Book Review: The Perfect Hero by Victoria Connelly

The circus has come to town...Die-hard romantic, Kay Ashton, uses her inheritance to open a B&B in the seaside town of Lyme Regis and is dumbstruck when the cast and crew of a new production of Persuasion descend, needing a place to stay. Kay can't believe her luck- especially when she realises that heartthrob actor Oli Wade Owen will be sleeping under her very own roof! 

Meanwhile, co-star Gemma Reilly is worried that her acting isn't up to scratch, despite landing a plum role. She finds a sympathetic ear in shy producer, Adam Craig, who is as baffled by the film world as she is. Kay thinks that the two are meant for each other and can't resist a spot of matchmaking. Then Oli turns his trademark charm on Kay, it seems that she has found her real-life hero. But do heroes really exist?

I read Victoria Connelly's first book, A Weekend With Mr Darcy and thought it was great. Although The Perfect Hero is not a sequel, it does still have a heavy Jane Austen influence on the form of her book Persuasion. Unfortunately Persuasion is the only Austen book I haven't read (this is soon to be remedied) but for review purposes I can say that this wasn't a bad thing as I don't think I missed anything in The Perfect Hero.
Kay is a very likable character, she hasn't had a great life so when she unexpectedly comes into some money, she knows she has to grasp the opportunity with both hands. She has always wanted to live by the sea and Lyme Regis has a particular pull due to it featuring in Jane Austen's Persuasion. Kay is a true Austen fan and her real passion is illustrating Austen's books. She knows that her illustrations are good but she hasn't found the courage to send them to any publishers yet.
Kay buys the B&B in Lyme Regis and hasn't even finished decorating when the cast of Persuasion check in. They are filming on location and Kay finds herself surrounded by film stars that she had previously admired from afar. Oli Wade Owen has Kay completely star struck and she soon has a full on crush. Oli is happy to turn the charm on but he isn't all he seems.
Gemma Reilly is playing the lead role of Anne Elliot but she is painfully shy. She has been pushed into acting by her famous mother but her heart really isn't in it. Gemma gets on well with Kay but is confused as to why she is trying to match her up with producer Adam when it is clear that he has had a crush on Kay from the very start.
I really enjoyed The Perfect Hero, it is very reminiscent of Austen, with the gossip, intrigue, mysterious male leads and misunderstandings in love. Victoria Connelly's writing is extremely witty and I love her enthusiasm for Austen and her ability to recognise and represent a true Austen fan,
I would highly recommend both of Victoria Connelly's books. I found The Perfect Hero to be very entertaining and it has finally made me put Persuasion at the top of my TBR pile.

Many thanks to Charlotte at Avon for sending me a copy of the book to review, The Perfect Hero is out today.

Author Interview: Victoria Fox, author of Hollywood Sinners

I loved Victoria Fox's book Hollywood Sinners, you can read my review here. The book is full of glitz and glamour so it was great to be able to ask the author herself some questions:

1. How do you feel about the comparisons between yourself and Jackie Collins?

It’s pretty amazing, actually! I’m a long-time fan of Jackie Collins and to attract even one comparison is mind-blowing, let alone the many that I’ve had. Jackie’s early books are benchmarks in the genre – they were breakthrough and breakneck, totally uncompromising – and I admire her hugely.

2. There are a lot of larger than life characters in this book, do you have a particular favourite or one that you enjoyed writing about more than others?

I think I like Cole Steel best. He was where the book started; I wanted to write a book about a man like Cole Steel, in Hollywood at the top of his game, king of the world, but secretly with this huge emptiness at his heart. This is what fascinates me about fame and I think Cole captures that. He was meant to be an out-and-out baddie but he kept resisting that definition: there’s more to him than meets the eye. There’s definitely another book in Cole.

3. Hollywood Sinners would make a great holiday read. What type of books do you like reading in order to get away from it all?

Thanks! I wrote it with the holiday market in mind as it’s the kind of book I love to read while lounging by the pool. I adore bonkbusters with loads of characters, a really snappy pace and tons of exciting revelations. Favourites in the genre are Lulu Taylor, Jilly Cooper and J J Salem – anything with attitude, where you can tell the authors are having as much fun as you are. Next on my list is Aita Ighodaro’s Sin Tropez . . . what a stunning title! In a different vein, currently on my bedside table is Marian Keyes’ The Brightest Star in the Sky – she never disappoints.

4. I loved reading this book, do you have any plans for future books that I can look forward to?

That’s really kind of you to say, I’m glad. Yes, I have plenty of plans! Over the next eighteen months we have two more books scheduled, both of which will shock, surprise and scandalise! You’ll see some familiar faces from Hollywood Sinners as well as much new naughtiness. Watch this space!

