All That She Can See - Carrie Hope Fletcher

I've always made it obvious on this blog how much I like Carrie Hope Fletcher. I think she's one unbelievably talented performer. She’s written numerous books in the past but although I've enjoyed reading them none of them have really made me blabber on to people uncontrollably about this amazing book I've read, that is until now. 

 

Carrie Hope Fletcher's new novel All That She Can See tells the story of Cherry. Cherry has somewhat magical powers in the respect she has the ability to physically see people's worst feelings floating around them. Cherry decides to take it upon herself to try improving people's lives and bakes cakes in order to reduce people's bad feelings. She’ll see that a person is feeling stressed for example and will bake them a specially baked cake to help them reduce that feeling. Once Cherry feels as though her job is done she’ll move to a new place in order to help improve as many people’s lives as she possibly can. Little does she know that other people are born with the same gift (although some in different ways to her own) and this knowledge will change her life forever.

 

For me, this book makes me think of Northern Lights by Philip Pullman except daemons are in the form of feelings. I don't think this is a bad thing as I think the concept of seeing feelings is absolutely wonderful and the story is completely different I could just draw similarities at certain points whilst reading. If like me, you grew up reading books like Northern Lights, you will absolutely love All That She Can See.

It’s worth mentioning that this story is a little different to Fletcher’s previous fiction novel in the sense that it is less romance orientated and provides a lot more action in the second half. Yes, romance does feature throughout but the second half of the book is very action packed with a couple of quite violent scenes. However, what still remains is the author’s ability to write such unique, likable characters proven in this case through the main character Cherry. I also really love the way in which the author writes an element of magic into real life which comes across as something you can completely imagine happening in real life which only adds to the likability of this story.

I did find the story to be somewhat paced too face at times. At points when reading I felt that things escalated quickly, particularly in the second half of the book, but ultimately it is a relatively long book already so I can completely understand the quick movement of the story. However, I personally would’ve been happy with a few more chapters.
 

In my opinion this is the author’s best novel so far and I for one am very excited to see what story she comes up with next. The idea of seeing feelings and the fact the main character so actively wants to make use of that gift is such a great idea for a story. Carrie Hope Fletcher’s imagination is fantastic and portrayed so wonderfully in this novel. I highly recommend picking up All That She Can See as the next book you read.

Synopsis – 

Feelings are part of life - feelings are life. If you take away what people feel, you take away anything meaningful. Wanting to diminish the evil in this world is a good cause, one I have fought for the majority of my life, but not like this . . .

Cherry has a hidden talent. She can see things other people can't and she decided a long time ago to use this skill to help others. As far as the rest of the town is concerned she's simply the kind-hearted young woman who runs the local bakery, but in private she uses her gift to add something special to her cakes so that after just one mouthful the townspeople start to feel better about their lives. They don't know why they're drawn to Cherry's bakery - they just know that they're safe there and that's how Cherry likes it. She can help them in secret and no one will ever need to know the truth behind her gift.

And then Chase arrives in town and threatens to undo all the good Cherry has done. Because it turns out she's not the only one who can see what she sees . . .

A story of love, food and a little bit of magic, All That She Can See is an enchanting and beautiful novel that's guaranteed to be the most magical story you'll read all year.

I'm Back!

Hello! Bonjour! Hola! Remember me...? Yes I know, my blog has been extremely neglected (massive understatement...) this year. I had a bad start to the year and since then motivation to read and write has been non existent. I haven't even picked my kindle up for months because I just couldn't being myself to read which is the most bizarre thing coming from Miss I can read 5 books in a week. The blogger app had been discontinued on my phone too, which I think I was using as some what of an excuse not to write which didn't help either. But that's it, enough with the excuses!

However last week I attended Summer In The City in London. Summer In The City is the UKs largest YouTube event and to be honest it completely inspired me. I met a number of YouTubers including two of my favourites, travel vlogger Evan Edinger and amazingly talented artist Jamie Jo who is also known as bananajamana. I just walked round the day that I attended thinking that I could do this. I have a pretty swish camera, why couldn't I do this? And in reality although lots of people on YouTube are incredible artists or musicians etc lots of them are people just like me who just want a creative outlet and enjoy producing videos. It really made me stop and think that yes, maybe I could do this.

So here I am, back on my blog feeling very inspired to start writing again. If there's one thing that hit me whilst attending Summer In The City is that I could do these things and the only reason that I'm not is myself. Opportunities aren't going to come knocking at my door and I need to start making more for myself. Here's to a new start on my blog - hopefully I'll be back for a long time now!

Lost And Found - Danielle Ryan

 

Melissa is very accident prone. When she accidentally breaks her friends iPad she finds herself at an auction buying a used one to replace it. However, the iPad is full of photos taken by its previous owner. Melissa is instantly fascinated by the photographs and is determined to track down the owner. Thanks to a search on Facebook it doesn't take Melissa long to find the iPads previous owner Riccardo and start up a conversation with him. What they both never expected was for their lives to cross over in real life causing their online friendship to move into the real world. 

