2015: My Year In Review

As always, 2015 will have been a wildly different year for every one of us. And as with every year, it will have brought a variety of things, some good, some bad, and some you're not quite sure about just yet.

Book Review: Traces of Me by Tracy Kiss

Last Updated: 30 May 2021

AD* | As April approaches her thirtieth birthday she finally meets the love of her life but it comes at a cost. Traces Of Me is an artisanal and honest open-hearted tongue-in-cheek account of finding true love in a world now overruled by beauty, social media and selfies.

From ugly duckling to elegant swan, infused with orgasms, arguments and endearment, this is a journey to captivate and consume men and women alike. Stir your soul and hold on tight for a modern day Bridget Jones meets Fifty Shades rendition that is not for the faint-hearted.

A tale to both bless and haunt you forever.

Book Review: Beyond The Rest Of Us by Andrew Man

Last Updated: 30 May 2021

AD* | Beyond The Rest Of Us is a thrilling journey of the contemporary human heart, intimate, magical, and subtly architected. A retired Swiss banker is kidnapped at a Geneva hotel for crimes he doesn't understand. An Italian cruise ship crashes into rocks in the Tyrrhenian Sea. A respected American scientist disappears into thin air. And a British secret agent follows a trail of corrupt power in this gripping third book featuring Andrew Man's ageing male protagonist James Pollack.

10 Tips to Pass Your Driving Theory Test

Learning to drive is a massive step towards becoming independent, so understandably it can be a stressful time, no matter how old you are when you take the test. The theory test is the first hurdle for learners so it can be a very nerve-wracking experience. But having been there and experienced it first-hand, I thought I'd share some of my acquired knowledge with you. My driving theory test tips might just help you overcome the hurdle you are facing and get you out on the road. Here are my top 10 tips to pass your theory test!

Book Review: An Eagle in the Snow by Michael Morpurgo

Last Updated: 28 May 2021

AD* | The powerful new novel from the master storyteller - inspired by the true story of one man who might have stopped World War II.

1940. The train is under attacks from German fighters. In the darkness, sheltering in a railway tunnel, the stranger in the carriage with Barney and his mother tells them a story to pass the time.

And what a story. The story of a young man, a young soldier in the trenches of World War I who, on the spur of the moment, had done what he thought was the right thing.

It turned out to have been the worst mistake he ever could have made – a mistake he must put right before it is too late...

Interview: Mia Hoddell

This week I'm participating in the blog tour for Not Enough by Mia Hoddell. As part of the tour, I had the opportunity to interview the author. You can also read my review of the book.

Mia Hoddell is the Amazon #1 bestselling author of books including The Seasons of Change series, False Finder, the Chequered Flag series (coming next year from Limitless Publishing) and now Not Enough. She lives in the UK with her family and two cats and writes mainly YA and NA romance.

Book Review: Not Enough by Mia Hoddell

Last Updated: 28 May 2021

AD* | Neve Colvin isn’t good enough. As an introvert, her life is a never-ending list of labels and criticism. Pressures to change come from everyone - including the one person she thought would love her unconditionally... her mother. All Neve wants is acceptance, but surrounded by extroverts it’s a wish that’s nearly impossible to fulfil.

For Neve there’s only one solution: anyone disapproving must go. Even if it means only one person will remain.

That person is her lifelong friend Blake Reynolds. He’s seen the fights with her mum, the breakdowns caused by attacks on her personality, and the battles for acceptance. Each time she is left shattered and questioning who she is, he’s the one to collect the pieces of her broken heart. Shielding her from the cruelty is his only concern. But how can he protect her when Neve is concealing a secret so dark?

Blake thinks he knows everything about her, and with their relationship developing, he assumes Neve trusts him fully. However, there is one memory Neve is too ashamed of to share. Revealing it will test Blake’s loyalty beyond what she could ever ask, and Blake is the only friend she can’t afford to lose. He’s the one person capable of dragging her from the darkness plaguing her, but with pressures to conform increasing, even Blake may not be enough to pull her back this time.

