Alba in bookland: Sphere

Bring the sparkle and fizz back into your life with the help of The Gin O'Clock Club, Rosie Blake's latest book.

'Touching and hilarious' Jilly Cooper

Title: The Gin O'Clock Club

Author: Rosie Blake

Published: August 20th 2020 by Sphere

Blurb: Lottie is always in a hurry, rushing through her days ticking tasks off her to-do lists. Teddy is worried about his granddaughter - and he knows that his late wife, Lily, would have known exactly what to say to make things better. Now that Lily has gone, it's up to Teddy to talk some sense into Lottie.

With the help of Arjun, Geoffrey and Howard, the elderly reprobates who make up his Gin O'Clock Club, Teddy makes a plan to help Lottie find her way back to the things that really matter - family, friendship and love. But as Lottie balances a high-powered job with her reluctant attendance at whist drives, ballroom dances and bingo, Teddy wonders if she's really ready to open up her heart to the possibility of true happiness...

Laugh, cry and fall in love with this colourful cast of characters in THE feel-good novel of the year.

Review: I love Rosie Blake's stories (I have laughed so much reading them) and The Gin O'Clock Club was not exception at all. I absolutely adored it. Blake always creates the most interesting, fun and colourful cast of characters and with this story she completely surpassed herself. In this book, we've got Lottie as the main character. She is a workaholic barrister that has forgotten to have a personal life. And then, we've got the stars of the book, her grandfather and his three friends, who are determined to remind her that life shouldn't be all work, work, work.

First, let me say that I really liked Lottie as a character. I could see a bit of myself in her. Although I am not obsessed with work, I do tend to get angry with my closer ones when something doesn't go the way I expected/wanted and like her, I know it's not their fault but I just can't stop myself. So for me, she felt like a very real person, with many layers and I loved following her journey through the story.

And as I said, the older characters were such a joy to read. I loved their energy, their banter and their hunger for life. There were many touching scenes with them that stole a bit of my heart and reminded me that we tend to forget a bit about the older generations, and we shouldn't, they have so many things to say and things to do yet!

As you can see, I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a feel-good story with lots of heart. My advice, be patient with Lottie, she will surprise you!

Rating: 5 stars

I would like to thank the author and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

Today I am reviewing After the End, the stunning new novel from Clare Mackintosh, the number one bestselling author of I Let You Go, I See You and Let Me Lie.

Title: After the End

Author: Clare Mackintosh

Published: June 25th 2019 by Sphere

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Max and Pip are the strongest couple you know. They're best friends, lovers—unshakable. But then their son gets sick and the doctors put the question of his survival into their hands. For the first time, Max and Pip can't agree. They each want a different future for their son.

What if they could have both?

A gripping and propulsive exploration of love, marriage, parenthood, and the road not taken, After the End brings one unforgettable family from unimaginable loss to a surprising, satisfying, and redemptive ending and the life they are fated to find. With the emotional power of Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper, Mackintosh helps us to see that sometimes the end is just another beginning.

Review: This story is completely different from Clare Mackintosh's previous books, which all fell in the psychological thriller category. After the End is all about a family and how their son being terminally ill changes their lives forever, especially when they cannot agree what the best course of action is.

This is a very emotional story, I cannot even imagine what these character must have felt going through such a hard time, but the author makes an exquisite job of describing their thoughts, their feelings, their fears and their hopes. You become one hundred per cent invested in their story and wonder, in every single page, what you would do in their shoes.

The book is divided in two parts, the first one centers its action in the hospital, during the months leading to the decision on their son's future and the second expands a few years after it. I had already fell in love with this story during the first part but it was the second one that left me completely in awe. It was so cleverly written and although it was hard to read sometimes, I loved following the characters' lives.

In After the End, Clare Mackintosh managed to break my heart and put it all back together. This story surprised me until the very last page and it will stay with me for a long time.

Rating: 5 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Days of Wonder is the stunning follow-up to Keith Stuart's much-loved debut A Boy Made of Blocks - and a book to fall in love with. Here are my thoughts on this stunning story:

Title: Days of Wonder

Author: Keith Stuart

Published: June 7th 2018 by Sphere

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: A story about family, love and finding magic in everyday life, Days of Wonder is the most moving novel you'll read all year.

