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The Diary on the Fifth Floor by Raisha Lalwani
5.0
Emotions Gone Practical
Do we like who we have become?
A story of a diary, or a diary full of stories …
Synopsis:
Sairah Khanna, a twenty-five-year-old woman, is on the fifth floor of the Holy Grace Hospital: the Psych Ward. The appointment at that particular time is for one Savannah Khanna. Sairah says she is there for her sister, Savvy, who she thinks needs, specifically, Dr. Rama Berry's help. Only Dr. Berry can get through to her. But, she is lying about something. Carrying a blue cloth bound diary, which seems to be her lifeline, what is it that she is hiding – something in the diary, or something to do with herself?
Review:
The book starts with a prologue, questioning the reality of life (which totally fed my cynical mind, and reading the entire book from then on was an exercise in nodding my head).
Written in the first form of narration, from the point-of-view of the only protagonist Ms. Khanna, this book is divided into thirty-one chapters, some of which are written in the epistolary form of diary entries. The only other substantial character in the book is the psychiatrist Dr. Berry. She is as good as they come; warm, poised, and at once putting her visitors at ease. The author has successfully shown the characters for what they are.
The strong, and confident, yet kind, doctor.
The hesitant, confused, nervous, patient.
He looked at me in a way we look at the hand towel in a public washroom.
(When the protagonist mentions at the reception that she is in the hospital to visit the psychiatrist. Talk about the taboo that mental health still is in our country!)
Set in Delhi, with no real location whatsoever, the book is a transition from the season of autumn (and it released in Autumn, what a coincidence!) to winter; as much as there is a transition in the life of Ms. Khanna. Now, is it positive or negative, it is for you to find out…
Someone you love has passed away no more than fifteen minutes ago and the first thing that comes to your mind is a Facebook update?
(Some pathetic excuse for a human, I tell you!)
Ms. Khanna finds in Dr. Berry an outlet. An outlet to release her pent-up emotions. Feelings about how the world works, humanity behaves, etc.; which are contained in her personal diary, collated from her or her next-of-kin's or her friends' day-to-day personal life experiences, or something which she has seen, anytime, anywhere, which has left a deep impact on her. Each subsequent chapter barring the consultations with the good doctor, is a diary entry, of a particular day, often with captivating titles.
I maintain a personal diary; I think many of us do. In this isolated world, where there is hardly anyone who can lend you a patient ear, it has become somewhat of a necessity. And so, I can sympathise with Ms. Khanna when she thinks, the prospect of listening to the psychiatrist analyse her own thoughts back to her was more than a little unnerving.
The blurb is what attracted me to this book, intrigued me. It is a sign of things you can expect from this book, and if you look at the world through rose-tinted glasses, then be warned, you would not be able to digest it. Revealing some essential truths about how humanity nowadays behaves through her protagonist, the author writes some hard-hitting lines about the reality that is prevalent at present. Hence, the genre = realistic fiction. From deceiving people in the name of healing to the inherent meanness that is increasingly becoming a character trait of many people, to the blind faith that even some of the educated and learned masses refuse to deviate from; the author has put it all out there. The ending is quite shocking but, in a way, it sums up the story nicely. Highly Recommended! A must-read book from a debut author.
I was a bit confused at first about the genre, even thinking about it as psychological suspense. What I found was stark reality staring me in the face! Reading Albert Camus' The Outsider (also known as The Stranger) didn't help; as next, I started thinking of this book as an absurdist fiction. After all, there is but a fine line between realism and absurdism. I thought of the book in that sense because of the protagonist's extreme thought processes, maybe; or maybe it was something else, entirely. It is mentioned in the fourth page (iv) itself that 'This is a work of fiction'; but, is it really? Have you ever felt that sometimes it is tough to separate the writer from the book?
Dr. Berry suggest that I make it fictional.
This is a quite unusual book, unusual in a good way but, after closing it, coming back to the cover illustration (and the design, both of which are beautiful, by the way), it made me think, what if the entire story happened only in the protagonists' head?
Aptly titled, it leaves you with many questions, the answers to which you may/may not find in your own personal diary!
P.S. I received a copy of this book as a part of a review program by V Influencers.
(https://www.instagram.com/vinfluencers/)
The above review is honest and unbiased.
