New Additions To The TBR PIle In September

Title: Devoted In Death by J.D. Robb
Description: Eve Dallas tracks a couple whose passion is fueled by cold brutality in the newest crime thriller from the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Obsession in Death and Festive in Death.

When Lieutenant Eve Dallas examines a body in a downtown Manhattan alleyway, the victim’s injuries are so extensive that she almost misses the clue. Carved into the skin is the shape of a heart—and initials inside reading E and D . . .

Ella-Loo and her boyfriend, Darryl, had been separated while Darryl was a guest of the state of Oklahoma, and now that his sentence has been served they don’t ever intend to part again. Ella-Loo’s got dreams. And Darryl believes there are better ways to achieve your dreams than working for them. So they hit the road, and when their car breaks down in Arkansas, they make plans to take someone else’s. Then things get messy and they wind up killing someone—an experience that stokes a fierce, wild desire in Ella-Loo. A desire for Darryl. And a desire to kill again.

As they cross state lines on their way to New York to find the life they think they deserve, they will leave a trail of evil behind them. But now they’ve landed in the jurisdiction of Lieutenant Dallas and her team at the New York Police and Security Department. And with her husband, Roarke, at her side, she has every intention of hunting them down and giving them what they truly deserve . . .

Title: Observant Oracle by Elizabeth Delisi
Description: Who murdered the Cheyenne State University student? Can deputy sheriff Harlan Erikson solve the case quickly enough to keep his fiancée, impulsive psychic Lottie Baldwin, from snooping on her own?

Title: Practical Passion by Elizabeth Delisi
Description: Julie Preston worked hard raising her younger sister Emily after their parents died, and creating a career. She gave up simple pleasures like love and relationships. So when a friend drags her to a singles bar, Julie’s ready for anything. She meets a gorgeous guy and they spend several passionate hours together. There’s real chemistry there, but Julie regretfully sticks to her promise: a one-night stand, no strings.

When Julie hires a tutor to help Emily pass English, she’s shocked to find he’s the man from the bar. Seeing him in her house makes it hard to keep her hands off him, but he isn’t looking for a long-term relationship since he’s a singles bar patron. Right?

How many miles can Julie jog before she gives in and jumps him?

Title: Troubled Spirits by Elizabeth Delisi
Description: When widow Laura St. Clair loses her eight-year-old son to a rare disease, she’s lost everything and has no desire to live without him. Desperate, she tries to reach the spirit of her son with a Ouija board she finds in his room amongst his favorite toys.

Laura is stunned when she actually makes contact with something. But what is it...a friendly spirit, or an evil one? Can the mysterious entity truly bring her news of her son? And if so, what will it expect from her in return?

Title: Wonderment In Death by J.D. Robb
Description: J.D. Robb's contribution to Down the Rabbit Hole. An Eve Dallas novella inspired by Lewis Carroll’s whimsical masterpieces, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass.

REVIEW: A Kiss And A Cuddle by Sophie Sloane

Title: A Kiss And A Cuddle
Author: Sophie Sloane
Publisher: Sophie Sloane
Publication Date: December, 2014
Genre: Chick-Lit
Buy The Book: Amazon

Description: Rose West is about to play the most important, breakthrough gig of her life, when Rex Byron swans into the club and steals the spotlight, with a flurry of fans and flashing lights. It was hate at first sight. Rex is the British heir to his father’s multimillion dollar art fortune and is known for getting into trouble around the world, particularly with no clothes on. Rose’s mesmerizing singing voice catches the eye of the playful and aggravatingly persistent heir, and he is determined to teach her the fine art of flirting, but she is not interested in being involved in his next American scandal.

But is there more to Rex than what meets the eye? Is he an arrogant, pompous twit or a sensitive soul with a troubled past? More importantly, will Rose even give him the time of day? This is another romantic comedy filled with flirting and fun by Sophie Sloane.

My Thoughts: A Kiss And A Cuddle is a cute story about Rose West, a singer whose career is beginning to take off and Rex Byron, a British bad boy who spends his time causing trouble and creating scandal everywhere he goes. Upon their first meeting, Rose despises everything Rex is and stands for. He interrupts her gig and steals her spotlight, infuriating Rose and strengthening her resolve to avoid him at all costs. Where this story gets interesting is in spite of Rose’s hostility to Rex, he seems determined to sweep her off her feet. As Rose gets to know Rex, she learns he isn’t all the tabloids make him out to be and begins to wonder if he is her destiny.

I enjoyed this story and liked Rose and Rex. I enjoyed watching their relationship blossom as Rose’s defensive wall comes down and Rex opens up about his past. I liked that these two emotionally tortured souls could move past the pain of their pasts and find a kindred spirit in one another that blossoms into love. A Kiss And A Cuddle is a feel good story that will leave the reader with a smile on their face.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of A Kiss And A Cuddle from the author in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Mommy Tracked by Whitney Gaskell

Title: Mommy Tracked
Author: Whitney Gaskell
Publisher: Bantam
Publication Date: August, 2007
Genre: Chick Lit
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Description: For Anna, Grace, Juliet, and Chloe, the idyllic town of Orange Cove, Florida, is home…but even in paradise, balancing the challenges of motherhood and life is never easy.

With a son in the throes of the Terrible Twos, divorced restaurant critic Anna has too much on her plate to reenter the frightening world of dating—no matter how expertly her new admirer wines and dines her….Grace has three beautiful daughters and the perfect husband, yet she’s increasingly obsessed with one nagging flaw: her excess baby weight…. Ambitious Juliet is desperate to make partner at her law firm. Fortunately, her husband stays home with their twins. But at the office, Juliet is finding more than work to occupy her time....When newest mom Chloe gives birth, her husband seems indifferent to parenting their son. Chloe is so overwhelmed that she finds herself slipping into a nasty habit she thought she’d overcome.…

My Thoughts: Interesting story of the ups and downs of motherhood, relationships and life. Each character is unique and individual but complement one another quite well. I liked all of them and thought they could easily be women you would want to be friends with. The author does such an excellent job of illuminating their situations, triumphs and challenges that made their personalities come alive and made it easy for me to empathize with each of them. I do have to say that there was a brief moment when I thought I would give up on this book because of the direction Juliet was headed, but her actions ultimately made my earlier doubts about her vanish. The pace of the story was a little slow for me in the beginning, but started to pick up half-way into the story. Though the pace dragged for me some, my interest and curiosity about the characters remained intact.

