But I Smile Anyway…

Hello and goodbye to April, arriving with the school holidays, so YAY! And I have been away for a week, too, in beautiful Jamaica, with my Lil Princess! You will need to check out my Instagram for some gorgeous sunshine-filled photos of our break!

Formatting has been my companion this month, as I get things ready to press Publish on my three novels! I might need some help getting these out there again soon! The covers are being redesigned, and I hope they will be out again in the next couple of weeks for lovely readers to enjoy!

So I read and listened as best I could. I have listened less this month, as I have walked less, but I have read plenty!

Don’t Fall in Love With Me by Paige Toon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love a Paige Toon book, and this was a great read, as usual.
Lots of emotion and angst, as well as some wonderful romance, too.
Grace moves to France for the summer at the behest of an old friend, or rather an old crush, Jackson.
He’s newly divorced, so there’s a chance she still has feelings for him.
But she bumps into brooding Etienne, who stirs feelings in her she can’t shake.
Things are revealed, including the fact that she knew Etienne before, too, from one of her trips to France as a youngster.
There are secrets and choices that need to be made, all set in fantastic surroundings, with a great cast of colourful characters, including Mellie, Grace’s kinda grandma, with whom she stays.
The ending was good, but I only wished for a little more…
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House, Cornerstone for an ARC.

Sour Fruit by Ahana Virdi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’m not sure what I was expecting here, but it sure wasn’t the story I read!
A gory look at the tortured mind of a young British Indian woman, Avni, who seeks pleasure in rather twisted and downright bloodthirsty acts.
It wasn’t really the book for me, but I can see it appealing to many others,
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an ARC.

The Tanglewood Tea Shop by Lilac Mills
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an easy, cute listen, with FMC Stevie suddenly finding herself with an inheritance, much to the distaste of her mother and sister. She uproots her life in London to a sleepy, but beautiful little town where she buys a tea shop.
Stevie meets some wonderful characters, as well as some rather horrid ones, and of course, there is a hunk or two… but there is only one for her.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this on my walks.

The Boyfriend Academy by J.S. Strange
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, this was a bit of a departure from author J S Strange’s debut! Where that was a straightforward (excuse the pun!) MM romance The Boyfriend Academy was a dark academia-based story, with, of course, the MM twist.
I’m not one for dystopian stories, if I am honest, but I was sucked into this one from the off.
Set many years in the future, this story takes place at a prestigious boarding school, Ganymede, where boys are sent to become the best men they can be before being paired off with their selected partners.
There’s no political party in charge. The Monarchy hold the reins for the country, fully, now. Slowly ridding their society of toxic masculinity, and creating perfect men and women, healthy and intelligent, ready to repopulate a population vastly depleted over the years.
But nowhere in this plan has the Monarchy allowed for those who may not feel attractions to those other than a different sex, or even those who are more gender fluid.
This is a dark story in which the MCs, Dylan and Roman, are fighting an attraction so strong that it is under the watchful eyes of superiors who may not have their best interests at heart.
There is some powerful chemistry between the two, and I almost wish they had more of a chance to explore.
I can’t tell you much more here, as you need to read for yourself, and I don’t want to give any spoilers away.
But I do hope there are plans for a book 2…
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins, One More Chapter, for an ARC.

Blind Date with a Book by Emily Kerr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoy reading Emily Kerr’s books, and this was a lovely, easy-to-read romance, based on an Oxford canal in a Bookish Boatshop! Or Boatship, I should say!
Molly took over the boat from her beloved Nanna Rose and wants to make her floating business a success, but it is harder than she thought with so many hidden expenses and not as many customers as she would like.
She comes up with some ideas to support her finances, and, along with Hilda, her adorable Irish Wolfhound, she sets about a Blind Date with a Book event, which leads to her meeting some significant characters: Jack and Liam.
There is slow burn, a bit of a triangle, and some mystery at play, and all done in the best bookish way!
A great read!

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

I loved this next instalment in Halima Khatun’s series with our FMC now pregnant, and navigating the next journey as a married woman and a self-employed person, with a lovely husband, who is great, but sometimes oblivious!
Thoroughly enjoyed listening to her escapades, and thoughts on pregnancy, as well as her observations on everything pregnancy-related!

