Book Review - My Big Greek Island Ex-Scape by Sandy Barker

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Title: My Big Greek Island Ex-Scape

Author: Sandy Barker

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 19th January 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Ally Novak is perfectly happy being single – in fact, her career depends on it.

As the Divorced Diva – blogger, brand ambassador and businesswoman extraordinaire – she’s spun three failed marriages into gold, building a brand that celebrates single life.

So when her wealthy ex-husband Julian invites her to front his new wellness retreat, Ally jets off to his exclusive Greek island, certain it’ll be just another glamorous gig.

What she doesn’t expect is to find another ex on the island – the one who got away, and the only one she can’t forget.

Is fate handing her a second chance at love, or is it simply a case of too many exes in paradise?

A delightfully fun romantic caper set on the glorious Greek island of Aetheria, from the bestselling author of Match Me If You Can

Utterly brilliant, possibly Sandy Barker's best book to date! 

I went into this book completely blind, I literally saw the author had a new book and knew I wanted to read it.  I never even read the blurb so I had absolutely no idea other than presumably a book based in Greece, what would be contained in the pages. 

The prologue captured my attention instantly, and made me intrigued by Ally and just what bonkers tale she was promising to tell us. For she let us know it was going to involve not one but two of her three ex-husbands, while on a private and luxurious Greek Island. 

She agreed to the trip to help out ex 3 - Julian, with promotion as she is now the Divorced Diva on social media, and helps empower divorced women, and has a fabulous platform. What she didn't realise until she was already on the island is that Tommy, ex number one, and the one that really did get away, has been hired and is working on the island too. 

So suddenly instead of a potentially awkward few days with one ex, she now has two of them at once to contend with.  When you add in that Tommy is warning Ally to leave the island immediately and that there is a lot more to that statement than meets the eye, and you have the ingredients for a wonderful book. 

This has various twists and turns and I definitely was shocked by elements of it, but it also has sizzling sexual chemistry, a possible new friendship, and some fabulous descriptions of the hotel and the island itself. Plus Naxos where there is a lovely excursion which included some lovely innuendo at a cookery class! 

I don't think I can explain just how genius this story is, it felt quite unique in terms of concept and the bits I'd most love to talk about would definitely be spoilers. 

I devoured this story and couldn't have enjoyed it more.  

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Let's Make A Scene by Laura Wood

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Title: Let's Make A Scene

Author: Laura Wood

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 3rd July 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

Their story might be scripted, but the chemistry is real.

When Cynthie Taylor gets her first real acting job, starring in a small British movie, she is over the moon. There’s only one problem . . . Cynthie's arrogant and annoyingly handsome co-star Jack hates her, and the feeling is definitely mutual. While they may be at war behind the scenes, their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and the studio sees an opportunity – have the two young stars fake a romance that will charm fans and draw crowds.

Thirteen years later, Cynthie and Jack have successfully kept their promise to stay far away from one another, until a surprising offer comes to make a sequel to the cult classic that launched their careers. But there's a catch: they must also rekindle their pretend relationship . . . and this time there's a documentary crew following their every move.

Cynthie and Jack both desperately need this film to work, but can two ex-rivals ever really trust each other? And what happens when the roles they're playing start to feel all too real?

What an enjoyable book.

I absolutely love stories that include movie stars, and this had everything.  Fake dating, real friendship, enemies to lovers, second chances, a reunion after 13 years, some talented acting, hilarious prank wars, a horrific ex for Cynthie which shows the worse side of the film making business, and a whole lot more besides. 

The story jumps regularly between the present day storyline of Cynthie trying to get herself back together after a public scandal, and the opportunity to make a sequel to her first ever film all these years later.  It's just that her nemesis Jack is also on board, and the deal involves a behind the scenes access all areas documentary being filmed, all while they have to fake date like back in the day, to ensure this is the biggest thing ever. 

And the storyline of 13 years previous, where they make the first film and we establish just what happened between the pair of them, which has led to the barely wanting to be in the same room together. 

But equally there is a lot of sexual chemistry and you are never quite sure which direction this story would take. 

This was the first book I've read by Laura Wood and it certainly won't be the last, and I'm eager to see what she writes next. 

