Book Review - The Daughter by Michelle Frances

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Title: The Daughter

Author: Michelle Frances

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Pan

Publication Date: 27th June 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

A dangerous secret. A suspicious death. A mother determined to find answers.
A gripping story of a mother's courage and devotion by the number one bestselling author of The Girlfriend.

Getting pregnant as a teenager was never part of Kate's plan, but when it happens she's determined to do right by her daughter, showing her the love she never had as a child.

Life as a single mother is hard, sometimes impossible, but it only brings Kate and Becky closer together. By the time Becky is making her own way in the world as a tenacious trainee journalist, Kate couldn't be prouder. But when the unthinkable happens, Kate's life is changed forever. Desperately trying to understand, Kate stumbles across a story Becky was researching.

Is it possible that this cruel twist of fate wasn't an accident?

I had absolutely no idea what to expect from this book, and I'm in thrall of what I've just read. 

It's the story of Kate, trying to do initially just get answers for Becky, and then she stumbles into something massive, and well, if I said large parts of this book reminded me of Erin Brockovich then you may have an idea as to some of the content.   

In fact I could easily see Kate as Erin Brockovich and had Julia Roberts in my mind a lot as I was reading this, it's not a replica, and the motivations and everything are completely different and its only part of a bigger story, but once I started thinking it, I could stop. 

To that end I think this would make s wonderful film, its a fascinating book and I could easily see it up there on the big screen. 

I was gripped from the first few pages, and devoured the book over the course of the day.  I learnt a whole deal of info about an industry I know nothing about.  I suspected some of the wrong people as I just wasn't quite sure who to trust.  There are twists and turns and overall its just wonderful. 

Everyone has always written Kate off, she had her daughter incredibly young, and had always vowed to have Becky's back no matter what.  It was wonderful seeing Kate grow in confidence, and in her beliefs after the worst happened, all to try to make her daughter proud and seek justice. 

An eye opening story, with plenty of mystery and intrigue, and I'm glad to say the gorgeous cover even made sense to me eventually!   Given this is the second book I've now read by the author and definitely not the last, I probably should read her debut at some point! 

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

Book Review - The Christmas Party by Karen Swan

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.Title: The Christmas Party

Author: Karen Swan

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Pan

Publication Date: 31st October 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

The Christmas Party is a delicious, page-turning story full of twists and turns. At an elegant country house party, shocking secrets and unexpected romances hide just beneath the surface . . . A must-read for the festive season by Karen Swan, the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Christmas Secret and Christmas at Tiffany's.

When Declan Lorne, the last remaining knight in Ireland, dies suddenly, an ancient title passes with him. But his estate on Ireland’s rugged south-west coast is left to his three daughters. The two eldest, Ottie and Pip, inherit in line with expectations, but to everyone’s surprise – and dismay – it is the errant baby of the family, Willow, who gets the castle.

Why her? Something unknown – something terrible - made her turn her back on her family three years earlier, escaping to Dublin and vowing never to return. So when Willow quickly announces she is selling up, her revenge seems sweet and the once-close sisters are pushed to breaking point: in desperation, Pip risks everything to secure her own future, and Ottie makes a decision that will ruin lives. It’s each woman for herself.

Before moving in, Connor Shaye, the prospective new owner, negotiates throwing a lavish party at the castle just days before Christmas – his hello, their goodbye. But as their secrets begin to catch up with them, Ottie, Willow and Pip are forced to ask themselves which is harder: stepping into the future, or letting go of the past?

Within just the first third of this book there are near death experiences, death itself, a broken family, an unexpected set of results from a will reading, and clearly all members of the hiding secrets but at that stage you have no idea just what they are. 

To say just that first perhaps third of the story is eventful would be an understatement and doesn't even scratch the surface of everything that happens in this book, and the story of the Lorne sisters, who are no longer as close as they once were. 

I did find this a bit tricky to get into, only because I was trying to get all the characters straight in my mind, but then suddenly  around that 30% mark or so, everything just clicked in my mind. and I was utterly hooked and couldn't get enough of this story. 

