Review: A Vintage Wedding by Katie Fforde

In a small Cotswold country town, Beth, Lindy and Rachel are looking for new beginnings.

So they set up in business, organising stylish and perfectly affordable vintage weddings.

Soon they are busy arranging other people's Big Days.

What none of them know is that their own romances lie waiting, just around the corner ...

*I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Katie Fforde has become a household name when it comes to great British romance novels. Time after time she is able to deliver on that and you know exactly what come to expect from her. While that might be considered wonderfull, it can also become a bit dull. I feel like you need to be in the right mood for her stories and her writing to be amazed by it, otherwise it's still a very enjoyable though rather comfortable read.

Comfortable. That's the word I was looking for. Her books kind of feel like coming home. Or the setting where you read her books need to be right. Somehow for me that needs to be somewhere on holiday or a rainy Sunday (though that might have something to do with the English weather I imagine). Somewhere where you feel comfortable and will not be disturbed.

One of the things I like most about her novels, that usually we get more than one love story and this time we even get three. Beth, Lindy and Rachel have all been single for quite a while, though aren't necessarily looking for someone special. Their lives are already busy/messy enough to fit in more drama. Still when you're not expecting something, it's usually then when the magic happens.

I don't want to give anything away about their lives and potential crushes, it's always so much more fun to discover it yourself. Rachel though might have been my favourite. She's a total control freak, so quite the opposite of me, and it was fun to see her deal with more unexpected situations. Overall a very pleasant read, with relateable characters and realistic romances. Another good one for Katie Fforde.

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The Author

Catherine Rose Gordon-Cumming was born 27 September 1952 in England, UK, the daughter of Shirley Barbara Laub and Michael Willoughby Gordon-Cumming. Her grandfather was Sir William Gordon-Cumming. Her sister is fellow writer Jane Gordon-Cumming. Katie married Desmond Fforde, cousin of the also writer Jasper Fforde. She has three children: Guy, Francis and Briony and didn't start writing until after the birth of her third child. She has previously worked both as a cleaning lady and in a health food cafe.

Published since 1995, her romance novels are set in modern-day England. She is the founder of the "Katie Fforde Bursary" for writers who have yet to secure a publishing contract. Katie was elected the twenty-fifteenth Chairman (2009-2011) of the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is delighted to have been chosen as Chair of the Romantic Novelists' Association and says, "Catherine Jones was a wonderful chair and she's a very tough act to follow. However, I've been a member of the RNA for more years than I can actually remember and will have its very best interests at the core of everything I do."

Katie lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England with her husband, some of her three children and many pets. Recently her old hobbies of ironing and housework have given way to singing, Flamenco dancing and husky racing. She claims this keeps her fit. The writers she likes herself is also in the romantic genre, like Kate Saunders.

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Review: Miracle on Regent Street (Evie Taylor #1) by Ali Harris

Evie Taylor, a girl with a big heart, gets lost in the big city. For the past two years, Evie has lived an invisible life in London. Her neighbours think she’s just moved in, her sister mistakes her for a live-in nanny, and even Evie’s manager at work can’t remember her name.

But all that is about to change …this Christmas has brought a flurry of snow and unimaginable possibilities into town. Evie works in the stockroom of an old-fashioned, family-run, London fashion department store. Hardy’s is a beautiful, wood-panelled jewellery box of a building, but it’s in dire need of a makeover. One day Evie overhears that if the entire store’s takings don’t turn round by Dec 26th – 3 weeks’ time – the family who own it will be forced to sell to one of the big chains.

Hardy’s is in need of a Christmas miracle. Determined to save her beloved store, Evie hatches a plan to secretly transform it into a magical place to shop again. But has the time come for her to be noticed too? When an accidental romantic encounter with handsome, enigmatic Joel gives her the chance of a whole new identity, she takes it.

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Review:

You know when someone says "that's nice", what they mean is "I don't hate it, but I don't really love it either." This pretty much sums up my view of this book. Don't worry I will get more in to detail than just saying "it was nice."

Miracle On Regent Street is a chick lit book all the way. It all starts with a 20-something woman, who has become stuck in some dead end job, gave up on social and a possible love life. Evie has gone so far in the background people don't remember her, take her for granted and they don't even know her real name, all calling her Sarah. Which to me just blows my mind, that your self confidence is so low or that you have become so shy, you can't even correct people on your name.

