Category: General Fiction

Revenge by Nigel May

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Synopsis: In the South of France, playground of the rich and famous, world renowned chef Dexter Franklin is organising a night to remember. As he opens the doors to his exclusive restaurant for the first time, he’s handpicked a list of guests, as hot and dazzling as the St Tropez sun itself:

Mew Stanton: Fashionable, beautiful and a notorious TV chef, Dexter’s ex-girlfriend has all the ingredients for success. As her books fly off the shelves, a secret from her past is about to surface with explosive consequences. 

Holly Lydon: Ex girlband star who has fallen on hard times. Forced to make ends meet she’s having to sleep her way to the top. Now she’s making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Rosita Velázquez: Brazilian actress extraordinaire and girlfriend of Dexter’s brother, Leland. When she’s in town everybody needs to know about it, but this is one show-stopping entrance she’ll live to regret.

Three women have a past with Dexter and a grudge to bear against him. As fireworks ignite in the jet set capital of Europe, there’s murder on the menu. Who will be served their just desserts?

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: Well Mr May, it seems you have a never ending supply of bitch, glamour and salacious filled ideas! Yet again Nigel May has produced a stellar read in this genre and one that is filled to the brim with everything a reader of this genre could ask for and more! With a beautiful cover to boot, it seems Nigel’s books are getting more raunchy and dark with each year that passes, just how I like it!

The description for Nigel May in the past has been like a male version of Jackie Collins and this description couldn’t be more apt, so those of you who are JC fans you REALLY need to get on board with this author. Set in the South of France you already have the backdrop of this beautiful sun-drenched playground filled to the brim with the rich and famous. We get introduced to Dexter Franklin, the TV star and famous Celebrity Chef on the brink of opening his newest restaurant Tresor, and compiling his celebrity list of attendees. That list includes the basis for the main characters appearing in this book, and boy do they make an interesting bunch.

Mew Stanton and Holly Lydon were once band members of the famous Girl Group Crazy Sour, however with the band splitting up they are both now on very different paths. Dexter’s brother Leland who is a celebrity in his own right with and his girlfriend Rosita an actress who appears only to be famous in her home country of Brazil. Add in to that the Food Critic DC, and a plot line that had me hooked from the beginning and the story grabs you from the outset.

There are certainly a lot of characters and the story line at first seems disjointed, but man alive it certainly comes to an explosive head upon the opening night of Tresor. All of the characters I loved with the exception of Leland who frankly was a vile character, but who ticked all the right boxes with those sorts of characters you love to hate. By Chapter 4 it was clear that no housework would be done that evening so I settled down and made it to just over the halfway mark in the book in one sitting. The rest was devoured on a morning commute and my lunch hour! This latest offering is packed to the brim with a tantalising story line and characters that are so shallow and self absorbed I was completely entranced.

Each character brings something to the story along with the perils and pitfalls of fame. I truly loved this book and think that Nigel May is an author that is massively under-rated. I would say that his books are NOT for the faint hearted or for those that shock easily. I thought his last book was his best but take that back whole heartedly in replacement for this one. A trued ‘Bonk Buster’ that was a delight to read!

A Home For Broken Hearts by Rowan Coleman

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Synopsis: Is there a cure for a broken heart?

Once upon a time, Ellen Woods had her ‘happily ever after’ moment when she married her beloved Nick. But fifteen years later her husband’s tragic death leaves her alone with their soon-to-become-a-teenager son and a mountain of debt. 

On the verge of losing the family home Ellen decides to rent out some rooms, and all too soon a whole host of characters enter her ordered but fragile existence – each with their own messy life in tow. But will this be enough to pull her out of her grief so she can learn to live – and love – again?

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: Ellen Woods is recovering from the sudden death of her husband Nick. Her soon to be teenage son Charlie is also struggling to find what is normal. However Ellen has bigger problems to deal with and it involves money, she just doesn’t have any. It seems the only way she can possible even consider keeping her home is to find herself some lodgers. With the help of her sister Hannah, before long Ellen has taken in 3 lodgers. The three lodgers consist of Lads Magazine writer Matt, the German lady Sabine who is recovering from her own marriage issues and the seventy something romance writer Allegra Howard. 