Fifteen Minutes by Amanda Prowse
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a powerful, emotional short by one of my favourite authors, Amanda Prowse. Imagine, indeed, if you could have fifteen minutes with a dear loved one who is no more.
Chen is someone who can give that exact gift to specific people, and though they don’t always believe he can, they are thankful for the opportunity.
From a grieving friend who wants permission, to a widower who can’t let go of the past, to a father grieving his son… each section of the story brings tears to the reader’s eyes.
I was reading on a plane, and it was pretty tough to control my emotions, I tell you!
If you love stories that pull on the heartstrings, then this is for you!

If I Ruled the World by Amy Dubois Barnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a kick-ass story set in the late 90s about a black woman, Nikki Rose, and her struggles within the publication industry. Working hard to prove herself at a successful magazine, she feels she is the token melanin shot to make the company feel they have fulfilled a quota.
She finds herself with an opportunity to change a little part of her world when an Editor In Chief position is offered to her in a smaller concern, but with a magazine she has visions to mould into the read for all young urban black women, with issues and articles relating to them, and their world.
There is so much to unpick and unpack within this, with the toxic masculinity, the overt racism, the way rap culture influenced many, and shines a light on so much that is, unfortunately, still relevant today.
A powerful read.

The Great Italian Holiday Mix-up by Sandy Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I feel like a Sandy Barker book always preempts my summers, and this year is no different, with a fantastic read to enjoy on the beach!
The Great Italian Holiday Mix-Up is a fab romance, with a twist. Two couples meant to be on the holiday of a lifetime, somehow get separated via the holiday company that organised their trips. Okay, so it doesn’t help that the two males in the couples have the same names, but, we have 4 people finding themselves in a bit of a predicament,
But I guess sometimes you need a mix-up to gain clarity on something so familiar it’s become stale.
You have a gorgeous location, and forced proximity, strangers to friends… and maybe to lovers?
I loved this story, and there is a little steam to cheer up the sauce brigade, too, at the end, after plenty of hints!
A great beach read.

People Pleaser by Bryony Gordon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Imagine a day when you finally begin to speak your mind, after years of doing so, to keep everyone around you happy?
This is the premise for the story, where our FMC is a working wife and mother – always doing everything for her children, no longer operating as husband and wife, physically, taking one another for granted, and slaving away at a job she has held for years, only to have a well-deserved promotion snatched from her, as she is basically too much of a ‘yes’ woman, and has become part of the furniture, rather than valued…
A chance encounter with a new fellow employee, and a little bit of illicit substance later, means that something snaps in her irreparably, and she finds herself unable to stop her thoughts from leaving her mind.
The reaction to her going from people-pleaser to people UN-pleaser is dramatic. Some cannot fathom a world where she dares to say no, some find it amusing, and some are cheering her on for finally finding a backbone.
She works through some different longstanding issues and deals with so many issues, like narcissistic parents, misogyny, and sexual harassment at work, in a way that I was reading here, by the sidelines, cheering my girl on!
Sometimes, I wish I had the gumption to do this. In fact, as I get older, I think I care less about others’ thinking, but how liberating, to finally be the woman she wants to be!
I really enjoyed reading this story of empowerment and finally finding oneself.

Meet Me at Apple Blossom Lane: Don’t miss this brand-new, swoon-worthy second chance romance for fans of Laurie Gilmore arriving in spring 2026. by Anita Faulkner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You, Mrs Faulkner, have written another cracker of a book!
Filled with angst, romance, and that perfect hint of heat (well, actually, more spice!), it was a perfect beachside read!
Alyssa is an influencer and love coach, but her life gets turned upside down when a relationship ends, and her income dwindles as she has fewer couples to coach toward love.
She’s a bit jaded about the L-word anyway, because life has thrown some real negatives her way, and as a result, all her relationships are tarnished.
A chance opportunity brings her back to her hometown, a quaint little village in the Cotswolds, Hartglove, a place she has tried her hardest to distance herself from, even changing her name to be a different person.
And here she is, now, there, immersed in her old life, but with a new alias.
Her task? To test-drive a new app that is the total opposite of her own business model, with the app finding you your ideal partner.
Does it work? Well, I won’t tell you that, but what I will say is that she meets her BUM (you need to read to find out the acronym meaning!) and he is a blast from her past, and boy, has he grown into a fine man, Dylan is a GOD (Another acronym you need to read to understand!) and all the difficulties that ensue are rivetting!
I cannot finish this review without mentioning Pikachu, the little mouse who keeps her company, through almost the whole of the book. So cute!
An absolute cracker of a story, a wonderful book and honestly, one of my favourite feel-good reads so far this year!

