Sharing the house of your dreams is also sharing all the trouble.

Synopsis

Artist Abigail Carey has always dreamed of a life in the country and, when Winfield Hall comes up at auction, she’sdesperate to make the place her home. The only trouble is that businessman, Edward Townsend, has exactly the same idea.

With its position high on the Sussex Downs, Winfield is a stunning house, but it hasn’t been a home for a long time and there’s a lot of work to do to restore it to its former glory. It’sgoing to take a lot of time and money, so Edward and Abi decide to take a risk and share the house, each living in their own wing. 

But can these two strangers agree on a vision that suits them both? And will free-spirited Abi ever get the rather reserved Edward to reveal the secret he’s been hiding for so long?

The House in the Clouds is the first novel in a brand newtrilogy from the bestselling author of The Rose Girls and The Book Lovers series.

My review

Abigail Carey is an artist with her own business. Her ultimate dream is a life in the country, and Winfield Hall is the perfect location! So when the auction for the place is there, Abi is determined to buy the place.
But she didn’t count on losing the house of her dreams to businessman Edward Townsend who had exactly the same idea.

Winfield is situated on a beautiful location, high on the Sussex Downs, but being neglected for a long time, means that there is a lot to do to restore it to its former glory. As costs keep hitting the roof, Edward proposes Abi to share the house, each owning their own wing.

Two strangers sharing the same house, will they agree and find a common vision for this beautiful estate? And being so different characters, Abi being free – spirited and Edward more reserved, will they get along or will they clash over everything? And what secrets are they both keeping?

Whenever a book from this author is the next one to read, I cannot contain my happiness. I know that I will be enjoying it, and will be totally submerged in a beautiful story with lovely yet somehow little bit haunted characters, in a setting to dream away!

Sharing a house with a total stranger wouldn’t be something I would ever think about, but of course when it’s the house of your dreams, would you just let the opportunity pass?
So I understood Abi’s decision to just do it. How it all logically is possible, is still a bit of an enigma for me, but that is just a minor detail in the greater picture.

It’s obvious that both Abi and Edward have demons of the past still haunting them, and that made them decide to pack up and live in Winfield.
Sharing a house with a stranger doesn’t mean to share your past and secrets, especially with so different personalities.

I found this again a wonderful story, reading about how Abi finds her joie de vivre again, and ready to start all over again. But also reading what Abi her past was, how her passion for art started, found love and then how a tragic event made her leave everything, was heart – breaking. Yet I admired her determination to make her vision of Winfield work.

A little bit of Edward was told also, but after reaching the end, I still have many questions concerning his persona. Yet it was lovely to see how Abi manages to get Edward to slowly open up. I hope that these two characters will evolve in something more, but seeing how a tender friendship is being formed was putting a smile on my face.

Normally reading a Victoria Connelly story is an easy 5 star rating. However for this story I couldn’t give the jackpot, because if I am totally honest, the end came a bit too quickly for me. I truly enjoyed every bit of the book, but at the moment where I thought “Now we’re getting there!” I reached the end… and I wasn’t mentally prepared to abandon these beautiful people yet!
Of course, this is just book 1 of a trilogy, so I just *know* that that fifth star review is just looming around the corner! And I am already ready to read the next book, ready to sacrifice everything else that will occur during my reading session, just like I did with this one!

Which version is the real you?

Synopsis

When Willow walks out on her own wedding, there’s only one place she can go…

Growing up in the island village of Seaview, Willow always dreamed of a bigger life. Then her childhood sweetheart Luc betrayed her and she ran, resolving never to look back. Now, twelve years on, her glamorous London life is a mess and the island is her only option.

But she’s not the only one back for the summer. Luc is now a world-famous heartthrob musician, and he’s finally come home to headline the Isle of Wight’s annual music festival.

As Willow untangles her messy past, she stumbles on a secret that could destroy her family, the island’s fragile community – and her second chance at love…

My review

Moments before entering the church for getting married, Willow has a gut feeling that marrying Charlie isn’t the right thing to do. So instead of getting in, she runs away.
She goes back to the place she grew up, the island village of Seaview. When she was younger, she couldn’t wait to leave the island, especially after her first love Luc broke her heart.
But now that her life in London is a total mess, she needs the peace of Seaview again. However she is not the only one returning to the island… Luc, being a famous musician now, also returns for the summer, and is headlining the Isle of Wight’s annual music festival, organized by Willow parents.

