Tag Rom-Com

Hopeful Hearts at the Cornish Cove by Kim Nash @KimTheBookworm @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #romcom #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Hopeful Hearts at the Cornish Cove by Kim Nash. I adore this author’s books and it is always an absolute delight to settle down and read one.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for arranging my e-copy of this book from the publisher Boldwood Books.

Hopeful Hearts at the Cornish Cove
A perfect new start in Cornwall…


Meredith’s life is at a standstill. She’s stuck in a dead-end job, approaching fifty, and her dating life is a string of disasters. But one evening, while browsing the internet, she sees an ad for a lighthouse, and in a moment of impulsiveness, she makes a ridiculous bid for it.


With the help of local handyman Clem, she sets about renovating. And as they work together, a bond begins to form. But when Meredith finds out that Clem is keeping a secret from her, it changes everything. Will they find a way to build something more meaningful together?


A delightful story about community, friendship and having the courage to start over, perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Milly Johnson and Lucy Dillon


Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

What an absolute delight this story was from this author. Both my Mum and I are huge fans of Kim’s books and we are always eager to read her latest ones. As I was reading about Meredith’s move to Cornwall and how local handyman Clem was helping her with renovations, I was chuckling at some of the scenes and comments. What made this even more amusing was that I know when Mum reads this book she will be chuckling away the same as I did 🙂

Meredith has moved, from “up country” and is now down here in Cornwall (my neck of the woods). She has been spontaneous and bought a lighthouse, well this is what some people do when they have had the odd vino! I know I would love the idea of living in a lighthouse, but I also know that I would soon curse the steps! Meredith however is determined to make a go of this new home, which turns out to be more than she had bargained for when she actually arrives and realises just how much she will have to do just to get it clean.

While she comes to terms with what could be a disastrous decision she is given a lifeline in the form of Clem. He has been recommended to her by some of the friendlier locals to help with some of the renovations and repairs.

There are some great chuckle-worthy scenes in this story and they come from various characters. Meredith does have a memorable moment in the builder’s merchants that made me laugh, it is this sort of humour that I like. A bit risque, quirky and just good all-around banter. Every time the author seems to get the note just right in her novels and they add to the feel of the story.

There is a small community and this makes the characters easy to remember, and not all are welcoming and there is the odd one who is a bit smarmy. I do like the mix of characters and each has their own personality that shines through. Getting this across in a 270-page book is great.

Along with the howlers, there are some wonderful heartwarming moments. If you have read any of this author’s books before you will know there will be something a little more serious. Again, she does this so well in so few pages but the story never felt rushed. I just wanted the book to keep going if I am being completely honest.

This is another fabulous story about starting afresh and finding your feet when you are a little bit older but still young enough to enjoy and try new things. I haven’t even mentioned the romance in this story! This is a rom-com and so the romance is there, fleeting and tentative but sometimes it is better to be friends… isn’t it?

This is one for fans of contemporary fiction, romance, and finding a place that feels right. Another wonderful book and one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kim Nash is the author of uplifting, funny, heartwarming, romantic, feel-good fiction. She lives in Staffordshire with son Ollie and English Setter rescue dog Roni, is Digital Publicity Director for publisher Bookouture (division of Hachette UK), and is a book blogger at http://www.kimthebookworm.co.uk. When she’s not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog at Cannock Chase, reading, writing and binge-watching box sets on the TV.


Social Media Links – Twitter – Facebook – Instagram – Bookbub

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Many thanks for reading my review, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Love on the Run by Suzie Tullett @SuzieTullett @rararesources @Bloodhoundbook #romcom #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Love on the Run by Suzie Tullett. It has been a while since I have read one of Suzie’s books and I enjoyed this one a huge amount.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of the book.

Love On the Run
With her ex and her kids away, a woman takes up running and meets a new man – but can they make it to the finish line?
Ten years after their divorce, this is the first time Hannah’s ex-husband has had the kids for more than a weekend. Her calendar is gloriously blank, ready to be filled with some self-care time.
That is, until Hannah’s BFFs push her to join a charity race for which she’ll need to start training – after all, she’s not doing anything else.
And her mum nags her to have Aunt Dorothy over for a visit.
So much for me-time…
However, Hannah’s not in tip-top shape, and running is a challenge to say the least. Maybe Gabe, the nice-looking personal trainer, can help with that? The more Hannah struggles, the more determined she becomes. But then Hannah is tripped up when she finds out Gabe has a shocking secret. Does this mean he’ll be out of the running for a place in her heart?


