Book Review - One In A Million by Lindsey Kelk - Blog Tour

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Title: One In A Million

Author: Lindsey Kelk

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Publisher supplied copy

Publisher: Harper

Publication Date: 5th July 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Everyone wants that special someone….

Annie Higgins has given up on love: she’s too busy trying to get her own business off the ground. Infuriated by the advertising agency across the hall making fun of her job, Annie accepts their crazy challenge – to make a random stranger Instagram-famous in just 30 days.

And even when they choose Dr Samuel Page PhD, historian and hater of social media, as her target, Annie’s determined to win the bet – whether Sam likes it or not.

But getting to know Sam means getting to know more about herself. And before the 30 days are out, Annie has to make a decision about what’s really important…

Funny, real and heart-meltingly romantic, Annie and Sam’s story is My Fair Lady for the social media age – and the perfect summer read.

I can see why this is being described as a modern day My Fair Lady, it really is turning someone from nothing on social media into a proper instagram influencer at least in terms of follower count.  Of course the person being transformed is rather reluctant and its all come about as a result of a bet thanks to the overly competitive Annie Higgins. 

I was laughing early on when Annie was referred to as Professor Higgins by the person she made the bet with regarding her social media prowess.  And that isn't the only nod to My Fair Lady in the book, I probably missed some references but there was one quite late on that made me smile 

Setting aside my clear love of a musical, we have a fabulous contemporary story that really resonated with me, especially since like Annie I seem to keep an eye on my phone and emails at all times of day, night, weekends regardless of if I was meant to be having downtime.  Ironically as I know how much I tend to enjoy Lindsey Kelk books I read most of it while being deliberately separated from technology for a few hours and I was loving the book until I had to go back and check my emails!! 

This is full of Kelk's trademark humour, so much to laugh at, and there is a message about social media in the book too.  I loved Dr Samuel Page, and seeing him come alive in Annie's boyfriend bootcamp is rather enjoyable, and surprising.  

So many scenes that I thoroughly enjoyed and I loved the banter between Annie and her co-workers and the advertising agency across the hall from them too. It is all just a lot of fun. 

The entire book takes place in just over a month, with most chapters starting with the date, some with an update on the bet with latest follower counts.  The question is will Annie succeed in turning a relatively unknown historian, with too much facial hair and bad dress sense, into an instantly recognisable instagram that everyone wants to follow?   Well you need to read to find out, and see just how much this bet affects the lives of both people. 

This is a very witty, well thought out story from a fabulous author, who knows exactly what she is doing and does it so brilliantly.  To me its not as great as the I Heart series the author is most known for, but its still an excellent book. 

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

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Book Review - Forgive Me Not by Samantha Tonge

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Title: Forgive Me Not

Author: Samantha Tonge

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date:  23rd July 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

How far would you go to make amends?

When Emma fled her home at Foxglove Farm, she’d let down and hurt those who cared for her most. But now, two years later, she’s ready to face up to her past; she’s ready to go back.

But Emma’s unannounced return causes more problems than she could have foreseen. The people she knew and loved aren’t ready to forget, let alone forgive. And the one person she wants to reconnect with the most, her mother, can’t remember who she is.

Just as Emma starts to rebuild trust, an uncovered family secret and a shocking past crime threaten her newly forged future...

Sometimes simply saying sorry isn’t enough.

Easily one of the best books I have read this year, and its a story and its message that will stay with me for long after I've finished it. 

This is an eye opening read as it deals with issues that people don't think about too much (or at least I'm ashamed to say I don't), and just goes to show that even after reaching rock bottom, there is a chance to improve your life.  

It is a story of self awareness, self discovery and learning to live with your past, as well as trying to forge a better future for yourself. 

This is a book that from the first few pages had completely enthralled me and I found myself reading far later into the small hours of the morning than intended, and then the following day read the majority of the book in one sitting, completely oblivious to the outside world. 

I was hooked on discovering everything about Emma, from the year or so before she returned to Foxglove Farm, to how she is trying to make amends.  I was enthralled by her life, which doesn't make for easy light hearted reading, and focuses on a gritty reality. 

The characters, especially Emma were completely believable, and I found myself really warming to her, despite had we learnt about aspects of her past first, you may not have been as keen.  

