The Edge by Lucy Goacher

The Edge

by Lucy Goacher

The Edge had been on my TBR for a while and I started it without even re-reading the blurb, so I had no idea what to expect.

What an emotional read!

Clementine is grieving the loss of her sister, Poppy. Poppy was found on the beach at the bottom of a cliff. This, along with other factors, lead the coroner to have no choice but to rule her death a suicide. Clementine can’t accept that her sister would do that and she lives with the added guilt of missing a call from her that night. I can’t even imagine how you would begin to move on from such a tragedy. My heart broke for Clementine and her parents.

I admired her need to channel her grief into helping other people by being on the end of the phone at a support call centre. When she speaks to a man whose sister died in similar circumstances, but claims to have proof she was murdered, she becomes determined to find evidence that someone pushed Poppy too.

I really felt for her when her parents dismiss her theory and make her feel responsible for not picking up the phone that night (whether consciously or not). I can understand their need for the comfort of closure though. It’s a parent’s worst nightmare.

As the story progresses, and Clementine’s evidence builds, I’m not surprised she becomes overwhelmed and suspicious of everyone. I was suspicious of everyone! I was absolutely gripped and could not wait to find out which direction the story was going to take. I was not at all prepared for the terrifying rollercoaster of emotion this story turned out to be.

Brilliant writing! I loved it!

** According to Amazon I purchased the kindle edition of The Edge on the 4th of October 2022. Small Secrets is now on my wishlist **

Sometimes it’s easier to believe the lie. But is the truth right in front of you?

Everyone says Poppy jumped. My beautiful, creative sister, with her paint-splattered dresses and sunshine smile, took her own life. And I think they’re right. Until the day I get a call from a man with a very similar story.

Everyone says his sister jumped too. But he has proof that she was pushed. And if she was, I have to ask myself: could the same thing have happened to Poppy? In the moments before she died, was she really calling me to say goodbye, or was she calling for my help? Was she really alone on that cliff edge?

When Poppy’s friends tell me she had a serious boyfriend, I feel like I’m losing my grip on reality. If they were so madly in love, wouldn’t she have told me? Wouldn’t there be pictures of them together? And when I find the silver heart necklace he gave her, I feel sick. It’s the same silver heart another murdered girl was given in the weeks before she died.

This can’t be a coincidence. Either I’ve lost my mind, or the man my darling sister loved killed her. And if he could charm his way into her life so easily, what’s to say he’s not already in mine?

Happy reading!

Filthy Rich Temptation (Filthy Rich Billionaires Book 1) by Rachael Stewart @rach_b52 @BoldwoodBooks

Filthy Rich Temptation (Filthy Rich Billionaires Book 1)

by Rachael Stewart 

WOW! What a story this is!

It’s probably a good job my husband doesn’t read my book reviews because I think I love Theo. I fell in love with him in chapter one. He’s just the most delicious character. I defy anyone to resist his charms!

Theo is a self-made billionaire, but this is far from the focus of this story. It’s barely mentioned really, although there are obvious nods to it such as him living in a London penthouse apartment overlooking the Thames, and owning a beach house in Pembrokeshire with a live-in housekeeper. He’s a modest character though, and he’s trying his best to support his best friend by helping her younger sister and her three-year-old daughter after fleeing an abusive relationship. The problem is, he has been attracted to Sadie for longer than he cares to admit. How is he supposed to live in such close proximity to her and keep his feelings under control!?

Sadie has always carried a torch for Theo and eventually makes her feelings quite clear, making her so much more difficult for Theo to resist….

The way Theo is with Sadie reminds me very much of how my husband is with me, which is why I think I am completely besotted with him. The chemistry between these two is off the charts! I hope they’re still the same 26 years later as we are.

With scorching scenes (hot is an understatement!) as well as heart-meltingly romantic ones I absolutely loved Theo’s and Sadie’s story. They have their stumbling blocks along the way, of course, but they get there in the end and that’s the most important thing. Who doesn’t love a happy ending!?

I adored this book and will have no problem recommending to anyone and everyone.