Being back on the island doesn’t only mean the time to sort out their lives, but Willow also discovers a secret that would destroy everything she once believed in, her own family included…

When I started reading this story, I didn’t have an idea it would working with dual timelines. We get to know Willow and her doubts about not only her wedding but about who she really is and which place is her home.
But we also get to know about her mother Cathy’s past and what secrets she is carrying around.

The story already starts with a bang, when Willow decides not marrying Charlie. I had mixed feelings with this event, because when you’re not sure of the choice you are making, it’s courageous of making the decision of not going forward with it. But I didn’t understand Willow’s reasoning. Because she was in a relationship with Charlie for a rather long time, and she apparently had it all.
As often, there is more to her story than just having a small doubt, and slowly we get to see more glimpses of how her relationship with Charlie was.

But running away from her marriage was not the main subject of this book. Willow starts to realize since she got back at Seaview, that there are still things that happened in the past that she hasn’t processed. Not only the fact that Luc broke her heart many years ago and just left, but also the general feeling that she felt abandoned.

We also get to know Luc better. While reading Willow side of the story, I didn’t initially like Luc very much. But seeing his side of the story was an eye – opener. Learning what happened to him and seeing the struggles he is still having, warmed me towards him.

The attraction between Willow and Luc is just palpable from every page. It’s obvious that those first feelings of love are still there, but both characters know that it just isn’t the right place or time. Willow, just running away from getting married, knows she needs some Willow – time to decide what she wants for her future. And Luc’s life is in Nashville, and he just can’t leave everything behind. Also because there is something he hasn’t told Willow yet…

Cathy’s past was very enlightening, but at some moments I had difficulties understanding her motivations. Of course, being young, the call for fame and fortune and spending time with your idol is very alluring. But the more time passed, the more I just wanted Cathy to make the right decisions. And because of course she didn’t listen to me, it had consequences on Willow. And when Willow uncovers those secrets, everything she thought she knew, fell apart. But luckily she has Luc by her side, helping whenever and however he could

I loved reading how these two characters, with both demons to face, are slowly getting back in the comfort they had before and find it easy to talk with each other about almost everything. It was sweet to see how feelings of the past can get reignited again.

Music is a big player in this book. I have to admit, the genre isn’t really something I know a lot about, but discovering that the often reoccurring song is real, made me curious and I had to at least hear it once!
And maybe it won’t be the genre I will become a fan of, but it surely has its own charm and I understand it better now!

This book was something I needed to read on a moody, rainy, sad day. Before I know, I was totally into the story. I was reading page after page, chapter after chapter. It had surprising twists I didn’t see coming. Every time I thought I figured something out, it became clear I was on the wrong track.

It was beautiful to see how realization dawned that finding the real you means going back to your roots, giving yourself peace and rest and do what you loved doing. And it’s never too late to make amends when you were in the wrong and that love will always find a way…

When running away from something means running towards something else…

Synopsis

What if we’re all just searching for something?

Anna Stewart is lost. After barely surviving a car accident as a teenager, Anna is scared of settling. Flitting between jobs, boyfriends and homes whenever she gets bored, she has no idea what the future holds. Then her brother Brodie, minister of Glendale, suggests she moves to the beautiful Scottish village, lining up a housekeeper job for her at Glendale Hall.

Out of options, Anna agrees to the move, knowing that she can always run away again. Once at the hall, her culinary skills impress everyone, and she agrees to give Hilltop Farm’s new manager, Cameron, cooking lessons. Sparks fly between Anna and the handsome Scot, but Cameron is looking for love – something that Anna definitely isn’t.

But it’s wedding season at Glendale Hall, and Anna is about to discover that her new home has a way of working its magic on even the coldest of hearts. Will she really be able to just walk away, or could Anna have finally found a place to belong?

It’s summertime in the beautiful Highlands village of Glendale – pack your bags and come on holiday with this gorgeously uplifting, romantic read. Fans of Milly Johnson, Heidi Swain and Holly Martin will love this charming romcom.