Originally posted on:
https://sassyshaina.wordpress.com/2018/10/26/the-diary-on-the-fifth-floor-by-raisha-lalwani/
Do we like who we have become?
A story of a diary, or a diary full of stories …
Synopsis:
Sairah Khanna, a twenty-five-year-old woman, is on the fifth floor of the Holy Grace Hospital: the Psych Ward. The appointment at that particular time is for one Savannah Khanna. Sairah says she is there for her sister, Savvy, who she thinks needs, specifically, Dr. Rama Berry's help. Only Dr. Berry can get through to her. But, she is lying about something. Carrying a blue cloth bound diary, which seems to be her lifeline, what is it that she is hiding – something in the diary, or something to do with herself?
Review:
The book starts with a prologue, questioning the reality of life (which totally fed my cynical mind, and reading the entire book from then on was an exercise in nodding my head).
The choices we make define the kind of people we then become. The main question here is: Do we like who we have become?
Written in the first form of narration, from the point-of-view of the only protagonist Ms. Khanna, this book is divided into thirty-one chapters, some of which are written in the epistolary form of diary entries. The only other substantial character in the book is the psychiatrist Dr. Berry. She is as good as they come; warm, poised, and at once putting her visitors at ease. The author has successfully shown the characters for what they are.
The strong, and confident, yet kind, doctor.
The hesitant, confused, nervous, patient.
He looked at me in a way we look at the hand towel in a public washroom.
(When the protagonist mentions at the reception that she is in the hospital to visit the psychiatrist. Talk about the taboo that mental health still is in our country!)
Set in Delhi, with no real location whatsoever, the book is a transition from the season of autumn (and it released in Autumn, what a coincidence!) to winter; as much as there is a transition in the life of Ms. Khanna. Now, is it positive or negative, it is for you to find out…
Someone you love has passed away no more than fifteen minutes ago and the first thing that comes to your mind is a Facebook update?
(Some pathetic excuse for a human, I tell you!)
Ms. Khanna finds in Dr. Berry an outlet. An outlet to release her pent-up emotions. Feelings about how the world works, humanity behaves, etc.; which are contained in her personal diary, collated from her or her next-of-kin's or her friends' day-to-day personal life experiences, or something which she has seen, anytime, anywhere, which has left a deep impact on her. Each subsequent chapter barring the consultations with the good doctor, is a diary entry, of a particular day, often with captivating titles.
People prefer talking about each other rather than talking to each other.
I maintain a personal diary; I think many of us do. In this isolated world, where there is hardly anyone who can lend you a patient ear, it has become somewhat of a necessity. And so, I can sympathise with Ms. Khanna when she thinks, the prospect of listening to the psychiatrist analyse her own thoughts back to her was more than a little unnerving.
The blurb is what attracted me to this book, intrigued me. It is a sign of things you can expect from this book, and if you look at the world through rose-tinted glasses, then be warned, you would not be able to digest it. Revealing some essential truths about how humanity nowadays behaves through her protagonist, the author writes some hard-hitting lines about the reality that is prevalent at present. Hence, the genre = realistic fiction. From deceiving people in the name of healing to the inherent meanness that is increasingly becoming a character trait of many people, to the blind faith that even some of the educated and learned masses refuse to deviate from; the author has put it all out there. The ending is quite shocking but, in a way, it sums up the story nicely. Highly Recommended! A must-read book from a debut author.
I walked in the dark, with a heart full of love.
I was carrying my soul, when Dior was enough!
I was a bit confused at first about the genre, even thinking about it as psychological suspense. What I found was stark reality staring me in the face! Reading Albert Camus' The Outsider (also known as The Stranger) didn't help; as next, I started thinking of this book as an absurdist fiction. After all, there is but a fine line between realism and absurdism. I thought of the book in that sense because of the protagonist's extreme thought processes, maybe; or maybe it was something else, entirely. It is mentioned in the fourth page (iv) itself that 'This is a work of fiction'; but, is it really? Have you ever felt that sometimes it is tough to separate the writer from the book?
Dr. Berry suggest that I make it fictional.
This is a quite unusual book, unusual in a good way but, after closing it, coming back to the cover illustration (and the design, both of which are beautiful, by the way), it made me think, what if the entire story happened only in the protagonists' head?
Everyone needs someone to lean on, and not being able to trust anyone long enough to take a bit of weight off your shoulders is a harsh way to grow up.
