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Tracking Numbers (Lost Boys MC Book 1) by Janice M. Whiteaker – Review by Natalie Hanley

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Tracking NumbersTracking Numbers by Janice M. Whiteaker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kerri was brought up by controlling father, big boss of a the MC Biker gang and managed to build a whole new life when she left the family home for college. Now a successful Math professor, she tries not to look back, but when her safety is threatened, her father sends one of his team to protect her. While Kerri initially resents this intrusion into her new life, she can’t deny the attraction she feels towards “Tracker”. This attraction could be her undoing, or it could be the making of her…
This is a fun read. Steamy at times, easy to read and keeps the reader’s attention all the way through. The main characters of Kerri and Evan, known as “Tracker” are well-written and easy to identify with. The minor characters were great too, I particularly liked her neighbour Ms Violet.
I look forward to reading other books in the series and finding out more about the Lost Boys.

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Dracones Guardian (Dracones Book 6) by Sheri-Lynn Marean – Review by Natalie Hanley

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Dracones Guardian: Dark Dragon, Archangel Paranormal/Fantasy RomanceDracones Guardian: Dark Dragon, Archangel Paranormal/Fantasy Romance by Sheri-Lynn Marean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you love adult supernatural fantasy, then this book is definitely for you! Chloe moves into a remote area of Washington state with her new husband Jeff and is greeted by a very handsome mysterious neighbour Zander. Some years later, Zander and his family help Chloe and her daughter Lilly in their time of need, and she learns a lot more about their supernatural family. Zander is a fallen angel who has sworn to protect his family, but will his attraction to Chloe get in the way?
A fab book with lots of twists and turns. I liked the world building and the different supernaturals and the descriptions of their worlds – Especially Heaven. I thought Zander sounded fabulous and Chloe was a strong and capable woman who had been beaten down by life and needed another chance to shine. Fab message and great storyline. I am thrilled to discover there are more books in this series.

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BECKONED, Part 6: Adrift in New Zealand by Aviva Vaughan – Review by Natalie Hanley

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BECKONED, Part 6: Adrift in New ZealandBECKONED, Part 6: Adrift in New Zealand by Aviva Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The final part of the Beckoned Series did not disappoint. At the beginning of the book we find our hero Soren Lund living a basic and peaceful life in Costa Rica with girlfriend Elena and her son Diego. A chance meeting with an old friend and a new friend set into motion a change of circumstances and he finds himself once again rebuilding his life in New Zealand, still far from his native Denmark.
I really enjoyed this book. I have invested a lot in Soren over the series and I was not disappointed by this final book. It tied up all the ends I wanted it to. I enjoy the way Aviva Vaughn describes the characters and their surroundings with equal passion. For me, one of the beauties of her writing is the illustration of the places the characters visit. I could almost be in the Tivoli gardens, strolling down that boulevard, or on the Costa Rican beach feeling the surf sting my face. I loved getting to know the wider Lund family and the inclusion of such a cataclysmic event as the Tsunami of 2004 and how it affected people who were not even anywhere near it.
Overall, I have to say I was sad to finish the book, I had thrown myself into it and wasn’t ready for it to end! That is always a sign of a good book to me. Well done. Saying that, I could not have asked for more of the ending, it was exactly what it should have been.

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Perfectly Played by Holly Kerr – Review by Natalie Hanley

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Perfectly PlayedPerfectly Played by Holly Kerr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an opening to a book! Flora is literally about to walk down the aisle to marry long term boyfriend Thomas when she suddenly realises she can’t. Running from the chapel she bumps into Dean who was there for his own wedding which is also not destined to happen. A chance meeting, a night of passion, then they go back to their own lives, but is this really all there is for this intriguing couple?
Flora is a fab character with lots of pizzaz and enough positivity to counteract the sometimes negative Dean who is disappointed from a failed pro sports career. The minor characters MK and Clay are also entertaining and give us some great moments in the book. What made me laugh very early on in the story was the reference to him looking like a character from Game of Thrones – very current! I knew exactly who the author meant and that cemented this character’s look for me for the rest of that opening part of the book.
This was a light-hearted fun, second chance, “will-they, won’t-they” kind of book that I love to read by the pool on holiday. Totally recommend it!

