Tizi’s Book Review

Sometimes, a thriller got you binge reading!

Synopsis

A mother’s job is to protect her child…but everyone makes mistakes. 

I never thought it would happen to me…

One moment I had it all – a gorgeous husband, a beautiful home, a fulfilling career and two adorable children. The next, everything came crashing down around me.

They said it was my fault. They said I’m the worst mother in the world. And even though I can’t remember what happened that day, they wouldn’t lie to me. These are my friends, my family, people I trust.

But then why do I have this creeping sensation that something is wrong? Why do I feel like people are keeping secrets? Am I really as guilty as they say? And if I’m not, what will happen when the truth comes out…?

My review

The times I read thrillers, I need to put the book away once in a while to digest everything I’ve read.

But with this book, it was just impossible. I had really though decissions to make: continue reading, or eat? Continue reading or go do groceries? Just to prove how this story pulled me in…

It all starts with Thea, who is coping with something terrible she has done. What, is not clear from the beginning, but it’s clear it’s just horrible and the reader can just presume what that is. Only after several chapters it’s clear what happened, and the truth to be told, it’s even worse than presumed…

Would Thea be really capable of doing it? Or is there more than sees the eye? And if it is, who is really guilty, and who else is involved?

This book really had me sitting on the edge of my seat, I NEEDED to know the truth! And what made it more intruiging was that every chapter changed from point of view, and more secrets come out.

While reading, I had my own suspects, but everytime I thought I had it all figured out, something else submerged making me change my mind.I honestly think I suspected everybody in the book!

And when the truth was FINALLY coming out, I had the most terrible moment ever… my tablet’s batteries were down… I got so submerged I didn’t notice the warning with ‘only 10% left’ or ‘only 1% left’. I was literally a few sentences from the big reveal when my screen went black… I never ran so quickly for my charge, pushing everybody out of my way

I JUST NEEDED TO KNOW!!!

And it was so devastating, there were so many things that you didn’t expect…

So when you start reading, prepare yourself for binge reading, because there is no way on earth you’ll be able to put this away!

Men on bicycles, what’s not to like!!!

Synopsis

“…the opportunity of a lifetime.”

When physiotherapist Molly Matthews is offered a dream job by a guy who shaves his legs and has an obsession with his bicycle, she has serious doubts about accepting. But, as she keeps telling herself, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime and she’ll never get another chance like this. So, she does what anyone in her position would do – she agrees to join a professional cycling team for the most prestigious race in the cycling world – The Tour de France.

The reality, though, isn’t exactly what she had anticipated; instead of eating out at restaurants in pretty French villages and spending her free time lounging around the hotel pool, Molly finds herself living out of a suitcase for three weeks, massaging eight pairs of sweaty legs, administering ice baths and treating saddle sores.

And neither did she anticipate falling for a gorgeous, passionate, professional rider by the name of Alexander Duvall…

My review

In Belgium once the cycling season starts, there is just no way to escape all the tours that are all over the world. And here are also several classics, as the Ronde van Vlaanderen, Liège – Bastogne – Liège,…

And having an older brother who watches almost every stage of every tour, well, it makes me someone who knows a little bit the cycling world.

So having the opportunity of reading a book that takes place during one of the most important tours of the world, I grabbed it with both hands.

And it didn’t disappoint at all!

Molly gets the once of a lifetime opportunity to spend 4 weeks in France as a physiotherapist during the Tour de France after taking care of Alex Duvall, a rider of the team she will get her hands on.

But her expectations and the reality are so different, she wonders if this is really her cup of tea…

And the feelings for Alex are just not so superficial as she thought…

This

Is

Just

Such

A

Nice

Feel

Good

Story!

Yes, this story takes place during the Tour, but it’s not all about bikes, and stages, and yellow jersey and so on.

The real focus is on Molly, her feelings, her fears and her getting closer to Alex.

And she tries to follow the rules of the team, but the attraction is just too hard to resist.

Molly is just the usual girl with all her insecurities and wants to broad her horizons, but can she just leave everything behind to case a dream?

Everyone can be the Molly in this story, she is so recognizable and down to earth, what’s not to like about her?

And Alex is just so warming and adorable in his own way…

This is a story about a blooming love, taking you to amazing places in France.

