Power Play by Tiffany Snow book review

Power Play by Tiffany Snow, publisher Piatkus is out now in ebook format, audio download and is due out in paperback on Thursday 29th October 2015.

To buy links:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Play-Risky-Business-Tiffany/dp/0349411530/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1445942183&sr=1-1&keywords=power+play+tiffany+snow

Product Details (as per amazon page)

THIS KIND OF BUSINESS CAN ONLY BE PERSONAL

Sage Reese lives for her job. More precisely, she lives for her debonair boss, Parker Andersen. Sage handles everything for Parker, even as she fantasizes about the one thing that isn’t in her job description: him. But when a high-stakes account crosses the line from shady to deadly, a tough cop starts giving Sage the attention she wishes Parker would . . .

Detective Dean Ryker couldn’t be more different from Parker. While Parker wears expensive suits like a second skin and drives a BMW, Ryker’s uniform is leather jackets and jeans . . . and his ride of choice is a Harley. While Parker’s sexiness is a reserved, slow burn, Ryker is completely upfront about what-and who-he’s after. And Sage tops his list.

Now, as Ryker digs deeper into the dark side of Parker’s business, Sage finds herself caught between two men: the one she’s always wanted – and the one who makes her feel wanted like never before . . .

I’d like to thank the publishers for an arc in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this story by Tiffany Snow, it is also my first introduction to Tiffany Snow and her wonderful words.  I was soon drawn into the seductive, gripping triangle of Sage, Parker and Ryker.  The story was filled with glamour, sex appeal, money espionage, fear, violence, mafia hostility.  After all this it also had some wonderful endearing moments.

Sage was an administrative executive assistant for Parker, a high flying banker for one of the top firms in Chicago.  Ryker was a cop in Chicago hell bent on bringing the Russian mafia existence in Chicago down.  What Sage didn’t know was the history that Parker and Ryker shared.

Sage first gets introduced to Ryker when he abruptly pops into the office to see Parker.  Sage soon notices some animosity between the men.  Ryker’s charming however, cock sure persona, makes Sage smile and she finds herself agreeing to a date with Ryker.  They hit it off however, Ryker warns Sage repeatedly about Parker and how dangerous his new prospective account holders are.

Sage has worked for Parker over a year and her working relationship with him is intense, she’s forever at his beck and call.  There is also an undercurrent of sexual tension between the pair.  This possessive working relationship has caused problems in Sage’s love life.

When the imminent signing of the new account becomes evident Sage’s life is put into danger.  Sage is torn to who to turn to, her boss Parker who she has been loyal to or Ryker the cop who holds a long vendetta against Parker.  She is attracted to both men.  But is the attraction mutual?

I loved this story and was gripped to find out the conclusion.  However, at the end we are left wondering what happens next for the trio.  I can’t wait for the next instalment in their story, in Playing Dirty.

To find out more about Tiffany Snow and her books please visit the following links:

http://www.tiffanyasnow.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TiffanyASnow

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Netgalley achievement badge

This is just a little post to share my delight at achieving a new badge from netgalley.

I’ve finally achieved the 80% feedback award, to achieve this award members have to provide feedback for 80% (or more) of their approved titles. I’ve currently read 53 of the 66 books I’ve been approved/invited to read and review.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed book reviewing and blogging, although at times it’s not always easy fitting it into my lifestyle, we book bloggers give up a lot of our free time to share the love of reading and we are rewarded by lots of words that stir our emotions from brilliant authors. All I keep saying is let the authors keep writing and I’ll keep reading.

See Me by Nicholas Sparks blogtour review + GIVEAWAY

See Me by Nicholas Sparks is available now in ebook, hardcover and audible download format, publisher Sphere.

To buy links:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/See-Me-Nicholas-Sparks/dp/0751549983/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1445253994&sr=1-1

Product Details (as per amazon page)

Colin Hancock is giving his second chance his best shot.

At twenty-eight, he’s focused on getting his teaching degree and avoiding all the places and people that proved so destructive in his past. The last thing he’s looking for is a serious relationship. But when he crosses paths with Maria Sanchez one rainswept night, his carefully structured life is turned upside down. And when Maria, a hardworking lawyer, meets Colin she begins to question every notion she has ever had about herself and her future – and what truly makes her happy.

Before the couple has a chance to envision a life together, menacing reminders from events in Maria’s past begin to surface. And as the threat of violence begins to shadow her every step, she and Colin will be pushed to breaking point.

