Never a Bride - Review

More historical romance to make you smile and bring out the smelling salts...

Never a Bride - Duke's Daughters #4

by Megan Frampton

What they say: She's a deliciously scandalous woman who is no man's bride…

He's a black sheep, forced to return home.

Together, they enter a make-believe betrothal that shocks London society…

After twelve years in Her Majesty's Navy, Griffith Davies must leave his sea-going life of outrageous freedom behind, forced to rejoin London society as the heir to the Duke of Northam. But though he is now shackled to the land, he has no desire to wed some innocently dull young thing. Who best to shield him from the matchmakers than a woman as notorious as he?

Lady Della Howlett's reputation was tattered years ago, so entering into a false engagement with Griffith is hardly going to make matters worse. What's one more shock to the ton to set their tongues wagging? And this pact certainly has its pleasures; the passion Griffith commands in her goes well beyond their agreement. Could her feelings might be more honorable than she'd first imagined?

Soon, Griffith and Della are arousing more than scandal; they're courting heartbreak. And more than their reputations could still be at risk.

Releasing 29th April!

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What I say: It's no secret I'm a fan of a cute historical romance and I do love me a MF book so I was excited to get my hands on Never a Bride. 

Lady Della is hilarious! She's sweet scandalous, funny and determined. I found myself laughing at her schemes and how she bossed Griffin around. I've enjoyed reading her sister's mishaps in love, but Della may be my fav!

Griffin is very set on his life going a certain way, but life has other plans and he has to return to a lifestyle he hates but meets the charming and lets be honest, kinda bossy, Della, he's hooked. All hail the captain!

The romance is fast paced, dramatic and naughty in parts but it made me smile throughout!

4 Stars in my Sky!

Moonlight Scandals - Review

Moonlight Scandals - de Vincents #3

by Jennifer L. Armentrout 

What they say: It takes a fearless woman to love the most scandalous man alive in New York Times Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s breathtaking novel 

Even a ghost hunter like Rosie Herpin couldn’t have foreseen the fateful meeting between two mourners that has brought her so intimately close to the notorious and seductive Devlin de Vincent. Everyone in New Orleans knows he’s heir to a dark family curse that both frightens and enthralls. To the locals, Devlin is the devil. To Rosie, he’s a man who’s stoking her wildest fantasies. When a brutal attack on her friend is linked to the de Vincents, he becomes a mystery she may be risking her life to solve. 

Devlin knows what he wants from this sexy and adventurous woman. But what does Rosie want from him? It’s a question that becomes more pressing—and more dangerous—when he suspects her of prying into the shadows of his past. 

Now, the legends surrounding the de Vincents may not be myths at all. But if she’s to discover the truth, she must follow them straight into the arms of the man she can’t resist—the handsome devil himself.

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I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: Although JLA's YA/NA books will always have my heart, I'm a huge fan of her naughtier adult romances. I've thoroughly enjoyed the De Vincents series and have been waiting for Devlin to have his say.

Moonlight Scandals picks up after the dramatic events of Moonlight Seduction. The de Vincent brothers are reeling from the unexpected turn and drama caused by a certain socialite and her family. 

I loved Rosie. The woman's a ghost hunter, what's not to like?! To say Rosie and Devlin are opposites is a HUGE understatement. They have different beliefs and different goals, but underneath it all they just want those they love to be safe and happy.

Devlin is a hard man to like. Yes he's handsome, rich and brings out the usual romantic hero swoon, but he's also difficult and doesn't give much away. He doesn't trust anybody and is full of secrets and lies. Rosie on the other hand is open, lighthearted and honest. She has faith in people as well as in things you can't always see or understand. I liked them together and in JLA's words, holy hot chemistry batman!

The story is full of twists, reveals and betrayal. Like really full of them! I kept thinking we were heading in one direction, then boom! JLA would flip the plot on it's head and everything changes. Oh the romantic drama!