And a perk for me was that those places all made a bell ring, as the mountains were real, the places were all known to me.

As Lilac herself says in her letter after the story, she took some liberties concerning the actual stages and the Tour, but even for those who follow the Tour and find the ‘errors’, the story is so lovely written that you cover them with the cloak of charity (I like the saying in Dutch better, which would be translated as ‘ cover with the cloak of love – staying in the love theme).

So yes, you are going through the stages of the Tour, but instead of feeling the intensity of racing on a bike, you are feeling the intensity of love!

Time for a true thriller!!!

Synopsis

THREE: Deception Love Murder

Inviting a stranger into your home can be dangerous. Inviting a stranger into your life can turn deadly.

How would you feel if you discovered your death was meticulously planned by someone you loved? You didn’t know how or when or even why. All you could do was wait.

Emma has it all-a job she loves and a man who professed to love her.

Or did she? How could she be so blind?

When her lover’s car is found burned and abandoned in another state, the police come asking some hard questions. What she discovers upends her world completely. Jude had been living a double life right under her nose. A deceitful life, a treacherous life. Who was this man that had already groomed another woman to take over Emma’s life? A woman who was Emma’s body double and now dead.   

Why had she so easily trusted this psychopath with her heart? Betrayed on every level, consequences not of Emma’s making were nipping at her heels. Tick. Tock.

THREE is a gripping crime thriller that will have you hooked. A fast-paced psychological thriller that has been compared to the works of Dan Brown. It can be read as a standalone and serves as the first book in the Path of Deception and Betrayal series.

My review

After reading a lot of romantic stories, even a romantic soul like me needs to read something completely different.

So let’s go from romance to a true thriller!

And it was exactly what I needed.

Emma is living together with her boyfriend, but is not in the happy relationship as before. Just when she decides to end things, the boyfriend goes missing.

If that wasn’t enough, he appears to be involved with some not so legal affairs, and somehow he dragged her right into it!

As the FBI starts knocking on her door, she finds herself in a nightmare.

What I sometimes really hate about some stories, is that after a few chapters you figured it all out. You know who is responsible, why he or she did it and what the finale will be like.

So when after a few chapters, I still had a lot of questions, I was happy!

When one question was answered, the next one popped out and it was even more intriguing than the previous question.

And so the whole story evolves… very very slowly the greater picture is coming out and more than once it was just jaw dropping!

As a whole story with dramatic twists would be just too much, we are lucky to have Aunt Mary with conspiracies she thinks are just everywhere. This was a great way to lighten the story up, because those ideas were just bollocks. Or not…

So this was a great thiller, keeping you on the edge of your seat!

Just wow…

Synopsis

Is there ever a perfect moment to begin again in life?

Ever since tragedy threw her life into turmoil, Laura has taken refuge at her waitressing job in Valentino’s restaurant in Glasgow’s leafy Fairhill. Serving lattes and lunch specials means she’s too busy to think about all she lost, or the dreams she was forced to abandon. So when her beloved boss announces she’s selling the business, Laura is devastated. Hatching a plan to set her up with the local pub owner, Laura hopes the two of them will make a connection that might just change her mind.

Recovering from betrayal and heartbreak, Bruce is also in hiding from the world, and working in his uncle’s pub while he wonders how to restart his life. When Laura asks for help with her matchmaking scheme, he finds himself unable to refuse. She has a smile he can’t resist, no matter how much he wants to.

 But as their plan is set in motion, the matchmakers begin falling for each other. Yet Laura thinks she’s happy with her dull boyfriend, and Bruce won’t risk another broken heart. As the future of Valentino’s hangs in the balance, can these two lost and lonely people find the perfect moment to start their lives again together?

Treat yourself to THE PERFECT MOMENT, a sweet, funny, emotional romance about new beginnings and being brave enough to follow your heart.

My review

Just wow…

That’s all I have to say about this story…

Both Bruce and Laura are not in a very happy moment in their life.

Laura is working as a waitress since a tragic car accident killed her parents 10 years ago.

And Bruce is living with his uncle after he divorced his wife.

So instead of enjoying life, they are just coping.

And then more bad luck comes around the corner as Laura’s boss decides to sell the whole thing and start enjoying her life after the death of her beloved husband.

