Book Review - Good For You by Lucy Vine

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Amazon UK

Title: Good For You

Author: Lucy Vine

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 4th June 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Liv’s furious – but you’d never know. As morning TV’s go-to relationship therapist, she’s built herself a no-nonsense, easy-breezy reputation.

But when she’s caught on video having a tiramisu-fuelled meltdown, she goes viral for all the wrong reasons. Suddenly everyone knows that the woman whose mantra is ‘keep calm and carry a condom’ can’t keep her cool.

Her boss gives her an ultimatum: anger management or unemployment. It should be simple, just six sessions stand between Liv and her old life. The problem is her therapist, Edward, who's insufferably perceptive and, worse still . . . devastatingly hot.

When you kick off a book with a viral video that is absolutely hilarious as a reader, but potentially career destroying for Liv (who is starring in the video, without her realising), you know you are in for a fun time between the pages of this one. 

And on the whole this book is a great deal of fun, there is Liv and Sam her bestie who are determined to do many not overly smart things while Liv is recovering from the viral break up video.  

But at the same time, there is a lot of very important things said in this novel, from Liv and other prominent female characters that really resonate, and are oh so true.  There are rants about men, there is plenty of rage (and some therapy about anger), but there is also the overall idea that women are just treated like rubbish from men still, and this is a quarter of the way into the 21st Century.  

This is a book full to the brim of trying to bolster women, but at the same time there is a lot on mental health too.  Well Liv is a therapist, and she is told she has to have some therapy if she wants to hold onto her TV job as a result of the viral video.   

I hadn't read the blurb, I was reading this purely because I know I tend to love a Lucy Vine book, so it took a while for me to realise who the most likely new love interest for Liv would be, and even then, I was thinking, no that can't happen.... you will need to read it yourself to find out who I'm talking about and if they do get together - something I was not convinced would happen. 

I loved every word of this book and I am loving Lucy Vine more and more and more with every book of hers that I read.  Bring on the next one! 

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

Book Review - The One Day You Were My Husband by Rosie Walsh

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Amazon UK

Title: The One Day You Were My Husband

Author: Rosie Walsh

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Macmillan

Publication Date: 4th June 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Four hours after saying ‘I do,’ he was gone.

Twelve years ago, Carrie married Johan on a beach in Thailand. But as the sun set on their perfect day, armed men swarmed the island and her husband was taken, never to be seen again.

Carrie is now happily remarried; a mother of two. The past is firmly behind her – until she stumbles across Johan by accident online. He is alive and well.

As the memories of their passionate relationship flood back, Carrie is compelled to find out what happened on that beach, and why Johan never got in contact.

The man who promised her a lifetime of love is now a mystery she must solve. But are the answers worth risking her marriage, her family, and the life she fought so hard to rebuild?

The truth, it turns out, is more shocking than any lie . . .

Rosie Walsh is doing what she dos best in writing a delightfully addictive  book once again. 

And with such a great concept.  She is also a queen of twits and I certainly didn't see this one coming, I was totally shocked. 

I had to keep reading to find out if Carrie would ever discover the truth about the man she married in 2010 in Thailand, only for him to be arrested later that same evening. 

I couldn't read this fast enough as I was flying through the pages, and various time lines, determined to know the truth. 

And I was definitely not expecting the direction it went in at all, so kudos to the author. 

I loved the travel elements in this especially the descriptions of Thailand.  I also loved that Carrie is trying to once again get her life back on track, including becoming a surgeon. 

There are many fabulous storylines to wrap your head around, each more addictive than each other, and all totally fabulous. 

A triumph of a book, one I absolutely was hooked on. 

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

Book Review - Hit Or Miss by Elle Kelk

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Amazon UK

Title: Hit Or Miss

Author: Elle Kelk

Format reviewed: Ebook 

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ

Publication Date: 4th June 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Ethan Taylor is unbeatable on and off the field. Being the star of the Marshall College soccer team – and hot as hell – has its perks. But when tragedy strikes, Ethan flies straight out of South Carolina and to the intimidating halls of Hemden University, where even his Southern charm can’t melt the stiff British upper lips…

Mia Meyers has never had much luck with people. Having always been a bookish wallflower, junior year abroad could be her one chance to step into the spotlight. So, when Mia realises that she’s not the only student from Marshall across the pond this year, she is determined that no one will get in the way of her new life – not even Ethan Taylor.

