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If, like me, you're a reader who likes to empathise with the story's characters, feel every emotion, and experience something magical as you turn the pages this is the story for you.

Christmas has always been important to Tia, even when her life is hard, Christmas is time to celebrate and escape. After the death of her mother, Tia struggles to come to terms with her loss. Her job is busy, and she hopes this will get her through the grief that threatens to destroy her. Her latest assignment has her living in a picture perfect cottage by the sea, the setting is breathtaking, and straight away she feels its healing presence. Life gets complicated, and she still has Christmas to face, but will Tia emerge stronger at the end of this experience?

The vividly described coastal setting comes alive the first time Tia visits the beach you can feel the sea spray on your face and appreciate the power of the sea. The characters are varied and realistically portrayed, you can imagine having a conversation with them. The perfectly orchestrated romance is lovely and gentle and full of magic in this poignant, story of coming to terms with life's setbacks and valuing family and friendships. There are many lighthearted moments to offset the heartaches, rather like life itself.

A festive read that you can enjoy all year long with characters to treasure in a perfect Christmas card setting.

I received a copy of this book from Aria via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

    

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I enjoyed the seasonal prequel to this sexy fireman story 'Santa Wore Leathers' and this story featuring Cassie the baby of the family and Quinn is an interesting read. Einstein the charismatic dog makes a cameo appearance but the animal star is Furball the stray cat adopted by Quinn who provides the comic relief and shows a softer side to Quinn.

Cassie turns twenty one and Quinn misses her party. Tired of being ignored Cassie sets out to prove to Quinn, she is the woman of his dreams. Quinn's hidden past means he is unable and unwilling to commit to Cassie, even though he loves her as a friend.

Quinn is a fireman with a past, which forms the basis of the story and proves a major obstacle to admitting he loves Cassie. The initial few chapters are light-hearted and full of sexual tension. The culmination is a steamy encounter between Cassie and Quinn. The heat level of this romance borders on erotic. When Quinn's past threatens his future with Cassie, he abandons his plans to leave her and the story becomes darker and edgy.

This story is a dichotomy; sexy romance versus family values. Humour versus violence, poignancy versus action. The ending is a realistic happy for now for Cassie and Quinn but some questions remain unanswered, to entice you to read the next in the series.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley.

 


#1 Rowena's Key

Rowena's Key is the first story in 'The Golden Key Chronicles';it gives a whole new meaning to 'through the looking glass'. An adult fairytale full of humour, poignancy and passion it's a fun read. Adult fans of 'The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe' will devour this book.
Rowena an antique dealer goes against her professional instincts and buys an antiquated armoire from England because of its tenuous connection with her past. When it reveals its secrets she comes face to face with Caedmon a sexy prince who is hot enough to star in every woman's fantasy. Caedmon's language is ancient and strange with an urban edge.
The armoire comes complete with a golden key that makes Rowena, who Caedmon believes to be a powerful witch, key to the future of the fantasy kingdom.
With a great supporting cast of real and fantasy characters Rowena's key is entertaining escapism for an hour or two.

#2 Candra's Freedom.

This part of the story is set two years later when Rowena and Caedmon are living in the fantasy kingdom apart. Rowena is determined to gain her freedom and she shows her resourceful nature and admirable independence to achieve her aim against immeasurable odds. Tortured and imprisoned Caedmon fights his way back to his love. He finds a very different Rowena and little chance of reclaiming their lost love. There is lots of action, particularly good fighting scenes featuring Rowena but little romance except in Caedmon's memory. A great story to illustrate Rowena growing into her powers and destiny.

#3 Caedmon' Curse.

'Caedmon's Curse' is the third in The Golden Key Chronicles series; this is a fast paced fantasy romance full of sensual tension, larger than life characters and page turning action.
I hadn't read the second in the series 'Candra's Freedom' when I first read this book but this no way spoiled my enjoyment. Caedmon and Rowena's delightfully witty dialogue effortlessly fills in significant past events as they battle with their enemies and their magnetic attraction.
Caedmon attracts Rowena despite her distrust of his motives and memory loss. Their sexual chemistry coupled with losing him forever forces her to question why she is pushing him away. Rowena is a 21st century woman not in need of an alpha super hero but a partner who respects and supports her. Caedmon's fulfils this role admirably.
Full of important clues 'Caedmon's Curse' still leaves the reader with more questions than answers and desperate for the next instalment which is previewed at the end of the book.
A must read for lovers of fairy-tales.