My review

After barely surviving an accident as a teenager, Anna Stewart is running from one place to another, changing jobs and boyfriends whenever any sign of commitments are showing. She has no idea what her future will look like, and is ready for any kind of new adventure.
When her brother Brodie, minister of Glendale, offers her a temporary job as a housekeeper at Glendale Hall, Anna accepts the job, just for the summer before embarking for her holiday to Ibiza.
At the Hall, Anna finds herself impressing everyone with her cuisine. And so she is suddenly giving cooking lessons t Hilltop Farm’s new manager Cameron.
However Cameron keeps his distance with Anna, even if sparks fly around. And it’s clear that something happened that made him act this way.
What is still haunting Cameron, not allowing him to move forward? And will Anna find a place where she belongs? Or will she leave Glendale Hall for a new adventure?

I have read the previous parts taking place in Glendale, and I was already in love with the place. So returning back was something I was looking forward to!

Anna is a woman going from one place to another, still carrying the feeling of guilt since she had an accident when she was a teenager.
She changes jobs very quickly, or she leaves the place or she gets fired. But finding a place where she truly feels at home, is not something she already succeeded in.
I pitied Anna, because even if not all the details of the accident are known for the reader, it was exactly that, an accident.
But the mind has its own way of seeing things and Anna saw the fact that nobody talked about it, as a blame that it was all her fault.
And carrying around with that feeling, was just something that made me so sad, because it’s obvious what potential Anna has.

The same is for Cameron, there is something holding him back, and he also is carrying the sense of he is to blame of an event that happened in the past.
And that is the reason he keeps everyone at distance, because getting closer to anyone, would only mean getting hurt all over again, and his feeling that he is no good for everyone, is heart – breaking…

Both main characters have a past that is keeping them from moving on. They also have their own way of keeping back at feelings. Anna just goes from one place to another before things get too serious and Cameron uses being rude as a shield.
However, it’s obvious they are playing a part, that acting that way is not what they truly are. Once they show their true colours, it’s obvious that they are lovely, warm and kind people.

Of course it was also wonderful to see my old friends again, and seeing how well they are doing! But it still amazes me how amazing these people in Glendale all are. They respect Anna and her boundaries, but when necessary they show her that now she is part of the gang and they won’t let her just run away again without a fight!

The author manages all over again writing a heart – warming story about two people scarred by their past and scared of moving on. But finding someone having faced the same pain can start the grieving process and making it possible to look forward and see a range of possibilities. And having a bunch of unexpected friends fighting in your corner will make it possible to face your demons and knock the sense of guilt out. And is there a better place on earth than Glendale to start this process?

Not much can happen between sunrise and sunset, right?

Synopsis

As the sun rises on a hot summer’s day, four lives are about to be changed forever…

Brand new from the bestselling author of What If?, What Now? and One Day In Summer.

Today, Maisie McTeer decides to track down the ex who jilted her at the altar. Today, she’ll find out that revisiting the past can also rewrite her future.

After losing her husband, Harriet Bassett can no longer bear her lonely life. Today, a familiar face in a crowd will spark a quest to discover if there’s something and someone worth living for.

Scott and Kelly Bassett’s daughter is leaving home. Today, Scott plans to tell Kelly that he’s ending their marriage to pursue his rock and roll dreams.

However, Kelly, has a bombshell of her own. How will Scott react to the news that a new arrival is on the way to fill their empty nest?

Between sunrise and sunset, there’s love, heartbreak, laughterand tears, but who will find happiness at the end of the day?

My review

July, 3rd…
Maisie McTeer finds herself helping out her best friend Sissy. While Sissy is going into labour, Maisie is working on an event at the same place her ex jilted her at the altar.

Harriet Bassett in the meantime feels loneliness creeping in since her husband died. As being on a certain age, she doesn’t see the point of being alive anymore. If there is no one to care about, what’s the purpose of life when you have reached a certain age?

And Scott and Kelly Bassett are preparing to say goodbye to their daughter who is leaving home. And Scott is planning to tell Kelly he is going to chase his own dreams and is leaving her.
But Kelly also has something to tell Scott…

What will happen to these people in the course of one day? And how are their lives entwined?

