no matter how good their lives are progressing, their only desire is to see other again. Will they make their greatest desire come true? Or have their paths split and they will never see each other again?

Oh, how eager was I to read this second chapter of Alice’s and BJ’s story! I still had so many unanswered questions after the first book, and I truly wanted to know what fate had in store for these two young people. Their lives as children wasn’t an easy one and I was cheering for these friends.

I found that this book could be perfectly split in two different books, but of course as Alice’s and BJ’s friendship is the common thread, one book was perhaps the best choice 😊.

We already know that Alice is the proud owner of a bakery and I was happy read to read how the sky is the limit for her. She is the kind of person that was able to turn her cards, turn something bad into something good.
But she is also a young woman with her head on her shoulders, she doesn’t forget where she came from and doesn’t act differently.
On the contrary, she tries to help those in need, she is a generous and kind person. And even when someone in a way that I for sure would not accept, Alice shows patience, understanding and forgiveness. She will always offer her help.
However, she is not someone to mess with, as when she sees injustice she stands against is, fighting against people who belittle her.

And how sweet was it reading how even distance cannot break the friendship she has with BJ??? Of course initially, once found each other again, it makes sense to be keeping in touch, but with time passing by, you would think the contact would also lessen. But real friendship can stand the test of time and distance!

I was happy to see how BJ is thriving in Australia. In the first book he didn’t have an easy time, but now things are for sure looking brightly for him.
And how amazing is it that he has all the possible support from just everyone where he is staying! He is not treated as a criminal, but as a real human being (and the only right way by the way!).
Which each suggestion, he is being heard, and being appreciated.

In this second book we see how people with a terrible start in life, are able to change the cards they were handled. And that for sure works inspiring, even if the story is set in a past we cannot relate to.
We see how contrasting life can be, how people with the same kind of background, can act differently. While Alice and BJ and nice side characters show us the positive twist, we see with other characters how the downward spiral can become your real downfall.

After finishing this book perhaps too quickly for my liking, I found myself smiling with how life has turned for Alice and BJ. But on the other hand, I was also a bit frustrated, because it isn’t the final end of their story, and I am too eager to get to know how this tale will end!

Well, I for sure cannot to read this book, and with that cover…

Synopsis

Welcome to Cosy Cove, where love burns brighter than any candle!

Beth Williams thought her dreams had melted away after a devastating breakup, but she finds a flicker of hope at Harbour Lights, her artisan candle shop nestled in the heart of Cosy Cove. But just when Beth thinks she’s content with her quiet life, a ruggedly handsome stranger threatens to reignite her carefully guarded heart.

Enter Jacob Lawson, a charming journalist whose assignment in the quaint seaside town quickly becomes more than just another story. As Beth introduces him to the town’s hidden gems—from the bustling summer fair to sunset walks on the beach—Jacob finds himself captivated by more than the scenery.

But as their attraction simmers, both Beth and Jacob must confront their deepest fears. Can Beth trust her heart to love again? And will Jacob choose the comfort of Cosy Cove over the call of his career?

Join Beth and Jacob on a journey of second chances, sweet moments, and the kind of love that makes every day feel like a summer holiday. Will they find the courage to embrace a future together, or will their fears extinguish the flame before it truly ignites?

Get ready to fall head over heels for Cosy Cove, where every page promises a warm hug for your heart. Perfect for fans of seaside romances, charming small towns, and love stories that sparkle brighter than the sea at sunset!

Pre-order Links 

Abbey Hicks Payhip shop: www.payhip.com/AbbeyHicksAuthor

Candlelight Dreams direct link on Payhip: 

 Candlelight Dreams in Cosy Cove ebook pre-order: Cosy Cove Series, book 1 – Payhip

Amazon UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DHWRXRGZ

Universal link: https://books2read.com/CandlelightCosyCove

Publication Date – 28th February 2025

About the author

Abbey Hicks writes sweet, feel-good romance filled with dashing heroes, quirky heroines, and those heart-melting happily ever afters. Whether it’s contemporary romance or paranormal love stories, she brings her signature charm and a sprinkle of magic to every page. 

Writing as Abbey MacMunn, her debut paranormal romance was shortlisted for the prestigious Joan Hessayon Award for new writers. Since then, Abbey has written eleven more books, including the bestselling steamy paranormal romcom series, Love Bites: A Dating Agency for Paranormals.

