Tag: romance

The Christmas Project- Maxine Morrey

The Christmas Project follows professional organiser, Kate who’s tasked with sorting out the messy home of her best friend’s brother just in time for Christmas. The two don’t get off to a great start but over the course of the book that changes. There are witty exchanges as well as sweet moments all set against a very Christmassy backdrop.

The romance is well paced and natural and I loved the characters – the doggy element was a real bonus too!

All in all this is a warm, sweet romance laden with festive cheer that wont fail to make you smile – the perfect Christmas read!

Genre: Romantic Comedy (Christmas setting)

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️

Midnight Sun – Stephanie Meyer

Midnight sun

I’ll start by saying I was a huge Twilight fan way back when. Firmly team Edward, I devoured each book in days and was utterly broken when I finished the series. That being said, I’ve re-read some of the books ten years on, and didn’t quite have the same views so I wasn’t sure what to expect with Midnight Sun.

Over the years, Edward has received a lot of criticism and reading Twilight again as an adult I honestly understand why. Midnight Sun seems to work hard to make Edward come across in a better light but I think this was sometimes at the expense of the story and as a result it seemed like everything he said was backed up and justified so it seemed a little dull in parts and at 700+ pages, Meyer could afford to shed some words. Some of the story seemed to jump quite quickly whilst other parts were very slow and some of the text was a little jarring.

It didn’t grip me as much as the original series did at the time but I did enjoy it for the most part and it’s a great accompaniment for fans wanting more.

Genre: YA / Fantasy

Rating: 3.5/5

Meet Me in London- Georgia Toffolo

I do like Georgia Toffolo and as such, was thrilled to receive an advanced copy of the audiobook via NetGalley. There’s a festive, winter feel to the book and I loved the descriptions of the settings. The story itself followed the ‘fake date / fake relationship’ trope which whilst offers few surprises, is a rewarding read. The book was brimming with warmth and there are a few laughs to be had along the way. It was also well – written and I enjoyed the narration by the author herself. All in all it was a very sweet read.

Genre: Romantic Comedy / Chicklit
Rating: 4/5🌟

Fighting for the Trauma Doc’s Heart – Rachel Dove

Rachel Dove’s versatility as a writer never fails to amaze me. I adore her lighter comedy and I’ve enjoyed her more heartfelt works too. This is her first release under the Mills & Boon medical line and despite this line of books being quicker / shorter reads there was no compromises on the rich storytelling. The main characters, Michelle and Jacob, won my heart with their complex backgrounds. They were characters I really rooted for even when their interests were in conflict of one another’s. Mixing work and pleasure is a taboo I love, made all the more exciting by the life or death nature of the work. If you’re a fan of Grey’s Anatomy (or not) you’re sure to fall in love with this book.

Genre: Romance (medical)
Rating: 5/5⭐️

The Tea Room on the Bay – Rachel Burton

This was a change of direction for Rachel Burton and as I’d enjoyed all of her other books, I was definitely intrigued by this new style cover. The Teashop on the Bay does feel different and whilst lighter in tone, maintains the same warm depth, loveable characters and wonderful descriptions that I’d expect.

I loved Ellie and Ben’s story. At times I was second-guessing and I wasn’t sure where it would end. Whilst this book is set at Christmas, I read it on a hot beach in Greece and still managed to be transported to the gorgeous, snowy Sanderson Bay. Overall, I loved the story, the characters and setting. I raced through this one and I couldn’t wait to see how it ended. It’s guaranteed to leave you feeling warm and content.

Rating: 5/5

Genre: contemporary romance

A Wish For Jinnie – Audrey Davis

I’ll never fail to enjoy Audrey Davis’ brand of romantic comedy. A Wish for Jinnie is a fun read packed with a comedic rhythm that keeps the story well-paced and entertaining throughout. I loved Jinnie, and Jeanie Dhassim as much as I enjoyed Sam’s character and the blossoming romance. Audrey Davis always developed does develop fantastic characters though and Jinnie’s gran just leapt off the page – she was fab. The story itself is well developed and believable because despite the element of magic and fantasy the characters’ lives are a reflection of our own.

If you want to lose yourself for a few hours of heartfelt fun, this is definitely the perfect book for you.

Genre: romantic comedy

Rating: 5/5⭐️

Summer Strawberries at Swallowtail Bay – Katie Ginger

This was my first Katie Ginger book and I’ll definitely be picking up her others. Summer Strawberries at Swallowtail Bay is the perfect escapist read. Set by the sea, it perfectly encompasses the British seaside vibe and gave me a wave of nostalgia as it reminded me of my own UK holidays when I was a child.

The story follows Hettie who is determined to shake up the annual strawberry show by putting on an all singing and dancing strawberry-themed festival. Despite many roadblocks, Betty’s determination gets her there with twists and turns along the way.

Hetty is a sweet heroine with a feisty side and I enjoyed watching her grow and figure out what she wanted personally and professionally. As with all the characters, she’s well drawn out and vivid and I loved a certain Mr someone too!

With a gorgeous backdrop, plenty of yummy food references and lovely storytelling, this is the perfect read to accompany this summer’s ‘staycation’.

Genre: Romance / Romcom

Rating: 5/5⭐️

The Boy in The Black Suit – Jason Reynolds

The Boy in The Black Suit is an understated coming-of-age story about a teenaged boy coming to terms with his mother’s death whilst trying to make his way in the world. The sense of community throughout was low-key yet powerful and whilst the book avoids preachy tones, there’s plenty to take away from it.

I found the story believable and heartwarming and enjoyed the light humour and perspective.

Genre: YA fiction

Rating: 4.5/5⭐️

Regretting You – Colleen Hoover

Whatever Colleen Hoover wants you to feel; pain, heartache, fear, you feel it and Regretting You is another hilly ride of emotion.

Whilst it is a romance of sorts, the real story is the fragile bond between mother and daughter. A relationship that’s unfiltered and stripped back to its bare bones and rebuilt. The book focusses on the perspectives of both the mother and daughter and you get an insight into both perspectives in an impossible situation.

I enjoyed the book, not quite as much as other CH books I’ve read but it’s definitely worth a read.

Genre: women’s fiction / romance

Rating: 4/5⭐️