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The Immigrant: An Italian in America(The Italian Saga Series) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Natalie Hanley

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The Immigrant. An Italian in AmericaThe Immigrant. An Italian in America by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another fab read by Gaia B Amman. I like how the action starts from page one. There is no long, drawn- out scene setting with these novels and we can immerse ourselves fully into them from the start, whether we are familiar with the Italian Adventure series or whether it is our first read from this writer. This story follows Leda on her year out to America. She has left behind her home comforts, her parents and the brooding Sergio in Italy and is joining the staff of a pioneering cancer research laboratory in Buffalo, New York. There she makes new friends and struggles with the language barrier which she hadn’t really anticipated. Having read some of the other novels in the Italian saga, it was nice to have snippets of other characters who I had read about which made it feel more familiar, but for me the skill is in the author’s incredibly descriptive language.
I really enjoyed this story. Gaia Amman is not afraid to scatter Italian language in the text which is something I love about her books. As a linguist it is refreshing to me. The dilemmas her characters have is also familiar to me as an immigrant in France many years ago, from the misunderstanding of dialect to the small cultural differences that make her new friends laugh. Another 5-star read for me. Look forward to the next. Grazie, Merci, Thank you!

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Impact (Twisted Hearts Love Story #4) by Autumn Sand – Review by Natalie Hanley

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Impact (A Twisted Hearts Love Story book 4)Impact by Autumn Sand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Impact was a New York based contemporary romance/ thriller in the Twisted Hearts series, telling us Manny’s story. Manny’s mother dies when he is young leading to him having to move away from his family to live with his estranged father. While there he develops an obsession with returning to New York to be with his childhood friend Demaris. The result of following this dream would shape his life.
This was the first book I had read by Autumn Sand and it was a mixed read for me. I enjoyed how the action was non-stop and I liked the way the main characters were written but I didn’t entirely identify with them. I am not sure if this was because of the jumping back and forward between different timelines or because I hadn’t read the other books in the series. I felt like I never truly got to know Manny because it was like he was two different characters. Zoe was more likeable but I’m not sure why she kept getting dragged back into the life she was clearly too good for. There were lots of twists and turns in the book and it kept me entertained. A good read for a bit of escapism after a busy week.

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Run to the Sea (Reigning Hearts Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Natalie Hanley

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Run to the Sea (Reigning Hearts, #1)Run to the Sea by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fantastic start to the Reigning Hearts series. This novel is based in a sleepy Florida seaside town. Aspiring artist Emeline Fischer has lived there her whole life but her best friend Thomas “Cappy” Capshaw left for college at 18 and didn’t come back. When his beloved grandfather, Pop, dies and leaves him Cap Cottage, Thomas returns home to tie up his will. A chance encounter with Emeline in the local diner, reignites feelings he thought were long-buried, but can he give up his life as a prestigious New York architect for a small-town life after all these years?
I really enjoyed this book, it was just the right balance of sentimentality, feel good and reality. I liked the characters of Emmy and Cappy, and the fact that they weren’t perfect, they made mistakes and had to sort them out. I particularly liked the seaside setting and the fact that Emmy could “run to the sea” whenever she needed to escape. Wouldn’t we all like that? It was a romantic and love-filled story about following your instincts and your dreams, but above all valuing friendship. 5/5 for me. Can’t wait to read book 2.

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Things We Lost (Loving Locksley Book 1) by Shae Banks – Review by Natalie Hanley

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Things We Lost (Loving Locksley Book 1)Things We Lost by Shae Banks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Things We Lost is the first book in the Loving Locksley series. It tells us the story of a second chance romance between Jason Locksley and his childhood sweetheart Nathalie. Nathalie hadn’t seen Jason since he left her 13 years earlier without looking back. When she bumps into him the same day she gets a new job that will move her closer to home, she is reluctant to rekindle their flame but Jason doesn’t give up easily.
I enjoyed this book although I did keep waiting for a wow moment which didn’t come. The lead characters were well-written and the story moved along at a good pace. I liked the fact that the characters could meet up after many years and try to start again, despite the mistakes they had both made in their life. Nathalie’s straight-talking best friend was a breath of fresh air too, although once Jason came on the scene there was not as much from her.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what Shae Banks has next for the characters.

