When Polly Met Olly - Zoe May

Date of Reading: 29/08/2019

Author: Zoe May

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: January 7, 2019

Source: NetGalley

My Rating: 4.5/5

About the book:

Polly and Olly were never supposed to meet…

Polly might spend her days searching for eligible matches for her elite list of clients at her New York dating agency, but her own love life is starting to go up in smoke.

Even worse, she can’t stop thinking about the very person she’s meant to be setting her latest client up with… surely it can’t get any worse!

But then Polly bumps into oh-so-handsome Olly, who heads up a rival agency, and realizes that perhaps all really is fair in love and dating war…

My Review:

       An air of caution surrounds me whenever I select a Zoe May book to read; she is the queen of unpredictability. We might be deluded in thinking that this is another cosy read, but then the story takes a totally different direction (in a good way, actually). Well, this particular story at least defines the heroes in the title itself, so I was relaxed in that part. But then came the blow: Olly is not your typical dashing young man, he is rather old. Yup! that is Zoe May for you.

       Online dating scenario is turned out to be the setting of far too many novels by now, but the author has managed to put a rare perspective even in this cliched world. Polly is a likeable character trying hard to keep her dreams alive and I immediately warmed up to her. Even though her interest lies with photography, the necessity of keeping the ends meet had forced her to work for a dating agency. But what could we know? This might actually be the turning point in her life. Not only her love life but everything.

       Compared to Polly, we don't see Olly that often in spite of the prominent place allotted to him in the title. Sometimes we get dubious, is he really the one? But the fact is it doesn't really matter. This is all about Polly and how she manages to turn things around with the help of her friends, both new and old.

       Overall, a refreshing read as expected from one of my favourite authors.

Meet the author:

Zoe May lives in Oxford and writes romantic comedies published by Harper Collins. Zoe has dreamt of being a novelist since she was a teenager. She spent her twenties living in London, where she worked in journalism and copywriting before writing her debut novel, Perfect Match. Having experienced the London dating scene first hand, Zoe could not resist writing a novel about dating, since it seems to supply endless amounts of weird and wonderful material!

Perfect Match was one of Apple's top-selling books of 2018. It was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association's Joan Hessayon Award, with judges describing it as 'a laugh-out-loud look at love and self-discovery - fresh and very funny.'

Zoe is also the author of How (Not) To Date A Prince (May 2018), When Polly Met Olly (January 2019) and As Luck Would Have It (June 2019).

As well as writing, Zoe enjoys walking her dog, painting and, of course, reading.

Zoe is currently taking part in a blog project called 'Seven Writer, Seven Novels', which charts the publishing journeys of seven writers over the course of a year through monthly updates. The blog was featured in The Bookseller.

The Bistro by Watersmeet Bridge - Julie Stock (Blog Tour & Giveaway)

Date of Reading: 23/08/2019

Author: Julie Stock

Publisher: Clued Up Publishing

Publication Date: August 6, 2019

My Rating: 3.5/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rachel's Random Resources)

About the book:

When Olivia goes to manage Finn's failing bistro, will they end up sharing a table for two, or will it be a recipe for disaster?

Olivia Fuller longs to manage one of the restaurants in her father’s chain and to break free to live the independent life she’s wanted for so long. When her father finally puts his trust in her and sends her to a failing restaurant in Devon, she’s confident she can prove herself capable of doing the job.

Finn Anderson is about to lose his beloved seaside bistro unless the bank can find a buyer to dig him out. When George Fuller offers Finn a deal, he has no choice but to accept if he wants any chance of getting his bistro back one day. And then the new manager arrives…

Even after meeting the prickly chef and discovering his complete lack of business skills, Olivia is confident she can turn the struggling business around. But as Olivia and Finn start working together, a mutual attraction develops between them, and soon, nothing is going according to Olivia’s plan. 

When there’s a real chance that the bistro might be sold off, Olivia and Finn determine to fight for it, united by their hard work and their growing feelings for each other.

But can they save the bistro and be together, or does destiny have a different path in mind?

A feel-good contemporary romance set in a bistro beside the sea in Devon.

My Review:

       The author was new to me but the cover and the blurb decided it for me. Who can resist a story about a businesswoman and that also when it is set near the seaside? As expected I warmed up to Olivia immediately. She is talented, caring and nothing like the ruthless business types. Finn is the exact opposite and so they two make the perfect halves of the equation.

      Narrated through dual perspectives, we learn a lot about the altogether different spheres both of them come from. But there is a lot in common too. I admire Finn's stubbornness and hard work and yes, what we need sometimes is a bit of help from someone. He is lucky to have got it at the right time.

       What disappointed me is the climax. It failed to produce the tension that I expected. A surprise twist would have really added to the angst. Well, that's all for the author to decide. But as it is, this is a sunny, heartwarming story of togetherness that makes wonders.

