The Pod Couple: A Love Story in Episodes - Adam Leigh

When Chloe Adams embarked on the publicity tour for her new book, she didn't expect to appear on a live radio interview alongside Joe Harris promoting his memoir on the same subject.

Relationships.

They had last met years ago when Chloe abruptly ended theirs. Now a successful journalist, she is married to an equally ambitious film director, while Joe, still single, has struggled to move on.

The spiky reunion leads to an offer they can't refuse - hosting a podcast about failed relationships - and three months later they launch Ex-Communicate, exploring other people's heartbreak while tiptoeing around their own complicated history. Their on-air chemistry makes the podcast a rapid hit, but as their professional success grows, they're forced to confront the feelings they've buried for over a decade. Soon they realise there is a price to pay for discussing their emotions so openly in the pursuit of downloads.

The Pod Couple is a witty examination of our cultural obsession with failed relationships, exploring the uncomfortable truth that time rarely heals. It just makes things more complicated.

 

What did I think?

The Pod Couple is a fresh and modern love story with a podcast setting.  It's not a traditional love story but it's probably more realistic as their failed relationship is put under the microscope.

The book starts with a break-up and whilst Chloe didn't think of Joe until they meet again years later, Joe has never got over it.  Joe's life has been a string of failures from his relationships to his career and it can all be traced back to that break-up with Chloe.  Chloe meanwhile, is married with two children but she's not exactly happy.

Oh Chloe, I bet she wishes she could go back in time and have a word with her younger self but then she wouldn't have her two lovely children.  I'm not sure that would bother her though as she is quite selfish, which I thought would annoy me but it actually made me laugh.

Joe on the other hand, really tried his hardest to make me laugh but, as you might have guessed from his failed career as a stand-up comedian, he's just not that funny.  Put him in the same room as Chloe though, as they discuss their failed relationship on a podcast, and the chemistry between them results in lots of laughs (usually at Joe's expense).  

The Pod Couple is a very entertaining and thought-provoking book that does make you wonder "what if?".  Not just what if Chloe had never broken Joe's heart, but also what if you had made different choices in your own life.  

I received a gifted paperback to read for the Love Books Tours readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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Put Out The Light - Guy Hale

Act III 

Stratford-upon-Avon, Spring 1972 

On the streets of Stratford four murders remain unsolved. For DC Toby Marlow there is only one potential killer: Oliver Lawrence. But nobody has seen Oliver for over fifteen years. They don’t even know what he looks like, they are chasing a shadow. 

Oliver’s first act is complete. As Spring turns to summer, Act III is about to begin. Like Othello, he is poisoned by lies from the past. Revenge has consumed him…Now is the time to put out more lights!

 

What did I think?

Put Out The Light is book three in The Shakespeare Murders series and what a cracker it is.  I am absolutely loving this series!  I do think you need to have read book one, The Croaking Raven, to enjoy this one though as it explains the motivation behind the murders.  I highly recommend book two, All Our Yesterdays, which is a prequel and further expands on the history of the characters.

This is a really clever crime novel in that both the reader and the police know who the murderer is; they just don't know what he looks like.  Oliver Lawrence hasn't been seen in Stratford for so long that even people who once knew him fail to recognise him.  This killer hides in plain sight as he picks off his victims one by one.

Revenge is a strong theme throughout the book as Oliver's victims aren't random.  They are all people who he deems to have ruined the acting careers of both him and his father.  Revenge is indeed a dish best served cold and Oliver is enjoying every morsel of his murder feast.

With quotes from Shakespeare's plays woven into the prose, Put Out The Light is a fantastic read for book lovers.  Although I don't know Shakespeare's plays that well, I love how Guy Hale writes one of The Bard's plays into the method of Oliver's killings in each book; in this case it's Othello.  I think if I was more familiar with Shakespeare I would pick up many more references so I might have to swot up before I read the next book.