Tom, single father to Hannah, is the manager of a tiny local theatre. On the same day each year, he and its colourful cast of part-time actors have staged a fantastical production just for his little girl, a moment of magic to make her childhood unforgettable.

But there is another reason behind these annual shows: the very first production followed Hannah's diagnosis with a heart condition that will end her life early. And now, with Hannah a funny, tough girl of fifteen, that time is coming.

Hannah's heart is literally broken - and she can't bear the idea of her dad's breaking too. So she resolves to find a partner for Tom, someone else to love, to fill the space beside him.

While all the time Tom plans a final day of magic that might just save them both.

Review: The first thought that came to my mind after finishing this book was, wow what a magical story this was. I am pretty sure I won't make this book justice with my review but I'm gonna try.

Days of Wonder is a stunning story. It's an ode to theater and fairytales. To the magic of stories and how they inspire people and change lives. It's tender, it's sweet, it's funny and it's heart-wrenching. I haven't felt such deep emotions with a story in so long.

I was completely enthralled with Hannah's story. She was such a strong character. I loved her dark humour, her strength and her determination. The story was narrated in alternated chapters by both Hannah and her father, Tom, so as a reader you got to know them both quite well. Tom was also a fantastic character. His love for her daughter and his theater shown through the pages of this book.

Supporting these amazing main characters, there was a whole cast of secondary characters. The amateur theater group was like a little family, they all supported each other and were always there to celebrate their joys but also to mourn their loses. And then, there were Hannah's friends from high-school and the comic book store. They all added their own touch to the story and I came to love them all too.

Days of Wonder stole a tiny piece of my heart that I don't think I'll ever get back. After I finished reading it, all I wanted to do was start all over again and go back to these characters. It's one of those rare books that make you feel privileged to have read it. I definitely recommend this story to everyone looking for a bit of magic.

Rating: 5 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

Today's review is for Rosie Blake's new book, The Hygge Holiday. I have loved all her previous novels and I have heart quite a lot recently about having a more hygge life, so I was really excited to pick this book. Here are my thoughts:

Title: The Hygge Holiday

Author: Rosie Blake

Published: September 21st 2017 by Sphere

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: It's autumn in Yulethorpe and everyone is gloomy. It's cold, drizzly and the skies are permagrey. The last shop on the high street - an adorable little toy shop - has just shut its doors. Everything is going wrong for Yulethorpe this autumn. Until Clara Kristensen arrives.

Clara is on holiday but she can see the potential in the pretty town, so she rolls up her sleeves and sets to work. Things are looking up until Joe comes to Yulethorpe to find out exactly what is going on with his mother's shop. Joe is Very Busy and Important in the City and very sure that Clara is up to no good. Surely no one would work this hard just for the fun of it?

Can a man who answers emails at 3 a. m. learn to appreciate the slower, happier, hygge things in life - naps, candles, good friends and maybe even falling in love?

Review: The Hygge Holiday is such a cosy, feel-good and lovely read. I'm sure by now, everyone has heart of the concept of hygge but if not, definitely pick this book to find out more about the Danish secret for being happier. I loved how this story in itself already manages to bring hygge to your home. While reading it, I couldn't resist lighting a few candles and curling up in the sofa with a nice and warm blanket and a hot chocolate. *sighs in happiness*

The story is about Clara Kristensen who has mysteriously arrived at Yulethorpe, a sad town where all the business are closing. A bit by chance, Clara ends up house-sitting and managing the toy shop of a local who has gone on a long holiday. And as she starts leaving her hygge mark everywhere in Yulethorpe, we get to know a bit more about her. I really liked her as a character, she has this peaceful and calm aura but she also has a few secrets she is not willing to share, which made her very interesting.

The other main character in the story is Joe, a workaholic from the city that definitely needs a bit of hygge in his life. I really enjoyed how their stories intertwined and the wintery setting of Yulethorpe was perfect for it. Another thing I also found fascinating was the toy shop and all the new ideas that Clara brought with her. I wish I could go there to get my nieces a few presents this Christmas!