** I won a paperback copy of Filthy Rich Temptation in a recent giveaway. Thank you to Rachael Stewart and Boldwood Books **

Theo

Making my first billion? Easy. Surviving Sadie — and her three-year-old — moving in? Pure torture. She’s my best friend’s little sister, the one girl I should never touch. Especially after that reckless kiss seven years ago…the kiss that ruined everything.

Now she’s here, under my roof, in every corner of my thoughts. Vulnerable. Off-limits. And so beautiful it hurts. I promised myself I’d protect her, keep my distance. But every laugh, every accidental touch, makes it harder to remember why I ever said no.

Sadie

I ran to Theo for safety, but the moment I walked through his door, I knew I wasn’t just in danger from my ex—I was in danger of falling again. He thinks he’s protecting me, keeping his distance. But every smouldering look says otherwise.

And every night, I wonder: what if I kissed him again? He thinks he’s just helping. But he doesn’t see how he’s rewiring my heart—how my daughter already adores him. I’m supposed to be surviving, not falling. But I know what I want…him. His hands. His mouth. His body. Even if it’s the one thing he swore I couldn’t have…

Treat yourself

Happy reading!

Christmas with the Princes by Hannah Langdon #PublicationDay #NetGalley #NetGalleyUK

Christmas with the Princes

by Hannah Langdon 

I wouldn’t usually read a Christmas book this early in the year, but I requested this on NetGalley when I found out that Hannah Langdon had very sadly passed away, suddenly and unexpectedly, after a short illness. Her author friends were keen to get as many people as possible to pre-order and/or request on NetGalley so, of course, I was more than happy to support. My heart goes out to Hannah’s family, friends, and colleagues.

This book is a gorgeous read! I was completely swept away with the romance of it, and it didn’t matter to me at all that we’re a little way off Christmas yet. I don’t think there’s any reason why this book would have to be read exclusively at Christmas time, although it would certainly enhance your enjoyment of the festive season.

Laura is a private nurse who is embarking on a new position at the estate of Lyonscroft. She is to care for Marilise, who is a wonderful character. The two of them hit it off straight away and Laura soon settles in. She is struggling with grief and immersing herself in her work seems to be her only option for now. She is also trying to avoid her sister’s wedding plans for as long as possible. A sister who is the polar opposite of Laura, self-centred and entitled.

When Laura first meets Nick Prince, and his beloved dog, in a hedge rescue situation, she doesn’t realise he is the heir to Lyonscroft. As she gets to know him further, he does nothing much to warm himself to her initially, but she soon has a softening effect on him, and he starts to grow on her.

As their romance blossoms, Lyonscroft begins to embrace Christmas like never before, bringing light, laughter, love, and excitement to a house previously devoid of joy. A brighter future for the heir indeed.

A beautiful story which I loved!

I need to catch up with books one and two now. I wish I had discovered Hannah Langdon before now.

** Many thanks to the publisher for my ARC via NetGalley **

A swoon-worthy tale of second chances and Christmas magic that will have you believing in holiday miracles!

When Laura Wilde arrives at the snow-dusted English estate of Lyonscroft for Christmas, she’s fleeing her sister’s wedding chaos and seeking refuge in her job as a private nurse. But this enchanting manor holds secrets – not least why the devastatingly handsome heir, Nick Prince, seems determined to keep everyone at arm’s length…

Nick wants nothing more than to escape Christmas and sell the family estate, but Laura’s arrival changes everything. As she cares for his beloved grandmother, the spirited Princess Marilise, Laura finds herself caught between two worlds: the warmth and wisdom of an extraordinary woman with stories to tell, and the guarded heart of a man with a past he doesn’t want to talk about.

But when Laura transforms the cold, unwelcoming house into a magical Christmas wonderland, something shifts. Between unexpected dog rescues and stolen moments under the mistletoe, Laura must decide: will she play it safe and stick to her carefully ordered life, or risk everything for a love that could heal them both?

Perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Beth Moran and Phillipa Ashley.

Happy reading!

Cinderella’s Fling With The Billionaire (Sun, Sea and Swept Away Book 2) by Rachael Stewart @rach_b52

Cinderella’s Fling With The Billionaire (Sun, Sea and Swept Away Book 2) 

by Rachael Stewart 

Oh, my goodness! What a gorgeous read this is! I can always trust Rachael Stewart to make me smile and warm my heart. She writes such beautiful characters, often with difficult pasts, who manage to find happiness with each other despite the odds. I love it!