An Italian Island Love Story by Leonie Mack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An Italian Island Love Story is a fantastic mistaken identity, close-proximity, strangers-to-lovers story, with a young widowed mother of one, Toni, finding herself in Elba, a small Italian Island, to work on a wedding, where she goes to stay with the florist Gabri, only to find out that she is a he!
I love that it wasn’t drawn out too much; they express their attraction quickly. However, the emotional angst is REAL, and it is brilliantly done!
Tying in Gabri’s accidental meeting with Cillian, Toni’s son, and how their relationship develops is another plus in the story.
And I loved the little learning points dropped in about foraging, flowers, and turtles!
Such a cute, lovely story, perfect for that holiday read!

Making Sparks Fly at the Highland Repair Shop: A BRAND NEW heartwarming, Highland romance from Kiley Dunbar for 2026 by Kiley Dunbar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kiley Dunbar has written another cracker of a story here, set in Cairn Dun, where the Highland Repair Shop is still going strong, and brings with it an unlikely situationship between two youngsters, and a little suspicion and angst between our main older characters, McIntyre and Ros, the owners of this fab repair shop.
I loved the relative innocence of Peaches, a young woman who has been sheltered from so much by an overprotective mother who really only wants the best for her baby.
Tie that in with the budding romance between her and Euan Sparks, a local lad who has returned to live with his grandfather, and the gentle sparks that fly there, and it makes for a lovely, slow-burning romance.
And the escapades of Jolyn and Shelly were a fun, brief interlude.
I also love how Kiley has added the SEND dimension through the story, with lil Jolyn, who has communication issues. As we were introduced to him in a previous book, it was great to get a little update on how he was getting on.
We get to learn about some of the April traditions and celebrations, and we’re treated to some recipes from Kiley at the end.

Wed or Alive: The BRAND NEW smart and hilariously funny rom-com from Portia MacIntosh for 2026 by Portia MacIntosh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I honestly loved this story, where I was convinced one thing was going to happen. I thought I KNEW the ending, but then – PLOT TWIST – and a curveball came and moved the target!
Whitney is in a funk. Her book idea isn’t selling, her agent is trying, but all she can get are ghostwriting gigs. Plus her love life is pretty bad, too.
JJ, her agent is trying hard, as one of her besties, to set her up.
Her other long-term bestie and flatmate, Andy, is away, and Whitney has a realisation that maybe he is the one for her.,.
Here is where the plot twist hits, and I won’t tell you what it is, but let’s just mention Cowboy, and Jake… a fountain, a proposal, a lot of lies and a bit of little too late honesty…
It all makes for a fantastic beach read!
Many Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

The Sunshine Teashop by Jaimie Admans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, what a lovely story to read, as I am on the comedown from a glorious holiday!
Dolly starts the story with a bang, and not a good kind. Set up to start a wonderful business with her best friend, a cafe, she finds herself betrayed in the worst possible way by both friend and boyfriend.
This is where the fun starts.
Stuck with no home, no family to support her and no other real friends to turn to, Dolly does whatever comes into her mind, and that is escaping, to anywhere, in the campervan of her ex-boyfriend. She finds herself in Thimblenouth, a little village up North, with fond memories attached.
I loved the entire story, her confused, panicked exit from her disaster of a life, to the slow-paced calm of the Yorkshire village.
Her unconventional meeting with Builder Reece and the way their friendship grows is a perfect example of a slow-burning romance.
Dolly loves nostalgic baking, and the way her little business venture from the campground grows is heartwarming, as she begins with a simple bake to soothe and creates sweet masterpieces that remind all who eat of fond memories.
I loved the little family she finds herself with, as the local gossips warm to her, and end up being her biggest supporters.
A story that warms you and has a real feel-good quality.

