Revenge is best served cold

Synopsis

Don’t get mad. Get even.

Kate Whitaker has always believed in love, but when a stranger named Willem shows up on her doorstep, the news he has to share isn’t as exciting as his god-like looks might suggest. He’s come to tell her that Kate’s fiancé is also engaged to his sister.

Kate doesn’t know how she didn’t see the red flags: Jon’s work as an airline pilot having him flying around the globe, the postponed dates, the huge rock of an engagement ring that isn’t her style at all.

Overcome with fury – and entranced by the Nordic god’s piercing blue eyes and quiet allure – Kate agrees to accompany Willem to his hometown of Amsterdam to help break the news to his sister. Yet what begins as a simple gesture of support soon twists into a deliciously devious plan to get back at Jon.

Kate is drawn into a world of retribution, revenge and – unexpectedly – romance. Because sometimes the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else…

A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about broken trust, sweet revenge, and the surprising places we find love. Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Emily Henry.

My review

Kate Whitaker does not know what to believe when a complete stranger is at her door. Especially as that stranger, Willem, claims that Kate’s fiancé is already engaged to his sister. Of course Kate is wary of those claims, even if with Jon being an airline pilot things aren’t always easy. But with clear evidence, it’s clear that Willem is telling Kate the truth. Now Kate is plotting on revenge, but first she must do something else: go to Amsterdam with Willem, and inform his sister of Jon’s real nature. In Amsterdam Kate quickly bonds with Willem, while he is showing her around. And even when a new victim of Jon’s shenanigans arises, the pair work together to stop Jon for once and for all. But revenge is not all that is on their mind, because the more Kate and Willem are together, the more the attraction grows. But Kate cannot possibly fall that easily again for a man, can she? Even if he looks like a Nordic God and is just an amazing person in general.

Yup, I started this book with one of the biggest smiles possible. Not only because it is a book of the amazing Sandy Barker, but also because I would return to the wonderful people of the Ever After Agency!

This book though not only does start off differently than the other books of the series, but is also works in a complete different way. Because Kate’s goal is not to find love, but to get even with her ex – fiancé. And while I had all the faith in Sandy and her writing abilities, I was also very curious how this story would be evolving and how the Ever After Agency would be involved, as this for sure isn’t what they normally do.

I felt sorry and I even pitied Kate at the start of this book. Because it must be terrible to not only discover that your fiancé has been lying to you, but to discover it by a stranger at your door. I can imagine her shock and the devastation.

Yet it couldn’t have been easy to agree to go with Willem to Amsterdam to break the same news to his sister. That shows that no matter how devastated Kate is herself, she is concerned about other people. And that she wants to do the right thing, no matter how difficult it may be.

She has an imminent complicity with Willem, they connect immediately, despite the circumstances they meet.

Willem… as a Belgian, my standard settings are to like the inhabitants of the Netherlands. But Willem could be even French, Chinese, African, Australian, I don’t care, as he is just a great person. He is perhaps a bit overbearing towards his sister, but it is also all done because of love. He is very protective of her, something very recognizable, as I have the same protective brother! Although I doubt he would go as far as Willem in order to protect me 😊.

But he is not only protective of his sister, as he gets to know Kate better, he shows her the same protective streaks. What a man he is! Can I get his address in Amsterdam please?

Of course as Kate has just ended her relationship with Jon one – sided, the last thing she is looking for is a new romance. But when ever did love stop because it wasn’t the supposed right time? And don’t we often say that love comes on your path in the most unexpected times and ways?

So I absolutely loved seeing Kate and Willem together, on a joined quest that is bringing them more and more together over time, in different places too.

Yet I still had one major question: how would the Ever After Agency, and the lovely Poppy fit in with the whole story?

Because let’s be honest, it is her job to match people, and not help with revenge plans. However, this is also a peculiar situation, and the sense of right and wrong is very strong with Poppy. And as there is a friendship being formed with Kate, Poppy just want to help out.

I liked reading how everyone in the agency, not only Poppy truly sympathizes with Kate and her situation, and they all want to help her out, within the lines of legality of course.

I need to say one thing, that isn’t that important in the story at all, but as a Belgian, sharing many recipes and dishes with our neighbours, I was over the moon with the appreciation of bitterballen! BITTERBALLEN FOR LIFE! 😊

Saying that I devoured this book, is an understatement. Is there a superlative of devouring? Well, whatever that word is, I did that! 😊

Sandy Barker showed us once again what an amazing author she is, adding a wonderful story to an amazing series. And with changing the storyline, she shows us not only her talent, but also that love comes in whatever form and shape it wants to come.

And my application for the Ever After Agency is still valid, as I want to find my perfect match with the help of Poppy! 😊

A getaway to write a book…

Synopsis

Jessica is escaping to the Greek Retreat to discover if running away from a broken engagement really can lead to a happy ever after. She doesn’t believe life works that way, but her future could depend on it.

The Greek island of Kynos is an idyllic hideaway, offering its visitors the space and time needed to truly appreciate the traditional hospitality. The locals are always friendly and ready to entertain their guests, while the daily activities offer many different ways to explore the island and its heritage.

Jessica is hoping The Retreat will provide everything she needs in order to plan for a successful future, but has she left it too late?

The Greek Retreat is a trilogy of standalone tales full of sunshine, surprises and love.

