It should come as no surprise to anyone who has read an Olivia Spring novel that they are in for a wonderful and exciting adventure with The Romance LIt should come as no surprise to anyone who has read an Olivia Spring novel that they are in for a wonderful and exciting adventure with The Romance Library. I adored Jessica and Theo and was rooting for them so hard to not let their competition come between them, as well as their emotional baggage and toxic relationships. How exciting would it be to inherit a million dollars to refurbish a historical building and turn it into a library that caters to the romance genre?
I had a lot of empathy for Jessica feeling overwhelmed as I would feel the same way. I also felt a lot of excitement for the project she is beginning to undertake and wanted to be there so I could help get the library going. The author does a brilliant job of building on the mutual hostility and dislike Jessica and Theo feel, slowly peeling back layers in both characters, revealing their vulnerability and eventually attraction for one another.
The supporting characters of the residents of Sunshine Bay add to the charm of the story. The town sounds so inviting and warm and I enjoyed seeing Theo’s initial discomfort at being forced to reside in this town that has none of the conveniences he is accustomed to in London.
The dual POV is expertly played out and I find I enjoy getting multiple points of view more than just one. This is the first book in the series so returning to Sunshine Bay will be something readers can look forward to. This story made me laugh, annoyed me (Theo’s father is a real piece of work) and got me a little misty eyed.
My Final Verdict: I highly recommend this book to fans of the romance genre. This is great feel-good book and, like me, you will want to head straightaway to Sunshine Bay to visit The Romance Library.
Thank you to the author, Olivia Spring, for the invitation to read and review....more
I enjoyed Fool Me Twice at Christmas but I should have skipped the audio format. The story was good, but the narration felt like nails on a chalkboardI enjoyed Fool Me Twice at Christmas but I should have skipped the audio format. The story was good, but the narration felt like nails on a chalkboard. There should have been two narrators, in my opinion, instead the narrator’s voice sounded like a squeaky mouse for all of the female character’s lines and kept pulling me out of the story.
Chuck and Kate broke up four months ago after a decades long relationship. Or, rather, Kate dumped Chuck and broke his heart and has moved on. They never told their parents who are all best friends and business partners. Now they are faced with Christmas and all the fun and frolic with family that believe not only are Chuck and Kate still in love decades later but are on the verge of matrimony. The lies keep piling up and before they know it, Chuck and Kate are engaged, pregnant and the wedding is on Friday! Even worse, their parents have an innovative marketing strategy for the company that features Chuck and Kate as the company role models. How will this work if word gets out that they broke up? Worse, Kate and Chuck feel horrible because they don’t want to shatter their parents’ dreams or hurt the business.
I really liked Chuck and Kate and the level of discomfort they both feel trying to pretend there is still a relationship as well as having to share a bedroom was quite entertaining. There are also a lot of things left unsaid between them so their emotions are filled with tension and irritation. I loved it when they find themselves in a pre-marriage counseling class pretending to still be together when Chuck starts airing their dirty laundry. It was impossible to take sides on who was right as I had a lot of empathy for both of them and didn’t wish to be in their shoes one bit when the proverbial poo finally hits the fan.
My Final Verdict: If you are looking for a quick read filled with Christmas cheer and warm fuzzies about two people who belong together as much as hot chocolate and marshmallows, give this book a go, but steer clear of the audio....more
A super short story featuring Natalie attending her first speed-dating event where with the ring of the bell, she meets a new man and gets to sample aA super short story featuring Natalie attending her first speed-dating event where with the ring of the bell, she meets a new man and gets to sample a new dessert. This is my first time reading this author and I found her writing to be fun and witty. I liked Natalie and felt loads of empathy for her as she has to meet and get to know five different men in 15-minute rounds. I loved the idea of each round bringing a different dessert but 15 minutes is not nearly enough time to ascertain if the person sitting in front of you is compatible.
As is the case in real life, dating is a gamble and you don’t know what you’re going to end up with at first glance. Each of the five men Natalie meets are different and some were just awful, but thankfully Natalie does meet a winner.
