Book Review - One Minute Away by Mark Watson

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Title: One Minute Away

Author: Mark Watson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 17th July 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

That's three sashimi rolls. Two vegetable dumplings. One life-changing encounter. Your delivery is on its way …

For delivery rider Damir, time is money.

He races through cycle lanes next to Uber drivers and grocery vans, delivering your every desire. He arrives with your sushi rolls and pizzas and disappears into the night – Ping! Onto the next drop.

He is invisible: one player in the boardgame of the city.

But one summer’s evening, in a postcode that could be another universe, Damir arrives on Decca’s doorstep and there’s an immediate connection between them.

The man on the bike crosses the divide – suddenly fully seen. And a throwaway delivery sparks a chain of events that will change all their lives, forever.

This has really opened my eyes as to the realities that food delivery drivers are exposed to.  It's a really hard job, especially if you are only on a bicycle (something I'll personally never be happy to see on a longer pick up of mine, as less chance of food being warm still). 

It's interesting to see how Damir, is always on the clock, makes every second count, and is just trying to do his best, alongside his best friend Goran.  Damir has inspired thoughts about the process of being a delivery driver, and just how they are perceived in society. 

After two very different visits to the same property his life changes, as he meets Decca.  They are worlds apart, but clearly attracted to each other. 

This is a fascinating story, about a profession that I've not really seen in a book before.  It highlights how hard it is to work and be present in a world where too many treat you like you are invisible. 

This is the first book I have read from comedian Mark Watson, and I was highly impressed by it. 

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

Book Review - The Midwife by the Sea by Jo Bartlett

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Title: The Midwife By The Sea

Author: Jo Bartlett

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 4th August 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

When midwife Hope Masterson arrives in Cornwall to start her dream job by the sea, she’s ready for a fresh start and a chance to make a real difference to the lives of the women and babies she cares for.

Working between St Piran’s hospital and the community midwifery unit of Port Agnes, Hope quickly finds herself drawn into the lives of her patients and colleagues. From dramatic deliveries and joyous newborns to heartbreaking struggles with infertility, she is on hand to share in all the hopes, worries and incredible love that motherhood can bring.

But Hope is carrying a secret that could change everything – and she faces an impossible dilemma.

Should she reveal the truth and shatter the lives of those around her, or protect the fragile happiness of the family she’s only just found?

As friendships deepen, romance blooms and emotions run high, Hope must decide whether some secrets are better left untold… and what it truly means to belong.

A gorgeously heartfelt, uplifting and unputdownable story of love, family and the many different paths to motherhood, by Top Ten bestselling author Jo Bartlett.

It is becoming very apparent to me that Jo Bartlett and midwives go hand in hand, as this is now the start of her second series featuring them.  In fact this one is very much related and interlinked with both of the author's previous two series set in the Three Ports area of Cornwall. 

So we are treated to a whole host of familiar characters, if you are a regular reader of the author, including Gwen who I'm always happy to see pop up, while it can easily be read as a standalone. 

I loved getting to know our new main character Hope, who is working in the settings for both previous series, the community midwife unit and St Piran's hospital.  I loved being back at the community midwife unit, and this really was a book that felt instantly familiar to me. 

It was a truly enjoyable story, that I loved every moment of and couldn't read quick enough.  It was emotional in places, and Hope has some incredibly tricky decisions to make, and I really admired how much she cared for other people and not just for herself. 

I already can't wait to read more from these characters. 

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

Book Review - Murder Off The Page by Maggie Allswell

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Title: Murder Off The Page

Author: Maggie Allswell

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 1st July 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

When the local fish and chip shop owner is found dead next to the fryer, is it a case of wrong plaice, wrong time or is a killer on the loose in the village?

Judy is reading late one night when a knock at the door disturbs her. Local teenager Megan has discovered her boss Colin, owner of local fish and chip shop The Codfather, lying dead next to the fryer. Found with the book club pick of the month at his side, surely Judy and her crime-loving book group can help?

