Book Review - Chalet Girls by Lorraine Wilson

Amazon UK

Title: Chalet Girls

Author: Lorraine Wilson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 10th February 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

What happens when life in Verbier suddenly goes off-piste?

Lucy’s been bowled over by the sexy extreme skier who’s hurtled into her life. But can she accept Seb’s commitment to his adrenaline-filled career?

Trusting any man is out of the question after what’s happened to Beth. So why is she so drawn to twinkly-eyed Dan when he’s leaving at the end of the season?

Sophie’s madly in love with her gorgeous fiancé, Luc. Only instead of gleefully planning the winter wedding of her dreams, all she wants is to run and hide…

Three Chalet Girls are about to strap on their skis and find out!

I'm over the moon with my long awaited fictional return to Verbier, home of the the wonderful Chalet Girls. I love the action on the slopes but its the apres ski, and the relationships that really appeal to me too. Within minutes of my spotting the first mention of some of the longest running recurring characters in this series, I felt as though I had come home. 

If you haven't read any of the previous chalet girls novellas then don't worry as this can easily be read as a standalone, and all the relevant back story is included.  If you have read even some of the others, you may well recognise Holly, Tash and Sophie and you will see how their stories are progressing. 

In fact Sophie is one of the three girls this book is focusing on, and up coming nuptials with the incredibly sexy Luc. Then there is Lucy who  has had a rather sheltered upbringing, but she can't help but fall for Seb, the adrenaline filled extreme skier. Beth on the other hand, is new to Verbier and its clear something has rocked her world back in the UK, as she seems rather nervous but also determined. 

With all three of our main girls there are in amongst the romance and sex filled storylines, they each have their own problems to overcome, which do add some more serious moments to this generally light hearted novel. 

I found Chalet Girls incredibly pleasurable to read on so many levels, that I did have to take a break half way through, or I would have needed a cold shower, from the heat level of the more intimate scenes. I always enjoy Lorraine Wilson's descriptions of men and sex, and even though this is a longer book than the rest of the Chalet Girls, the pace and intimacy levels don't drop off or become stale. 

I really don't think there was any element of the Chalet Girls that I didn't thoroughly enjoy.  I love the setting of Verbier, delving deeper into the lives of Lucy, Sophie and Beth and their men, and I just wish I had any sense of balance so I could visit and enjoy the slopes for myself! 

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Guest Post - All About The Chalet Girls by Lorraine Wilson - Blog Tour

Those of you familiar with the Chalet Girl series will be pleased to hear that 'Chalet Girls' isn't a compilation of previously published material but actually a brand new, full length addition to the series.

In 'Chalet Girls' some of the characters already created in previous novellas do feature but this doesn't stop it being read as a standalone novel. 

Originally I was asked to write a series of novellas. Finally writing a full length novel that gave me the opportunity to dig deeper into the characters' stories was very satisfying and I hope will also satisfy all those who left reviews on the novellas saying they wished they were longer!

'Chalet Girls' features the stories of three characters - Sophie, Lucy and Beth. Sophie's story started in 'Secret Crush of a Chalet Girl' but I felt there was more to tell and a full length novel gave me the space to explore what really happens after 'happy ever after'. 

Lucy has been a secondary character in some of the novellas and the inspiration for her story started when I read the real life story of Jenny Jones - a chalet girl who became an Olympic medal winner:
http://bbc.in/2kAttD5

From there my research lead me into the world of extreme skiing. Watching videos of pro snowboarder Xavier de le Rue being dropped by helicopter onto the ridge of an alpine mountain gave me the inspiration for the character of Seb. You can watch one of Xavier's jaw dropping mountain descents here: https://youtu.be/VpBkI4etfQI

With Beth's story the inspiration was more personal.  I like to write escapist, fun stories but I also try to tackle some of the hard, painful things a lot of us carry around but rarely talk about. In a way hers is a story of perseverance and hope.

