Tizi’s Book Review

It’s just the beginning…

Synopsis

Can true love go the distance?

London lawyer Rachel Watson has wound up in an Indian ashram with hippy heartthrob lover, Seb.

A high-achiever, Rachel has always lived life according to her Life List, ticking off goals along the way. But now that she’s in India, Rachel is going with the flow, or at least trying to…

Rachel’s visa is running out and it’s time to decide whether her relationship with Seb is a holiday romance or built to last.

The pair embark on a trip to Nepal for an Everest base camp trek, but will their relationship survive this gruelling expedition or is it time to part ways?

Flying Duo is the second romantic comedy in the ‘Flying’ series, following on from bestseller, Flying Solo, which was described by the Daily Express newspaper as ‘a must read that will appeal to fans of Sophie Kinsella, Beth O’Leary and Mhari McFarlane’ ★★★★★

My review

After following her ex – boyfriend all the way to India, London lawyer Rachel has finally found love with Canadian Seb.
But after her law suit against the ashram, she has been banned from there and she starts wondering where her relationship with Seb will go. Also that her visa is running out, makes her wonder if with Seb is was a lovely holiday romance, or is he is the real thing?

When on a limp, they go on a trip to Nepal, and do an Everest base camp trek, will this make or break their relationship? Because not only they have to face the hardships of this expedition, but there appears also to be another competitor on the horizon…

Whenever I start reading a story of this author, I know I will forget all my surroundings, and this story was absolutely no exception!

I loved the idea to know what happens when our main character after she has found love. Is it truly her happily ever after? Or what are the issues a new couple has to face?
And Rachel is facing even bigger problems, because what do you do when your boyfriend lives in Canada? And while she enjoys her time in India, slowly she starts to long after London…

The way the author describes Rachel, makes this character a realistic one. She has doubts, insecurities and just longs for her happily ever after with the man she just adores.
But it’s also very common that instead of speaking out, Rachel is afraid of what Seb’s answer will be. And why jeopardize the happiness she is feeling with Seb?

Seb managed to make me feel even more in love with him, just like Rachel does. He is a lovely character, and the way he looks at and after Rachel, makes me wish for a boyfriend like him!
He has had a rough past, but he has found redemption and is figuring out where his future is. Not only geographically, but he is also thinking what he would like to do job-wise.

The only thing I didn’t like in this story, is the trip in Nepal. I enjoy walks, but only when it’s 100% safe! So I understood the fears Rachel was having, the disgust whenever leeches or other insects were involved! It still gives me goosebumps thinking about it!
Yet the moments that were the most fearful for Rachel (and for me too, THAT BRIDGE!!!!), Seb shows again how amazing he is! He understands Rachel and is able to calm her down by being just himself.

I enjoyed reading this next chapter of Rachel, as it shows what happens “after”. Getting together is the easy part. Staying together, thinking about the future is the hardest part. Insecurities are normal feelings to have, but with the right person by your side, all these negatives thoughts disappears, and even other people cannot tear you apart, because in his eyes, you are all your loved one needs!

This was again a story that was just perfect, just like I am used by this author!

How hot can a story get???

Synopsis

A little secret sexy fun
Under the Tuscan sun!

It’s her best mate’s wedding week – and Faye Davenport is celebrating with a skinny dip under the Tuscan moon. Except she’s not alone. The sexy Italian dish is Rafael Perez – her mate’s off-limits older brother. But now it’s too late. This illicit, irresistible fire is already out of control…

My review

Faye is spending a week in Tuscany, getting ready for the wedding of her best friend. She plans on being The Best Maid of Honor during the luxe wedding week, wanting her friend to be as relaxed as possible.
But Faye needs also to relax, and is there a better way to relax in a late – night skinny – dip on her own?
Unfortunately, she is not as alone a she thought, as she is discovered by Rafael Perez, brother of the bride. Sparks starts to fly around, and the more days they spend together, the harder it is to keep their distance. And when the inevitable happens, their secret meetings are the highlights of Faye’s days.
Even if Rafael is off – limits because of his reputation, resisting is impossible. But will Faye be able to prevent a broken heart?

This story was one of the quickest read I have ever had. It just grabbed my attention from the start and I found it impossible to put it away!
Rachael Stewart is truly an author writing a hot story without falling in the trap of repeating herself all over. Each story she writes, is unique in its own way, yet so typical for her!

Faye is a very recognizable woman. She has been single for a while now, and her last relationship didn’t  work out after her career was blooming. And being single has caused frustrations in a certain area… which of course can also be very recognizable!
Even if she has some frustrations, she is a caring friend, she wants her friend to have the wedding of her dreams. She does whatever in her power to avoid any stress for Dani. Faye is a friend in the true meaning of the word, always having Dani’s best interests in mind, even if it means keeping her seeing Rafael a secret.

