Tag: Romance Novel

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Audio Books Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2023

BOOK REVIEW: A Lady’s Guide to Scandal by Sophie Irwin

Published August 31st, 2023 by Harper Fiction
Historial Fiction, Romance Novel, Regency Romance

*I listened to this on Bookbeat. Click here to listen free for 45 days*

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

A lifetime of duty

Widowed at just seven-and-twenty from her marriage of convenience, Eliza, now Countess of Somerset, is bequeathed a fortune, hers to keep – provided she can steer clear of scandal.

The promise of love

The last thing she expects is to be torn between two very different men – a face from the past, whose loss she’s always mourned, and a roguish poet, who scorns convention.

A taste of freedom

But a lady’s reputation is fragile and with jealous eyes on Eliza’s fortune, it will only take one whisper of gossip for her to lose it all…

Escape with the most delightful, historical romance of the year from the Sunday Times bestselling author Sophie Irwin!

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

“Isn’t now the time to break the rules “

Eliza, Countess of Somerset, is newly widowed at just seven and twenty. To her surprise, her late husband has bequeathed her a fortune – offering her the chance to finally grasp the freedom she’s longed for. But there is one condition: she must steer clear of scandal. So, she heads off to Bath to begin her new life, only to find herself caught between two very different suitors – a past love who she’s always carried a torch for, and a roguish poet who spurns convention. But as jealous eyes have their eyes on Eliza’s fortune, it only takes a little gossip to ruin a lady’s reputation…

Scandal. Gossip. Art. Romance. Breaking the rules. This rousing regency romp had all this and more. Witty, warm, flirty, fun, uplifting and unpredictable, it was a delight from beginning to end. I adored Sophie Irwin’s debut novel, A Lady’s Guide to a Fortune, so I had no doubt I’d also love her sophomore novel. Beautifully written, richly drawn and full of yet more ebullient and colourful characters, I lost myself in the story. 

Likeable and easy to root for, Eliza is a fabulous heroine. When we meet her she’s compliant and scared to break the rules and I loved watching as she became more daring, bold and spirited/plucky. Her relationship with her cousin/companion, Margaret, was fun to read and I liked how Margaret encouraged her to live life more fully. Oliver and Melville, Eliza’s suitors, were well written and often very frustrating to read. Oliver is quite pompous and particular while Melville is free-spirited and mischievous. Melville’s feelings for Eliza were obvious from the start but she was clueless and totally caught up on Oliver, which made me want to scream at her. Despite his shortcomings, I was team Melville all the way. You’ll need to read the book to find out who won Eliza’s affections in the end.

A delicious and zesty romp that will lift your spirits, this is perfect for fans of historical romance, especially fans of Bridgerton.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sophie Irwin grew up in Dorset. She spent years immersed in historical fiction, first as a student when she wrote her undergraduate thesis on Georgette Heyer, and then as an editor, before she began writing her own. Her debut novel, A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting, was a Sunday Times bestseller, and has been translated into twenty languages worldwide.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxxx

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Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Published May 3rd, 2022 by Bloomsbury
Contemporary Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Romance Novel, Psychological Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night cleaner shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Ever since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat over thirty years ago keeping busy has helped her cope. One night she meets Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium who sees everything, but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors – until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.

Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late…

Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Tova Sullivan is the night cleaner and oldest employee at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. The job has been a welcome distraction ever since her son, Erik, died at just eighteen and she loves her evenings surrounded by the sea creatures. One of the creatures is Marcellus, a Giant Pacific Octopus who has been in captivity for 1299 days. Marcellus is bright and sees everything, including Tova’s loneliness. The pair strike up an unlikely friendship and Marcellus decides he must help heal the hole in Tova’s heart. So he turns detective, determined to find out what happened the night Erik disappeared. But he’s running out of time. Octopus’ only live for around four years, which gives him 160 days to get to the truth.