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Flirty Dancing: A Spicy Romantic Comedy About the Afterlife (The Green Room Chronicles Book 3) By J.D. Frettier – Review by Natalie Hanley

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Flirty DancingFlirty Dancing by J.D. Frettier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Flirty Dancing is the third book I have read in the Green Room Chronicles series and I think this was my favourite. Once again, we are quickly thrust into the thrilling world of the afterlife and we reacquaint ourselves with Bonnie, Dee and Linda, while being introduced to our new lead character of Kitty – a 20 something mother who has met an abrupt end while pole dancing. It has a slightly different feel to the previous two books as the lead character was in the prime of her life and felt like this was a premature death. I love the support she gets from the terrible trio.
As with the previous novels, the characters were entertaining and colourful and their adventures were spicy and fun. I enjoyed this as it was a no-hassle, short read for an evening after a long day at work. It is pure escapism and a little bit of naughty fun thrown in.

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The Reason Why by Izzibella Beau – Review by Natalie Hanley

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The Reason Why: Breathless SeriesThe Reason Why: Breathless Series by Izzibella Beau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

18-year-old Alabama has not had an easy start to her life, then her mom is jailed, and she is sent to live with her mom’s old friend Crystal – a lady she knows nothing about and who she has never met. What she finds there is a family she always wanted and lots more. Crystal’s handsome sons Hunter and Joshua both set their eyes on her and she is left wondering should she take her chance with the steady younger brother who has become a good friend to her, or the mysterious aloof older brother who makes her heart race on first sight.
I liked this book and it took me on a real rollercoaster. I felt for the lead character Alabama from the first page and she was a really likeable character. The writer took us on a lovely journey as Alabama discovered herself and how to make friends and create a whole new life outside of the one, she has always known. A fab book and a real escape from reality. Highly recommended.

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Little Miss Eyes of Blue by Holly Tierney-Bedord – Review by Natalie Hanley

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Little Miss Eyes of BlueLittle Miss Eyes of Blue by Holly Tierney-Bedord
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Little Miss eyes of blue is the prequel to The Woman America loves a Latte. It is another great book by Holly Tierney Bedord.
I really enjoyed this book. It made me laugh and it made me cry. It could be read as a standalone, but it is good to read after The Woman America Loves…to help us understand the character of Veloura and how she came to be the way she was. I was really fond of her, and found myself willing her to get herself out of the situations she was in. While the pace was great throughout, I thought the final part of the book wrapped up a little too quickly. I would have liked to know how she got from the end of High School to finding herself in a soup kitchen and meeting Thunder. Overall, a fab addition to Veloura’s story.

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The Woman America Loves a Latte by Holly Tierney-Bedord – Review by Natalie Hanley

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The Woman America Loves a LatteThe Woman America Loves a Latte by Holly Tierney-Bedord
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Veloura has always fended for herself since her mom died of an overdose. At almost 21 she finds herself in a small town, in a relationship with a washed up rodeo rider, which is not going anywhere but friend Suzie offers her a lifeline in the form of a rep/ modelling job for Caprice Cappuccino, a well-known coffee brand. She sets off for new adventures in her coffee cup car, and the fun begins.
This is the first book I have read by this author but I really enjoyed it. It was entertaining and the action moved at the right pace. It was a mix of genres, not a romance, more of a road trip and a story of friendship no matter what. I liked the character of Vee although at times I wanted to give her a shake for her life choices. Suzie was a strong character too, although how they ended up friends would be anyone’s guess as they seemed like polar opposites. A prequel is coming so maybe that will explain that part.

