Review: Last Stop on the Winter Wonderland Express by Rebecca Raisin

 It's no secret I love Rebecca Raisin's sweet, clean romance reads. Last Stop on the Winter Wonderland Express was yet another great read, and lots of fun too.

Aubrey has been left at the altar and even though she is heart-broken she decides to go on the Honeymoon. They were to take The Winter Wonderland Express to Lapland. Now it's a Honeymoon for one.

Last Stop on the Winter Wonderland Express is a light, easy read and Aubrey is a fun character. She doesn't take herself too seriously.

Embarrassed by the fact she is a bride left at the altar, Aubrey says her husband died. Now it's said she can't unsay it.

The singles all get together on the train and form the Unlucky in Love Club. Can the Winter Wonderland Express turn unlucky in love into lucky in love?

I had the most wonderful trip travelling on the Winter Wonderland Express through Paris, Belgium, Hamburg, Copenhagen and Stockholm. Stopping off and seeing all the sights on the way. Then spending Christmas day in Lapland.

Rebecca Raisin is the queen of destination fiction.

Filled with wonderful characters, loads of fun and a sweet ending. Last Stop on the Winter Wonderland Express is a must for romance readers.

I'm not particularly keen on eBooks but Rebecca Raisin's books are my exception.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication date: 13th August 2025

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 282

Source: eCopy via Netgalley

#laststoponthewinterwonderlandexpress #rebeccaraisin #romance #ireadromance #australianauthor  

Review: The Paris Bookshop for the Broken Hearted by Rebecca Raisin

 I simply loved every minute of reading The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted.

Rebecca Raisin has delivered a heart-warming story filled with likeable characters and a main setting of a magical bookshop that brings together lonely hearts. What's not to love!!

CoCo Chevallier is back home in Paris, with thirteen year-old Eloise in tow, after her partner, in love and business, destroyed their business and left her almost penniless. As CoCo tries to rebuild her life, and placate a temperamental teenager, she comes across the Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted and its eccentric and intuitive owner, Valerie.

I loved all the bookish talk and how the bookshop brought people with all different personalities together through a book club.

Rebecca Raisin includes just enough French words to give that true Parisian feel to the story. Words that are easily recognisable to even this non French speaker.

It was also a pleasant surprise to have Anais from Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel (which I reviewed on Goodreads) drop into the story. It's always nice to revisit characters from previous books.

I loved the inclusion of the delicacies and sights of Paris. Rebecca Raisin is the queen of armchair travel. And I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in Paris.

And of course there is a love interest, but it's a stormy start and a few road bumps to maneuver before their happy ending.

This sweet enemies to lovers RomCom, with its beautiful setting, fun characters and little mysteries, is a must for romance readers.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication date: 3rd February 2025

Genre: Romance / Romantic Comedy

Pages: 314

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley

#theparisbookshopforthebrokenhearted #rebeccaraisin #australianauthor #romcom #sweetromanceread #bookssetinparis #romance #ireadromance #ausbookbloggers

Review: Flowers in July by Anna Maynard

I really enjoyed Dancing With Bees by Anna Maynard and Flowers in July is even better! Flowers in July is an emotional and heart-warming read.

Mary moves to Hobart, Tasmania with her boyfriend Felix to complete a six month term at Hobart hospital to advance her career in medicine.

Mary feels responsible for her family; her sister is a struggling single mother and her mother is alcohol dependent. The guilt over leaving them behind is immense.

When she finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her, again, she packs up and leaves. However her confidence is low and she finds herself blaming his actions on her own failings.

Mary has seen the brooding and intimidating emergency doctor Abel Sutherland at work and does her best to stay out of his way. But when a wilderness training retreat throws them together sparks fly.

Anna Maynard portrays the grumpy, brooding male protagonist so well. Her men always have a kind and gallant heart inside that grumpy exterior.

Mary was very easy to like. She was smart, kind hearted and a bit socially awkward.

Flowers in July was such a fun read. I liked both Mary and Abel and loved seeing them get flustered around each other. This is a slow-burn romance but not frustratingly slow. I feel that Maynard paced it well.