There isn't really a quiet or dull moment in this incredibly tightly written and plotted story, everything seems to move the story along, and although its all takes place over a relatively short space of time, 

I loved the three sister's completely distinct and different personalities, Pip, the horse mad one, Ottie who runs a camping site and has a secret that will upset many people when it comes out, and Willow who had been living in Dublin away from the family a hadn't been home for a few years until a critical phone call drags her back to the family home. 

Karen Swan is fabulous at writing Christmas books and this is probably me second favourite of them, to only Christmas Under the Stars.  An utterly brilliant book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. 

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

Book Review - A Midwinter Promise by Lulu Taylor

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Amazon UK

Title: A Midwinter Promise

Author: Lulu Taylor

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Pan

Publication Date: 28th November 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

One family across two generations.
A marriage marred by trauma and infidelity.
Lives marked by death, divorce and a shattered family.
A dark secret at the heart of a tragedy.

Now the Pengelly family reunites around the sickbed of David, a beloved husband and father, to confront the emotions and the secrets that have divided them over the years.

Set around the beautiful wildness of Tawray, a house near the Cornish coast, A Midwinter Promise by bestselling author Lulu Taylor, is a dramatic story of loss, grief and the legacy of secrets. It is also a tale of reconciliation and renewal.

A Midwinter Promise is a book that has utterly consumed me, for the last however long I have been oblivious to my life, while I had to finished the book in one just the one more sitting, and that was from around 40% onwards.   And the second I hit part 2, well I knew my day was doomed until I had finished the book. 

Just wow, such fabulous writing, it really got under my skin as we get to see in dual time lines the history of the Pengelly family at Tawray, a bit Cornish house.

I was fascinated by Julia's story from childhood onwards, seeing how she changed, how her own mother affected her deeper than anyone realised, her marriage to David, friendship with Sally and her struggles with pregnancy.   

There are themes of mental health and demons and addiction even within these sections all written sensitively and in a way that you felt as though the author had really done some research.  I was completely and utterly gripped and had a few of my own theories. 

And then at the same time me meet Julia and David's now grown up children, and their families as David is on his sickbed. We learn about their relationship over the years with their stepmother and stepbrother,  and how it has affected them. 

I just found this a compulsive book to read, I needed more of it and I need it faster than I could read the words. I was utterly addicted as I read about this family across the years.  I perhaps was more enthralled by the Julia's story, but that may be because it was still having an effect on the present day family.    

I am starting to think that Lulu Taylor is becoming better and better with each book, and this was no exception.  Utterly gripping and left me practically speechless. 

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

Book Review - The Spanish Promise by Karen Swan - #HolidayReading Madeira

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Amazon UK

Title: The Spanish Promise

Author: Karen Swan

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Pan 

Publication Date: 11th July 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

One of Spain’s richest men is dying. But as he prepares his estate, his family is shocked to discover he is making plans to give away his wealth to a young woman they have never even heard of. Who is she and what hold does she have over him?

Charlotte Fairfax is asked to travel to the troubled family’s home in Spain to get to the bottom of the mysterious bequest. It’s the week before her wedding but she is confident she has time – there’s only one reason an older man leaves his money to a beautiful woman, isn’t there?

But in Madrid, things don’t go to plan when the woman denies knowing anything about the gift. Is she lying? Looking for clues, Charlotte digs into the prominent family’s history and unearths a dark and shocking past in which two people were torn apart by conflict. But now, their long-buried secrets are starting to reach into the present and Charlotte starts to wonder whether love does not need to forgive or forget in order to endure – but just needs two hearts to keep beating.

Dual time line story set between the Spanish Civil War (just before WW2), and the present day. 

Karen Swan is one of the few authors that I will read these dual time line type books from, since she manages to tell a wonderful story without too much in depth historical detail. 

I was hooked from the prologue and needed to know how it all fitted together, and there are surprises especially in the historical time line all the way to the last few pages. 

I enjoyed Charlotte's character and have never come across a wealth counsellor before, so learning about her professional life was really interesting, as was the mystery of just what Marina's connection to the Mendoza family was.   

Charlotte's private life on the other hand was messy, and I'm not necessarily convinced by how that portion of the story resolved itself. 

I certainly know more about the Spanish Civil war than i did before, and I really was drawn into the story. 