What an absolute joy! Gorgeous, moving, funny and full of heart, reading Remarkably Bright Creatures feels like being wrapped in a warm hug. I had heard all of the praise and it had been on my TBR for years, but when I learned that the adaptation was being released this week, I knew I had to finally read it. And I am so glad I did. Beautifully told, tender and evocative, Shelby Van Pelt has crafted a truly unforgettable debut. It did take me a bit of time to get into the story but it soon wrapped me in its tentacles. I lived every moment alongside these characters and inhaled the book in a day.

While the writing and story are fantastic, it is the characters who shine brightest in this book. I never imagined that an Octopus would become one of my favourite characters of all time, but here we are. Marcellus is intelligent, heartwarming and ebullient, lighting up every page he’s on. I loved this creature and I was rooting for him at every step. I also loved Tova immediately and would smile when reading whenever she was going through her cleaning routines. I loved the connection between Marcellus and Tova, which proved you don’t have to be human to make a connection or find friendship. There is also a great cast of background characters that I can’t wait to see come to life on the screen alongside our dynamic duo. 

Heartwarming, addictive and unputdownable, this marvellous debut is the ultimate feel-good read. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

Thank you Bloomsbury for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

When Shelby Van Pelt isn’t feeding her flash-fiction addiction, she’s juggling cats while wrangling children. Her debut novel, REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES, will be published by HarperCollins in May 2022. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she’s currently missing the mountains in the suburbs of Chicago.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum

Published March 12th, 2026 by Hodder & Stoughton
Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Romance Novel

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘A MYSTERY WRAPPED INSIDE A LOVE STORY. A STUNNING DEBUT’ ALICE FEENEY

‘THIS IS THE THRILLER I NEEDED TO FILL THAT GONE GIRL-SHAPED HOLE’ RUTH MANCINI

‘Absolutely addictive. This story might keep you up at night’
‘THIS AMAZING THRILLER MIGHT JUST SAVE YOUR LIFE’

Benny and Joy like to say that they’ve been saving each other since the moment they met.

Until the day Joy disappears and Benny is accused of her murder.

Best friends Benny and Joy host a beloved ‘comedy survival’ podcast, gleefully finding life-affirming humour in near-death experiences.

When Benny arrives at Joy and her husband’s home one morning to record, he finds shattered glass and an empty house.

With Joy missing and the hours ticking by, not even their most devoted fans could guess the terrible secrets they have hidden from the world – and from each other.

If Benny wants to find Joy in time, and clear his own name, he’ll have to solve the highest stakes survival story yet.

BUY THE BOOK

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MY REVIEW:

We have a strong contender for my favourite book of the year. 

Best friends Benny and Joy co-host a popular comedy survival podcast, finding life-affirming humour in near death experiences. But when Benny arrives at Joy’s house one morning to record, he discovers the house empty and in disarray. Joy and Xander are missing. There are few clues and as the police search for the couple, Benny is trying to decipher them in an attempt to find Joy and clear his own name before it’s too late.

What a rollercoaster! Funny, vibrant, and heart-poundingly tense, This Story Might Save Your Life is a  love story cloaked inside a compelling mystery. Tiffany Crum has crafted a truly original debut. Beautifully written, perfectly paced, meticulously choreographed and layered with intimacy, humour and suspense, Crum had me in her thrall from start to finish. This feels like a very modern story and I loved the podcast element, especially 

how clips from actual episodes were included. I listened to the audiobook and the narrators elevated every facet of the story, which also meant I often found myself forgetting I wasn’t listening to a real podcast. I also loved  trying to piece together the clues alongside Benny but it was hard to predict and my jaw dropped with every revelation. Totally unputdownable, it kept me on the edge of my seat and up well past my bedtime. And that ending! I’d never have guessed it.

The book is filled with a cast of characters that were likeable, charismatic and real, especially Benny and Joy, whose friendship felt genuine. I loved their easy, witty banter and the way they supported each other. And then there’s the undercurrent of love and longing, which creates a will they/won’t they tension. It’s obvious from the start that they have feelings for each other, but there is always a reason not to confront it, whether that’s other relationships or fear of ruining their friendship. I was screaming at them that they were meant for each other and that none of this would have happened if they’d just been together all this time.