There are themes of living your own life and the fact that propping people up all the time, even though you love them very much, isn't helping them get their life together.

Flowers in July is a witty, heartfelt and uplifting read filled with lovable characters and laugh-out-loud moments.

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 31st march 2026

Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Romance

Pages: 336

RRP: AU$34.99 (trade paperback)

Source: courtesy of the publisher

#flowersinjuly #annamaymaynard #contemporaryromance #australianauthor

Book Review: My Hot Housemate by Susannah Hardy

My Hot Housemate was everything a RomCom should be; funny, smart and engaging, with a touch of spice.

 

After a disastrous break-up Indie decides to put her acting career on hold in America and return home to Australia to spend time with her parents and dog-sit her best friend Jazz's fur baby.  However, Jazz's husband has also asked Jem to stay and look after George. Jem, the hot guy she kissed at Jazz's wedding, and never saw again!

Indie doesn't know why Jem hates her but she decides it's best if she just avoids him as much as possible. But sometimes that's near impossible.

 

My Hot Housemate is such a fun story. Indie is so awkward and gets herself in lots of hilarious situations. I loved her relationship with her parents. It was very sweet.

 

There is loads of fun banter, misunderstandings, cute doggy antics, a brooding male lead and a touch of spice in this slow burn enemies to lovers story set in Bondi and surrounds.

 

If you like to read RomComs I highly recommend My Hot Housemate. It's a charming, witty and memorable read filled with lovable characters and delightful chaos.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Hawkeye Publishing P/L

Publication date: 13th April 2025

Genre: Romance / RomCom

Pages: 330

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley 

 

Other books I've read by Susannah Hardy

LOVING LIZZIE MARCH 

 

 

Book Review: Dancing With Bees by Anna Maynard

Dancing With Bees is the outstandingly entertaining debut novel from Australian author Anna Maynard.

 

Sunny Moritz thinks at 33 she really does need more meaning in her life. She decides to start with saving the bees and will keep her own beehive. Through email  she connects with Al, the man with all the information to get her started. When Al arrives he is a perplexing mix of mysterious Antarctic scientist and sexy player full of confidence. Someone Sunny definitely should not fall for.

I originally thought this was going to be a friends to lovers romantic comedy and although it does have these qualities there are also some deeply emotional elements within the story such as death by cancer and attempted suicide.

 

Dancing With Bees is a story that will make you laugh-out-loud and make you cry. Some parts were lots of fun while others were profoundly heartfelt with themes of misunderstandings and reconnection. 

 

I found Sunny a bit annoying, however I enjoyed her growth and how she decluttered her life and started doing more meaningful things with her time and doing what gave her joy. 

 

Dancing With Bees was an emotional roller coaster; funny, sad, meaningful with a touch of spice. 

Dancing With Bees is the whole package! 

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Echo Publishing

Publication date: 1st April 2025

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Romance 

Pages: 320

RRP: AU$32.99 (paperback)

Source: Uncorrected proof from the publisher

 

 

Book Review: Funny Story by Emily Henry

I purchased Funny Story for this year's Dymocks Reading Challenge. The prompt was: a book from the Dymocks Book of the Year shortlist. 

 

Daphne and Miles are thrown together when Daphne's fiance dumps her for Miles' girlfriend and with nowhere to live Daphne moves in with Miles.

Drowning their sorrows with tequilas they hatch a plan to post photos of a happy 'fake' relationship together.

I did enjoy Daphne's growth from having low self esteem and no real friends of her own to opening up, speaking up and making friends. Daphne worked in a library and I loved all the library events and mentions of staff and customers.

 

The story is filled with lots of humour and flirtatious banter between Daphne and Miles.

What I didn't enjoy was all the outpouring of emotions Daphne and Miles heaped on each other. I suppose they were a good match here. I had no empathy for either of them, and rolled my eyes a lot, which made me feel like a bad person and really, I don't want to be the baddie in the books I read! 

 

For the most part I found Funny Story to be a humorous, slow burn, fake relationship RomCom. A good choice for  a relaxing holiday read.

