 Release date - 31st August 2018
Book length - 229 pages Publisher - Harper Impulse Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Michele Gorman, aka Lilly Bartlett, for providing me with an e-copy of this book for review. ABOUT THIS BOOK Meet Phoebe, who’s 28, and Laney, Dot and Maggie, who are 68, 78, and none of your business. Together they'll prove that age doesn’t matter when it comes to friendship, belonging and an unquenchable zest for life. When Framlingham’s famously all-female senior living home goes co-ed, a war between the sexes is declared. Stuck in the middle, chef Phoebe Stockton is desperate to help her friends plot to keep the community that means so much to them. It’s become her life raft, too. She finds comfort in her beloved career that might finally make her parents proud. But Phoebe’s darling Nick is lining up on the other side of the battle, and their relationship is suffering collateral damage. The stakes couldn’t be higher. If the home’s owner can’t improve business by moving the men in, he’ll have to evict everyone. The women aren’t about to let that happen. MY REVIEW THE NOT SO PERFECT PLAN TO SAVE FRIENDSHIP HOUSE by Lilly Bartlett is a heartwarming and enjoyable story that has something for everyone. Phoebe has just lost her mum with whom she had a complicated relationship and she is worried about her dad who doesn't seem to be behaving the way that she would have expected. But at least she has a job that she loves as a chef in the ladies care home where she gets to work for her best friend, June, even if it means she sees Nick every day - the man she yearns for but can never have. There is a lot going on in her life but when the care home owner decides that it is time for the home to house men and women together, the trouble is only beginning and as the battle lines are drawn, friends may even find themselves on opposite sides ... THE NOT SO PERFECT PLAN TO SAVE FRIENDSHIP HOUSE by Lilly Bartlett has a wonderful mix of characters, some outrageous and funny, while others are more reserved and emotional, but all of them are loveable in their own way. This story will make you smile and make you think about old age in a new way that is refreshing and welcome. The setting and the feel of community and belonging is very well portrayed throughout and I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. THE NOT SO PERFECT PLAN TO SAVE FRIENDSHIP HOUSE by Lilly Bartlett is a delightful novel of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness regardless of age and everything else in between and I highly recommend it. AUTHOR BIO Lilly Bartlett’s cosy romcoms are full of warmth, quirky characters and guaranteed happily-ever-afters. Lilly is the pen-name of Sunday Times and USA Today best-selling author, Michele Gorman, who writes best friend-girl power comedies under her own name. For more information: Website - www.michelegorman.co.uk Twitter - twitter.com/MicheleGormanUK Facebook - www.facebook.com/MicheleGormanBooks/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/michelegormanuk/
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Book length - 384 pages Publisher - HQ Digital Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I voluntarily reviewed this book via Netgalley. ABOUT THIS BOOK Today isn't the first time I've thought about killing my best friend, but it is the first time I've done something about it. Since they were teenagers, Jane and Elle had been inseparable. Until the day that Elle stole the love of Jane's life. Now everything has changed. Jane wants him back, and with a little help from her horticultural obsession, she may just have found the perfect solution… MY REVIEW LOVE ME, LOVE ME NOT by Katherine Debona is a deliciously dark and disturbing tale about old friendships and just how far someone will go to protect what is theirs. Jane and Elle have been best friends ever since that first day at private school. Now all grown up, their relationship remains one of the most important parts of their lives. But when Elle takes the man that Jane feels is her soulmate, this shatters their relationship in ways that can never be repaired. But as always, Elle manages to convince Jane to forgive them and Jane becomes even more deeply entangled in Elle's life in a shocking way. But Elle, who has always had an easy life, has no idea how Jane really feels and Jane has plans to take back what is hers ... I hate it when I see the words 'a shocking twist' attached to a story as I feel it sets a book up onto a pedestal that can easily be knocked down if readers figure it out early or just simply didn't like it. BUT I have to say the twist in this story is a cracker and very well done so I don't mind in this instance. LOVE ME, LOVE ME NOT by Katherine Debona is very cleverly written, extremely dark and upsetting at times, and completely compelling from start to finish. Neither Jane or Elle are particularly likeable but their relationship is absorbing and fascinating to figure out and they held my interest at all times. It shows the addictive nature of some personalities and the manipulation and depth of emotion that some friendships can evoke - everything from love to pure hate. This book will certainly have you looking at your close friends in a whole new light!!! AUTHOR BIO Story-teller, dreamer, kung-fu panda, Star Wars geek, mother, keeper of secrets. "The Girl in the Shadows" available on Amazon and Book 2 "Love Me, Love Me Not" now available for pre-order (released 1st July 2018). For more information: Website - www.katherinedebona.com Twitter - twitter.com/KatherineDebona  Release date - 28th August 2018