Meet the author:

Julie Stock writes contemporary feel-good romance from around the world: novels, novellas and short stories. 

She published her debut novel, From Here to Nashville, on February 2015 and her second novel, The Vineyard in Alsace in March 2017. Over You (Sam's Story) and Finding You (Jenna's Story), her follow-up novellas to From Here to Nashville were published in 2018, making the From Here to You series complete. She has also published a boxed set of the From Here to You trilogy of books. 

You can connect with Julie via her Facebook Author Page - www.facebook.com/JulieStockAuthor, and on Instagram - @julie.stockauthor. 

Julie is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and The Society of Authors. 

When she is not writing, she works in communications. She is married and lives with her family in Bedfordshire in the UK.

Giveaway to Win Signed Copy of The Bistro by Watersmeet Bridget and goodies (UK Only)

The prize will contain

• Signed paperback, 

• Notebook with the front cover on 

• Postcard magnet with the front cover on 

• Bookmark with the front cover on 

• Bag of Devon fudge 

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries are 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 Rachel’s Random Resources reserves 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 be passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for the fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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When You were Mine - Lisa Swift

Date of Reading: 09/09/2019

Author: Lisa Swift

Publisher: Hera

Publication Date: August 14, 2019

Source: NetGalley 

My Rating: 5/5

 

About the book:

 

Life is a love song when you find the right notes
Maggie and Ibby make up a happy – if unconventional – family. After meeting at university, they now live in the village of Applecroft on the beautiful West Country coast.

Okay, so Ibby’s gay and prone to disastrous dates, while couples’ counsellor Maggie spends her days helping people with their relationship problems despite having no sex life of her own. Nevertheless, they’re devoted to bringing up teenage daughter Amelia – the result of a drunken one-night stand when they were students – in a stable and loving family.

Until a face from the past – in the form of hard-partying rock star Jordan Nash – disrupts their quiet lives. As Jordan struggles with his personal demons and old secrets are revealed, can Maggie and Ibby stay strong? Or will bringing back the past threaten all that they’ve built in the present?

A feel-good, heart-warming novel about first loves and second chances. Fans of Holly Martin, Dani Atkins and Heidi Swain will be captivated.

Lisa Swift is the pseudonym for bestselling women's fiction novelist, Mary Jayne Baker.

 

My Review:

 

       Ok, I know what you are thinking. This is totally weird. A family of three where the father is gay, mother is . . . let's say. . . straight, and they have a daughter (created not by artificial means). And before you ask, no, they are not a couple. In my opinion this is weirder than 'I've Got Mail'. What puzzled me most was how it is possible (even in a fictional sense) for a gay man to have child. If you are bothered by this, please don't let this spoil your reading as all will be explained by the end.

      This is Mary Jayne Baker's first novel as Lisa Swift. Though I don't really get the reason for different names, I enjoyed it just like her other novels. Of the three novels I am familiar with, this is my favourite. Her signature style shines through even with the change of name. There is the ever present humor, gay characters and most of all the theme of friendship that knits together all her novels.   

      Even with its light hearted tone, the novel discusses some weighty issues like homophobia, coming of age and  drug addiction. This is the story of a family wading through the storm and also that of a friendship beating the odds. The characters are likable, good hearted (a rare breed indeed) even with the human frailities and . . . ya, they are going to stay with me for a very long time.

     Amelia is by far my favourite. She shows a maturity that is unheard of but is not unreal. Whatever sacrifices Iggy and Maggy made to provide her a stable, healthy childhood is totally paid off. Message of the story is simple and probably as old as the universe itself . . . love conquers all. It doesn't matter how odd your family is, if you stand together and welcome the changes with an open heart, anything can be overcome. 

      A remarkable story which is hard to put down. It will embrace you like an old friend and will fill a hole in your heart that you never knew existed.

 

Meet the author:

 

Lisa Swift grew up in rural West Yorkshire, right in the heart of Brontë country... and she's still there. After graduating from Durham University with a degree in English Literature, she dallied with living in cities including London, Nottingham and Cambridge, but eventually came back with her own romantic hero in tow to her beloved Dales, where she first started telling stories about heroines with flaws and the men who love them.

Lisa also writes romantic comedy novels under the name Mary Jayne Baker.  

Sunshine over Bluebell Castle - Sarah Bennett (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 31/07/2019

Author: Sarah Bennett

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: July 1, 2019

Source: NetGalley

My Rating: 4.5/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rachel's Random Resources)

About the book:

The summer she will never forget…

Time’s running out for Iggy Ludworth to restore the wild gardens of Camland Castle in time for the Summer Fete, so she ropes in hotshot gardener Will Talbot…

But she regrets her decision as soon as he sets foot in the historic grounds – not only is Will arrogant and bossy, he’s totally gorgeous!