My Final Verdict: Cute story with recipes for each of the desserts featured. If you are going to subject yourself to speed dating, hopefully the desserts make it all the more sweeter. I look forward to reading more from this author....more
Absolutely LOVE the cover, but unfortunately the book wasn't as interesting.Absolutely LOVE the cover, but unfortunately the book wasn't as interesting....more
I couldn't get into this book for some reason, though I have enjoyed other books by this author.I couldn't get into this book for some reason, though I have enjoyed other books by this author....more
Pretty good story though I didn't seem to connect with Maggie through most of the book and towards the end of the story, her actions seemed to be out Pretty good story though I didn't seem to connect with Maggie through most of the book and towards the end of the story, her actions seemed to be out of control and not making alot of sense. Fortunately, the ending brought a twist that enabled all of the characters to have a happy ending....more
Very predictable and sad story. I kept reading this book, hoping Joe would have some redeemable quality and shocked at how long Alice was unaware of wVery predictable and sad story. I kept reading this book, hoping Joe would have some redeemable quality and shocked at how long Alice was unaware of what Joe was doing behind her back. Love really is blind in her case....more
Cute book! A woman who feels she has lived in the shadow of her older sisters all of her life is against anything "hand me down" used. Doesn't matter Cute book! A woman who feels she has lived in the shadow of her older sisters all of her life is against anything "hand me down" used. Doesn't matter what it is. Clothing, furniture, car it has to be new. For some reason it doesn't seem to apply to Ian, her oldest sister's high school boyfriend. Ian keeps reappearing in her life and she keeps trying to stay away from him.
I really enjoy this author's "voice." This story has a lot of wit and charm as you follow the heroine, Anne through her life trying to carve out her own piece of success....more
Fantastic story! I loved all of the characters; thought they were multi-dimensional and I really cared about what happened to them. I would have likedFantastic story! I loved all of the characters; thought they were multi-dimensional and I really cared about what happened to them. I would have liked more closure at the end with Si and Cath and James. You get the impression all ends well, but I would have liked to have been told definitely how it ended instead of assuming.
Not many surprises but definitely worth reading! ...more
Very enjoyable story with very likable characters. Emma is a woman you can easily relate to as she deals with the daily life issues of her job, love aVery enjoyable story with very likable characters. Emma is a woman you can easily relate to as she deals with the daily life issues of her job, love and friends. After she picks herself up from the indignity of being tossed aside by her bastard of a boyfriend, she relies on her friends to take her in and help her cope with the betrayal not only in her love life but also on the job as she is denied an opportunity she is perfect for. Add into the mix that her father is one of the top plastic surgeons in the area, Emma is continuously reminded of everytime she looks in the mirror and sees her completely inadequate 32AA chest.
Join Emma as she navigates through her life looking to fill her days (and hopefully a bikini) with the happiness she longs for....more
I thought this one would be better than it was. I couldn't connect with the characters and the only "reality" TV show I have been able to tolerate is I thought this one would be better than it was. I couldn't connect with the characters and the only "reality" TV show I have been able to tolerate is Survivor, so a reality show about girls going barhopping, getting drunk and picking up men had no appeal to me....more
Unfortunately, I couldn't focus on this story. Not sure what the problem was; hopefully it's a temporary dilemma.Unfortunately, I couldn't focus on this story. Not sure what the problem was; hopefully it's a temporary dilemma....more
I have learned through my many years as a bookworm that the “what if” plot device is used a lot and not always successfully. I usually avoid this plotI have learned through my many years as a bookworm that the “what if” plot device is used a lot and not always successfully. I usually avoid this plot device because it just seems pointless to live in the past wondering “what if” instead of embracing the present and living life to the fullest. In Before I Do, engaged to be married Audrey is faced with a major “what if” on the night before her wedding when her future sister-in-law shows up with the man Audrey spent a wonderful day together six years ago and never saw again…until now.
I was drawn to this story because, unlike other “what if” plots, this one really intrigued me. Audrey and Fred had only one day. Just one. They made plans to meet up the next day and he never shows up. Audrey never receives a call from him and she is unable to call him because the numbers are smudged and she can’t make them out. I’m not sure she even knew his last name, come to think of it. What happened to Fred?!
Over the next six years, Audrey moves on; sort of. She meets Josh whose name she can never remember and keeps calling him James. They eventually get together and everything seems perfect and right on track for a happily ever after…until Fred shows up. Now, Audrey is filled with doubt about herself, her relationship, her future. Instead of talking to Josh about her fears, she bottles it all up until she is walking on glass. It doesn’t help when bats fall from the belfry onto Josh’s grandmother, the wedding dress tears, the bride figurine decides to take a suicidal leap from the top of the cake and the vicar has a heart attack during the wedding ceremony. It certainly seems like the universe is trying to tell her something, doesn’t it?
I liked Audrey and thought she was intelligent and certainly mature enough to manage this mess like an adult. Other than to entertain me, what other reason could there possibly be for her to allow this chaos to take over what should have been the happiest day of her life? This story is told in flashbacks to the past allowing the reader to see what Audrey experienced and how she met Fred, meeting Josh as well as giving the reader insight into the relationship she has with her mother, who turned out to be quite a surprising character for me.
I personally never warmed up to Fred and couldn’t understand how Audrey could be rethinking all of her life’s choices based on one day with one man instead of the several years she has built with Josh. Even with all of Audrey’s insecurities and indecisiveness, I found this story to be heartwarming and I was eager to see how it all would play out.
