Tag Romance

Wish Upon a Cornish Moon by Amanda James @amandajames61 @OneMoreChapter_ #contemporaryfiction #family #romance #bookreview

yvonnembee 3 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Wish Upon a Cornish Moon by Amanda James. I do love this authors books and her latest one is just fabulous. A mix of past and present set in a wonderful Cornish cove.

‘I can see you don’t believe me, girl, but I’m telling you that there’s magic in the moon and that big sea out there.’ 1938
One midnight in June, 15-year-old Lamorna Williams throws a message in a bottle into the Atlantic at Magic Cove, hoping to meet her one true love – and someone writes back. 1997
On the other side of the world, Lamorna tells her story to her 16-year-old great nephew Ethan inspiring him to do the same. But this time, his message isn’t found for over twenty years… Present day
Single mum, Merrin Pascoe, is told of the legend of Magic Cove. In a moment of madness, Merrin wishes on the moon, and next day she finds a bottle in the sea. Will the cove cast its spell once again…

MY REVIEW

Not many people believe in magic or love at first sight, but not many live at Chapel Porth Cove in Cornwall—an area of magic, mystery and wonderous things. Over the years there has been a young woman who wishes for something more and to find her one true love. It has happened over generations and whether you believe in magic or not, if you don’t try, you will never know.

Merrin is a hard-working single mum, who helps out where she can and is not looking forward to her daughter leaving for university. When she meets Morwenna, she tells Merrin of how the cove is also known as magic cove and if a message is placed in a bottle and the words are spoken on a June night when the moon is full your true love will find it and you will meet.

Merrin has not had much luck with true love, she has in fact had her heart broken so is not looking for anything else in life. She is happy with her life, work and family.

The author has laid her story out over several timelines, these are easy to follow as are the different places where she sets her story, although the majority of it is in Cornwall. Mixing the past event with present situations is a great way of telling a tale as it gets pieced together gradually.

The story of Morwenna and her sister Lamorna is a sad one, but one that also makes sense when you realise what was going on in each of their lives at the time. A chance for a new exciting adventure with the man of your dreams is something that most girls want, but not everyone gets that chance, and some, they miss their chance.

Mixing the historical aspect of the story with a present-day one is a great way of drawing similarities between characters of many years of difference. It also makes for a tantalising read, I could see some things coming but not always in the way I expected them. The way the family dramas were worked in was great and it was a way of bringing different perspectives and experiences.

The romance side of the story is one that I adored, it was a mix of drama, adventure, daring and taking the chance when it appears. Set over different generations, it was a great way of showing how the magic of the cove and the message in the bottle could work in many different ways. Some things happen quickly, and some take a little more time, but things happen for a reason.

If you are a fan of romance, historical and contemporary fiction then this is one that you may well be interested in, there is a wonderful sense of warmth and hope throughout and with a message of taking a chance and doing what is right for you. I adored this one a huge amount and I would definitely recommend it, fabulous story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amanda James has written since she was a child and even asked her parents for a typewriter for Christmas. She never imagined her words would ever be published. In 2010 the dream of becoming a writer came true when she had her first short story published.

Originally from Sheffield, Amanda now lives in Cornwall and is inspired every day by the wild and beautiful coastline. She can usually be found playing on the beach with her family, or walking the cliff paths planning her next book.

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

Changing Times at Harpers Rosie Clarke @AnneHerries @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #historicalfiction #saga #romance #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review of Changing Times at Harpers by Rosie Clarke. This is a fabulous series and now that World War I is over and people are getting back to how things used to be.

My huge thanks to Rachel for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my copy of the book via NetGalley.

London Spring 1920
Harpers is beginning to flourish once more after the end of the war but for Sally Harper the problems continue.
Husband Ben is moody, sometimes distant, and she feels he is shutting her out at home and at work, but why?
It takes a terrible tragedy to make them realise their love and respect is still true.
The ladies and girls who work at Harpers continue to battle with problems in their own lives.
Marion is still trying to reach her war-damaged husband and Lilly is battling with her pain and shame.
It’s a period of transition for all.
The doors of Harpers are busy welcoming new and returning staff whilst bidding a fond farewell to others.
This is the beginning of a new era and there is a fresh buzz of excitement in the air.


Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

With the Great War over things are starting to return to normal, well as normal as it can be. It is 1920 and Harpers is beginning to see stock and also customers. There are new lines available as shipping and transport routes are now open. For some, it is a chance to get back to the way things used to be, for others they like the new freedom that they had. Women are being forced back into their previous roles as wives and mothers rather than workers. Some prefer to be out working and earning a wage though. Luckily for those who work at Harpers, there are things in place to help with this.

The Women’s Movement is becoming a little more prominent and they are gaining a footing. Some of the men returning have got mental and physical wounds that need to heal, it is now that we start to realise the psychological impact war has, it has a name ‘shell shock’.

For those at Harpers, there are changes afoot, people have come and people have gone, some have moved on and some have married. This is what Harpers is all about, giving people a chance and helping them where possible. With each of the books, there are a few new characters to get to know, and this story has some very interesting ones and some fabulous storylines.

Sally and Ben are still trying to deal with the store and their family, they will also have some other shocking news to cope with and it is going to test them. As for the new characters, well I will let you meet them, they are different but hard working, for the most part. They each have their own past and it does shape who they are in the story.

With war and death there is grief and how it is dealt with can affect how you are seen. Obviously, there will be sadness, but also resentment. The latter shows its head in various ways and can have some consequences that I didn’t see coming.

Once again the author brings in some of the news of the day, and these help remind the reader of the time and era they are in. The fashions and how women were so daring to wear a hemline just under the knee made me chuckle. There is still however poverty that has always been an issue and it has not gone just because the war is over. People are still overcrowded and families do tend to live together.

This is a fabulous series and I have read these in order, well I started from book 3, but I have been addicted to them from there. I am aware of things from the first two books as the author does give a brief but handy recap of things.

The story is one that shows how people are coming to terms with life after the first war, The Great War. How attitudes are changing and that things are never going to be the same. A sense of family and friendship is strong in this series and it continues with this book. One for fans of sagas, historical fiction and romance and one I would definitely recommend. I adore coming back to this series and seeing what the author has lined up for the girls at Harpers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rosie Clarke is a #1 bestselling saga writer whose most recent books include The Mulberry Lane series. She has written over 100 novels under different pseudonyms and is a RNA Award winner. She lives in Cambridgeshire.

Social Media Links –
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Run to the Blue P N Johnson #PNJohnson @RandomTTours #crime #thriller #bookreview

yvonnembee 7 Comments

I am delighted to be opening the Blog Tour and to share my review today for Run to the Blue by P N Johnson. This is a fabulous story and one that mixes crime with a thriller and has a romance aspect to it.

My huge thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for arranging my copy of the books and for my spot on the Blog Tour.

It was supposed to be the best day of her career, the day when she was the hero, the reporter whose story put a deadly gangster behind bars.
But as crime boss Ken Lean is sentenced, ace reporter Tess Anderson instead finds herself in the headlines: her husband is exposed as having an affair with a top government minister, and Tess herself faces death threats from the Lean crime family.
With her life collapsing around her, Tess runs to her friend’s villa on the Greek island of Paxos, but soon finds she’s been tracked down by killers and spies. Her only hope of escape is a mysterious, glamorous, and somehow familiar American yachtsman.
Can Tess stay alive long enough to see her pursuers behind bars?
Who can she trust as her enemies close in?
And what is the secret that her husband and his lover are so keen to ensure remains buried?
The latest novel from P N Johnson, the author of Killer in the Crowd, Run to the Blue is a fast-moving action thriller set in the world of television news in London, and in the beautiful Greek islands.

MY REVIEW

Oh what a fabulous book this was, I started it and read it in one sitting. The author had me completely hooked on his story of Tess Anderson.

Tess is a journalist and she is one that has been in some dangerous situations as she has reported on some tough people. The day she is waiting for the jury to return a verdict on crime boss Ken Lean, a story she helped to expose and was vital to getting the conviction of, she discovers that she is also in the headlines. Married to Sven, a TV marriage guidance councillor, the last thing she expected was to be in the headlines. Who would have thought that when the breaking news of a verdict would also be the same time as her husband was outed as having an affair?