Aptly titled, it leaves you with many questions, the answers to which you may/may not find in your own personal diary!
P.S. I received a copy of this book as a part of a review program by V Influencers.
(https://www.instagram.com/vinfluencers/)
The above review is honest and unbiased.
Originally posted on:
https://sassyshaina.wordpress.com/2018/10/26/the-diary-on-the-fifth-floor-by-raisha-lalwani/
THE GENTLE DOMINANT by J.L. Thomas
3.0
***Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
Genre: Romance/Erotica (Fiction)
Review:
This book is a compilation of the following stories:
The Unravelling of Theo
Genre: Romance
A novelette, it starts with our female protagonist getting kicked out of her job. Why? Because she wouldn't put up with her boss's demands for sexual favours. And wow, what a perfect way for her to leave. A kick-ass heroine, who's bad day almost got worse because of the hero, who behaves just as badly but does rectify his behaviour.
And then Theo Caro asks Eden on a date. Even though she wants him, and there is much teasing and flirty banter, she refuses.
Set in London, this story is told from Eden's POV, with Theo's Thoughts making its presence felt. Theo is one gorgeous gentleman and he's so hot with words.
For a change, in a romance, a man's virginity is the topic of discussion. As well as the lady being five years older than the lad.
The Gentle Dominant
Genre: Erotica
This one starts in the middle of the red carpet, where heartthrob Darius Carter is sauntering down from his latest silver screen spectacle, and instead of signing the programme Helena's holding out, straightaway invites her to dinner at his penthouse.
What follows is a proposition by Darius to Helena for being his submissive, followed by a volley of words - back and forth - with Helena's dirty mouth an active participant.
This short story, or should I say a sneak-peek to the first book in The Gentle Dominant Series - Poetic Rapture, explains both its cover and that of its sequel, Quantum Entanglement as well. The intimate scenes are hot and written with finesse.
Trigger Warning: This is a Dom/sub story.
Forever Yours
Genre: Erotica
This one isn't a short story. It contains two excerpts from the second book in The Gentle Dominant Series - Quantum Entanglement.
P.S. There are quite a few misprints throughout the book which takes away the thunder of the stories. Otherwise, it would have been a four star read for me.
Also, the author has a unique style of writing which you have to read to know. I'm looking forward to reading both Poetic Rapture and Quantum Entanglement (hopefully with no typos!).
Originally posted on:
https://sassyshaina.wordpress.com/2019/02/18/the-gentle-dominant-by-j-l-thomas/
Genre: Romance/Erotica (Fiction)
Review:
This book is a compilation of the following stories:
The Unravelling of Theo
Genre: Romance
A novelette, it starts with our female protagonist getting kicked out of her job. Why? Because she wouldn't put up with her boss's demands for sexual favours. And wow, what a perfect way for her to leave. A kick-ass heroine, who's bad day almost got worse because of the hero, who behaves just as badly but does rectify his behaviour.
And then Theo Caro asks Eden on a date. Even though she wants him, and there is much teasing and flirty banter, she refuses.
Set in London, this story is told from Eden's POV, with Theo's Thoughts making its presence felt. Theo is one gorgeous gentleman and he's so hot with words.
For a change, in a romance, a man's virginity is the topic of discussion. As well as the lady being five years older than the lad.
The Gentle Dominant
Genre: Erotica
This one starts in the middle of the red carpet, where heartthrob Darius Carter is sauntering down from his latest silver screen spectacle, and instead of signing the programme Helena's holding out, straightaway invites her to dinner at his penthouse.
What follows is a proposition by Darius to Helena for being his submissive, followed by a volley of words - back and forth - with Helena's dirty mouth an active participant.
This short story, or should I say a sneak-peek to the first book in The Gentle Dominant Series - Poetic Rapture, explains both its cover and that of its sequel, Quantum Entanglement as well. The intimate scenes are hot and written with finesse.
Trigger Warning: This is a Dom/sub story.
Forever Yours
Genre: Erotica
This one isn't a short story. It contains two excerpts from the second book in The Gentle Dominant Series - Quantum Entanglement.
P.S. There are quite a few misprints throughout the book which takes away the thunder of the stories. Otherwise, it would have been a four star read for me.