I instantly liked Charlie, Ellen’s son, however I struggled to get to know Ellen initially as it is quite clear she is still somewhat adjusting to the life of a widow. As soon as Allegra, Matt and Sabine show up I just knew I was going to love this book as all three of them bring something brilliant to the story. Allegra and Ellen strike up an unlikely friendship which to be frank is wonderful. The lady who says it as it is and Ellen walking round slowly adjusting to having a friend. Matt brings the humour to the book in spades and I loved how he was such a cheeky chappie, but one with a heart. And finally the no-nonsense Sabine who would demand that Ellen sort herself out.

I don’t want to mention anything about the plot as part of the beauty of this story is how each thread unravels, and although it was maybe there all along it was discreet and not noticed. As the layers are revealed another one appears and it almost feels as though the characters are stripped bare and we have to watch to see if they can build themselves back up. I read much more Crime and Thrillers and like to break it up with something light. I wouldn’t say this was necessarily a ‘light’ read as it deals with some serious heart wrenching issues, but is done in a way that is pure magic. An absolute joy to read, and one I would recommend to somebody looking for something that little bit different!

Paper Hearts & Summer Kisses by Carole Matthews

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Synopsis: Christie Chapman is a single working mother who spends her days commuting to her secretarial job in London and looking after her teenage son, Finn. It can be tough just getting through the day but Christie has always found comfort in her love of crafting and any spare time she has is spent in her parents’ summerhouse working on her beautiful creations. From intricately designed birthday cards to personalised gifts, Christie’s flair for the handmade knows no bounds and it’s not long before opportunity comes knocking. All of a sudden Christie sees a different future for her and Finn – one full of hope and possibility, and if the handsome Max Alexander is to be believed, one full of love too. It’s all there for the taking.

And then, all of sudden, Christie’s world is turned upside down.

Christie knows that something has to give, but what will she choose? Will she give up her dreams and the chance of real love? What price will she pay for doing the right thing? Can Christie find her happy ending in . . . Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses.

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Continue reading “Paper Hearts & Summer Kisses by Carole Matthews”

Meet Me At Beachcomber Bay by Jill Mansell

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Synopsis: Love is in the air in St Carys, but you’d never know it – the people of this seaside town are very good at keeping secrets…

The man Clemency loves belongs to someone else. She has to hide her true feelings – but when she ropes in an unsuspecting friend to help, wires start to get crossed.

For the first time in Ronan’s life his charm has failed him in winning over the woman he wants. Loving her from afar appears to be his only option.

Belle seems to have the perfect boyfriend, but something isn’t quite right. And now a long-buried secret is slowly rising to the surface.

The truth has a funny way of revealing itself, and when it does St Carys will be a very different place indeed…

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I have been reading Jill Mansell for as long as she has been writing and her books rarely fail to hit the mark. This latest offering certainly ticks the boxes, but for me wasn’t quite as good as her last book. Clemency is a lovely character and the usual descriptive offerings of the seaside town St Cary’s make you want to visit. I especially liked her colleague and friend Ronan. Clemency’s sister Belle also makes an appearance with her new boyfriend Sam in tow. The story is set around the town and many additional characters make their appearances all of which form part of the overall story and add depth to it all. However, although I really liked everybody I didn’t love them and I’m not sure why? Having said that this was certainly a hugely enjoyable book, but it seemed the extra ‘Mansell Magic’ was missing for me in this book.

There are certain more serious elements touched on such as adoption, race and sexuality but all done in a way that is easy to read about and not made too depressing! I read this in two sittings and the writing is as flawless as ever, yet I am not a huge fan of the cover of this book. I’m not suggesting that it affects my review it’s just so unusual as I normally LOVE her covers but this one seems too boring? Overall this was an enjoyable read but for me I felt like a little something was missing, however Jill Mansell is producing first class books and I remain a lifelong fan!

Always With Love by Giovanna Fletcher

Synopsis: Sophie’s got used to being the girlfriend of Billy Buskin, the biggest movie star in the world. Sort of.

But when she and Billy take a trip to visit his family in Los Angeles, she quickly discovers she’s totally unprepared for the chaos of Hollywood, the paparazzi and Billy’s controlling mother.