Hollywood Sinners is a fab book, if you want to know more about this lovely author then please check out Victoria Fox's web page by clicking here. 

Book Review: To Marry a Prince by Sophie Page

Bella Greenwood isn't a fairytale girl. If pushed, she'd probably tell you that her perfect wedding would involve a handful of close friends and family. But as she's never met anyone she'd like to marry, it's a moot point.

Until, in a midnight garden, Bella is helped out of an embarrassing situation by a tall, dark, handsome man with laughing eyes. And suddenly her life changes for ever, because the man is the world's most eligible bachelor: Prince Richard, heir to the throne.

Richard sweeps her off her feet, and before she knows it they're engaged, which is when Bella's problems really begin. Suddenly she's public property and as if it isn't enough to have her every move watched- while also learning to curtsy and negotiating the etiquette of how to address her future mother-in-law- she soon finds herself embroiled in bridesmaid politics, a right royal hen night, and a wedding dress controversy that causes a national scandal...

Can this ordinary girl survive the preparations for her very own royal wedding?

To Marry a Prince is a great book to get you in the mood for the upcoming Royal Wedding. Sophie Page has Bella and Richard as the main characters but they are clearly representing Prince William and Kate Middleton.
You don't have to be a devout royalist to enjoy this book. I am not a huge fan of the royal family but I still enjoyed this modern, romantic, fairytale.
I'm not sure how Sophie Page did her research but I felt that she painted a very honest and realistic picture of what it is like to grow up in the royal family. Prince Richard is a lovely character but you can feel the immense pressure he is under and the scrutiny that he endures from the public and his own family. Bella is  very normal and extremely independent and headstrong. She makes allowances for Richard but she is in no way a pushover.
I read To Marry a Prince very quickly and I found the writing to be very addictive. It is like getting a sneak peek behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace, you almost forget that it is a work of fiction.
Sophie Page has written a highly entertaining and relevant book. If you allow yourself to be taken off in the fairytale world of royal palaces and tiaras then you will enjoy this one.

Many thanks to Arrow for sending me this book to review, it is out now!

See you in two weeks!!

I am off on holiday today!! Mr S passed his finals last week and became Dr S so we are off to celebrate! We are flying to Miami today and boarding a HUGE cruise ship tomorrow which then sails back to the UK! I have scheduled one or two blog posts so do come and have a look but I may not be able to reply to comments. I have packed 10 books so be prepared for lots of reviews when I get back! Hope that you all have a lovely Easter!

Book Review: Dirty Tricks by Jo Carnegie

Fashion Queen Saffron is leaving the London party scene for the country, to write her bonkbusting novel. It means six months without gorgeous boyfriend Tom... but at least his supermodel twin brother will be there to keep her company!

Good girl Harriet, meanwhile, has swapped country life for the bright lights of London, and finds herself working with quite possibly the sexiest man she has ever met. But what dangerous secrets lurk behind those twinkling blue eyes of his?

New lives, new temptations. Have both girls bitten off more than they can chew?

I read Jo Carnegie's other book Country Pursuits and really enjoyed it so I was looking forward to this one when it arrived. Corgi appear to have given the author's front cover a different feel and I personally think it's an improvement, I would definitely pick it up in a shop.
Saffron and Harriet are both extremely likable characters and it's a great idea to have one in the country and one in the city, I really enjoyed reading about what they were getting up to. Both women are effectively trying out new lives; Saffron is pursuing her writing career and Harriet is pursuing romance. There are a fair few supporting characters in this book and I think that is one of the main reasons that I enjoyed it so much. Harriet's father, Sir Ambrose has been left to fend for himself at the stately home whilst his wife is off travelling. He provides many comical moments and almost plays his daughter at her own game of trying something new in life.
There is a lot of romance in Dirty Tricks, Saffron has steady boyfriend Tom and the surprising arrival of his supermodel  brother Rex. Meanwhile Harriet has fallen for her new boss who has more secrets than she ever could imagine. Throughout the book we get snippets from the bonkbuster that Saffron is writing; they are very entertaining but you soon realise that Harriet and Saffron are having a few romps of their own.
This book has been perfect for sitting in the sunshine with over the past two days. Jo Carnegie's writing is incredibly warm and inviting, I would highly recommend Dirty Tricks.

Many thanks to Corgi for sending me a copy to review, Dirty Tricks is out now!

Book Review: A Surprise Party by Sue Welfare

When feuding sisters Suzie and Liz come together to organise a 40th anniversary party for their parents, they struggle to keep their own personal dramas in check.