A magnificent and unforgettable debut, this is a must for your TBR.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tiffany Crum grew up on a dairy farm just down the road from a maximum-security prison. A longtime Californian, she now lives in Atlanta with her husband, two sons, and dogs, and spends her free time trying to keep her vegetable garden alive. Her debut novel, This Story Might Save Your Life, is a New York Times bestseller, an Amazon Best Book of March, a Book of the Month selection, and a BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick. It will be published in nineteen languages and is under option for television.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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BOOK REVIEW: Patterns of Us by S. J. Gathercole

Published May 21st, 2026
Romance Novel, LGBTQ Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Russell and Loukas were that couple in university. The one that was joined at the hip and does everything together. Until they weren’t.

After five years of tactically avoiding anything to do with each other, they find themselves thrust back together and facing their biggest challenge yet — co-parenting.

Packed with angst and yearning, Patterns of Us follows Russell and Loukas in their past and present. Can they learn from their mistakes and finally build the life they dreamed of?

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Russell and Loukas, who were the couple at university who were joined at the hip. But five years ago it all fell apart and they have tactically avoided one another ever since. Now, after the tragic deaths of their best friends Kieran and Millie, they have been thrown back together after being named as co-parents to the couple’s young son, Henry. Not only that, but the will states that they must live and parent under one roof. Moving between timelines, we follow Russell and Loukas in their past and present, watching as they fall in love, fall apart and then try to come back together for Henry. 

I love an emotional read but was still unprepared for the emotional rollercoaster I went through reading this book and it will take my heart some time to recover. S. J. Gathercole has crafted a compelling and unforgettable love story that is intricately interwoven with grief. Steph perfectly conveys the overwhelming pain grief causes, how hard it is to enjoy life again and how it catches you off guard out of nowhere. It’s heartfelt, poignant and filled with yearning. 

I loved Russell and Loukas. They are charismatic characters who were easy to like and root for. Because the story is told from both points of view it felt like I really got to know both of them and moving between  past and present gave us a fuller picture of their whole relationship and an understanding of why they were behaving certain ways in the present. It was apparent early on that these two belonged together. They were yin and yang. Soulmates. And Steph knew what she was doing with the will they/won’t they storyline, keeping me on tenterhooks as I kept screaming at them in my head to just admit they were meant for each other.

As someone with a chronic illness, I loved the representation in Russell’s character through his Psoriatic Arthritis. Because of my own personal experience, Steph asked me to be a sensitivity reader for the book and what she wrote was pitch perfect. She made Russ’s illness honest and real, showing us how it affected every facet of his life but also how determined he was and that he is more than his illness. I appreciated how seamlessly it was woven into the story and felt very seen, especially in terms of how it affected his confidence. Seeing him so worried about Loukas deserving someone better, someone who isn’t ill, felt very relatable. Loukas is a sweetheart and I love that he saw past Russ’s illness and thought of ways to help him rather than resenting the limitations it brought into their lives. Thank you, Steph, for writing a character and a story that will help so many understand what it is like to live and have a relationship with chronic illness. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you Steph for sending me a copy of this bok in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Steph started reading at a very young age and quickly fell in love with stories and storytelling.

Her debut novel The People We Trust, was a passion project over several years to bring more representation into the murder mystery genre.

Throughout many turbulent times in her own life she turned to poetry to help put a voice to the thoughts that whirled around inside her head. The ‘Teenager’s Guide’ series, which consists of three poetry collections, were hugely cathartic to write, and she hopes they’re just as cathartic to read.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Audio Books Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: Prize Women by Caroline Lea

Published April 27th, 2023 by Michael Joseph
Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Thriller, Domestic Fiction, Romance Novel

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Based on the incredible true story of The Great Stork Derby, Prize Women is the profoundly moving novel that sheds light on a scandalous moment in history just as relevant today
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Toronto, 1926.

A childless millionaire leaves behind an astonishing will: the recipient of his fortune will be decided in a contest known as ‘The Great Stork Derby’. His money will go to the winner: the woman who bears the most children in the ten years after his death.