Very well written, I was spellbound to know more at all times as the pages kept on turning. 

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

Book Review - The Thunder Girls by Melanie Blake

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Title: The Thunder Girls

Author: Melanie Blake

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: EDPR 

Publisher: Pan

Publication Date: 11th July 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

THE

Chrissie, Roxanne, Carly and Anita, an eighties pop sensation outselling and out-classing their competition. Until it all comes to an abrupt end and three of their careers are over, and so is their friendship.

THUNDER

Thirty years later, their old record label wants the band back together for a huge money-making concert. But the wounds are deep and some need this gig more than others.

In those decades apart life was far from the dream they were living as members of The Thunder Girls. Breakdowns, bankruptcy, addiction and divorce have been a constant part of their lives. They’ve been to hell and back, and some are still there.

GIRLS

Can the past be laid to rest for a price, or is there more to this reunion than any of them could possibly know? Whilst they all hunger for a taste of success a second time around, someone is plotting their downfall in the deadliest way possible . . 

From the second this book and its press release dropped through my door, I knew it was exactly the sort of book I absolutely love to read and my only question was whether I was going to resist reading it before I went on holiday as I really is the perfect poolside / holiday read.   

Well let's just say first opportunity to sit in the garden, in blazing heat and I figured it was a good time to start reading. An hour or so later I had read the first 150 pages and knew I was hooked. 

And wow what a debut, it is clear that Melanie Blake knows what she is talking about when it comes to the music industry.  I felt as though I had been on this roller coaster of a journey alongside all 4 of The Thunder Girls. 

Once you had the basic grounding of the story, seeing how and why the group split up in the 80s, and there various present day situations you are properly suckered into the story with so so many different threads, many characters and and just wow...

... how many secrets, revelations, lies, double crossings, revenge. back stabbing, bitching and all that assorted themes can you fit into one book.   I mean every time you looked around another sucker punch came at you giving you a vital new piece of information. 

Arguably this book needs a second read just to see if I can work out sooner how it was all put together but then again it would lose the moments where I was on a train an mouthing swear words because I hadn't seen something coming. 

There is just so much going on, you are not sure who to trust, who will end up in what situation and whether or not the Thunder Girls will ever realise their dreams of playing at Wembley! 

This is a rock and roll blockbuster that if you, like me a huge fan of big summer blockbuster books that would make a wonderful film too,  that are full of incredibly strong female characters - even if the don't see eye to eye the whole time - then this book is for you.   

I really hope to see it everywhere when i'm on holiday as it really is for me one of those wonderful escape into a completely different  lifestyle sorts of story, that you can sink in between the pages for. 

Absorbing, engaging, unpredictable, what an absolute roller coaster of a book.  I loved every last second and am desperately hoping that Melanie Blake goes on to write more.  I'll be first in line to read them! 

Thank you to EDPR for my copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Temp by Michelle Frances

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Amazon UK

Title: The Temp

Author: Michelle Frances

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Pan

Publication Date: 20th September 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

No one was going to replace her. Were they?

Carrie is a successful TV producer in a high pressure job. She’s talented, liked, and well-respected. She and her husband, Adrian, an award-winning screenwriter, decided years before that they didn’t want children. But now, just as they’re both at the pinnacle of their careers, she has discovered she is pregnant, and is shocked to find that she wants to keep the baby. But in a competitive industry where time off is seen as a sign of weakness, Carrie looks on the prospect of maternity leave with trepidation.

Enter Emma, the temp, who is everything she could wish for as her cover: smart, willing and charming. Carrie fears that Emma is manoeuvring her way into Carrie’s life, causing turmoil in both her marriage and her work as she does so. The problem is everyone else adores her . . .

Increasingly isolated from Adrian and her colleagues, Carrie begins to believe Emma has an agenda. Does Emma want her job? Or is she after even more?

Thoroughly gripping story that by the last quarter had me on the edge of my seat while I saw how everything unfurled.  

To start with this feels like a nice reasonably gentle women's fiction novel,  about a couple who are having a baby, but the father is rather reluctant, and the mother is fearing for her job while she is on maternity leave.  All issues that people face on a regular basis. 

