Sunday 16 March 2014

Sugarland by Ali Spooner


Sasha Thibodaux, a native of New Orleans, is studying music in New York.  It’s here that Sasha discovers her love for women. Sasha continues her studies in Europe. While Sasha is in London, she meets the delectable, mysterious, Millicent Vansant, (Milly) and falls deeply in love, the feeling is mutual. Sasha and Milly hope to be soul mates for all eternity and infinity, they are made for each other. But, Milly is hiding a dark secret from Sasha, she’s a vampire. So all eternity could mean just that if Sasha is turned.

The years go by, wars come and go. Sasha suffers great loss and personal tragedy. Tired of the city and looking for a change, Sasha comes across Sugar Land, a sugarcane plantation for sale, she jumps at the chance of buying it for herself and Milly to settle down and share their lives together away from all the hustle of the city. But an unforeseen tragedy will affect Sasha deeply. Will Sasha be strong enough to survive yet another devastating blow?

This is the first book in a series. If the rest of the series is on the same par as this book, we are in for a real treat. Book one has got the series off to a flying start. I was enthralled from the first page and it gripped me right the way through to the last page.

This is more than a romance, much more. I don’t want to give away anymore of the storyline. Suffice it to say, Ali Spooner has researched well and included some well known historical facts for Sasha and Milly to experience.

These characters are lovable, well developed, multi-faceted and interact so well together, it’s like watching a well rehearsed play unfold. Ali Spooner has perfected the art of showing, not telling and has already proven herself time and again with her fantastic storytelling. This book is a testament that once again Ali has written a winner. The story is well written and flows along at a nice pace. From the scenic descriptions, I could immerse myself in the story completely and live it with Sasha, Milly and their family and friends.

I’m looking forward to reading the second book in this promising series very much.

 

Thursday 13 March 2014

A Place Somewhere by RJ Samuel


Alex Hart was an accountant living a quiet life in Ireland who lost everything when she moved over to America to join the woman she’d been in an online relationship with for two years. Devastated and enraged, Alex made it her mission to seek out and expose some of the lying, cheating women causing so much pain to other women by deception online.

When Alex is asked by a concerned mother to look into her daughter Cynthia’s online affair with a woman in Ireland, Breanna O’Grady, Alex has no idea that it will change her life. No idea that she will have to become what she most hates. No idea of the devastation that will follow.

I love RJ Samuel’s books. They are always extremely well written and edited. She has proven herself to be a master storyteller. None of her stories are the same or even similar. So, when picking up one of her books, I know I’m going to get a good, refreshingly different read each time. However, RJ has excelled herself with this book. Not only is the story entirely different from any other book I’ve ever read, but I couldn’t figure out at all which direction the story was headed in. There were twists and turns throughout and I was surprised and totally amazed by the brilliant, unpredictable way this story unfolded and ended.

The theme of this book is very true to life. RJ Samuel has captured the pain and emotions suffered by those deceived in what is, sadly, an all too real occurrence now. Although this book is a work of fiction, there is a lot of the storyline that will ring true for those people who have been on the receiving end of online deception.

There is a light hearted side to this book too. A nice sense of humor throughout involving a very special character, five year old Sasha and her little dog Terror that I found myself wanting to hear more about. Both are a true delight to behold and lighten the darkness and pain of this story a little. This book also contains a subtle message of hope for a future after the pain subsides.

These characters are special, all are fully developed, multidimensional and interact well together and are essential to the story.

Although this story is told in a small part through email correspondence, it flows along extremely well at a nice pace and allows the reader to really get into the hearts and minds of the characters and shows the build up of their online relationship. The emails are interspersed with the present day events as they unfold.

I’ve loved each of RJ Samuel’s books, this one is in my honest opinion, her best to date. Told from the heart and written from the mind and muse. Truly a wonder to behold. A definite and firm favorite to be read time and again.

 

Tuesday 11 March 2014

Jess by Pauline George


Jess has been badly hurt and emotionally drained by a previous relationship. Now she won’t allow anyone to get close to her. In fact, she’s adopted the rather cavalier attitude of ‘love them, don’t get involved, then leave them’.