My review

Jessica has written a successful series, but with the task to write something new, she does not know where to find her inspiration. Hoping to get over her writer’s block, she decides to head of the Greek Retreat, on the idyllic island of Kynos. The visitors are there able to find the peace and qualm they are seeking, and in Jessica’s case, hopefully a story that awaits her. The inhabitants of the island itself are welcoming Jessica, providing to all their needs and also the necessary entertainment when required. Slowly Jessica starts to write down what comes to mind, also making her wonder where her future truly lays, and if perhaps some things she left behind, she left it too late?

When I started this book, I thought that it would be about yes, Jessica trying to find inspiration to write a book, but all the while trying to overcome her own heartbreak. And as it’s been used in many other books, finding romance on the island.

So I was in a way happy that my initial thoughts were wrong, because why does a wonderful story always has to start with a heartbreak?

I am always in awe of people that are able to write (wonderful) books. I for sure don’t think that I would be able to do that, as my ideas would be like thirteen in a dozen, and I would be very repetitive. So I was eager to not only get to know Jessica better, but also to have a peek at her writing process and where she would get her inspiration from.

I have never been to Greece, although for sure it’s on my bucket list, despite the too many tourists visiting. Yes, I know I am being hypocritic, as I would be a tourist visiting the area. But perhaps the Greek Retreat would be more my thing, as it would provide me all I need of a vacation, alongside the peace and quiet I also long for.

Just like Jessica does, in order to find some kind of inspiration. Jessica isn’t facing any kind of real trouble in her life, but she feels the pressure of writing something great. And that pressure is making it not only more difficult, but makes Jessica also doubt herself. And that is something recognizable for us all, isn’t it. Haven’t we all wondered more than once that if we were good enough, if we were able to fulfil expectations. Or did we already give our best and are we just getting ready for failure?

Of course when Jessica arrives on the island, she needs to find her way around it. Even if there are some strange encounters with a few inhabitants (okay, just the one 😊), Jessica quickly makes new friends. New friends that are able to give her the right inspiration for her book.

And it was great to have a story in a story. Because we have sight into the whole writing process Jessica is going through. From having an idea, to discard other ideas, to get frustrated when they don’t coma quickly enough. To even get angry when the fictitious characters take their time for the romance to take off.

Writing a book is not an easy task, and here we get to see how difficult it actually can be, that it isn’t just a matter of putting words on paper. Even the simple task of giving your characters a name isn’t just that straightforward…

But beside Jessica getting on with her book, it is also a story about self-reflection. We see how Jessica not only finds her mojo back, but she also finds herself back. She starts to see and understand that what she has at home is a good thing, and that perhaps she needs to show her appreciation more. And perhaps that is also something we need to realize ourselves, the grass isn’t always greener, and that we have to be happy with what and who we have in our lives. And that is not just applicable in romance but in life in general. In a world where we share everything with everyone online, or to be more correct, the perfect snippets, we have to see the reality and not the fantasy. With Jessica being offline during her retreat, she sees exactly that, the reality and the beauty of that reality.

I enjoyed reading this peaceful story. It for sure was a surplus having two stories for the price of one as we get to see how Jessica’s writing story evolves. Having an insight in the process of writing a book for sure made my respect for authors increase. And of course I enjoyed spending time on a beautiful island, on a Retreat that I might need myself! 😊

An arranged marriage, but to whom?

Synopsis

The gorgeous and spicy new romance from Emma Orchard, perfect for everyone waiting for their next Bridgerton fix!

June, 1817

Sir Dominic De Lacy – one of the season’s most eligible gentlemen – has recently proposed marriage… to a woman he scarcely knows. But his father’s choice for him, Miss Maria Nightingale, seems amiable, and at 29, Dominic cannot live the life of a bachelor forever. He hopes he can provide a happy future for her as they learn to care for each other.

Maria, however, has other ideas. Midway through their engagement celebrations, she confesses to Dominic that she is not Maria at all, but her identical twin sister, Margaret. Maria has disappeared, and Margaret’s been persuaded to take her place until she’s found – and for that she needs Dominic’s help. The pair quickly find they make a formidable team, but with just three weeks to avoid the biggest scandal of the season, time is against them.

But even if they find Maria, can they really hope the wedding will happen? Because, as they are starting to realise, chemistry can’t be arranged – and Sir Dominic might just be engaged to the wrong Miss Nightingale…

My review

Sir Dominic De Lacy might be the most eligible gentleman, but his mind isn’t set at getting married at all. That is until he hears from his mother that it was his father’s last wish to see him marrying Miss Maria Nightingale. So even if he doesn’t know the young lady at all, he cannot ignore his father’s wish. And he hopes that one way or another he can give Maria a happy marriage, especially as after a first encounter, he finds Maria rather amiable. But the person he has met, isn’t Maria at all, but her twin sister, Margaret. Margaret is posing as her twin sister since Maria disappeared. And Margaret doesn’t want anything more than finding her sister. Even if that means confessing to Dominic who she really is. Deciding to join forces, they are on a quest to find Maria and why she disappeared. But it’s also a race against the clock, as the wedding date is set, and coming closer and closer. Will they find Maria in time for the wedding? Or will the joined forces cause a scandal the pair of them didn’t foresee at all?

There are plenty of Regency – stories in the world. There are also plenty of swapping places stories in the world. But the combination of these the two? Well, I am not that sure that there are that many. And add a layer of steaminess, and I am sure that a search would not give many results.

Luckily, we have Emma Orchard who took matter in her own hands, and gave us an amazing story, with exactly all the above!

In Regency, things aren’t done like they are done now. Marriage isn’t about love, but about gain. And even in this book, the initial arrangement is more about what to gain than two people that love each other.