Also, the author has a unique style of writing which you have to read to know. I'm looking forward to reading both Poetic Rapture and Quantum Entanglement (hopefully with no typos!).
Originally posted on:
https://sassyshaina.wordpress.com/2019/02/18/the-gentle-dominant-by-j-l-thomas/
A Single Touch by W. Winters
5.0
***e-ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review***
Synopsis:
Jase and Bethany are back! And how! In the concluding book of the Irresistible Attraction Trilogy. The book starts with a heartbreaking scene from the past, from Beth's past. It is as beautiful as it is painful.
An interrogation with Officer Walsh is in order since he caught Beth red-handed, literally. Beth loves Jase and depends on him for the name of her sister's killer. But, she is wavering at Officer Walsh's offer of a fresh start. She knows she can't leave Jase, not now, and also that he is everywhere (his presence), so she expects him to save her.
Post the prison scare, Beth takes a breather from Jase and decides to take out some me time. While Beth terribly misses him, Jase and Co are hot on the heels of Marcus – Suspect No 1 in Jenny's disappearance.
The books have to be read in the following order:
1. [b:A Single Glance|44594658|A Single Glance (Irresistible Attraction, #1)|Willow Winters|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1553594120s/44594658.jpg|66390015]
2. [b:A Single Kiss|43784875|A Single Kiss (Irresistible Attraction, #2)|W. Winters|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1548796976s/43784875.jpg|68118302]
3. A Single Touch
Review:
The action started in A Single Glance with Bethany Fawn's search for her dead sister, Jennifer Parks, her only family. She starts looking for answers in The Red Room, a bar run by one of the Cross Brothers, Jase, about whom Jennifer often talked about. With support from her both a colleague in a local youth mental hospital and a dear friend, Laura; and a Coverless book that Jenny left her, Beth tries to unravel the mystery of her death. There's a gradual revelation of the actual enemy, Marcus, a rival of the Cross Brothers. And a secret is dropped out of the blue, totally unexpected, which is answered in this final book! Beth, in spite of considering Jase her enemy and his dark and sinful past, can't stop herself from falling in love with him. And whatever Jase tells himself, he is spellbound with this strong, stubborn woman, and wants to protect her at all costs. Then there's Officer Cody Walsh, who looks that he can be their friend, but he does have his own agenda, and what if he's a threat? And that brings us to the end of A Single Kiss.
I am glad the author revealed almost everything in the first half, which gave it proper time for the upcoming action. Jase also opens up and reveals his personal space to Beth. Maybe I can finally understand Beth. In spite of the danger that Jase is, Love conquers all apparently. Though I am still not sure about their playing with fire thingy. Heh! Also, it has graphic violence, not to curdle your blood, but definitely to raise the hair on your neck.
“Everyone you love will die before you do.”
All the build-up of suspense gives way to mind-blowing action. And at long last, the mystery of the Coverless book is unveiled. Not only Beth, the ending gave me goosebumps too, as if there is something sinister lurking just around the corner. Though I did feel a bit cheated, where is justice? Marcus' whereabouts and Jenny's condition is not made clear.
However, the big surprise at the end makes up for it.
Trigger Warning: The book has violence and erotic scenes, some of which can be disturbing.
Originally posted on:
https://sassyshaina.wordpress.com/2019/06/06/a-single-touch-by-willow-winters/
Synopsis:
Jase and Bethany are back! And how! In the concluding book of the Irresistible Attraction Trilogy. The book starts with a heartbreaking scene from the past, from Beth's past. It is as beautiful as it is painful.
An interrogation with Officer Walsh is in order since he caught Beth red-handed, literally. Beth loves Jase and depends on him for the name of her sister's killer. But, she is wavering at Officer Walsh's offer of a fresh start. She knows she can't leave Jase, not now, and also that he is everywhere (his presence), so she expects him to save her.
Post the prison scare, Beth takes a breather from Jase and decides to take out some me time. While Beth terribly misses him, Jase and Co are hot on the heels of Marcus – Suspect No 1 in Jenny's disappearance.
