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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Amazon UK

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. 

Book Review - Blue Skies Ahead by Jessica Redland

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Title: Blue Skies Ahead

Author: Jessica Redland

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 27th July 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Leaving behind everything she thought she knew, Grace arrives at Hazelwick Farm with her teenage daughter, Maddie, and her mother, Frances, ready to build a new life together.

Grace has dreamt of fresh air, open skies and days filled with taking care of the animals while building a family business together. But starting over isn’t as simple as she hoped.

Maddie has barely spoken to her since the divorce from her father and Grace doesn’t know how to fix what she doesn’t fully understand. Between strained silences at home, and the demands of getting the farm ready to open for business, Grace begins to wonder if she’s made a mistake.

Yet life at Hazelwick Farm has its surprises. Grace keeps crossing paths with handsome tenant, Caleb, whether she means to or not. Could this unexpected connection be the start of something she never saw coming?

Escape to the countryside with a heartwarming, uplifting multigenerational story of family, fresh starts and finding love when you least expect it from multi-million copy bestseller Jessica Redland.

If like me you have never heard of the term cuddle cow, then you will certainly be familiar with it by the end of this book and almost certainly wanting to experience cuddling cows for yourself. 

This is a joyous first book in yet another brand new series from Jessica Redland (I've lost track how many series she is currently writing at the moment).  Thankfully to spare confusion between them, this one is set in a new location too, Hazelwick Farm in Northumberland. 

And as you should be now come to expect from this author, it packs a fair punch in terms of emotions and impactful storylines, while bundled up in between a lot of wonderful sounding animals. 

We have Maddie who has barely spoken civilly to her mother Grace in two years and seems to resent the move to this new farm.  But Grace and her mother Frances both need new starts for various reasons and have always been  more farm girls than city folk. 

Grace is still wondering why husband Laurie left her, as he hasn't given a reason, but she is determined to throw herself into this new life. It's clear she loves her animals, and although I've mentioned cuddle cows, which are w new experience she hopes to add to the farm, there are also pygmy goats, and heavies horses (big tall breeds), which she can use for equine therapy.  

And Frances is a keen baker and is revitalising the cafe on the farm too, so it's all the women in the family ,as they get to know the local area, and experience a fair few ups and downs. 

The location is picturesque, and I would love to also play with the guinea pigs, dogs and the cat, there are a lot of animals, which is hardly a surprise for fans of this author.  It's obvious she loves nature and animals and  I loved seeing how this story would pan out. 

There's emotional growth and development for all characters, secrets to come out, and some heart wrenching ones at that. 

I adored this book and think it's a brilliant start to what should be another fantastic series, from an author at the top of her game. 

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

Book Review - Secrets of the Italian Guesthouse by Sue Moorcroft - #HolidayReading Tunisia

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Title: Secrets of the Italian Guesthouse

Author: Sue Moorcroft

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Renegade Books

Publication Date: 2nd July 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Two sisters she's never met

A first love who's impossible to forget...

For Jade, life in Lake Como is la dolce vita. Until her beloved grandmother passes, leaving Jade not just the family's bustling guesthouse to run, but two life-changing secrets to confront...

The pensione hasn't just been left to Jade, it's also been inherited by her sisters - who she had no idea existed. As Erin and Rosalie arrive in Italy, Jade is forced to face the heart-wrenching prospect of sharing her last remaining tie to the woman who raised her.

Jade is desperately trying to hold on to the past, but there's one person she would prefer to leave firmly behind: her first love, Leo. He's back in the city that is filled with the memories they once made together. But as Jade fights to take control of her future and her heart, why do all cobbled roads lead back to Leo?

Lose yourself in the first, utterly romantic novel in a brand-new trilogy, filled with new beginnings and second chances. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Milly Johnson.

A brilliant start to a new series from Sue Moorcroft. 

This book is full to the brim of secrets and it sends Jade on a topsy-turvy ride about family, friendship, and trust.

The author really puts Jade through the wringer in this story, as it seems just as she is adjusting to one life change, another one is hot on its heels. 

This was compelling reading at its finest. I was hooked from the first few pages, and was still astounded by the end. 

I loved getting to know Jade and Leo, who are both really lovely people. 

There is a lot going on, and I was totally there for every second of it 

I am already very eager to read the rest of this trilogy. Bring it on!

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

Book Review - Growing Old Disgracefully by Karen King

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Title: Growing Old Disgracefully

Author: Karen King

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source Netgalley 

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 20th April 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

When Nancy’s husband disappears to ‘find himself’ on a worldwide tour, just before he’s due to retire, she’s devastated to find he’s left her penniless.

She has the house though… and so she does the only thing she can. She finds lodgers. Her sister Val thinks it’s a mad idea, but Nancy’s sure it’ll be fine, as long as she doesn’t have anyone young and chaotic, so she selects three lodgers of similar age to her.

But she soon realises that life model Jackie, fortune teller Phyllis, and ageing rocker Marvin might be a more crazy group than teenagers would be. What’s more… they’re determined to help Nancy find her own wild side!

Don’t miss this hilarious, uplifting story about how it’s never too late to find the fun in life

This is feel good fiction at its finest. 

Nancy is devastated when she reads a note from her husband saying he has left her, cleaned out the savings, and gone off to travel, but that she can keep the house.  But that it's still got a mortgage has husband is awful with finance. 

Realising she needs to do something so that she can keep paying off the debt, she decides to take in lodgers on a temporary basis, ideally those over a certain age, as she assumes they will be nice boring peaceful people to share her house with. 

What she actually gets is exhibitionist Jackie, tea leaf reading Phyllis (and she might have an adorable pet), and Slate who is in a rock band! 

Suddenly her preconceptions turn upside down, but she is also starting to be open to new ideas and opportunities and I loved seeing Nancy start to properly thrive. 

And I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her new house mates as they all start to bond. 

There are antics galore in this, in what is an amusing and simply brilliant story, showing you should never write anyone off just because they are approaching pensionable age! 

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