But where in many books, in arranged marriages, there is a party that is just wrong and even evil, it’s clear that both parties in the arrangement are both lovely characters, forced to wed for reasons outside their own volition.

Of course, as a reader, we know that Maria is in fact Margaret, impersonating her twin after Maria just went missing. And I liked that about Margaret, the lengths she is going to not only cover for Maria, but how she also wants to find her sister.

It wouldn’t be so strange in normal circumstances, but the more I read the book, the more I understood that there is nothing normal in Margaret’s family. Things ended badly between her father and her mother, causing a literal separation between the twins. And that also gave them complete different upbrings and a total different character development.

But it was sweet to read how despite the distance, the sisters kept in touch, writing to each other about their lives. So Maria’s disappearing without Margaret just having a clue why, for sure raised several question marks in my head too.

Luckily, Margaret finds a surprising ally in Dominic. He wants to help Margaret with her search, and not only for his own best interests. He is truly invested in finding Maria, as he wants to know her reasons, and also as he sees in how much distress Margaret is. If that isn’t a proof of his good character…

Dominic is truly a good man. While many others would have been furious about Margaret’s deception, he is ready to listen to her reasons, and shows a lot of compassion. Not only that, but he offers to help Margaret to find her sister.

Now, obviously Dominic himself has his own problems, as he cannot understand why his father’s dying wish was to see him married to Maria. That doesn’t match with the relationship he had with his father…

Slowly we get to learn that there is more than sees the eye in this book. More is being revealed about not only Maria’s disappearance, but also about the reasons for the wedding. And let me tell you, it goes darker than imagined.

Luckily, there are plenty of lighter moments too, and it was funny to see how Margaret attempts to impersonate Maria. But it was also nice reading how Dominic and Margaret are bonding during tie, no matter how pressing that time is.

It doesn’t come as a surprise that not only things heat up, but also how feelings start to develop. And I more than liked reading how the heart in fact sees more than the eyes in fact do. Because even if Dominic has no interest in Maria whatsoever, there is something he cannot deny or ignore with Margaret.

In this book we see not only an unlikely collaboration, but also developing emotions, a perhaps inexplicable connection. And of course several heated moments.

I liked it how this author put so much depth in a book, depths that perhaps weren’t expected or required. Yet it only added more to the story itself, which perhaps initially may seem like an easy read, but shows us real characters, in a setting where things aren’t that evident at all, yet makes all the characters that matter even braver and likeable.

Some things are just written in the stars…

Synopsis

Charlotte James prefers having her head in the stars to having her feet on the ground.

Moving around for her job as an astronomical archivist gives Charlotte plenty of opportunity to avoid putting down roots. When she accepts a post in the idyllic Somerset village of Lower Brambleton to archive an old observatory before its demolition, all that is on her mind is a chance to preserve the treasures of this remarkable place and another summer without having to settle down.

Tristan Ashcombe is managing the development of Observatory Field and as far as he’s concerned, the sooner the observatory is razed to the ground the better. The building holds complicated memories for him and his family, memories he’s ready to put behind him.

But as Charlotte’s work begins to unravel mysteries from a complex past, she realises that there’s more to Tristan and Lower Brambleton than first impressions would suggest. Will Charlotte discover more than she bargained for, will she manage to avoid losing her heart in the process or is her fate already written in the stars?

My review

As an astronomical archivist, Charlotte is used to move from one job to another, from one place to another. Perfect for her, as she isn’t ready to putting down roots anywhere. When an old observatory in Lower Brambleton is set for demolition, she accepts the job during summer of archiving everything before the building goes down. When on a walk around the premises, Charlotte meets Tristan, who is managing the development of the Observatory Field, instead of getting along, they start off on the wrong foot, for more than just one reason. Charlotte slowly learns that Tristan’s life is entwined with the observatory, in a terrible and devastating way. And that it makes sense that Tristan cannot wait to bring the whole building down. However, while working, Charlotte discovers that the past has been keeping secrets, secrets that make her understand not only Tristan even more but also Lower Brambleton itself. And could it be that the more she discovers, the more attached she become, to not only the place, but also to Tristan, no matter how badly they started off?

My knowledge of stars isn’t that great. Yes, I like to watch a beautiful starry night, but please don’t ask me about any constellation, because I know that I wouldn’t be able to find one or point it out.

Yet that doesn’t stop me from dreaming away with the stars…

I am the kind of person that rather likes to stay close to home. Even now that I live on my own, I am not that far away from my parents, and I like the ‘smallness’ of my hometown. Of course I enjoy travelling around the world (well, around Europe, never went further than that 😊) but I am also every time glad to be back home, in the comfort of what I know.

But I also know that not everyone is like me, and that there are people out there that don’t share my same feelings. And that is of course okay, nobody is the same.

In that aspect, I was curious to get to know Charlotte better, I wanted to understand her and I wanted to know why she doesn’t want to stick to just one place.

I was also curious about her job, as I wanted to learn what exactly that entails, as while reading this book, it was the first time I heard this kind of career.

While Charlotte for sure has people looking out for her, while on her ‘quest’ during the summer, I couldn’t shake of the feeling that in a way Charlotte is also a lonely person. And it felt like her inability of setting her roots in one place, was because of she hasn’t found the right people to set roots with. People that make her feel that she belongs, that people are looking after her, and caring about her.

And the moment she arrives at Lower Brambleton, everything just fell into the right place. Now, as readers, we know that someone it will, but still seeing Charlotte develop in the story and perhaps finally feeling at home somewhere, was just amazing.

