Book Review - Somewhere Only We Know by Cathy Bramley

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Title: Somewhere Only We Know

Author: Cathy Bramley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 9th April 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

She thought their love story was over.

The world had other plans...

When Magnolia Jones finds her daughter's travel journal, she can think of no better way to honour her life than setting off on the gap year trip that twenty-three-year-old Brontë had dreamed of taking.

It was meant to be Brontë's adventure, but perhaps following her daughter's footsteps around the world is exactly what Magnolia needs to piece her broken heart back together and begin to heal.

As her travels take her further away from home, memories of a long-ago summer come flooding back. Magnolia barely recognises that girl she used to be - the dreams she had, the freedom ahead, the midnight kisses on the beach with curly-haired, brown eyed Jackson.

Maybe, just maybe, in this magical place that is somewhere only they know, Magnolia is about to discover that her journey isn't over - it's just about to begin...

I do love a Cathy Bramley novel, and I love a spot of armchair travel, so combined this was a fabulous book for me to read and thoroughly enjoy. 

Magnolia is determined to follow her daughter's plans for the gap year she had planned but never was able to take.  It's been months since Bronte's death, and she isn't' coping that well, and when she has to take time off work, it seems like maybe she will feel closer to Bronte by taking this journey for her. 

She won't read the whole planning journal ahead of time, she is reading a page or two at a time so has no idea what is in store for her. 

With the first stop being Nepal this is an eye opening experience, and Magnolia soon learns to take the spirit of what Bronte is hoping to see and do, but do things in her own way.  

We also learn about Magnolia's first love of her life, Jackson, and I feel in love with him too. 

I loved getting to see a few different countries through Magnolia's eyes, especially after she starts to become Insta famous with a Mums Gap Year hash tag.  

This is uplifting and so so enjoyable to read. and I really felt transported to the different locations. And I really loved any volunteering that Magnolia did, as its always good to be able to give back to local communities. 

What a totally joyous book, I absolutely adored it. 

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

Book Review - The Paradise Hook-Up by Christy McKellen - #HolidayReading Dom Rep

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Amazon UK

Title: The Paradise Hook-Up

Author: Christy McKellen

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 11th July 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Dee Donovan is used to living up to her reputation as the ‘wild’ twin. She finally has an opportunity to prove everyone, especially her father wrong. She just needs her sister's business partner Jem to play along with her outrageous plan. Secure a business deal by faking it as her boyfriend in Greece. The catch? Jem and Dee are not that close. In fact, Dee can’t put her finger on it, but Jem seems to really dislike her!

However, it’s just for 24 hours. Until a storm blows in trapping them, alone in Paradise! With no way of getting home, they need something to do… why not confront their tensions head on? After all, they’ve been dancing around their chemistry for years now. But Jem has a secret – he’s not quite as experienced as Dee in this particular area!

So Dee promises to teach Jem everything she knows before they return. And it’s clear that her student is a very fast learner! And all too quickly, they start wishing the storm would hang around. Because neither want to think about what will happen when they have to return to reality…

I started reading this towards the end of a long haul flight when I possibly should have been sleeping, and instead spent the last two hours of the flight completely absorbed in the first 60% or so of this book (I was absorbed in the last 40% too, but just not on the flight!)

I loved the dynamics between Dee and Jem.  They are total opposites, but Dee has a rather flirtatious nature and is determined to try to drive Jem a bit mad, and it has wonderful results. 

Especially once they are trapped on a private Greek Island together, in a storm and not much to do.  Seeing Jem grow in confidence was a bit of a turn on, and I loved the heat this book had. 

There are loads of sexy scenes, that were really good to read, and I also enjoyed getting to know our main characters and their backstories.  

Was also interested in the dynamic between Dee and twin sister Bea, especially as they are identical and Dee has persuaded Bea to do twin swap, to help try to save her job, after she damages her ankle.  I have fond memories of Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield swapping places often and with a similar sort of dynamic in all the various Sweet Valley series, so was happy to see this with Dee and Bea. 

I had a great time reading this and although it was the first book I have read from this author, it definitely won't be my last and I even have another on my kindle ready and waiting for me! 

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

Book Review - The Drop by S. R. Masters - #HolidayReading Dom Rep

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Amazon UK

Title: The Drop

Author: S. R. Masters

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 4th December 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Only the bravest dare to ride the highest roller coaster in the world, Hysteria…

You’re a thrill seeker who loves an adrenaline rush.

You’re offered the chance to ride a roller coaster. The highest one in the world. A once in a lifetime opportunity, after hours, no queuing, no restrictions.