4 Stars in my Sky! 

Ten Kisses to Scandal - Review

Ten Kisses to Scandal

by Vivienne Lorret

What they say: The Bourne Matrimonial Agency has one rule—never fall in love with the client. However, they never said anything about kissing a rake…

Briar Bourne’s matchmaking career could be summed up in two words—comic disaster. Unless she can learn about the irresistible forces that draw men and women together, her professional future looks rather bleak. But Briar has an intriguing plan—enlisting London’s most irredeemable rake to teach her everything he knows about attraction. Given his notorious reputation, it’s no surprise that Nicholas Blacklowe, the Earl of Edgemont, requests one thing in exchange for his tutelage. For every lesson, he wants a kiss in return. And what harm could there be in a simple kiss? After all, Briar would never fall for a scoundrel…

Nicholas has no romantic notions about love, and no intention of changing his ways. He’s only helping Briar so that she can find the perfect bride for his jilted cousin. Yet Briar is so clever, so curious, so candid—so blasted tempting—that soon, Nicholas can’t stop wondering what it might be like if he was irresistible to her.

Ten lessons. Ten kisses. And a million ways to fall hopelessly, scandalously in love.

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I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: I seem to be on a historical romance binge at the moment, but I really liked Ten Kisses to Scandal. It has a real Emma vibe going on.

Briar is sweet and funny. I read the book during a particularly dark and rainy day but found myself laughing along at her antics and forgetting the cold.

I liked the agency matchmaker element and how seemingly bad Briar was at it. Briar is an interesting mix of respectable lady and feminist - she'd definitely work as a modern Rom-Com heroine.

Nicholas both intrigued and infuriated me. He has all the attributes a of classic historical romance hero but there were times I wanted to shake some sense into him!

I haven't read any of Vivienne Lorret's other books (unless unknowingly under a pen name) but will certainly look out for her stories in the future.

4 Stars in my Sky!

The Duke That I Marry - Review

The Duke That I Marry - Spinster Heiresses #3

by Cathy Maxwell

What they say: Once upon a time there were three young ladies who, despite their fortunes, had been on the marriage mart a bit too long. They were known as "the Spinster Heiresses"...

Is it wrong for a woman to want more?

Not if she is a Spinster Heiress. They do not settle. Any young miss would be very lucky to find herself promised to a man like the Duke of Camberly. However, Miss Willa Reverly has watched her friends marry for love. Camberly may be the prize of the season, but she will not be "sold" to any man. She wants his devotion or she wants nothing at all.

When is a Marriage of Convenience inconvenient?

Newly named to the ducal title, Matthew Addison is determined to discover the secrets behind Mayfield, the bankrupt estate he has inherited. He doesn't have time to coddle a headstrong heiress who is determined to ditch him over something as silly as "love." Little does he know that his questions will place her in jeopardy. Now he must do what he must to save them both.

Could it be that in running from danger they might be racing headlong into a truly unexpected fate: falling in love?

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What I say: The Duke That I Marry is the third book in Cathy Maxwell's Spinster Heiresses series but works as a standalone.

Aww!! I enjoyed this story. Willa's determination to avoid the norms of society made me smile. Matt has inherited a title, estate and all the problems that come with it.

Matt's new situation means he must marry for money so he is less than enthusiastic by the prospect of marrying a lady he doesn't really know. Willa is unimpressed at being married off to someone who hasn't even attempted to try to get to know her and settles against marrying him.

Matt needs to marry her and so must get to know Willa and is also faced with the prospect of discovering what happened to the family money and why the former grand estate is in so much debt.

Their relationship is a slow burn and cute. Willa is quirky and funny. I enjoyed this sweet story about their romantic exploits. 

3.5 - 4 Stars in my Sky!

Review - The Governess Game

Oh the historical romance!!

The Governess Game - Girl Meets Duke #2

by Tessa Dare

What they say: He’s been a bad, bad rake—and it takes a governess to teach him a lesson

The accidental governess.

