Tizi’s Book Review

A band like you have never seen before!

Synopsis

Take a tiger, an orangutan, an elephant, an eagle, a rhino, a dragon, a spider, and a turtle. Mix with music till loud – you might want to stand back.

My review

Even if I don’t have children of my own, I read this book with curiosity and even some eagerness!
I loved the idea of different kind of animals playing in a band together, where their differences don’t matter, as music is what brings them together. 

It was lovely to see how each animal has its own talent, and bring joy to their listeners, even those who are already in bed!
The rhyming adds a great extra something into this cute little story, making it even better. 

The illustrations are beautiful, and for the smallest readers a great help to see what instrument is played by which animal. 

If I were ever so lucky to become a parent and would want to start my precious one very early with the English language, I can see myself reading this story to him/her!

When you think you have found the perfect man, but have you really?

Synopsis

How do you know if you’ve married the wrong person?

It was a whirlwind romance and we had the perfect relationship.
He was my dream partner, loving, caring, attentive… until the day I married him and things became toxic.
I spent my wedding night in A&E with an ‘unexplained’ broken wrist – but I knew what happened….
My romantic illusions shattered. My fear of the future heightened.
The man I had fallen in love with wasn’t the man I married.
And that was just the start of things to come.
Quickly things escalated. He isolated me from family and friends, and with no one to turn to, he began to control every part of my life.
I tried to escape, but he watched my every move.
Until one day he went too far, and I found my strength to fight back.
I no longer wanted to be a victim.
I wanted to live.
I wanted my life back.
But at what cost?
In sickness and in health and till death us do part…

** Perfect for the fans of Louise Candlish and Adele Parks**

My review

Sophie truly believed that she has found the love of her life with Jay. Even if her previous relationship and engagement aren’t that long ago, with Jay she feels ready to take their relationship to the next phase.
However, she didn’t expect to spend her wedding night in A&E with a broken wrist, caused by the man who she loves.
From the moment Sophie and Jay said their ‘I Do’, the perfect man turned into a nightmare.
Jay starts to isolate Sophie and control every step she takes. But his abuse isn’t only psychological, but also physical. Sophie has no one else to turn to, confide in or ask for help.
But she realizes that she has to fight back for her not being a victim anymore…
However, will Jay just let her walk out? 

While the blurb already is a terrifying one, I was intrigued by it. Not only did I want to know what Sophie had to endure, but I also wanted to read how Jay was able to separate her from her loved ones. And of course I wanted to see how Sophie would escape from her nightmare. 

I have to admit, beside the abuse itself, there were moments that I didn’t like. Like how Sophie allowed Jay to play his tricks, or how quickly her own family walks away from her, and even her best friends don’t appear to be the most caring kind.
But of course, this is all part of Jay’s scheme, which is truly a real nightmare! 

I was astonished reading how quickly Jay turned from a caring (although, was he ever truly a caring person?) man to a jealous, vindictive, abusive, controlling bastard…
Even if I tried to comprehend him somehow, his reactions were of a psychotic person… 

And my heart went out to Sophie…
Not only did she get her heart broken by her ex – fiancé, but by wanting to find happiness, she ends up in a real nightmare.
It gave me goosebumps to see how this once strong and confident woman was turned into a shell of her former self.
With Jay gaslighting her, controlling her and even more hideous things, she starts to doubt herself and her memories. 

It is a terrifying thought yet unfortunately it’s also a reality that someone who claims to love you, is set out on hurting you, playing you, making you look like an unstable fool.
So I was glad to see how Sophie found the strength to fight back (not literally), to get not only her freedom  but also her sanity back. 

Obviously things don’t go smoothly from the first time, and I was again flabbergasted to see how easily people can be put against the victim.
I realized myself that for Sophie to be truly free from her nightmare, there would be only one possible outcome…
And even then things didn’t go as presumably planned, how horrifying! 