Book length - 336 pages Publisher - St. Martin's Press Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Meghan from St. Martin's Press for providing me with an e-copy of this book via Netgalley. ABOUT THIS BOOK Sometimes love is waiting in the second act... In her professional career, Ella Mancini plays matchmaker at Two Love Lane but, in her personal life, she takes the stage at the Dock Street Theatre. Now she has a chance at a new role in a Hollywood movie that happens to be filming in Charleston—one that features a big-name actress, Samantha Drake. Long ago, Ella passed up a major audition while awaiting a marriage proposal. Not only didn’t she get the role; she never got the ring, either. Instead, her boyfriend Hank went on to become a huge film star…leaving her, and all her dreams, behind. But now Hank’s back in Charleston, cast as the male lead in the same movie Ella’s in. In spite of the dramatic tension off-screen, he and Ella try to stay cool onset. But when their old feelings start to heat up—at the same time leading-lady Samantha tries to play cupid—all bets are off. How can Hank convince Ella, after all this time, that she’s the one he really wants to be with in real life—and that some happy, rom-com endings really can come true? MY REVIEW SECOND CHANCE AT TWO LOVE LANE by Kieran Kramer is a lovely romance centred around second chances and risking one's heart for the promise of love. Ella Mancini always dreamed about being a famous actress but after losing her chance at the spotlight waiting for her boyfriend, Hank, to propose years ago, Ella has let go of the past and is content with her life, running her matchmaking agency with her two best friends and acting wherever and whenever she is needed locally. So when Hank, who abandoned her and became a global acting star, gets in touch requesting her help, Ella is suspicious and no matter how hard she tries she cannot fully forget her feelings for him or the way he used to make her feel ... With plenty of misunderstandings and laughs along the way, SECOND CHANCE AT TWO LOVE LANE by Kieran Kramer is a delightful story of trying to make amends for the past while taking a chance on the future and is such an easy read that I finished it in one evening. While this is the third book in this series, it can easily be read as a standalone without any hassle. The characters are likeable (although sometimes a little childish and naive), the setting is enjoyable, and the plot never bored or dragged so all in all, this is a lovely romance that is well worth reading. AUTHOR BIO USA Today bestselling author Kieran Kramer currently writes fun contemporary romance with a Southern flair for St. Martin’s Press. She lives where she grew up–in the Lowcountry of South Carolina–with her family. The first two books in her three-book TWO LOVE LANE series are on shelves now. The third book, SECOND CHANCE AT TWO LOVE LANE, comes out 8-28-18. For more information: Website - kierankramer.com Twitter - twitter.com/KieranKramer Facebook - www.facebook.com/KieranKramer1/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/kierankramer/  Release date - 17th July 2018
Book length - 352 pages Publisher - Titan Books Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Lydia from titanbooks.com for providing me with a copy of this book for review. ABOUT THIS BOOK A genre-defying page turner that fuses thriller and speculative fiction with dark fantasy in a hidden world in the heart of Cold War Europe. Europe. 1963. And the true Cold War is fought on the borders of this world, at the edges of the light. When the assassination of a traitor trading with the enemy goes terribly wrong, British Intelligence agent Christopher Winter must flee London. In a tense alliance with a lethal, mysterious woman named Karina Lazarova, he’s caught in a quest for hidden knowledge from centuries before, an occult secret written in a language of fire. A secret that will give supremacy to the nation that possesses it. Racing against the Russians, the chase takes them from the demon-haunted Hungarian border to treasure-laden tunnels beneath Berlin, from an impossible house in Vienna to a bomb-blasted ruin in Bavaria where something unholy waits, born of the power of white fire and black glass . . . It’s a world of treachery, blood and magic. A world at