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!
JULY
The Cornish Cottage by the Sea
by Kim Nash
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ve visited Cornwall several times, and while it was beautiful and full of lovely beaches and homes, I never really felt the urge to go back…until I read this book.
Jo Jenkins is certainly not enjoying her life to the fullest. After her long-time husband left her for her best friend (who also happens to be his secretary), her daughters are busy with their own lives, and even her mother is finding romance. Good old Barry!
Poor Jo is stuck in a rut until she inherits the cottage in Cornwall that she has always adored, from her ex-husband’s aunt.
It seems that inheriting her dream home is precisely what Jo needs at this moment…until she arrives. It has been several years since Jo last saw the cottage, and time has not treated it kindly.
As Jo embarks on the journey of restoring the house to its former beauty, she discovers new friendships and a potential romantic interest.
What I loved most about this book is that many of us can relate to Jo. While we may not have been left a beautiful house by the sea (though some might have!), Jo feels familiar; her character resonates, and you genuinely wish for her to find happiness.
The Cornish Cottage by the Sea is like a heartwarming film on a rainy Sunday afternoon, and who doesn’t enjoy those? I will absolutely read more books from the talented Kim Nash.
Blurb: A new start by the sea…
For Jo Jenkins, life has always been about putting others first. But with her children grown and her ex-husband as rotten as ever, she knows it’s time to put herself at the heart of the story. So, when she inherits a beautiful beachside cottage in Cornwall, she grabs the chance to start over.
The crumbling old cottage needs a little love, but so does Jo. And with the help of her new friends – a kind-hearted jeweller, a no-nonsense businesswoman, and a local Jack of all trades with a past of his own – Jo begins to rebuild more than just bricks and mortar.
But tucked away inside the cottage is a secret that could change everything. As the waves roll in and the sea air clears her mind, Jo must decide if she’s ready to let go of the past. Will she finally learn to embrace the life she truly deserves?
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!
JULY
Holding the Reins
by Paisley Hope
Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Rhetorical question… who doesn’t love a cowboy? Even if he’s only part-time. Add a touch of forbidden romance, and I’m completely on board!
Nash, a bar owner, former hockey player, and part-time cowboy, is best friends with Cece Rae’s brothers. As if that weren’t enough, after the loss of his parents, the Ashby family takes Nash in and treats him as one of their own.
Cece has finally returned home from Seattle, thanks to a cheating fiancé, and is eager to start afresh.
She doesn’t expect to develop strong feelings for Nash, and she realizes this could become quite awkward very fast.
If you enjoy your main male character as an over-the-top Alpha, this book (and Nash) is perfect for you. With sweetness, romance, and a generous helping of spicy dialogue, you’ll be grabbing the next book in the series before somebody can yell ‘save a horse, ride a cowboy’ … just like I am about to do.
You know what they say, save a horse….
Blurb: Nash Carter. Retired ice hockey player and part time cowboy. Also my brother’s best friend and therefore strictly off limits.
Despite the fact he can’t stop staring at me like I’m his favourite snack. And I . . . like it?
After finally escaping the toxic relationship that consumed most of my adult life, I thought I’d sworn off men.
Then Nash hired me to work for him. And somehow we ended up spending the night together.
It was only supposed to happen once. But now that I’ve had a taste, there’s no way I’m walking away.
All I have to do to give us a shot? Take a deep breathe and let go of the reins. . .
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.
