Review: 'How to Get Hitched in Ten Days' by Samantha Tonge (2016)

Meet Mikey, every girl’s best friend – he bakes the creamiest cheesecake, loves movie nights and is a great dance partner.
For Jasmine, Mikey is the perfect flatmate – he owns a 50s diner that turns out the best food around, gives the best bear hugs and amazing romance advice – after all they’re scoping out the same hot guys! So when her boyfriend proposes in the worst possible way, Jazz knows her best friend will be there to pick up the pieces with gourmet popcorn, Pinot sleepovers and a shoulder to lean on.
But Mikey isn’t about to let Jasmine give up on love, and he’s ready to do whatever it takes to mend her broken heart – even if it means helping the one person who sees him as the enemy…
Because at the end of the day, all’s fair in the pursuit of true love… right?
If there’s a chick lit/rom com author who I continue to come across on Twitter, other book blogs, Goodreads and Amazon but whose books I somehow haven’t read yet, it’s Samantha Tonge. I’ve seen the lovely covers and read the descriptions for some of her novels like ‘Doubting Abbey’, ‘From Paris with Love’ and ‘Game of Scones’, and I have a good feeling I would really enjoy her work. So, when Carina UK approved my Netgalley request to review her latest release, ‘How to Get Hitched in Ten Days’, which was released on February 11th, I was really excited. Finally the chance to be introduced to Samantha’s work and discover her stories myself!
Mikey and Jasmine are flatmates and the best of friends. Mikey serves the most delicious comfort food at his own 50s-style American diner and is always there to help Jasmine when she needs a shoulder to cry on or advice on her love life. So, when her long-term boyfriend Dave drunkenly asks Jasmine to marry him after a few drinks too many, Jasmine definitely needs Mikey’s listening ear. While Jasmine is confused and needs to think about her future with Dave, Mikey decides to help Dave win Jasmine’s heart back, even though Dave doesn’t appear to be his biggest fan…
I was a bit surprised when I discovered ‘How to Get Hitched in Ten Days’ is actually a novella instead of a full-length novel, but this definitely didn’t ruin the reading experience. I’m really glad I finally managed to check out one of Samantha Tonge’s works, because she has an entertaining writing style that suits the chick lit/romantic comedy genre really well. The story is told from the perspectives of leading characters Mikey and Jasmine, who are the best of friends. It was incredibly easy to warm to Mikey, I honestly thought he was a great character and would love to read more about him. His friendship with Jasmine is a great one, even though I have to admit I didn’t particularly like Jasmine. Perhaps it also has to do with the fact that this is a novella and there’s not a lot of space to really get to know characters in-depth, but I just didn’t really connect with Jasmine on any level, unfortunately.
I don’t want to give too much away about the story, but I really enjoyed the plotline of the book and think it would have definitely made a great full-length novel as well, especially with the room to expand more on the characters and their backgrounds. However, this has definitely provided me with the chance to be introduced to Samantha Tonge’s work and I already can’t wait to read one of her other books. So, overall, ‘How to Get Hitched in Ten Days’ is a light-hearted, cute, quick read with a good dose of romance; a great novella to pick up when you’re looking for a fast-paced and quick read!        

Rating:8/10

  For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Friends Book Tag!

One of my favourite TV shows ever has to be 'Friends.' I've seen all episodes multiple times and it's one of those shows I don't think I will ever get bored with. So, when I stumbled upon this Friends Book Tag over at The Girl Who Read Too Much, I immediately knew I wanted to take part in this as well!

The One where Eddie Won’t Go – a character I wish would just go away Oh, this already starts off with a difficult one *thinks* I remember being incredibly annoyed by Daisy Buchanan when I had to read 'The Great Gatsby' back in secondary school. Oh, and I can't forget Professor Umbridge from 'Harry Potter'... Wow, I really wanted to punch her in the face. The One where Ross and Rachel Take a Break – favourite break up scene I'm not really sure if I have a favourite break up scene. However, I remember the break up between Bella and Edward from the 'Twilight' series; Edward leaves Bella behind in 'New Moon' and the emotions were really gripping and real. Definitely a break up that made an impression, even though I don't know whether it's really my favourite.
The One with all the Kissing – a book with lots of kissing Nicholas Sparks' books have the best kisses, if you ask me, and I can never get enough of them <3

The Last One – favourite series finale Has to be Harry Potter, even though it's also a horrible and heart-breaking and almost too emotional finale at the same time.
The One with a Blackout – a scene I’d like to forget There are quite a few books I've read which I'd just like to forget about as a whole, but specific scenes... Definitely some scenes from the '50 Shades of Grey' trilogy; not necessarily because of the subject matter, but also because of the horrible writing. The One where Chandler can’t Cry – a book that did not make you as emotional as others A book I read recently, 'Time to Say Goodbye' by S.D. Robertson. It was promoted as a book that would undoubtedly make everyone cry, so I was prepared, but didn't shed a tear while reading.
The One where Joey doesn’t Share Food – a book you won’t ever lend Some of the Jane Austen collection books I've bought and received over the years.