Highly original and intelligent with lashings of humour, Put Out The Light is a fantastic instalment in this outstanding series.  It's a magnificent crime caper for lovers of literature and one I would highly recommend.

I received a gifted paperback for the Love Books Tours readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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Margo's Got Money Troubles - Rufi Thorpe

Margo Millet's got money troubles. As the child of a Hooter's waitress and an ex-Pro-Wrestler, she's always known she'd have to make it on her own. When she finds herself pregnant by her college professor - who is very keen not to be involved - she realizes she will need cash fast.

At twenty, alone with a baby, what Margo lacks in options she makes up for in ingenuity, and soon she has a plan: she'll start an OnlyFans as an experiment, producing content and writing storylines unlike anything else out there. Help arrives in the form of her live-action role-playing flatmate Suzie, and her father, Jinx - a recovering addict and veteran of the wrestling world, who has experience of making an audience fall in love.

Before she knows it, Margo is an online phenomenon. Could this be the answer to all of Margo's problems, or does internet fame come with too high a price?

 

What did I think?

I don't listen to a lot of audiobooks as I find it hard to concentrate on them but I was completely riveted by Margo's story in Margo's Got Money Troubles.  Elle Fanning's narration is flawless as she brings Margo to life and draws the listener into the story.  Elle is also set to play Margo in the upcoming TV series and I can't wait to watch it.

I really liked Margo; she is intelligent, sharp and caring in spite of her upbringing.  Her mother, Shayanne, is a Hooter's waitress with a gambling addiction and her father, Jinx, is an ex-pro wrestler with a heroin addiction.  It's no surprise that her married college professor, Mark, was able to take advantage of 19-year-old Margo and leave her pregnant, wanting nothing to do with the baby.

Margo has to come up with a plan to provide for her baby and it's actually rather ingenious, although her parents (who aren't together) are divided in their opinion of the suitability of Margo's job.  Then Mark finds out what Margo is doing and sues her for custody of Bodhi...

The story is both hilarious and heartbreaking as Margo is constantly questioned about her suitability as a mother.  Although it takes two to tango, I was so angry with Mark for wiping his hands of Margo in the first place and then deciding that he would be a better parent.  How dare he!!  Margo's parents have a lot to answer for too as she really needs their support but only one of them is prepared to put themselves out to help her.

There are so many funny moments as well as shocks and surprises that had me exclaiming out loud, so you might get some funny looks if you listen to this in public.  I was totally rooting for Margo from the start and I think she is an amazing woman who has more than her fair share of knocks in her young life but is destined for success and happiness.  Ok, I know she's not real but she sure felt real to me.

I absolutely loved listening to Margo's Got Money Troubles and I would highly recommend it.  This book is going to be huge so make sure you grab a copy and listen to it before the TV series comes out.

I received a gifted copy of the audiobook to listen to for the Adventures With Words listen-along and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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The Heretic Cypher (The Egyptian Stones Book 1) - Murray Bailey

When Egyptologist Alex MacLure’s friend and mentor dies he’s stunned to discover she’s left a message—hidden, encoded, and meant only for him.

With a mysterious artifact and a trail of cryptic symbols, Alex is thrust into a deadly race against time. What begins as a quest to finish her research quickly spirals into a chilling conclusion: her death was no accident. She was murdered for what she discovered.

Now he’s the next target.

Hunted by a ruthless adversary, Alex finds himself swept from the academic halls of London to the heart of Egypt’s oldest sites.

As he races to decode a forgotten truth buried beneath centuries of deception, powerful enemies close in—willing to kill to protect a secret—a revelation so explosive, it could rewrite everything we know about ancient Egypt and religion.

 

What did I think?

What an absolutely cracking start to a new series!  I love Ancient Egyptian history so I jumped at the chance to read an early copy of The Heretic Cypher, the first book in The Egyptian Stones series. It's a breathtaking thrill ride filled with danger and deceit and I couldn't put it down.  

