Review: Don't fall In Love With Me by Paige Toon

 What if the person you love the most is the one you can’t have?

Grace has loved Jackson since she was fifteen – when they spent every childhood summer exploring France's breathtaking Ardèche region together. They were best friends, until life took its course and Jackson married someone else.

Years later, Jackson re-enters Grace’s life with an irresistible offer: her dream job in the very town where their story began. And he’s newly single.

As memories from those idyllic summers flood back, Grace encounters an old friend Étienne, who proposes a plan to help make Jackson jealous. But as their scheme unfolds, Grace finds herself questioning if the sparks between them might not be so pretend after all…

Unbeknownst to Grace, Étienne is harbouring a secret that could shatter her world.

Will learning the truth finally set her heart free?

Or is this the beginning of a love story bigger than she ever imagined?

Review: Don't Fall in Love with Me was an absolute treat to read, and I loved getting to know Gracie from the very first chapter. She's such a driven, determined protagonist, and I was immediately invested in her journey after watching her heart get her heart broken right at the start of the story. Rather than letting that define her, Gracie's experiences become the catalyst for something much bigger, making her someone I couldn't help but root for from beginning to end.

Paige Toon has created two wonderfully realised love interests in Jackson and Etienne, and I genuinely found it impossible to choose between them. Both possobilities felt authentic and compelling in their own ways, so I never found myself firmly on one side. Alongside the romance, I adored being transported to the French countryside. The beautiful settings, delicious food and relaxed atmosphere made this the perfect escapist read. As always, Paige Toon's signature passion for cars is woven effortlessly into the story, which felt particularly fitting as I finished the book during the British Grand Prix weekend.

What I loved most, though, was that this never felt like a story that was solely about choosing between two people. At its heart, it felt like a journey of self-discovery, with Gracie learning who she was and what she truly wanted from life. I honestly think I would have been happy whichever way the romance ended—whether she chose Jackson, Etienne or even herself—because the emotional journey was so satisfying. I was completely swept along for the ride, and by the final page I didn't want to say goodbye to these characters.

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Review: It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell

It was the night she almost died.

Jane Trevally, newly divorced and feeling a little lost, agrees to accompany a man she doesn't know to his house in the darkest corner of Hampstead Heath. She's offered a drink, goes in, and then - a scream and the sound of something falling upstairs - Jane senses she's in a bad place. She runs.

Twenty five years later, Jane finds herself outside the same house, this time to return a small white dog who's been found near her home in the country; a dog whose owner has just been reported missing.

A fleeting glimpse of a haunted looking woman through the window sends Jane on a mission to uncover the house's secrets - secrets more terrifying than she could have ever imagined, especially when she realises it could have been her. . .

Review: It Could Have Been Her is another gripping thriller from Lisa Jewell, and I raced through it in just one day because I simply couldn't put it down. Although it isn't quite as fast-paced as some of her previous novels, the slower burn only made me more invested. I kept turning the pages, desperate to uncover the truth, and by around the 60% mark I was completely hooked. From then on, I couldn't stop reading until I reached the final page.

The story follows Jane for much of the novel, an amateur sleuth who, alongside her stepson, finds herself drawn into an intriguing mystery. After discovering a lovely Westie named Hugo, her quiet country life with her dogs takes an unexpected turn when she becomes suspicious of a house in Hampstead Village. Jane was such an enjoyable character to follow, and I loved watching her reinvent herself as the investigation unfolded. We also spend plenty of time with Stuart, whose story constantly had me questioning where my sympathies lay. Lisa Jewell does a brilliant job of making you second-guess every character, and I genuinely didn't know who to trust.

Be warned, this book features clowns, family tragedy, and enough twists and turns to keep you suspicious of absolutely everyone. The tension builds beautifully, rewarding patient readers with a satisfying and compelling mystery that refuses to let go. If you're looking for a thriller that will completely consume your weekend, It Could Have Been Her is exactly that kind of book. I couldn't put it down, and I have a feeling you won't be able to either.

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Review: The One Day You Were by Husband by Rosie Walsh

 HE PROMISED HER A LIFETIME. HE GAVE HER FOUR HOURS.

Twelve years ago, Carrie said 'I do' on a sun-drenched beach in Thailand. Four hours later, her world shattered when her husband, Johan, was snatched away in a violent abduction. He was never seen again.