My Final Verdict: Overall, this is a good story that will appeal to fans of the romance and chick-lit genres who enjoy stories that focus on interpersonal relationships, both the good and the bad. Readers who like stories about the challenges of real-life and overcoming adversity will enjoy this story. Raising children is hard work and this story is a reminder how important it is for a mother to have a good support network around her.

REVIEW: Poppy's 3 Men by Sophie Sloane

Title: Poppy’s 3 Men
Author: Sophie Sloane
Publisher: Sophie Sloane
Publication Date: December, 2014
Genre: Chick-Lit
Buy The Book: Amazon

Description: It is the wedding day for Poppy Shillington, a young, American woman. Everything is perfect: the white dress, the veil, the orchestra, except for one thing. Who is the groom? She stares into the mirror in her dressing room, and reminisces about her relationships with the three men she dated in her twenties: Dax, Mike, and Simon. A good-looking guy with bad manners, a straight-forward sensitive soul, and an adoring intellectual.

She remembers the passionately devastating trip to Paris, her humiliating adventures in the Great Outdoors, and a traumatizing game of Scrabble with the in-laws. As she shares the embarrassing, funny, and romantic stories of each man, it becomes increasingly challenging to predict which man she will end up with.

My Thoughts: Poppy’s 3 Men by new to me author Sophie Sloane is an enjoyable story about Poppy Shillington, a young woman we meet on her wedding day but we do not know who the groom is. This story is an entertaining reflection by Poppy into her dating past of three specific men, one of whom is the mystery groom. As the reader meets each of Poppy’s suitors, Dax, Mike and Simon, through Poppy’s memories, the reader is given an inside glimpse into each relationship and the reader is left to try to guess who is the one to ultimately win Poppy’s hand in marriage.

I really enjoyed this story, though I had a hard time trying to decide which suitor I wanted to see Poppy end up with as all three had both good and annoying characteristics. I found the journey through the story and Poppy’s recollections very sweet. I really liked Poppy and found her very easy to relate to, the story moves at a great pace and kept me entertained all the way to the conclusion. Fans of this genre will enjoy this quick and light read, as well as the guessing game of the identity of the groom.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Poppy’s 3 Men from the author in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: The Creatives by Lindsay Lewis

Title: The Creatives
Author: Lindsay Lewis
Publisher: Smashwords
Publication Date: November, 2014
Genre: Chick-Lit
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Description: Like all cubical-bound underlings at Stranton Advertising, Lissy Swanson is desperate to become a Creative. Her impossibly chic superiors enjoy liquid lunches at hip restaurants where intricate bits of sushi are served on bare midsections of androgynous models while she buries herself in dreaded data entry.

When her dreams of Creativedom are finally realized, Lissy is thrilled to work on her first real account - a new drug that scorches fat, bronzes skin and fires up dormant libidos: the Barbie Pill. She plans the perfect campaign, targeting new mothers dying to shed baby weight and rekindle their more adult desires.

When Lissy discovers the beauty pill's ugly secret, she must choose between a promising new love interest and succeeding in the glossy world of Los Angeles advertising.

My Thoughts: With The Creatives by new to me author Lindsay Lewis, we are given a very good story about a woman who suddenly finds herself achieving her dreams of success and acceptance but realizing those dreams come with a heavy price. As one of the invisible peons at Stranton Advertising, Lissy Swanson wants nothing more than to be recognized for her contributions to the agency and move up the ladder and become a Creative, a group of ad execs who enjoy the perks and bennies of being one of the elite. An employer who takes their employees on a week-long trip to Hawaii to “recharge” their creative genius is a very nice aspect of Lissy’s job and one of the many reasons why the underling Muskrats claw and clamor for a shot at becoming a Creative. Lissy is finally given her chance when she wins a spot on the Creative team and her agency takes on a pharmaceutical company producing a miracle pill. Despite her doubts about the pill, Lissy moves forward and pitches the perfect campaign. One of the things I found quite interesting about this story is it isn’t all frothy silliness. The author does a brilliant job of adding a side story with very dark undertones that creates some monumental changes in Lissy’s life.

I quite enjoyed this story. I found Lissy to be a breath of fresh air. She has grown up in her younger sister, Cat’s shadow and I felt deep empathy for her when I learned how her sister contributed to her lack of self-esteem as teenagers. I didn’t care for Cat. I thought she was spoiled and selfish who uses Lissy repeatedly and I got frustrated more than once that Lissy allowed herself to be treated that way. On the other hand, Lissy’s best friend, Amir, was a great character. He describes himself as a “gay Muslim who knows everything about inhibitions and orgasms.” His antics and observations provided quite a bit of comic relief. Additional supporting characters such as Lissy’s mother, boss, Brendan Brody and love interest, Oliver add an interesting dynamic to the story.

My Final Verdict: Overall, this was a very good book that pulled on all my emotions. The plot was entertaining and kept me engaged throughout the entire story. The author does a very good job of describing the scenes with such clarity that I felt like I was there with Lissy and Amir, especially during the Hawaii trips. I highly recommend this book to readers who like complex characters and storylines that resonate with the reader long after the last chapter is read.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Creatives from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

New Additions To The TBR Pile In August

A little more productive month for me. Unfortunately, my reading mood has been all over the place. I started six books in August, but gave up on 3 because of my mood. My mood had no impact whatsoever on the new arrivals, I am happy to report. Eleven new review requests arrived in August and I am looking forward to reading them all.

Title: #PleaseRetweet by Emily Benet
Description: How to mess up your life in 140 characters

Social media whizz kid, May Sparks has landed her dream job. Well, not quite, but the salary is great and all May has to do is handle the online profiles of Z C – list celebrities who have the tendency to say inappropriate things. Easy, right? #wrong

May’s clients include an ex big brother star (who she's definitely not going to sleep with #neversaynever), a disgraced TV presenter (who wants May to sort out his marriage as well as his Twitter account), and a woman who once flashed her boobs on X-factor. They're all relying on her to turn them into stars. But they're not going to make her job easy.

As May is sucked further and further into her job she begins to lose her grip on real life. Her friends don’t ‘like’ her Facebook posts anymore and even her gorgeous neighbour, who once seemed to be on the same wavelength, criticises her career choice. Worse, May’s clients start getting trolled by an annoying tweep, who May happens to agree with.

