Vampire Academy * Richelle Mead

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

St Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school - hidden away, it's a place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. 

Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St Vladimir's where the girls must survive a world of forbidden romances, a ruthless social scene and terrifying night time rituals. 

But most of all, staying alive.

Rose Hathaway is in a bit of trouble after being on the run with best friend Lissa. When found, they're forced back into the world of St Vladimir's but not without a catch. 

To become a true guardian to the elite Moroi, Rose must do everything possible if she wants to protect Lissa. She must sacrifice a great deal in order to serve, including her new tutor Dimitri. 

But with everything threatening to get in her way and something sinister happening on Campus, Rose needs to be on high alert, not high on lust. 

With exams, new queens of the school, boy problems and a best friend on the brink of madness, could it get any worse? Oh yeah, there's a school dance to attend. 

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, is the first instalment in the Vampire Academy series and let me tell you, I haven't been in love with a series like this since way back in the day to The Morganville series by Rachel Caine. 

I literally couldn't put the book down and as soon as I finished reading it I rushed to buy the second one. Now, at first I thought Rose was a bit of a pain but as the story progressed, so did her character and we see so much more of who she really is, as well as all the other characters. 

I found this book highly enjoyable, fast paced and full of great humour as well as some shockers. I would highly recommend this series for teens as well as adults, because who doesn't  love a bit of YA every now and then?

Although great, there are some slight flaws in the book with how some of the characters whined on, which is the only reason why I will be bumping it down a couple of marks. 

I will be giving this book 8/10

The Girl Before * J.P Delaney

The Girl Before by JP Delaney

Jane stumbles on the rental opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to live in a beautiful ultra-minimalist house designed by an enigmatic architect, on condition she abides by a long list of exacting rules. 

After moving in, she discovers that a previous tenant, Emma, met a mysterious death there - and starts to wonder if her own story will be a re-run of the girl before. 

Emma's past and Jane's present become inexorably entwined in this tense, page-turning portrayal of psychological obsession.

Would you live in a house with pristine walls, works surfaces with state of the art technology and all for a good price? 
Would you still stay if you couldn't have no books, music, DVD's, magazines or children for that matter? 

Jane is looking for an a place to escape from her past, she wants nothing more than a minimalist life and she thinks she's come to the right place. Though One Folgate Street has something sinister lurking within its walls, and its not until a tragic accident, that the walls start to crumble. 

Edward Monkford is a man of many talents. He's charming, sophisticated and very intelligent. Though when things don't go the way he planned, whats the highest price he's willing to pay?

All you have to do, is sign on the dotted line at the very end of the contract, then watch your new life unfold before your eyes...even if it is a little maddening.

The Girl Before by J.P Delaney, is the first book I have ever read by the author and it certainly won't be the last. I loved this book from the get go and it has easily become one of my favourite reads of 2018. I couldn't put the book down, I think since reading The Girlfriend, this was my second book into the world of Psychological Thrillers and I can't wait to read more of its kind!

The whole plot behind the story is brilliant and it works so well. It is enough to make you read until the early hours, just so you can get one more chapter in, even though your eyes feel like they're full of sand. It certainly gave me chills and there's a very creepy feel to the book which I loved.

If there's a book that you need to read next year, I would highly recommend The Girl Before it will not disappoint. The book has since been picked up by Ron Howard for film rights and there is a second book out called 'Believe Me', which I can't wait to sink my teeth into in the New Year.

I will be giving this book an excellent and well deserved, 10/10 

One Day In December * Josie Silver

Laurie is pretty sure love at first sight doesn't exist anywhere but the movies. But then, through a misted-up bus window one snowy December day, she sees a man who she knows instantly is the one. 

Their eyes meet, there's a moment of pure magic...and then her bus drives away.

Laurie has everything planned; the perfect flat, best job and most importantly, Sarah - her best friend. Though what she didn't plan on, was to be falling in love with a complete stranger at a bus stop and spending an entire year searching for him. 

Fast forward a year later and he's stood in front Laurie, in the girls flat but as Sarah's new boyfriend. His name is Jack O'Mara and he's the best thing that's ever happened to Laurie Sarah. 