While she is trying to get her head around her husband’s betrayal, she is also aware that her life is in danger. The repercussions of her story and the subsequent verdict and imprisonment of Lean become obvious as she is followed. Her life is at risk so she decides to go into hiding and a friend offers her a place in Greece to disappear to. One problem though, whoever is following her knows where she is again on her trial.

Enter the mystery yachtsman, he becomes someone who is going to help her, but she is wary and there is something about him that is familiar.

This is such a brilliantly paced story and one that mixes crime, thriller and romance altogether. The story that Tess broke is one that is tough but fitted so well within the character of Lean. The cheating husband is something that also works so well in this story. It also has its own repercussions and one that injects another level of danger.

While the author puts Tess in some unenviable positions, he does give her a lifeline. This allowed me to travel around some of the wonderful places, bays, coves and amazing food is part of the story. I really liked this reprieve from danger, although it always lurks there.

As the characters zip around the seas I soon found myself zipping through the book. It is the first time I have read anything by this author and it has been a wonderful introduction. Full of drama, tension and danger and balanced with friendship and romance. I added this one a lot and I would definitely recommend it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As a TV Newsreader, Reporter and Producer for both BBC East and ITV Anglia, Phil Johnson covered everything from tracking down criminals in Spain and going on high-octane police chases, to interviewing pop stars, politicians and celebrities.
Phil was also the face and voice of Crimestoppers in the eastern region for many years and created the successful TV series: “999 Frontline”.
Now living near Norwich, England, Phil loves music, travelling, walking, and sailing, and bringing exciting new characters with amazing stories to the page.

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

A Summer Surprise at the Little Blue Boathouse by Christie Barlow @ChristieJBarlow @0neMoreChapter_ #NetGalley #romance #contemporaryfiction #LoveHeartLane #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for A Summer Surprise at the Little Blue Boathouse by Christie Barlow. I adore this series and every book is a story in its own right, so yes they can be read as stand-alone books, but believe me when I say, you would be missing out on some amazing stories if you didn’t read them all 🙂

My huge thanks to One More Chapter for my e-copy that I was invited to read via NetGalley.

Publication Date – April 30th 2023

Preorder the next book in the heartwarming and bestselling Love Heart Lane series Love Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what When Bea Fernsby discovers her fiancé’s eyes have been wandering, she calls off the wedding and hits the road. The village of Heartcross in the Scottish Highlands is about as far away from home as she can get, and when she stumbles into the ideal summer job at The Little Blue Boathouse and meets gorgeous vacationer Nolan Hemingway, things finally start looking up. Now, as an old mystery surfaces and Bea and Nolan band together to find out what happened to his late grandfather’s one true love, fate throws Bea some unexpected curveballs…and promising opportunities. Bea’s stay is only supposed to last a couple of weeks, but as the old saying ‘Once you arrive in Heartcross, you never want to leave…’

MY REVIEW

I love coming back to Love Heart Lane, it is very accurate when the residents of Heartcross say that once you arrive, you will never want to leave. It is a series that I adore and each book in the series is a story in its own right, but the author fills you in on what is happening with some of the other locals.

Bea Fernsy has had enough, she has jumped in her car and decided to get away from her cheating fiance and booked a stay in the B&B. It’s not the first time he has cheated, but it is the last as far as she is concerned. She needs a chance to discover who she is and what she wants to do with her life. She has lost her friends, works nights, doesn’t have a social life and has got stuck into the humdrum and mundane ruts of life. Hence the escape to Scotland and this gorgeous community.

When she arrives at Heartcross she discovers a warm welcome, everyone is so friendly. This is something she has been missing out on in her home in Staffordshire. What starts as a break to re-discover herself turns into a slightly extended stay when she takes on a holiday job at The Little Blue Boathouse. Her sister thinks that Bea has lost the plot, but Bea knows better.

I must admit if I lived somewhere like Heartcross I would not want to leave, the warm community, the welcoming atmosphere and the views. Not just the views of the mountains, lakes, and secret coves either, the view of Nolan boatowner sounds rather scenic as well!

With things changing and finding newfound freedom, she discovers that she is happy. Something that she has not felt for a long time, she isn’t the only one who looks forward to getting out of bed in the morning and seeing what the day holds either. Nolan is just passing and then will be on his way again. He is trying to find his late grandfather’s true love. He has discovered a letter for her in a box of nick-nacks. It will take bother Bea and Nolan to discover the identity of this mystery woman.