But then the roller coaster stops. 200 metres above ground.

You realise no one is around. No one can hear your scream.

You’re stranded. There is no help coming. How will you escape?

Just wow! 

This was the first book I've read from this author and based on what I've just devoured, and couldn't' get enough of, it won't be my last. 

A group of people are invited to a pre-launch of a brand new roller coaster in a theme park in the Emirates. 

This is the ultimately roller coaster - Hysteria with the world's highest drop.  It sounded terrifying just the description of it, so when it stops right before the big drop, it's rather terrifying. 

More so when it becomes apparent this is no accident, and someone has a hidden agenda for all of this. 

Told between flashbacks of the group's time at Cambridge and beyond, and the present more pressing issue this was a fast paced, tense, addictive and all around fabulous thriller. 

It certainly had my adrenalin pumping, over the few short hours it took to read this. 

I loved the descriptions and really felt as though I was up there with these characters, and was keen to find out just this old friendship group are really hiding from each other. 

It's terrifying but oh so brilliant. And I loved every single moment of it. 

Just amazing, and wow! 

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

Book Review - The Fish and Chip Shop Detectives by Jenny Kane - #HolidayReading Dom Rep

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Amazon UK

Title: The Fish and Chip Shop Detectives

Author: Jenny Kane

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 2nd April 2026

Rating: 4 Stars

There's some fishy business happening in the idyllic Cornish village of Mousehole. As a killer begins to make waves, can these new amateur detectives solve the mystery?

Maggie Tyson loves living in the utterly charming village, Mousehole. She spends her days walking the local coastal paths, solving the latest crossword puzzle, and working in the small town's only fish and chip shop.

Looking for a fresh start, Ryan Stepney is in desperate need of a job, and stumbles across a vacancy at the chip shop.

When a body is found by the harbour, shock ripples through the village. And as Ryan was the last person seen talking to the victim, he becomes the number one suspect in the investigation.

Maggie is certain that her new colleague had nothing to do with the murder, so swaps her apron for a magnifying glass, and starts to investigate herself.

Can Maggie prove Ryan's innocence and reel in the killer, before they strike again?

It's been far too long since I last read a Jenny Kane book, but when I discovered she was writing a brand new series and it's called The Fish and Chip shop detectives I knew I wasn't going to be able to resist. 

And  I'm so glad I have found the start of this new cosy mystery series set in Mousehole, Cornwall. 

Maggie and Ryan have barely met and started to get to know each other in any context, when Ryan shares a table in a pub with Tanya, and she winds up dead. 

Maggie is determined to trust her gut and help try to clear Ryan's name, after the initial suspicion seems to be landing in his direction. 

And this leads them into learning all about the deceased's friendship group, an unexpected connection back to Ryan himself, and a whole lot of lies and secrets. 

I kind of guessed one part of it, but not even that was completely accurate. I enjoyed seeing how Maggie operated, she has a heart of gold, an desire to help people and a puzzler's brain.  

From sticky situations, to some great theories, this was an enjoyable story.  And I'm already looking forward to seeing that these characters will be up to net.

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

Book Review - Game Over by Bella North

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Title: Game Over

Author: Bella North

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 22nd January 2026

Rating: 4 Stars

My football days might be over. But the game is just beginning…

After an injury knocks me out of the game I love for good, I have no idea what comes next for me. Until I wake up with a shameful hangover, the sound of hooves outside, and a tougher-than-nails, sexy-as-hell ranch hand with a scowl the size of Texas banging on my door. Apparently, I accidentally bought all her granddad’s horses last night…

Her contempt tells me everything I need to know. I don’t have the faintest clue how to be a rancher. But our ranch has been empty since my dad died and I’ve never been one to step down from a challenge.

Plus, if the horses are here to stay, then so is Izzy. As much as I live to spark the fiery, competitive glint in her blue eyes, I still want to impress her—in more ways than one… Proving myself with the horses is one way to do it, but so is showing her just what else my hands are good for, and silencing her sassy mouth with my own…

But when a chance to rejoin the world of football comes calling, I see the cautious hope in Izzy’s eyes flicker. I know she’s wondering if I’m going to abandon the ranch, and her doubt breaks my heart. Can I finally accept that the game I once loved is over, and a new one is just beginning…?

Game Over is a steamy but heartfelt enemies-to-lovers cowboy and sports romance, perfect for fans of Elsie Silver, Stephanie Archer and Liz Tomforde. The second in the Oakwood Ranch series, it can also be read as a standalone

Well I do love a sexy cowboy, and a good looking sports star, so Dylan was totally right up my street.  However he is conflicted, after being told his NFL playing career is over, despite his valiant attempt to recover from the injury that put him out for two seasons. 

