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Holiday Terminal by Gwyn McNamee & Christy Anderson – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Holiday TerminalHoliday Terminal by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holiday Terminal is a Christmas-themed romance that sees two ex-lovers get a second chance of happiness. As a huge fan of the authors already, I was super excited to get started on this. I was also hoping it would get me into the Christmas spirit and I can safely say that it has!

Penelope Barnes and Artemis Warren could not be more different. A small-town girl and a city boy, they were thrust together during a hot summer neither of them would ever forget. We got to learn about their past through short flashbacks and, while there wasn’t many of them, it was the perfect amount for us to understand just how deeply they had cared about each other. Learning about the Warren family was fun, but it was the love and support Penelope’s parents have showed her that I enjoyed so much. The Warren family are not the kind you want to be part of, so I was screaming at Artemis to finally get the guts to step away from a life he hates leading.

Seeing Penelope and Artemis together after so many years apart was fun. There was so much back-and-forth that it keeps you guessing until the very end. There is a huge plot element that I can’t discuss (because it is a big spoiler!) but I absolutely loved how endearing it was. It is the perfect Christmassy read as family is such a strong theme. Another thing I loved was the wintery setting, especially all the snow! Being stuck in a desolate airport terminal on Christmas Day sounds awful, but this book made me want it to happen to me!

I absolutely loved this and will definitely be recommending it. It is the perfect short read to get you in the Christmas spirit and its left me hungry for more festive reads!

Review by @ashleighw

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The Men of Holmby Hills: Chase (The Holmby Hills Series Book 1) by Allyson Simonian – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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The Men of Holmby Hills: ChaseThe Men of Holmby Hills: Chase by Allyson Simonian
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Men of Holmby Hills: Chase is the first instalment in an exciting and sexy new series. Set in the world of fame and fortune, this has the making to be your new guilty pleasure. Throw in some arrogant actors and a small-town heroine, you know you’re in for a treat.

If you’re not a fan of insta-love, this might not be the read for you. This book moves fast, but that’s to be expected in such a short read. The author doesn’t skimp on setting the scene though, and I felt like I had a good idea of Chase’s character in the opening chapters. I won’t say that my judgements were completely inaccurate, but there are definitely some surprises along the way. From the blurb we know that Chase isn’t going to be the most endearing of men, but he has his own way of charming the ladies, including myself and his wife, Carrie. We know they’ll be married, but what we don’t know is the circumstances. As for Carrie, I’m torn! You know what you’re getting with Chase, but Carrie’s character left me feeling a little conflicted. When we first meet her, I like her principles and values. But these seemed to get confused and lost as her relationship with Chase heats up and I struggled with some of the contradictions being made. If you can get past this, both Carrie and the story are really quite enjoyable reads, especially if you need a quick fix of drama and passion.

While I’m left with some questions, this was a fun little read that I got through in one evening. I haven’t read too many actor-type romance reads, so it was interesting to delve into an unfamiliar genre. It has definitely caught my interests and I think I’ll be looking out for the next book in this series; I want to see how the characters progress!

Review by @ashleighw

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The Girls Across The Bay (The Knox and Shepphard Mysteries, Book 1) by Emerald O’Brien – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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The Girls Across The Bay (Knox and Sheppard, #1)The Girls Across The Bay by Emerald O’Brien
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Girls Across the Bay is the first of the instalment of the Knox and Sheppard series. It’s a mystery/thriller that follows the lives of two foster sisters, their careers and how they are merged together under some tragic circumstances. This was a detailed read and I loved how much we were thrown into the characters and their world. Although a longer read, I found I couldn’t put this down and finished it in one Sunday-afternoon sitting. If you love a good mystery and strong family ties, this is definitely the book for you!

This is one of those books that had me hooked from the moment I read the blurb. Not only was it creepy, it also mentioned two of my favourite careers to read about: detective and journalist. Don’t ask me why, but I just love characters in these lines of work; I find them so interesting and fun to read! With Grace and Madigan also being family, I knew this was going to be a book I would enjoy. And the story did not disappoint. While it took me a while to get my head around the logistics and connections of the plot, I can’t deny that I was hooked on the story from the very beginning. The elusiveness of Grace and Madigan’s past is enough to keep you interested but throw in a murder, some romance and colleague rivalry, and you have the makings for a really entertaining read. Seeing Grace and Madigan battle with their colleagues was one of my favourite parts of this book, even if it was a little frustrating at times!

The murder of a local women is the heart of the story and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good murder mystery? The investigation of the crime was actually really well paced and well written. It didn’t drag on for too long, nor did it feel rushed and unnatural, which can often be the case with mysteries when they are too romance heavy. I liked the twist of having Madigan’s journalist career involved in the investigation, too, as this offered a different perspective to things.

If you can’t already tell, I really enjoyed this book. After being in a bit of a reading slump, this has definitely peaked my interests and got me back into a reading mood, especially for mysteries. This was a fab start to a new series and I know I will be buying the rest of the books. Thanks to the author for such a great read!

Review by @ashleighw

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Michael’s Heart by Lori Thomas Harrington – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Michael's HeartMichael’s Heart by Lori Thomas Harrington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Michael’s Heart by Lori Thomas Harrington is an emotional contemporary romance read. The author uses music perfectly to tell Colbie’s traumatic yet hopeful story and share her life with us. I really liked this read and have already recommended it to a friend!

This is one of those ‘journey’ books. We follow Colbie through so many significant events in her life that you’re really able to connect with her. After a tragic accident leaves her fighting for her life, Colbie learns that there is more to death than so many people believe. While I know many people fell for Michael as soon as we are introduced to him, I’ll admit it took me a little longer; he just seemed too perfect! Their instant connection was fun to read and when Colbie was miraculously brought back to the real world, I could feel her pain at losing Michael so quickly. So when she meets Will and his daughter, things get complicated. And oh man, did I love this! This is not you typical romance read and I think that’s what made it so refreshing and addictive. I ended up reading this in one sitting, as I just couldn’t bear to leave Colbie and her struggles alone!

Music plays a huge part in this story. If that’s your kind of thing, this is a must read. I love a music-based romance, but this exceeded all my expectations. Colbie is linked to music so deeply and this connection is really what drives this book. There is so much emotion packed into such a short read that you need to be prepared for some ups and downs. When the truth is finally realised at the end of the book prepare yourself; I was a real mix of emotions! I loved the author’s writing style and will definitely be looking at more of her work. If you like your romance with added music and hope, this is for you!