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Linked: Can Empathy Save the United Terrestrial Democracy? by Gaia B. Amman – Review by Natalie Hanley

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LinkedLinked by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Linked: Can Empathy Save the United Terrestrial Democracy? – by Gaia B Amman
– review by Natalie Hanley

I have read several books by this author, but she never fails to surprise me – in a good way. Linked is the type of novel I love to read – futuristic, dynamic and a fabulously-built fantasy world. What sets this book apart for me is the gender neutrality of some of the characters and the fluidity of their sexuality. I found this a refreshing inclusion instead of the girl meets boy type of relationships these novels normally promote.
The writing is fabulous and the worlds that Amman builds are sensational. I love the idea of blinking and travelling in time or across dimensions. The story arc builds to a satisfying, if unpredictable conclusion. I loved the introduction of a different type of love triangle – you will understand that when you read the book. Naira is a strong character who is not swayed by her peers. She will not “merge” just because they tell her she should. I liked that about her.
I cant really say much more without spoilers but read it! If you like dystopian/ fantasy fiction, read it. A change from the YA norm.. if it is even classed as YA.

Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjuring Maria DeBlassie – review by Natalie Hanley

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Everyday EnchantmentsEveryday Enchantments by Maria F. DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I chose to read this book because I thought the title was intriguing. Everyone is looking for an everyday enchantment, some ordinary magic in the normality of daily life. I wasn’t sure if it was going to be a fantastical story or memoirs of a modern woman, it turned out to be a bit of both in my opinion.
Through a series of essays, Maria DeBlassie invites us to look at the everyday with new eyes, I guess you could say this is similar to the mindfulness trend that is so popular, or perhaps it’s one step further. I had never tried meditation, but I do suffer with anxiety so thought this book might be an easy way to try it out. I was not disappointed. Although it took me a good chapter to get used to the style of writing, the subject kept me turning the pages. I also found myself wanting to go back and reread certain sections. It will not be a one off read for me, hopefully it is the start of a journey.

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Linda Gets Her Groove Thing: A Spicy Romantic Comedy About the Afterlife (The Green Room Chronicles Book 2) by J.D. Frettier – Review by Natalie Hanley

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Linda Gets her Groove Thing (The Green Room Chronicles #2)Linda Gets her Groove Thing by J.D. Frettier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a deliciously short read for a hot day by the pool or a cold day with a hot cup of coffee. We find ourselves once again in the Green Room, the area people go once they have passed on, before they get to Heaven or Hell, or maybe even instead of it!
Our main character Linda meets alumni Bonnie and Dee and they instantly hit it off. The girls quickly introducing her to their favourite surgeon and inducting her into the ways of the afterlife. Linda was a warm character with an interesting back story which made her likeable. I liked this book as much as the first one and would recommend to people who like a quick burst of fantasy in their busy day.

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Seraphina’s Revolution (The Seraphina Series Book 4) by Sheena Hutchinson – Review by Natalie Hanley

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Seraphina's Revolution (Seraphina #4)Seraphina’s Revolution by Sheena Hutchinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read all of her previous stories, I was really excited to read the next instalment in Seraphina’s adventures and I wasn’t disappointed.
Following her battle with Lucifer, the now familiar characters of Nate and Sera are settling into their normal life and trying to adjust to the results of the latest battle. Suddenly that calm life is swiftly thrown into chaos when Nate is kidnapped by Lucifer in a bid to ignite Sera’s evil side.
In steps Arelia, Seraphina’s appointed guardian to keep her on the straight and narrow and reveal a few truths to her. Together with the other guardians they fight to help Sera fulfil her destiny as “the Chosen one”. An epic battle internally and externally will test Sera on all sides…but who will win? Good or Evil? No way I’m spoiling that one!!
Sheena Hutchinson creates such wonderful characters who, although they are supernatural, have enough human traits to make it easy for us to feel for them when things go wrong. She adds just the right amount of drama to her stories and “Revolution” is another triumph. Full of angelic, demonic and many other characters, this is highly recommended to fans of Supernatural drama. Perfect way to end off a series.