 

My rating 3.5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐½

Spice rating 2 / 5 🌶🌶 

 

Publisher: Penguin Viking

Publication date: 25th April 2024 

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Pages: 384

Source: Own purchase

Book Review: Can't Buy Me Love by Jane Lovering

I read Can't Buy Me Love for the #DymocksReadingChallenge and it also qualifies for my TBR challenge.

 

When Willow's grandfather dies she is in line for a substantial inheritance. Then when an old University crush, Luke, arrives in town and asks her out it seems all her dreams are coming true.

 

Not long after Willow and Luke start dating she meets computer geek Cal, her brother's friend. They get on so well and have the same quirky sense of humour but Cal seems to be hiding something and Luke keeps disappearing for days at a time on vague work meetings. Willow finds herself struggling with who she can trust.

Can't Buy Me Love is such a fun story! Jane Lovering has given her readers characters to love and characters to hate.

I liked that she has included a character with a disability and shown them as smart, capable and fun.

 

There are mysteries surrounding both Cal and Luke and the odd misunderstanding, and of course there is going to be one that you hope Willow will end up with. 

 

Can't Buy Me Love is a fun, easy read filled with heart and humour. Recommended for a lazy afternoon's reading. 

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

Publisher: Choc Lit

Publication date: 9th May 2017

Genre: RomCom

Pages: 288

Source: own copy 

Book Review: A Love Letter to Paris by Rebecca Raisin

A Love Letter to Paris

by

Rebecca Raisin

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication date: 8th July 2024

Genre: Romance / RomCom

Pages: 266

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources.

 

Review: A Love Letter to Paris

Lilou Babineaux is a lover of letters and the written word. She collects old love letters and diaries that are unearthed in estate sales and sells them at her market stall.

 

Worried that the art of hand written letters of love are becoming obsolete now that we use email Lilou starts a dating site, Paris Cupid, that states that the matched couples must first get to know each other by exchanging letters.

 

A Love Letter to Paris is such a fun read. I'm new to Rebecca Raisin's writing and after just one book she is firmly on my must read list.

 

I loved this light, funny and sweet slow burn romance. A sweet female lead who has had a few bad dating experiences and a moody male lead. A Love Letter to Paris has grumpy meets sunshine vibes. A couple of other love interests are thrown into the mix which makes for some fun exchanges.

 

Lilou's friend Genevieve stole the show. How can you not love an older female character who is sexy, fun and confident in her own skin.

A Love Letter to Paris is perfect if you are after something light, fun and positive. It's a real feel-good read. The perfect armchair travel story. I loved travelling around Paris with Lilou.

 

I enjoyed the the inclusion of excerpts from old letters and diaries.  

My rating 5/ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Book Review: Yes, Chef by Waitlyn Andrews

 Yes, Chef

by

Waitlyn Andrews

Publisher: Self Published

Publication date: 3rd August 2023

Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Romance 

Pages: 340

Price: $7.76AU (kindle)

Source: eCopy from the author

 

Review: Yes, Chef

Claire moves to Paris to heal from past traumas and to find her own way in the culinary world.

She is currently working at Teaks restaurant where they are cooking their way towards a Michelin star. Claire's ultimate dream is to be on a team that is awarded the star. She has sworn off work romances at all costs, she doesn't want distractions or messy break-ups. That is until in comes James Sullivan, the new head chef. 

 

I loved everything about this book! It is a light-hearted, funny, sweet, closed-door, slow-burn romance.  

A sweet female lead who couldn't hate anyone even if  she tried and a broody male lead with grumpy meets sunshine vibes, enemies to friends to lovers and dating the boss all thrown into one.

 

I enjoyed the culinary vibe, the food, wine and behind the scenes running of a restaurant. The definition chapter headings were a fun addition and I loved looking out for the use of the word in each chapter.