While drowning his sorrows, he impulsively buys 18 horses and promises to take on a farm hand too for six weeks to ease the transition. 

Well to say he didn't quite remember in the morning is an understatement and when he discovers that the farm hand is Izzy the woman he had a couple of run ins with the previous day. 

There is plenty of fireworks between Izzy and Dylan, but it's his interactions with Mad, Izzy's daughter that melted my heart.  He is wonderful with her, while he is still grumpy with anyone else. 

Equally watching Dylan deal with his second big impulse purchase was a pure delight.  

He may not be positive what he wants to do with his life, but I was there for his inner conflict and his banter with Izzy. 

It was also fabulous to catch up with Jake and Harper, Chase and of course Mama from the first book. I'm really at home on Oakwood Ranch at this point and I'm totally looking forward to reading Chase's book. 

Oh and woah those sexy scenes are hot! Was loving those too! 

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

Book Review - Missing In Soho by Holly Stars

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Amazon UK

Title: Missing In Soho

Author: Holly Stars

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Penguin 

Publication Date: 5th February 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Photographer Jeremy Edmunds has vanished without a trace. Last known location? Soho.

As the owner of Lady’s Bar, no one knows the city – and its secrets – better than drag queen Misty Divine. So who better to help private detective Sylvester Green follow this missing man’s trail than the Queen of Soho herself?

But no sooner has one mystery landed, than another one takes Misty by surprise.

Because the next day, Sylvester is back. The difference? Yesterday, he was alive and safe. Today, he’s dripping blood onto her doorstep after narrowly escaping an attack on his life.

With danger drawing in, Misty must take Sylvester’s investigation into her perfectly manicured hands. Can she solve the case, and find the missing photographer?

Or will the next crime for Misty to solve be a murder?

How on earth did i totally miss Holly Stars debut novel, and the first book in the series. I spotted this one was available to review and given I know I have seen her in a few shows before including Death Drop, so the name was familiar and when I saw it was a book set in the world of drag too, I knew I had to read it. 

And I can safely say I will 100% be on the look out for book three, I raced through this book totally gripped.  It took a while to get to know the characters, especially since there are plenty of references to the events of the first book that I hadn't read, but I do believe this can definitely be read as a standalone. 

And I'm in awe of Misty Devine, or Joe out of drag.  They are determined to get the bottom of why a private investigator has asked her to find Jeremy and warned them they are in danger, having just been stabbed himself. 

What they didn't expect to uncover while digging is a whole bigger issue, and one that I believe will resonate with the queer community in real life too. There are though attitudes from the people that Misty and their friends and fellow drag artists encounter that a absolutely sickening to hear. I have no idea how much of these slurs and ideologies the author may have come across in her own life, to draw from, but it saddens me to know that there will be people out there that think that way.

I loved the amount of blatant lawbreaking in pursuit of truth that there was in this story.  And the last quarter or so where everything starts to ramp up, had my blood pumping and I was just willing Misty on.

And then that ending, well let's just say I'd really like to read the next book now please, or as soon as its written! 

I thoroughly enjoyed delving into the drag scene in Soho, seeing many familiar street names, while everything else is fictional. It felt familiar and I absolutely adored all the various pop culture references, most of which I was actually aware of! And I could picture the outfits very clearly too, as it wouldn't be drag without absolutely stunning outfits. 

Thoroughly enjoyed my time between the pages of this. What a great book. 

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

Book Review - Score to Settle by Bella North - #HolidayReading Dom Rep

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Amazon UK

Title: Score to Settle

Author: Bella North

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 10th September 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

The plan was simple. Charm the hotshot city journalist and fix my reputation. But her deep brown eyes seem to see right through me, and I can’t get her out of my head. Maybe this time, getting the girl is the reputation I want...

On the field, I’m the player of my sponsors’ dreams. But off it, I’m in trouble. And apparently the only way to clean up my image is to put on a good show for a reporter so the world can see who I am at heart…

But I never cared about giving the world the real me, and I don’t want an outsider in my home. Especially one with high heels set to trample all over me, a knowing smirk and a temper I can’t help but poke…

She looks at me like she knows everything about me and she doesn’t like what she sees. So why do I find myself wanting to show her things I’ve never shared with anyone?

I never could resist a challenge. I’m meant to be clearing up my image, but suddenly the only thing I want to clear is the path to her heart.