The local police haven’t a clue, but as Judy gathers her bookish friends, they soon uncover more suspects than they bargained for. Was it John from rival fish and chip shop Salty Towers, the estranged brother who stands to inherit the family business? Or is there something fishy about Dazza, the new handyman who carries an empty toolbox? But when they both appear to have solid alibis, the book club are worried there are more red herrings in this case than they had counted on.

When another body is found, Judy realises that time is running out to crack the case before the killer strikes again. Can Judy and her book club follow in the footsteps of their fictional detective heroes to uncover the murderer before someone else is found sleeping with the fishes?

An absolutely hilarious and unputdownable new cozy mystery series, perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood and Faith Martin.

This is set just after the first book finishes (I mean the next day), so I'm very happy I chose to binge read both books together. Means I now have a far better grip on the characters, and they should stay in my head for next books a lot more.  However does mean I have no idea if this works as a standalone as I was too gripped in this heatwave to think! 

What a great mystery this was, at times I was giggling, and others was scratching my head as to what the answer was, and just who the murderer is. 

The serial killer's book club are back on the case, and this time they are in part trying to prove that Judy is innocent, as well as trying to work out who killed The Codfather proprietor Colin. 

We are introduced to all manner of new characters, in addition to what is a rather complex case. This includes the local policeman who seems rather close to useless, but is rather suggestible thankfully. 

Jack is like an over excited puppy for most of the book, he fancies Talisha like mad, is very happy to be going undercover, and then doesn't seem to know when he should be quiet. 

The dynamics between the various club members are highly amusing and I have a big soft spot for all them. 

This is an example of an author coming into her stride properly in her new genre, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. 

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

Book Review - Escape to the Turquoise Seas by Carrie Walker

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Title: Escape to the Turquoise Seas

Author: Carrie Walker

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 16th July 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Kat Brennan has always been the work-hard, play-harder type, navigating single life in London and the chaos of her job at Northstar PR. So when Excalibur Cruises invite her aboard to pitch for their account, she jumps at the chance to prove to her boss she's indispensable... and to finally relax a little.

But the last person she wants to get stuck on a boat with is industry hotshot Leo Kendrick, the CEO of rival agency Amplify – and Kat's nemesis. When Leo bagged a coveted marketing internship 15 years ago, Kat vowed never to let him win anything again. She is not about to break that promise, even if Leo has become a distractingly attractive opponent.

As the Esmerelda sails the seas, from the Azores to Lisbon via Madeira, the two agencies must battle it out to present the best pitch. But in such close quarters, the sea might not be the only thing rocking the boat…

I think this could be my favourite Carrie Walker novel so far, given how much I love cruising. 

And the Esmerelda is one rather impressive cruise ship, I adored resident drag cabaret star Barbie Cue who has a heart of gold.  Then there is Dahlia the ents manager, who is determined to get Kat and Leo taking part in  as much stuff as possible. 

After all how can they hope to pitch for Excalibur Cruise's PR account, if they haven't experienced everything. 

These are rivals with history between them and the rivalry is fierce. 

I loved the descriptions of the various ports of call on this cruise, especially of the Azores.  And some of the excursions sounded fabulous too. 

I really enjoyed my fortnight aboard the Esmerelda as well as all the drama and pitch ideas it brings with it. 

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

Book Review - The Talk of the Party by Foluso Agbaje

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Title: The Talk of the Party

Author: Foluso Agbaje

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 21st May 2026

Rating: 3 Stars

In a family built on lies, what happens when the truth comes out?

‘A glamorous, dramatic portrait of the lives, desires, and tensions of Nigeria’s upper class.' Oyinkan Braithwaite

Bukola Obanile’s 60th birthday party is the hottest ticket in town. But champagne isn’t all that is being served…

The Obaniles' picture-perfect life is the envy of all Lagos society, and everyone wants a piece. So, when renowned matriarch Bukola’s birthday approaches, there are no expenses spared. Five hundred guests are invited, and her four children are all in attendance. Everything will be perfect, just as planned.

Except living the dream comes at a price and, as the party draws closer, each of the Obanile children find themselves embroiled in scandals that could shatter the flawless reputation their mother has carefully built.