And when Billy extends his stay in LA, leaving Sophie to fly home to Rosefont Hill alone, it seems there’s more than just miles between them.

Now Sophie must decide if they can overcome their differences for good. Because not every love story lasts the distance . . .

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review:I quickly realised when reading the synopsis that you really needed to read Billy & Me which was released in 2013. I quickly rectified that and as I enjoyed it so much I was keen to get going with this sequel. I was so pleased that I did as I really enjoyed it! This can certainly be read as a standalone, but is so much more enjoyable having the back story of these two. Billy and Sophie when we last left them had settled into life in a rural countryside setting in Kent and when we return things seem about as perfect as you could ask for. However, when Billy arranges a trip to visit his family in Los Angeles, Sophie realises things are going to be chaotic once again!

Billy’s parents and siblings are not what I expected and although Sophie is made to feel welcome she soon realises she is a little out of her depth when it comes to understanding the sort of fame and life that Billy has over there. When Billy is offered the chance to stay on a while, she realises that the distance between them will be the biggest test for their relationship. As Sophie returns to the UK and her little tea shop, she realises that the distance isn’t the only thing that will pose a problem (but I will say no more on that front).

The story flows well and I loved both Billy’s family as well as the return of all the villagers in Sophie’s home town. There were also some old fashioned elements in this story such as the decision for Billy and Sophie to go back to some of the old traditions and write to each other. The book picks up pace as both Sophie and Billy are pushed to the limits whilst desperately trying to make things work. There were certain things that felt a little unfinished and in all honesty I was surprised we didn’t get more insight into Billy’s family’s characters. That aside, this is an easy read with characters I really like and as such I thought it was a great sequel.

Billy And Me by Giovanna Fletcher

Synopsis: Sophie May has a secret.

One that she’s successfully kept for years. It’s meant that she’s had to give up her dreams of going to university and travelling the world to stay in her little village, living with her mum and working in the local teashop.

But then Sophie unexpectedly meets the gorgeous Billy Buskin – a famous actor with ambitions to make it to the top. As they begin to grow closer, Sophie finds herself whisked away from the comfort of her life into Billy’s glamorous – but ruthless – world.

After years of shying away from attention, can Sophie handle the constant scrutiny that comes with being with Billy? How much is she prepared to give up along the way? And is their love strong enough to keep them together against the odds?

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I really enjoyed Dream a Little Dream and was looking forward to reading another book by Fletcher. This one sounded a little more ‘pat and predictable’ however I never let things like that sway me before I have read a book so I got started. Sophie May lives in a very small village. The village seems like a very quaint (if not small and gossipy) type of village and I could just picture it in my mind. Sophie didn’t venture to University or travelling the world but chose to stay close to her mum and ends up working in the local Tea Shop run by Molly. Sophie is an easy character to read although at times she irritated me with her lack of confidence and ‘head in the sand’ attitude. That aside the interaction between her and the wonderful character Molly was fabulous and I think in some was Molly adds to the charm of both the village and the tea shop.

When a film set rolls up to film in the village Sophie has no idea who the cute guy is that has appeared in the tea shop and it doesn’t take long for them to start a relationship. It turns out that Billy Buskin is a famous actor and Sophie has no idea what she is letting herself in for. The story follows Sophie’s journey as she transitions into Billy’s world even leaving the village and moving down to London. There are a few threads to the story but it really does give a great insight into the ‘other side’ of the celebrity lifestyle.

The book was so easy to read and although predictable at times thoroughly enjoyable. I liked it when Sophie started to stick up for herself, albeit through grief rather than a backbone but it still made for a better more likeable girl. We see the battles Billy and Sophie face and the second half of the story I read in just on sitting. This is certainly an easy read and one that will leave you with a smile on your face. Not quite as good as Dream a Little Dream but still a great read, and one that leaves me wondering what next for Billy and Sophie. Luckily for me the latest book featuring these two was released this year so I am moving straight on to ‘Always With Love’.