When she’s not dreaming up her next romantic hero, you’ll find her on walks with her mischievous but lovable labradoodle, Brody, or binge-watching anything from romcoms to fantasy/sci-fi. If it has romance, adventure, and a dash of humour, she’s there!

The cover!

Looking forward to the wedding of the year, hopefully the run towards it will be drama-free

Synopsis

As the year draws to an end at Primrose Hall, Pia and her Lord of the Manor fiancé Jackson are putting the finishing touches to their annual Carols by Candlelight evening.

The past twelve months have not all been plain sailing – Jackson’s father Rex had a serious health scare, his long-lost brother Tom appeared unannounced, and Jackson himself had his own disaster. Sothe family are thrilled to finally be able to look forward to Christmas together and the event of the year – Jackson and Pia’s long-awaited wedding.

With the idyllic backdrop of Primrose Woods, the dream venue, and a community ready to celebrate with them, Pia and Jackson are counting the days until they are husband and wife. Now they just need to cross their fingers that the dramas of the previous year are all behind them…

Welcome back to Primrose Hall for the wedding of the year and guaranteed laughter, friendship and romance. Perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Heidi Swain and Julie Houston.

My review

At Primrose Hall, Pia and Jackson are looking forward to their Christmas wedding. The last year has been a difficult one, as there was more than just one struggle they needed to face. However, they are not only thinking about the wedding bells, because running a place like Primrose Hall means to keep investing, to be inventive and even think outside the box. Surrounded by their family and friends, Pia and Jackson are planning the wedding and making plans for the estate. And they are not the only ones making plans for the future…

When you are invested in a series, you cannot wait to read how it will finally all come together, to that hopefully happy ending the characters deserve.

So obviously I couldn’t wait to read this next chapter in this series, as I truly loved reading and discover how the couples were doing now. And let me tell you this straight away: what a delight this book was!

Pia and Jackson for sure have been through a lot before getting to this exact point. The love between them is still so very obvious, it’s just something to get envious over! But they are also very recognizable and relatable. Well, not 100% relatable, as not everyone is living in such a wonderful estate as they are 😊, but the feelings and emotions for sure are.

Because while it may seem all be going smoothly, they are human. And Pia doesn’t always agree with Jackson, and even has a few moments of doubt. Doubt that is normal to have, even when Pia is so deeply in love with Jackson. Marriage is for sure an important commitment, that shouldn’t be taken lightly, and Pia’s thoughts show us that thinking about everything, every possible outcome – especially with what already happened in the past – is so logical.

Nevertheless, about the things that matter the most, Pia and Jackson are for sure in sync with each other. They are partners in “crime”, as they are not only understanding each other, but also complement each other perfectly.

Although I have to say, the author nearly gave me a heart attack with the events taking place on Pia’s hen do! 😊

I loved it also to see how the other couples were doing. And they also have their ups and downs, showing the struggles of a rather new couple, but also showing the exciting prospects of a couple going the length. We see the different stages of relationships, and that with wonderful people!

In this book we see a lot of complicity too, seeing how not only the couples are uniting, and supporting, but also the friends and families among themselves. We see a lot of not only lovely people, but loved people. People that want to find their happiness and want their loved ones to find happiness.

I absolutely devoured this book, as it gave me the perfect closure of a wonderful series. it went exactly how I wanted it to go, with many heartwarming moments, funny moments but mainly just so much love in it generally!

When love made you stay already once, you cannot make the same mistake again

Synopsis

Julia Volpe’s Italian dream has turned into a nightmare.

Still living with her ex, Luca, a year after they’ve broken up, desperate to sell the dilapidated B&B that was meant to be their future, Jules knows she needs to leave. There are just two problems. Her passport has expired and she’s broke.

Not quite ready to ask her parents for help – at the ripe old age of twenty-seven – Jules decides to head as far away from Luca as she can to work on an olive farm until she has enough money to pay for her passport and a ticket back home.

Jules has sworn off love, but she hadn’t bargained on the beauty of Cividale del Friuli, the ancient Italian town on the banks of the gloriously blue Natisone river. As the community of farmers, neighbours and locals generously welcome her into their lives, Jules can feel her defences crumbling. But it’s when she meets Alex, broodingly handsome yet charmingly gallant, that Jules truly knows she’s in trouble. Because Alex has sworn off love too, and his reasons run deep enough for him to keep his word just as Jules is starting to reconsider her resistance to romance.