Today, Carrie is a working mum, navigating the beautiful chaos of raising premature twins and rebuilding her life with a man who truly loves her. She has finally found peace. The past is a closed book.

Until she sees his face on a computer screen.

Johan is alive. He has a new life. And he never tried to find her.

Driven by a desperate need for answers, Carrie risks the stability of her marriage and the safety of her family to uncover the truth of what happened that day in Thailand. But as she peels back the layers of Johan’s double life, she is forced to face a devastating question:

Is the truth worth the destruction of her second chance at happiness?

Review: Rosie Walsh has such a talent for creating layered, emotionally intelligent stories, and The One Day You Were My Husband is no exception. I loved getting to know Carrie, who was a refreshing protagonist. She is clever, capable and resilient, and it was wonderful to read about a woman who has managed to find love not once, but twice. Even more moving was watching her build a support network through the most difficult moments of her life. Those family connections gave the novel so much warmth and heart.

One of my favourite aspects of the book was its structure. The dual timeline, paired with the story of Carrie's two partners, pulled me further into the mystery with every chapter. Each shift in time revealed just enough to keep me questioning everything. Interestingly, I found myself suspicious of both men throughout the novel. Carrie is such an incredible person that I felt protective of her, and because of that I never fully warmed to either of them. That uncertainty made the emotional stakes even higher and kept me completely invested in discovering the truth.

The reveals and plot twists unfolded at exactly the right pace, arriving slowly but surely until everything finally clicked into place. The payoff was absolutely worth the wait, and even after finishing the book I still can't quite fathom how Rosie Walsh managed to weave together such an intricate, satisfying story. It's a beautifully crafted novel that balances mystery, romance and emotion so effortlessly, and one that stayed with me long after I turned the final page.

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Book Review: Hit or Miss by Elle Kelk

Ethan Taylor is unbeatable on and off the field. Being the star of the Marshall College soccer team – and hot as hell – has its perks. But when tragedy strikes, Ethan flies straight out of South Carolina and to the intimidating halls of Hemden University, where even his Southern charm can’t melt the stiff British upper lips…

Mia Meyers has never had much luck with people. Having always been a bookish wallflower, junior year abroad could be her one chance to step into the spotlight. So, when Mia realises that she’s not the only student from Marshall across the pond this year, she is determined that no one will get in the way of her new life – not even Ethan Taylor.

But why is it that Ethan’s infuriatingly sexy green eyes can’t stop staring at her, and why doesn’t she want him to look away? They may be far from friends at home, but under the spires of Hemden, could this striker score her heart?

Hit or Miss was such an enjoyable read that completely swept me up in Mia and Ethan's story. Mia was such a relatable protagonist, and I found myself rooting for her from the very first page. I also loved Ethan, and watching the two of them navigate university life 4,000 miles from home made their journey feel even more significant. Moving so far away from everything familiar must have been such a pivotal experience for both of them, and it added an extra emotional depth to their relationship as they found themselves together in a completely new environment.

The romance tropes were riding strong in this one, and without giving away any spoilers, they were executed brilliantly. The chemistry between Mia and Ethan was undeniable, with the sexual tension building beautifully throughout the story. The supporting cast was fantastic too. Oliver was the perfect villain that you simply love to hate, while Alice was an absolute standout as the ultimate best friend, giving me Jenny Lopez-calibre loyalty and support. I also loved spotting the little Easter eggs sprinkled throughout the book for Lindsey Kelk fans-they were a lovely touch that made the story even more fun.

The romance scenes definitely delivered on the spice, and Elle Kelk knows exactly how to write sizzling chemistry. My only complaint is that I wanted more! The sexual tension was so high that I would happily have read a few extra bedroom scenes because the payoff was just that good. Overall, Hit or Miss is a funny, heartfelt, and incredibly romantic read with memorable characters, brilliant banter, and just the right amount of steam. If you're looking for a university romance packed with emotion, humour, and irresistible chemistry, this is definitely one to pick up.

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Review: Lift me Up by Milly Johnson

 Tam Remington had her life planned out. Until a conversation in a broken lift—with her worst enemy—changes everything.

For a decade, Tam has quietly held YorkMart together whilst others took the credit, making herself smaller in the process. When she's briefly promoted to acting Managing Director, she finally has a chance to shine—until her promotion is snatched away and handed to Jack Cesaroni—the man brought in to do the job that should have been hers.