Lovers and Liars by Nigel May

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Synopsis: When Millionaire playboy Sheridan Rivers is found dead at his luxurious hotel on the paradise island of Barbados, there are several suspects in the frame…

Sutton: Sheridan’s long-suffering wife was permanently pushed aside for his younger lovers. Was it time for her to make a stand?

Kassidy: Sheridan’s assistant longs to be wealthy in her own right. Employed for her sexual and organisational skills, could she have had her eyes on a bigger prize?

Nikki: Sheridan’s oldest daughter has done something really bad that her dad has discovered. What price will she pay to keep his silence?

Heather: The apple of her father, Sheridan’s eye. But she’s recently been widowed due to a terrible accident Sheridan was responsible for. Is the time ripe for revenge?

Four women, each with a cross to bear – all waiting for the perfect moment to exact their revenge .

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: Well another Nigel May book an another corker of a read. It’s packed to the rafters with Glamour, murder, sex, more sec, infidelity, skulduggery…the list goes on! When I started to read this book I was a bit worried as there seemed to be so MANY characters. Actually by chapter 3 all the mundane duties such as housework, dinner and a bath had gone out the window. What at first seemed like a character overload ended up being just perfect. Sheridan Rivers is smack bang in the middle of every thread in this story. As the owner and Millionaire of the luxurious Hotels named Velvet he is every bit the arrogant idiot I expected him to be (and some). His long suffering wife Sutton is one of the ladies that has suffered as a result of this despicable man, however has the joy of having two wonderful daughters Nikki and Heather, The two girls couldn’t be more different as characters but equally as readable. Nikki is the party girl where a silly mistake gets her into an impossible situation. Heather on the other hand is a kind and gentle soul who is married to an amazing guy who is her world. Then on the other end of the spectrum you have Kassidy, Sheridan’s assistant who is not only hired for her skills but for her antics in the bedroom.

Phew…already I feel overloaded and I have already read this book! However the reality of reading this couldn’t be further from the truth. As each woman takes a thread to the story it gets more and more involved, dangerous and seems that nobody has any idea just how much double crossing is going on. At the halfway point I was completely and utterly enthralled, addicted and absolutely convinced that no amount of cajoling from my husband would move me from my sofa, book in hand.

A lot of the story features the women, however the main event that this story centres around is a major boxing match that will be set in the Barbados hotel featuring Hatton Eden. Hatton and his manager and trainer Fidge were excellent and added another layer of spice to the story. The settings for this sun drenched romp could’t be any better and it made me long for a sandy beach. It’s a saucy read (it seems Nigel is getting saucier with each book he writes and I LOVE it), so make sure you don’t have any nosey neighbours reading over your shoulder. Although in real life I did have to put the book down (sadly I HAD to eat) I read it in as near to one sitting as is humanly possible. If you are slightly prudish, then maybe not the book for you. For me this has everything PLUS MORE and I think this is my favourite of his books to date. Whoever said men couldn’t write romp clearly hasn’t had the pleasure of reading Mr May! Roll on the next book!

Once Upon A Winter by Tilly Tennant

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Synopsis: Snow is falling and Christmas day is in full swing at Hannah Meadows’s rural home. But the usual preparations for a turkey dinner with all the trimmings and lashings of festive booze are interrupted by an unexpected knock at the door. And there on the doorstep they find a handsome stranger with no memory of who he is or how he came to be there, begging for their help. 

So begins a winter like no other – one that turns all their lives upside down. For Hannah and her sister Gina, the stranger’s arrival might herald the prospect of love and healing for the hurt caused by messy break-ups. For Jess, Gina’s teenage daughter, however, it signals dark times and discontent. There are new friends and enemies for them all and a new outlook on the world – and when the stranger’s memories finally return, there is heartache too.

If they can all weather the storm, happiness could be theirs. But storms this big can cause a lot of damage and chaos before they blow over… 

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I have read a couple of books of Tilly Tennats and have enjoyed them both so was looking forward to this Christmas themed book. I realised that this book was initially released in 4 parts, however I read it as a whole book. Just make sure if you are buying from Amazon that you get the whole book and not just one part.