Then May’s secret online identity is leaked, causing her to start trending on Twitter. It looks like the status update is over. Unless May can leave the superficial social media word behind and find her own voice again…

Title: A Better Man by Leah McLaren
Description: Every couple has a wish list.

Maya wants
Nick to come home earlier
To engage with their children
To engage with her

Nick wants . . .
A divorce

Having decided that their marriage is over, Nick is determined to leave quickly and with dignity. But when he looks into the financial realities of splitting up, he realizes that more of his hard-earned income than he can handle will go to Maya.

Then a mutual friend proposes that Nick improve the marriage in order to end it amicably, because the better father and husband he is, the more self-sufficient Maya becomes and the cheaper his pay-out will be at the end.

But as Nick sets out to be a better man, he starts to feel like one. Time with his kids, dinners with his wife, fewer hours in the office has the strange effect of making him happier. As Maya starts to feel appreciated by her husband again, she starts to blossom, to unclench her fists from the parenting reins and start to do things for herself.

Nick and Maya feel like they are falling back in love. How odd, how funny, how serendipitous. But if Maya knew what had promoted this marital metamorphosis? Then it would be war.

A BETTER MAN is the story of a modern marriage on the rocks, how we constantly change in and out of relationships, and the price of love.

Title: Chick Lit And Other Formulas For Life by Abby Rosmarin
Description: Life isn’t a fairytale – or chick lit.

It’s 2005 and Katy Sinclaire is two years out of college. She still lives with her old university roommate and still works at the same bookstore that she’s been with since she was a teenager. She spends her days avoiding customers, making fun of the books in the store, and counting the minutes until she can clock out. It is an increasingly unsatisfying life, but it’s also a life that she does not question. That is, until a chain of events forces Katy to confront the painful truth: she is going absolutely, positively, nowhere in life. She realizes that she needs to do something, and now.

Only one problem: Katy has absolutely, positively, no idea what the first step should be.

The other problem? From her harebrained misadventures, to her chisel-jawed boyfriend, to her best guy friend (who is not-so-secretly in love with her), Katy’s life starts mimicking the very chick literature she mocks. Only life isn’t as predictable as a storybook, a lesson Katy is forced to learn as she desperately tries to figure out her purpose in life – if such a purpose even exists.

Title: Cocktails At Le Carmen by Isabelle Andover
Description: When job cuts at Chloe Saddler’s London communications firm result in an unexpected transfer to Paris, she finds herself leaving behind her friends, family, and boyfriend Scott to start a new life in the City of Light. Getting to grips with La Vie Parisienne and keeping a long-distance relationship afloat is not made any easier by the culture shock. Committing the odd French faux pas and inadvertently indulging in a few too many flirtations with her very sexy (and very taken) boss, Jean-Luc, is just the start of it. Factor in her bridezilla of a sister’s wedding (the hottest event of the year in the Saddler family’s social calendar), an unexpected session of hot, naked yoga, a slightly psychotic stalker, and one incredible kiss at an infamous Montmartre nightspot, and Chloe can say au revoir to her old, safe London life and bonjour to the romance, splendour, and glamour of Paris.

A delightful debut that harks back to the early days of Chick Lit when heroines were flawed, funny, and forever battling for love and happiness. With quirky characters and classic comedic charm, Cocktails at Le Carmen is pure fun from page one.

Title: Fairytale Beginnings by Holly Martin
Description: Fairytale Beginnings: A heartwarming romantic comedy

Love is an open door…except when it keeps slamming in your face.

Hopeless romantic Milly Rose has had her fair share of heartbreak. Obsessed with all things Disney, she refuses to give up on finding her Prince Charming – he’s out there somewhere, isn’t he?

When Milly is given a job to investigate the origins of an historical building in the village of Clovers Rest, she’s not sure what to expect. What she discovers takes her breath away - a beautiful real life Cinderella castle, complete with turrets, a magnificent drawbridge AND a very handsome owner…Cameron Heartstone.

As Milly and Cameron begin to unearth the secrets of Clover Castle, they can’t ignore the intense chemistry building between them. But they’ve both been hurt badly before. Can they take a big leap of faith and find their own happily-ever-after?

Title: Friction by Sandra Brown
Description: From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sandra Brown comes a gripping story of family ties and forbidden attraction.

A Texas Ranger, relegated to deskwork due to past recklessness, petitions to regain custody of his five-year-old daughter, and his case is assigned to a family court judge who is as attractive as she is ambitious. When a masked gunman barges in during the custody hearing with his sights on the judge, the Ranger reacts instinctually and goes after him. But authorities apprehend the wrong man, and the real gunman remains unknown, at large, and a threat. Will this take-charge lawman jeopardize his chances of custody by going after the would-be assassin? And will this unlikely pair be able to deny the forbidden attraction building between them?

Title: Picnics In Hyde Park by Nikki Moore
Description: The last story in the fun & flirty #LoveLondon series from exciting new chick lit author Nikki Moore! The perfect novel for reading in the sunshine… and falling in love with London.

A summer to remember…or forget?

When Zoe Harper returns to the UK after five long years in New York, the last thing she expects is to find her younger sister Melody jobless, homeless, broke and dumped. Unfortunately, life has a way of delivering the unexpected. She should know that, given her ex-fiancé Greg’s faithless behaviour.

Filled with rage and determined to get revenge on the infamous Reilly brothers for her sister’s heartbreak, as well as get some answers, Zoe hatches plan Nannygate. Unfortunately that means moving in with the gorgeous but uncaring music producer Matt Reilly to be nanny to his two adorable, complicated children. But something isn’t adding up, and over the course of the hot London summer, she starts to think that perhaps Matt isn’t so bad after all.

Let down by his last nanny and weighed down with guilt about his wife’s death three years before, wealthy but camera-shy Matt has spent a long time pushing people away, including his own kids. His stunning new nanny challenges him every single day in completely different ways, but maybe that isn’t such a bad thing?

But what happens when you open your heart, and someone isn’t who you thought they were? And can it really be true love when it’s on the rebound, and starts off with a plan for revenge?

Title: Pretty Lawless by Jodi Linton
Description: She's about to go vigilante on his ass...