Purchase Links – AMAZON – UK or US

MY REVIEW

When Hannah gets a month to herself she imagines that she will adore it. The twins are off on holiday with their Dad and his girlfriend and Hannah will be able to do all the things she wants to do. The problem is she has always done everything for her children and forgotten what it is to be Hannah.

It is three of Hannah’s friends get together over drinks and decide that it would be a good idea to do something for charity. Hannah hasn’t run, she wasn’t sporty but tries to give it a go. Her first attempt doesn’t go well when she comes crashing into Gabe.

This is such a fun and lighthearted from-com but one that will resonate with quite a few people. Being a Mum, Dad, Wife or partner can mean losing your own identity. Hannah is just discovering this and along with her three best friends, she starts to do something about it. Add into the mix her Mum, Dorothy, and Roger and you have a wonderful story.

This is such a lovely story and one that I read in one sitting. I got caught up with Hannah as she tries her best to get fit and get used to the fact that her little precious bundles are now 15 years old. Being separated for a few years she has gotten used to being just her and the children and she feels she doesn’t need anyone else. It isn’t until the children are away that she realises how lonely life can be. This gives her a different perspective on life, but she is stubborn so and so!

Gabe is the other part of this story, he also has a past and this one comes crashing into his life making him realise he needs to deal with things. Each of Hannah’s friends has new interests and she feels like she is remaining static. Would meeting someone new like her friends make a difference, well you will have to have a read and find out.

This is a story that has some brilliantly funny moments between the characters. There are some more serious issues that are discussed but these fit in with the story and become part of moving on. A gorgeous rom-com that I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suzie Tullett is an author of contemporary humorous fiction and romantic comedy. She has a Masters Degree in Television & Radio Scriptwriting and worked as a scriptwriter before becoming a full-time novelist. When she’s not busy creating her own literary masterpieces, she usually has her head in someone else’s.
Suzie lives in a little Irish cottage by the sea, along with her husband and two Greek rescue dogs.

Social Media Links – Twitter – Instagram

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Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Snowflakes Over Muddleford Cove by Kim Nash @KimTheBookworm #romcom #festivefiction #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Snowflakes Over Muddleford Cove by Kim Nash. This is a gorgeous book that I read book mid-December and adored it. My Mum and I are big fans of this author and we look forward to getting her books.

Love is in the air and the festive season is just around the corner at the seaside town of Muddleford.

Nellie is happily settled in her gorgeous clifftop home. Her favourite evenings are those spent at her beach hut, cosying up under a blanket with her fiancé. There’s nothing quite like spending time together under the twinkly stars – complete with a delicious hot chocolate and her dog Norman sprawled on their feet.

But she can’t help feeling that there’s still something missing.

When Nellie meets Esme, a mysterious visitor to Muddleford, the pair of them come up with a plan to raise money for the local animal shelter, leading to the grand finale – a Christmas Ball.

But Esme’s keeping a secret about Nellie’s past that promises to throw her whole world upside down.

Will this be Nellie’s perfect Christmas for the first time in forever? Or will it turn into her worst nightmare – one that she’ll never forget?

Sometimes you have to go back to go forward.

MY REVIEW

This is the 2nd book this author has set in Muddleford Cove and focuses again on Nellie. Nellie and Jack are a busy couple, he is a vet and she is involved in many aspects of village life such as WI, animal shelter and helping friends and family.

A new visitor to the shelter is proving to be really useful and she loves living in the village even though it is only temporary. Then there is Dinky, everyone should have a Dinky in their lives, she is a unique and hilarious character I adore. Shivani has her eyes set on the vicar, who is definitely making an impression with the ladies of the WI.

From the opening pages, this author had me chuckling, in fact, my mum was reading this at the same time as I was and it was great as I knew exactly where my mum would be chuckling. The humour is risque and full of innuendo and it really was a joy to read.

This isn’t all WI, comments and humour, this author does more than that. The story is one of finding out what is important in life and learning to trust those around you. Giving things a second chance even though you may have been burnt before.