Over the span of ten years, problems arise for all three best friends, wine is shared, laughter is made and tears are shed. Though some secrets run deep and they should never resurface. 
As Laurie and Jack try to overcome their differences and love for one another, there's only one question to ask. 

How many times can you fall in love? 

One Day in December by Josie Silver, is the first book that Ms Silver has written under her own name. She is actually connected to one of the best series that I have ever read, yes - you know it! It's The Knight Series. She has written under the pen names as Kat French and Kitty French and I was so excited when I found out that this was the same woman. 

I absolutely loved this book so much, it was such a Christmas romance read. I understand that there has been some controversy by some reviewers about the point of view on the romance of the book and its something that I don't agree with at all. I can understand where they're coming from and I respect that, but I don't believe that the main couple in the book are "cheating" they love each other and over the years they have missed their chance and they love each other from afar. 

The whole story is great and I can't wait for more by this fabulous author, I'm excited to find out that she has another book in the pipeline to be released this year, so be on the look out! 

I will be giving this book 10 out of 10 

Lockout * Maya Cross

Lockout by Maya Cross

Who is Sebastian Locke? 

Sophia had never felt attraction like that before. Raw. Electric. Irresistible. Swept off her feet by the dashing, enigmatic billionaire Sebastian Lock, she was taken on a journey of self-discovery, taken to places she never dreamt she’d go.

But things are never as simple as they appear. Sophia’s trust is a fragile thing, and Sebastian seems insistent on testing it. He has his own demons to battle, and nobody has brought them to the fore like she has.

Sofia's trust is fragile, Sebastian doesn't seem to care. He loves pushing all her buttons, more so than some and he's testing it at every angle possible. 

Though theres something not quite right about Sebastian that Sofia can't grasp, some secret that he's not letting her in on. As Sophia continues to to break his high barriers and try to see who he really is, she's soon asking herself whether she really wants to know. 

What does his tattoo mean? Why does he keep pushing her away when he knows everything about her? And who is the woman on his phone? 

Sophia will find out about her lover, even when theres red light warnings ahead. 

Lockout by Maya Cross, is the second instalment in the 'Alpha Group' series, and I loved it. Its much more in-depth than the first one 'Locked' it feels a lot richer in the sense of the plot and Cross delves deeper into each character to find out what really makes them tick and more about them. 

I am thoroughly enjoying Sofia's character, she's nothing short of a pushover, she's very much the opposite. She stands no messing with Sebastian and is willing to go out go her way and behind his back to find out what he's really up to.  

It's such a great read and I can't wait to get started on the next one in the series, which I'm happy that it still follows on from Sofia's and Sebastian's story rather than going onto other characters in the book. So much more went off in this book, it goes deeper into the story and you find out more about Sebastian's past. 

I will be giving this book 8 out of 10

The Man Who Didn't Call * Rosie Walsh

The Man Who Didn't Call by Rosie Walsh 

Imagine you meet a man, spend six glorious days together, and fall in love. And it’s mutual: you’ve never been so certain of anything. 

So when he leaves for a long-booked holiday and promises to call from the airport, you have no cause to doubt him.
But he doesn’t call. 

Your friends tell you to forget him, but you know they're wrong: something must have happened; there must be a reason for his silence.

On the 2nd June, Sarah comes to the same spot, at the same time to remember the tragedy that ruined her life. What she didn't think would happen, was that she'd fall madly in love with a complete stranger, that she's only known for seven days. 

Seven wonderful, marvellous, days she'd spent cooped up with Eddie David's. Then out of nowhere, he just vanished without a trace or even a phone call. 

Sarah can't shake the feeling that something is wrong; they shared life stories, dreams and even a little wooden mouse! So where did he go? When did it all go wrong? 

As Sarah battles with a loss she never knew she had, a love so fierce it may send her into madness and heartbreak so strong, that it physically hurts. One things for certain, she has to find Eddie David's before its too late and who he really is.  

The Man Who Didn't Call by Rosie Walsh, is the first book that Walsh has written under her real name. Before, she has written under the pen name 'Lucy Robinson'. You can't begin to imagine my excitement when I realised this revelation and I couldn't wait for it to be released. I adore Rosie's writing, and her stories are just so beautiful. 

