Category Archives: Book Review

Julia Firlotte Author Interview.

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Today, I am welcoming author, Julia Firlotte to my blog, and sharing my review of her debut novel, Trust in You.

Thank you for stopping by, Julia. I was fortunate enough to read an ARC of your book, but for those who haven’t read it, tell us a little about Trust in You.

Trust In You is a first love summer romance that falls into the romantic suspense genre. There are many clues throughout Trust In You which elude to the plot for the next novel, but the main point to take away is that it’s a love story which will keep you wanting to know what happens next and is the first in a series.

During the writing process, who became your favourite character and why?

My hero, Adam, is my favourite character because he possesses all of the characteristics I would find attractive, oozing confidence and charm but underneath there’s unshakable qualities of fidelity, bravery and integrity, despite what the reader might be deliberately lead to think. He always puts my heroine Ella first, and that’s always important in a relationship.

 As well as the developing romance, your novel explores some dark themes. How, as a writer, have you balanced those across the story?

The novel started out quite differently; in the first draft, it was a much darker story where I wanted my hero Adam to be a genuine bad-boy you loved to hate. It was originally a bully romance (as opposed to dark romance), which centred around a land dispute; As the characters developed though, I listened to them and also to the feedback from my wonderfully supportive beta readers and found that Adam was simply too bad for the reader to like and so I adapted the story accordingly.

It’s made it a far better novel, although I would still like to write a bully-romance in the future and respect the finesse authors such as Cara McKenna are able to bring to storylines which could otherwise easily tip that delicate balance. I’ve weighed the darker themes in the novel by my heroine’s very human and normal reactions to them, also underpinning the story with integral qualities such as respect and consent.

Which authors or novels have influenced you?

Oh, where to start! I read all genres of romance but also enjoy other genres such as Charlaine Harris, Phillipa Gregory, Catherine Cookson and Colleen McCullough, but if I had to choose certain influencers for Trust In You, it would be these: Jaine Diamond, I’d choose any day of the week, because of the powerful chemistry, humour and perceptive insight she never fails to deliver, particularly of her male characters’ reactions to situations displayed through body language. Ryan Kendall and Chystal Kaswell also do this extremely well. I’d choose Silvia Day for the dark charisma of Gideon Cross and also Jamie McGuire and for the tension and ‘bad-boy you’ve just got to love’ in Beautiful Disaster and EL James for the innocence and inner strength of Anastasia Steel.

How will you be celebrating the release of Trust in You?

I’m extremely grateful to The Glorious Spa for hosting my Valentines Themed pre-launch event titled A Glorious Love Story where journalists and new readers will receive an advance copy of my novel in order to raise awareness prior to it going on public sale via Amazon on April 6th 2020. That’s my main launch event and what better way to learn about a wonderful new book than over a glass of bubbles while receiving an exceptional treatment. I am also collaborating with Chichester Music Academy who are producing the song my heroine Ella has written for post-launch promotions, something I’m very excited to share with my readers via my website in the months to come.

 What is the top tip you’ve learnt, in bringing your book to publication?

Firstly, if you find yourself skim-reading sections while reading through your manuscript, it’s not going to grab your reader’s attention. Secondly, always plan your book project with additional time and budget, you’ll likely often need more of both.

 Finally, here’s five quickfire questions for fun.

  • Beach or mountains? Beach
  • Ebook or paperback? Both! I’m a bookworm!
  • High heels or trainers? Heels if there’s no walking involved, otherwise trainers!
  • Cake or crisps? Cake, it’s one of my five a day!
  • Cinema or Netflix? Cinema, because there’s more access to popcorn!

About the book:

The blurb:

A first love summer romance full of intrigue, lust and lies.

From the moment she met him, Ella Peterson had questions. As always, though, she’s too shy to ask.

Older and sexy as hell, mysterious Adam Brook soon sweeps sheltered Ella off her feet; but is he as perfect as he appears to be, or is there more to him than he’s telling her?

Ella’s world has already turned upside down after moving from England to rural Kansas. She and her sisters were hoping for a more secure future, but instead find that life can be tough when jobs are scarce and the stakes often higher than anticipated.

When events spiral out of Ella’s control, she learns the person she needs to rely on most is herself and her instincts on who to trust in the future.

It’s just that her instincts are screaming at her to trust Adam; it’s what he tells her that makes that a problem.

This is the first book in the Falling for You series and ends with a ‘happy for now’ conclusion.

Genre: Contemporary Romance | Dark Romance

My review:

While I read erotic fiction and lots of romance novels of all kinds, I don’t generally read dark romance, and so this was an interesting first for me.

