melissay

Sienna’s sister is getting married, the only snag is that she can’t afford the wedding of her dreams so ropes her entire family to take part in reality television show, Wedding Games. Sienna is an actress, except she’s bar a couple of tiny roles she’s failing miserably. A reality television show isn’t her first choice of a role but she decides that its the perfect opportunity to get onto the show’s producer radar which could lead onto job opportunities. The groom’s best man, Fox on the other hand is less up for the spotlight. He discovered the reality of being in the public eye when he was younger and now wants absolutely nothing to do with it, but when he’s asked to be the best man at the wedding he knows that he has little choice but to agree. The bride and grooms family and friends are pitted against each other in a series of competitions in order to win the power to plan certain aspects of the wedding. It doesn’t take long for sparks to start flying between Fox and Sienna but can opposites really attract?

I had a real love hate relationship with this book. On the one hand I loved the story and I was thoroughly enjoying the story and then it just ended on the biggest cliff hanger in the world. You know those books that just make you want to scream in sheer frustration because it just ends at the worst possible moments and you know you have to wait a very long time for the next instalment? This is absolutely one of those books! However, prior to reading although I knew this story was part of a series I didn’t realise it would end on such a cliff hanger and if I had known I think I wouldn’t have been so frustrated at the ending.

I loved the storyline. I think we’ve all watched reality television at some point so I found the story of reading about what happens when filming one quite interesting. The story takes you through the actual challenges, the inability to get time away from cameras and the extreme lengths characters have to sneak around to get a moment of privacy. The what happens when cameras aren’t rolling situation is interesting and the worry about what story they might be spinning on you. Its all told so wonderfully in this story. I also enjoyed the fact that Sienna and Fox aren’t the main couple on the reality show as I find how the involvement that have in the show interesting to read about.

Personally I found Sienna quite irritating at first, the way that Fox see’s her is largely how I viewed her at first. Annoying, willing to do anything to suck up to the camera etc. However, the more you read chapters from Sienna’s perspective you realise that she’s just doing it to try and progress her career and that she’s so much more than acting up for the camera. I didn’t fully gel with her throughout the story but I certainly viewed her different at the end of the book compared with the beginning. Fox on the other hand is the complete polar opposite. You read and wish he would put a little more enthusiasm in when the cameras are around but again as you read the story you realise that he has his reasons. I think the story develops the characters enough for you to have a real interest in them for the future books in the series.

This book is such an interesting storyline, the idea of a reality show for the guests to win the chance to plan the wedding is interesting and for me that is what makes this story good. Despite wanting to scream when the book so abruptly ended it has captured my attention enough for me to desperately want more books in the series.

Synopsis – 

It’s lights, cameras and action at the Emerald Inn!

After years as a struggling actress, Sienna Hudson finally gets a leading role in a television series. Too bad it’s a reality show for her sister’s wedding. Once filming starts, Sienna decides to use Wedding Games to catch the eye of the show’s producer and launch her career to the next level.

Fox Wilson learned the harsh realities of being in the spotlight when he was young, and has avoided it ever since. But when his best friend plans a reality show wedding and asks him to be his best man, he reluctantly agrees.

When Fox and Sienna are pitted against each other in every competition, tensions run high, and attractions run higher.

Can Fox and Sienna see past the reality show drama and take a chance on love? Or will one of them end up getting played?

Tune into Wedding Games, the reality show packed with drama, surprises, and…romance.

The last place you expect to find love is in a storage room in a hotel but that’s exactly what happens for Lana and Christian. Lana is a teacher who has sneakily followed her boyfriend (who should be working) to the hotel and doesn’t watch television or films so has zero idea who Christian Slade, one of the worlds most famous actors is. The two have a connection but of course things are bound to go wrong once Lana finds out the truth about Christian.

This book is fantastic and I can’t believe this book is number four in the series – though this book I read as a standalone completely fine. However, after reading this book I’m extremely eager to read the other books in the series as I would love to get more history on the side characters in this book. The story is a simple concept of famous man meets a completely normal woman but it works so well. I found it funny, engaging and I loved it from start to finish. Even the moment from the first moment they met made me laugh and that continued throughout the book.