The One with the Thumb – a recent read that you would give two thumbs up to I actually just finished 'Blogger Girl' by Meredith Schorr and I loved it from start to finish; a brilliant read.
The One with the Ick Factor – a book with a pet peeve The reference to Ana's inner goddess in '50 Shades of Grey' made me want to pull my hair out at a certain point. The One with the Lesbian Wedding – favorite LGBTQ book couple I can't seem to think of my favourite LGBTQ book couple right now, simply because I haven't read that many books with a specific focus on a LGBTQ couple. So, if anyone has any recommendations, definitely let me know!
If you feel like taking part in this book tag as well, be sure to leave a link to your blog post in the comments section below! :)

Review: 'Love at First Flight' by Tess Woods (2015)

Looking back on it now, I can see it was instant. The second we locked eyes. Boom. Just like that. The me I had spent a lifetime perfecting began its disintegration from that moment. And despite the carnage it brought to all our lives, I still don't regret it. 
What would you risk to be with the love of your life? And what if your soul mate is the one who will destroy you? 
Mel is living the dream. She's a successful GP, married to a charming anaesthetist and raising a beautiful family in their plush home in Perth. But when she boards a flight to Melbourne, she meets Matt and her picture perfect Stepford life unravels as she falls in love for the first time ever.
What begins as a flirty conversation between strangers quickly develops into a hot and obsessive affair with disastrous consequences neither Mel nor Matt could have ever seen coming. Mel's dream life turns into her worst nightmare.
I’ve got another review of a book that has been a part of my TBR-list for way too long to share with all of you today. It’s a book I was really curious to check out soon after its release in April 2015, especially after several thoroughly enjoyable releases by publisher HarperCollins Australia, but somehow I just didn’t get to it last year. It was, however, definitely a read that stayed on my radar and at the start of this year I promised myself I would have read and reviewed the book before the end of February. And here we are, it’s almost the end of February and finally I have my review of ‘Love at First Flight’ ready, while regretting it took me so long to finally be introduced to Tess Woods’ writing!   Mel has the perfect life; at least, that’s what it looks like to the outside world. She loves her job as a GP, she’s been married to handsome anaesthetist Adam for several years, and together they have two great children and a lovely home in the city of Perth. However, Mel can’t help but miss something; something she unexpectedly finds in the form of twenty-something Matt, whom she meets on a flight to Melbourne for a weekend away. The chemistry between the two of them is undeniable and Mel can’t stop thinking about Matt. Before she knows it, she finds herself in the middle of a steamy affair, keeping secrets from her family and friends. But is this new romance she has found really worth giving up her whole life for?
I always have a bit of difficulty with novels about adultery, simply because it is something I personally feel quite strong about. However, sometimes authors just really manage to deal with the topic in an engrossing way, capturing the involved emotions perfectly, and that is definitely the case with Tess Wood’s ‘Love at First Flight.’ I have no idea why it took me so long to finally pick up one of Tess Woods’ novels because she really is a wonderful author whose writing style I really enjoyed. The emotions in this book really grabbed me; the lust, the pain, the desperation, the happiness. It’s a really well-written story with convincing characters and an intriguing storyline.
The story is told from the perspectives of the two main characters, Mel and Matt, providing the reader with an inside look into both of their worlds. I was even quite surprised by some of the things that happened, not being able from the start to predict what was going to happen to the characters. If you’re a women’s fiction fan, definitely pick up this novel; it’s worth the read. I personally already can’t wait to read more of Tess Woods’ work, because this novel has definitely made quite the impression. Overall, ‘Love at First Flight’ is a powerful, well-written and provoking novel filled with all kinds of emotions; a story well-told and worth picking up.