Lily di Marco is young, pregnant, and terrified of her husband. Fleeing to Toronto, she arrives on the doorstep of glamorous free spirit Mae Thebault. At a time when men hold all the power, Lily and Mae look out for each other. But as their friendship grows, Lily wonders if there’s more to Mae – and her past – than she has been told . . .

And as the Great Depression bites, the Stork Derby contest – with its alluring prize – proves too good to ignore for Lily and Mae, each living hand to mouth.

These best friends are now fierce rivals. But if only one woman can win, what will the contest cost the other?

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

Toronto, 1926. When eccentric millionaire Charles Vance Miller dies aged 82, he plays a final joke in his will and leaves his fortune to the woman who has the most babies over the next ten years. It was known as ‘The Great Stalk Derby’. The story follows two women – Lily and Mae – who take part in the derby, following their lives over the decade of the race through all of their trials, tribulations and celebrations. 

Caroline Lea has been one of my favourite historical fiction authors ever since I read her debut and I will buy anything she writes. This book has languished on my shelves unread for a while but I’m glad I finally read it. Exquisitely written, cleverly crafted and meticulously researched, Caroline held me in her thrall and I lost myself in the story. I love a book based on real events but had never heard of The Great Stalk Derby before reading this and admit I found the idea quite horrifying. But this story peels back the complex layers of the lives of the women who took part, revealing an evocative, poignant, scandalous and unforgettable story of sisterhood, strength and survival. Caroline also explores misogyny, abuse, lack of bodily autonomy and poverty, showing how they inform the women’s lives and the number of children they had. It’s hard to read at times but Caroline created the perfect balance of honesty and sensitivity, making everything included feel crucial to understanding these women.

The story is told by Lily and Mae, two women who take part in the derby that were based on real women. I loved these ladies and their friendship, which is as real and raw as the rest of their story. Lily is an Italian immigrant who arrives in Toronto with her young son, Matteo, after fleeing her abusive husband. She is also pregnant. Through a family she meets on her journey she is introduced to Mae, a wealthy woman with five children and another on the way. Mae hires Lily as a nanny and we watch as they develop first a friendship and then something more. The story is told in dual timelines and when we meet them in court in 1937 they talk of a falling out and betrayal, leaving us wondering what shattered their strong bond. The truth unfolds slowly with the court scenes adding an extra layer of tension and keeping me guessing about past events. I was rooting for them at every step. It also made me thankful to live in this era and with a stronger sense of how important women’s rights, bodily autonomy and access to contraception reproductive healthcare really is. Lily and Mae had none of those resources and the result is devastating.

A gorgeous story that will stay with you long after reading, add this to your TBR now. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Caroline Lea grew up in Jersey and gained a First in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Warwick, where she has also taught on the Creative Writing degree. Her fiction and poetry have been longlisted for the BBC Short Story Prize and Sunday Times Short Story Award, and shortlisted for the Bridport Prize, the Fish Short Story Competition and various flash fiction prizes. Her novel, THE GLASS WOMAN, was published to critical acclaim and shortlisted for the HWA Debut Crown. Her next novel, THE METAL HEART, was Scottish Waterstones Book of the Month. Her most recent novel, PRIZE WOMEN was featured and acclaimed on BBC Women’s Hour. Caroline is passionate about helping other writers to grow and succeed: she teaches creative writing both privately and, currently, for Writing West Midlands and is often recruited to give talks at literary festivals and events. She currently lives in Warwick with her partner and children and is working on her next novel about Mary Shelley writing Frankenstein. Her books often feature ordinary women in extraordinary circumstances.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

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Audio Books Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2025

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The Lamplighters Bookshop by Sophie Austin

Published March 13th, 2025 by Harper Fiction
Historical Fiction, Romance Novel, Historical Romance, Gaslamp Fantasy

*I listened to this book on Bookbeat. Click here for 60 days free listening with my affiliate code*

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Netgalley Historical Fiction Book of the Year 2025!!

Every book tells a story. Every heart hides a secret.

‘What’s not to love?! Nineteenth century York, bookshops and brilliant characters!‘ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In the shadowy aisles of the Lamplighter’s Bookshop, secrets lie as thick as the dust…

When Evelyn Seaton answers an advertisement for an assistant at a forgotten bookshop in York, she is not the only one with something to hide.