The story was nothing like I'd expected, I suppose I thought it would be like her other ones, but the story just took me by surprise and what a fabulous surprise it was! It's very well written, the plot is great and the ending, oh that ending. If there's one book you should read before the year is out, please go pick this one up and give it a read, you won't be disappointed! 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and seriously can't wait for more by Rosie.

I will be giving this book 10/10

**This book was read in June, this is a late review

Locked * Maya Cross

Locked by Maya Cross

Who is Sebastian Lock?

The bar Sophia Pearce is in doesn’t look like much. The wine is bad and the decor worse. 

But when a sudden attack of curiosity leads her to sneak past security and into the back room, she discovers something unimaginable. 

The most lavish party she’s ever laid eyes on, in the most unlikely of places.

When Sophia and the girls are out on the town, anything goes. Secrets are shared, memories are made and bets get promised. Yet, when she sees a dainty, dimly lit room to the back of the bar, Sophia can't help but wonder what lays behind it. 

With some liquid confidence and a helping of motivation from her friends, Sophia soon finds herself sneaking through the door. Though when she does, her whole world is turned upside down. 

Sebastian on the other hand, is a man of many mysteries. Sworn to secrecy by the alliance, she shared very little about life, and his personality. Though he can't shake the need and desire to tell Sophia everything there is to know about him, but can he trust her? More to the point, can she trust him? 

But when Sophia plays hard to get, the game becomes very interesting for both players.

Locked by Maya Cross, is a great read and its the first instalment in 'The Alpha Group' series. I really enjoyed this book, if you have been following for a while you'll know that I'm always on the look out for books that are as good as the Night and Day series by Kitty French. I can happily say that I have found another series that is worth the read. 

I loved Sophia and Sebastian's characters so much, they're completely different yet the same, though they bounced of one another well which is wonderful. The plot behind the characters grew more and more within the book and so did the pace. I felt like it was a quick read but in the sense of something always happening. 

Of course, it was hot in its own ways but most importantly, the story was good, which is what I look for. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be reading more of the series. 

I will be giving this books 8 out of 10

*This book was read in August, so this is a late review. 

Head Over Heels - Jill Mansell

Head Over Heels by Jill Mansell

Jessie has kept the identity of her son Oliver's father a secret for years. One glance at Oliver, and a little mental arithmetic, and Toby has the situation sussed. Meeting the son he never knew he had is the shock of a lifetime. 

As the attraction between them flares up again, Jessie just can't see her way to a happy ending. But no one is quite what they seem.

Interior designer Jess has lived in Upper Sisley all her life, she's built up a great business, brought up her handsome son Ollie and has the best friendship a woman could ask for with mum of three, Lily. 

So when Jess gets the call to decorate the luxurious Sisley house, she jumps at the chance. Though as soon as she hears the voice on the other end of the line, Jess can't quite believe her luck.

Toby Gillespie on the other hand is ecstatic to unveil that Jess has been hiding in the village all along. Though water certainly hasn't ran under the bridge, too many things have happened since they last met. 

Will Jess be able to live with herself once the secret is out in the open? 

Head Over Heels by Jill Mansell, is such a brilliant book. I read this as part of a mini book club with my mum and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. The last couple of books by Mansell, I couldn't really get on with, though I feel like I have come back to the main reason why I started reading her books with this brilliant read. 

There are some places in the book where you feel you know whats going to happen, but let me tell you, the ending really did surprise me and I was quite shocked. I really thought that something else was going to happen but was pleasantly surprised. 

The characters are all well written, I felt that they had a read depth to them, they all had their own little stories that all mixed and blended in with one another. I loved that Jess had her own business and she was portrayed as doing  something that she really enjoys, which was lovely to read about. The book flits between all characters and it works very well.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Head Over Heels and I can't wait to get onto the next JM instalment on my shelves. 

I will be giving this book a 9 out of 10 

**This book was read in August, this is a late review

A Spot of Bother * Mark Haddon

A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon

At fifty-seven, George is settling down to a comfortable retirement, building a shed in his garden, reading historical novels, listening to a bit of light jazz.

Unnoticed in the uproar, George discovers a sinister lesion on his hip, and quietly begins to lose his mind.