The books have to be read in the following order:
1. [b:A Single Glance|44594658|A Single Glance (Irresistible Attraction, #1)|Willow Winters|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1553594120s/44594658.jpg|66390015]
2. [b:A Single Kiss|43784875|A Single Kiss (Irresistible Attraction, #2)|W. Winters|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1548796976s/43784875.jpg|68118302]
3. A Single Touch
Review:
The action started in A Single Glance with Bethany Fawn's search for her dead sister, Jennifer Parks, her only family. She starts looking for answers in The Red Room, a bar run by one of the Cross Brothers, Jase, about whom Jennifer often talked about. With support from her both a colleague in a local youth mental hospital and a dear friend, Laura; and a Coverless book that Jenny left her, Beth tries to unravel the mystery of her death. There's a gradual revelation of the actual enemy, Marcus, a rival of the Cross Brothers. And a secret is dropped out of the blue, totally unexpected, which is answered in this final book! Beth, in spite of considering Jase her enemy and his dark and sinful past, can't stop herself from falling in love with him. And whatever Jase tells himself, he is spellbound with this strong, stubborn woman, and wants to protect her at all costs. Then there's Officer Cody Walsh, who looks that he can be their friend, but he does have his own agenda, and what if he's a threat? And that brings us to the end of A Single Kiss.
I am glad the author revealed almost everything in the first half, which gave it proper time for the upcoming action. Jase also opens up and reveals his personal space to Beth. Maybe I can finally understand Beth. In spite of the danger that Jase is, Love conquers all apparently. Though I am still not sure about their playing with fire thingy. Heh! Also, it has graphic violence, not to curdle your blood, but definitely to raise the hair on your neck.
“Everyone you love will die before you do.”
All the build-up of suspense gives way to mind-blowing action. And at long last, the mystery of the Coverless book is unveiled. Not only Beth, the ending gave me goosebumps too, as if there is something sinister lurking just around the corner. Though I did feel a bit cheated, where is justice? Marcus' whereabouts and Jenny's condition is not made clear.
However, the big surprise at the end makes up for it.
Trigger Warning: The book has violence and erotic scenes, some of which can be disturbing.
Originally posted on:
https://sassyshaina.wordpress.com/2019/06/06/a-single-touch-by-willow-winters/
The Valtieri Baby by Caroline Anderson
4.0
This one's about the youngest Valtieri brother, who's a disillusioned lawyer, and wedding planner Anita della Rossa, whom we have already met in both the previous books. They are childhood sweethearts, but now thirty-five-year-old Gio broke off their relationship abruptly five years ago, without giving her any reason.
The author says that,
"I’ve loved every one of these brothers, but Gio, for me, has a special place in my heart. I hope you find a place for him, too, as you travel their roller coaster with them."
And in the previous books too, whenever Gio was mentioned I also couldn't wait to get to his book. The youngest is always the fun-est, and his teasing and seriousness both used to get to me.
This entire series has quite the personal touch by [a:Caroline Anderson|98550|Caroline Anderson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1397763083p2/98550.jpg]. The author is based out of Suffolk and her English heroines are from there too. Isabelle's son is Maximus, and so is the author's grandson. How sweet!
Giovanni is looking forward to spending some quality time with his family, especially since Anita would be there. The events are nine months after Massimo's wedding. His wardrobe consists of things Anita got for him and for them being childhood sweethearts, it couldn't get any cuter! I still remember how in the first book Luca mentions her to Isabelle and tells her how she slapped him when he was sixteen and had tried to proposition her. Haha!
One of his not so happy clients hit him and one thing led to another and he's badly injured. A trip to the hospital, to the theatre is in order, and then Anita is by his side. And then Anita takes him to her home to help him recover. With a sprained ankle, there goes their skiing holiday. Gio lives and works in Firenze and Anita misses him desperately, but she can only pine for him since he obviously doesn't feel the same, having ended their relationship five years ago.
I love their teasing, flirty banter. It's obvious it comes from a long friendship. It's so sweet. Read about an Italian heroine after long. But he thinks he couldn't give his all to a relationship, especially after the debacle with Kirsten. So, he never wants to be in one. They spend two blissful weeks in each other's arms, till his family are back from their ski holiday.
The result: she's pregnant, in spite of all the precautions they took. And there's something really bad in his past, which no one, not even his family, knows about.
It has a picture-perfect ending, but there seems to be no proper closure in case of Kirsten.
The author says that,
"I’ve loved every one of these brothers, but Gio, for me, has a special place in my heart. I hope you find a place for him, too, as you travel their roller coaster with them."