war in the dark. MY REVIEW THE WAR IN THE DARK by Nick Setchfield certainly lives up to the hype as it blends dark fantasy, mystery, history, and the best parts of a contemporary thriller, all together into one clever package that will keep your eyes hooked on the page from beginning to end. It is 1963 and British Intelligence Agent Christopher Winter has just witnessed something unbelievable during his latest job, assassinating a traitor. Fleeing London, Winter is determined to uncover the truth behind the horror he has glimpsed and this will lead him down many dark and twisted roads with secrets, curses, and betrayals around every corner, But he is not the only one on the hunt and we cannot help but wonder who will survive this cat and mouse game of magic and treachery that thrives in the shadows? THE WAR IN THE DARK by Nick Setchfield is truly unlike anything I have read so far and in my mind creates a new genre all of its own - a genre that mixes all the best elements of fantasy, historical, mystery, and thriller. There is a lot going on throughout this story but never once is it overwhelming or confusing, but exciting as another piece of the puzzle becomes visible. This is the kind of story that gets your heart pumping and your imagination hopping as you journey along the pages trying to get one step ahead (and failing most of the time in my case!). THE WAR IN THE DARK by Nick Setchfield is a must for so many readers so even if you are a little uncertain if this is for you, take a chance. It will be worth it. AUTHOR BIO Nick Setchfield is a writer and features editor for SFX, Britain's best-selling magazine of genre entertainment in film, TV and books. A regular contributing writer to Total Film, he's also been a movie reviewer for the BBC and a scriptwriter for ITV's Spitting Image. The War in the Dark is his first novel. He lives in Bath. For more information: Twitter - twitter.com/NickSetchfield #Review: Don't Look Back by Dawn Ryder @DawnRyder_write @StMartinsPress #DontLookBack #Netgalley27/8/2018  Release date - 28th August 2018
Book length - 320 pages Publisher - St. Martin's Press Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I voluntarily reviewed this book via Netgalley. ABOUT THIS BOOK Shadow Ops Agent Thais Sinclair has sworn off falling in love for good. It’s what’s kept her calculated, steady, and on-task in a world dominated by men. She needs nothing and no one but her own wits and strength to guide her. But when she’s slated to shadow the one man who could reveal their entire operation, all bets are off. Dunn Bateson, illegitimate son of a Southern debutante, has always had to fight harder than the rest to get what he wants. Now, the last thing he needs is Thais following his every move. She is so strong, sly, seductive. . . No woman has ever captivated him so completely. Thais may only have room for her mission in her heart, but is Dunn up to the challenge of showing her that she’s worth every risk he is willing to take? MY REVIEW DON'T LOOK BACK by Dawn Ryder is an action-packed, fast-paced story of danger, political intrigue, and romance. Thais Sinclair knows that to succeed in her chosen career she must keep a level head and dedicate herself to the job and job alone. Romance and love only make things messy and Thais doesn't need hassle in her life. But when she is given the task to shadow Dunn Bateson, it throws many of her cool and calculated plans out the window ... DON'T LOOK BACK by Dawn Ryder is the final instalment of this series and while it is described as possible to read as a standalone, I didn't find this to be the case. There were moments where I wasn't sure what was going on and I feel that reading the previous stories is a must to get the most from this novel. That being said, I enjoyed the layout of this story with the narrative being told by different characters throughout, and while there is certainly romance, there is also a lot more to this plot with political power, deceit, and danger throughout. DON'T LOOK BACK by Dawn Ryder is energetic and with plenty to sink your teeth into but as I advised before, read the series in order to really value this story. AUTHOR BIO Dawn Ryder has not been abducted by gypsies. She stepped through a time tunnel and has been busy writing about Scots in kilts and English Knights for Kensington’s Brava line. but she will return, very soon to her special operations guys and the other characters that are demanding their turn to tell their story. For more information: Website - dawnryder.com Twitter - twitter.com/DawnRyder_write Facebook - www.facebook.com/Dawn-Ryder-541256915951279/  Release date - 24th July 2018