However it soon becomes apparent that there is something just isn't quite right with Emma, the temp, yes she is amazing at her job but I found it hard to warm to her. I wasn't too keen on her parents either who just didn't understand their daughter. 

As events unfold, the tension ramps up, and its becomes a more compelling read,  and slightly unsettling, as everything was a bit too realistic and easy to believe!   

With each chapter, the focus was on a different character,  so we did get to know all the main protagonists, especially Carrie and Emma very well.   I'm not sure how much I particularly liked anyone apart from Carrie who I did enjoy but the others weren't horrible, they were just harder to like, and the reasons do become apparent as you read. 

This was the first book I have read by the author and I would be tempted to read more.  The writing really drew me in and I'm sure accounted to my disturbed sleep, last night!  

This was a very good book, which for most of the first half I wasn't too surprised by but then the second half ramped it up a notch and I was completely wrong footed with the outcomes. 

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

Book Review - Bad Twins by Rebecca Chance - #HolidayReading Book 9

Book 9 of 28 read on my holiday to Cyprus in June 2018.

Amazon UK

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Title:  Bad Twins

Author: Rebecca Chance

Format reviewed: 

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Pan

Publication Date: 26th July 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Never trust the face in the mirror . . .

It’s no surprise to anyone that Jeffrey Sachs, billionaire CEO of his own hotel chain, has a drop-dead gorgeous Estonian mistress. But stepping down to spend his retirement years with her? No one saw that coming – least of all his wife!

So now the prize of becoming Sachs CEO is up for grabs – and Jeffrey’s four children have until the day of his wedding to compete for the job.

The front runner is Conway, the older son and golden boy. But Charlotte, a glamorous social media star with an Instagram-perfect family, is hugely ambitious, fully prepared to scheme and backstab to get to the top. Then there’s the dark horse: Bella, her mild-mannered, hard-working twin sister. Or could Bart, the youngest child, a sexy, incorrigible playboy, somehow catapult himself into Daddy’s good books?

In a game where the ultimate prize is power beyond your wildest dreams, you should never underestimate your competitors, even if they are family . . . and, it turns out, twins can be the most dangerous rivals of all . . .

Bad Twins by bestselling author Rebecca Chance explores vicious sibling rivalry in this gripping thriller.

I may have said this before and I am sure I will say it again, Rebecca Chance is the queen on the blockbuster, of the perfect poolside read and some incredibly impressive sex scenes too. 

Mix in some intrigue, a mass of sibling rivalry and not just the twins, a new trophy wife, and a competition to find out which of Charlotte, Bella, Conway and Bart will become the next CEO of Sachs and you have a glorious mix for an intriguing and unputdownable storyline. 

With the siblings all determined to win their dads approval and become the new CEO, expect to see back stabbing, and all manner of rivalries. 

I much preferred Bart and Bella to the other two and even towards the end found myself really warming towards Adrianna.

Even those characters I didn't like I still found myself intrigued by and curious to see their stories, and see just how everything would interconnect and unravel. 

From some smokin' hot scenes, some rather interesting fantasies, and some naughty behaviour at times I'm not sure if it was the Cypriot sun, or the heat in this book that was making need to take a dip in the pool.

I loved every second of this book, from the initial descriptions of Jeffrey Sachs which really set the tone for the book, to the pace and clever writing, Bad Twins is certainly one to remember. 

Don't forget to take this on holiday with you or keep your eyes out an airport, and it will certainly keep you thoroughly entertained. 

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

Book Review - Somewhere Beyond The Sea by Miranda Dickinson - #HolidayReading Book 5

Book 5 of 28 read on my holiday to Cyprus in June 2018.

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Amazon UK

Title: Somewhere Beyond The Sea

Author: Miranda Dickinson

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: EDPR

Publisher: Pan

Publication Date: 14th June 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Can you fall in love with someone before you’ve even met?

Seren MacArthur is living a life she never intended. Trying to save the Cornish seaside business her late father built – while grieving for his loss – she has put her own dreams on hold and is struggling. Until she discovers a half-finished seaglass star on her favourite beach during an early morning walk. When she completes the star, she sets into motion a chain of events that will steal her heart and challenge everything she believes.