Jess’s sister, Josie, issues her with a challenge to get to know a woman on a personal level before sleeping with her. Jess accepts the challenge. After all, it can’t be that hard, can it? Jess does have morals after all. Morals that she is going to find hard to keep in the face of Josie’s challenge.

When Jess meets Josie’s best friend Katie, she finds her life spiralling out of control. She is totally smitten with her. Now Jess is wondering if she can ever have a loving and lasting relationship. Will she ever be able to have the happy ever after she wants deep down? Or will she be destined to spending the rest of her life going from one woman to another? Unfortunately, even though Jess may be willing to give a relationship a try, Katie has too many personal issues that only she can resolve. Will Katie sort her life out and choose Jess? Or is Jess going to be alone forever?

Now and then I come across a debut author who shines through. Pauline George is one such author. She has written a wonderful story with believable and loveable characters. All well developed, multidimensional and easy to get to know. Jess and her group of friends are fun and down to earth. I lost myself in with them and completely lived the story with them. I couldn’t put this book down and read it in one sitting. So, allow plenty of time before you start it.

The story is set around Croydon, Surrey, England and goes over to Canada. There are a lot of Britishisms throughout, but they shouldn’t be too hard for overseas readers to follow. I think this is one of reasons I particularly enjoyed this book too, I could easily identify with the group of friends and the settings.

Getting back to the story, it is well written, told by Jess from her point of view and full of passion and hope. It did go backwards and forwards a bit and there was a bit of repetition, but nothing that pulled me out of the actual story. So, I’d still give this book top marks.

If Pauline George comes up with another book as good as this one, I’ll be first in line to buy it.

 

Tuesday 4 March 2014

The Farmer's Daughter by Robbi McCoy


Shirley Hopper, (Mutt) escapes her life of misery. Being a hobo on the open road is preferable to staying at the run down family farm in Mississippi with her brutal father. Mutt joins others like her, hopping trains and riding across the USA, working in fields and orchards doing any menial tasks for the little pay she could get.

After a particularly bad day, Mutt ends up staying on a farm in Nebraska, sleeping in a barn for the night. It’s here that Mutt first sees the farmer’s daughter, Annie Callahan, an aspiring actress, she’s immediately smitten. Little does Mutt know that this one chance meeting will ultimately change her life forever.

In the years that follow, Mutt’s life is hard. But, she never forgets her meeting with Annie. When Mutt sees Annie again, all the old feelings begin to boil close to the surface again. Mutt can see that Annie’s dreams have come true. She’s now an actress married to one of Hollywood’s big stars, wealthy and without a care in the world. Annie is out of her reach. They are poles apart. Anyway, would Annie even remember her?

Even if Annie was willing, Mutt couldn’t possibly ask her to give up her luxurious, perfect life for love. Has the chance of love, the chance of being soul mates passed them by forever?

I buy every single book written by Robbi McCoy without even looking at the storyline. I know I’m going to get an excellent, well written, refreshingly different read with each new book. I am never disappointed.

This book spans decades, beginning in 1942 and centers around the life of Mutt after she’d run away from home and during the years that follow. Robbi must have done extensive research to enable the reader to live Mutt’s journey with her. From the wonderful descriptions of the places Mutt visits and the menial jobs she finds, it was really easy to immerse myself completely in the story and live it with Mutt and her friends. I could almost smell the smoke from the trains when Mutt was ‘riding the rails’, the farm yards and the fruit in the orchards.

Mutt’s life was hard. I have no wish to add in any spoilers. So, I’ll just say that this goes beyond any run of the mill romance story, although there is a deep and emotional, forever kind of love running through the book. Robbi has portrayed the life of a hobo in 1940’s America very well. The storyline contains so much. Homophobia, murder, nightclub raids, starvation and the lengths the poor had to go to just to survive. Their pain radiates from the pages. But, there is also a good humor throughout too, to lessen the angst.

