Tizi’s Book Review

When past and present catch up.

Synopsis

A lady’s need for protection 
A knight’s chance for redemption

Exiled Knight William Geraint answers only to himself. Yet, a mission to find and reunite lost heiress Lady Isabel de Clancey with her family is Will’s chance to finally atone for the torment of his past. With every rushed mile, their intense attraction becomes dangerously thrilling. He swore to protect Isabel not seduce her, but their desire for each other could threaten the redemption he’s worked so hard to achieve…

My review

Lady Isabel de Clancey was only a young girl when she was separated from her family, in order to save her life.
Now she has her own life with her adoptive parents, so when exiled Knight William Geraint is on a mission to reunite her with her family, she is not ready to just go with it but she does not really have many options as there are more people looking for her. And not all are having the best intentions at heart as Will does.
Yet the longer their journey takes, the more their attraction grows but also the more dangerous their situation becomes…

Again a story with that little bit of extra written by Melissa Oliver!

Isabel is not a damsel in distress looking for a saviour, but she is happy with her life like it is. Even if it isn’t with her real family, she loves her adoptive parents and also her adoptive sister, even if they don’t always get perfectly along (as also happens with real sisters).
So when William appears, she does not want to leave her home to just to a family she doesn’t know. And she is ready to literally fight for her freedom. Even further along is the story it’s obvious Isabel is not someone to just sit back.

And William is not just taking “no” for an answer. He has a mission, and he wants to accomplish it. it’s not only because he was hired for this task, but he is also looking for a way to find redemption for what happened in his past.

I know, you think this is a story like so many, that’s why I initially thought too.
But I found this a very intriguing story. There is so much going on that it’s not only a romance.

The reason why everyone wants to capture Isabel, is not obvious, and also there is doubt of who can be trusted and who not.
There is also a mystery about some jewellery, that added even a real quest to the whole story, making it even a more captivating story.

The attraction between Will and Isabel is obvious, yet the layer of their shared past adds that extra sparkle to it. 

Yet there is one character in this story that stole my heart in the quickest way possible… and even if he seems a dog without use, Perdu quickly proves he is actually often a real help.
And also the appearance of some kind friends we already knew was a nice surprise.

I found this an entertaining story to read, with many different things going on. And because it’s not only just a romance, made this not only entertaining, but also very intriguing.
The author managed to write again a captivating book, leaving you wondering what will happen next.

Fake it till you make it?

Synopsis

The perfect house, the perfect husband and the perfect life… or is she just faking it?

Life has been a bit of a rollercoaster for Ella. Growing up as the ‘less successful’ identical twin to her ‘perfectly successful’ sister, Emma, has left her feeling isolated, inadequate and let’s face it.. a little bitter.

When Emma unexpectedly reaches out to Ella in a time of need, Ella suddenly finds herself with the opportunity to fill in for her sister and experience how the other half live.

But as Ella navigates the world of gossiping mothers, rebellious teens and trying to play the model housewife (not to mention avoiding the temptation of attractive men at the school gates…) will she discover that all is not always as it seems on the other side?

My review

Having a more successful twin is not making Ella the most confident person. Especially when her own life is a rollercoaster while her sister Emma seems to have the perfect life.
But when one day Emma needs Ella to pose as Emma for several weeks, Ella has the opportunity to see how the other, better half lives.

Soon Ella finds herself in a world of gossiping mothers, teens being teens and trying to fill her sister’s shoes without giving the truth away. And on top of it all, there is the temptation of attractive men she must avoid, to prevent a bigger scandal that would ruin her sister’s life!

Before I started reading this book, I made sure I was comfortable, had all the necessities around me, because I knew a reading marathon would start.
And indeed, the author didn’t disappoint at all!
I found myself reading page after page, finding it impossible to put it away.

Ella is a character I immediately sympathized with. Life itself can be difficult sometimes, but when you have a sister that has a perfect life, it’s obvious that you would feel a bit bitter.
So when Emma calls her sister for help, I couldn’t avoid having some vengeful fun. Especially when it’s explained why Ella her help is required.