Suzie is trying to keep her marriage afloat whilst Liz is keen to retain her Queen Bee status. Their mother and aunt are at logger heads and Suzie's daughters are experiencing the angst of adolescence. 

As the champagne flows and the drama unfolds; it quickly becomes clear that this is a party that no-one will ever forget- but will there be a happy family left standing?

A Surprise Party is a very enjoyable read. Suzie and Liz are organising a party for their parent's 40th wedding anniversary. The two sisters are like chalk and cheese, Suzie lives for her family and her garden whereas Liz is a judge on a TV talent show and lives for the next tabloid headline. The relationship between the sisters is mirrored in their mother Rose's relationship with her sister Fleur. It appears that all of these women have misguided perceptions about each other's lives. It is very much a case of believing that the grass is greener in each other's lives. Suzie's daughters Hannah and Megan are also struggling. Their parents aren't communicating and Hannah is feeling the peer pressure from the same group of friends that her mother has been trying to keep her away from.
A Surprise Party only covers the time period of the actual party which I didn't think would work. However it was successful as it brings all of the main characters together and the readers gets to watch the fireworks!
I think that Sue Welfare has written a lovely book that looks at family relationships that we often take for granted. I enjoyed her writing style and I was pleased to discover that she has written four other books which I shall be taking a look at.

Many thanks to Avon for sending me a copy of the book to review, A Surprise Party is out now.

Book Review: Hollywood Sinners by Victoria Fox

Marriage to Hollywood heartthrob Cole Steel secured Lana a glittering place on the red carpet. But running from a wicked past, she has trapped herself in a gilded cage- the price of freedom...her soul!
Kate's career is fading as quickly as her looks...what could be worse than discovering her husband's latest mistress is Hollywood's hottest starlet? Her only option- the most shocking revenge?
Chloe's innocent beauty has captured a million hearts, but no-one's warned her of the dangerous, dark temptation of rock star Nate- will lust destroy her?
Las Vegas King Robert St Louis and Sin City's richest heiress's fairytale wedding is tabloid gold...But scandal circles like a vulture- dirty secrets are about to be exposed!
From the deepest desires come the deadliest deeds... and these four couples are about to pay for their sins...

The back of Hollywood Sinners explains that Victoria Fox is putting the bonk back into bonkbusters! She certainly is, the only way I can describe this book is as a full on romp and I loved every page of it!
I have read a couple of Jackie Collins books in the past and I think that Victoria Fox hits exactly the same level with her first book.
Hollywood Sinners has everything; power, sex, greed, lust, love, incest, glamour, wealth, fame- I could go on and on. The book is 589 pages long but I just didn't want to put it down and flew through it. The pace is terrific as we move from one character to the next.
As you would expect from a bonkbuster, some of the characters are larger than life but they all fit together perfectly. I think that Victoria Fox shows that fame is a business with a very high price to pay. The character of Lana Fox knows this. To the outside world she has everything, the movie star husband, the L.A. mansion, immense wealth and a successful career. But what would happen if people knew what went on behind closed doors? What if people knew that the door between her and Cole's separate bedrooms had remained firmly shut?
There is a lot of sex in this book but it is very tongue-in-cheek. I know that some people have a low opinion of this type of book but I have to hold my hands up and say that I think they are brilliant. Hollywood Sinners is pure escapism and I think that there are times when you need that from a book. I think that this book would make a great holiday read and don't be put off by the size as I guarantee that you will fly through the pages.

Many thanks to Mira for sending me a copy of the book, it is published on April 15th.

Book Review: These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf

Imprisoned for a heinous crime when she was just a teenager, Allison Glenn is now free. Desperate for a second chance, Allison discovers that the world has moved on without her.
Shunned by those who once loved her, Allison is determined to male contact with her sister. But Brynn is trapped in her own world of regret and torment.
Their legacy of secrets is focused on one little boy. And if the truth is revealed, the consequences will be unimaginable for the adoptive mother who loves him, the girl who tried to protect him and the two sisters who hold the key to all that is hidden.

This is Heather Gudenkauf's second book, her first, The Weight of Silence was the TV Book Clubs pick and was very well received.
These Things Hidden is an extremely difficult book to review, I really enjoyed it but I don't want to spoil it for anyone by giving the plot away. The plot is pretty intricate and draws you in from the very first page. I read this book in one sitting as it flows so easily from chapter to chapter.
Allison is at the centre of the story and she has just been released from prison when we meet her in the first chapter. I can't really decide if I like Allison or not, her whole life has been transformed by one bad decision and that decision then transformed the lives of several others and not all in a positive way. The relationship she has with her sister Brynn is complex and this becomes more and more apparent as the book progresses. Allison realises that to get on with her future, she must address the issues from her past.
This book, as some others have said, has some similarities to Jodi Picoult's books, I think these comparisons are due the way in which the characters and their relationships with each other are really focused on.
I think that Heather Gudenkauf is a great story teller, I definitely want to read her first book and she is an author that I will look out for in the future.