Rating:9/10

  For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Books I Enjoyed Recently That Weren't My Typical Genre

'Top Ten Tuesday' is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. I love making lists, so this feature fits me perfectly! If you also take part in this feature or have any additions to my lists, please get in touch; I'd love to hear from you!  

  10 Books I Enjoyed Recently That Weren't My Typical Genre
I have to admit that as a reader I prefer to stay within the genre I feel most comfortable with; in my case that mainly means chick lit/romantic comedies. However, I do definitely enjoy a good mystery or historical novel every now and again, so I had a look at the list of books I read the past year or so to come up with ten titles for this week's Top Ten Tuesday list that includes ten books I enjoyed that weren't my typical genre.
Be sure to share your own TTT's in the comments section below; I'd love to hear from you! 

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1. 'Home Is Where the Heart Is' - Freda Lightfoot

I really enjoy a good war-time romance every now and again. I couldn't read books set during war-time every week of the year, but this was definitely an enjoyable read!

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2. 'The Exclusives' - Rebecca Thornton

A dark women's fiction read which I really quite enjoyed, even though it was nothing like I usually read.

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3. 'The Very British Rules of Dating' - Lady Lara Asprey

I almost never read non-fiction books, which is why this was definitely something special for me. I received the book for review and actually enjoyed it more than I initially thought I would.

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4. 'The Cuckoo's Calling' - Robert Galbraith

If I'm honest I'm not sure if I would have ever picked this up if it hadn't been written by J.K. Rowling, but I ended up really enjoying it!

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5. 'That's Paris' - Vicki Lesage and other authors

An anthology with lots of short stories about the city of Paris. I usually prefer full-length novels and hardly ever read anthologies, but this was quite a good one which I found entertaining from start to finish.

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6. 'No Place for a Lady' - Gill Paul

Loved this historical novel by amazing author Gill Paul <3

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7. 'The Lost Child' - Ann Troup

Mystery, suspense, thriller... Definitely not usually my cup of tea but was really surprised by this book.

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8. 'Solomon's Kitten' - Sheila Jeffries

A really cute and touching read!

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9. 'The Ghostly Father' - Sue Barnard

A re-telling of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'; loved this a lot more than I expected!

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10. 'The Madness of Mr. Darcy' - Alexa Adams

I'm a big fan of anything Jane Austen, so I definitely looked forward to checking this out even though it wasn't necessarily anything like what I usually read. It was a great read, though!

Blog Tour: 'The Ruby Ring' by Grace Macdonald!

After a whirlwind romance, Laura Marchmont marries the charming Charles Haywood. Leaving her old life behind, she struggles to fit into Charles’s world, and to be accepted by his young daughters from his first marriage. Laura also hides a terrible secret from her new husband, which casts a shadow over her life. Then, she discovers the story of a young girl who lived more than a century before. Laura is compelled to uncover the fate of Mary Rose. 
1886. When Mary Rose Marchmont’s widowed father remarries it signals the end of her childhood. A series of tragic events leads Mary Rose to be accused of a shocking crime, after which her life will never be the same again.
Corazon Books is releasing a new title today, namely 'The Ruby Ring' by Grace Macdonald, and I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of the book to read and review! Grace Macdonald is actually a pen name of fiction author Sophie King, whose other novels I've really enjoyed over the past few years. She has written some great chick lit/women's fiction titles, such as 'Do You Take This Man?' (click here to read my review), 'Love is a Secret' (click here to read my review), and 'After the Honeymoon' (under the pen name Janey Fraser; click here to read my review). 'The Ruby Ring' has an interesting historical aspect to its story, something which I looked forward to checking out!
Laura Marchmont was never sure whether she would be able to find real love, until she meets Charles Haywood. It's love at first sight between the two of them and they get married quite quickly, not wanting to waste any time. But Laura has some trouble dealing with the two daughters from Charles' previous marriage, while also dealing with a big secret from her past she knows she has to share with Charles. When she unexpectedly stumbles upon the story of a girl named Mary Rose Marchmont, who lived around the 1880s, Laura is immediately intrigued and as she unravels Mary Rose's story she discovers the two of them actually have quite a lot of common...
'The Ruby Ring' is a novel by women's fiction author Sophie King under the pen name of Grace Macdonald, and a book that's slightly different from most of Sophie's other work. It's a historical timeslip novel, focusing on two young female characters who are both struggling with keeping secrets. On the one hand we have Laura Marchmont in the modern day and age, and Mary Rose Marchmont in Victorian times. I was really curious to learn more about both Laura and Mary Rose, and loved the similarities between their two stories. The book consists of several collections of chapters set in different times and told from either Laura or Mary Rose's point of view. I was intrigued by both characters, even though I did personally slightly prefer Mary Rose's story.
Just like the author's other novels, the story is quite fast-paced and written in an easy and comfortable writing style. It is quite a long read with over 400 pages in print, and I did feel like it could have been a bit shorter, to make it a more compact read. I really admire the fact that the author decided to step out of her regular genre and added this historical aspect to her latest book. It's not my favourite one of her reads, but still definitely an enjoyable one! 'The Ruby Ring' is a captivating, interesting and well-told timeslip novel focusing on two women living in different times; another entertaining read by author Sophie King!