George is a simple man, he enjoys the simple tasks in life such as; a hot cup of tea in the morning, a new book in the evening and spending time on his studio. 
So when he finds a small lesion on his side, his whole world is flipped upside down and everything  isn't that simple anymore.

As George battles with his mind, his family are in a current battle of their own and falling apart at the seams. Katie, his argumentative daughter is planning to marry Ray, the "safe" partner, but when they have an argument and he storms out, Katie starts to question is she really marrying him for love, or because of her son Jacob? 

Jamie, his uptight son is in love with Tony. It's that simple. Except its not and he's lost him for good and Tony doesn't want anything to do with him. Making a mess of things, all Jamie wants to do is win Tony back, not to be standing outside his flat at 4am covered in alcohol and vomit. Jamie just wants him to come to his sisters possible wedding and prove to Tony that he truly loves him. 

Jean on the other hand, George's doubtful wife is caught up in her own web between George and David and doesn't know when to quit. She loves them both dearly, one more so than the other but who to choose is the question? Surely she must choose her own happiness first? 

As everyone deals with their problems and a possible wedding to plan just around the corner. George chooses this exact moment to slip away and go quietly insane. 

Though is there really a sane member of any family? 

A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon is such a wonderful read and its the second novel I have read by this author and he did not disappoint. 

As you may remember I bought this in the new year with one of my many vouchers and gift cards that I received for Christmas last year.  I got this through my Kobo as I'm slowly starting to need more room on my book shelves. Though I am hoping to upgrade to a new Kobo once returned from my summer holiday in July so keep your eyes out. 

Anyway, I really enjoyed this book and felt that there is a good message behind the book regarding mental illness. Haddon shows it in the a different light and adds some humour into it so it doesn't seem all dark and gloomy, though there is still the seriousness off the illness and how he describes it is very well written.  

There we're at times throughout the book where I may have wandered off the beaten track, but it picked back up again. The main character George is hilarious, I personally loved George, his son Jamie and his grandson Jacob (Simply because he reminded me of my little Jacob) The way George tackles his depression, anxiety and mental state is different but in ways I can understand what he was probably thinking and how he got to that stage. 

At the time I didn't know how I felt about the ending, but looking back on it now it makes sense. Not everything and everyone will last forever, so make the most of what you have.  

I will be reading more of Mark Haddon's work in the future and I'm sad to find that this didn't get enough hype as what it deserves. It may be different from his other books but I loved it and I understand the simplicity behind it. I am so glad i started with his other book 'The Red House' and not 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time'. 

I will give this book 8 out of 10

Layers Peeled * Lacey Silks

Layers Peeled by Lacey Silks

New life binds them,
Past ghosts haunt her,
Fresh secrets distract him,
...and history repeats itself. 

After surviving a heroic job, Allie summons the courage to finally tell Tristan the most shocking news of her life, that is until she's got over the announcement of him firing her from the firm. 

Allie can't believe it, after everything she's done for him, in and out of work hours, how could he be so nonchalant and fire her? What did she do wrong? 

Though Tristan has some surprises up his sleeve that she won't see coming, though none will top her secret. 

 But soon skeletons that they both thought had disappeared soon start creeping in, much faster than they both anticipated. With new cases to lead and their ever growing romance kick starting into life again. Will Allie ever get the life that she wishes for? and will Tristan finally be able to relax after all these years? 

There may have been secrets layers deep, but now the need to be peeled right back to the core to see what is resting right on there doorstep. 

Layers Peeled by Lacey Silks, is the second instalment in the Layers Trilogy and I loved it even more than the first one. It jumps straight back in to where it left off in Layers Deep which was great, so I didn't feel the need for a recap. 

With the story changed in many ways its hard to review without giving too much away. These books really remind me of the Knight series with its fast pace and chunky storyline which is wonderful since you all know I've been searching years for to find something similar. Ah! I can't tell you my happiness! 

Anyway, I loved Allie's character more, although she was slightly troublesome at sometimes and coming across as a bit spoilt, the sheer fact that her partner was trying to protect her and she just kept running head first into danger then wondered why she needed saving, this annoyed me. 