Maybe this theme is of especial importance to me because a neurosurgeon told me eight years ago, after a severe brain injury, that I'd never be able to write a book. This was following an accident that left me with lasting disabilities. Finishing my first novella (Confessions of a Chalet Girl -http://amzn.to/2kC7FH5 ) using speech to text technology felt like a real triumph but as 'Chalet Girls' is my first full length novel its publication is yet another milestone in my own story.

On a lighter note, animal-loving readers might like to know that the dog called Pip featured both in the book and on the book cover is actually one of my own rescue dogs. He has his own story of perseverance and you can read about how he made his way from my lap into the book on the Harper Impulse blog - http://bit.ly/2kAnY7k
     
Thank you so much for sharing all that with us Lorraine. I am so glad that you didn't let the accident stop you from writing books, as I loved all the Chalet Girls novellas and reallly looking forward to starting this full length trip to Verbier!

What happens when life in Verbier suddenly goes off-piste?

Lucy’s been bowled over by the sexy extreme skier who’s hurtled into her life. But can she accept Seb’s commitment to his adrenaline-filled career?

Trusting any man is out of the question after what’s happened to Beth. So why is she so drawn to twinkly-eyed Dan when he’s leaving at the end of the season?

Sophie’s madly in love with her gorgeous fiancé, Luc. Only instead of gleefully planning the winter wedding of her dreams, all she wants is to run and hide…

Three Chalet Girls are about to strap on their skis and find out!

Find out more - http://bit.ly/2chaletgirls

CHALET GIRLS COMPETITION - enter to win this unique Indian patchwork handbag & signed paperback copies of 'Confessions of a Chalet Girl' and 'Secret Crush of a Chalet Girl' http://bit.ly/2kvcz82

To keep up to date with new releases follow my author page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LorraineWilsonWriter or find me on twitter @Romanceminx

Also you can check out my website www.lorraine-wilson.com 

or my story boards on Pinterest to see the inspiration behind my books – http://pinterest.com/lorrainecwilson/

Book Review - The Chalet Girls Series by Lorraine Wilson - Books 3 - 5 - Harper Impulse Fortnight

Amazon UK Title: Revenge of a Chalet Girl  Author: Lorraine Wilson Format reviewed: Paperback Source: Competition Win Publisher: Harper Impulse Publication Date: 19th December 2013 Rating: 4 Stars		All she wants for Christmas is…revenge. When chalet girl Amy Wright finds her ex’s name on Chalet Repos’ guest list she sees her chance to get back at him – Josh Carter, the guy who broke her heart. Getting revenge without losing her job will be tricky but luckily the other chalet girls are on hand to offer their support. Pretty soon she’s in too deep and realises she doesn’t want to hurt him anymore. She wants him back. There’s just one teeny complication… Amy has been enjoying her time as a chalet girl until she spots a familiar name on the guest list for the next week. Josh Carter, he broke her heart when he took a job in Saudi Arabia, and she has never really recovered.   The rest of the chalet girls, including Tash and Sophie from previous books, encourage Amy that a spot of revenge is on order. However it doesn't take too long until she realises she still cares about him.  Just one small problem, he's on his stag do, and has been brought up to do the right thing by women.  This is a lovely light romance story, that is enjoyable, but was just missing the heat and passion, that made me love the first two books.  This can be read as a standalone book, however if this is your first one in the series, I honestly would start with one of the others first.  There is quite a lot of humour in this book, and the writing is still great, its just not quite as amazing as the others. I would love to see books featured around both Tash and Sophie as I feel like I'm getting to know them quite well through the series so far, and that they would both be fab leading ladies.