The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, that is another brilliant piece of writing by the amazing Elizabeth Strout!
Each time I read one of her books, I feel like I have explored another layer of humankind…
Artie is our main character in this book, and it is set in the US with the backdrop of what is happening out there in the world, the troubles in Gaza and the Middle East, as well as a deep-rooted fear about what is happening within politics in the USA, without naming a specific, ‘ahem’, person.
He is a teacher, and as he teaches, he observes a great deal about the high school students he teaches.
With his calm demeanour, he alters the perceptions of certain students, despite having gone through a dark time personally.
Artie’s relationships with his students, colleagues, son Rob, and friends reveal different facets of his personality, and they could shine a light on any of us and our own thoughts.
I don’t really know how to describe my feelings about this book, only that it hit hard. There is a lot to digest and think about, considering what the world is like right now…

A French Fling for the Golden Gals by Judy Leigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Judy Leigh has a knack for her words, and her stories featuring more mature heroines who live life to the fullest have quickly become books I reach for. A French Fling for the Golden Gals is another great example of one of these stories.
Maxine is sixty-one years old and retiring from her long-term job in a charity. It’s time to put herself first, though. As she embarks on the first celebration with her partner, she walks into her flat and finds him in flagrant with her best friend…
What follows is her decision to really think about what she wants, and one suggestion is to get away for a bit. She finds herself in a small village in Brittany, where she meets a wonderful community of both French locals and British people now calling the town of Plouvannec-sur-Mer their home.
Through this story, Maxine deals with a long-standing sense of grief and explores how to heal. And along the way, she supports others in healing, as well as finding out whether she is still capable of love or any kind of romantic affection.
The entire cast of characters is likeable, and I find myself wishing to take a long break somewhere like Plouvannec-sur-Mer, to ‘find myself’ too!
This follows another story, but can be read as a standalone.

Walking on Sunshine by Heidi Swain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

And here is another beautiful summer read from the fantastic Heidi Swain!
Tilly is tasked with the difficult task of scattering her father’s ashes, alone, at a place she and her brother have the fondest of memories.
She travels to the heart of Suffolk, to a little village, Willowwell, and finds a small Air B’n’B for a few nights before planning on travelling to her brother, wherever he may be working at the time.
On arrival, she finds a stretch of woodland for sale adjoining a house, Fernside, which she used to dream about as a child.
But would she be able to buy this land and set up her dream business there?
Tilly meets some fantastic characters on her trip, including Constance, the owner of the house and woods, and a mysterious lawyer, James, who may just steal her heart… but things are never that straightforward.
Secrets emerge, or rather unmentioned information, which causes a clash of interests that could derail everything she has dreamed of.
I really enjoyed this emotive story, with a positive main character, and so much joy amid the confusion.

A blog tour read for next month! Review to follow!

Just a Name by Becky Monson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Imagine if you were gearing up for your wedding and at the last minute, your husband-to-be calls it off?
Not only are you in pieces about that, but you are up for a promotion at work, yet your boss insists you need time off, because you are tightly wound up, and you keep bumping into your ex’s best friend, who hates you.
That’s Holly’s situation.
Plus, she has a non-refundable honeymoon to take, but can’t change the name on the ticket, so she somehow finds herself talked into finding a guy with the same name as her ex so she can take this break.
I enjoyed listening to this, as the characters were easy to like, and the romance, well, I think I kinda knew where it would come from, but how it all happens is nicely done.

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading The Help, I was very excited to read this. The Calamity Club is a LOOOONG book for anyone who finds anything over 300 pages a lot to read. At over 600 pages, it is quite a commitment, but totally worth it!
There are stories of two characters told in parallel in Mississippi, USA, in the 1930s. One is Meg, a young girl in an orphanage, treated awfully, but just praying her mama will be coming to get her out soon.
Then there is Birdie. She is a young woman, destined to be one of the old maids, because of a tragedy in her past that has rendered her barren.
The lives of these two characters intertwine as they navigate tricky times and find themselves embroiled in situations they never expected.
The 1930s were a tough time, with the remnants of slavery talk, the dry states, and alcohol being taboo, as well as the houses of ill repute that hid in plain sight. These aspects are brought into the story to layer it in a way that kept those 600+ pages turning!
I loved reading this, as it was a fantastic story and a bit of an education about what 1930s Mississippi was like
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Books.