Book Review: The Person Controller by David Baddiel

Last Updated: 7 November 2021

AD* | Fred and Ellie are twins. But not identical (because that's impossible for a boy and a girl). They do like all the same things, though. Especially video games. Which they are very good at. They aren't that good, however, at much else - like, for example, football, or dealing with the school bullies.

Then, they meet the Mystery Man, who sends them a video game controller, which doesn't look like any other controller they've ever seen. And it doesn't control any of their usual games. When the twins find out what it does control, though, it seems like the answer to all their problems. And the key to all their wildest dreams. At least it seems like that...

Gig Review: Imagine Dragons at The O2

When American rock band Imagine Dragons first announced details of their 2015 Smoke & Mirrors tour, I was gutted to miss out on tickets to one of the dates on the UK leg of the world tour. Luckily for me, as the first London show sold out, they added another date on the 4th of November. Even luckier for me, I was right in there to grab tickets as soon as they went on sale.

Event Review: NFL International Series - Detroit Lions @ Kansas City Chiefs

As a British woman, I'm not exactly your typical NFL fan. But ever since my boyfriend got into the sport several years ago, I tried to show an interest (admittedly begrudgingly at first!) After some late-night games and lots of one-sided football conversations, I finally figured out the basics of the game.

So when he asked me to go to one of the 2015 International Series games with him, I said yes. We selected the game we wanted, and after an extremely stressful morning back in early Spring trying to book tickets, we were in.

Book Review: Magnus Chase & The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

Last Updated: 28 May 2021

AD* | Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met - a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.

The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die...

Book Review: The Keeper by David Baldacci

Last Updated: 28 May 2021

AD* | Vega Jane was always told no one could leave the town of Wormwood. She was told there was nothing outside but the Quag, a wilderness filled with danger and death. And she believed it - until the night she stumbled across a secret that proved that everything she knew was a lie. 

Now just one thing stands between Vega Jane and freedom - the Quag. In order to leave Wormwood and discover the truth about her world, Vega and her best friend Delph must find a way to make it across a terrifying land of bloodthirsty creatures and sinister magic. But the Quag is worse than Vega Jane's darkest imagining. It's a living, breathing prison designed to keep enemies out and the villagers of Wormwood in.

The Quag will throw everything at Vega Jane. It will try to break her. It will try to kill her. And survival might come at a price not even Vega Jane is willing to pay.

Book Review: Zeroes by Scott Westerfeld, Margo Lanagan and Deborah Biancotti

Last Updated: 21 May 2021

AD* | Don’t call them heroes.

But these six Californian teens have powers that set them apart. They can do stuff ordinary people can’t.

Take Ethan, a.k.a. Scam. He’s got a voice inside him that’ll say whatever you want to hear, whether it’s true or not. Which is handy, except when it isn’t—like when the voice starts gabbing in the middle of a bank robbery. The only people who can help are the other Zeroes, who aren’t exactly best friends these days.

Enter Nate, a.k.a. Bellwether, the group’s “glorious leader.” After Scam’s SOS, he pulls the scattered Zeroes back together. But when the rescue blows up in their faces, the Zeroes find themselves propelled into whirlwind encounters with ever more dangerous criminals. And at the heart of the chaos they find Kelsie, who can take a crowd in the palm of her hand and tame it or let it loose as she pleases.

Filled with high-stakes action and drama, Zeroes unites three powerhouse authors for the opening instalment of a thrilling new series.

Book Review: Next Door To A Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager

Last Updated: 21 May 2021

AD* | Hadley Daniels is tired of feeling invisible.

After Hadley’s best friend moves away and she gets on the bad side of some girls at school, she goes to spend the summer with her grandparents in the Lake Michigan resort town of Grand Haven. Her next-door neighbour is none other than teen TV star Simone Hendrickson, who is everything Hadley longs to be - pretty, popular, and famous - and she’s thrilled when Simone treats her like a friend.

Being popular is a lot harder than it looks.

It’s fun and flattering when Simone includes her in her circle, though Hadley is puzzled about why her new friend refuses to discuss her former Hollywood life. Caught up with Simone, Hadley finds herself ignoring her quiet, steadfast friend, Charlotte.

