But I Smile Anyway…

March heralds the entrance of Spring, apparently…

It’s also a term fully in school with no other days out, so how did I go with my reading?

So, the whole submission thing didn’t go to plan; however, I am not too worried. In fact, I am getting my covers redesigned, will be self-publishing the three books, and will hopefully start writing again soon!

So I read and listened as best I could.

The Alchemist’s Secret by Clare Marchant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can’t believe I haven’t read one of Clare Marchant’s books before, because this was right up my street!
A dual-timeline mystery with two very strong female MCs, one in each era: the present and 1672.
Paige is back in her family home after a disastrous ‘marriage’ and busies herself with helping her father and investigating the provenance of a gruesome piece of art in their ancestral home.
Meanwhile, in 1672, we meet Jeanne and her sister Marie. Two French sisters were brought over with the marriage of one of them to the lord of the house, but their own situation is precarious.
I can’t write much about the plot because that’s not what a review is, but I will say I was fully invested in this story and in finding out the origins of the “Phaedra” painting and what it all meant.
I really felt for Jeanne, who, at a time of little understanding, was trying to deal with her own sexuality, as well as supporting a sister suffering huge mental health issues, and the upheaval they encountered when they were made to leave their home.
All I can say is ‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned’!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day by Jay Shetty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have often enjoyed Jay Shetty’s short motivational videos on various social media platforms, and many of his words have resonated with me, so I chose his book to be the first self-help book I listened to.
And I wasn’t disappointed.
Sure, there are lots of things I know I can’t or won’t do, but I have already found myself taking heed of some suggestions he has made regarding letting go of things I have no control over.
I’m a pretty positive, glass have full person, with a spiritual father, who has always recommended Simran, which is a type of meditation chant within our religion, Sikhism, and he’s also a trained yogi, so maybe I find some of what Jay suggesting a lot more achievable than those who aren’t already familiar with many of the ideals he discusses, but it was a fascinating listen, and with the PDF that came with it, to fill in and work on myself, I think it was a good investment.

The Mother of all Comebacks: Discover the deliciously relatable, laugh-out-loud funny and feel-good read for 2026! by Kathleen Whyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a corker of a read! And I cannot believe I have read none of Kathleen Whyman’s books before today. This was soooooo relatable!
Becca is a woman of a certain age, making her way through the empty-nester years, with a less-than-satisfactory job, a rather boring husband, and an increasingly demanding mother.
She is the epitome of a woman stuck in the sandwich generation: those who are still caring for and bringing up children, with the added strain of caring for older parents who have their own needs.
I found myself immersed in a world where there are so many situations I find myself in, right now, as a 50-year-old woman, thinking about what my grown children need, as well as constant concern for ailing parents, and with that urge to want to do something different with my working life, but not having the courage or belief in myself that I could do anything else.
The difference is that I get on very well with my mum and mother-in-law, and my relationship is not in question, but even with a solid partnership, other things can rock the boat.
Becca finds herself living with her mother, Josephine, to care for her, despite a very fragile relationship with her, and then her daughter, Sophie, who has flown the nest, comes back, bringing equal stress.
A brilliant theme of reinvention becomes apparent: with support and encouragement from those close to her, she finds a renewed passion for her old love of journalism and writing, as well as for her own appearance. And then there is Rey… Who makes her realise she isn’t actually dead inside, or rather, down below!
Josephine is quite a character in herself, and I cannot look at hand cream now, without thinking of her and applying sparingly, to save my door handles!
I think this story touches on and explores many important themes that will resonate with many women out there. And now I can’t wait to read a few more of Kathleen’s books!

Most Wanted by Andi Osho
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A humorous, yet slightly crazy take on what a couple would do to buy a house in a trendy part of London, with a not-so-humorous ending.
The couple in question find themselves sinking into a life of crime as they navigate the property ladder, in a possibly far-fetched journey to the house of their dreams.
I enjoyed the story, but it wasn’t as much of a page-turner as the previous books.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ for an ARC.