Yet the moment when Ella swaps places with her sister, the real fun begins. When it’s made clear that nobody knows that Emma has a twin, it’s a lot easier for Ella to play pretend.
Ella trying to keep up the pretence of being Emma, having to fake to like Emma’s friends, managing a troublesome teenager, there are just too many balls to juggle.
She does her utterly best, but she also discovers that her sister did not have the perfect life she imagined.

This story is certainly a very entertaining story, I had so many laughs, I enjoyed reading it from the start until the end.
Yet it’s not only fun, because we see Ella maturing during the story. Trying to keep her sister’s life in one piece makes Ella realize what she wants for herself too.
And when there is a certain revelation, it made my heart give a little ache. It showed again how life can change and that there is always more than meets the eye.

The author had a very high expectation to fulfil when I started, with many boxes to thick to make this an amazing story. Somehow she managed to thick each and every one of them, adding a few more and thick them too!
I know I am repeating myself, but I just loved it!

A family holiday in Hawaii, a dream coming true, right?

Synopsis

Love and Ohana Drama is a romantic comedy that explores the challenges of family dynamics and reminds readers that there is always hope for a second chance. Sometimes the most challenging situations bring the most happiness . . .

Twenty-something Cora Fletcher is a book-loving public relations executive who lives with her overly Zen best friend and attention-loving cat. Newly single and focusing on her exciting career, she feels like she’s in a good place. She’s even been invited on an all-expenses-paid Hawaiian vacation! The only catch—it’s a family reunion . . . and her family can be a lot to handle.

Cora vows to not let that get in the way, but even before the family has boarded the plane, the ohana drama begins. As usual, there’s the sister-in-law who is bent on causing friction, the self-centered cousins, and the aunt who loves to party a bit too much. Her mother has filled the itinerary with endless activities, and she’s even invited Cora’s ex-boyfriend in an attempt to get them back together.

Although she feels overwhelmed, Cora gets a blast from her past that could impact her life forever. This is one welcome reunion she did not expect . . .

Will Cora make it through a week of family togetherness? And will she be able to say aloha to someone she thought was out of her life forever?

My review

Cora Fletcher is totally focused on her job as a public relations executive. She lives together with her best friend Fran and her attention seeking cat Kiwi.
When she is invited by her parents on a free holiday in Hawaii, to celebrate their anniversary, despite her love for them, Cora is not really ecstatic.
And when Cora discovers it’s a family reunion, in the large sense of family, Cora is ready to find an excuse to skip it completely.
In the end she decides to participate anyway, trying to make the best of it and just to make her parents happy.

Little does she know that this holiday will be full of Ohana drama and surprises, both pleasant as unpleasant…

I can honestly swear that this book just swept me away! I started to read and I kept reading and reading and reading until I reached the end, which made me feel sad 😄

Cora is this young woman who is enjoying her life and is happily living with her best friend Fran and a cat I immediately fell in love with.
Initially I didn’t understand why she was reluctant to go Hawaii, of all places, with her family. But very quickly I completely understood her!
Even with all the best of intentions, all her family is constantly advising her what to do. And act on her behalf by inviting her ex to the family reunion too!
If I were in her shoes, I wouldn’t be afraid of causing a scene right there at the airport, without caring who could hear me! 🤣

I also pitied Cora a bit. Because no matter who she is talking to, she is constantly being ‘judged’, having sneaky remarks and at the same time Cora is trying to keep the peace by not speaking out her real thoughts.

But don’t panic, there are so many lovely moments too! Not only the interactions between Cora and her ‘Peepaw’ is just adorable, but also the moments Cora spends with Owen, is just beautiful. And all this taking place in an idyllic setting like Hawaii… talking about escapism!

I enjoyed all the drama taking place, feeling a bit of a sadist, having fun at the expense of someone else. And believe me, it’s not just a little bit drama, but it’s a drama – overload!
Yet the issues of this family are so recognizable, some things even could be happening to my own family!