She says it’s game on. I say it’s game over…

An enemies-to-lovers forced proximity sports and cowboy romance, Score to Settle is perfect for fans of Stephanie Archer, Liz Tomforde and Elsie Silver. The first in the Oakwood Ranch series, it can also be read as a standalone.

This maybe Bella North's debut novel, but I have read many other books from the person behind the pen name, and I'm impressed to see that spicy sports romance is yet another string to this author's bow. 

And if only it was almost any other sport, like one I actually enjoy or understand then I would have probably devoured this a lot quicker. 

As it was that book grew on me, I became more and more invested in it, to the extent that I am left wondering just how Jake's season ended... I need to know, although given this is the first book in the Oakwood Ranch series I suspect I will find out at some point. 

I loved the Denver ranch setting, of Tight End Jake and sports journalist Harper who is writing a profile on him, with round the clock access for five weeks. 

And if you are confused as to what a tight end is, then don't worry so is Harper and given her lack of NFL knowledge, we are given some explanations. 

And we also get a fair bit of NFL action, which is where I was wishing it was real football and not American football, as one I love, the other isn't for me! 

Jake needs to clean up his image, and Harper has her own agenda, which means sparks will and do fly! 

I loved getting to know the whole of Jake's family,  and am already looking forward to more books set on the ranch. 

But wow the chemistry between them is electric and I was really enjoying the more intimate scenes. 

Highly enjoyable first book of this series, and I can't wait for more. 

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

Book Review - You Rock My World by Camilla Isley - #HolidayReading Dom Rep

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Amazon UK

Title: You Rock My World

Author: Camilla Isley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 11th September 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

She was supposed to fix his image, not fall for the man behind the fame. Can their love hit all the right notes? 🎵

When Josie gets trapped overnight in an elevator with Rian Phoenix—global rock legend—she figures it’ll be a funny story to tell, not a plot twist with heartache written all over it. Only, the real Rian isn’t the bad boy the headlines describe. He is witty, kind, and unexpectedly swoon-worthy. By morning, they’ve shared snacks, secrets, and sparked a dangerously real connection. Then the elevator doors open. Reality crashes in, and Josie becomes a stranger he’s not supposed to remember. She walks away with a bruised heart and a vow to steer clear of rockstars forever.

A year later, Josie’s steady again—until she’s reassigned as Rian’s PR manager. Back in his orbit, she must keep things professional to protect her job—and avoid falling for him all over again. But Rian hasn’t forgotten her. Too bad picking up where they left off could cost her everything. With the world watching, Josie has to decide whether to guard her heart and her career… or press play on a love story that finally hits all the right notes.

Rock My World is a heartfelt, light-hearted romantic comedy perfect for fans of Sarah Adams, Abby Jimenez and Ashley Poston! ✨💞

I really enjoyed Josie and Dorian's story, from their initially meeting in a rather long encounter in a broken down elevator, to them having to work together and perhaps try dating in secret. 

Although Dorian's ex-wife could be throwing major spanners into the works. 

Josie is a family girl, terrific auntie really is trying not to lose her heart to rockstar Rian. 

Rian on the other hand is determined to woo her, and gives her some wonderful experiences as a reult. 

I loved their dynamics and communication, and all their flirting etc.. was really hot. 

If I couldn't have Rian for myself, then I was glad that Josie had a shot! 

This was a rock star romance with the sparks flying. There is clear chemistry at play, but in a forbidden love kind of a way. 

It's a highly enjoyable book from an author I always love reading. 

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

Book Review - The Lottery Winner Widows Club by Elly Vine

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Amazon UK

Title: The Lottery Winner Widows Club

Author: Elly Vine

Format reviewed: Epub 

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Wildfire

Publication Date: 26th March 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Meet The Lottery Winner Widows Club - a fabulous, filthy-rich sisterhood whose husbands all hit the jackpot . . . and then mysteriously dropped dead.

Paula is having a surreal week. Having just lost her husband, John, in a freak car accident, she's utterly gobsmacked when, two days later, she wins the lottery - with the ticket he bought.

Just as she thinks things can't get crazier, Paula is approached by a tight-knit trio of glamorous women - also jackpot winners - with dead husbands, suspiciously large bank accounts . . . and a very specific interest in Paula.

They tell her that they've been where she is now. That grief looks good on her. That freedom does, too. There's just one problem: Paula didn't kill her husband. She loved him, of course.