Rafael is every woman’s dream of a hot fling! His looks (yes I know, it’s a book, but who doesn’t imagine how a character would look like if it were your perfect temptation???) , his laid – back behaviour, it is so understandable Faye cannot resist him!
But it’s not only that, also what Rafael does for his little sister, even if he has another opinion concerning the aspect of marriage.
He is so much more than his looks, his emotions make him a more real, realistic man beside the playboy. And when we get to know the demons he is facing, it made my heart break a little bit…

I found it a very entertaining story, taking place in a setting that feels like home to me. There was not one thing I didn’t like! Although, 1 tiny remark… Rafael Perez is supposed to be the typical Italian, yet his name doesn’t sound like very Italian. It sounds very Mediterrean, but I don’t think there are many Italians with this name 😂 But that’s just me being the annoying Italian woman complaining about a small, insignificant detail!

The author managed again to forget all my surroundings with this story that is just hotter than hot!

When a divorce lawyer and a couple’s therapist have offices next to each other…

Synopsis

First law of magnetism: opposite poles attract.

Single mom Vivian has been burned by love once before, and her job as a divorce lawyer has presented enough evidence to convince her there are no good men left in New York City.

The worst offender is her new neighbor: Dr. Lucas Keller, a couple’s therapist whose piercing blue eyes and flawless dark hair are just as annoying as his bad temper. 

But when Luke starts poaching Vivian’s clients by saving their marriages, she makes it her mission to force him out of the building to save her practice. But it’s Luke who gives her the perfect opportunity when he proposes an unexpected bet. 

With their offices at stake, Vivian and Luke play the field of love in a fierce battle of wits that quickly turns hot and personal, especially when Vivian’s daughter gets involved. Now, taking down Luke has become more than business for Vivian. It’s become a pleasure—and soon, Vivian and Luke will realize how pointless it is to fight the laws of attraction.

My review

Single mom Vivian is a divorce lawyer having found the perfect office. The only thing that bothers her, is the person leasing the office next to hers. Not only is Dr. Lucas Keller a couple’s therapist, but he is also very annoying and just bad tempered.
Vivian and Lucas could not be more different, yet their dislike for each other go next level when Lucas ‘steals’ Vivian’s clients. So now Vivian has a new mission: Get Luke out of the building.
Yet when a bet is on the table, with their offices at stake, each one of them is adamant to win! How hard can it be to find the perfect match especially when you have a dating agency ready to provide a date!

I have never had so much fun reading about clashing characters, terrible dates and yet having tender moments!

Initially I was totally agreeing with Luke, because my first impression of Vivian was not a positive one!
But of course, if Vivian was truly the kind of person I thought, it would be a total different story.

Both Luke and Vivian have become who they are because of their past. And when it was clear what Vivian had been through, a lot of things made sense.
She appears to be a very cold, strict person, but when I got to know her better, and saw what amazing mom she is for Tegan, I admired her. Not only is she a successful lawyer, but she is just *there* for Tegan. And as stated in the book, she protects her child like a true lioness!

And Luke… what more can I say that he is just amazing? And the lengths he goes to help out Tegan, even if the young woman appears to be the daughter of his nemesis! He is truly just a good man, ready to put his dispute with Vivian away, to just be there for Tegan.

And then the dates they both endure… those were just HI – LA – RI – OUS!!! I had my own share of not so nice dates, but nothing compares to the dates our main characters have to attend! Sincerely, I was wiping tears away, so much was I laughing!

This story was not only hilarious, but it was also full of sweet moments! The moment Tegan appears in the story, it goes on a more serious level. The author manages to find the perfect blend of fun with heart-breaking moments. And when you think it’s all over, you will have the most surprising epilogue ever written!
I knew what the author was capable of writing, so I had high expectations, but I never imagined she would be able to raise the bar even higher!

When losing someone means you’ve lost yourself too.

Synopsis

Is there really such a thing as a second shot at true love?

After three wonderful years of marriage, librarian Juliette Fairhurst’s heart is shattered when her husband, Laurie, is taken from her much too soon.
Devasted, Juliette decides to take a sabbatical and reconnect with her mother’s birthplace, the village of Glentorrin on the picturesque Isle of Skye.
Welcomed by most of the villagers, Juliette throws herself into an idyllic community life, taking on the role of temporary summer guardian at The Lifeboat House Museum; a role that offers her the perfect escape from the tragedy of her real life.
During her time on the island, Juliette clashes with brooding single dad and artist, Reid Mackinnon and is befriended by his son Evin and dog Chewie. It’s clear that divorced Reid is struggling and scarred by his own painful experiences.
Can these two lost souls find a lifeline to rescue each other?
Or will their pasts scupper their second chance at real happiness?