Review by @ashleighw

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Steele Resolve by Gwyn McNamee (The Hawke Family Book 6) – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Steele Resolve (Hawke Family #6)Steele Resolve by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Steele Resolve is the sixth and final instalment of the Hawke Family series. Returning to New Orleans and the world of the Hawke’s always has me excited, but there was something extra intriguing about this story. Following the Hawke’s enemy, Luca Abello, was something I was both intrigued and nervous about. After everything his family has done to the Hawke’s, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to connect with him or his life. How wrong could I be?!

Our connection to the Hawke’s isn’t just through Luca. The other part of the book is written from Byron’s point of view, a long-standing employee and friend of the Hawke family. I immediately liked Byron and connected with his character. He’s open, honest and loyal and an all-round good person. This left me wondering even more about how someone so kind-hearted was going to find a connection with Luca. Well, it turns out Luca isn’t as bad as I thought. In fact, I ended up rather liking him, too! Luca has spent most of his life lying and putting up a false-front, so seeing him be so raw and real with Byron was so much fun to read. They really had an instant connection, and while this isn’t everyone’s favourite thing to read, I really felt like the chemistry they had was real and believable.

As with every Hawke Family instalment, this book had its drama and danger. The ‘oh my god’ moment in this book really took me by surprising; I actually had to stop and re-read to make sure I had read things correctly. It was such a shock and so unsuspecting, I loved it! But by far, my most favourite part of this book was the epilogue. No spoilers here but it was so so beautiful. It is, 100%, a very satisfying ending. For a series I love so much, this was a great addition and such a wonderful way to end things; what a bittersweet read!

Review by @ashleighw

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Tainted Saint (The Hawke Family Book 5) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Tainted Saint (Hawke Family #5)Tainted Saint by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The fifth instalment in the Hawke Family Series, Tainted Saints throws us straight back into the dark and mysterious mafia world of New Orleans. We’ve come to love the Hawke family and each time we get a new glimpse of their world I can feel the anticipation and excitement building. Tainted Saint was no disappointment and I loved learning more about Caroline and Saint. This is a great instalment to the series and another five star read!

During the previous book, Building Storm, I really became interested in Caroline’s character and learning more about her. She comes across as quiet and shy, so I was waiting for someone to bring her out of her shell. Queue Saint, and what a wonderful job he did. From their very first, secretive, meeting during a rather intimate party, the chemistry between them had the book on fire. My eyes couldn’t read quick enough to get to the next sexy scene as the two of them have a connection that is just so addictive. This book also has its fair share of drama, which is expected when it comes to the Hawkes. As usual, they can’t help but insert themselves into something dangerous, which is the very reason we love them so much.

Tainted Saint proves that series can continue to be just as good at book five as it was at book one and two. I love the Hawke family and I know so many other people do, too. I’m so excited for the next instalment; bring on Luca!

Review by @ashleighw

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Bedlam (Twisted Hearts Love Story Book 1) by Autumn Sand – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Bedlam (A Twisted Hearts Love Story, #1)Bedlam by Autumn Sand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bedlam is the first of the Twisted Hearts Love Story series by Autumn Sand. This story promises it all; danger, deception and a forbidden love affair. If this doesn’t make you want to jump straight into the book, I don’t know what will. While I love a romantic thriller, I’m not always one for the darker reads. Something about Bedlam had me hooked before I’d even started and I’m so pleased it did. This was an exciting and addictive read that I cannot recommend enough.

From the very beginning of Bedlam we learn everything is not as it seems in Anaya’s life. While it might appear she has the perfect set-up, nice apartment, designer clothes, this is far from the truth. Her relationship with her long-term boyfriend has all but fizzled out, but how do you end things when before-mentioned boyfriend is the head of a mafia empire? A mafia romance you say? Not quite! Ignacio, or Iggy, is anything but the warm, romantic type. His scenes with Anaya were always difficult to read and very disturbing. His hold over her is strong, but she still manages to form friendships and a career outside of her life with him. It’s her career that throws her in Tony’s path. Now he is a man worth talking about! Tony and Anaya immediately have an intense connection and sparks fly. Unlike her and Ignacio’s scenes, I loved reading the scenes between Anaya and Tony. They were hot; so prepare yourself for some very believable chemistry.

Before you start reading Bedlam, be warned that there are some serious triggers. This is not an easy-to-read book, so be ready for some really uncomfortable reading. Right from the start we are exposed to some deeply sad events and it only gets worse as the story moves on. This book is filled with deception, danger and lies so expect everything that comes with those labels. However, this story is also hopeful and there are some really lovely scenes. While most of these are between Anaya and Tony, look out for some unexpected scenes with Fred; my favourite character!

Bedlam is both the book I was expecting, but also full of surprises. It is darker than I thought it would be but also has some lighter, touching moments. I read this in one sitting; yes, it really is that addictive! For anyone who loves a mafia or dark romance read, I would recommend this in a heartbeat. I can’t wait to read more of this series!

Review by @ashleighw

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The Billionaire and the Therapist (Clean Billionaire Romance Reads #1) by Kim Koby – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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The Billionaire and the Therapist (Clean Billionaire Romance Reads, #1)The Billionaire and the Therapist by Kim Koby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first book in the Clean Billionaire Romance Reads, The Billionaire and The Therapist follows John and Natalie as they explore a new relationship under some difficult circumstances. This is a quick read that satisfies your sweet romance craving perfectly.

We meet Natalie at a crucial point in her life. Still living with the fear from a recent tragic event, she has changed her whole life to try and help her feel safe again. Finally settled in Texas, things really kick off when she accepts a job proposal from billionaire, John. He is the perfect mixture of alpha-businessman and kind, sweet-hearted father. Him and Natalie have an instant connection, mostly through their shared determination to help manage his daughter’s PTSD. There is a lot of love in this book and that is what makes it such an enjoyable read. This book doesn’t have lots of steamy romance scenes, but it delivers believable love in many other ways.

I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet read. With the perfect balance of drama and love, this book hits all the right spots. It sets up the rest of the series perfectly and I can’t wait to read more of them.

Review by @ashleighw

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Luke (Dark Water Security #1) by Madison Quinn – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Luke (Dark Water Security #1)Luke by Madison Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Luke is the first instalment of the Dark Water Security series. A contemporary romance that deals with some dark and disturbing issues, it had me hooked from the very first chapter. While it’s a lot darker than I normally go for, I absolutely loved this story and the characters we meet. Luke and Emily have a connection so strong that it’s believable, despite this being a short and intense read. If you like your romances with added danger, this is a must read for you.