There she meets the enigmatic and prickly William Morton, an aspiring writer keeping secrets of his own. But when the walls that Evelyn has built around herself start to crumble, there is only one person she can turn to.

As the layers are brushed away, can Evelyn and William find the courage to write the next chapter of their story?

BUY hERE

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MY REVIEW:

Atmospheric, delightful, romantic and compelling, The Lamplighter’s Bookshop is a truly gorgeous debut. And that ending! My heart has still not recovered. I can see why this was voted as historical fiction book of the year on Netgalley last year.

The story follows Evelyn Seaton, who is at home with her mother, Cecilia, when the police arrive one evening and tell them that they must leave their home. Her father has gambled away everything they have and they are there to seize it all. So they go to York to stay with the only family member they have, Cecelia’s Aunt Clara. With nothing to their name, Evelyn decides she must go against her mother’s wishes and get a job, answering an advertisement for an assistant at a forgotten bookshop. It is in this shadowy bookshop that she meets William Morton, a mysterious and prickly aspiring writer who, like Evelyn, is keeping secrets to protect himself. The pair try to deny their attraction, but when Evelyn’s life begins to fall apart all over again, William is the only one she can turn to. Can they find the courage to give into their true feelings?

Sophie Austin reveals herself as a writer to watch with this magnificent debut. Her storytelling and imagery is so evocative, bringing the world and characters she’s created to life so vividly that it felt like I was walking the cobbled streets of nineteenth century York, wandering the shadowy aisles of the bookshop, and living every moment alongside the characters, who are ebullient and memorable. A story about love, secrets and betrayal, Ms. Austin keeps her reader guessing what secrets most of the characters are hiding. I was on tenterhooks trying to guess what they were hiding and wondered what would happen when they were finally truthful with each other and their secrets were revealed. 

Evelyn is a fantastic protagonist. Not only is she likeable and easy to root for, she’s feisty, intelligent, resourceful, determined and fiercely independent. I was rooting for her from the start as she tried to navigate this scary new reality she’d been thrust into whilst also trying to deal with the heartache of her father’s betrayal. Evelyn also comes up against societal expectations from her mother and others that get in her way, but she finds ways to overcome them at every step, intent on making life better for herself and her mother.  Another character I really enjoyed was Aunt Clara. She was snarky, sharp and witty, lighting up the pages in every scene while also offering sage advice to Evelyn and Cecilia. 

As this is a romance, I obviously need to talk about our potential lovebirds. I’m a sucker for an enemies to lovers trope, which was masterfully executed by Ms. Austin. There’s an immediate spark between Evelyn and William but they try to deny it and spend their time disagreeing instead. I loved this quarrelsome pair and their verbal sparring. Their will they/won’t they aspect of their relationship created tension and gave me something to root for. Plus, I knew the pay off would be amazing if they did finally give into their feelings. Something I also liked was what a great character William was in himself. He’s enigmatic, complicated and flawed, and I was as desperate to work him out as Evelyn, keeping me rooted to my chair and turning the pages.

A heartwarming and wonderful debut, I can’t wait to see what’s next from Ms. Austin.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

Thank you Harper Collins for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Originally from London, Sophie Austin is a historical fiction novelist who now lives in Sweden. Her debut novel, THE LAMPLIGHTER’S BOOKSHOP (coming March 2025) is a turn of the century tale of rivalry, redemption, and love set under the darkening skies of York in 1899. Sophie loves spending time in Victorian England, both in her writing and in her reading, and you can step back in time with her via her website or her Instagram page. When Sophie isn’t writing historical fiction she works as a Senior Creative Writer for a blocky video game writing articles, scripts and more about mining, crafting and surviving

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK REVIEW: The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead

Published January 22nd, 2026 by Aria
Domestic Fiction, Romance Novel, Dark Romance, Gothic Romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

THE NEW ROMANCE NOVEL FROM TIKTOK SENSATION ASHLEY WINSTEAD.

‘The Future Saints is not to be missed.’ Annabel Monaghan, author of Nora Goes Off Script

A band on the brink. A love worth playing for.