The author has created a wonderful community and it has some wonderful characters, some fabulous sounding events and of course, there is the storyline as well. If you are after a gorgeous heartwarming story that has chuckles then this is one for you. It is a wonderful book and one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sign up to Kim’s newsletter HERE

Kim Nash is an author of uplifting, funny, heartwarming, romantic, feel-good fiction and has wanted to write books since she was a little girl.

She lives in Staffordshire with her son Ollie and English Setter rescue dog Roni, is Digital Publicity Director for publisher Bookouture (a division of Hachette UK) and is a book blogger at http://www.kimthebookworm.co.uk.

When she’s not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog at Cannock Chase, reading, writing and binge-watching box sets on the TV. She’s also quite partial to a spa day and a gin and tonic (not at the same time!) Kim also runs a book club in Staffordshire and organises local and national reader/author events.

Amazing Grace was her debut novel which came out in April 2019.

Escape to Giddywell Grange is Kim’s second novel and was published in September 2019.

Sunshine and Second Chances is Kim’s third novel and was published in June 2020.

Moonlight Over Muddleford Cove is her fourth book and was published in March 2021.

Connect with Kim on Social Media – Twitter – Facebook – Instagram – TikTok

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Sweet Love and Country Roads by Camilla Isley @rararesources #romance #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee 1 Comment

I am delighted to share my review today for Sweet Love and Country Roads by Camilla Isley. This is the 7th book in the series, I have not read them all, but they do work as stand-alone.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging for my e-copy of this fabulous book.

Falling for the wrong cowboy never felt so good . . .

Samantha Baker is a high-flying movie producer living in New York City. She loves her shoes, drinking cosmopolitans, and wouldn’t trade the comforts of city life for anything in the world. But when her job is put on the line, Samantha has no other choice than to move to the middle of nowhere to straighten out the filming of her latest romantic comedy blockbuster.

Her new country home has no Starbucks, no Pilates, and the one pub in town has never heard of appletinis—only serves beer and whiskey neat. On the plus side, the views are scenic. And not just for the aerial shots, as the local eye-candy provides a welcome distraction.

At least until Samantha discovers a native cowboy, Travis Hunt, is the source of all her troubles…

And the battle begins.

Each has something the other wants, but as Samantha and Travis go head to head, they might discover the endgame has changed. When hate turns to heat, all becomes fair in love and war for these two sworn enemies who’ve been playing a game of hearts.

But will a roll in the hay be enough to make Samantha decide there’s no sex in the city and convert to country living? 


Purchase Links – Amazon – Apple – Barnes & Noble – Kobo – Google Play

MY REVIEW

This is the 7th book in the First Comes Love series, they can be read as stand-alone and they are a lot of fun to read, not that I have read all of them btw!

The synopsis for this book is one that really sums up the atmosphere, style and humour that the author has injected into her characters and also the storyline. If you like fun, romance, and rom-com stories about battles of the wills and of the hearts then this is one for you.

Samantha is a city girl. all shoes, outfits, cocktails, everything on tap type of girl. While she has got her city smarts they don’t help her when she relocates to the middle of nowhere. Especially when it comes to Travis. Their first meeting is not good, a cow may have been at fault here! What Samantha lacks in country ways she more than makes up for in quick put-downs and retorts. Well, she thinks she does until she comes up against Travis. If a man had sass then he is full of it with cheeky smirks.

Little does she realise that they will have to work together to achieve the end results they are both hoping for. Travis has plenty going for him and is a busy chap indeed, but not that busy that he can’t find time to wind up Samantha.

This is a fabulously entertaining book, with quick-witted banter, innuendos and the fact they both find something interesting about each other. The author does throw the odd spanner in the works, and the romantic tension is definitely in the air, does it go further than that… well read the book!

The author has woven two different lifestyles and characters together to create a brilliant story. There are obviously other characters, and these are also great as well. They add their own opinions, banter and advice, adding to the fun of the story.

Overall this is a great lighthearted romantic comedy that had me chuckling several times. It has that fabulous “will they/ won’t they” scenario to it and it was one that had me hooked. I would definitely recommend this book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Camilla is an engineer who left science behind to enter the whimsical realm of romantic fiction.