Tam expects nothing but disappointment from Jack. But when they're trapped in a lift between floors thirteen and fourteen, he sees what no one else has: Tam is exceptional. That single word of recognition sparks something Tam thought she'd lost—and an unexpected connection she never saw coming.

Now Tam faces an impossible choice: stay being the smaller version of herself she's become used to, or take a leap and reclaim the vibrant, authentic woman she once was—and discover how wonderful it could be if she lets someone see the real her…

Review: I absolutely loved listening to this one on audio-having one of my favourite narrators really made the whole experience even better. There’s just something about a familiar voice that brings the characters to life in such a comforting, engaging way, and it made Tam’s journey feel even more personal. It quickly became something I looked forward to picking up again whenever I had the chance.

It also had that classic Milly Johnson feel that I always enjoy; especially the satisfying character arcs where certain people get exactly what’s coming to them! There’s a real sense of “girl power” running through the story, and I loved watching Tam grow into herself and start to recognise her own worth. The title feels spot on because that theme of empowerment is woven all the way through. I also really connected with the thread of someone planning a wedding they’re not entirely sure they want, which added an extra layer of relatability and emotional depth for me.

Right from the start, the close proximity trope had me completely hooked-the lift situation was done so well and created just the right amount of tension and connection between the characters. Overall, it was a really enjoyable listen, perfectly paced, and just a genuinely uplifting story.

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Review: The Lottery Winner Widows Club

Meet The Lottery Winner Widows Club - a fabulous, filthy-rich sisterhood whose husbands all hit the jackpot . . . and then mysteriously dropped dead.

Paula is having a surreal week. Having just lost her husband, John, in a freak car accident, she's utterly gobsmacked when, two days later, she wins the lottery - with the ticket he bought.

Just as she thinks things can't get crazier, Paula is approached by a tight-knit trio of glamorous women - also jackpot winners - with dead husbands, suspiciously large bank accounts . . . and a very specific interest in Paula.

They tell her that they've been where she is now. That grief looks good on her. That freedom does, too. There's just one problem: Paula didn't kill her husband. She loved him, of course.

But something about their world - lavish, secretive, thrilling - is hard to resist. And when word of Paula's jackpot win spreads and others come sniffing around for a share, she's faced with the ultimate choice: hold onto her old life, or accept help from her new friends, whose methods are a little more . . . unconventional.

Review: I went into The Lottery Winner Widows Club already a fan of Elly Vine’s books written under her other name, Lucy Vine, so I was really curious to see what she’d do differently here. And it definitely is different-darker, sharper, and with a delicious edge that makes it clear why she chose to publish under another name. This isn’t your typical rom-com territory; it leans much more into suspense and secrets, and I was hooked by the premise alone.

The story centres primarily around Paula, with the other three women forming the rest of the lottery-winning widows’ group around her-and what a group they are. All four are lottery winners and all are widows, which immediately gives the book that slightly sinister, “what really happened?” energy. If you loved The Housemaid (or its film adaptation), this one will absolutely be for you. I really enjoyed getting to know Paula first and then gradually peeling back the layers of the other women in the club. Watching their friendships unfold was such a highlight-they know how to have a fabulous time, but they’re also fiercely protective of one another. There’s real loyalty there, even if everything isn’t quite as glossy as it first appears.

What really makes this book shine is the underlying message: you truly never know what’s going on behind closed doors. Everyone has secrets, and this novel peels them back layer by layer in such a satisfying way. And let’s just say… revenge is most definitely a dish best served cold here. It’s sharp, entertaining, and packed with twists-a bold and intriguing departure from the author’s previous work that I thoroughly enjoyed.

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Review: It's Always the Husband by C.L.Taylor

Welcome to Lowbridge. Where secrets hide behind every door…

When newly divorced Jude arrives in the small town of Lowbridge, she is soon drawn to widower Will, the father of her young daughter's best friend.

But Will's past is shrouded in tragedy, with questions that no one knows the answer to – and after two tragedies tore his life apart in just a few short years, gossip and rumours abound about what really happened to the women he loved.

As whispers of murder surround Will, Jude becomes determined to uncover the truth – and with her own father's tragic fate haunting her, she refuses to let another innocent man suffer.

Yet in Lowbridge the darkness runs deep, and nothing is as it seems. Can Jude protect Will from a community out for blood? Or will she become the next victim in this web of deceit?

