Holly Mason’s past has left her with many things—a powerful need for independence and self-reliance, enduring memories of pain and fear…and an intense dislike of alpha males.
Billionaire Sir Mac Sinclair has been wounded by the betrayal of his fiancée and overpowered by his own ultra-protective alpha-male instincts after his sister is kidnapped. He has no time for romance.
But when Mac meets Holly at the beautiful Midsummer Ball, fate intervenes. The irresistible, timeless magic of midsummer seduces them into stealing one stunning, secret night of passion together.
But one night is not enough… When danger threatens, Mac and Holly are forced back together. Can they confront the traumas of the past and learn to trust each other to overcome the dangers of the present?
Zelah Roberts can usually be found with her head in a book, and more often than not, that book will be a romance. Writing a novel was always her number 1 ambition, and eventually, with Midsummer Man (released on 15 June, 2021) it became a reality.
When not absorbed in the latest enthralling page turner, Zelahenjoys cooking for family and friends and taking long walks in the beautiful English countryside. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and is working towards an MA in Creative Writing.
Zelah lives in Durham, UK, with her partner and son.
From the bestselling author of The Girl in the Corner comes a story that asks: what would you risk for a shot at happiness?
1984. Bessie is a confident sixteen-year-old girl with the world at her feet, dreaming of what life will bring and what she’ll bring to this life. Then everything comes crashing down. Her bright and trusting smile is lost, banished by shame—and a secret she’ll carry with her for the rest of her life.
2021. The last thirty-seven years have not been easy for Bess. At fifty-three she is visibly weary, and her marriage to Mario is in tatters. Watching her son in newlywed bliss—the hope, the trust, the joy—Bess knows it is time to face her own demons, and try to save her relationship. But she’ll have to throw off the burden of shame if she is to honour that sixteen-year-old girl whose dreams lie frozen in time.
Can Bess face her past, finally come clean to Mario, and claim the love she has longed to fully experience all these years?
My review
In 1984 Bessie is a sixteen – year – old girl confident that she will achieve all her dreams. She is sure that she will pass her exams and become an air – steward. And her secret boyfriend won’t be secret for long anymore! But everything comes crashing down quickly and now her future isn’t so bright anymore, especially when she has a secret she must carry with her for the rest of her life.
Now Bessie is married to Mario, but her marriage is as good as over. And seeing her son being an over the moon newly – wed, makes her rethink about where it all went wrong for her. It’s time to face her demons and come clean trying somehow to salvage her marriage, if possible. But is it all as easy as it seems? And how will her loved ones react to the truth?
Oh, being sixteen, wasn’t it amazing thinking the whole world was at our feet? And how wrong we were thinking that! And that is also a realization Bess has made while she was still full of dreams…
The laidback attitude that Bess initially had, was so recognizable, even if she took that attitude to a higher level than I ever did. Her love for Lawrence was the most important thing, making her fail her exams and her dream of air steward is just what it is, a dream, nothing more. I felt so sorry for her when her secret was out. And even if she was naïve in her way of thinking, the way she got treated was just horrible. Okay, teenagers not always do know better, but there is not knowing better and just being cruel on purpose. And then having a secret that changed her whole future, just heart – breaking.
Seeing the fifty – three Bess, made me initially believe that eventually, it all ended well for her. But quickly it’s obvious that her demons are still haunting her, and even at such level that her marriage is at risk. There were moments that were so obvious that sixteen – year – old Bess still resurfaced making wrong decisions.
The main feeling I got from this story was sadness. Because of one decision as a teenager, Bess her life took a total different direction and obviously she has a feeling that she failed. I also pitied Mario, because he has tried so hard and for so long being a great husband, but no matter how much you love a person, sometimes you have to be selfish and think about your own happiness.
