Audio: Pride Prejudice and other flavors by Sonali Dev

By: Sonali Dev

Narrated by: Soneela Nankani

Length: 15 hrs and 8 mins

Release date: 05-07-19

Series. The Rajes #1

Publisher: HarperAudio

Romantic fiction /PP variation

To review

I am not the biggest fan of modern adaptions, because most of the time I see nothing of the story in them, but here it shone through in a wonderful way. She did pp justice and managed a great adaptation. 

Trisha is the proud surgeon. But her family ties are not the best because of something that happened 15 years ago. 

Arghh, Wickham, he was loathsome in PP, and here she is a bitch. Evil calculating bitch. It was a very fitting modern Wickham, smile and dagger in the back.

DJ is a great chef, but his sister is really ill and he quit everything to take care of her. But he needs money. He is the prejudice then, and Trisha does make it easy for him. Of course I did like Trisha, her pride in her work was justified. Of course she could have seen that other do just as important things. And DJ just saw a rich girl, but she was so much more. But that is PP.

They clash, a lot! They argue, he despise her, she starts to fall. There is Wickham lurking and spreading lies.

I so want to read about Trishas brother, all I am saying. But I am thinking her cousin and younger brother might get their books and not him.

Also her other cousin was really fascinating!

Back to the story. It does follow PP, so you know they will have their fights and reconciliation, and slowly fall in love. They just really have to work for it.

A good story, a really nice PP version.

Narrator

I have listened to Soneela before and liked her. She is great with accents as she juggles British, American, Indian, and they all work well. As well as the different voices for everyone,

Only in a family like the Rajes could San Francisco's most acclaimed neurosurgeon be considered the black sheep. Dr. Trisha Raje has developed groundbreaking technology and won the respect of her peers and the life-long gratitude of her patients. Still, her large, close-knit family-descended from old Indian nobility-has certain rules to uphold. Trusting outsiders is frowned upon. Disloyalty of any kind is unacceptable. Trisha never intended to jeopardize her brother's political aspirations, yet her long-ago actions inadvertently did just that. At last she has a chance to turn that around.
Up-and-coming chef DJ Caine has known people like Trisha before-people who judge his background and find it lacking, who put pedigree above character. He may need the lucrative, career-making job the Rajes offer, but he has little time for Trisha, especially when he learns that she's the arrogant surgeon who wants to perform an untested procedure on his sister, Emma.
As the two continually clash, their assumptions shatter like spun sugar on one of DJ's stunning desserts. Drawn to DJ's steadiness, humor, and passion-as well as his extraordinary food-Trisha begins to reexamine her view of the world, while challenging his beliefs about the nature of family. But there's a past to be reckoned with before they can hope to savor a future bursting with delicious possibility.

Audio: The flatshare - Beth O'Leary

Narrated by: Carrie Hope Fletcher, Kwaku Fortune

Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 05-28-19

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Romantic fiction

To review

This was sure one strange arrangement. They share a bed, but have never met! He works nights, she works normal hours so they never meet. But they share the same flat, the same bed. A start to a new fun friendship.

Tiffie needs a place to live, and fast, so she goes for this. She has recently broken up with her boyfriend, he is already engaged to someone else and she had been living with him up until now. Yes he sounds like quite the charmer. She is colorful, fun and with a smile on her face. I liked her at once. She also starts writing notes to the flatmate she has never met.

Leon is more of an introvert. He works nights to pay for his brother's lawyer and he needs even more money. 

They interact through notes. Everywhere in the house. They get to know each other. She coax him out of his shell. And other things happen.

Like his hunt for someone a patient used to know.

Her realising that she does not need her ex.

And them falling in love.

It was a sweet story with heart, but also a lot of depth. There are realisations to have and they dealt with a lot of emotional heartache.

Narration

 I wonder how they did the notes in the book. Here it does work well when they just read them out loud. There are also phonecalls and they work too since they use some kind of muffler? They narrate well and the story really flows through their narration

After a bad breakup, Tiffy Moore needs a place to live. Fast. And cheap. But the apartments in her budget have her wondering if astonishingly colored mold on the walls counts as art.  
Desperation makes her open-minded, so she answers an ad for a flatshare. Leon, a night-shift worker, will take the apartment during the day, and Tiffy can have it nights and weekends. He’ll only ever be there when she’s at the office. In fact, they’ll never even have to meet.  
Tiffy and Leon start writing each other notes - first about what day is garbage day, and politely establishing what leftovers are up for grabs, and the evergreen question of whether the toilet seat should stay up or down. Even though they are opposites, they soon become friends. And then maybe more.  
But falling in love with your roommate is probably a terrible idea...especially if you've never met.

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

Paperback, 336 pages

Expected publication: June 6th 2019 by Corvus (first published May 7th 2019)

Series: The Kiss Quotient #2

To review

Contemporary romance

I do think I enjoyed this book even more than the previous one! I do love when that happens. When the books just grow stronger. Which means I can't wait for the next one. Ohh Quan's book, thrilling!

We met Khai in a previous book for a moment, but I would say that this one works perfectly as a stand alone. You do not need to have read it to understand this new one.

Khai has aspergers. And his mum goes to Vietnam to find him a wife *headdesk, mum!* But she means well and se wants him to be happy. And he just kind of goes along with it when his mum tells him look here, you have 3 months with her, marry her or do not marry her.

I loved Khai. Just loved him.