If you are looking for a great story, with wonderful multidimensional characters, characters you’ll fall in love with, give this book a try. I was totally hooked in from the beginning and had to carry on reading in one sitting until the end.

Does Mutt get her girl? Is there a happy ever after? Read this book and find out.

This is on my re-read list to read at a more leisurely pace, so I can savor the story without the pressure of not knowing the ending.

 

Sunday 2 March 2014

Mob Rule by Linda Kay Silva


Dallas Barkley is beginning to realize that the zombie man eaters destroying America are not her main concern. While Dallas and her friends are fighting off the zombies another kind of hell presents itself.

As America falls into ruin and there is no help forthcoming from the outside world, Dallas and her girlfriend Roper, battle on to lead their band of survivors back home to California. They need to establish another safe community for the survivors of the zombie apocalypse. Unfortunately, as they run from the rampaging zombies and wild dog packs, they come across something even more terrifying and horrendous. Dallas and her new found family are beginning to learn just what can happen when there is no law and order and the people of the country have been left to their own devices and run wild.

A group of men have banded together. They are survivalists. Anyone weaker than themselves are captured and kept totally under their control. They are unstoppable. Will Dallas and her group be captured? What happens when society has been taken over by mob rule?

Another blockbuster in this excellent, very well written, page turning series. Each book has me feverishly turning the pages until I reach the end. These books are far too short, I always want more. This is the third in this series. It can be read as a standalone, but I would strongly advise reading them in order. Not only to get the background on the characters, but you would be sorely missing out on some great books too.

Each chapter in Dallas and Roper’s fight for survival is totally different from the last. I never know what to expect. This makes for exciting reading. Just when I’ve thought ‘what more can happen, how much more can these people take’, along comes another storyline to keep me enthralled and on the edge of my seat.

I’m not sure how many of these books Linda Kay Silva has planned. But I hope it’s many more to come. I’m totally enthralled with these characters and I’m looking forward to many more adventures with them.

 

Kicker's Journey by Lois Cloarec Hart


Kicker Stuart has always been different. A bit of a square peg in a round hole. She prefers to wear men’s clothes and do manual work rather than to wear dresses and find a beau. Kicker begins her epic journey when she leaves her home village and begins employment as a hostler and farrier at Grindleshire Academy for Young Ladies. It’s here, six years later, that Kicker meets and falls in love with teacher Madelyn Bristow. The peaceful life Kicker has been enjoying, is about to change forever. Madelyn is a woman who knows exactly what she wants and that is Kicker. So, she comes up with an elaborate plan to make it happen.

In 1899, these two women from very different backgrounds, embark on their journey together. They leave their familiar surroundings in England for the wilds of Western Canada, they have no idea of what they will find or the hardships they will be facing.

They feel anything would be preferable to facing the wrath and the brutality of Madelyn’s father should he ever find out their true relationship status. Upper crust England, being full of prejudices, would never allow them the freedom to live and love one another. Even for a man and a woman from their different backgrounds, the social class divide would impede them, let alone two women together.

The two soul mates find their journey is as much about the heart as it is the soul. They find themselves struggling against gender expectations, the class divide and also themselves. At their journeys end is hope and the chance to live their dream of a life of love together. Even then, there are those they have to watch out for.

This book is a well written blockbuster, A wonderful story of an epic heartfelt journey through the lives of Kicker and Madelyn against all the odds.

This story begins in rural England with Kicker as a young girl and ends in Galbraith Crossing in the wilds of Western Canada. This is a story that gripped me right from the first page and held me right through to the last page. We are treated to a glimpse into the lives of what it must have been like for these two women and other early settlers in an untamed country. A blow by blow account of the hardships and the fight for survival suffered by so many in the wilds of Western Canada.

All the characters play a significant part in the progression of the story. Whether nice characters or loathsome. They are all fully developed and multidimensional.

The historical facts have obviously been very well researched. It’s hard to separate the facts from fiction as it’s all so cleverly and intricately woven together. The story is full of twists and turns throughout. I could feel the call of the wild and actually lost myself in this story. Although this is a long book, it still wasn’t long enough for me. I wanted more.