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Desperately Seeking Sixty-Nine: A Spicy Romantic Comedy About the Afterlife (The Green Room Chronicles Book 1) by J.D. Frettier – Review by Natalie Hanley

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Desperately Seeking Sixty-Nine (The Green Room Chronicles #1)Desperately Seeking Sixty-Nine by J.D. Frettier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved the concept of this book: The fact that there was a green room where you could meet up with loved ones in the afterlife and rekindle your love. It was a perky, positive book with a different outlook to the traditional Heaven/ Hell ideas that we are sold. I liked the main character of Bonnie and her sidekick Dee. I also liked the fact that her husband Peter was able to feel her presence while he was alive and she was in the green room and that they would be able to meet up later to relive the early days of their love. The love scenes were hot but tasteful and plentiful.
It was a short book but the good news is there are more to come from this author. I will soon be delving into the next book…once I’ve brought my temperature back down!

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Miss Apple Pants: Lost in Love (The Miss Apple Pants Series Book 2) by Charlotte Roth – Review by Natalie Hanley

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Lost in Love: Miss Apple Pants (#2)Lost in Love: Miss Apple Pants by Charlotte Roth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the “Miss Apple Pants” series by Charlotte Roth but it is fine to read as a standalone. I hadn’t read the other books but was quickly enchanted by the characters. I found them original and very easy to identify with. I loved the humour of this book and found it easy to follow. It was a good paced story with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. I liked that some of the characters were older as young characters seem to be the norm.
I’d recommend this to anyone who likes a love story or a family drama.

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Happily Ever After (An Italian Relationship) The Italian Saga book 6 by Gaia Amman – Review by Natalie Hanley

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Happily. Ever After?Happily. Ever After? by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book I have read by this author and it was another entertaining tale. Gaia creates characters that are easy to identify with and that makes the reader want to follow their journey.
Happily Ever After finds lead character Leda at University following her dream of becoming a scientist. She finds herself attracted to Sergio, a self-confessed pothead and a free spirit who is her complete opposite. The story follows the ups and downs of what she initially calls her “relationshit”. Loved this description, I’m sure we have all been in at least one of them in our time. I found myself both liking and loathing Sergio at different times of the book. I think that’s the sign of a good writer, you go on a journey with the characters and never know exactly where you stand with them.
I’d recommend this book to those who like family sagas and coming of age stories. A good read.

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The Inheritance: The story of an unlikely submissive by India Kells – Review by Natalie Hanley

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The InheritanceThe Inheritance by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! What a first book to read by this author! This compulsive story just hooked me at page one and didn’t let go. It was a short book but packed so much in. Lani is an aspiring artist whose financial struggles look like they will come to an end thanks to an inheritance from her rich uncle. Unfortunately for her, the inheritance comes with conditions. A former friend of her uncle, the handsome but reclusive Max Landon, must help her fulfil the conditions. So begins a thrilling journey that took my breath away at times!
The characters were well written and the storyline moved at exactly the right pace for me. I liked the final chapter as a sort of epilogue too.
A triumph of a book. Highly recommended.

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There be Demons (Andor Demon Wars, #1) by MK Theodoratus – Review by Natalie Hanley

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There Be DemonsThere Be Demons by M.K. Theodoratus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set in a near future the story centres around 14 year old Britt who is just trying to make it out of the projects alive and with good enough grades to secure her future. Her life changes when she and her friends are recruited to hunt the demons that are threatening to take over her home town.
This book was imaginative and the characters and world-building were very impressive. I liked the way the story flipped back and forwards from the identifiable “human” world to the demon world. The main character of Britt was strong and feisty, just like a lead character should be. I found myself cheering for her in many parts of the book. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.

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Feathers – A Novel by Kylie Stewart – Review by Natalie Hanley

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Feathers - A NovelFeathers – A Novel by Kylie Stewart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It had a powerful start that set the scene for the rest of the book. Although our introduction to Charlotte was harrowing, ultimately this was a story of hope and love. I liked the characters of Lottie and Hawk very much. I thought we were given enough background to appreciate why they behaved the way they did and how they could love with such passion and dedication. I liked the respect Hawk gave to Charlotte when he could have been selfish and the way he flipped between calling her by her full name and his nickname for her. I liked the minor characters too, Melody with her unwavering loyalty to Charlotte and Mrs Ames. I enjoyed the fact that we saw Charlotte go from the Hell of the first few pages to the Heaven of the last, without missing out the everyday struggles in between.
I would have liked to see more about Hawk’s mom and what happened to her. Perhaps that is fuel for another story? I await that with baited breath. Overall a great love story, highly recommended.