When I read the synopsis of this book it instantly grabbed my attention. It's such an interesting concept that someone can find an iPad, track down its previous owner and then form a friendship with them. I don't think I've read a book with a storyline like this so its different which is most certainly a good thing. The concept is so wrapped up in present day life that it is completely and utterly believable that this kind of thing may actually go on in real life. It made me think about the ways which people can end up falling in love today thanks to technology which I loved. 

Sadly for me, the story just didn't live up to my expectations. Personally, I found it a little too predictable and found myself groaning to myself at certain events of the book. In my head it was such a great idea for a book but it just didn't deliver the high expectations that I had for it. Despite saying this, I found both Melissa and Riccardo to be enjoyable characters to read about and they were both quite interesting. 

I can see a lot of people absolutely loving this book. For me, it was sadly just ok. I did enjoy reading it and it did make me think about things which is always a great thing for a book to do, I just didn't enjoy it as much as I expected to. If you read the synopsis and you think it is your kind of book, you should still pick this book up. The characters are great and the storyline is interesting, frankly that is just everything you want from a book.

Synopsis -

Can true love prevail when the real and online worlds collide? Perfect for the fans of Miranda Dickenson and Paige Toon. 

Melissa Riva works in Milan as a university researcher. After buying an iPad at auction, she finds it contains files belonging to its previous owner. 

Fascinated by the beautiful photographs of romantic landscapes and views of the city, she starts her search for the previous owner. Locating him through Facebook, Melissa can't resist contacting him. 
Melissa and Riccardo begin chatting online. Both of them becoming increasingly dependent on this strange relationship, though acutely aware that it's only likely to remain a virtual one. 

But when real life bursts in on their digital world, they can't resist revealing their true feelings...

High School Reunion - Kimberly Dean

 

Tara's 10 year high school reunion is rapidly approaching. She didn't have the best time whilst she was at school thanks to bully Ellie. So now, 10 years on she's determined to impressed. Tara has a good job but now all she wants to impress her old classmates is the perfect body and a good looking guy to take as her plus one. Tara decides that she needs to start working on her perfect body so decides to enrol at the gym where she meets attractive personal trainer Jake Logan. Can Tara tick everything on her check list to be ready in time for her reunion? 

I'm (scarily!) rapidly approaching my 10 year high school reunion so for me the story is very relatable. Although I'm still a couple of years off it yet I'd be lying if it hadn't crossed my mind that the only way I'd attend would be if I had a great job/was thinner so it's safe to say the basic premise of this book was very relatable for me. I think ultimately the reliability of the basic story to a lot of people is what really makes this book. 

Tara was a good enough character. She was smart, clumsy, funny...all good character qualities. I also liked reading about other characters in the book, Jake, Missy and Hawk. Jake was a great potential love interest for Tara and he really helped to carry the story.

On the whole I enjoyed this story. Some of the elements of the story however I personally felt were quite glossed over. A couple of instances of cheating happen in the book but it's not really frowned upon and nothing really comes on it. I didn't really enjoy that.

If you're looking for a light hearted book to read with a strong romance throughout then you'll love this book. 

Synopsis - 

Tara’s ten-year high school reunion is approaching fast, and she's not ready. She knows it's shallow, but she wants to set her old classmates on their ears -- especially the toxic Ellie, who bullied her in the old days. She has a good job but she needs the whole package if she's going to make that killer entrance, including having a toned body, a great outfit, and, most importantly, a mouthwatering guy on her arm. An eventful visit to the gym shows her that she may be able to kill two birds with one stone, as personal trainer Jake Logan turns out to be the perfect eye candy she needs. A course of hard training begins, with Tara eager to impress Jake—but what are his plans? She can't help noticing that he flirts with all his female clients. There's one particular client who could ruin all of Tara's plans—and she's getting far too close to Tara's quarry.

Sugar We're Going Down - M.H. Soars

 

Saylor is struggling to get by in life, her band is going no where and she has a dead end waitressing job. She's just little Miss average except for the fact she has undeniable chemistry with rock star Oliver Best. However, it isn't so plain sailing as you would think as things couldn't possibly work out between them. Can they remain friends when forced together at a friends wedding? 

Truthfully I've been putting off writing this review because I haven't really known what to write. On paper this book screams like it's going to be a book that I would love but unfortunately in reality I just didn't enjoy it. I tried to pin point why and ultimately I think it's because I just didn't connect with the characters. The most I read this book the most irritating I found main character Saylor. I can't even tell you why, I just didn't enjoy reading about her. The twists and turns the book throws at the reader just didn't affect me like they should have as unfortunately I just wasn't really all that interested in what happened to Saylor. 

Sugar We're Going Down is actually book number 2 in a series and ends on such a cliffhanger that they'll most definitely be a book number 3. I read this book as a standalone. Although it is mentioned that Saylor and Oliver have history I think to fully appreciate what has happened between them you should read book number 1. However I did just read this book and not reading the first book didn't cause any issues.