Live your very own Italian dream and let Leonie Mack whisk you away. Romantic, spell-binding, truly touching and perfect for all fans of Jill Mansell, Mandy Baggot and Sarah Morgan.

My review

When Julia Volpe came to Italy from Australia, she didn’t expect to fall in love with Luca and decide on not only staying with him, but also buy a B&B together. However, she didn’t expect to be still living with him a year after their break – up… Julia doesn’t want anything more than just leave Luca and also Italy behind, weren’t it for two problems: her passport  has expired and a ticket home is something she cannot really afford at the moment. So the next best thing is just leaving Luca and find a job at an olive farm in Cividale del Friuli, a place that Luca hopefully will never find. Even if Jules has sworn off love, she cannot stop falling for Cividale del Friuli and its community of nosy but genuine people. And staying with Alex, the man she met by chance, and is now apparently linked to the farm, makes her wonder is she perhaps will be making the same mistake she made with Luca. But Alex himself isn’t all that happy with Jules staying at his place, because being on his own just suits him fine, and he for sure wants to keep clear of love, for his own reasons…

If you are following my reviews, you know that stories set in Italy already score extra points for me. Add to that equation that it’s a romance AND it’s a book by an author that I truly love, well, can I truly dislike it?

The honest answer is “yes, it is possible…”. But, before I give Leonie Mack a heart attack, that was absolutely not the case, as I loved every bit about it!

The start of the book is a sad one, as it’s clear that Jules has hit rock bottom. I cannot imagine staying with my ex even a year after breaking up, but I could understand why Jules stayed, as she just doesn’t have any other option…

Now, the how bureaucracy is not completely clear to me, but knowing Italian bureaucracy, and having an idea about the complications of just flying to Australia, I had an idea how Jules ended up in this particular situation.

It angered me a little bit, to see how Jules was treated. She gave up a lot for love, she left her home, invested in a B&B that isn’t working and now she is left empty – handed. And learning that her ex and his mother always have been criticizing her, having remarks on everything she did, just angered me. Being in a country, not speaking the language, Jules for sure could use all the support she needed, but didn’t get it…

I was surprised by Jules’s courageous behaviour, not only when she decided to stay in Italy, but also her decision to just go away from Luca and his even in a way toxic behaviour, not knowing where the future would bring her. Of course Jules doesn’t go without a plan, as she is going to Cividale del Friuli and work at a farm for board and lodging.

While reading, I for sure could relate easily with all the Italian characters, those living in Cividale del Friuli obviously – as they are the good kind of people. It was recognizable to see how it all starts with wariness, but also nosiness, yet once Jules is ‘part of the team’, she truly is part of the family too. Even if being part of the family means to be subject to a lot of matchmaking…

And the person she is being matched to, is Alex. Alex, who she already met one evening and there for sure was something…

Of course as a reader, we know that it wouldn’t end on just that one night, but when Alex re-enters the scene, the contrast couldn’t be any bigger. Because the Alex we meet on the farm is for sure not the same Alex Jules spent several hours with… And let’s be honest, if I didn’t know the initial Alex, I don’t know if Alex would keep my interest…

Now, it needs to be said, Alex has been through a lot in the past, and it’s clear that he still hasn’t come completely to terms, he is still holding on to the past and is still grieving.

And learning those bits, made me understand him better, understand why he is hot one moment and cold the other.

In this book we see a story about two people who have lost love, in one or another, making them afraid to open up again, or give love a chance again.

But we see that Jules and Alex, despite their resolution to not make the “mistake” of falling in love again, not only understand each better than expected, also find someone that ignites something inside thought to be gone forever.

And that exactly is the beauty of this book, beside a wonderful setting (not at all biased here, even if my roots are more southern than the northern Friuli setting 😊). Love doesn’t come easy, love can come with pain, or can be tried to be stopped by pain and loss and fear. But love also make you courageous, wanting to put yourself out there, no matter how scary that may be. And it’s okay not finding that courage immediately, as there is a whole process to go through.

Leonie Mack wrote a wonderful story, capturing the Italian life perfectly, and also adding the typical dialect, but she mainly captured the difficulties and struggles of the heart, and how it can be conflicted in not wanting to make mistakes anymore, but also finding it impossible of not beating that little bit faster for someone very special…

When love is surrounding you, do you dare to take that leap?

Synopsis

It’s not supposed to be her love story…

Planning a wedding with the man you’re secretly in love with… what could go wrong?

