Sloantate

Gah, I waited too long for this conclusion, well all of two weeks, but Fourplay was an excellent read during my holiday break. Obviously, this is fiction and events run in fiction timings and not real life. I love how in the conclusion of this duet that the tables are turned and Kari is given the opportunity to show her strength in the face of adversity. We might like our alpha males but no male is impenetrable. It's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars from me. Purchase Links:  Amazon US:  https://www.amazon.com/Fourkeeps-Ever-After-Duet-Book-ebook/dp/B07KNQGKN9/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 Amazon UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fourkeeps-Ever-After-Duet-Book-ebook/dp/B07KNQGKN9/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

A wonderful read, about coming to terms with loss and living life to the full This book caught me by surprise.  As is the trend with Scandinavian romances of late I was anticipating a warm snuggly read with lots of Hygge references.  This is not that. There is romance but it is a slow burn, this book is more about the main characters discovering themselves in a world that has changed around them, be that through loss, a betrayal or just the passage of time.  I did laugh, cry and make several awwww's (blame the reindeers) whilst reading this book, the people on my daily commute must think I'm nuts but as an avid reader, they are all signs of a very good book. My thanks to #Netgalley and @HeadlineBooks for the opportunity to read this wonderful book. It's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me. Purchase links: Amazon UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Winter-Beneath-Stars-heartwarming-Christmas-ebook/dp/B07D2FMSWP/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1543362298&sr=8-1&keywo...

I really enjoyed the first book in the Ever After duet, so I am rating it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. The book brings back characters I’d met in a previous book, and so glad I got to read Kari’s story. What I like the most is that this is the story of a woman who is trying to live a ‘normal’ life after being assaulted, the plot is realistic as there is a combination of reactions and emotions, from feeling attraction then doubt, to acting on the attraction and inevitable regret. The way that Ms. Rylon tackles this is sympathetic and realistic. Trust is not easy but Ford, Brady, and Josh work hard to earn it. As this is the first book in a duet, which I have read an advanced copy for review, I can’t kick off about the ending, but I have been reliably informed that I don’t have long to wait for book two, Fourkeeps. Fourplay releases 4th December 2018 Purchase Links: Amazon UK:   https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fourplay-Ever-After-Duet-Book-ebook/dp/B07KNNY2M2/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=154...

This is an adorably funny book, perfect for a weekend snuggled up in front of the fire. I was first attracted to this book by the thought of Christmas and dogs, but the story was so much more. From the get-go there is a brilliant humor which runs throughout the book. The list of pros and cons of Christmas had me in stitches. Charlie is a woman after my own heart, curious and not necessarily thinking about things before they jump on the hamster wheel.  I spent a wonderful few days living the highs and lows, embarrassments and joy of Charlie, I highly recommend this witty and loveable ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ story. My thanks to #NetGalley and  @orionbooks for a copy of #NotJustForChristmas Purchase links:  Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Not-Just-Christmas-sparky-Kinsella-ebook/dp/B07CL1P5RL/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542297305&sr=8-1&keywords=not+just+for+christmas+natalie+cox Amazon UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Not-Just-Christmas-sparky-Kinsella-e...

There is such depth to this story, I was completely absorbed. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rated. Of late, Sarah Morgan has been known for her series, Snow Crystal, Puffin Island and From Manhattan with Love and I would be fibbing if I said I was a little wary of her standalone books. However, her ability to bring so much depth to a multi-faceted story is second to none.  Not only do we learn about the lives, past, and present of the three sisters but of those around them too. They each have their own demons to slay and find that they are finally able to put them to rest when then lean on and open up to each other.  Hannah’s story is particularly heart-breaking, but readers can probably identify with each of the sisters in some way. I highly recommend #TheChristmasSisters as a story which adds magic into festive romance. My thanks to #Netgalley, @SarahMorgan_ and #HarperCollins for the opportunity to review #TheChristmasSisters  Purchase Links: Amazon US:  h...