#4 Braedric's Bane.

This final story sees Rowena and Caedmon sure of their love and back in the modern world where Rowena first came from. There are some lovely and humorous reunion scenes with Oliver and Jon, sizzling passion between our two lovers and important clues to the prophecy. Back to the fantasy world for the last part of the story, with an epic battle, jaw dropping magic and a happy ever after? The well thought out ending leaves the way for further stories in this fantasy kingdom. A great final instalment of a cleverly written, engaging fantasy.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

   


5* Review:The Harbour Master

The Harbour Master is a fast paced, suspenseful, political thriller set in Holland.

Henk is an experienced police officer based in the harbour district of Amsterdam. Contemplating retirement, partly due to the new regime at work his plans change when he discovers the body of a young woman floating in the harbour. Henk suspects foul play. Murder, prostitution and trafficking all feature in this story. A series of incidents makes him distrust his colleagues and superiors as vital evidence goes missing. Determined to find out why the girl died he circumvents policy and procedure and finds himself excluded from the case. Henk’s family is in danger as his career nosedives. Will the personal cost be too great?

Henk is a strong but flawed character but subtly so without the obvious peccadilloes commonly associated with cynical older detectives in fiction. The story is atmospheric and leaves the reader with a definite flavour of Holland. The Harbour Master is like the successful Scandinavian thrillers of the same ilk but for me this is superior because it avoids the drawn out nature of this type of thriller with a fast paced, twisty plot.

Henk and his wife a journalist make a formidable team. There is potential for more stories here. The depth of character development is impressive for a novella. The plot is interesting and dark but a page turner which I read in a one go.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

5* Review:The Harbour Master II: The Maze

‘The Maze’ is a succinct description for the second in The Harbour Master series. Henk, the seasoned, world worn detective enjoys a short break with his long suffering wife, interrupted by his only political ally, currently working in Brussels. Again Henk puts work before his personal life and risks compounding the family tension with his daughter.

A series of new and unsolved crimes force Henk to question those in authority and make him wary of his peers. Still in the shadow of an unsolved suspicious death Henk finds himself at the centre of a political scandal that only he wants to expose.

The players in this mysterious thriller are numerous all provide essential clues to the true crime. Relationships both personal and work orientated are explored as they entangle but Henk must visit many expertly constructed dead ends before he finds the truth.

Henk is a clever detective, a maverick, he threatens the establishment but is a true advocate for justice. His wife Pernilla and long time army friend Johann thankfully have his back often at great personal cost.

The dramatic ending provides a satisfying conclusion to ‘The Maze’ but reveals a new crime for Henk to solve. There are also problems closer to home for Henk to explore in the next of his adventures perhaps.

A worthy second chapter of The Harbour Master series, ‘The Maze’ is a mind provoking story; fast paced action interwoven with a vivid, realistic setting and detailed characters and relationships.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

5 Review: The Harbour Master III: Ransom

‘The Harbour Master III: Ransom’ follows on from the cliff-hanger ending of book 2 ‘The Maze’. Henk wants to find out what has happened to Lottman, his only ally in the Dutch establishment. As we have come to expect, there are no easy passages for our off beat detective but he forges on regardless and soon begins to find there are some odd connections and strange alliances, which warrant further investigation.

The suspected kidnapping has uncomfortable parallels with Henk’s first case as a young policeman but are these real or imagined? The enigmatic Henk manages to get more answers than his enemies would like but it seems he is doomed to lose the war with the corrupt bureaucrats. Again the settings are vibrant and integral to the plot and there are many delightful minor characters that enhance this political thriller.

The author teases the reader with snippets of information and possible leads, giving the story its realistic edge. The conclusion ties up the immediate story in a satisfying way but there are still queries that need resolving and I am happy to see our intrepid detective will feature in another story in a different setting.

I received a copy of this story from the author in exchange for an honest review.

   

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'The Harbour Master III: Ransom' follows on from the cliff-hanger ending of book 2 'The Maze'. Henk wants to find out what has happened to Lottman, his only ally in the Dutch establishment. As we have come to expect, there are no easy passages for our off beat detective but he forges on regardless and soon begins to find there are some odd connections and strange alliances, which warrant further investigation.

