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The Bookseller by Valerie Keogh #Review

  Today I am featurung the latest psychological thriller by Valerie Keogh . The Bookseller was published by Boldwood Books on March 3rd. A woman with a dark past... Helen Appleby just wants a quiet life. Recently released from prison for the manslaughter of her partner, she's trying to forget her past mistakes – all of them - to rebuild her life and move on. When she decides to open a bookshop, she’s certain this is the perfect new start. Here, amongst the quiet shelves of her shop and between the covers of her books, she can hide away from the real world and begin again. The world of books the perfect place to find happiness - even if it is all lies. But the past can never stay hidden… As she settles into life as an apparently timid bookseller, it seems that someone is determined to sabotage Helen's new life and ruin everything she's built. But Helen has killed once before. And to protect her future, she could be willing to kill again... Don't miss anot...

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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