Being unable to give up a place that feels like home to her, Laura decides to play matchmaker and make sure that Natalie, her boss, and Keith, Bruce his uncle, will fall in love with each other. And this all so that everything will stay the same as usual. And she needs Bruce for succeeding!

This wouldn’t be a romantic story if you have no clue what will happen next.

But no worries, there is an initial spark between the two, but there are several hurdles to be taken…

Laura is in a relationship, but he’s not the perfect man for her.

And Bruce is still licking his wounds after his divorce.

So yes, this is a love story, but also a story about growth and dare to take a leap of faith. Both Laura and Bruce have to face the past and put it behind them to start living again.

And that’s what makes this story so lovely.

It’s about trusting in people, trusting in love and not to be afraid for the future, chase your dreams and stop living in past.

And that there is no perfect moment to pause from love. Just grab it with both your hands when the opportunity is there!

I can’t think of a better way to end this review like I started it…

Just wow…

I want more!!!

Synopsis

When Hollywood’s sexiest bachelor meets the girl next door their relationship doesn’t follow the script…

On-screen, Christian Slade is America’s favorite heartthrob. Off-screen, letting romance into his life isn’t as easy. The women he dates all seem to want a piece of his glamorous life rather than his heart, and trust doesn’t come easy for him.

Then along comes Lana. A beautiful rocket scientist who’s also sweet, smart, sexy, and has absolutely no idea who he is. But what will happen when she finds out?

Will their worlds prove too far apart or could love really belike in the movies?

My review

I am not happy with this book… this because I finished reading it too quickly!

I want more!!!

This story has just everything. It starts in a dramatic tone… Lana has just discovered that her boyfriend cheated on her. And not just with a random woman, but with her best friend!

Following them in a hotel, she ends up hiding in a closet.

And by sheer coincidence, she meets Christian, the most famous actor,in the world.

Having no idea who Christian is, Lana is immediately on his radar!

Once I started, I was hooked and kept reading and reading and reading. And sadly way too quickly I reached the end.

Prove that I enjoyed it in full!

The story is a sweet, charming story. Christian is the perfect boyfriend, even though sometimes he’s struggling with doing the right thing.

And Lana is so lovely down to earth, standing strong when she’s faced with the cons of dating a famous person.

This is a part of a series, but there is no need to read the previous parts for being able to follow the story. It’s a perfect standalone.

And now that I’m hooked to this story, I am eager to read the other parts!

Just no words can describe how much I love this book!

Synopsis

The Greenley Players are back practicing their Shakespeare and, as usual, things aren’t going to plan.

Sarah Powell is fed up with her sad single status and when her estranged father walks back into her life things get even worse. Can dishy doctor Finn MacDonald mend her broken heart and help her figure things out?

TV star, Nate Hardy’s career is going from strength to strength until his performance is interrupted and he has to flee the West End to hide away in Greenley. Will he ever get his career back on track or will Sarah and the rest of Greenley’s madcap residents capture his heart forever? 

My review

As my favourite genre to read are romantic stories, it sometimes happens that you have had enough of it all. Some stories are so alike, that you just can’t bother to read more.

But reading this story was like taking a breath of fresh air. But I have to admit, the first chapter was a eenie meenie difficult for me. That first chapter just didn’t appeal to me. But I have never been so happy to just keep reading.

This isn’t the typical romantic story where an actor falls in love with the local girl and after a few minor struggles they get their happily ever after.

You read it from 2 different point of views. To me, it felt like reading 2 stories at the same time.

Sarah, the local girl, is facing a lot of personal issues. So is her father being released from prison, is Sarah having problems with the character she needs to play in the local theatre and then there is Finn, the doctor she has been drooling over a year now…

And then there is Nate, the actor…

He’s facing a divorce after been cheated on several times, had a one night stand but the woman went to the papers. So he has the need to flee.

And where does he go? Right, in the small town where Sarah lives.

There are no instant sparks, they just meet randomly and that’s what so refreshing. And when they meet, there is no instant falling in love. And even when deeper feelings are rising, they are both trying to fight it, sensing it’s not the right time.

Katie Ginger wrote an amazing story about facing your own demons and by sheer coincidence also a love story takes place. The love takes a supporting role during the whole book, until the last few chapters.