However it was also a story of courage. Because Bess realizes that she has to face her demons and she also knows that once the truth is out, the outcome is unpredictable. Yet she does the right thing how hard that is…
This was an enthralling story of a young girl maturing too quickly, making sometimes the wrong decisions. It’s about seeing how the past got a hold on you, limiting you to live your life at full but having the guts to open Pandora’s Box and see that no matter what, those who stand by your side have your back in one way or another. And most important: nothing is unthinkable or unsurmountable.
Sharing the house of your dreams is also sharing all the trouble.
Synopsis
Artist Abigail Carey has always dreamed of a life in the country and, when Winfield Hall comes up at auction, she’sdesperate to make the place her home. The only trouble is that businessman, Edward Townsend, has exactly the same idea.
With its position high on the Sussex Downs, Winfield is a stunning house, but it hasn’t been a home for a long time and there’s a lot of work to do to restore it to its former glory. It’sgoing to take a lot of time and money, so Edward and Abi decide to take a risk and share the house, each living in their own wing.
But can these two strangers agree on a vision that suits them both? And will free-spirited Abi ever get the rather reserved Edward to reveal the secret he’s been hiding for so long?
The House in the Clouds is the first novel in a brand newtrilogy from the bestselling author of The Rose Girls and The Book Lovers series.
My review
Abigail Carey is an artist with her own business. Her ultimate dream is a life in the country, and Winfield Hall is the perfect location! So when the auction for the place is there, Abi is determined to buy the place. But she didn’t count on losing the house of her dreams to businessman Edward Townsend who had exactly the same idea.
Winfield is situated on a beautiful location, high on the Sussex Downs, but being neglected for a long time, means that there is a lot to do to restore it to its former glory. As costs keep hitting the roof, Edward proposes Abi to share the house, each owning their own wing.
Two strangers sharing the same house, will they agree and find a common vision for this beautiful estate? And being so different characters, Abi being free – spirited and Edward more reserved, will they get along or will they clash over everything? And what secrets are they both keeping?
Whenever a book from this author is the next one to read, I cannot contain my happiness. I know that I will be enjoying it, and will be totally submerged in a beautiful story with lovely yet somehow little bit haunted characters, in a setting to dream away!
Sharing a house with a total stranger wouldn’t be something I would ever think about, but of course when it’s the house of your dreams, would you just let the opportunity pass? So I understood Abi’s decision to just do it. How it all logically is possible, is still a bit of an enigma for me, but that is just a minor detail in the greater picture.
It’s obvious that both Abi and Edward have demons of the past still haunting them, and that made them decide to pack up and live in Winfield. Sharing a house with a stranger doesn’t mean to share your past and secrets, especially with so different personalities.
I found this again a wonderful story, reading about how Abi finds her joie de vivre again, and ready to start all over again. But also reading what Abi her past was, how her passion for art started, found love and then how a tragic event made her leave everything, was heart – breaking. Yet I admired her determination to make her vision of Winfield work.
A little bit of Edward was told also, but after reaching the end, I still have many questions concerning his persona. Yet it was lovely to see how Abi manages to get Edward to slowly open up. I hope that these two characters will evolve in something more, but seeing how a tender friendship is being formed was putting a smile on my face.
Normally reading a Victoria Connelly story is an easy 5 star rating. However for this story I couldn’t give the jackpot, because if I am totally honest, the end came a bit too quickly for me. I truly enjoyed every bit of the book, but at the moment where I thought “Now we’re getting there!” I reached the end… and I wasn’t mentally prepared to abandon these beautiful people yet! Of course, this is just book 1 of a trilogy, so I just *know* that that fifth star review is just looming around the corner! And I am already ready to read the next book, ready to sacrifice everything else that will occur during my reading session, just like I did with this one!
When Willow walks out on her own wedding, there’s only one place she can go…
Growing up in the island village of Seaview, Willow always dreamed of a bigger life. Then her childhood sweetheart Luc betrayed her and she ran, resolving never to look back. Now, twelve years on, her glamorous London life is a mess and the island is her only option.