I have been a fan of Samantha Tonge's previous books for years,  but whereas they were generally romantic comedies this is full deep and meaningful women's fiction, a marked change of direction, but if this is what she is capable of long may it continue. 

I will say that depending on your own circumstances some of the issues tackled in this book which is clearly well researched, could be upsetting or disturbing, but yet to name them I feel would be a spoiler, and also potentially give you pre-conceptions about the book that it doesn't deserve. 

Forgive Me Not is a book best read without too much prior information, just sit down for a few hours,  and allow yourself to be drawn into Emma's story.  I could barely tear myself away.  

I am completely thrilled that I had a chance to read this book,  it truly is something special. 

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

Book Review - The Summer House of Happiness by Daisy James - #HolidayReading Book 2

Book 2 of 28 read on my holiday to Cyprus in June 2018.

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Title: The Summer House of Happiness

Author: Daisy James

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 31st May 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Love is in the air…

Gabbie Andrews thought that her dreams of becoming a professional perfumer at the prestigious House of Gasnier on the French Riviera were finally coming true. There’s nothing she loves more than creating the perfect fragrance for her delighted customers…

So when her boss sends her to work in a laboratory in Paris for six months, she quits on the spot! Returning to her home in Devon, she soon finds that her herbal remedies are in more demand than she ever imagined.

And when she bumps into Max, the gorgeous mechanic who works at her father’s garage, she realizes that life might just be about to change forever!

Was hooked from the first few pages with this enchanting story that really does have a bit of everything. 

There are a few chapters set in Grasse, France in the perfume capital of the world, there is a top perfumer who quits her job, then discovers the family business is failing, there is a potential new romance, a mystery over finances, and of course the key to the title The Summerhouse of Happiness. 

All of this and more in a well written book from an author i tend to enjoy. I loved all the descriptions, and also the fledgling romance. 

I was amused by Gabbie's father whose main hobby appears to be archery, never heard so many archery terms in one place before - potentially not even watching it at the Olympics!!

This book kept me very entertained from start to finish, and I believe it will bring happiness to those that read it.  i am certainly far more intrigued by aromatherapy than i ever was before as a result. 

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

Book Review - An Italian Summer by Fanny Blake - #HolidayReading Book 1

Book 1 of 28 read on my holiday to Cyprus in June 2018.

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Title: An Italian Summer

Author: Fanny Blake

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 26th July 2018 

Rating: 4.5 Stars

A compelling novel about friendship, family secrets and second chances, set against the backdrop of southern Italy.

Sandy is in her fifties, and at a crossroads in her life: she's a teacher and respected by her pupils, but she feels she is being sidelined in favour of younger colleagues. So when her mother dies, leaving her a sealed envelope addressed to an unknown woman living in Naples, Sandy decides to head to Italy to resolve the mystery by delivering the letter herself.

She books herself on to a small sightseeing trip from Rome to Naples and the Amalfi Coast, hoping to meet some like-minded people along the way. Who is the mysterious woman she is searching for? And will Sandy find friendship, or even love, along the way...?

What better way to spend a plane ride to Cyprus, than with Fanny Blake's newest book, and a virtual trip to Italy, Rome and Naples to be precise.

I enjoyed spending time with everyone on this group tour around two of Italy's top cities and tourist destinations and really thought the characters experiences got a feel for where they were, the food, culture, and everything Italian. 

What also interested me were the group dynamics, and the different reasons for being on the trip.

Sandy is at the heart of this story and she has a mystery to solve while in Naples, and we also get snippets of journals from a similar trip her mum made in the 50's. 

Was interesting to see some parallels, and also how Sandy was coping with a difficult few years.

Between rivalries, secrets, sunshine, some fabulous storytelling, and look at Italy, this was an absorbing book which kept me very entertained from start to finish of my 4+ hour flight! 

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

Book Review - How Not to be a Bride by Portia MacIntosh

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Title: How Not to be a Bride

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 17th October 2017

Rating: 4 Stars

Definitely, maybe…yes?
Mia Valentina gave up her high-flying life in LA to move back to Kent over four years ago. But it turns out that life in the slow lane isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!