The stunning new love story from the multi-million-copy bestselling author, Nicholas Sparks, See Me is a story of obsession, reinvention and a love that defies every expectation.

I’d like to thank the publishers for an arc in return for an honest review.

I always look forward to a Nicholas Sparks story as he has gained a great pedigree in story telling with sales of over 100 million in books and ten of his novels have been adapted into movies. This book has everything you could wish for and more.  It was romantic, dramatic, heart warming, intense … I couldn’t stop reading it.  It has to be made into a movie.

Colin Hancock is a 28 year old mature student.  He’s trying again with education as the first time didn’t go great and he had many troubles as a child.  Colin is trying to stay out of trouble to prove to himself and to people that knew the old Colin that he can achieve his dream to become a teacher.  Colin also avoids relationships but when he offers to help a damsel in distress on a very wet and windy night in North Carolina his life become a little more complicated after helping Maria Sanchez, a beautiful young lawyer and daughter of very traditional Mexican parents.  Maria is very ambitious and as a lawyer she never expected to find a friendship and more in the likes of Colin.

Events from Maria’s past come tumbling back to upset Maria, her family and Colin.  When these events turn to violence a terrifying time develops for them all.  Will these emotive times spark the end of a blossoming friendship?  Can Colin keep himself composed at the most terrifying time for them all?

I loved Colin from the start, he had been misunderstood as a child and was trying to make up for it.  With the help of his close friends Evan and Lily he had started to rebuild his life.  Colin and Evan were like complete opposites in character and personality but the friendship worked.  Evan’s girlfriend Lily sounded very vibrant, charming, full of joy; she was good for Colin and gave great dating advice.

Maria was a great character.  She was a young, hardworking lawyer who used to work for the DA but after a traumatic case she changed paths and returned home to work for a local law firm.  She is a lovely, sweet girl from a family of Mexican immigrants.  The extended Mexican family of Maria’s were just brilliant, great solidarity and support when needed.

This book was beautifully romantic at times but then your emotions were thrown off balance with very intense, dramatic scenes.  I loved it all.  See Me has gone into one of my top reads for this year.  A definite 5/5* read that I can’t wait to see adapted onto the big screen.

To find out more about Nicholas Sparks and his books please visit the following links:

http://uk.nicholassparks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/NicholasSparks

https://twitter.com/nicholassparks

The publishers, Sphere, have kindly offered a signed copy of See Me as a giveaway prize.  Please enter by commenting on this post with ‘Why you love Nicholas Sparks novels and which story of his is your current favourite’. Thanks and good luck! Giveaway open for one week.

The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Lisa Dickenson blogtour review

The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Lisa Dickenson is out for the first time in a stunning, sparkly paperback cover on Thursday 22nd October 2015, publisher Sphere.

To buy links:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Twelve-Dates-Christmas-Complete/dp/0751557293/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1445251546&sr=8-1

Product Details (as per amazon page)

*WINNER OF THE NOVELICIOUS DEBUT OF THE YEAR AWARD*

At thirty, Claudia’s life is stale and the romance with long-term boyfriend, Seth, has disappeared. Determined to inject some festive spark back into their love life, Claudia and Seth go on their first date in a very long time. But when the night ends in disaster, Claudia suddenly finds herself facing life – and Christmas – alone.

Life alone is exciting, scary and full of soon-forgotten exercise regimes and ill-advised attempts at crafting sexy underwear. It’s also filling up with dates, surprisingly. With best friends Penny and Nick at her side, a surplus of festive markets, mulled wine and Christmas tunes, Claudia attempts to face all this change with gusto. One thing’s for certain: this year, Christmas is going to be very different . . .

This is the story of Claudia and her twelve dates of Christmas. Hilarious, uplifting and romantic, it’s a story about losing love, finding love, and discovering what’s been there all along. Expect Christmas sparkle, butterflies-in-your-stomach romance and a lot of very funny moments in The Twelve Dates of Christmas.

I am thrilled to be involved in the blogtour  #12Dates.  I’d like to thank the publishers for an arc in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this complete edition of Lisa Dickenson’s The Twelve Dates of Christmas, the novel was previously available as six novellas and this is the first time the novel will be published and printed in paperback as a complete novel.  I must admit this is the first book I’ve read by Lisa and it most certainly will not be the last.  Her writing style is fresh, funny, warm, great character descriptions and gorgeous storyline.