Tristan is just...Tristan, he doesn't need changing and gets better and sexier within the book (Though still not as good as Lucien!) I feel for him cause all he does is try to look after Allie and she just doesn't have any of it which as I said before is slightly annoying. 

There are still some parts of the book like in the first which made me feel a little bit weird, not uncomfortable, just strange. Though I still read regardless and I'm glad I did. 

Without giving too much away, I really enjoyed this book. I will be reading the next and last instalment in the series, but not as soon as the others seeing as they are apart of another couple story, again, a bit like how the Right series is panned out. 

All in all I will give this book a 8 out of 10

Layers Deep * Lacey Silks

Layers Deep by Lacey Silks

He needs her to save a friend.
She needs him to plan her revenge.
Their pasts scar them Layers Deep.
Their passion distracts them...
...and distractions can be fatal.

Allie Green isn't your average woman, she's a cop with a need for vengeance, with a dark past and knows how to hold her own in tough situations. 

Allie was a witness to a brutal attack when she was younger and has vowed ever since to dedicate her life to help save the public and her family from the most evil people on the planet. Though things aren't so easy when you've used every  possible resource to you. 

Tristan Cross is the head of an elite and bespoke security agency. Specialising from cheating husbands right down to the scum of the earth and everything in between. Though there's one job that he just can't shake, one mission that will destroy him if he doesn't succeed in finding the one person he let down. 

He is also Allie's only hope in finding the one person in her life who betrayed her family, the person who made her life hell. She is the only one who can rescue Tristan from his dark past, from the depths of the most evil criminals known to man. 

Together, both Allie and Tristan form a pack to get the justice they both deserve, for themselves and for others. Though things are a bit tricky when you have other desires waiting to she shared.  

Layers Deep by Lacy Silks is the first book I have read by the author and boy was it good. There was a bit of everything in it, most importantly, it's pretty much on the same par as the Knight series and we all know how I feel about that and how I've been searching for books like it since, and let me tell you! I thought I had found it last year, but I was wrong, this is it!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and although its short, I finished it in 2-3 days, I could not put it down. I finished it today and this is the quickest I have ever typed up a review for you all. 

However, whilst I did enjoy the book and I loved mostly that there was a storyline and a plot, I must admit that I did feel a little uncomfortable with the storyline, I'll admit I didn't really want to read about trafficking (It doesn't go into much detail so don't worry if you wanted to read) But it shows what it's like in a way I guess but then I understand cause there needs to be a plot and it works cause she's poses as an undercover cop and he works in high end security so it does work. 

Besides that it was a great story storyline and it worked, most of the other books I have read in the past (whilst trying to find something just as good as the "Knight" series) has never had a storyline to it as much, just the usual girl meet boy, falls in love etc. So it's been great to have another series with a plot to it.  

All in all, the book was fast paced and ended with a small cliff hanger, which I can't wait to get my hands on the next instalment. Watch out for this space as the next review will be coming soon! 

I will give this book 10/10

How to be Happy * Eva Woods

How to be Happy by Eva Woods

The smallest things can make the biggest difference.

Annie has been sad for so long that she's forgotten how to be any other way. Until she meets Polly.

Polly is everything that Annie is not. She's colourful, joyful, happy. Because if recent events have taught Polly anything, it's that your time is too short to waste a single day.

Annie Hebden is miserable, she's stuck in a job she hates, her husband has left her for her best friend, and she shares a flat with a twenty two year old barista who she hardly knows. 

Polly Leonard on the other hand is the happiest woman alive, she has tonnes of friends, a family who love her and she's got rid of her no good ex. The only downside is, she has cancer, and not the curable kind. 

Polly is determined to make Annie see that her life isn't as bad as what she thinks, not just because she doesn't have a terminal illness, but because she truly deserves to be happy. Polly assigns Annie to be her helper on the '100 Days of Happiness' starting from the day they meet up until Polly's last and final day. 

With roller coasters, jumping in a fountain and getting a new pet everything is turning out smoothly, as well as a new friendship that blossoms between both woman, who cry, laugh and argue but notably becoming the best of friends along the way. 

How to be Happy by Eva Woods, is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read and after reading it, I strongly believe that this could be turned into such a great film. 