The suspected kidnapping has uncomfortable parallels with Henk's first case as a young policeman but are these real or imagined? The enigmatic Henk manages to get more answers than his enemies would like but it seems he is doomed to lose the war with the corrupt bureaucrats. Again the settings are vibrant and integral to the plot and there are many delightful minor characters that enhance this political thriller.

The author teases the reader with snippets of information and possible leads, giving the story its realistic edge. The conclusion ties up the immediate story in a satisfying way but there are still queries that need resolving and I am happy to see our intrepid detective will feature in another story in a different setting.

I received a copy of this story from the author in exchange for an honest review.

5* Review The Harbour Master #1

5* Review The Harbour Master: The Maze #2

   


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If you're looking for a romantic Christmas story, 'The Kiss Before Midnight' is a must read. This is the second festive story by Sophie Pembroke that I have read this week and this one is definitely my favourite. Molly and Jake have known each other forever but after last New Year's Eve, Molly can no longer see Jake, only as her older brother's best friend.

Molly is a curious mix of confidence and insecurity. During the Christmas festivities, she questions her motives for leaving the city and job she loves and whether she should pursue her last New Year's resolution.

Jake, is Molly's parents' surrogate son and he is reluctant to jeopardise this by pursuing Molly in the way he would like to. I loved Jake. In many ways he was like a small boy pressing his nose against the window of family life; A voyeur rather than a participant. Gradually he realises these feeling are internal rather than external barriers to his happiness.

The sensual heat between Jake and Molly is warmer than the mulled wine that flows so freely and leads to some humorous moments. When they finally give in to their attraction it leads to more misunderstanding and heartache for the couple.

The romance is sweet and the ending perfectly crafted. The setting is a perfect Christmas, English style, which I enjoyed.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

 

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With her New York dream in tatters Dory faces Christmas alone, enter her boss Tyler who is clearly attracted, not to mention wholly dependent on her. Tyler is a public relations disaster and Dory is the only one who can save him from his mother's wrath. So rather than spending Christmas with her family in England, she finds herself at Tyler's soulless family gathering, where she feels like a specimen under a microscope.
Hardly the stuff of a Christmas romance but against this unlikely setting Dory meets Lucas, Tyler's older, sexier and single brother. There is simmering chemistry between Dory and Lucas but too many secrets threaten their romance. This novella has some key supporting characters, which illustrate the snobbery and prejudice of Tyler's family perfectly. The story has plenty of humour and a lovely romantic ending.

     

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Pepe steals Cara's phone to help his elder brother Luca, track down his runaway wife Grace. What Pepe doesn't realise is how his careless sortie into Cara's life will have life changing consequences for both of them.
Pepe, although outwardly successful and living the dolce vita, hides a maelstrom of self-doubt and anger. He vents his fury on the unsuspecting Cara and confirms her worst fears. She hates him at this point and he is not the most endearing of heroes, in my eyes either. However it's the little things that betray his compassionate nature. Coupled with his passionate addiction to Cara, he is a hero worth saving. Cara is a gentle person but not weak, as Pepe finds to his cost. Truly courageous Cara is determined not to repeat her parents' mistakes.
Despite Pepe's wealth the story is realistically grounded and enhanced with a charmingly, authentic setting. You experience the couple's knife edge emotions, which continue in intensity right to the poignant end.
Thank goodness for epilogues. After tragedy and misunderstanding Cara and Pepe finally find their happy ever after.


5* Review: What a Sicilian Husband Wants (Irresistible Sicilians #1))

   