 

Yes, Chef is the perfect read if you are after something light, fun and positive. It's a real feel-good read.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review: Secrets in the Little Irish Village by Michelle Vernal

Secrets in the Little Irish Village

by

Michelle Vernal

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication date: 15th May 2024

Series: The Little Irish Village #4

Genre: Romance (RomCom)

Pages: 315

RRP: $4.99AU (Kindle eBook) 

Source: eBook courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Secrets in the Little Irish Village

After reading New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village I was eager for more of the garrulous Kelly family. The main character in New Beginnings is Imogen Kelly and Secrets features the love life of Grace Kelly. I enjoyed being back with all the familiar and well loved characters.

 

I'm reading the books all out of order but it's easy to pick up on where each sister is in the family.

 

I loved that Michelle Vernal's Little Irish Village series is not only a romance story, although I do like a HEA ending. Secrets in the Little Irish Village has lots of substance that kept me immersed in the story.

 

An emergency trip to hospital has the family re-evaluating petty squabbles, secrets from the past raise their head and a disastrous storm has the community banding together to raise money.

I enjoyed the descriptions of the Emerald Bay township, it was warm and inviting. Being Australian I loved the Irish setting and could hear the lilting Irish accent as I read.

Secrets in the Little Irish Village is light and heartwarming, funny, uplifting and entertaining. The perfect story to lose yourself in.

My rating 4.5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

My review of New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village

 

Book Review: It's Probably You by Jayne Denker

 It's Probably You

by

Jayne Denker

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication date: 3rd January 2024 

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Pages: 320

RRP: $32.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: It's Probably You 

It's Probably You is a funny, engaging and heartwarming enemies to lovers romance.

 

Gillian is comfortable with her life after 5 years divorced, but wouldn't say no to finding that someone special. After many disastrous dates via dating apps she's happy to work in her garden with her eye on winning the local gardening competition.

 

Noah has recently moved to town after a devastating break-up and decides the fixer-upper he has bought, sight unseen, is exactly what he needs to keep him busy. When he has an altercation with fiery neighbour Gillian, over a border hedge he removed, he knows she is trouble but he can't keep his mind off her.

 

I loved this sweet, slow-burn rom-com. It's probably You is filled with down-to-earth, relatable characters. Gillian is confident, smart, funny and sexy. We see Noah's confident side but not around Gillian. She undoes him and enjoys pushing his buttons.

I enjoyed the matchmaking trio of elderly women neighbours who weren't reticent in giving advice to Noah and eavesdropping whenever they got the chance. A vast array of supporting characters add plenty of humour and drama to the plot.

 

It's Probably You ticks all the boxes for the perfect beach read this summer. It is a sweet, slow-burn, closed-door, small town romance with a curvy female main character and an enemies to lovers trope. 

 

If you are after a book that will leave you smiling long after you have read the last page you can't go past It's Probably You by Jayne Denker

 

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review: Loving Lizzie March by Susannah Hardy

 Loving Lizzie March

by

Susannah Hardy

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 29th June 2021

Genre: Rom-Com

Pages: 368

RRP: $32.99AU (trade paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Loving Lizzie March

I absolutely loved Lizzie March! She was such a ditz and a lot crazy.

Lizzie is desperate to find 'the one' but she always focuses on the wrong guys and rushes in to one night stands then goes all stalkerish calling them and following them.

 

Lizzie is all brazen and out-going on the outside but underneath she lacks self-confidence.

Her life goes from bad to worse before she gets a wake-up call from best friend Clem. Lizzie did make a terrible best friend, everything was always about her, and I was so glad when Clem finally stood up to her.

It was easy to feel empathy for Lizzie. She followed the old adage - know your dream and go for it - instead of just letting life happen she kept pushing for that perfect relationship.

Loving Lizzie March is a lighthearted rom-com that had me laughing quite often throughout the novel. I was glued to the pages wanting to know how Lizzie would turn her life around.

I enjoyed the character development of Lizzie and Clem's dedication to their friendship. It was clearly hard work for her but she was a true friend.

If you are after a story with a great balance of laughs, heartache and romance grab a copy of Loving Lizzie March and settle in for an entertaining read.