To make things even more complicated, along comes Nick Jenkins…

He’s sweet, good-looking, and Hadley can be herself around him without all the fake drama. However, the mean girls have other ideas and they fill Nick’s head with lies about Hadley, sending him running back to his ex-girlfriend and leaving Hadley heartbroken.

So when her parents decide to relocate to Grand Haven, Hadley hopes things will change when school starts…only to be disappointed once again.

Cliques. Back-stabbing. Love gone bad.

Is this really what it’s like to live… Next Door To A Star?

Book Review: Sky's Fireworks by Cynthia Bruner

Last Updated: 21 May 2021

AD* | Sky has one more chance to make her happily-ever-after happen, and the only thing that could stop her is the perfect man standing by her side.

Since she was a child Sky Fischer has known she’s destined to marry her next-door neighbour Kevin, but he hasn’t realised it - yet. This Fourth of July, Kevin’s back in town and Sky’s found a brilliant way to get his attention. She’s brought co-worker Boone along to act as her boyfriend. But Kevin is oblivious, her brothers are determined to chase away her suitors, and worst of all, Boone might be a little too perfect for his role. What if the future she’s been planning isn’t right for her?

Review: Snapfish Photo Book

Last Updated: 21 February 2024

AD* | As you may remember, I worked with Snapfish earlier in the year and reviewed some of their products with a summer theme. If you missed it, you can catch it again here.

Now, I've been lucky enough to have been asked to work with them again.

Book Review: The One Thing by Marci Lyn Curtis

Last Updated: 21 May 2021

AD* | Maggie Sanders might be blind, but she won't invite anyone to her pity party. Ever since losing her sight six months ago, Maggie's rebellious streak has taken on a life of its own, culminating with an elaborate school prank. Maggie called it genius. The judge called it illegal.

Now Maggie has a probation officer. But she isn't interested in rehabilitation, not when she's still mourning the loss of her professional soccer dreams, and furious at her so-called friends, who lost interest in her as soon as she could no longer lead the team to victory.

Then Maggie's whole world is turned upside down. Somehow, incredibly, she can see again. But only one person: Ben, a precocious ten-year-old unlike anyone she's ever met. Ben's life isn't easy, but he doesn't see limits, only possibilities. After awhile, Maggie starts to realize that losing her sight doesn't have to mean losing everything she dreamed of. Even if what she's currently dreaming of is Mason Milton, the infuriatingly attractive lead singer of Maggie's new favourite band, who just happens to be Ben's brother.

But when she learns the real reason she can see Ben, Maggie must find the courage to face a once-unimaginable future... before she loses everything she has grown to love.

Book Review: Rising Tide by Susan Roebuck

Last Updated: 21 May 2021

AD* | Time, and most of Portugal, has almost forgotten Luminosa, a small fishing community on the Alentejo coast. A cluster of white and blue cottages huddle under the cliffs overshadowed by the great manor of Herdade Albatroz whose family has ruled the village since the days of Napoleon. Far off the tourist route, nobody visits Luminosa by chance.

When a ruthless American racketeer turns up, the peaceful village's way of life could be ruined forever. But will other visitors - Piper Pines, seeking news of her long-dead Portuguese mother, and Leo Shine, bereft of a father and brother accused of terrible crimes - help or hinder his objective to drag Luminosa into the twenty-first century?

Book Review: Oblivion by Arnaldur Indridason

Last Updated: 15 May 2021

AD* | THE QUICK

A woman swims in a remote, milky-blue lagoon. Steam rises from the water and as it clears, a body is revealed in the ghostly light.

THE DEAD

Miles away, a vast aircraft hangar rises behind the perimeter fence of the US military base. A sickening thud is heard as a man’s body falls from a high platform.

THE FORGOTTEN

Many years before, a schoolgirl went missing. The world has forgotten her. But Erlendur has not.

THE SEARCHER

Erlendur Sveinsson is a newly promoted detective with a battered body, a rogue CIA operative and America’s troublesome presence in Iceland to contend with. In his spare time, he investigates a cold case. He is only starting out but he is already up to his neck.