But she’s not the only one back for the summer. Luc is now a world-famous heartthrob musician, and he’s finally come home to headline the Isle of Wight’s annual music festival.
As Willow untangles her messy past, she stumbles on a secret that could destroy her family, the island’s fragile community – and her second chance at love…
My review
Moments before entering the church for getting married, Willow has a gut feeling that marrying Charlie isn’t the right thing to do. So instead of getting in, she runs away. She goes back to the place she grew up, the island village of Seaview. When she was younger, she couldn’t wait to leave the island, especially after her first love Luc broke her heart. But now that her life in London is a total mess, she needs the peace of Seaview again. However she is not the only one returning to the island… Luc, being a famous musician now, also returns for the summer, and is headlining the Isle of Wight’s annual music festival, organized by Willow parents.
Being back on the island doesn’t only mean the time to sort out their lives, but Willow also discovers a secret that would destroy everything she once believed in, her own family included…
When I started reading this story, I didn’t have an idea it would working with dual timelines. We get to know Willow and her doubts about not only her wedding but about who she really is and which place is her home. But we also get to know about her mother Cathy’s past and what secrets she is carrying around.
The story already starts with a bang, when Willow decides not marrying Charlie. I had mixed feelings with this event, because when you’re not sure of the choice you are making, it’s courageous of making the decision of not going forward with it. But I didn’t understand Willow’s reasoning. Because she was in a relationship with Charlie for a rather long time, and she apparently had it all. As often, there is more to her story than just having a small doubt, and slowly we get to see more glimpses of how her relationship with Charlie was.
But running away from her marriage was not the main subject of this book. Willow starts to realize since she got back at Seaview, that there are still things that happened in the past that she hasn’t processed. Not only the fact that Luc broke her heart many years ago and just left, but also the general feeling that she felt abandoned.
We also get to know Luc better. While reading Willow side of the story, I didn’t initially like Luc very much. But seeing his side of the story was an eye – opener. Learning what happened to him and seeing the struggles he is still having, warmed me towards him.
The attraction between Willow and Luc is just palpable from every page. It’s obvious that those first feelings of love are still there, but both characters know that it just isn’t the right place or time. Willow, just running away from getting married, knows she needs some Willow – time to decide what she wants for her future. And Luc’s life is in Nashville, and he just can’t leave everything behind. Also because there is something he hasn’t told Willow yet…
Cathy’s past was very enlightening, but at some moments I had difficulties understanding her motivations. Of course, being young, the call for fame and fortune and spending time with your idol is very alluring. But the more time passed, the more I just wanted Cathy to make the right decisions. And because of course she didn’t listen to me, it had consequences on Willow. And when Willow uncovers those secrets, everything she thought she knew, fell apart. But luckily she has Luc by her side, helping whenever and however he could
I loved reading how these two characters, with both demons to face, are slowly getting back in the comfort they had before and find it easy to talk with each other about almost everything. It was sweet to see how feelings of the past can get reignited again.
Music is a big player in this book. I have to admit, the genre isn’t really something I know a lot about, but discovering that the often reoccurring song is real, made me curious and I had to at least hear it once! And maybe it won’t be the genre I will become a fan of, but it surely has its own charm and I understand it better now!
This book was something I needed to read on a moody, rainy, sad day. Before I know, I was totally into the story. I was reading page after page, chapter after chapter. It had surprising twists I didn’t see coming. Every time I thought I figured something out, it became clear I was on the wrong track.
It was beautiful to see how realization dawned that finding the real you means going back to your roots, giving yourself peace and rest and do what you loved doing. And it’s never too late to make amends when you were in the wrong and that love will always find a way…
When running away from something means running towards something else…
Synopsis
What if we’re all just searching for something?
Anna Stewart is lost. After barely surviving a car accident as a teenager, Anna is scared of settling. Flitting between jobs, boyfriends and homes whenever she gets bored, she has no idea what the future holds. Then her brother Brodie, minister of Glendale, suggests she moves to the beautiful Scottish village, lining up a housekeeper job for her at Glendale Hall.