The Way I Loved You: The BRAND-NEW captivating and emotional romantic novel with unexpected, magical, time-bending twists, perfect reading for Spring 2026 by Fiona Lucas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book!
A kind of time travel, speculative romance that I really got my teeth into.
Jess and Luke are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary, and somehow end up in a row that has Luke walking out. Unsure what happened, Jess falls asleep and wakes up on the same day, twelve years earlier. And again, and again, until she has relived the same date for each year that has passed up to the present.
With the opportunity to learn from her mistakes and better understand Luke, she takes it, hoping that when she returns to the present, she can avoid the heartache she caused.
I love a bit of reflection for romantic relationships, and Jess has to reflect on her own life, reactions, and behaviours to really understand where fractures appeared in her and Luke’s marriage.
An often emotional page turner of a book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ for an ARC.

Deep Swimmers by Richard Robinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Crime and espionage – not my usual go-to, but I was happy to read something different from my norm of culture, women’s fiction and romance!
Deep Swimmers is the fourth book in the Topaz Files series, and it was most definitely a gripping read that keeps the pages turning.
Since I hadn’t read the previous ones, I wasn’t privy to some of the earlier events that may have been referenced in Deep Swimmers, which did not detract from my enjoyment of this read.
Set in the 90s, with a tale of intrigue surrounding an elderly couple in Ireland, apparently committing suicide together… Or was it? Were they pushed?
That’s where the title Deep Swimmers comes from: those who may have had some connection to spy work but are no longer active are still recognised for the work they did.
The story may start there, but the reader is drawn into many more mysteries as connections between key characters and past events encroach upon their lives.
We have WW2 events entwined with more modern political issues in a delicate, but very clever way.
I really loved Jenny and Jones’ chemistry, and Mr Singh was a particular favourite!
If you love a bit of a mystery with espionage involvement, you will love this!

California Gold by Jodie Chapman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an intricately woven story beginning in the 70s, when British Frank met Californian Chrissy, and they fell into a deep relationship, with its roots in a house they travelled to see: the House of Tomorrow, all glass and steel.
They end up back in England and manage to create a replica, named Mirage, which is a sight to behold, then the rest of the story follows them, through highs and lows, and introduces us to Beth, and siblings, Clover, Jesse and Alice.
There is tragedy, and then emotional disconnect, crossed wires, and the effects a moment’s choices have on future generations.
An emotional rollercoaster of a ride.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House, for an ARC.

The Bookshop by the Beach by J.C. Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to this on Audiobook, and it was an easy listen. I found myself smiling to myself several times and had a few laugh-out-loud moments, too!
Libby runs a bookshop by the beach, aptly called the same, and it is a family business, run by her grandparents before her on the Isle of Man.
It’s a beautiful place, but unfortunately is not raking in the dosh, so she is at risk of losing it.
The things this girl goes through to keep her shop, I tell you! Well, I won’t tell you because you need to read it yourself!
There are crossed wires, hilarious moments excellently captured (Bonk Shop on the Beach, anyone?), romances that falter at the first hurdle, and some not-very-nice people (person) out there, but with her best friend, Freya, and some other great characters, Libby finds her way through her problems.
Another fantastic addition is the journals she finds belonging to her grandfather, which she reads in parallel with the happenings at the shop, giving her more gumption to continue her fight.
Great fun!

Ticket To Ride by Kay Bratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You know, Kay Bratt’s done it again with an amazing FIFTEENTH book in the Hart’s Ridge Series!
Taylor Grey is back with her tingling senses, with support from her husband Sam, when things get far too close to home for comfort.
Seeing crime and corruption within the folk who you expect to protect you is not what anyone wishes, but after the end of the last book, you know things are going to be deep and Ticket To Ride gives you that and more.
A missing person, a fugitive, a runaway; three different people but all ultimately connected through the wrongdoings of one person, and it takes Taylor and a little army behind her to solve the cases.
And there is emotion, lots of emotion. We don’t really hear much about Taylor’s family in this book, since there is so much going on, but this was a true page turner, and the end was brilliant – a lead up to more fab stories to come!