The pacing is rapid as Egyptologist Alex MacLure finds himself in a race against time to decipher clues left by his friend Ellen before she died.  Alex soon realises that the secrets with which Ellen has entrusted him have put him in danger and he doesn't know who he can trust.  Eeeeek! I didn't know who he could trust either and see-sawed back and forth between adding certain characters to my baddie list.

I was completely entranced by the book from the start and the writing is so evocative that when the location switched to Egypt I really felt as if I was there.  Although I already have some knowledge of Ancient Egyptian history, you don't need to have any prior knowledge to enjoy this book but it may whet your appetite to learn more.

Filled with mystery and danger, The Heretic Cypher is an outstanding thriller that had me on the edge of my seat right until the very end.  Move over Indiana Jones, there's a new archaeologist in town!  I can't wait to catch up with Alex MacLure in the next book in the series, The Mark of Eternity, that comes out next year.  Do not miss this very highly recommended read.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: Summer Escapes on the Scottish Isle (Coorie Castle Crafts Book 2) - Lilac Mills

 

Will she give everything up for love?

Freya Sinclair has it all. An exciting life in London, a successful career as a ceramicist and a handsome boyfriend. But when she receives a call that her elderly father is in hospital, she drops everything to support his recovery in Skye.

Back on the island, Freya finds a new lease on life – Coorie Castle’s craft centre is firing her creativity and she’s glad to be back with her dad again. Being so close to her schoolgirl crush, Mackenzie Burns, is an added bonus. The two share an instant connection and Freya misses her old life less and less.

But Freya has a boyfriend at home and now a dazzling job offer in New York. She must figure out what she truly wants, before anyone gets hurt.

A heartwarming, feel-good cosy romance perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Julie Shackman and Sue Moorcroft.

What did I think?

I am delighted to be back on the Isle of Skye in the second novel in the Coorie Castle Crafts series.  Don't worry if you haven't read the first book (Surprises on the Scottish Isle) as it can definitely be read as a standalone with a new main character's story to discover.

Freya returns to Skye to look after her father, although he's not happy about it at all (but I still loved him).  Returning to Skye is difficult for Freya as it reminds her of being on the island for her mother's funeral.  What isn't so difficult is leaving her annoying, self-centred boyfriend behind in London.  Being apart from Hadrian (even his name is annoying) makes her re-evaluate their relationship and this is helped along by Freya's attraction to Skye's most eligible bachelor Mackenzie Burns.

Oh I just loved Freya and the way that she has never forgotten her roots by weaving the colours of Skye into her pottery.  Freya is so talented that it's no wonder she is in demand and she has a difficult decision to make about her future after being offered a dream job in New York.

I enjoyed visiting Coorie Castle and the fabulous craft centre again and it was lovely to catch up with some of the characters I met in Surprises on the Scottish Isle.  I loved how they played a part in the story, delighting readers who have read the first book but without making any new readers feel as if they have missed out.

Filled with pulse-pounding romance and sprinkled with humour, Summer Escapes on the Scottish Isle is an incredibly heartwarming and uplifting novel that transports readers to the picturesque Isle of Skye.  A highly recommended read.

I chose to read a digital ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Purchase link: https://books2read.com/SSOSI

About the author: 

Lilac Mills lives on a Welsh hillside with her very patient husband and incredibly sweet dog, where she grows veggies (if the slugs don't get them), bakes (badly) and loves making things out of glitter and glue (a mess, usually).

She's been an avid reader ever since she got her hands on a copy of Noddy Goes to Toytown when she was five, and she once tried to read everything in her local library starting with A and working her way through the alphabet.

She loves long hot summer days in the garden, and cold winter ones snuggled in front of the fire, but whatever the weather she's usually writing, or thinking about writing, with heartwarming romance and happy-ever-afters always on her mind.

Social Media Links – 

Website: https://www.lilacmills.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LilacMills 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilacmillsauthor 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lilacmills 

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Nettle - Bex Hogan

Inspired by faery myth and folklore, the haunting, heart wrenching tale of a girl called Nettle in a dark, foreboding faery kingdom.