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Fun at Parties by Jamie Harrow

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Title: Fun at Parties

Author: Jamie Harrow

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Quercus

Publication Date: 16th September 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

Spin instructor Quinn Ray is sunshine personified, so when she has a mid-class meltdown after a bad break up, her boss orders her to take a few weeks off work. And with nothing else to lose, Quinn decides a quiet road trip through Americaʼs most tranquil scenery is exactly what she needs as she re-examines her life choices.

But then Nate Reed, whoʼs barely spoken to Quinn since their friendship imploded two years ago, asks to hitch a ride. He needs to find their chaotically lovable pal, Logan, to discuss something important, and Quinn is happy to drop Nate off wherever he needs to be.

The problem is, party boy Logan doesnʼt want to be found. And as Quinnʼs peaceful road trip becomes a tour of Americaʼs biggest party spots, she realizes Nate might just be the silver lining she never thought to look for.

It took me a while to get into the swing of this book, but once I did, I was definitely enjoying it. 

I just found it hard to initially connect to Quinn Ray who is a CycleLove instructor (I think this is the fictional equivalent of Peloton, but as someone who has never done Spin or similar, I'm not positive) and also appears to be an influencer at the same time. 

Her cycle persona is fashioned by her bosses for those that want those particular sorts of rides, and her fake sunshine personality was hard to like - until she on camera let's out a true outburst at which point everything changes. 

And she is asked to take a few weeks off, which given she had been feeling less enthralled with the job, was good timing, although her bosses barely give her a break and she is expected to reinvent her online persona while away. 

She ends up on a cross country road trip with Nate who she has barely spoken to for a few years, while they chase mutual friend Logan through a variety of parties, some wilder than others, so that Nate can have a proper discussion with him about something. 

I loved the road trip elements of this, although I find the thought of driving for many many many hours at time across a country as big as the USA to be totally baffling, I know it's a thing people do, and my lack of geographical knowledge for the country means i have no idea how nonsensical their route is. 

From Tahoe, to Vegas to Denver, to Kansas and more we get to see snapshots of all sorts of different parts of the country, and I adored the Vegas section, just because it's somewhere I've always wanted to visit. 

And as we get to know Quin and Nate properly as the journey progresses, the more I liked them both, and was invested in their backstories and character development too. 

This was an enjoyable story and I'm glad that I have now discovered this author's writing. 

Thank you to Quercus and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Murder In Venice by T. A. Williams - #HolidayReading Dom Rep

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Amazon UK

Title: Murder In Venice

Author: T. A. Williams

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 3rd November 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

A movie icon, a murky past… and a murder mystery set in the magical city of Venice.

Private investigator Dan Armstrong can’t believe his luck when he’s invited to the luxury villa of none other than Alice Graceland, movie legend and queen of the silver screen. Could this be his big break - a chance to schmooze with stars and pitch his own murder mystery series? He’s already imagining red carpets and a golden Oscar to accompany his faithful canine companion, Oscar the Labrador…

But when he gets there, things start to look far from magical ...

Alice isn’t looking to bankroll Dan’s writing, but instead she wants him to play host at a murder mystery evening with a glamorous (but suspiciously tense) collection of Hollywood royalty. It should be a meeting of old friends - but just how friendly are they? There’s champagne, candlelight, and an increasing number of grudges floating beneath the surface.

As the murder mystery evening takes a sinister turn, Dan and Oscar find themselves navigating more than the city’s canals to find the truth.

Murder, mischief, and movie-star mayhem in the heart of Venice. Another gripping case for Dan and Oscar to solve

It never ceases to amaze me how T. A. Williams keeps coming up with such inventive plots for this series. 

This time it looks initially at least it could be a slightly less deadly book as Dan and Oscar have been invited to Venice to play detective at a murder mystery party. 

The guest list is predominately made up of Hollywood elite all of whom have career threatening secrets that they are hiding. 

And Alice appears to have some ulterior motives for hosting this soiree. 

I loved the descriptions of the Venice waterways, and generally of Venice in the summer, which is the only time I've briefly visited and it felt familiar to me. 

I love the Dan and Oscar pairing and I swear that dog is practically human, given how much more empathy he seems to have compared to humans! Plus he once again is practically the hero. 

But for what and why and who I'll leave you to discover. 