I am always eager to read a story of this author, because I will never know where it will take me, but it’s a certainty I will enjoy it!

We are following 4 different people, on a different stage in their lives and all with their own problems.
Each character and the choice they are facing made me a bit sad.

Maisie with her wedding not going through and not processed it at all, feeling a bit lonely because her adopted sister has found her biological family while Maisie’s search has gone nowhere…
Harriet being truly alone and sad that she has to leave the hospital she was in, even if that made her feel more alive than before.
And Scott and Kate both having struggles in their marriage for different reasons and feelings that during the years have shifted…

I was curious to see how these so different stories would end up together. I could see how some people would have a connection but for some I couldn’t see the glue that would stick it all together.

But the author managed again writing different yet captivating yet connecting stories that was just impossible to put away. I liked each character, even if some more than others.
There were moments that were heart – gripping, showing us how lonely people can feel, despite the bravado they show to others.
And this story shows us also that sometimes what we see from a family is what they allow us to see and that we only see the surface.
But there were also so many sweet moments, how total strangers are accepting people into their lives without problems, how strong the connection of family can be, family by blood or not.

This was a beautiful story about how people who have nothing to do with each other find a common ground and how a random encounter can become so much more and truly life – changing.

Again, this story takes time between sunrise and sunset, and if you are like me, that will take the time to just devour this beautiful, heart – warming story with characters impossible not to love!

What else has life in store for Rose?

Synopsis

Rose has a promising future stretching out before her until a cruel twist of fate seizes it. Will she overcome her heartache as she tries to build a new life? Rose returns to the safe haven of Linwood colliery and her warm-hearted family. As she settles into life in the colliery rows, Rose makes an astounding discovery and a long lost family member appears who makes demands on them all..

Chrissie Bradshaw’s emotionally gripping historical reads have a northern Catherine Cookson vibe with a modern attitude. ‘Rose’s Ever After’ follows on from ‘Rose’s Choice’ yet it can be enjoyed as a stand alone novel

Read ‘Rose’s Ever After’ to follow the twists and turns of Rose’s eventful life. Will the rugged path ahead, full of challenges, lead her to a new ‘happily ever after’?

My review

Even if Rose had to store her dream of becoming a veterinarian, she is truly happy with her husband Danny and their little girl.
Even when her father informs her of his new marriage to Danny’s sister Grace, Rose realizes after a while that Grace is making her father truly happy and accepts the new addition to the family.
But it’s not all happiness that surrounds Rose… when a lost family member appears, it’s not the happy reunion Rose expected it to be. On the contrary, more problems arise and Rose does not know what the right thing to do is.
And then her heart truly gets crushed with the loss of someone she loved with all her heart…
Will Rose be able to overcome her heartache and make something of her new life?

It was a while ago when I read the first part of this saga, but everything came back rather quickly. But I truly recommend to read it before you start with this book. Not only because a lot of things would make more sense (necessary things are briefly explained) but also because it’s just a beautiful story!

I absolutely adored reading about Rose and her small family! Rose and Danny are just a wonderful couple to read about, how they support each other, are there for each other yet also aren’t afraid to reprimand when the other is in the wrong.
And their daughter is just adorable!!!

It’s obvious that Rose is not the kind of woman to just sit back and wait for her dearest husband to come back home from work. She wants to have something to do and is determined to somehow still follow her passion for caring for animals.

We see recurring characters but also new faces, people Rose befriends that are a true addition to the story.
When the moment comes that a long lost member of the family reappears, I was hoping it would be a wonderful reunion. All I wanted for Rose was that everything ended well, but the family member was far different from the kind family unit we know that the Kelly’s are. The actions of this person were just horrible and I couldn’t find anything that made me like that person.
And even now I have a sense that we haven’t seen the last of it!

When tragedy strikes, not only Rose’s heart broke, but also mine! I had a sense of injustice, because that character surely did not deserve that fate! Yet Rose shows again how resilient she is, because she knows she has to just pick up the pieces again and find a way to build a new life.

I loved this second chapter, despite the great loss of a beloved character. But Rose her courage and determination were admirable and shows us as a reader that it is possible to overcome grief and a happy end is still in store and it can be closer than thought.