When record executive Theo meets the Future Saints, they’re bombing at a dive bar in their hometown. Since the tragic death of their manager, the band has been in a downward spiral and Theo has been dispatched to coax a new – and successful – album out of them, or else let them go.

Theo is struck right away by Hannah, the group’s impetuous lead singer, who has gone off script in debuting a new song-and, in fact, a whole new sound. Theo’s supposed to get the band back on track, but when their new music garners an even wider fan base than before, the plans begin to change-new tour, new record, new start.

But Hannah’s descent into grief has larger consequences for the group, and she’s not willing to let go yet. not for fame or love.

For fans of Daisy Jones and the Six and In Five Years, this is a love story – just not the one you’re expecting.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

The Future Saints is a band in freefall. They have been struggling since the death of their manager almost a year earlier. The night that record executive Theo Ford meets them they are playing a gig at a dive bar in their hometown and bombing. The record label doesn’t hold out much hope and has sent Theo to ensure the band deliver their obligated next album and then cut them loose. Theo is immediately captivated by lead singer Hannah Cortland, the impetuous broken beauty who is falling apart both behind the scenes and on stage. But that brokenness turns out to be a secret weapon when the band goes off script and debuts not only a new song, but a whole new sound. It goes viral and suddenly the band are thrust into the spotlight. The pressure is on to cash in on their new fame and make that new album a runaway hit. Will Hannah’s grief derail their dreams? Or will she find a way to let go?

This book was nothing like I expected but it was also everything I didn’t know I wanted. Ashley Winstead is a magnificent storyteller who has crafted a mesmerising, raw and poignant story about grief, sisterhood, friendship and love that also gives us a glimpse into the crazy truth of the music industry.

There is a dynamic cast of characters who are fun to read and easy to root for. It didn’t matter that their lives were a million miles away from anything I know, they still felt familiar and deeply human. However, my greatest takeaway from this story is the emotions that bleed from every page. I went through all the feelings my heart has still not recovered. It’s moving, heartbreakingly raw, compassionate and messy. And I couldn’t get enough.

A glorious and stirring story that will linger long after reading, I highly recommend this book.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you Aria for sending me a proof copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ashley Winstead is an academic turned bestselling novelist with a Ph.D. in contemporary American literature. She lives in Houston with her husband, three cats, and beloved wine fridge.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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READALONG REVIEW: So, I Met This Guy… by Alexandra Potter

Published January 29th, 2026 by Pan Macmillan
Romance Novel, Contemporary Romance, Adventure Fiction, Domestic Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

So, I Met This Guy . . .

Well, isn’t that how every love story starts? But how does it end – a happily ever after? Or with the discovery that the supposed love-of-your-life has stolen your life savings and your home, trashed your heart and demolished your self-esteem?

Maggie is barely fifty years-old, and she’s not one to give up on herself. So when she meets Flick, a young reporter who realizes this story could be the big break she’s been looking for, they set off to catch him as he goes on the run across Europe. After all, she’s got nothing left to lose, right?

But as the pair embark on the road trip of their lives, unexpected twists, hidden secrets and hard truths are revealed. And as an unlikely friendship begins to blossom, they realize it’s not just about finding the guy, it’s about finding themselves . . .

From the author of the mega bestseller Confessions of a Fortysomething F##k Up comes another laugh-out-loud novel full of wit, wisdom . . . and women who have had ENOUGH.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

‘So, I met this guy…’ The phrase that is the start of love stories. Of someone’s happily ever after or biggest regret. When Maggie met Theo C. Stratin she thought she’d found ‘the one’, but it soon became a nightmare when he wiped out her life savings, her home, her trust and self-esteem. When journalist Flick hears Maggie’s story she realises that this could be her big break and convinces a reluctant Maggie to speak about her experience and track down Theo, the pair embarking on a trip across Europe to catch the con man before he can find another victim. 