This is yet another truly delightful and enjoyable additions to this series, which I hope will continue to go from strength to strength in the future. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Second Act at Appleton Green by Kate Forster - #HolidayReading Cruise

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Title: Second Act At Appleton Green

Author: Kate Forster

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 7th August 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

When the curtains close, a new beginning waits in the wings

After losing her voice before the audition of a lifetime, West End hopeful Lily Baxter flees to the one place that's always felt like home: her grandmother Violet's cosy cottage in the heart of Appleton Green.

Violet is overjoyed to have Lily back under her roof, even if it's not under the happiest of circumstances. As Lily muddles through lost dreams and what-ifs, Violet is quietly nursing her own worries-and hoping this unexpected visit might help them both them heal.

When charming local nurse Nick encourages Lily to join the village's amateur dramatics group, she reluctantly agrees - and soon finds herself swept up in script readings, prop-painting parties, and something that feels a lot like falling in love.

As opening night draws near, Lily must decide where her heart truly lies: back in the bright lights of London, or centre stage in Appleton Green.

I was always going to be hooked on any book that features an aspiring West End actress, especially when it opens with Lily auditioning for one of the biggest musicals around, and it not going smoothly. 

So she decides to retreat and stay at her beloved Gran's for a few months, to see if she can start to feel  herself, and get her mojo back. 

 But she meets Nick and is thrown head first into the world of am-dram, and a production of My Fair Lady. 

All the descriptions of the show, mentions of the various musical numbers were definitely following the real version of this show, which meant I could picture things all the more clearly. 

I loved all the musical references, in addition to the bond Lily has with her gran. 

I couldn't get enough of this wonderful book, it was a joy to read, even if it did almost make me cry at one point, it just shows how much I cared for the characters. 

Another gem of this book from an author I always love reading. 

Thank you to Aria and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Nowhere Girls by Carmel Harrington - #HolidayReading Dom Rep

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Title: The Nowhere Girls

Author: Carmel Harrington

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline Review

Publication Date: 29th January 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

On a cold afternoon in December 1995, two young girls are found abandoned on a platform at Pearse Station in Dublin.

Thirty years later, investigative journalist Vega is determined to find out what happened to the so-called 'Nowhere Girls'. Where did their mother go? Why did no one come forward to claim them? And where are they now?

Searching for answers takes her on a journey with twists she never could have imagined. And one that could put everything else she knows at risk; including her new relationship, her career, and her life as she knows it.

Compulsive, addictive reading that I totally devoured over the course of an afternoon. 

And from the wow moment early on towards the end of Part 1, I knew i needed to do nothing else other than read this book. 

I was totally invested in Vega's story and that of the Nowhere Girls and never would have dreamt the directions this story took

Suffice to say it will keep you on tender hooks throughout. 

Vega is an amazing character, she is determined to find out the truth, no matter what methods she uses, and over the course of the story we meet some fascinating characters.  Some far more likeable than others. 

This is Carmel Harrington at her absolute finest. She is able to tug at heartstrings, make you emotionally invested in the story, while still trying to flabbergast the reader.  And it totally works. 

I couldn't have devoured this faster, and I thought my time spent between the covers of this book was time incredibly well spent. 

Thank you to Headline and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Alpine Retreat by Sarah Goodwin

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Title: The Alpine Retreat

Author: Sarah Goodwin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 15th January 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Relax. Recharge. Run for your life.

High in the secluded Swiss Alps, The Sorgente wellness retreat promises luxury, rejuvenation, and exclusivity: a paradise for celebrities seeking anonymity. Chloe – a stressed-out publicity crisis manager whose job just about qualifies her for this kind of refuge – joins a select group of actors, celebrities and social media stars to relax and recharge.

But when they arrive and have their technology confiscated, the group is horrified. To make matters worse, an avalanche traps them in the remote lodge overnight.

When they awake in the morning, one of their own has been attacked, and it’s not long before the bodies begin piling up. With the dangers of mother nature to contend with, the aerial lift down the mountain broken, and a killer on the loose, tensions couldn’t be higher. As paranoia sets in and dark secrets unravel, they realize that nothing is as it seems…

Someone is watching. Someone is hunting. And not everyone will make it out alive.

The Alpine Retreat is the unrelenting and totally gripping new novel from queen of the survival thriller, Sarah Goodwin, perfect for fans of Sarah Pearse, Lucy Clarke and Lucy Foley.

Wow, Sarah Goodwin really is cementing her place as the queen of the claustrophobic thriller. 

