Book Review - Bad Deeds by Andrew Hunter Murray - #HolidayReading Tunisia

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Title: Bad Deeds

Author: Andrew Hunter Murray

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Penguin

Publication Date: 11th June 2026

Rating: 4 Stars

Alex used to break into houses illegally. These days, it’s his job.

Alex is part of a small firm of consultants who break into offices and homes to test their security. It’s fun, it’s well paid, and he’s very good at it. It’s almost like he’s grown up at last.

But when he gets fired from his firm, evicted from his flat and dumped by his girlfriend, all in the same evening, he decides to steal one last job from his company without their knowing. A job they had already decided not to accept.

Big mistake.

Before long, Alex is in remote northern Scotland, following the trail of an ambitious young man who supposedly fell to his death with no witnesses in sight.

And if Alex doesn’t get to the truth soon, he may well be the next one over the edge...

If I thought the first book was slightly madcap, then this one is totally bonkers, but in a good way. 

There is so much going on, and at times it's hard to know what the truth may currently be, but I loved seeing how Alex and his associates are now working together to sort out the massive error in judgment that Alex made. 

I loved seeing how this team of former criminals are now trying to use their skills in a slightly more legal way, although apparently still with plenty of danger thrown in for good measure. 

With them on a race against a deadline, to prove a whole bunch of different things, this is fast paced, and I was totally there for everything. 

I love all four members of the gang have their own specialties and especially am impressed with Johnny and all of his tech skills, plus I still have  a big soft spot for Alex and his interloping ways. 

This was very entertaining and getting to know a bit more about the real Alex before he turned to this sort of work was a joy to discover too. 

I do hope this won't be the last we see of these madcap characters. 

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

Book Review - The Arrival by Robin Brookes

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Title: The Arrival

Author: Robin Brookes

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Vintage Digital

Publication Date: 14th May 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Leo and Viv's weekend starts like any other: a takeaway, a movie and an early night. But when Leo wakes up, he's not in their London flat. He’s naked and alone in an unfamiliar bed, in an anonymous hotel, on the other side of the world.

Viv wakes up to a phone ringing. It's Leo and he claims to be in Australia, despite the impossibility of it. An emergency passport is arranged, a return flight to London booked. But before Leo can make it out, there's a flicker in the corner of his vision, and he wakes up in another bed, in another hotel room, in another country.

Disoriented, Leo soon discovers he's not alone. Someone with access to groundbreaking technology, and an axe to grind, is beaming a group of people around the globe – stalking them one by one, committing perfect, untraceable murders. As Leo fights to survive, Viv unearths dark secrets from her husband’s past. And the more she learns about Leo, the less she seems to know about him . . .

The Arrival is an unmissable world-hopping high-stakes thriller for fans of Dark Matter and Wrong Place, Wrong Time.

I love technology and I love travel, so this is a book that definitely caught my attention.  

I was fascinated by the thought that there could be tech out there that can transport a person from country to another, in the blink of an eye pretty much.  It's tech that I would definitely love to use should it ever become a reality. 

However unfortunately for Leo, he has no idea that this exists initially, much less why he keeps being moved around the world. He goes to bed in London and wakes a few hours later in a Melbourne hotel room, and that is just the first of a fair few places this happens.  And at least one of the locations is one that I have definitely never seen in a book before, as it's a country that has very strict border controls and tourism restrictions. 

There are multiple attempts on Leo's life even before he comes across some other people that are experiencing the same thing, and then the murders start.  The person behind this, is in fact committing the most perfect of murders, it's quite impressive actually. 

And weirdly I didn't hate the killer, we get sections from their point of view, and ok they may be a psychopath, but I felt a bit sorry for them too.  Although the very specific reasons for targeting these people are a bit harder to even vaguely try to justify. 

While Leo is trying to stay alive, his wife Viv starts digging into his life and learning a lot of hidden secrets.  

I was gripped by this and once I understood this wasn't quite my normal sort of thriller and leaned into the more sci-fi elements of it, I was hooked. I needed to keep reading and found the pages were turning faster than I expected. 

This was my first book from this author and I'll certainly be interested to see what they write next. 

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

Book Review - Summer at the French Bakery by Jo Thomas

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Title: Summer at the French Bakery

Author: Jo Thomas

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: MacMillan

Publication Date: 4th June 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

A new adventure is on the menu . . .