Every time I pick up one of the books in the series I am always amazed by how easily I slip back into village life. The names of friends met previously come back to say hello and then I also get to meet some newcomers. The author has made the community feel so real and when anyone new comes in they are welcomed. People have to fit in this community and Bea is a good fit from the start, everyone knows everyone and therefore they become a large extended family.

With the troubles that Bea is trying to leave behind, she is aware that Nolan is holding something back. It makes for some worrying moments in their gorgeous romantic story. Right through this storyline, there are expectations of things coming to an end, but there is also some shocks along the way as well for some of the older residents.

Once again the author has created another wonderful heartwarming story that had me grinning like a loon and I did have a few lumpy throat moments as well. It’s just the way the author brings the who setting and the characters to life as she writes that I adore. If you are a fan of romance, community, friendship and starting anew then this is a book you should look at. If you have not come across any of these books before then I urge you to add them to your shelf. Either as standalone stories or as a series in order, each one is very special. I adored her latest story about the Boathouse and I would definitely recommend it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christie Barlow is the international bestselling author of twelve romantic comedies including the iconic Love Heart Lane Series, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and Kitty’s Countryside Dream. She lives in a ramshackle cottage in a quaint village in the heart of Staffordshire with her four children and two dogs.
Her writing career has come as a lovely surprise when Christie decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. Christie’s dream was to become a writer and the book she wrote to prove a point went on to become a #1 international bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.
When Christie isn’t writing she enjoys playing the piano, is a keen gardener and loves to paint and upcycle furniture.
Christie is an ambassador for the @ZuriProject alongside Patron of the charity, Emmerdale’s Bhasker Patel. They raise money and awareness for communities in Uganda.

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

The Little Board Game Cafe by Jennifer Page @AriaFiction #NetGalley #contemporaryfiction #romance #bookreview

yvonnembee 4 Comments

I am delighted to share my review of The Little Board Game Cafe by Jennifer Page. This was a lovely story and it was great to read something lighter after my few weeks of reading crime.

My huge thanks to Aria Fiction for granting my request to read this title via NetGalley.

Publication Date – 13th April 2023

When Emily loses her job, house and boyfriend all within a matter of days, she’s determined to turn a negative into a positive and follow her dream of running a small cafe in the gorgeous Yorkshire village of Rosegarth.

But she quickly finds she’s bitten off more than she can chew when the ‘popular’ cafe she takes over turns out to secretly be a failing business. Emily desperately needs a way to turn things around, and help comes from the unlikeliest of places when she meets local board game-obsessed GP Ludek. But when a major chain coffee shop opens on the high street, Emily is forced to question if she’ll ever be able to compete.

Has she risked everything on something destined to fail? Or can a playful twist, a homely welcome, and a sprinkle of love make Emily’s cafe the destination she’s always dreamed of?

MY REVIEW

This was a really lovely story to read. Having lost her job, her house and her fiance she decides that it is finally time to follow her dream. When her mum was alive it was a dream they both shared, to own and run their own cafe. Taking the plunge, she spots a small cafe, it has potential.

Following Emily, as she negotiates a new business and the tables in her new cafe was wonderful. She soon has her rose-tinted glasses removed as she discovers that the business isn’t all the books made it out to be. She does have customers, well some days she may have as many as 2! Gradually with the help of the local GP, she manages to find her niche, something that makes her cafe memorable. As you have probably guessed from the title, that niche is board games. I never realised there were so many different games until I read this book.

With the help of a handful of people, the cafe starts to blossom, but just as she starts to feel a little more confident, once again the rug is pulled from under her feet.

With mentions of sumptuous food and delightful sounding colour and decor schemes for the cafe, the author has created a cafe that sounds wonderful. Adding in a colourful array of characters and various troubling scenarios to bring a woman’s dream to reality was an interesting one to follow.

There is a really lovely will they/ won’t they romance thread in this book, it was a nice one to follow and I was never sure how this was going to pan out.

