Review - Lighthouse Beach

Lighthouse Beach

by Shelley Noble

What they say: From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Noble comes a heartrending and uplifting novel about friendship, love, and what we’re willing to sacrifice for our dreams.

What was supposed to be an idyllic wedding leads to an unexpected journey of self-discovery… 

When Lillo Gray pulls up to Kennebunkport’s most exclusive hotel wearing a borrowed dress and driving a borrowed VW van, she knows she’s made a big mistake. She’s not even sure why Jessica Parker invited her to her posh wedding. They haven’t seen each other since they were unhappy fourteen-year-old girls at fat camp. And now they’re from two completely different worlds. There’s no way Lillo fits in the rarefied circles Jessica travels in.

Jess isn’t sure she’s ready to go through with this wedding, but she’s been too busy making everyone else happy to think about what she wants. But when she and her two closest friends, Allie and Diana, along with Lillo, discover her fiancé with his pants down in the hotel parking lot, she’s humiliated…and slightly relieved. In a rush to escape her crumbling life, Jess, Allie, and Diana pile into Lillo’s beat-up old van and head up the coast to Lighthouse Island. Once there, she hopes to figure out the next chapter in her life.

Nursing broken hearts and broken dreams, four lost women embark on a journey to find their way back into happiness with new love, friendship, and the healing power of Lighthouse Beach.

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Releases 29th May

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US * UK

I received a copy from the publisher (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: Lighthouse Beach is many things. It's sweet, inspirational, happy, sad and fun all at once. 

Focusing on love and friendship, it tells the story or stories of Jess, Lillo, Allie and Diana, oh and of course a wedding (ish)! We see numerous secrets uncovered along the way, a certain revelation threw me for a loop, whilst others made me smile (not sure what that says about me).

I kept asking myself what I'd do if I were in a situation like Lillo, Allie and Diana. I'm not sure I'd manage to put my point across in such spectacular fashion!

Oh Jess. I wanted her to stand up for herself. I'm sure numerous women find themselves in a similar situation to her in terms of family expectations (well sort of). Hopefully they'd stop anything they don't really want before things reach this far though...

Despite the beginning it has a great holiday read vibe and I'd like to know what happens next on Lighthouse Island.

3.5 - 4 Stars in my Sky!

Releases This Week - Monday's Not Coming

Monday's Not Coming

by Tiffany D. Jackson

What they say: A gripping, relentless, and timely new novel from critically acclaimed author of Allegedly, Tiffany D. Jackson, about the complex mystery of one teenage girl’s disappearance and the traumatic effects of the truth.

Monday Charles is missing, and only Claudia seems to notice. Claudia and Monday have always been inseparable—more sisters than friends. So when Monday doesn’t turn up for the first day of school, Claudia’s worried. When she doesn’t show for the second day, or second week, Claudia knows that something is wrong. Monday wouldn’t just leave her to endure tests and bullies alone. Not after last year’s rumors and not with her grades on the line. Now Claudia needs her best—and only—friend more than ever. But Monday’s mother refuses to give Claudia a straight answer, and Monday’s sister April is even less help.

As Claudia digs deeper into her friend’s disappearance, she discovers that no one seems to remember the last time they saw Monday. How can a teenage girl just vanish without anyone noticing that she’s gone? 

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What a Difference a Duke Makes - Review

What a Difference a Duke Makes - School for Dukes #1

by Lenora Bell

What they say: Wanted: Governess for duke's unruly children

Edgar Rochester, Duke of Banksford, is one of the wealthiest, most powerful men in England, but when it comes to raising twins alone, he knows he needs help. The only problem is the children have chased away half the governesses in London. Until the clever, bold, and far-too-enticing Miss Mari Perkins arrives.

Lost: One heart to an arrogant duke

Mari knows how to wrap even the most rebellious children around her finger. But their demanding, wickedly handsome father? He won't be quite so easy to control. And there's something else she can't seem to command. Her heart. The foolish thing beats so wildly every time the duke is near.