Would You Ask My Husband That by Kathleen Whyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my second Kathleen Whyman book, and honestly, I am kicking myself for not finding her books sooner!
Would You Ask My Husband That? is a story about a couple and the differences between being a working mum and a working dad.
I won’t lie and say I didn’t feel seen, but oh my goodness, I felt laid bare with this book!
Sarah and Will are married, and both work at the same firm. He’s a director, and she is on the team there. A chance occurrence means that Will finds himself out of a job, and Sarah finds she can rectify their income deficit with a different role, but they have the kids to worry about.
That age-old situation for a mother where you feel you are giving no aspect of your life the full 100%. If you want to be there for your children, your career suffers. If you want to progress, your time with the family is compromised.
Only with Will at home, things should be a bit easier, right?
This is that possibly stereotypical but very realistic scenario where Dad is home, but acts like he is babysitting, and despite being at home all day, Sarah is still finding herself running ragged, cleaning messes, doing laundry and cooking batch meals…
And Will? He gets the green light from teachers and other mothers for being the caring dad, though he isn’t quite as hands on as they think.
And then he joins the Friday Fizz Club, and things go awry.
It is a comedic look at role reversal that I think many working mothers would read and nod their heads at, and though things are slowly worked out, I know there were plenty of times that I wanted to give Will a kick up the backside!
I was engrossed in listening to the story!

The Pledge: The nail-biting, escapist crime thriller from the half-million copy bestseller by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having devoured the Nell Ward series, I was eager to find out what Sarah Yarwood-Lovett was going to write next, and this one, The Pledge, was another brilliant page-turning thriller!
Thea receives a mysterious invitation to somewhere, and when she arrives at an idyllic Caribbean island, with fellow guests being billionaires, famous folk, and her husband, she is confused and intrigued.
But as the group come to terms with why they have been gathered, a murder occurs, and sends them all into panic.
They all have secrets to hide, and motives… but Thea is determined to find out what went on. And more murders happen…
So many twists and turns kept me reading long into the night as I wanted to know who the murderer was, and why this was all happening! Fantastically done!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for an ARC.

The Irish Midwife at War by Seána Tinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the first in this series, and I ADORED The Irish Midwife at War!
Seana Tinley has written another highly emotive, beautiful story about the handywomen in Belfast. This time, we follow the story of Kathleen, who is introduced to the art of being a handywoman at the tender age of 16, and explore her life as she faces the routine experiences of a young woman until the world is embroiled in World War 2. She steps up and is recognised in more ways than just being a good handywoman,
The exploration of her romantic life, as well as long-hidden secrets coming to the surface, makes this a real page-turner, and I couldn’t stop reading one day, but I was so sad that it had finished. I eagerly await another story in the same vein.
Many Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC.

You are the Fuhrer’s Unrequited Love by Jean-Noël Orengo
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I have to admit I requested this book after reading the blurb, hinting at historical fiction based upon some truths about a fascinating pair of characters.
The writing style read more like an academic study than fiction, and I found it very hard to stay engaged in the story.
It will be for others, but unfortunately it wasn’t for me.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc.

I’m on the blog tour for this early next month so stop by for the review then!

Pretty Evil by Zoe Rosi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book when it first came out and was extremely excited to listen to the audiobook version! Narrated by Frankie Porter, I was immersed in the world of Camilla, all over again, and it was brilliantly read!
Oh, my days!
When I read the blurb, I thought, “Why not? Sounds like an intriguing read.”
Well, intriguing is perhaps not quite the word to describe it.
Hugely dark and (excuse my language, but) bloody fantastic!
Camilla, our protagonist, is a woman with a past so deeply ingrained that it’s almost hollowed out any other emotion in her.
Wronged as a child, growing up, and abused as a young woman, she casts herself in the role of vigilante for womankind, wreaking havoc and her own version of revenge upon unsuspecting predators
I found myself strangely aroused, a bit disturbed, and definitely sympathetic towards the woman with what appears to be no emotion, but whose heart is feeling again.
Laced with sex, gore, and much suspense, I was kept on my toes, reading the book almost in one sitting, and I truly didn’t predict the ending either.
What a dark, kinky web the author has woven…

My Neighbor’s Secret by Lauren Rowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Why do I not learn from my mistakes?
Listening to a bit of a saucy book while driving, with my daughter in the car!
This was a lighthearted, fun, kinky story about two people brought together in strange circumstances and then finding a rather novel way to solve their problems.
Think of students and people with debts, then add a bit of online enjoyment and voyeurism into it… a bit Only Fans, and two rather hot and horny people…
I have to say it was a bit far-fetched in some ways, but absolutely hilarious and, as I mentioned before, saucy! And I don’t think I will ever think of puppet shows in the same way…

17 books this month! Which caught your eye?

It’s always a very busy month, February, in our family. We have had all my in-laws’ birthdays, Hubby Dearest’s, and Lil Princess turned 18 this year, so I am now officially the mother of two adults! EEEK!