After her livelihood slips through her fingers, Alexandra Mountbatten takes on an impossible post: transforming a pair of wild orphans into proper young ladies. However, the girls don’t need discipline. They need a loving home. Try telling that to their guardian, Chase Reynaud: duke’s heir in the streets and devil in the sheets. The ladies of London have tried—and failed—to make him settle down. Somehow, Alexandra must reach his heart... without risking her own.

The infamous rake.

Like any self-respecting libertine, Chase lives by one rule: no attachments. When a stubborn little governess tries to reform him, he decides to give her an education—in pleasure. That should prove he can’t be tamed. But Alexandra is more than he bargained for: clever, perceptive, passionate. She refuses to see him as a lost cause. Soon the walls around Chase’s heart are crumbling... and he’s in danger of falling, hard. 

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I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: The Governess Game is another saucy and fun historical romance from Tessa Dare. It's part of a standalone series which several linked characters.

The story follows Alexandra 'Alex' Mountbatten as she treads a rather unconventional path, and finds herself working as a governess for the two young wards of future Duke, Charles 'Chase' Reynaud.

Alex made me smile. She's an unromantic-romantic: a landlocked sailor: a child of an explorer. This will make sense when you read the book. As a stargazer I loved her fascination with comets and plotting the skies.

Chase is desperate to find a governess who can look after his young wards until he can convince a boarding school to take them. The only problem is that Rosamund and Daisy are rather unique little girls and keep driving their governesses off. Luckily Alex isn't a governess and she's not easy dissuaded. I loved her and Chase's relationship with the girls. Their morbid outlook and dollicide made me smile! So cute!!

Alex needs the money but more than that, she wants to help Chase to connect with the girls and is fascinated by him. He is a notorious rake after all!

I enjoyed the book which had the all important inclusion of lessons in piracy, a appearance or two from a goat and a fold down bed!

4 Stars in my Sky!

All the Way - Review

All the Way - Romancing Manhattan #1

by Kristen Proby

What they say: In New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby’s brand new Romancing Manhattan series, three brothers get more than they bargain for as they practice law, balance life, and navigate love in and around New York City.

Finn Cavanaugh is known for being a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom. He owns a successful law firm with his brother and brother-in-law in Manhattan. On the rare occasion that he has down time, he spends it at his home in Martha’s Vineyard. But when Finn’s troubled niece goes to stay with him for the summer in Martha’s Vineyard, he’s reluctant to take time off from work. That is, until he meets his beautiful new neighbor, London.

London Watson is a Tony Award winning actress on Broadway. When tragedy strikes her family, leaving her alone and injured, she flees Manhattan for Martha’s Vineyard. Hoping she can figure out how to pick up the pieces of her life, London is convinced that she’ll never be able to return to the stage. But when she meets the charming young girl next door and her sexy uncle, they soon lure London out of her shell as she finally begins to heal from the wounds of her past.

But when London feels confident enough to return to the spotlight, she’s dealt another devastating blow. Will the newfound love between London and Finn be enough to conquer all? Or will it be over before it has a chance to grow…?

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I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: All the Way is the first instalment in Kristen Proby's shiny new Romancing Manhattan contemporary romance series. Meet actress/musical performer, London and lawyer, Finn.

London has a tragic back story. When we meet her she's trying to move on emotionally and physically from the traumatic events which took her parents and left her injured and unable to perform on Broadway. She retreats to her family's holiday home where she bumps into sexy neighbour Finn.

Oh Finn!! He's smooth, charming and funny. I loved how sweet he was with Gabby and how he looked after London. He goes out of his way, even risking losing business to help both his niece and London. That being said, I have to agree with London when it came to him being too bossy!

Can we just talk about how cute Gabby is please? She's 10 going on 25! I loved how she manages to less than subtly manipulate London into giving Finn a chance.

It's a sweet and short contemporary romance - perfect for a vacation read or even when it's raining outside (speaking as a Brit).

Is a certain widower's story up next?!

3.5 Stars in my Sky!

Freak 'N' Gorgeous - Review

Freak 'N' Gorgeous

by Sebastian J. Plata

What they say: Everyone is ugly sometimes.