One of the reasons that I loved this book so much is due to the characters. Lana and Christian are both extremely likable and you’re routing from them both. Christian Slade despite being a very wealthy, famous celebrity is completely normal – or as normal as he can be! The best part, he does everything he possibly can for his loved ones which is way him trying to impress Lana is such a lovely read. She doesn’t care for lavish gifts, she wants to help the environment and make a difference in life. Lana doesn’t swoon at the thought of dating a celebrity and she has morals and sticks to them no matter what. However, at times her reluctance to change her beliefs did annoy me a little. I appreciate her beliefs are so strong but when for example, she makes a song and dance about getting into a not environmentally friendly car it starts to get annoying. Despite this I did really enjoy her character.

As I’ve briefly mentioned I loved the way the author writes. The book made me laugh out loud but it also was completely relatable and you’re completely kept you engaged throughout. I also liked the use of the story being told in dual perspectives, as a rule I tend not to like this but it really worked well in this story.

Overall, I loved this book. I read it in a matter of hours as it captured my attention and that’s sometimes exactly what you want. It’s a quick, cute read and I would highly recommend.

Synopsis –

When Hollywood’s sexiest bachelor meets the girl next door their relationship doesn’t follow the script…

On-screen, Christian Slade is America’s favourite heartthrob. Off-screen, letting romance into his life isn’t as easy. The women he dates all seem to want a piece of his glamourous life rather than his heart, and trust doesn’t come easy for him.

Then along comes Lana. A beautiful rocket scientist who’s also sweet, smart, sext, and has absolutely no idea who he is. But what will happen when she finds out?

Will their worlds prove too far apart or could love really be like in the movies?

Angel Green isn’t from a wealthy background so as the festive period is approaching all she is thinking about is studying for a scholarship exam. However, she finds herself involved in a project to raise money for a the local hospice where her mum works. Angel really wants to help raise as much money as possible but unfortunately she is paired up with Casper Johnson who although is good looking, very creative and fun to be around he is also extremely unreliable. The only thing that is managing to get Angel through the day is her Secret Santa who is buying her the most incredible, thoughtful gifts including a hand made advent calendar giving her tasks to complete everyday.  However, she quickly discovers that working with Casper isn’t as bad as she expects. The more she spends time with Casper the more she realises their is more to him than meets the eye.

I embarrassingly have to admit that this book took me longer to get into than most solely for the fact that I just didn’t like the names of the main characters. When I started reading I just couldn’t gel with Angel because of her name, I felt like characters were always using it as a pet name rather than her actual name. However, once I got past this I really enjoyed this book! Angel and Casper are both fantastic characters who really grow as people throughout the story. Angel despite her families financial situation, is determined to be a doctor but at the same time its interesting to see how her advent calendar really brings her out of her focussed I’m going to be a doctor comfort zone. Angel is also incredible selfless and does everything she can do to help people. I really enjoyed reading about Casper too. At many times during the book I thought that he was the worst kind of character as he kept on bailing on Angel but then he’d act incredibly sweet towards her and I liked him again. All is certainly forgiven though the more you read about him and by the end of the book you’re routing for him just as much as Angel.

I really enjoyed the storyline too. I found the concept of a Secret Santa gift exchange being woven in with ambitious characters, fundraising events and a dash of Christmas spirit to be a great one for a book. It’s the type of story I could see working as one of Netflix’s Christmas films which is definitely a good thing. My only issue with this book’s storyline was that it was incredibly predictable. For example, you as the reader figure out who Angel’s secret Santa is within the first few chapters so when Angel herself figures it out near the end of the book it is very unclimactic.

I think this book would be ideal for people who love books such as The Paper & Hearts Society by Lucy Powrie. Love, Secret Santa is targeted towards a similar age group and provides great characters who achieve things and I loved the story too. Would highly recommend this book for young adult book fans!

Synopsis –

All I want for Christmas is . . . you! A festive clean teen romance that could melt even Scrooge’s heart!