The Accidental Text by Becky Monson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a simple to listen to, entertaining story about a woman dealing with loss and finding comfort in the strangest of places.
Maggie loses her mother and struggles to come to terms with that loss. One thing that helps is her version of journaling: rather than writing it in a book, she texts it to her mum’s old phone.
Only the number no longer belongs to her mother…
I loved this not-quite-mistaken-identity story, as Maggie never knew someone could be receiving her texts, and the person on the other side ends up being the therapy she never knew she needed.
Chase is the cutest of guys, and how he handles Maggie’s texts is so sweet!
An easy read, with a great HEA.

My, my! 22 books read and listened to this month! You know that is a good vacation month, lol! Which one caught your eye?

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?

Er, seriously? December has ended, already?!

It’s been a strange month. Yes, school was crazy in those last few weeks, with festive fun happening, winding the children up. But my heart wasn’t as into it as it usually is. There was a big gap where my Brother-in-Law had sat, and his memory was everywhere. It was tough for us all.

Coupled with the fact that Pops has been unwell and needed an operation in the lead-up to Christmas, it’s all been a bit much. (He’s okay, thank goodness, and I got to spend a few days with my parents alone, which was an early present for me.)

But to top it off, I found out that my excellent publishers are closing in the new year! So that means I need to start thinking about how to relaunch my Rishtay Series, again. Do I look for a total rebranding with new covers, too, or just a tweak inside, and republish?

And I guess that means that I need to get writing again…

So I read and listened as best I could.

And as the year ends, I finished on over 167 (I think – though Goodreads thinks it’s 170!) books read or listened to, and books really were my saviour this year.

Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 4 in the Walsh Family saga, and this time, we are learning more about Anna Walsh, the fourth sister in the family.
I guess there should be trigger warnings for this one, because although Keyes’s trademark humour is threaded through, we are looking at death, loss, and grieving in this story.
Anna lives in New York with her husband, Aiden, and she finds herself back with her family after a horrific accident, but all she really wants is to get home to her hubby and the city she has come to call home.
Through the story, she is searching for her husband, who appears to have disappeared, until the penny drops…
This really highlighted how the brain works in times of grief, and how Anna’s mind shut off certain things to allow her to heal physically, before letting her return to reality, and navigate a loss she had forgotten.
Anna’s tribulations with trying to contact Aiden were hilarious at times and heart-wrenching at others.
I loved the little email asides from Mammy Walsh and Helen, the youngest sister, as their little side stories played out!

An Ambush of Tigers by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have really enjoyed the Nell Ward series in its entirety, and was thrilled to read this seventh book.
It may be read as a standalone, but I think the reader’s enjoyment will be further enhanced if they have read the previous ones, as there are many instances in the book where the past is mentioned. Certain relationships make more sense with that background.
After being in Ireland for one story, this one takes us to India for the first part of the story as our favourite ecologist turned detective, Nell, finally ties the knot with the dashing Rav Kashyap, her partner at work, as well as romantically, and somehow he’s become her partner in uncovering crime too.
Amid the celebrations, there is a death, which sparks a train of activity that leads to more death and mysterious activity once most of the wedding party reaches Finchmere, Nell’s family estate.
This one held a special place in my heart for its connections to India and certain aspects that really hammer home the effects of colonialism, but the rest of the story was as gripping as always, and it is amazing how Nell’s ecological knowledge is used to uncover the culprit this time, too.
Can’t wait for another instalment!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for an ARC.