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Say it with Sequins: The Rumba is a light-hearted story that triggers fond memories for fans of Strictly. Julia is a struggling actress whose career needs a boost. Harri is a successful children’s presenter who wants a leg up onto the next rung of his career ladder. For Harri and Julia two of the celebrity contestants their mutual attraction is instant but in Harri’s case unwelcome. If he acts on it he may lose his current career. They agree to take part in the Christmas special. Drawn together they have to learn and dance the sexy and complex Rumba together.
The supporting cast of professional dancers and other celebratory clients are varied and make the storyline interesting and humorous. The romance which develops between Julia and Harri is engaging and sweet spiced up with the clever build up of sexual tension. Harri battles with his deep feelings for Julia and she is plagued with self-doubt about her attractiveness to Harri.
Will the Rumba be a ten for them?
A quick fun read.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins UK Harper Impulse via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Say it with Sequins: The Waltz is as the dance suggests a gentle romantic tale of a wallflower and a misunderstood hero.
Lucy a successful but reclusive children’s fiction writer finds herself on the reality television dance show Who Dares Dances thanks to her pushy streetwise agent the aptly named Whiz. Max an Olympic gold medal swimmer is the proverbial fish out of water in the dance studio and it’s this awkwardness that attracts Lucy a recovering agoraphobic who senses a kindred spirit.
Long hours of training make the couple want to be more than friends but neither is aware of their reciprocated feelings put off by the emotional barriers they are both so good at building. Lucy’s naivety leads to a tragic misunderstanding between the couple which makes a fairytale ending unlikely.
This story is full of poignant insights which endear Lucy and Max to the reader. An unforeseen intervention threatens Lucy and Max’s friendship. Luckily cupid appears in a spray tan and gives the couple a helping hand but Max must share his greatest secret if they are ever to be happy together.
Lucy and Max are introverts fighting internal battles which can only be won through self belief which makes Say it With Sequins: The Waltz’ more angst ridden than the first story. The damage prejudice and lack of understanding causes are important elements in this story. Its delicate balance between light and shade makes it a romantic satisfying read.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins UK Harper Impulse via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


The Charleston , the last ofthe 'Say it with Sequins' stories ties up the series in a satisfying way and gives the lovely Daniel his chance of a happy-ever-after with Meredith, a feisty struggling actress and stand-up comedienne who needs to succeed in the dance reality show to kick-start her career.
I liked Merry she is intelligent, quick witted with a compassionate nature, the perfect woman for Daniel. Unfortunately, he still holds a candle for Julia (from book 1) and is afraid to take a chance on Merry in case she knocks him back.
Merry's famous, actress aunt plays a wonderful cameo role in the story.
Merry is forced to confront her deepest fears in the most public of arena's but her strength of character pulls her through but does she get her man? Read this charming story and find out.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley.

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Christmas wouldn't be complete without a delightful romantic comedy. 'Cold Feet at Christmas' has all the ingredients for the perfect romantic trifle. Leah and Rob are vivid characters, so easy to visualise. The remote, snowbound cottage is the quintessentially festive setting. This is sprinkled with laugh-out-loud humour and sizzling romantic chemistry that makes you long to be stranded in a snow drift.

What comes next when Christmas gives way to New Year is alternatively frustrating and amusing. Leah realises Rob is far more emotionally damaged than he seems on first acquaintance. Rob denies his feelings for Leah. He hides a deep sadness and lack of self worth that threatens any future they may have. Gentle humour mitigates the poignancy. Leah is a 'glass half full' girl and even though she has more than her fair share of emotional baggage, she retains her optimism. This is refreshing and gives the reader hope she can make annoyingly, confusing yet sexy Rob see that she is the key to his future.

There are no major surprises in the story but this is part of the charm of romantic comedy and the ending is nicely done.

Be sure to put this festive cracker on your Christmas list.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

  

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I have read and enjoyed all the 'Starting Out' books. This one is the most poignant and realistic and therefore for me, the most enjoyable. 'I Found You', the first book in the series introduced Billy and Lindy and neither came across as particularly likeable. 'I Need You' is their story and you don't have to read very much of this book to realise why they both acted so badly in the first book.

Billy loves Lindy. They met at school and he accepted her friendship, no matter how painful it was, rather than lose her when she hooked up with his best mate Jason. Lindy is angry and desperate when Jason dumps her for his soul mate Rachel but her pain is more complicated than Billy first surmises. Billy puts his life on hold to stop Lindy's downward spiral but she doesn't share all her pain with him and the time they spend together takes its toll on his tender heart.

The chemistry between the two friends is a slow sizzle and their love story is full of pain, fear and humour. Billy truly awakens Lindy to her full potential, in every way but is it enough for them to be together, or is Lindy's need to escape parts of her life too much for Billy to repair?