It’s nearly Christmas, but Angel Green isn’t celebrating – she’s too busy studying for a scholarship exam. On top of that, she’s organising her school’s charity fundraising campaign to help a local hospice. Unfortunately, her fundraising partner is Caspar Johnson: handsome, creative and fun, but TOTALLY unreliable.

Thank goodness for her Secret Santa who keeps leaving her amazing presents, including an intriguing hand-made advent calendar! Angel is dying to find out who her secret admirer is . . .

As they spend time together planning festive events, Angel realises that Caspar has hidden depths – and a secret that he’s hiding behind his easy-going facade. Her advent calendar encourages Angel to take risks and open her heart – but has she left it too late to tell Caspar how she really feels?

I feel like over the last couple of years you haven’t been able avoid the hype over the British Royal Family. I think the whole fascination over the royal family combined with a Disney Princess dream, makes a novel about royalty quite appealing.

Khara is the face of normal. She is a waitress in Las Vegas and she’s completely fine with that. The last thing she expected was her best friend to fall madly in love with a Prince and end up heading to Europe to be the maid of honour at the biggest wedding the country has seen. If being apart of such a high profile wedding and mingling with aristocracy wasn’t bad enough the best man, Adam, has taken it upon himself to show Khara the ropes. Adam is the stereotypical rich boy who has every woman he wants wrapped around his little finger, but as Khara gets to know him she realises he is not exactly what she thinks.

I had mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand I liked the storyline, the idea that Khara is thrown in the middle of a world that I feel so many people have thought at some point what it must be like to be a part of. You know those romantic, cheesy films Netflix release at Christmas? I could completely see this storyline working so well as one of those types of films.

However, the problem I had with the book is that I just didn’t like the characters. I found Khara quite irritating with her I’m poor so I don’t fit into the rich world attitude, for me her characters was very much her vs the world. Adam I wasn’t sure about either. At the beginning you find out why he has his playboy reputation but as the book continues he realises his mistakes and how his actions have to change for the future. He goes through real development and although I disliked him at the start, Adam did grow on me by the end. I feel like sadly my dislike of Khara made me not route for her and Adam to be in a relationship which for a romance novel I believe you have to have an interest in both the characters otherwise you just don’t care about the outcome.

At the end of the day it was a quick, easy to read book and that’s what I wanted from it. However, personally I didn’t like Khara and that ruined my enjoyment of the story. I really did like the storyline though and I would like to see this made as a film as I think it might be the saving of making Khara a half likeable character. I did enjoy reading about the world of a royal family and the protocols etc and as much as I disliked him at the start, I enjoyed reading Adam’s character progression. Yes, I disliked Khara but if you want a book which delves in the royal world then I would recommend this book.

Synopsis –

Cocktail waitress Khara Thomas never expected to trade the dazzling lights of Vegas for European aristocracy but as maid of honour in the royal wedding of the decade she’s forced into an unexpected spotlight when her best friend marries a prince.

Luckily for Khara, gorgeous but infuriating best man Adam Hatton is happy to show her the ropes. Khara knows Adam’s entitled rich guy type but as their connection grows she realises there’s more to this playboy than meets the eye. And when she learns his royal secret? She might just find that fairytales do come true…

I’ve been obsessed with Netflix’s new show The Politician lately, so it comes as now surprise that the book I’ve chosen to read is very centred around a man in politics.

Robert Davenport is the youngest man to be the Major of New York and not only that he’s also just been voted man of the year in a popular magazine which basically makes him America’s most eligible bachelor. Now, he’s decided to make his next move and become the governor. He needs a plan to win and the only way to do that is to get some dirt on the undefeated governor. Roberts team search and discover that the governors wild child daughter who disappeared from the face of the earth has changed her name and is now an event planner in New York. When Adeline is approached by Robert to plan his party she knows she shouldn’t get involved given her fathers position but who is she to turn down an offer to plan a party for the major. Planning the party wouldn’t have been an issue until she finds herself falling for the mayor.