In a world not unlike our own, there is a phenomenon called the INEXPLICABLE DEVELOPMENT—a rare occurrence with permanent consequences.

Average-looking, under-the-radar sixteen-year-old Konrad Wolnik's life is turned upside down when, one morning, he wakes up stunningly attractive. 

That same day, his classmate, Camilla Hadi, has her own transformation; the lean, pretty athlete is now devastatingly ugly.

The teens face the cruel world of high school from very different perspectives. Konrad shoots to the top of the pecking order, Camilla slips into pariah status. But soon the school starts rallying around Camilla, and Konrad’s sudden popularity sours as people blame him for her transformation. And, the truth is, so does she. 

All he wants is for everyone to like him. All she wants is to destroy his perfect life. 

So what if they could use each other for personal gain?

Told in dual POV, Sebastian J. Plata's debut is a hilarious, scathing look at society's unrealistic beauty standards and the intense pressures of high school. Perfect for fans of The DUFF and Winger.

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What I say: Inexplicable Developments or IDs aka overnight miracles, are an albeit rare but accepted part of life in Freak 'N' Gorgeous. When Konrad wakes up more handsome than a supermodel he can't believe his luck. What a fab ID for him, or is it?! Camilla on the other hand suffers the opposite fate with her ID and finds herself extremely ugly, to the point where nobody wants to look at her.

The story is fun and angst filled. Sebastian J. Plata takes the usual teen drama and then really ups the ante. Konrad discovers that beauty isn't everything. He finds his new body and face may come at a huge cost and struggles to adapt. Camilla switches between anguish and anger before trying to find out who is to blame for her upsetting ID.

Konrad and Camilla form a bond over their ID and slowly begin to learn that beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder; that to be happy they need to focus on other things. I liked their friendship - it's a slow burner, going from dislike to true camaraderie.    

I liked the idea of testing the limits of beauty, and that all actions have consequences. Plata points out that sometimes bad things do happen to good people, but the strength of character is how people deal with these upsetting events.

3.5 Stars in my Sky!

Whatcha Reading Wednesday - Freak 'N' Gorgeous

Freak 'N' Gorgeous
by Sebastian J. Plata

What they say: Everyone is ugly sometimes.

In a world not unlike our own, there is a phenomenon called the INEXPLICABLE DEVELOPMENT—a rare occurrence with permanent consequences.

Average-looking, under-the-radar sixteen-year-old Konrad Wolnik's life is turned upside down when, one morning, he wakes up stunningly attractive.

That same day, his classmate, Camilla Hadi, has her own transformation; the lean, pretty athlete is now devastatingly ugly.

The teens face the cruel world of high school from very different perspectives. Konrad shoots to the top of the pecking order, Camilla slips into pariah status. But soon the school starts rallying around Camilla, and Konrad’s sudden popularity sours as people blame him for her transformation. And, the truth is, so does she.

All he wants is for everyone to like him. All she wants is to destroy his perfect life.

So what if they could use each other for personal gain?

Told in dual POV, Sebastian J. Plata's debut is a hilarious, scathing look at society's unrealistic beauty standards and the intense pressures of high school. Perfect for fans of The DUFFand Winger. 

More info...

Releases Sept 4th 2018

The Last Thing I Told You - Review

The Last Thing I Told You

by Emily Arsenault

What they say: From the acclaimed author of The Evening Spider and The Broken Teaglass comes this psychological thriller about the murder of a psychologist in a quiet New England town and his former patient whose unreliable thread will keep readers guessing until the shocking end.

I hear myself whispering. Not again. Not again.

Why did I ever come back here? Surely because of you. Because I thought of something I’d always meant to tell you. Because you were the only one I ever really wanted to tell it to…

Therapist Dr. Mark Fabian is dead—bludgeoned in his office.