This for sure isn’t the kind of book you want to read to pass time easily. It shows us the worst kind of people, who are set up on breaking those around them.
But it’s also about the resilience victims, but also people just in general have. Because even at their lowest moment they are able to find the strength to fight back, and have a determination to succeed to gain their freedom back…

Protect the Crown together, despite their feelings of…

Synopsis

She never forgot him…

Can she ever forgive him?

Part of Protectors of the Crown. Marguerite never expected to see Savaric again—let alone to have to help him when she finds him outnumbered in a fight. He’s the brooding knight she fell for two years ago, until he left her unexpectedly. Now Marguerite is a hardened spy, and wary of trusting him again. But how long can she resist their connection when they must work together to protect the Crown…?

My review

Marguerite and Savaric met two years ago in an unusual way. And while there was a purpose in their ‘meeting’, Marguerite couldn’t stop herself from falling in love with the Knight. Only to be heartbroken when he left her unexpectedly.
Now Marguerite is a spy for the Crown, and is forced to work together with the Protectors of the Crown. And that means working together with Savaric again…
Can they work out their differences to fulfil their task by stopping the Duo Dracone for once and for all? And what kind of feelings are the both of them truly having? And can Marguerite trust him again after everything that happened two years ago? 

I have enjoyed reading the previous parts of this series, so that made me very eager to read this book too!
While we have seen both characters preciously, we didn’t have the chance to get to know them better. And it sounded like music in my ears that these two side characters would have their moment in the spotlight too! 

Marguerite for sure has grown since her first appearance, and I liked it how she even made it to become someone of importance to the Crown. Her skills turned her into a spying asset.
She is also a strong, focused woman, not afraid to get her hands dirty whenever needed. And I for sure found it hilarious to see how she became a Knight in shining armour, to help ‘damsel in distress’ Savaric.
For sure I could understand her feelings towards Savaric and her distrust. That one time she put her trust and love in one person, he only ended up breaking her heart. 

Yet despite her personal feelings, she feels terrible to see how people are wary and even rude to Savaric because of the way he looks and his background.
In the time this story is set, Savaric’s appearance is not something common, and unfortunately people aren’t able to see beyond the colour of his skin and even doubt his intelligence. Something that unfortunately is still very current in the present…
Luckily Marguerite is not one of those kind of people, and sees Savaric for the man and Knight he truly is. 

While it was wrong what Savaric did two years ago to Marguerite, I could understand where he was coming from. He has his heart at the right place, but he is also very wary for the way people think. That causes him to do what he thinks is the right thing, but doing the opposite, hurting Marguerite in the process. 

It was lovely to see how both Marguerite and Savaric get a second chance for their love. If only it wouldn’t be that frustrating as a reader to get to that point!
It’s obvious that no matter how hard they deny it, those feelings of two years ago are easily resurfacing! And with the growth they have made in that time, it has come back with a vengeance! 

Of course there is also their quest to finally defeat the Duo Dracone… And seeing Marguerite, Savaric and the other Knights join forces to finally succeed had me sitting on the edge of my seat. It is always amazing to see where a woman shows her strength and isn’t just an accessory in a fight!
And seeing the other Knights and their spouses was a nice reunion! 

I truly enjoyed reading this story, about strong characters, fighting in their own ways against prejudices but also a common enemy. But I liked the most that Love finds a way despite all those prejudices, as it always looks beyond the surface. And that those that truly love you, aren’t afraid of those nasty voices that are talking behind your back or even straight in your face. People that love are ready for every fight they have to put up with (yet there shouldn’t be any fight at all!) as long as they can share their love with whom they love!

A Jarl and a servant can never be together, can they?

Synopsis

She can be his lover

…but never his wife!

Forced into servitude, Wren is quietly miserable…until Jarl Knud arrives at her settlement, seeking an alliance through marriage. Despite their initial sizzling attraction Wren despises everything the Jarl represents—and he needs a high-status bride to save his people, not a servant like her. As Wren uncovers the man beneath the fierce Viking chief she’s tempted to claim one forbidden night of passion…but will it ever be enough?