Esme worked cleaning toilets when she met Khai's mum, who saw something in her. And gave her a chance to win his love. She took the chance and ran with it.

Obviously there are hurdles to overcome. He does not do emotions, he does not want to be touched. Things should be as they are. While Esme is forward, sweet and cheerful. And they are exactly perfect for each other.

But this is so much more than two people finding love. She finds her own path, which is more important. She wants to make something of herself, to create a better life for her daughter.

I really enjoyed this book. It felt light and I read it in no time at all.

Sweet, with passion on the side. Fun, with drama thrown in. And most of all, delightful.

Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, he feels irritation when people move his things or contentment when ledgers balance down to the penny, but not big, important emotions—like grief. And love. He thinks he’s defective. His family knows better—that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly avoids relationships, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride.

As a mixed-race girl living in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, Esme Tran has always felt out of place. When the opportunity arises to come to America and meet a potential husband, she can’t turn it down, thinking this could be the break her family needs. Seducing Khai, however, doesn’t go as planned. Esme’s lessons in love seem to be working…but only on herself. She’s hopelessly smitten with a man who’s convinced he can never return her affection.

With Esme’s time in the United States dwindling, Khai is forced to understand he’s been wrong all along. And there’s more than one way to love. 

Joint Audio Discussion: Still me - Jojo Moyes

Hello all! Carole and I will be discussing "Still Me" by Jojo Moyes. I am in black and Carole in purple/

Author: Jojo Moyes

Narrator: Anna Acton

Title: Still Me (Me Before You #3)

Genre: Fiction, Romance

Pages: Audiobook

Published: January 30th 2018 

Where I Got It: library

Louisa Clark arrives in New York ready to start a new life, confident that she can embrace this new adventure and keep her relationship with Ambulance Sam alive across several thousand miles. She steps into the world of the superrich, working for Leonard Gopnik and his much younger second wife, Agnes. Lou is determined to get the most out of the experience and throws herself into her new job and New York life. 

As she begins to mix in New York high society, Lou meets Joshua Ryan, a man who brings with him a whisper of her past. Before long, Lou finds herself torn between Fifth Avenue where she works and the treasure-filled vintage clothing store where she actually feels at home. And when matters come to a head, she has to ask herself: Who is Louisa Clark? And how do you reconcile a heart that lives in two places?

Funny, romantic, and poignant, Still Me follows Lou as she navigates how to stay true to herself, while pushing to live boldly in her brave new world.

This was my favorite Moyes so far, and that is saying much since I got so pissed at it too ;) But the previous book was just soooo dreadful. And I did like that this was audio for me, book 2 was print and book 1 was movie. Pretty cool.

Yesss the 2nd book was so bad. This was my 2nd favorite of the series. Book 1 will always hold a special place in my heart. It was so sad. This one was good but I did not cry. I did feel for Lou. I feel like she always gets bad luck!

It is starting to feel like MOyes is milking this too much, and I do hope this was the end...wait no I don’t. Cos of that thing you know. But I liked this one because it felt more relaxed. Just a girl in the city.

I am curious to see if there is another one. She left it a little open-ended. What is next? Or will she leave it to us to decide. And I know what I want to happen. Not THAT. I am so angry that Lou just let him come back. No. 

She gave us a happy little ending, with more that could come. Making it in the city. But yes, I was pissed. Sam is not right for Lou. I hated it. F grand gestures. No, why did Moyes have to go and do that. It did ruin the book for me.

I adored Sam in book 2 and the beginning of book 3. But he F’ed up and I loathe him. Lou deserves better. He needed to really do more than that. He needed to really do a lot and sure that “grand gesture” is a nice beginning, but I would make him earn me. And I would still probably tell him no after all of that. LOL

Some things can not be forgiven. And her other guy, sigh, Josh was so nice in the beginning, but then suddenly he was a jerk. Like I said to you I did feel the author changed that too quickly. We should have seen something from the start and not make him into an arsehole all the sudden. So that she could get her other man

It was all of a sudden. I can see if it had been a few months and then he starts having enough of Lou’s weirdo-ness. I am bummed but we should’ve known better. He looked like Will but he is not Will whatsoever. Will would’ve kicked his butt. 

I am finding it hard to discuss this book. It was really good one, I enjoyed it, but other than the men and Agnes, fu Agnes! I do not have a lot to say. As for the Agnes thing, I would not have been that nice, I would have taken her down with me.

It is SOOOOOO hard to not give away spoilers. So mannnyyyy of them. And yes F Agnes too. I felt bad for her at the beginning, but she just used Lou. I would’ve easily tossed her under the bus. No, I will not take that graciously. But maybe that makes Lou better than us. I am glad it happened though, because I am glad we got to learn more about the old lady. I actually ended up loving her and that little Pug. Super cute!

Haha, the pug with the shifty eyes, yes he was a darling...after a while,and the old lady too. Agnes, I got her, but at the same time as she was so supposedly in love she did that. But I guess all is forgiven in love in this book.

I do wish that the author gave us more of a conclusion with that whole story. Because that is a huge thing to lie about. I am curious. 

I do want to know. And I do not know why he did not just sent Elaria to work for his wife. She kept calling Agnes a whore, i mean that is not cool. The household would sure have been happier.

He was just blind to it all. I would not be cool with a person working for me calling my BF names. And that daughter? No….she needed a slap in the face. A little snot, but realistic. That happens all the time. It is more common for a step child to hate the new, young bride/husband. Especially if they were older when the parents break up. 