Maria is a single mother of an eighteen-year-old daughter. It has been just the two of them for a long time after Maria’s painful split from her daughter’s father. She is determined not to be answerable to any man again.

Then in walks Tim. Obviously easy on the eye, Maria can’t resist a night of fun. One night only. No strings attached.

Fate has other ideas though and I loved how their story unfolds.

Tim is just gorgeous. I think in Maria’s situation I might snatch him up without a second thought, but I understand her reluctance. Having good looks and being a billionaire is not enough to convince her to surrender her heart again in a hurry. Her daughter will always be her priority. Tim’s daughter is his priority too, but after devastating loss he isn’t ready to give up on the first woman who has made him feel the way he hasn’t for a long time.

I loved it! The characters, the yacht, the sunsets, the angst, the romance, the happy ending. I loved it all!

** Many thanks to Rachael Stewart for my review copy **

In this Sun, Sea and Swept Away story, single mum Maria has fought to reclaim her world from her controlling ex. Romance is the last thing on her mind—until billionaire widower Tim walks into her bar, igniting a passion she thought she’d buried. A brief fling was meant to be enough, until they find themselves unexpectedly reunited on a luxury superyacht. Working as a stewardess, Maria is mortified to be serving the man she shared a bed with. Worse still, their attraction is stronger than ever…

Happy reading!

Out of Sorts by Aurélie Valognes (Author), Wendeline A. Hardenberg (Translator) 

Out of Sorts

by Aurélie Valognes (Author), Wendeline A. Hardenberg (Translator) 

I really, really enjoyed Out of Sorts. Ferdinand Brun is a cantankerous old git, but I couldn’t help but like him. I can understand how he would frustrate his neighbours though!

He’s a fascinating character and I love how much he loves Daisy. My heart broke for him when he lost her. His attitude towards his daughter and his ex-wife made me sad, but I love how Juliette and Beatrice endeavour to change him. Even at his grand age, they are quite determined!

A heart-warming read. Sad, but funny. Ultimately uplifting. I loved it!

** According to Amazon I purchased the Kindle copy of Out of Sorts on the 3rd of December 2015 **

Ferdinand Brun hasn’t always been a grumpy old man. Many years ago, he was a grumpy young man. Now he’d much rather spend time with his canine companion, Daisy, than any of his nosy neighbors. But as his behavior becomes increasingly peculiar, his daughter grows concerned and begins to consider moving him into a retirement home.

In order to maintain his freedom, Ferdinand must submit to an apartment inspection by his longtime enemy, the iron-fisted concierge, Mrs. Suarez. Unfortunately, he’s never tidied up a day in his life. His neighbors, precocious ten-year-old Juliette and vivacious ninety-two-year-old Beatrice, come to the rescue. And once he lets these two into his life, things will never be the same. After an eighty-three-year reign of grouchiness, Ferdinand may finally learn that it’s never too late to start living.

Happy reading!

Alien Lord’s Captive (Warriors of the Lathar Book 1) by Mina Carter @minacarter

Alien Lord’s Captive (Warriors of the Lathar Book 1) 

by Mina Carter 

If you’re a regular reader of my blog you will know that this isn’t my usual kind of read, but according to Amazon I bought the kindle copy on the 15th of November 2021, so someone must have recommended it to me back then.

I have to say that I enjoyed it more than I expected. Alien romance wouldn’t be my go-to genre, but this is really well written, and I really enjoyed it once I got into it. This is a romance which begins with a forced proximity which made me feel a bit queasy at first. It soon becomes obvious though that Cat won’t need to be forced to do anything she doesn’t want to. She’s a strong character who quickly becomes enamoured with her alien captor. When I say alien, he isn’t much different to a human man, apart from a feline eye and he’s much bigger (in every sense of the word 😉). I enjoyed how their romance and love for one another blossoms. There is A LOT of heat between the two of them! If you like a bit of passion in your books and are looking for an escape from the real world, then maybe give this one a try.