If you like stories of the old wild west set in America, I think you’ll be delighted with this book. There are similarities between the two different countries and it makes for spellbinding reading. Definitely a book to re-read.

 

Switching Gears by Rhavensfyre


Micah Connolly tried so hard to please everyone over the years. Her family, her friends and now Olivia Holden. But, she doesn’t seem to have succeeded so far. 

When Micah heard her grandmother had died, she was heartbroken. She turned to Olivia for comfort, but unfortunately, Olivia sent out mixed messages, even their first kiss was a disaster. Micah knew she had to go and sort out her grandmother’s affairs and her will. This led to a misunderstanding between the two women and after a heated exchange, Micah ran off and didn’t return.

One year later, Olivia was still regretting sticking to a complex set of rules that made her lose Micah, the one woman she loves.

When Olivia sees Micah again riding a bicycle through the busy New York streets, she’s determined they will meet again and secretly arranges through Micah’s boss to be loaned to her company. Their reunion isn’t a happy one. Micah has changed. She’s hiding a deep, dark and devastating secret which if revealed, she feels may send Olivia running forever. Will Micah take the chance and trust Olivia?

Micah is also dampening down parts of herself which she feels Olivia wouldn’t like. But, a cat and mouse game of power between the two women begins to play out. Micah is both pleased and fearful. She has a hard choice to make.

With her past still coming back to haunt her, Micah knows it’s make or break time. She must make her choices. The risks have their own rewards, but will Micah be destroyed in the process?

This is Rhavensfyre’s debut novel. It’s well written,  gritty, hard hitting and a page turner from the first page right through to it’s dramatic conclusion. This story is unlike any other I’ve read. It’s not a light hearted read, in fact it is an emotionally charged, hard read in parts. A mixture of romance, drama, heartache, heartbreak, physical and mental abuse, but with a light hearted streak running through it that eases the pain of Micah’s turbulent life a bit. Flowing throughout the book is the tender, bittersweet romance between Micah and Olivia. All the way through I was hoping against hope these two women would be able to work things out and get their happy ever after. Whether they do or not, you will have to read the book to find out. Their journey is amazing.

The two main characters, Micah and Olivia are both flawed in different ways. Whilst Micah is the fragile one, really struggling and suffering, Olivia has some demons of her own too. But, she is the stronger of the two. I really admire her, she is my favorite character. Micah, I felt really sorry for. All her life, she’s missed out on love and when she finally finds it, she can’t trust it. This is where Olivia has to be patient, to gain Micah’s trust.This book is a really superb read. A sequel wouldn’t be out of the question either. These characters are well formed and solid and I’d love to read more about them. 

I am looking forward to reading more from Rhavensfyre in the near future. But, can they top this debut novel? Hopefully, they will. I’ll definitely re-read this book.

 

Caught by Love by Jade Winters


Hannah Richards is a successful British film director. She is madly in love with her partner, script writer, Naomi Roberts and her life couldn’t be better. Then without warning, tragedy struck when Naomi suddenly died, leaving a gaping hole in Hannah’s life. Devastated, Hannah departs for Cumbria, anything to get away from their house and it’s memories. Hannah stays away for a year before she can even contemplate returning. Even when her decision to return to London is made, she still can’t really face it.

Famous actress, Alisa Forbes, Hannah and Naomi’s one time best friend is the one to help Hannah get her life back on track.

Leah, Hannah’s personal assistant has an agenda of her own, and having Hannah and Alisa take up as best friends again isn’t on it.

The more of Jade Winters books I read, the more I want to read. They are simply addictive. This book is a well written, page turner. I was totally hooked from the very first page, right through to the last page. There are so many twists and turns and ups and downs, it was like being on a rollercoaster.

The two main characters, Hannah and Alisa used to be best friends along with Hannah’s deceased partner, Naomi. Something happened to change all that before Naomi died. So, how did Alisa end up being the person to help Hannah get her life back again?