Book Review: Love Defined by Leila Tualla

Last Updated: 15 May 2021

AD* | In their final summer before graduating college, three childhood friends expect an uncomplicated transition to adulthood... but learn they all still have some growing up to do.

Alex Makapulo is facing a crisis of faith.

Raised a Catholic, Alex is considering becoming a member of her best friend Jack Page’s church - against her family’s wishes - but she can’t quite take the final step of baptism. Jack loves Alex and doesn’t understand her hesitation, and Alex wonders if Jack’s love is a blessing or a distraction to test her religious conviction.

Lori Hanson embarks on the trip of a lifetime.

For her twenty-second birthday, Lori’s grandfather presents her with a summer vacation in England. While preparing for her adventure, she meets British musician Colin Watson online and quickly falls for him. They plan to hook up when she lands in London, but her grandfather forbids it. Due to complicated family dynamics, Lori must regretfully comply with his wishes, though she vows never to forgive him.

Andy Taylor is looking for love in all the wrong places.

When Andy runs into an old crush, she decides she wants a more meaningful relationship with sexy Miles Webber. But when she confides in Alex, her friend warns her Miles only wants her for sex. Andy becomes angry and devises a reckless plan to distract Alex’s attention from her relationship. Things don’t go quite as she expected, though, and Andy is left facing a crushing moral dilemma.

As the summer unfolds, three young women learn that love and faith go hand in hand, not everything is black and white, and sometimes in a fast-paced world, you have to slow down, breathe a little, and find your own definition of love.

Book Review: Violet Chain by J. Kahele

Last Updated: 15 May 2021

AD* | After catching her fiancé with another woman at their engagement party, Violet Townsend's world is turned upside down. Desperate to numb the pain, she falls into the arms of charming, young entrepreneur Chain Alexander.

Chain, a notorious womaniser of Philadelphia, not looking for anything more than a night of pleasure with a woman, is drawn to Violet instantly. There is something about her that he needs and wants so desperately and it’s not just sex.

But Violet is resistant. Can she open her heart again after having it broken so brutally? And more importantly, should she?

Interview: J. Kahele

I recently got the chance to interview J. Kahele, author of Violet Chain (paid link; commission earned), as part of the book's blog tour. If you missed my review, you can find it here!

Book Review: Finding Flynn by Alexandria Bishop

Last Updated: 15 May 2021

AD* | Ashtyn Moretti is ready for the best summer of her life. But her parents have other plans when they drop the bomb that her perfect summer will be spent...

Away from home.

Away from friends.

Away from half her family.

Armed with her Summer from Hell playlist and a Kindle full of book boyfriends, Ashtyn prepares to face what she is sure will be the worst summer of her life. Or will it be?

Flynn James has one thing on his mind - the success of his band Marlowe. He’s focused and doesn’t have time for any distractions, and that includes facing his past. But then a petite brunette comes walking into the pub where he works.

Neither Ashtyn nor Flynn were looking for love but they can’t deny their obvious attraction. Ashtyn’s summer has been full of lies. The last thing she expects is for Flynn to be one of the liars too. Can she forgive his lies and turn her summer around? Can Flynn keep his secrets without losing everything? Or will this really be the Summer from Hell?

Book Review: Jesse's Girl by Miranda Kenneally

Last Updated: 15 May 2021

AD* | Everyone at Hundred Oaks High knows that career mentoring day is a joke. So when Maya Henry said she wanted to be a rock star, she never imagined she’d get to shadow *the* Jesse Scott, Nashville’s teen idol.

But spending the day with Jesse is far from a dream come true. He’s as gorgeous as his music, but seeing all that he’s accomplished is just a reminder of everything Maya’s lost: her trust, her boyfriend, their band, and any chance to play the music she craves. Not to mention that Jesse’s pushy and opinionated. He made it on his own, and he thinks Maya’s playing back up to other people’s dreams. Does she have what it takes to follow her heart - and go solo?