Juliet has learnt that life is too short not to chase your dreams. But when she buys an old watermill in France, her tranquil new start is quickly kneaded into something far more ambitious when the local mayor offers her a deal she can’t refuse: reopen the village’s derelict boulangerie.

With a formidable rival – the owner of the local bread vending machine – determined to crush her, Juliet faces disgruntled villagers, her own lack of baking skills, and hidden secrets within the mill itself.

But with help from her outspoken neighbour and the charming Tabac owner, Juliet battles to bring back the aroma of freshly baked bread – and with it, the heart of the community.

Can she prove that even the biggest dreams start with just a little pinch of courage?

Will definitely make you crave a proper French baguette. It's literally all I could think of while I was reading this, well that and the story being told I was thinking about that, but mainly about how nice it would have been to have a fresh baguette (or more than one) to munch on while reading this.   So consider yourself warned. 

As you may have guessed there is definitely French bread in this book. Julie dreams of opening up a tea shop in an old watermill in a small village in Brittany, but she is having issues with her visa (personally I blame Brexit!) and the pretty much told she will only get a more permanent one, if she can get the old village boulangerie up and running and turning a profit within three months. 

Julie has left her husband amicably in order to follow her dreams, and to discover who she really is when not being a wife, mother or survivor.  But it soon becomes apparent that she stands out in this village, and is making errors of judgement. 

There is a rival baker in a nearby village that supplies all local villages without a boulangerie of it's own, baguettes each day in vending machines.  He is arrogant, sleazy, and downright horrible, and a bully but it's hard to see how to stop him. 

After a very shaky start Juliet manages to make friends with Laurent the local Tabac owner, and the woman who lives above the bakery who is adamant she doesn't want the bakery to re-open. 

This is a lovely story of French bread, of French food in general, plenty of descriptions that had my mouth watering, and above all of community. It's a chance to revitalise an area that is close to becoming wiped out, and it's a story of how you should never under-estimate a middle aged woman! 

This is Jo Thomas at her foodie best, introducing us to a lovely area of France, to how to make flour, to some kingfishers, and to a few secrets too.  It's just totally absorbing reading, even if I am now famished.  I can't wait to see where this author will transport us next. 

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

Book Review - Daydreaming at the Boathouse Cafe by Alison Sherlock

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Title: Daydreaming at the Boathouse Cafe

Author: Alison Sherlock

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 10th April 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Every book in the Maple Tree Lodge series can be read as a standalone

Can following your dreams lead to happy-ever-after?

After leaving an unhappy relationship, Hannah Jackson has no confidence in herself or love. The only thing she secretly dreams of is her own bakery. But when her brother Ben, the owner of their family run hotel Maple Tree Lodge, asks her to open a cafe in the renovated boathouse on Dragonfly Lake, Hannah is consumed with self-doubt.

Due to an injury, Ben’s best friend and champion triathlete Alex Grant finds himself suddenly at a crossroads in his life and accepts Ben’s offer to recuperate at Maple Tree Lodge. Nursing a secret, longtime crush for Hannah, Alex is hoping that he can find a new future for himself and that it might somehow include Hannah.

Can Hannah overcome her lack of confidence and make the boathouse cafe a success? And can Alex find himself a new path and finally admit to Hannah how he really feels?

Over a magical summer by the lake, and with the help of a stray puppy, Hannah and Alex discover if all of their dreams really can come true.

If you love this try Alison's Railway Lane and Riverside Lane Series

There is just something so heartwarming about an Alison Sherlock book, and so comforting about her settings.  And I am absolutely loving this new Maple Tree Lodge series. 

It was great to be back in this hotel, and to see the latest enhancements being made to it, to try to attract business coming into the summer months. 

Dodgy Del is up to his old tricks again and with a very early book appearance, it results in Alex having a career ending injury but also ultimately ending up with a new four legged friend, Tiny! 

It also means that Alex is needing to recover amongst friends and surrogate family at the Lodge, and he is Hannah's biggest supporter, and is keen to try to help her make the Boathouse Cafe a success.  Something she is very much lacking in confidence about. 

It was great to catch up with all the characters of the first book, as well as cameos of characters from other series from this author.  

I loved just about everything to do with Hannah and Alex, their easy camaraderie, obvious friendship and they way they are with just about everyone.  And Tiny the dog is utterly amazing. 

This is such an enjoyable story, and I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series. 

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

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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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.