It was bittersweet, too, as we remembered my dear brother-in-law on what would have been his 51st birthday.

Then there was Valentine’s Day and half-term, so a lot of reading time…

And I have submitted my novels plus a couple of new ideas to someone… so I need to get writing on one of those ideas!

Oh, and excitingly, I have been working with a friend who is pretty amazing at redesigning the covers for my Ristay Series, so if things don’t pan out with republishing under another publisher, I will be ready to get them out there again with a new look! And FYI – the designs are looking amazing!

But I read and listened as best I could, and boy did I listen! There was some spice, thanks to Ruby Roe, aka Sacha Black, for those bloggers of the ABBA era, and some other listens from author friends I have got to know, which was great!

The Forever Home by Erica James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a brilliant read with some more mature characters, as three very different women move into a set of flats in a converted mansion.
Some just need a fresh start, some have a reason for choosing this place, specifically, and all have their own troubles individually, which, with the help of their new village around them, they can overcome.
Cassie and Nina are middle-aged, and Venitia is an older woman with some sass. There is loss, heartbreak, and suffering in all three characters’ lives, but they slowly get to know one another and find ways to support each other.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

House of Crimson Curses by Ruby Roe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

And so I hit the end of this incredibly naughty twister of a series and yes, as with the others, I had to be mindful of where I listened, but what a rollercoaster!
The journey of enemies to lovers, and lovers to enemies to lovers in one instance was just amazing, and the worldbuilding is incredibly intricate, to weave not only this series but the orld of another within it, too.
If you’re up for fantastical filth, well, then you’ve found your series!

House of Crimson Spice by Ruby Roe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A lovely bonus spicy epilogue to tie up any loose ends within the series, and yes… full of spice!

Love Ahoy! by Jo Lyons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read to warm you up when you are sitting in the soggy winter/spring of the UK!
Maddie is off to work for a holiday company in Turkey, a completely impulsive decision, only she gets there and finds that she isn’t starting in the Accounts-based position she was expecting. Thrown in at the deep end, literally, she becomes a holiday rep on a boat, with some really hard to warm to rep mates, and an extremely demanding family on board to cater for.
Then you throw in a hunky Australian into the mix, and Maddie is all aflutter in so many ways!
I love that this was set in the 90s and the references were so apt, and recognisable for this 50-year-old!
A little spice, a lot of confusion, laughter and fun!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

Falling for a Star at Christmas: The Birchlea Heath Village series, Book 2 by Jodie Homer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read this book previously, but I was given a chance to listen to the audiobook, and it was very well narrated!
It was time to revisit Birchlea Heath Village, and this time we are with Naomi, a producer at a TV company, tasked with looking after the whims of Isaac, a contestant on the reality show, The Wow Factor.
He is already a minor celebrity, and his presence causes a stir in the community, as well as in Naomi’s life, as he somehow ends up staying at her home with her parents and becomes her fake boyfriend for the Paparazzi.
Along the way, he helps her realise that her life is not what she wants, and he helps her break down internal barriers, until something happens, causing both of them to question one another.
A sweet, easy read set in a quaint little village where everyone knows each other’s business, and a little bit in New York, where we also experience a little Christmas magic!

Under a Southern Sky: War and loss brought her to Australia. Will love make her stay? by Clare Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A beautiful story set during WW2.
Hannah Kidd is in Australia after tragically losing her husband in a war-related incident.
She is still grieving but finding her way around life without him present. Australia was his home, so she tries to find links to him while getting on with life.
There is a roller coaster of emotions as she dips into normality for a young woman, despite feeling anything but normal, and she finds herself in a predicament that she has no clue how to handle.
This is a story that doesn’t rely purely on romance to tell it, but on Hannah’s feelings and hurt, and it gives a glimpse into what were very different wartime experiences from those usually read about in the UK.
The ending came about very quickly but was most satisfying, given all Hannah went through.
This book is part of a series, but the books can be read as standalones.