The book opens in a dark place, with Luke held prisoner at the hands of a violent and unrelenting monster. Forced to fit for his life, Luke has all but given up hope of ever escaping. So when his rebellion causes an innocent, fifteen-year old girl to join him in captivity, he puts every last ounce of strength in finding a way to free them both. Ten years later and Luke has made a life himself. A distinguished army service and now running a private security firm, the last thing he needs is to be thrown into the past. Seeing him work with Emily again is so addictive. I was hooked on reading their scenes together and seeing the chemistry fly. Emily is a very different person to the one he remembers, and seeing her so strong was empowering after everything she has been through.

If fear and danger is what you’re looking for, this book ticks all of the boxes. It starts and ends with Emily in hot water, so be prepared for a rollercoaster read. The story deals with some difficult themes, so expect some hard to read moments, especially at the start of the book. The author writes these really well, being respectful but realistic at the same time. Like I said, this is darker than I normally read but I absolutely loved it and will definitely be recommending it to others.

Review by @ashleighw

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Building Storm (Hawke Family Series #4) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Building Storm: (A Hawke Family Novel) (The Hawke Family Book 4)Building Storm: (A Hawke Family Novel) by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Building Storm is the fourth instalment of the Hawke Family series. Every book in this series has brought the drama and this one is no exception. I am a huge fan of this series and the characters it has created, so to say I was excited for this read is an understatement. This book has it all: drama, sexiness, love and a huge amount of emotion. I loved this story and think it is the perfect ending to the series.

At the end of the previous book, Stone Sober, I wasn’t sure how Storm was going to cope. I was excited to read her story but also nervous, as I knew it was going to be an emotional journey. Not only was she dealing with a tragic loss, she was also coming to terms with the new, difficult, relationship she has wit her brother Stone. This was one of the things I was most excited to read about, as I really couldn’t see how she would be able to forgive him and move on. Her relationships with all of her family and central to this book and I loved seeing the whole family together, especially with the inclusion of new boy, Landon! He is exactly what Storm is trying to avoid and yet the instant connection they have is crazy. He is so intense and it completely throws her, which was so much fun to read!

Aside from all the drama with the Hawke family, which there is an abundance of, Landon brings his own problems to the table. We learn pretty early on that he has some serious issues with his dad, but we don’t learn the truth of it for quite a while. I loved how well this was drawn out, as the little hints along the way had me guessing what had happened. There is a pretty dramatic ending so I won’t ruin it for you but it is the perfect conclusion to this series. I am gutted that it’s all over!

This series took me completely by surprise. From the first huge plot twist in Savage Collision, I found myself hooked on these characters and their lives. Storm’s story really hit me in the heart and I have grown to completely love her; is she allowed to be my favourite female character? This is a must read for fans of this series. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

Review by @ashleighw

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The Something Series (Box Set Books 1-3) by Aubrey Bondurant – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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The Something Series - Box Set Books 1-3: (Tell Me Something, Ask Me Something & Bet Me Something)The Something Series – Box Set Books 1-3: by Aubrey Bondurant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Something Series boxset contains the first three instalment of Aubrey Bondurant’s Something series: Tell Me Something, Ask Me Something and Bet Me Something. Each story follows a different couple but all revolve around the same friendship group. Set in stylish cities across America, New York City and Las Vegas to name just two, all three of these books are exciting, glamorous and addicting reads. One of my favourite series EVER, I cannot recommend this boxset enough.

If the previous statement didn’t give it away, this review is definitely a little biased. I absolutely love this series and have done from the moment I started reading Hayley and Josh’s story in Tell Me Something. Those two characters, and their dramatic storyline, pulled me in from the very beginning and before I knew it I was hooked. While Josh isn’t the easiest person to love, including for Hayley (!), seeing these two grow closer over the course of the book was so much fun. Being the first couple of the series, they have a special place in my heart and in the series itself; they are the originals! So when I started Ask Me Something, I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive. How were Sasha and Brian going to live up to my expectations? Quite easily, as it turns out, and soon I was obsessed with them, too. This book definitely had a more grown up feel and I loved reading about to adult characters with powerful, high-level careers. The dynamic between the two was so interesting and their passion and charisma was hot. I loved how Brian both pulled Sasha out of her comfort zone and made her feel safe. A lot of love for these two!

Of all the books in the series, Bet Me Something has a special place in my heart. Colby and Kenzie are younger characters who are still trying to figure stuff out, which makes them so much more relatable for me. Another bonus is the friends-to-loves storyline, as this is probably my favourite romance genre. I love the whole ‘childhood crush’ thing Kenzie has for Colby and found myself screaming at Colby to finally admit his feelings for her. This is the perfect angsty read that the series was missing and I have to say, is probably my favourite.

If you’re not already convinced, this is a must-read romance series. I can’t remember how many people I have recommend it to and they have also said they love it. Once you’ve started this series you won’t want to stop, so the boxset is the perfect introduction; trust me, books four and five are just as good! I will never stop re-reading this series and honestly cannot recommend it enough.

Review by @ashleighw

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Beats of the Heart (Lyrical Odyssey Rock Star Series #1) by Charli B Rose – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Beats of the HeartBeats of the Heart by Charli B. Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beats of the Heart is the first in an exciting contemporary romance duet. Set in the crazy world of the music industry, we meet two young lovers as they try to maintain their relationship amidst the madness of a rock stars life. This book easily swept me off my feet and I was lost in the story almost instantly. If you like your musical reads with added heartbreak, this book is definitely for you!

Although only a short read, Beat of the Heart packs A LOT in. The heat and passion starts immediately and doesn’t let up. I loved both Izzy and Dawson and the innocence and purity of their relationship. In the blurb this book promise a best friends-to-loves romance, and although we didn’t really get to learn much about that in the book, I love the premise behind it. This book delivers a beautiful love story in the little pages it has and I cannot fault the author for this. Izzy and Dawson’s relationship feels real and believable, which can so often be missed by authors. I connected with the pair and found myself really wishing for their happiness. Whilst there won’t be any huge spoiler here, I will say that you need to be prepared for some shocks. The end of this read was a killer, especially as part two isn’t out yet!

Simply put, I loved this little read. It was thoroughly satisfying and has left me very happy on Wednesday evening. I cannot wait until the next part is released (I need it now!) and will be telling lots of people about how good this read is. If a romantic, music read is what you’re looking for, Beats of the Heart will perfectly hit the spot!

