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!
JUNE
The Couple at No. 9
by Claire Douglas
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Couple at No. 9 by Claire Douglas
Although I had never heard of Claire Douglas before, I found this book incredibly enjoyable, and I will certainly add her to my list of authors to read.
This story features multiple characters and perspectives, and while it may feel overwhelming at times, Claire Douglas expertly weaves their stories together, tying up all the loose ends for a fantastic conclusion.
The story begins with Saffy, who is newly pregnant and renovating her grandmother Rose's cottage with her partner Tom. Rose is now in a care home due to dementia.
When builders discover two corpses buried in the garden, it raises the question of whether Rose knows anything about it, and if so, can she communicate that given her condition?
Rose lived in the cottage when her daughter Lorna (Saffy’s mother) was a child, alongside their lodger, Daphne. I really enjoyed Lorna's character; she was vibrant and full of life. She decides to return from Spain to help Saffy uncover the mystery of the bodies in the garden.
The narrative shifts between the perspectives of these three women, moving back and forth in time, and just when you think you have a handle on it, more characters are introduced. This story is at times poignant and sad, yet it remains captivating with some delightful plot twists. And as Rose’s memory deteriorates, much to the disappointment of the police, will they ever get the true story?
It’s a complex story of secrets and lies (see what I did there….shameless plug lol) that really kept me gripped. Did I guess some of the twist? Yes, but certainly not all and it was those that kept me so intrigued as to where and how it would end.
Blurb:
When pregnant Saffron Cutler moves into 9 Skelton Place with boyfriend Tom and sets about renovations, the last thing she expects is builders uncovering a body. Two bodies, in fact. Forensics indicate the bodies have been buried at least thirty years, which leads the police to question the cottage's former owner - Saffy's grandmother, Rose.
Rose's Alzheimer's means her memory is increasingly confused. She can't help the police - but it is clear she remembers something.
As Rose's fragmented memories resurface, and the police dig ever deeper, Saffy fears she and the cottage are being watched . . .
What happened thirty years ago?
What part did her grandmother play?
And is Saffy now in danger? . . .
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!
JUNE
Melissa Foster
Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
AFTER DARK SECTION
Melissa Foster – Enticing her Love
Melissa Foster reigns supreme when it comes to interwoven characters, even though all her novels can be enjoyed independently. What a remarkable talent! This particular book is the sixth instalment in The Steels of Silver Island series. I've read several from this series, and I made sure to read them in sequence!
This story embodies the classic Enemy to Lovers trope, which happens to be my favorite. Flynn and Sutton Steel are colleagues at work; in fact, Flynn is Sutton's superior, and they find themselves dispatched to the jungle to film a documentary about a discovery. Naturally, being in the jungle leads to some challenges, but they ultimately succumb to their undeniable attraction... swoon-worthy! Melissa Foster crafts the most amazing MMCs, even the flawed ones are simply fantastic.
Flynn Braden is an adventurer; picture Survivor, and he’s quite the dirty-talking MMC! It’s enough to make anyone blush (not me, of course!), and ladies, if you ever find yourself lost in a jungle, he’s the one you want by your side! Unfortunately, he also happens to be Sutton’s maddening boss. The chemistry between Flynn and Sutton is cleverly concealed beneath layers of hostility, making for a thrilling and humorous journey filled with fun. The book is packed with clever innuendos and witty banter. I adored the dynamics between this couple and the Steele family. Give it a try if you're in the mood for a steamy book adventure!
5 chillies
BLURB:
Discovery Hour reporter Sutton Steele spends her days trying to keep her job, while her insanely hot, infuriating boss, Flynn Braden, would love nothing more than to see her gone. When their assignment goes awry and they’re stuck in a remote location with only one bed, the only thing hotter than their emotions is their explosive chemistry.
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.