But why is it that Ethan’s infuriatingly sexy green eyes can’t stop staring at her, and why doesn’t she want him to look away? They may be far from friends at home, but under the spires of Hemden, could this striker score her heart?

🎓⚽❤️‍🔥

I have totally loved my first visit to Hemden University, a rather prestigious uni in the same vein I would imagine as Oxbridge are.  This is for the smartest of the smart, or those that can afford to pay their way in, and they are not afraid to party either! 

And this is a book that focuses on Mia and Ethan who are both on a year abroad from Marshall College in South Carolina.  So they are not only joining in the third year of study, but also having to deal with cultural differences. 

It is a chance Mia has been waiting for, forever, a way to hopefully reinvent herself, away from her parents, and to perhaps get a social life and not just study the whole time.  Whereas for Ethan it feels like a punishment, as he has been exiled from his college despite being a star sports star. 

Although they were at the same place back home, they didn't run in the same circles, and they both seem rather dismayed to discover the other here at Hemden. 

They definitely start off as enemies, and I was always interested in the dynamic between them, but equally I loved seeing how Mia and Ethan start to adapt to life at Hemden.  But yet there is also a vulnerability from both them, that was rather intriguing. 

I was highly amused that watching one of the Hemden Uni football matches, where scouts from Harchester United.  Harchester United being of course the team from Sky One programme Dream Team from the late 90s into the mid 00s that lasted 10 series, and one that always had epic cliffhangers, and has always had a place in my heart. In fact thanks to being reminded of Harchester, I've now started watching the series again on Youtube!!! 

This was just a really highly enjoyable book, there is plenty of fabulous sex, there are secrets, some fabulous parties including interesting fancy dress, but also some far more real messages in there about being true to yourself.  It's just an all around wonderful book, and I'm already excited to learn it was the first book in a series, and can't wait to read the next one.   

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

Book Review - Girls Take Vegas by Jo Lyons

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Amazon UK

Title: Girls Take Vegas

Author: Jo Lyons

Format reviewed: Paperback 

Source: Publisher supplied copy

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 12th December 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Connie and the Dollz are off to Las Vegas!

But what started off as a romantic minibreak for Connie and her gorgeous new Spanish boyfriend Matteo, was swiftly hijacked by her friends…

Now, Connie must attempt to juggle her romantic week with an over-the-top stag do for Ged and Liam, an increasingly heavy workload performing with the Dollz, and even a case of unrequited love...

With Ged and Liam behaving like major bridezillas, Connie struggles to keep up with their incessant demands for organised fun and their obsessive hunt for A-list celebrities. And when the Dollz ramp up their usual reckless behaviour in the casino and beyond, Connie finds herself dealing with a disgruntled local mobster and an accidental wedding that should never have taken place.

Amid the chaos, will her and Matteo’s love ever find a way?

Only one thing is for sure – what happens in Vegas, MUST stay in Vegas... 👀

You won't want to miss this bold, brilliant, bedazzling romantic comedy!

If you are looking for a ridiculously fun read, with loads of insane, bonkers happenings from a wonderful cast of characters, then look no further than Jo Lyons  - The Girls series. 

This is the third book and they all continue straight on from each other, and I can't get enough of the Girls.  And this time they are spending a week in Vegas. 

It was meant to be a romantic getaway for Connie and Matteo.  But it then gets hi jacked by Ged and Liam for their pre-moon celebrations (stag do but not a stag do!). Then Tash decides the Dollz need to get in on the action and that the trip really is a celebration for Sister Kevin's "BIG" birthday!   And Luke, the opera singer from the previous book, that seems to be grand gesturing Connie all over the place just happens to be on the same flight as them to Vegas too! 

There are antics galore in this, as their friendship is tested on so many levels. They are wired, they are jet lagged beyond belief, they love a gamble, and there is a rather rich cowboy called Hank who seems to have taken a liking to Liberty (only he may be a fake cowboy, and what the girls believe he really does leads to  a couple of mad cap schemes!). 

I don't have the words to explain just how entertaining this book is.  Jo Lyons is easily at this stage one of my don't look at a blurb, just automatically need to read them authors. She can literally do no wrong in my eyes.  Utterly fabulous book, totally my sort of thing and completely brilliant holiday reading too! 

