Alba in bookland

Title: Love Me or Leave Me
Author: Claudia Carroll
Published: 11th September 2014 by HarperCollins, Avon.
Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: ‘Welcome to the Hope Street Hotel – where you check in married, and check out single.’

Two years ago Chloe Townsend was dumped at the altar and had to leave behind everything that mattered to her. Even now she’s finding it hard to move forward. That is until she lands an incredible job, running a brand new boutique hotel. Suddenly she’s starting to put her life back together, and, apart from the fact that her hard-to-please new boss is breathing down her neck, things are looking good.

But what goes on in the Hope Street Hotel is a far cry from anything she’s ever dealt with before. This is a pioneering ‘divorce hotel’ designed to make every aspect of breaking up efficient and pain-free. In one single weekend, Chloe’s team promises to take care of everything – legal, technical, emotional – and guests check out carefree and single.

No one is better qualified than Chloe to understand what couples need when their relationship is at breaking point, but she soon finds herself having to tackle the heartbreak she’s tried to bury. In particular three couples need her help – Jo and Dave, Lucy and Andrew, and Kirk and Dawn – and the opening weekend is full of revelation, trouble, memories happy and sad, facts that need facing, and some very big surprises.

It’s time to move on. And it soon becomes clear that some endings are, in fact, very exciting new beginnings...

*First of all I would like to thank the publishers for sending me a copy of this book via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.*

Review: This book instantly caught my attention because one, the cover is gorgeous and two, the blurb sounded really interesting and different from anything else I had ever read. I mean a divorce hotel! How crazy is that? What surprised me the most about this book is how sweet it is, I didn't know what I expected, but certainly some fighting and drama. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of fighting and drama but the main idea of the book is that sometimes love is worth fighting for.

I expected the story to be more focused on Chloe, she was a lovely character that I instantly warmed to, but the focus is divided between her story and the story of three of the hotel couples in equal parts more or less. It was a bit confusing at the begining because there were so many stories and points of view that took me a while to understand who were the couples. Also, during the book we read flashbacks of these couples stories so we can understand why they are in the hotel in the first place.

The three main couples are very different, I liked Lucy, the top model, and Andrew, the older banker. They were a really sweet couple that had gone through really difficult circumstances. I didn't like the other couples though... The emails of hatred between Jo and Dave were a bit repetitive and Kirk, Dawn's future ex, was just from another planet. So, I definitely found this book quite unique and I enjoyed reading it but there were some characters to whom I couldn't warm and made the story a bit slow for me.

Rating:

This is my fourth review for the #NetGalleyMonth, a fantastic event organised by chicksthatread.com. You can read my plans for this month here.

Festival of Romantic Fiction reader's award for 'Best Author Published' nominee, Linn B Halton, is taking her new feel-good romance novel on tour! Sweet Occasions is set to feature on a host of book blogs over the coming days, so why not follow the action and keep up-to-date with the reviews, exclusive guest posts and excerpts, and a giveaway.

What they say:
'Katie’s relationship has had more than its fair share of problems. After a difficult few years things begin to pick up and Katie finally realises her dream of opening up a bakery. Sweet Occasions specialises in novelty and celebration cakes, plus the most inspiring range of cupcakes anyone could possibly ask for!

Utilising her passion and skill helps to inject happiness back into her life, but it’s short-lived as things begin to fall apart. The reality is that you need to run a business with your heart AND your head. Help is at hand in the shape of her partner, Steve. He has the necessary experience, but does Katie want to tie herself to him financially, as well as personally? Then one rainy, wintry day a bedraggled customer steps inside the door to order a cake…Sometimes a turning point centres around one single moment in time: sometimes it takes two Christmases and three birthdays.'

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Click Here To Buy This Book - US

EXCERPT

I have absolutely no idea why I feel I can chat to someone who is one step removed from being a stranger. I'm not even sure that applies anyway, as Adam's also a customer. “Everyone needs someone to whom they can, occasionally, rant and rave. We all need that person who is prepared to listen and not be so caught up in our life that they have their own personal take on what’s happening. I had a work colleague who heard some pretty raw stuff when I was splitting up with Lily's mother.” I look across at him, and he's already half-way through his first cupcake. “That can't have been easy. Having Lily must have made the decision even harder.” “Well, it wasn't my decision, if I'm honest. Kelly was the one who decided to call it quits. It was mutual, our relationship was only held together by Lily. I guess I was happy to settle for what we had, and that was a mistake. We were arguing more and more. No child should witness a relationship falling apart, it gets ugly at times. At least you don't have that problem to add into the mix.” Adam's comment is an honest one, but it hurts all the same. He catches the look of sadness on my face as I sit back down, placing the coffees on the table. “Oh no, did I say the wrong thing?” “No, it's fine, really. Steve and I don't have any children, but that's a problem too. You see, I always thought I'd meet someone, get married and have a baby. End of story. Instead, I met someone and didn't progress past the stage of talking about marriage and a baby. He kept postponing the decision and I kept postponing the wedding date.” My head has sunk lower and lower, until I'm bent over my coffee. Adam might be a stranger, but I don't feel comfortable sharing my tears of regret with him. “It's a big decision; maybe he'll change his mind.” His concern is real and it touches my heart. “It's too late. You see ...” I hesitate, am I being a traitor sharing things I've never been able to voice before?