Book length - 304 pages Publisher - Titan Books Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Philippa from titanbooks.com for providing me with a copy of this book for review. ABOUT THIS BOOK It is 1884, and when a fellow landlady finds her lodger poisoned, Mrs Hudson turns to Sherlock Holmes. The police suspect the landlady of murder, but Mrs Hudson insists that her friend is innocent. The companions discover that the lodger, a civil servant recently returned from India, was living in almost complete seclusion, and that his last act was to scrawl a mysterious message on a scrap of paper. The riddles pile up as aged big game hunter Allan Quatermain is spotted at the scene of the crime when Holmes and Watson investigate. The famous man of mind and the legendary man of action will make an unlikely team in a case of corruption, revenge, and what can only be described as magic... MY REVIEW SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE DEVIL'S DUST by James Lovegrove is another cracking mystery that will throw you back in time and make you feel like you are part of the story. When Mrs. Hudson, Holmes' landlady, needs his services to clear her friend's name, Holmes and Watson wholeheartedly agree to help her. But when murder is the order of the day, this case is anything but straightforward. From the death of a wealthy hunter's son to a mining company with plenty to hide, Holmes and Watson will have to join forces with unexpected allies if they are to uncover the truth behind the dead man in the basement. As always the plot, the narrative, and the setting are perfectly depicted and made the past come alive as you turn the page. I love a good mystery and this book does not disappoint. Following the clues and watching this iconic duo do their thing really is one of the most entertaining things about these books, and I have to say that SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE DEVIL'S DUST by James Lovegrove is my favourite of them all so far. Intriguing, compelling, addictive, and downright entertaining, this book is a must-read for Sherlock Holmes fans and for mystery and historical fans alike. AUTHOR BIO James Lovegrove is the author of several acclaimed novels and books for children. Currently James resides in Eastbourne on the Sussex Coast, having moved there in August 2007 with his wife Lou, sons Monty and Theo, and cat Ozzy. He has a terrific view of the sea from his study window, which he doesn’t sit staring out at all day when he should be working. Honest. For more information: Website - www.jameslovegrove.com Twitter - twitter.com/JamesLovegrove7  Release date - 23rd August 2018
Book length - 416 pages Publisher - Orion Publishing Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I voluntarily reviewed this book via Netgalley. ABOUT THIS BOOK A couple, now separated. Their daughter. Their new partners. One epic Christmas vacation. What could go wrong? This razor-sharp novel puts a darkly comic twist on seasonal favorites like Love Actually and The Holiday. Meet The Adults. Claire and Matt are no longer together but decide that it would be best for their daughter, Scarlett, to have a “normal” family Christmas. They can’t agree on whose idea it was to go to the Happy Forest holiday park, or who said they should bring their new partners. But someone did—and it’s too late to pull the plug. Claire brings her new boyfriend, Patrick (never Pat), a seemingly sensible, eligible from a distance Ironman in Waiting. Matt brings the new love of his life, Alex, funny, smart, and extremely patient. Scarlett, who is seven, brings her imaginary friend Posey. He’s a giant rabbit. Together the five (or six?) of them grit their teeth over Forced Fun Activities, drink a little too much after Scarlett’s bedtime, overshare classified secrets about their pasts . . . and before you know it, their holiday is a powder keg that ends where this novel begins—with a tearful, frightened call to the police. What happened? They said they’d all be adults about this. . . . MY REVIEW THE ADULTS by Caroline Hulse is a sharp-witted, clever, often funny, tale of family, as old partners and new get together for the Christmas holidays to make it perfect for Scarlett, the little girl who holds them all together. Claire and her partner Patrick, together with Matt and his partner Alex, are going to spend Christmas together in a picture perfect holiday park in the woods so that Scarlett, Claire and Matt's daughter, can experience a magical Christmas together as one big happy family. What can go wrong? After all, they are all intelligent, sensible adults who want the best for each other. Right? But life and emotions are never as straightforward in practice and as jealousy, misunderstandings, old flames, and an imaginary bunny start to get in the way, it is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt ... and not just in the figurative sense! The characters in this story are intelligent, independent, and determined to be grown up with their blended family situation, but like us all, they are also flawed, each in their own way, and it is their insecurities and failings that bubble to the surface in this postcard holiday moment. The story flowed well for me and I was never bored, and I enjoyed the byplay between everyone but I must