Amazon UK Title: Secret Crush of a Chalet Girl Author: Lorraine Wilson Format reviewed: Paperback Source: Competition Win Publisher: Harper Impulse Publication Date: 27th February 2014 Rating: 5 Stars		Chalet Girl Sophie Trent has plenty of reasons to hate Valentine's Day. After a lifetime of being treated like she didn’t matter because of her looks, she’s shed the pounds but not the self-esteem issues – and when she can curl up with one of her beloved romance novels, why put herself through a night of awkward speed ski dating?  A treasure hunt set by a secret admirer makes her reconsider. Only, what if it’s a cruel joke? Because it certainly wouldn’t be the first time!  But as Sophie follows the trail of red paper hearts around the idyllic winter wonderland of Verbier, she can’t help but wonder whether there really might be a Secret Valentine waiting for her out there on the slopes… Sophie, who has been a perennial chalet girl and background character in the previous books, finally gets her turn as a main character, Within 3 pages of this book, I knew I would love Sophie even more than all the other chalet girls, and I could identify with her a lot.  Sophie, suffers from a lack of confidence with men, after an incident 2 years ago, that keeps playing on her mind. She and the other chalet girls, take part in the Valentines Day ritual of speed ski dating.  I loved the idea of speed ski dating, and it was great to see some action on the ski slopes in this book as well as the apres ski scene! During the first run of the speed dating, Sophie is approached by a man who hands her a heart, which has the clue which will be the start of a treasure hunt.  The treasure hunt, and the man at the end of it are incredibly romantic, and I must say I was jealous of Sophie for having such a wonderful Valentines day surprise. I love the way in all these books you get to see what is running through both romantic leads heads, just by the use of italicised sentences. Gives you a real insight into a variety of insecurities.  This was my absolute favourite of the chalet girls books. It is such a romantic story, and clearly very tenderly written.

Amazon UK Title: Rebellion of a Chalet Girl Author: Lorraine Wilson Format reviewed: Ebook Source: Purchased Publisher: Harper Impulse Publication Date: 26th March 2015 Rating: 4 Stars		Always the Chalet Girl… Year round chalet girl Tash doesn’t do attachments—she’s learned the hard way that relationships of any kind never last. But when self-made millionaire and hit TV star Nathaniel Campbell arrives to spend a month at Chalet Repos, she’s tempted to reconsider her no-strings rule… Tash and Nate may be from different sides of the tracks, but the connection between them is undeniable! And Tash soon realises that one hot night with Nate will never be enough. But can Nate ever think of Tash as more than a fling, especially once the truth about her past comes out? Nathaniel Campbell is a self-made millionaire and has hired Chalet Repos for a month, so he can work on his new book. He is also looking at possible investment in the area.  Holly and Scott, have warned their chalet girls they have to be extra nice ot to VIPs this month.  Tash, stays in Verbier all year around, doesn't do attachments, commitment or trust. She however finds she feels some sort of connection to Nate,  You really get to know Tash well in this book, and from what I knew previously of her, I was surprised at just what secrets she was hiding.  The main sex scene was very well done, and I really felt the heat and passion coming out of it.  I can't put my finger on it, but I just didn't enjoy this book as much as others in the series. The writing is still really good, and there wasn't anything wrong with the story, it just didn't entice me in, as much as others in the series.  That being said, I am looking forward to future releases by Lorraine Wilson, and would love to see her write a full length book.

Book Review - The Chalet Girls Series by Lorraine Wilson - Books 1 & 2 - Harper Impulse Fortnight

Amazon UK Title: Confessions of a Chalet Girl  Author: Lorraine Wilson Format reviewed: Paperback Source: Competition Win Publisher: Harper Impulse Publication Date: 27th June 2013 Rating: 5 Stars		Verbier. Exclusive Swiss ski resort and the winter playground of the rich and famous Maximum time on the ski slopes – and in the bars at night!  Looking for flings – or looking for rings!  Super hot snowboarders such as Luxury Chalet Experiences owner Scott Hamilton…  But not for Holly Buchanan. This accidental chalet girl won’t drink, can’t ski – and isn’t there to hook up with any man who’s only interested in making her another notch on his ski pole. Or so she thinks!  Scott’s living life to full, both on and off the piste, and Holly can’t help but find his attitude just a little bit infectious… And the hook up? Well,she’s going to have to confess that one night with her boss just won’t be enough! So pack your salopettes and pour another shot of Jägermeister, it’s time to hit the slopes Holly is not your typical chalet girl. She was persuaded to do a season by her best friend, who then pulled out after meeting a man and falling pregnant.  Holly isn't keen on drunken behaviour and she can't ski.  During the chalet girl initiation night, Holly encounters her boss Scott, who is gorgeous, and gives off sex appeal. There is instantly chemistry between the pair.  As you may expect sparks soon fly, and the scenes are very well written, and I loved the sexual tension between Holly and Scott.  Confessions of a Chalet Girl is a steamy romance novella, that enjoyable and  gives a good idea on what goes on after hours in a ski chalet!