I loved how the story was broken up into the twelve dates, ingenious idea for a Christmas based story.  From the very first date to the last I was wishing and hoping for good things for Claudia.  Claudia had some great, quirky dates on the way and some left you guessing as to why they would do that?  🙂  I was chuckling away during Claudia’s adventures.

I loved Claudia’s character her dream from childhood was to become a ballerina but fate stepped in and her dream had to be put on the shelf.  She was still best friends with her school mates, Penny and Nick, who both managed to work in her favourite industry: dancing.  I felt a little sad for Claudia that fate had stepped in and she wasn’t fulfilling her dreams and when fate dealt her another blow with her love life it just didn’t seem fair.  Claudia was also a romanticist, she wanted more than just a partnership, she wanted to be won over with romance.  Claudia was a lovely girl looking for love and romance so after a disastrous start to her twelve dates for Christmas her best friend Penny tries to help her along.  However, Nick was not too impressed with Penny’s eagerness to find Claudia dates.

Nick and Claudia have been friends for years and have always had a closeness however, with the wonderful Christmas spirit in the air the friends start to realise they have more than platonic feelings about each other and have done for some time.  Will fate step in again for Claudia and Nick?

This was a beautifully romantic, feel good story perfect for devouring on a cold winter’s evening that will tickle your funny bone and warm your heart.  5/5*

To find out more about Lisa Dickenson and her books please visit the following links:

http://www.lisadickenson.com/

https://twitter.com/lisawritesstuff

The Soldier’s Wife by Pamela Hart book review

The Soldier’s Wife by Pamela Hart, publisher Piatkus, is available now in ebook and paperback format.

To buy links:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Soldiers-Wife-Pamela-Hart-ebook/dp/B00W1SXXL2/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1444638659&sr=1-3&keywords=the+soldiers+wife

Product Details (as per amazon page)

It is 1915 and the world is being torn apart, but newlyweds Ruby and Jimmy Hawkins are sure their love will survive the trauma and tragedy of war. Sent away to fight in the desperate battles raging in Gallipoli, Jimmy plans for the future they promised each other and struggles to keep his dreams whole amidst the brutality of the trenches.

Back home in Sydney, Ruby reads his romantic letters, full of longing. But as weeks slip into months she is forced to forge her own life. A new job throws her into a man’s world fraught with complications and as the lives of those around her begin to shatter, a powerful new attraction beckons. Realising she must change to truly find her way, Ruby discovers her own strength and independence – but will the price be her marriage?

An unforgettable love affair set during WW1 and inspired by the true story of the author’s own family history, The Soldier’s Wife is a heart-soaring saga of passion, loss and learning how to live when all you hold dear is threatened.

I’d like to thank the publishers for an arc in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this beautiful wartime romantic saga, it pulled at my heart strings many a time.  I was desperate to finish this novel as I wanted to learn how the story unfolded for Ruby and Jimmy.  The story was inspired by the history of Pamela Hart’s family.

It’s the summer of 1915 Sydney, Australia, newlyweds Ruby and Jimmy Hawkins have to cut short their honeymoon as Jimmy enlists for war duty.  Ruby is left alone in a strange city to cope with being apart from her beloved.  She has to learn to stand on her own two feet and has to live with the constant worries of the war and Jimmy.

Money is tight for Ruby so she searches for a job, which for a young married woman in 1915 is still very rare for women to go to work.  Ruby faces many obstacles along the way on her search to become independent.  Ruby gains a great friend in her landlady Maree and they are great comfort for each other as Maree’s husband is also away with the war.

The story follows Ruby with her daily struggles of finding inner strength and independence.  We hear about her inner emotions of longing for Jimmy.  It was beautiful to read the letters to and thro from Ruby and Jimmy. My heart was aching and beating fast when the telegrams arrived, I could feel the desperation from the recipient of the telegram.  A truly awful time for anyone to experience.

I loved Ruby’s character, she had to grow up so quickly and gain this inner strength to help her cope with this wartime separation.  The turmoil she faced during these months were terrifying at times.  When she was faced with giving up this independence for the love of her life, could Ruby give up what had become the norm for her?

I also loved the sub characters involved in Ruby’s life.  I particularly enjoyed Ruby’s part in helping her boss Mr Curry it showed great compassion and strength from Ruby.