Author Bio: Bristol born Linn B Halton lives in Gloucestershire, in the small village of Lydbrook. It nestles on the edge of the Forest of Dean; she resides there with her adorable husband and cat with attitude – Mr Tiggs! Whilst Linn love to write romanctic novels and there is often a psychic ‘touch’ to her stories. Many of the paranormal events that feature in some of her books are real-life experiences She is the author of five novels, one true story and three novellas. Linn is signed by HarperImpulse and US publishers Sapphire Star.

Author Links

HarperImpulse | Sapphire Star Publishing | Romantic Novelists’ Association

Enter to win the following:

First Prize: Signed paperbacks of The Quintessential Gemini and The Restaurant @ The Mill

Second Prize: Signed copy of Never Alone

Third Prize: E-copies of Never Alone, Touched by the Light, The Quintessential Gemini and The Restaurant @ The Mill

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Terms and conditions: All ebook prizes will be given to winners in a format chosen by the author, Linn B Halton. No responsibility is taken for the non arrival of paperback prizes. Linn B Halton and CandleLit Author Services reserve the right to cancel and/or amend giveaway details at anytime and without prior notification. Image credit: Freepik

Title: Since You've Been Gone
Author: Anouska Knight
Published: July 29th 2014 by Harlequin
Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: How do you learn to love again?

In one tragic moment, Holly Jefferson's life as she knows it changes for ever. Now to the external world, at least she's finally getting back on her feet, running her business, Cake. Then she meets Ciaran Argyll.

His rich and charmed life feels a million miles from her own. However, there's more to Ciaran than the superficial world that surrounds him, and he too is wrestling with his own ghosts. Will Holly find the missing ingredient that allows her to live again and embrace an unknown and unexpected tomorrow?

*First of all I would like to thank the publishers for sending me a copy of this book via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.*

Review: This is a very sweet read. Not only because of all the cakes (yes! I love cakes, especially designer cakes) but also because Ciaran Argyl is the cutest and sweetest guy ever. I really liked him, he was charming, generous, tactful... a true gentleman! After a difficult past, he is trying to be a better man and this is very noble. I loved every scene with him and how he tried to help Holly every way he could.

Our female lead here is Holly who after losing her husband is focused on her business Cake. She and her partner Jesse create the most amazing cakes and it is through a cake that she meets Ciaran and his crazy family. His father was a real character, I found him really rude at the begining but after a while I started warming to him. I also like Jesse, he plays a big role at the begining but then he takes a role more in the background, which was a shame.

Holly's loss makes some of the scenes of this book quite emotional. Her life is kind of grey after losing Charlie and I had the feeling that she was a bit lost. But then Ciaran arrives and brings colour back to her life (quite literally in fact, but I'm going to leave it here, you'll find out when you read it). I enjoyed reading this book and seeing Holly find new meaning to life. I’ll definitely be keeping one eye out for another Anouska Knight book.

Rating:

This is my third review for the #NetGalleyMonth, a fantastic event organised by chicksthatread.com. You can read my plans for this month and enter a fantastic giveaway here.

First of all, I'd like to thank the girls at The Hot Bed, Simon and Schuster UK, for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review and inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour.

Title: After

Author: Anna Todd

Published: October 21st 2014

Blurb: Now newly revised and expanded, Anna Todd’s After fanfiction racked up 1 billion reads online and captivated readers across the globe. Experience the Internet’s most talked-about book for yourself!

There was the time before Tessa met Hardin, and then there’s everything AFTER… Life will never be the same. #Hessa

Tessa is a good girl with a sweet, reliable boyfriend back home. She’s got direction, ambition, and a mother who’s intent on keeping her that way.

But she’s barely moved into her freshman dorm when she runs into Hardin. With his tousled brown hair, cocky British accent, tattoos, and lip ring, Hardin is cute and different from what she’s used to.

But he’s also rude – to the point of cruelty, even. For all his attitude, Tessa should hate Hardin and she does– until she finds herself alone with him in his room. Something about his dark mood grabs her, and when they kiss it ignites within her a passion she’s never known before.