I liked it how she also had an immediate connection with the observatory itself. It may sound a bit strange, to have a connection with a building, but you will understand it when you are reading this book yourself.

A connection that Charlotte doesn’t have wit Tristan when they first meet. Or on their second meeting, or third…

To say that Tristan is complicated, would be an understatement. Yes, he is grumpy and rude initially, but I could also understand him, as the observatory has been neglected and anything could happen, no matter how much you are looking out.

Yet we also quickly see a gentle side of Tristan, whenever his family is involved. He cares deeply about his family, looks out for them, and wants to protect them from anyone and anything that could possibly hurt them.

Between Charlotte and Tristan there are initially many misunderstandings, and there is a lot of wariness. They both have high walls built around themselves, and especially in Tristan’s case, I couldn’t blame them.

Yet when Charlotte is on a discovery path, and the pair are spending more time together, those walls slowly starts to fall apart, and they start to see each other behind the façade. And them being able to finally see what we have seen from the start, was just amazing.

Charlotte and Tristan are both people that slowly learn to let people back in. That is not easy, and seeing them grow in this book, was a real treat for the readers.

There is also a little bit of mystery, as Charlotte is making several discoveries in this book, involving Tristan’s family too. That only added extra layers to the story, that already captivated me without the extra addition. But of course, more is always better, isn’t it? 😊

Even if the world of astronomy is not something that I know all that well, the world of Charlotte and Tristan for sure was my cup of tea. I loved being on the journey with them, seeing their characters evolve, open and showing their beautiful persona.

When something is so forbidden…

Synopsis

A SPICY Billionaire forbidden romance from USA Today Bestseller Amy Andrews

Cocktail waitress Kelsey Armitage needs her job on board the Callisthenes cruise ship. Nursing a broken heart and an empty bank account, her trust is destroyed and she’s vowed never to fall for a man again. Instead, she’s only in the mood for one-stands. Not Happy Ever After’s.

But when a mysterious passenger orders a drink from her, she’s powerless to resist him. And soon one night turns into stolen and illicit moments at every opportunity. But romances with the passengers is strictly forbidden… and Kelsey is enjoying breaking all the rules.

Brooding billionaire Ari Callisthenes, heir to a Greek shipping line is undercover on his own cruise liner. His standards are impossibly high but his business is underperforming. He’s determined to find out why. However, he doesn’t expect the instantaneous chemistry with sexy cocktail waitress or the whirlwind fling they find themselves entangled in. She awakens a part of himself he believed dead. But a future together is out of the question because he can’t tell her who he is…

My review

Kelsey Armitage has learned a difficult lesson. Not only is she having a broken heart, but she also has been left with an empty bank account. With the worries of her mother’s health, Kelsey is now working as a cocktail waitress on a cruise ship. No matter how overfriendly some of the passengers are, Kelsey has vowed to never fall for a man or in love again. Also, it is strictly forbidden to fraternize with guests on the cruise ship.
Yet when a passenger orders a drink, trying to resist is futile, and they agree on having a one night of fun. But one nights turns into two and into more.
However, what Kelsey doesn’t know is that Ari is in fact Ari Callisthenes, heir of the shipping line Kelsey is working for and is in fact working undercover, to discover why this specific cruise liner is underperforming.
And no matter his own grief, he is flabbergasted by the chemistry he has with Kelsey. But he is not ready to let go of his own demons, as he already had his great love. And there is also the fact that Kelsey doesn’t know his real identity…
So what will happen when the cruise is over? Will it also be the end of their fling?

When I started with this book, I thought that the story would be limited on only the cruise ship itself and the ‘action’ that would take place in the cabins. And I  also thought that it would be mainly about the sexual attraction between Ari and Kelsey. Yes, of course there is a lot reading about those sparks, but it is also about hurt people, grief, overcoming that grief, and there is also room to talk about a toxic work environment.

I am not a believer when someone says they won’t give love another chance. Because no matter whap happened in the past, no matter how much you got burned, you will never know who will cross your path. So never just give up on love because of a past that broke you.

So even if I didn’t agree with Kelsey’s or Ari’s look on love, I for sure admired Kelsey and had respect for Ari for their own unique ways.

Liking Kelsey was easy. She is not in an easy position, with a mother that soon will be needing special care, yet Kelsey does not have the possibility to provide for her. Not because Kelsey doesn’t want to, but because she and her mother have been betrayed by Kelsey’s ex. But even that serious setback doesn’t stop her for being the best possible daughter she can be. Even if that means going on cruises, working hard and being away from her mother.

Yet you cannot deny that her sacrifices are for the greater picture, the dream she wants to realize for not only her own happiness but mainly for her mother’s. Let me assure you that not everyone is such a devoted child to their parent!

Not only is Kelsey a great daughter, but she is also a woman with a good sense of what is right and what is wrong. When she sees something wrong, she wants to make it right again. Already that is a wonderful treat, but what makes it even better, is that she doesn’t throw the culprit blindly under a bus. She follows the rules, hoping sometimes in vain that those in the right position will take the necessary steps and measurements.

With what happened to her, I could understand why she has sworn off love, but a woman like her deserves to have a special someone in her life, that makes her feel special…

The same can be said of Ari. I cannot imagine how terrible it must to be lose the love of your life. But his reaction to it, his grief and pain, it sounded so real, palpable… My heart truly went out to him, as it for sure is all so unfair… But isn’t that what everything thinks over a terrible loss?

As the cruise he is o, is one that is underperforming, I could understand and follow why his family wants exactly him to go undercover. We all know that sometimes going away from everything and everyone is exactly what the heart and soul need to heal even just a little bit.