As the music builds and chandeliers glitter, this one perfect night could be all it takes to destroy a family built on deception…

This was really tough to read, and I think it's because I read it on the kindle.  Had I had a paperback version where I could very easily constantly refer to the character list and the incredibly useful and extensive list of Nigerian vocabulary and phrases at the start, so I could translate what I was reading, it would have been a bit easier to read. 

As there are a really large number of characters, and they rightly are all speaking their local dialect which I believe is authentic, but as someone unfamiliar with it, it just take a lot longer to read. 

Each chapter focuses on a different character, from various members of Bukola Obanile's family, to their family driver and Fran the event planner. Many of them are hiding things from each other, but the reader is privy to some things right up front. 

This is a fascinating look at life in Lagos, although at times the book switched locations to England so quickly, and without warning that I was often confused. 

And all of this background is of course incredibly needed and I kept reading in the hopes that the payoff would be worth it.  Well for me the story became unputdownable around the 70% mark, and I was invested in what would happen. 

But for me, as someone that loves books set in exotic locations, stories that feature rich people, and thrillers, well it just fell a bit flat all around overall.   That being said I can't help but feel that had I been able to spare the time to read this in slightly longer stints, like by a pool on holiday, then I would have felt differently, so I think the issues I had were mine, and not the book. 

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Ex-Wives Murder Club by Mette Ivie Harrison

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Title: The Ex-Wives Murder Club

Author: Mette Ivie Harrison

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Severn House

Publication Date: 31st May 2026

Rating: 3 Stars

Ever want to kill your partner? Join the club! Three ex-wives band together to murder their evil husband and wind up in the business of killing the worst of humanity. A darkly humorous suspense, with a heartwarming LGBTQ+ romance, perfect for fans of Elle Cosimano, Joanna Wallace, and Katy Brent.

What do you do when you realize you married a horrible man?

Kill him of course!

For Meg (wife #1), Jenny (#2), and Amelia (#3), the term ‘a woman scorned’ isn’t strong enough. They want more than revenge for the years of their life they wasted with their pitiful excuse for a husband. They want him dead.

As they carry out their lethal plan, they soon realize they’re thinking too small. What about all the other men (and women) who cause immeasurable suffering and get away with it?

Thus ‘the business’ is born. A dazzling new female-owned venture that will change the course of their lives—and shorten many others! And, for Meg and Jenny, it could allow them to experience a love they never thought possible . . .

A laugh out loud, feminist revenge story with horror elements. Readers will be clamoring for more from Mette Ivie Harrison.

If you love a book with disjointed timelines, and chapters that don't necessarily connect together in a fluid narrative manner then you will totally adore this. 

Now I enjoyed it, but I was finding each chapter felt more like a mini short story or anecdote in the lives of Meg, Jenny, Amelia and their "business".  This is a business that involves death to others, and being paid a fortune for it. 

We learn how and why they fall into this line of work, all about so many despicable human beings, that their deaths are not a tragedy at all. 

They are a group of smart vengeful women, and this is a story packed full with girl power. If you can get past the fact that one min you are two years into the business, and then the next its 13 years, and then 6 years or so, which is not my preferred method of story telling, then it really is a fun book. 

I had absolutely no idea how it would end, and at times I kind of wished I was Meg, or the others, as they are wonderful.  There are romantic elements to this in addition to revenge, and  some humour too. 

This was the first book I've read by this author and I was definitely drawn in by the fabulously bright pink cover. 

This was enjoyable, and I was certainly invested in the outcome and seeing just how everything would be resolved. 

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

Book Review - No Strings Attached by Christy McKellen

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Title: No Strings Attached

Author: Christy McKellen

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 23rd January 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

A revenge vacation with her hot billionaire ex-fling? Upgrade accepted ✅

Chloe Dasher has spent years saving for the honeymoon of her dreams—private hot springs, silk kimonos, and five-star room service in Kyoto. The wedding? A disaster. The groom? Gone. But she’s not giving up the trip she worked so hard for… even if she has to take it solo, with a broken heart.

What she doesn’t expect at the world's most luxurious hotel? Kit —her once-upon-a-time college fling turned maddeningly handsome, self-made billionaire—checking into the same romantic resort, also nursing a freshly broken engagement.