So to me the heroine of this book is too bland. Don't get me wrong, she's nice and sweet, but so passive it's borderline boring to read about. The thing that mostly kept me going through this book were the other characters in this book, mostly Lily and Felix. They have been at Hardy's so long, they've almost become part of the decor. Evie bonds with them, because like her they are kind of invisible and have been taken for granted.

Now it can't be a romance if there isn't some guy involved. Actually there are two guys, but Evie only sees one. Joel is an American financial adviser, Hardy's has hired to help them. When Evie literally runs into him at the store and he asks her out, who is she to say no, right? It has been so long she could use a little romance. Unfortunately I don't feel the connection/attraction between those two. They go out, it's fun and all that. But once again it's just nice.

Then there is this other guy, Sam. He is the delivery guy and from the beginning of the book you know he's got the hots for Evie. Only, of course, she's oblivious to his interest in her. Here you could really see the sparks vibrating with anticipation between them and girl goes totally the other way around. She isn't out to hurt him, she just doesn't realise, not even after two years. It's stuff like that, which frustrates me to no end.

All in all, Miracle On Regent Street is very well written, fun characters and has a vintage chic feel to it, even though it is a bit too long. It was my first Christmas book this year, so it has gotten me a bit in the mood for the holiday season. And like I said, it was nice.

Connect with Ali Harris:

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Interview with Susan Rae + Review of ICE blue

Before I get started, I want to thank our host for giving me this opportunity to tell you a little about myself and my new release, ICE blue.

Now for the questions…

What kind of research did you do for Ice Blue?

ICE blue is a very involved novel that draws from a lot of different areas, from illegal immigration and human trafficking, to Chicago police and Fire/Paramedic procedures, to protocol regarding abandoned babies, and even to medical procedures. I gleaned the initial story idea from the newspaper, then took it further with research on the internet, and then in person with interviews with fire/paramedics including a paramedic that worked in Chicago in the area where the novel is set. The research was fairly extensive, resulting in a stack of research files about eight inches thick. For example, I had a whole file on Chinese names, including where in China specific names originated. I am kind of a nutcase when it comes to research. I probably spent at least two days just angsting over names!

Why should people read Ice Blue?

If you like a gritty suspense story with some steamy romance thrown in then ICE blue should be just your cup of tea. Along with the passion and suspense, you’ll also get a story that is relevant to today’s issues, and one that shows that with love and encouragement from family and friends, we can find the strength to move past the obstacles life throws in our paths. Now having said all that, you should read it for the hot love scenes and the chemistry between Angela and Troy. J

TRUE blue (coming 2014) will be the third book in the DeLuca family series; can you give us any more details please?

TRUE blue features the oldest DeLuca sibling, Joey Jr., and his wife, Andi, both Chicago detectives and key characters in heartbeats and ICE blue. When a woman from Joey’s past shows up, questions arise that threaten to bring down the entire DeLuca family as well as destroy Andi’s and Joey’s marriage. I know it’s a little different having a couple that is already married in a romance novel, but I like the idea of combining a good suspense story with a love story that involves two people who are already married (to each other!), but face a crisis of trust and have to find their way back to love. It’s proving to be quite an interesting work.

Who is your favorite DeLuca family member and why?

Oh my, so hard to say. They are all my children, my creations, and I love them all, even though some don’t always act in a perfect way. I guess my favorites are the ones I happen to be working on at any given time, although my first love was Drake, who really isn’t a DeLuca by name, but a McGuire. He came to live with his cousins at the tender age of six when his parents died in a car crash on Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive. He turned out to be the perfect mate for Dr. Elizabeth Iverson, the heroine in heartbeats.

I like your writing philosophy of well-rounded characters and intriguing plots, but how does this reflect on your writing process?