Golden Girls on the Run by Judy Leigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this Thelma and Louise style adventure for our Golden Girls, Sadie and Bronagh, two sisters-in-law, who take off in a nephew’s canary yellow Ferrari, and leave Ireland for an impromptu trip to Devon!
They really showed that age ain’t nothing but a number for having fun, and along the way they helped so many people and learned new things about themselves, too.
The Irish contingency who end up in the sleepy village in Devon add another layer of fun, though it was sometimes, a bit crazy keeping up with what was happening where. Still, I enjoyed it thoroughly, and intend to be a Bronagh, living it up, being silly and truly enjoying the Golden years when they beckon, with the slight caution exercised by Sadie!

Life in the Old Girls Yet by Celia Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s always great to revisit old characters, and the Saga Louts have definitely found a soft spot in my reading heart!
I’m increasingly likely to head for a book with more mature main characters because, well, they have so much substance, don’t they?
This was a book with two dominant stories linked.
The first centres on Beryl, one of the original Saga Louts. She’s an older lady and can be pretty demanding, but she has a deep sadness, and many gaps in the story of her son, who died far too young.
Then there is the appearance of Vee, now in her fifties, but with a connection to Beryl’s son, and her own demons to face and overcome.
Many loose ends are tied up in this fantastic adventure, as well as quite a few new romances started, and even though Eva Glyn says it’s possibly the last in the series, I can’t quite see those Saga Louts letting her go that easily!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

This is a January Blog Tour read for me, so come back to check the reviews!

The Italian Village in the Hills by Victoria Springfield

The Italian Village in the Hills is an emotive story from the very talented Victoria Springfield, an author who makes me want to head off to Italy whenever I read her books!
This story follows three families: two from the small village near Liguria in Italy with a chequered past linking them both together, and one from the UK, where a young lady, Amy, finds the courage to follow in the footsteps of her late grandfather, as she tries to trace the origins of a couple of intriguing objects he leaves behind.
Stella finds herself back in her home village after many years of avoiding visiting, filled with shame from past misdeeds,
Somehow, their paths cross, and, slowly as the story unfolds, discoveries are made, guilt assuaged, and links are forged.
First loves, last loves, new loves, friendships repaired, and secrets laid to rest.
A beautiful story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

Life as Planned by Amanda Prowse
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always know I am going to be in for an emotional ride when I read an Amanda Prowse book, and feel many relatable things as I follow the story, and this gorgeous book was no different.
One decision made at the tender age of ten sets in motion a particular trajectory of events in the lives of twins Remy and Ashleigh, and the book follows their story from that age to much later in life.
There’s something to be said for the connection between twins, and this is explored so well: both women live very different lives, yet that decision all those years ago weighs so heavily on both of them.
Parental pressures and expectations, dreams of the future, loves and family; we see them all develop, falter, finish, and continue.
It’s hard to describe what I found relatable, but I felt extremely teary-eyed reading certain sections, and I raced through the book, hoping for a satisfying ending, which I got in spades.
Get your tissues out!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for an ARC.

My Big Greek Island Ex-Scape: Your next beach read: A BRAND NEW sun-kissed romantic comedy from bestseller Sandy Barker for 2026 by Sandy Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve always loved Sandy Barker’s stories, and was very excited to read this new story.
Ally is the ‘Divorced Diva’. Having been through the D-word three times, she is now an expert in all things related to moving on and coping without that messy man you’ve left behind. After all, she has managed to come out three times, unscathed!
Then a call to action comes, and it is from one of her ex-husbands, Julian (#3), and the chance to partner with him on his exclusive island resort, with her becoming the influencer to support the promotion.
The only thing is that once she arrives, she finds that another one of her exes, Tommy (#1), is also there, causing a flare-up of emotions and unresolved emotions that she really should not be having, as it is not brand-appropriate.
I loved the descriptions of the locations, the food and drink, and all the scene setting. I think I want to visit, now too!
And the story has not only shed loads of ‘will they-won’t they?’ moments, but also spicy sparks and a little mystery thrown in, which was a pleasant surprise.
Another cracker from Sandy!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

Mystery at Mercy Close by Marian Keyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

TW: Depression, Mental Health and Suicidal Thoughts
Book 5 in the Walsh Family series, and it was great dipping back into the family, finding out what madcap things were occurring.
This time, the focus is on Helen, the youngest sister.
She is a PI operating on her own and is commandeered to work a very high-profile case by someone she really didn’t want to deal with. It involves the disappearance of a celebrity, Wayne Diffnety, at a crucial point of the return tour of his band, Laddz.
While there are the usual madcap situations, Marian Keyes has also delved into mental health and depression, showing something about the workings of a mind that may be addled with a darkness that they are trying to live with, and thoughts of suicide.
I enjoyed listening to this story, as it has its crazy moments as well more serious aspects that are handled well.