Out of options, Anna agrees to the move, knowing that she can always run away again. Once at the hall, her culinary skills impress everyone, and she agrees to give Hilltop Farm’s new manager, Cameron, cooking lessons. Sparks fly between Anna and the handsome Scot, but Cameron is looking for love – something that Anna definitely isn’t.
But it’s wedding season at Glendale Hall, and Anna is about to discover that her new home has a way of working its magic on even the coldest of hearts. Will she really be able to just walk away, or could Anna have finally found a place to belong?
It’s summertime in the beautiful Highlands village of Glendale – pack your bags and come on holiday with this gorgeously uplifting, romantic read. Fans of Milly Johnson, Heidi Swain and Holly Martin will love this charming romcom.
My review
After barely surviving an accident as a teenager, Anna Stewart is running from one place to another, changing jobs and boyfriends whenever any sign of commitments are showing. She has no idea what her future will look like, and is ready for any kind of new adventure. When her brother Brodie, minister of Glendale, offers her a temporary job as a housekeeper at Glendale Hall, Anna accepts the job, just for the summer before embarking for her holiday to Ibiza. At the Hall, Anna finds herself impressing everyone with her cuisine. And so she is suddenly giving cooking lessons t Hilltop Farm’s new manager Cameron. However Cameron keeps his distance with Anna, even if sparks fly around. And it’s clear that something happened that made him act this way. What is still haunting Cameron, not allowing him to move forward? And will Anna find a place where she belongs? Or will she leave Glendale Hall for a new adventure?
I have read the previous parts taking place in Glendale, and I was already in love with the place. So returning back was something I was looking forward to!
Anna is a woman going from one place to another, still carrying the feeling of guilt since she had an accident when she was a teenager. She changes jobs very quickly, or she leaves the place or she gets fired. But finding a place where she truly feels at home, is not something she already succeeded in. I pitied Anna, because even if not all the details of the accident are known for the reader, it was exactly that, an accident. But the mind has its own way of seeing things and Anna saw the fact that nobody talked about it, as a blame that it was all her fault. And carrying around with that feeling, was just something that made me so sad, because it’s obvious what potential Anna has.
The same is for Cameron, there is something holding him back, and he also is carrying the sense of he is to blame of an event that happened in the past. And that is the reason he keeps everyone at distance, because getting closer to anyone, would only mean getting hurt all over again, and his feeling that he is no good for everyone, is heart – breaking…
Both main characters have a past that is keeping them from moving on. They also have their own way of keeping back at feelings. Anna just goes from one place to another before things get too serious and Cameron uses being rude as a shield. However, it’s obvious they are playing a part, that acting that way is not what they truly are. Once they show their true colours, it’s obvious that they are lovely, warm and kind people.
Of course it was also wonderful to see my old friends again, and seeing how well they are doing! But it still amazes me how amazing these people in Glendale all are. They respect Anna and her boundaries, but when necessary they show her that now she is part of the gang and they won’t let her just run away again without a fight!
The author manages all over again writing a heart – warming story about two people scarred by their past and scared of moving on. But finding someone having faced the same pain can start the grieving process and making it possible to look forward and see a range of possibilities. And having a bunch of unexpected friends fighting in your corner will make it possible to face your demons and knock the sense of guilt out. And is there a better place on earth than Glendale to start this process?
Not much can happen between sunrise and sunset, right?
Synopsis
As the sun rises on a hot summer’s day, four lives are about to be changed forever…
Brand new from the bestselling author of What If?, What Now? and One Day In Summer.
Today, Maisie McTeer decides to track down the ex who jilted her at the altar. Today, she’ll find out that revisiting the past can also rewrite her future.