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Trigger warning (spoiler ahead)

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Miscarriage

About the author

Originally an actor, Susannah Hardy completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of NSW before running away to study acting in Paris. Back in Australia, her work has involved anything from film and television roles to being one of two singing/rollerblading Carmen Mirandas, Tutti & Frutti, and creating sketch comedy for Foxtel. During this time, Susannah discovered a passion for writing, and fourteen years ago, started working freelance, creating feature articles and copy for print and online publications. However, in between writing on parenting and home interiors, Susannah pursued her love of women's contemporary fiction, and now enjoys creating stories about the more comic side of life and love.

Susannah lives in Sydney's inner west with her husband, two young daughters and recently acquired puppy.

Book Review: In a New York Minute by Kate Spencer

 In a New York Minute

by

Kate Spencer

Their love story has gone viral. But it hasn't even begun.... 

 

Publisher: Macmillan Australia

Publication date: 29th March 2022

 

Genre: Contemporary Romance / RomCom

 

Pages: 309

 

RRP: $26.99AU (paperback)

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

My review of In a New York Minute

I really enjoyed this lighthearted romcom. A meet-cute with a backdrop of New York City.

Just when she thinks she is on the way up and due for a promotion Franny is put off her job. Her life goes from bad to worse when her dress is caught in the subway door and tears wide open. Hayes is on the same train and seeing Franny is now a blubbering mess gives her his jacket to cover up. Franny is mortified when she finds out their encounter was videoed and is now trending on Instagram as #subwayQTs.

"The world's worst meet-cute had been turned into an adorable romantic comedy that everyone was talking about'

Franny hopes to never see the Hot Suit guy again but the universe has a different idea when they keep bumping into each other.

 

In a New York Minute was such a fun read. A slow burn romance with just the right amount of angst. 

Franny is vivacious and outgoing although she harbours insecurity and self-doubt . Hayes is awkward, methodical and a workaholic. This was a perfect opposites attract story!

 

I loved Franny's friends and it's so nice to read about females supporting each other and genuinely happy about each other's successes. Everyone needs friends like Cleo and Lola.

 

New York shines bright in this novel and Kate Spencer's love for the city radiates throughout the book. 

 

My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Kate Spencer is the co-host of the award-winning podcast Forever35 and author of the memoir The Dead Mom's Club. In a New York Minute is her first novel. She writes a bi-monthly column for In Style, and her written work has been published by the Washington Post, Rolling Stone, Esquire, Cosmopolitan, Buzzfeed, and numerous other places. Previously she worked as a senior editor and producer at VH1.

She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two daughters.

 

 

Book Review: New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village by Michelle Vernal

 New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village

by

Michelle Vernal

Publisher: Bookouture

 

Publication date: 4th may 2023

 

Genre: Romance (RomCom)

 

Pages: 305

 

RRP: $4.99AU (Kindle)

 

Source: eBook courtesy of the publisher

 

My review of New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village

New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village is such a fun story! I loved it from start to finish! It is a warmhearted romcom set in the small village of Emerald Bay where everyone knows your business and nobody seems to mind that it's that way.

Michelle Vernal has delivered a whole town of quirky and lovable characters. The story is just as much about the whole town as it is about the main character, Imogen Kelly, one of the five Kelly sisters.

Imogen, a highly successful Dublin interior designer, has returned home to Emerald Bay to complete an interior design project at Benmore House, the home of her first love Lachlan Leslie. A high school romance she still hasn't found closure with. Whilst at home surrounded by her family Imogen reflects on her own lifestyle choices and her current romance with a man 27years her senior.

 

New Beginnings in the Little Irish Village is a light read, a feel good story with plenty of humour at Imogen's expense. Imogen takes all the mishaps with good grace and is even able to have a laugh at herself, making her a very endearing character.

I really enjoyed this story about families, celebrations, reconnecting with your true self and new beginnings. I loved getting to know all the townsfolk of Emerald Bay and Imogen's large and loving family. I am looking forward to reading Christmas in the Little Irish Village and being back with them all again.

