Tash's Book of the Month
Welcome to Tash's Book of the Month, the fabulous fiesta where I dive into a new read each month and spill the juicy deets with my no-holds-barred review! But here’s the scoop: if a book and I didn’t click, I’m not shoving it in your face. I totally respect the blood, sweat, and tears that go into crafting (and actually finishing!) a book. Just because it wasn’t my cup of tea doesn’t mean it won’t dazzle someone else! So, buckle up for a sunny spot dedicated to celebrating literary treasures and must-read masterpieces!
AUGUST
A NEIGHBOUR'S GUID TO MURDER by Louise Candlish
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A NEIGHBOUR'S GUIDE TO MURDER by Louise Candlish
It’s rare that I read a book where I hate every single character but there is something really refreshing about it. For me, it means that the story was compelling enough to keep me enthralled because I wasn't invested in any of the people or what may/may not happen to them and this is absolutely the case in A Neighbours Guide to Murder.
Gwen, our protagonist is, quite frankly, a nosy, annoying, weak and infuriating woman in her 70’s. (how I would hate to live next door to her). She is currently allowing her soon-to-be divorced, lazy son to live in the spare room of her flat.
Across the hallway lives Alex, and when his last lodger leaves, Pixie takes her place. Pixie, has recently lost money to a rogue landlord and is rather down on her luck and Gwen, for reasons unknown at the time, takes a shine to her and they form quite the bond. So much so that Gwen goes out of her way to offer Pixie protection from her new landlord/roommate.
When Pixie tells Gwen the truth about her living arrangements, Gwen goes into full detective mode and provides Pixie with shelter whilst trying to single-handedly bring Alex down. But who is telling the truth?
What follows is a story of rumour versus fact and the fallout of interfering where you shouldn’t. I think there’s a lesson in there for all of us.
The story is told by Gwen, looking back at the events which culminate in a murder.
The final little twist in the tale, I did not see coming and it gave a perfect ending to a brilliant book.
I’ve haven’t read Louise Candlish previously, but I know this will be the first of many. Brilliant, clever and completely gripping, I loved it.
BLURB
Her secrets will be the death of you…
When Pixie moves into Columbia Mansions, divorced Gwen is quick to take the younger woman under her wing. But as Pixie becomes entangled with her charismatic landlord Alec, the lines of friendship begin to blur.
With rumours of illicit goings-on swirling, Gwen soon realises Pixie isn’t the only one with something to hide. How well does she really know the neighbours she considers her friends?
As scandal erupts, old grudges resurface, leading to a crime that will destroy the peace of Columbia Mansions forever.
Tash's BOTM: After dark
Any recommendation here are intended for an 'adult audience'. If you don't like spice (some are going to be so spicy you might even spontaneously combust) so reading will be at your own discretion and therefore, I won't be taking the blame is you are shocked/offended/or unprepared.
For those not of a nervous nature....enjoy....but only after dark!
AUGUST
WILD SIDE by Elsie Silver
Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wild Side by Elsie Silver
I make no apology for reading yet another Elsie Silver. If you want to lose yourself for a couple of days, then her books are the perfect getaway.
Wild Side covers quite a few of my favourite troupes; opposites attract, enemies to lovers, found family and a dirty-talking MMC (as if I wasn’t already hot from the heatwave!)
The story centres around Rhys and Tabitha, who meet when Tabitha’s sister Erica, along with her son Milo, move into a property owned by Rhys.
When Erica dies, Tabitha is stunned to find out that Rhys was named as the young Milo’s legal guardian and she’s not happy about that or the fact that he threw Erica and Milo out of their home which Tabitha believes led to her sister’s death.
But Rhys is not happy about Tabitha taking Milo having been led to believe by Erica that her family didn’t bother with them.
When Tabitha takes Milo home, a truce of sorts is formed which enables Rhys to continue to be part of Milo's life without taking him away from his beloved aunt and grandparents. It soon becomes clear that Erica played them both.
With Ryhs often away with his mystery job, (the readers know what it is, but Tabitha doesn't,) when he comes back he stays at Tabitha's house. She lives in Canada and Rhys can't stay long each visit as he isn't a resident so what better way to get over that obstacle than to get married! As you would....right?
It's fun, it's spicy and it's very entertaining. Elsie Silver writes such likeable characters, and you can always bet on a great read.
BLURB
I'd always dreamed of my wedding day. But not like this. Not looking into the eyes of the man who betrayed me.
But when my nephew's guardianship is contested, I decide I'll do whatever it takes to keep him in Rose Hill. Even if it means marrying the enemy.
Rhys Dupris.
A man who is secretive, broody, and completely infuriating. A man whose work takes him away for weeks on end and brings him back covered in mysterious bruises-ones he won't talk about. In fact, we barely talk at all.
Which would be fine, except when he's not talking, he's staring. And the way he looks at me is borderline indecent.
The tension between us has always been palpable. But living under the same roof is a dangerous temptation.
I swore I would never forgive him. But that was before I knew the man behind the mask. The one who's fierce and protective. The one who's gentle and patient. The one who shows up for us when we need him most.
He's not at all who I thought he was.
And that makes hating my husband so much harder... and loving him just a little too easy
Tash's own book
Secrets and Lies
Just in case you are interested in reading my book, you can order via the link on Amazon. It’s available in paperback, kindle e-book and KU (if you know, you know!). I’m told it’s good… but you can always find out for yourself. Please do consider leaving a review as for newbie authors’ it’s a really great way of getting our books out there.
So what’s it about?
Lucie
I was happy being lost; it was, after all, on my terms. Meeting Jack was not part of my plan. Nor was falling in love with him. But when the unexpected happens, will he pull out all the stops to find me?
Jack
Months after living out of the country, I was tired. I wanted to rest. Who knew the girl in the coffee shop would have me chasing her down the street? But it turns out, Lucie turned out to be the love of my life and now I find myself travelling across Europe to save her.
Lucie is happily living her new life; hiding in anonymity from her family’s criminality and still grieving the death of her mother, when she meets Jack. Jack who is firmly on the right side of the law.
When Lucie receives a coded message in the middle of the night telling her to return home, she slips from Jack’s bed and his life.
But fate has other ideas for Lucie and Jack. A tearful reunion becomes a nightmare when Lucie is kidnapped. Secrets and lies are revealed and it’s a race against time for Jack to find her.
You think this is just another love story. You’re wrong. It’s a story of deliberately being lost but having no control when it happens again.
It’s a story of betrayal and paying the price for the mistakes made by those closest to you.
It’s a story of a race against time to find the one you love.