Each and every character is wonderful and well written, my personal favourites are George, Costas and Dr. Max. Each character has a story to tell and I found it hard to not dislike the 'bad' characters as they all have a reason to something they did (I'm not justifying that though) 

It's such a lovely book and has inspired myself to possibly start a '100 Days of Happiness' myself, just small little things each day that bring joy. The way the Woods has captured everyone and the emotions though out this book is lovely, theres love, sadness, life and death and theres also happiness, lots and lots of it. 

It has made me think a bit differently in ways that I probably should of thought a long time ago. If there is any book you should read this year, please let it be this one. 

I will give this book 10 out of 10!

The Girlfriend * Michelle Frances

The Girlfriend by Michelle Frances

A girl. A boy. His mother. And the lie she'll wish she'd never told.

Laura Cavendish has told a lie, not a white one but an unthinkable one, a lie that no mother should ever let cross her mind. Though it has and there's no way that she can reel it back into the depths of her mind. 

Daniel Cavendish has a lot going for him at the moment, a good steady job as a doctor at one of the top hospitals, a new already renovated flat and his beautiful new girlfriend, Cherry. 

Cherry has had a rough life, or so she thinks. Growing up on the council estate and being an only child has its limits. She feels like she has been cursed and she doesn't know what she's done wrong, but it needs to change and fast. 

Though Cherry isn't all what she's cracked up to be, in fact she's quite the opposite to what everyone may think of as the 'perfect girlfriend'. She's far, far from it. She'll do anything to have Daniel all to herself. 

As their relationship blossoms, so do the events in Cherry and Laura's. Limits are pushed and families are ruined, until one day things go too far for Cherry's liking, and she's left thinking, "What if Laura ever find out?"

The Girlfriend by Michelle Frances, was amazing. I picked up this novel whilst I was browsing through the ereader books on offer at the time and I'm so glad I got it. 

The book is fast paced and keeps you on your toes the entire time whilst reading and constantly wondering whats going to happen next. I found it really hard to put the book down and finished it within a week which is good for me at the moment. 

Whilst the story is fast paced, there are only slight twists within the entire book and it does start off a bit slow at the beginning. Going into lots of detail about each character and building up a big story towards the end. 

I found at times, I couldn't decide who's side I was on through the book, one minute it was for Laura and I understood her, then the next it was with Cherry. All the while changing through out the book with each new problem that arise. 

Reading this Psychological thriller has opened my eyes to more of these books and I can't wait to sink my teeth into more. I will be on the look out for more of Frances's books in the future and hope that it wont be too long. 

I will be giving this book 10/10

How to Stuff up Christmas * Rosie Blake

How to Stuff up Christmas by Rosie Blake

'Tis the season to be jolly. Unless you've found an intimate picture of another woman on your fiance's phone... 

Eve is heartbroken after discovering her fiance is cheating on her. Being surrounded by the joys of Christmas is more than Eve can bear, so she chooses to avoid the festivities by spending Christmas alone on a houseboat in Pangbourne. 

Nothing could go wrong for Eve at the moment, she has a wonderful family, a fantastic set of friends and a handsome boyfriend who as just proposed to her on Christmas day. Until she finds a photo on his phone of a woman's perfect intimate parts. 

Fast forward four months and Eve is single and living on her own again, but at least she has their dog Marmite to keep her company, even if she is a bit detached from him. With the help of her friend Daisy, she decides to go on a month long holiday to Pangbourne to do a winter pottery course to try and mend her broken heart. 

Local Vet Greg is in need of some excitement in his life, with the stresses of work and another woman in his life he needs to get away or at least find something new. That's  when he saves Eve, who was currently drowning in the small river underneath her rented holiday boat. 

Eve and Gregg slowly start to become friends, but Eve can't shake the feeling that he's hiding something. Why does he have to get off so early and who is he always mysteriously texting? 
With new friends a long the way and her love for art starting to bloom once more, Eve can start to feel like herself again. 

But who is watching her from afar and can she really trust the ones she loves? 

How to Stuff up Christmas by Rosie Blake, is the second novel that I have read by the author and her most recent release. After reading the Hygge Holiday last month, I had to purchase another one of Blakes books and read it instantly.