Film Review: Ant-Man

Ant-Man is the latest in the long line of blockbuster movies from Marvel Studios. Following hot on the heels of Avengers: Age of Ultron, people seemed to be in two minds over Ant-Man before the film's release.

Book Review: The Accident Season by Moira Fowley-Doyle

Last Updated: 11 May 2021

AD* | It's the accident season, the same time every year. Bones break, skin tears, bruises bloom.

The accident season has been part of seventeen-year-old Cara's life for as long as she can remember. Towards the end of October, foreshadowed by the deaths of many relatives before them, Cara's family becomes inexplicably accident-prone. They banish knives to locked drawers, cover sharp table edges with padding, switch off electrical items - but injuries follow wherever they go, and the accident season becomes an ever-growing obsession and fear.

But why are they so cursed? And how can they break free?

Book Review: Shadow of Deception by Sophia L. Johnson

Last Updated: 11 May 2021

AD* | 2153, Toronto, United Nation of North America (UNNA)

A horrific plane crash kills all five hundred and forty-two passengers except one. Kazumi comes out of the wreckage physically unscathed but wiped of all memories. Her miraculous survival attracts the attention of the Sarcomeres, a secret society of genetically advanced humans. Their heightened physical abilities and high-tech gadgets are not the only things that fascinate Kazumi, Finnegan O'Riley, a fellow Sarc also gets her heart racing. When she discovers that she possesses the genetic potential to become a Sarcomere, she welcomes the chance to train with them in the hope that she would recover her memories.

Meanwhile, thirty years after the Great War that almost destroyed the world, a centuries-old nemesis of the Sarcomeres begins to stir in the dark. Just when Kazumi thinks she can help protect her newfound home, past memories surface to threaten her new identity. She soon realizes that layers of deception run deep and everyone has a secret agenda, including herself. Who can she trust when she can't even trust herself? One wrong decision could bring forth consequences worse than death. Is Kazumi ready to face her destiny?

Interview: Sophia L. Johnson

To kick start my stop on the blog tour for Shadow of Deception (paid link; commission earned) by Sophia L. Johnson, here's my interview with the author herself! The review is also up and can be seen here.

Interview: D.A. Roach

Continuing my stop on the blog tour for Rarity (paid link; commission earned), I got the chance to interview the author, D.A. Roach. If you missed my review of the book, you can find it here.

Book Review: Rarity by D.A. Roach

Last Updated: 11 May 2021

AD* | Brogen Mathers can’t deal with teen drama... As an empath, she is constantly bombarded with other people’s energies. Despite coping techniques taught by her psychologist mother, it’s often too much to bear, forcing her to avoid most activities a typical high school junior would enjoy.

Jay Wilken won’t let his past define him... A dead mother and an alcoholic father brought Jay to Stanton, but he doesn’t want pity. His good looks, charisma and friendly nature quickly win over the whole student body, but he has his eye on one girl... Brogen.

Brogen can’t believe anyone could be so genuinely nice. It has to be an act, right? But when Jay literally saves her from deadly jaws, she has to admit he’s exactly what he appears, and he’s worth risking the potential emotional upheaval.

“Drama” might as well be Becca Grant’s middle name... Another newcomer to Stanton, Becca’s blonde beauty and abundant attitude shoot her straight to the top of the popularity charts - and she believes Jay belongs right there beside her. Accustomed to getting exactly what she wants, she launches a relentless mean-girl campaign to shake up Brogen and claim Jay for her own.

Everything changes with a devastating diagnosis... When Jay learns he has a rare and potentially fatal disorder, he keeps it secret and begins to push Brogen away to spare her future pain - which is exactly the sort of opening Becca is waiting for. As Jay’s well-meaning deception unravels, Brogen realizes there is much more than her heart at stake... But how far is she willing to go to fight for someone she loves?

Gig Review: McBusted - Alive @ Delapre

Pop supergroup McBusted kicked off 2015’s Alive @ Delapre 3-day festival in a spectacular fashion on Friday night. Fresh from their MEAT (Most Excellent Adventure Tour) earlier this year, and a support slot on One Direction’s recent world tour, the boys were on top form as usual.

