The Dating Game - Sandy Barker

 

‘Hilarious and highly original’

Julie Houston, bestselling author of A Village Affair

Once upon a time, twelve women joined the hottest reality TV show looking for love. Except one had a secret identity . . .

Abby Jones is a serious writer. Or at least she will be, one day. Right now, she spends her time writing recaps of reality television under a secret identity.

When a recap for The Stag – the must-watch dating show – goes viral, her editor thinks she should be on set, writing the drama as it happens. The good news: the next season will be filmed in Sydney. Sun, sea and a glamorous trip abroad, this could be Abby’s big break.

The bad news: the producers don’t just want Abby to write the recaps, they want her to be on the show. Abby can’t think of anything worse than being undercover and followed around by cameras. But her career depends on it, and when she meets gorgeous producer Jack, Abby begins to wonder if this job might not be so bad after all . . .

My Review:
Sandy Barker always gives us such interesting, fun reads. They are brilliant!

Abby, writer and scathing critic of a reality dating show finds herself as a contestant on that very programme so to ensure her witty reviews score even more publicity for the show. Reluctant is not the word to describe how she feels about this but we see her take it on and fair play she handles everything far better than I would.

Her hilarious recaps of the show are what really kept me entertained throughout. I enjoyed seeing how Abby developed as a character, unsure at first the more she settled into the more she seemed to discover herself.

What a bunch of characters though; some to love and some most certainly to hate. They are all very well written and part of the fun!

I liked how the romance element was slow and steady, who would have thought in this nightmare scenario she would end up falling up for one of the show’s producers. Could love to put a spanner in her dream career plans?

Full of fun, wit and laughter. A great read, very well written. Highly recommended. 

Purchase Links

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dating-Game-romantic-comedy-Santorini-ebook/dp/B096TBRT6B/

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-dating-game/id1571261358

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sandy_Barker_The_Dating_Game?id=iwQyEAAAQBAJ

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dating-game-sandy-barker/1139650830

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/the-dating-game-30

Author Bio

Sandy is a writer, traveller and hopeful romantic with a lengthy bucket list, and many of her travel adventures have found homes in her novels. She’s also an avid reader, a film buff, a wine lover and a coffee snob. She lives in Melbourne Australia with her partner, Ben, who she met while travelling in Greece. Their real-life love story inspired Sandy’s debut novel One Summer in Santorini, the first in the Holiday Romance series with One More Chapter, an imprint of HarperCollins.

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Will They, Won't They? - Portia MacIntosh

 

When life goes off track sometimes the only thing you can do is go back to where it all began...

Emmy Palmer is the star of Bragadon Forest, the biggest fantasy series on TV; adored by the public, living the life of glamour and luxury in London.

But when scandal strikes, Emmy must escape the city and return to her seaside hometown to lie low and wait for the storm to pass.

Emmy's agent decides it would be a good look to star in the community Christmas pantomime, but who else could be playing her leading man but her ex-boyfriend who she may or may not have ditched to move to London a decade ago...

As the show approaches, love and friendships blossom and the real question is - Will they? Won't they?

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3x2wjCR

My Review:

Portia MacIntosh is one of my go to authors. Her books are romantic, funny and perfect for some light hearted reading. This latest novel is no exception, I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Emmy is a famous actress in a popular fantasy TV programme. Following a few rumours, she has been given the chop (quite literally – her character was beheaded!) and finds herself at a loose end. Following a family tragedy, she returns home to the Yorkshire village she grew up in. Soon immersed in the lives of her crazy family, she finds herself getting roped into a local production as well as renovating a house! Her agent thinks a local pantomime may just save her career and encourages Emmy to take part, although not everyone is happy, she is about to star in the show. She also revisits past relationships and friendships, realising some are happier to see her than she is to see them. With the truth always managing to come out, can Emmy repair her career, or does she realise her priorities are now elsewhere? A crazy bunch of characters, I liked them, although randy Aunty Vee may have been a bit much for me, I felt that I knew each one and they all played a specific part in the story. Plenty of laugh out loud moments in this one and although for once I wasn’t sure who the romantic interest would be, there is plenty of romance too. Highly recommended for a great end of summer read.

Author Bio:
Portia MacIntosh is a bestselling romantic comedy author of 16 novels, including The Plus One Pact and My Great Ex-Scape. Previously a music journalist, Portia writes hilarious stories, drawing on her real life experiences.