After losing her husband, Harriet Bassett can no longer bear her lonely life. Today, a familiar face in a crowd will spark a quest to discover if there’s something and someone worth living for.
Scott and Kelly Bassett’s daughter is leaving home. Today, Scott plans to tell Kelly that he’s ending their marriage to pursue his rock and roll dreams.
However, Kelly, has a bombshell of her own. How will Scott react to the news that a new arrival is on the way to fill their empty nest?
Between sunrise and sunset, there’s love, heartbreak, laughterand tears, but who will find happiness at the end of the day?
My review
July, 3rd… Maisie McTeer finds herself helping out her best friend Sissy. While Sissy is going into labour, Maisie is working on an event at the same place her ex jilted her at the altar.
Harriet Bassett in the meantime feels loneliness creeping in since her husband died. As being on a certain age, she doesn’t see the point of being alive anymore. If there is no one to care about, what’s the purpose of life when you have reached a certain age?
And Scott and Kelly Bassett are preparing to say goodbye to their daughter who is leaving home. And Scott is planning to tell Kelly he is going to chase his own dreams and is leaving her. But Kelly also has something to tell Scott…
What will happen to these people in the course of one day? And how are their lives entwined?
I am always eager to read a story of this author, because I will never know where it will take me, but it’s a certainty I will enjoy it!
We are following 4 different people, on a different stage in their lives and all with their own problems. Each character and the choice they are facing made me a bit sad.
Maisie with her wedding not going through and not processed it at all, feeling a bit lonely because her adopted sister has found her biological family while Maisie’s search has gone nowhere… Harriet being truly alone and sad that she has to leave the hospital she was in, even if that made her feel more alive than before. And Scott and Kate both having struggles in their marriage for different reasons and feelings that during the years have shifted…
I was curious to see how these so different stories would end up together. I could see how some people would have a connection but for some I couldn’t see the glue that would stick it all together.
But the author managed again writing different yet captivating yet connecting stories that was just impossible to put away. I liked each character, even if some more than others. There were moments that were heart – gripping, showing us how lonely people can feel, despite the bravado they show to others. And this story shows us also that sometimes what we see from a family is what they allow us to see and that we only see the surface. But there were also so many sweet moments, how total strangers are accepting people into their lives without problems, how strong the connection of family can be, family by blood or not.
This was a beautiful story about how people who have nothing to do with each other find a common ground and how a random encounter can become so much more and truly life – changing.
Again, this story takes time between sunrise and sunset, and if you are like me, that will take the time to just devour this beautiful, heart – warming story with characters impossible not to love!
Rose has a promising future stretching out before her until a cruel twist of fate seizes it. Will she overcome her heartache as she tries to build a new life? Rose returns to the safe haven of Linwood colliery and her warm-hearted family. As she settles into life in the colliery rows, Rose makes an astounding discovery and a long lost family member appears who makes demands on them all..
Chrissie Bradshaw’s emotionally gripping historical reads have a northern Catherine Cookson vibe with a modern attitude. ‘Rose’s Ever After’ follows on from ‘Rose’s Choice’ yet it can be enjoyed as a stand alone novel
Read ‘Rose’s Ever After’ to follow the twists and turns of Rose’s eventful life. Will the rugged path ahead, full of challenges, lead her to a new ‘happily ever after’?
My review
Even if Rose had to store her dream of becoming a veterinarian, she is truly happy with her husband Danny and their little girl. Even when her father informs her of his new marriage to Danny’s sister Grace, Rose realizes after a while that Grace is making her father truly happy and accepts the new addition to the family. But it’s not all happiness that surrounds Rose… when a lost family member appears, it’s not the happy reunion Rose expected it to be. On the contrary, more problems arise and Rose does not know what the right thing to do is. And then her heart truly gets crushed with the loss of someone she loved with all her heart… Will Rose be able to overcome her heartache and make something of her new life?
