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See the Stars by Eleanor Ray #Review

  See the Stars by Eleanor Ray will be  published on February 5th 2026 by Piatkus .  Do you ever feel that life isn't going to plan?   When Alice Thorington collapses in the street after a particularly hellish day at work, she must finally admit to herself that her outwardly happy life - steady relationship, well-paid job, beautiful flat in the city - isn't everything she'd hoped it would be. Burnt out by long hours and living a life that doesn't fulfil her dreams, Alice returns home to Yorkshire.  Her childhood home brings complicated family dynamics, a rediscovery of her passion for stargazing and two new friends: Berti, a boy who finds it easier to count the stars than interact with people, and Matt, her brother's best friend and Alice's teenage crush. With each of them facing their own struggles, can the stars that meant so much to Alice in her past help them to find their way in the present?  Filled with heart and warmth, this uplifting novel...

Friends with Benefits by Laura Carter #BritinManhattanBook3 #Review

 

Travel to New York for a feelgood romcom by Laura Carter. Friends with Benefits was published by Boldwood Books on October 16th.


A high-flying investor

New Yorker Jake Harrington loves a lot of things about living in London: his lucrative hedge fund job, the way British women melt at the sound of an American accent, being thousands of miles away from the girl who betrayed him. And, oh yes, his just-sex arrangement with his gorgeous roommate, Jess.

His sexy British flatmate

Jess's deal with Jake suits her fine. No commitments, no risk of being hurt again, just fun and friendship. And friends do each other favors, like agreeing to go on a trip to New York where Jake will have to face his past.

And a vacation that will change everything...

What friends shouldn't do? Suddenly find themselves feeling something much more complicated than simple lust. When "no strings" is no longer enough, will Jake be willing to take the ultimate gamble?


 My Thoughts

I enjoyed the writing style of this feelgood romcom which made it such an enjoyable read. You can't miss the chemistry between these two best friends and their friends certainly can't either. However, this is more than a 'will they, won't they?' or friends to lovers story. As you get to know them both, you realise that there are issues in the past which have affected their attitudes to relationships. Jess, in particular, has many deep seated fears about letting anyone get close. 

    As characters, Jake and Jess are like opposite sides of a coin. Jake is a risk taker, with huge attachments to his close family and friends. Jess is the sort to run away from getting too close and protects herself by building a framework of rules around herself and how she will act. Yet you also glimpse her quirky, individualism and her enjoyment of friendships when it is on her terms.  

    The story is well paced and with plenty of laugh out loud moments provided by the gang of friends who welcome Jake and Jess to New York. You are always rooting for them, that they will sort through their relationship and the tomantic parts when they come are reminiscent of many a good film. 

In short: a romcom which fizzes with love and romance

About the Author


Laura Carter writes romance and women's fiction with a romantic slant. Exploring everyday relationships and getting under the skin of her characters is her passion. She takes inspiration from everything she overhears in cafés, so be wary of that strange woman 'listening' to music next time you're chatting over coffee. Laura lives with her family in Jersey, Channel Islands.

You can follow Laura here: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Purchase Links 

Thanks to Laura Carter, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

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