A question that invariably comes up in writing circles is, “Are you a plotter or a panster?” Mostly, I am a plotter, but I am also a little bit panster. Before I sit down to write the novel, I have already plotted the main movements onto a story board. I generally know the beginning, the middle, and the end, and the important beats of the novel—the events that move the story in a different direction. I also know who the villains are, the main themes of the story, and the clues that I will plant along the way. Because I write suspense, it is important for me to know where I am going. As for the characters, sometimes when I get a story idea, I think of what kind of hero and heroine will work best in the story and then I brainstorm all their issues--how they will play off each other, how they are alike, how they are different, etc. The characters themselves grow from my observation of people in general, and even from the experiences of my family and friends and my admiration for how they deal with their difficulties.

Of course, in ICE blue and TRUE blue I had to start with a DeLuca. For ICE blue, when I first started thinking about writing a sequel to heartbeats, I was trying to decide which family member to write about and I remembered there was a younger sibling in the story who wasn’t a cop, but a paramedic. I actually had to go into my own book and find her name. Then I had to decide what kind of story I was going to write with her. Once I had that, I began to really flesh her out. Anyway, once I have the characters well-sketched out and the basic plot points, I sit down to finally write the book. By this time the characters are already nagging in my head, urging me to get their story out. And that’s when the panster comes in. I can’t possibly have all the elements or nuances of a scene in my head or even on paper when I start to write a novel. That kind of magic only happens when I actually sit down to write.

From Alice in Wonderland to Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, what books do you like to read now?
My favorite authors are intrigue/romance authors Mary Higgins Clark, Jayne Ann Krentz, Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, Iris Johansen (You get the picture!). But also Tom Clancy, James Patterson, Robert Ludlum, John Grisham, Stephen King. J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling, along with a slew of romance and women’s fiction authors whose books sit on my bookshelf, most of them read, the other’s awaiting some quite time by the pool.


Again, thank you to our host for having me here and thank you, readers, for spending this time with me and allowing me to tell you a little about myself. For more information on my books and my writing, please visit me at www.susanrae.com

Happy Reading,

Susan Rae 

Connect with Susan Rae:

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When lives are on the line, sometimes the wrong thing is the right thing to do.

Born into a Chicago cop family, while her brothers get their rush from catching bad guys, paramedic Angela DeLuca gets hers from saving lives. A tough beauty with a heart perhaps too big, she champions the underdog because, as the youngest of six siblings, she often felt like one.

ICE Special Agent Troy Deavers became a cop to prove he wasn’t like his father—a southern politician who brought his family down with greed and corruption. He doesn’t suffer victims well. At first intrigued by Angela’s passion, he soon fears that the fire in Angela’s heart will be her undoing.

What happens when Troy falls in love with the lovely but infuriating Angela, the Chicago paramedic who insists on protecting a young witness and her unborn baby—a witness who could break his case wide open?

You met the DeLuca family in heartbeats, now come to know them even better in ICE blue.

Review:
Angela DeLuca is a paramedic working for the Chicago Fire Department. She's strong, caring and she often goes beyond the call of duty. It's probably because of those factors someone decided to leave a newborn baby on her front door step.

Enter Troy, he's an ICE agent. His job is to uncover human trafficking cells and his gut is telling him that bay is somehow part of it. When he first meets Angela, he's convinced she knows more than she is letting on. What he didn't expect was how attracted he would be to her. Luckily for him Angela returns that attraction, but this doesn't mean she likes him all that much, in the beginning.

So while Troy is investigating the human trafficking cell, Angela tries to stay focused on her job. Still the whole baby thing lies pretty close too her heart and she decides to start her own little investigation, but how far is she willing to go before admitting she needs Troy's help.

ICE blue is a fun chick lit novel. There are no big surprises in the story and I do feel the author could have gone deeper into the main characters' past and problems. Still I loved the investigation part, human trafficking isn't a easy subject but Susan Rae approached it really well. The story is really convincible, some parts a bit sensational but not over the top. The tension between Troy and Angela could have been explored a bit more, but it doesn't leave you disappointed.

Overall ICE blue was an enjoyable read, certainly if you like mystery, romance and hot cops!!!

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Review: Honey Pie (Cupcake Club #4) by Donna Kauffman

It has been about a year since I've read the first book in the Cupcake Club serie by Donna Kauffman. (Click here for the review of Sugar Rush.) I was going through a Foodie Romance fase and her and Louisa Edwards' books were definitely my favorites. Honey Pie was released TODAY and I'm very happy I once again get the chance to go back to Sugarberry Island to get reunited with Miss Alva, all our other favorite characters and to get to know one very lovely (read gorgeous) Dylan and one mysterious Honey.

