The Dog Sitter by Zara Stoneley

 

Today I am excited to share with you my review of this brilliant romantic comedy from Zara Stoneley. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour, and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

One dog. Two strangers. An unfurgettable romance.

Wanted: someone nice, normal and trustworthy to housesit a beautiful cottage in the Lake District while the owner is away on a business trip. Must like dogs.

Wanting to escape from crap bosses and useless boyfriends, Becky jumps at the chance of being a dog sitter and the perfect escape – rest, relaxation and a very cute pooch called Bella.

But looking after Bella comes with a catch, namely gorgeous, brooding, Chris Hemsworth-worthy Ash James, who claims Bella is his dog and will stop at nothing to get her back!

Becky’s not about to hand over lovely Bella to any Tom, Dick or Ash.  She’s determined to watch every move Ash James makes…even if it gets her very hot under the collar.

My Review

This is such a fun and romantic read that I loved from beginning to end.

First we meet Becky, an illustrator who's confidence is at an all time low as she has just been dumped by her boyfriend and also lost her job. 

Becky decides she needs to get away for a while to take her mind off of her ex, and after seeing an advert for a house sitter/Dog sitter in a beautiful home in the Lake District Becky is soon packing her bags and heading for some much needed escapism. 

After a very eventful journey Becky finally arrives at the house and meets the very lively and adorable Cockapoo Bella. 

Along with looking after Bella comes a long list of rules as Bella is a big Instagram star. The main rule though is that Becky is to never let Ash, Georgie's ex to ever get his hands on Bella. Becky is also forbidden to even talk to Ash. 

Ash does arrive at the house to see Bella and Becky is shocked by how handsome Ash is and it is obvious just how much he also loves Bella too. 

Becky is determined that Ash will not get Bella, but the more she gets to see him the more she likes him. Maybe he isn't such a bad guy after all and it helps that he is just so handsome. Maybe it isn't just Bella that is enjoying being around Ash either. 

This is such a wonderful, fun and romantic read that I loved. The setting of the book within the Lake District does sound idyllic and the perfect place to mend a broken heart. It is also the perfect spot for Becky to make some decisions about her future and does make her feel more creative again. 

The character of Becky was so lovely to get to know. She loves her job and has worked hard to get to where she is. She has lost confidence in herself after the toxic relationship she was in but it is great to see that grow again while she is away. 

The handsome Ash sounds positively dreamy and you can easily see why Becky finds him so attractive. He does have some secrets in his past though which come to light as the story progresses and you realise just how much he needs Bella. 

Bella the delightful Cockapoo is definitely the star of this book and I enjoyed reading all of the mischief she can get into and tricks that she can perform. 

This book is so much fun to read the story flows well and has a brilliant balance of both sentiment and humour. Some parts will really make you laugh out loud.

This is another outstanding read from Zara Stoneley and is one not to be missed. 

Published by One More Chapter 11th February 2021

Purchase Link

https://smarturl.it/dogsitter

About the Author

Zara Stoneley is the USA Today bestselling author of The Wedding Date.

Born in a small village in the UK, she wanted to be a female James Herriot, a spy, or an author when she grew up. After many (many) years, and many different jobs, her dream of writing a bestseller came true.

She writes about friendship, dreams, love, and happy ever afters, and hopes that her tales make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and occasionally say 'ahhh'.

Zara now lives in a Cheshire village with her family, a lively cockapoo called Harry, and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron.

Zara’s bestselling novels include ‘The First Date’, 'Bridesmaids', 'No One Cancels Christmas', 'The Wedding Date', 'The Holiday Swap', 'Summer with the Country Village Vet', 'Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage' and the popular Tippermere series - 'Stable Mates', 'Country Affairs' and 'Country Rivals'.

Social Media

Website -  http://www.zarastoneley.com

Twitter - www.twitter.com/@ZaraStoneley

Facebook -  http://www.facebook.com/ZaraStoneley

Instagram - www.instagram.com/zarastoneley

Bookbub -  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/zara-stoneley?follow=true

Amazon -  https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B007WK307G

Thank you for visiting my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

Friends With Benefits by Lisa Swift

 Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this feel good romantic release from Lisa Swift. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to take part in the tour, and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

Could Mr Right-Now actually be Mr Right?

Lexie Whittle thought she had life all sewn up, with a gorgeous husband, a beautiful home, and an utterly delightful teenage stepson. Until husband Daryl announced he was leaving to work overseas… and everything changed.

A year later, Daryl and Lexie’s marriage is practically over. Lexie is fighting to stay on top of the bills, juggling her job at the Blue Parrot 1940s cafe in Leyholme with being mum and dad to Connor in Daryl’s absence.