She writes contemporary rom-coms. Her characters have big hearts, might be a little stubborn at times, and love to banter with each other. Every story she pens has a guaranteed HEA that will make your heart beat faster. Unless you’re a vampire, of course.

Camilla is a cat lover, coffee addict, and shoe hoarder. Besides writing, she loves reading—duh!—cooking, watching bad TV, and going to the movies—popcorn, please. She’s a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. A keen traveller, Camilla knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and she doesn’t want to starve all those frog princes out there, but she could really live without them.


Social Media Links – Goodreads – Bookbub – TikTok – YouTube (Free Audiobooks) – Facebook – Instagram

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Many thanks for reading my post, a like or a share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Bad Penny by Michele Gorman @MicheleGormanUK @rararesources #romance #rom-com #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Bad Panny by Michele Gorman. This was a wonderful romance, rom-com to disappear into and I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of this fabulous book.

Penny’s life is one big, fat secret… and everyone is about to find out

Penny isn’t the girl she used to be, or the woman everyone thinks she is now. At 19, she bolted for London and never looked back. Nobody there knows who she was – not her care home colleagues, her boss, her clients or even her best friend and flat-mate. Auntie Mags is her only connection to her past, and she’s keeping schtum.

Oli can’t believe his luck. Not only is he about to fulfil his dream of really making a difference (assuming he wins his seat in the upcoming general election), now he’s met the perfect woman. Within a few dates he’s sure he wants to spend the rest of his life with Penny, and it’s all he can do not to shout it from the rooftops.

But Penny has hidden her secret by not shouting from any rooftops. In fact, the quieter, the better. So when Oli’s campaign swings into gear and the reporters start circling, it’s not only her future that’s about to come crashing down.

How can she find a happy ending with Oli when her past will definitely ruin his future, yet living with the lie will ruin their future together?

Then Penny’s past gets out of prison, and he’s about to turn up like a… bad penny.

Purchase Links Amazon UK or US

MY REVIEW

If you are after a romance with some humour, mismatched characters and secrets then you really should consider picking up Bad Penny. The title is rather intriguing as the impression you get of Penny is far from bad, so what is going on here!

What a great job the author has done with Penny, she is just a lovely character and one that seems to go out of her way to help people, especially those she cares for. Penny lives with her total opposite, Fi. Where Penny is happy in dungarees and flats, Fi wouldn’t be seen dead in them – well unless they had a designer label on them. Even though this pair are very different they are also the best of friends.

It is Fi that pushes Penny out of her comfort zone and into a dress, heels and make-up for a fundraiser that she has been invited to. There is a candidate for election there, Oli, he runs a charity shelter for dogs and isn’t quite sure how or why he was chosen to run for election. The chance to help those in need though should benefit from the additional publicity.

The characters of Penny and Oli are pushed together by well-meaning friends, and while there are sparks, neither thinks they are worthy. Why these two are so down on themselves is gradually told in their back stories. Parents are not the go-to people for either of them, instead, it is friends and other family members that are sought for solace and advice. These also make for some more brilliant characters that you will get to meet.

The author has created such a wonderful story around the two main characters, and also their families. It does make for some heartwarming and also sad moments. These are balanced brilliantly with some great shenanigans, one-liners and mishaps. The author has brought together many different traits to her characters and blended them so well within one another that there is a natural flow and banter between them.

A story where the rich rub shoulders with the working class and with no obvious stereotypes. I really enjoyed this story and if you are a fan of family dynamics, romance, heartwarming and also fun reads then this is one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michele writes comedies packed with lots of heart, best friends and girl power. She is both a Sunday Times and a USA Today bestselling author, raised in the US and living in London.
Michele also writes cozy comedies under the pen-name Lilly Bartlett. Lilly’s books are full of warmth, quirky characters and guaranteed happily-ever-afters.

Social Media Links – Twitter – Facebook – Instagram

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Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Life’s A Catastrophe by Kirstie Pelling @EmblaBooks #NetGalley #romcom #contemporaryfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Life’s a Catastrophe by Kirstie Pelling. This was a humorous rom-com that I really enjoyed.

My huge thanks to Embla Books for my e-copy that I read via NetGalley.

What if thinking like your cat could solve your problems?

Aly Meadows is a self-proclaimed ‘catfluencer’ using her two beloved pets to earn thousands of likes on Instagram. But behind the lens, Aly is broke, facing eviction and living a life that’s a million miles away from the glamourous world of social media stardom.