Mammy Walsh’s A-Z of the Walsh Family by Marian Keyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 5.5 in the Walsh family series kept me company on a long drive today, and I listened to it in one sitting as it is a brief reminder/teaser of the rest of the series!
Mammy Walsh is quite a character, and this little A-Z really delves into her wonderful world!
I loved her take on some incidents, words and phrases we have heard much of in the main books, like ‘feathery strokers’ and the ‘jolly boys’, but there are some other classics, off on a tangent things like her thoughts on ‘vajazzling’, that had me laughing out loud as I drove. I am sure other drivers may have thought I was slightly loopy as a result!
Her total non-PC persona was hilarious and refreshing, too, as it humorously reflects her generation and age.

Into the Midnight Wood by Alexandra McCollum
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A delightfully whimsical tale, with a character-driven plot, and a subtle, slow-burning romance that suddenly ups the spice levels!
Into the Midnight Wood is a story about two men, housemates in the Midnight Cottage, which sits at the edge of the Midnight Wood. The Midnight Wood is an enchanted wood, and Meredith, one of our main characters, has a real affinity with all the mysterious folk who live in there. David, whose point of view the story is told from, is the long-suffering man who shares the house with this man-child who has wormed his way into David’s being, and not in a comfortable way.
It took me a while to get into it, I will admit, but I am glad I stuck with it, as there was a real story behind Meri and his whimsy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Books for an ARC.

A January blog tour review coming for this quirky read by Dean Koontz

My Favourite Mistake by Marian Keyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Walsh series, and hearing Marian Keyes herself narrating the story was another treat.
My Favourite Mistake follows Anna as she goes from being in a tentative relationship after losing her husband, Aidan, to finding herself alone again, without the support of her best friend Jackie, unfulfilled, perimenopausal, and back in Ireland.
She ends up using her PR skills differently, supporting another friend with their new retreat, which the locals are not too pleased with, but she has to work with a blast from the past, Narky Joey, who is the reason she lost touch with her best friend.
There is so much in this story to relate to, and love, with the Walsh clan turning up, as always, to cause their mischief, but also dealing with mental health, and of course, that biggie, Perimenopause.
I was pleased with the ending, I have to say, and loved each chapter!

Another lovely book, which I will be on the blog tour for soon. 🙂

The French House Share: A BRAND NEW heartwarming story of new beginnings, friendship and finding love again from Gillian Harvey for 2026 by Gillian Harvey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, Gillian, you’ve done it again!
Now, not only do I want to go and live in France, but I fancy a change of career to hospitality!
Bella is living in a small village in France with her husband, living the dream. Or rather, her dream.
She has, from a young age, wanted to run a B&B in France, after what was to her an idyllic school trip there, cementing her hopes for the future. And she has achieved that with her husband.
But things are never as simple as that, are they? It’s not for him, after eight years, and he wants a clean break, if she isn’t prepared to up sticks and head back ‘home’ to the UK.
What follows is Bella trying to live part of her dream and reinventing herself several times, unintentionally, as she moves to Versailles and gets herself a job in a Paris boutique hotel, under somewhat cloudy circumstances. (I won’t say false, as I am sure there are plenty out there who have slightly elaborated CVs to get interviews and jobs!)
The characters she meets along the way, including the students she ends up house sharing with, and the elusive landlord, as well as her new boss, and a rather scary cantankerous old woman who lives at the hotel where she secures a job, all make for a fantastic supporting cast, to this story of second chances, and learning more about oneself in times of pressure.
Oh, and of course there is romance, but it’s not always about the handsome French dude…!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

So, that was 15 books over the last month. Which one caught your eye?