When we read about billionaires, in books or even in real life, I think it’s fair to say that we have some kind of prejudice towards them. And some people/characters prove us right, while others like Ari, show us that yes, we can be wrong about them.

Ari is rather stoic at the start of this book, but I cannot blame him… Yet we also see that he is also a righteous person. When he sees an injustice, he takes matter in own hands, and does the right thing.

It’s obvious that behind his stoicism is hidden a warm, kind – hearted man. Yet he needs something, or rather someone to melt all the ice that surrounds his broken heart…

So when Ari and Kelsey cross paths, and sparks start to fly, I was happy for the both of them. Even when it just start as a one – night – stand, an itch to get rid of, it’s just impossible to stay away from each other… Even when Kelsey doesn’t know who Ari truly is, and even if fraternizing with passengers is forbidden, with a lot at stake.

But the heart wants what it wants, and it for sure causes several heated moments. But not only heated moments in the you – know – what – I – mean but also in the sense that it makes the ice melt around both their hearts, it makes the walls crumble around their hearts.

This was indeed a steamy romance, but it goes deeper than just that. Because we see here two people totally broken by love. They have to learn to open their hearts again, to let love again back in.
And yes, perhaps it goes all rather quickly, but is there a correct timespan? Especially with Kelsey’s and Ari’s background…
I really enjoyed reading this book, as it shows that no matter what happened to you in the past, no matter how much love has hurt in the past, you and everybody, and love itself also, deserve a second chance.

Can a fresh start chase away the demons of the past?

Synopsis

Spring is in the air in Starr’s Fall, and for two people, love may be just a roll of the dice away…

As the frozen earth gives way to the first spring crocuses, pushing their way into the warmer air, Maggie arrives in Starr’s Fall. She’s looking for a new start, with her lovable but painfully shy teenaged son in tow.

It feels like the odds are against her, but she’s determined to come out winning this time, and to fulfil her dream of opening up a board game café. But not everything’s a game, and when she finds herself attracted to a man who’s known as a different sort of player, she worries she’s setting herself up to lose.

Zach is funny, surprisingly geeky, and, most importantly, bonds with her son. But Zach is also drop-dead gorgeous, has a reputation around town, and is also ten years younger than her.

When he asks her out on a date, Maggie is totally thrown. She can’t deny she’s attracted to him. But is she ready to risk her heart with another roll of the dice?

A totally gorgeous, unmissable, small town romance, perfect for fans of the Gilmore Girls and Virgin River, from million-copy bestselling author, Kate Hewitt.

My review

After losing her husband, Maggie and her son Ben need a fresh start. As Starr’s Fall is the one place that holds happy memories, the broken family decide to make the move. With Ben as inspiration, Maggie wants to open a board game café, hoping that it will allow Ben to become less shy and a happier teenage boy.
The community of Starr’s Fall is not only a curious one, but everyone is also rooting for Maggie. And Zach is not only rooting for them, but he is also ready to help them out. With a shared gaming interest, quickly a bond is made between him and Ben. But that is not the only bond, as he also shows an interest in Maggie and even asks her out on a date.
However, Zach has the reputation of being a player, not taking relationships seriously. And then there is also the fact that he is ten years younger than Maggie. So many red flags that make Maggie doubt about his intentions. But she cannot deny that she is in a way also attracted to him. But is she ready to take a risk, when it’s not only her own heart at stake?

It took me a minute to get reacquainted with Starr’s Fall. But once I did make the connection, I was completely back in. And I loved returning to this quaint place and reading this wonderful, heartwarming, heartbreaking and even inspiring story.

My heart went out to Maggie and Ben, as they have endured a terrible loss, and their grieve is very palpable. But it’s also clear that beside Maggie losing her husband, and Ben his father, there is something else haunting this broken family. Something that will take time to be revealed, yet I already had an indication of what that could be rather quickly.

Yes, it may seem strange reading how a new home was chosen based on a place they visited twice on holiday. But let’s be honest, many stranger things have happened in books, hasn’t it?

Yet that didn’t take away the fact that I admired Maggie for the choice and decision she made. It may not be easy to leave your home behind, even if it is filled with painful memories. That shows her dedication as a mother, as she would anything for Ben.

Opening a board game café may not be that evident, especially with a world where everything is getting digitalized. But I liked reading how Maggie wants to find a way to make it work, and how ‘old-school’ games and digital games find a perfect blend in this book. Even if greatest part of the mentioned games didn’t ring a bell to me 😊.

While perhaps Ben isn’t a main character in this book, it for sure felt that he is of great importance. Not only because he is the reason for moving, but also because he is the reason for Zach and Maggie getting closer.

Zach is from the start a great character. He is kind, understanding and helpful. And even if this is just a book, I could just see his gorgeousness.
But he is also perhaps the most misunderstood person of Starr’s Fall. Because everyone has a certain image of Zach, the image of him being a player.

And I felt confronted by that. Because what someone did in his past, is just that, in the past. Yet nobody sees the man that Zach is now, a man that gave up perhaps his own dreams, a man that has many great ideas but is facing the stubbornness of his own sister. A man that is looking not only for something that makes his heart beat faster, but also for someone that makes him feel like that.

But it was so heartwarming  to see the connection between Zach and Ben. How a game can bring two people together, people in complete different stages of their lives. And how an outsider is able to let a shy teenager, with many struggles and demons to fight off, to get out of his shell.