A beautiful, moving story that touches the heart strings many times. 5/5*

To find out more about Pamela Hart and her books please visit the following links:

http://www.pamela-hart.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pamelahartbooks

https://twitter.com/pamelahartbooks

Christmas Ever After by Sarah Morgan book review

Christmas Ever After by Sarah Morgan, publisher MIRA, is out in ebook format and in paperback in Tescos stores (early release) from TODAY!

To buy link:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-After-Puffin-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00U1M9C06/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1444287283&sr=1-1

Product Details (as per amazon page)

Skylar Tempest has never understood Alec Hunter’s appeal. So what if he’s a world-renowned historian? He’s also cynical, aloof and determined to think the worst of her. So when a twist of fate finds her spending the lead-up to Christmas with Alec and his family, she’s not expecting the season to be either merry or bright.

Alec has learned the hard way not to trust beautiful women—and Skylar is the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. But as he watches her throw herself into his family’s festive chaos, Alec realises there is far more to this blonde bombshell than meets the eye.

With Christmas around the corner, Alec and Skylar return to Puffin Island, a tentative bond forged between them. Neither intends to fall in love but as the nights become darker, and the fire between them grows hotter, could this be the chance for Alec and Skylar to find their own happy ending?

I’d like to thank the publishers for an arc in return for an honest review.

This was such a beautiful, feel good winter warmer of a read.  It was a pleasure to read from start to finish and when it ended I wanted to read it all over again.  Sarah Morgan managed to bring so much to this story; there was sex appeal in abundance, stunning idyllic winter locations that you’d quite happily hibernate in, charming fun loving sub characters that you wish were part of your own inner circle, the two main characters: Sky and Alec  were glamorous, sexy, rugged, creative, adventurous, homely, fun loving, honest, hard working, kind and considerate, sensitive but most of all vulnerable.  They were both vulnerable to their inner most feelings of the heart and were afraid of opening up about these feelings and letting in what made them happy.

Sky had two dreams, one was to be an artist designing and making her own jewellery and artwork, the other was to fall in love with someone that would make her heart swell.  On the night of her premier collection on show in a top London gallery Sky knew she’d gone a long way to achieving one of her dreams.  Although, the night was to prove a momentous moment in the quest for her other dream.

Alec is a maritime historian, author and TV presenter.  He was still suffering scars from his failed marriage and was determined to not fall in love and be hurt or hurt anyone again.  Alec and Sky shared mutual friends back on Puffin Island, Maine, USA.  Their paths had crossed many times in the past but you wouldn’t call their relationship a friendly one.  When Alec agrees to attend Sky’s event during his stay in London his presence at the gallery provides a much needed and surprising support for Sky. A friendship of sorts develops between Sky and Alex, and a mutual understanding is reached.

The story develops from London, to the Cotswolds and to Puffin Island where Sky and Alec share many wonderful, sexy, fun, tender moments with a view to finding out what makes each other happy.  Can they be each other’s happy ever after?

Christmas Ever After is the 3rd book in the Puffin Island series by Sarah Morgan.  I have to admit I haven’t had chance to read First Time in Forever (book 1) and Some Kind of Wonderful (book 2), they are sat patiently waiting on my TBR pile.  Christmas Ever After can be enjoyed as a standalone story but now I’ve read this and fallen in love with all the characters and the island I want to read books 1 and 2 to enjoy the full Puffin Island experience.

A gorgeous, sexy, winter warmer of a story you’ll want to read all over again.  5/5*

To find out more about Sarah Morgan and her books please visit the following links:

http://sarahmorgan.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahMorgan

https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_

 

Tales from Christmas Wood by Suzy Senior book review

Tales from Christmas Wood written by Suzy Senior, illustrator James Newman Gray, published by Lion Children’s Books on 18th September 2015.

To buy links:

http://www.lionhudson.com/display.asp?k=9780745965468

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tales-Christmas-Wood-Suzy-Senior/dp/0745965466/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443797936&sr=8-1&keywords=tales+from+christmas+wood

http://www.whsmith.co.uk/search?keywordCategoryId=&keywords=tales+from+christmas+wood&results=60&page=1&performSearch=true

Product Details (as per amazon page)

Christmas wood is full of animals: Badger, Fidgety Fox, Owl (not Wise Old Owl, just Owl), the Rabbit family, Tiny Mouse, and Robin. It’s nearly Christmas and all the animals are getting ready to celebrate – Badger is looking for new friends, Tiny is making (or is that eating…) gingerbread, and Rosie Rabbit just can’t get ANY peace and quiet!