He’ll call her beautiful, then insist he isn’t the one for her and disappear again and again. Despite the reckless way he treats her, Tessa is compelled to dig deeper and find the real Hardin beneath all his lies. He pushes her away again and again, yet every time she pushes back, he only pulls her in deeper.

Tessa already has the perfect boyfriend. So why is she trying so hard to overcome her own hurt pride and Hardin’s prejudice about nice girls like her?

Unless…could this be love?

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Pre order links:

Ebook:

Amazon UK | Amazon US | Google Play | Kobo | iBooks

Paperback:

Amazon UK | Amazon US | Waterstones | WH Smith | Foyles

Review: If I had not been told on twitter that this was fan fiction I would have never guessed it by reading the book. I am not a big fan of One Direction, I like some of their songs when I hear them on the radio but that is it. Anyway, the link between the band and the group is that the main male character, Hardin Scott, has the same initials and looks a lot like one of the members of this group. But it all ends here, Hardin is not in a band, he is just an English college student in America. I have read some criticism about it being fan fiction and how it might affect the group but I do not get why it would affect them. I think this a book and should be treated as such.

After tells the first part of Tessa and Hardin's story, two opposites that attrack. Tessa is a good girl, always doing what her controlling mother tells her, until she meets her new roommate at college: a girl with tattoos and piercings that goes to crazy parties, stays out all night and has a lot of dangerous friends. One of her friends is Hardin, a rough boy full of hatred towards the world in general but Tessa in particular. They then start this hot and cold or love hate relationship and every encounter ends with Tessa crying. Somehow though, they can't stay away of each other.

I found the story very addictive at the beginning. Tessa got a bit on my nerves though, she always wanted to know it all and was really childish sometimes, but I guess that at 18 we are all a bit childish still. And then, there's Hardin, I hated him and some things he did but I loved him too. He is a really complex character and every new bit we learn about him makes us understand him a bit better. The story got a bit repetitive at some point, they fighting and making up all the time which was a bit frustating, but little by little the story developed with some unexpected twists and then boom! I did not expect at all that ending. All I can say is well played Anna, I am now dying to know how the story continues.

After is complex, steamy, flirty with strong characters and lots of conflicts and handles a lot of emotions that really get to you. I can see why this series has been so successful on Wattpad.

Rating:

Title: Age of Iron
Author: Angus Watson
Published: September 9th 2014 by Orbit
Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Bloodthirsty druids and battle-hardened Iron Age warriors collide in the biggest epic fantasy debut release of 2014.

LEGENDS AREN'T BORN. THEY'RE FORGED.

Dug Sealskinner is a down-on-his-luck mercenary travelling south to join up with King Zadar's army. But he keeps rescuing the wrong people. First, Spring, a child he finds scavenging on the battlefield, and then Lowa, one of Zadar's most fearsome warriors, who's vowed revenge on the king for her sister's execution.

Now Dug's on the wrong side of that thousands-strong army he hoped to join - and worse, Zadar has bloodthirsty druid magic on his side. All Dug has is his war hammer, one rescued child and one unpredictable, highly-trained warrior with a lust for revenge that's going to get them all killed...

It's a glorious day to die.

*First of all, I'd like to thank Clara at Little, Brown for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review and inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour.*

Review: In the last year, I have been reading mainly women's fiction, so recently I decided to start reading more genres again. After enjoying a couple of crime books, I was offered this book to review and I was told if I had enjoyed Game of Thrones, I would like it. I had read the three first books of Game of Thrones in a row a couple of years ago and I am planning to go back to the series soon. Anyway, I went for it and I am glad I did. I took me a while to get into the story, basicly because I am not very good with names and I was a bit lost with the characters at the beginning, but after that I was hooked.

The main characters of this epic story are Dug, an old mercenary with exceptional skills with his hammer, Lowa, who used to be King Zadar's favourite, and now has become his worst enemy, and Spring, a little girl that is too smart and knows too many things for her age. We follow their story, first separetely and then together, around the south of England. The story flowed well, the chapters focused in different characters, not only the main ones, so you got a wide view of the story with insights to different towns, sides of the battle and costums and traditions.

It was really interesting to read about how the Iron Age in England might have been, as it is a not well known era. We know a lot about the Romans but not about their opponents. I am very intrigued to find out how the story is going to continue in the second book of this trilogy as I expect that the Romans are going to finally arrive at England.

Also I would say the book is equally funny as horrifying so if you offend easily or just don't like gore descriptions of decapitations, cannibalism or arena fighting, just don't go for it. In my opinion, all this fits in the story perfectly. As do the blood-thirsty druids and their dark magic. So for an epic fantasy packed story with a strong female lead, go to this book.