So when her boyfriend Leo proposes, she says yes, hoping it will bring some much needed sparkle back into her life. The trouble is, Mia never wanted a big white wedding, just the happy ever after…

Well the title is not wrong, if you want to find out how to be the perfect bride for a big white wedding then you are looking in the wrong place. If you are wanting a fun romantic comedy about real people that aren't quite sure what they want or how to act then this is the book for you! 

This is a typically amusing Portia MacIntosh book, incredibly funny and transports you to between the pages of the book for a few hours while you read it.  Pure escapist fun and frolics. 

Now who doesn't want to read a book featuring a hot fireman, who appears to be the perfect boyfriend.  Leo is wonderful and I'm just a little bit in love with him myself.   

Then there is rockstar Dylan who I ended up having a real soft spot for, as we learn his personal revelations and he is the subject of Mia's latest job. 

What I did find frustrating was Mia and her constant comparisons of her LA life from before she met Leo, to her current life.  She is a lovely girl but just can't seem to see what she has in front of her.  All aspects of her life seemed pretty great to me and I did like her as a character, just wanted to knock some sense into her on occasion. 

What really made me laugh is Mia's extended family, they sound like a complete nightmare, and I know how she feels.  Doesn't seem to matter what she does there is someone around to upstage her, criticise her or blame her. 

As I've been writing this review I have just checked the blurbs of a couple of this authors previous books and its confirmed a suspicion, that if you have read some of her earlier books then there are some recurring characters in this, and made me realise I really should read those books that are lurking on my kindle! 

This is a really enjoyable romantic comedy that really made me smile. 

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

Book Review - Where The Light Gets In by Lucy Dillon

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Title: Where The Light Gets In

Author: Lucy Dillon

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Transworld Digital

Publication Date: 9th August 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

‘You know those cracks in your heart, Lorna, where things didn’t work out, but you picked yourself up and carried on? That’s where the fear gets out. And where the light gets in.’

It was Betty, defiant to the end, who sent Lorna back to Longhampton. If Lorna’s learned one thing from Betty it’s that courage is something you paint on like red lipstick, even when you’re panicking inside. And right now, with the keys to the town’s gallery in her hand, Lorna feels about as courageous as Betty’s anxious little dachshund, trembling beside her.

Lorna’s come home to Longhampton to fulfil a long-held dream, but she knows, deep down, there are ghosts she needs to lay to rest first. This is where her tight-knit family shattered into silent pieces. It’s where her unspoken fears about herself took root and where her own secret, complicated love began. It’s not exactly a fresh start.

But as Lorna – and the little dog – tentatively open their cracked hearts to old friends and new ones, facing hard truths and fresh promises, something surprisingly beautiful begins to grow around the gallery, something so inspirational even Lorna couldn’t have predicted the light it lets into her world . . 

Incredibly emotional, a roller coaster of feelings as we meet Lorna, Betty, Joyce, two little dogs, and a few other very key characters in a book that drew me in from the start and that I am very glad to have read. 

Lets start with the key canine since I absolutely love it when Lucy Dillon has dogs in her books, and Rudy is a very sweet but anxious daschund that seems scared of almost everything.  Lorna decides to keep him after his owner passes away very early in the book. 

Between Lorna and Rudy they move to Longhampton to buy and run an art gallery and Lorna is looking forward to having for the first time ever no-one to share her living space with  but as you may expect things don't always go according to plan. 

Between being a good friend, helping to support her sister and niece in a new family crisis, a couple of men giving her attention, plus a new business to build Lorna's new life is hectic. 

I loved the characterisations of the various people, and all the descriptions were so vivid.  I could really see what some of the big artwork mentioned was looking like. 

There are some very creative ideas in this book, but its the story of friendship that really got to me. As I got to know the various people, I liked them all more and more, and at points huge amounts of emotion were welling up in my throat and eyes. 

I really enjoyed every moment of this lovely book, and really think it is another triumph from Lucy Dillon, who writes so beautifully and with such heart. 

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

Book Review - Summer At The Little Cottage on the Hill by Emma Davies

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Title: Summer at the Little Cottage on the Hill

Author: Emma Davies

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 30th May 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Take an endless stroll through wild meadows and breathe in the sweet aroma of flowers in full bloom. The first ever guest at the little cottage on the hill is looking for an escape, but her past is not far behind her… 

Thirty-two-year-old ‘ice queen’ Isobel slams the cottage door and pulls the curtains shut. She has just six weeks to practise for a secret project that could save her career and no one must know she is here. 