The only thing keeping her sane is the support she gets from Connor’s godfather: Theo Blake, Daryl’s former business partner. Theo might be a jack-the-lad, drifting from one woman to another, but Lexie knows she and Connor can always depend on him in times of need.

After one too many glasses of wine leads to them falling into bed together, Lexie and Theo begin a friends-with-benefits relationship. It starts as just sex, but it doesn’t take long for deeper feelings to develop.

But when Daryl returns, Lexie is faced with some difficult decisions. Will she be forced to choose between her love for Theo and the boy she sees as a son?

My Review

This was such a fun read and one that I devoured in one sitting. 

Life did not plan out the way that Lexie had ever imagined. She thought she had it all until one day everything changed and now she is both Mum and Dad to her wonderful Step Son Connor. 

Lexie has now found herself working in the quirky 1940s themed Cafe in Leyholme. Life is not always easy for Lexie but luckily she has the support of Theo. Theo is Godfather to Connor and is also her colleague at the Blue Parrot. He is always there for help and support and also to be a good friend to Lexie. 

Things change for the two of them over a drunken night together and they end up in bed together. This was never part of Lexie's plan but the two of them come to an arrangement that they will become friends with benefits. 

Things are going well for the pair of them but soon they both begin to fall deeper into their relationship and it is no longer just about the sex. 

Things take a dramatic turn when Daryl reappears on the scene and leaves Lexie with some difficult decisions to make. Either way someone is going to get hurt. Just which way will she decide. 

This is not your traditional Romantic comedy book it is so much more. It is full of drama and love, with so many twists to the story that really keep you engaged from the first page to the last. 

I enjoyed getting to know all of the main characters and seeing how their relationship are all connected to each other. 

Connor is wise beyond his 14 years and has such a sensible head on his shoulders, but he also has a venerable side too. 

Lexie has had to be strong this last year being both Mum and Dad to Connor a role which she never saw coming and sure she is failing at. She is stronger than she realises and this shows as you read through the book. 

The very handsome Theo is a wonderful support to Lexie and its clear how just how much he loves her and Connor. 

There are also a cast of characters from the village within the book that also form part of the story and the lives of Lexie, Connor and Theo. 

I really like the style of writing within the book. It is very witty and engaging and really has a way of drawing you into the story and the lives of Lexie, Connor and Theo. 

This was the first book I have read from Lisa Swift but I will certainly be adding more to my collection. 

Published by Hera 3rd February 2021

Purchase Links

Amazon -  https://amzn.to/3meVeOa

Kobo -  https://bit.ly/3q44lDv

Apple -  https://apple.co/3md96s1

About the Author

Lisa Swift grew up in rural West Yorkshire in the UK, 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 comedies under the pen name Mary Jayne Baker.

You can find Lisa on Social Media 

www.twitter.com/@lisaswiftauthor

Thank you for visiting my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

Married at First Swipe by Claire Frost

Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this brilliant, fun, witty and heartwarming new release from Claire Frost. Thank you to Simon and Schuster UK for inviting me to join the tour and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Book Description

The brand new novel from the author of acclaimed debut Living My Best Life. Perfect for fans of Helly Acton, Mhairi McFarlane and Laura Jane Williams.

Hannah lives life on the edge. Never one to pass up on a new adventure, she has truly been living her best life. But once the adrenaline wears off, she wishes she had someone to spend the quieter moments with too. Learning that her best friend’s online dating business has taken a hit, she comes up with an idea that just might solve both of their problems...

Jess has been with her husband for twenty years. They have a stable marriage, great kids and run their own businesses. But what looks like a perfect life from the outside has its own problems within, and with her business on the brink Jess can’t help but wonder where the spark has gone in her life, and whether settling down is all it’s cracked up to be.

When Hannah embarks upon her latest scheme: finding a man using Jess’s dating app and meeting him for the first time at the altar, both women start to realise the grass isn't always greener. Can Hannah help her friend save her failing business or will Jess stop her from making what could be the biggest mistake of her life?

In the modern tech-fuelled world of dating, is it possible to find true love?

My Review

This was such a fun and witty read that really had me absorbed from beginning to end and I simply could not put it down. 

Best friends Hannah and Jess could not be more different. Jess has been with her husband Tom for twenty years and is all settled in life with a lovely home and two children. Jess has not settled down yet and is till renting herself a flat. She has spent the last few years travelling the globe and has had some amazing experiences but now is feeling like she needs to settle down and think of her future. The two them have been best friends since school and are now working together on a dating app that was set up by Jess. The app has been success to date but now needs more to keep their revenue coming in and expand the business.