Neither expected a trip down memory lane with the one that got away, but old sparks ignite instantly…. So why not have a little fun and agree to enjoy a week-long holiday fling with a side order of payback on their exes! The only rule - keeping their hearts out of it. Chloe and Kit are absolutely not looking for love. Yet sometimes, the road to happily ever after starts with a no strings fling in paradise.

What are the odds that you are on what is meant to be a honeymoon, only you have been jilted, only to run into as you check into the hotel, an ex-boyfriend, who should have been on his own honeymoon, only they split not long before the wedding?

Well that is exactly the situation that Chloe and Kit find themselves in, while in a luxurious hotel in Kyoto, Japan. 

Now it was definitely the mention of Kyoto in the blurb that attracted me to this book, not a location I see pop up in my books that often, so I was hopeful of some armchair travel. And boy did it deliver.  There were some fabulous day trips in this story, as Kit and Chloe decide to spend some time together.  

I think the Samurai training experience was my favourite, as it sounded like a fun activity, especially as it was followed up by a trip to a cat cafe.  That cat cafe which doesn't just have cats, but a variety of smaller furry creatures, including a ferret that scared Kit and some Meerkats that were delightful! 

But it's when they are alone, back in the hotel that the sparks really fly, as they decide revenge sex is a great idea, and there is still fabulous chemistry between them.  I'll admit that some of those scenes didn't exactly excite me the way they should, just as I'm not into what they were doing - ie, don't just expect some vanilla spice in this, there is mixed spicy scenes! 

This was a lot of fun to read, I enjoyed learning about the breakdown of their previous relationships  and seeing how they appear to have grown since there were first together all those years ago.   

I am loving the heat level in Christy McKellen's books, which make them perfect poolside / holiday / heatwave in the garden reads! Anywhere you can just lose yourself into some pure escapism. 

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

Book Review - The Token by Sharon Bolton - #HolidayReading Dom Rep

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Title: The Token

Author: Sharon Bolton

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 30th July 2026

Rating: 4 Stars

The billionaire's will promised them everything. But the money comes with a deadly price . . .

Seven strangers receive a mysterious note that billionaire Logan Quick is leaving them his vast fortune. All they need to do is accept the enclosed Token and wait for his death. None of them know why they've been chosen, but all seven desperately need the money and the chance of a fresh start.

When the group are forced to embark on a dangerous sea crossing, they discover they are connected by a dark secret from their past. As confusion turns to fear and trust to betrayal, the question is no longer who will claim the money - it's who will make it off the boat alive . . .

The Token is the latest compelling thriller from Sharon Bolton, the bestselling author of The Pact and The Split.

What a prologue this book has, it goes straight into the action and given its titled day 14, you know you will have a bit of a wait to find out what happens next. 

As the story proper then kicks off on day 1 as we see each of the characters receive this mysterious tokens. 

There are no obvious connections between most of the characters, other than they all stand to inherit a rather large share of a fortune. 

Only then people start letting slip about these tokens, the press gets involved and life for these individuals becomes a lot trickier than anticipated. 

This was a bit of a slow burn for me, but the last quarter or so is so utterly action packed and keeps you on the edge of the seat that it is vey welcome.  As by this stage I was really caring about the characters. 

This was another fabulous book from Sharon Bolton, I've only ever read a few of her stories, but I'm always left very impressed. 

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

Book Review - First Dates at the Cat Cafe by Rachel Rowlands

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Title: First Dates at the Cat Cafe

Author: Rachel Rowlands

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoghton

Publication Date: 28th May 2026

Rating: 4 Stars

Love is in the air at the cat café... Will everyone find their purr-fect match?

Grace adores her job as a barista at the café, but dreams of one day setting up her own matchmaking agency to help pet lovers find true love.

When Catpurrcino partners with a dating festival for the whole of August it seems like it is meant to be.

The last thing on Grace's mind is her own love life.

Until she is matched with musician Nathan, who is only at the festival so he can perform.

Grace knows from the very first moment that Nathan is not the man of her dreams.

But no one is going to take romantic advice from someone who can't even get through one successful date. So Grace and Nathan make a pact: they will pretend to be smitten with each other until the end of festival.