I’m not sure I loved this enough to immediately read the following nineteen books in this twenty-book series, but I have added book two to my Wishlist! Thank you to whoever it was who brought this series to my attention.

She’s trained for everything up to and including alien invasion. One problem. No one told her aliens would be so damn sexy.

It’s simple. When her base is attacked by aliens, Cat has to fight. Whenever and however possible. But the alien leader, Tarrick, has her in his sights and she has one choice. Come to his bed or things go badly for her friends.

Determined to resist, it’s hard to remember what she’s fighting against when her alien captor is built like a god and his touch sets her body on fire. She only has to fool him for a while, just long enough to get the information they need to escape. Long enough to find out her sexy alien isn’t the monster she thought… But when the time comes, will she want to leave?

He needs a female, or they all die.

His species is dying. Not today, maybe not tomorrow, but with no females, their days are numbered. Finding a base full of females is a bounty Tarrick can’t ignore. Nor can he ignore the delicate little female who stirs his blood yet dares to defy him at every step. Then a dangerous rival challenges his claim on Terran space and all it’s females. He can’t afford to lose control, or his clan is doomed.

When his treasured female is taken, he’ll do anything to rescue her. Including starting an intergalactic war…

Treat yourself

Happy reading!

Happier Days by Marcie Steele @marcie_steele @writermels

Happier Days

by Marcie Steele 

Well, if you’re looking for a beautifully written, feel-good story full of romance and gorgeous characters then look no further. Marcie Steele never fails to write characters who feel completely real. Characters who you find yourself rooting for 100%, praying for their happiness.

I knew I was going to love this book before I even started it, and I wasn’t wrong. There isn’t a single book written by Marcie/Mel that I haven’t adored.

I was completely captivated by Ava and Jack’s love story. They’ve both had their sad times, and grief never really leaves you, but in finding each other again they certainly can look forward to happier days!

Another gorgeous read! One I will happily recommend to anyone who will listen! 😊

** Many thanks to Marcie Steele for my kindle review copy. (Apologies for the delay in publishing my review.) Proud to be part of #TeamSherratt **

Some memories never fade – some hearts never stop hoping

When work as a photographer takes her back to a village she knows well, Ava isn’t expecting Jack to be as picture perfect as he is in her memories from all those years ago.

Set on the outskirts of Somerley, Sapphire Hotel is in need of a makeover. Its owners, Jack’s parents, are not keen on change after the death of his brother, but he encourages them to hire a PR company to boost trade. Whoever is sent to do the job will have their work cut out and, as project manager, will have to answer to him.

An untimely meeting has old friendships and emotions reawakened. Will Ava discover that true love isn’t a burden, but a wonderful thing? And will Jack find a way to let go of the past and risk his heart again?

Treat yourself….

Happy reading!

Brides and Bouquets At Cedarwood Lodge by Rebecca Raisin

Brides and Bouquets At Cedarwood Lodge

by Rebecca Raisin

I started Brides and Bouquets immediately after finishing the first book in this series, Celebrations and Confetti, as I really love the characters and the feel-good story. This book is another lovely instalment. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The race is on for Clio to have Cedarwood Lodge ready in time for the massive Wedding Expo she has planned to help entice brides into holding a Christmas wedding at the lodge. Of course, this isn’t without its hiccups and at one point it seems like everything is against her. However, she enlists the help of the handsome project manager we met in book one and all is right with the world again.

Honestly, if I was looking for venues to get married, Cedarwood Lodge would be at the top of my list. I got married in April, but a Christmas wedding in such a beautiful setting sounds amazing! The whole set up sounds stunning! How could you not be swept away with the romance of it all!?

I thought it might be weird reading a Christmassy book in April/May, but it really wasn’t. I loved it! It’s beautifully written feel-good fiction at its finest.

I look forward to reading book three but due to other review commitments I haven’t been able to jump straight into it.

** I purchased the kindle edition of Brides and Bouquets on the 27th of April 2025 (Our wedding Anniversary!) after finishing book one **

Snow is falling at Cedarwood Lodge in the second part of the feel-good romance serial from best selling author, Rebecca Raisin!