The Fecking Fabulous Forties Club by Freya Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I went a bit back to front with this series, having read the second one first, but it didn’t detract from the pleasure of the story.
Listening to it as an audiobook was just an added pleasure as I do love the Irish lilt of the narrator.
The main character, Becca, is in that mid forties slump, with her more or less empty nest, as well as a broken marriage, and a sadly broken friendship with one of her best friends.
A tragic death brings Becca and Laura back together in a fragile reunion with the third Musketeer in their friendship, Niamh and they go about a few bumpy rides, discovering a time capsule they created as teens, as well as the joys of midlife for women as the threat of Perimenopause knocks.
I loved it… so relatable as well as funny as heck!

The Cottage at the Edge of the Woods by Jane Lovering
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Jane Lovering’s stories, and this was a beautiful, gentle love story with more than romance at the heart.
Libby is running, constantly hiding from her ex, worried that he will swoop in and take their beautiful toddler, Tilly, from her.
She is barely surviving, and an intriguing job opportunity puts her in a difficult position: she has to visit a rundown cottage and persuade the squatters living there to leave.
Facing phobias, meeting a mute older woman, as well as Ross, the strange but good-looking architect who has employed her, puts Libby in quite a position.
The characters were genuine, and I could really feel Libby’s fears, as well as really warm to Tilly, her two-year-old, who was cute and very much a toddler in their terrible twos!
This story has a little magic and a little intrigue, and it also addresses a few more serious topics, such as mental health and abusive relationships.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

Escape to Seahaven Bay by Nicola May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You know that feeling, when you begin a book, and positively hum with happiness, knowing it is the first in a series and that you really want to read the next and the next?
That’s how I felt as I got into this new book by the amazing Nicola May.
Seahaven Bay is not far removed from Cockleberry Bay, but has its own cast of interesting characters.
In this first book, we get to know Rita Jory, a mid-forties widow still in the throes of grief, running a farm almost single-handedly while looking out for her eccentric mother-in-law, Hilda, and a group of animals with their own personalities.
Rita isn’t sure how long she can survive on the farm after being left with a lot of unexpected debt by her late husband, Archie.
A spark of an idea to host a retreat on the property brings her much happiness and a sense of purpose, and she brings together a wonderful, motley crew to support her.
But nothing is ever smooth sailing, is it? There is an old family secret gnawing at her, but not quite revealing itself, as well as many questions about Archie and what he may or may not have been hiding from her.
Everything about this story was perfect!
I felt for Rita so much, and it was wonderful to read about the support network around her, from old friends to new ones.
Hilda is a real character, and Jory, the ‘enemy’ neighbour, is definitely a bit of hot stuff!
And I cannot not mention Camilla. Yes, she’s a goat, but she has a lot to offer in the story, and though she cannot talk, her actions make sure she is noticed!
Oh, and if it were real, I would so want to join them all on the month-long retreats that Rita provides!

Do Not Disturb: Good Sex in Progress by Sherise Blackman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Okay, so on my audiobook forays, I came across this on Audible and decided to give it a go.
Is it an audiobook? Or more of a listening series, a bit like The Archers on the radio? (Except, absolutely not like The Archers in content, lol!)
We have three black women, all long-term friends, talking about, well, s-e-x, really. A married woman with a worry ‘down there’; a single woman looking for that special someone; a woman with a devious ex sniffing around; and a woman who much prefers women but cannot get her mother to understand, so she is constantly being set up with new suitors from church.
It was great to hear different voices for each character, and I had a real giggle as I listened. Very down-to-earth and real, if you know what I mean!

Three Summers by Karen Swan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Karen Swan’s books have appealed to me from the first one I read, so getting this ARC was a blessing.
Three Summers is a story of love, loss and longing.
A group of friends who have grown up together, some in wealthier households than others, congregate in the summer in their Italian home village. What follows is a bittersweet love story in which two souls who aren’t expected to be together are destined, and life throws twists and turns that pull them apart and then bring them together, like the waves of the sea surrounding them.
The complete story mesmerised me; I was eager to see how it would end, and it was a most satisfactory conclusion.
Another of the author’s wonderful books.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK for an ARC.

Before You Say I Love You by Sarah Gate
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am so glad I had already read the first in this series, because, although it could be a standalone, the depth of emotion felt was definitely stronger with some of the backstory.
Maddie Whittle is the main character in this, and she is busy trying to create a cancer retreat in her family’s ‘Big House’, in memory of her dear brother, Bowie.
She meets James, the MMC, in rather strange circumstances, involving a runaway pig.
From the off, she has her reservations about the guy, even though as the family get to know him, they warm to him, and his dog, Stevie Licks.
A slow-burning romance, with the thread of her other brother, Marley and his other half, Autumn’s continuing story, kept me listening till the end.