Rating:8/10

  For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Blog Tour: 'The Stylist' by Rosie Nixon!

When fashion boutique worker Amber Green is mistakenly offered a job as assistant to infamous, jet-setting 'stylist to the stars' Mona Armstrong, she hits the ground running, helping to style some of Hollywood's hottest (and craziest) starlets. As awards season spins into action Mona is in hot demand and Amber's life turned upside down. Suddenly she catching the attention of two very different suitors, TV producer Rob and Hollywood bad boy rising star Liam. How will Amber keep her head? And what the hell will everyone wear?
I'm so excited about the blog tour I'm a part of today, I don't even know where to start! Quite some time ago I was contacted about possibly reviewing the debut novel of new author Rosie Nixon, who has been joint editor of HELLO! magazine for the past five years and previously worked for glossy women's magazines such as Grazia, Glamour and Red. It's no wonder that with a background like that Rosie's novel 'The Stylist', which was released by Mira on February 11th, focuses on the glamorous world of celebrity fashion. If you want to find out more about the book and the author, be sure to drop by some of the other book blogs that are a part of this tour, such as yesterday's stop at This Chick Reads!
Twenty-something Amber Green works in an expensive clothes shop in London; not exactly her dream job, but one that could hopefully lead to something more in the future. The future, however, turns out to be just around the corner when Amber is unexpectedly offered the chance to work as an assistant to famous celebrity stylist Mona Armstrong during awards season. Before Amber knows it she is travelling to the other side of the world and attending events such as the Oscars and the Golden Globes, while at the same time meeting some of the hottest stars. It does require a lot of blood, sweat and tears, though, especially with an impossible boss like Mona. Amber will need to decide whether this whirlwind world of celebrity fashion is really for her and whether all the perks make up for the downsides…
I already expected ‘The Stylist’ to be a great read, and I am so pleased to say the book definitely managed to meet my expectations! Rosie Nixon has used her own experience within the world of celebrity fashion to write this stunning and entertaining novel that provides us readers with a sneak-peak behind the scenes. While I’m not the type of person who knows a lot about fashion, I love reading about it and the idea of a story about a stylist for the stars during awards season immediately excited me. Rosie has a great and fast-paced writing style that fit the story really well and I wasn’t bored for even one second as main character Amber flew from one great location, such as the Golden Globes in LA, to the next (for example a celebrity wedding in Hawaii).
Amber is an easily likeable heroine, even though I thought she was a bit of a push-over at times. However, to be honest, I don’t know how I would react if I had to work for someone like Mona Armstrong! The book is filled with wonderful secondary characters, such as boss-from-hell Mona, Amber’s lovely best friend Vicky and, of course, some handsome men. The book is described as a combination of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and ‘Shopaholic’, which I agree with, but definitely with Rosie Nixon’s own touch. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am really excited about the fact that a sequel will be released in 2017. ‘The Stylist’ is a fun, carefree and fast-paced read about the wondrous world of celebrity fashion; a thoroughly entertaining book I didn’t want to put down! 