Five festive stories from the animals in the wood all come together in a fantastically Christmassy finale in a barn with some rather special guests…

I’d like to thank the publishers and netgalley for an arc in return for an honest review.

This was such a delightful collection of six short stories set around Christmas Wood and the lovely little creatures that live there.  All six stories were connected but could be read as individual stories.  I think it would be lovely to read with little ones a story a night leading up to Christmas Eve when you could enjoy the special finale.

All the characters in Christmas Wood are charming and each character has their own little tale to tell.  The tales were about friendship, being kind and helpful and about the spirit of Christmas.

The illustrations in the book are so adorable and full of colour, they brought the characters to life.

This book would make a lovely present for a family to enjoy at Christmas time and it would be a great addition to any nursery and school library.  I would recommend it for 5 year olds and under but I also think older children would enjoy reading the book out loud and looking at the beautiful pictures.

To find out more about Suzy Senior and her books please visit the following links:

http://www.lionhudson.com/author_display.asp?SF1=sort_name&ST1=SENIORSUZY

One Wish in Manhattan by Mandy Baggot book review

One Wish in Manhattan by Mandy Baggot, publisher Bookouture, is available in ebook format from 2nd October 2015.

To buy link:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Wish-Manhattan-uplifting-Christmas-ebook/dp/B013GSVDBW/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1443726793&sr=1-1-spell

Product Details (as per amazon page)

The temperature is dropping, snow is on its way and Hayley Walker is heading for New York with one wish… to start over.

With her daughter Angel, Hayley is ready for adventure. But there’s more to New York than twinkly lights and breathtaking skyscrapers. Angel has her own Christmas wish – to find her real dad.

While Hayley tries to fulfil her daughter’s wish, she crosses paths with billionaire Oliver Drummond. Restless and bored with fast living, there’s something intriguing about him that has Hayley hooked.

Can Hayley dare to think her own dreams might come true – could A New York Christmas turn into a New York Forever?

Travel to the Big Apple this Christmas and join Hayley and Oliver as they realise life isn’t just about filling the minutes… it’s about making every moment count.

I’d like to thank the publishers and netgalley for an arc in return for an honest review.

I adored this story by Mandy Baggot, I couldn’t get enough of Hayley, Angel and Oliver and had to carry on reading during every available possibility.

The story is set just before Christmas.  Hayley is the single mum to 9 year old Angel.  A few months ago Hayley overhears Angel asking for her Christmas wish; which was to find her dad. Hayley and Angel plan a visit to New York to stay with her brother however, Hayley has ulterior motives on visiting New York and hopes the location of her date with Angel’s dad may bring some precious clues as to his current whereabouts.

Oliver Drummond is a young, charismatic, sexy billionaire who is the CEO of Drummond Global.  Oliver has experienced such tragic events in his life and is still grieving, although he doesn’t admit to this.  He hides away from this grief and spends most of his time at work and when he does make time for himself its one night stands he looks for.

Hayley and Angel have arrived in New York and Angel is full of life experiencing new adventures.  A chance encounter between Hayley and Oliver sparks an interest in Oliver he’s not felt before and Hayley is also mesmerised by Oliver’s good looks and his cheeky charm.  During her stay in New York Hayley sets out to find Angel’s father and further chance encounters with Oliver Drummond bring a welcome distraction to both of them.

Will Hayley find Angel’s father and if she does how will they all cope with another person joining their happy duo?  Can Oliver learn to enjoy the here and now and let life and love in?

I loved Angel’s character she was so full of energy and had so much personality.  Her relationship with her mum, Hayley, was very special.  They’d had each other for over 9 years and knew each other’s little quips, Angel was more than a daughter to Hayley she was her best friend also.  When I first met Oliver in the book he became quite addictive and very moreish!  Mandy Baggot has certainly created a great ‘book boyfriend’ in Oliver.

This was a beautiful, charming, sexy, heartwarming Christmas story that I couldn’t get enough of.  A gorgeous, winter warmer.  5/5* read.

To find out more about Mandy Baggot and her books please visit the following links:

http://www.mandybaggot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/mandybaggotauthor

https://twitter.com/mandybaggot