Opposites Attract - Camilla Isley

First law of magnetism: opposite poles attract.

Single mom Vivian has been burned by love once before, and her job as a divorce lawyer has presented enough evidence to convince her there are no good men left in New York City.

The worst offender is her new neighbour: Dr. Lucas Keller, a couple’s therapist whose piercing blue eyes and flawless dark hair are just as annoying as his bad temper.

But when Luke starts poaching Vivian’s clients by saving their marriages, she makes it her mission to force him out of the building to save her practice. But it’s Luke who gives her the perfect opportunity when he proposes an unexpected bet.

With their offices at stake, Vivian and Luke play the field of love in a fierce battle of wits that quickly turns hot and personal, especially when Vivian’s daughter gets involved. Now, taking down Luke has become more than business for Vivian. It’s become a pleasure—and soon, Vivian and Luke will realize how pointless it is to fight the laws of attraction.

My Review:

Another brilliant book from Camilla. Each one of hers I pick up I enjoy, this is another romantic, fun filled, action packed book.

We meet Vivian and Lucas who from the moment they meet just do not see eye to eye, they go out of their way to wind each other up or gain the upper hand. So, when an opportunity comes that may rid one from the other, they jump on board. Both signing up to a well-known dating agency, who will meet someone suitable first?

Cue a multitude of hilarious dates, it’s every single person’s nightmare repeatedly but this is Camilla Isley at her comedic best – I was laughing out loud at these!

I love when we have a story told from the two characters viewpoints, I think you really get to know them. I warmed to Lucas from the start but it took me a while before I liked Vivian or really understood her.

I enjoyed the chemistry between the characters, the ease at which they teased and pushed the other’s buttons. Although there are so quirky, fun lighthearted moments, it does touch on some serious and sensitive issues which are very well done.

A fun, easy read that will entertain for a good few hours. Camilla Isley is an author that never disappoints. 

Purchase Links

Opposites Attract is available for Free!

https://smarturl.it/OppositesAttract143

https://books2read.com/u/mdnvYl

Author Bio: 
Camilla is an engineer turned writer after she quit her job to follow her husband on an adventure abroad.

She’s a cat lover, coffee addict, and shoe hoarder. Besides writing, she loves reading—duh!—cooking, watching bad TV, and going to the movies—popcorn, please. She’s a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. A keen traveler, Camilla knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and she doesn’t want to starve all those frog princes out there, but she could really live without them.

Social Media Links@

Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/camilla-isley

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14135080.Camilla_Isley

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

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/camillaisley/

Twitter https://twitter.com/camillaisley

Giveaway to Win 3 x e-copies of the Beach Reads box set (Open Internationally)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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Summer in the City - Emma Jackson

The heartwarming new holiday read from the bestselling author of A Mistletoe Miracle

Sometimes the one thing you're looking for is right in front of you...

Stephen is on a very personal mission to find his father as per the wishes in their mother's will. But he has no idea where to start, not that he's going to tell anyone that... When Noelle, native New Yorker, daughter of a detective and desperate for a distraction from the novel she's been struggling to write, offers to help, it feels like the perfect solution.

Except the last time she spoke to Stephen he thought they'd be seeing the New Year in together and instead she stood him up and sold him out! Stephen's big enough and been around the block enough times to understand that all is fair in love and war, isn't he? But when Stephen accepts her offer and they begin their search across the city, it soon becomes clear that the weather isn't the only thing that's heating up.

A heartwarming summer romance perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Sarah Morgan and Holly Martin.

My Review:

Summer in the City is such an enjoyable, fun summer read. I enjoy books set in New York, there are many but I never tire of hearing about this wonderful city, Emma Jackson really does give us great descriptions of various locations around the City as the main characters go off on their adventures.

Stephen is searching for his Dad; not having contact since he was small, he isn’t wanting or expecting a positive reunion.

Noelle is surrounded by family; in fact, she sometimes feels like they are a bit too involved with her (love) life. She is a writer who urgently needs to work on some edits to make a deadline.

Our two independent, stubborn, and fiery characters have history and at first it seems a recipe for disaster but as they open up and search for Stephens Dad, they start to see things from the other’s point of view.

The story is told from both Stephens and Noelles viewpoint, which I don’t mind. I sometimes get frustrated with the back and forward, but I think it works well to see what each character really feels. They did change midway through chapters and this threw me at first.

I think this is a really lovely read, the characters are what really makes it – they are likable and interesting. I love Noelle’s family; they are fun and provide some light-hearted moments.

Overall, I would recommend for a sweet, summer read. 

Purchase Link - http://bit.ly/SummerITC

Author Bio:

Author of the Best Selling A MISTLETOE MIRACLE, published in 2019 by Orion Dash, Emma has been a devoted bookworm and secret-story-scribbler since she was 6 years old. When she’s not running around after her two daughters and trying to complete her current work-in-progress, Emma loves to read, bake, catch up on binge-watching TV programmes with her partner and plan lots of craft projects that will inevitably end up unfinished. Her next romantic comedy, SUMMER IN THE CITY, is due for release in June 2020.

Emma also writes historical and speculative romantic fiction as Emma S Jackson. THE DEVIL'S BRIDE will be published by DarkStroke in February 2020.