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Coming Home: Sequel to Flowers in December by Jane Suen – Review by Natalie Hanley

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COMING HOME (Flowers in December, #2)COMING HOME by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reading Jane Suen’s books is like a quick dose of therapy – a short hug that you need at the end of a busy week. Coming Home is no exception. This is the sequel to Flowers in December and centres around Connor coming home to his home town for Christmas, several months after his grief-stricken departure following the death of his mother. When he was last in town he had struck up a friendship with florist Mary Ann but would his return rekindle that spark, or had she moved on in his absence? Can he help Alana, his childhood friend who is also coming home after a long absence? I won’t spoil it for you… read and find out!
Jane’s novels are shorter than those I normally read but that doesn’t put me off, because she crafts such lovely characters and a warm setting that the reader doesn’t need pages and pages to get into the mood of the novel. I can empathise with the characters and cheer for them to get their happy endings almost immediately. Although I have never been to small -town America, the descriptions make it easy to imagine myself walking down the street and popping into the coffee shop.
A lovely heart-warming read.

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Shattered Love (Forever Us Series, #1) by Nivia Borell – Review by Natalie Hanley

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Shattered LoveShattered Love by Nivia Borell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Shattered Love – the first book in the Forever us series. Review by Natalie Hanley
Bria du Mont and Damien du Sky have been in love as long as they can remember, and Damien is planning to propose on her 18th birthday so that they can be forever together. Then one night a cataclysmic event pulls them apart and shatters them both. How can they recover? Both bury themselves in work but can’t resist each other and at different periods through the book they find each other and rekindle their passion.
I really wanted to love this book, but I couldn’t bring myself to feel empathy for the main characters. Bria and Damien loved each other but couldn’t see past one event. I found their conversations quite difficult to follow and the way they discussed their past felt too lengthy and a bit forced. I didn’t really get a sense of where the book was based. Were they in Zurich, London or New York. There was no real base or explanation of where the characters came from or where they lived. I would have liked a little more back story but I guess this might be because this is a series and the author will reveal more as the series goes on.
What I liked was the idea that Bria had a father-figure to turn to when she was abandoned by her own family but I would have liked more explanation of who he was and why they were such good friends. I think this may appeal to romance fans but it was not my cup of tea.

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The Monster’s lover (The Fenris Series #1) by Samantha MacLeod – Review by Natalie Hanley

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The Monster's LoverThe Monster’s Lover by Samantha MacLeod
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Monster’s lover (The Fenris series book one) is a fantasy romance & wow this was a firecracker of a book. A world away from the sort of book I normally read, this fantasy novel really lit a fire in me and I will definitely be delving into this genre again. With descriptive writing and imaginative characterisation, this will appeal to anyone who enjoys historical or legendary fantasy.
Sol is the only daughter in an impoverished family and finds herself promised to evil King Nøkkyn. While wandering in the woods one day she stumbles across a handsome stranger who she mistakes for a Demon. Fenris will become her lover and later her protector in this fascinating fantasy romance.
As well as the plentiful love scenes, I liked the reference to Norse legends like Thor, Odin, Askgard whose names are now familiar to fans of Marvel films like myself. Overall a fun romp in the forest.