A lovely story and one that if you are a fan of contemporary fiction and romance stories, I do think that you will enjoy this one. I would happily recommend this story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Page lives near Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire with her husband Hermi and his very – no, make that extremely – large collection of board games. Her debut novel, The Little Board Game Cafe will be published on 13th April 2022. Jennifer writes light-hearted, cosy romantic fiction which was initially inspired by her own dating adventures. Before she met Hermi, she was single for 13 years and had pretty much given up on meeting The One.

When she isn’t writing, Jennifer can usually be found playing board games; since she met Hermi, she’s become even more obsessed with them than he is! She also loves cooking (though she’d never claim to be any good at it!), caravan holidays and walking in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.

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

An Unexpected Guest by Hannah Ellis @BooksEllis @Rararesources #contemporaryfiction #romance #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review of An Unexpected Guest by Hannah Ellis.

This is a fabulous series and I am so embarrassed to say that I missed my spot for posting this as part of the Blog Tour. It should have been on Sunday !!! Huge apologies to Hannah and Rachel for my oversight 😦

A family reunion takes everyone by surprise…
Jago Treneary hasn’t been home since his father’s funeral three years ago. Now, he’s returning to the Isles of Scilly for his brother’s wedding and is intent on building bridges with his family.


When a last-minute guest arrives to stay at his mum’s house, the trip takes an unexpected turn.
Soon, he’s playing tour guide for Sylvie and rediscovering the beautiful islands he grew up on.
He never expected to feel so at home.


But with his attention on Sylvie he neglects his family.


Before long he’s faced with a choice: follow his heart and see where things lead with Sylvie, or put the work into making things right with his family.


One thing seems certain: he can’t have it all.


With his time on Scilly coming to end, he needs to make some big decisions… fast.

Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

This is the 5th book in the series and it is the turn of Jago Treneary. He has been mentioned in previous books, but this is the first time we get to meet him in person. He doesn’t make a great first impression and a fellow traveller has decided he is a grumpy rude man, to be fair she isn’t wrong.

Jago has been in New York working and has returned for the wedding of his brother. The last time he was home on the Scilly’s it was for a funeral. He is nervous about returning and worries about how the other family members will react. Well, if you have read any of the previous books then you know pretty much how they are going to react. They will turn up in force and completely overwhelm him and anyone else who happens to be around.

I did mention a fellow traveller, her name is Sylvie. She has decided to visit the islands out of the blue. She has family here but they are estranged and have been out of touch for many years. Her sudden arrival isn’t the best time and so she finds herself being shown around various places by Jago.

Once again it is such a pleasure to be back on the Scilly’s with the Trenearys. They are a large family that sound like they are great fun and so welcoming. Jago finds himself wondering what to do with himself and Sylvie finds that she loves the idea of living by the sea. She does however have a home to get back to.

As I got to know the characters, well the new ones, the author also brought me up to date with what’s going on with the others that I have already met. With such a large family there are always comings and goings and there is also the odd quarrel. Things are not always easy for all the family, some hold their emotions deeper than is good for them.

As well as the banter and the good humour there are some more serious developments, some of which I was aware of from previous books, but they are expanded on. This felt like the right way to develop them further and it worked so well within the context of this book.

This is another fabulous book and series. I am a little sad that the author is leaving the Trenearys for a while to move on to others things, but I do hope there will be a chance for another chance to catch up with them again. Great for fans who enjoy contemporary fiction and romance novels. A warm and welcoming family in a gorgeous location and a wonderful storyline to snuggle down and read. One I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hannah spent many years working in childcare before deciding she’d like to write books. When she’s not busy writing she likes to read, drink tea and eat chocolate. She also enjoys yoga and jogging.


Social Media Links – FB – Twitter – Insta

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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

Hunted by Shalini Boland @ShaliniBoland @SecondSkyBooks #NetGalley #paranormal #youngadult #fiction #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for the final book in the Vampires of Marchwood trilogy. Hunted by Shalini Boland brings the answers to the questions and settles old scores and while it has ended I am going to miss these books.

My huge thanks to Second Sky Books for granting my request to read these titles on NetGalley.

My name is Madison Greene and my boyfriend is a vampire. And not just any vampire, one with brooding good looks and a smile that makes my heart skip a beat. As I curl up against Alexandre’s side, our hands entwined, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

Although our relationship hasn’t been easy. I’m human, so there were always going to be complications. But I thought we’d banished the demons from his previous life. I couldn’t have been more wrong…

Because there’s a new threat in the form of Nadia – a blue-eyed beauty who seems determined to do everything she can to break us apart. I trust Alexandre but I don’t trust her.