Because whilst one dead wife is tragic, two starts to look like murder…

Review: Starting my year with It’s Always the Husband by C. L. Taylor was an absolute treat-I love a C. L. Taylor novel, and this one did not disappoint. From the very first chapters, I didn’t trust a single character… and honestly, that’s exactly how I like my thrillers. Every conversation felt loaded, every revelation suspicious, and I found myself constantly second-guessing what I thought I knew. It’s the kind of book that makes you suspicious of absolutely everyone.

The whole premise gave me strong Motherhood vibes, but it also felt very reminiscent of Big Little Lies with its undercurrents of secrets, domestic tension and simmering distrust. I loved getting to know the main characters, even though I was side-eyeing all of them the entire time. Taylor has such a knack for creating layered, believable women-flawed, relatable and yet completely capable of shocking you. The relationships felt real, which made the stakes feel even higher as the tension built.

What I particularly enjoyed was how the book blends classic thriller elements with modern-day realities. Yes, we still get those delicious traditional clues-hidden boxes, old diaries, buried secrets-but they sit alongside phone tracking, home camera systems and the very current ways we monitor (and sometimes manipulate) each other. It makes the story feel incredibly relevant and up to date without losing that classic twisty thriller feel. Full of turns I genuinely didn’t see coming, this was a gripping, addictive read that I highly recommend.

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Review: So, I Met This Guy by Alexandra Potter

So, I Met This Guy . . .

Well, isn’t that how every love story starts? But how does it end – a happily ever after? Or with the discovery that the supposed love-of-your-life has stolen your life savings and your home, trashed your heart and demolished your self-esteem?

Maggie is barely fifty years-old, and she's not one to give up on herself. So when she meets Flick, a young reporter who realizes this story could be the big break she’s been looking for, they set off to catch him as he goes on the run across Europe. After all, she’s got nothing left to lose, right?

But as the pair embark on the road trip of their lives, unexpected twists, hidden secrets and hard truths are revealed. And as an unlikely friendship begins to blossom, they realize it’s not just about finding the guy, it’s about finding themselves . . .

Review: Having read and loved all of Alexandra Potter’s previous novels, I went into So I Met This Guy with high expectations-and while I did enjoy it, this one felt a little slower to get started than her earlier books. I chose to experience it on audiobook, which may have influenced my experience. The opening took some time to fully settle into, and with a wide cast of characters-some of whom had multiple names or were referred to differently depending on context-it was occasionally tricky to keep track of who was who. That slight confusion made the first portion feel less immersive than I’d hoped.

That said, one of the novel’s greatest strengths is its two central female characters. Potter delivers a very “girl power,” feminist energy here, with two strong, complex women driving the narrative. I also appreciated that Maggie and Flick come from very different backgrounds, which allowed for representation across a wider range of readers and perspectives. Their journeys-both emotional and literal-are compelling, and I loved the sense of independence and self-discovery woven throughout the story. The travel element added a sense of adventure and escapism, which is always a highlight in Potter’s books. However, the shifting locations sometimes made it harder to follow on audio, particularly when trying to keep timelines and character interactions straight.

Despite the slower start and occasional confusion, the payoff was worth it. I absolutely loved the twist at the end-it was clever, satisfying, and reminded me why I’ve enjoyed this author's writing for so long. Overall, this was a good read, though I suspect it would be better experienced in print or on Kindle, where you can easily flick back and forth to clarify details you might have missed. While I would still recommend it, if you haven’t read anything by Alexandra Potter before, I’d suggest starting with one of her earlier novels first before diving into this one.

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Book Review: Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk

 One fake romance. One magical Christmas. One chance to fall in love.

Laura was all set for a quiet solo Christmas – just her, a bottle of wine, and flat-sitting for a stranger. But when the stranger’s parents mistake her for his mystery girlfriend, she’s swept off to the snowy Scottish Highlands with Callum and his whole family.

Between the cosy sleeper train, charming pubs and breathtaking views, this could be the no-strings-attached Christmas of Laura’s dreams.

But stranger Callum is hot, hilarious and their ‘fake’ chemistry is off the charts.

So is this just a Christmas fling? Or the start of something more?

Review: Oh my gosh, I absolutely loved this book! A Christmas Fling is everything I want in a festive romance — funny, cozy, and full of heart. The fake dating trope is one of my all-time favorites, and Lindsey Kelk nailed it here. Laura and Callum’s chemistry was off the charts, and the Scottish setting made it all feel so magical and atmospheric. I could practically picture the twinkly lights, rainy streets, and festive vibes — it was pure Christmas escapism.