There is a wonderful cast of secondary characters. The most interesting one being Leah. She is the one I wanted to slap and yell at the most. But, what part did she play in the unfolding saga of Hannah, Naomi and Alisa?

Hannah’s mother Maggie, plays a good part in her support of Hannah. But again, I felt like she needed a bit of a slap. As did Hannah on a few occasions. 

This is not to say these characters are anything less than great. It shows that Jade’s writing is top notch. These characters are all well developed and interact so well together. They are a delight to get to know.

This story is definitely one of Jade’s best. Somehow though, I get the feeling I’m going to be saying that about each new book of Jade’s I read. I will definitely read this book again. It’s nice to know the ending sometimes without any pressure.

 

Winter On Spring Street by Stacey Darlington


Famous singer, Raven Viramonte, came from a broken home and dysfunctional family. She’d been physically and mentally abused most of her young life. There was no love and safety in Raven’s home. For all of Raven’s magical powers and witchcraft, she couldn’t change a thing to make her life more bearable. Even her first spell backfired badly, leaving her doubting her abilities.

Twenty years later when Raven was summoned back to her childhood home on Spring Street because her mother was dying, it was with a sense of dread she returned. To heal herself, Raven must try to forgive her abusive mother, her gay father for abandoning her at the height of her singing career and her jealous younger sister who had ruined her career by selling the story of her past to a gossip magazine. Will Raven be able to forgive, even if she can’t forget?

As part of Raven’s self imposed therapy, she seeks closure and forgiveness from her former manager and ex lover, Skyler Blue. This alone won’t be easy after twenty years and the way their relationship ended.

During her journey of self healing, Raven befriends a homeless man and a gothic woman who she became smitten with.

Raven soon begins to realize that no matter what path she takes, it will be Winter on Spring Street she’s pulled to.

This is another winner from Stacey Darlington. The story is full of mystery, intrigue, romance, with a touch of the paranormal, magic and ghosts, making for some compelling reading. In fact, once I started this, I couldn’t put it down. It’s an absolute edge of the seat, page turner from start to finish and a delight to read.

I loved the characters. Especially Raven, her character is flawed and dysfunctional, which is hardly surprising given her background. But this is what makes her so lovable. All the way through I was hoping that she would find her soul mate. A person to love and who could help her to heal her wounds and support her in her quest to find peace. Raven is backed up by a wealth of secondary characters all enhancing the story. Be prepared for some twists and turns and surprises along the way. There are some great laugh out loud moments too, that lighten the lows of Raven’s life.

Raven’s story is heart breaking and emotional, it’s told in the present day and using flashbacks. It’s not an easy read, but it’s so worthwhile.

Stacey Darlington is an excellent storyteller. Her writing is descriptive and she shows the reader through her words rather than telling us. Always a plus for me as I can lose myself in amongst the characters. A truly magical reading experience.

I’m looking forward to Stacey’s next book now. 

 

Exception To The Rule by Cindy Rizzo


Northerner Robin Greene and Southerner Tracey Patterson first meet when they arrive at Adams University, near Boston, for their first semester.

Both girls are experienced in the art of seduction. Each girl has arrived at college with her own set of self imposed rules.

Robin’s set of values includes holing herself up in her room and pursuing her writing, until she can get back to her homeless friends in New York City. Robin tells herself frequently that she won’t have anytime for blonde haired princesses like Tracy, with all her southern charm and her girly looks.

Tracy, herself, isn’t enamored with loud mouthed, brash northerners like Robin. The older, more sophisticated woman is more Tracy’s style. In fact, she’s got her sights set high on just the right woman to while away the time. Certainly not Robin though. Tracy’s rules stemmed from her home in Durham, North Carolina. She had set her life up with her gay best friend as her beard and pursued a number of older women, including her mother’s best friend.

As time goes by, both Robin and Tracy begin to realize that the person who will become the most important in their lives, will be the exception to the rule.