The Astral Library by Kate Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kate Quinn’s books have been centred around historical fiction so far, so this was a bit of a departure, but a good one!
The Astral Library is fantasy – pure Bookish fantasy!
A world created in a library.
Every book lover’s dream!
And imagine being able to live within any book you like, as long as it is in the Public Domain, and not under copyright?
Oh, and there is a real Book Dragon!!
The central character, Alix, is in a rut. She is at a stage in life where she doesn’t know if there is anything worth continuing for, with no money, no decent job, and pretty much nowhere to live, until she finds herself in the Astral library. Just choosing a world to live in would be fun in itself, but Alix becomes embroiled in a disagreement with the powers that be and the librarian in charge of this fantastical place, and finds herself in and among so many adventures.
Alix is a plus-size heroine with so much going for her, even though she can’t see it herself, but she also has a lot in her past and present that blinds her. I loved that she had a friend throughout this who saw her for who she really was, helped her through much emotional turmoil, and was with her through to her own happy ending. The Librarian was a brilliant character, filled with wisdom and bookish advice.
This is one fantasy world I would love to step into, myself.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an ARC.

The Island Retreat: An emotional new novel from the international #1 bestseller by Cathy Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cathy Kelly is one of my must-read authors. When I see one of her books anywhere, I know it is going to be good!
The Island Retreat was no different.
Set on one of the Greek isles, this story centres on a retreat run by a once-TV-famous therapist-guru type, Rose Talisman. This is her chance to get back into what she loves, without all the hype that surrounds the showbiz side.
Her first six guests are a motley crew comprising a famous female singer fresh out of rehab, a young man with relationship issues, an older couple with hidden secrets, a middle-aged woman with a rage she cannot contain and a younger woman who hoped this was a wellness retreat rather than something psychoanalysing her.
You have such beautiful surroundings described; it is hard not to want to visit the retreat yourself, but the guests have more than a pretty view to deal with. There are so many deeply rooted behaviours that are identified, isolated and unpicked among the six strangers, and Rose herself has to face up to her own deep, dark secret.
The story touched on so many issues, and you could feel allies being formed, and how these very different folk rallied around to support one another. Or almost all of them. There’s always one, isn’t there? But I’ll not tell you more. You need to read it yourself!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an ARC.

A Girl Like Me by Bettina Hunt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

UPDATE I just listened to the Audio version of this book, and it hit home just how good a story this is. Fantastically narrated, I was brought straight back to Olivia’s dyspraxic world and all her clumsiness.
I will start by gushing.
I LOVED this book!
Olivia, the main character, is as clumsy as they come. She is always tripping up, dropping things, missing her mouth… and always at inopportune moments.
Thankfully, she has some great friends and colleagues who help get her through some sticky situations, considering there are plenty of people out there, ready to undermine her for the same quirks.
Then a knight in shining armour saves her life after a particularly dramatic, clumsy episode.
I don’t want to go into all the details. Otherwise, what is the point of your reading the book? But it’s safe to say that there are characters readers will fall for.
I loved Devinder, her colleague and one who has known her for a long time. They get along like a house on fire, and he is one of her heroes, too (but not the romantic kind!)
She also has a supportive housemate, Russell, and another warrior of a best friend, Steph, in her corner.
Then there is Caspar. I loved Caspar. He is a breath of fresh air. An honest guy with a heart of gold and genuine feelings.
Bettina Hunt delves into a world of undiagnosed dyspraxia with sensitivity, lightness, and humour.

This is an early March blog tour for me, but I will tell you now it is another fantastic story!

Her Perfect Hero by Emma Bennet
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A simple, easy-to-read romance, where our FMC is torn between two charmers.
One is more conventional than the other – which one will she choose?
I’ll be honest, I kind of knew where this would go right from the beginning, but that is what you want sometimes, isn’t it? A good old-fashioned HEA, especially in the nightmare world surrounding us right now.

And here is another early March blog tour read! Kate’s books about more mature women are always a riot!

So, that was 18 books over the last month. Phew! Which one caught your eye?

