It Ends With Us – Colleen Hoover

It Ends With Us is a story that will stay with me for a while. It’s a romance and a love story that explores all the complexities that can be found in a relationship. Colleen Hoover doesn’t take you on a journey, she drags you there and you feel every bit of the passion, longing, hope and pain that her characters do.

At times, it’s not an easy read and there’s no glossing over the ugly side of love but it’s definitely a book that will make you feel a mixed bag of emotions. You’ll find this hard to put down.

Genre: Women’s fiction

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️

The Second Chance Hotel – Rachel Dove

The Second Chance Hotel is a truly heartwarming novel that will give you all the feels. Shady Pines is the perfect setting to lose yourself in for a few hours as a reader, especially at this time of uncertainty. I loved that main character April followed in her mum’s footsteps and chose Shady Pines as her place to start again after her marriage ended.

I really bought into April’s story and admired her strength to move on and I found myself genuinely rooting for her happiness. All the characters, (especially Cillian and Orla) were wonderful and I was pulled into Martha’s story which added a really sweet, traditionally romantic dimension to the story.

There was plenty of Dove wit, laughs as well as some poignant moments too which made the perfect balance. It’s the perfect feel-good book to curl up with this summer.

Rating: 5/5⭐️

The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn – Freya Kennedy

The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn is a sweet romance, which tells the story of Bookworm Libby’s dream of owning a bookshop becoming reality. Along the way there are relationship / friendship troubles but nothing too bad it gets in the way of Libby realising her dream.

It’s a cosy story and despite a few ups and downs it ebbs and flows quite gently. It’s well written and provides some great escapism but won’t necessarily have you racing through the pages.

Genre: Contemporary romance

Rating: 4/5⭐️

My Year of Saying No – Maxine Morrey

My Year of Saying No, in true Maxine Morrey style, is an uplifting and heartwarming read. Lottie is a sweet heroine with a kind heart and Seb is just perfect. The slow-burn romance is so satisfying, especially when the two finally realise (after several ups and downs) what we knew all along.

I loved the idea of Saying no to things you don’t really want to do, it seems quite freeing. I also loved Humphrey the rescue dog!

A wonderful read.

Genre: Romcom / chicklit

Rating: 5/5⭐️

Jane Eyre – Charlotte Brontë

What a wild ride that was. Admittedly, I don’t read many classics. I love Contemporary stories and prefer contemporary language for ease of escapism purposes, but I did love Jane Eyre. It’s an epic story with many modern parallels, which I didn’t expect.

I’m also thrilled to finally have the opportunity to use one of my favourite Friends’ quotes in a review:

Rachel: “Uh, thank you Phoebe. Umm, well, what struck me most when reading Jane Eyre was uh, how the book was so ahead of its time.”

The Teacher: “If you’re talking about feminism, I think you’re right.”

Rachel: “Yeah, well, feminism yes, but also the robots.”

Obviously there are no robots, but I was struck by the strength of mind Jane has and her role in female empowerment at a time way before the suffragette movement – I mean, (amongst other things) she saves Rochester’s life, chooses dignity over love and is super generous with her inheritance – she’s a true heroine comparable to any of modern times.

But as his wife—at his side always, and always restrained, and always checked—forced to keep the fire of my nature continually low, to compel it to burn inwardly and never utter a cry, though the imprisoned flame consumed vital after vital—this would be unendurable.

The underlying themes of oppression and misogyny also highlight the plight of women during the era and I feel these are much stronger elements than the love story itself and Jane’s ability to see through all of this is wonderful. For instance there is a suggestion that a woman’s desire for love shouldn’t impede her sense of self.

I love a strong female lead and Jane Eyre is certainly that!

Genre: classics / romance / gothic

Rating: 5/5⭐️

The School of Starting Over – Lisa Swift

The School of Starting over was my first Lisa Swift book and I absolutely fell in love with it. It’s a feel-good book, which indulges you in all the wholesome warm and cosies you could want from a romance. The characters are a lively, eclectic bunch and there is plenty of humour from main and supporting cast members. I was invested in their stories and really rooted for them,especially since some of the issues they face are much deeper than expected.

I have to give a special mention to Xander who is the perfect, unassuming hero (ahhh, hearty-eyes).

The plot had me hooked; there was drama, secrets and a little bit of mystery throughout!

Once thing I loved was how deep the author dug for a popular reference that was probably less mainstream than most – I had a few ‘oh my god I remember that’ moments!

All in all there was nothing to dislike about this book (other than having to put it down at the end). If heartwarming, contemporary romance with laughs and feels is your thing; it’s a must-read!

Genre: Contemporary romance / Romantic comedy

Rating: 5/5

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Getting Dirty – Rachael Stewart

Getting Dirty, in true Racheal Stewart style, is a sizzling romance that grips you from the outset. I loved the main characters socialite Coco and private investigator Ash. Their first meeting was so hot it should have come with a warning – the chemistry jumped off the page.

It wasn’t all about passion though, there was a deeper story at the core and I really enjoyed Coco’s complex family and her personal journey as well as Ash’s internal conflict of heart v work. I really bought into their stories and rooted for them. The ending was so perfect that I’d have cheered if I wasn’t sat in the hairdressers!

Genre: hot romance

Rating:5/5🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

The Flat Share – Beth O’Leary

4.5*

I’ve been dying to read The Flat Share since seeing so many glowing reviews on social media last year. The book grabbed my straight away; I love quirky Tiffy and Leon is a dream. There was plenty of humour and I loved reading the notes Leon and Tiffy left for each other.

The Flat Share is an uplifting romcom with a great storyline and interesting subplots giving it a bit more depth than you often find in the genre. I can’t wait to read Beth O’Leary’s next book.

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Rating: 4.5⭐️

I Owe You One – Sophie Kinsella

I Owe You One was a sweet and pleasant read with warm humour and some poignant moments. I liked heroine Fixie, although a little naive at times she did just want to do the best by her family and those around her (whether deserving or not). Some of the romance did feel a little rushed to me and some parts surrounding the family business did feel a little like they slowed the pace but overall it’s a light, entertaining read.

Genre: Chicklit

Rating: 3/5🌟

One Christmas Star – Mandy Baggot

This was a lovely, festive romance with all the feels you’d expect from a book of this genre. The story follows school teacher Emily, who crosses paths with fallen-from-grace, rockstar Ray. They connect over a hedgehog and a school Christmas show but with Ray hiding a secret it’s hard to tell if the two will ever be more than just friends.

The book is perfect for this time of year, and fans of the movie ‘Nativity’ will certainly enjoy this. The writing is bright and sparky and there’s plenty of humour throughout.