admit I expected this to be a lighter story judging from the description and the cover, and I didn't expect the darker undertone that could be sensed throughout. Overall, I enjoyed THE ADULTS by Caroline Hulse and would recommend it to anyone who has had to spend time in close quarters with family members that they would rather avoid. A solid story. AUTHOR BIO Caroline Hulse spends most of her days writing, having fulfilled her dream of having a job she could do in pyjamas. She also works in Human Resources sometimes. She is openly competitive and loves playing board and card games. She can often be found in casino poker rooms, and wishes other people would want to play Cluedo for money. She lives with her husband in Manchester, UK, where the two are captive to the whims of a small, controlling dog.he Goodreads database with this name. For more information: Twitter - twitter.com/carolinehulse1  Available Now
Book length - 320 pages Publisher - Urbane Publications Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Kelly for providing me with a copy of this book for review. ABOUT THIS BOOK When one door closes, another opens, or so the saying goes. After being in a long-term relationship for eight years, Audrey Fox never thought she'd tie the knot. But at the age of forty-two, fate throws her a lifeline and she finally has it all - a loving husband, successful career, beautiful family and loyal friends. Life couldn't be better for Audrey ... until a family member entrusts her with a secret that threatens trouble in paradise. Lying to her new husband definitely wasn't on the cards when Audrey took her vows, but now she feels there's no other choice. She either keeps the secret or risks hurting the people that she loves. And then just when the dust seems to settle, an old flame turns up and creates a storm that could bring her world crashing down ... Unable to discuss her dilemma with her significant friends Louise and Tina, or sister-in-law Vicky, the cracks begin to show. Torn between her husband and the people she's known and loved for years, Audrey's perfect life begins to spiral out of control. Where do her loyalties lie and whom can she trust? Because there's no smoke without fire and everyone has secrets ... don't they? MY REVIEW HER SECRET by Kelly Florentia is absolutely crazy in the best possible way. There are secrets that you come to expect in fiction and then there are the secrets in this story which will lead you on a journey brimming with lies, danger, and so much more. After being dumped again by her long-time love Nick, Audrey Fox is finally married and happy with the always considerate and loving Daniel, even though they had some issues at the beginning. Audrey is happy and as she gets close to Daniel's grown-up daughter Connie, she really feels like one of the family. But when Connie confides a secret with her, it sets Audrey on a path of lies and confusion, because beneath the surface there is so much more to be revealed. Add in the fact that her ex is back on the scene, someone seems to be following her, and she doesn't know if she can even trust her mates, and Audrey will soon learn that while secrets can be hurtful they can also be dangerous in the wrong hands ... While this novel is a sequel to No Way Back, it can easily be read as a standalone story but I would highly recommend that you read both books to really get a feel for the characters and everything that is happening. Audrey and the gang are hilarious, frustrating, and naive at times, and I wouldn't want it any other way. HER SECRET is perfectly paced and I raced through this story in one evening as I just had to know what the heck was going on - and the ending certainly did not disappoint! I really enjoyed this story (even more so than the first book) and I highly recommend HER SECRET by Kelly Florentia for those who love a lot of drama with their entertainment. AUTHOR BIO Kelly Florentia was born and bred in north London, where she continues to live with her husband Joe. HER SECRET (2018) is her third novel and the sequel to NO WAY BACK (2017). Kelly has always enjoyed writing and was a bit of a poet when she was younger. Before penning her debut The Magic Touch (2016), she wrote short stories for women’s magazines. To Tell a Tale or Two… is a collection of her short tales. In January 2017, her keen interest in health and fitness led to the release of Smooth Operator – a collection of twenty of her favourite smoothie recipes. As well as writing, Kelly enjoys reading, running, drinking coffee, scoffing cakes, watching TV dramas, and spending way too much time on social media. For more information: Website - kellyflorentia.com Twitter - twitter.com/kellyflorentia Facebook - www.facebook.com/KellyFlorentiaAuthor Instagram - www.instagram.com/kellyflorentia/ |
WelcomeHi fellow bookworms. My name is Linda and I'm a reviewer & blogger, wife & mother who loves all things books! 
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