Review by @ashleighw

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A Second Chance by Brooke May (Power River Pack #1) – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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A Second Chance (The Powder River Pack #1)A Second Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Second Chance is the first instalment of the Power River Pack series. The perfect mix of romance and fantasy, this book, and series, follows a pack of werewolves as they deal with the struggles that come with them finding their mate. While I’m not normally a fantasy reader, there is something about werewolves that just appeals to me; I blame Twilight! This was a great read and I will definitely be diving into the rest of the series.

This book has a lot of angst and a lot of tragedy. From the very beginning, we learn that our werewolf, Derek, as not had an easy ride. Letting the love of his life go was the most foolish mistake of his life, one he’s still paying for now. Derek is so broken and we can see that from the very start. I loved learning about him and his complex character. But the best part of Derek is his relationship with Annabelle. They have such a difficult history and seeing them come to terms with this, and the people they are now, was so much fun to read. There is a lot of emotion in this read and some of the scenes Annabelle and Derek share are real tear-jerkers. Despite this, the passion and chemistry they have is immense. I loved seeing them together, especially when things go a little hot and steamy!

As far as werewolf reads go, this one is a winner. It has definitely sorted my fantasy need and has left me wanting to read the rest of the series. If this is your sort of genre, I can strongly recommend this. Thanks for a thoroughly satisfying read!

Review by @ashleighw

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Healing Danger (Fortis Security #1) by Maddie Wade – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Healing Danger (Fortis Security #1)Healing Danger by Maddie Wade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Healing Danger is the first book in the Fortis Security series. A contemporary romance, this novel also doubles as a suspense, with danger lurking from the very first pages. I quickly became absorbed with this book and obsessed with the characters and their storylines. This is one of those reads that takes over your day and before I knew it, most of the evening had passed while I was glued to the screen of my Kindle. Fans of romance with added mystery and thrills, this is definitely a read for you.

Our leading characters come with one of my favourite things; a past! As much as I love reading about characters meeting each other for the first time, I adore stories where the characters have a difficult past that they have to face up to. Lauren and Dane have exactly this kind of story and I loved jumping in and seeing how things would turn out for them. Falling for these two wasn’t difficult, as Lauren is a loving, kind woman and Dane is, typically, a special forces -trained action man. Who doesn’t want to read about them?! But aside from what some may call, romance stereotypes, this plot is so much more. It’s exciting, completely enthralling and very real. Lauren and Dane both have to make some difficult decisions in this book, many that had me nervous for their future. No spoilers, but I hope you’re as satisfied with the ending as me!

If action-packed romance is what you like, Healing Danger is a must. This is an exciting start to a new series that I cannot wait to jump into. Thanks to the author for a great read!

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Once Upon a Romance (A Dream Come True #1) by Alex Bailey – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Once Upon a Romance (A Dream Come True, #1)Once Upon a Romance by Alex Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once Upon a Romance is the first instalment of the A Dream Come True series and, simply put, it is the perfect romance read. If you’re starting to get in the Christmas spirit, or just love a holiday read, this is exactly the read you need. It has a cute child, plenty of romance and is set in the most magical place on earth, Disneyland!

Our leading lady, Sophie, is everything her sister wasn’t, including not being a Disney fan. So when her niece, Ariel, reveals her Christmas wish is to spend the holidays at her recently deceased mother’s favourite place, Sophie begrudgingly agrees. And then the miracles start. Not only does Sophie manage to find a hotel room for her and Ariel at such short notice, she’s also able to make sure her boyfriend, Dean, can join them, too. As for Sophie and Dean’s relationship, I’ll let you make your own minds up!

This book has magical written all over it. From the setting to the characters, I just fell in love with everything about this read. While at its core it’s dealing with quite a difficult issue, the loss of a family member, this author doesn’t let this overshadow the amount of love between the characters. Rick and Ariel’s bond is one of my favourite elements of this book and I loved reading the scenes where they were together. The change in Sophie’s character was also something I loved, especially when it came to her life and romance choices; no spoilers her, but I was rooting for her to get her happy ending!

If I wasn’t already feeling Christmassy, I definitely am now. In fact, I’ve gone and put my Christmas tree up! This is a feel-good read and could quite happily sit here all night and tell you just how much I loved it. Instead, I’m going to tell you how much you should go and grab your own copy and snuggle up a blanket and devour it in one go. I did just this and can safely say, it was a Saturday afternoon well-spent! I cannot wait to read the rest of this series and now have a new author to fall in love with!

Review by @ashleighw

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Getting the Goods by Elizabeth Perry – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Getting the GoodsGetting the Goods by Elizabeth Perry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Getting the Goods is a standalone contemporary romance novel that will have you laughing from the very first chapter. The plot is simple, yet completely ridiculous, which is what makes it such an addictive read. The characters are engaging and honestly, I just really liked this read. For fans of romantic comedies or classic miscommunication scenarios, this is a must read.

We meet Gaby during one of the most important nights of her life; the night she will finally steal the sperm needed to help her get pregnant. This sounds insane, but as soon as I read the blurb I new I had to read this book. The more crazy, the better, right? Gaby and the relationship with her friend Maria (who let’s be honest, has some questionable practices) is amusing right from the beginning and remains this way throughout the story. But things really get interesting when Gaby meets Conner/Carter and hilarity really ensues. Not only does Gaby find out her job is at risk and the man whose sperm she tried to steal is now her boss, she is also faced with his twin. Yep, there are two of them. Cue funny miscommunications, dramatic passing-outs and awkward encounters. What more could you want from a romantic read?

This is a feel-good read that has the perfect balance of drama, emotion and laughs. While the comedy level is high, there are some serious issues dealt with in this book, including Gaby’s issues with fertility. This may be a difficult read for some but I found it insightful and inspiring. The author dealt with these themes respectfully and it’s left me wanting to read more of her work. If you’re looking for a well-rounded and satisfying read, Getting the Goods is a must!

Review by @ashleighw

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Across From You by Amabel Daniels – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Across From YouAcross From You by Amabel Daniels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Across From You is a fun, romantic standalone novel. Written in alternating points-of-view, we follow Lexi and Jack after they meet during a compromising situation. In your typical tale of miscommunication, hilarity ensues from the very beginning despite Lexi’s obvious embarrassment at recent life events. This book is relatable, funny and just all-around loveable. A must read for any contemporary romance fans!