My review

Wren hasn’t know anything else than being a servant to Earl Ingrid. From a young age she grew up together with Ingrid. But Wren never forgot her place, as she was and always be merely a servant. And that makes her life rather miserable and all she dreams about is to gain her freedom one day, somehow.
When Earl Ingrid makes an alliance through marriage with Jarl Knud, Wren knows that things will change for sure, but she doesn’t know how exactly.
Because their first meeting is not in front of Earl Ingrid, yet at night, when Wren is taking a bath in the waters.
And Jarl Knud finds himself captivated by Wren… But Jarl Knud is only looking at marriage as a way to strengthen his forces, as he already let his people down once and won’t allow any enemy to cause them hurt again.
So no matter what they feel, or start to feel, thing can never evolve to something more and deeper… 

I don’t know why, by Viking romances always get somehow. I think it’s safe to say that we all have that Alpha – male figure in our minds when we think about Vikings, a man that will protect with his every might. And that as a reader we are ready to swoon all over him. 

Having read several of such stories, I was ready to enjoy this story from an author I know and that never disappointed me.
However…
This book got to me even more than I thought! 

First of all, there is Wren. Wren, who despite her situation, is a bright young woman. She cares about Earl Ingrid, yet she dreams of her freedom. Wren is the kind of character is a silent, even hidden character at the start, but will show immense growth.
Wren knows that her situation isn’t the best one, but she knows how to behave to have the best possible life with Earl Ingrid. 

Knud may not have made the best of first impressions, but not only his behaviour but also his set of mind made all up for his initial slip of the tongue.
I was not surprised of him not wanting to get married out of love, as having read many many stories where the male protagonist shares the same thoughts.
But when his past is revealed, and the pain he had endured, made my heart go out to him.
Yet that doesn’t take away the vision of Viking I had in my mind of him!  

I loved reading how Wren and Knud, despite their many differences are feeling drawn towards each other. And it saddened me that they both realize that nothing could ever come from it, as Wren is a servant, and Knud a Jarl, searching for an alliance by marriage (not out of love). 

Yet no matter their differences, they evolve in each other’s company. We see Wren becoming bolder by the minute, expanding her dreams and realizing how blank and dull her life has been until now. And we see in Knud a Jarl very protective of his people, admitting his failures and his fears, and slowly learning to open up, even if it is towards ‘nothing more’ than a servant. 

Even if towards the end it felt a tiny bit too rushed, I liked it how the author managed to tie all the loose ends, in some ways unexpected and in some expected.
I was surprised by Earl Ingrid’s behaviour and antics, yet I was surprised by the revelation of Wren’s parentage. 

There were many bits in this story that made the characters wiser and open – minded. I truly admired Knud’s vision concerning servants, with the help of his and our good friend. 

This story shows that love doesn’t follow a strict pattern. No matter what state of power you have, it’s not up to you to decide who you fall in love with. And even if you decide to not love again, that is not up to you.
Because everyone deserve to love and to be loved, and with love also come great power and it makes you grow as a person too!

A Jarl and a servant can never be together, can they?

Synopsis

She can be his lover

…but never his wife!

Forced into servitude, Wren is quietly miserable…until Jarl Knud arrives at her settlement, seeking an alliance through marriage. Despite their initial sizzling attraction Wren despises everything the Jarl represents—and he needs a high-status bride to save his people, not a servant like her. As Wren uncovers the man beneath the fierce Viking chief she’s tempted to claim one forbidden night of passion…but will it ever be enough?