Liv Holland has a secret: she’s been crushing on Arran Adebayo, her brother’s best friend, for years. They’re ‘just friends’ but she can’t help the butterflies in her stomach whenever she’s around him.

When they’re asked to help plan festivities for Liv’s brother’s wedding, Liv and Arran can no longer deny the sparks between them. But with both having their own chequered romantic history, risking everything for love could mean losing each other forever…

As the wedding bells ring, will Liv and Arran finally find their own happy ever after?

My review

Liv Holland couldn’t be more thrilled to hear about the engagement of her twin brother Sam and her best friend Maya. After everything the pair has been through – also separately – they for sure deserve their happily ever after together. And Liv is happy to be entrusted to help planning all the festivities, even that means being even more involved with Sam’s best friend Arran. Not that she dislikes Arran, but it’s rather the complete opposite, as she has been in love with him for years. However, Liv is afraid to act upon her feelings as herself and Arran has also become the best of friends, and Liv couldn’t bare the thought of losing not only Arran, but also losing Arran’s son Jayce… But what Liv doesn’t is that after a blind date that happens to be with Arran, Arran suddenly sees Liv in a different light. But Arran has had his heart broken last year, and can he truly find the courage to open up his heart again, with his new best friend and his best friend’s sister of all people?

Oh how much have I loved reading this book! I even dare to say that I perhaps even prefer Liv’s and Arran’s story to Maya’s and Sam’s one. In a way in this story there is perhaps more realism and just more sparks are flying around, and just more will – they – will – they – not – moments. And then those heated moments, and those looks shared between Liv and Arran!

Liv for sure is the girl – next – door type, just genuine, caring and lovely. While perhaps any other sibling would be a little bit contrary to see the brother falling in love with the best friend, Liv couldn’t be happier for the pair. That for sure is a testament for her altruism and love for her loved ones. I for sure could see her working at the nursery, as she understands the children and has just a way in general with them.

But despite all those wonderful traits, Liv is also scarred by her father. The relationship even when she was just a child, was a strained one, and the way her father is in general made her fearful of falling in love, or just open her heart for that possibility. Her father’s behaviour, in the past and even still now, has made her hold back, even afraid of just being herself. As she has always been compared to her father, and the way they were alike, put a genuine fear in her. And that saddened me, because that fear doesn’t allow her to just be herself, while Liv is just such a wonderful person, even a fierce and strong one, but she won’t let that show too much…

Luckily she is surrounded by lovely friends, who understand her better than Liv herself may think. And the friendship she has with Arran, which just grows stronger in time, makes her yes wonder who she truly is, but with Arran she also finds someone to confide in, without any judgement.

Seeing Liv and Arran together, even before those sparks start to fly around all the place, truly warmed my heart. Arran is perhaps a typical man, afraid to ask for help, but with Liv offering her assistance when Arran even hasn’t voiced it. And that is what real friendship is: just offering your help and not accepting a refusal as an answer.

Arran for sure also has had his share of setbacks in the past. While it’s obvious that Jayce is the light of his life, the break – up  with his ex – fiancée was a bitter pill to swallow as he wasn’t expecting it at all.

Perhaps it’s not nice of me, but Jess’s character angered me, reading how she expects Arran to have Jayce for the weekend, so that she could go out with her recent boyfriend. It’s not that she doesn’t have the right to go out, but I didn’t like it how she just keeps an assuming that Arran will just jump at her every request… But I am also the first to say that towards the end of the book, somehow she made it possible to change my opinion over her…

I truly enjoyed reading how close Liv and Arran are becoming in this book, even they already had a strong bond before the start of the book. And the relationship Liv has with Jayce was just sooooo sweet to read!

While as a reader it was a bit frustrating reading how two lovely characters that for sure deserve not only love, but each other, are afraid of admitting their feelings, I could also understand those fears. Because what if in a terrible twist, things would end badly, there would be so much loss, not only their love, but also their friendship, causing perhaps even further problems in their circle of friends, and let’s not forget how it would affect Jayce.

But those sparks… just wow, talking about fireworks!

I absolutely devoured this book, as we can see how real friends support each other no matter what, and how those relationships can shift into something perhaps even more wonderful, as the person that sees you the best, understands you the best, can give you the best. As long as you won’t allow fear, self – doubt and hurt of the past hold you back from having the most beautiful thing in life, and what you also for sure deserve!