Book Review: Blood & Ink by Stephen Davies

Last Updated: 11 May 2021

AD* | Kadija is the music-loving daughter of a guardian of the sacred manuscripts of the ancient city of Timbuktu, Mali.

Ali is a former shepherd boy, trained as a warrior for Allah.

Tonight, the Islamist rebels are coming for Timbuktu. They will install a harsh regime of law and tear apart the peaceful world within the mud walls of the city. Television, football, radios, even music, will be banned.

Kadija refuses to let go of her former life. And something in her defiance draws Ali to her.

Which path will he choose?

Book Review: The Notting Hill Mystery by Charles Warren Adams

Last Updated: 11 May 2021

AD* | Can you name the first detective novel ever published? For years, many believed it to be Wilkie Collins’  The Moonstone, published in 1868. Others speculated it might be Émile Gaboriau’s first Monsieur Lecoq novel, L’Affaire Lerouge. Actually, the first modern detective novel predates both of these by several years - Charles Warren Adams’ The Notting Hill Mystery, originally published as an eight-part serial in Once A Week magazine in 1862 under the pseudonym Charles Felix, then as a single-volume novel in 1863 by Bradbury & Evans, is considered to truly be the first.

The Notting Hill Mystery begins in London, where the wife of the sinister Baron R__ dies after drinking from a bottle of acid, apparently while sleepwalking in her husband’s home laboratory. It looks like an accident until insurance investigator Ralph Henderson learns that Baron R__ took out numerous life insurance policies on his wife. As Henderson investigates the case, he discovers not one, but three murders. Presented as Henderson’s evidential findings - diary entries, family letters, chemical analysis reports, interviews with witnesses, along with a crime scene map - the novel displays innovative techniques that would not become common features of detective fiction until the 1920s.

Blog Tour: Baby Girl box set by Elle Klass

Baby Girl series box set by Elle Klass 

Tour hosted by Ashley's Addictive Book Promotions 

Box set release date: July 13th, 2015 

Find it on Amazon (paid link; commission earned)

Book Review: Clariel by Garth Nix

Last Updated: 09 May 2021

AD* | Sixteen-year-old Clariel is not adjusting well to her new life in the city of Belisaere, the capital of the Old Kingdom. She misses roaming freely within the forests of Estwael, and she feels trapped within the stone city walls. And in Belisaere she is forced to follow the plans, plots and demands of everyone, from her parents to her maid, to the sinister Guildmaster Kilp. Clariel can see her freedom slipping away. It seems too that the city itself is descending into chaos, as the ancient rules binding Abhorsen, King and Clayr appear to be disintegrating.

With the discovery of a dangerous Free Magic creature loose in the city, Clariel is given the chance both to prove her worth and make her escape. But events spin rapidly out of control. Clariel finds herself more trapped than ever until help comes from an unlikely source. But the help comes at a terrible cost. Clariel must question the motivations and secret hearts of everyone around her - and it is herself she must question most of all.

Interview: Henry Maybury

Henry Maybury is a singer/songwriter who travels around the UK visiting schools and prisons to share his music and educational story. He says his aim in life is to help others through music and the Lost Days campaign, which he set up to help those struggling with addiction.

This week Henry took time out of his schedule to chat to me about his music and the campaign.

Review: Snapfish Summer Gifts

Recently I was lucky enough to be invited to review some of the lovely products from Snapfish.co.uk. I decided to go with the theme of summer for my gifts, seeing as we're in the middle of a heatwave and the holidays are just around the corner!

Book Review: All My Secrets by Sophie McKenzie

Last Updated: 09 May 2021

AD* | The shocking reality behind a GBP10 million inheritance turns Evie Brown's world on its head. Unable to find out the truth from her parents, Evie ends up on the mysterious island of Lightsea, where her desire for answers leads her towards a series of revelations that threaten everything she holds dear... including her life.

Book Review: Anvil of God by J. Boyce Gleason

Last Updated: 09 May 2021

AD* | It is 741. After subduing the pagan religions in the east, halting the march of Islam in the west, and conquering the continent for the Merovingian kings, mayor of the palace Charles the Hammer now wants the throne. Only one thing stands in his way - he's dying.