This is a beautiful, heart – gripping story about all the possible curveballs life can throw us. But it shows us also that we all have a strength in us, even if it is hidden. And that strength will make it possible to get that happily ever after, even if it’s not the way we imagined it to be…

Ticklemore does it again!

Synopsis

Nell Chapman has always assumed that one (or the other) of her twin sons would help run her antique shop once they finished university. The boys, however, have other plans, when they announce they’re going backpacking for a year, leaving Nell feeling bereft and lonely.

Not only that, but with their father (her lying, cheating ex-husband) back on the scene and demanding half of the business, there might not be anything left for her boys to help manage when they return.

However, she hasn’t counted on the unexpected support of local landscape artist, Silas Long. And neither has she considered the possibility she might fall in love again – especially since Silas is so distant and moody, and has his own cross to bear.

Should Nell take a chance and risk her heart, or should she leave well alone?  And why has Silas painted her portrait if he doesn’t feel anything for her?

A perfect romantic read for fans of Heidi Swain and Sarah Morgan

My review

Nell Chapman is feeling lonely. After her divorce, she opened her own antique shop and deep down she always hoped that one of her sons would run it with her after university. But her dream is scattered when her boys tell her that they are backpacking for a year.
To make things even worse, her ex – husband now claims half of her business! And him being not a person to accepts ‘no’ for an answer, Nell fears that there will be nothing left for her boys.
Luckily she receives helps from an unexpected corner as local landscape artist Silas Long is ready to help her out.
Even is Silas is a bit distant and moody, Nell wonders if she could fall this mysterious man, with his own past still haunting him and his determination to keep feelings and Nell at a distance.
But if he doesn’t feel anything for Nell, why is he finding in her his new muse?

Before I even started reading one word of this new book, I was already happy.
I knew I would be devouring this story, and wouldn’t be disappointed.
It was lovely to see my old friends again and meet new people, already reserving a spot in my affections for them!

Nell managed to make me feel sad from the start. After divorcing her cheating husband, she had to start from scratch. Not only did she have to care for her boys, which she loves with all her heart, but she also had to manage to have an income.
Yet I also admired her determination to make her little shop work. She didn’t just sit back and pity herself. No, she thought what she could do and managed to start her own business.
As a mother, she may be a little bit overprotective, but she also knows that her boys have to make their own decisions and have their own life, no matter how much it breaks her heart.
The fact that her ex – husband doesn’t even bother with their sons, makes her more protective than before.

And is there a more despicable character than her ex? The way he acts and just think he can bully Nell into just handing over half of her business… I just wanted to jump into the book and kick him in an unpleasant place!

When Silas enters the story, it’s obvious that he is carrying a heavy burden, and just wants everyone to mind their own business. But when he sees Nell, he finds this urgency to paint her portrait. And maybe it’s typical for artists, but he sees something in Nell. Whatever that is, it reignites a small fire in him.
We start to see the real Silas and I surely understood why Nell finds herself attracted to him!

When Silas’ artistic eye catch a painting that could be a hidden treasure, he does the right thing and helps Nell discovering the past of the painting, without an inkling of gaining something for himself.
But also the way he wants to help Nell with her ex – husband and his sense of protectiveness, shows his true character that is just full of kindness!

Both characters have already a past, with happy moments but also with sad moments, that have in a way limited them in believing in a second chance for love and happiness. Yet whenever they are together, the attraction is obvious but also the fear is present.

I loved reading how these two wonderful people, who deserve the whole world, are growing closer. And that slowly not only trust is growing between them, but also a deeper feeling, allowing them also again to enjoy the perks of life.

This is truly a story that shows us that love can come in the most unexpected ways and that you only have to dare to grab that opportunity with both hands. Reading it surely put a smile on my face!

A rescue with unexpected consequences.