After yet another disastrous date for Hannah the two of them hatch a plan that Jess will use her dating app to try and find a new man for her the only thing is Hannah will not meet him until their wedding day! 

Jess and Hannah then embark on their new plan which becomes more and more of an event and adventure for them both.

The planning of finding the right man for Hannah and planing the wedding for them both is so exciting to Jess and she is loving building her business and watching it grow. The only issue is that it is putting a strain on her marriage, something that she is keen to hide from Hannah. 

As the wedding gets closer things become more difficult for both Hannah and Jess could their plan backfire and leave them both realising what really is most important in life and will love conquer all?

This was such a brilliant read and a book you can really get swept away reading. I really enjoyed the engaging style of reading and found it to be a fun and witty read as well as heartwarming. 

Hannah and Jess were both fun to get to know. They are both very different but you can also see why they are the best of friends. They are both such a support to each other. 

I thought the concept of the story was fun and quirky and very much needed at the moment. I also enjoyed haw the story was told from both the aspect of Hannah and Jess so you could see how they were both reacted to the plans being made. 

This is a story full of fun, laughter friendship and love and one I found simply a delight to read. 

Published by Simon and Schuster UK 4th February 2021

About the Author

Claire Frost grew up in Manchester, the middle of three sisters. She always wanted to do a job that involved writing, so after studying Classics at Bristol University she started working in magazines. For the last 10 years she's been at The Sun On Sunday's Fabulous magazine, where she is Assistant Editor and also responsible for the title's book reviews. She can mostly be found at her desk buried under a teetering TBR pile. Her first book, Living My Best Life, was published in 2019.

Thank you for visiting my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

 

Faking It by Portia MacIntosh

 Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this fun and witty new release from Portia MacIntosh. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour, and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

The perfect house, the perfect husband and the perfect life... or is she just faking it?

Life has been a bit of a rollercoaster for Ella. Growing up as the 'less successful' identical twin to her 'perfectly successful' sister, Emma, has left her feeling isolated, inadequate and let's face it.. a little bitter.

When Emma unexpectedly reaches out to Ella in a time of need, Ella suddenly finds herself with the opportunity to fill in for her sister and experience how the other half live.

But as Ella navigates the world of gossiping mothers, rebellious teens and trying to play the model housewife (not to mention avoiding the temptation of attractive men at the school gates...) will she discover that all is not always as it seems on the other side?

Discover the brilliantly funny new romantic comedy from top 10 bestseller Portia MacIntosh. Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Sophie Ranald and Lindsey Kelk

My Review

This is such a fun and witty read the I loved from beginning to end and could not put down. 

Twin sisters, Ella and Emma could not be more different. Emma seems to have it all, the perfect husband, the perfect house and the perfect life. While Ella is still moving from job to job and has just been asked to move out of her flat. 

So when Emma reaches out to Ella explaining she is in need of help, Ella decides that of course she can step in and help her sister after all how hard can it be to pretend that she is Emma?

It does not take long for Ella to realise just how much hard work that Emma puts into her life and her family too. Add in the gossiping friends, doing the school run and very secretive teenager, Ella is soon beginning to realise that maybe the grass isn't greener on the other side. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this fun and witty read that at times really did make me giggle. The writing style is fun to follow and is full of plenty of twists within the story. 

I really enjoyed getting to know Ella. You get a good insight into her childhood reading the book and you understand just why she has the lifestyle she has. You find out more about the relationship between the sister too as you go through the pages. 

I really enjoyed the different story line and found it flowed well. I like how unpredictable the story was and you were never sure just what was in store next for Ella. I thought her dealings with the Yummy Mummy brigade were simply hilarious. There is also the very handsome Marco to add into the mix too.

It was also lovely to see Ella build a relationship with her niece and nephew seeing as she has not had a close relationship with her sister for some time. 

This book is the perfect pick me up for a grey winter day and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. 

A wonderful five star read. 

Published by Boldwood Books 26th January 2021

Purchase Link

https://amzn.to/3eF5ah3

About the Author

Portia MacIntosh is a bestselling romantic comedy author of over 15 novels, including My Great Ex-Scape and Honeymoon For One. Previously a music journalist, Portia writes hilarious stories, drawing on her real life experiences.