The story unfolds beautifully and it highlights the importance of forgiveness, envy and how hard you have to work to find true love. Lindy is the character that travels the furthest in this story and the one I admired the most at the end.

I Need you is a lovely feel good read.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Here's my review of I Found You and Just You the first two books in the series.
4* Review: I Found You
5* Review: Just You

 

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The sample of Endgame I read, intrigued me enough to want to read the rest. You can read my initial thoughts after reading the sample chapters here: My Review of Endgame - sample Unfortunately the rest of the book doesn't live up to my initial expectations.

It continues its multi character approach and certainly delivers on action and violence. Given the characters' young ages, I found this disturbing.

Interestingly, instead of working in isolation many of the players teamed up. This realistic touch emphasised the players' humanity.

The story is punctuated with number sequences and pictures. I presume these relate to the game, which accompanies the book. I ignored these and reviewed the characters and story. The drawings and pictures would be better in the hardcover version. I read an electronic ARC.

The end of 'The Calling' throws up more questions than answers. I'm not sure I care enough about the characters to find out what happens. However I am not the intended audience and if you are a fan of fantasy computer games and dystopian adventure this may be for you.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins UK Children via NetGalley in return for an honest review.




 

 
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This is the perfect ending, to what has turned out to be a wonderful story, full of pain and joy, lies and deceit, the stuff of most real families, if we are honest. 'A Place for Us' part four, is poignant but the sadness of the earlier episodes is replaced by acceptance and hope. Martha and her family come to terms with their loss. Through this acceptance, Martha finds her true self, as she strives to reunite her remaining family.

The characters develop in a pleasing way and the younger family members are set to carry on the legacy, with more transparency than their grandparents. The epilogue is the key to the whole story. It explains why the house was so important to David and why Martha wanted to maintain the illusion of the perfect family.

This is a recommended read, from me. It does work as a serial because the characters are memorable but will also be a compelling novel.

I received a copy of this book from Headline via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

My review of A Place for Us Part 1

My review of a Place for Us Part 2

My review of a Place for Us Part 3

   

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Twitter Girl is a must read, if you love witty dialogue. Add to this, media industry insight, delivered by vivid, easily visualised characters and you have an enjoyable read. Like 'Wing Girl', the first book by Nic Tatano, this sweet, romantic comedy is full of snarky lines from independent, career minded women, who speak their mind, before they consider the consequences.

TV journalist Cassidy's television career depends on her brash, no nonsense opinions. Twitter proves the perfect social media vehicle to get her noticed but a misconstrued tweet, puts her at the centre of a controversy. Her twitter following grows and lands her a new job on the road to 'The White House' with wannabe presidential nominee, Will Becker, eligible and drop dead gorgeous.

The cast of characters includes a dynamic, loyal best friend, Ripley. Dependable, loving younger brother, Sam and Tyler, a carbon copy of her much loved brother, who always has her best interests at heart. Will Becker is Cassidy's boss and the focus of her desire but does he reciprocate? Can she solve the mystery surrounding him even if she risks breaking her heart?

Romance, friendship, political conspiracy all features in this light hearted story but the dark secrets are shocking and force Cassidy to value what's real rather than the fantasy.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

   
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'Fatal Abduction' is a psychological thriller with paranormal elements, aimed at young adults. This is the first of Julia Crane's books I have read. I didn't realise it was part of a series until I looked on Goodreads and found out it is book 3 in the IFCS series. The story works as a standalone read, with enough back-story to make the characters understandable. For an enhanced reading experience, read the series in sequence.
The moving prologue sets the scene perfectly. The well-paced plot flows well. The multi person points of view, make the story immediate and realistic. The serial killer is threatening because of his apparent normality and again this adds to the story's authenticity.
It did seem a little rushed in parts, much is made of Kaitlyn posing as bait for the serial killer in the blurb but this is an anti-climax because she never appears to be under threat from the killer. I liked the victim point of view from Eliza and the paranormal threads in her point of view, more of this would have increased the drama of the story. A little more detail about why the antagonist became a serial killer, maybe by making his flashbacks more detailed would have made him more menacing.
'Fatal Abduction' is an interesting, quick read for those who like thrillers and covert avengers.
I received a copy of this book from the author via Mark My Word Book Publicity in return for an honest review.