Dreaming of a happily ever after at Cedarwood Lodge is Clio Winters’ current focus, especially with a winter wonderland wedding expo planned. But with brides coming from far and wide the heat is on for Clio to fulfil everyone’s dream of a Christmas wedding!

It seems like Clio’s new business might be off to a rocky start and surrounded by love struck brides she can’t help but hope for a little Christmas romance of her own…

Cedarwood Lodge is a delectable romance told in three parts – following Clio Winters journey back to her hometown of Evergreen. This is Part Two.

I.C.Y.M.I

Happy reading!

Celebrations and Confetti At Cedarwood Lodge by Rebecca Raisin 

Celebrations and Confetti At Cedarwood Lodge

by Rebecca Raisin 

Celebrations and Confetti is an excellent start to the Cedarwood Lodge series. I take my hat off to Clio for taking on such a massive challenge, although I can totally see the appeal. It sounds amazing! I love her commitment to the project, and I love her relationship with her friends, and colleagues.  She has a difficult relationship with her mother. A grieving mother who seems to carry a secret relating to Cedarwood. A secret she seems unwilling to share with Clio which strains their relationship further. It’s very intriguing and I hope we find out more about that.

Cedarwood is part of a small community and Clio is determined to bring it back to life with many celebrations and happy occasions. Will she leave herself any time for a bit of romance though!?

A very enjoyable read. I’ve already bought book two and started it. I’m finding myself quite invested in these characters.

** According to Amazon I purchased the Kindle edition of Celebrations and Confetti on 23rd November 2016 **

Clio Winters is finally fulfilling her childhood dream of renovating the gorgeous old Cedarwood Lodge in Evergreen. Turning it into the perfect destination for big celebrations, weddings and parties has brought her back home, but Cedarwood Lodge is in need of a lot of tender loving care.

Perhaps all the work will be the perfect distraction from the real reason she had to leave her glamorous New York life behind.

Will coming home be the best decision of her life… or her biggest regret?

Cedarwood Lodge is a delectable romance told in three parts – following Clio Winters journey back to her hometown of Evergreen. This is Part One.

Happy reading!

Under the Lemon Tree by Emma Cowell @EmmaCowellBooks #ARC #NetGalley

Under the Lemon Tree

by Emma Cowell

Under the Lemon Tree is another gorgeous read by the very lovely Emma Cowell. I have loved every one of her books and, as always, this one is so beautifully written you can’t help but love the perfectly imperfect characters and fall in love with Greece all over again.

When we first meet Kat, she hasn’t long lost her twin brother, Nik. I can’t even begin to imagine that kind of devastating loss. My heart went out to her and her parents.

When she discovers she has inherited a house, on a Greek island, from an uncle she had never met she is naturally shocked and intrigued. As was I!

I loved following Kat on her journey to Agistri. It sounds like such a beautiful place. I could totally envisage her renovations of her new home and could quite happily live there myself.

I was not prepared for the secrets she discovers about her uncle, her brother, and her mother. Kat’s pain was almost palpable, and my heart ached for her at times throughout this story.

This is such a rollercoaster of an emotional read, set in a stunning location. A heart-warming tale of family dynamics, love, grief, friendship, personal growth, ambition, hope, achievement, romance, true love, and delicious Greek food. I was completely captivated!

** Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley **

Can one Greek summer heal the secrets of the past?

Could discovering a family secret encourage Kat to follow her heart?

Shattered by the sudden loss of her twin, Nik, Kat is lost in grief. The comfort of family feels both soothing and suffocating, but everything changes when she inherits a house on the breathtaking Greek island of Agistri from a mysterious uncle she’s never met.

Arriving on Agistri, Kat is mesmerized by its crystalline waters, lush pine forests, and the citrus-scented air. Among the white-washed houses and warm, welcoming locals, she begins to feel her heart heal. The island offers more than solace, sparking courage in Kat to face her loss — and maybe even embrace the spark of unexpected love…

But as she unearths her family’s buried past, Kat must also confront her own fears of belonging, forgiveness — and the possibility of rediscovering happiness in the shadow of heartbreak…

Treat yourself!

I.C.Y.M.I

Happy reading!