The more time Grace and Nathan spend playing the perfect couple, the more Grace wonders if her fake feelings are becoming real... Could Nathan ever feel the same?

Get ready for a summer of first dates, fake dates and stolen kisses under a blanket of stars - with your favourite feline friend on hand for emotional support at all times! This romantic read is perfect for fans of Laurie Gilmore, Lucy Jane Wood and Sarah Morgan.

I am really loving this Cat Cafe series, and it was good to catch up with some of our feline friends. 

And of course the human ones too, this time the focus is on Grace, who dreams of opening up her own matchmaking agency for pet lovers, and Nathan who is a musician who has barely been creative since a bad break up. 

Catpurrcino has the opportunity to sponsor a huge matchmaking festival run by Grace's idol, and she is encouraged to join it, and the documentary being made, in the hopes of raising her profile for her new business. Plus who trusts a matchmaker with an iffy love life. 

Whereas Nathan is encouraged by his family to join the festival as a performer, entrant and also to be part of the documentary in order to raise the profile of his music. 

Despite them rubbing each other up the wrong way at the start, it soon becomes apparent there is something between them, whether it's fake or not is another matter! 

I really disliked Grace's parents, and also Nathan's ex girlfriend, who just happens to be at this festival too.  But I enjoyed disliking these characters, while loving both Grace and Nathan themselves. 

After they are matched, there are put on a series of interesting dates, including decorating biscuits and a spa evening, and it was fun seeing just what they would have to do next. 

This was a highly enjoyable story of dating and trusting your instincts, with plenty of feline friends and delicious treats too.  I ha a great time with this book and already looking forward to reading the next book in this series. 

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

Book Review - The Book Club Murders by Maggie Allswell

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Title: The Book Club Murders

Author: Maggie Allswell

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 22nd May 2026

Rating: 4 Stars

What Judy’s book club doesn’t know about murder mysteries isn’t worth writing about. Nothing beats cracking a fictional case over some wine and salt and vinegar crisps. But can they put their puzzle-solving skills to the test when the local librarian dies in a real-life murder?

For widower Judy, her murder book club is the highlight of the month: she gets to hear all the local gossip and even discuss a good fictitious poisoning or two. But when local librarian Wendy disappears, Judy follows in the footsteps of her fictional detective heroes only to find her dead in her home, clasping a copy of Romeo and Juliet…

The police rule it a tragic accident, but Judy knows that her friend hated Shakespeare, and suspects foul play. Gathering her fellow book lovers together, soon they discover that several townspeople had motive to want Wendy dead. Was it Nigel from the tavern, who may have been Wendy’s secret boyfriend? Or could it be Bryan, the local bookshop owner, tangled in a bitter rivalry with the library?

The plot thickens when more murders come to light. Can Judy and her book club take matters into their own hands in a twist no one will see coming? And as the lines between fiction and reality blur, can they catch the murderer with their own killer plot?

An utterly addictive and hilarious new cozy mystery series, perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood and Faith Martin.

I was delighted when I learned that Tracy Bloom had a new book out and was excited to see how her change of genre, and pen name would unfold. 

Well I have to say she is as talented at cozy crime as she is with rom coms based on this book. 

Once I got to grips with the characters, and there are a fair few members of the Serial Killer's Book Club, I was engrossed in this mystery. 

As a group of people that love a whodunnit, they soon found themselves in one of their own making.  At least when Judy comes across a dead body (that was unrelated to her funeral director work), she is adamant that poor Wendy was murdered and not as the police think, a suicide. 

And she and her friends decide they would like to find out more about Wendy and see if they can solve it. But things take some unexpected turns, and two storylines are connected in a way I wouldn't have guessed.  

I really enjoyed getting to know Judy, Sarah, Helen Kerry, Jack and Talisha, and seeing Judy whizz about on her mobility scooter was great fun.  As was deciphering her text messages! 

It was a gripping mystery, I was interested in seeing just what would happen, and there were moments when I laughed out loud. 

And the ending took me a bit by surprise too. I'm already keen to read the next book in this series. 

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