And in the previous books too, whenever Gio was mentioned I also couldn't wait to get to his book. The youngest is always the fun-est, and his teasing and seriousness both used to get to me.
This entire series has quite the personal touch by [a:Caroline Anderson|98550|Caroline Anderson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1397763083p2/98550.jpg]. The author is based out of Suffolk and her English heroines are from there too. Isabelle's son is Maximus, and so is the author's grandson. How sweet!
Giovanni is looking forward to spending some quality time with his family, especially since Anita would be there. The events are nine months after Massimo's wedding. His wardrobe consists of things Anita got for him and for them being childhood sweethearts, it couldn't get any cuter! I still remember how in the first book Luca mentions her to Isabelle and tells her how she slapped him when he was sixteen and had tried to proposition her. Haha!
One of his not so happy clients hit him and one thing led to another and he's badly injured. A trip to the hospital, to the theatre is in order, and then Anita is by his side. And then Anita takes him to her home to help him recover. With a sprained ankle, there goes their skiing holiday. Gio lives and works in Firenze and Anita misses him desperately, but she can only pine for him since he obviously doesn't feel the same, having ended their relationship five years ago.
I love their teasing, flirty banter. It's obvious it comes from a long friendship. It's so sweet. Read about an Italian heroine after long. But he thinks he couldn't give his all to a relationship, especially after the debacle with Kirsten. So, he never wants to be in one. They spend two blissful weeks in each other's arms, till his family are back from their ski holiday.
The result: she's pregnant, in spite of all the precautions they took. And there's something really bad in his past, which no one, not even his family, knows about.
Every relationship he’d had failed, and the fallout, on one occasion, had been catastrophic.
It has a picture-perfect ending, but there seems to be no proper closure in case of Kirsten.
Valtieri's Bride by Caroline Anderson
4.0
This is the story of the eldest of the three Valtieri brothers, Massimo. They have three sisters as well, though they don't seem to have their own stories. And Massimo has three children, aged eight, five, and three, probably, as we were introduced to in the first book by Luca.
The story begins quite dramatically at London City Airport, where Lydia Fletcher, in all her bridal finery, has caught the attention of none other than Massimo Valtieri. He, from the goodness of his heart, of course, offers her his plane and his company for the journey to Siena. She's doing this for her injured sister, Jennifer, to win her a wedding at a hotel near Siena.
She is a chef, or not since everything has been taken from her. She has no kitchen, or restaurant, and no money. But in all this, she has thoroughly captured the attention of Massimo, who wants her like he never has wanted anyone before. Many readers have pointed this out in innumerable stories. Does it really have to be like this? The first book mentioned Massimo in love with his now dead for five years wife Angelina. So, why the need for Lydia now becomes more than he loved Angelina? But it's also true that a person who's gone is gone, and those missing them have to let go too at some point.
Five years... Does that mean the children are older now? Because the first book mentioned that she died of brain haemorrhage shortly after the birth of their third child. And now they become ten (Francesca), seven (Lavinia), and five (Anotnino), so the book takes immediately after the first one, then. It means Luca got the ages all wrong, apparently.
Ah, both Isabelle and Lydia are twenty-eight. But just as she thinks she's that close to winning, she trips on the gangway, falls flat on the tarmac, and has a head injury. All this reminds Massimo about Angelina. He blames himself for his wife's death. Because he didn't take her head injury seriously, and he doesn't want to repeat the same with Lydia. He keeps a hawk's eye on her.
The Valtieri men do chase after their ladies. After letting Lydia go back when she's all recovered, he gets right back to her farm after two weeks. Agricultural lifestyle is what connects them. The only difference being he's a millionaire, and she's poorly.
Oof...reading a book with a chef in it is quite taxing. Oh...the dishes and desserts.
In spite of the lust gripping him in the beginning, and then the feelings of love, he can't bring himself to give up on the guilt he feels towards Angelina's death. Slow burn till the end, it has a fitting end. But the book dispels everything I said earlier, especially the memories he has of his first wife, and love. This is a beautiful story.
The story begins quite dramatically at London City Airport, where Lydia Fletcher, in all her bridal finery, has caught the attention of none other than Massimo Valtieri. He, from the goodness of his heart, of course, offers her his plane and his company for the journey to Siena. She's doing this for her injured sister, Jennifer, to win her a wedding at a hotel near Siena.