Still, you are 24. Get a job and shut up. I get being resentful, but I do feel these two could have been happy if everyone hadn’t been a dick about it.

Right??? I am glad that she was finally put in her place. She was a little beyotch. Like I said...I felt bad for Agnus...but then she did what she did and I was pissed. Not cool. Sure things worked out, but I can’t imagine doing that to one of my friends. 

Right! Not cool Agnes.

Ok so the narrator whose name I do not remember did a great job. I really felt like I liked the story more cos of her.

I adored the narrator. I loved all of her accents. So fun!

Would I have liked the print as much...doubtful. A good narrator makes everything so much better :)

Mhmmm I am not sure. I think I would’ve liked the story, but the narrator for sure added more to it so it made me like it better. She was the perfect Lou. 

SO even with that THING, I felt the book was really good. I wanted to know what would happen to Lou and I liked the narrator. I call that a success, hehe ;)

I am glad we decided to read this. I know we were both unsure because of how BAD book 2 was. I’m happy with this choice. The story was really good even though Sam and Agnus were aholes. But it does give us a reminder that life is not fair and Lou has bad luck. I miss Will D: 

A good solid choice. Yay. That means the next one will probably suck. Is it your turn?

It is your turn m’am. ;) But yes, I am pleasantly surprised with this pick. I was worried because the last book was good too. Two good, solid picks??????? Makes me worried for December’s choice!

I kind of want to go xmsssy but that is doomed to fail

That sounds like a good plan, but knowing our luck it will fail. Hahahaha

The end! I need to take in S and wake her.

Okay! I am helping Gma move today. Ugh. It is soooo cold out there. 

About the Authors

Carole and Blodeuedd have been blogging a long while now. The last couple of years the epic duo have been discussing books, watching movies, and even wetting the pen and sharing their stories with the worldwide web. They both love cats, chocolate, and a good story.

Audio: Christmas on the Island - Jenny Colgan

Audio CD, 7 Hours and 35 Minutes

Narrator: Sarah Barron

Published October 16th 2018 by HarperCollins

Series: Summer Seaside Kitchen #3

Women's fiction

Thank you Harper for this review copy

My Thoughts

This story certainly was bittersweet. It was a story about the people, this island, and their hopes and dreams.

But first, this is book 3 and at first I felt, well not lost, but I did feel like I if I had gone into a room filled with people who knew each other. And I dared not approach anyone cos they all seemed to enjoy each other's company so much. But I got to know them by watching them, it that makes sense.

The book is mostly about Flora, a former lawyer, who now runs the Seaside Kitchen. She loves this windswept island and its people. And her big farming family.

I do not know the story of her and Joel. But I guess they worked together, became a couple and now live on Mure. But not together. And she is preggers, and he has some horrible past that makes him scared of loving anyone. So she takes small steps and this could break him. Which is so sad, because she needs some support too. But he does seem really messed up.

There is her brother Fintan, and hos husband Coltan who is dying. I guess if I had seen them meet and fall in love then this would have been so sad.It still was sad, but yes it would have been so much more heartbreaking then.

Then there is Saif, a doctor from Syria who was reunited with his boys, but his wife is still missing (and yeah, after this book I doubt she is alive.) But he mourns and feels like maybe they still live somewhere where there are more like them.

Lorna, the teacher who is in love with Saif, but she also knows he still loves his wife. Poor Lorna. Poor Saif.

And then there Christmas approaching.  A person in itself. And the light it brings this island. And I mean literally cos yes I know the darkness of December. You get up it is dark, you get home it is dark.

Conclusion:
Some romance, friendship, heartache and longing. A sweet and sad Christmas tale. And the stories are not over.

Narration

Sarah was really good. I loved her accent and her kid voice was so fun. Perfect

I was there on the island with them. Feeling sadness,  being hungry and happy

Cover

SO pretty

Blurb

On the remote Scottish island of Mure, the Christmas season is stark, windy, and icy-yet incredibly festive and beautiful ...

It's a time for getting cozy in front of whiskey barrel wood fires, and enjoying a dram and a treacle pudding with the people you love-unless, of course, you've accidentally gotten pregnant by your ex-boss, and don't know how to tell him. In the season for peace and good cheer, will Flora find the nerve to reveal the truth to her nearest and dearest? Will her erstwhile co-parent Joel think she's the bearer of glad tidings-or is this Christmas going to be as bleak as the Highlands in midwinter?

Meanwhile Saif, a doctor and refugee from war-torn Syria is trying to enjoy his first western Christmas with his sons on this remote island where he's been granted asylum. His wife, however, is still missing, and her absence hangs over what should be a joyful celebration. Can the family possibly find comfort and joy without her?

Travel to the beautiful northern edge of the world and join the welcoming community of Mure for a Highland Christmas you'll never forget!

Audio: Miranda's big mistake - Jill Mansell

Audio CD, 15 pages

Published August 7th 2018 by Tantor Audio (first published 1999)

Romantic fiction /women's fiction

For review

My thoughts.

I like Mansell's books. They are always sweet and they never disappoint. Of course this one I actually wanted to listen to because of Gabrielle Baker, and she made is so much better. Her voice was perfect for it.

Miranda works in a fancy hair saloon. So far she does she lowly jobs, and hey, with her luck and messing things up, that might be a good idea. Her boss forgives a lot. Things others would not. But then she is sunshine. Happy, nice and funny. Who would not want to work with her. She is the one that the book is about, but since this is a Mansell book everyone else gets a lot of time in the spotlight too.