Laney Briggs was almost certain that her sexy-assed Texas Ranger, Gunner Wilson, was gonna pop the question. Instead, he went and pulled one helluva fast one—he arrested her best friend, Luke Wagner, and skipped out. Now Pistol Rock's firecracker deputy is ready to go Wild West on Gunner…if she can just keep that raw, sexual chemistry under control.

Gunner was planning to propose, and it all went to hell. Now he's boots-deep into an investigation with ties to the Dirty Southern Mafia and corrupt cops. Yep, Laney is definitely gonna have his hide. Especially when she finds out just how much he's been keeping from her…

But Laney has a weakness for Gunner's delectable cowboy hotness. And for him, she will break every rule in the book—including the ones she's sworn to uphold.

Title: Stirred With Love by Marcie Steele
Description: Sometimes the best friends can be found where you least expect them …

Still grieving after the loss of her beloved husband, Lily Mortimer is determined to do something with the time she has left.

After the end of her fairytale marriage, thirty-something Kate is trying hard to mend her broken heart.

Chloe, a young woman with the world at her feet, is struggling to know what to do with her life.

When Lily embarks on a new venture in the picturesque town of Somerley, the three women come together to open The Coffee Stop, the most charming café for miles around.

But opening a coffee shop is never as simple as it seems, especially when you add neighbouring competition, local heart throbs and heartbreak to the mix.

When tragedy strikes, can the three women pull together to make the new business fly, or will Lily’s last chance disappear down the drain along with yesterday’s coffee grinds?

As comforting as a cappuccino and a better pick-me-up than a grande Americano, Stirred with Love will captivate readers of Milly Johnson, Carole Matthews and Jenny Colgan.

Title: The Curvy Girls Baby Club by Michele Gorman
Description: Life, love and a Christmas due date

Ellie is fresh back from her honeymoon and can’t wait to share her news with her best friends Katie and Jane. To everyone’s surprise, mother-of-two Jane has news of her own… The women are due a day apart, on December 25th and 26th, and Katie can’t wait to be an honorary aunt to the babies.

But it’s hard to keep your sense of humor, not to mention your self-esteem, in the face of hemorrhoids and elasticated waistbands. Add a clingy mother-in-law, a career in cardiac arrest and a sex life that makes Mother Theresa look lusty, and soon their lives are as out of control as their bodies.

As the co-founders of The Curvy Girls Club, where loving yourself is the only rule, will the friends be able to practice what they preach?

Title: The Misadventures Of A Playground Mother by Christie Barlow
Description: New term. New dramas. New friendships. And that’s just the parents…

After a year of country living, Rachel Young is finally getting into the swing of things. Her four kids are happy and content at the village school, and she’s managed to navigate the choppy (shark-infested) waters of the playground mafia.

Or… so she thought.

When playground mum Penelope Kensington moves herself and her kids into Rachel’s home, after discovering husband Rupert has been having an affair, Rachel knows she must ask them politely to leave. The problem is, Penelope never takes no for an answer.

As Rachel tries to deal with Penelope, she also meets new school mum Melanie. Melanie is a breath of fresh air, but her arrival sends ripples of gossip through the playground. Melanie has a few secrets in her closet, and it seems she’s not the only one…

Hilarious and entertaining, with characters you won't forget in a hurry, fans of Fiona Gibson, Kerry Fisher and Tracy Bloom will love this book.

REVIEW: Festive In Death by J.D. Robb

Title: Festive In Death by J.D. Robb (In Death #39)
Author: J.D. Robb
Publisher: Putnam
Publication Date: September, 2014
Genre: Mystery / Thriller / Romantic Suspense / Urban Fantasy
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

Description: Eve Dallas deals with a homicide—and the holiday season—in the latest from the #1 New York Times bestselling author.

Personal trainer Trey Ziegler was in peak physical condition. If you didn't count the kitchen knife in his well-toned chest.

Lieutenant Eve Dallas soon discovers a lineup of women who'd been loved and left by the narcissistic gym rat. While Dallas sorts through the list of Ziegler's enemies, she's also dealing with her Christmas shopping list—plus the guest list for her and her billionaire husband's upcoming holiday bash.

Feeling less than festive, Dallas tries to put aside her distaste for the victim and solve the mystery of his death. There are just a few investigating days left before Christmas, and as New Year's 2061 approaches, this homicide cop is resolved to stop a cold-blooded killer.

My Thoughts: This series just keeps getting better and better and hands down, I can’t think of another series that delivers everything in one package the way this series does. With Eve Dallas and her posse, you get murder, mayhem, chaos, nail-biting suspense, action, adventure, humor and romance. You get kick-ass characters like Eve that have your back and will stand for justice regardless of how despicable the victim was, swoon-worthy Irish brogue accent having characters like Roarke that make the reader fan themselves, strong and loyal characters like Peabody and Mavis that you want to be friends with, characters like Summerset and Trina that drive Eve up the wall which makes for some very funny moments and compassionate, kind and loving characters like Dr. Mira that you just want to hug. This series has it all and each book brings these characters together seamlessly. When I am among them, I feel like I am with friends and family.

With Festive In Death, we join Dallas and Peabody as they investigate the murder of personal trainer, Trey Ziegler. Unfortunately for Trey, eating right and exercising did not prolong his life. I felt no compassion for him and the list of suspects is long as Eve discovers Trey was a despicable and narcissistic bastard who used people to get what he wants. As the investigation proceeds and more about Trey’s activities come to light, I decided that it’s a good thing he’s dead because if Eve could get her hands on him, she would throw his worthless behind in an off-planet cage for the rest of his life. Eve Dallas’s world is definitely much better without Trey Ziegler in it.

Additionally, Eve finds herself trying to juggle the investigation, finish her Christmas shopping and prepare for Roarke’s major Christmas party. Fans of this series will be delighted to see how Eve manages Christmas shopping on her own and having to endure Trina’s attention to her hair and skin for the party. She even gets roped into an agreement with Summerset in exchange for his assistance with wrapping presents.

The plot and dialogue moves at a wonderful pace and kept me thoroughly entertained up to the end. It took me to very nearly the end of the book to finally make a correct guess of the identity of the killer. It surprised me but I am often surprised with this series because the author does a brilliant job of dangling just enough details at the reader to draw them in and hook them without spoiling the suspense too soon.

My Final Verdict: There is no way to recommend this book without sounding like a broken record, so please bear with me. This amazing series is one not to be missed. Great storylines and wonderful character and relationship dynamics will provide many hours of reading entertainment and enjoyment and will make the reader hungry for more.

REVIEW: A Hopeaholic's Hallelujah by Vanessa Stevenson

Title: A Hopeaholic’s Hallelujah
Author: Vanessa Stevenson
Publisher: Amazon
Publication Date: July, 2014
Genre: Chick-Lit
Buy The Book: Amazon

Description: “URGINT!
SINERS needed NOW for a Wroking Holliday in Cyprus!
Work six nites/week. Injoy sites in the day. And sun and beech.
3 munth kontrakt. Start ASAP.”

Only desperate people answer dodgy ads . . .

Enter reckless optimist Jessica Hollingberry.

The gamble is audacious. The stakes are high. But all Jess sees is the chance to win back her fiancé and turn her life around. Anyway, it’s not like it’s a life-or-death situation; it’s just a short stint on an exotic island. What’s the worst that could happen?

Then she meets delectable, irresistible Aidan Reynolds, and she suddenly realizes the odds were stacked against her from the start. She doesn't have a prayer.

My Thoughts: Aspiring singer Jessica moves to Cyprus to accept a contract to perform for the tourists. Unfortunately, Jessica’s experience does not go the way she envisions. Her accommodations are atrocious, the people who hired her are awful, her schedule is a stand-by on call position and she finds herself attracted to Aidan, one of her singing partners. I liked Jessica, Aidan and the other singers but I really struggled with staying connected to the story. I kept waiting for Jessica to make a decision about her future, whether it would be with Aidan or her fiancé, Peter; whether to stay in Cyprus or return to London. By the time she made the decisions, the book was over and I felt like the ending was rushed.

My Final Verdict: Though I found parts of this story enjoyable and entertaining, overall the storyline dragged on far too long with a rushed resolution.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Hopeaholic’s Hallelujah from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

BLOG TOUR: Her SEALed Fate by Lori Ryan

Logan Stone should be happy. More than happy, in fact. He’s Sutton Capital’s newest executive, working side-by-side with Samantha Page, the sexy, brilliant woman of his dreams. He’s no longer overseas in the line of fire, fighting alongside his brothers-in-arms as a Navy SEAL, but Logan is fighting a different kind of battle. One no one realizes he’s in. While he was focused on managing his PTSD, something much more sinister enters his world and he must battle to save Samantha’s life and their growing love.

REVIEW: Dead Romantic by Ruth Saberton

Title: Dead Romantic
Author: Ruth Saberton
Publisher: Notting Hill Press
Publication Date: October, 2014
Genre: Chick-Lit / Paranormal Romance
Buy The Book: Amazon

Description: What do you do if you come face to face with a ghost?

Put it down to a bump on the head and work stress if you’re a respected academic like Cleo Carpenter. With Christmas approaching, professional rivalry afoot and a best friend determined to interfere in her love life the strain is clearly starting to get to her.

Guilt-stricken and deceased, Alex Thorne is desperate to make amends with his brother, Rafe, a tortured musician trapped in a spiral of destruction. When an encounter with Cleo forges a link between them she becomes his only hope. So what if the only person who can see him is a sceptic?

As Cleo starts to doubt her sanity, the safe world she takes for granted crumbles around her. Setting out to regain control and prove once and for all ghosts don’t exist, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and surprise, learning that love really does defy science, logic and maybe even death itself…

My Thoughts: Dead Romantic by new to me author Ruth Saberton is a charming and entertaining story about a woman named Cleo Carpenter who discovers after a head injury that there is much more to life than her work as an Egyptologist. The arrival of the ghost of deceased rock star, Alex Thorne forces Cleo not only to reevaluate her priorities in life, but also to question her sanity. Alex is determined to enlist Cleo’s help in helping his brother, Rafe, climb out of his pit of self-destruction since Alex’s death. Never mind that Alex believes Cleo and Rafe are destined for one another and hopes that bringing these two together will benefit more than just Rafe.

I really enjoyed this story. Cleo, Alex and Rafe are wonderful characters that I quickly liked and found easy to relate to. They are the type of characters that would be a lot of fun to hang out with. I also liked Cleo’s roommate, Susie. So many times I wished Alex weren’t a ghost because it was so tragic that someone so vibrant with love, life and energy was dead. Cleo was great as a skeptic of the paranormal and I really enjoyed seeing the numerous ghosts reaching out to her trying to communicate with her, especially when she finally does see them. I found the background story of Cleo’s work and her research into the death of a boy Pharaoh very interesting and the work-place sabotage and rivalry was intriguing. The story moves at an excellent pace and I was on pins and needles with anticipation of what would happen next.

My Final Verdict: Though this book has a Christmas setting, I highly recommend reading it anytime of the year. I am now a fan of Ruth Saberton’s work and look forward to reading more from her.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Dead Romantic from the author in exchange for an honest review.

New Additions To The TBR Pile In July

Unfortunately, I hit a major reading slump at the end of June that extended through most of July. Thank Goodness I was ahead of my reading goal, otherwise I would now be behind. Hopefully, I will be able to make up for this now that I'm back to reading again. The slump did not affect the arrival of new books in July and August is already looking to be a busy month for new arrivals too.

Title: First Time With A Highlander by Gwyn Cready
Description: Second in a new Scottish time travel romance series perfect for readers of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander...

Serabeth’s no-good fiancé is dead, and she needs a husband fast, or she’ll be ruined. Her indignant and handsome captive will do just fine, if she can keep her mind focused on the business at hand...

Gerard is a love-'em-and-leave-'em ad exec who opens the door to a wild party in 21st century New York and wakes up in 18th century Edinburgh with a hangover and a beautiful, disinterested new “wife” who says he has “served his purpose.”

What the kilt?

Title: Love Muffin And Chai Latte by Anya Wylde
Description: Love Muffin and Chai Latte follows the journey of Tabitha Lee Timmons as she deals with financial stress, loony relatives, some crooks, an unhappy bride to be, a grumpy old man and two heartbreakingly handsome men.

Clear your calendar, turn on your voicemail and get cozy on the sofa as Anya Wylde has decided to dip her toes into the world of contemporary romance …

Tabby believes she has found the one in Chris. Chris appears to think the same for he pops the question, and soon Tabby finds herself engaged.

Tabby thinks her biggest problem is picking out the wedding dress and refining the dinner menu. Chris begs to differ. He thinks her biggest problem is convincing his wealthy grandfather that she is perfect for the family or he risks losing a big fat inheritance.

Convincing his grandfather turns out to be more complicated than she anticipates. For one, he wants her to seek the blessings of his spiritual adviser. The trouble is . . . his adviser lives in India.

So, for the sake of love, Tabby journeys into the heart of India and battles monkeys, crooks, Delhi belly and the advisor himself in order to win over Chris’s family.

But while she is trying to make sense of an exotic new world, she begins to wonders why her heart beats madly for a man who is not her fiancé but his very handsome cousin….

Title: Miss Wrong And Mr. Right by Robert Bryndza
Description: Natalie Love has worked hard to have it all: she runs a successful theatre in Soho that’s about to host one of Hollywood’s leading stars. Her biggest supporter is her eccentric Hungarian Gran, and she even has the ‘perfect’ yoga teacher boyfriend – Namaste!

Life in the bright lights of London has always been Natalie’s escape from her chaotic country family in rural Devon and Jamie, the childhood sweetheart she left at the altar 15 years ago. And then he turns up at her theatre door…

With rivalry clouding old feelings, events in Soho bring Jamie and Natalie together in hilarious ways. Gran is loose in the city once more, it seems to be raining sandwiches and records are broken for Burlesque flash mobs. If she can keep her world together, will Natalie discover who is really Mr Right, and that perhaps she isn’t Miss Wrong?

From bestselling author Robert Bryndza comes this hilariously heartfelt comedy!

REVIEW: A Pretty Mess (Astonvale #1) by Carla Caruso

Title: A Pretty Mess (Astonvale #1)
Author: Carla Caruso
Publisher: AUS Impulse
Publication Date: October, 2014
Genre: Chick-Lit
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Description: Sometimes, to come clean, you've got to get your hands dirty ...

Celeste Pretty, a self-confessed neat freak, has found the job she was born to do: a professional organizer, de-cluttering people's homes and workplaces. Her new business gets off to a cracking start when she lands her first client, health and fitness guru Natalia Samphire, in the well-heeled suburb of Astonvale. But things get messy at Natalia's mansion when Celeste finds a blackmail note and other mysterious items. And then there's Lenny Muscat, the sexy builder renovating the place, whose constant presence is muddling Celeste's usually organized brain.

When things get decidedly suspicious at the mansion, she and Lenny have to team up to investigate. But will Celeste emerge with her heart and professional reputation unscathed?

My Thoughts: I like books that feature strong, independent characters that aren’t too headstrong or unable to lower the walls to let people in. A Pretty Mess by new to me author Carla Caruso introduces us to Celeste Pretty, a former interior designer who has branched out into her own business of professional organizing. Her first client is local fitness celebrity Natalia Samphire, who has hired Celeste to declutter her home. Things become quite complicated for Celeste when she discovers her employer is being blackmailed by an unknown person and the presence of building contractor, Lenny Muscat, to whom Celeste finds herself strongly attracted to.

I enjoyed this book and the premise of a professional organizer and pseudo-detective. Celeste is a very likable character with some very painful scars from losing her mother as a child. Her passion to be a professional organizer gives her the ability to maintain control and order in her life and she is quite good at it. When Celeste discovers a blackmail note and some other suspicious items, she confides in Lenny and they team up to investigate who is behind it all. Lenny comes across as a ladies man and a player and Celeste tries very hard to keep him at arm’s length, but the attraction she feels is mutual. I thought Lenny was perfect for Celeste. They are both committed to their respective careers and Lenny is not interested in any serious relationships until his business is thriving and successful. I don’t usually care for “big misunderstanding” plot devices and was a little apprehensive when one happened in this book, but it played out really well and was quite enjoyable. The story moves at a good pace, kept me entertained and held my interest.

My Final Verdict: A Pretty Mess is the first book in this series and is a good start. I look forward to the next book in the series to see what is next for Celeste and Lenny and getting to know the supporting characters better.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of A Pretty Mess from the author in exchange for an honest review.

New Additions To The TBR Pile In June

I have been struggling to read with my usual voracity for several weeks, so fortunately, I don't have the added guilt of several new arrivals reminding me how much I am not reading. Hopefully, this will turn around soon and I can dive back into my favorite pastime. Only one new arrival in June and I really like the cover. It has a lot of charm and whimsy...

Title: Pippa's Cornish Dream by Debbie Johnson
Description: Since Pippa Harte was forced to take over her parent’s farm, she’s barely had time to shave her legs let alone make time for love. Now she’s more likely to be getting down and dirty mucking out the pigs – and avoiding those of the human male variety.

When Ben Retallick walks out of her childhood and back into her present it seems that perhaps Pippa has more time than she thought. All Poldark smoulders and easy-going charm, Ben’s definitely worth whipping her wellies off for!

But Ben is a man with his own past and his own issues – and as much as she’s enjoying having him around, she’s got to get a grip. After all life isn’t always a beach … even if you are in Cornwall.

Set on the gorgeous Cornish coast at the height of summer, this is the perfect romance to take on your hols!

Debbie is the author of Cold Feet at Christmas, the #1 Christmas bestseller!

REVIEW: Rock My World by Sharisse Coulter

Title: Rock My World
Author: Sharisse Coulter
Publisher: Sharisse Coulter
Publication Date: January, 2013
Genre: Chick-Lit
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Description: Jenna Jax-Anders hit rock bottom in high school. Or so she thought. From rock star heiress to knocked-up has been, she turned it all around, marrying the punk rock baby daddy love of her life. The perfect Hollywood fairytale. Until the day she walked in on him kissing her best friend.

As she struggles to find herself and redefine the world around her, she faces the challenges of raising her over-achieving teenage daughter, the heartbreak of losing her best friend (backstabbing aside), and emerging from the shadows of two famous last names to find her own identity. Oh, there’s also the tiny issue of her husband’s record label, backed by an anonymous mogul whose morally ambiguous creative direction may ruin them all.

But she doesn’t know about that yet.

My Thoughts: With Rock My World, new to me author, Sharisse Coulter introduces the reader to the inner circle of the movers and shakers of the rock-n-roll industry. Jenna grew up in this world, the daughter of a famous musician. An unplanned pregnancy derails her plans and instead she marries Alex, the love of her life and up and coming punk rocker. To the outside world, it appears she has made a success of her life, married to her high school sweetheart and raising a teenage daughter. Everything seems perfect until she comes home and finds her husband and her best friend, Airika kissing. As Jenna’s world crumbles down around her ears, she struggles to find herself and meaning in her life as more secrets come to light.

I liked Jenna and found her easy to connect with and relate to. She starts out as quite naïve in the beginning but by the end of the book, she has developed a spine and has discovered her authentic self. I liked Felicity, Jenna’s daughter. She is a bright young woman suffering the normal teenaged angst while trying to cope with the uncertainty of her parents’ marriage and her own new first love. I liked Alex but found myself getting frustrated with him at times for being a weak character and not doing enough to resolve the issues that I believe he is solely responsible for. I did not like Airika but I found myself feeling a little sorry for her at times, wondering how she can look at herself in the mirror at the end of the day, while knowing she doesn’t have true love and loyalty from those around her. She brings it on herself but I didn’t find any joy in seeing her suffer.

I struggled with a few of the plot twists that I felt had no relevance and was frustrated at these twists pulling me out of the story. I also was frustrated at how long it took Jenna and Alex to communicate. When your marriage is falling apart and you have a teenaged daughter to boot, you don’t run away or stay out on tour. You come home and deal with it. I had a hard time accepting how Alex’s manager and record label made unrealistic demands and used his contract as a threat and he allowed them to bully him. He should have stood up to them much sooner. Though I enjoyed seeing Jenna find her spirit, I feel like she could have done that while being with her daughter, especially when her daughter experiences her own life-changing events.

My Final Verdict: Though I struggled with several aspects of this story, I found it to be enjoyable for the most part. I recommend it for readers who enjoy stories with complex character relationships.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Rock My World from the author in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: The Girl He Knows by Kristi Rose

Title: The Girl He Knows
Author: Kristi Rose
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Publication Date: August, 2014
Genre: Chick-Lit
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Description: Waking up naked next to a good looking man is not a bad way to start the day. Especially since Paisley missed all those opportunities in college, when she was too busy supporting her no good, thankfully now, ex-husband. The problem? This hottie is Hank, her best friend’s older brother, a guy she’s known her entire life.

Stopping after one night is the right thing to do. Being with him clearly breaks the best friend code, and from his career as a Naval officer to his Boy Scout reputation, everything about him screams monogamy and commitment. Two things Paisley has had enough of.

When Hank presents a “no strings attached” offer, it’s too good to be true. She can enjoy him while still embracing being single. But, poor choices force her to confront old fears of love and loss, and Paisley has to decide if Hank is worth the risk. The alternative is never experiencing the real deal. Or far worse, settling for less.

My Thoughts: New to me author Kristi Rose offers a laugh out loud funny story about friends who become lovers. On the heels of her recent divorce, Paisley wakes up in her best friend, Gigi’s childhood home, naked, lying next to Gigi’s brother, Hank. After some serious freaking out, she manages to get dressed and makes her escape. When Hank proposes a no-strings attached relationship, Paisley agrees to it, thinking it will help her transition back into the dating life of a singleton. Neither one of them is prepared for how they feel for each other and what role their past plays on their present and future.

I really liked Paisley. She’s flawed and damaged. She doesn’t trust herself and is a bit of a doormat. I found it easy to relate to her, her disappointments, frustrations and fears. She makes mistakes, has been hurt in love and still mourns the death of her father. In her shoes, I would probably make the same decisions and choices. Hank was a fantastic character. He really is a knight in shining armor but I loved that he is able to convey his feelings so eloquently. There’s a scene between him and Paisley that was hard to read, but it was so refreshing to see a male to be able to share his feelings without hidden agenda or manipulation. With Hank, Paisley gets the hard truth, pure and simple. I would have liked to see more closure with Jake, the bartender Paisley briefly dates. I did not like this character and it seemed like the author was heading into a very sinister and dark place, which was okay, but I would have liked to see that loose thread tied up.

With the exception of the bartender, I liked the characters and felt a connection to them, which is important to me as a reader. The author has an amazing flair with vocabulary and I got such a kick from listening to Paisley’s inner monologue. This book moves at a great pace and kept me interested and entertained from start to finish.

My Final Verdict: I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast read that will tickle your funny bone and tug on your heartstrings. I am hooked and will be looking for more of this author’s work.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Girl He Knows from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Title: Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone (Harry Potter #1)
Author: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: June, 1997
Genre: Young Adult
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

Description: Harry Potter thinks he is an ordinary boy. He lives with his Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and cousin Dudley, who are mean to him and make him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs. (Dudley, however, has two bedrooms, one to sleep in and one for all his toys and games.) Then Harry starts receiving mysterious letters and his life is changed forever. He is whisked away by a beetle-eyed giant of a man and enrolled at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The reason: Harry Potter is a wizard! The first book in the "Harry Potter" series makes the perfect introduction to the world of Hogwarts.

My Thoughts J.K. Rowling does a marvelous job of creating a world so unlike ours but so similar in many ways. The witches and wizards in Harry’s world are not that unlike us when you think about it. They have the same feelings, fears, hopes, dreams and disappointments. There’s a social hierarchy in their world, much like ours. There’s a political structure in their world too, complete with a governing agency, ruling officials and laws and regulations. They go to school, hold jobs, get married, raise families, get old and die. They love sports and entertainment as well. There’s good and evil in Harry’s world too.

Harry is your typical boy for the most part, but having never known his parents has left him missing out on that most important relationship. He’s being raised by his mother’s sister and her husband, living with them and their bully of a son, Dudley, but not really wanted. I got angry all over again at the way they treated him and at his living conditions. One thing that amazed me then and still does is why the Dursley’s put up such a fight to keep Harry from going to Hogwarts. They made it abundantly clear every day that they didn’t want Harry, barely tolerating his presence in their home. Going to Hogwarts would get him out of their home and ultimately their lives. They should have been kicking up their heels in joy when the first letter arrived. Perhaps, I will never understand why. Fortunately, the lack of bonding and family love does not turn Harry into a sociopath, bent on destroying lives.

Harry adjusts remarkably well to his new life and the excitement of it all. Once again, I found myself wishing I could go to Hogwarts. Going away to school in a castle with moving staircases, ghosts, magical creatures, and interesting characters may seem like a lot for an eleven year old boy to deal with, but Harry does. Finding out his parents were actually murdered by a very evil wizard who also tried to kill him is a lot to take in, as well, but Harry soon learns that those events are a part of who he is and the world he is now a part of.

I wanted to savor each page of the book, but I couldn’t put it down. Even knowing what was coming next, I discovered things I had missed before or perhaps forgot. I had forgotten what a strange and unusual girl Hermione was in the beginning. I had forgotten that Ron is very brave. I had forgotten how troublesome Peeves was and how stern Professor McGonagall could be.

So whether you are a fan who loves to re-read this series or someone who is reading it for the first time, embrace the story fully and enjoy the ride. It is an adventure not to be missed.

REVIEW: Four Of A Kind by Shannon Clayton

Title: Four Of A Kind (Divination Deborah #1)
Author: Shannon Clayton
Publisher: Black Rose Publications
Publication Date: March, 2014
Genre: Chick-Lit
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Description: Have you ever had one of those days where everything that could go wrong does?

Deborah Hayes is dealt that exact hand when disaster strikes at an event she’s managing, giving her publicity for all the wrong reasons, not to mention breaking up with her English boyfriend. And the trouble doesn’t just end there, but when Deborah starts to investigate she can’t help but feel like the universe was trying to warn her.

Determined not to miss any future ‘signs’ and desperate to attract some good luck, she embarks on a journey of divination, dipping her toes into all sorts of spiritual disciplines, Feng Shui, Palm Reading, Tarot Cards...

After scoring an amazing account at work, things look to be on the up, particularly after meeting her gorgeous Irish neighbor. But sometimes the signs are harder to read than we think, and when the latest up and coming sexy Scottish movie star, and a cute Kiwi guy, both take a shine to her, she’s even more desperate for guidance to help her choose.

Bordering on obsession, Deborah gets caught up in asking questions, looking for signs, and searching for hidden meanings and clues.

Can she make the right choice or is she looking for something that has been right in front of her all along?

My Thoughts: New to me author Shannon Clayton offers up a cute and entertaining story about a woman who is so focused on recognizing the signs of good luck in her life, she nearly misses out on capturing it when it’s right in front of her. After a publicity event she is managing goes horribly wrong, her boyfriend breaks up with her and her apartment is damaged in a fire all in the same night, Deborah Hayes decides she needs to focus her energies on ensuring she doesn’t miss any more signs of trouble on the horizon. She goes over the top in her obsession to attract good luck from decorating her apartment with Feng Shui principles, getting her palm read, having her chakras balanced and going for a tarot reading. What makes this story so entertaining is that despite all of the signs that may be obvious to most everyone around her, Deborah has a hard time seeing what’s in front of her and is just one false step from complete disaster through most of this book.

In addition to trying to decide which of the four men currently in her life is “the one,” Deborah also has to figure out who is sabotaging her at work. With the help of her best friend, Val, Deborah embarks on a journey of self-awareness to help her find the happiness she seeks.

Though I found myself getting a little annoyed at Deborah’s inability to make a decision or choose a path, I liked the character and was able to relate to her very easily and enjoyed this book. The story moves at a good pace and I liked most of the characters. The author does a great job of throwing in some surprises that I didn’t see coming but was pleased with the result. I recommend this book for the interesting and different plot line and think it would make a great addition to your list to read this summer.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Four Of A Kind from the author in exchange for an honest review.

New Additions To The TBR Pile In May

Did your TBR pile see new additions arriving in May? Anything you are really excited to dive into and start reading right away? Three new arrivals made their way onto my TBR pile in May and I read a total of four so I figure I broke even, yes? (smile).

Title: A Field Guide To Awkward Silences by Alexandra Petri
Description: Washington Post columnist Alexandra Petri turns her satirical eye on her own life in this hilarious new memoir...

Most twentysomethings spend a lot of time avoiding awkwardness.

Not Alexandra Petri.

Afraid of rejection? Alexandra Petri has auditioned for America’s Next Top Model. Afraid of looking like an idiot? Alexandra Petri lost Jeopardy! by answering “Who is that dude?” on national TV. Afraid of bad jokes? Alexandra Petri won an international pun championship.

Petri has been a debutante, reenacted the Civil War, and fended off suitors at a Star Wars convention while wearing a Jabba the Hutt suit. One time, she let some cult members she met on the street baptize her, just to be polite. She’s a connoisseur of the kind of awkwardness that most people spend whole lifetimes trying to avoid. If John Hodgman and Amy Sedaris had a baby…they would never let Petri babysit it.

But Petri is here to tell you: Everything you fear is not so bad. Trust her. She’s tried it. And in the course of her misadventures, she’s learned that there are worse things out there than awkwardness—and that interesting things start to happen when you stop caring what people think.

Title: Losing The Plot In LA by Sonia Farnsworth
Description: Sylvie is a trendy, LA party girl with more going on than she knows what to do with. Between apartment hunting, insane friends, a rapidly growing puppy, and one too many boys to juggle, she's just trying to catch her breath. Will the craziness overwhelm her, or will she find a better path to move forward? Draw a bath, pour some bubbly, and join her as she tries not to Lose the Plot.

Title: The Vintage Cinema Club by Jane Linfoot
Description: Meet The Vintage Cinema Club….

Izzy is a wow at making unwanted things pretty, but with three brothers and her shabby chic furniture business to run she doesn’t have time to date. Could a fabulous French proposal change her mind?

Single mum Luce’s vintage bridal dresses are exquisite, but there’s no way she’s ever going to wear one or walk down the aisle for that matter. She’s a strictly no romance, one night kind of woman – or so she thinks…
Dida seems to have it all – a chocolate and banana cake recipe to die for, lovely kids (most of the time!) and a great lifestyle. But what good is a fabulous home, when your marriage has more cracks than a pavlova and your husband is having it off with half of Lithuania?

Three retro fabulous friends, in love with all things vintage, run their dream business from the faded grandeur of a rescued cinema. When that dream comes under threat, they’ll do whatever it takes to save it.

Fans of Lucy Diamond, Michele Gorman and Milly Johnson are going to love this heartfelt, funny story.