But the lovely moments are those that made my little heart the happiest. At those moments I wished I was there too, to be literally living those amazing moments!

This author was a real revelation for me and I cannot wait to read more of such romantic yet hilarious stories!

When trust seems impossible yet required.

Synopsis

Brooke Anderson never pictured herself as a divorcee at twenty-eight. But when she mentions getting a post-nup to her husband Garrett after one deliciously sex-filled year, he promptly serves her with divorce papers. Admittedly, she could’ve told him about how her father left her and her mother homeless when she was young, and how she’s never been wired to trust anyone. Especially those closest to her. Now, all she wants to do is avoid anywhere he might be so she won’t have to face him again.

But she’s not the only one who can’t seem to trust.

Garrett Call grew up with parents who married for money and wants no part of a life that puts material possessions above love. He reinvented himself in college, complete with a new last name so he couldn’t be tied to his family’s lucrative business. He never even told Brooke the truth. Admittedly, he could’ve handled the issue of a post-nup better with his ex-wife. Maybe he didn’t count on how much he was going to miss having her in his life. 

When their best friends’ wedding forces the exes to see each other again, a dangerous man from Garrett’s world threatens Brooke’s life. And they realize the only way to save themselves is to finally learn to trust each other.

My review

Brooke Anderson was happily married to Garrett. But when a year later she asks for a post – nup, Garrett answers by giving her divorce papers.
Little did Garrett know that how she has been wary to trust since her father left her and her mother homeless when she was just a child.
Yet little does Brooke know that Garrett has his own issues with trust, with parents that value money more than love…

But not only their best friends’ wedding is forcing them to see each other again, also a dangerous man from Garrett’s world makes his entrance, causing Brooke and Garrett to trust each other in order to save their lives.

Getting to discover this author was a real surprise to me.
I was a bit fearful it would be a story like I have read so many, that the ending would be so very predictable, without any surprises lurking around the corner.
And yes, the actual end was a bit predictable, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, as everything that happens before is captivating!

It’s obvious that this couple (or ex – couple) has been having secrets from each other. And the way they have been handling their emotions isn’t really an example of how to be a married couple. But for me, is showed also how difficult it can be to truly open up and trust someone unconditionally.
Both Brooke and Garrett have their own demons to fight, and it’s easier said than done, facing them.

And no matter how hard they try to move on from each other, it’s obvious that somehow, despite their past and mistakes, this is a beautiful couple.
It is shown over several moments that their feelings are genuine, and that there is still something there. 
Also when someone is jeopardizing everything, both Garrett and Brooke think about each other first and are willing to fight to keep the other one safe.

I have to mention also Chad and Noah. This couple is just too cute for words! Their protectiveness towards our main characters is admirable, and their love for each other also sparks from the pages.

I found this an entertaining story, with some steamy moments, yet the message that trust is something inevitable arrives clearly. Yet of course it is something to be earned and not given easily. And the right person will proof himself/herself worthy of it.

I KNEW IT!!!

Synopsis

When Isabelle Darby moves to the delightfully cosy village of Lower Dimblebrook, she’s searching for peace and quiet as well as a chance to escape from heartbreak. After making friends with Fiona Lambourne, another newcomer to the village, Issie is left reeling when tragedy strikes and Fiona is murdered, the second wife Anthony Lambourne has lost in unfortunate circumstances. And if that wasn’t bad enough, the local gossips insist that Fiona had been embroiled in an affair before her death, something which Issie knows not to be the case. Determined to clear her friend’s reputation and solve the mystery of the rumours, Issie takes on both the gossips and the handsome but stern DI Wainwright, making both friends and enemies along the way!

My review

Isabelle Darby recently just moved to Lower Dimblebrook. After having her heart broken, the only thing she wants is peace and quiet.
As she is rather keeping her distance, her only friend is Fiona Lambourne, also recently moved to Lower Dimblebrook after getting married to Anthony.
But when Fiona is murdered, Issie is determined to find out the truth, because she does not believe that her friend would have an affair, resulting in her death.
Issie is ready to investigate each rumour she hears, to the frustration of the handsome yet stern DI Wainwright.