But this wouldn't be a Rosie Blake novel without her hilarious humour and The Hygge Holiday is no exception. With a very sensitive parrot that only talks with TV quotes and a pub owner that cheats on Words With Friends and has a "dark" secret, this story made me laugh so much!

If you are planning a quiet, cosy evening by the fire, then this novel is your perfect companion. Let's all hygge a bit more this new year!

Rating: 5 stars

I first read Catch Me If You Cannes when it was released as a serialised enovel a couple of years ago and I absolutely loved it. Now it's just been published as a paperback and I couldn't resist as re-visit to the glamorous Cannes.

Title: Catch Me If You Cannes

Author: Lisa Dickenson

Published: May 4th 2017 by Sphere

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: WARNING: reading Catch Me If You Cannes may result in embarrassing outbursts of belly-aching laughter on public transport. Romantic, funny and full of Cannes Film Festival magic, it's perfect for fans of Giovanna Fletcher, Paige Toon and Mhairi McFarlane.

Jess has decided it's time to get out of her comfort zone and live a little. So when her best friend Bryony, a journalist on a gossip magazine, is sent to cover the Cannes Film Festival, Jess decides to seize the day and go along for the ride. Two weeks of sun, glamour and exclusive entry into celeb-filled parties is just the kind of adventure Jess needs.

Reality soon bites though when Jess and Bryony find they're staying in a dingy hotel far away from all the action and Bryony's expenses budget barely covers a glass of local wine. Undeterred, the two women are determined to live like the elite and enjoy one fancy night out to begin their holiday. So what if they have to tell a few white lies along the way? It's just this once. No harm done . . . right?

Full of hilarious one-liners, sparkling blue seas and plenty of romantic moments, Catch Me If You Cannes is the story of two friends, a few white lies and one very sticky situation...

Review: Lisa Dickenson's Catch Me If You Cannes is finally out in paperback and I couldn't be more excited. I loved Lisa's previous books and completely fell in love with her witty and fresh style where the laughs are guaranteed and Catch Me If You Cannes is no different. In this story we meet Jess and Bryony, two very different but close friends who are gonna stay for two weeks in Cannes while Bryony covers the famous festival for her magazine.

Jess, as Bryony says, is a ray of sunshine, and I liked her from page one. Tired of never leaving her small village, she has decided this trip is gonna be full of adventures. And what adventures! Soon the two friends find themselves surrounded by A-listers, oysters and yachts. All this in the beautiful setting of Cannes, with its sunshine and azure sea waters.

During their adventures, Jess meets gorgeous Leo. He seems like the perfect match for Jess, they really connect and I loved reading about their interactions. They were really cute together. But Lisa Dickenson is full of surprises and soon you realise Leo might not be that lovely. While reading this story, I couldn't stop thinking about what was going on and what was going to happen next.

Lisa created a great story that made me want to forget about everything else. I felt like I was in Cannes with them. And we also got to go to Monaco. Montecarlo sounded so glamorous and movie like. I can't wait to visit for myself!

All in all, I think this story will be a summer hit: laughs, beach, cocktails, sunshine and Cannes (oh! and Nutella!!). What a perfect combination for a lazy afternoon by the pool. And now that the paperback is out, you have no excuses for not getting it and devouring it.

Take my advice, put some Lisa Dickenson sunshine in your life this summer, you won't regret it!

Rating: 5 stars

About the author:

Lisa Dickenson is the pseudonym for Beyoncé. OK, FINE, THAT'S NOT TRUE.

Lisa lives by the Devon seaside, stuffing cream teas in the gobs of anyone who comes to visit, and writing stuff down that she hopes is funny. Her first novel was the copyright-infringing Sweet Valley Twins: The Twins Holiday Horror, which she wrote in primary school and gave up on after five pages. Twenty-ish years later Lisa went on to be a *real author* and wrote the Novelicious Debut of the Year, The Twelve Dates of Christmas.