When Tom, the local thatcher with eyes as blue and deep as the ocean, hears the sound of her violin on the breeze he feels a tug at his heart-strings that reminds him of happier times. Who is this mysterious new lodger, and why does she look so familiar? 

Desperate to find out more, Tom is devastated when Isobel refuses to enjoy everything the farm has to offer. He won’t give in, but just when it looks like Isobel is coming out of her shell, someone recognises her and the troubles from her past threaten to take away everything she has been working towards. 

Will the lessons Isobel learned at the little cottage help her to stand up and face the music? Will Tom ever find a way to unlock the emotion she needs to move on? 

What a joyous occasion it was to be able to revisit Joy Acres farm and the wonderful cast of characters there.  I had been missing Tom the thatcher since the previous book, so delighted to see he was one of the main characters this time around 

The new character and first guest to stay in The Gardener's cottage is Isobel, now without a doubt she is a talented violinist,  but it is also very clear that she is hiding things in her past, which she really doesn't want revealed. 

I was gripped just wanting to know more about Isobel as she a rather intriguing character, added to her fledgling friendship with Tom and some great character development and you have a book with many high points. 

I also loved that due to the nature of the series that I was able to catch up with all the key people from the first book. However if you haven't read The Little Cottage On The Hill then, well you have missed out, but not to worry as this one can easily be read as a standalone too. 

With every book that I read from Emma Davies I am becoming more and more impressed with her ability to tell a story and well written descriptions that transport you to the heart of the action. 

A thoroughly enjoyable book and I for one can only say, bring on the next book already, I want more from Joy Acres, as its a rather special setting. 

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

Book Review - Summer on the Little Cornish Isles by Phillipa Ashley - Blog Tour

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Title: Summer on the Little Cornish Isles

Author: Phillipa Ashley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 9th July 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

One summer can change everything …

Poppy has always loved Cornwall – the crisp sea air, the welcoming community. So when her boyfriend Dan suggests they leave their office jobs and take over the Starfish Studio on the Isles of Scilly, Poppy doesn’t need asking twice.

But things don’t go to plan when Dan dumps her, weeks before they’re due to move. Determined not to give up, Poppy accepts the help of local photographer Jake, her landlord’s grandson. But Jake is distracted by a loss from his past.

Can they turn the crumbling gallery into a success in time for tourist season? And will a summer on the little Cornish Isles mend just the studio – or Poppy’s heart too?

I am absolutely loving The Little Cornish Isles and all the books set there. The Isle of Scilly sound so picturesque that is no surprise that Poppy falls in love with the islands and a few years after she visited as a tourist she is now trying to make a go of a business. 

She has taken over the Starfish Studio a small art gallery and is attempting to make it a success, if she can overcome the knowledge that Dan who she was meant to be making this life changing move with dumped her a month ago, and the studio being in worse condition than she anticipated. 

I loved seeing how Poppy's determination started to appear and as she let down some barriers start to become part of the community on the island.  Helping her is Jake who has a very good reason for being reluctant to be on the islands for longer than strictly necessary. 

Both characters are easy to relate to and I enjoyed getting to know them.  Leo the cat was utterly hilarious, especially with all the human traits he was given by the author! It was also good to in passing at least catch up with the characters from the other books in the series, although this can easily be read as a standalone. 

This is a really enjoyable story that is well written, with great descriptions, dialogue and some great storylines all wrapped up in one book! 

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

Please do take a look at all the other stops on this blog tour

Book Review - The Last Laugh by Tracy Bloom

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Title: The Last Laugh

Author: Tracy Bloom

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 23rd February 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Jenny discovers her days are numbered at the same time she discovers her husband is having an affair…

Frankly, she had enough on her plate already. Two tricky teenagers, her mother’s constant complaints, friends who aren’t up to the job and a career which has been spiralling downwards since she won ‘Sunseeker Tour Rep of the Season’ twenty years ago. 