Charles cobbles together a plan to divide the kingdom among his three sons, betroth his daughter to a Lombard prince to secure his southern border, and keep the Church unified behind them through his friend Bishop Boniface. Despite his best efforts, the only thing to reign after Charles's death is chaos. His daughter has no intention of marrying anyone, let alone a Lombard prince. His two eldest sons question the rights of their younger pagan stepbrother, and the Church demands a steep price for their support. Son battles son, Christianity battles paganism, and Charles's daughter flees his court for an enemy's love.

Based on a true story, Anvil of God is a whirlwind of love, honour, sacrifice, and betrayal that follows a bereaved family's relentless quest for power and destiny.

Blog Tour: Sweet on Wilde by Fabiola Francisco

Last week I reviewed Sweet on Wilde by Fabiola Francisco. You can see my review here.

This week, I'm taking part in the book's blog tour - so check out the post below! 

Book Review: Sweet on Wilde by Fabiola Francisco

Last Updated: 09 May 2021

AD* | Cheesy pick up lines. Inappropriate messages. Disaster dates.

I was tired of being 'Savannah, profile 8713', but I made a deal with my best friend to give online dating a chance. What I wasn’t counting on was meeting a guy at the local bar.

Parker Wilde won me over with his two-step and blue eyes. He brought out the best in me and understood the worst, but when an amazing opportunity presents itself and our lives take different directions, is being sweet on Wilde enough for us?

Interview: C.A. Jonelle

If you regularly visit my blog, you’ll know that yesterday I reviewed Zaryk (paid link; commission earned) - book one in the Twisted Epiphany series - by C.A. Jonelle. (If you missed it, you can read the review here). Today, again as part of Zaryk’s blog tour, I’m interviewing the lovely C.A. Jonelle herself!

Book Review: Zaryk by C.A. Jonelle

Last Updated: 09 May 2021

AD* | One fatal moment tears Zaryk’s life apart and he struggles to cope with his loss and grief. Years later, with his band ‘Twisted Epiphany’ on the cusp of success, Zaryk is finding the answers in partying and alcohol. Enter Lyndsay, a shy college girl who gives Zaryk hope that there can be happy endings in life. But one night of passion ruins his dreams of something more meaningful and spoils their friendship. Misunderstandings drive them apart and Zaryk is soon lost in a different world as ‘Twisted Epiphany’ become ever more famous. Will he get the chance to tell Lyndsay how he feels? Or will Zaryk’s stardom and Lyndsay’s insecurities keep them apart?

A story of passion, love, loss and the pressures of fame, ‘Zaryk’ is the first in the ‘Twisted Epiphany’ series that follows Zaryk, Zayne, Zayden, Deklan and Kreed as they take their band from small-town success to worldwide phenomenon.

Book Review: Blurring the Line by Kierney Scott

Last Updated: 04 May 2021

AD* | When DEA agent Beth Thomson recruits ex-soldier Armando Torres as an undercover agent, she knows she has hit the jackpot.

He will infiltrate ‘Los Zetas’, one of Mexico’s deadliest cartels, and expose their drug-running into the USA. In turn, she promises to turn a blind eye to him finding and killing the rival cartel member who shot his best friend. Beth is good at overlooking the gruesome details of her job; her focus is the bigger picture – nailing ‘El Escorpion’, the mysterious and most-wanted leader of the ‘Los Treintas’ gang.

Torres soon climbs the cartel ladder and has the tattoo markings to prove his loyalty. So when a secret meet with Beth goes wrong, his cover is strong enough for him to save her from his fellow gang members. His silence hints at the horrors he has performed to get him where he is, and his brutality and strength both scare and arouse Beth simultaneously. The heat between them is unprofessional and yet undeniable. But has he gone rogue? Can Beth trust him to put her mission before his own revenge? And can she trust herself with him?

Unboxing and Review: Goodies from PetShop.co.uk

AD* | My dog Max and I were recently lucky enough to have the chance to review some goodies from the lovely people at PetShop.co.uk!