First month of our new year is up, and what did I get up to? Back to school with 7 new whippersnappers starting in Nursery! It’s been busy. Plus I went out with colleagues one evening for a Thai meal and to watch a really funny panto, Robin Hood in Space, starring an old colleague of ours!

A few thousand words more on my newest writing project, which I need to concentrate on, especially now that I have no publisher! I wrote a synopsis for it, which I will break down into a more detailed plan, but for now, it’s getting words on that page.

I read, and I listened to a variety of books, and though it’s not as many as I can read, I have been exhausted over the month, so I was quite pleased with what I achieved! I have also tried not to go too mad with Blog Tours as I do need to write, but my NetGalley habit is still strong, so my TBR list is still filled with ARCS! Will I never learn?

So, I Met This Guy by Alexandra Potter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this fab story, which was a bit like a Thelma and Louise style story, only they are chasing after someone, and no one dies in the end!
Maggie is a 49 year old, living in a caravan with nothing to her name. Declined cards, and even her cat, George, has disappeared. Well, I lie there. She has a £20 note but in this cashless society, even that is not worth the paper it’s printed on.
Into her life comes Flick, a 20-something journalist with a story in mind, that is, in fact, Maggie’s story.
Together, after a little umm-ing and ahh-ing, they embark upon a cross continent trip to chase down a romance fraudster who has stripped Maggie’s life of any meaning, to get, hopefully, some answers, and for Flick, the recognition she needs to become a renowned journalist, not just the local rag’s regional news reporter.
So many locations, so many laugh-out-loud moments, which I have come to expect from Potter’s books, and a good few little twists within, too.
I especially loved the side character, Birdy ‘with a y, not an ie, because no one wants die at the end of their name!’ She’s a mature lady with her wits about her, and a few secrets of her own.
Maggie and Flick are two very different characters, but how they begin to mellow towards one another, and the development of their relationship are beautiful to watch (read) as they unfold.
A thoroughly fun, fab book!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for an ARC.

The Secret Diary of a Bengali Newlywed by Halima Khatun
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t know how to explain just how much I am enjoying listening to this series by Halima Khatun, but it is just brilliant!
Our Bengali heroine is now married, after going through the (not quite) arranged marriage process, and having been the crazed Bridezilla, too.
She not only has a new hubby but also a new city to live in and new colleagues to get to know.
I have to say that I laughed and sniggered out loud at some situations she found herself in, and could relate to so many of them, too. But I also felt her struggles, especially for her emotions towards her own family, and how it felt not living there anymore. Just the descriptions of how her dad would wordlessly describe so much through his actions got me a bit teary.
Honestly, such a true reflection of life as a second-generation British Asian, with a foot in one culture and the other in another world, navigating one traditional family for another, with a difference.
I cannot wait to listen to the next one!

Love Is A Question by Liam Livings
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Love is a Question is a beautifully crafted story of three men, and how their lives entwine.
The way Livings navigates those tough years when Nicholas and Bobby were both younger, and being gay wasn’t as easy to admit, the mixed feelings from family, and how they blossomed, stepping up for each other… so, so beautifully done!
And the introduction of Guy, and again, him being such a sensitive soul. I was so glad Nicholas found someone to continue living with, as well as honouring Bobby’s memory.
I laughed a little and shed a tear. Two, at times.
Beautifully written.

The Secret Diary of a Broody Bengali by Halima Khatun
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved listening to this, the fourth book in Halima Khatun’s Secret Diary of a Bengali Woman series.
In this instalment, we follow our MC through her thought process as she navigates the next step in her life: contemplating whether she and M are ready for children.
Again, plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and so much relatable content. The pressure you feel to keep going to the next level of life, from studies to job to marriage to parenthood and beyond.
It’s like playing a computer game and being happy at the level you have got to, only for the outside to be pushing you, metaphorically, to conquer the next one.
Khatun has put her special spin on the level, with humour and emotion. I could feel the pull our MC feels to keep going with her career, something she has worked so hard to succeed in, alongside being a good daughter-in-law and a faithful daughter. Seeing her own parents growing older, beginning to identify with her own mother differently.
And then finally identifying that need, to get pregnant.
Wonderfully written and entertainingly narrated. I cannot wait to listen to book five when it finally comes out!