And now this. Enough is enough! Jenny vows to keep both revelations a secret. She takes her life into her own hands and decides to live as she did when she was happiest… in 1996. She plans a spectacular 1990s themed party in place of a wake that she herself will attend. But will she be able to keep her secrets for long enough to have the party of a lifetime? 

The Last Laugh is both hilarious and heartbreaking, a book about how to find happiness and live your life as though every day is your last.

I had been putting off reading this book for a while as I was conflicted, the blurb sounds as though the book could be depressing, and yet I know the author tends to write fabulously funny books, and I just couldn't work out how the two would marry up. 

Having now finished this book I think it was completely fabulous, and although it is dealing with a terminal illness diagnosis, Jenny is determined to live at least some of the rest of her life on her own terms and decides to recreate 1996 the year she was the happiest. 

It is also the year she met her husband and father of her kids,  who she discovers has been cheating on her the same day she gets her diagnosi

Jenny though is a remarkably strong woman, and doesn't crumble under any of this but instead puts on a brave face and just carries on with life - only confiding in an older lady at the care home she works at. 

I loved the opening few chapters where Jenny was a rep in 96 and having the time of her life and it brought back memories of a few nights out while I was a kids rep.  Other moments that made me smile during the book were mentions of The Muppets (I was reading this going to and from watching Muppets take the O2, so anything Muppet was a sign to me of great enjoyment),  the many Spice Girl and Euro 96 references, fabulous scene involving sumo suits and many more besides. 

This could so easily have turned into an overly emotional book, but instead put a different spin on the story, and clearly Jenny really was having the Last Laugh for as long as she could.   This was so unexpected, and so much better than I had perhaps wrongly been anticipating. 

I am so happy I finally had a chance to read it, and it just shows that I really do need to have more faith in the authors that I love reading, even when the blurb  has me unconvinced. 

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

Book Review - My Girlfriend's Perfect Ex-Boyfriend by Peter Jones

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Title: My Girlfriend's Perfect Ex-Boyfriend 

Author: Peter Jones

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Soundhaven Books

Publication Date: 26th September 2017

Rating: 4 Stars

Adrian Turner; Mountaineer, Secret Agent, Fireman… Ade would dearly like to be any of these things, though he’d trade them all to win the heart of feisty Public Relations Executive, Paige.

Instead, he’s a disillusioned school teacher, on suspension, after an unfortunate incident with a heavy piece of computer equipment. And somebody’s foot. 


And Paige? Despite being his girlfriend for the past eighteen months, she still seems to have one foot out of the door and hasn’t quite committed to leaving a toothbrush in the bathroom.


Of course, it doesn’t help that she’s working with her ex-boyfriend, Sebastian. A man who in almost every way imaginable is better, taller, wealthier, hairier, and infinitely more successful than Ade. 


Is Paige still in love with Sebastian? Why then did she suggest they get away for a few days? Some place romantic… 


But when Adrian finds himself in Slovenia - with Sebastian in the room down the hall - he realises there’s serious possibility that he’s in danger of losing his job, his mind, and the woman he loves…

Third book I've read by the talented Peter Jones and third book I have thoroughly enjoyed. 

I do love a rom-com written from a male POV and with a male protagonist, and this is definitely a good example of those, written with the authors trademark quirkiness and wackiness. 

For nothing is straightforward between Adrian and Paige, and it seems as though there is a third person in their relationship, her ex-boyfriend Sebastian who according to Adrian is perfect. 

Adrian is rather insecure in his relationship and perceives himself to be second best  to the ex-boyfriend, and its through his insecurities that some of the early great moments occur.  

However it takes for a holiday to Slovenia for everything to become rather crazy in a good way and the story is told at a fast pace that just as you are comprehending one set of facts a new curveball comes in to add a new layer to the intrigue. 

I also loved the descriptions of Slovenia, the beauty of the area they were staying in, and my mouth was watering at what sounds like one of the best hotel breakfast spreads I've ever seen. Added to the spa facilities, and lets just say I would love to stay there myself. 

I found this to be a lovely book to read in my garden on hot day in May, where  I was able to relax into the story and had I needed to would have been able to laugh out loud without overlookers - as this is a funny book. 

I loved that there are small nods to the authors previous books with a couple of the characters, which made me smile, as I do like seeing recurring characters even in minor roles. 