I liked it how the author added another extra layer to this story, by making Maggie the older character of the romantic pair. A woman that has already been through a lot, and is initially not ready to take a new chance at love.

It’s true that there are many prejudices in the world about a woman and a younger man. But does age truly matter? Isn’t the most important thing love? Age doesn’t make someone more mature or wiser, it’s life experience…

Of course there are several ups and downs in this book, but that is also they beauty of the book. Because a fresh start doesn’t mean a new life without struggles, or erasing the past. It doesn’t mean that that characters aren’t making new mistakes. But it all depends on how they handle those ‘downs’, and how they are during the ‘ups’.

This was a real heartwarming story, showing the strength of people, but also some weaknesses. But those weaknesses can turn us into stronger people. Stronger people ready to start over, to be welcomed in a beautiful community with great people, ready to help out.
I loved reading this book, as it can be used as an inspiration, because no matter how many lemons life throws you, there is always the opportunity and the help to create an amazing lemonade!

And today I am sharing this wonderful cover with you!

Synopsis

When Megan Johnson inherits an old cottage in the Welsh countryside, she seizes the opportunity to cut ties with her past life, after a broken romance. Her nearest neighbour, a horse trainer, is also something of an enigma. Single dad Glyn Phillips does his best to balance his love of horses and hard work, with his devotion to his son. When he meets his new neighbour, he knows he should resist any attraction. A feisty pony mare which mysteriously appears on his land adds to his problems, but another, larger problem lies ahead. Two matchmaking spirits find their carefully laid plans may not go as smoothly as they hope.

Pre-order Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matchmakers-Mare-Hywela-Lyn-ebook/dp/B0DYF6L15C

About the author

Award-winning author, Hywela Lyn spent most of her life in Wales, whose beautiful landscapes and wealth. of myths and legends inspired her to write. A horse and dog lover, she weaves romantic Science Fiction adventures and fantasy romances set in Wales, past and present. She loves dreaming up characters who overcome the odds, and go on to find deep and enduring love. However difficult the journey, in the end love will always win. She  hopes her stories will truly take you ‘out of this world’.

Her penname, Hywela Lyn is a combination of her first two names. (She has always been known by her second name ‘Lyn’ and thought it was time her Welsh first name was used as well!) She is a member of The Romantic Novelists’ Association, and her local writing group, Chiltern Writers. Beloved Enemy, the third book in her Destiny Trilogy, was shortlisted in the Paranormal category of the prestigious Romantic Novelists Association RoNA awards and was a Runner up in the RONE Awards in 2017. When not writing or reading, she can usually be found outdoors with horses or her little dog – or just eating chocolate!

The cover!

When your helping nature is a win – win situation, or isn’t it?

Synopsis

Everyone in Halfmoon Quay, the picture-perfect village clinging to the edge of the Cornish coast, knows Rick Penrose is the person to turn to for help.

Friendly and reliable, not to mention drop-dead gorgeous, he’ll do anything for anyone. When his teenage crush Anya moves back to the quay for a fresh start, he has the perfect solution. She needs a job and his great uncle needs help to run his hotel. It’s a win-win.

Following the death of her husband, Anya Stokes discovered everything about her life was a lie. Without her beautiful home and the luxuries she took for granted, Anya and her daughter, Freya, have no choice but to move in with her aunt and uncle in Halfmoon Quay.

As she begins to turn her life around, Anya realises the perfect man might have been right under her nose all the time. But there’s a fine line between helping and taking over and Rick doesn’t always know where it is. Then Anya discovers he’s been keeping things from her and it’s like the past is repeating itself…

Head to the glorious Cornish coast with bestseller Sarah Bennett for this unashamedly heartwarming and uplifting read. Perfect for all fans of Cathy Bramley, Katie Fforde and Phillipa Ashley.

My review

Rick Penrose is the kind of person that will go lengths to help out. Everyone in Halfmoon Quay know that, and always go to him for a word of advice or to help finding a solution to any kind of problem. So when his teenage crush Anya moves back, how can Rick not attempt to help her out? Because not only did Anya lose her husband, but him death also made her world fall apart, as the life she has been living has been all been a lie. Now she has to rebuild her life, together with her daughter Freya. While grateful that she can be staying with her aunt and uncle, Anya needs to build up a life from scratch, so different from her former life in luxury. Luckily her old friend Rick is able to help her finding a job, as his great uncle needs help running his hotel. Slowly Anya adapt to life in Halfmoon Quay, and old friendships are being rekindled. And she discovers that perhaps a quaint place life Halfmoon Quay may have everything she may need. Or will the thin line between being helpful and taking completely over being crossed, and revelations tear Anya and Rick apart, once again?

There are several certainties in life. And one of them is, that Sarah Bennett is an amazing writer that keep on giving her readers wonderful stories.

For once in a story, I could relate to the male character the most. Rick is always there, ready to solve a problem, to give some advice. Even if sometimes he wishes people would leave him alone, or just solve their own problems, when asked, he cannot ignore the call for help.

And I recognize that behaviour in some extend in myself, even if I am learning to be more ‘selfish’ and not just help out anyone, when helping out means doing something  I don’t want to do, or that it will cost me somehow.

Yet being helpful, and wanting to help is proof that Rick truly is a Good Guy. And yes, I say that with capital letters, because people like Rick aren’t found all that easily. And we should treasure these kind of people, as in a real selfish world, they are treasure to be kept.

Rick is also a family person, and with his large family, he has a big heart to let everyone have a piece of it. For family, he would walk on water. Even if that means that in order to help out his great uncle, he uses a little bit of blackmail, and he has promised to keep the truth hidden from his loved ones.