It was a while ago when I read the first part of this saga, but everything came back rather quickly. But I truly recommend to read it before you start with this book. Not only because a lot of things would make more sense (necessary things are briefly explained) but also because it’s just a beautiful story!
I absolutely adored reading about Rose and her small family! Rose and Danny are just a wonderful couple to read about, how they support each other, are there for each other yet also aren’t afraid to reprimand when the other is in the wrong. And their daughter is just adorable!!!
It’s obvious that Rose is not the kind of woman to just sit back and wait for her dearest husband to come back home from work. She wants to have something to do and is determined to somehow still follow her passion for caring for animals.
We see recurring characters but also new faces, people Rose befriends that are a true addition to the story. When the moment comes that a long lost member of the family reappears, I was hoping it would be a wonderful reunion. All I wanted for Rose was that everything ended well, but the family member was far different from the kind family unit we know that the Kelly’s are. The actions of this person were just horrible and I couldn’t find anything that made me like that person. And even now I have a sense that we haven’t seen the last of it!
When tragedy strikes, not only Rose’s heart broke, but also mine! I had a sense of injustice, because that character surely did not deserve that fate! Yet Rose shows again how resilient she is, because she knows she has to just pick up the pieces again and find a way to build a new life.
I loved this second chapter, despite the great loss of a beloved character. But Rose her courage and determination were admirable and shows us as a reader that it is possible to overcome grief and a happy end is still in store and it can be closer than thought.
This is a beautiful, heart – gripping story about all the possible curveballs life can throw us. But it shows us also that we all have a strength in us, even if it is hidden. And that strength will make it possible to get that happily ever after, even if it’s not the way we imagined it to be…
Nell Chapman has always assumed that one (or the other) of her twin sons would help run her antique shop once they finished university. The boys, however, have other plans, when they announce they’re going backpacking for a year, leaving Nell feeling bereft and lonely.
Not only that, but with their father (her lying, cheating ex-husband) back on the scene and demanding half of the business, there might not be anything left for her boys to help manage when they return.
However, she hasn’t counted on the unexpected support of local landscape artist, Silas Long. And neither has she considered the possibility she might fall in love again – especially since Silas is so distant and moody, and has his own cross to bear.
Should Nell take a chance and risk her heart, or should she leave well alone? And why has Silas painted her portrait if he doesn’t feel anything for her?
A perfect romantic read for fans of Heidi Swain and Sarah Morgan
My review
Nell Chapman is feeling lonely. After her divorce, she opened her own antique shop and deep down she always hoped that one of her sons would run it with her after university. But her dream is scattered when her boys tell her that they are backpacking for a year. To make things even worse, her ex – husband now claims half of her business! And him being not a person to accepts ‘no’ for an answer, Nell fears that there will be nothing left for her boys. Luckily she receives helps from an unexpected corner as local landscape artist Silas Long is ready to help her out. Even is Silas is a bit distant and moody, Nell wonders if she could fall this mysterious man, with his own past still haunting him and his determination to keep feelings and Nell at a distance. But if he doesn’t feel anything for Nell, why is he finding in her his new muse?
Before I even started reading one word of this new book, I was already happy. I knew I would be devouring this story, and wouldn’t be disappointed. It was lovely to see my old friends again and meet new people, already reserving a spot in my affections for them!
Nell managed to make me feel sad from the start. After divorcing her cheating husband, she had to start from scratch. Not only did she have to care for her boys, which she loves with all her heart, but she also had to manage to have an income. Yet I also admired her determination to make her little shop work. She didn’t just sit back and pity herself. No, she thought what she could do and managed to start her own business. As a mother, she may be a little bit overprotective, but she also knows that her boys have to make their own decisions and have their own life, no matter how much it breaks her heart. The fact that her ex – husband doesn’t even bother with their sons, makes her more protective than before.
And is there a more despicable character than her ex? The way he acts and just think he can bully Nell into just handing over half of her business… I just wanted to jump into the book and kick him in an unpleasant place!
