Book Review - Marry Me In Italy by Nicky Pellegrino - #HolidayReading Dom Rep

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Title: Marry Me In Italy

Author: Nicky Pellegrino

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 12th September 2024

Rating: 4 Stars

A dream wedding in Italy?

It's the chance of a lifetime!

Skye has been with Tim forever and the last thing she's thinking about is saying 'I do'. It's Tim that enters the dream wedding competition - he's longing to win an all-expenses-paid trip to romantic Montenello. An escape to a beautiful Italian hill town might be just what they need to find love again...

Ana definitely isn't interested in getting married - she doesn't need a man to make her happy. But when she loses her job at a glossy food magazine, she jumps at the chance of a new life, renovating a crumbling Italian farmhouse. Her handsome (and very distracting) neighbour definitely isn't part of the plan.

One thing's for sure, this summer has surprises in store!

It was lovely to be back in the town of Montenello, which has featured in previous books from the author, 

It was a familiar setting to me, but with a whole new plot and brand new characters too. 

We have Ana, who is struggling with a new phase in her life, and Skye who is having relationship wobbles with Tim. 

Tim is a frustrating man to live with, but his heart seems in the right place even if his methods are mad.  He goes through a competition entering phase (something I'm very familiar with) and manages to win a biggy, but not without I'll say exaggerating on the entry.  A lot of compers do it, but I personally wouldn't to the extent he did. 

I was constantly peckish while reading this from the cakes that Skye makes to all the delicious dishes that Ana was eating. 

I really enjoyed seeing how the two stories would interlink as I couldn't figure out how it might be possible initially. 

And all the descriptions in Italy themselves are up to the author's typically fabulous level and made me long to be there. 

A really enjoyable story from an always fabulous author. 

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

Book Review - Tomorrow Starts Today by Jessica Redland - #HolidayReading Dom Rep

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Title: Tomorrow Starts Today

Author: Jessica Redland

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 8th January 2026

Rating: 4 Stars

Escape to the Lakes with million-copy bestseller Jessica Redland for a BRAND NEW uplifting story of friendship and second chances 💓🫶🏻

⛵Every book in the Escape to the Lakes Series can be read as a standalone ⛵

It's never too late to find yourself... 💫

When she unexpectedly loses her husband, Yvonne Kellerman's world turns quiet and grey. Five years on, her days are filled with the gentle chatter of her loyal parrot, Trevor, and the comfort of her crafting table—but she can’t shake the feeling that life is slipping her by and Yvonne feels lost and lonelier than ever.

When she joins the local crafting club at Willowdale Village Hall, Yvonne expects nothing more than a few afternoons of sewing. Instead, amongst the other local crafters, she discovers friendship, laughter and a renewed appreciation for her gorgeous Lake District home. It’s a reminder that she isn’t alone and, with each new stitch, her confidence returns, and so does her belief that it's never too late for fresh starts and new beginnings.

When a familiar face from her past reappears, Yvonne finds herself standing at a crossroads: will she protect her heart, or embrace the chance to love—and truly live—again?

A heartwarming story of friendship, courage, and second chances by the million copy bestseller Jessica Redland.

It is lovely to return to Willowdale, in this fifth standalone book of the series, 

And with a whole new set of main characters to learn about, this was a truly lovely book. 

With our leading lady being Yvonne, who five years on has realised she needs to get her life back on track after the death of her beloved husband. 

The more I learnt about Yvonne's backstory the more my heart went out to her.  And there are even some OMG revelations! 

Yvonne takes the brave step of joining the local craft and cake club and it turns out to be her best ever decision. 

Friendships are formed, as are new business opportunities, in addition to hearing about a wide array of different crafts. 

I really enjoyed her new friendship group and tehri dynamics, and learning more about her new friends too. 

This is a moving story of finding happiness later in life and of not putting off things until tomorrow when they could be done today. 

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

Book Review - A Lot To Unpack by Portia MacIntosh - #HolidayReading Dom Rep

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Title: A Lot To Unpack

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 2nd October 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

It’s going to be a bumpy ride... 👀

Liberty’s just landed her dream job. The catch? It’s at Matcher, the dating app that ruined her life. After catching her boyfriend sending intimate pictures to everyone in a twenty mile radius, Liberty is struggling to get back into the dating game. Every man gives her the ick sooner or later.

Still, she’s having a great time travelling the world for work, until she’s assigned a secret mission: Travel to New York with her handsome and charming boss Jordan and swap out a contract from under his nose. It should be easy, but the more time Liberty spends with Jordan, the more she realises he might not be the bad boy she thought he was. But it turns out they’ve both got a lot to unpack, and Liberty still needs to complete her mission if she wants to keep her job - which means not breaking the one golden rule: do not fall for the boss!

A laugh-out-loud, rivals-to-lovers, working together, jet set romcom! A Lot to Unpack from Portia Macintosh

Another highly enjoyable and entertaining storeis from the pen of Portia MacIntosh. 

Liberty needs a new job, since it is obvious she can no longer work with her dick pic sending boyfriend. 

The one she gets to me seems to be too good to be true.  She's an assistant, waiting for people that need assitance, and in the meantime she is being flown all over the world. 

And while she waits she is encouraged to use Matcher and right reports on ot. Which leads to her to some rather amusing dates across the world. 

Until she meets Jordan, who is key to everthing, and that's where things get interesting! 

Full of the author's trademark humour this was a highly entertaining story to read.  And I especially loved the descriptions of the places she is sent to. 

Add in her cousin's wedding and various amusing family dynamics and you have yourself a fabulous book. 

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

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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Amazon UK

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.