And very soon, sparks are flying amongst the bluebells. Yet with summer nearly over, will their summer fling convince Will and Iggy to go the distance?

Perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley, Rachael Lucas and Hilary Boyd.

My Review:

    It seems only yesterday that I have read the first book in the Bluebell Castle series. I enjoyed the story of Arthur immensely and was hoping to know more about the triplets, especially Tristan. Well, so a tad bit disappointed knowing that this is about Iggy, the eldest who lost her title due to her gender.

      Iggy was not one of the prominent characters in the first novel but here her personality and gardening skills completely take over the story. And Will compliments her character perfectly so much so that I eventually ended up loving this more than the first. The story follows the dual narrative technique contributing much to the emotional turmoil we are going to endure throughout. Igraine is a lovable lady (even with all her insecurities) and I am so happy that she found her own path at the end. 

     That being said, we also get to follow our first couple to their marriage vows and there comes a wedding of revelations and new beginnings (ah! not only for those two). On the whole, a beautifully put-together storyline for a relaxed and lazy evening. Can't wait for the last story in the series. . .

Meet the author:

Sarah Bennett has been reading for as long as she can remember. Raised in a family of bookworms, her love affair with books of all genres has culminated in the ultimate Happy Ever After – getting to write her own stories to share with others.

Born and raised in a military family, she is happily married to her own Officer (who is sometimes even A Gentleman). Home is wherever he lays his hat, and life has taught them both that the best family is the one you create from friends as well as relatives.

When not reading or writing, Sarah is a devotee of afternoon naps and sailing the high seas, but only on vessels large enough to accommodate a casino and a choice of restaurants.

You can connect with her via twitter @Sarahlou_writes or on Facebook www.facebook.com/SarahBennettAuthor

Sarah is the author of the Butterfly Cove, Lavender Bay and Bluebell Castle series for HQ Digital UK. 

A Question of Us - Mary Jayne Baker

Date of Reading: 04/08/2019

Author: Mary Jayne Baker

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: September 5, 2019

Source: NetGalley

My Rating: 5/5

About the book:

Two best friends. Eight pub quizzes. One shot at love...

Some people seem like they have all the answers in life. Clarrie Midwinter isn't one of them.

At the age of 26, tomboy Clarrie is still struggling to become a 'proper' grown-up. She's eternally strapped for cash, she hasn't had a date in nearly a year and her attempts to quit smoking tend to take a nosedive after the second pint. Most annoyingly of all, her ladykiller best friend Simon just won't stop asking her out. The only thing keeping her sane is her pub quiz team, the Mighty Morphin Flower Arrangers.

But when Simon bets her a date their team will win the quiz league, Clarrie is forced to confront what she really wants out of life – and love. Is it finally time for her to grow up?

Gloriously irreverent, badly behaved romantic comedy from the author of Meet Me at the Lighthouse.

My Review:

      There is no contesting the fact that enemies to lovers is my favourite trope, but friends to lovers can always bag the second position. And this lovely book undoubtedly goes straight to my favourite shelf. Set in a typically British village, the story had me in the hooks from the very beginning and the pages flew by . . . just like that.

      When I said 'village' that doesn't mean the story is all about a cosy, little Edenic place. On the contrary, most of the story surrounds a tightly knit group and pub quizzes and so we see more booze and talk than any real village life. The humour is irresistible and the banter (with sexual overtones) is spot on. Yup, if you want to pick some British slangs, this is your right pick.

      Main characters are Clarrie and Simon aka Si. They are close since their birth but never could manage that final leap to love, all thanks to Carrie's anxiety. Now, at the age of twenty-six, she is finally cornered into a bet. Well, let fate make a decision and all that. Si is not your typical macho guy (with all his cockiness, he sobs when he learns that his mom is ill) and I just love him for that.

        The other members of the gang have their own major parts too with stories going on their own. We have Sonny (or Sunil) an Indian Sikh, Dave and Gemma. Everyone knows practically everything about each other and that creates the whole fun scenario. Couples are made (not unmade, fortunately) and life goes on. 
       I am practically jealous of them all actually. One of the drawbacks of village life is that there are no secrets, but the support of the tight-knit community can never be replaced. They make you appreciate the little things. I loved the way the story turned out, expected but still quite romantic. Wooh!
       So what are you waiting for guys? Stock your drink cabinet and keep your tissues at hand; this cute little story is going to make you misty-eyed one moment and howling with laughter the other. A great comfort read for the weekends!

Meet the author:

Mary Jayne Baker grew up in rural West Yorkshire, right in the heart of Brontë country... and she's still there. After graduating from Durham University with a degree in English Literature, she dallied with living in cities including London, Nottingham and Cambridge, but eventually came back with her own romantic hero in tow to her beloved Dales, where she first started telling stories about heroines with flaws and the men who love them.

Mary Jayne also writes uplifting, feelgood romances under the pen name Lisa Swift.