The characters are well-drawn, and the settings are described with detail, enabling you to clearly visualise them. The romance starts slowly, but becomes more dramatic and intense as the book progresses. The story contains some darker, threatening situations that took a moment of adjustment in my mind – especially as the female lead is young and inexperienced (I can’t help myself, I am the mum of three girls). Nevertheless, the author achieves balance with lighter moments and plenty of likeable characters too.

In a manner reminiscent of Sylvia Day’s Crossfire series, I read to the end, with impending awareness that all was not going to be resolved by the close of the novel. And while I stomped my feet, I am aware there’s more to come; Trust in You is the first in a trilogy and is not intended as a standalone story! I’ll just have to wait for the next 🙂

Buy the book here | Also available at Barnes and Noble and coming soon to iBooks.

You can discover more about Julia and her work here: Website complete with mailing list and blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Chindi Authors | Julia Firlotte Author Advance Information PDF

My reviews are added to Amazon and Goodreads. xx

Review of T.A. Williams’ novel, Dreaming of Verona!

Book Review, Publication Day Push, , , , , , , , ,

As a lover of T.A. Williams’ books, I am delighted to wish him a very happy publication day and to share my review of his latest novel, Dreaming of Verona.

The blurb:

Verona is the City of Love. But will Suzie find romance there or, like Romeo and Juliet, will it all end in tears?

When Suzie is hired to accompany spoiled, abrasive Lady Alexandra Tedburn on an all-expenses paid holiday to Italy, she fears the trip will be a disaster.

But she soon discovers there’s more to Alex than shopping and tantrums, and she’s determined to help her realise her potential – against Alex’s authoritarian father’s wishes.

As they settle in Verona, Suzie can’t stop thinking about local artist Michael, who is still mourning the tragic death of his wife. With Suzie’s future uncertain, and Michael’s past
holding him back, it seems there’s no hope for romance in the city of
star-crossed lovers… or is there?

A gorgeously uplifting and moving story, Dreaming of Verona is the perfect read for fans of Holly Martin, Tilly Tennant and Jenny Oliver.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Canelo

My review:

I am a fan of T. A. Williams’ books, I have never been to Verona – but I LOVE Romeo and Juliet, and, of course, I have a soft spot for Labradors (I’ve yet to read a book by the author that doesn’t feature one), and so this was a must-read for me.

The characters were likeable, each with their own issues and development through the story. The setting was sumptuous. Verona is definitely on my ‘to visit’ list. The story led me on a gentle journey that I was more than happy to relax and enjoy. And there really was lots to enjoy as the pages slipped by – female friendship, self-discovery, love, loss treated with a gentle understanding, a range of interesting male leads, and more than one budding relationship.

And, as for the Labrador, I was not disappointed. Dogberry was a delight! I need to break it to my husband that I need another Labrador so I can steal the name.

Overall, it was a lovely, gentle, enjoyable read, that led me off on to an adventure in the beautiful city of Verona!

Buy the book Amazon.UK | Amazon.com

About the author:

T.A. Williams says, “I’m a man. And a pretty old man as well. I did languages at university a long time ago and then lived and worked in France and Switzerland before going to Italy for seven years as a teacher of English. My Italian wife and I then came back to the UK with our little daughter (now long-since grown up) where I ran a big English language school for many years. We now live in a sleepy little village in Devonshire. I’ve been writing almost all my life but it was only seven years ago that I finally managed to find a publisher who liked my work enough to offer me my first contract.

“The fact that I am now writing romantic comedy is something I still find hard to explain. My early books were thrillers and historical novels. Maybe it’s because there are so many horrible things happening in the world today that I feel I need to do my best to provide something to cheer my readers up. My books provide escapism to some gorgeous locations and, as a writer, I obviously have to go there in person and check them out first. I love my job…”

Discover more about T.A. Williams and his work here: Twitter | Website | Facebook

Thank you, T.A. Williams, for another great read – including a Labrador! Thank you, also to Rachel of Rachel’s Random Resources, and Canelo for the advance copy of Dreaming of Verona.

My reviews are posted on Amazon UK and Goodreads. xx

Review of Rachael Stewart’s latest novel, Getting Dirty!

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Today, I am delighted to join the publication day fun and share my review for Rachael Stewart’s Getting Dirty!

The Blurb:

Sometimes digging up the dirt

Means getting deliciously dirty…

I always work for the good guys. My job was simple: get the dirt on Coco Lauren, a princess of a socialite who talks—and plays—dirty. But I kissed her. I tasted her. Uncovered the tantalising woman beneath the polished façade. And she undid me in every way. Now I’m the bad guy. But how do I tell Coco the truth…when coming clean means losing her?