But that doesn’t stop former patient Nadine Raines from talking to him—in her head. Why did she come back to her hometown after so many years away? Everyone here thinks she’s crazy. And she has to admit—they might have good reason to think so. She committed a shockingly violent act when she was sixteen, and has never really been able to explain that dark impulse—even to Fabian. Now that Fabian’s dead, why is she still trying?

Meanwhile, as Detective Henry Peacher investigates Fabian’s death, he discovers that shortly before he died, Fabian pulled the files of two former patients. One was of Nadine Raines, one of Henry’s former high school classmates. Henry still remembers the disturbing attack on a teacher that marked Nadine as a deeply troubled teen.

More shockingly, the other file was of Johnny Streeter, who is now serving a life sentence for a mass shooting five years ago. The shooting devastated the town and everyone—including Henry, who is uncomfortable with the “hero” status the tragedy afforded him—is ready to move on. But the appearance of his file brings up new questions. Maybe there is a decades-old connection between Nadine and Streeter. And maybe that somehow explains what Nadine is doing in Fabian’s office nearly twenty years after being his patient. Or how Fabian ended up dead two days after her return. Or why Nadine has fled town once again.

But as Nadine and Henry head toward a confrontation, both will discover that the secrets of people’s hearts are rarely simple, and—even in the hidden depths of a psychologist’s files—rarely as they appear. 

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I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: The Last Thing I Told You is a high-octane psychological thriller full of drama and twists. 

The story focuses on the investigation into the murder of therapist Dr Mark Fabian. As part of the murder investigation we get a spilt POV from former client Nadine who is still struggling with a large amount of guilt and confusion, plus from investigating detective Henry Peacher.

Nadine becomes fixated on things she cannot change and has a huge amount of guilt around past mistruths or half-truths. She finds a strange sort of comfort in accepting the 'guidance' from the deceased Dr Fabian and in finally accepting the belief that she is crazy.

Henry finds himself confronted with the past when the investigation seems to point him straight towards Nadine and other past crimes.

The tone is purposefully awkward and abrupt at times. This work well to add to a sense of confusion and mistrust. Whenever I thought I'd got Nadine figured out then something else would happen to throw doubt on everything that happened before. I liked this strange tone and found myself wondering who would be speaking next.

4 Stars in my Sky!

Review - Lady Be Reckless

Lady Be Reckless - Duke's Daughters #2

by Megan Frampton

What they say: The Duke’s five daughters have beauty, breeding, and impeccable reputations. Or at least, they did. Now that two have chosen to follow their hearts, can the others be far behind?

Lady Olivia refuses to repeat her siblings’ scandalous mistakes. Instead, she will marry the lord rejected by her sister and help with his good works. When he resists, Olivia forms another plan: win his lordship’s admiration by helping his illegitimate best friend find a bride. How difficult can it be to transform the rakish Edward Wolcott into a gentleman? To ignore his virile good looks? To not kiss him in a moment of impulsive madness? Apparently, very difficult indeed.

Edward Wolcott promised his ailing father he would marry well, and it appears Lady Olivia wishes to assist him. The sparkling firebrand intends to smooth his way through London’s ballrooms, parlors, and eligible ladies, while all Edward’s thoughts suddenly revolve around bedrooms . . . and Lady Olivia herself.  Only a scoundrel would seduce the duke’s most dutiful daughter. And only a truly reckless lady would risk everything to be in his arms...

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What I say: Lady Be Reckless is the second instalment in Megan Frampton's standalone Duke's Daughters historical series. It tells the cute and funny romance as it develops between Edward and Lady Olivia.

Olivia is singlehandedly determined to marry family friend Lord Carson. She wants to fulfil her duty and marry well,  but is not prepared for his reaction to her rather unconventional suggestion. In steps Carson's friend, the acknowledged but illegitimate Edward. 

Edward is extremely wealthy and handsome, he should be regarded as quite the catch, but as illegitimate he finds it difficult to be accepted by society. He wants to marry well and please his father.