Just sit back and allow yourself to escape into the bright lights of Vegas and all it can offer! 

Book Review - Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble by Rosie Green

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Amazon UK

Title: Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble

Author: Rosie Green

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 29th March 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

When Gertie buys a run-down house 'by accident', she considers it the latest fail in a series of disasters! Her job at the Little Duck Pond Café and the friends she's made there are a big comfort – especially as temporary boss Alice seems to be going out of her way to make her life difficult. But then Gertie meets the handsome Rafe – and her life takes a turn she definitely wasn't expecting . . .

Have I mentioned recently how much I love this series, so seeing us return to the Duck Pond Cafe itself was a really nice bonus.  With Ellie, Katja and Maddy all featuring in this story, there is plenty for long running fans of the series to smile  about. 

Equally with most of the book featuring Gertie as the main character, even if you are new to the series, you get a new leading lady to root for!  

in fact Gertie isn't the only new person working in the cafe.  Ellie has decided to take a step back for a few months to focus on her family, and has hired Alice as a manager instead.   And wow what a difference in management styles they have. 

It's initially very hard to warm to Alice, but Maddy's digs at her, and reactions (or overreactions) are immensely amusing. 

And Gertie has met someone who appears to be the most perfect man for her,   Then there is also her new neighbour is acting rather oddly,  and keeps popping up frequently wherever she is. 

There is a lot of humour in this story, including the tale of how Gertie came to buy the house she is currently living in!  But equally there are more serious threads to it too, and the narrative takes us in unexpected directions. 

I do love it when an author can continually surprise you, and I'm loving Gertie, and delighted to see that she will be key in the next book too.  And I devoured this over a few short hours, unable to put it down for the majority of the book. 

I ran out of new words to describe this author and series about 20 books ago, so at the risk of repeating myself once again, I'll just say this is another wonderful addition to the series, and I'm already eager for more! 

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Girls Gone Rogue by Jo Lyons

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Amazon UK

Title: Girls Gone Rogue

Author: Jo Lyons

Format reviewed: Paperback 

Source: Publisher supplied copy

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 20th October 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Connie’s landed her dream singing gig and is off on tour!

Quickly caught up in a whirlwind of life with the world-class orchestra - jealous chorus girls, growing romantic tension with Luke the charming (and secretly royal) lead tenor and scandalous tabloid headlines - however, Connie starts to wonder if she's doing the right thing.

Not only that, but she’s juggling a new, long-distance relationship with Matteo, the brooding Spanish music producer who was love at first sight, and who’s increasingly hard to reach.

Are she and Matteo exclusive?

Is aristocratic millionaire Luke too good to be true?

Can Connie maintain her sanity while coordinating her best friends’ over-the-top Barbie-themed pre-wedding bonanza and her outrageous support band the Dollz booking her for gigs in Vegas?

When does a royal love triangle become more of a square?

What is clear, though, is that Connie Cooper is back. She’s in her fearless era, supremely talented – and not to be underestimated...

Continuing from where Girls Just Want To Have Sun finished, this is more Connie, more of the Dollz, more antics, more hilarity and more men! 

Connie is embarking on a tour with the opera company her mother used to sing for, and something she has wanted for a long while.  As a classically trained singer she is looking forward to singing operatic arias instead, of the commercial and sexy songs from the previous weeks in Benidorm. 

But instead of coming into the company and making friends, she seems to upset everyone instantly and is on the back foot from the beginning.  Especially managing to initially have a run in with Luke who she isn't aware is about to be the tenor she is singing with. 

Luke has a rather impressive pedigree and seems to want to pursue Connie, especially after discovering the magic they are making on stage when singing. 

Mateo her boyfriend is largely absent in this book, and Connie is rather naive when it comes to men by the looks of it.

There are so many hilarious moments in this book, which made me laugh out loud.  There is banter, there is drama, there are wardrobe malfunctions and a whole lot more.  This book and series is just so much fun, and I was loving every word of it. 

Love Connie and the Dollz so much, as well as Ged and Liam even if they are already starting to turn into bridezillas, and this is before they even get to their stag do (which is not what they are calling it). 

It was perfect to read in the garden in an afternoon during a heatwave, so is definitely perfect holiday reading too.  Just make sure you have the next book in the series to hand, as with the way this one ends, you will want to reach for the next one to continue instantly.... which is exactly what I've done!