Welcome to a world of glittering courts, dangerous bargains and dazzling trickery...

A wild misfit in the human world, Nettle is enthralled by the glamour of the faery realm, with its two moons and scarlet stars. She grows close to Conor, a human stolen centuries before, and she also falls under the spell of mysterious Ellion, a Shadow Faery. To try to help her beloved grandmother who is fading in her world, Nettle makes a pact with the faery king. He'll heal her grandmother in exchange for Nettle completing three tasks. She agrees, not realising that deception lurks in this enchanted place, and that she has been tricked...

In this dangerous fantasy kingdom Nettle discovers, too late, her part in an age-old love story and the price she will pay.

 

What did I think?

Oh my goodness!  Nettle has just bagged a prime spot on my favourites shelf as this is a book I will read over and over again.  It really is THAT good.

I actually didn't realise that it was a YA book aimed at readers of age 12 and above as it has that timeless and ageless feel to it, much like my favourite book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.  Just as I have done, readers of all ages will fall under Nettle's spell and remain captivated by this wonderful book that is surely destined to become a future classic.

It starts off very much like a faery tale with mesmerising lyrical prose that drew me immediately into Nettle's world.  Falling through her own version of Alice's rabbit hole, Nettle finds herself in the faery realm where she encounters a colourful cast of characters who both help and hinder her attempt to return home.  The story takes a darker turn as Nettle discovers the deceitfulness and trickery of the fae but it's never too dark or scary for younger readers.

I loved the little sprinklings of classic fairy tales throughout the book and I read so fast I probably missed some but I noticed nods to Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Rumpelstiltskin.  Nettle isn't a retelling though, it's an original and highly imaginative story that is sure to enchant and delight every single person who picks it up.

Nettle is without doubt a strong contender for my book of the year as it's right up there with my favourite books of all time.  Prepare to be enchanted by Nettle; a very highly recommended, unforgettable and unmissable read.  An easy and well-deserved five stars.

I received a gifted paperback to take part in the Adventures With Words readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: See the Stars - Eleanor Ray

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 reminds us all that we need the darkness if we want to see the stars.

 

What did I think?

If you haven't read any of Eleanor Ray's books yet then you are missing a real treat.  I loved Everything is Beautiful and adored The Art of Belonging so I couldn't wait to read her third novel, See the Stars and it is simply breathtaking.  Eleanor Ray will be seeing a lot of stars as the reviews start rolling in.

I loved Alice from the start, although her place in my affections was seriously challenged by young Berti who she befriends at the library.  Alice returns to her childhood home in Yorkshire to convalesce after a heart episode.  Yorkshire holds so many memories for her, both good and bad, and Alice has regrets about the last words she spoke to her Grandad before he died.

It was Alice's Grandad who taught her about the night sky and he kept detailed notes about his search for an undiscovered comet.  Along with Berti, Alice is determined to continue her Grandad's search and she must revisit some parts of her past she would rather keep buried.

There is so much I could say about this book but you really must discover it for yourself and I don't want to spoil it.  The writing is sublime and the plot is both engaging and surprising, making it difficult to put down and I read it faster than I expected.  I definitely want to read it again as I'm already missing the characters and if I had the time, I would have turned back to the first page as soon as I had read the final word.

Incredibly poignant and wonderfully uplifting, See the Stars is a beautiful book and worth so much more than five stars; if I could award more stars, I would.  

I chose to read a digital ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Purchase link: https://geni.us/SeetheStars

About the author

Eleanor Ray is the author of the highly acclaimed novels Everything is Beautiful and The Art of Belonging. She has an MA in English Literature from Edinburgh University and had a career in financial marketing before turning to writing. She lives in London with her husband and three young children.

See the Stars, her new novel, is about reclaiming our dreams and was inspired by her own career change. Her son’s passion for space fuelled her research, and together they visited science museums, planetariums and observatories around the world. She is currently writing her next novel.

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