When Silas enters the story, it’s obvious that he is carrying a heavy burden, and just wants everyone to mind their own business. But when he sees Nell, he finds this urgency to paint her portrait. And maybe it’s typical for artists, but he sees something in Nell. Whatever that is, it reignites a small fire in him. We start to see the real Silas and I surely understood why Nell finds herself attracted to him!
When Silas’ artistic eye catch a painting that could be a hidden treasure, he does the right thing and helps Nell discovering the past of the painting, without an inkling of gaining something for himself. But also the way he wants to help Nell with her ex – husband and his sense of protectiveness, shows his true character that is just full of kindness!
Both characters have already a past, with happy moments but also with sad moments, that have in a way limited them in believing in a second chance for love and happiness. Yet whenever they are together, the attraction is obvious but also the fear is present.
I loved reading how these two wonderful people, who deserve the whole world, are growing closer. And that slowly not only trust is growing between them, but also a deeper feeling, allowing them also again to enjoy the perks of life.
This is truly a story that shows us that love can come in the most unexpected ways and that you only have to dare to grab that opportunity with both hands. Reading it surely put a smile on my face!
When Thorstein Bergson rescues a beautiful woman from a storm-tossed longship he little expects to broker a powerful marriage alliance with her. This high-status ice queen is not the comfortable wife this warrior chief is seeking, but maybe the bittersweet pain in Gyda’s eyes hides another woman beneath? The one he tasted that first night, when she kissed him with such pent-up longing…
My review
Thorstein Bergson is a Viking Chief who finds himself rescuing a beautiful woman from a storm – tossed longship. He cannot wait until Gyda just leaves again, because the only thing he sees is an ice queen focused on her possessions and not wanting to offer a helping hand. Yet Gyda has her own demons from the past chasing her and she hopes that she can find help with her brother – in – law. She needs to rely on the help of Thorstein to reach her brother – in – law. But the required help does not come in form the Gyda expected, nor what Thorstein needed. An alliance is made and with two such strong characters, clashing is inevitable. Will they be able to find a common ground when there are so many differences between them? And will they be able to see the real person behind the masks?
If you need an example of how wrong first impressions and prejudices can be, read this book.
It’s obvious from the start that there is a right cause for Gyda wanting to leave the place she should be calling her home. Her marriage wasn’t one made of love but she made the necessary sacrifice to make sure her sisters would be able to marry out of love. Not only has her marriage been a reason of distress, but also the way her husband’s son behaves was something I found repulsive. And she has endured several losses, making her feel like she is alone on the world. After so many disillusions it’s obvious she wants to find some kind of happiness elsewhere.
Even if not all the details of Gyda her past are known from the very beginning, I truly felt pity for her. Of course, in the past it was known that marriages were not of love, but for an own advantage. Yet there is very often just a kind of affection. But Gyda didn’t even that, on the contrary… And when she thought she could find help in Thorstein, again she is facing prejudices and her true nature is not seen.
Even if Thorstein behaviour towards Gyda is all but warm, he keeps the best interest of his people at mind. He may not understand Gyda, but he helps her reaching her brother – in – law. And even his marriage is made out of need for his people. And this shows that he has his heart at the right place. But because it has been broken once, he doesn’t open up that easy for such feelings.
I loved reading how these two strong yet fragile characters are ‘forced’ to be together. And slowly they start to see how wrong with their opinions and start to see how the other person really is. Of course the clashing is always there, making me smile because I knew that in the end… The evolution of the characters was a positive note, because not always this is very obvious in stories. We see Gyda go from a bit a naïve girl in the past, to a determined woman that won’t let a man dictate her anymore. She is a woman with unconditional love and does whatever she can to protect her loved ones, even if that means sacrificing herself.
And Thorstein goes from a bitter man, disappointed in love, to a man ready to literally fight for his woman. And he is ready to admit his mistakes and also is able to see who he has in front of him. And when Gyda’s secret is out, he sees beyond what happened in the past. Thorstein in the final chapters shows this lighter version of himself, demonstrating that broken hearts can be mended when the right person is found.