Amazon UK Title: Secrets of a Chalet Girl Author: Lorraine Wilson Format reviewed: Paperback Source: Competition Win Publisher: Harper Impulse Publication Date: 24th October 2013 Rating: 5 Stars		Set in the exclusive Swiss ski resort of Verbier, the winter playground of the rich and famous, Secrets of a Chalet Girl is the second book in Lorraine Wilson’s fabulous Ski Season series. Flora is playing Truth or Dare at her bosses hen party. She however doesn't really want to take part in any of the dares, but as the new girl in Verbier, she does want to fit in.  The dare she picks from the bag, is to kiss the sexiest man in the bar. Flora, picks Zac, a guy she had already noticed at the bar, who is incredibly sexy. He doesn't object or seem too bothered about someone randomly going up to him and kissing him. There is instant chemistry between the pair.  Flora has recently come out of a traumatic relationship, which wrecked her self confidence, and is a bit nervous of stating anything with another man. Zac has secrets of his own to overcome.  There is enough heat in these fabulous 87 pages, to boil a kettle! It was also fantastic to catch up with some of the chalet girls you meet in the first book.  Secrets of a Chalet Girl can be read as a stand alone novella, as the main character is different to the previous book. This is a very easy read, and is a very pleasant way to while a way an hour.

Reviews for the next books in the Chalet Girls series will be posted tomorrow. See you then!

Guest Post - Lorraine Wilson on Escapism - Harper Impulse Fortnight

Welcome to Harper Impulse Fortnight. For the next two weeks I will be bringing you reviews, guest posts and even a giveaway, from some of my favourite Harper Impulse authors.

I am delighted to open the Fortnight, with a wonderful guest post by Lorraine Wilson, author of the superb Chalet Girls series.

Purchase Lorraine's books

Escapism

I write escapist fiction. I make no apology for this. Fiction is a door - every time we open a novel we step into another world and someone else's shoes. I like to both read and write books set in interesting and/or glamorous locations. Escapism widens our world and distracts us from whatever crap we're dealing with in life. No it's not a cure but I don't think it's unhealthy to take a break from our problems now and then. In fact I think it's good for us.

If you don't have any problems by the way then I'm very happy for you, escapism will still entertain you and expand your world view.

Escapism also connects us. We might read something that shows the author is familiar with what we're going through and understands. A book can make us feel less alone if we're lonely or make us laugh when we're feeling low.

I'm not claiming that my books do all of that but if they even manage a little of the above I'll be very happy.

If you'd like to try Lorraine Wilson's Chalet Girl Series for free you can download a free ebook copy of Chalet Girl Plays Cupid here: http://hyperurl.co/chaletgirl1

About Lorraine Wilson

I live in Wiltshire, England, with my husband but love to travel and have lived in four continents. From playing amidst Roman ruins in Africa as a child to riding a Sultan's racehorse in the Middle East as a teen, I’ve many experiences to draw on for the stories I’ve been writing ever since I can remember. 

When I’m not writing you'll find me listening to audiobooks while I sew or design handbags, usually with a rescue terrier or two curled up on my feet!


To keep up to date with Chalet Girl Series news checkout my author page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LorraineWilsonWriter or find me on twitter @Romanceminx

Thank you so much Lorraine, and I completely agree, escapism never hurt anyone,. Please come back at midday, when my reviews of Confessions of a Chalet Girl and Secrets of a Chalet Girl go live.