Although not my favourite book from Mr Jones, it is still a great read and will give you a good idea of just what this author is about. 

Thank you to Peter Jones for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - A House to Mend A Broken Heart by Alison Sherlock

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Title: A House to Mend A Broken Heart

Author: Alison Sherlock

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 1st July 2017 

Rating: 4 Stars

Everyone is hiding from something...

Full of warmth, laughter, tears and heartache. Find out if there is a happy-ever-after at Willow Tree Hall. Perfect for the fans of Milly Johnson and Lucy Diamond. 

Willow Tree Hall has seen much better days and has been the proud ancestral home of the Earl and Countess of Cranley for centuries.

With no qualifications and escaping her past Annie Rogers takes the job as housekeeper to widowed Arthur, the charming current Earl of Cranley. After a bad fall puts Arthur in hospital, it's up to his reluctant heir, Sam Harris, to lend a helping hand and try to find a sustainable future for the Estate.

With the house requiring a full renovation, Annie suddenly finds herself completely out of her depth with a team of dodgy builders and Sam watching critically from the side-lines.

With Sam running from his past and Annie hiding from hers, just maybe together they can bring Willow Tree Hall back to life.

The start of a beautiful new series focussing on the lives and loves, trials and tribulations of all those who live and work at Willow Tree Hall.

It has been a while since I last read a  book by Alison Sherlock and I'm really not sure why I left it that long, as I really like this author and her writing style and storytelling skills. 

A House to Mend A Broken Heart drew me in even  more than I was expecting it to, to the extent that I read it in a few hours flat, in pretty much one sitting.  It just gave me such a sense of calm and good feeling as I read it, that I didn't want to let it go. 

From the moment that Annie meets Sam I loved every interaction between the pair, there is some great banter, and there was a certain sense of satisfaction seeing Sam hire soe incredibly dodgy builders for trying to renovate his family home, Willow Tree Hall. 

Both of our leads have things in their past which need to be revealed, while one of my favorite characters as Aunt Rose who was a breath of fresh air wherever she appeared - and I may be jealous of her wonderful wardrobe too. 

There is a lot to enjoy in this book and by the end I had an incredibly clear picture of Willow Tree Hall, and just how amazing it could look.  I loved the various story threads about family coming in many shapes and sizes and also seeing how Sam's character greatly changed from workaholic to well far more rounded man. 

Plenty of smiles to be had reading this, and the characters are developed with a bit of emotional depth to them too, which made the book feel very real in addition to enjoyable. 

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

Book Review - One Summer Weekend by Juliet Archer

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Title:  One Summer Weekend

Author: Juliet Archer

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Ruby Fiction

Publication Date: 19th June 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

One summer weekend can change everything … 

Alicia Marlowe’s life as an executive coach is well under control – until she meets her new client, Jack Smith. Jack’s reputation precedes him and Alicia knows immediately that he spells trouble. Not least because he reminds her of someone else – a man who broke her heart and made her resolve never to lower her guard again.

Taking Jack on as a client is a risk, but one that Alicia decides to take for the good of her career. As long as she keeps him in his place, she might just make it through unscathed. But Jack has other ideas – including a ‘business’ trip to the Lake District. One summer weekend with him is all it takes to put Alicia’s carefully organised world in a spin …

Let me start by saying what a gorgeous cover, I love it so much and it really does give a great feel for one of the two main settings for this book..the other is far more industrial and not as picturesque as the Lake District! 

This is a rather short novella, but within it, there is a great deal of character development, and we get to delve into their pasts too, as well as get a hint of what the future may bring.  

It is clear from the start that there is some sort of chemistry between Alicia and Jack but Alicia for many reasons is determined to keep her relationship with Jack professional at most, non existent if at all possible. 

Unfortunately I wasn't too interested in either of their jobs which made the initial part of the book a bit slow but it is vital set up for their weekend away in the Lake District which is what I really wanted to read about.   I loved everything about the weekend and the descriptions of the landscape gave me a great picture in my imagination. 

I am really keen for their to be a sequel to this book as I would love to get to know these characters more.  This may have been the first book I have read by Juliet Archer but i'm sure it won't be the last. 

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