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

Book Review - Undercover Honeymoon by Jo Watson - #HolidayReading Tunisia

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Amazon UK

Title: Undercover Honeymoon

Author: Jo Watson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline Eternal

Publication Date: 28th May 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

When Private Investigator Lizzy Brown is hired to follow a cheating spouse, the last person she expects to run into is Cameron Anderson: the man she dated for a grand total of 6 hours, and the real reason she left the Police Academy all those years ago. Something Lizzy definitely isn't still bitter about.

Cam, tasked with a money-laundering case, never thought he'd find himself once again squaring off with Lizzy - and most certainly not in a romantic and glamorous Seychelles resort. But when their separate cover stories are put at risk, the pair are soon forced to masquerade as a honeymooning couple to cover their tracks.

Faking a marriage with your ex is bad enough, but when Lizzy and Cam find themselves tangled in a criminal conspiracy bigger than their bitterness, they realise that their relationship lie might be the only thing keeping them alive.

But as old feelings resurface, are they really just playing the part?

I loved this book a lot, and it felt a bit different, definitely a bit more high stakes than other Jo Watson books, which I was totally there for. 

Lizzy is in the Seychelles, as a private investigator trying to prove that Victor is cheating.  The last thing she expects is to end up in a closet with her kind of ex, but definitely nemesis Cam, who it turns out is on the island to investigate Victor on behalf of financial crime team.  What is very clear is that Lizzy and Cam have some chemistry, and that they both love to win. 

They also had a 6 hour "relationship" many years ago which went sour just as fast, when Lizzy comes across something and fails to believe Cam.  But yet they are now both trying to do the same sort of thing, and have realised the best way to get close to their target is to pretend to be in a fake relationship.  It's also to try to detract attention from the Mafia man who is also on the island, attempting to get to Victor, but could potentially wish to harm Lizzy and Cam. 

I always love any sort of fake dating type stories, and seeing Lizzy so far out of her comfort zone in so many ways was something I came to relish.  And I loved the dynamics between this pair too. 

Between getting to see some fabulous sights on the island, doing some great activities and trying to discover the truth there is plenty to love about this book.  And I thoroughly enjoyed everything, although some of the sex was perhaps a tad rough for my own personal preferences! 

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

Book Review - The Tea Room Inheritance by Hannah Langdon - #HolidayReading Tunisia

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Amazon UK

Title: The Tea Room Inheritance

Author: Hannah Langdon

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Storm Books

Publication Date: 27th May 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Welcome to The Coastal Kettle, a sun-drenched seaside tearoom where friendship is brewed strong and secrets run deeper than anyone suspected...

When Belle's fiancé calls off their wedding just nine days before the ceremony, her carefully planned life crumbles. With nowhere else to turn, she flees to the south coast to stay with her beloved godmother Diana – only to discover that Diana has gifted Belle everything she has: a seaside house and a charming tearoom, The Coastal Kettle.

Starting over in the picturesque village of Spindrift Bay, Belle throws herself into renovating the tearoom and learning to bake. Between rescued kittens, new friendships and the kindness of locals like handsome vet Luke, she begins to heal. But when Belle uncovers a decades-old family secret hidden in the house, she faces an impossible choice: reveal the truth and risk destroying the lives of those she's grown to love, or keep a secret for the woman who gave her everything...

A heartwarming tale of found family, second chances and the courage to start again. Perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Phillipa Ashley and Holly Martin.

For an author that has been going from strength to strength, and this being her best book yet, it is such a shame that she has passed away and the world won't get to experience any more Hannah Langdon novels after this one. 

But what a way to finish, this book has so much, hidden family secrets, cute adorable kittens, new friends, plenty of baking and some tricky relationships just to name a few. 

And Belle really is not given the best start in this book, she is dumped by her fiancée a few days before the wedding, most of the wedding admin is then forwarded to her to deal with, and when it's decided she should stay with Diane her godmother to start to rebuild her life, she discovers as she arrives in Spindrift Bay that her beloved godmother had died just hours earlier. 

As Belle comes to terms with everything, she starts to really blossom and it was a joy to see. She makes new friends (Gloria is wonderful),  and is determined to re-open the tearooms once she has learnt to bake! 