My rating 5 / 5   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Michelle Vernal is a New Zealand author who writes stories that will take you onto the page with her characters and make you feel part of their lives. She writes with humour and warmth, and her readers describe her books as unputdownable, feel good and funny. Her writing has been likened to Maeve Binchy but with a modern-day vernacular. In 2015 she was shortlisted for the Love Stories Award. In 2020 she won the Reader's Favorite Gold Medal Award for Chick lit, and in 2021 was shortlisted for the Page Turner Book Awards.

 

Follow the blog tour below

 

 

Book Review: Bad Habits by Sarah Evans

 Bad Habits

by

Sarah Evans

 

Publisher: Clan Destine Press

 

Publication date: 1st September 2021

 

Genre: Crime / Humour

 

Series: D.I. Eve Rock #2

 

Pages: 264

 

RRP: $29.95AUD

 

Format read: paperback

 

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

My review of Bad Habits

 

Grisly crime, romance and comedy all in one. And it works!

 

With D.I. Eve Rock Sarah Evans has created a likeable and complex character. She is sassy and full of spirit, very feminine but also likes the occasional cigar with her glass of wine.

Eve is currently on leave recovering from injuries sustained when her house and car were blown up and with no place to stay she is lodging at her mother Sister Immaculata's boarding school.

Eve can't stay away from the office for long, it's a good excuse to avoid Christmas lunch with her dysfunctional family, and she is soon back into the thick of it. New cases are mounting up; body parts found in a freezer, a major jewellery heist and an upmarket art gallery theft.

As the team start investigating the body count mounts and her mother, an ex sex-worker turned nun, has been acting very strangely. 

 

Bad Habits is a story rich in humour. Sarah Evans' writing is witty and entertaining. There is a lot going on and Eve is always in the midst of it. Eve Rock attracts trouble, it follows her around. This is the cause of lots of friendly ribbing between workmates, mostly at Eve's expense and she takes it all in her stride.

It's not all laughs, Bad Habits is a grisly tale of murder and butchery however the constant humour lightens an otherwise gruesome tale.

 

The multiple mysteries kept me turning the pages and the sweet romance between Eve and workmate D.I. Quinn Fox had me eager to see where it would go. Quinn is another likeable character, he seemed resigned to Eve's flightiness.

 

Bad Habits is the second book featuring D.I. Eve Rock and there is some backstory included making it read well as a standalone. It did leave me keen to read book 1, Operation Paradise.

 

A gruesomely good story for those that need lots of action in their books!

 

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

About the author

 

Sarah Evans, an English ex-pat journalist and former home-schooling mum, is the author of a lifestyle / recipe book Seasons and Seasonings in a Teapot, romance and crime novels, novellas, short stories and poetry.

She gives author talks and teaches memoir, creative writing, poetry and song-writing. She lives on a 20-acre hobby farm in rural Western Australia with her family and a menagerie of fur and feather and has added granny duties to her repertoire.

 

 

 

Book Review: Company Ink by E.L. Lewis

Company Ink

by

E. L. Lewis 

 

Publisher: Cherry Publishing - English

Publication date: 18th June 2021

 

Series: Ink Series #1

 

Genre: Romance

 

Pages: 357

 

RRP: $6.61AUD (Kindle price @ 28/3/22)

 

Format read: eBook

 

Source: courtesy of the publisher

 

My review

 

After Cassie loses her job in event management she is desperate for work, she has a serious shoe obsession that needs funding, so she takes a temporary job as a PA in a law firm. Cassie is immediately attracted to her boss, the charming Adrian, but she also feels some connection  with her other boss, the quietly brooding Blake.

 

Company Ink was a nice, fun story it just didn't have that 'I can't stop reading' factor. Cassie started out sassy and flirty, going after Adrian. She was smart and funny. Then, she just suddenly did a back flip and wanted commitment. Cassie's best friend is getting married and she sees this as her cue to stop playing the field and get serious.

 

Cassie initially comes across as shallow and insincere but as we get to know here she is devoted to her best friend Monique and her cousin Vanessa. She really is a chilled character and I could see why everyone loved her.