Other titles by Lisa Dickenson:

You Had Me at Merlot

Mistletoe on 34th Street

Follow the Blog Tour for more reviews and content:

Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for Lisa Dickenson's latest book. Full of romance and festive magic, Mistletoe on 34th Street is the funniest and most charming love story you will read this Christmas!

Title: Mistletoe on 34th Street

Author: Lisa Dickenson

Published: November 3rd 2016 by Sphere

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Olivia has never experienced a snow-covered, 'traditional' Christmas before. Having grown up in a family that chose winter sun over decking the halls, she's not sure what all the fuss is about. So when she and her co-workers are stranded in New York after a work trip, Olivia is perfectly happy spending the holiday season in The Big Apple.

John, Olivia's friend, on the other hand is so upset and is desperate to get home in time for his big family get-together. Nevertheless, determined to make the best out of the situation he sets out to show Olivia how enchanting Christmas in New York can be. And when she adds handsome New Yorker Elijah into the mix, could the magic of the season finally be working its charm on Olivia? As December 25th draws closer, Olivia suddenly finds herself with a decision to make: who does she really want to kiss under the mistletoe this Christmas?

Review: I've read and loved everything that Lisa Dickenson has written, especially her first Christmas book, The 12 Dates of Christmas, so when she announced she was writing a new Christmas story for this year, I was over the moon. I couldn't wait to go back to her super fun stories, with so many lol moment and her smart and fast paced writing. Basically, my expectations for this book were high... but guess what? Mistletoe on 34th Street was everything I expected and them some. I'm 99,9% sure already that it'll be my Christmas book of the year. I had such a blast reading it that I am actually sad that it's over.

Not only does Lisa Dickenson takes us to New York during Christmas, but she takes us with Olivia. She was like a breath of fresh air, always talking too much, especially during awkward situations, and just being awesome. I totally want to be like her when I grow up, or at least, her best friend. She had an amazing job, not because it was all glam but because I loved the idea behind the organization she worked for (and gave all her life to), helping girls being the best version of themselves, giving them opportunities and showing them how amazing women can be. I think this story managed to get a very important message through and I hope that every girl and woman that reads it feels as inspired as I felt.

And then, there was the whole christmassy aspect of the story. Olivia and her team cannot fly back to the UK because of a snow blizzard and they are stuck in New York the week before Christmas. Olivia herself is not a big fan of Christmas but her friend John decides to show her the best of the city during this time of the year. So thanks to them we get to visit some of the most magical locations on the city that never sleeps and basically daydream non-stop about just taking a plane and fly to NY asap.

There's not a single thing I didn't love about this story. The love story was just perfect, with the perfect ending and the perfect touch of magic. After finishing it, I feel so Christmassy that I'm already putting the Christmas decorations up and planning my Christmas shopping.

Also, I'm already planning on re-reading this story again during the holidays and I'm sure that I'm going to enjoy it even more than the first time. Mistletoe on 34th Street is a real Christmas treat, don't miss it!

Rating:

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

Today's my stop on the Blog Tour for We'll Always Have Paris by Sue Watson, recently released by Sphere. Last week I interviewed Sue on the blog so if you missed it, have a look at it here. And now, my thoughts on the book:

Title: We'll Always Have Paris

Author: Sue Watson

Published: June 27th 2016 by Sphere

Amazon| Amazon UK

Blurb: Does first love deserve a second chance?

When she was almost seventeen, Rosie Draper locked eyes with a charismatic student called Peter during their first week at art college, changing the course of her life forever. Now, on the cusp of sixty-five and recently widowed, Rosie is slowly coming to terms with a new future. And after a chance encounter with Peter, forty-seven years later, they both begin to wonder 'what if'...

Told with warmth, wit and humour, We'll Always Have Paris is a charming, moving and uplifting novel about two people; the choices they make, the lives they lead and the love they share.

Review: If you've read any of Sue Watson's previous books, you'll know how funny she is. In her stories, we usually have a forty something main character that finds herself in the most hilarious situations. Well, We'll Always Have Paris is slightly different to what she has us accustomed to. To start with, it is more serious. I mean, it stills has its funny moments but it is definitely deeper and more emotional. And secondly, the main character in this one is in her sixties. But you know what they say, the sixties is the new forties (or is it the new twenties?). Anyway don't expect a boring old lady, Rosie might be in her sixties but she still has so much to do and so much love to give!