*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Mocha Chocolate Chip… Caramel Fudge…Strawberry Lemonade…Butter Rum…There’s no such thing as guilt when it’s another delicious bitch and bake session with the women of the Cupcake Club…

When Honey D’Amourvell inherits property on tiny Sugarberry Island, she’s prepared to start a whole new life. Her plan is simple—make a home, open a shop, and maybe, finally, find a place to belong. But the building she now owns is leased to none other than the owner of Babycakes, which means her spot is already occupied. Honey isn’t sure how to put down roots when she has nowhere to plant them. But sexy, softhearted mechanic Dylan Ross seems determined to help. He’s everything she never imagined she would find in a man, and each kiss is more persuasive than the last…

Soon enough, Honey is another important ingredient in the spicy mix of the Cupcake Club. But will Dylan convince her that what she craves most is his love?

Review:
Honey has packed up her old life into her Beetle and rode halfway across the country to start over on the island that her dear aunt Bea loved so much. Only to arrive and find out the shop her aunt left her is now leased to Lani for her Babycakes shop. There is no going back, partly because her car broke down, but also because she made this terrifying decision and she just can't go back.

Luckily Dylan, the mechanic, is here to the rescue. It's just, he's not the knight in shining armor type, nor does he ever want to be. He would rather stay away as far as possible from Honey, but he's a fixer and he's into that island mentality of helping even if you didn't ask. Dylan was the first person she met on the island and after discovering her "gift", he didn't freak out one her. Which naturally made her freak out a bit.

"Sugar, we all have a little bit of crazy in us. It's what keeps it interesting."

Now Honey's "gift" is something special and the reason why she has lived such a lonely and secluded life so far. It was not because she wanted to, but it was out of necessity she had to stay away from people physically, which of course also created emotional distance. Being confronted with Dylan was not what she expected at all. The way he accepts her, which she knows is not easy at all, makes her yearn for that closeness and it looks like she might get it as well.

"What was it about her that made him want to move mountains, slay dragons, he couldn't rightly have said"

Dylan on the other hand chooses to stay away from people, simple because he wants to. He has had a very difficult family situation, which is now all in the past, but not something a little town like Sugarberry Island could forget. Everything has been very eventful and now he just want peace and quiet, no more drama. So for the life of him he can't figure out why he keeps thinking of Honey, when she screams drama (even if it's unintentionally).

Surprisingly way less food and cupcakes involved in this book compared to the others. Honey is absolutely no baker and just participates in the Cupcake Club as a taster. Also the paranormal theme was a major surprise to me, but definitely made it very interesting setting up roadblocks between Honey and Dylan you would never expect.

"We Southerners deal with this ungodly heat by being unbearably civilized."

I love it that all the characters from the previous books make a cameo appearance. Miss Alva is still my favorite character, she's amazing and I adore how she keeps everyone on their toes around her. So Honey Pie has plenty of humor, lots of drama of course, some delicious cupcakes, a bit of the occult and a smoking hot man, everything a woman could ever want!

There are plenty of Foodie Romances out there these days, but which one is your favorite ?

Connect with Donna Kauffman:

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Review: Country Loving by Cathy Woodman

Country Loving will be coming out next Thursday, but the people at Random House UK were so kind to give me an ARC (through NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.

Romance blossoms between Talyton St George's newest farmer and her local vet.
Successful city accountant Stevie receives two surprises in one week: a proposal of marriage from her boyfriend Nick and a phone call begging her to return to the family farm in Devon to help out after her father has a stroke.

But what she thought would be a long weekend in the country turns into much longer as she struggles to bring order to her father's rundown farm. Finally, she decides to give up her job -- and her fiance -- and take on the farm permanently. She dreams of turning it into a tourist attraction, never realising it would be so difficult. But with the help of many of Talyton St George's local residents, and the locum vet Leon, she is starting to make progress. Until a life-changing complication throws all her plans into disarray, and destroys her growing romance with Leon.