Once you are in the story, you just keep on going. I had a few laughs during the story, some cheering moments, but also sad frowns. The difficulties both characters were facing, were heart breaking and also recognizable on some level.

You just want both of them to be happy and find a way to solve all their problems and starting to live their lives full of happiness and love!

I want ice cream!!!

Synopsis

Giovanna Tonioli is a successful stockbroker with a famous sports star boyfriend, but things aren’t as sweet as they seem. When life in the city of Bath goes from Vanilla to Rocky Road, she takes herself off to Italy for an ‘Eat Pray Love’ style tour of all things gelateria. What she doesn’t expect to find on her travels is one smooth, hot dollop of temptation that she just can’t shake. 

How will her spiteful twin sister react when Giovanna returns to open a rival ice cream parlour? Will Natalia get her just desserts? Or will things become even stickier? All’s fair in love, war and ice cream. Isn’t it?

*Marian Keyes meets Paulo Coelho meets Nigella*

The Ice Cream Parlour is a mouthwatering tale of fate, family, love and jealousy – with a delectable drizzle of alchemy besides.

My review

Well, I am going to start with my negative comment…

As being an Italian, I am a great fan of stories taking place in the country of my roots. Add it with one of my favorite foods, you’ll be sure that I am hooked.

But… if you are adding some Italian words in it, pretty please make sure it’s grammatically correct…

Yes I know they saying with the pot and the kettle, but always being blamed of being the grammar police, please forgive me this remark. It’s just stronger than myself. 🤣

And that’s all the negative I have to say…

Well, except for stating that Giovanna just has the most terrible family and boyfriend in the whole world!

From the start, you feel instant sorry for her. Being the youngest of the twin, and the less beautiful, she has a hard youth.

And as her parents make it no secret that yes, they do have a favourite daughter… well, enough is said…

There are a lot of sad things happening in this story… I just wanted to grab Giovanna, give her a huge hug and tell her not to worry, as everything will work for the best.

And when she goes to Italy, you are instantly cheering for her, happy for her that she is going after her own luck and happiness.

When she finally has her dream come true, you know that there is still something evil lingering around the corner. And you hope it won’t be so bad as you think. But this book has the capability of keeping to surprise you, in a good way (oh my God, all those flavours of ice cream!!!) and also in a bad way. Meaning that the bad news is even worse than suspected.

The first chapter was a bit of a rough start, but then it got me hooked, and I read it at high speed, just eager to know what will happen.

And again, a story with ice cream in a major role, what’s not to like!!!

Now I’ll stop writing and go fetch myself an ice cream, even though it won’t be as delicious as Giovanna’s magical flavours!

Yes Rachael, I reviewed your book again! 😃

Synopsis

Mixing business with pleasure…

…has never been more tempting!

Career-focussed Zara Anders, an estate agent for the elite, has sworn off men―until gorgeous Swedish billionaire Daniel Lazenby gets under her skin. Their racy affair heats up quickly, but ends in a hurry when Zara learns about Daniel’s womanizing past. Determined to win her back, Daniel offers her a business deal too good to be true…and some out-of-office fun too tempting to turn down!

My review

Those who follow my blogs, know that previously I also reviewed another book by Rachael Stewart. So given me the possibility to read another book of her, I just took it!

And again it did not disappoint me a bit!

Zara is an estate agent who needs to find a new home for Julia. So she meets Daniel, just an over the top hot looking Swedish man. He’s not looking for a relationship, and she dismissed men generally. But their chemistry is too hard to ignore.

What I liked about this book is that there is just more that the explicit scenes. When you start reading it, you know what to expect.

But sometimes books in this genre are focused on the physical aspects and the story itself is not that important. Rachael Stewart manages again to find the perfect balance between the two. Yes, there are some heated moments, but not at the cost of the story. You get to learn the characters, and during the story you understand them. This story goes deeper than other books in the sale genre, which makes it really enjoyable!

In my previous blog, I had the tiny remark about the use of the word ‘tummy’. To my delight, ‘tummy’ was again used several times. But this time, ‘tummy’ met ‘belly’. 😂 And this time I wasn’t a itsy bitsy annoyed by it, but it just made me laugh!

So again another lovely book that I read and Rachael Stewart definitely won me over! I’m a fan!!!