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The Light at Dawn by K. L. Montgomery – Review by Natalie Hanley

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The Light at DawnThe Light at Dawn by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A heart-breaking opening to what turned into a powerful novel. I was in tears in the first 5 minutes. It reminded me of a Nicholas Sparks novel, the language was so descriptive and emotive. I loved the characters of Angelia and Mark were so well thought-out, the reader could not help but identify and empathise with them.
Angelia is living a happy family life in upstate New York with husband Dean and three children Jarren, Riley and Evan. After a run-of-the-mill morning, something so unbelievable and unpredictable happens that will change their worlds forever.
Mark is a single father to Ashleigh, a promising swimming star, and is a fully paid member of the NRA. His world is blown apart in a single morning, never to be the same again.
When Angelia and Mark cross paths, neither can deny the attraction, but nor can they deny their differences in opinion.
The story is told from both their points of view and this is an intriguing way to find out what they are both feeling. I found this book a rollercoaster of emotions and liked the way Angelia and Mark’s strong opinions were upheld rather than criticised. Neither of them was wrong, they were entitled to their own beliefs.
The book covers a difficult subject matter which is treated thoughtfully and gently. This gentleness takes away none of the impact of the book. I absolutely loved it. I devoured it in 1 day and had to take a break from reading for a couple of days to get over the book hangover!

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Rules of Engagement: a single dad romance (Platonically complicated book 3) by Mika Jolie – Review by Natalie Hanley

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Rules of Engagement: A Single Dad Romance (Platonically Complicated Book 3)Rules of Engagement: A Single Dad Romance by Mika Jolie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It has been a while since I read a Mika Jolie novel and I forgot how much I enjoyed them. This was a page turner from the start. It centres around the intriguing story of Lucas (the aforementioned single dad) and his best friend Kate. Both burned by previous relationships, they deny their mutual attraction and stay just friends.
When Lucas’ ex-wife tries to gain custody of their daughter, Kate offers her help in an unexpected way. Being a fake fiancé is one thing but what happens when the attraction threatens to take over..?
The attraction between the two main characters leapt off the page. Before they were even together, their innermost thoughts were displayed for the reader and we knew they should be a couple, even if they didn’t! This was a thrilling modern romance set in New York which I loved. The characters were well drawn and believable, the love scenes intimate but not over the top. I was racing through it but didn’t want it to be over. 4.5

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Perilous Confessions (The Possession Chronicles Book 1) by Carrie Dalby – Review by Natalie Hanley

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Perilous Confessions (The Possession Chronicles Book 1)Perilous Confessions by Carrie Dalby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Aspiring writer Lucy Easton was an innocent young lady whose lively imagination meant she was ripe for seduction. Her brother Edmund’s friend Alexander sets his sights on her and she is swept up in his passion.
In the background, family friend and recent widower, Freddy is also captivated by Lucille. Younger sister Opal is the only one to notice the goings on but her brusque manner means that no one believes she is doing any more than causing trouble.
As Alex pursues Lucy through the book I found myself rooting for him, and not thinking he was the “cad” he had first appeared to be.
I liked that the opening of this book introduced us quickly to the time period of the book. At once I could imagine the sumptuous surroundings of the age and put myself in a room with the main characters. This author is an excellent storyteller, her descriptions of the clothing, the house and beyond were lovely and left nothing to the imagination, we were transported to 1905 Mobile and happily stayed there for the whole novel.
I am thrilled that this is the first book in a series as I can’t wait to see where the author takes the characters next. A 4.5 star read for me.

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An Italian Adventure (The Italian Saga 1) by Gaia B. Amman – Review by Natalie Hanley

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An Italian Adventure (The Italian Saga, #1)An Italian Adventure by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An Italian Adventure is the first book in the Italian Saga by Gaia B Amman. It is an enchanting story that catches you from the first page. It has fabulous characterisation and lovely storytelling. I felt transported to Italy and could almost feel the sun on my face.
Leda is a tomboy who has 2 close male friends, then bad boy Nico arrives from Sicily and 3 become 4. Their adventures start with the discovery of an adult magazine on the eve of their first communion and go from strength to strength.
I loved the way the main characters went from hating each other to looking out for each other. It was a touching relationship which I enjoyed watching develop.
I also liked the comparison between this and her relationship with older sister Viola. The family dynamic was interesting and well-written. The smattering of Italian phrases was a lovely touch for a linguist like myself.
I would give this book a 4/5 as I enjoyed it and would recommend to fans of all things Italian.

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