Found: A forbidden passion neither can deny

As his employee, Mari is strictly off-limits. But what if she's the one breaking all his rules? In the game of governess versus duke, how can Edgar maintain his defenses when the only thing he wants to do is let the tempting beauty win? 

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I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: What a Difference a Duke Makes is a sweet, light and quick read. The writing is good and the story charming.

After a serious of unfortunate events, a late arrival and an accidental act of deception (well sort of) Mari not Mary finds herself as the new governess to Edgar Rochester, Duke of Banksford's illegitimate twins.

A la The Sound of Music, the twins have driven off numerous previous governesses with their antics but have met their match with Mari who is not easily scared - she really needs this job! The twins are really sweet and made me smile, as did the way Mari handles them and their grumpy father.

Mari is always cheerful and she slowly begins to win them all over with her sunny outlook and loyalty. I sometimes find such unyielding positivity irritating but I liked it here and found her to be endlessly charming.

3.5 Stars in my Sky!

Whatcha Reading Wednesday - Apollyon

What are you reading this week? I'm re-reading another old fav by JLA...

Apollyon - Covenant #4

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

What they say: Fate isn't something to mess with and now, neither is Alex. 

Alex has always feared two things: losing herself in the Awakening and being placed on the Elixir. But love has always been stronger than Fate, and Aiden St. Delphi is willing to make war on the gods—and Alex herself—to bring her back.

The gods have killed thousands and could destroy entire cities in their quest to stop Seth from taking Alex's power and becoming the all-powerful God Killer. But breaking Alex's connection to Seth isn't the only problem. There are a few pesky little loopholes in the whole an Apollyon can't be killed theory, and the only person who might know how to stop the destruction has been dead for centuries.

Finding their way past the barriers that guard the Underworld, searching for one soul among countless millions, and then somehow returning will be hard enough. Alex might be able to keep Seth from becoming the God Killer or she might become the God Killer herself. 

More info over at Goodreads

Ruthless Magic - Review

Ruthless Magic - Conspiracy of Magic #1

by Megan Crewe

What they say: In the contest to keep their magic, the only options may be die... or kill.

Each year, the North American Confederation of Mages assesses every sixteen-year-old novice. Some will be chosen. The rest must undergo a procedure to destroy their magical ability unless they prove themselves in the mysterious and brutal Mages' Exam.

Disadvantaged by her parents' low standing, Rocío Lopez has dedicated herself to expanding her considerable talent to earn a place in the Confederation. Their rejection leaves her reeling—and determined to fight to keep her magic.

Long ashamed of his mediocre abilities, Finn Lockwood knows the Confederation accepted him only because of his prominent family. Declaring for the Exam instead means a chance to confirm his true worth.

Thrown into the testing with little preparation, Rocío and Finn find themselves becoming unlikely allies—and possibly more. But the Exam holds secrets more horrifying than either could have imagined. What are the examiners really testing them for? And as the trials become increasingly vicious, how much are they willing to sacrifice to win?

The first in a new series by USA Today bestselling author Megan Crewe, Ruthless Magic combines the magic of Harry Potter with the ferocity of The Hunger Games alongside a poignant romance. Fans of Cassandra Clare and Holly Black, look no further for your next urban fantasy fix! 

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I received a copy from the publisher (via NetGalley) for an honest review!

What I say: Finn has a magical (sorry couldn't resist the pun) ahead of him. He comes from the right family and is expected to follow a certain path, he really doesn't want to follow. 

Rocío has spent years practicing and hopes to earn a place at the prestigious College of the North American Confederation of Mages. 

The repressive society dictates that novices either have their magic limited 'dampened' or battle through gruelling exams to become champions to attend college. The exams are tough and dark with a definite Hunger Games or Battle Royale ish vibe going on.

I liked Finn, Rocío and Trisha but could have done without certain characters *ahem* Lacey!

The pacing is fast and frantic in parts whilst more balanced in others. It's a perfect blend of drama and action and cute friendships. More please...!

4 Stars in my Sky!