Rick Harvard, the CEO of talent agency Glimmer, has the power to change her life, but only if Aly agrees to dive in at the deep end. Can Aly come out of her shell and channel the confidence of her insta-famous cats? And if so, will she finally find the love and laughter she deserves?

MY REVIEW

Life’s a Catastrophe is an entertaining and fun read, but does have a more serious side to it. Aly Meadows is an influencer, her fans are in awe of her cat Instagram site ‘Alycat’. Aly is a ‘catfluencer’ and uses her spare as a carer to build her influence and her followers. This has led to her being offered a real game-changer as she has been head-hunted.

While this is a fun and really entertaining read, there are also some serious sides to this story. A disjointed and not warm home life growing up and living in a flat full of boxes isn’t a situation anyone wants to be in. But for Aly though, it is all hers – for the time being!

It really loved the humour of this story and Aly is a bit of a clutz, a walking catastrophe really does sum her up. She manages to get herself into some random predicaments, and with not altogether negative effects. It does make for some chuckling moments throughout the story.

I am going to admit to being more of a dog person than a cat person, but the author has done such a wonderful job with the feline characteristics and traits with the cats. Also, some really interesting things that I never knew about the care of a hairless Sphynx cat.

\You don’t have to go far on any of the social media sites to find vids and posts of pets and this is what appealed to me about this book when I first saw it. I really liked the balance of fun and seriousness and there is of course a romantic element to this book.

It is a slow-burner of a romance, but one that has Aly in a bit of a quandary. But it definitely does add a steamy extra to this story.

It is an entertaining read and one that I really enjoyed, ideal for lovers of fun and humorous as well as rom-coms and of course everything cat. It is one I would definitely recommend.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Anything You Can Do by B.R. Maycock @BRMaycock @rararesources #romcom #family #bookrevier

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Anything You Can Do by B.R. Maycock. I have read a couple of this author’s books before and found them very enjoyable, so I was delighted to get a spot on the One Day Blog Blitz for her latest book.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blitz and for arranging my e-copy of this book.

Anything You Can Do
What would you do if the stars aligned to put everything right in your home?
If Roles Were Reversed …

Caroline and Noel Morton are two people who need a change. One wants to escape the rat race while the other hopes to join it!

When Noel is asked to begin working from home he’s quick to say yes. More time with his three children? How could he not? Meanwhile, Caroline is considering starting a new job. How amazing would it be to hit goals and targets and have people actually thank you for a change? And when she receives an offer from the failing Eden Street box company, an organisation in chaos, she’s ready to change the world!

But is an organisation brimming with employees who are tired, disillusioned and waiting to be let go of what she really needs? And can Noel work from a chaotic home with three children, an obsessed work colleague and a disillusioned mother ready to thwart his plans at every turn?

Join Caroline and Noel as we return to Riverside to see if everyday changes can guide a relationship back to solid ground or if they’ll further tear it apart!

For fans of Fiona Gibson, Christie Barlow and Tracy Bloom this is a laugh out loud comedy you won’t want to miss!

Purchase Links – AMAZON – UK – GERMANY– AU –US

MY REVIEW

At 168 pages this is an enjoyable quick read that I sat and read over a couple of hours or so. A family of Mum, Dad and three children. Mum stays at home while Dad goes to work, normal run of the mill stuff but Mum, Caroline is feeling like she is at everyone’s beck and call, while Dad, Noel can’t understand why the housework isn’t all done and a meal ready for when he gets home!

This is one of those scenarios that many of us will be aware of, it doesn’t matter if you are a stay at home Mum or Dad you will get this as you not only juggle school schedules, visits from people and try to keep on top of everything. Not only that, but you can feel like you are starting to lose yourself and your identity as the rest of the family expect things to be done, cleaned, organised or washed when they need it.

A snapshot of family life is something that does work well in stories and this one had me chuckling, especially when the roles are reversed, yes I sniggered as I saw the realisation set in for Noel. But, I was also aware that this was not the only change, Caroline had become the one going out to work and little bits of her were also starting to show signs as well.