Laura was such a brilliant main character. I adored her — she’s funny, relatable, and just trying to figure things out like the rest of us apart from the fact that she is a neurosurgeon. And Callum? Total dreamboat. I loved how grounded and kind he was, and the slow burn romance between them had me kicking my feet and grinning like an idiot. Every little moment built so perfectly to the big payoffs, and I couldn’t stop reading because I just had to see how it would all unfold.

Also, shoutout to the M&S Christmas range — the references were iconic and made me crave mince pies and festive snacks the whole time. And yes… the sex scenes were hot! Like, properly steamy but still emotional and in tune with the fake dating trope. Honestly, this book gave me everything I wanted — a swoony romance, a cozy setting, and all the festive feels. I’ll definitely be rereading it along with the rest of my Lindsey Kelk collection! 

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Book Review: All Wrapped up by Heidi Swain

 In Wynbridge, the scent of autumn is on the breeze and love is in the air…

 

Clemmie Bennett has been renovating beautiful Rowan Cottage on the outskirts of the small town of Wynbridge, for eighteen months following a very public heartbreak back in her childhood hometown. The popular Instagram influencer, lost her husband, sold their home, and has been cosied up the Fens and living a very private life, but now she feels it’s time for a change.

 

A chance encounter with co-owner of The Cherry Tree Café, the bubbly Lizzie Dixon, pulls her into organizing Wynbridge’s first-ever Autumn Festival, and her once quiet life is soon a distant memory. With the whole town rallying behind the event, she discovers a new sense of purpose.

 

 And when local vet Ash falls hard for Clemmie, she begins to wonder if she’s ready to move even further on from her past and fall in love again…

Review: As usual, Heidi Swain brings us a wonderful seasonal read with a main character you instantly sympathise as well as empathise with and want to help save over the course of the novel. I love that this book is Autumn themed. Heidi references Milly Johnson’s autumn novel and until the recent popularity in pumpkin spice romances, it really was the only other book out there that I had read that was truly about the ‘new school year’ feel of autumn. As a teacher, autumn is the new year for me-January is just the day the numbers on the end of the date change and so I really appreciated the theme of change and renewal that this book held. 

Clemmie is a great main character to spend the novel with. She is a classic character who is strong on the outside, keeps herself to herself, has renovated her own house and has a mini online empire of her own but on the inside, she is broken and hurting and soft in all the right places. It was wonderful to see her be welcomed into the Wynbridge community, knowing everything that the cast of characters could do for her. Even if you hadn’t met this group of people in previous Heidi Swain novels, you would know almost straight away that this town would welcome Clemmie and be the best thing to support her on her healing journey. 

As well as the theme of autumn and renewal in this book, we also have some great festivities along with crafts, walks and autumn food going on. We have a canine character to get to know (and fall in love with) and of course some romance. This is the best kind of romance because is it low and slow and the kind that you feel like you might get to the end of the novel without ever having your own love for Ash requited. I love the way this author wrote the friendship and the love in this book and I definitely fell in love with Ash the vet for all the right reasons. 

I read this book on cold autumn mornings and cosy autumn evenings with a hot coffee or a big mug of tea and it was just the perfect gateway read to take me from summer to autumn. I highly recommend you do the same!

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Book Review: It's Getting Hot in Here by Jane Costello

Lisa Darling - high-flying TV-exec and twice-divorced mother-of-two - has enough on her plate without having to deal with the handsome New Yorker parachuted in to her best friend's job at work.

She's already navigating life with a grotty teenage son, organising a PTA cheese & wine event, supporting her oldest friend through breast cancer treatment and, since she hit 47, facing a new perimenopause symptom every day. It's no wonder she never has time for Pilates or that DIY panelling she keeps seeing on Instagram (though she'd be the first to admit she'd rather share a bottle of wine with her friends any day).

So when Lisa starts feeling overheated every time she clashes with Zach Russo, she convinces herself it will pass. Maybe her HRT just needs adjusting. Until, that is, she finds herself in a sexy - and seriously ill-advised - clinch with him. And then another...

All of which leads to one question: these long-forgotten feelings couldn't be caused by something else entirely... could they?

Review: Jane Costello is back and is making me laugh the way I have known and loved for so many years now. I love that authors I read in my 20s and 30 when they were writing about women like me in their 20s and 30s are now updating the narrative and writing about women like me in their 40s and 50s! I am here for all of it!

I loved getting to know Lisa and her to do list. Even though I don’t have the kids and the ex-husband that she has to deal with, I still absolutely related to her and her never ending to do list, her stressful job and the fact that she is the only one to volunteer for the PTFA events, the note taking and the clearing out of the hamster she didn’t actually ever want! She is a feisty individual and is just trying to live her life and do right by her friends, she family and most-importantly her two sons!

Then along comes Zach, covering in the media world for her best friend and he reality throws a spanner into her works. This is where all of the best romance tropes are hit, this author was really going for the bingo card of situations she could put Zach and Lisa into. This made me laugh but also made me incredibly frustrated (in a good way) at times too because I just wanted everything to work out for Lisa. 

Although there are a lot of laughs in this book, there are also other parts that I am sure a lot of readers will relate to that are all parts of life when you’re in your 40s, lille having a friend who is dealing with cancer, having a lot of people let you down on a daily basis and having a son who is doing everything he can to assert his own identity by rebelling against you! I also loved the parts where she had last minute things for school come through and didn’t know how maths works in school today-very relatable!

If you are already a fan of Jane Costello, you will not be disappointed in this book and if this is the first time you have picked up a novel of hers, you are in for a treat! I loved every minute of this, I can really recommend the audio and I can’t wait for the next book that is out soon!

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Review: Table for One by Emma Gannon

 Willow has everything worked out.

*The steady partner

*The successful career

*The grown-up house

Until she doesn’t – and she’s cast adrift on the sea of heartbreak, grieving a future with no clear path.

With her life transformed beyond recognition, and her friends busy ‘moving forwards’, Willow has never felt more alone.

But she’s in good company.

And when inspiration arrives from an unlikely source, she rekindles the relationship she longs for – but has long neglected… The one with herself…

Willow has everything worked out.

Review: I really enjoyed this author’s previous work-Olive and so I was excited to read her latest. I was really attracted by the cover if I’m honest, It doesn’t give much away and, having read the book, I can say that it really doesn't give you any indication as to what is going to happen in this plot. 

Willow is an interesting character to spend this novel with. She is most definitely flawed and at the beginning of the book when she is working on being a bit of a stepford wife and turning down opportunities for herself in favour of supporting her partner, you kind of struggle to get on side with her. Similarly, when she finds herself alone again, the choice she make are most definitely flawed and so once again, she is a little bit difficult to like. But she is someone that every reader will be able to empathise with and the fact that she is flawed makes for a good connection. 

Moving forwards from the heartbreak that willow experiences, this book has a little bit of everything. It explores themes such as navigating friendships into adulthood when everyone is so busy and everyone is going in different directions; starting over again when it was the last thing you wanted to do; dealing with struggles within a family and everything that brings with it bit this book finds the humour and the human-side of all of those things. It really is a book about being an adult in England today. 

This book also dives into influencer culture a little and the darker side of the media now that it is so entwined with social media. Willow finds herself involved in that world never having asked to have been part of it and faces some ethical dilemmas because of it and I found that really interesting to read about. Willow brings an interesting perspective to the influencer world since she has previous worked in traditional media and so you get a glimpse of that world not only through your eyes as a reader but also through her eyes.There were moments in the book where I cried and moments where I laughed an I love that balance when I pick up a book. 

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Book Review: Swept Away by Beth O'Leary

 Lexi is looking for no-strings-attached fun with a stranger. She deserves one night for herself, doesn't she?

Zeke is looking for love. But for one night with a woman like Lexi, he'll break his rules . . .

Sparks fly at the pub, one passionate kiss leads to another and they end up stumbling home to the marina together.

The next morning, hungover and shaken by an amazing night together, Lexi is more than ready for Zeke to leave. There's just one small problem . . . the houseboat they stayed on has been swept out to sea.

As their supplies start to run dangerously low, and the waves pick up, Zeke and Lexi soon realise there's much more on the line than their new relationship.

How long can they really survive on a drifting houseboat in the North Sea? Will search and rescue find them? And who will they be if they both make it back to dry land?

Review: If the premise of this book isn’t enough to lure you into reading the whole thing in one sitting, then as soon as you pick it up and start devouring it chapter by chapter, you will NOT be able to put this book down. 

I just don’t know how Beth O’leary does it, she writes book after book with compelling characters, multiple viewpoints and original plots that I wouldn’t even think of drawing up-they are truly addictive. This latest book had me hooked from the premise and it didn’t let me down when I started to read about Zeke and Lexi and their one night stand that never ends! I love that this author gives me a dual narrative everytime. It is so great getting to find out what each character thinks of the other and see different plot points from multiple points of view. I loved seeing Lexi through Zeke’s eyes in particular because they have very different perceptions of who Lexi is and what is so great about her. 

Getting to know these characters was very easy because, as a reader, you are also trapped on the house boat with them and so you are literally living on top of them the way they are living on top of each other-such a brilliant way to force empathy out of an audience. I loved how strong Lexi was and yet how unsure she was at the same time and yet I loved how strong Zeke was in his own way. It was great to have someone who was really quite self-assured with someone who on paper should be in a better place than he was but really only knew what she didn’t want, not what she DID want. 

Being trapped on a houseboat with these characters was great and it made for some fun and some awkward situations but being trapped on a houseboat with them out in open water was quite frankly terrifying. When you weren’t worrying that they were going to die of dehydration, you were worried that they were going to drown, get injured or even get swept away in a storm. If you're a reader who dislikes miscommunication as a plot point then be warned there is a fair dose of that in this novel but honestly you barely notice it whilst you’re willing these two characters to not only survive through the night but also to just get it on already! I loved this book, I couldn;t put it down and read it in 2 delicious sittings. It’s another hit for this author and one that is not to be missed this summer!

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Blog Tour: What if I Never Get Over You By Paige Toon Review

I'm excited to be part of the blog tour today for the amazing new book by Paige Toon. The book comes out on Thursday 10th April and you can order your copy here! I have a review for you today, here's what it's all about:

Ellie didn’t expect to fall in love while travelling in Europe. But she also didn’t expect to meet a man like Ash.

Three blistering days in Lisbon is all it takes to form an unforgettable connection – deep enough for them to plan to meet again in Madrid. But Ellie arrives late, and Ash is nowhere to be found.

Six years later, the memory of Ash and their time together still burns deeply in Ellie’s heart. She hopes that her dream job as a gardener on a grand estate in Wales will bring the fresh start she desperately needs.

But when Ash unexpectedly crashes back into her life, Ellie is forced to question if the universe has other plans...

Review: gosh it was good ro be back in a Paige Toon novel again. I know I am in safe hands going into one of her books, the short chapters make for a page turner you really can’t put down! And….this one didn’t make me cry! Paige always does such a great job of a bit of a slow burn romance, puts a barrier up for her main characters and their love story and always has some sort of exotic location as a long-distance additional barrier too of course. There’s always a hot Aussie in there too! And this book is no exception!

It was wonderful to meet Ellie at the beginning of the novel, she is trying to do the wild and independent woman travelling thing but we know that something is holding her back, we just don’t know what yet! Then she meets Ash and this meet cute helps to unleash her feer self, the one who gets to let go and have fun and that was fabulous. When Ellie shuts down again once she’s back home, towards the beginning of the book, I found this section so hard to read. The way she is written to be so closed off to pleasure and so just doing anything to stay quiet and be successful in her job-it was just so relatable. 

When we change settings in the third section of the book, that is when the fun really starts. Paige Toon knows how to write a fun group of friends to have an adventure with, people who will challenge our main character to be their best selves and find their joy and this book is no exception. Who knew there was so much fun to be had in such a location that many would consider mundane. 

Now don’t get me wrong, the fact that this book didn;t make me cry doesn’t mean that there is no tragedy in here, there are plenty of moments that tug at the heart strings and both Ellie and Ash have been through a lot to get them to the various points we meet them throughout the novel. But as we always find with a Paige Toon novel, the joy outweighs that. This was a quick read with fun characters, a great meet cute and a story that will have you guessing right up until the last page!

Review: Date With Destiny by Lucy Vine

 Ginny is about to turn 32. It’s a year she’s been thinking about for a long time. Sixteen years ago she crossed paths with a psychic who made some key predictions about her thirty-second year…

Three bad things: A heartbreak, a loss of independence, and a death.

Three good things: A life-changing trip, reconnecting with someone, and meeting her soulmate.

The issue is that Ginny is due to get married in a month… but it’s all nonsense, obviously. But when some of those pesky predictions start coming true she starts to wonder what might happen next…

Review: I love Lucy Vine books so much, she just seems to write to appeal to my lifestyle and my sense of humour and so how could I complain? The speed with which I tore through this book once I picked it up was intense, I just couldn’t put it down, I wanted to read on and find out what would become of Ginny, her friends, her family and, most importantly, her psychic predictions!

Ginny is great because she is so easy to relate to. She works in her family’s jewellery business (which definitely gave me Bridesmaids vibes) and she has a pretty settled life at the start of the novel. Then something shakes everything up like a snowglobe and we get to be with her as she tries to piece her life back together and move on with this set of psychic predictions hanging over her. I think my favourite of the predictions was definitely her life-changing trip, it was clear what it was going to be and it made me laugh out loud whilst reading a LOT!

Ginny’s team behind her are a varied bunch and I always love that shout Lucy Vine books, she really does make her characters like the kind of people you have as friends in real life. People aren’t all the same age in a friendship group, people come and go and people have very different lifestyles and are still able to be friends. I always feel like I am seen and I am represented in one of her books and I loved Ginny’s friends and family in Date With Destiny! I thought it made a real change that Ginny’s sister was part of the group and was just accepted even though she was younger and I like that the friends didn’t always go down the cliche route when it came to major life events!

This book was just a really good time! I was invested in the story straight away, behind Gunny every step of the road. Lucy Vine made me laugh, she made me think and she entertained me from start to finish. I highly recommend Date with Destiny, I think it’s got something for everyone and definitely one that should be in your bag this summer!

To orde your copy now, just click here!

Blog Tour: Review of The Happiest Ever After by Milly Johnson

 

It is my stop on the blog tour for the Amazing new book from Milly Johnson today! Here's what it's all about: 

Polly Potter is surviving, not thriving. She used to love her job as a business consultant, turning around businesses that were on their uppers – until her mentor died and her new boss decided to make her life hell. She used to love her partner Chris – until he cheated on her, and now she can’t forget. The only place where her life is working is on the pages of the novel she is writing – there she can recreate herself as a feistier, bolder, more successful version of herself – as the fictional Sabrina Anderson.

But what if it was possible to start over again? To leave everything behind, forget all that went before, and live the life you’d always dreamed of?

That’s how Polly finds herself as Sabrina, living at the heart of a noisy Italian family restaurant by the sea. Run by Teddy, the charming son of her new landlady Marielle, it has potential, if only a rival restaurant is stopped from moving in next door. Sabrina can’t remember her life as Polly, but she knows she is living a different life from the one she used to live.

But what if her new life could give her her happiest ever after…?

Review: I warmed to the main character Polly Potter straight away when I picked this book up. Like many Milly Johnson characters, she is hard done by (especially by men) but very very easy to relate to. However I did not expect the twists and turns of this story. It started out as a classic Milly novel with Polly trying her best to overcome the shit men who surround her and make her life as happy as it can possibly be. This involves a little deception and a lot of self-control, as well as a couple of awesome females in her office, then the books veers suddenly off in another direction and oh boy are you in for a treat?! This became part comeback tale and part mystery and I could not put it down. 

Polly really was delightful to spend the course of the novel with. As well as the fact that you find yourself rooting for her, she just feels like a classic Milly Johnson character that we all know and love and so there’s such a sense of familiarity with her. I really wanted her to live the life that she created for Sabrina and she genuinely does not have a bad bone in her body so you just can’t help but get behind her. Thankfully she does have a couple of other women looking out for her. Her new landlady is wonderful and we get to see a glimpse of her story as the book progresses as well and then Polly’s deskmate and head of HR also really do have her back and as a reader you are glad that they are there. 

Milly Johnson always does such a great job of writing a villain you love to hate so that when they get their comeuppance you can rejoice and cheer on those moments along the reading journey. The villains in this book are truly, truly horrible. They are so well-written you almost want to jump into the pages and warn Polly about them before she even comes face to face with them. There are quite a few baddies to boo along the way but they don’t take away from the happiness you feel as you unravel Polly’s tale. I know I’ve mentioned quite a few times that this feels like a classic Milly Johnson novel and that’s one of the things I liked best about it but that’s just the genius of it. If you love a Milly book then you know you’re in for a treat right from the word go, but if you’re reading this review trying to decide whether to read it or not then you can be reassured that this is indicative of this author’s work and you know you’re going to have a good time and you’ve made the right choice!

To order your copy now just click here!