My review

Wren hasn’t know anything else than being a servant to Earl Ingrid. From a young age she grew up together with Ingrid. But Wren never forgot her place, as she was and always be merely a servant. And that makes her life rather miserable and all she dreams about is to gain her freedom one day, somehow.
When Earl Ingrid makes an alliance through marriage with Jarl Knud, Wren knows that things will change for sure, but she doesn’t know how exactly.
Because their first meeting is not in front of Earl Ingrid, yet at night, when Wren is taking a bath in the waters.
And Jarl Knud finds himself captivated by Wren… But Jarl Knud is only looking at marriage as a way to strengthen his forces, as he already let his people down once and won’t allow any enemy to cause them hurt again.
So no matter what they feel, or start to feel, thing can never evolve to something more and deeper… 

I don’t know why, by Viking romances always get somehow. I think it’s safe to say that we all have that Alpha – male figure in our minds when we think about Vikings, a man that will protect with his every might. And that as a reader we are ready to swoon all over him. 

Having read several of such stories, I was ready to enjoy this story from an author I know and that never disappointed me.
However…
This book got to me even more than I thought! 

First of all, there is Wren. Wren, who despite her situation, is a bright young woman. She cares about Earl Ingrid, yet she dreams of her freedom. Wren is the kind of character is a silent, even hidden character at the start, but will show immense growth.
Wren knows that her situation isn’t the best one, but she knows how to behave to have the best possible life with Earl Ingrid. 

Knud may not have made the best of first impressions, but not only his behaviour but also his set of mind made all up for his initial slip of the tongue.
I was not surprised of him not wanting to get married out of love, as having read many many stories where the male protagonist shares the same thoughts.
But when his past is revealed, and the pain he had endured, made my heart go out to him.
Yet that doesn’t take away the vision of Viking I had in my mind of him!  

I loved reading how Wren and Knud, despite their many differences are feeling drawn towards each other. And it saddened me that they both realize that nothing could ever come from it, as Wren is a servant, and Knud a Jarl, searching for an alliance by marriage (not out of love). 

Yet no matter their differences, they evolve in each other’s company. We see Wren becoming bolder by the minute, expanding her dreams and realizing how blank and dull her life has been until now. And we see in Knud a Jarl very protective of his people, admitting his failures and his fears, and slowly learning to open up, even if it is towards ‘nothing more’ than a servant. 

Even if towards the end it felt a tiny bit too rushed, I liked it how the author managed to tie all the loose ends, in some ways unexpected and in some expected.
I was surprised by Earl Ingrid’s behaviour and antics, yet I was surprised by the revelation of Wren’s parentage. 

There were many bits in this story that made the characters wiser and open – minded. I truly admired Knud’s vision concerning servants, with the help of his and our good friend. 

This story shows that love doesn’t follow a strict pattern. No matter what state of power you have, it’s not up to you to decide who you fall in love with. And even if you decide to not love again, that is not up to you.
Because everyone deserve to love and to be loved, and with love also come great power and it makes you grow as a person too!

Can love find a way through all obstacles?

Synopsis

A sparkling, witty Regency set in the Scottish Highlands

Becoming a laird

…worthy of the Highland lady?

After an unexpected encounter with Eilidh MacDonald, Max Wood thinks this shockingly beautiful woman is unlike anyone he’s ever met! Working to restore the Scottish estate long neglected by his family, Max is achieving more than he thought possible. As a carefree second son, he’s never considered marriage—until now… But is shaking off his decadent persona enough to win the flame-haired lady who’s captured his heart?

My review

Max Wood has the perks of being the second son of his family. He has no responsibilities or cares, and can do as much as he pleases.
Yet it’s that same liberty that makes him feel like a real spare, useless…
When he meets Eilidh MacDonald, he cannot take his eyes off her. And he is more than willing to help her and her brother out to restore the Scottish estate neglected by his own family.
The more time they spend together, the more his feelings grow. But with his reputation and no liable prospects for the future, will Eilidh also fall for him as he did for her? 

This book is for me a very much anticipated sequel, as we have met both Max and Eilidh in A Laird In London, where Max’ sister Isabella falls in love with Eilidh’s brother Angus.
And there was already *something* in the air for Max and Eilidh, so I was very eager to read their story.
Although, it is not necessary to have read the previous book, but it will for sure help. 

What I liked about this book is that for a great part it just tells the same story as its predecessor, but from another point of view (or two actually).

And we get to know that Max is yes a bit wary of Angus and Eilidh, but once he knows them better, he is an amazing and kind friend, ready to help the both of them out, even if it means to act against his own brother. 

While it’s clear Max enjoys the freedom he has as being the second son, it’s also clear he has this restlessness over him. He feels unneeded, without a purpose and that even makes him feel inadequate.
And it saddened me because I could clearly see all his potential, if only he would ever get a chance to prove  it to not only himself but to everyone. 

Eilidh was exactly the exuberant character I expected her to be, from the snippets I knew of her beforehand.
She is outspoken, speaks her mind without fear, even in a place where she doesn’t belong like London.
I loved it how she has her own individuality, and also her own freedom. She also knows very clearly what she wants and won’t settle down for less. And even I could see how she wouldn’t ever be able to live in London, while her heart screams out the love she has for the Scottish Highlands. 

But that same outspokenness makes her also a bit prejudiced. She sees what she wants to see from Max, and initially she doesn’t see the real Max, but only the carefree Max… 

The more the book evolves, the more I got frustrated. And I mean this in the kindest way! Because despite the differences between them, there is also a lot that Eilidh and Max have in common. Yet they fail to see that themselves and allow the differences and even fear to hold back. 

I loved to read about a few twists in this story, as it put many pieces of the puzzle together. Those twists made it possible to Max to see and appreciate himself, and see his worth and importance. And for Eilidh they were the perfect solution for her problems of her feelings for Max. 

This was a great story to read, not only because of the romance. Because for sure the romance between Eilidh and Max was amazing to read. And also seeing their perspectives on their siblings’ romance was a nice addition.
But it was also about discovering that your position in your family doesn’t determine you. It’s up to you to make something of your life and build your own future. And why not, take that step that will show you your worth, but at the same time also will help out others.
But also that no matter how difficult it may be, try to see behind the façade that someone holds up, because when you truly look at that person, you may see someone amazing!

Never underestimate the determination of a woman, even in Regency…

Synopsis

‘Do you realise, Corinna, just how hard it is for a young woman of irregular birth, without family, fortune or friends in the world? Marriage is the only way to get any chance of a life.’

Following the death of her mother, Corinna Ormesby has lived a quiet life in the countryside with her cantankerous Cousin Agnes. Her father’s identity has been a tantalising mystery, but now at nineteen Corinna knows that finding him may be her only way to avoid marriage to the odious Mr Beech.

Deciding to head to London, Corinna dons a male disguise. Travelling alone as a young woman risks scandal and danger, but when, masquerading as a youth, she is befriended by three dashing blades, handsome and capable Alick Wolfe, dandy Ferdinand Shilton and the incorrigible Lord Purfoy, Corinna now has access to the male-only world of Regency England. And when she meets Alick’s turbulent brother Darius, a betrayal of trust leads to deadly combat which only one of the brothers may survive.

From gambling in gentleman’s clubs to meeting the courtesans of Covent Garden, Corinna’s country naivety soon falls away. But when she finds her father at last, learns the truth about her parentage and discovers her fortunes transformed, she must quickly decide how to reveal her true identity, while hoping that one young man in particular can see her for the beauty and Lady she really is.

My review

Corinna Ormesby has been living with her Cousin Agnes since the death of her own mother. However, at the age of nineteen, Corinna wants to discover who her real father is, whose identity is a mystery. Especially if that can avoid her marrying Mr. Beech.
With the help of her friend, she disguises herself as a young man and sets of to London, as travelling as a woman would cause too great of a scandal.
As Cory, she befriends three men, Alick Wolfe, Ferdinand Shilton and Lord Purofy. Without them knowing that their friend Cory is actual Corinna, they show her the perks of being a man in London.
But once she found her father, and discovering her true inheritance, her identity is quickly revealed, with consequences nobody could foresee, which involve Corinna, Alick, but also his brother Darius… 

I am always intrigued by stories where the main character is in search of her parentage. Add it with the charm of Regency and even a ploy, and I am even more eager to read it! 