Social Media Links

Newsletter sign up - http://bit.ly/PortiaMacIntoshNewsletter 

https://portiamacintosh.com/

 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/macintoshportia

Twitter - https://twitter.com/PortiaMacIntosh

Instagram - http://instagram.com/portiamacintoshauthor

Bookbub - http://bookbub.com/authors/portia-macintosh

Thank you for visiting my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

The Little Swiss Ski Chalet by Julie Caplin

 Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this wonderful, heartwarming and romantic new release from Julie Caplin. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour, and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

It’s time to pack your bags and head to the breathtaking, snow-covered peaks of the Swiss Alps for velvety hot chocolates, delicious cheeses and a gorgeous love story…

Food technician Minna has always believed that chocolate will solve everything – and it’s just what she needs when her latest relationship mishap goes viral!

So with her bags packed and a new determination to sort her life out, Minna decides to drown her sorrows with the best hot chocolate in the world at her godmother’s cosy Swiss chalet. Chocolate: yes. Romance: no. Until she has a run in on an Alpine train with a mysterious but oh-so-gorgeous stranger…

My Review

This was such a heart-warming and cosy read that I loved from beginning to end, and did not want to put down.

In this book we meet Mina, who after a disastrous breakup decides she needs a break from her life and the chance to work out what she wants from her life. So she makes a bold decision to go and stay with her Aunt in a beautiful Swiss Chalet in the Alps. 

Mina begins to fall in love with Switzerland the minute she disembarks from the train and gets her first chance to smell all of the treats that are on offer, and Mina cannot wait to try them all. 

Mina is looking forward to the adventure that lays ahead of her and that begins on the last part of her journey where she bumps into handsome stranger on the train. Bit Mina has sworn off men after the last disaster and is trying to work out just what she does want from life, little does she realise just how much she will gain from her Swiss adventure and what path this will send her on. 

This is such a wonderful winter read. Full of all the sights, sounds and flavours that Switzerland has to offer. The setting of the book sounds simply wonderful and is described so well you can almost feel like you are there with Mina. The food in this book sounds so divine and comforting it will really make your mouth water. 

I enjoyed getting to know Mina. You get a good idea of why she acts the way she does as you read through the book and it is wonderful to see her grow and develop, you see her make some big life decisions too. 

You also get to meet a great group of people who are staying at the Chalet they all play a part in the adventure that Mina has this includes the Handsome stranger from the train and also her aunt Amelie. 

This book is the perfect winter read to snuggle up with and escape from real life, whilst also giving the opportunity to visit Switzerland without leaving your own home. 

This is another 5 star read from Julie Caplin, and I am already looking forward to see where her next adventure will take us. 

 

Published by One More Chapter

Purchase Links

http://amzn.to/3jU2lKy

http://mybook.to/SwissSkiChalet

About the Author

Julie Caplin, formerly a PR director, swanned around Europe for many years taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. 

These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for her Romantic Escapes series which have been translated into fifteen different languages.

The first book in the seven strong series, The Little Café in Copenhagen, was shortlisted for a Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Social Media

Twitter - www.twitter.com/@JulieCaplin

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/JulieCaplinAuthor/

Instagram - www.instagram.com/@juliecaplinauthor

Thank you for visiting my blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland

Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this heartwarming and family filled new release from Jessica Redland. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour, and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

With new arrivals comes new responsibilities...
The sun is shining, wild flowers are blooming and Hedgehog Hollow is officially open for business.

For Samantha, the proud owner of this beautiful rescue centre, life has never been busier. But with an influx of new hogs and hoglets to take care of, not to mention a full-time job and ongoing family issues, can she accept the possibility that she has taken on more than she can handle?

Fortunately, she has the love of her life, Josh, by her side for support and encouragement. But Josh has his own family troubles to deal with. And soon he must decide if he's ready to do the one thing he swore he’d never do - forgive his father.

For both Samantha and Josh it's a season of change and for figuring out whether the past can ever truly be forgotten.

Escape back to wonderful Hedgehog Hollow with top 10 bestseller Jessica Redland for the perfect uplifting read full of love, hope and forgiveness.

My Review

In this book we return to Hedgehog Hollow on the day of the grand opening of the Hedgehog Rescue Centre. This is a huge day for Samantha and one she thought would never happen after all of the problems she had had in the last few months. 

Running the rescue centre is something Samantha never thought she would find herself doing but she has loved every minute so far and is looking forward to running the centre. She has a great amount of support around her especially from her boyfriend Josh.

Things are running well for the centre and and there are plenty of Hedgehogs in need of care. However someone out there is not happy with the centre being there, and the fact that Samantha is running it. Samantha is worried about the future of the centre. 

Josh has other worries on his mind too with more drama unfolding with his family, luckily the two of them have each other for love and support as with what is happening around them they are certainly going to need it. 