Overall I liked this book, though for me it’s falls into the category of I liked it and I’m glad I read it but I probably wouldn’t read it again. It was a slow build romance which actually worked really very well in this story. I liked the characters both Robert and Adeline – though I wasn’t completely on board with Adelines level of forgiveness!

I like the storyline. I do think it’s quite interesting that Robert initial hires Adeline for his own personal gain but then ends up falling for her and not exploiting her. You see where his loyalties lie and I think that makes you really like him as a character. Adeline on the other hand is so fixated on the fact that Robert will find out who she really is that she leaves herself quite closed off at times. She seems to be having an identity crisis about the person she is today and erasing every part of her old life. Though once you are given her backstory you can completely understand why she does this. I am intrigued about if this story will get a sequel as it is perfectly laid out for a book two.

Overall this is a cute, quite, but rather predictable romantic read. I did enjoy reading this book and I am very glad I did but as mentioned earlier it isn’t a novel you can pick up to read time and time again. If you’re looking for something that’s a good story that you want to read quite quickly but you know you’ll enjoy then this is the book for you! This book is released in March 2020 so it’s perfect to pick up to keep to one side ready for your holiday reading!

Synopsis –

A political golden boy and the woman of his dreams take the risk of their lives in a sexy romantic comedy of strange bedfellows and second chances by New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne.

Fresh off being named Citizen magazine’s Man of the Year, New York City’s youngest mayor, Robert Davenport, decides it’s time to strategize. Next move: a bid for the governor’s seat. In his way: an incumbent with a flawless reputation. He also has an Achilles’ heel: an estranged wild-child daughter with a past so scandalous it could be Robert’s ticket to victory. And a charm so irresistible it could be Robert’s downfall.

Rebellion is a thing of the past for Adeline Blake. As New York’s premier event planner, she’s all about reform and respectability. Then she’s approached by Robert to organize the party of the season. Curious, considering he’s her father’s most formidable opponent. And alarming, too. Because Addie can’t help but fall for the righteously popular candidate with the movie-star smile.

Now it’s Robert’s choice. Does he pursue a future that holds his legacy? Or the woman who holds his heart?

Call Me, Maybe by Stephie Chapman tells the story of Cassie. When she was 15 she was obsessed with the band Franko or more specifically with Jesse from the band. Now Cassie is in her late twenties and after a drunken night with her best friend Rachel, they find themselves Facebook stalking Franko. Cassie spontaneous adds her childhood celebrity crush, Jesse as a friend and unbelievably he accepts her friend request and the pair get chatting. Jesse lives in America but then gets a call to play a couple of tour dates for a band in London where Cassie lives. They say never meet your hero’s so it’s safe to say things are about to get real interesting when Cassie and Jesse’s worlds collide.

First of all this book has the best dedication ever. It’s dedicated to all the people whose ever loved a boy in a band and all the boys in a band. I think a lot of people have been through a stage where they were fixated with a band and you always had that one member of that band who was your favourite so I think it’s such a relatable thought for so many people. Plus that dedication pretty much sums up the whole story.

The storyline is interesting. I think many people can relate to the fixation Cassie has to a band member when she was younger. The difference is, I don’t think any of us imagine actually connecting in real life to that person years later especially when they live overseas. The fact that Cassie just Facebook stalks Jesse again is such a relatable thing and as far fetched as the story is it still manages to keep a part of it that’s so relatable. Overall it played out well, my only downside is that some parts were just a little too predictable for my liking. Really it didn’t bother me too much but at one particular point that I was just sat waiting to happen, I did find myself eye rolling as it was just so predictable. However, it didn’t ruin my enjoyment of this book in the slightest!

The characters are likeable too. The fact that Jesse only had 5 minutes of fame and now just plays music behind the scenes made him relatable. Even though Cassie was fixated with him as a teenager, you as the reader pretty much just see him as a normal guy and not as a rock star. This is probably helped by the fact that the story is told from dual perspectives. You see Jesses life from his eyes and realise just how normal he is and that he isn’t as perfect as Cassie thinks.