Book Review: The Restorer by Amanda Stevens

Never acknowledge the dead.

Never stray from hallowed ground.

Never get too close to the tainted.

Never, ever tempt fate.

My father's rules.

I've never broken them until now.

My name is Amelia Gray. I'm a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. In order to protect myself from the parasitic nature of the dead, I've always held fast to the rules passed down from my father. But now a haunted police detective has entered my world and everything is changing, including the rules that have always kept me safe. It started with the discovery of a young woman's brutalized body in an old Charleston graveyard I've been hired to restore. The clues to the killer- and to his other victims- lie in the headstone symbolism that only I can interpret. Devlin needs my help, but his ghosts shadow his every move, feeding off his warmth, sustaining their presence with his energy. To warm him would be to invite them into my life. I've vowed to keep my distance, but the pull of his magnetism grows ever stronger even as the symbols lead me closer to the killer and to the gossamer veil that separates this world from the next.

Wow! I am very excited about this book, even more so because it is the first in a series. The Graveyard Queen series by Amanda Stevens follows Amelia Gray who is a graveyard restorer. More importantly, Amelia can see ghosts, as can her father who has given her a list of rules to follow so that she is not in any danger from these spirits who are stuck between two worlds.
Amelia has been following these rules but when the body of a young woman is discovered in the cemetery she is working on, Amelia's dedication to her father's advice is severely tested. Detective John Devlin is the main culprit, he is leading the investigation and enlists Amelia as a consultant due to her expertise. The problem is that John Devlin is haunted, he has the spirits of a woman and young child with him. Amelia knows that she should keep away from anybody that is haunted but she just can't help herself where Devlin is concerned. As more bodies are found, Amelia becomes more and more involved and the ghosts seem to be getting closer to her everyday. She begins to realise that by ignoring the rules she may have opened a door that she will be unable to close.
I believe that this book is aimed at young adult readers but I think it is similar to Twilight in that it will easily cross over and appeal to the adult market.
Amanda Steven's writing is great, she certainly knows how to send chills up the reader's spine. The Restorer has a little bit of everything, you have a murder mystery, the paranormal element and then of course the romance between Amelia and Devlin. The incredible tension between those two was my favourite part of the book. The author keeps on building it up and I was willing for something to happen but I was torn as I knew that Amelia knows that she should steer clear of the haunted detective.
I really am so excited about this series and cannot wait to read the next one that is out in November. Amanda Stevens tied up all of the loose ends for this particular mystery but she also left many questions unanswered. I know that I will read the other books in the series in order to get some answers and I'm sure another great story.

Book Review: RSVP by Helen Warner

Anna's world is rocked when she receives an invitation to her ex Toby's wedding. Toby was The Love of Her Life, The One That Got Away. Will attending his Big Day finally give her the sense of closure she needs?

Clare is Anna's best friend, the person who was there for her when she and Toby split all those years ago. But little does Clare know that Toby's wedding day will change her own life forever. 

Ella is a femme fatale. She loves men and leaves them without a backward glance. But the one who's never fallen in love with her charms is Toby. As he prepared to get hitched, is it too late for a last-ditch attempt to win his heart?

Rachel is the blushing bride-to-be. This should be the happiest day of her life. So how come she feels nothing but a terrible sense of foreboding?

RSVP is one of those books that you don't want to end. Anna and Toby split up over 10 years ago but she still can't handle it when she receives an invitation to his wedding to Rachel. However, best friend Clare persuades her to go as she thinks it will finally give her closure. Closure is not at all what Anna gets from the wedding. All the feelings she has been trying to hide are reignited and she and the rest of the congregation are left to believe that Toby feels the same way.
Each chapter revolves around one of the characters and jumps back and forth between the past and the present. It is the characters that make this book, I took to all of them. Surprisingly, Ella was probably my favourite character, in the beginning she is definitely cast as the villain but by the end of the book I really liked her and the way she had changed.
RSVP explores how one bad decision can change the whole course of a person's life. I think the idea of a wedding is a brilliant device in a book as it allows you to bring lots of characters together at once, all looking each other up and down and judging what has become of their lives since they last saw them.
This book was an extremely enjoyable read, once I had started it, I couldn't put it down. It is Helen Warner's first book but I sincerely hope that she writes many more.