Book Review: Secrets of the Singer Girls by Kate Thompson

Last Updated: 4 May 2021

AD* | 1942. Sixteen-year-old Poppy Percival turns up at the gates of Trout's clothing factory in Bethnal Green with no idea what her new life might have in store. There to start work as a seamstress and struggling to get to grips with the noise, dirt and devastation of East London, Poppy can't help but miss the quiet countryside of home. But Poppy harbours a dark secret - one that wrenched her away from all she knew and from which she is still suffering...

And Poppy's not the only one with a secret. Each of her new friends at the factory is hiding something painful. Vera Shadwell, the forelady, has had a hard life with scars both visible and concealed; her sister Daisy has romantic notions that could get her in trouble; and Sal Fowler, a hardworking mother who worries about her two evacuated boys for good reason. Bound by ties of friendship, loyalty and family, the devastating events of the war will throw each of their lives into turmoil but also bring these women closer to each other than they could ever have imagined.

Book Review: Captain’s Orders by Kara Keen

Last Updated: 4 May 2021

AD* | "Those eyes bluer than the sky – I don’t know about being on drugs, but surely this kissing is a drug, a narcotic keeping the rest of the world away, out of our minds.”

So I recently got the chance to review Captain’s Orders by Kara Keen as part of the book’s blog tour! Exciting, right? But before I go on, just a warning that this review contains *MILD SPOILERS*

Film Review: Pitch Perfect 2

It’s been three years since Pitch Perfect was released, but now the Bellas are back for another fun-filled pitch-slapping adventure.

The series was heavily influenced by the hit US TV show Glee and loosely adapted from Mickey Rapkin’s book of the same name. Both films follow a group of college girls from the fictional Barden University, the Barden Bellas, on their journey to become a capella champions.

Penguin Platform and Little Black Classics

AD* | Penguin Platform is a new online community for 16 to 19-year-olds that aims to provide a place for young adults to share and discover the stories they love. It will feature insights from top YA titles as well as introducing crossover and adult books.

25 Things You Should Thank Your Girlfriend For

I recently read an article titled ‘25 things you should thank your boyfriend for.’ Of course, then my boyfriend challenged me to think of 25 things he should thank me for. Naturally, I decided to take that idea and turn it into a blog post, creating a companion article featuring plenty of everyday but important things to thank your girlfriend for. So, here are my 25 reasons to be thankful for your girlfriend!

Book Review: How to Live for Free by Deepak Tailor

Last Updated: 4 May 2021

AD* | Ever looked at your credit card bill or bank statement in despair? Ever wondered how to get the things you buy for a cheaper price? I know I have. That’s why I volunteered to read and review a copy of Deepak Tailor’s book How to Live for Free in exchange for an honest review.

Gig Review: McBusted at Capital FM Arena, Nottingham

Last Saturday, 18th April, pop supergroup McBusted played the first of two consecutive shows at Nottingham’s Capital FM Arena as part of their MEAT (Most Excellent Adventure) Tour. Following on from the unprecedented success of their 2014 self-titled tour, the boys are definitely on to a winner.

5 Books I've Been Meaning to Read Forever

I recently saw an article on Bookriot about the books their readers have been meaning to read forever but haven’t read yet. This got me thinking – what books have I been meaning to read for ages? Anyone who knows me at all will know how much I love to read, and in fact, my to-be-read pile is now comprised of what must be nearing 1000 books I’ve bought/borrowed/downloaded and haven’t had the time to read yet. So with that many books, I thought it would be interesting to have a look at the top 5 books I’ve been meaning to read forever, but haven’t got around to reading yet.

Gig Review: Tim Schou at The Garage, London

Last week I was in London to see Danish singer-songwriter Tim Schou’s showcase upstairs at The Garage, Highbury. The performance on Wednesday night was Tim’s first solo UK show since his band A Friend In London split early last year.

After a quiet few months of songwriting and other projects following the band’s split, Tim is now back in force. He’s out to take the world by storm, armed only with a backing band and crew, a guitar, a repertoire of brand-new songs, and a dream.