My review

Librarian Juliette Fairhurst is still trying to place losing her husband Laurie. They were happily married for three years and were looking forward spending a lifetime together, when their whole world was suddenly falling apart.
Juliette realizes she has lost her own spark, and needs some time off. So she heads off to Glentorrin, a village on the Isle of Skye, her mother’s birthplace.
Very quickly she feels herself at home and is welcomed by most of the villagers.
But will this and her temporarily job at The Lifeboat House Museum be enough to truly get over her loss? And what will she do when she discovers that the man she is constant clashing with, is also struggling and carrying his own grief around?

After I had read the prologue, I was nearly left in tears… It was just so beautiful, yet I knew what would come next, and I didn’t want to continue reading, because I knew what would happen to Laurie…

So seeing how perfect Laurie was, I totally understood the difficulties Juliette was having to ‘just move on’. How can someone just do that after losing the love of her life? But she is not alone, because she has her best friend Millie and her brother Dexter standing by her side, not pushing her to do what they think is best, but just be there for her.
And when she has the need to just go away for a while, they understand her motivations.

This is not a simple love story, because it would have been too easy to just like. This story shows that there is no “right” way to grieve. Juliette has to find her own way to place the pain of losing Laurie. And staying in a wonderful village like Glentorrin with amazing inhabitants surely help.
But it’s not only about Jules’ (Juliette’s nickname 😄) grieve. There are several things people need to grieve over. It’s not always about someone dying, but it can also be of a terrible betrayal, just like Reid’s…

Despite Jules and Reid clashing time over time, Jules understands Reid’s pain and sees how low he is actually feeling. And Jules, being the amazing woman I knew she was, doesn’t just stand on the side-line and watch Reid falling deeper, but offers a real helping hand. Because who better than Jules understands what Reid is going through? 

But do not think this is a depressing story, because there were many happy moments. The moment Reid’s son Evin appears in the book, together with his dog Chewie, I was smiling. There is nothing a sweet boy and his dog cannot fix! And I surely needed these two to get over my heart breaking feeling the pain of Jules and Reid.

I found this a bittersweet story, about pain and grieve and trying to move on. Yet I found it also a hopeful message. Because once you have found the courage and ability to place your grieve, you obviously do not forget your loss, but you can remember the beautiful moments. And that just maybe there is a possibility to love again…

Decisions decisions decisions…

Synopsis

Alice thought her future was set in stone, until her past came knocking…

Alice Butler starred in a successful US sitcom until tensions in the cast and crew caused the show to be cancelled. Now, five years later and working towards her dream job in art history, she’s called back for a revival of the show. It can only end in disaster, surely?

Flown to a villa in Chianti to meet with the rest of the cast, Alice must decide where her future lies – with her boyfriend, David, who laps up the Hollywood company, or with the mysterious Matt, who shies away from public attention?

My review

Decisions decisions decisions…

Alice Butler is looking for a job in art history, her true passion. But most people will remember her as the actress of a successful U Sitcom. Even if it was five years ago, people still recognize her and compare her to her character.
Now that a revival of the show is being discussed, Alice is also contacted again even if the show was cancelled until the tensions on the set were unbearable. Alice is flown to Chianti to meet the cast again and see she must decide what her future will be. Will she go back in the spotlights? And what will her boyfriend David want to do? Or should she follow her passion for art history and find a lesser paid job? And then there is also mysterious neighbour Matt…

Do I really have to say again how much I enjoyed reading a book of T.A. Williams? Really??? Okay then, here it goes!

Whenever I read a book by this author, I just know I will love it. And also this book was a success!
It’s not only how he managed to describe in perfection the atmosphere of the setting but it also the way he manages to write about people that are maybe out of our comfort zone, yet so recognizable!

Alice used to be an actress in a famous sitcom, that had a lot of similarities with a real sitcom about a bunch of *friends* living in New York. But it’s clear that even if there are similarities there are also many differences. But the sitcom is absolutely not the most important thing in this story.

It’s about Alice and what she wants to do with her life.

Everyone who thinks about a career in Hollywood, sees all the glitter and glamour, but with Alice, we also get to see behind the scenes. When she was acting, there was a lot of tension, even causing the sitcom to be cancelled.
Now that she is following her dream, it’s a difficult choice to make. Continue to follow her dream or step again in the spotlights and just cashing in?
And how will her relationship with David evolve?