This was utterly disturbing, terrifying, and I ended up sitting in the middle of the day to read most of the second half of this, as I was worried if I continued reading after dark, that it would make me jumpy and disturb my sleep! 

There is a wonderfully remote setting, at a Swiss Wellness retreat that is up a mountain, very remote and where the main body of the retreat is a cable car away from where the cars can drop you.  Initially as we are getting the guided tour of the facility, I was getting the feeling this might be the sort of book that was involving brainwashing and new possibly illegal types of treatment. 

But that couldn't have been further from the truth, and although I was unsettled even initially with the setting, in reality it was the setting and it's remoteness is key, and Chloe really doesn't get the relaxed break she was hoping for. 

On the first night there is an avalanche, that leaves a high body count in it's wake. Those that survive are cut off from everything, have no power, limited food supplies, the electric fence that keeps the wild wolves off the property is no longer powered, oh and initially one dead body is discovered that was clearly murdered. 

So Chloe, and a whole bunch of incredibly pampered guests who are not used to this sort of thing and some staff have to somehow try to keep everyone safe, while there is a gun wielding killer on the lose (yeah both the retreat's guns are missing too), and no one knows who they can trust. 

Plus if they go and check on anything in the out buildings or staff lodge they are at risk from the wolves. 

So utterly terrifying and although rather disturbing I was totally there for it and couldn't get enough of this book.  I certainly didn't expect the actual outcome, nor their motives.  And Chloe who is a fixer for disgraced celebrity's in her day job, is in her element helping the staff here, and tying to get as many people out of the situation alive as she can. 

Although Chloe may have a morally dubious job I absolutely loved her as a character, and her general attitude to everything.  

This was just fabulous, utterly brilliant book and I can never get enough of this author. 

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Not Quite Done with Dating by Bella Osborne - #BlogTour

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Amazon UK

Title: Not Quite Done With Dating

Author: Bella Osborne

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Transworld Digital

Publication Date: 29th January 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

One bad date too many calls for desperate measures . . .

Nora is well and truly fed up. After more painfully bad dates than she can count, she’s had enough of leaving it to fate to find her perfect match – but she's not quite ready to give up on her love life just yet.

As a statistician, Nora trusts numbers more than her gut, so when she finds a formula that could help her conquer the dating game, she has to give it a go.

Putting her love theory to the test takes Nora to some questionable places with some even more questionable men, but she won't be deterred – she knows that 'the one' must be out there, somewhere. Even if he's the last person she'd have expected. . .

What a fabulous set of characters this book has. 

We have Nora, who is a statistician, who lives life according to statistics, and is now trying to apply a new statistical theory to her love life.  She is convinced that the rule of 37% is key to it all, and in order to prove it, she is on a journey to revisit some of her exes. 

She wonders if she was too hasty initially in dumping them, and generally I think she may have had some lucky breaks. 

There is Dixie, her best friend who after losing her latest job, is encouraged to use the 37% rule to a list of potential new careers, and thus she turns into an influencer.  She's wonderfully impulsive and ends up on a bit of an adventure that just reminds me how daft social media really can be at time.  While really wanting to see Arnold in person! (Arnold is part of the local wildlife of where she ends up, but I'm not revealing what animal!). 

You've got the wonderful Renee.  Omg I totally loved this woman, she is much older than the rest, but a key part of their rafting and cocktails club.  There is absolutely nothing this woman can't do, and the life she has lived with all of her anecdotes, if they are to be believed makes her amazing. And if not then she has a very vivid imagination.  She is larger than life, full of energy, possibly likes her cocktails extra strength, and is an absolute breath of fresh air in any chapter she appears in. 

And the last key member of their club is Jay, who is an actor.  It is also rather obvious he is trying to impress a woman, as he's doing various things that are clearly outside of his comfort zone.  This includes Bruce, and seeing Jay and Bruce interact especially initially is hilarious. 

I adored this friendship group, and just how close they all are. Seeing how they are all trying to take on new things in their lives, is heartwarming and there are many laughs to be had too. 

This was such an enjoyable book to read, I loved seeing the variety of Nora's exes, there is a trip to an animal rescue that I really loved, and all the characters antics just brough smiles to my faces. 

Another complete and utter hit from Bella Osborne.  I can't wait for her next books! 

Thank you to Transworld Digital and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Please do follow along with the other fabulous bloggers on this blog tour. 