Jack Dixon is trying to secure a better life for daughter Nessie and himself. Left a widower and homeless when his wife died, he’s just about keeping their heads above water. Finding seaglass stars completed on Gwithian beach is a bright spark that slowly rekindles his hope.

Seren and Jack are searching for their missing pieces. But when they meet in real life, it’s on the opposing sides of a battle. Jack is managing the redevelopment of a local landmark, and Seren is leading the community campaign to save it.

Both have reason to fight – Seren for the cause her father believed in, Jack for his livelihood. But only one can win. With so much at stake, will they ever find what they are really looking for?

Miranda Dickinson's Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a sparkling tale of love, life and finding magic where you least expect it.

What a charming story that is so uplifting and tells the story of Seren and Jack in alternating chapters.

Seren is campaigning on her late fathers behalf to preserve a local building from development. 

Jack is a recently widowed single dad to 7 year old Nessie and is trying to do the best for his little girl even if it means working for a large building company,

What neither of them know is that there is a connection between them from the first few pages that involves on one level magic and mermaids!

Two people both just trying to do their best by their loved ones and neither necessarily following their own hearts. 

i loved all the various characters and also the story behind the building that is at the heart of it all. 

The majority of the book takes place over a 5 or 6 week period where i will say both characters lives change a lot, and in that we also get some great campaigning on both sides. 

It is another wonderful book by Miranda Dickinson, and is perfect for those long lazy summer evenings, wishing you were in Cornwall!

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

Book Review - Her Frozen Heart by Lulu Taylor

Amazon UK

Title: Her Frozen Heart

Author: Lulu Taylor

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Pan

Publication Date: 30th November 2017

Rating: 4 Stars

Caitlyn, there’s something I have to tell you. About Sara.

Caitlyn thinks her marriage to Patrick is a success. For one thing, he is one of the few people not to fall head over heels for her beautiful friend, Sara. Life is lived on his terms, but they are happy.

Aren’t they?

When a devastating accident turns her existence upside down, Caitlyn is forced to reassess everything she thought about her marriage, what she truly knows about Patrick, and his real feelings for her best friend. In the refuge of an old manor house, she begins to discover the truth.

In 1947, the worst winter in decades hits England, cutting off entirely the inhabitants of Kings Harcourt Manor. For Tommy Carter, widowed at the start of war, it is particularly hard: the burden of the family falls on her. She has the solace of her children, and the interesting presence of her brother’s friend, Fred. But there is also Barbara, a mysterious figure from her past who appears to want a piece of Tommy’s future as well.

Her Frozen Heart is a thrilling mystery from Lulu Taylor, top ten bestselling author of The Snow Rose.

This was a slow burner for me, it took absolutely ages for it to start getting under my skin, and once I was fully interested, it still didn't really hook me, although the lead up to the finale in both storylines was very good and I did care what happened to the characters. 

This is a dual timeline story - every other chapter we are treated to 1947, and the story of Tommy and her family who after surviving World War Two now have another massive challenge to deal with - the worst winter for decades, with them being rather cut off in their manor house. 

I'm not really a fan of anything set historically but I found myself far more interested in this story than the contemporary one, and I was continually wondering how Tommy's family were coping, while reading Caitlyn's sections.  Caitlyn is recently widowed, suspects her husband was about to reveal something critical just before his death, and discovers that her best friend isn't all that she seems either. 

With both stories I could see parallels at all points, with the sets of characters, and their circumstances, despite the 70 year gap between them.  However it took about half a book to see where the stories could converge and why they were both present. 

There are mysteries in both halves of the story but they didn't grip me. What did grip me were the descriptions of life during the freezing cold of 1947, and just how tough life must have been, while at the same time , there were assorted sub plots going on, and the introduction of Barbara really shook things up. 

I did find though that following two  complete stories I was starting to get confused with the sheer quantity of characters as to who was relate to who and what their purposes were.  

Plenty of misdemeanours and secrets to discover, and plenty of story line. I liked the writing, I just didn't feel that this was Lulu Taylor's best book, but it did have lots to enjoy about it, especially if you are more of a fan of dual timeline stories than I am. 