Like her boss ..Fen or Ben? I could actually not get that right. Anyway, the hot guy who owns the saloon and dates supermodels. But he is such a good guy.

Bev, who is the receptionist for the place. She is dyyyyyyying to meet someone, and this woman needs to calm down.

Flo, who owns the house where Miranda rents a room. Oh FLo was hilarious! I wish I am that cool and sassy when I get old.

Chloe, whose husband dumped her when she got preggers. That ahole! Chloe is so sweet and nice!

But as the blurb can tell you she will meet someone and fall in love, and dang he made is so hard to dislike him. Cos he is an ahole, but he does seem to like Miranda. There is also another mistake she makes early on that comes back through out the whole book, and I will not say more there, except, some mistakes are worth making.

The only weird thing was when she fell for someone and...let's just say, she got over it so fast. It felt like, why even write that particular story. It was strange and I can not say more.

But do not worry, everyone will be happy (except for Greg, he does not deserve too).

Conclusion:
I enjoyed it

Narrator Gabrielle Baker
Oh she is just wonderful! I really like her voice and she makes for a great Miranda

Cover
She does not take a single bikeride...cute still

Blurb:
Revenge is a dish best served sweet . . .

Miranda's most recent male-related catastrophe is the seemingly perfect Greg. He's gorgeous, witty, and they're on the brink of falling madly in love . . . until Miranda finds out he's just left his pregnant wife.

With the help of her friends, Miranda plans the most delicious revenge a heartbroken girl can get. But will Miranda learn from her mistake, or move on to the next "perfect" man and ignore the love of her life waiting in the wings?

Audio: Sheer Mischief - Jill Mansell

My thoughts:

Mansell likes to write from many POVs at times,  and that is the case here.

First we have Janey, who is the main POV. Her husband disappeared one day, and she still wonders about that almost 2 years after. Like who wouldn't! She is kind, but with low self esteem. She keeps comparing herself to her thinner pretty sister. Also she totally flirts with the wrong man,  I so worried about that.

Then there is Maxine who is a whirl storm. I really can not compare, but even if the book starts with J, I would say Maxine gets almost the same numbers. Anyway,  you can not dislike her, even though she is flighty, can not be trusted and likes men too much. But she is still kind and funny and she does love her sister. She is the worst and the best at her job and I kept shaking my head, but she was amusing to read about.

Their mum gets a minor POV later on, but hush hush about that.

Then there is Guy, who Maxine sets her eyes on. Oh he was so blind when it comes to women. But he is a really nice guy, really. And he loves his kids.

There is love to bo found and lost. New roads to take. Secrets to find out. Lives to live. It's a nice book and even though I knew what would happen with some, I did wonder about the road there cos it sure took long ;)

Conclusion:

A lovely book where everyone got what they deserved, good and bad.

Narrator. Charlotte Anne Dore

I actually had some issues here. I tried every speed, but it was always the same thing, her sentences felt...chunky? They just did not flow. Luckily I could still enjoy it, but yes it did bug me.

Cover

Cute. No head though

Blurb:

It's not that Janey Sinclair isn't pleased to see her sister. It's just that being woken at seven by Maxine, complete with police escort, isn't quite how she'd planned to spend her Sunday. Even so Janey, who's just rebuilding her life after her husband disappeared, is delighted that her sister's back in the Cornish town where they grew up. When Maxine sets her sights on Guy Cassidy, an impossibly glamorous fashion photographer, Janey knows there's no limit to the mischief her sister will get up to in order to dispatch her rivals. But little do they know that the competition is a lot closer to home than they think . . . 

Audio CD, 15 h
Published July 3rd 2018 by Tantor Audio (first published 1994)
Womens fiction
For review

Audio: This could change everything - Jill Mansell

All it takes is one email to end her relationship, get her kicked out of her apartment, and just about ruin her life. Essie Phillips never meant for her private rant about her boss to be sent to everyone in her address book, but as soon as it goes viral, her life as she knows it is over. Solution: move to a new town, find a new job, make new friends. If only it were as simple as that...

My thoughts:

Review Essie writes something for fun, but then something happens and everyone knows her mistake. Her boyfriend, his mum, and she looses everything. Her job, her boyfriend and her home. But honestly, her boyfriend was not that special and his mum a horror. Even if it takes Essie a while to realise this.

So she needs a place to live, an a new job and all POVS come together. As for Essie, she was normal and likable.

Then there is Cilla, a 83 year old with a taste for fashion, and omg she was so cool.

Connor, who left a good paying job to find his passion. A nice guy.

Then there is Lucas, a bar owner, and Essie's BFF Scarlett who sounds like a hoot.

They all have their spot in the limelight and I do not know how she does it. The book is not that long, but the story takes place over some months so people have time to become friends, find romance and find new things to like. It all works really well.

Conclusion;
A nice story about many stories. Friendships are made and romance is found

Narrator Esther Wane

Oh her voice of this annoying person cracked me up, and I liked her Connor voice. It made me lol.