While it’s clear that Rick for sure does everything with the right intention, I could also see how things were weighing on him. He feels so much responsibility, and keeping secrets doesn’t sit well with him.

Yet it was great to see how his helpful character brought Anya back in his life. Of course they would cross paths easily, as Halfmoon Quay isn’t really the big city where nobody knows or sees you. But because there is a family link, and Rick’s kind nature, of course their meeting again is quicker than in other circumstances.

While I could easily relate to Rick, my heart went out to Anya in this book. Obviously losing your husband is something terrible. But for Anya, it goes much further than just that. Because after his death, Anya learned that her married life has been a lie, just like her life in luxury.

With a daughter to look after, Anya had no other choice than make the move to Halfmoon Quay, with her tail between the legs, having to rely on the goodwill of her family. And I could perfectly understand her feelings about it, because while you need the help, it takes a serious dent out of your pride to admit that you cannot make it on your own.

On top of that, we also learn that while being married, she also lost herself. Wanting to please her husband, who changed through time.

Not only this book is the story about two people finding each other, but it mainly, or at least to me, a story about finding yourself again. Yes, of course how Ricka and Anya are getting closer to each other. With Rick already having had a teenage crush on Anya, it feels like this time around, he has a real shot at winning her over. But he also realizes that the teenage Anya and the Anya of his crush, isn’t the real Anya, just like he isn’t the teenage Rick anymore.

Because both Rick and Anya have been pleasing people for too long, losing themselves in the process.

Rick is so used to help out, that he goes on autopilot and doesn’t always realize that sometimes, his help isn’t needed, or at least not in the way he gives it.

And Anya has to learn to find out who the real Anya is again. And she also has to learn to accept help, but also let people back in. Bringing down those walls isn’t an easy task, and not without any risk, as there will be hurtful moments. But is closing yourself off the right direction?

This story has several ups and down, involving Rick and Anya, but also the other members of the family. Halfmoon Quay, the Penroses and just life in general isn’t a picture perfect, nobody is perfect. Characters make mistake, keep secrets and make assumptions. But it’s what they, and we, do with those imperfections. Do we let them ruin everything, or do we forgive them and do we move on from them?

Sarah Bennett wrote a magnificent story, capturing the difficulties, the struggles of life, but also the warmth and love., She wrote a heart – warming story about finding yourself, fresh starts, and a possible potential that is just the beginning of something beautiful.

To restore an inn, to heal a heart

Synopsis

Bachelor best friends and steamy romance . . . Welcome to Cedar Falls. The emotionally riveting, uplifting and spicy small-town series from Cissy Mecca. Perfect for fans of Lucy Score, Elise Silver and Lauren Asher.

Rule one of the Bachelor Pact is simple: Never fall in love.

Temporarily returning home to Cedar Falls comes with mixed emotions. But having to work alongside the distractingly beautiful Pia, hired by my father before his unexpected death to run and restore my family’s inn, is a test I could do without. I don’t need help, especially from a stranger whose delectable body is inviting me to forget the most important rule of the Bachelor Pact.

I learned early on to avoid attachments, and Pia is completely off-limits. I’m technically her boss. Working together to renovate the crumbling inn, I try to shield my heart and ignore my body’s traitorous responses. But Pia’s laughter fills the dusty halls, melting my defences and testing my iron-clad resolve. But as each day passes, the thought of returning to my old life as a cop in the city and leaving Pia becomes more and more difficult. Now, with my future and an age-old promise on the line, I’m left wondering if I should finally crack open the door to love I sealed so long ago.

My review

Pia cannot wait to start her new job in Cedar Falls, after quitting her last job when she didn’t get the well deserved promotion. She knows that she will find many bright ideas to help run and restore the local Inn to its former glory. But Pia is shocked to hear that her employer recently passed away, and that now it’s his son Mason that is in charge. Mason himself does not know if he wants to stay in Cedar Falls and run the inn, as his life is somewhere else. So when he meets Pia for the first time, it is natural for him to almost literally chase her away. Yet soon Mason realizes that he needs help with the Inn, and thus Pia get her initial job back, even without knowing if there will be a future in it. The more time Mason and Pia spend together, the more the attraction starts to grow. But what Pia doesn’t know is that when Mason was in college, he made with his then – and – still – now best friends a pact. A bachelor pact, with the first rule being to never fall in love… Will the pact stand or will Mason be the first to break it?

It’s normal that there are books that seem to have a plot that you have already read before, with just a few apparent changes on first sight. But there are also books that seem to be like thirteen in a dozen, yet once you start reading it, you are aware that the story is for sure nothing like you expected it to be and you were sucked in without a chance of getting away from it!

And this book is one of those books, as I found myself just reading, and reading, and reading, and just had to know more.

From the very start, I liked Pia. Even if it felt not right that she quit her job of some macho behaviour, and she did not get the promotion she truly deserves. Yet I liked Pia because she decided to take the high road, and show her worth somewhere else.

It may not have been easy for her to walk away from what she knows, but it’s also clear that there has been a click with Mason’s father and made the move to Cedar Falls easier for her.

Pia isn’t the kind of girl to let a setback hold her down, so with the most positive attitude, she is ready to do her absolute best with her new job at the Inn. Of course as a reader we know that things will go down south rather quickly, as we know about Mason’s father passing. And that Mason isn’t that eager to continue with the family’s legacy.

I was a bit shocked at Mason’s behaviour when Pia enters his scene. I can complete comprehend that he may not be having an easy time, but being polite doesn’t cost a thing, does it?