Well written and enthralling, Age of Iron is an excellent debut for Angus Watson, one you don't want to miss. I'll keep my eyes open for his future work.

Rating:

Title: Damsels in Distress
Author: Laura Kenyon
Published: August 26th 2014
Amazon| Amazon UK

Blurb: The Desperately Ever After series takes a whimsical look at our most beloved fairy tale princesses several years after true love’s kiss. With laughter, wine, and a new take on old-fashioned chivalry, these friends see each other through life’s trials one secret at a time. Set in a fictional realm based on New York City, the books sprinkle fiction with elements of fantasy and encourage readers to rethink everything they know about happy endings.

After watching her fairy tale go up in flames, Belle is finally starting over. With a baby on the way, a business to run, and a new love interest she just can’t shake, things are finally looking up. That is, until she learns her independence might revive broken curses the world over. Could “happily ever after” really mean staying with her unfaithful husband? Or will Belle and her steadfast friends find another way?

Meanwhile, Dawn still longs for the life she had three centuries earlier—before her sleeping curse ended in two kids, an unfamiliar era, and a husband she barely knows. So when the childhood sweetheart she believed to be dead resurfaces, she must suddenly choose between the past she once wanted and the present she never knew she did.

As both women struggle between love and obligation—between what's right for the world and what's right for the heart—they fail to see a great danger brewing in the capital. One that could change everything forever.

With the wit of authors like Jennifer Weiner, the vision of ABC’s Once Upon a Time, and the imagination of Gregory Maguire's Wicked, Damsels in Distress picks up where the original tales left off—and twists them every “witch” way.

*First of all, I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.*

Review: Damsels in Distress is the second book of the Desperately Ever After Series. I loved the first book (you can read my review here) and I had great expectations for this one. But do not worry! Laura Kenyon doesn't disappoint at all. DiD has the same flirty and witty style and keeps the same spark from its predecessor.

Our beloved princesses are back with more drama, love triangles, fertility problems, new love interests and a lot more laughs. I was a bit worried that one of my favourite characters from the first book, Cinderella, was away on her second honeymoon. However, as the book focuses more on Dawn and Snow's stories and troubles, you don't miss Cindy that much! These girls are a great gang and I love how they stick together.

After a great debut novel, Laura brings her magic back to continue with her fun, adventure-packed tale that will leave you wanting more for sure. Something big is going to happen in thoses kingdoms in the next and last installment of the series and I cannot wait to know what! I have been thinking for some days now, how our beloved girls will overcome all the trouble going on on their lifes and kingdoms and when you are still thinking about the book after finishing it, that's a sign that it totally captured you. If you still haven't started this fabulous series, I don't know what you are waiting for! Bring the magic and get lost in this special version of NY.

Rating:

The lovely gang at Carina UK have organised an amazing competition to celebrate Rebecca Raisin's book The Bookshop on the Corner. Together with My Independent Bookshop and hive.co.uk, they are giving away some fantastic prizes. Here you can find what you have to do:

I also created my own independent bookshop called Alba's little bit of bookish heaven, that you can visit to have a look at some of my favourite books.

Now, I would like to talk about how my dream bookshop would be. Books are a big part of my life and always have been. I remember when I was a kid, I used to refuse to go to sleep until my mum read me at least two or three books. In fact, at my parents place, my dad's office has a huge bookcase filled with all my children books, I think there are hundreds of them.

When it comes to bookshops, I love the really old ones that have that incredible book smell. Where you can get lost for hours browsing row after row of books. It always fascinates me when they have a "treasures" section, where they have first editions or really rare books. If I had money I would build myself a huge libray, yes, like the one from Beauty and the Beast, where I would collect all kind of books and show them like in a museum.

So if I had to design my own bookshop, I would definitely have a "treasures" section. I would spend hours going to second hand bookshops and browsing the Internet to find the most precious books to show there. Another must would be an area with comfy couchs and cushions where people could just sit and read for a while and escape the real world.

I would also love to offer tea and coffee and some home baked goods, because there's nothing better than enjoying a warm cup of tea and a delicious scone or cupcake while reading. Also, I would like to organise a book club so once or twice per week we could meet to discuss our latest reads. I'd love to invite lots of authors to have signings and discussions with them. I think I am getting a bit carried away here, but it's my Dream bookshop, isn't it?

Last but not least, I would have a huge area or even a whole floor dedicated to children books. As I said, I loved books when I was a child, even when I couldn't read them, I would spend hours looking at the pretty images. In my bookshop I would have hundreds of colourful books for the kids to read, look or just play. I would have readings and even small shows and representations so kids could discover the wonder of reading.

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