I think if you like your books about celebrity romances then it's definitely worth checking this book out. It did have a good story running through it but for me the characters ruined it. However, if you can find a sample of this book definitely give it a read because if you like the characters then I'm sure you will love this book! 

Synopsis -

They say nothing compares to the first kiss. That sentence needs to be amended. Nothing compares to the first kiss from Oliver Best. I knew in the moment our lips touched that the cocky rockstar would be forever imprinted in my mind. I also knew that loving him would be my destruction. And yet, love him I did.

Oliver Best, former rockstar, heir to one of the largest fortunes in Great Britain, and the country's most infamous bad boy.

Saylor Blue Carter, college drop-out, lead singer of a struggling band, not a penny to her name.

When they met, it was hate at first sight. Oliver was an arrogant ass. Saylor was a cold hearted bitch. These were the thoughts they had for each other. Until that kiss. That life altering, earth shattering, nuclear kiss. They knew what that kiss meant. They knew anything between them would be explosive and without hope for a happily ever after. So they vowed to forget, they tried to stay away. But now with their best friends' wedding approaching, all bets are off.

Legally Charming - Lauren Smith

 

Felicity Hart loves art. So much so she's currently doing her masters in art and wants to be a museum curator once she graduates. She knows what she wants and nothing will get in her way. That is until she meets Jared, her best friends boyfriends brother. He is perfect and before Felicity knows what's happening she's falling head over heals in love with him.

I actually enjoyed read Legally Charming. The characters were enjoyable to read about and the story was good. Both Felicity and Jared were good characters to read about and surprisingly the supporting minor characters were also great! This book is being advertised as book number 1 in the series so I'm very interested to know what the other books will be about - I'm hoping the focus may be on an alternative character. 

Legally Charming was the cliche damsel in distress character meets top high flying business somewhat dominating business man. Did I see ever twists in the book coming? Absolutely. However, I'm not sure that was a bad thing. Sometimes I want to pick up a quick, enjoyable read and this was it. The characters were enjoyable to read about and you could really emphasise with the dilemmas they were having. For me, the very readable characters and a decent storyline are precisely the reason you need to read Legally Charming.

If you're looking for your next romance novel to read and want it to have a good storyline then this is the book for you! 

Synopsis -

THE RIGHT DRESS CAN CATCH THE EYE OF PRINCE CHARMING…

Felicity Hart has one goal: Completing her masters in art. Falling in love isn’t part of the plan. She reluctantly agrees to attend a Halloween party with her best friend. After sneaking away from the party and falling asleep in an unoccupied room, she wakes to the sexiest pair of eyes she’s ever seen. Eyes that belong to the one man who could turn her well organized world upside down. When he flashes that wicked, panty-melting smile at her the vow to not fall in love seems impossible…

EVERY PRINCE IS LOOKING FOR HIS SLEEPING BEAUTY TO KISS…

Jared Redmond used to be the ultimate bad boy. But now his legal career is taking off and the partners of his firm are trusting him with high-dollar real estate transactions. Jared’s king-size bed is empty. But when he arrives home on Halloween to find a princess sleeping in his bed – his all work and no play attitude goes out the window. There’s nothing he wants more than to explore the hidden desires of this mysterious beauty and show her just how much of a bad boy he really is by fulfilling her every fantasy. 

WHEN MIDNIGHT STRIKES AND COACHES TURN TO PUMPKINS…

Underneath the glitter of this fairy tale romance, Felicity and Jared might have found true love. But the mounting pressure of their real lives takes hold again and Jared and Felicity are pulled further and further apart. Can they find their fairy tale ending or will they be left with the dying embers of what could have been?

Hotel Hookup: Chicago - Annabelle Snow

 

Every year Hannah goes on holiday with her sisters. The only difference is that this year she's fresh out of a relationship that knocked her confidence pretty badly. Now thanks to a little help from a lipstick selling sales assistant she finds herself getting attention from a man in her hotel. 

I read this book very, very quickly. It was full of sex, however it did have a little story running through it. Hannah was likeable and it was nice to see her change (in a good way) as the story progresses. My only real downside is that really I wanted more! I didn't want the story to end as it did but as the end of the day this book is just a quick read novel so it fit the bill well.

If you're looking for a quick read romance novel then I think you'll enjoy this book. 

Synopsis -

One night. One man. One amazing one-night stand. 

Every year, Hannah Truitt plans a weekend of rest and relaxation with her sisters. After a rough breakup, Hannah needs the getaway more than ever. And Chicago’s Magnificent Mile with the stylish Drake Hotel is the perfect escape. 

Upon her arrival, Hannah meets a mysterious and charming stranger. She is surprised by their instant connection and her undeniable attraction to the man. All she knows about him is his name–Clark–and his suite number.

Will the passion end when morning comes, or will one night not be enough? 

Want more heat? Get hot stories with a sexy burn in the rest of the Hotel Hookup series.