Zoe Allison for sure wrote a warm and lovely story and I for sure hope that a third book will come out with another couple that has now something simmering!

When protection is needed, but who is the one in need?

Synopsis

A bodyguard and forced proximity await in the emotional final installment of Secrets of Clan Cameron…

The Highlander’s choice:
Protect her or his clan?

Every family has secrets. Kenna Hay’s? The mother who abandoned her is alive! Now Kenna must journey across Scotland to find her. After years of lies, she’s determined to keep Rolf Cameron, who’s tasked with escorting her, at arm’s length…despite their unexpected connection.

Highlander Rolf swore to Kenna’s father he’d keep her safe. Even though his own quest to uncover his family’s past could put both their clans in danger… But what’s more dangerous is the all-consuming attraction between them, which is becoming impossible to ignore!

My review

Rolf Cameron is determined to find out all the secrets that have been being kept from his and his siblings. That brings him setting up a meeting with a person that seemingly is in possession of documents that may reveal it all.However, that meeting ends abruptly, even before it began, as the man he is supposed to meet, gets killed. But not before he asks Rolf to protect his daughter Kenna on her journey across Scotland, with those precious documents.Kenna is devastated learning about the death of her father, and makes it clearly that she not only hates the clan responsible for it, but also the Clan Cameron. Because of territory, Kenna has already lost too much, and can only find comfort in the runes. Runes that suddenly has been sending her more and more signals of danger and signs of obscurity. During their journey, Rolf keeps his real identity hidden from Kenna, but that doesn’t stop the attraction to grow between them. But with so many secrets between them, and secrets seem to be following everywhere they go, how will their journey end?

Having read the previous books of this series, I was eager to read Rolf’s story, the most enigmatic of the siblings. And perhaps also the sibling who is most at loss. It’s clear that not only he is carrying a lot of responsibility around, but he has so many questions about his family, about his own memories and the only way to have some peace, is find those answers, no matter where it takes him.

I couldn’t imagine the perfect love interest for Rold, as he is also rather closed off, and even afraid to let anyone in. Of course he loves his siblings dearly, and there isn’t a thing he wouldn’t do for them. But he is in turmoil, and not just any woman would be able to take his walls down.

Kenna for sure shows her worth in this story. But just like Rolf, she is at loss. She lost her mother at a young age, only to have her relationship with her father strengthened by it. So obviously I could understand her devastation seeing her father dying. And I couldn’t blame her for feeling so fiercely against the culprits, and even adding the Cameron’s in those feelings, even if they weren’t justified.

I have to admit, runes don’t really call to me, and I don’t know if I would let them have the kind of power they have to Kenna. But I can understand how it is a gift for Kenna, and how she uses the runes as a kind of comfort, a solace even. But it’s also clear that in a way, it’s a shield that Kenna uses. She allows the runes to even let her hold back in a way. As the runes aren’t a science, and there is a lot of uncertainty. And that uncertainty frightens her and thus lets that hold her back.

Kenna and Rolf are very different in many ways. But they also realize slowly, by spending so much time together, on their journey, how alike they are, in the things that truly matter. And I mean this in the good things, but also in the things that aren’t totally positive, like their fears, their demons.

But as this is a journey they are going through together, literally and figuratively, they not only learn to open a bit, but the realization that they are in fact kindred spirits, chases a bit the demons away. And with the attraction between them, I was happy to see their relationship evolve, even if there are still secrets being kept between them.

This isn’t just a story about two people from different clans finding each other, but it is also about politics in a way. Because we see how territory, power and that thirst for more, can affect just everything. There are many secrets revealed in this book, and also many revelations, even shocking ones.

There is a lot of going on in this book, as there are several storylines to follow and discover. That made it great story to read. There is the attraction between Kenna and Rolf, the many different dynamics between them. But also the mystery surrounding their homes and families.

In this story we see how fear can hold you back, but as the desire for protection ignites something in the pair of them. But we also see how finding each other can bring peace, even without having all the answers. And that is also the power of love, to let go of the past yet embrace the future that lays ahead of you!

Even in paradise it’s not always sunshine

Synopsis

It’s hard to stay professional when you’re stuck on a tiny island… with your ex

Carrie Briggs is on the cusp of a career breakthrough. About to be made partner at her accountancy firm, she’s been given one more hoop to jump through before it can be made official.

And she could think of worse clients to work with – because world-renowned billionaire Joe Hettich is flying her out to his private island in the Caribbean.