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

Book Review - The Snow Rose by Lulu Taylor - Rachel Reads Randomly Book #76

Amazon UK

Title: The Snow Rose

Author: Lulu Taylor

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Pan

Publication Date: 1st December 2016

Rating: 5 Stars

The Snow Rose is the gripping story of a woman on the run from her past by Lulu Taylor, author of The Winter Folly.

I know they think I shouldn't keep her . . . That's why I've escaped them while I can, while I still have the opportunity . . .

Kate is on the run with her daughter Heather, her identity hidden and their destination unknown to the family they've left behind. She's found a place where they can live in solitude, a grand old house full of empty rooms and dark secrets. But they're not alone, for there are the strange old ladies in the cottage next door: Matty and her sister Sissy. They know what happened here long ago, and are curious about Kate. How long can she hide Heather's presence from them?

When an eccentric band of newcomers arrive, led by the charismatic Archer, Kate realizes that the past she's so desperate to escape is about to catch up with her. And inside the house, history is beginning to repeat itself . . .

Oddly compulsive,  every time I tried to put this book down, it called to me to continue reading. Not that it was a chore to carry on with the story, as I was completely absorbed and interested in the multitude of storylines that were unfurling. 

The book is split into four parts and just as you think you have got to grips with what is going on,  the next part comes along and you are left reeling about various things, or a slight perspective change allows you to try and piece things together even faster. 

There is very little I can say about the story but yet so much I want to comment on, but daren't due to spoilers. The book opens with a mum on the run with her young child, she is desperate not to be found and take on guardianship of a large old house, in a fake name and has left a false trails all over herself. 

You get hints as to her current mental state and the feeling something isn't quite right and that is the first of the hooks into the story, as I had to find out more about Rachel and Hattie.  The lengths she goes to, to hide Hattie's existence are very strong, and she hates that the house she has found isn't as remote as first thought. 

Even more confusing are the sisters who are nearby neighbours hinting that history is about to repeat itself. 

Let's just say the history of the house was fascinating and worrying at the same time.  There were elements of it that I was slightly uncomfortable with due to my own beliefs, and I did stay skeptical for a large part of the book, but even so I still wanted to know what was going to happen next. 

The action flits between past and present in the chapters, and in two main stories. All of which I was utterly hooked on. The Snow Rose crept under mys skin and hasn't left yet, I was enchanted and gripped by this addictive tale. 

Thank you to everyone that voted this week, even if it was just due to the cover, you have picked well and it was a good change for met o read a non Christmas book even if it does have a wintery cover! 

Book Review - Killer Affair by Rebecca Chance

Amazon UK

Title: Killer Affair

Author: Rebecca chance

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Pan 

Publication Date: 27th July 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

A shocking betrayal deserves a wicked revenge . . .

Stunning, charismatic Lexy O’Brien is the reigning queen of British reality TV. Her life in front of the camera is planned and manipulated as successfully as any military assault.

But success breeds jealousy. When you’re on top, the only way is down and there’s always someone standing by to give you a shove . . .

Dowdy Caroline Evans, a part-time blogger and writer of erotic fiction, is brought in to chronicle Lexy’s life. Being taken under Lexy’s wing is a dream come true for Caroline. But sampling the star’s lifestyle is like tasting the most addictive of drugs, and it’s not long before she is craving what she can’t possibly have – or can she?

And as Caroline and Lexy’s lives and loves become increasingly entwined, it’s only a matter of time before the hidden rivalry becomes a powder keg waiting to explode . . 

I really don't know what to think, that was a huge story of envy, jealousy, sex, great one liners, with an incredibly twisty finale that left me very impressed.  

A yet it started with me thinking that Caroline was easily one of the most relatable to characters I have read in a while to the extent I thought she could have been me! We both have the same facial skin condition,  both are bloggers, have had the same thoughts about sex and she lives one stop away from where I used to work, so I even recognised the pain of the tube/train journey she  had! 

Not only that as it becomes apparent that Caroline was going to become a ghostwriter for a famous reality tv star, there is a lot of talk about ghost writers in general, how much they make, the public's perception or lack of, with regards to ghostwriters and celebrity biographies. I recall seeing discussions earlier this year on those exact topics, after a specific article was published, which to my eyes added an extra layer to the book that I could relate to. 