My Final Verdict: Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I haven’t read anything by this author before and am wondering why. I really enjoyed her voice and writing style. She creates characters that I found easy to relate to and could easily see myself being friends or family with. I wanted to help Audrey through this mess, but we all know this is the kind of situation one must face on their own.
I highly recommend this story to fans of the chick-lit and women’s fiction genres, as well as readers who enjoy stories with characters with real-world problems and lives. I look forward to reading more by this talented author.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Before I Do from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ...more
This story was so much fun! Great characters and an interesting story are what every reader seeks and In a New York Minute hits all the marks. It’s baThis story was so much fun! Great characters and an interesting story are what every reader seeks and In a New York Minute hits all the marks. It’s bad enough that Franny Doyle gets laid off from her job, but on her way home, her dress gets caught in the subway door and tears the dress exposing her backside. Yes, dig me a hole right here so I can crawl in and die from mortification. Fortunately for us, Franny does not. A handsome guy, who Franny nicknames "Hot Suit”, gives her his suit jacket to salvage her modesty. A few tears are shed, she snots all over him, he gets off the train and she has no idea who he is or how she is going to return his jacket to him.
Unbeknownst to either one of them, the entire scene is recorded and appears on social media, making them instant celebrities. #SubwayQTs. At this point, I would be considering a change of identity and city. Instead, Franny meets her rescuer, Hayes Montgomery III, when they are invited to do a television interview and my first impression is he is kind of a stuffed suit, hot or not. The jacket is returned and really, is there any reason to think these two would meet again under any circumstances? Over the course of this story, not only do they cross paths multiple times, but are so dang stinkin’ cute, it got me right in the feels.
Franny is a wonderful character with great spirit and attitude and Hayes is like that box of chocolates Forrest Gump’s mother told him about. Not only was he not a stuffed suit, but he was also fabulous. The arrogant persona he presents to the world is the outer shell to protect the mushy center he keeps private.
This story was hilarious right from the start. The writing was spot on, but the narration performed by Amanda Dolan and Neil Hellegers was fantastic. They captured the essence and personality of these characters perfectly. The supporting characters Cleo, Lola, Eleanor and Perrine added to the fun of the story and New York City is a character in its’ own right. I want to go across the Brooklyn Bridge and eat at Grimaldi’s mainly to see if the Arizona locations actually do it justice.
My Final Verdict: This story is pure fluff, but it works! If you’re looking for something cute and light that doesn’t require a degree in rocket science to understand, give this one a try. This would have been a great rom-com movie from Nora Ephron.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of In a New York Minute from the publisher in exchange for an honest review....more
This story was so disappointing. There was too much profanity and over the top sexually graphic scenes that bordered on obscene and didn’t drive the sThis story was so disappointing. There was too much profanity and over the top sexually graphic scenes that bordered on obscene and didn’t drive the story forward.
I was expecting a story about introverts and their experiences with online dating, but the focus kept shifting to characters from the author’s Bookworm series. If I wanted to read about those characters, I would have just read that series instead.
Unfortunately, I am not looking forward to the rest of this series....more
Fun premise for a story I enjoyed but did not love. How awkward would it be to have a one-night stand with a hot guy with an Irish accent only to haveFun premise for a story I enjoyed but did not love. How awkward would it be to have a one-night stand with a hot guy with an Irish accent only to have him show up at your best friend’s wedding because he is the groom’s brother? For Sarah Anderson, this is exactly what happens.
I liked Sarah for the most part, but I thought her aversion to relationships became tiring and annoying. The reason for her aversion was completely understandable, but get over it, already! Not every guy is your ex who dumps you after you tell him you love him or your mother who bailed.
Declan Murphy, on the other hand, was a great character. He has looks, charm, a great sense of humor, loves his family and has a fantastic work ethic. Sarah, and every dang unattached woman in this book, should be clamoring to catch Declan’s eye. In spite of their initial hook-up, Sarah and Declan have great chemistry and, when she isn’t trying to ruin it, what it takes to make a go of a relationship.
Lots of great supporting characters add to the story and it should be a keeper shelf book, right? I went with the audiobook edition and enjoyed the narration by Jessica Regan. Her Irish accent was lovely and her American accent was good, though I caught hints of her Irish lilt in Sarah’s voice at times. I will check out more of Catherine Walsh’s stories, especially if the protagonist male is anything like Declan.
I would have loved to see Sarah cut loose a little bit and let her hair down, which you would think she does considering she has no problem picking up and sleeping with men she just met. Unfortunately, not Sarah. She’s wound tighter than a straight man’s butt cheeks in prison. Hopefully with Declan around, she will learn to lighten up, grab life by the horns and live in the moment.
My Final Verdict: Fans of the romantic comedy, chick-lit and women’s fiction genres will likely enjoy this book. Books set in interesting locales such as New York and Ireland also hold great appeal.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of One Night Only from the publisher in exchange for an honest review....more
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