Rosie was such a warm character, she felt so real while reading her story. I could feel how much she missed her late husband but at the same time how excited she was to start enjoying a fuller and more adventurous life. And I loved discovering more about her younger self, when she first met Peter. You could tell that that rebellious teenager with big dreams and aspirations was still there after all this time.

All in all, I found We'll Always Have Paris a very witty but also a bit bittersweet story. I enjoyed it immensely but there were a couple of things that I didn't like as much as I could have liked. First, the pace of the story was a bit too slow. There was a lot of reflection about how Rosie lived and how she wanted to live now and for many chapters I felt like the story didn't move forward. And then, I didn't like Rosie's older daughter. I think though that we are not supposed to like her all that much... I much preferred her daughters! But well, at the end I really liked the concept of the story and how it was executed and I especially liked getting to know Rosie and how determined she was to live her life as she wanted.

Rating: 4 stars

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

About the author:

Sue Watson was a journalist on women's magazines and national newspapers before working in a career in TV where she was a producer with the BBC. She has published six novels, her most well-known being Love, Lies and Lemon Cake. Originally from Manchester, Sue now lives in the Midlands and writes full time.

@suewatsonwriter

www.suewatsonbooks.com

Follow the Blog Tour to find out more about this fantastic read:

Author Interview with Sue Watson, We'll Always Have Paris

Today I'm delighted to welcome author Sue Watson on the Blog. Sue has just published We'll Always Have Paris with Sphere and to celebrate, today she answers all my bookish questions! Have a look:

Hi Sue and welcome to Alba in Bookland. Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi Alba! I’m a writer and mother and wife, a serial procrastinator and consumer of doughnuts. I was once a journalist, then a TV producer with the BBC until I decided I wanted to stay at home each day and make stuff up – and I did. I’m now a full time writer and my latest (7th) novel is ‘We’ll Always have Paris.’

Your new book We'll Always Have Paris is about reconnecting with your first love many years later. What sparkled this idea?

It’s something I’ve wanted to write about for so long. I know several people who’ve met up with partners from their past and the opportunity to relive one’s youth is very tempting. But along with the nostalgia for days gone by, there is often some element of pain that resurfaces too. I wanted to explore this potentially bittersweet experience.

This story is slightly different than your previous books. Can you tell us why?

This book is slightly different, though it’s still humorous and written with warmth, the book is more emotional, and explores some deeper issues. Also, my heroine is in her 60’s which is different from my usual forty-somethings. I wanted to create a heroine who wasn’t defined by her age and didn’t embrace a future of limitations, but a woman who says okay, so I’m in my sixties – what next?

I'm always curious to know, what is your approach to writing, are you a plotter or do you let your characters "play"?

I’m very disorganised (you should see my desk!) so I have to write a detailed synopsis first so my characters don’t take me too far from the original plan. But I’m flexible and I always let my characters play and develop – sometimes they get a little too wild, then my brilliant editor comes in and suggests they all get a grip!

If you could switch places with a character from one of your books, who would it be and why?

It would be Laura from Summer Flings and Dancing Dreams, she is overweight, overage and feels like her life is over – until she discovers Tony and the Argentine Tango. It’s an unconventional relationship – but in his way he’s the love of her life and she is totally transformed by the salsa and the sequins!

What are you working on right now? When can we expect your next book?

I’m really excited about my next book – the working title is ‘The Christmas Cake Café,’ it’s out in October and set in Switzerland. It’s extremely Christmassy, there’s lots of snow, crackling log fires, crazy skiing, and most importantly, there’s plenty of cake!

And now the important questions ;)

Secret guilty pleasure: Big Brother (I know, I know, but I never miss a night in the house – I feel like I’m in there with them, and my characters are sometimes inspired by some of the real characters – I just love it!)

Current book boyfriend: I tend to fall in love with my own heroes – is that cheating? If I’m allowed one from my own ‘stable,’ it has to be Dan from ‘Love, Lies and Lemon Cake.’ He’s a restless, blond Aussie with a wicked sense of humour who’s spontaneous and sexy and … he bakes! What’s not to love?

