Tag Rom-Com

Making Memories at the Cornish Cove by Kim Nash @KimTheBookworm @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #fiction #romance #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I have been waiting an age to share my review for this book and today I finally can 🙂 here is my review of Making Memories at the Cornish Cove by Kim Nash. This is the 3rd book in the Cornish Cove series and her latest book is another wonderful addition.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my copy from the publisher Boldwood Books.

It’s never too late…

After five husbands and five broken hearts, Lydia feels like she’s always been chasing something. But now she’s found her purpose, and having moved to Driftwood Bay to spend more time with her daughter Meredith, she’s happier than ever.

But there’s still life in these old bones yet! With her newfound sense of identity, she’s keen to re-explore the things that made her happy as a younger person. Lydia’s passion was dancing – she used to compete in her younger years, and there’s no place she’s more at home than on the dancefloor.

So when widower and antiques restorer Martin tells her about a big dance competition, she’s ready and raring to bring more joy into her life. But while making memories with Martin, the more she realises that both of their hearts need restoring too…

MY REVIEW

What another fabulous book in the Cornish Cove series this one is. Returning to some of the characters to catch up with things going on in their lives as well as learning more about them and newer characters is great.

This one focuses on Lydia, she is Meredith’s mum and they have reconnected after many years. There is a past that gradually emerges and it is a chance for pasts to be dealt with. Lydia is enjoying being in her 70s and she is a very capable lady who does not feel old and has plenty of things to look forward to. She is given the chance for some new opportunities and a chance to do something she thought she never would. She has been married before and she is deciding if she needs a relationship or if she is happy in her own company. Living in this community of Driftwood is a way of finding herself if you like.

Along with Lydia and Meredith, we have Clem and his Dad Martin, a new neighbour and the vocal and wonderful Vi. Everyone needs a Vi in their lives, and they probably know someone similar… I am saying nothing about who she occasionally reminds me of! I think this is wonderful about this author’s characters, they feel familiar and that is not just through reading the books in order, but that they do remind you of people you already know in everyday life. I think this is what makes this series so good and for me, it means the balance is right.

With new starts and fresh opportunities, things are going well, but there are some more serious aspects that the author brings in. This does leave a cloud over things and these are dealt with as any of us do in reality. We dwell and overthink and wonder about the what-ifs. Don’t think this means the book is down and moody because it never is, the author knows her characters too well to let them suffer in silence. They do live in a close-knit community after all.

There are some wonderful heartwarming moments in this book and I will admit to a tear or two at some scenes. This is a fabulous book and would work as a stand-alone, but reading in order helps with the continuing stories of what are becoming regulars. One for fans of heartwarming contemporary fiction and romance, with some very humorous moments and great characters. I would definitely recommend this book.

Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour…

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

A Fresh Start at Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home by Sarah Hope #NetGalley @boldwoodbooks #romance #romcom #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today of A Fresh Start at Waggin Tails Dogs’ Home by Sarah Hope. This is a wonderful story and the 3rd in the series but it reads well as a stand-alone.

My huge thanks to Boldwood Books for accepting my request to review this title via NetGalley.

There’s no place like home… Although dog trainer Sally is relatively new to Wagging Tails, the team she works with have quickly become her family and the dogs her friends.

But when Andy, the one that got away, turns up for a brief respite from the city, she is at a crossroads. As tempting as a life with him is, she loves her home of West Par, and anyway, she has responsibilities here.

Number one on that list is ensuring the dogs’ home stays in business. A developer has been sniffing around wanting to buy the land, and the team is worried.

Sally will do anything to save her home and her friends’ livelihoods but the lure of reuniting with her lost love is strong. Is there a way for her to have both?

MY REVIEW

This is the 3rd book in the series and, as is often the case, the first one I have read. This is one of those books that has a wonderful feel and I have read other series that give that same sense of community.

The story is set around Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home, a rescue centre for pouches who are lost, found or needing some care. I will say the author obviously loves her doggy cast and she has definitely done her research into how this type of establishment is run. As a dog owner and dog lover this is impressive and also adds to the overall importance of the message behind the story.

The fields alongside the Dogs’ Home have been bought and Flora, the owner of the Dogs’ Home, is being pressured into selling up. Flora has run this home for many years and remembers all the dogs that have passed through her gates and gone on to be re-homed. Selling up is not an option for her.

Sally is one of those who work with Flora and she left her very different career to do what she loves and works with the dogs to train them and their owners. Let’s be honest here, it is often the owners that need training, our dog Billy has spent years training us so that we know when he is asking for a treat, to be let out or wants you to chase him around the garden because he has just pinched a sock! But on a serious note, the author does have some points to make about training.

Sally, sorry I got a little sidetracked… she has been working at the home and loves her life. A blast from her past suddenly comes back into the picture and she is in turmoil about it. She also has some news from home that rocks her.

The story ambles along at a wonderful pace, bringing in characters and other threads. All the time the author shows a sense of family and friendship. It is a story and a series that many fans of romance, rom-com and contemporary fiction will enjoy. It is light-hearted but with some serious things as well. Gorgeous story and one I would definitely recommend.

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

Finding Family at the Cornish Cove by Kim Nash #romance #contemporaryfiction #romcom #bookreview

yvonnembee 3 Comments

I am delighted to share my review of Finding Family at the Cornish Cove by Kim Nash. This is the 2nd book in the series and it is a wonderful book to cosy down to read.

For years, Gemma has been running her late mother’s café with devotion, and when an opportunity comes to buy out her next-door neighbour and expand, she jumps at the chance.

She knows she will do her mother proud – keep her legacy going strong – but deep down she knows there’s still something missing. But sometimes family are those you choose, or those who choose you!

With a growing community of supporters cheering Gemma on, will she really spend the rest of her life alone?

And with some new faces at her blossoming bistro, perhaps romance may also be on the cards?

MY REVIEW

What a delight it was to return to Driftwood Bay, this is the second book in the series and you could read it as a stand-alone as it works well. Having read the first book though, and loving it, I would suggest reading it as it was another gorgeous story.

Gemma has been running her Mum’s cafe after the death of her Mum. She has put a lot of hard work into it and it is time to make a new step forward. Gemma has been through a lot in the past and it is with some trepidation she decides to expand. Always in the back of her mind is the memory of her Mum and she often wonders what she would have thought of Gemma’s ideas.

There is a newcomer into the Bay and he has his own bag full of problems, they are not as straightforward or as obvious as you would first think. Then there is Lucy, Gemma’s sister who is also thinking of the future. Behind all of this is a secret that Gemma has been holding onto. Letting it out could be heartbreaking, but this is something she wants to keep to herself.

It was great to be able to reconnect with some of the characters from the first book, Clem and Meredith pop up regularly and add to the overall friendly feel of this gorgeous-sounding bay. gemma’s cafe sounds wonderful as does the new look extension.

This is a story from Gemma’s point of view, it is her story and brings up things from her past. She has not put them to rest and there are things that she does need to deal with, these sorts of things tend to arise at the most inconsiderate of moments. But it will give her the chance to meet them head-on, even though at the time she would rather avoid them.

I adore this author’s books, they are full of warmth and with this one, family is well and truly at the centre. There are various family issues from various sources and this made for interesting reading. I did kind of work out connections, but the lightness of the story made the reading enjoyable. If you are a fan of cosy family and romance novels with a few chuckles thrown in then this is one for you. Some great new characters that liven up the Bay. Looking forward to the next one and I would happily recommend this one.

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

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.


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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