She is a chef, or not since everything has been taken from her. She has no kitchen, or restaurant, and no money. But in all this, she has thoroughly captured the attention of Massimo, who wants her like he never has wanted anyone before. Many readers have pointed this out in innumerable stories. Does it really have to be like this? The first book mentioned Massimo in love with his now dead for five years wife Angelina. So, why the need for Lydia now becomes more than he loved Angelina? But it's also true that a person who's gone is gone, and those missing them have to let go too at some point.
Five years... Does that mean the children are older now? Because the first book mentioned that she died of brain haemorrhage shortly after the birth of their third child. And now they become ten (Francesca), seven (Lavinia), and five (Anotnino), so the book takes immediately after the first one, then. It means Luca got the ages all wrong, apparently.
Ah, both Isabelle and Lydia are twenty-eight. But just as she thinks she's that close to winning, she trips on the gangway, falls flat on the tarmac, and has a head injury. All this reminds Massimo about Angelina. He blames himself for his wife's death. Because he didn't take her head injury seriously, and he doesn't want to repeat the same with Lydia. He keeps a hawk's eye on her.
The Valtieri men do chase after their ladies. After letting Lydia go back when she's all recovered, he gets right back to her farm after two weeks. Agricultural lifestyle is what connects them. The only difference being he's a millionaire, and she's poorly.
Oof...reading a book with a chef in it is quite taxing. Oh...the dishes and desserts.
In spite of the lust gripping him in the beginning, and then the feelings of love, he can't bring himself to give up on the guilt he feels towards Angelina's death. Slow burn till the end, it has a fitting end. But the book dispels everything I said earlier, especially the memories he has of his first wife, and love. This is a beautiful story.
The Valtieri Marriage Deal by Caroline Anderson
4.0
My second Anderson book in succession. Luca Valtieri has no choice but to sit on the only spare chair in the coffee shop, at Isabelle Thompson's table. She is in Firenze on a solo trip, daughter of a single mother. And thus met an obstetrician and a midwife. After a wonderful day of sightseeing and a wonderful night of lovemaking, she is back to her Herne Hill residence in London. And they have promised each other to not be in contact, though both can't just forget the other.
Gio, the younger brother, from [b:The Valtieri Baby|13548208|The Valtieri Baby|Caroline Anderson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1344401449s/13548208.jpg|19113380], is introduced here. And six weeks later, they meet again, at the hospital where Isabelle's working. He was already in London for his research work and had popped in the hospital to help out an old friend, Richard Crossland. I couldn't understand Isabelle's vehemence at not wanting to get involved with Luca. That too, when he was trying to find her for the past six weeks. It was so heartening to see Luca keeping at it, even when Isabella had no intention to commit to a relationship. Something has happened in her past, and Luca could sense it, and so, he relentlessly pursued her, begging for a chance to prove himself.
While her friends call her Izzie, Luca sometimes calls her Bella. Sigh! She had difficulty in trusting any man, due to her past, though she does love Luca, and he, her. I love books with pregnancies and babies, and this just took the cake! He takes care of her, oh so tenderly.
Luca's the middle brother, and has both brothers concerned for him, after what happened in the past. Though Massimo has a fleeting but important role to play, as the big brother. After all, he has a vital part that links them both. And a perfect ending, kind of like paying homage to their respective professions.
Gio, the younger brother, from [b:The Valtieri Baby|13548208|The Valtieri Baby|Caroline Anderson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1344401449s/13548208.jpg|19113380], is introduced here. And six weeks later, they meet again, at the hospital where Isabelle's working. He was already in London for his research work and had popped in the hospital to help out an old friend, Richard Crossland. I couldn't understand Isabelle's vehemence at not wanting to get involved with Luca. That too, when he was trying to find her for the past six weeks. It was so heartening to see Luca keeping at it, even when Isabella had no intention to commit to a relationship. Something has happened in her past, and Luca could sense it, and so, he relentlessly pursued her, begging for a chance to prove himself.
While her friends call her Izzie, Luca sometimes calls her Bella. Sigh! She had difficulty in trusting any man, due to her past, though she does love Luca, and he, her. I love books with pregnancies and babies, and this just took the cake! He takes care of her, oh so tenderly.