Edward and Olivia decide to work together: he'll help her gain Carson's affection and she'll find him a society wife. Now I'm sure you can probably guess what happens in the end (it's not a spoiler), but I really liked their story. It was hilarious watching them try to deny the inevitable. It turns out they may have been played instead...

4 Stars in my Sky!

Beautiful Lawman: A Devil's Rock Novel - Review

Beautiful Lawman: A Devil's Rock Novel by Sophie Jordan

What they say: From the wrong side of the tracks and with most of her family in jail or dead, Piper Walsh is used to everyone in town thinking the worst about her. It doesn’t seem to matter that she’s worked hard to build a good life for herself. So she isn’t surprised that when she comes into contact with Sweet Hill’s wildly irresistible, arrogant sheriff, Hale Walters, they’re instant adversaries. Piper has nothing in common with the town golden-boy-turned-lawman—and she refuses to be a notch on his bedpost.

Despite rumors, Hale avoids fooling around with the women of Sweet Hill, many of whom are hoping to get him to the altar. But staying out of Piper’s path is proving near impossible. The infuriating troublemaker clearly has no respect for his badge. As she continues to push his buttons, it becomes clear to Hale that he must either arrest Piper—or claim her as his own.

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I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!
What I say: Beautiful Lawman is the 4th book Sophie Jordan's Devil's Rock series. Happily the books are standalones, which is great as I managed to read the series out order - this is a common thing with me these days.  
As a member of the infamous Walsh family, Piper is used to being judged and written off. She finds it difficult to catch a break in a town where people see her as part of a criminal family, and as an irresponsible guardian for her young sister. When she finds herself beholden to sheriff Hale Winters she's not exactly thrilled and doesn't want his interference.
Always one to toe the line, Hale is confused by his instant reaction to Piper. He's both equally annoyed with Piper and attracted to her. As a cop he doesn't understand how he can be into the girl from the criminal family but works hard not to judge her on the actions of others.
Their chemistry is intense and dramatic so it doesn't take long before they give into their attraction, but the fun part is watching them trying to resist each other.
Hale is determined to help Piper and keep her in town. If only she could see how great they could be together...
3.5 - 4 Stars in my Sky!

Friend (With Benefits) Zone - Review

Friend (With Benefits) Zone by Laura Brown

What they say: I’m ridiculously attracted to my best friend.

Today is a bad day. The worst actually. After dealing with the constant manhandling that comes with being a cocktail waitress at a dive bar and surviving a date from hell, I see an eviction notice slapped on the door of my sketchy basement apartment. Great.

When my best friend Devon shows up at my door and uses his stubborn charm (emphasis on stubborn) to get me to move in with him, I give in. We’ve had about a million sleepovers since we met in the kindergarten Deaf program, but this time it’s different because I can’t stop thinking about his hard body covering mine, every single night. 

I know Devon would do anything for me, but I’m afraid what I want to happen will ruin our friendship forever. And the more time we spend together in close quarters, the harder it’ll be to resist the spark of attraction I’ve always felt. But maybe it’s possible to have the best of both worlds: keep the one relationship I can’t live without and indulge in an attraction I can’t deny.

I guess the only thing we can do is try…

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

What I say: Friend (With Benefits) Zone is a short and dramatic friends to lovers story. I'm going to completely honest and say that I'm a little conflicted about the plot, which was for the most part, a bit of a mixed bag for me. Don't get me wrong I did like the story I just didn't love it...

Oh the Diversity! It really shouldn't be such a rare occurrence to read a story where the main characters are deaf but unfortunately it is. I find this particularly shocking because one of my school friends is deaf. When we were in junior school a team from the National Deaf Children's Organisation come in to teach us the basics of BSL fingerspelling to help us communicate with Glenn. Although we all enjoyed learning BSL (which I'm reliably told is different from ASL) I genuinely don't think as 10-year-olds we understood the significance of how hard it would be for a him not being able to communicate in the same was as the rest of us. BUT he never seemed in any way less able and is still just Glenn, not deaf Glenn. So what I really appreciated in the book was the positive representation of deaf people and the inclusion the characters demonstrated. Being deaf is just a part of their lives and although it is incorporated seamlessly into the plot, the real story is about the relationship between Jasmine and Devon.