I know this author and I truly enjoyed reading her other books. Yet as this is a slightly different genre, I was a bit afraid that I would enjoy it lesser.
But I was WRONG WRONG WRONG!!! 🤣

I could relate to Issie, having difficulties in setting in a new place and making new acquaintances. And in a little village like Lower Dimblebrook, where gossip is the main form of entrainment, I can imagine that Issie was not really adamant in making new friends and talk about her past.
Yet I was happy she found a friend in Fiona. And yes, as a reader you know that Fiona will be found murdered, but it did gave me a little shock in discovering the details of it.
Issie is shown a true friend, as she is determined to clear her friend’s name and want to find out the truth, no matter what gossip is saying.

Slowly we get to know more about the life Fiona was having. And it’s clear that nothing is what it seems.

Beside the investigation Issie is having, of course the real institutions are also doing their work. And I found it very amusing how Issie was able to frustrate DI Wainwright! And the pushing and pulling between Issie and the DI is certainly an unfinished business that I surely want to read more about!

Also it seemed so typical when the local enforcements were a bit fearful about investigating the Lambournes yet also a bit know – it – all concerning the people, frustrating the DI even more!
The way things are handled in Lower Dimblebrook seems so typical of smaller villages and I can imagine that is truly how things are handled in a small community.

Even if I found the culprit rather quickly (am I a good investigator or was it rather obvious, I don’t know…but I hope for the first one😀) I found this a very entertaining story. It may seem morbid to say this about a story about murder, but this is not the typical detective story.
There is this lightness in it, also many sweet moments that made this truly a nice read!

How disturbing a story can be…

Synopsis

Someone has been getting away with murder for over 100 years in the small town of Hurston, Ohio. But the wrong person has been convicted of those murders every time. In 2018, Cassie Meadows is on her way to school when a bright flash comes out of nowhere, and she wakes in millionaire Randy Davis’s body with blood on her hands…the blood of Randy’s wife, who lies in a pool of crimson in the bathtub with her throat slit. Meanwhile, an old man everyone calls Jimmy Williams raves that he’s the real Randy Davis as he lives out his days in a ward for the criminally insane. In 1914, young Helen Hawkins is unloved and repetitively abused by her father, who is also the town’s pastor. Her only escape is in her dreams, where she wakes in others’ bodies, living other lives, but when her dreams turn out to be reality, the tables are turned on her father. In a story where no one is who they seem, how can Cassie, the latest victim accused of a murder she didn’t commit, end the cycle?

My review

In 1914 is Helen Hawkins abused by her father. The only way she can escape the abuse is in her dreams, where she can dream of living other lives. But her dreams appear to be more than just dreams, because apparently she truly has the ability to switch to others’ bodies.
In 2018 young Cassie Meadows finds herself suddenly in the body of Randy Davis, accused of murdering his own wife.
And that while the real Randy Davis finds himself in the body of Jimmy Williams, an old man living in a ward for the criminally insane.
Is there a possibility for each one to get their own lives back? Or are they doomed to pay for a crime they didn’t commit?

Where initially I was sympathetic towards Helen, my feelings quickly changed into not so nice thoughts.
Even if she endured terrible things, ‘thanks’ to her father, the way she is evolving is the story is making her an even bigger monster.
All the sympathy I ever had for this young woman, evaporated into pure disgust and a hope that she someday she should pay for all the pain she has caused.

When the book goes forward into 2018, you have to keep your mind stuck to the story, to avoid a big confusion.
Yet both Cassie and Randy are people that I pitied. Finding yourself in the body of a stranger, and on top being accused of something you didn’t do… just the horror of it all!