This was an entertaining story, bringing me to the times where Vikings were ruling the world. The author wrote about strong characters, not wanting to rely on each other, but finding common ground and learning that there is always more to a person than we initially think.
In the latest superhot tale from reader-favorite author Rachael Stewart, business owner Olivia Carmel is embracing her wild side, and PR expert Valentine Borettihas been hired to rein her in. But instead, Olivia is driving him wild…for her!
Seeing a client naked is no way to start a working relationship—especially when that client is stunningly sensual Olivia Carmel. When she invites me to watch her BDSM session in London’s most hedonistic sex club, she thinks I’m a stranger, not a PR expert sent to rein her in.
Watching Olivia awakens a hunger I can’t allow myself to feel. There’s no way I can work with her! But when she crashes her luxury car, I can’t sit on the sidelines and wait for her recklessness to turn fatal. She may kill me when she recognizes me…and when she learns a man sixteen years her junior has been hired to curtail her bad behavior.
I’m here to reawaken Olivia’s careful, rational nature. But instead she’s reawakening my desire…showing me just how well we work together in and out of the bedroom. As we fulfill each other’s naughtiest fantasies, and share our deepest longings, I realize I’m feeling more for my wayward client than lust. But can I convince Olivia to take a chance on love?
My review
Can a story get even more hotter?
After losing her husband, business owner Olivia Carmel is looking for several ways to lose control. And one way to lose control is going to a sex club in London and take part in a BDSM session. She even invites a stranger to watch her go into submission. But the stranger is not just anyone… he is Valentine Boretti, a PR expert hired to rein her in, to avoid that her business will be affected by her behaviour. When Olivia finds out who Valentine is, she is determined to not let a man dictate what she can or cannot do. But instead of Valentine calming down Olivia, Olivia reawakens Valentine’s desire and naughty fantasies are being fulfilled. However, how close will Olivia allow Valentine come? Because not only is Valentine sixteen years her junior, Olivia is not looking further than lust. Can Valentine show her there is more than just lust in store for them?
Before you start reading this story, turn of any heating, make sure there is a cool drink and have a fan nearby, because it is HOT HOT HOT!!!
The story already begins with a bang, as Olivia is in the bar ready to find a way to lose control and when she meets Valentine, the temperature only rises! It’s obvious that Olivia has not always been that kind of woman (no judgement from my side if she were…) but losing her husband Nathan made her wanting to find that release she is longing for. So yes, some parts involving her were really steaming, but beside those moments, I wanted to understand where her desire for submission came from.
The same goes for Valentine. When we see him in his ‘normal’ environment, he is this strict man, not truly enjoying life, being even a bit too precautious. Being a man in his thirties, not really a behaviour that you would expect. But the same for him, I wanted to understand what caused this man to hold back so much.
The chemistry between Olivia and Valentine is ready to explode on each page, and despite their differences, they are at that moment exactly what they need for each other. Not only is Valentine finding it impossible to resist Olivia, he also is able to give her what she needs. And Olivia is managing to awaken the passion in Valentine that was dormant.
But if it were only a story about sex, well, you could find that somewhere else. But as we already have been spoiled by Rachael Stewart, this hot story is just so much more. Both characters have a past that caused the current situation they are finding themselves in. Olivia and Valentine are both strong characters, going through a whirlwind of emotions during the story. And even if sometimes I didn’t agree with certain decisions made, I understood where that decision was coming from.
This story was hotter than hot, but is also shows us that letting go of control can be the ground of just finding yourself again. And that nothing, not even an age gap of several years, can stop for emotions to develop into something more. And that with the right person, fantasies can be fulfilled without prejudice and with acceptance of just how you are.
Again I was all but disappointed by this author!!!
Tizi’s Book Review 