This story grabbed my attention and just didn’t want me to let go. The dilemma Alice is facing, not knowing what to do is in many ways recognizable for so many of us, even if it doesn’t involve an acting career. Every one of us at least once had to think about what would the best thing to do? And having people around you with their own opinion isn’t surely helping.

We see Alice making decisions for HER best interests, and thinking what would make HER happy. And not only about her work, also in her relationship with David. Of course there is one thing that makes things very easy for her to make a decision!
And what is going on with mysterious Matt??? Just like Alice I was just wondering what was truly going on with him, as I just couldn’t understand him being so evasive! I even started to think the worse!

I absolutely enjoyed spending time in Chianti, just feeling like I was truly there. And for even who have never been there, the details that the author managed to capture in his book makes sure that you can have the complete picture!
Another perfect escape to Italy with a main character making hard decisions, surrounded with people that you will instant like or dislike. But never forget, first impressions can be wrong in some cases!

When an offer to divorce becomes a marriage trial.

Synopsis

From shopkeeper… To Duke’s wife

When Beatrix, Duchess of Howden, writes to her estranged husband offering a divorce, she’s stunned when he arrives on her doorstep with a different proposition: a six-week marriage trial! Quinton Roxbury seems cold and inscrutable, but Beatrix gradually realises his rough exterior hides a heavy burden. As their connection deepens, dare she trust him with her own scandalous past and risk the marriage she never knew she wanted?

My review

Beatrix enjoys her life as a shopkeeper with her friends. But what her friends don’t know, is that she is actually married to the Duke of Howdon and that she ran away right after the wedding.
When she proposes a divorce, Quinton Roxbury surprises her by showing up at her doorstep. He does not want a divorce, but his proposition is to have a six – week marriage trial. If after those six weeks, Beatrix still wants to divorce, he will accept it. But only after she has given their marriage a try.
Beatrix thinks it will be easy, because Quiton appears to be cold and never shows his true emotions. Yet not all is what it seems. But will it be enough for Beatrix to trust him with her own secrets? And will it all be over in six weeks?

When I first read about Beatrix, it’s obvious she is not an evil woman. Yet I couldn’t match the image I had of her, with a woman who would just run away after taking vows and pretending her marriage never took place.
But even if her actions may seem harsh, it’s clear there is a story behind it. And let’s not forget she wants to get her freedom back, but also wants her husband to be free of her.
It show that there is a kind and gentle side of her, and what she wants is just to be happy, living with her friends and being a shopkeeper.

So when Quinton Roxbury appears on her doorstep, with another proposition, she is in shock. Of course Beatrix accepts the offer, otherwise we wouldn’t have a story at all.
I was very curious to know if and how Beatrix would adapt to a life as a Duchess, while she is totally not knowing what is expected from her. And how would Quinton’s family welcome her?

This story may seem like a simple story, man and woman spend time together, realize they have feelings and give their marriage a real chance.
But there is so much more going on…
Not only is there a man who doesn’t show or admit his feelings, there are also secrets from both sides that could jeopardize the whole relationship.
And to make things even worse, there is a bitter mother, siblings taking sides and relatives I don’t even wish for my worst enemies.

Even if I was eager to read about Beatrix and Quinton, there is one character that truly stole my heart… Sweet Helen went from a presence under a table to a young sister seeing (and hearing) more than everyone else and she turns out to be the real heroine of the story.

I enjoyed reading about how  two different people being forced being together, find common ground, and even dare to stand their ground for each other.
This story gave me more than I expected and I loved it!

Is there a better escape from your life than dog – sitting?

Synopsis

One dog. Two strangers. An unfurgettable romance.

Wanted: someone nice, normal and trustworthy to housesit a beautiful cottage in the Lake District while the owner is away on a business trip. Must like dogs.

Wanting to escape from crap bosses and useless boyfriends, Becky jumps at the chance of being a dog sitter and the perfect escape – rest, relaxation and a very cute pooch called Bella.

But looking after Bella comes with a catch, namely gorgeous, brooding, Chris Hemsworth-worthy Ash James, who claims Bella is his dog and will stop at nothing to get her back!

Becky’s not about to hand over lovely Bella to any Tom, Dickor Ash.  She’s determined to watch every move Ash James makes…even if it gets her very hot under the collar.