I'm a sucker for a friends-to-lover story so this element was always going to be a bonus for me. I'm not totally convinced on how the actual romance progressed. Jas is full of self doubt and I wasn't sure what to make of her constant back-and-forth. I often found myself getting cross and hoping Dev would leave her to save herself for once rather than always being the hero.

Dev is everything you would want in a BBF - if only he could move past his saviour complex! He's patient, sweet and selfless. I just REALLY wanted him and Jas to move past the angst and be on the same page as lovers, like they were as friends. On the upside Dev knows how to bring out the swoon and totally woos Jas, even when she doesn't want to be wooed.

All in all it's a cute story with lots of laughs, kissing and drama surrounded by a much deeper meaning than your average friends-to-lovers coming of age story. 

3 Stars in my Sky!

The Keeper of Lost Things - Review

The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan

What they say: A charming, clever, and quietly moving debut novel of of endless possibilities and joyful discoveries that explores the promises we make and break, losing and finding ourselves, the objects that hold magic and meaning for our lives, and the surprising connections that bind us.

Lime green plastic flower-shaped hair bobbles—Found, on the playing field, Derrywood Park, 2nd September.

Bone china cup and saucer—Found, on a bench in Riveria Public Gardens, 31st October.

Anthony Peardew is the keeper of lost things. Forty years ago, he carelessly lost a keepsake from his beloved fiancée, Therese. That very same day, she died unexpectedly. Brokenhearted, Anthony sought consolation in rescuing lost objects—the things others have dropped, misplaced, or accidentally left behind—and writing stories about them. Now, in the twilight of his life, Anthony worries that he has not fully discharged his duty to reconcile all the lost things with their owners. As the end nears, he bequeaths his secret life’s mission to his unsuspecting assistant, Laura, leaving her his house and and all its lost treasures, including an irritable ghost.

Recovering from a bad divorce, Laura, in some ways, is one of Anthony’s lost things. But when the lonely woman moves into his mansion, her life begins to change. She finds a new friend in the neighbor’s quirky daughter, Sunshine, and a welcome distraction in Freddy, the rugged gardener. As the dark cloud engulfing her lifts, Laura, accompanied by her new companions, sets out to realize Anthony’s last wish: reuniting his cherished lost objects with their owners.

Long ago, Eunice found a trinket on the London pavement and kept it through the years. Now, with her own end drawing near, she has lost something precious—a tragic twist of fate that forces her to break a promise she once made.

As the Keeper of Lost Objects, Laura holds the key to Anthony and Eunice’s redemption. But can she unlock the past and make the connections that will lay their spirits to rest?

Full of character, wit, and wisdom, The Keeper of Lost Things is heartwarming tale that will enchant fans of The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, Garden Spells, Mrs Queen Takes the Train, and The Silver Linings Playbook.

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I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: The Keeper of Lost Things is refreshingly charming, honest and sweet. It's pretty different to most of the other books I've read recently. Instead of angst ridden drama or YA fantasy, Ruth Hogan's story is playful and quaint - the definition of whimsy.

As I Brit it's always fun to come across an interesting story set in England. In The Keeper of Lost Things we're treated to several stories, set in many places. Although it's far more than just two character's stories. I loved how the many plots are seamlessly worked together into one book.

I love the idea of finding long lost objects and returning them to their former owners. Anthony deals with his heartbreak by returning lost items and writing marvellous stories about them. Laura finds herself taking over Anthony's mission and creating a new life for herself in the process.

Sunshine never failed to bring a smile to my face, and I enjoyed the funnier moments with Freddy.

The supernatural, ghostly elements added even more whimsy - I kept hoping we'd discover more clues about Eunice.

"It is only in the world of objects that we have time and space and selves." - T. S. Eliot

4 Stars in my Sky!