As I start digging into the truth to find out who Nadia really is, centuries-old secrets begin to unravel. And in order to set Alexandre free from the chains of his past, we must return to the ancient underground city of vampires to defeat Alexandre’s archnemesis once and for all.

Can I finally save Alexandre? Or will loving a vampire be the death of me?

MY REVIEW

After reading the first two books in this trilogy I was definitely eager to see what happened to Maddie and the rather unusual family at Marchwood. Maddie and her brother Ben have inherited Marchwood House and also discovered they have a family they knew nothing about. This family are o100 years old and are vampires. The previous two books have been brilliant at introducing the characters and then showing their journey together. Now, in this final episode, lives are at stake.

Once again the author has created a wonderfully addictive story. The previous books have followed a split timeline and with each book, the historical sections have got older and gone further back into history and time. This is where we begin to see some of the threads wrapping up and also to see what twists and surprises the author has had in store for us readers. I will admit now, I did not envisage the ending how the author did, but it does work brilliantly.

The journey from being alone to being part of a family has been a wonderful one. It has been fraught with danger but at the same time, it has brought these two branches of the family closer. Along with the two families, there is also Alex he was turned at the same time as the older members and is an important person in Maddie’s life.

Slipping back and forth between times is a great way of keeping up to date with present-day events, but also giving something more sinister that lurks from the past. I really enjoyed the way the author made the past events exciting and atmospheric with a sense of mistrust and an ancient being.

Even though this is a mix of horror and a fantasy book, the way it has been written is fabulous no matter what your age. There are some things in the books that reminded me of Twilight but this book also had a lot more uniqueness. There are several routes the author has gone down that make for riveting if at times quite a gory blood-fest. Among all this there is also a romantic element, this is one that has a good feel to it, while other is confusion and arguments there is also a sense of getting used to new situations and feelings. Of young adults finding their place and dealing with a whole array of challenges.

This final book had some great twists and it saw the series brought to its conclusion. It felt right and the author for me has finished it properly, by this I mean it does feel that their story is at an end. There is however a little opening that has been left, well you never know!

This has been a wonderful set of books and if you are a fan of horror, vampires, Young Adult stories, romance and vampires then you will enjoy this one. I am so glad I came across this series and I would definitely recommend this final book and the series as a whole.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shalini –  I write psychological thrillers and dark adventures, and I live in Dorset, England with my husband, two children and our dog. I only write reviews for books I enjoy!

See all the books in the series…

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

Taken by Shalini Boland @ShaliniBoland @SecondSkyBooks #NetGalley #youngadult #paranormal #romance c#bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Taken by Shalini Boland. This is the 2nd book in The Vampires of Marchwood trilogy. You can read my review of the first, Hidden, HERE.

This has been republished by Second Sky, this is the sci-fi and fantasy part of Bookouture and Hatchett. My huge thanks to the publishers for granting my request this read this title via NetGalley.

Falling in love has never been so deadly…

From USA Today bestselling author Shalini Boland comes the addictive Vampires of Marchwood series. Perfect for fans of K.F. Breene, Sarah J. Maas and Tracy Wolff.

My name is Madison Greene and I was an ordinary teenager until I fell in love… with a vampire. Alexandre is tall, with a sexy French accent and mesmerizing eyes. He makes me feel protected, and he’s completely captured my heart.

At Marchwood House, our sprawling mansion nestled in the English countryside, we’re in our own perfect bubble together. But, in the blink of an eye, everything changes when an old enemy of Alexandre’s sets a trap and rips me away from my boyfriend’s arms.

The ancient demon takes me to his underground city, deep beneath the windswept desert. In the twisting tunnels and enormous vaulted caverns, there’s a bloodthirsty vampire around every corner. I’ve never been so terrified…

It seems like there’s no way out from this underground maze. My life is hanging by a thread, and every second I’m here is a step closer to death. I can’t just sit here and hope that Alexandre will rescue me.

Can I outsmart a city of vampires to escape from this hellish place? And will I ever see Alexandre again?