Luca's the middle brother, and has both brothers concerned for him, after what happened in the past. Though Massimo has a fleeting but important role to play, as the big brother. After all, he has a vital part that links them both. And a perfect ending, kind of like paying homage to their respective professions.
Captive in the Millionaire's Castle by Lee Wilkinson
4.0
My first read by [a:Lee Wilkinson|49379|Lee Wilkinson|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/f_50x66-6a03a5c12233c941481992b82eea8d23.png]. This is the story of a celebrated and award-winning author of psychological thrillers, Michael Denver, and a PA he's about to hire, Jennifer Mansell. After a high-profile divorce from top model Claire Falconer, he isn't interested in women, especially those who use sex as a weapon. Ahem! He just wants to get on with writing his next book. And he finds the perfect PA in twenty-four-year-old Jennifer, who wore an engagement ring for a few months before she swore off men altogether. What a perfect match!
But, but, but...there is a 'Serendipity' moment, as he has seen her before, when he was all of twenty-two. And surprise, surprise, she has never seen him but she is a big fan of his work. It was hilarious, she and her flatmate trying to decide the looks of a psychological thriller writer! He's a recluse who doesn't like to be in the media's eyes.
After reading so many books with huge age gaps between the protagonists, comes one with a gap of two-three years and voila, she's thinking of him to be middle-aged.
What a dream job though! Sigh! One month trial period of her job starts in Slinterwood, Michael's writing retreat. She sketches him as someone who's cold and unapproachable. Slinterwood is where his country house located on the Island of Mirren, the same island on which Mirren Castle is situated, where they first saw each other. This book is kind of magical and mystical, set in England, where you will so few Harlequin books are. I could feel the anticipation as well as the trepidation when there was no one on Mirren except the two of them. And then the recurring feel of dejavu that Jenny kept having, as I said, its kind of mystical.
Michael does not want to get involved with anyone, yet is always trying to steal kisses from Jenny. And flirting by dishing out corny lines with a straight face. As the days pass, they almost fall into a routine of domesticity, while Michael is still intrigued as to how she knew about Slinterwood in detail even after not being there, ever. Yep, she described the entire house accurately, without ever being their once.
It has a real castle, secret passages, and unknown adventures. I didn't like Michael constantly comparing Jenny with his ex. On producing a fake boyfriend to keep away from heartbreak, it was quite hilarious to see Michael interrogating Jenny about this boyfriend. It's destiny, all destiny, kismet, it's a sweet and warm story that I really enjoyed reading. A story about a writer is always welcome, especially with the English Literature references - Andrew Marvell's To His Coy Mistress.
But, but, but...there is a 'Serendipity' moment, as he has seen her before, when he was all of twenty-two. And surprise, surprise, she has never seen him but she is a big fan of his work. It was hilarious, she and her flatmate trying to decide the looks of a psychological thriller writer! He's a recluse who doesn't like to be in the media's eyes.
After reading so many books with huge age gaps between the protagonists, comes one with a gap of two-three years and voila, she's thinking of him to be middle-aged.
What a dream job though! Sigh! One month trial period of her job starts in Slinterwood, Michael's writing retreat. She sketches him as someone who's cold and unapproachable. Slinterwood is where his country house located on the Island of Mirren, the same island on which Mirren Castle is situated, where they first saw each other. This book is kind of magical and mystical, set in England, where you will so few Harlequin books are. I could feel the anticipation as well as the trepidation when there was no one on Mirren except the two of them. And then the recurring feel of dejavu that Jenny kept having, as I said, its kind of mystical.
Michael does not want to get involved with anyone, yet is always trying to steal kisses from Jenny. And flirting by dishing out corny lines with a straight face. As the days pass, they almost fall into a routine of domesticity, while Michael is still intrigued as to how she knew about Slinterwood in detail even after not being there, ever. Yep, she described the entire house accurately, without ever being their once.
It has a real castle, secret passages, and unknown adventures. I didn't like Michael constantly comparing Jenny with his ex. On producing a fake boyfriend to keep away from heartbreak, it was quite hilarious to see Michael interrogating Jenny about this boyfriend. It's destiny, all destiny, kismet, it's a sweet and warm story that I really enjoyed reading. A story about a writer is always welcome, especially with the English Literature references - Andrew Marvell's To His Coy Mistress.