Warm, witty and full of heart, this was a joy to read from start to finish. A comfort read with action, emotion, comedy and drama thrown in. I’m ashamed to say that this is my first time reading one of Alexandra Potter’s books, but it certainly won’t be my last. Her writing enveloped me, the characters leapt from the pages and I was rooting for Maggie and Flick at every step. The locations come alive in vivid detail, making me feel like I was walking the streets of Rome, partying in Ibiza or hiking in Spain. Potter is also skilled at writing emotion that cuts like a knife and goes straight to your soul, making me feel everything alongside the characters. I was all-in and lost myself in this enthralling cat and mouse chase across the continent. And amongst all of that Ms. Potter has also woven important issues into the narrative, highlighting not only romance fraud, but topics such as coercive control and poverty.

I can’t write this review without mentioning the characters. Charismatic, relatable and real, they could be any one of us, which is part of this book’s charm and what makes it resonate so strongly. Maggie could be any one of us. When we meet her she’s lost everything and had her life and soul destroyed by Theo and I loved watching her rediscover not only her strength, but her self-belief. Something she might not have found again without Flick. I loved their friendship. I loved that it was mutli-genterational and how much they learned from one another. And I can’t talk about this book without mentioning Birdy, a wealthy older lady they meet on their travels. Birdy was my favourite character and I am going to need a book all about her. I am not going to spoil anything, but after reading this you’ll understand why.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you to Pan Macmillan and Bookbreak for the invitation to take part in the Readalong and for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alexandra Potter is the bestselling author of numerous bestselling novels, including CONFESSIONS OF A FORTY-SOMETHING F**K UP which is now the basis of a major TV series. These titles have sold in twenty-five territories and achieved worldwide sales of more than one million copies, making the bestseller charts across the world.

Born and raised in Yorkshire, Alexandra lived for several years in LA before settling back in the UK. She currently lives in London with her Californian husband and their Bosnian rescue dog.

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Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: Cleopatra by Natasha Solomons

Published May 8th, 2025 by Manilla Press
Historical Fiction, Biographical Fiction, Romance Novel

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

From the international bestselling author comes an unmissable new retelling of the life of one of the most captivating and misrepresented female figures in history.

Cleopatra, Egyptian Princess, grows up the favoured daughter of the Pharoah, hiding amongst the scrolls in the great library of Alexandria with her beloved slave Charmian, longing for the chance one day to write her own story.

Then when her father dies, willing that Cleopatra rule with her selfish brother Ptolemy, danger stirs. As the young Egyptian Queen sails the Nile to greet her people, he plots to destroy her and take the throne for himself.

But while Ptolemy has the power of Egypt behind him, Cleopatra has her wits. And when the great Caesar arrives from Rome, she realises he could be the key to her salvation – though courting this powerful man could cost her everything.

Can Cleopatra save her life, her throne, her beloved Egypt and finally command her own history?

A powerful, unmissable new retelling, this is a captivating story of female power and vulnerability, of love and loss, fierce friendship and terrible betrayal.

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

We’ve all heard of Cleopatra. But how much of what we know about her is true? It’s time to meet the woman behind the myth in this sensational retelling.

Egyptian Princess and the Pharaoh’s favoured daughter, Cleopatra grows up knowing one day she will rule. As a child she enjoys spending time hiding amongst the scrolls in Alexandria’s great library with her beloved slave Charmain, who had been by her side since they were infants. She vows that one day she will write her own story and be part of history. When her father dies, he wills that Cleopatra co-rule with her selfish brother, Ptolemy, so the two are married. But as the new Queen sails the Nile to greet her people, Ptolemy is plotting to take the throne for himself. The power of Egypt is behind him, but all hope is not lost. When Caesar arrives from Rome, clever Cleopatra realises he could be the key to her salvation. But he could also cost her everything. Will Cleopatra be able to save her life and her throne?

Atmospheric, immersive, enthralling and heart-poundingly tense, this is a mesmerising tale of love, loss, family, danger, betrayal and female empowerment. From the compelling opening lines I was held in Natasha Solomon’s thrall. Expertly written and meticulously researched, she brings one of the most represented women in history back to life in vivid technicolour. The time and love that has gone into this story is evident in every word and it was a joy to read. It’s a story I haven’t stopped thinking about in the months since I’ve read it, lingering long after turning that final page. 