My review

Becky needs an escape from her current life, as her job doesn’t satisfy her anymore and her boyfriend is rather useless.
So when she has the chance to accept a job as a dog – sitter in The Lake District, she grabs it with both hands.
Pooch Bella is a real treasure, only Becky didn’t expect that there would be several rules she had to follow, and one of them is to keep Ash James as far as possible not only from the house, but also from Bella.
Because no matter how good looking Ash is, he has a mission… He will get Bella back no matter what!
Yet Becky will not just hand Bella just over, regardless the looks and how much they have in common.

What do you have to do to make me forget about everything? Just give me a book written by Zara Stoneley!
Whenever I start reading a book by this author, I just keep reading and forget to eat, to sleep,… But this book has even something more, and that is THE cutest, THE funniest, THE most adorable dog EVER!!!

Becky needs to get away for a period because both her boyfriend and her job are making her feel like she has missed her spark.
And I surely understood her motivations, when I read about the circumstances she was working in! And just admit it, if you would have the opportunity to spend some time in the Lake District and look after a dog, wouldn’t you grab it with both hands????

I could really relate to Becky, she finds herself in a situation she doesn’t like anymore, but she doesn’t know what she wants to do next. Because everyone is afraid of just giving up the security you have and just follow your dreams.
Becky is down to earth, with a great love for animals. The way she interacts with Bella is how every owner of a pet should be.
And surely not be over the top, like the real owner Georgie is! For Georgie it’s more important what her followers think than what is in the best interest of Bella.

That is totally the opposite of Ash, who is truly swoon – material! He is not only handsome, but also kind, caring and with a hint of mischief. But he has just like Becky his heart at the right place, and truly loves Bella, no matter what.

But put Becky and Ash together and it’s fireworks! They clash often, over Bella, but slowly a bond is being made and that bond is just something to be jealous of!

I loved every bit of this story and I was happy when it ended, because it gave me everything I expected. But I was also sad, because the main characters in this book were marvellous people, and together with Bella they were people I started to care about, wishing they were real and that they would be part of my life!

How not to lose your mind with all the pressure of a family and being main breadwinner.

Synopsis

‘Clever, wise and achingly funny.’ Cathy Kelly

‘You can have it all,’ they said. ‘Happy children, happy marriage, great career – no problem,’ they said…

Mother-of-one Saoirse is just about holding it all together – combining part time work with the school run, while her husband David gets to focus on his career. But when David loses his job, everything has to change.

With no hesitation, Saoirse suggests she takes on the role of main breadwinner. After all, how hard can it be? And when a new client offers her a life-changing sum of money, Saoirse can look the other over-achieving Woodvale school-run mums in the eye with pride.

But there’s a problem with keeping too many balls in the air – eventually one is bound to drop. And when that happens – well, who knows what the consequences could be…

Laugh-out-loud funny, achingly relatable, but with a heart of gold, and warmth running through every page. This is the perfect read for anyone who has way too many balls in the air! The novel may or may not have been inspired by real life…

My review

Saoirse is still combining her part – time job with taking care of her daughter Anna, while her husband David is focussing on his career. This all works perfectly, even with the minor hiccup between Saoirse and David after the revelation in ‘Time Out’.
But when David loses his job, Saoirse suggests to be the main breadwinner, giving David the opportunity to find a job he likes.
Yet being the money bringer is not such an easy task as she thought… Because will the offer of a new client really be the solution to all her problems? And she is still competing with the overachieving Organics at the school gate…

For this story I truly recommend to read first ‘Time Out’, because there are several references to it, and if you have not read it, it will not make a lot of sense.

But how fun it was to see Saoirse and her family and friends again! Especially after the cliff-hanger of the previous book.

It’s clear that it’s not all puppies and sunshine between Saoirse and David, but as a real couple, they are working on it.

Saoirse is her usual self, trying to please everyone, even The Organics know what button to push to let Saoirse do what they want.
Yet I see a more determined Saoirse. She does not just accept at each first opportunity, and especially when it concerns a new client, she overthinks what the best thing to do is.

This is again a realistic view of how current days parents (not only mothers) are struggling with a normal life. No matter how hard you try to keep everything going smoothly, there is always something going wrong, it can be a small thing but also a bigger thing.

I had several laughs, together with Saoirse, but I also felt frustrated with her too. And oh, how I wanted to give The Organics a reply that would show them!
And to see how Saoirse and David are working together on several issues, shows that when you work on a marriage, not everything Is lost.

In this sequel I had the same fun as the first story, but it all felt more familiar, because I knew what our characters were like and how messy their lives could get. But again it was a peep in the life of an average family, with sometimes not so average problems, but it is clear that no matter how hard you try, sometimes life takes a turn you didn’t expect, and that is the same for everyone. So whenever in despair, just remember : we’re not alone!