Book Review - Just One Look At You by Jill Mansell - #BlogTour

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Amazon UK

Title: Just One Look At You

Author: Jill Mansell

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline Review

Publication Date: 29th January 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Venice. The perfect setting for romance, and for secrets to be shared.

'Stunning, utterly beautiful . . . Jill at her absolute best. One of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read' Jo Thomas

Fen can't believe her luck. A luxury holiday with her beloved grandmother Disa - what could be more delightful? It doesn't cross her mind that she might fall in love. Or that love can bring complications . . .

Jamie can't help it that women always fall for him, rather than for his kind-hearted friend Leon. Nor that only one of them got the looks (that would be Jamie). But how will he feel if the girl he's drawn to only has eyes for Leon?

Disa has a secret. A few weeks ago, an old letter in a file revealed a shocking truth about her late husband. She's come to Venice to find out more.

There's news on the way that will reverberate through all their lives, as Jill Mansell's joyful, heartbreaking new novel takes readers on a roller coaster ride of emotion - and makes us believe in love again.

Jill Mansell what on earth have you done to me with this latest book.  Starting out like a nice gentle story set on a Venice river cruise that sounded divine, with a big cast of characters to get to know, it deceives you into thinking this is how it will be. 

The next thing I know, my heart is being torn apart, and put together again, and torn apart, I'm on the verge of tears multiple times in the book, and there is ultimately a heartwarming and uplifting finale. 

I just know that when I feel that strong a connection to some of the characters, and believe in their story that much, that the author has done a fantastic job writing the book, which is definitely the case in this instance. 

There is a whole multitude of storylines to get involved in, some involving lost loves, old betrayals, some involving love at first sight, and ever present is Jamie, an ex pro rugby player and now general sports personality, who is so key to everything. 

I loved all of the various characters, but especially Fen, Leon and Jamie who are definitely the main characters of this book.  I was also interested in Hattie's story, and loved Disa too. These are well rounded characters, with development and big story arcs that are a delight to read. 

The sections set in Venice, spoke to my love of armchair travel and reminded me of my own brief visit to the city.  I loved the descriptions of some of the tourist attractions, and felt as though I was there alongside the characters. 

This is a truly special story from this always talented author and it was a brilliant way to kick of my 2026 reading, as it was the first book I have read in this new year.  

Just wonderful. 

Thank you Headline and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily 

Book Review - Meet Me At The Seaside Cottage by Jenny Colgan - #HolidayReading Cruise

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Title: Meet Me At The Seaside Cottages

Author: Jenny Colgan

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 19th June 2025 

Rating: 5 Stars

EVERYONE IS SEARCHING FOR THEIR PERFECT HOUSE.

BUT HOME IS REALLY WHERE THE HEART IS ...

Janey Carter has a lot to be grateful for - a home by the sea in Carso that she renovated herself, a job as an audiologist that she loves, two great kids, and a network of kind and supportive friends. But since her husband left, her confidence has taken a nosedive. And then, out of the blue, her grumpy 30-year-old daughter announces she's moving back home. Janey loves Essie dearly but they only just made it out alive from her adolescence. And this really is going to cramp her soon-to-be-rediscovered dating style.

Yes, Essie Carter is grumpy but she's just lost her job, she can't afford her rent in Edinburgh and her boyfriend isn't ready to commit. There's nothing for it but to admit defeat and hope the sea air soothes her soul. Life seems to be punching this millennial squarely in the face.

Living back under the same roof brings its challenges. But a combination of rescue dogs, pub quizzes and a surprise project doing up the unloved Seagate Cottages next door slowly brings mother and daughter closer together. Meanwhile, the steady stream of people coming past the house with fabric swatches and paint brings revelations for Essie, and offers Janey a surprise second chance at love as well.

It is always great to step inside Jenny Colgan's Scotland, and to be back in Carso was a real treat. 

This time the story centres around Janey and Essie, a mother and daughter who don't always see eye to eye. 

Janey has always lived in Carso, works in the hospital, and is a pillar of the community. Whereas Essie moved away first chance she got and isn't happy that circumstances have led to her moving back home. 

Essie is hard to like initially but once some dogs arrive on the scene, she becomes a far better version of herself, and she starts to find a purpose in Carso too. 

Add in some new friends for both of our leading ladies, and you have a lovely story of friendship and perhaps a bit more. 

It was an absolute delight to delve between these pages and discover this story. 

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.