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Review:

It all starts with Stevie getting a phone call from Cecil, her father's right hand. Cecil begs her to come back to the farm. he has been doing all the the work on his own, while Stevie's dad has pretty much lost it and the authorities are very close to shutting down the farm. Now Stevie hasn't been to the farm in ten years, ever since her dad decided her younger brother would be the farmer because he's a boy. So she left for London, but now slowly realizing how serious the situation is, Stevie has to go back home.

What was supposed to be one weekend, turned into a week, a month... Stevie loves being back on the farm. She has missed the cows, Cecil and his wife Mare, the lang and even maybe a little, her dad.

Once she realizes how bad the farm is, Stevie knows she has to come up with a plan to save the farm. Since her dad has pretty much annihilated everyone, Stevie will have to fight tooth and nail to make her dream a reality.

I'm no farmer and I stay away from cows as far as possible, but I do love the country and Cathy Woodman captures it perfectly. It shines through the pages how much Stevie loves it all, the cows, the mud, the tractor, the people (especially the new vet) and everything that comes with it. Which makes sure you are totally drawn into the story.

Now the main focus lays on the farming part, getting it back into shape and turning it into a success. All the relationships are secondary; trying to fix things in her family, this handsome vet that has to keep coming around and making everyone in town stop hating her dad.

On the one hand all this was refreshing, but on the other hand I missed the romance somewhat. There are a couple of scenes with Stevie and Leo where you can easily see the attraction, but not enough for the falling madly deeply in love part, certainly not in the extend of making life altering decisions.

Overall a nice book. Read it if you like the English country, mud and cows, without wanting to get dirty. I loved the quirky townspeople, the handsome vet and a woman who knows not to give up and fight for what she wants.

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Book Review: Star Crossed (Stargazer #1) by Jennifer Echols

Wendy Mann loves her job rescuing celebrities from public relations scrapes. She grew up with nothing, and now she’s drawn to glitz, glamour, and a lighthearted lifestyle. She speaks her mind, so she’s just the tough cookie to tell stars the truth about how other people see them, even when they don’t want to hear it. But after six years at the top of her game, Wendy crosses the line. A star she was sent to save rebels against her and nearly gets her fired. To salvage her job, she must rehabilitate the career of a singing starlet with a penchant for posting inappropriate photos of herself and arguing online with her famous ex. Problem is, the ex is represented by Wendy’s arch nemesis from college, the hot and haughty Daniel Blackstone. And both stars are scheduled for a collision course on national television, broadcast live from Las Vegas.

Daniel’s uneasy when he hears Wendy Mann from his firm’s most hated competitor has been brought in to revive the career of his client’s ex-girlfriend. Daniel must win at any cost. And if he has to seduce Wendy to smooth the way to their partnership, he’s willing to sacrifice himself for the cause. But Daniel doesn’t count on the scorching heat between them—and when they get to Vegas, all bets are off.

Review:

"She'd worked hard at staying the most beautiful girl, because her mouth was going to open sooner or later, and she couldn't control what came out of it."

Saying Wendy Mann is a tough cookie is putting it mildly. She's beautiful, but has the mouth of a pitbull, you don't want to be on her bad side. So far her attitude has come in handy with her job as a PR consultant, saving the careers of the rich and famous. Until of said celebrities goes against her and she nearly gets fired. Wendy is not one to give up easily and she can convince her bosses to give her one more chance. Now she has to save the career of singer Lorelei Vogel and she has about a week to get it done.

Travelling to Las Vegas, she discovers she has to go up against Daniel Blackstone, her nemesis. He's currently helping Colton Farr, Lorelei Vogel's ex-boyfriend, keep his career afloat. In college they were aware of the attraction, but the competition between them was to big to act on that attraction. But now they are pretty much thrown together by two exes and realize it might be easier to work together.

"I beg your pardon. I was hoping you wouldn't notice. You have a very sensitive ass."

Having to work so close together, the obvious sexual tension between them, becomes very hard to resist, but knowing her job is on the line Wendy won't give in so easily. Throw in some wacko celebrities, a creepy stalker, some reluctant paparazzi and you've got yourself a whole lot of drama.