Rating:9,5/10

  For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Review: 'Fix You' by Carrie Elks (2016)

You've found the one, but what if life has other plans?
London, 31st December 1999 At a party to toast the new millennium, Hanna meets Richard. He is a gorgeous, wealthy New Yorker. She is a self-assured, beautiful Londoner with no interest in clean-cut American men. They are from different worlds and have nothing in common... except for their instant - and mutual - attraction to one another. As the clocks chime midnight it is a new year and the beginning of a wonderful romance.
New York, 12th May 2012 Hanna, the girl who broke Richard's heart, walks into his Wall Street office - and back into his life - to reveal an explosive secret.
He was sure they were meant to be together forever, but she broke his heart so completely the last time, can he find a way to let her mend the pieces?
At the end of 2014 I received a review copy of Carrie Elk's lovely novel 'Fix You', which was back then released as an e-book. I loved the book and was incredibly surprised and excited when I found a gorgeous paperback copy of the book on my doorstep a few weeks ago! The paperback version of the novel was released on February 4th and actually includes a quote from my review on the backside! <3 Thanks so much to the publisher for including this quote, it has made my month! To celebrate the release of 'Fix You', I decided to share my review once again with all of you; this is a book you do not want to miss!  'Fix You' starts with a quick glimpse at the here and now in 2012; 29-year-old Hanna Vincent is trying to find all the courage she has to go into the office of her ex Richard Larsen to tell him something important she should have told him a long time ago. We're then taken back in time to 1999, the start of it all, when Hanna is 17 years old and helping her mother at a New Year's Eve party organised by the wealthy Larsen family. This is where Hanna meets Richard and the chemistry between them is undeniable from the start. But what's written in the stars for London-born Hanna and true American Richard? The reader is taken on an emotional journey through time, encompassing 12 years, to experience Hanna and Richard's story up-close and personal.
At first sight, this book might seem to be just another retelling of the classic love story of boy meets girl and how will they end up together (a classic story which I love and can’t ever get enough of, may that be clear). Yet, Carrie Elks’ ‘Fix You’ is a contemporary love story that managed to make a real impression on me and I think this is one of those amazing stories that will stay with me for quite some time to come. I loved how the reader is given a glimpse into the current situation main characters Hanna and Richard find themselves in, and then we’re brought back in time to experience their story from the very start. The novel has two perspectives, Richard’s and Hanna’s, and is filled with strong dialogue and is just on the whole really well-written.
It wasn’t difficult to warm to both Richard and Hanna, who are really different characters. While Hanna is more of a free spirit who wants to always do the good thing, Richard is the busy workaholic who finds it difficult to open up to the people he loves. There’s also a great cast of supporting characters who play a significant role, such as Richard’s half-sister Ruby and Hanna’s close friend Tom. What I really liked about this novel is that it shows that love isn’t always as straight-forward and easy as it might seem in books and films; it can be really difficult and challenging, and Carrie Elks used this aspect to make this particular realistic and gripping. ‘Fix You’ is a simply wonderful read; a unique and realistic love story that will grip you and stay with you.

Rating:9,5/10

  For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads   Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Review: 'A Home in Sunset Bay' by Rebecca Pugh (2016)

Enough is enough! The always perfect Laurie Chapman had jumped in her car and raced as fast as she could from London heading to Sunset Bay and (she hopes!) the open arms of her estranged sister…
Mia Chapman loves running Dolly’s Diner in the picture-perfect coastal Cornish town of Sunset Bay. Now that her and Grandma Dolly’s dream is finally a reality Mia has never been prouder! Until Laurie suddenly turns up on her doorstep… How can she forgive the sister who walked away?
Once upon a time Mia and Laurie were best friends. Back together after so long, the time has come for the sisters to figure out what went so wrong all those years ago – and whether they can ever put it right!
Ever since the release of her debut novel ‘Return to Bluebell Hill’ last year I’ve been waiting for the chance to finally check out Rebecca Pugh’s writing. Rebecca is a book blogger herself (be sure to check out her fantastic blog Becca’s Books by clicking here) who got a book deal with publisher Carina UK. I didn’t manage to read her debut, but was lucky enough to get a review copy of her second novel ‘A Home in Sunset Bay.’ Rebecca loves chick lit as much as I do, so I already had a pretty good feeling I would end up enjoying her novels, so I couldn’t wait to finally really check out one of her books!
Ever since the death of her beloved grandmother, Mia Chapman has run Dolly's Diner, the 50s style diner her grandmother started and loved with all her heart, in the lovely Cornish town of Sunset Bay. Mia has developed the same kind of passion for the diner and couldn't imagine living or working anywhere else. But Mia's life is suddenly disturbed when her older sister Laurie, whom she has hardly spoken to in years, arrives in town, looking for her. Laurie has been through quite a rough patch; no longer enjoying her London life, including her job and a cheating boyfriend. So, she decides to flee to Sunset Bay, hoping Mia will be able to help her out, even if it's just for a few weeks. However, Mia is still angry with her sister and not quite yet ready to forgive for something that happened in the past... Will they be able to work it out or will Laurie be forced to return back to where she came from?
It's always great to discover new authors whose stories leave me with a smile on my face and that's definitely what Rebecca Pugh's recently released 'A Home in Sunset Bay' did! This was the first book of Rebecca's that I've read, but it definitely won't be the last. If you're looking for a warm, lovely, captivating chick lit/romance read; look no further! 'A Home in Sunset Bay' focuses on the lives of sisters Mia and Laurie and is set in the small Cornish town of Sunset Bay. The setting is wonderful; it's cosy and just the typical type of small town where the people know and watch out for one another; I loved it and wish I could visit Dolly's Diner myself for a delicious piece of pie! It was easy to warm to both main characters Mia and Laurie and their stories were interesting, especially with the addition of secondary characters such as cooks Cal and Marco and waitress Polyanna.
The novel is quite fast-paced, which I really enjoyed. It doesn't focus on a few days but several months, giving the reader the chance to really see the characters develop and experience different things. I do think just a few extra twists could have been added to the storyline here and there, but I still really enjoyed it and was sad to leave the characters behind at the ending of the book. I already really look forward to checking out more of Rebecca's work and think she's a promising new voice within the genre! Overall, 'A Home in Sunset Bay' is a cosy, warm and uplifting story about family and friendship; a simply lovely read!