(Previously published as: Thicker Than Blood)

MY REVIEW

This is the second book in the Vampires of Marchwood trilogy and it follows so well from the first book. Where the first book was very good and I thoroughly enjoyed it, this second one really does give you something to get your teeth into, so to speak!

Maddie did not expect to share her house with a long-lost and unknown section of her family. As far as she was aware it was just her and her brother Ben, but it turns out she does have more and they are vampires. The first book laid the foundations and this second book takes on a brilliant turn of pace and ups the ante for all involved. When Maddie is kidnapped, her vampire boyfriend Alex knows where he has to go. What follows is a cat-and-mouse game across Europe and back to Turkey, where Alewx and his friends were first turned.

I adore the way the author uses a duel timeline for these books, not only do they give a good idea of the trials of the present-day setting, but they also take the reader back in history. This is where they first became aware of the vampires. The story focuses on a young woman as well as those who live in a Marchwood House. It is such an interesting story and one that I really enjoyed, how a young woman manages to survive. It is also a chance to see how far Alex will go to save Maddie, and yes what she will do to try to save herself.

There are some things that are reminiscent of Twilight, but only small bits. The general feeling of this series is something older and dangerous at play and there are some wonderfully tense and edge-of-your-seat scenes.

This is a horror as there are vampires, so there are sections of blood and guts. But this is also a story about a family coming together and learning to adapt to new surroundings, even though they can only see these surroundings at night!

This story has a good pace to it and it brings the characters together and shows how they get on. It is not all easy though and there is some tension at times but there are things that the author has thought about that make these books very addictive. It has left me eager but also sad to read the third and final book.

This is a really good book, it has tension, a good atmospheric eerie and creepiness that I really liked. A sense of family and friendship and building trust. Ideal for those who like stories aimed more at Young Adult readers but also works incredibly well for older young adult readers! I would definitely recommend this book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shalini – I write psychological thrillers and dark adventures, and I live in Dorset, England with my husband, two children and our dog. I only write reviews for books I enjoy!

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

Hidden by Shalini Boland @bookouture #NetGalley #youngadult #fantasy #bookreview

yvonnembee 3 Comments

I am delighted to share my review for Hidden by Shalini Boland. This is the first book in the Vampires of Marchwood series, it has been re-released by Bookouture under their fantasy and sci-fi division called Second Sky. This was a great book and laid the foundations well for the next two stories. I will be sharing my reviews of those over the next week or so.

My huge thanks to Bookouture for accepting my request to read this title via NetGalley.

A paranormal romance that spans the centuries from modern England to 19th century Paris and ancient Cappadocia.

Madison Greene is in foster care until one day she inherits a fortune, she inherits a house, she inherits a cellar full of danger.

Alexandre Chevalier lives in 19th century Paris. On an archaeological expedition, he discovers a lost underground city where his life changes forever.

Their lives entwine, but this is only the beginning…

MY REVIEW

Imagine being in foster care with your younger brother when you get a visitor to say you have inherited some property. That property turns out to be a mansion and there is plenty in the way of funds to allow you to live a life you really have only ever imagined. Turns out there is a catch, the property is home to a family of vampires.

When Maddie and her brother move into this huge house she starts to investigate, I mean you wouldn’t you? She finds herself in a cellar where there she discovers clothing, papers, paintings and other items from the previous owners and there are also some beautiful statues.

Following a duel timeline, I discovered how the residents in the cellar came to be there. An expedition that went fatally wrong and discovered a truth that no one thought possible. Filling in the past and present details, the author weaves a wonderful story, while it is aimed at young adults I really enjoyed this one as well. There are some wonderful moments where stereotyping vampires comes into conversations.

The story isn’t just one of a young woman who gets a house and meets vampires, there is something far more than that to this story. It is the beginning of a series and so this book lays the foundations for what will follow. It gives the reader a chance to begin to connect to the main characters and this is done in a slow way, not too many at once but all the time keeping the story flowing.

This is a mystery and horror as well as a fantasy and romance story. I do think young adult readers are going to really enjoy this one. It is imaginative and also edgy. It is one to keep an eye out for and one I would happily recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shalini Boland – writes psychological thrillers and dark adventures, and I live in Dorset, England with my husband, two children and our dog. I only write reviews for books I enjoy!

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