A Shore Thing by Portia MacIntosh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Portia MacIntosh’s books are a surefire light-hearted read, and I was excited to read A Shore Thing.
Set in the world of Reality TV, we have our FMC, Cleo, who is a behind-the-scenes hero. She casts for a show that is waning in popularity, given the glut of reality TV. And she is introduced to the MMC, Lockie, in an unconventional manner, only to find out he will be working closely with her.
Their chemistry is immediately palpable, and how Cleo tries to keep it all simmering, but not boiling over, is an art in itself, especially when their show goes a bit wrong, and she finds herself in an unexpected situation.
There are hilarious moments, high tension, and a few scenes that you know might be spicy, but the reader can use their imagination instead of getting blow-by-blow accounts.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

I’m on the Blog Tour for this one next month!

Look Up, Handsome by Jack Strange
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love romances of any sort, so this MM story was right up my alley! And set in the village of Hay in Wales, with its bookish connections, was a great boost.
Quinn is a bookseller specialising in all things queer, from the books he sells to the services his unique bookshop provides. But he’s struggling. Not only in life but also in his business.
Threatened with being evicted, he’s clueless about what to do, apart from burying his head in the sand.
Noah is a successful author who originally hails from Hay, though he has his own demons to deal with there, so he much prefers London life.
You can feel the chemistry between the two characters, highlighted in some humorous scenes, as well as plenty of heartrending ones, too.
There is great backstory, especially the one detailing Quinn’s connection with books and his late father, as well as the reason Noah finds being home hard.
Books, romance, Christmas – what’s not to love!

House of Crimson Hearts by Ruby Roe (That is Sacha Black for all my older followers, responsible for organising the Annual Bloggers Bash!)
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve systematically read everything by Ruby Roe so far, before this, and if you thought Girl Games was a little spicy, boy, have I got news for you!
The gripping, high-octane, fantastical, sapphic, vampire story also proved jaw-droppingly naughty!
We follow Octavia, one of the original three vampires – a powerful woman in her own right, and Red, one of the city’s Hunters – and someone out for Octavia’s demise after some pretty messed history.
But they have an attraction, a pull towards one another that they cannot ignore.
This book sets the scene for the ones that follow, with a dangerous trial they are paired for, competing against other pairs of vampires/hunters to help open a portal that is threatening to be lost forever.
Okay, so I won’t say more about that because it is an integral part of the story. As is the SPICE!
OMG, I can tell you from experience that if you are listening to the audiobook, which I was, be prepared to not listen on a loudspeaker or in the car if you have anyone around you, as it is pure filth!
Naughty Ruby!
Having said that, I am already partway through book 2 (through earphones or when alone, as it promises the same heat factor, lol!).

Love by the Book by Jessica George
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed Jessica George’s Maame and was delighted to get a chance to read Love by the Book, her second novel.
Though it was a little slower-paced than some of my recent reads, it was no less enthralling.
The story is told from two POVs: Remy, an author struggling to write her second book after a successful debut built on her wonderful friendship group, and Simone, a Primary school teacher with a bit of a different side hustle to make more money.
Their paths cross as adults, and two very different characters begin to forge a tentative relationship.
This entire book really explores the dynamics of female friendships and the intricacies of balancing those friendships as life moves along.
Beautifully told.
Many thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC.

House of Crimson Kisses by Ruby Roe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to the audiobook of this straight after finishing the first one, because, quite frankly, I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next!
This ultra steamy sapphic fantasy continues with the two MCs, Red and Octavia, partnered in an epic trial, and oh so much angst!
Red is a hunter, and Octavia is a vampire. They shouldn’t be partnered together, let alone be amicable, but their bond is something altogether quite different.
We learn more about Octavia’s vampire mother, Cordelia, and a past relationship of hers that has a huge effect on the trials being carried out, and I relished the scenes that brought us closer to understanding why she is who she is.
The chemistry, the steam, the extra hot spice – oh my.
I said this before, but wow – you gotta be hella careful where you listen to this one!

House of Crimson Nights by Ruby Roe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A short, sweet, spicy prologue to help understand the characters of Red and Octavia, prior to all the craziness of the main series.
It is best read after the first book, and really gives a softer view of their romance, and also, as is usual with Ruby Roe, a nice shot of sapphic spice to go along with it!
And this one is narrated by the author, too, which gives it an extra bit of oompfh!

So, that was 11 books over the last month. Not bad for the first month of the year! Which one caught your eye?