The scene is certainly set in this book for the theme surrounding Christmas as in Hannah Meadow’s rural home its just herself along with her sister Gina and Niece Jess on Christmas Day. They plan to do nothing more that eat and drink in front of rubbish TV, especially as the snow is not only falling but settling making it impossible to go anywhere. However, a knock on the door is about to change their easy and lazy day they have planned. When a handsome man turns up on the doorstep with a head injury and zero memory their day starts to get rather more interesting.

Hannah was a character I found easy to read but in all honesty it was her older and more bossy sister Gina I fell in love with. Between the two of them with the occasional unhelpful input from teenager Jess, they end up spending a little time getting to know the mystery man. This seems to be the start of a very strange Christmas that leads into lots more strange events that seem to surround the two women. We get to meet Hannah’s neighbour George, as well as Briony & Paul who live on a nearby farm and their son Ross who also works and lives on the Farm.

I have to be honest and say that I found the beginning chunk of this hard to get in to, however once I was past the initial quarter I really enjoyed it. I thought it was a bit of a slow starter and initially I didn’t have any feelings for the man with no memory. Luckly as you read on and get to know the sisters and additional character more it flowed so well that I think I read the second half of the book in one sitting.

Overall this was a very enjoyable read if a bit slow to start. I loved the additional bit you get at the end (which if I understand correctly you don’t get if brought as short versions). I will look forward to Tilly’s next release!

Letters From Lighthouse Cottage by Ali McNamara

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Synopsis: The sun is shining in the quiet little seaside town of Sandybridge. Sandybridge is the perfect English seaside town: home to gift shops, tea rooms and a fabulous fish and chip shop. And it’s home to Grace – although right now, she’s not too happy about it.

Grace grew up in Sandybridge, helping her parents sort junk from vintage treasures, but she always longed to escape to a bigger world. And she made it, travelling the world for her job, falling in love and starting a family. So why is she back in the tiny seaside town she’d long left behind, hanging out with Charlie, the boy who became her best friend when they were teenagers?

It turns out that travelling the world may not have been exactly what Grace needed to do. Perhaps everything she wanted has always been at home – after all, they do say that’s where the heart is…

Kat’s Rating: 4/5

Kat’s Review: I absolutely love Ali McNamara books and although I really enjoyed this one it didn’t have the same pull for me as her previous work due to one main reason which will be explained further down. Grace is the main character and we meet her as a teenager in the 1980’s. The book is set out in time periods and I must say that first section of being a teenager in the 80s resonated with me and I fell in love with the character Grace. Living in Sandybridge which is a quiet town is hard on the shy teenager but she makes friends with Charlie and Danny.

The book continues on and we see Grace grow up, become an adult and finally become a married woman with a child. What we also get to see is the progression of not only Grace but Charlie and Danny too. It was such a wonderful story to read and I loved the fact that you got to share all three of their journeys. It certainly has a stark undercurrent to this tale, one that shows that you never know what your life has in store for you.

Overall by the time I got to the end of the book I realised that although I loved this, the one element of the story which ruined it for me was the source of Grace’s advice! That’s all I can say without plot spoiling, but I thought it was a little bit too far fetched for it to settle with me. That aside Ali McNamara has once again written a fantastic book, albeit one with a little less humour than her previous works which I had to say I missed. A great read and I will as always look forward to her next one.

A Town Called Christmas by Holly Martin (Juniper Island #2)

Synopsis: Neve Whitaker loves managing the Stardust Lake hotel. She gets to work alongside her wonderful family and she’s spending Christmas on the most enchanting, snow-covered island in Scotland. So why is her heart so heavy this festive season?

It might have something to do with the gorgeous actor Oakley Rey, the man she finished with before he left for California and the man she loves more than anything. With Oakley’s career in Hollywood soaring, Neve is convinced she’d only hold him back. She had to end it with him – at least that’s what she keeps telling herself.

But now she has a secret she’s struggling to keep, and when Oakley arrives on Juniper Island determined to win her back, Neve is thrown off balance. Will Neve’s fear of having her heart broken again push Oakley away for good, or is it time for her to take a leap of faith?

 *If you plan on reading the first in this series entitled ‘Christmas Under a Cranberry Sky’ please do not read my review as it will inevitably contain spoilers*

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Continue reading “A Town Called Christmas by Holly Martin (Juniper Island #2)”