(Possibly one of the longest titles for a fiction book ever, but the story is so good I will let it off LOL.) I have all the feels for this book and it greatly deserves its ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐star review.  There were moments in this story where I had to escape to the bathroom so I could sob my little heart out. The main characters fears and emotions struck a chord which resulted in some cathartic ugly crying. This is not a bad thing, in some ways, for me, it is a sign of an exceptional author who can hold me in the palm of their hand and guide me through their world. Having said that, this is a festive romance novel and it has more cupcakes than I could possibly eat, it may have even given me a few ideas to suggest to my cake baker sister. The romance is made real by not just showing the toe-curling, cozy snuggles but the down and dirty reality of life.  This is a short but well-rounded book and I highly recommend but caution even the cold-hearted of you out there to have t...

(NB: I’ve had to review this as ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars on most review sites but I am rating it as ⭐⭐⭐.5 stars.) I was very much looking forward to Elle’s story as we were given such a good teaser in the first book of this series. I mean what could be more important than showing up to father’s Hollywood premiere with her bestie? The reason for Elle’s no-show was great (as per usual I won’t be giving any spoilers) and the story itself was solid but, for me, book two didn’t live up to my expectations. This is not to say that this is a bad story, it’s not, I enjoy the characters and the plot but I felt as if something was missing.  After discussing the story with another reviewer, I realised that given the way that Elle and Kas met, there should’ve been more tension than I felt. I suspect that this is due to the shorter length of the book, but all the emotions and the pace felt rushed. If you like the both of these authors you will enjoy One Wild Ride. Purchase links: Amaz...

The #Preptober workbook has been produced by https://www.natalialeigh.com/preptober-workbook

I’ve just arrived home after a 12 hour day shift to find an unexpected brown box on my dining room table.  I take the package into the kitchen so I can inbox it’s mysterious contents, the postmark not giving any clue (my apologies, it’s been a long day and the penny dropped when I saw the connection inside, but first let me tell you a story...) As many of you know we are coming upon that time of year that sucks me into the intensity of #NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month, a yearly event to inspire anyone who wants to try there hand at writing a 50,000 word novel in 30 day.) I've posted many pictures of the workbook by @NataliaLeigh on my social media platforms, which I have been using during #Preptober, which has set me up nicely for the month ahead. One of the few things left on my to-do list was think of a reward system (It’s not easy to knock out 50k of new content so we need the incentive to not go insane.) Rewards don’t have to be extravagant, they can be a cup of ...

The Christmas Wish was like a festive balm for my soul, I am rating it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. This story has everything I’m looking for in a good read, it has comfort, friendship, and joy with an undercurrent of hurt, that sends Esme back home, to her family. For me, there is nothing more important as family at Christmas, it doesn’t matter if they are made up from blood or band, what counts is that we have someone.  For Esme, she chooses a ragtag band of strangers who will make you both laugh and cry. Everyone needs a Hortense in their lives, so long as they have a Brian to keep them occupied. Zach is perfectly mysterious and intense and I love that misinformation has Esme viewing him in a different light, for a short while at least. Everything about #TheChristmasWish gives me a Hygge vibe and I thank #Bookouture and #Netgalley for giving me a wonderful book to spend my nights curled up with.  I highly recommend this excellent festive read. Purchase links:  Am...

I really enjoyed this latest story from Debbie Johnson’s Comfort Food Café series. From the first chapter, you can’t help but take the main character, Katie, to heart. The backstory at the beginning of the book gives you are a better understanding of her decisions, later on, the climax is almost heart-breaking. Saul, her son, provides some comic relief, along with Van who I absolutely adore for his ability to understand Katie on a level most others don’t.  My favourite character is, as always, Auburn, I can’t wait for her story to be told. #AGiftFromTheComfortFoodCafé is a wonderful read for a wintery afternoon, with a cup of coffee, or even like me, with thanks to #Netgalley and #HarperImpulse on a sunny autumn day with a glass of iced ginger ale It's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me. Purchase Links: Amazon UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gift-Comfort-Food-Café-heartwarming-ebook/dp/B07BYZCXGH/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539859804&sr=8-1&keywords=a+gift+from+the+c...

Bringing new life to the Wild Irish with this  🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟  star read. I was completely taken with Mari Carr’s original Wild Irish series, so I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the next generation growing up so soon in the Wilder Irish series. But I had nothing to fear as there is a comforting continuity, not only with the original series but between the previous books of the new generation.  I particularly like Lochlan Wallace, though the dominant male I was anticipating, he is also a thinker. I can empathize with May as she takes everything the world throws at her and tries to manage it all. But like most of us, she eventually cracks, and those cracks allow Lochlan a way through. I highly recommend to those who liked the first series and to those who like the romance with a little extra spice. My thanks to #Netgalley for my copy of #MayFlowers to review. Purchase links: Amazon UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Flowers-Wilder-Irish-Mari-Carr-ebook/dp...

A delightfully festive read which is everything I have come to expect from  @HollyMAuthor .  I have rated the return to Sandcastle Bay 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars This is a book of second chances which have come about from a tragic event, where love, not just romantic but also the unconditional love of family wins out. Families are what you make them, they are not always made from blood. Isla and Leo along with all the residents from Sandcastle Bay band around to give Elliot the family he deserves but when a stranger comes to town he could have it all taken away from him.  It takes a selfless act of love to secure this family’s future.  There were times I was curled up in bed sobbing my heart out and others where I was making tea, laughing at how well Elliot takes after most children when they tell the entire village your deepest secrets. With thanks to #Netgalley and # Bookouture for the chance to review #ComingHomeToMapleCottage Amazon US:  https://w...

I utterly adore this book. From it's cover to its characters and plot, all of which help to restore my faith in humanity. I am an avid fan of festive romance and this is one of the most inspirational stories I've read in a long while. The authors understanding of her characters problems and the compassion with which she has her main character respond warmed my heart. Emma Heatherington is a new author to me but I look forward to reading more of her work. It's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars with me, I highly recommend this novel, it will make you laugh, cry and hopefully change the way you view those around you. Many thanks to #Netgalley and #HarperImpluse #AMiracleOnHopeStreet Amazon UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Miracle-Hope-Street-Emma-Heatherington-ebook/dp/B07DVTW9Y3/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537898755&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Miracle+on+hope+street Amazon US: Not Currently available. https://www.amazon.com/A-Miracle-on-Hope-Street/dp/0008314985/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qi...

Gripping all the way from beginning to end, worthy of its 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating. I loved this book. It was very different from what I have been enjoying lately and a palate cleanser. Yes, romance is the base of the story, friends to loves, lovers reunited trope, but for me, it was the suspense and dramatic climax which kept me on edge and turning page after page.  The flow of the story was the perfect mix of romance and suspense. I enjoy the Kingston family and their infamous cousins, who add depth to the story. Family, love and suspense, I couldn't have asked for more. Purchase links: UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tasting-Fire-Steele-Ridge-Kingstons/dp/1948075091/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1536958129&sr=8-1 US: https://www.amazon.com/Tasting-Fire-Steele-Ridge-Kingstons-ebook/dp/B07GC3PR3G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1536958630&sr=8-1&keywords=Tasting+Fire#customerReviews

Disclaimer: I had not read the previous books in #TheWindmillCafe Series; however, I am living proof that you don’t need to. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it had a little bit of romance, friendship, family and suspense. Having gone in blind, I hadn’t realised that there was a whodunit plot in each of the books in the series. I enjoyed learning more about each of the characters, not just their good side, the ‘perfect’ face they show the world but thanks to the detective duo we see under the veneer which was a surprising perk of this read.  I have rated this book four stars due to working out the culprit well in advance but moreover, I felt I needed to know a bit more about their extreme reaction to Rosie as well as what happened after they were carted off in cuffs. Having said that this is still an excellent quick read and I’d like to thank #Netgalley, #HarperCollins and #HarperImpluse for the Advanced Readers Copy. I have rated  The Windmill Café: Christm...

Wow, I ate this book up! This book sucked me out of the last days of summer and blew me out into mid-winter, leaving me there to be completely enthralled by the story of this tight-knit family coming to terms with an unbearable loss. I have laughed, cried, groaned in frustration and literally shouted out in joy whilst living these characters journey’s right along with them.  I have sided with one sister over the other and then changed my allegiance when the tables were turned, for three days last week, this book was my life, it allowed me to escape my own and live as Amanda, Sabrina, and Louisa.  How to Bake a New Beginning is very well written, jumping from one character to the next is easy to follow, each of the main characters own stories will keep you up wishing you had all the baked goodies to hand that they do to work through their issues.  With thanks to #NetGalley  #HarperCollins and #HarperImpluse for the opportunity to read this book...

Julie Caplin has done it again. Woe betide anyone who interrupted me whilst I was reading this story, from beginning to end if anyone dared to approach they’d better be bringing caffeination with them.  I don’t know what it is with Julie’s writing, be it her characters or the plot but in each of the three I have read, I have found a little piece of myself in the story. Be it a name, a wish, an emotion or, as with Paris, a place I have felt myself transforming into the character and living every up and down right there with them. It is a rare breed of an author whose words have the ability to affect me in this way.  The story in itself was a joy to read, every morsel made was a delight and the characters, each with their little quirks, loveable.  There was nothing about this book I didn’t like, well except the tea flavored macaroons, I mean they should have at least been coffee * chuckles* With thanks to #HarperImpulse and #Netgalley for the advance reader...

Have you ever read a story that had you so invested that you cried the entire final three chapters? That's what Ms. St. James's story did to me. The heartache of the unknown, how someone will react to the unconditional love that it the backbone of a relationship. Previously published under, the now-defunct, Kindle World this story has been extended for the better and re-published for all to enjoy. I have rated ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ https://www.amazon.co.uk/Soldiers-Forever-Beyond-Valor-Book-ebook/dp/B07GVTH1VK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1535535265&sr=8-2&keywords=a+soldier%27s+forever https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GVTH1VK?pf_rd_p=d1f45e03-8b73-4c9a-9beb-4819111bef9a&pf_rd_r=ZC7MW8PZTP9E8TYEXJMS

OMG This book is puptastic! I'm rating it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The first thing that caught my attention with this book on # NetGalley was the cover, the big fluffy dog, the red coat and the snowy background. I am a sucker for festive romance and pups, so this was a must read. Whilst the festive season was a background theme and not the main event didn’t put me off as the plot sucked me in from the first page. I had not read book one in the Rescue Me series, but that is on me and my error will soon be rectified.  The characters are multidimensional which, for me, is critical to a good story. Tess has a past, which altered her whole life view. Mason has suffered a possible career-altering injury and has become jaded with the world he socializes in. But the character who really makes this book for me is Tess’s grandma, what can I say? She’s Italian LOL. Oh and not to be left out the star of the show, John Ronald, what a pup! I just wanted to hug the fur off of him, what a characte...

Rated ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I loved this book, it has a little bit of everything love, sorrow, the age-old conundrum of the possibility of friends to lovers and even stomach flips. Nina’s backstory brings an expected depth to The Magic of Christmas Tree Farm and is very relatable, it makes her more human and explains the way the way she is.  I particularly love the interlinking of each of the main characters plots, especially the younger characters, who bring an extra dimension to the book. This is an excellent weekend read and my thanks to #NetGalley # AriaFiction for this ARC it is definitely a 5 star read from me. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magic-Christmas-Tree-Farm-bestselling-ebook/dp/B07BMDDRLD/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535522218&sr=8-1&keywords=the+magic+of+christmas+tree+farm

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rated A slow burn, but worth the wait. It took me a while to get into this story, I don’t know if it was because I built up the excitement in my head, or because it was written and paced a little differently to what I’m used to, but I eventually fell in love with this story.  Don’t take my comments about it being different as something bad, it’s not. I loved the characters, well not Spencer, but the rest and I loved the town and most importantly the ending, but it was just a little slow in places and chances are that is just me and no reflection on the author.  Read and honestly reviewed thanks to #NetGalley and #Hallmark Publishing https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Evergreen-Hallmark-Channel-Original-ebook/dp/B07DLJBDRZ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1534187540&sr=8-3&keywords=christmas+in+evergreen

I have rated A Girl's Best Friend by Jules Wake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I utterly adored A Girl's Best Friend, it was filled with humour, snark, and doggies, what's not to love? The main characters are introduced to the reader having just and are going through some of the worst life can throw at them, their relationship evolves from one of misunderstanding and scorn to friendship and eventually love.  Jules Wake also added something to the plot that I have never really liked before, the will they go back to them, it often irritates me but the way she handled the situation made her characters more realistic than others I've read about in similar circumstances.  The dogs, however, are the stars of the show, and their antics are very natural, some will have you laughing and others will leave you on tenterhooks. My thanks to #Netgalley and #Sphere for allowing me to read and review this delightful story and I can't wait to see what is coming next for Jules, who in my opinion...

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rated This was an easy book to read, it didn’t take a lot to see where the story was going, but then sometimes this is exactly the kind of book I like to read. This book encapsulates three of the main bonds in life, family, friends and love. Just as in reality these bonds are tested as we follow two separate groups holidaying in France. The past always has a way of catching up with us and for Ashley and Haydon it impacts those around them.  The author has managed to capture the complexities of relationships, in particular, for me, those of broken marriages, this is only a small part of the story but unusually for me, it struck a chord. The actions and voices of secondary characters, such as the mother and ex-wife play such a huge part and bring a depth to the plot I’ve not seen in contemporary fiction novel for some time. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend for anyone to pick up to while away a summers afternoon, with a glass of something sparkl...

I rate The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop 🌟🌟🌟🌟   I would recommend this book to friends and family who fancy a delicious escape to the coast.  A cosy escape that leaves me wanting more. I enjoyed reading this book, with thanks to #Netgalley. I enjoyed most of the characters, especially the older ones, not afraid to speak their minds, though one character got my back up from the moment he left without paying.  Whilst I loved the story set around the village and the chocolate shop, in particular, some of the motivations and conflict were a little predictable but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment. There were moments in the book where the third person omniscient (I think) point of view stood out a lot but it did help to find out a little more about the secondary characters stories.  PS: I loved the recipes at the back of the book :) Thanks, #Netgalley #HarperImpulse https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cosy-Seaside-Chocolate-Shop-heartwarming-ebook/dp/B078G...

Of the three books, currently published, in this series Crazy Stupid Love is the one I have enjoyed the most. We delve a deeper into the two main characters, who have been referenced briefly in the previous books, and as we do we find that they aren’t quite what we might have thought. Their relationship was a given, but the casual nature of both characters believes they are upholding is just a smokescreen. Lincoln, is a man of substance, he is deeply protective, both of his sister and of Adley and had to grow up quickly and remain strong and sacrifice in order to make up for the sins of his father.  Adley, is the only girl in a family of brothers and they are fiercely protective, as are their partners, not even a best friend could be good enough for their baby sister, right? But as Adley stumbles down a rabbit hole, they surprise her. When you enter a relationship thinking you've everything figured out, what happens when scratching an itch becomes so much more? Ano...

How to Keep a Secret by Sarah Morgan. https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Keep-Secret-feel-good-summer/dp/1848457162/ref=cm_cr_othr_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 It’s 5 Stars from me. There is so much depth to this story it kept me engaged from beginning to end. How to Keep a Secret is a departure from the previous kind of story that Sarah Morgan has written but she has managed to keep her unique voice in this new venture.  There is a lot going on this book, with three generations of the same family all with their own life complications, the story interweaves their different points of view, which helps to keep the characters and plot well rounded and kept me gripped. I would literally be seen walking down the street with my nose in the book, well until it started raining on me and I reluctantly wanted to protect the pages. This story will stay with me for a long time, a rarity in this day and age of e-books, but there are many points in the story which resonate with me, which f...