If you’ve ever been that teenage fan girl, you will love this book! The whole concept that Cassie meets Jesse through Facebook as an adult is quite amusing and even though I’ve never thought about looking for my favourite band members, it is such a relatable thing to do. This book is a good read which will make all of us that loved a band at some point very happy – I would recommend!

Synopsis –

What if you got a second chance with your first love? What happens when you meet your teenage heart-throb – when you’re both all grown up? When Cassie was fifteen, all she wanted was to marry Jesse Franklin, the bassist from her favourite band, Franko. Now she’s single, in her late twenties and wondering what happened to that teenage dream. A chance encounter on Facebook soon leads to a transatlantic hook up, and soon, Jesse and Cassie are having a long-distance love affair spanning five thousand miles. Cassie is on cloud nine – until she hears something that makes her think that Jesse might not be all that he seems. They say never meet your heroes – but what happens when you fall in love with them…? Are Cassie and Jesse star crossed lovers, destined to be together? Or should Cassie have left her crush in the box marked ‘teenage memories’? Previously published as Getting Over Jesse Franklin, this brand new edition has had extensive editorial changes. ‘It is romcom writing at its best; dreamy with nostalgia, with a strong, funny and relatable female protagonist and a super sexy leading man. I just loved it! Lia Louis – author of Somewhere Close to Happy

If you read my blog post about YALC a little while ago you’ll know that I bought this book there. When I picked this book up I read the blurb and instantly bought it then when I got home I discovered it was book number 3 in a series. Click here for my review of book one in the series, Caraval and click here for my review of book two in the series Legendary because you must read them before Finale as I don’t think it’ll really make much sense and regardless I can guarantee you’ll enjoy Finale more if you read the first two books prior.

Finale continues on the Caraval story following sisters Scarlett and Tella. A lot of happened since Scarlett first played Caraval, her sister Tella played in order to keep a bargain then somehow ended up falling in love with Legend along the way, now Tella discovers that yet again Legend was just playing a game and now she doesn’t know who to trust anymore. Meanwhile, Scarlett has discovered a life changing secret which means she now needs to achieve the impossible. This book, no games are being played but somehow more than ever people are out to win.

I’ve mentioned this in every review of this series of books but wow! This series of books is honestly incredible and I can’t believe it took a whim purchase at a convention for me to have even heard of the series. From book one all the way to the end of book three the story grabs your attention and doesn’t let you go. Even after finishing Finale I just sat processing all that I’d read. It’s been a long time since I read books as quickly as these which just goes to show what wonderful stories they are.

Finale is told from both Tella and Scarletts point of view which worked perfectly for this book. You really needed to read the story from both in order to appreciate fully ever detail that was going on. Normally, I’m not the biggest fan of stories told from multiple perspectives but it just worked so well in Finale. Even when the girls were apart it didn’t feel like you were missing much of the action from the other as the story is so cleverly weaved together. For example, a lot of the time the sisters were working together towards the shame goal but doing different elements of it to achieve what they set out to do.

I don’t want to spoil the ending in anyway but just know the ending of this book is so perfect and its one of the best endings to a story that I’ve read in a long time. The only thing is it definitely leaves it somewhat open to have a sort of spin off book and I for one would be more than open to this happening!

In conclusion, Finale was a fantastic book. It led me down so many different paths and the twists and turns I just never saw coming – is that not just the sign of an amazing book? I couldn’t recommend picking up this series of books more.

 Synopsis –

A love worth fighting for. A dream worth dying for. An ending worth waiting for.

It’s been two months since the Fates were freed from a deck of cards, two months since Legend claimed the throne for his own, and two months since Tella discovered the boy she fell in love with doesn’t really exist.

With lives, empires, and hearts hanging in the balance, Tella must decide if she’s going to trust Legend or a former enemy. After uncovering a secret that upends her life, Scarlett will need to do the impossible. And Legend has a choice to make that will forever change and define him.

Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun. There are no spectators this time – only those who will win, and those who will lose everything.

Welcome, welcome to Finale. All games must come to an end…