As I was reading the first book, Breakaway, I had a big case of unrequited Ducky love - and now it seems I am not the only one!

Remember Dylan' son from Secret, Chad? Well, this here is his story (gosh I love how KA is bringing multiple series together).

Lots of sexiness, little angst and a whole lot of love is what this dynamic duo has given us.

I enjoy a friends to more story, so Chad and Ducky's tale was right up my alley. I loved the slow burn as they realise that they both had feelings for each other.

I loved that there was no OTT drama and their relationship felt organic. They balance each other out well.

Cameo's from some of our favourites made me smile hard. Days later and I am still smiling thinking about this story.

ARC received for an honest review

Ugh, I am so conflicted with this book.

I mean, the first 1/3 of the book was a case of what in the misogynistic BS is this Rip guy. Heck no I say to you sir.

He did get better the last half of the book, but his words and actions tainted him for me for the rest of the story - sorry RVD.

I liked Colby from the start. Both Colby and Rip are thrown into an unthinkable situation, but the way they dealt with it at the start told me a lot about their characters. One all sunshine and grieving out in the open, one a grump holding it all in, and pushing his way on to her (he really was very douchey to her).

I liked that he did change his ways (and if he hadn't I really was considering DNFing because of him)

The light of this story was the children they became guardians of. They light up the page every time they are on it, even as they are going through the worst time of their little lives.

I wanted to love this story, but unfortunately this was a very rare RVD miss for me.

ARC received for an honest review

If you have read My Summer In Seoul you will really enjoy this companion novella, however you do not have to have read it to like The Anti-Fan and the Idol.

Now, as a woman of a certain age, I don't get the obsession with K-pop, but I can see the research and interest that RVD has for it.

It took me a while to get into Ryan and Ah-Ri's story, but once I hit the groove I was there with all engines revving.

It iook a while for our lovelies to let their guards down, but once they did there was no stopping them - in any and all of their pursuits.

It was great to see a favourite character pop in for a cuppa and a chat (I really need this one to get a whoooole books about them).

Also, I know that this is fiction, but I am glad that Ms Van Dyken does not shy away from the reality of the world of K-pop and the idols, and touches on some of the things that do happen to idols in the real world.

I do hope we get more in this world in the future.

ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review

This is my first read in the Sweet Fiction Bookshop series, and it was a fun read.

In fact, it gave me vibes of my favourite cosy mystery series, the Cozy Corgi series by Mildred Abbott.

I mean, a book shop, vibing with the local law enforcement, a store pet, investigating murders. Guess they know my jam.

I loved the townspeople throwing themselves into investigating crimes, there are some absolutely wonderful characters.

Many red herrings will have you guessing whodunnit right to the end.

Enjoyable, and will read more of the series in the future.

3.5 stars

ARC received from Netgalley for an honest review

When a small town librarian ends up in the race for town mayor, things are going to get a little heated.

And that's just between herself and the incumbent mayor.

I really liked Fitz and the way he is fighting against family and decades of his family running this town. He can see how things should be and works to make change.

Hallie though, I don't know, she was just flat to me. I liked her but I didn't feel.. anything really for or about her.

I liked the friends and townspeople. and I would read more about this town in the future if it comes.

Copy received via Netgalley for an honest review

I am loving Eva Scott's ru-ro retellings of some of my fav rom coms of the 90's, and now we have an Aussie version of While You Were Sleeping.

The Frankie/Ant/Jed triangle (don't worry, there's no cheating) had me hopeful, but also so frustrated, knowing that things should be different, could be different if people youknpw, talked.

I afored Frankie and Ant from the start but Jed, nope, his spoiled brat selfish self just annoyed me - but thst wad the way it was supposed to be.

The lobging, the glances across the room, the wanting just flew off the page, it was palpable. It was the other person in the room the whole time.

It was a long road to get to the HEA but so worth it.

I hope we gwt more books like this from Eva Scott

Audible version

If you ever feel the need to bitch and moan about your bad day/week/month/year (and now you're si fing the friends them along with me), think about this man, Eddie Jaku, and ask yourself "is my life really that bad?".

I can guarantee adter reading The Happiest Man On Earth that it isn't.

Eddie Jaku's story had me crying more than once,and cheering as once again he eacapes the Nazi regime.

If this was fiction, you would tell tiurself that this could never happen like this.

But it did. To thousands, millions of people.

How this amazing, inspiring man could go through the rest of his life not hating the world - well, he was a better man than I could even aspire to be.

A wonderful, poignant memoir. There needs to be more men like him in the world.

Fabulously narrated. This is one that i would recommend to everyone, and I will definitely be listening again