Rating:9/10

  For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Upcoming Release: 'The House on Bellevue Gardens' by Rachel Hore!

Rosa has arrived in London from Poland to look for her younger brother Michal. But he has disappeared, and now she’s alone, with nowhere to stay and no one to help her. 

Stef is running away from her boyfriend Oliver and the claustrophobic life she’s been living in his opulent flat. Frightened, friendless and far from her family, she needs somewhere to hide.

Rick is living in a limbo; a shy young man sheltering from the world to write and draw and dream. He needs a place to nourish his creativity.

All three find refuge at 11 Bellevue Gardens, the shabbiest house of a smart white-painted Georgian terrace in North London. Here, its owner Leonie herself once found sanctuary following a brief career as a model in the sixties and a destructive marriage. Now, out of gratitude, she opens her house to others in need.

However, the house which has provided sanctuary for so many is now itself under threat. Can Leonie rescue the place that saved her all those years ago…?

If I'm completely honest... The simply stunning book cover of Rachel Hore's upcoming release 'The House on Bellevue Gardens' is already more than enough for me to want to pick up this novel: I love everything about it! Luckily, the blurb also promises a captivating story, so even more reason to read this book as soon as it will be released later this month. Definitely one of February's releases I'm most excited about and I really hope I'll enjoy the novel as much as I hope I will (and otherwise I'll just continue on staring at the pretty cover...)!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Review: 'Heart Conditions' by Phoebe Fox (2016)