Synopsis

A challenging wife

For a warrior Viking

When Thorstein Bergson rescues a beautiful woman from a storm-tossed longship he little expects to broker a powerful marriage alliance with her. This high-status ice queen is not the comfortable wife this warrior chief is seeking, but maybe the bittersweet pain in Gyda’s eyes hides another woman beneath? The one he tasted that first night, when she kissed him with such pent-up longing…

My review

Thorstein Bergson is a Viking Chief who finds himself rescuing a beautiful woman from a storm – tossed longship.
He cannot wait until Gyda  just leaves again, because the only thing he sees is an ice queen focused on her possessions and not wanting to offer a helping hand.
Yet Gyda has her own demons from the past chasing her and she hopes that she can find help with her brother – in – law. She needs to rely on the help of Thorstein to reach her brother – in – law.
But the required help does not come in form the Gyda expected, nor what Thorstein needed.
An alliance is made and with two such strong characters, clashing is inevitable. Will they be able to find a common ground when there are so many differences between them? And will they be able to see the real person behind the masks?

If you need an example of how wrong first impressions and prejudices can be, read this book.

It’s obvious from the start that there is a right cause for Gyda wanting to leave the place she should be calling her home. Her marriage wasn’t one made of love but she made the necessary sacrifice to make sure her sisters would be able to marry out of love.
Not only has her marriage been a reason of distress, but also the way her husband’s son behaves was something I found repulsive.
And she has endured several losses, making her feel like she is alone on the world.
After so many disillusions it’s obvious she wants to find some kind of happiness elsewhere.

Even if not all the details of Gyda her past are known from the very beginning, I truly felt pity for her. Of course, in the past it was known that marriages were not of love, but for an own advantage. Yet there is very often just a kind of affection. But Gyda didn’t even that, on the contrary…
And when she thought she could find help in Thorstein, again she is facing prejudices and her true nature is not seen.

Even if Thorstein behaviour towards Gyda is all but warm, he keeps the best interest of his people at mind. He may not understand Gyda, but he helps her reaching her brother – in – law. And even his marriage is made out of need for his people. And this shows that he has his heart at the right place. But because it has been broken once, he doesn’t open up that easy for such feelings.

I loved reading how these two strong yet fragile characters are ‘forced’ to be together. And slowly they start to see how wrong with their opinions and start to see how the other person really is. Of course the clashing is always there, making me smile because I knew that in the end…
The evolution of the characters was a positive note, because not always this is very obvious in stories.
We see Gyda go from a bit a naïve girl in the past, to a determined woman that won’t let a man dictate her anymore. She is a woman with unconditional love and does whatever she can to protect her loved ones, even if that means sacrificing herself.

And Thorstein goes from a bitter man, disappointed in love, to a man ready to literally fight for his woman. And he is ready to admit his mistakes and also is able to see who he has in front of him. And when Gyda’s secret is out, he sees beyond what happened in the past.
Thorstein in the final chapters shows this lighter version of himself, demonstrating that broken hearts can be mended when the right person is found.

This was an entertaining story, bringing me to the times where Vikings were ruling the world. The author wrote about strong characters, not wanting to rely on each other, but finding common ground and learning that there is always more to a person than we initially think.

Synopsis

In the latest superhot tale from reader-favorite author Rachael Stewart, business owner Olivia Carmel is embracing her wild side, and PR expert Valentine Borettihas been hired to rein her in. But instead, Olivia is driving him wild…for her!

Seeing a client naked is no way to start a working relationship—especially when that client is stunningly sensual Olivia Carmel. When she invites me to watch her BDSM session in London’s most hedonistic sex club, she thinks I’m a stranger, not a PR expert sent to rein her in.

Watching Olivia awakens a hunger I can’t allow myself to feel. There’s no way I can work with her! But when she crashes her luxury car, I can’t sit on the sidelines and wait for her recklessness to turn fatal. She may kill me when she recognizes me…and when she learns a man sixteen years her junior has been hired to curtail her bad behavior.

I’m here to reawaken Olivia’s careful, rational nature. But instead she’s reawakening my desire…showing me just how well we work together in and out of the bedroom. As we fulfill each other’s naughtiest fantasies, and share our deepest longings, I realize I’m feeling more for my wayward client than lust. But can I convince Olivia to take a chance on love?

My review

Can a story get even more hotter?