But Pia may be on the receiving end of bad news, she doesn’t show and doesn’t let it pull her down. I could see how in her mind she was trying to come up with a new plan.

Now, it may be easy to get mad at Mason and his bad behaviour, but like I said, it’s understandable, losing your father unexpectedly isn’t easy.

He has also a lot on his mind. What to do with the Inn? Where is his own future? Is it back to his life or is a change of scenery, and returning back home in Cedar Falls what he truly needs? There is a lot of thinking he has to do, and it’s not an easy task.

I liked it though how his friends are the real kind of friends. They don’t hesitate to stand by their friend’s side, offering not only help, a figuratively shoulder to cry on, but also to be the voice of wisdom.

The friends go way back, as they met in college. And while their lives took different directions, they have always been there for each other. And that male boundary was in a way sweet to read. Because beside all the ‘macho’ behaviour, these friends truly care about each other. And of course there is also a lot of gentle banter between them, making me laugh in several occasions.

Of course we know that Mason are Pia, while working together, aren’t going to be able to keep their distance. And of course we know that despite their initial agreement to just go with the flow, and no expectations, that it will turn into another direction.

Once again, of course, I liked reading how Mason and Pia got along together, and those heated moments for sure are heated. But I was more curious seeing their emotional development. Because the Bachelor Pact that Mason and his friends made, is just a kind of excuse for Mason of not getting closer to anyone or get heartbroken. So how would things change with Pia?

I loved reading this book, as yes, there is spice in it. But we also see how a terrible event, like losing a parent, can be the start of reassessing your whole life, and make a change. And how it may put people on your path to reassess also made pacts in the past.

Both Pia and Mason grow a lot in this book, not only they meet someone special, but they also learn to understand that some feelings, like love, cannot be stopped, no matter how hard you try. And a change of life, a change of home, or rather a return to home, may be exactly what was missing in your life.

Cedar Falls for sure seems to be a place that will be having a lot of wonderful characters, with many stories yet to be told!

Is it all well that ends well?

Synopsis

Abandoned, penniless and orphaned as young children, Bertram and Alice saved each other from a terrible fate.

For seven long years they have been kept apart, Bertram, BJ to his friends, learning how to survive and then thrive in the penal colonies of Australia, and Alice growing her prosperous chain of bakeries in the Black Country town of Wednesbury.

Now BJ’s sentence is nearly up and he has a choice to make. Queen Victoria’s England has changed since he’s been away and so has Alice. Should he leave behind the life he’s built and face the terrifying, months-long voyage back home?

The memory of the boy who saved her from starvation by teaching her how to pick pockets has sustained Alice for all these years and now he may be coming back to her. Can Alice and BJ finally get their happy ending or does fate have other plans for the pickpocket orphans?

The Queen of Black Country sagas is back with an unforgettable story of friendship and bravery, heartbreak and joy. Perfect for all fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.

My review

Even if they have been seven years apart, BJ and Alice have been able to maintain their friendship. Even living in different continents couldn’t break their bond.
Alice has been able to create a successful chain of bakeries in the Black Country town of Wednesbury. And BJ’s sentence is nearly over, meaning that he can finally move from Australia back home, even if his life and own personal success thrived in Australia.
But both BJ and Alice aren’t the children anymore that they were when they met. So will Fate them the final happiness they long for? Or is there something in store for the orphans?

Starting the last book of a series is always giving me contradicting feelings. While I want to see how the bigger story ends for the main characters, I am not always ready to say goodbye to them. And I of course also know that before there may be even an indication of a happy ending for them, things won’t be that straightforward.

Knowing Alice from before, from when she was just a child, and seeing her now as a grown up, somehow made me feel proud. Not that I have anything to do with the way she turned out, but still 😊.
She has come from very far, and perhaps not always in the most legal ways, yet she managed to not only have several bakeries of her own, but she also has the most loyal friends. Friends that are more family for her, even if there is no blood connection.

With everything that has happened to her, Alice is also the kind of person that has a lot of wisdom. What she sees, she has her own opinion about it, and her gut feeling often proves to be right. And that both when goods things appear to be happening, but unfortunately, also in the bad things. Life for sure brings experience and knowledge…

I loved reading how the friendship with BJ just keeps going from strength to strength. Distance and time do not have an effect on their reciprocal love and care. The pair of them bonded together in the direst times, and that connection cannot be broken by anything.

Not even the life that BJ seemingly has been building up in Australia. Yes, he has been sent over there as a sentence, but he has shown his worth, his loyalty and knowledge over the years, and with Mac it truly was more a father – son relationship than something more business or prison – like.

BJ has truly matured in a responsible, loyal, and reliable young man, and just like with Alice, I was very proud of his journey and his maturity.

Separately, their stories were already amazing ones, and I was eager to read of and when the friends would meet again. And of course, I was hoping for a certain direction the story would take, like everyone else I think 😊.

And it truly warmed my heart to read that first encounter, how easy it all felt for the both of them, like no years has passed at all. Once again only proof that the good kind of friendships may be tested, but that nothing could possibly break them.

Of course we also see how those around Alice and BJ are doing. And it’s not an understatement to say that also for them, there may be several ups and downs. But that’s life, isn’t it?

I truly enjoyed reading this last chapter, as it shows how no matter how bad things may start and continue in life, there is always hope, a ray of light and good things that will cross your path. Even if this story is taking part in a past that is darker, and luckily not something we may have experienced ourselves, there are lessons to be learned for all of us.