But her hopes of career highs (and relaxing in the gorgeous sun in her spare time, of course!) are dashed when she meets the CFO of Joe’s company: Luke Chalmers, the man who broke her heart seven years ago when he chose his ex over her.

With a storm brewing in paradise – both in her heart and literally, on the island – she’s going to have to put her big girl pants on and get through this, before all those feelings have a chance to resurface…

A sun-filled and heartwarming romance, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Christina Lauren.

My review

Carrie Briggs is doing everything she can to finally become partner. It took her a long time to be so close to her dream, especially as previously in her past some rumours went around about her, how she wasn’t afraid to use every trick in the book to get high in the hierarchy. So when her boss asks her to fly over to a high esteemed client, to the private island in the Caribbean,  she believes this is the last hurdle to take. However, once arrived on the wonderful island, Carrie is shocked to learn that her client, Joe Hettich, is in the company of his CFO, Luke Chalmers. And let it just be Luke that was the one that broke her heart seven years ago, and also jeopardized her career, as they sued to have a thing together. A thing that Carrie believed to be love, until Luke left her to go back to his pregnant wife. So to say that Carrie is rather bitter, is a real understatement. She cannot wait to finish her job, fly back home and forget Luke all over again. But a storm is coming, a literal and a figurative one, and Carrie despite her hateful feelings towards Luke, must face the music…

As a real romance – lover, I cannot imagine a more dream worthy storyline than being stuck on a wonderful island? Now, of course that island being hit by a hurricane, well, not that dream – worthy anymore! 😊

I was very eager to start with this book, as I have previous books for this author and I loved them all and they for all made me laugh, even out loud.

So when I reached the end, I was a bit sad, because this book didn’t make me really laugh at loud. I am not saying that I didn’t enjoy the book, because I did, but maybe (and I hope the author will think badly about me…) I liked the previous book just better.

It all starts with a flashback, bringing us back seven years ago, the right moment where Carrie’s heart got broken by Luke, and a heartfelt letter in an attempt to make the wrongdoings right again. And the regret of Luke’s actions is so palpable from the written words, making me even hope (in vain) that Carrie and Luke will get their second chance. Which they won’t as otherwise we wouldn’t be reading this story.

Despite the heartbreak that Carrie had, and the consequential backlash of it, Carrie is now finally reaching the dream of becoming a partner of the firm she is working for. She has worked hard to get to this point, and she knows that perhaps lately she has said more “yes” to requests, making her life rather hectic. But the end justifies the means, right?

While I liked it how Carrie was pursuing her dreams careerwise, it saddened me to read how not only she doesn’t have that significant other in her life, and even worse, how her heartbreak seven years ago truly scarred her.

But slowly getting to know that history, I could perfectly understand the devastation she has felt back then and also the hatred she started to feel and still feels for Luke.

Even if Carrie is unaware of the link between Joe and Luke, I couldn’t wait to read the moment that Carrie sets her eyes on Luke once arriving on the island. Yes, I am that evil, enjoying to read those bits! 😊

Great part of the book, Carrie and Luke are truly enemies. They cannot even be kind to each other, and they cannot help themselves but throwing digs to each other. And even when they agree to keep things businesslike and be generally polite to each other (and nothing more), we see it takes great effort on both sides.

Because not only Carrie is hurt by Luke’s behaviour those years ago, Luke also got hurt by Carrie, as he believed and still believes that their relationship didn’t mean that much to her as it did to him. And her ghosting him that easily only proof that even further.

It’s so obvious that these two people should just sit together as adults and talk about the past and just clear the air between them? But as an outsider that is obviously easier said than done. Instead we see two people that are hurt and hurting each other. Yet it’s also clear that there is still something brewing, and it’s not only the storm.

Being stuck together, forces them to spend time together, giving them also the time to come clean about present misunderstandings and get to know each other once again, for real.

Like I said, the biggest part of the book Carrie and Luke were antagonists, and only later on in the book there is a shift between them. Perhaps I would have liked it to see that shift taking place earlier in the book. But on the other hand, it also makes sense that grudge, hurt and pain just doesn’t disappear that easily, and that it truly takes time to open up (again).

I enjoyed reading this book, as it shows that even after many years, there can be something simmering between exes. But it isn’t that easy to let go of the past, and go for a second chance. We see in this book that perhaps being stuck can be exactly what we need, to face our fears and our pains. And that how scary it can be to open up again, love always deserves a second chance.