This is a role reversal story, but one that has a few other elements in it. Working parents, relationships, friendships and family are all things that need to be managed, it is easy to see how a little thing like a wet sock, a missing lunch box or a forgotten item can throw the day into disarray before it has even begun!

Enjoyable read and one that will appeal to readers who like lighter contemporary fiction and family life story. One I would happily recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi Readers, I’m Berni and I’m a rom-commer!
My start: Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl and the entire contents of our local library, then Sweet Valley High, Point Horror, Babysitters Club and The Saddle Club before drifting into adulthood where I found Jenny Colgan, Marian Keyes, Patricia Cornwall, Stephen King and John Grisham.
I am now an absolute chick-lit, rom-com, and thriller addict and former book blogger (you might know me from B R Maycock’s book blog).
My goal is always to give someone something they can settle down with for a bit of escapism and a laugh with small-town series, ‘mom lit’ books and sparkly standalones.
Then there’s the official line…
B R Maycock (Berni to all you lovely people!) writes romantic comedies that are warm, sparkly and fun. She can be found in Co. Westmeath, Ireland with her brilliantly out there husband, Keith, their four epic little men, and four cats She has one goal and that’s simply to make readers smile and/ or laugh (a splutter rates highest;)).
  Connect with me below on social media…

Social Media Links – WEBSITE – BLOG – TWITTER

The Seaside Cocktail Campervan by Caroline Roberts #NetGalley @OneMoreChapter_ #romance #romcom #bookreview

yvonnembee

I’m delighted to share my review today for The Seaside Cocktail Campervan by Caroline Roberts. This is a fun read and one I read a few weeks ago. I requested this title via NetGalley and the publisher One More Book granted my request.

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Bringing love, laughter and friendship from coast to coast…
Next stop: seaside, sunshine and romance!

When Lucy isn’t in her cosy cottage by the sea, she’s winding through the Northumberland coast with her loveable Dachsund Daisy, cooking up a storm at the local village celebrations. Inspired by her Italian Poppa, Lucy’s chasing a new dream with her pizza van business. And at one particular party, she meets Jack, the brooding but gorgeous owner of the Cocktail Campervan.

Wary of repeating mistakes of the past, Lucy and Jack keep it strictly business. But as the summer drifts by in a swirl of garden parties, fun and fizz, laughs and celebrations, and as the cocktail campervan creates the community they so desperately need, romance starts to blossom – one stop at a time… 

MY REVIEW

It was the title of this book that caught my eye when I first saw it, it sounds like a fabulous venture to have. The Cocktail Campervan belongs to Jack, and he has been providing his mobile bar for private events for a few years. Lucy has just got started, her venture is homemade pizzas that she cooks and sells from a horsebox.

Both took a risk on their outside catering careers and it was at an event where they first meet, not the best first meeting considering Daisy the dog made quite an impact! Working fetes, weddings, birthdays and special occasions mean they are bound to meet again at some point. A friendship forms and this is great for Lucy as Jack manages to feed some business her way. Neither one is interested in romance or a relationship, they are busy with their businesses and don’t need the hassle, the complications or the heartbreak, but they do get on and have an easy friendship.

This is a fab story of food, cocktails, amazing locations, friendship and family. I really enjoyed the feel of the story and the way the author brought the characters and their own individual stories out. Their stories are gradually teased out as their friendship grows. Very hard to make friends when you are flat out working at mainly evening functions but get to know each other they do.

The author creates some wonderful recipes, gorgeous-sounding cocktails and I was so happy to see quite a nice list of these and how to make or bake them at the end of the book. The scenery that is described ranges from dramatic and luxurious to a simple beach, all sounding wonderful. Friends and family have a part to play, while the main focus is on Lucy and Jack.

Tentative, heartwarming and wonderfully lovely read. Once for those who like contemporary romance and fiction, as well as food and drinks. A great read over the course of an afternoon and evening and one I would definitely recommend.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

The Beach Reads Book Club by Kathryn Freeman @KathrynFreeman1 @rararesources #contemporaryfiction #romcom #bookreview

yvonnembee 6 Comments

I am delighted to once again share a review by one of my favourite authors, Kathryn Freeman. The Beach Reads Book Club is a fabulous read and one I adored as I pretty much new I would. I have loved all her books that I have read so far 🙂

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of the book via NetGalley.