After losing her husband, business owner Olivia Carmel is looking for several ways to lose control. And one way to lose control is going to a sex club in London and take part in a BDSM session. She even invites a stranger to watch her go into submission.
But the stranger is not just anyone… he is Valentine Boretti, a PR expert hired to rein her in, to avoid that her business will be affected by her behaviour.
When Olivia finds out who Valentine is, she is determined to not let a man dictate what she can or cannot do.
But instead of Valentine calming down Olivia, Olivia reawakens Valentine’s desire and naughty fantasies are being fulfilled.
However, how close will Olivia allow Valentine come? Because not only is Valentine sixteen years her junior, Olivia is not looking further than lust. Can Valentine show her there is more than just lust in store for them?

Before you start reading this story, turn of any heating, make sure there is a cool drink and have a fan nearby, because it is HOT HOT HOT!!!

The story already begins with a bang, as Olivia is in the bar ready to find a way to lose control and when she meets Valentine, the temperature only rises!
It’s obvious that Olivia has not always been that kind of woman (no judgement from my side if she were…) but losing her husband Nathan made her wanting to find that release she is longing for.
So yes, some parts involving her were really steaming, but beside those moments, I wanted to understand where her desire for submission came from.

The same goes for Valentine. When we see him in his ‘normal’ environment, he is this strict man, not truly enjoying life, being even a bit too precautious. Being a man in his thirties, not really a behaviour that you would expect.
But the same for him, I wanted to understand what caused this man to hold back so much.

The chemistry between Olivia and Valentine is ready to explode on each page, and despite their differences, they are at that moment exactly what they need for each other.
Not only is Valentine finding it impossible to resist Olivia, he also is able to give her what she needs. And Olivia is managing to awaken the passion in Valentine that was dormant.

But if it were only a story about sex, well, you could find that somewhere else.
But as we already have been spoiled by Rachael Stewart, this hot story is just so much more.
Both characters have a past that caused the current situation they are finding themselves in.
Olivia and Valentine are both strong characters, going through a whirlwind of emotions during the story.
And even if sometimes I didn’t agree with certain decisions made, I understood where that decision was coming from.

This story was hotter than hot, but is also shows us that letting go of control can be the ground of just finding yourself again. And that nothing, not even an age gap of several years, can stop for emotions to develop into something more. And that with the right person, fantasies can be fulfilled without prejudice and with acceptance of just how you are.

Again I was all but disappointed by this author!!!

How will the return of her first love change her life?

Synopsis

Does first love deserve a second chance?

Ava Flynn sometimes feels like the clothes donated to her charity shop have seen more life than her, but ‘maximum dedication for a minimal wage’ is what it takes to keep her mother’s beloved wildlife charity, All Critters Great and Small, running – especially in the village of Dapplebury, where business is certainly not booming.

But when Ava’s first love, Henry Bramlington, returns to the village, suddenly life becomes a little too eventful. Henry escaped Dapplebury many years before, but now he has the power to make or break the village he left behind – All Critters Great and Small included. Can Ava trust the boy who ran away to give both her and her charity a second chance?

My review

Ava Flynn proudly runs her charity, even if there are some strange or totally useless things donated. All the time she keeps the greater picture in mind: to keep her mother’s wildlife charity running. But no matter all the effort, business is not really booming in Dapplebury.
When suddenly Henry Bramlington returns home, changes are coming Ava’s and Dapplebury’s way. Can Ava trust her first love, and what are his ideas concerning the village? And is her charity All Critters Great and Small at risk? And is her heart also at risk?

Oh how much did I enjoy reading this story! it was captivating, funny, sweet but also with a few heart – breaking revelations…

I took instantly a liking to Ava, because she truly has her heart at the right place. She runs a charity shop, does whatever she can to keep her mother’s dream alive and is truly a good friend to Mary and Gino. And the love she has for her sweet Myrtle… just adorable!
Ava is the kind of person you want to have in your life.
She is also surrounded by the best of friends. Mary and Gino are always there for her, even in the hardest moments. And even if sometimes Mary could be very frustrating, you couldn’t not love her!

Henry was initially a harder nut to crack… he was all mysterious about what his vision was Dapplebury so I had all the time my fingers crossed that it wouldn’t be a bad thing, because I really really really wanted to keep on liking him!

There is some history between Ava and Henry, even if it was really sweet and innocent back then. But now being adults, they realize that they haven’t truly every forgotten each other and the way they felt. And reading about these two people, with their own past somehow still  haunting them.

But this isn’t the cutest couple around. My heart was lost the moment it was clear that little Myrtle was pregnant! And father – to – be was Granger. Ooh how adorable these two dogs just are! And even the puppies made me want to jump into the book and I wanted to be surrounded by them!!!

However if it were ‘just’ a romance, I would enjoy it, yet this story was more captivating because of how the whole community is a close unit. Everyone takes care of each other, and have the best interest of Dapplebury in mind.

When some secrets of the past were uncovered, it was truly heart – breaking because that event didn’t only had a consequence on only one person. And even in a place like Dapplebury where secrets are an unknown concept, the villagers who know, realize this is not something to gossip around.

I found this a beautiful, sweet story about second chances. But also about beautiful people who deserve the best and people who truly care about each other, in every sense of the word.
Each character stole a piece of my heart, and after reaching the end, I was both sad and happy. Happy because I enjoyed every bit I read, but also sad because I wanted to stay in Dapplebury!

When a son with your enemy makes you re-think of everything…

Synopsis

His first love

Now his sworn enemy…

What is Fiona MacDonald doing on the run across his lands? With a wee baby as well! Brandon once loved this woman with all his heart―until her family killed many of his clan. Now, as the new Campbell Laird, he must make sure she pays the price for her betrayal. But how can he claim his vengeance if what she says is true…? That her child is his son and heir!

My review

Brandon Campbell is the new Laird of his clan. Normally that title is preserved to the oldest brother, but when the MacDonald clan attacked them and killed many people and family from Brandon’s clan, It literally made his brother crazy over grief.
Not only did Brandon lose people from his clan, but he has been also betrayed by the woman he loved. Because Fiona MacDonald was the reason that her father knew about the secret tunnels that were a way to make all those victims.
Now he finds Fiona on the run across his lands, and with a baby she claims that is his. How can Brandon find a way to make Fiona pay for her betrayal without taking her from his son?

I always enjoy reading a story that is taking place in the past. It doesn’t matter if it is a century ago, or even more, I am always intrigued to read how life was back then and how, even if it’s fiction, people fall in love and fight against everything for their own happiness.
So having read several of such stories, I was curious to see how this author would manage to write her own story, without falling in repeat compared to other stories.
And did I get what I wanted? ABSOLUTELY!!!

From the very start, I felt sorry for Brandon. He is the new Laird, even if he never had such aspirations. But once the reason was made known, my heart ached for his loss. The attack by the MacDonald Clan was brutal, making victims everywhere, not making a distinction between women and children.
And reading that his brother lost his own wife and child, made things even worse.
But the real heart – break was the moment that he realized that the woman he loved, was the reason that the attack had been so easy.
So yes, I understood that Brendon wants to make Fiona pay for all the pain she caused.
But the dilemma of making her pay or let the mother of your child live, I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes!

Even if I also had my prejudice towards Fiona initially, I had to quickly readjust my view of her. As usual, there is more than meets the eye, and in Fiona’s case it is not that she easily betrayed Brendon and his love.
Fiona has learned the hard way that nobody can be trusted, even the people close to her. And now she is literally on the run from her family…

Both characters are showing true emotions, with doubt with every kind of decision they make. It’s not only if they can trust each other again, but also about doing the right thing for everyone. Brendon’s clan wants payback, but Brendon’s heart still belongs to Fiona, no matter what happened in the past. And Fiona feels abandoned by Brendon and she surely does not want to see him getting married to another woman. So should she stay or should she go, taking a baby away from his father?
The both of them are afraid to give in to their reignited feelings, but isn’t the thing that would hurt us the most in a worst case scenario be the most worth?

I enjoyed reading this story, because it was about characters having endured terrible things, yet being somehow able to show forgiveness. They both have the greater picture in mind, caring for adorable little William, even if it is something that will cause a lot of havoc for other people.

I found it an entertaining story, with sweet moments, also heart – breaking ones, some actual action and that even the greatest grief can be overcome. And that the instant love for a small child can be the re-start of an old love, if we only dare to stand up and do what our heart inspires us to do.