If you could escape to anywhere in the world right now, where would you go? California – I went there a couple of years ago and would love to live there. I’d have a beach house, probably in Malibu – but I’m not fussy, anywhere along the beautiful west coast from San Francisco to San Diego.

Which book would you take with you? Cathy Bramley’s The Plumberry School of Comfort Food – I’m taking it on holiday and I just know it will be delicious!

And was there a lot of macaroons eating while writing this book? How did you guess? But of course I didn’t enjoy a single one because it was purely for research, I’m prepared to do anything for my readers!

Find out more about Sue Watson and her books on:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/suewatsonwriter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suewatsonbooks/

Webpage: http://www.suewatsonbooks.com/

About the book:

Title: We'll Always Have Paris

Author: Sue Watson

Published: June 27th 2016 by Sphere

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Does first love deserve a second chance?

Told with warmth, wit and humour, We'll Always Have Paris is a charming, moving and uplifting novel about two people; the choices they make, the lives they lead and the love they share.

Title: The Astonishing Return of Norah Wells
Author: Virginia Macgregor
Published: January 14th 2016 by Sphere
Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: One ordinary morning, Norah walked out of her house on Willoughby Street and never looked back. Six years later, she returns to the home she walked away from only to find another woman in her place. Fay held Norah's family together after she disappeared, she shares a bed with Norah's husband and Norah's youngest daughter calls Fay 'Mummy'.

Now that Norah has returned, everyone has questions. Where has she been? Why did she leave? And why is she back? As each member of the family tries to find the answers they each need, they must also face up to the most pressing question of all - what happens to The Mother Who Stayed when The Mother Who Left comes back?

From the author of What Milo Saw, comes this powerful, emotional and perceptive novel about what it takes to hold a family together and what you're willing to sacrifice for the ones you love.

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

Review: When I read Virginia Macgregor's first book, What Milo Saw, I fell completely in love with her simple but truthful writing and her quirky characters. I found that book really special, with the right balance between reality and tale. But with this one I think this balance has been lost a bit and what started like an interesting story full of potential turned out to be to unrealistic and even a bit absurd at the end.

The novel has more or less the same structure as What Milo Saw, short chapters from different points of views. That is something I liked, this way you feel like you know better all the characters involved and understand their actions better. Plus, the author's style was once more, flawless and simple but full of emotions. My main problem with the story was I guess that I didn't get the main two characters, The Mother Who Stayed and The Mother Who Left. I couldn't really connect with them nor did I understand their motives. It's true that as the story unfolded and some truths were uncovered, it changed a bit my conception of these two women but there was something bothering me all the time, why would a mother abandon her family and then expect that coming back 6 years later would be seen as completely normal and everyone would be exactly the same?

There were also some story lines surrounding this main one, like the older daughter running a twitter campaign to find her mother which I found quite interesting. Through her tweets we could easily see how she was feeling and I thing this sub plot was well handled. And then there was the younger daughter and her obsession with foxes, which I didn't really get.

My favourite character in the story was the older daughter's boyfriend. He probably was the only one who understood the situation and was trying to help. He had his own little story and I found his little parts very engaging.

All in all, The Astonishing Return of Norah Wells didn't work for me. I did enjoy it and found some parts very touching and especial. And as I said the writing was beautiful and made me want to keep reading but my problems with the main plot and their main characters were too much to ignore and at the end this novel didn't deliver as much as I had hoped.

Rating:

Title: First Touch (First and Last #1)
Author: Laurelin Paige
Published: February 11th 2016 by Sphere
Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: When Emily Wayborn receives an answerphone message from her former best friend Amber, she knows something is seriously wrong. Emily hasn't spoken to Amber in years, and when Amber uses a safe word in her message that Emily recognises -- a word they always used to get out of sticky situations during their wild partying days -- she knows Amber needs her help. But when Emily tries to find her, she discovers that Amber is missing.