Welcome to the Beach Reads Book Club…where love is just a page away…


When Lottie Watt is unceremoniously booted out of her uptight book club for not following the rules, she decides to throw the rulebook out the window and start her own club – one where conversation, gin and cake take precedent over actually having read the book!


The Beach Reads Book Club soon finds a home for its meetings at Books by the Bay, a charming bookshop and café owned by gorgeous, brooding Matthew Steele, and as the book club picks heat up, so too does the attraction between Matt and Lottie.


If there’s anything Lottie has learned from the romances she’s been reading, it’s that the greatest loves are the ones hardest earned.


A love letter to chicklit, romance, romcoms, whatever you want to call them!


Purchase Links Amazon UK – US

My Review…

I have read a few of this authors books and I have always enjoyed them. I think this latest one might just be my favourite yet!

When Lottie decides that the book club she is with doesn’t allow for a more laid back approach she decides to start her own. The local book shop has a new owner and she is hopeful that he will be amenable to her running her book club in his shop after hours. HAndy that there is also a cafe attached. No need for drinks and the like because gin with the barest glimpse of tonic is supplied by one of the other members and cake by another.

I was already loving the sound of this book just with the books, book shop, gin, cake and of course, there is the owner Matt, a quintessential, very well dressed and mannered Matt. If you are still in doubt, then the story is fabulous, the characters are brilliant as I was riveted to this romance, and rom-com read.

The story is one that has some real belly laugh moments, Audrey and Sally between them are hilarious. Lottie’s is kind-hearted and Matt is reserved, to say the least. He is all armour with very little in the way of glimpsing who is underneath the facade, there is however a mischievous flicker in the eye!

This is just a brilliant read and one that I am not going to tell you much about, but if you have read and enjoyed this author’s books before then I know you are going to adore this one. It is full of warmth, doubt, friendship, doubt, hilarious moments, mentions of books and of course the wonderful storyline. A fabulous book from start to finish and one I would definitely recommend.

About the Author…

A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a sexy hero. 

With a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn’t always about hearts and flowers – and heroes come in many disguises.


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Opposites Attract by Camilla Isley #romcom #funread #bookreview

yvonnembee 1 Comment

I am delighted to share my review today for Opposites Attract by Camilla Isley. I had seen this book and the reviews during a blog tour and decided that it was one I would enjoy. I enjoyed it so much I read it in one sitting back in February. Yeah! I am still trying to catch up with posting my reviews of my purchased books.

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First law of magnetism: opposite poles attract.

Single mom Vivian has been burned by love once before, and her job as a divorce lawyer has presented enough evidence to convince her there are no good men left in New York City.

The worst offender is her new neighbor: Dr. Lucas Keller, a couple’s therapist whose piercing blue eyes and flawless dark hair are just as annoying as his bad temper.

But when Luke starts poaching Vivian’s clients by saving their marriages, she makes it her mission to force him out of the building to save her practice. But it’s Luke who gives her the perfect opportunity when he proposes an unexpected bet.

With their offices at stake, Vivian and Luke play the field of love in a fierce battle of wits that quickly turns hot and personal, especially when Vivian’s daughter gets involved. Now, taking down Luke has become more than business for Vivian. It’s become a pleasure—and soon, Vivian and Luke will realize how pointless it is to fight the laws of attraction.

My Review…

If you are looking for a rom-com that provides a wonderful escapism read then this is one that should be on your list.

Lucas and Vivienne don’t exactly hit it off on their first encounter. She barges past him to get on the subway and he ends up missing out on the office he had his eye on. As if his day hadn’t got off to the ideal start, it then seems to get worse.

Having offices next door to each other doesn’t make for the calmest and relaxing work area. But as the title suggests, opposites attract, but do they really. It seems that every time these two meet there is a barb. They do bury the hatchet in the form of a bet, the winner gets the corner office, the other leaves the building.

Now while there is some animosity between the two, they are adults and a third party almost forces them to be civil to each other. There are some serious moments and this adds more of a depth to the story. Overcoming problems of past and present is something that the author has weaved into her story.

I really enjoyed this tale and devoured it easily in one evening. Quite a quick read but one that did have me sniggering as well as giving me a lovely heart-warming feel. One for those looking for a bit of light-hearted, fun, escapism in their reading and one for the rom-com fans.

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx