Light, Camera, Murder by Nikki Haverstock

Lights, Camera, Murder by Nikki Haverstock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

General info

Aspiring other Melissa gets asked to take part in a reality show after one of the original cast members has been kicked out of the show. Things don't quite go as planned, and when she is accused of murder things really take a turn for the worse.

Things I liked

This was a quick and light read but there is still a bit of a mystery and some suspense. Melissa also goes through a lot and some important issues are discussed in the book. I like that this book also reminded me that it is important to do things you are passionate about in your life. Don't try to be something you are not.
The supporting characters are also interesting and I especially like Ryan a lot.

I don't think there is much negative to say about this book but my state of mind at the beginning might have affected my early experience with the book and the fact that I found the book to have a bit of a slow start.

* ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley

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Strays by Eliza Marsh

Strays by Eliza Marsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jackie and Tyler are best friends who have been through more than most. When Tyler gets invited into the Red Kings MC, Jackie obviously follows and falls in love with the Vice President of the club.

I loved this book so much. I'm generally a fan of motorcycle club romances but this one is really nice and in a way it stands out. There isn't too much violence and it really focuses on the relationship between Dean and Jackie. There are some complicated things they face and this makes the book more interesting in my opinion. The supporting characters are also great and I would love to read their stories in the future as well.
The book ends in the most juicy cliffhanger so I really cannot wait to read the next book in the series.

* I got a free ARC from the author

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The Sweetheart Deal by Allison Morse

The Sweetheart Deal by Allison Morse
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

General info

Ellen and John were in love nine years ago until John was accused of theft and driven out of their little town. Now he is back and onto something that Ellen isn't sure about.

Things I liked

The plot turned out to be great. It is mysterious and romantic. There are some twists and lot of things that only come out later in the story. It is truly great. I also really like the relationship between Ellen and John and the feelings they so try to hide and fight. I also really like Ellen and John as characters, I kind of feel for them. And I guess characters are well written when they make you hate them, like I really kind of hate Tim. Also, I like that there is a happy ending especially when at some point I was about 90% sure there would not be a happy ending.

Things I like less

This is not really a negative thing, but the start for me was a bit slow. For a little while I was not sure if I would ever actually get into the book but I did and I loved it.

Conclusion

All in all this book is amazing and I loved the story. It kept me hooked until the very end. I love the characters and the happy ending there is. It is truly a brilliant book.

*ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley

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Hexes and O's by Lisa Wells

Hexes and O's by Lisa Wells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Remington has always been more or less alone. An orphan, never to be loved. When she inherits her dead best friend's house in the town they grew up in, things start to get weird.

I really enjoyed reading this book. There's a lot mystery in it, more than I expected before I started reading. All the supernatural events make this book constantly interesting and there is not one moment that you get bored. Of course, there is also the romance between Jason and Remington. The never ending be or not to be game they play. Add a little hexes and you've got Hexes and O's.
This is an interesting book and I really want to read the other books I the series as well. I love all of the residents in knotty and I can't wait to read what they get up to in the future.

All in all this is a great mixture of mystery, romance and supernatural beings. I really enjoyed reading this and I'm waiting eagerly to read the next book in the series.

* Free copy received from BookSirens

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The Semi-Royal by Fiona West

The Semi-Royal by Fiona West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rhodie and Arron James travel to the unveiled for her research. They fall in love, they fight. They have to figure themselves first, to be able to function well together. Both have some deep unresolved issues that are not easy to face.

This is a lovely book like all of the books in the borderline chronicles. At first, I wasn't sure if I would like this book as much as I've liked the previous books, but when Arron and Rhodie get into the unveiled things turn more interesting. I also really like that this book includes some serious, real-life issues in it, like eating disorders and miscarriage. Even the royal life isn't perfect. The way these issues are discussed in the book makes you really think them through and I that makes the book a lot better.
The start is a little slow for me, but as soon as you get really into the book it is so, so good. Once again, Fiona West manages to make me lost in a fantasy world of princesses and handsome soldiers.

* ARC received from the author



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So Lucky by Dawn O'Porter

Stars: ★★★★★

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General info

Four different ladies, all connect together in some way. All have their flaws, their insecurities and problems. Everybody else seems to think their lives are perfect. One wedding brings them together and changes their lives drastically. 

Things I liked

The characters of this book are spectacular. They are all different, but strong women. They struggle in their lives, but other people seem to think their lives are perfect. They face their issues and they overcome them. 
The plot of this book is also really, really good. It keeps you guessing, but still it gives you hints of what's about to happen. It also really opened my eyes to think about other people, ordinary or famous people in the moment when I'm judging them. No life is perfect and things may not always be as they seem. Instagram gives you an entirely made up version of what is really going on, most of the time at least. And this book really made me realise that. That is why I truly, love this book. 

All in all, this book is amazing and it keeps you grounded. Women are strong, but every time you judge someone based on your beliefs, you might be hurting them more than you think. 

* ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley

Boy Band Boyfriend by Leigh Ban

Stars: ★★★★★

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Goodreads

Dana and Gusun meet during summer classes in college. They start working together in a project and fall in love. Gusun, however, is a member of a famous k-pop band Undone and that causes some unexpected problems for their blooming love. 

Things I liked

First off, I'm not familiar with K-pop or Korean culture so I can't really relate to that part of the book, but I'm a 90's kid so I grew up with the Backstreet boys so I guess in a way I can compare these together. In that sense this book is great. It gives Gusun, a k-pop star so much depth and it makes him feel like an ordinary human and I really like him. I love stories where a extraordinary guy falls in love with an ordinary girl. And this is exactly that. 
The plot is great too. It doesn't move too quick or stay in place for too long. There's always such great things happening and I enjoyed reading this book throughout the book. 
Additionally, the love story itself is beautiful and I really truly, loved it. 

I have to say I cannot think of any things that I did not like in this book. 

Conclusion

All in all, this book was a great, quick read. It was a ordinary love story with a extraordinary twists. And a boyband hottie. I really enjoyed the book and I would not mind reading other books in the series 

* ARC received from BookSirens for an honest review

How to Seduce a Billionaire by Portia Da Costa

Stars: ★★★★★

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General info 

Jess and Ellis meet accidentally in the pouring rain. This starts a fling they both think will only last a few moments. They face their ups and downs whilst also trying to fight falling in love. 

Things I liked 

I absolutely love the idea of the story. I just wish my Dream Lover would show up and whisk me away. The story never gets boring and I was hooked until the end. I certainly hoped that Jess and Ellis would get their happy ending. They really deserve it.
I also love the characters. Jess is a 29-year old virgin, which on its own is unusual. She is a woman who has put everything on hold to take care of her nan and now that she is gone, is still trying to find her way back to her life. 
Ellis has lost everything important to him. He’s a kind man, he’s not too domineering or forceful. He’s a lovely man altogether but he cannot get over his dead family. Let’s just say he is very different from the typical billionaire characters and I really liked that. 

Conclusion

As a whole, I really truly love this book. It is a beautiful story with a happy ending and I’m so happy that I found this book and got to enjoy it. The story is beautiful and I recommend it from the bottom of my heart. 

* ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley

Bought by A.L. Long

Stars: ★★★

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General info

A girl has been held captive and a sex slave for 15 years. Then a buyer comes in and her live turns for the better. 

Things I liked 

The book is quite good, it is an interesting story. As a novella it’s extremely quick to read 

Things I did not like

Even though the book and story are interesting, it somehow feels a bit unpolished. In a way it feels like it is a first draft and I would have liked it to have something more. Also, I’m not a big fan on cliffhanger books and this is exactly it.

Conclusion

All in all, this is an okay book. I like the story, but it is very simple and I would have like some more depth in the characters and the plot too. 

* Free copy received for review from BookSirens 

Polite Society by Mahesh Rao

Stars: ★★★

More info

Pre-order here

Book will be published on August, 20th, 2019

General info

A story about the lives of rich people in India. It is said to be a rerepresentation of Jane Austen's Emma. I have not yet finished Emma so I cannot confirm a hundread proecent. The story of Ania who tries to fiddle in the lovelives of everybody else and forgets her own. A story of love, despair and how money does not always make life easier or happier. You could almost say money does the opposite. 

Things I liked

I enjoyed that throughout the whole story, there is Ania, who playes a part in all the other characters' lives. And I liked that I got to follow the lives of so many interesting people. I also feel that it really portrays lives of reach people in a realistic way. There is events that could happen in reality and there are problems that people could actually face. I also think, and this may make me a horrible person, that it is very refreshing that not all the characters live happily ever after.

Things I did not like so much

To me, the story was interesting but it was still a bit boring. I also sometimes had a hard time following the plot. For me, although the book gets more interesting toward the end, the ending on its own is just plain weird and very sudden. There are things to be said in my opinion and not all characters get their ending. They simply just exists. 

Conclusion

All in all, it is a book that left me feeling conflicted. I both like it and dislike it if that is even possible. I guess I will have to finish Emma now to see if they really are similar. I would say you have to read the book to really know if it's worth reading.

* ARC received through the publisher via First to Read Scheme 

The Second-Worst Restaurant in France by Alexander McCall Smith

Stars: ★★★★

More info here

Pre-order here

 

 

The book will be published July 16th, 2019

General info

Paul is a successful food writer who struggles with a little bit of a writer’s blog. Then cousin Chloe comes into the picture and offers him a chance to spend some time in the French countryside to try and get past the writer’s blog. This is the start of an interesting, a little bit funny and a very heartfelt story.

Things I liked

It was an interesting story as a whole but there are certain aspects that are especially to my liking. I especially like the people living in the village. I also really like Chloe’s character. She is a very interesting woman and she makes the story more interesting really.

Things I did not like

The beginning in my opinion is a bit slow and I was a bit doubtful if I would actually enjoy the book. It turns out it gets a lot better as the story goes on. Another part was the ending. To me it felt like it ended a little bit too soon but maybe there’s going to be another book soon that continues this book.

Conclusion

I really enjoyed this book. It is interesting an interesting story and it lifted my spirits whenever I was reading it. It has a happy ending and all in all it’s a very heartfelt story.

* ARC received from the publisher through First to Read

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

Stars: ★★★★★

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More info here 

General info 

Gavin and Thea rushed into marriage and now three years later it’s catching up with them. Thea wants divorce and Gavin is willing to do anything to win her back but is that enough? Thea also has to work through her troubled childhood to be able to fully engage in her marriage. 

Things I liked 

I love, love, love the book. It’s a brilliant story and it fully restores my faith that I will find my perfect match someday. I love the idea that real men will read romance books and that they actually study and enjoy them at least to some extent. 
The characters were great, especially Gavin and the rest of the bromance book club members. 
The story itself is beautiful and I like that there are actually chapters from the romance novel Gavin is reading in the book. 

Things I did not like 

First, I have to say there is not many things that I didn’t like. 
Thea and Thea’s reluctance to do anything to fight for her marriage pissed me of at first. And she was just full on ready to run.
Second, I didn’t like Liv. If I had a sister and she was like Liv in a situation like the one in the book I would not be happy. 

Conclusion 

All in all, this was a brilliant book. I enjoyed it immensely and I’m a bit sad that I’m finished with it. The author’s writing style was also pleasant and I wouldn’t mind reading more from her. I recommend this book to everyone from the bottom of my heart. 

* free copy of the book received from the publisher through the First to Read scheme

The Seduction Expert by Saya Lopez Ortega

Stars: ★★★

More info here

Pre-order here

This book will be published on May 27th, 2019

General info
Meet the baroness, the woman who solves other women’s marital issues. She has everything planned out to the T. She does everything and anything to reach her dreams and goals. Read this, to see her work through the perfect plan that she simply calls life. 

Things I liked

For me, the story itself was quite interesting. It is astonishing that there are people like the baroness in the real world as well. People who are so greedy and need money and fame so much that they will do anything to get it. For me, love is essential for marriage and I simply cannot understand people who will do it just for money. 

Things I didn’t like

The character of the Baroness is to me something ugly. Don’t get me wrong, she is a complex and thoroughly thought of character but I just don’t like people like her whether they are fictional or real. I also do not like the way the Baroness treats all the people around her. 

Conclusion

All in all, this is an interesting book. I really like the plot and the whole story but I did not like the characters much. At least not the main characters. I still kind of want to read the next book in the series but it will not be essential for me.

* ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley

Hunted by Angels by R.A. Boyd

Stars: ★★★★★

More about the book here

Buy the book here

General info

A story about a girl who has the power to stop the massacre of her kind, sex demons. Follow this funny, fast-paced story to see how Perry manages her quest and how she manages her relationship with her new husband. 

Things I liked 

This story was super easy to follow and it kept its interest until the very end. It was interesting for me to follow Perry and her husband on their journey and to follow them with their discoveries. I also enjoyed the fast tempo a lot as I feel that this kept the book interesting until the end and it was quick to read as well. The author's writing style was also really good and I enjoyed reading her work in general. 

Concluding word

All in all, I think this book was great and I don't see anything negative to say about it. I enjoyed the book immensely and I can't wait to read more books in this series but also just more books from the author. 

* ARC received from the publisher through Netgalley 

The Arrangement by Nicolette Hugo

Stars: ✮✮✮✮✮

Find more about book here

Buy the book here

General info

Meet Nell, a successful lawyer and a woman who has planned her life to the her dying day. A successful law career, the perfect man and 2.5 kids, that's what she wants.
Meet Vincent, a politician and a dominant.
When these two make a deal and decide to enter into a six month long BDSM relationship, Nell's plan takes a detour. And things do not go as she has planned.

What I liked 

I have to say, there wasn't much I didn't like about this book. It is a lovely piece of literature and the writing style is great. The plot is interesting and keeps the reader hooked until the end. I'm a sucker for some erotica and romance and this book definitely has both of them in it.
Also, both Nell and Vincent are great and interesting characters and I really truly love their relationship.

Things I did not like

Like I said, I love this book and there isn't a lot of bad things to say about it. The only thing for me is that I think it could have gone on for a little bit longer. It would have been great to be able to read how their relationship grows after the books ending.

Concluding words

All in all, this book is just lovely and I recommend it from the bottom of my heart. I'm not an expert on BDSM or any relationships but I enjoyed Vincent and Nell's relationship and would have loved to read more about them.

*ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley

Harshville by Olivia Wildenstein

I loved this story. Even though the characters were mainly teenagers there was still a certain maturity to the book and the problems were very grown-up ones. I also liked how the book were handling people who were different. For example, Nevada was sick and because of that looked different. It made the book more interesting and I certainly enjoyed this book because of it. It made the book more meaningful I think. 
Loved this book from page one.

*I received the ARC from the publisher via Netgalley.

Old enough by Charmaine Pauls

I have never been a big fan of romances between an older woman and a younger man. However, this book was brilliant. The characters were amazing and skilfully created. Brian was a character who acted in such a way I always forgot his age and Jane as well. She acted a lot more younger than what she then turned out to be. This book really made my opinions rise to the surface and I can't wait to read the rest of their story. I really hope they get a happy ending, they truly deserve it.

* ARC received from the publisher through Netgalley.

The Rise and Fall of Becky Sharp

First off, I haven’t read the original Vanity Fair so I can’t compare these two books. 
When it comes to this book, I can honestly say I liked the book. I both admire and hate Becky Sharp. 
The story itself kind of pulls you in and goes up and down and up and down until the end. The plot is interesting and I feel all kinds of emotions and I absolutely love that Amelia got a happy ending and that George Wiley got what he deserved. 
All in all it was a good book that made me feel a thousand emotions. 

* ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley

The Rules of Seeing by Joe Heap

This book was a beautiful story about love and life and I love every single word of it. Of course, I hate bits about it too, but those are the bits that something bad is happening. 
The storyline itself, is beautiful. I love how it connects two completely different people and pushes them through happy times and bad time and separate times but they always somehow end up together again or meeting up again. 
The main characters are great as well. I love Nova, who as a grown woman can still act so carefree and so excited about everything. Then again, she used to be blind. And then there's Kate who needs help but does not realize it. I love the relationship between them and how they connect so well. I hate Tony and everything he put them through and I really dislike Rebecca, mainly because she just seems like a bitch. 
It's been a while since I've read a book that has romance, action, suspense, and other genres included in them and this one just totally works. 
I would read this again in a heartbeat and I recommend it to you all!

* I received this ARC from the publisher via Netgalley

You can purchase the book here and you can find more info about the book here

Killing it by Asia Mackay

When I first got this book, there was some expectations that I had and it turned out to be good.

The plot itself, is constantly moving and it kept surprising me with sudden and really unexpected plot twists and there were things happening I did not think would actually happen. This makes the book really interesting to read. 
Additionally, the writing style of the book makes the book easy to read as although the topic is very serious and manly and there’s a lot of action, there is still a bit of humor in it, which makes the book a lot lighter to read. 

Another thing that makes the book this good, is the complex characters. The main character, Lex, is in her own league and the issues she has to work through make the book more complex and more interesting. Of course, at the end, it was really hard to work out who the bad guys are and who the good guys are so this, I think give the book a bit of edge to it. And, one of the big characters is a baby. Babies make everything better, even books.

All in all, this book was great to read and I enjoyed it a lot.

*I received this book from the publisher via Netgalley for a review