Genre: Erotic Romance
Published by: Mills & Boon Dare

My review:

Rachael Stewart delights with this entertaining, racy read. Not only are the intimate moments between Coco and Ash well portrayed, but there is a genuine attraction and warmth between them too. You want their relationship to work on more than the physical level, and through the time they share, you gain an understanding of how much they need each other.

The plot was interesting and enjoyable, and while I knew there was going to be a happy ending, I couldn’t help but wonder how it would play out.

The supporting characters were great, adding to and increasing our knowledge of the leads. And I have to mention the trip to the Highlands… I loved Ash’s relationship with his dad, and seeing him in this whole new setting – sigh!

Overall, this was a fabulous, sexy read, with a good pace, likeable characters and a story that holds you throughout. As always with a Rachael Stewart read, I look forward to the next.

Click to buy the book: Amazon

Giveaway to Win an e-copy of Getting Dirty by Rachael Stewart (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

ENTER HERE

About the author:

Rachael Stewart adores conjuring up stories for the readers of Harlequin Mills & Boon and Deep Desires Press, with tales varying from the heart-warmingly romantic to the wildly erotic.

Despite a degree in Business Studies and spending many years in the corporate world, the desire to become an author never waned and it’s now her full-time pleasure, a dream come true.

A Welsh lass at heart, she now lives in Yorkshire with her husband and three children, and if she’s not glued to her laptop, she’s wrapped up in them or enjoying the great outdoors seeking out inspiration.

Discover more about Rachael Stewart via her website | Twitter | Facebook

Many thanks to Rachael Stewart for the great read, and thanks to Rachel Gilbey of Rachel’s Random Resources for enabling me to be part of the publication day push.

My reviews are added to Amazon UK and Goodreads. x

Happy New Year and Happy Blogiversary!

Book Review, Writing & Reading, , , ,

I started my blog two years ago this month, and it has been lovely to share my writing and reading journey with you. Over the past two years, I have had the privilege to host some wonderful guest authors and to review some great books. Thank you to all those who have contributed and all those who have read my blog to date.

I like to think about my year ahead in my first post in January, and set myself some targets I hope you will hold me to. When I started my blog two years ago, I said I had never travelled anywhere alone. I have subsequently been to Sue Moorcroft’s writing retreat in Umbria. I have attended two Romantic Novelist’s Association conferences and their York Tea. And I hopped on a plane to Dublin for a writing jolly with, my Choc Lit friend, Morton S. Gray. I have loved the adventures.

Morton and I working hard in Dublin!

This year will be a little different as I am also working in a local school. Though I am a qualified teacher, I am currently working as a TA and HLTA. The class and school I am in are lovely and have reminded me how much I miss teaching. But time is tighter. When I get a spare moment – I still have three children under sixteen and my crazy dog to look after – I am writing. So what will this year’s adventures be?

Well, it is a big year for the RNA with their 60th birthday, and so I am hoping to go to the conference in July. I hope to fit in a writing retreat, but I am pondering when and where. I had a productive weekend away just before Christmas, and so will be repeating that at some point. It’s also a big year in my family as my sister, and husband both have their 50th birthdays. For my sister, my eldest daughter and I are planning a weekend away, and for my husband … Eeek! I am not sure yet, but I am aware the time will whizz by.

Bookwise, there is exciting news to come about the paperback release of Maybe Baby. I must get my two, already written, but not yet illustrated children’s books out. And I must get my WIP finished and off to my lovely, patient, publisher. I then have plans for a Christmas novella. Watch this space!

Goodreads tells me I read 22 books last year, really it is 23 as there is another review pending when the book is released. I’ll be trying to improve on that next year. I have, of course, also read with my children and can think of at least another eight chapter books and countless shorter books we’ve shared as bedtime stories. Maybe I should start counting those too.

And here’s the review of my first read of 2020 – A Wedding in December by Sarah Morgan:

This is an enjoyable read, with a beautiful setting. I enjoyed the focus of the story being on a couple in an already established relationship, as it made a nice change. But I also liked the development of the other characters and their relationships too. When a book is by Sarah Morgan, and it’s set in the snow, you know you’re in for a treat, and this didn’t disappoint. Jordan (he lives in a log cabin and drives a snow mobile) was my favourite character – it would have been good to get to know him a little better 😉 Discover more here.

Cineworld tells me I went to see 90 films in 2019, WOW! It was a year for good stories. Regarding recent releases, I highly recommend Little Women, it’s my favourite version to date. And for children (and parents), Spies in Disguise is very funny.

On Netflix, I have greatly enjoyed Atypical and binge-watched all three series in the lead up to Christmas. Not only is it an entertaining show, but it is a good insight into the life of those on the spectrum, or, much closer to home for me, living with those on the spectrum. And if you still haven’t seen Isn’t it Romantic, you should, as you are in for a treat.