But something about their world - lavish, secretive, thrilling - is hard to resist. And when word of Paula's jackpot win spreads and others come sniffing around for a share, she's faced with the ultimate choice: hold onto her old life, or accept help from her new friends, whose methods are a little more . . . unconventional.

Twisty, mischievous, and deliciously dark, The Lottery Winner Widows Club is a story of luck, lies, and the dangerous appeal of starting over, from a fresh new voice in the crime world.

I had a great time reading this book. In fact reading may not be accurate, I devoured it.  I was enjoying it so much I wasn't aware of time passing, I just needed to keep knowing what would happen next. 

It also raises the question of if you were to win big on the lottery and were in a less than ideal marriage, would you get rid of your husband in a permanent manner?

As that is the premise of the group of new friends Paula finds herself making, only she is adamant that she didn't kill John, she is grieving him, she is helpless without him  But yet the others have offed their husbands, and are all rather rich too. 

And with that you have a fledgling friendship, where Paula starts to discover who she is without John.  Her adult children seem to have pre-conceived ideas as to what she should do, and there are relatives and all manner of people asking her for money, after word of the Lottery win gets out. 

Some of them far more sinister than others! 

And this new group of women, they are a breath of fresh air, various ages, but they don't just want to stop with their own husbands, they would ideally like to rid the world of other horrific men.  But well things aren't always as they seem, and it turns out cold heartedly plotting something is easier said than done! 

There are multiple twists and turns, and plenty of reveals that I certainly didn't see coming at all.  There is a total and utter mastermind to the group, who is utterly brilliant too. 

I absolutely loved my time spent with Audrey, Teddy, Ivy and both Paulas (one is in dog form).  I loved the various extravagant purchases mentioned, as well as Paula now trying to adjust to the fact that she can afford to spend money. 

I'm also incredibly impressed that an author I know more as a rom-com author, under another name, is now writing fabulous comic crime.  I think she may have found a new niche and long may it continue. 

This is a lot of fun, and I was incredibly satisfied with the ending. I just really hope this isn't the last we see of these wonderful women. 

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

Book Review - Family Ties for the Village Midwife by Tilly Tennant

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Amazon UK

Title: Family Ties For The Village Midwife

Author: Tilly Tennant

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley 

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 9th March 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

As the clouds chase the sun across the Lake District hills, and the warm breeze hints at spring on the way, midwife Zoe Padbury is counting her blessings. Until a surprise arrival changes everything…

Zoe Padbury is a big believer in second chances. She’s been so happy since she started over in the village of Thimblebury. Especially now she’s moved into Hilltop Farm with her boyfriend Alex and can be on hand to help his daughter when her baby arrives.

All that changes when Zoe’s father arrives, arm in arm with his newly pregnant fiancée Chantal. Chantal is bowled over by Thimblebury’s picture-perfect charm, and before Zoe’s had a chance to draw breath, they’ve made plans to get married in the old stone church, make Zoe their future baby’s midwife and move into the cottage next door.

Worried about her mum’s broken heart and how Alex feels about having her family so close by, at first Zoe doesn’t notice that Chantal’s brother has also moved in and is determined to make trouble, ruining the lives of the people who have made her feel so welcome. With the villagers up in arms about his behaviour, Zoe is torn in two. Can she protect her new life and love without losing her family?

Fans of Jessica Redland and Shari Low will adore this funny and romantic page-turning read about family, trusting your heart and seizing that second chance.

I am absolutely loving this series, and from the second I started reading this, i felt wrapped up in Zoe's life again as though I had never been away. 

It was so good to be back in Thimblebury, amongst Zoe and her friends and all the expectant mums.  And also the latest dramas in the surgery she is attached to. 

But what really brings the drama this time, isn't all the births (although one of them was rather problematic and scared me), but rather Zoe's family.  Her mother isn't coping with the fact that Zoe's father is moving on and now has a pregnant girlfriend, soon to be wife.  Add in Zoe's dad wanting to get married in her local church, and then decides to move into the village and things start to get dramatic. 

Especially with Chantal's brother on the scene.  I really didn't take to him at all and for good reason.   

Although this could probably be read as a standalone, I definitely felt the benefits of having read the previous books of the series, as I felt so much more immersed in this world of Tilly Tennant's.  I am loving this village so much, and was very happy to see how Billie's pregnancy was progressing. 

And there is a new expectant mother who was in a tricky situation, and I enjoyed seeing how Zoe was trying to help her. 

I'm completely invested in the lives of so many of these side characters now, that I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. For there has to be a next book, as the ending of this one didn't give me anywhere enough sense of the stories being completely told!  I can't wait for more. 

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