Lexi Regan is not having much luck. Having been the victim of a horrendous romantic blunder, the last she wants to think about is men. What happens next? She’s faced, literally, with a naked, hot, sexy man during a one-off art class she attends with her best friend. Cue hilarious flirting. I was laughing out loud at Lexi’s mixture of embarrassment and intrigue, which only became more hilarious when we found out her surprising connection to the mystery model. The author timed this miscommunication perfectly, not dragging it on too long so that I got both bored and annoyed. One of my biggest issues with romance reads is when this type of scenario is dragged out for over half of the book; just get on with it! We didn’t have too long to wait until Jack O’Connor is revealed to Lexi which just made things all the more interesting!

Jack is a fantastic male lead. While he has some of the stereotypical traits (a sexy man in uniform is always a win for me), in many ways he isn’t so typical. This made him a really complex character, which is always fun to read. The connection him and Lexi have is both instant and deep, and only strengthens over the course of the book. They had their ups and downs and there were some seriously emotional moments, which rounded off the book perfectly.

Overall, Across From You hits the romance-crave so many of us have. It is not only a really good story, but also packed full of wonderful characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and cannot wait to try more of the author’s work. This will definitely be on my recommendation list!

@ashleighw

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Born to Fight (Can’t Resist You #1) by Brittany Anne – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Born to Fight (Can't Resist You, #1)Born to Fight by Brittany Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Born to Fight is the first instalment of the dystopian-romance series, Can’t Resist You. It follows Hunter and Rain, who are thrown together after a deadly attack on Hunter’s life. There is instant chemistry between these two and that is what makes this book so addictive. If you’re a fan of dystopian reads, this is definitely one for you.

We meet Hunter in the midst of him saving a woman from an attack by UNR soldiers. So basically, Hunter is a hero. Cue swoon. Then we learn he’s part of the resistance. Cue bigger swoon. A strong, rebel? Sign me up for one! Hunter is an instantly memorable character who I was immediately drawn to and hooked on. I had so many questions about how he got to where he was, I couldn’t read fast enough to get to the flashbacks about his past with this father and the rest of the resistance. While he is technically the ‘enemy’, he most definitely the hero of this read. I love reads like this, but mostly when we see things from the side of those rebelling against the state. This makes for a much more interesting read and, let’s be honest, all of us have a little rebel in us. And that is why I loved Rain so much. Not only is she a strong, independent woman (yes!), she also knows what she wants. When it is thrown right in front her in the form on Hunter, she panics, like all of us would! I loved seeing their relationship develop of the course of the story, both physically and emotionally.

This book is full of suspense. While there is the fear of the UNR at every corner, the biggest stressor for me was waiting for Rain to find out the truth about Hunter. I actually found myself reading super fast to reach that moment, as I just couldn’t handle the stress! No spoilers here, but prepare yourself for some serious action!

I really enjoyed Born to Fight and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series. It falls perfectly into the dystopian-romance genre, one which so many people love. Add this to your to-read list and it will not disappoint!

Review by @ashleighw

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Say When by Bree Kraemer (Cedarville #9) – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Say When (A Cedarville Novel Book 9)Say When by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Say When is the ninth (yes, ninth!) instalment of the truly wonderful Cedarville series. One again, we are transported to the beautiful lakeside setting which has become so familiar to fans of this series. This instalment does not disappoint, as were introduced to a new couple that immediately grabbed my heart. This is one read not to be missed!

I have to start this review by admitting that I am a superfan of this series. I absolutely love the world that the author has created and it holds a very dear place in my heart. So as soon as a new book is released, I am immediately anticipating finding the time to sit and really enjoy it. Cue a nice cup of team, some chocolate cookies and a cosy blanket; time to read!

Say When had me hooked after the very first page. Immediately jumping into the wonderful world of baking had my mouth-watering; luckily I had the cookies! Dani is such an endearing character and I felt myself warming to her straight away. I love her innocence, which I think makes her such a strong character and so interesting to read. She has a lot of fears and learning about these over the course of the story allowed us to see why her and Patrick have such an intense connection. As for Patrick… what a cutie! He is such an equally interesting character who I couldn’t wait to find out more about. We learn about him more slowly than Dani, with the main focus of the story being her getting over her fears, but that just makes him so much more intriguing; who doesn’t love a mysterious man?! Seeing them together is so much fun and, let’s be honest, super hot. There are some steamy moments in this book, which are sure to get you feeling a little hot. All I’ll say is, lucky Dani!

I don’t think I will ever stop loving this series or this author’s work. Every single book in this series is beautifully written, packed with wonderful characters and has an intriguing and exciting plot. Ultimately, this series is about love and the connection that develops between two people, and Say When perfectly portrays this. If you haven’t already, I cannot encourage you enough to start reading this series. By the time you get to Dani and Patrick’s story, you’ll be as hooked as I am!

Review by @ashleighw

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Touchdown (The Big Apple #1) by Alexa Summers – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Touchdown: A Steamy Football Romance: The Big Apple Series Book 1Touchdown: A Steamy Football Romance: The Big Apple Series Book 1 by Alexa Summers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Touchdown is a contemporary romance novel set within the world of American football. This is a steamy read, so if you’re looking for something more subtle, this is not the book for you. The heat starts instantly and does not stop until the very end of the book. This feels like a very promising start to a series and I cannot wait to read more.

This is a full on read. From start to finish, Touchdown brings the heat, drama and emotion. Our leading lady, Lexi Driver, is a woman we all would love to be. Spending her life inside a football team’s changing room, she has seen it all. And it’s fair to say she loves it. She is a strong, sassy and sexy woman that isn’t afraid to speak her mind. I liked Lexi from the beginning, and grew to like her even more over the course of the book. Yes, she has her flaws (maybe she should have just apologised for that whole incident to start with) but she has been through so much in her life. As the story went on, I found myself really feeling for her and everything she was going through.

A sports romance isn’t complete without a sexy man to raise the temperature. Brett Brock is just that man. He had a rough start, I’ll give him that, but I have to admit I had a love hate relationship with him. While you can see why he wanted revenge, his way of doing so was questionable. I spent a good portion of the book on the edge of my seat, waiting to see if he would in fact release the recordings he had made. While some tension is good, I have to admit that this is one of the things that drives me mad when reading! I won’t spoil what happens, but I was so pleased when it finally did. This really moved the story along and finally, I could breathe again!

Overall, Touchdown is a really fantastic sports romance read. It stands-out for its steaminess as this is definitely not your average read. If your looking for a romance that offers just that bit more, this is definitely one for you.