'Star Crossed' isn't your usual Cick-Lit, which are often predictable. Jennifer Echols really keeps it original with her attention for details. Mostly the absurd celebrity behavior and the refreshing PR ideas, make it a very fun read. Also the lack of actual sex, makes the build up so much more interesting and leaves the characters mostly frustrated thanks to all the interruptions.

I'm definitely going to read the rest of the series, might even re-read this one. Playing Dirty (Stargazer #2) will be coming out in October and it's going on my TBR list.

Connect with Jennifer Echols:

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Book Review: Sugar Rush by Donna Kauffman

Title: Sugar Rush (Cupcake Club Romance Series #1)

Author: Donna Kauffman

Genre: Chick lit / Culinary Romance

Description: When baker extraordinaire Leilani Trusdale left the bustle of New York City for Georgia’s sleepy Sugarberry Island, she didn’t expect her past to follow. Yet suddenly, her former boss, Baxter Dunne, aka Chef Hot Cakes, the man who taught her everything pastry, wants to film his hit cooking show in her tiny cupcakery. The same Chef Hot Cakes whose molten chocolate brown eyes made Lani’s mouth water and her cheeks blush the color of raspberry filling–stirring all kinds of kitchen gossip, much of which Lani wished was true…

Lani’s friends are convinced that this time around, Baxter is the missing ingredient in her recipe for happiness. But convincing Lani will be a job for Baxter himself. And he’ll need more than black velvet frosting to sweeten the deal…

Review: Leilani Trusdale moved to Sugarberry Island to take care of her father and to start her own cupcake shop, leaving her hectic life and one very handsome chef behind in New York. But when that said chef, Baxter Dunne, brings his new tv show to her bakery, things are about to flare up. Finding out why Leilani left and what the true reasons are for Baxter to turn up in her kitchen, will put her on an emotional rollercoaster.

Luckily she has the help of her Cupcake Club. Well it's more Sugarberry's answer to Betty White, Alva Liles and her best friend Charlotte coming to visit Leilani in this time of relationship crisis, invading her kitchen. Baking cupcakes and all other delicious goodies, while complaining about their problems, getting up to date with the latest gossip and talking about men. In this case it's mostly about Baxter Dunne of course. He has the entire town wrapped around his finger, now all he has to do is convince one Miss Leilani Trusdale.

This is a very fun book to read, I especially love Alva Liles character. It's those old ladies you have to be careful about. Within the first two chapters you get a very clear outline on what is going on and what the characters want from each other, then the rest of the book is getting to that point. Leilani has her bakery in Georgia, Baxter has his restaurant in New York and neither wants to leave their life behind. So tough choices and decisions are to be made, but in the end it's what you want most. I like that this are real problems you can easily relate to and makes the story very believable. Donna Kauffman did an excellent job. Her writing style is very fluent and the book is finished before you know it. There is a good mix between the drama and the humor.

Definitely read this if you love cupcakes, hot chefs, small town life and Betty White :) Luckily for us the second book in the series is already out, so there is even more to read!

Extra: At the end of each book you’ll find the recipes for the cupcakes they made in the story and if that isn't enough you can always check out Donna Kauffman's Cakes By The Cup Blog for even more delicious ideas.

Links: Excerpt   Facebook Page   Twitter   Website

Buy: Buy at Amazon   Buy at Barnes & Noble

Book Review: I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

Title: I've Got Your Number

Author: Sophie Kinsella

Genre: Chick lit, Romance, Humor

Description: Poppy Wyatt has never felt luckier.  She is about to marry the ideal man, Magnus Tavish, but in one afternoon her 'happy ever after' begins to fall apart.  Not only has she lost her engagement ring but in the panic that followed, she has now lost her phone. As she paces shakily round the hotel foyer she spots an abandoned phone in a bin. Finders keepers!  Now she can leave a number for the hotel to contact her when they find her ring. Perfect!

Well, perfect except the phone's owner, businessman Sam Roxton doesn't agree.  He wants his phone back and doesn't appreciate Poppy reading all his messages and wading into his personal life.

What ensues is a hilarious and unpredictable turn of events as Poppy and Sam increasingly upend each other's lives through emails and text messages.  As Poppy juggles wedding preparations, mysterious phone calls and hiding her left hand from Magnus and his parents... she soon realizes that she is in for the biggest surprise of her life.