While reading this story, you have to have a really open mind, otherwise you will find it hard to continue reading it.
Yet even if I truly believe that the whole concept of body – switching is truly science fiction, this story kept me going.
I was keeping my fingers crossed that  Cassie and Randy would find a way to get back to their own lives and that Helen would get what she deserved.

This was a disturbing story to read, about people who were done wrong, become doing the wrong and how victims of evil can see their whole lives destroyed without being able to prevent it.
It gave me goose bumps all the way, as there were terrifying moments, yet there were also some kinder moments, allowing the reader to take a breath of fresh air and having even more sympathy for Cassie and Randy.

This is truly a horror story, mixed with thriller and mystery and a lot of science fiction, that kept me on the edge of my seat!

When life throws you lemons…

Synopsis

Zip up your puffer coat, winter has arrived!

When Lexi Davies discovers that her father has sold the fishermen’s cottages she runs as holiday lets and where she also lives, she is heartbroken. Then, when Oliver Whimsy arrives at the boardwalk and announces that he is the new owner, Lexi realises that the future she was looking forward to enjoying at her cottages is over. 

Oliver might be handsome, wealthy and very sexy, but he’s new to the island and has already made a terrible impression on the locals. When he offers Lexi a job, she’s unsure whether she should accept. Unfortunately, she has little alternative if she wants a roof over her head for the winter.

As Lexi gets to know Oliver better, she discovers there’s far more to Oliver Whimsy than she or anyone else had imagined. Just what is the heartache Oliver’s trying so desperately to hide and why was he so determined to buy the cottages? Lexi wants to find out, but in order to do so she’s going to have to spend time with him…

My review

Lexi feels her life is falling apart. She has discovered that her father has sold the cottages she runs as holidays lets, and one of them is also the place she calls home.
Not only does she not have a job anymore, but also she has no place to stay and when she meets the new owner, Oliver Whimsy, her dreams are truly crushed.
He is new to the island, and has not made a very good first impression with the locals. Just shows that good looks and money is not everything.
Yet he offers Lexi a job and even if she is not adamant in accepting it, she does not have a lot of choice.

As Lexi gets to know Oliver better, she discovers that there is more to him than everyone thinks.

This was the first story I have read from this author and I was pleasantly surprised.

Okay, the fact that a father could just put his own daughter without a job or a home, left me flabbergasted. And together with Lexi I was thinking it was all because of Gloria, her father’s new girlfriend.
Even with the bad news on her way, I instantly liked Lexi. Her whole character screams ‘kind’, ‘caring’ and she is just someone I would like to call my friend.

Oliver truly seemed like the odd duck. He’s not from around and the way he acts makes more eyebrows frown.
But when together with Lexi we get to know him better, it’s obvious there is way more than I imagined.
And even before that knowledge, just the way he offers Lexi a job to help her out, gives us a glimpse of his real character.

This story has so many beautiful and sweet moments, that made it all an easy read. The harder bits were a bit harder to digest, because I just couldn’t grasp the reasons behind it. And the conclusion of those bits left me a bit unsatisfied, because it’s obvious there is more to it (is it also a ‘yet to come’?).

But overall I found this a great first acquaintance of this author, and as this was a part of a series, it made me curious about the other characters that obviously already have their own story! But do not worry, this can be perfectly be read as a standalone, it just made me personally curious about the other sweet characters who are just like Lexi, easy to love!

Oh Jeremy, Jeremy, Jeremy….

Synopsis

Jilted by the only woman he’s ever loved, Jeremy Lewis is a man on a mission to be a renowned player – both on and off the ice. Who needs monogamy anyway?
But when he falls during a game, Jeremy finds himself laid-up with a potentially career-ending injury and his support network, suddenly gone. His best friend, AJ, is busy in a new relationship, his teammates are pursuing their own dreams of hockey stardom, and Jeremy is left frustrated, broken and alone.
Will their friendship survive AJ’s new relationship? Are Jeremy’s feelings for Chelsea truly a thing of the past? And can he persevere through his recovery to get back on the ice?