She did a great job with it all 

Audio CD, 11 pages

Published June 5th 2018 by Tantor Audio (first published January 25th 2018)

Romantic fiction

For review

Audio: Home with you - Shirlee McCoy

The Bradshaw brothers never dreamed they'd return to their hometown. But tragedy has brought them back together in Benevolence, Washington, where they're finding generosity, surprising revelations-and unexpected love . . . Sullivan Bradshaw is in way over his head. A car crash killed his brother, Matthias, and critically injured his sister-in-law. It's Sullivan's turn to care for the couple's six children and the ancestral farm, but the die-hard bachelor and art professor is hardly family-man material. What he needs is the perfect nanny-miracle worker-saint. What he gets is pretty Rumer Truehart, a free spirit who will change everything he ever thought he wanted . . . Rumer learned the hard way that nothing is for sure, much less forever. And she certainly understands why Sullivan's unhappy childhood makes him a strictly no-commitments kind of guy. But she can't help being drawn to this thoughtful, gentle man. And when trouble strikes, she's determined to win his trust-and show him love can be a promise for keeps. 

Audio CD, 9 h
Published February 27th 2018 by Tantor Audio
The Bradshaws #1
Contemporary romance /Romantic fiction
For review

My thoughts:

I wonder what I should file this under? Sure there is romance, but not a lot. It is more something between romantic fiction and contemporary romance. So I shall call it contemporary romance drama.

Sullivan has to take care of his brother's 6 kids when his brother dies and the wife is in a coma. And the kids are obviously distraught and they have their own baggage too. Like the oldest who has been in too many foster homes. Or their adoptive daughter who thinks she has to be calm and strong for everyone. I loved those kids. I know some do not want to read books with kids in them, but this book needed the kids. 

As for Sullivan, he is a good man. A bit overwhelmed though.

To help comes Rumer. She was sweet, sensible and so good for them all. Though I must say, yes yes, I know you studied and know kids, but even if she said it the nicest way possible, I would have taken offense at times. Sully does not, but still not everything can be solved with her ways, even if they are solved here. Oh and I wanted to smack her over the head cos she had this idea about how her family is "cursed" to only fall for bad men, omg girl! Are you listening to yourself!?

Friends and slowly falling in love, but not acting on it. They both have their things to work through, and with 6 kids around to do not get a lot of alone time.

And the small town is so nice. Hey, everyone is nice in this one. A good family oriented romance.

Narrator.Vanessa Daniels

I liked her voice and range. I liked her kid voices. A good impression

Sample

Audio: The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris - Jenny Colgan

It's true that Anna Trent is a supervisor in a chocolate factory . . . but that doesn't necessarily mean she knows how to make chocolate. And when a fateful accident gives her the opportunity to work at Paris's elite chocolatier Le Chapeau Chocolat, Anna expects to be outed as a fraud. After all, there is a world of difference between chalky, mass-produced English chocolate and the gourmet confections Anna's new boss creates. But with a bit of luck and a lot of patience, Anna might learn that the sweetest things in life are always worth working for. 

Audio CD, 10h
Published January 18th 2018 by Tantor Audio (first published January 1st 2013)
Women's fic /romantic fiction
For review

My thoughts:

OH I can still hear Anna's voice in my head! She sounded so fun, and like we would have a jolly good time together.

Let us begin. Anna has an accident and spends some time at a hospital and re-connects with an old French teacher of hers. She kind of floats through life, sure working at a choco factory is fun (omg, that would be so amazing!), but what else?

The book has another POV too. A young Englishwoman in the 70s who falls for a handsome Frenchman, and well it is obvious how it connects, and kind of sad too.

I liked Anna and her new life in Paris. She has no idea what to do but she just goes for it. She truly finds something to be happy about.

I also liked the 70s story and wondered how it all would work out...

Conclusion:

Sweet, and bittersweet. Fun and I need to go to France and eat REAL chocolate. Oh and food.

Narrator:  Beverley A Crick

Oh her Anna voice was so fun! Yes, like I said, Anna and I would be amazing friends. Her voice was just perfect. Shy, happy, confused, sad and witty.

She really made this book fun

Sample

Blog Tour Review: Aphrodite's Tears - Hannah Fielding

In ancient Greece, one of the twelve labours of Heracles was to bring back a golden apple from the Garden of Hesperides. To archaeologist Oriel Anderson, joining a team of Greek divers on the island of Helios seems like the golden apple of her dreams. Yet the dream becomes a nightmare when she meets the devilish owner of the island, Damian Lekkas. In shocked recognition, she is flooded with the memory of a romantic night in a stranger’s arms, six summers ago. A very different man stands before her now, and Oriel senses that the sardonic Greek autocrat is hell-bent on playing a cat and mouse game with her. As they cross swords and passions mount, Oriel is aware that malevolent eyes watch her from the shadows. Dark rumours are whispered about the Lekkas family. What dangers lie in Helios, a bewitching land where ancient rituals are still enacted to appease the gods, young men risk their lives in the treacherous depths of the Ionian Sea, and the volatile earth can erupt at any moment? Will Oriel find the hidden treasures she seeks? Or will Damian’s tragic past catch up with them, threatening to engulf them both? 

Paperback, 624 pages
Expected publication: January 25th 2018 by London Wall Publishing
Romantic fiction
for review

My thoughts:
I think the 70s setting fitted this book, cos if she had written it to take place today, wow, *me hitting men in the head* Hehe. Just say some of the men were very old school, but for the most they were cool. But it was the 70s, it was Greece, it was a island where most were farmers or fishermen. And it was fitting. I do hate when they try to make things like the times wasn't. Like come on, do not shy away cos if it, how do you think someone would react if you swim around in a bikini in a place where women wear shawls and black clothes. So this guy points out that a one piece is better, that is it.

So Oriel comes to Greece to work. She is an archaeologist. She is good and tired of mud. Oh and she had this hot one night stand ages ago.