Determined to track her down, Emily follows a chain of clues that lead her to enigmatic billionaire Reeve Sallis. Renowned for his shady dealings and playboy reputation, Emily is convinced that Reeve knows something about Amber's disappearance. To try and discover the truth, Emily sets out to seduce him. But when she's forced to decide where her loyalty lies, how will Emily choose between saving Amber and saving her heart?

If you devoured Fifty Shades and Sylvia Day's Bared To You series, you will love the latest intoxicating, passionate and addictive novel from New York Times bestseller Laurelin Paige.

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

Review: What first caught my attention for this title was the mystery that the blurb promised. It had a thrillery aspect that most of this type of books lack, so even if I was not captivated by Sylvia Day's Bared To You nor Fifty Shades, I decided to give it a go expecting to be surprised, I was intrigued. The truth is that I was not that surprised. You have the same elements as always: an alpha type who runs a huge empire at a young age, who doesn't care about anyone but himself and has a lot of rules in his bedroom and a young pretty girl who thinks she is the woman who is gonna change him until she realises that she likes him just the way he is.

The story per se was quite interesting. I enjoyed discovering about the characters pasts and the plot was intriguing enough to keep me wondering what was going on but the thrillery touch I was expecting wasn't there. The search for the missing girl was left more in the background as the story focused solely in the two main characters and their (sex) relationship. I actually enjoyed more the first part of the book as we got to know them but I soon realiased that I didn't really like them as characters and I didn't care for them.

I really think the story has a lot of potential, especially after that ending. It was something I didn't see coming, not in a million years. And it has left me wondering what will happen in the next book. But there was something that didn't click with me, mainly the main two characters. But if you are a big fan of Fifty Shades and Bared To You then I highly recommend you pick this book, especially if you enjoy BDSM scenes. I think First Touch is like a better version of these stories. The author's style is impeccable and she makes the story flow easily. Plus, she certainly knows how to make a scene hot hot hot.

Rating:

Title: A Christmas Kiss
Author: Vicky Pattison
Published: October 22nd 2015 by Sphere
Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Amber Raey is working all the hours God sends as assistant to one of the country's top fashion designers, and her boss is a complete nightmare. Amber's dream is to launch her own fashion line one day so, for the time being, she just has to grin and bear it. And then opportunity comes knocking and Amber's suddenly on the fast track to the top.

The parties, the glamour, a whirlwind romance - Amber loves every second of her new life. But there's more to this world than its glossy exterior suggests, and when a face from Amber's past reappears, she finds herself in real trouble. With Christmas fast approaching, Amber is drifting further and further away from her family and friends. Can she get her life back on track before it's too late for a merry Christmas?

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

Review: Earlier this year I read Vicky's debut, All That Glitters, which I really enjoyed. So I picked up A Chrismtas Kiss ready for lots of fun, humour, love and great characters and I was not disappointed. Similarly to her debut, Vicky writes about a quite down to earth girl, Amber, and catapults her to fame and fortune. But if All That Glitter was all about hairdressing, A Christmas Kiss is all about fashion. Amber is an assistant to a famous designer but her tasks are basically dog sitting and carrying coffee, so when a major fashion house approaches her with a real designer job she is over the moon.

But all that glitters is not gold. Soon she finds herself as the star of all gossip magazines and blogs and her live spirals a bit out of control. Luckly, Amber is not alone in this journey. I certainly liked her roommates and good friends Jess and Tom. They added such a fun spark to the story and you could tell their bond was strong. Also at work Amber found some allies, especially her new boss Alejandro. He was wise and kind and had infinite patience with her.

I really enjoyed reading about all the glamorous locations in the story, especially about New York fashion week. That must be really frantic and crazy and I think Vicky Pattison did a great job describing it all. And then there's the romance line in the story. A mega famous American sweeps Amber off her feet with grand gestures and trips to the most romantic places but what is real and what is not in such a crazy world?

The only thing that disappointed me a little about this novel was that I was expecting something a bit more festive but the story takes place during a whole year and only a small part over the holidays. But this didn't stop me from enjoying the story. It certainly guarantees lots of laughs, romance and great doses of friendship. So if you are looking for a cute quick story to enjoy during the holidays, A Christmas Kiss might be perfect for you!

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