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The Juggle - Ellie Barker

 

Married couple Molly and Dan are forced to swap lives. But will it bring them closer together or drive them even further apart?

It was only a blip. Just a little mistake. But in the world of television, Dan Whitehead’s little slip could cost him his career.

His only chance is to swap roles with his wife, Molly, who also works part-time, behind the scenes at the show. It’s just for a couple of months. Easy. What’s so hard about looking after their twins and taking a step away from the limelight for a bit? Only, it’s not quite as simple as Dan may think.  With more time, his past begins to haunt him. Then, when a friendly school-mum offers him the comfort he needs, is she everything she seems?

Meanwhile, Molly is more than happy in her sweatshirt and leggings. Why would she want to go back on-screen when she doesn’t even like leaving the house? But she needs to save her husband’s job. After all, it is her fault.  Then, when she’s offered an exclusive interview on the other side of the world, her life in Cherry Blossom Park is under threat. Why is she the only person to ever be offered this interview?  Dan must never know the truth. 

The Juggle is more than just a story about parents keeping everything in the air. It’s about secrets from the past and hopes for the future.

It asks the question – is a marriage every big enough for two dreams to come true? 

 

My Review:

This is the authors second book, and I admit I hadn’t read the first. Saying that – nothing took away from my enjoyment of ‘The Juggle’ at all, I enjoyed it from start to finish. Cherry Blossom Park is one of those typically wonderful book locations I’d love to be.

I enjoyed that the story was told from both Dan and Mollys point of view. I think it’s always interesting to see things from other perspectives.

I think the reason I enjoyed this book was that it was relatable – be it in the fact that often married couples do feel like the spark and chemistry leaves the marriage after life and children take over. Days can seem repetitive and the same for everyone. Sacrifices are made and that can have a big impact. It takes a step back, and a wake up call, to change unless it is too late. No good comes from secrets - or does it?

Well written, with enjoyable characters- some more than others though. A fast, fun read that will leave you eager for more. I will definitely look out for the next one by this author. 

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Juggle-Cherry-Blossom-Park-Book-ebook/dp/B099ZXRDM6/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Juggle-Cherry-Blossom-Park-Book-ebook/dp/B099ZXRDM6/

Author Bio:

Ellie Barker is a television reporter and presenter. The Juggle is her second book. You can find out more about Ellie at https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

Social Media Links:
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Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café - Jessica Redland

 

Welcome to The Starfish Café - where you will find stunning views, delicious food and lifelong friendships.

Two broken hearts.

Since she inherited The Starfish Café, Hollie has poured her heart into the business, striving to keep her mother's traditions and warm-hearted spirit alive. But behind closed doors Hollie is searching for true happiness, as she grieves the tragic loss of her family who were once the beating heart of the café...

An unexpected meeting.

Jake lives by two rules: don’t let anyone get close and don’t talk about what happened. Little does he know that a chance meeting at The Starfish Café, facilitated by a fluffy lost dog, is about to turn his world upside down...

The chance to love again.

Can Hollie and Jake break down the barriers that have been holding them back from finding love and happiness, before Christmas comes around? Afterall, with courage, nothing is impossible...

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/34I47Zk

My Review:

As a huge fan of Jessica Redland, I couldn’t wait to start this wonderful, festive romance. I have to admit there is seems to be an awful lot of tragedy and heartbreak in this story, I was concerned there would be no happiness or romance at all, but I didn’t need to worry. Although Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café is a great portrayal of loss, it is a glorious story of love and overcoming challenges and fears in order to achieve your dreams or mend your heart. A classic tale of finding happiness, or love, where you least expect it.

I enjoyed this new setting and all the characters and hope we will return, although fans of her previous books will not be disappointed as there may just be some familiarity.

Hollie and Jake are interesting, complex characters, both understanding and connecting through loss and pain. With some mystery as to what Jake gets up to on a Monday, his reason for it is incredible. There is so much packed into this book, you’ll get swept away by Hollie and her commitment to what her Mum started, bowled over by Jake and his determination.

Be prepared with some tissues for this emotional ride. Highly recommended!

Author Bio: 

Jessica Redland writes uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community set in Yorkshire where she lives. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast and her Hedgehog Hollow series takes them into beautiful countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.

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