Damian rules the Island, yes I told you they are old school, he is also an archaeologist (match made in heaven). And honestly, he so fits the persona I would think from some 70s Greek, lol, ok I have read too many Mills and boon books, but hey in those the guys are still like that. Oh and he is the guy who seduced her and still has the hots for her.

So he is her boss. She is all, nope, I should not fancy him. There is a cousin who, yes, that woman has issues! She was the most old school of them all. In the end she might be the only one in fact. Ugh that woman.

But, the book was too long to be honest, I am so pressed for time these days, and 600 p is a lot. In that time there is drama, discoveries, jealousy, old flames, diving and happily ever after.

Conclusion:
A true Greek drama, with a happy ending.

Aphrodite’s Tears is out in paperback on 25th January for £7.99.

About the Author

Following her huge success as one of the UK’s leading romance authors with total sales of over 130k, Aphrodite’s Tears follows the award winning success of Hannah Fielding’s previous novels Burning Embers, Echoes of Love, Masquerade, Legacy and Indiscretion. Echoes of Love won Romance Novel of the Year at the IPB Awards in 2012 and Burning Embers was Amazon’s book of the month in 2011, while Hannah’s novels have been translated into 13 languages. With its spectacular setting and deep emotional drama, Aphrodite’s Tears will appeal both to fans of her backlist, as well as lovers of atmospheric travel writing including Santa Montefiore, Penny Vincenzie, Victoria Hislop and Lucinda Riley. 

Egyptian by birth Hannah is fluent in French, English and Arabic and has lived all over the world, she currently lives between her writing retreat in the South of France and her rambling family home in Ireland.  Hannah’s grandmother, Esther Fanous, was the revolutionary feminist writer in Egypt during the early 1900s.

Twitter: @fieldinghannah

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHannahFielding/

 

Audio Review: Sweet Haven - Shirlee McCoy

In Benevolence, Washington, the Lamont family's irresistible handmade chocolates are a cherished tradition--and always a reason to celebrate. And now they're giving the three Lamont sisters, one by one, delicious chances to start again, make a change, and have their sweetest dreams come true...

Neighbors who care, a peaceful routine--accountant Adeline Lamont is glad some things about her beloved hometown never change. But when her grandfather is injured, she has to run the family store, Chocolate Haven, and make its legendary fudge. Trouble is, she can't get the recipe right to save her life--or Chocolate Haven. And she doesn't need her ornery new tenant, Sinclair Jefferson, stirring up the pot with his help--and daring Addie to taste her wild side…

Once Sinclair gets his hapless brother back on track, he's leaving Benevolence for good this time. He's made his life far away from his irresponsible family and their scandals. Trouble is, he can't quite stay away from Addie's optimism, enticing plus-size curves, and kindness to those who need it most. But they don't seem to have a thing in common--except that Addie's passion for chocolate, and for Benevolence, is just as contagious as Sinclair's passion for her. Maybe small-town life has its charms after all… 

Audio CD, 9 pages
Expected publication: November 21st 2017 by Tantor Audio (first published February 23rd 2016)
Home Sweet Home #1
Contemprary romance/Romantic fiction
For review

My thoughts:

Please someone, give me some fudge! Or chocolate! All the times fudge and chocolate was mentioned. All the times she threw some in the trash cos it was not great, only good and I was all, I want to eat that trash! 

Addie has way too many things to do. Take care of her grandfather's Chocolate shop (and learn to make the best fudge in the world), get ready for a wedding. Take care of her puppy that has way too much energy. Find time for her actual job! Avoid her matchmaking mother and well the list goes on and on. Poor Addy, I get that she wants to please everyone but the woman needs to learn to say no. But that is why I liked her, she was so sweet.

Sinclair wanted away from this small town but now he is back. A successful businessowner. And I did like him, and I got why he was not always a fan of small towns, before he looked deeper and saw the beauty too. But he sure was judgey at times.

They meet, they keep running into each other. They like each other and they will slowly fall in love. All good things.

There is also a mystery involved, why are lights on in her grandad's flat?

Conclusion:

A very nice small town and a fun story.

Narrator Vanessa Daniels

One of her voices, one of a 90 year old man was just awesome. I so wanted to listen to his stories. I could even hear his false teeth. Lol.

But her other voices were pretty similar at times.

Still, she was good at what she did and had me enjoying this story.

Love in Row 27 - Eithne Shortall

What happens when Cupid plays co-pilot?

Still reeling from a break-up, Cora Hendricks has given up on ever finding love. For herself, that is. To pass the time while working the Aer Lingus check-in desk at Heathrow, Cora begins to play cupid with high-flying singles.

Using only her intuition, the internet, and glamorous flight attendant accomplice Nancy, Row 27 becomes Cora's laboratory of love. Instead of being seated randomly, two unwitting passengers on each flight find themselves next to the person of their dreams - or not.

Cora swears Row 27 is just a bit of fun, but while she's busy making sparks fly at cruising altitude, the love she'd given up on for herself just might have landed right in front of her...

My thoughts:

This one was cute and had some more serious moments too. I liked how it was build too, but we will come to that soon.

Cora works at the airport and she spends way too much time researching passengers and putting one couple in row 27. Hoping they will fall in love. And as the book progresses it turns into more of an obsession. She must find love for others, but what about herself?