Breakup Doctor Brook Ogden has spent the last year sifting through the fallout from the disastrous decision that led to her unconscious uncoupling with boyfriend Ben Garrett. Despite advising her clients you can’t be friends with an ex, she and Ben have somehow begun to stitch together a friendship—one Brook hopes is slowly turning into more. That is, until Ben introduces his new girlfriend, Perfect Pamela, a paragon of womanly virtues who is everything Brook is not. 
While Brook navigates her newly volatile emotional life, an unwelcome surprise shows up on her doorstep: the ex-fiancé who broke her heart two years ago—one month before their wedding. Between her ex’s desire to rekindle their attachment, her best friend Sasha’s unexpected crisis, and her own unsquelchable feelings for Ben, Brook finds herself questioning the personal progress she’s made in the last two years—and threatened with the highest-stakes Breakup Doctor failures she’s ever faced.
There’s nothing quite look a good book series, is there? One of the first book series I fell in love with is Harry Potter and since then I’ve had the pleasure of diving into several different worlds such as the Twilight series, the Hunger Games, Lindsey Kelk’s ‘I Heart….’ novels, and the list goes on. The great thing about series is that you get to revisit specific locations and really get to know characters and follow their development. One of the chick lit series I’ve really come to enjoy over the past few years is Phoebe Fox’s ‘The Breakup Doctor’ series, and I’m really excited to share my review of the third part with all of you today. ‘Heart Conditions was released on February 9th by Henery Press and thanks to Phoebe herself I managed to get a review copy of the book, which I couldn’t wait to read!
Brook Ogden loves her job as ‘the Breakup Doctor’; she can be heard on the radio twice a week helping listeners with their love problems, she has her own column in a local newspaper, and has patients coming to her own practice. However, next to helping others, Brook is also still dealing with the break-up between her and her ex Ben, who now has a new, almost perfect, girlfriend. Phoebe can’t help but still harbour some feelings for Ben, but her world is suddenly turned upside down when her former fiancé comes back to town, asking for her forgiveness. When her best friend Sasha also seems to need her more than ever, Brook tries to juggle everything going on in the best way she can, but how long will she manage before things start falling apart…?
Phoebe Fox’s ‘The Breakup Doctor’ series is getting better and better with each part and ‘Heart Conditions’ is my favourite one of Phoebe’s books so far. The series focuses on main character Brook Ogden, who is also known as the Breakup Doctor. Next to Brook’s interesting life as a professional who helps others overcome heartbreak, she also has her own love life to deal with, and combined this makes for some really entertaining reading. Before picking up this novel, I highly recommend reading parts 1 and 2 first. In order to enjoy this book as much as possible I think it’s important to know what the characters have been through and how they got to where they are now. ‘Heart Conditions’ picks up a few months after the second part of the series and it’s a great follow-up that held my attention from start to finish. 
Brook is a fantastic protagonist; I’ve really come to love her, just like the group of secondary characters in the book such as Brook’s family, her best friend Sasha, and her ex Ben. I want to specifically mention Ben’s dog Jake, who is just the cutest thing ever, and I’m not even a big fan of dogs! Phoebe Fox’s writing is really well-paced and easy to fall into, and I thoroughly enjoyed the different aspects of the storyline, which made sure I didn’t get bored, not even for one minute. Overall, ‘Heart Conditions’ is another great read by author Phoebe Fox; a thoroughly enjoyable, fast-paced and engaging third part of a great book series which I definitely recommend to any chick lit fan out there!

Rating:9/10

  For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Thanks to the publisher and author for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Songs I Wish That Were Books

'Top Ten Tuesday' is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. I love making lists, so this feature fits me perfectly! If you also take part in this feature or have any additions to my lists, please get in touch; I'd love to hear from you!  

  Ten Songs I Wish That Were Books
I LOVE this week's Top 10 topic! Music and books go so well together and I think it's a great choice to finally have a Top Ten focused on this combination. I decided to go with 10 songs I'd love to see turned into novels, and I could have easily chosen at least 20 songs for this. I'm curious to see what other people come up with this week, so be sure to leave a link to your Top Ten in the comments section below!
Be sure to share your own TTT's in the comments section below; I'd love to hear from you! 

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1. 'If You Don't, Don't' - Jimmy Eat World

This is one of my favourite songs of all time. There's this special feel to it and I could imagine a whole story behind the song which would undoubtedly make a fantastic novel.

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2. 'That Thing You Do' - Busted

I used to be absolutely crazy about Busted when I was a teenager. 'That Thing You Do' is a song that has always made me smile and I think it would make a lovely romantic novel as well.

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3. 'I Want to Save You' - Something Corporate

Another song from my teenage years. This song used to make me cry and long for a boy that would be willing to 'save me'... Yes, those teenage years *sighs* However, still a great song and one that would also make a pretty good book, I think.

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4. 'Already Gone' - Kelly Clarkson

This is a beautiful song and I think it would make a beautiful heart-breaking book as well.

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5. 'Last Kiss' - Taylor Swift

I'm a big Taylor Swift fan and 'Last Kiss' continues to be one of my absolute favourite songs of hers. It really tugs at my heartstrings and I would be curious to read more about the story behind the song!

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6. 'Falling in Love' - McFLY

Such a brilliant song; it's a song that always inspires me when I try to write myself, so it definitely deserved a spot on this week's top 10 list.

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7. 'Nothing' - The Script

I think The Script is one of those bands whose songs could all be turned into a book with a captivating story. I've loved 'Nothing' since the first time I heard it which is why I picked this one.

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8. 'You Belong With Me' - Taylor Swift

Yes, another Taylor Swift song, I couldn't help myself. As a big chick lit and romance fan, I don't think it should be a big surprise that I think this song would make a great book <3

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9. 'Somewhere Only We Knew' - Keane

This would make such a great book, no doubt about it.

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10. 'Fix You' - Coldplay

I have to admit I'm not the biggest Coldplay fan, but I can't deny the beauty of this song and the fact that it would be the basis for a pretty amazing novel!