The Cleopatra I knew before reading this book was pretty one-dimensional and her story was only told through the lens of the men in her life. When I thought of her I thought of Caesar, beauty and milk baths. But there is so much more to her and I am glad I’ve finally discovered it. She was an intelligent, fierce and complex woman who feels truly alive in this book. Natasha has breathed new life into a fabled character, showcasing her in all her splendour. I adored Natasha’s Cleopatra and feel honoured to have met her on these pages.

Phenomenal, vibrant, sensuous and transportive, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories about strong women who deserve to be remembered. And don’t skip the fascinating author’s note at the end.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

Thank you Manilla Press for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Natasha Solomons is the New York Times bestselling author of nine novels and her work has been translated into seventeen languages. Natasha lives in Dorset with her children. She also works as a playwright and screenwriter.

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Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: The Twelve Days of Christmas by Susan Stokes-Chapman

Published September 25th, 2025 by Harvill Secker
Historical Fiction, Romance Novel, Holiday Fiction, Festive Fiction, Christmas Story

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

A beautiful collection of seasonal stories inspired by the classic Christmas carol, from the Sunday Times No. 1 Bestselling Author

‘Uplifting, poignant and astutely observed, this felt like being whirled away into a Regency ball’ Naomi Kelsey

As the Viscount’s famous Twelfth Night Ball draws closer, many of the villagers of Merrywake have a story to tell – we meet a lovelorn vicar and kindly maid reunited after a misunderstanding, three sisters vying for the hand of a dastardly duke, two servants hiding a dangerous secret and a solider making his way home, unsure of the welcome he might receive. As their tales braid together, we see life and love in the village from belowstairs to high society.

Reimagining each of the traditional carol’s gifts, The Twelve Days of Christmas is a collection of festive tales filled with seasonal cheer and heart-warming characters. Will the challenges and mysteries that the Viscount’s guests encounter be resolved by the night of the ball?

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

In the run up to Christmas I’ve been all about the festive reads. And in the final few days of the countdown I decided to immerse myself in the gorgeous, heartwarming and enthralling, The Twelve Days of Christmas by Susan Stokes-Chapman.

This book is a collection of seasonal stories that reimagine each of the gifts in the eponymous traditional carol as a Christmassy tale based on a delightful and compelling cast of characters that includes a Viscount and Viscountess, their children, friends and staff. There are weddings, a ball, a lovelorn vicar and kindly maid who are reunited years after a misunderstanding tore them apart, a child found in the woods who won’t tell anyone her name, a trio of sisters who are competing to marry a handsome but dastardly duke, a grieving father, and a soldier making his way home after way. It is an inspired choice that Ms. Stokes-Chapman pulls off with finesse, intricately weaving together each of the stories to create a picture of a merry Regency Christmas in an English village. I loved all of the characters and stories, but especially enjoyed Staves three and five. 

Exquisitely written, atmospheric, poignant and joyful, this was the perfect book to get me into the Christmas spirit and would be a great gift to find under the tree. Highly recommended.

Rating: 🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢#

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Susan Stokes-Chapman is a bestselling author of historical fiction, known for writing specifically in the Georgian era and marrying meticulous research with rich lyrical prose, often with a Gothic bent.

Her debut novel Pandora was an instant #1 Sunday Times bestseller and has been translated into 16 languages. A loose reinterpretation of the Greek myth Pandora’s Box set in eighteenth-century London, it tells the story of aspiring jewellery artist Dora Blake and her encounter with an ancient vase that her tyrannical uncle is desperately keen to keep secret. Her second novel The Shadow Key – a Gothic tale set against the mysterious Welsh landscape of 1783 – was released in April 2024. A short story collection in the vein of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer was published in September 2025 with a third and fourth novel, The Constellations and The Moth Farm, to follow.

Born in 1985, Susan grew up in the historic city of Lichfield before moving on to study in the coastal town of Aberystwyth, where she graduated with a BA in Education & English Literature and an MA in Creative Writing. She is a SoA Cymru Committee member and lives on the Cambrian Coast in Wales, UK.

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