I thoroughly enjoyed every last word of this story which was a delight to read. 

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

Book Review - I Owe You One by Lauren North

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Amazon UK

Title: I Owe You One

Author: Lauren North

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 8th April 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

She saved my life. I faked her death…

I only came back home to lie low and reconnect with my sister Bryony. Her life with her gorgeous husband Alex is perfect – a far cry from the disaster mine has turned into…

But almost immediately I can tell something is wrong. My once bubbly sister’s skin is pale, her hair dull, her eyes unfocussed. She tells me Alex has turned obsessive, controlling her every move. A tear tracks down her cheek as I stare at her in horror.

‘I have to fake my death,’ she whispers and I jolt back in shock. ‘And I need your help to do it.’ As I start to shake my head, mouth trembling, she lays her winning card down: ‘You owe me, Jess. I saved your life.’

But after she’s successfully disappeared, I realise there are holes in her story – things she’s told me about Alex that can’t be true. Threatening messages that can’t have come from him. Rumours in the village about the way she’s been acting. She doesn’t contact me like she promised – and rather than being angry she’s gone, Alex seems completely devastated…

Have I just saved my sister, or helped her get away with something terrible? And when the truth comes out, will I be the one whose life is in danger…?

An utterly page-turning, edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller that will have you reading late into the night! Perfect for fans of The Housemaid, The Couple Next Door and The Family Upstairs.

OMG Lauren North has done it again. 

This is a completely unputdownable psychological thriller, that I was never sure what would happen next. 

But I needed to know, so kept on reading and reading until I ran out pages, but did get a very satisfying conclusion. 

Bryony once saved sister Jess's life back when they were teens, so when Bryony asks Jess to help her fake her death, Jess feels like she can't refuse. 

There are big reasons why Bryony feels like she needs to disappear, and Jess is terrified at everything that could go wrong. But she might have an eye on how she could benefit too, after all she is only back in her home town after her life went very wrong. 

But nothing is as simple as it seems, and the more we go on, the more layers there are to this, on one level a rather simple story, that turns out to be anything other than simple. 

Ooh there are so many truths to be discovered and unravelled by Jess, it's simply brilliant. And I was totally there for all of them. 

I whizzed through this book in a few short hours, hooked beyond belief on what was unfurling.  Another hit for this talented author. 

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

Book Review - Brave New Summer by Sarah Morgan

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Amazon UK

Title: Brave New Summer

Author: Sarah Morgan

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ

Publication Date: 21st May 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Evie is the acting general manager of The Alexandra hotel in picturesque Cornwall, but she feels trapped in a life defined by others’ expectations. Just as she contemplates a fresh start, Abby arrives, sent undercover by the hotel’s owner to assess the staff and operations. But Abby is navigating her own struggles and longs to break free from the shadow of her mother.

As the two women forge an unexpected friendship, they confront their fears and the threat of change looming over them. With the help of a charming chef and a gruff pub owner, they begin to embrace their true selves and the bonds that unite them. Will they find the strength to reshape their futures, or will the weight of the past hold them back?

Full of warmth and heart, Brave New Summer is a joyful and uplifting novel about friendship, romance and being brave, from the Number One Sunday Times bestseller, Sarah Morgan.

I could barely put this book down, I was totally engrossed in both Evie and Abby's story. 

They both have so many similarities to their upbringing, but are worlds apart in terms of how it has shaped them.  At least that is how it seems at first. 

They have base qualities in common, and I really enjoyed getting to know Evie and all of the hotel staff, and also seeing how Abby was adapting to life undercover in Cornwall. 

Abby's mother and boss Alexandra clearly has an ulterior motive for sending Abby to Cornwall for the summer, and she is also definitely hiding things. But all the theories I came up with as to what the truth could be, were off base by a fair bit. 

I loved seeing how both women grew and developed over a few short weeks and both of them having potential romance on the scene too. 

The community in this Cornish hotel is amazing, everyone knows everything and it makes things tricky for Eve in her personal and professional lives.  Whereas Abby seems to be able to get the best from people and has no idea just how special she is. 

In addition there are plenty of delicious sounding food courtesy of hotel chef Luca, who is simply divine. 

The writing was warm hearted and really pulled you into the story. It is another truly fabulous book from an author that never lets me down. 

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