Review: Sam is having a really bad day when she loses her engagement ring, which is a family heirloom, but on top of that her phone gets stolen. Luckily she happens to find a new one right in a trashcan and after helping the owner of the phone, they make a deal so she gets to keep it. But Sam, the owner of said phone, might regret that decision. Before he knows it Poppy is medling in his professional and even personal life, throwing everything upside down. Poppy believes she is just helping him to learn proper messaging etiquette.

Meanwhile she is still looking for her ring and planning a wedding with her fiancé Magnus. Trying to hide she lost his ring to him and his family ends up with some hilarious reindeer mittens, gauze complications and even calling in the help of her new-found friend Sam. Too bad it all doesn't matter, 'cause nothing she does will make her welcome to Magnus family of geniuses. Feeling dumber by the minute in their presence, she can't wait for the wedding to be over.

Poppy gets more and more involved in Sam's life. Before she knows it they are not just talking through the phone, but meeting in person and what a pleasant surprise that is. Of course at some point it all has to go wrong and Poppy has to make some tough decisions, but luckily she has her text buddy to help her.

I'm a big fan of Sophie Kinsella's stand alone novels (Shopaholic somehow doesn't do it for me) and with her latest book "I've Got Your Number" she doesn't disappoint. Like always it's fast paced and keeps you on the edge of the seat. Strange situations you could have never imagined, but she makes it believable. Mixing some typical British humor in there and I'm completely sold. Sophie has got you rooting for Poppy and wishing for more. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone! Even though I just finished reading the book, I have to hold myself back to not start from the top again. What can I say, I am a book addict :)

Links: Sophie's Website    Facebook Page

Buy: Amazon    Indie Bound    Barnes and Nobles

Book Review: Can't Stand The Heat by Louisa Edwards

Title: Can't Stand The Heat (#1 Recipe For Love)

Author: Louisa Edwards

Genre: Chick lit / Culinary Romance

Description: For sharp-tongued Miranda Wake, the chance to spend a month in Adam Temple’s kitchen to write an exposé is a journalistic dream come true.  Surely Miranda can find a way to cut the hotshot chef down to size once she learns what really goes on at his trendy Manhattan restaurant.  The trouble is, she never expected Adam to find out her most embarrassing secret:  this critic has no idea how to cook.

As for Adam, well, he’s not about to have his reputation burned by a critic who doesn’t even know the difference between poaching and paring.  He’ll just have to give the tempting redhead a few private lessons of his own—teaching Miranda what it means to cook with passion.

Review: This was the first Culinary Romance book I have ever read and I've truly enjoyed it. I can definitely relate to the main character Miranda, as I also love food and know a lot about it, but absolutely can't cook myself. That's what brought Miranda into trouble in the first place. She got beyond drunk and insulted (hot) chef Adam, he then retaliated by issuing a dare Miranda all too gladly accepted. She sees this as her shot to make it big, namely a tell all book of behind the scenes in the kitchen. This ensures us of hot passion and delicious food all mixed together.

The secondary storyline gives us more background about Miranda and where her ambition comes from. Jess is her younger brother and she has taken care of him since she was 18, when her parents died. Being overprotective of him is putting it mildly, when she finds out he's been hooking up with Frankie, the sous-chef. Frankie is my absolute favorite character in this book. A british punk-rocker, with a very colorful word palette, who jokes around like crazy, but is still the best sous-chef in town.

Can't Stand The Heat is very well written and reads very fluent. Nothing felt forced and it even made me laugh out loud a couple of times (mostly thanks to Frankie). The only minor thing is, I find the plot a bit meager and about halfway through the book I was more interested in Jess and Frankie's story line. But by now I've read Louisa Edwards' other books and I must say the plots get better throughout her books. Which I believe is a good thing, a writer should keep making progress.

So if you want to read a fun book, filled with yummy food and passionate chefs, then "Can't Stand The Heat" is a definite must.

★★★☆☆

Extra: At the end of each book you'll find the recipes Louisa Edwards used in the story. Very fun, if you now how to cook :)

Links: Excerpt   Barnes & Nobles   Amazon   Louisa Edwards on Twitter