Review by @ashleighw

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Small Town Hero (Small Town Brides #1) by Kim Koby – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Small Town Hero (Small Town Brides, #1)Small Town Hero by Kim Koby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Small Town Hero is a short, contemporary romance that focuses on renewal and second chances. Our two characters are thrown together under difficult circumstances but find hope and new life in each other. This was an uplifting read and one that I enjoyed from beginning to end.

Rebecca was convinced she had everything figured out, including a loving fiancé who was accepting of her decision to save herself until after they were married. So after finding him in bed with her best friend, she takes off on a journey to get herself as far away from his as possible. Finding herself in Tennessee, we enter Rebecca’s life as she’s at a real turning point. This is exciting as we see her develop from the ‘old’ her to the new, more relaxed version of herself. I loved how sassy she was at the beginning but also that she was aware of this. Her reaction to Ryan had me laughing out loud at points, especially because she was so surprised at herself! As for Ryan, what a complex character! While we immediately focus on Rebecca’s heartbreak, he too has faced some traumatic events in his life. I loved getting to know him and finding out why he is the way he is.

The connection between Rebecca and Ryan feels so natural and is really entertaining to read. I loved seeing them interact and how easily conversation flowed between them, after they had got to know each other of course! This was such a lovely, sweet read and I’m so glad I took a chance on it. I can’t wait for more in this series!

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The Nearness of You by K.G. Fletcher – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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The Nearness of YouThe Nearness of You by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Nearness of You is a standalone romance novel from author K G Fletcher. Focused around the world of showbiz, fame and glamour, we meet two characters who are both following their dreams. This is an exciting read that has all the makings for a fairy-tale story. I loved it and am already on the lookout for more of the same!

We meet Lauren, our leading lady, during a comfortable period in her life. She’s happy, but determined not to give up on her dreams of making it big in the music industry. So when a routine gig introduces her to David, thing change forever. Lauren is an ambitious, fun and completely likeable character. I loved finding out more about her life and found myself praying that all of her dreams would come true. Her instant connection David felt real and not forced at all, which is sometimes the case in romance reads. They naturally bounced off each other and it was obvious just how much they enjoyed being around each other. Let’s be honest, I think it would be easy for anyone to enjoy being around David! As a Brit myself, I maybe didn’t have quite the same reaction to him as my American counterparts. But, that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate him! He doesn’t seem to have nay major flaws and he treats Lauren like a queen; where can I find one?! David’s relationship with his sister is also a highlight of the read for me and, again, written so naturally and authentically.

While this story is packed full of romantic moments, it also has it’s drama. When we meet David’s assistant, Sabrina, things get really interesting. Her involvement in the couple’s relationship is complex, infuriating and so addictive to read. If you like some meddling in your love stories, this a must read!

Overall, The Nearness of You is a beautifully romantic read. I fell in love with the characters and their stories, as well as the incredible locations we visited. Another wonderful element of this read is the inclusion of music. I strongly recommend checking out the playlist at the back of the book; it opened my ears up to lots of new music! This book has got me hooked onto music-romances and I can’t wait to find my next one!

Review by @ashleighw

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Give and Take (The Thorne Brothers #2) by Lee Kilraine – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Give and Take (The Thorne Brothers, #2)Give and Take by Lee Kilraine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Give and Take is a contemporary romance novel and the second instalment in The Thorne Brothers series. This story follows baby brother, Wyatt, and his involvement in the brother’s construction company. I love a series I can really sink my teeth into, and with a whole family of brother to get to know, this series has me super excited. Much like the first instalment (which I strongly recommend you read!), Give and Take is a beautifully romantic read that had me hooked from the very beginning. As we approach the end of the 2018, I can safely say that Wyatt and Rhia are in the running for one of my favourite couples of the year!

Wyatt Thorne is not your stereotypical romantic ‘hero’. He has very visible flaws, some of which most people would find incredibly annoying. He’s particular, meticulous and rigid to his routine. He’s obsessed with his work and quiet to the point of painfully so at times. So why did I feel such a draw to him? Wyatt had my attention almost immediately and I think I finally understand the appeal of the ‘strong and silent’ type. He is the perfect mix of driven, cute and a little frustrating and I just love him, perhaps even more than I loved his brother in Give it Up. But Wyatt isn’t the only love interest in this book. Rhia is his complete opposite and so perfect for him. She had me laughing out loud with some of her crazy antics, including her brief employment as a clown, and the relationship between her and Wyatt was so entertaining to read. I loved their back-and-forth banter and the sudden moments of passion and steaminess; they complimented each other beautifully. They are one of those couples that you just connect with and I have been left wanting to know more about them!

As with the first book, Give and Take explores some difficult issues. The Thorne brothers have been through a lot and their childhood is truly devastating. Seeing their shared past through Wyatt’s eyes was interesting, as he had been so young when everything happened to them. His brothers made it their job to protect him, and so we find Wyatt feeling a tremendous amount of guilt towards everything they have sacrificed for him. I love the strong family bond they have and it just has me more excited to find out more about each of the brothers.

Give and Take is a fantastic instalment in what is shaping up to be a fantastic series. The character development is exceptional and the plotlines are addictive. I have the next instalment on pre-order and am anxiously waiting its arrival. If you aren’t already convinced, I recommend you jump into this series immediately!

Review by @ashleighw

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Credence Woods by Alexandria Sure – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Credence WoodsCredence Woods by Alexandria Sure
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Credence Woods is a standalone novel that follows Kennedy Hewson as she struggles to accept, and feel comfortable with, the person she has become. This story is all about self-discovery, acceptance and love, things which all of us should spend more time reflecting on. This can easily be a one-sitting read, it was for me, and is one of those reads that really grabs you. I really enjoyed Credence Woods and can’t wait to recommend it to others!

My favourite thing about this book is Kennedy. As far as leading ladies go, she has so many of the qualities that I love to read. She’s strong, fierce and independent but also has her own insecurities, which makes her so relatable. What woman hasn’t worried about their appearance at some point in their life? Having this connection and similarity with Kennedy immediately made me like her and want to know more about her story. And what an introduction we had to her life! I will admit, at first I really didn’t know where this story was going to go! A grimy club in Tennessee is not what I was expecting, and nor was Kennedy’s choice of activity! So then we saw her back in professional work mode, things became addictive; I had to know what kind of person she was. This book had so many surprises, I couldn’t stop myself from binging on it and finishing it all in one go.

Aside from Kennedy, there are some really wonderful supporting characters in Credence Woods. From Max, one of my new favourite American men, to Hank, I loved the characters Kennedy finds herself surrounded by. They are just as addicted as she is and I thank the author for taking the time to develop them so much.

Credence Woods was a fun, uplifting and romantic read that I enjoyed from start to finish. From the wonderful characters to unpredictable plot, I can definitely recommend this read to others. I’m excited to read more of this author’s work!

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Self Love by T L Clark – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Self LoveSelf Love by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Self Love is a standalone romance novel that follows Molly as she learns to love herself and who she is. Written in first person, the author chooses to have Molly speak directly to the audience, which really helped build a relationship with the character. This book had me laughing out loud at moments and was really fun to read. If you need to indulge in a little self-love yourself, this is a must read!

Molly is such a relatable character. She is struggling with various different issues, all of which are real concerns for real-life women of her age. What woman hasn’t worried about her weight, career or relationship status? Molly is real, which is what makes her so loveable. Seeing her character develop of the course of Self Love was fun and stirred a lot of different emotions in me. The narrative is so brilliantly written, especially the way Molly interacts with the reader. There are some hilarious moments in this book and I found myself giggling multiple times throughout Molly’s story. But this book is also packed full of some heart-wrenching emotional moments. Molly has been through a lot and is still dealing with some issues that were hard to read about. The author handled these brilliantly and with so much respect; this is what kept me reading! I also loved that this book was set in the UK. A home-grown romance is always something I’m looking for!

This is also one of those reads that makes you think and reflect. While Molly is trying to love herself, I found myself thinking about my own issues and how similar they were to Molly’s. Ultimately, this was an uplifting and inspiring read and one that I know ill stay with me for a while. Self Love is definitely a read I will be recommending to others!

 

Review by @ashleighw

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Summer Fling by Tarrah Anders – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Summer FlingSummer Fling by Tarrah Anders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summer Fling is a standalone contemporary romance novel that will leave you longing for a summer romance. Set in the most beautiful of small towns, this story follows Emma and Royce as they both take the plunge and venture into a new chapter of their life. This is one of those books that immediately hooks you and I can safely say I will be recommending this one to friends. If you need a summer read to help escape the cold winter days that are soon to come, Summer Fling is for you!

Emma has one rule when it comes to dating; no tourists. After her heart was broken by an out-of-towner years before, she’s sworn off men who are only visiting for the summer. So when she meets Royce, she accepts that their one night stand will be just that, nothing more than one night of amazing passion. When Royce reveals his plans to stay in town, Emma struggles to accept this despite the bold gestures he makes to show her that he’s series. I loved seeing their relationship evolve over time and see Emma start to trust people again. Her and Royce have such a natural and instant chemistry, it’s infectious to read. Surprisingly, I found myself super attracted to Royce after finding out he was a veterinarian, which is something I didn’t know about myself! Together they are such a fun couple and make for such an enjoyable, easy read.

One of my favourite parts of Summer Fling were the cute messages Royce started sending to Emma. I am a real suck for any kind of romantic gesture, regardless of how unique, bold or crazy they are. I loved this, and found myself anticipating the next note, but things really got interest when the past comes back to haunt Emma. This really shakes things up and I found myself super worried for the couple. The author did a fantastic job of building the tension and drama, keeping my glued to the sofa while I waited to see how things would turn out.

This book perfectly hit my end-of-summer-blues spot. Summer Fling is fun, romantic and passionate, making it the perfect easy-read for those of you who are desperate for your romance fix. I loved both the characters and the plot equally and I must admit, I’m hoping for future stories involving Willie, Effie, Cyrus and Jackson! This was my first read of this author and I am super excited to explore more of their work.

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Georgia Pine (Southern Promises #3) by K.G. Fletcher – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Georgia Pine (Southern Promises #3)Georgia Pine by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Georgia Pine is the third instalment in the contemporary romance series, Southern Promises. I had high expectations after reading the first two books in the series, but this was so much better than I ever imagined. After the first two chapters I found I was completely hooked and could not put this book down. As a result, I had a wonderfully lazy Saturday afternoon with Jessica and Tim and am feeling thoroughly satisfied!

This book completely surpassed all of my expectations for it. I was expecting an easy-reading romance story but what I got was so much more. I knew pretty early-on that I was going to like the story, but after my first 45 minutes of reading, I realised this was a story I was going to love. I connected with absolutely everything; the character, the story, the writing. So I settled down with a cup of tea and a blanket and threw myself in for a couple of cosy hours reading.

Jessica and Tim have become one of my favourite couples of 2018. I like they both individually and as a couple, which is not always the case for me; I tend to like one character more than the other! They are both such strong characters, in different ways, and I think this is why I like them so much and formed such a strong connection with them. Jessica hasn’t let her recent relationship woes affect her and instead, has thrown even more into raising her four girls. As far as child characters go, these are the best I’ve seen written in a long time. They were believable and likeable, whereas so often young characters can become annoying and whiny. Reading the scenes where Tim interacted with them were some of my favourite, and made him even more attractive! Tim has his own demons, but he doesn’t let these come between his relationship with Jessica. I love how in control he is but also that he can show his more sensitive and vulnerable side. Together, these two make a pretty formidable pair!

As well as the exciting plot, dangerous ending and brilliant leading characters, Georgia Pine also has some fantastic supporting stars. As I’ve already said, the children in this book are wonderful. Equally as interesting is Jessica’s best friend Elizabeth, who had me laughing out loud with her crazy questions about Jessica’s new relationship with Tim. It was also fun to read about Jessica’s parents, whom I was not a fan of at the start of this read!

If not already clear, I absolutely loved this book. It is my favourite in the series so far and it has me super excited for whatever might come next. I already want to do a re-read of the whole series, but especially Georgia Pine. I know I will be recommending this to friends, so if you haven’t already considered it, I’d encourage you to buy this book now!

Review by @ashleighw

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Player (What Happens on Campus #1) by M. L. Sparrow – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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PlayerPlayer by M.L. Sparrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first instalment of the What Happens on Campus series, Player is a new adult sports romance that hits all the right spots. Set in a Texan college, this book had everything I was hoping for and more. I cannot recommend it enough and have already downloaded the next book to read!

Full disclosure, I love a sports romance. Literally any sport and I’m obsessed with whatever book it is, especially if our leading man happens to play American football; even better if he’s the quarterback! As an English girl, like our leading lady Chloe, this allows me to escape into all of my fantasies. Basically, I’ve decided that I am Chloe and her story is now my own. I love this character and everything about her. Having suffered a traumatic event just a few years earlier, she is still learning how to cope with her new life. I love the mix of vulnerability and independence that she has and how despite everything, she has still found the strength to continue with her dreams. I not only want to be her, I want to be her friend, too. What more could you want in leading lady?!