She does have help, I mean how else would she see if it pays off? Nancy, a stewardess, tries her best to spy on the happy, or unhappy couple ;)

What I liked is that we actually got the POVS from the couples in row 27. Sometimes it works, sometimes they are so wrong for each other. And we also get 2 frequent fliers and get to see them sit there a few times. I really wanted her to find a match for Ingrid, and as for Aiden, well yes he needed some happiness too.

The more serious aspects would be her mum getting worse and worse since she has Alzheimers and Cora disappearing into her matchmaking world.

Conclusion:
There is friendship, humour and romance all around. Some will find love, some not. I enjoyed this tale, it was light.

Cover
Ok

Paperback, 352 pages
Published June 1st 2017 by Corvus
Romantic fiction
For review

How to get a love life - Rosie Blake

Nicola Brown doesn't like to lose control. Her home is always meticulously tidy and her weekly meals carefully planned; Nicola keeps her life in order. When her carefree colleague Caroline challenges Nicola to find a date for Valentine's Day, it's a surprise to them both when Nicola agrees. As Nicola's search for a man begins, she is thrown in at the deep end—sometimes quite literally—of the dating scene. From men more likely to sell their mother than open their wallet, to those who are determined to find a girlfriend who shares their passion for extreme sports, Nicola has to run the full gamut of dodgy dates. But as the deadline looms closer, Nicola realizes it isn't so bad to lose control. It turns out that trying to get a love life can be rather a lot of fun.

My thoughts:

Nicola was a bit OCD about things. She likes to eat certain dinners on certain nights, that goes for all her meals. She plans, she cleans. But hey, I like organised, it's a good way to be.

Of course the book is not about her being organised, but about her coworker daring her to try to find a date for Valentine's. Double dare. Oh yes! You do not back out of a double dare. You would not even dare ;)

And poor girl, those are some lousy dates she tries. It's amusing and we have all been on them. Her friends sure know how to pick them. But I liked how she went for it, she had not been dating much in quite some time and she put herself out there. Lousy results, but hey it's the effort that counts.

And of course it has a HEA. I mean she has to meet someone right...right..right!? Yes someone is right for her and I was happy with what I got.

Conclusion:
Sweet and romantic.

Paperback, 320 pages
Published February 2nd 2017 by Corvus (first published January 28th 2014)
Romantic fiction
For review

Carole's Sunday review: The Choice - Nicholas Sparks

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Title: The Choice

Genre: Romance & Fiction

Pages: 272

First Published: September 2007

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given as a gift)

Travis Parker has everything a man could want: a good job, loyal friends, even a waterfront home in small-town North Carolina. In full pursuit of the good life -- boating, swimming, and regular barbecues with his good-natured buddies -- he holds the vague conviction that a serious relationship with a woman would only cramp his style. That is, until Gabby Holland moves in next door. Despite his attempts to be neighborly, the appealing redhead seems to have a chip on her shoulder about him...and the presence of her longtime boyfriend doesn't help. Despite himself, Travis can't stop trying to ingratiate himself with his new neighbor, and his persistent efforts lead them both to the doorstep of a journey that neither could have foreseen. Spanning the eventful years of young love, marriage and family, The Choice ultimately confronts us with the most heartwrenching question of all: how far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?

It has been SOOOO long since I have sat down with a Nicholas Sparks book. Yes, yes, he is known for his cheesy romances that pull at the heart. I am a romantic by nature, so I can't help but adore his books. For some reason, I have had a hard time picking this one up. It has been on my shelf for eons. But I finally decided enough was enough and to give a read.

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh! WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO MY HEART MR SPARKS?! Ugh. 

This book is divided into two parts. 

Part 1: Goes over the beginning and how the two lovebirds found each other. 

Part 2: It has been years of happiness and love. However, Travis is face with a terrible choice to make. I will not spoil that, but it is a decision that would break the heart of even the most strong-willed person. I can't even imagine making this decision. Nope. 

The beginning was a little slow. I wanted to smack Gabby. She was so annoying and so unnecessarily bitchy to Travis. I liked Travis a lot. I felt bad for Kevin though....I was hoping he would end up with Stephanie in the end. 

I want to know more about Travis' friends and how they met their spouses. Honestly, I just wanted to know more about them and their stories. Maybe a short story some day?? *waggles brows*

The ending was good. I wasn't sure what to expect honestly. I had my hopes, but I had my doubts. There was a point I did cry. DAMMIT FEELS! It ripped my heart in two. SO SAD!!!!!!!! But the ending made the whole journey with it.

In the end, this was pretty good. The beginning was a touch slow and it took a while for me to like Gabby. I could hardly put down the rest of the book. So good, so much feels. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 4 stars. 

I now kinda want to re-read some the books I have already read. Mhmmmm....

Talking to Addison - Jenny Colgan

The story opens with the modern-day heroine Holly trapped in the flatshare from hell with members of "Scary Clean Freaks Incorporated", ruled by the obnoxious Carol who "dispensed ... Robert de Niro-to-doomed gangster stares". Even when Holly escapes the suburban inquisition, life still isn't a bed of roses: she's an unemployed florist, in love with a recluse and she's being bullied. She's in good company though when she moves in with a bunch of equally maladjusted misfits: Josh, a terminally nice boy, has issues; Kate, the high-flying and no-nonsense career girl, wilts every time a married man comes along and then there's Addison--the drop-dead-gorgeous lodger ("Johnny Depp in geek form")--who never leaves his room, already has a girlfriend (albeit over the Internet) and is a certified Trekkie fan. 