Even if Corinna is ‘only’ nineteen, I liked her determination to find out who her father is. If I were in her shoes, I wouldn’t even know where to start, and I for sure wouldn’t take off on my own to London.
And her ability to have her best friend on her side, even reluctantly agreeing to help her out, only shows us how far she would go in search for her own happiness. 

Yet her just taking off, also shows a bit her ingenuity, especially when she quickly finds herself in the midst of a dispute and cannot defend herself, or at least how a young lad is expected to defend himself. 

But her innocence, if we can call it like that, also allows her to make very loyal friends, who take her under their wings, showing her, as Cory, what living in London entails. And they are ready to help her with her search for her father, even with their unawareness of her true identity of being a woman. 

I found it rather funny to see how Corinna is trying to keep pretending to be a man, but also starts to see how being a man can give her certain advantages that she wouldn’t have if she would be wandering around as a woman. 

And I found it great to see how there was such a comradery between all the men, even if Corinna is a rather new addition to the group.
All three new friends accept Cory in their midst, offering their help. But it also works the other way around, as Corinna turns out to be also an asset to their group. 

I have to be honest, while I immediately liked Alic, Ferdinand and even Lord Purofy, I never really warmed towards Alick’s brother Darius.
Not only his behaviour towards Alick himself, or even towards his own mistress, but his behaviour in general made me dislike him from the start of his appearance. A feeling that only increased the more I got into the story, as his actions become more and more selfish and unlikeable. 

Of course Corinna succeeds in her mission of finding her father, and the reunion truly warmed my heart, only to break it again way too quickly for my liking.
But that only added more fuel to the plot that keeps on thickening. 

The author managed perfectly to describe the scenery and made it very easy for me and the reader to see in our imagination what was going on, where it was taking place etc.
And I enjoyed reading this story about a young woman taking her destiny and future back in her own hand, by doing something unexpected but showing us that determination can take you far and make you find not only what you were looking for, but even more.

With this cover and blurb, aren’t you intrigued?

Synopsis

Cornwall, 2020

At the beginning of lockdown, teacher Carla Burgess needs to make some changes to her life. She no longer loves her job, and it’s certainly time to kick her on-off boyfriend into touch. But then, while walking on the cliffs she meets Mani Dolcoath, a gorgeous American with a dark aura.

Mani is researching his family history, and slowly their lives and their heritage begin to entwine. The discovery of a locked Georgian tea caddy in the barn on her parents’ farm intrigues Carla, but then she starts to see orbs, something that hasn’t happened since her grandmother died. They terrify her and she’ll do anything to outrun them, but will she lose Mani’s friendship in the process?

Cornwall, 1810

Harriet Lemon’s position as companion to Lady Frances Basset (Franny) perfectly conceals the fact they are lovers. But when Franny is raped and falls pregnant their lives are destined to change forever.

The one person who may be able to help them is Franny’s childhood friend, William Burgess, a notorious smuggler. But he has secrets of his own he needs to protect. Will his loyalties be divided, or will he come through?

Pre-order Link

https://getbook.at/LostHeir

About the author

Jane Cable writes romance with a twist and its roots firmly in the past, more often than not inspired by a tiny slice of history and a beautiful British setting.

After independently publishing her award-winning debut, The Cheesemaker’s House, Jane was signed by Sapere Books. Her first two novels for them are contemporary romances looking back to World War 2; Another You inspired by a tragic D-Day exercise at Studland Bay in Dorset and Endless Skiesby the brave Polish bomber crews who flew from a Lincolnshire airbase.

Jane lives in Cornwall and her current series, Cornish Echoes, are dual timeline adventure romances set in the great houses of the Poldark era and today. She also writes as Eva Glyn.

Social Media Links – 

Twitter: @JaneCable

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaneCableAuthor

Website & newsletter sign up: http://www.janecable.com

The cover