Chloe has something else I want, too: Parker’s attention. What a dream of a man. Yes, he is a bit of a player, but what girl doesn’t love a bit of confidence? He’s a confident, cheeky athlete who also wears a hat (yes, I’m a sucker for this), so he’s basically my own personal version of heaven. While his timing sometimes leaves a lot to be desired, I really loved his and Chloe’s relationship. I won’t ruin the whole story for you, prepare yourself for some emotional moments!

On top of everything else that is perfect about this book, I loved the cast of supporting characters that supported Chloe and Parker. Riley is a particularly interesting character and I can’t wait to find out more about her past in the next book in the series, Flirt. This was a truly brilliant read and I’m about to throw myself straight into the next one!

Review by @ashleighw

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Last Train Home (Home #1) by Megan Nugen Isbell – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Last Train Home (Home, #1)Last Train Home by Megan Nugen Isbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Last Train Home is the first book in the Home series by Megan Nugen Isbell. Written in first person, we follow Riley’s story as she’s forced to move across the country to her Mum’s hometown. While set in high school, this book is filled with more than just your typical teenage drama. I was hooked after the very first chapter and know I have found a new series to fall in love with!

Riley Regas has spent her entire seventeen-years on the planet in her beloved Boston. So when her mother announces they are packing up and moving to Carver, Kansas, Riley is less than impressed. She’s only visited her mother’s hometown a handful of times before and she has no desire to spend her senior year surrounded by country folk. Despite a rocky start, and a run-in with Queen Bee Adrianne, Riley starts to find her feet. Then she meets Alex Bettencourt. While Adrianna teasing only seems to get worse because of this, Riley finds herself drawn to the gorgeous guy with the brown eyes that make her melt. Never in her wildest dreams did she think she could be happy her, but that’s exactly how Alex has made her feel. But her new friends are sceptical, with Jesse Baylor warning Riley about Alex’s character. She struggles to find a balance between her friends and Alex and then the unthinkable happens. One decision changes everything and Riley finds herself unable to cope with what she’s done. So she makes another decision: one that will risk her losing everything she’s come to love.

I love myself a young-adult read, especially one with a bit of romance! At seventeen-years-old, the characters in this book are slowly creeping into the new-adult genre, and this just makes them all the more interesting to read about. During a pivotal time in her life, we meet Riley. She’s lived a good life, so being told she’s moving from big-city Boston to middle-of-nowhere Carver, she is furious with her mother. This is a theme that runs throughout the book, and while it might seem like Riley comes across as whinging and bratty (yes, I admit I did think this at points!) it’s integral to the overarching plot of the book. And that isn’t the only problem Riley has to deal with. No one likes starting a new school, especially not for their senior year. So Riley’s reaction to this was perfect, made even more so by that immediate run in with Adrianna. Wow, what a piece of work that girl is! Luckily, she’s saved by Holly, meaning we are introduced to the most wonderful group of friends! I love these guys, as their lunchtime scenes were always comical and fun.

But who am I kidding? You want to know about the boys in Riley’s life. Alex or Jesse? Jesse or Alex? What a choice. If you’ve read the book, you’ll know the answer is easy. But don’t worry, no spoilers here. Intiial impressions of both guys are good, so I’ll let you read and make you own mind up. I’d like to say though, I was firmly on * someone’s * side from the moment we met him!

Upon finishing this book, what have I done? Jumped straight into the next one of course! So expect a review for that soon; yes, I really have read that much already! I have completely fallen in love with this series and I know you will too. So, what are you waiting for? Read this book now!

Review by @ashleighw

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Tell Me Something (Something #1) by Aubrey Bondurant – Review by Ashleigh Whitwell

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Tell Me Something (Something, #1)Tell Me Something by Aubrey Bondurant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tell Me Something is the first book in the Something series by Aubrey Bondurant. Written in first person, we follow Haylee’s story as she takes a new job as Josh Singer’s assistant. This was my first read of the author’s work and I would definitely recommend it to others.

Twenty-two year old Haylee Holloway has experienced more than her fair share of grief in her short life. Moving to LA for a fresh start, she takes an assistant job to help save money so she can fulfil her dream of going to Law school. The last thing she expects is to step in at a work photo shoot, as the model, in front of the owner of the company she works for. Josh Singer is private, intense, hard to read and completely captivating. His smouldering eyes and sexy voice has Haylee hooked from the moment she meets him. Knowing her dream, her makes her an offer; work for him to save enough money for school. Haylee’s answer is easy, but one thing isn’t: how does she spend so much time with her hot boss and keep her hands off him? Frustrated with the mixed signals Josh is giving her, Haylee finally makes a decision. Blurring professional boundaries may not be a good idea, but they say it’s only temporary. But will either of them accept that maybe things were never supposed to end?

This book brings together a whole range of different factors from across the romance genre. It packs a real emotional punch in places, while creating some really hot and passionate scenes, too. That was not was I was expecting when I started Tell Me Something (although I can’t tell you what I was expecting!), and it was a welcome surprise. I loved the whole premise of the story, as I felt a over-done subject (‘it’s only a temporary arrangement’ kind of thing) got a complete overhaul in this version. The emotion the story drew out (I was not expecting it to be so heart-breaking in places!) was not only varied but extreme; one minute I was laughing, the next I was shouting at the book. I love rollercoaster reads, and this is definitely one of those. To see how things turn out, you’ll have to read it yourself, but I don’t think you will disappointed with Haylee and Josh’s outcome!

Speaking of the two lead characters, I have to say how much I enjoyed reading about them. It was immediately obvious what a strong, independent and ambitious woman Haylee was, and I absolutely love this. This is just how I liked my female leads, so I knew I would fall in love with her (and I did!). Although she had faced some tragedy, she had picked herself up and moved on, which I admire and only adds to her believability and realness. As for Josh, what a complex character! At times, I had no idea what was happening with him and this made me so angry; like Haylee, I just wanted to shout at him. But over the course of the story, I began to like him more and more as we found out more about his past and background, explaining why he is the way he is. I loved the scenes they shared together, and often found myself reading faster so I could get to their next interaction!

Overall, Tell Me Something is a really great read. I love the unique plot, complex characters and the wonderful way the author writes. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series and will definitely be recommending this to my friends!

Review by @ashleighw

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