My thoughts:

I liked it at first, but the last 100 pages were brutal. It just got weird and all wtf.

I liked Holly at first, but in the end..no. F no. She is flaky. She gets new roommates and falls in love with the nerd who does not talk. He has a girlfriend online, but does she care. No, because she knows better. He should be with her, even if he does not want to. She lies. She meets this great guy, but she is all in love with Addison, and trust me, she will still get a HEA: But in the end I did no think she deserved one.

I just wish those last 100 pages had not happened, it was some sort of trippy dream, it just went from a silly book to is everyone crazy? 

Also there is this one thing that happens, and most just laugh it off, but honestly, you could put someone in jail over that!

Conclusion:
It went from good to bad. So ok then

Paperback, 400 pages
Published August 1st 2009 by HarperCollins Publishers (first published January 1st 2001)
Chic-lit
Own

Austen's Independence Day - Melissa Belle

What if you don’t find your Mr. Darcy… until you’ve already lost him? 

It is universally acknowledged in the tiny town of Austen, Texas that Macey Henwood will never get married. When your hometown is obsessed with freeing Jane Austen’s ghost from the local bar, staying single feels like the only way to stay sane. 

But then Morgan Thornbrush, her lifelong best friend with benefits, gets engaged out of the blue, and it drives Macey crazy, especially when the town anoints the new couple Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. Now she’s smack in the middle of a wedding she wants no part of. From “bonding” with Morgan’s bombshell fiancé to helping him let go of their complicated past, Macey’s forced to face the truth—the perfect arrangement she had with Morgan is over. 

But when the pages of an explosive diary ignite fireworks between her and Morgan as his July fourth wedding approaches, Macey must make a life-changing decision. Can the town’s version of Mr. Darcy really be the man for her after all? 

My thoughts:

Macey and Morgan certainly needed a kick in the behind both of them.

First we have Macey who is all I will never marry! Sure your parents have a crappy marriage, so maybe you should see a therapist instead of a fortune teller. So she is the one with the chip on her shoulder. Oh and she had to care for her siblings, and the bar they owned....she really is too kind. And that is her problem.

Then we have Morgan, and we learn more about his chip on his shoulder as time goes by. Everyone seems to think he will never marry, but he, he just have hidden depths and wants more. And that I liked.

But together, sigh. Best friends, who turned into friends with benefits, and then Morgan shows up with a fiancee. Then I had a hard time liking him, because he still wanted Macey. Not cool Morgan, not cool. I know you want to move on but that was a dick move. And here is where they need that kick. Him for playing around with two, and her for thinking she can't have anyone.

But hey, if there were no drama then be book would be pretty boring wouldn't it. And it was a weird and good book. A town that has Jane Austen''s ghost prisoner and someone has to marry to get her out. True love and a lot of other stipulations. Everyone sure likes their Austen here.

Though, I did not like how Morgan was all I will marry this new girl and still flirted with Macey. We all know they are meant to be, but the road there was rocky and I would have wanted him to be less of an ahole about it.

I would forgive him in the end, but before that I would kick him in the nuts and then we would live happily ever after.

Conclusion:
Good.

Covet
The bonnet makes sense, but I was all western amish? Nope, just, it makes sense

Kindle Edition, 333 pages
Published April 21st 2016 by Autumn Ink Press
Romantic fiction
Own

#FitReaders Check-In: April 29, 2016 and It's in his kiss review

#FitReaders is hosted by Geeky Bloggers Book Blog  and That’s What I’m Talking About.

Join in!

Sun I spent 2 hours at the garden/food/book fair. Let's count that as a 30 min walk. Since yeah I mostly walked.
Mon 4 km bike. 30 min walk
Tue 8 km bike. 1 h workout class
Wed 4 km bike, 1 h walk
Thu 4 km bike. 30 min walk
Fri 1.20 h walk, 4 km bike
Sat 1 h walk

It snowed again. Then it melted away. The days are getting longer :D

.............................

Who do you turn to when things go wrong?
Your best friend. Obviously.

Sephy King’s worked flat-out to make her new lingerie business a success, only there’s a tiny snag – the marketing photos for the launch party are a disaster.

Luke Jackson will help her, won’t he? They just need to strip off, model gorgeous, sexy underwear together and take more photos! So what if the stunning body he’s been hiding makes Sephy’s eyes pop out? And when he holds her, she suddenly wishes they were in her bedroom…alone? He’s her best friend.

Then Luke asks Sephy for a return favour: to pose as his fake fiancée to get his parents temporarily off his back. It’s a risky strategy – but she’s sure she can pull it off.

Until he kisses her…

My thoughts:
Luke and Sophy are best friends. Then she asks him to pose with her..in their underwear, and suddenly all they can think of is sex. Yup, that happened fast. All he can think about, all day long, all night long.

I did like their friendship, and how sweet he was with her kid. But I could not really see these two as lovers, they lacked chemistry. It felt a bit forced at times. How they suddenly wanted each other and could not think of anything else.

And Sophy was so, I know I want to hit characters over the head a lot, but Sophy, sheesh woman, take the help they are offering!!! That stupid woman would rather be homeless than ask for help. That is not being brave and doing it on your own. That is being a stupid cow.

So their dance is mostly them being stupid. Well, not Luke, I liked him, I understood his issues, but hers, nah. Not hers.

Meh

Kindle Edition, 241 pages
Published April 21st 2016 by HarperImpulse
Romantic fiction
NG