Social Media Links –

Twitter: @ESJackson1

Instagram: @emma_s_jackson

Facebook @EmmaJacksonAuthor

The Little Brooklyn Bakery - Julie Caplin

Available here

Goodreads Blurb:
When Sophie Bennings arrives in New York, love is the last thing on her mind. Still reeling from a painful break up, she throws herself into her work as a food editor on a top-notch magazine.
Columnist Todd McLennan is everything that Sophie wishes she didn’t want. Like the gorgeous bakery below her Brooklyn apartment, he’s as tempting as the sugary cupcakes on daily display. Surely a little of something you fancy can do you good?
As Sophie and Todd get to know one another, a love of food isn’t the only passion they share. In the city that never sleeps, has Sophie finally met the man of her dreams…?

My Review:
Fun, light and sweet - I was addicted and was soon fully immersed in Sophie's story. It helps I have a never ending affection for New York but this book ticked all the boxes of a warm, chick-lit rom-com with added yummy food/cakes and sexy phwoar factor.

I was hooked - read it in a couple of sittings and stayed up past my bedtime as I was so into it. I hadn't read the previous book in the series - but it doesn't matter as this works as a stand alone anyway. I will be rectifying that though, no doubt about it.

Sophie, or should I say Lady Sophie, is a nice girl who is wronged by a terrible, and not in the least bit appealing, man. I wasn't really expecting the scenario that played out with their relationship but I already knew it would be the best thing to happen for Sophie. She is a really likable character, to be honest I would've done the same and legged it to New York so I was supportive and all for her doing well from the start.
 
Todd is our phwoar factor. From the way he is described he is one hot male lead. He is charming, playful and just what Sophie needs to bring her out of herself in New York. You know he is deeper than his "play boy" image as you can see how much he cares for people i.e. his cousin Bella (who I think is a brilliant best friend type character for Sophie!)

I loved the sense of community and friendships within the book. As I mentioned I love New York and I have always been blown away by how friendly people are there. I was once told nobody in New York would be friendly or interested in conversation but, like in this book, they are! I loved the authors descriptions of locations - taking me back to some places and making me feel like I was exactly there with them all. It makes me want to head over and check out Brooklyn some more.

Definitely a binge worthy read - I can't wait to take a trip to Copenhaden and Paris next!
Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍

One New York Christmas - Mandy Baggot

Available to buy here

Confession time. This is my first Mandy Baggot book – although upon checking my TBR pile I notice I have a couple of others stowed away there, so let’s say they have been bumped up the pile towards the top (I can’t be the only one that piles her TBR pile in an order that she usually ignores right?)

One New York Christmas
Lara Weeks is looking forward to Christmas with her long-term boyfriend Dan until he drops a bombshell.

When best friend Susie persuades Lara to head to the Big Apple for a festive trip, will Lara find the answers she has been searching for and will she be ready to break-up or breakthrough this Christmas? Will Lara get her happy-ever-after with the man of her dreams?

What a treasure this book is! Set in ever exciting and completely entrancing New York, Mandy Baggot transports us via her descriptive writing and charming characters. If, like me, you’ve had an opportunity to explore NYC you will be taken back, recalling what its like on those tourist filled, busy streets, remembering the sounds and smells as well as those iconic views. If (like main character Lara) you haven’t yet adventured to New York this book will have you yearning to go!

Lara, our truck driving lead is comfortable with her life and her boyfriend Dan, but as Christmas approaches, he drops a bombshell that leaves Lara feeling not so merry and bright. I like Lara immediately – she’s direct and straight to the point, fearless but afraid in equal measure.  Lara is pretty kick ass really when I think about it – she flies off to somewhere she has only ever dreamed of, is left to her own devices A LOT in this massive, strange city, she climbs trees, rescues animals and stands up for the things she believes in. I related to the way Lara fell in love with NYC and her desire to explore more of the world in any way she can.

Our main male lead Seth is an actor, having known success (Lara is a fan before New York is even mentioned) he is now a jobbing actor on the hunt for his next big role and has his sights set on a role that is perfect for him. His best friend, now acting as his agent, starts something on Twitter that has unexpected consequences for all involved. Seth is kind, caring and gets swept away in Trent’s crazy, but well intended plans that lead him to a chance encounter with Lara. The connection between the two characters is instant, although they are from two completely different worlds. I enjoyed seeing how they developed and hoped that we could see each character get the happy ending they deserved. 

Mandy Baggot’s writing is descriptive and draws you in but it did take a few chapters to be fully invested but, once I was there was no stopping me - I read quickly as I was so keen to see how things were going for both Lara and Seth. The additional characters in this book are funny and you will like them – Susie and her boyfriend; Kossy, all the characters from the shelter, Trent; each adding something interesting to the story and helping Lara and Seth discover themselves (and each other!)  I feel like I would have liked to hear more about some of them, not a criticism more of me being greedy to have more.

I giggled a lot reading this book, especially thanks to some interesting animal escapades and was enticed to consider many new holiday destinations. I found it emotional in some places, especially in terms of Seth when he was searching for answers, not fully knowing if he really wanted to discover the truth. One New York Christmas is a fantastic read that will leave you feeling all warm and happy, it’s one book you need on your festive to read list. 
Thanks to Penguin Random House UK & Ebury Publishing for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.