My review

Jeremy Lewis is determined to make a great career on the ice. And he is also determined to get Chelsea out of his mind, after she did the disappearing act after one amazing night.
But when he gets injured, not only seems his career suddenly just a faraway dream, also his friends seem to get on with their lives. Jeremy starts to feel frustrated, impatient and worst of all, alone.
While he is trying to get his life back on track, it seems that AJ’s new relationship means the end of their friendship and that Chelsea is not someone that easily forgotten…

If in the first part I found myself falling in love with Jeremy, now my heart is truly belonging to him…
What happened to him earlier was already heart-breaking, but what he facing in this new part, is just not fair.
Not only is he now facing an injury which may jeopardize his career, he is also losing his best friend AJ because of a toxic relationship.
And then I am not talking about the feelings he has for Chelsea…

Again the author manages to write about real issues, with emotions that are raw, recognizable and crushing.
Jeremy proofs again what an amazing man he is, trying to help out his best friend, but also realizing that the only thing he can do, is just being there for AJ.
But he also shows how vulnerable he is… despite trying to act like he is ok, he is just so hurt, broken that I had a hard time keeping the tears from not falling.

This story cannot just be put away, the more I was into Jeremy and his life, the more I wanted to read, to discover what it would take to get his happily ever after, because if there is one person who truly deserves it, it is Jeremy.
So dear Lasairiona, don’t you dare to break Jeremy’s heart again, because I don’t think I would be able to forgive you that!!! 😀

And again Heartcross shows what a beautiful place it is!

Synopsis

There’s a newcomer to the village of Heartcross and she’s never been more in need of a friend. 

Ella is ready to start afresh ––and that could mean there’s love on the horizon in the form of the gorgeous Roman, the local water taxi driver. Every day Roman is there to ferry Ella to the restaurant on the other side of the lake and every night he makes sure she gets home safe. But Roman has secrets of his own…

Can the Love Heart Lane community offer Ella a chance of a new life? Or will the ghosts of her past catch up with her?

My review

Ella needs a start over. After having her heart broken in the worst way, and being left penniless, she can count on her best friend Callie to help her.
Looking forward to start her new job at local bistro The Lake House, she is adamant to put the past behind her.
Every day she takes the local water taxi to get to the bistro and there she meets Roman. Not only is Roman a handsome man, but he is also truly a gentleman because each evening he makes sure Ellie gets home safely and whenever Ellie needs a hand, Roman is the first to offer his help.
But Ellie is not the only one having secrets, because also Roman seems to have a few of his own…

Ooh how much I loved going back to the Love Heart Community! It felt like I got to see my old friends again, and make new ones too.

Initially I thought Ellie was a bit too naïve, after learning what has happened to her. But of course after putting everything in perspective, Ellie was just still trying to cope with her loss. And then it’s easy to be targeted by people with no so good intentions.
And my heart went out to her, because the person she thought that loved her, hurt her and made her even feel worse than she already did…

But Heartcross wouldn’t be Heartcross if there wouldn’t be any help. And this time it’s Callie at the rescue! Callie shows what an amazing friend she is, opening her home for Ellie, without expecting anything in return.
And not only Callie is making Ellie feel welcome, but it’s the whole community. Not one single person is judging Ellie for her mistakes, but just accept her as an extra member of their ‘family’.

Ellie starts to feel all the love from each character, allowing her to be herself again, and is starting to trust people even more. And with Roman there is even something deeper going on.
She also shows what an amazing friend she is herself, by trying to help out Roman.

A special mention has to go to Dolores. This woman is just so over the top, yet amazing and cheerful. I think that whenever you have a bad day, yet you have your own Dolores, you will start smiling again and see that nothing is insurmountable.

This next part of the series, that can be perfectly be read as a standalone – but the more you read the more you will fall in love with it, shows that starting over with the right friends is perfectly possible. In the right place you can find yourself a new home even after you lost everything and that new opportunities arise when you least expect it.

If I could, I would move to Heartcross myself and be happy from the first day with amazing people around me!