However characters like people can change, and  as the story progressed I am glad to say that I am actually nothing like Caroline! In fact as the book progressed I couldn't work out if I had more empathy with Lexy or Caroline.  Lexy is one kick-ass woman, she has masterminded her reality tv career and knows exactly what she wants, and also appears to have the perfect life. 

On a moral level neither woman is up to much really given one is determined to wreck a marriage and the other is determined to do anything for publicity and assumes her devoted husband will forgive her!  On the other hand I loved Caroline's determination to change herself, to become more confident and follow her dreams at whatever expense. 

While Caroline was ghosting Lexy's book we would occasionally see snippets written in Lexy's voice by Caroline which were really amusing. We also saw some rather erotic historical romance writing by Caroline too. Not to mention how much I enjoyed Caroline's sexual awakening and some of the incredibly hot scenes that followed. 

I'm a huge fan of Rebecca Chance, and her quick wit, and open mindedness with regards anything sexual are clear once again in this book. Not all the scenes will appeal to everyone but they are incredibly well written and I thoroughly enjoyed every last word! 

Killer Affair to me is a perfect example of a holiday read, I would have loved to have read this pure escapism while lying by a pool, sipping cocktails and absorbing the sun, as if you can 't read, relax and thoroughly the many naughty books while on holiday surrounded by strangers, then when can you!! 

Thank you to Pan and Netgalley for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily

Book Review - The Rome Affair by Karen Swan

Amazon UK

Title:  The Rome Affair

Author: Karen Swan

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Pan

Publication Date: 13th July 2017

Rating: 4 Stars

1974 and Elena Damiani lives a gilded life. Born to wealth and a noted beauty, no door is closed to her, no man can resist her. At twenty-six, she is already onto her third husband when she meets her love match. But he is the one man she can never have, and all the beauty and money in the world can't change it.

2017 and Francesca Hackett is living la dolce vita in Rome, leading tourist groups around the Eternal City and forgetting the ghosts she left behind in London. When she finds a stolen designer handbag in her dustbin and returns it, she is brought into the orbit of her grand neighbour who lives across the piazza - famed socialite Viscontessa Elena dei Damiani Pignatelli della Mirandola. Though the purse is stolen, Elena greets the return of the bag with exultation for it contains an unopened letter written by her husband on his deathbed, twelve years earlier.

Mutually intrigued by each other, the two women agree to collaborate on a project, with Cesca interviewing Elena for her memoirs. As summer unfurls, Elena tells her sensational stories, leaving Cesca in her thrall. But when a priceless diamond ring found in an ancient tunnel below the city streets is ascribed to Elena, Cesca begins to suspect a shocking secret at the heart of Elena's life.

Elena Damiani has had an interesting life, but it isn't until Francesca is hired as her biographer that long hidden secrets start to emerge, to a surprising conclusion. 

The story is part written in modern day Rome, and partly written in the past, as we follow key points in Elena's life "live" and the see how she interprets them for Cesca.  Elena is from a privileged American Family and she eventually married into the top rung of Roman society, but its not all Bulgari jewellery and great parties. Her life is far different to what you may think, from the opening as the character development goes on and we see just what life is like in the large Palazzo she lives in.  Although just why a couple of the local older ladies try to persuade Cesca that Elena is bad news, is something you need to discover for yourselves! 

Cesca it a huge fan of Rome, she even runs a blog called The Rome Affair, and was working as a tour guide, until her change meeting with Elena. She is also a former barrister and seems to keep running into a man who she appears to hate! 

I found the story was a fascinating look at higher society in Rome and America from the 60s onwards and just shows you can't guess what goes on behind closed doors, away from the worlds press. 

I really enjoyed the character of Cesca, she has an incredible eye for detail, a clear love of Rome, has made a great life for herself in the city, and is clearly hiding a secret herself, so should be able to empathise with Elena's inability to reveal the truths about herself.  

The storyline involving a sinkhole was quite different too, especially once it had me thinking about what lies beneath the surface of a city like Rome, thanks to the handsome speleologist who was determined to investigate the hole and surrounding thoroughly.  

The Rome Affair was an enjoyable story with Karen Swan's usual attention to detail, human interest and great storytelling style. 

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