And finally, I’d like to wish you a very happy and healthy New Year, thank you for all of your fantastic support. Here’s to another busy year ahead.

Sharon Ibbotson joins my Christmas Countdown!

Book Review, Writing & Reading, , , , , , , , , ,

Rounding off my Christmas Countdown, I am delighted to welcome author Sharon Ibbotson, as she chats about her latest novel, Hanukkah at the Great Greenwich Ice Creamery!


I’ve already read and enjoyed your book, Sharon, but for those who haven’t, how will your characters be spending the festive season?

Well, given that my hero Cohen is Jewish, and my book called ‘Hanukkah at the Great Greenwich Ice Creamery’ the answer is that they won’t be celebrating Christmas! Cohen mentions in the book that they tend to order Chinese food on Christmas day (something I’ve done myself in the past) and watch a Christmas movie (something I always do!) but that otherwise the day passes without any noteworthy celebration. This year Christmas day coincides with the fourth night of Hanukkah however, so I can imagine my characters gathering around the hanukiah and saying the first and second blessings before lighting the Hannukah candles. They might then sing some traditional songs or eat some latkes (a sort of fried potato cake, very delicious!) or, given Cohen’s embittered demeanour (before he meets my heroine, I mean) he might just drink and wish the holidays away…

And to entice readers further, here’s the blurb:

Hanukkah days, Christmas nights and strawberry ice cream …
Cohen Ford is a man who could do with a little bit of sweetening up. It’s no surprise that when he walks into The Great Greenwich Ice Creamery on a typically gloomy London day before Christmas, he insists on a black coffee rather than his childhood favourite – strawberry ice cream.

But then he meets River de Luca, the woman behind the flavours. After their first encounter, Cohen begins visiting the ice creamery every Tuesday, gradually learning more about the intriguing River. Could her influence encourage cynical Cohen to become the man who embraces Christmas, Hanukkah and even strawberry ice cream?

Genre: Romance
Published by: Choc Lit

And my review:

A lovely, heart-warming original story. I liked the characters of Cohen and River (great names too) and enjoyed watching their relationship develop as they learned to communicate and face the challenges that came their way. I have never read a Hanukkah romance before and greatly enjoyed this one. It was a refreshing story – in more ways than one, as there was plenty of delicious sounding ice-cream mentioned too.

Click to buy the book: Choc Lit | Amazon | Audio

Now, I am intrigued to know how you will be spending this festive season; does the Ibbotson household embrace Christmas, Hanukkah or even strawberry ice-cream? (Do you see what I did there?)

Well, there will be about twenty of us together on the day, all squeezed into my Mum’s house in Newcastle. My husband’s family are Christian, so he’ll take his Dad to church, but we’re not Christian on my side and so don’t celebrate the religious aspect of Christmas. For my sisters and I, the holiday is more an excuse to spend time together. We’re a family of people who appreciate food and drink, so we tend to start with coffee before hitting the prosecco hard and not looking back. The kids will play and we’ll talk and spend time cooking, and we might all watch a film together. My sister has a dog (I’m not allowed one at home yet sadly as my husband has cats) so I’m hoping I’ll get to take her out for a walk on Christmas Day (hint, hint Jules!)

Oh, I do love a family get together, and I hope you get to go for your dog walk. Before you go, I wonder if you would answer five questions from my festive selection?

Naughty or nice? I’m always nice, lol. But I can be occasionally naughty if the situation calls for it!

Mince pie or Christmas pudding? I love a mince pie! They give them out at my local coffee shop so I eat far too many of them too.

Favourite Christmas film? Home Alone. My son is nearly eight and loves it, and I could listen to him laugh all day long.

Black forest hot chocolate or gingerbread latte? Gingerbread latte. But it would have to be decaff, soy, and sugar free, so I don’t tend to indulge these days disappointingly.

First Roses flavour to disappear from your tub? I miss the coffee flavour desperately. That was always the one that went first for me.

Thank you so much for joining my Christmas Countdown, and I wish you and your family a fabulous festive season. xx

About the author:

Sharon Ibbotson is Australian but has lived in the UK for nearly twenty years. She started writing romance when she ran out of Sweet Valley High movies to read. She lives in London with her husband and two kids. Her professional background is in marketing and she has a degree in anthropology and gender studies from the University of Edinburgh. She loves reading and writing regency romance novels, especially those with a more gothic and darker tone.

Discover more about Sharon and her work, here: website | Twitter | Facebook

Thank you so very much to all of the wonderful authors who have taken part in my Christmas Countdown, it has been a lot of fun to get to know you all a little more. And I would like to take this opportunity, once more, to wish you all a very happy Christmas. xx