This was such a wonderful addition to the Hedgehog Hollow series from Jessica Redland. It picks up straight away from where the previous book ended and its great to see all of the characters we've grown to know again. The writing style of the book flows well but does not give anything away as to the outcome of the issues and dramas that appear as you read through the pages. 

I also really enjoyed how the story was told from a dual perspective. Telling the story from both Samantha and Josh. 

Samantha is such a warm and loving person and it is great to see how much of an impact that has on those around her. She also finds out more about hr past in this book which explains more about her relationship with her mother. 

Josh feels like he has changed so much since he met Samantha and this is apparent in his reactions to the drama unfold with his family. 

This was such a warm, and uplifting read that is full of love and support and shows you what family is all about. 

Another five star read from Jessica Redland and I am already looking forward to more adventures from Hedgehog Hollow. 

Published by Boldwood Books on 7th January 2021

Purchase Link

https://buff.ly/3qVlHD2

About the Author

Jessica Redland is the bestselling author of ten novels, including The Secret to Happiness, which are all set around the fictional location of Whitsborough Bay. Inspired by her hometown of Scarborough she writes uplifting women’s fiction which has garnered many devoted fans.

Social Media

Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/JessicaRedlandWriter/

Twitter -  https://twitter.com/JessicaRedland

Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/JessicaRedlandWriter/

Website -  https://www.jessicaredland.com/

Blog -  https://jessicaredlandwriter.wordpress.com/

Bookbub -  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jessica-redland

Mailing list sign up -  http://bit.ly/JessicaRedlandNewsletter

Thank you for visiting my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review.

 

The Lake House by Christie Barlow

Happy New Year and welcome to my first review of 2021. Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this heart warming and uplifting new release from Christie Barlow. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour, and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

There’s a newcomer to the village of Heartcross and she’s never been more in need of a friend.  Ella is ready to start afresh ––and that could mean there’s love on the horizon in the form of the gorgeous Roman, the local water taxi driver. Every day Roman is there to ferry Ella to the restaurant on the other side of the lake and every night he makes sure she gets home safe. But Roman has secrets of his own…

Can the Love Heart Lane community offer Ella a chance of a new life? Or will the ghosts of her past catch up with her?

My Review

This is the fifth book in the 'Love Heart Lane' series, and having loved all of the series so far I could not wait to get started on reading this one. 

In this book we meet Ella who is in need of a change a scene after a tough six months, and thanks to her friend Callie finds herself staying in the beautiful village of Heartcross. 

Ella feels welcome in the village the moment she arrives and it doesn't take her long to feel like she's been part of the village forever. 

Ella is soon making friends and there is even a spark of romance but Ella feels like she is not ready for love. Ella also really enjoys her new job at the Lake House and even manages to get a promotion within days of being there after coming up with a brilliant idea to help promote the Lake House. 

Ella finds herself swept up in life in Heartcross and is really enjoying her life again. She is also beginning to realise that your past does not have to define your future, and maybe she should let love back into her life too.

This is a wonderful addition to the series. 

This is such a heart warming and uplifting read that will brighten even the darkest of days.

I really enjoy the writing style of Christie Barlow, she has a way of really keeping you engrossed in the story from beginning to end and gives nothing away. 

The setting of the village of Heartcross sounds like the perfect place to put yourself back together again and will make you want to stay forever. 

I liked getting to know Ella, the more you find out about her past the more you understand the decisions she is making now. 

It was great to be back in Heartcross and catching up with all of the characters I have grown to love as the series has progressed. The warmth of the community there can almost be felt through the pages of the book.

This book is a fantastic story full of friendship, fun and romance which will really bring a smile to your face. 

The perfect start to 2021 reading.  

Published by One More Chapter on 31st December 2020

Purchase Links

UK -  https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B086115DK9/

US -   https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086115DK9/

 

About the Author

Christie Barlow is the author of ten bestselling romantic comedies including A Home at Honeysuckle Farm, Love Heart Lane and Clover Cottage. She lives in a ramshackle cottage in a quaint village in the heart of Staffordshire with her four children and two dogs. 

Her writing career has come as a lovely surprise when Christie decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. Christie’s dream was to become a writer and the book she wrote to prove a point went on to become a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.

When Christie isn’t writing she enjoys playing the piano, is a keen gardener and loves to paint and upcycle furniture.

Christie is an ambassador for the @ZuriProject alongside Patron of the charity, Emmerdale’s Bhasker Patel. They raise money and awareness for communities in Uganda.

Christie loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Social Media

Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/christie_barlow/?hl=en

Twitter - www.twitter.com/@ChristieJBarlow

Facebook - www.facebook.com/Christie Barlow author

Thank you for visiting my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review.