 

Both supporting males are charming and handsome and I found it hard to pick a favourite and I enjoyed the tension between Blake and Adrian. It was never clear who Cassie would pick and there were plenty of misunderstandings between the three to keep the story interesting.

 

Love triangles aren't really my romance reading preference. However, I found Company Ink to be a light, fun read perfect for a holiday or beach read.

 

My rating 3 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

I took a creative writing class in high school and quickly fell in love with the craft, but it wasn’t until quarantine, ten years later, that I had the time to actually sit down and put all the ideas running rampant in my mind on paper.

For Company Ink, the title actually came before the plot and voila, an office romance was born! I knew I wanted to incorporate a love triangle in the book where both of the love interests complimented my protagonist’s personality – but in very different ways.

Often in love triangles, one love interest outweighs the other, and for Company Ink, I wanted to keep readers guessing and on the edge of their seats. Who will it be? Adrian or Blake? Readers should expect to experience severe whiplash while reading!
For Cassie’s character, I wanted to write a relatable heroine that was bold, confident and fun but also had flaws – a true modern woman. I wanted to portray the relationships between Cassie, Blake, and Adrian as symbiotic, where they help each other grow into better versions of themselves, step outside their comfort zones, and confront their fears.

 

Blog Tour Book Review: Twelve Days to Save Christmas by Elizabeth Neep

Twelve Days to Save Christmas

by

Elizabeth Neep

 

On the first day of Christmas, my true love… dumped me.

 

 

 

Publisher: Bookouture

 

Publication date: 19th October 2021

 

 

Genre: Romantic Comedy / Chick Lit

 

 

Pages: 297

 

 

Format read: eBook

 

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley

 

 

 

 

About the book

Poppy loves Christmas and always goes all out to make this magical time of the year extra special for her boyfriend George. But George is strangely not in the spirit this year. As Poppy wrestles him into her Christmas jumper built for two for a holiday snapshot, she finds out why.

He’s leaving her. And she only has twelve more days until he moves out.

Poppy is heartbroken. But she’s not going to give up on their five-year relationship without a fight. George is the love of her life, and his warm and stable family are worlds away from her own chaotic upbringing. And she is sure he still loves her too – she just needs to remind him of all the reasons why. Twelve days: twelve chances to get her man back and save Christmas.

 

 

 

 My review

 

Twelve days to Save Christmas is a fun, upbeat romance read. 

Poppy is a girl in love, totally devoted to her long term boyfriend George who is part of an up and coming boy band. I immediately warmed to Poppy she exudes fun and happiness and is fully supportive of George, buying him coffees, meeting him for lunch and attending all his gigs. When George breaks up with her saying she is too needy, Poppy sees this as a challenge; she has twelve days to make George remember just how much he loves her.

As Poppy distances herself from George to prove to him she is not needy she starts to make new friends and try new ventures like volunteering at a church based community centre and joining a choir. 

Poppy feels that her whole life is George. All her friends were his friends, his family is her only family. She is nobody without George.

"I don't know who I am without him." - Poppy (Twelve Days to Save Christmas)

 Anyone who has been dumped by the love of their life will certainly relate to Poppy and be cheering her on as she starts to discover and accept who she really is. The split with George forcing her to confront her past and start to make decisions and do things to please herself.

I enjoyed the way Elizabeth Neep included a nod to the Twelve Days of Christmas song throughout the story; in the song sung by the choir, in the chapter headings and in all the cute things Poppy did for George.

Twelve Days to Save Christmas is a heart-warming tale of finding your true self, finding friends in the most unlikeliest places and the real meaning of family.

This story screams big screen! It was very visual and I could see it all being played out as I read. If you love feel good stories that make you smile you will love Twelve Days to Save Christmas. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

 

My rating 5 / 5  🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

 

 About the author

 

Photo credit: Juliet Trickey

Elizabeth Neep was born in 1990 in Derbyshire and now lives in London Bridge. After studying Law at the University of Nottingham and the University of New South Wales, she worked in magazine journalism, most noticeably writing for dazed and Confused and PETRle. Elizabeth now works as a non-fiction Senior Commissioning Editor and writes and paints in her spare time.