I enjoyed the characters and the plot line of the story, if flowed nicely and wish that I had used this as one of my Christmas / Festive reads last year.  I think the character I enjoyed the most was Marmie the dog, simply because I loved his name and the way Blake had described him which I think was spot on. 

The story is your usual romance, where someone breaks up, there's a bad guy ex and a new charming man to sweep you off your feet, then fall madly in love with. Which if I'm really honest with you, I don't think there's anything wrong with them. I really love soppy cheesy romance books, even when you can see it coming from a mile off. I admit the ending was a bit far fetched, but none the less I loved it.  

There are also recipes at the start of each chapter which I find lovely and very cosy.

I will be giving this book 8 out of 10 

A Very Accidental Love Story * Claudia Carroll

A Very Accidental Love Story by Claudia Carroll

Eloise Elliot is one of the youngest newspaper editors in the country. Respected and revered by her peers, she’s at the top of her game.

But, on the eve of her thirtieth birthday, finding herself surrounded by some pathetic looking balloons and mangy sandwiches in The Daily Post’s conference room, Eloise is hit but a long sharp pang of loneliness.

Fast forward three years and she's a loving mother to a beautiful little girl. Yet it’s when Lily starts asking about her ‘daddy’ that Eloise really starts to panic. What will she tell her?

Eloise Elliot has hit a turning point in her life, she's hit the big 30 and whilst she's stood in her office on her own, surrounded by sandwiches, cake and balloons she realises that she's more lonely than she thought. 

Three years later Eloise has a Lily, her beautiful little girl who's ground she worships, but being the only person in her life she barely gets to see her little princess. Her job at the post has become more and more demanding over the past couple of years which means she only ever gets to see Lily when she's fast asleep.  

Though when Lily starts asking questions about her father, Eloise doesn't know what to say. How can she? "Your father was a donor" doesn't really fit the bill. Soon Eloise is on the case to track down the man she chose for her precious little girl, though just how tough can it be? 

Jake Keane has had his fair share of bad luck over the past three years, he's been in and out of dodgy situations and has now had to pay the price over the last two years, though when a woman comes to visit him, close to his parole date, he's in luck.  

With a spring in his step Jake takes on the world with a new found sense of positivity, he has a job which he's worked hard for, a lovely rented apartment and a new great friend Eloise. Though he still can't shake the feeling that she's up to something, he can't understand why she would bother with an ex-con let a lone in interested in anything that he does, so what is it that she wants? 

Soon Eloise has bitten off more than she can chew and she has to make the decision, is her job really worth it?

A Very Accidental Love Story by Claudia Caroll, is the first book I have read by this author. I remember Mr. B buying it me for Christmas one year and it took me ages to get around to reading it.  

I'll be honest with you, I got to about the fourth chapter and I just couldn't be bothered to read it, it's not until halfway through the book that the story actually starts and things change. I found Eloise quite annoying and a few times sighing at her rather than with her.  

She's so driven by her work, which don't get me wrong I'm all for if someone has the drive and are really committed to what they want to do in life. But it seems to me that she only really had Lily (her daughter) because she was either bored or just didn't want to be alone. Yet, when she had her, nothing changed. She still did un-godly hours at work such as 16 hour days and never ever saw her little girl which I found sad and quite annoying. 

All she kept doing throughout the book was stating how much time she'd missed spending with Lily and how she wishes she could spend more time with her (This actually irritated me quite a bit) but yet, she still didn't give up her job to see her little girl, or at least cut her hours back, because simply put it, her job was still more important than her only child. 

I didn't mind Lily, it's just she came across as acting out all the time and seemed a bit spoilt and her mother just gave her everything she wanted, simply because Eloise probably felt guilty. 

I did however like Jakes character and he seemed to have a better way at approaching life, he really did try with Eloise and it worked out in the end, but she could of done it a lot sooner. The way she also tried to change him and mold him into some "perfect" father to suit her rather than Lily was really annoying also. He seemed a lovely guy, yet she judged him on his appearance, which I'm not fond of. 

All in all, the book was okay, it got better towards the end of the book and I did want to finish it more than when I had started it. Would I be reading anymore of Carolls books? I don't know, maybe not for a while, but I may revisit in the future. 

I will give this book a 4.5 out of 10