This is Cindy Rizzo’s debut book. What a brilliant first book. It’s very well written and edited, a pure joy to read. I love the storyline. Although this is a young adult book, it can be enjoyed by all. In fact, although I’m not American and of course the settings are different, it brought back a lot of previously hidden emotions for me.

This is a wonderful story of self discovery and coming out. Cindy Rizzo really gets into the hearts and minds of her characters. Although the story primarily focuses on Robin and Tracy, Angie, a secondary character plays a large supporting part in their lives. So, this is in effect a story of three girls in college, their ambitions, lives, loves. loss, emotional pain, angst and turmoil, with a nice touch of humor throughout to lighten their tumultuous journeys. All these characters are fully developed and multi-faceted and are a delight to get to know.

This book is so much more than a run of the mill romance with teen anxieties thrown in. It’s a true to life, right down to the point story of homelessness amongst the LGBT population, homophobia, coming out, family acceptance and much, much more.

Cindy Rizzo has written a blockbuster of a debut novel. A story that hit me right in the heart and had me racing through the pages to finish the book. So, yes, this is a page turner. One that I will definitely re-read soon.

I would love to see a sequel with these characters. They are too good to not appear again.

Charity by Paulette Callen


Originally from the east and well educated, Gustie Roemer, has now settled in Charity, South Dakota. Gustie is still considered by the town folk to be an outsider in spite of becoming the local school teacher.

Gustie and local woman, Lena Kaiser, a sodbusters daughter, strike up an unlikely friendship. Soon Lena is sharing problems with Gustie, she wouldn’t dream of telling anyone else. It’s good for Lena to have someone to confide in, as her husband Will is a drunkard and although not violent, his antics do give Lena cause for concern.

Gustie also strikes up a deep friendship with two women on the nearby Sioux Reservation. The old medicine woman, Dorcas Many Roads, who lives out at Crows Kill and her adopted granddaughter, Jordis. Jordis is known as a two spirit woman, which basically means she has the spirit of both man and woman in her. Jordis has had a white mans education and still bears the deep scars, which has made her somewhat bitter and defensive.

The quiet life on the prairie isn’t quiet for long. Lena’s husband Will gets arrested for murdering his father. Gustie’s past catches up with her and her deep dark secrets are revealed. Lena, Gustie and Jordis form a bond and stand together as true friends do. This doesn’t sit too well with the small minded white folks of Charity.

Deep, horrendous secrets within the small town that have remained buried for years are gradually exposed. Present day tragedies interweave throughout everyday lives. But, true friendship, love and strength prevail through their tough prairie lives.

I love a good western. This one is a blockbuster. I know this is a revamped, republished book, but I missed it the first time round. I’m so pleased it has seen the light of day again and with a sequel, Fervent Charity, no less. One which I can’t wait to read now.

This book is well written and from the scenic descriptions, I lost myself totally out on the prairie. All these characters, without exception, are fully developed and multidimensional. They all play well together. Even the baddies are great to read about.

The story is emotional, stormy, dark and turbulent, with many twists and turns throughout. If you are looking for a great book set in the old wild west where cowboys and Indians interact together, look no further. This should hit the spot. A definite re-read for me.

 

Wicked Attraction by Joann Lee


A short story

It’s Halloween. Lianne Perry is inexplicably drawn to Club Hypnotic. She hadn’t been meaning to go there, but why not? It’s as good a place as any for a drink. Lianne gets more than she bargains for though.

Ravenna Blake owns Club Hypnotic. As soon as she sees Lianne, she sets out to seduce her. Ravenna is out going, beautiful and a real charmer. Will Lianne be able to ignore her?

As the evening goes on, Lianne becomes more aware that Ravenna is not who she thought she was. But then both women are hiding their own secrets. So does it matter? When the truth comes out, Lianne has to decide what she wants and even what she believes in. Will Lianne and Ravenna be up for making their own special brand of magic?

A well written, bewitching, endearing, hot and romantic story for Halloween. With twists and turns along the way, nothing is what it seems and what it seems is nothing like reality.

I love the well formed characters, Lianne and Ravenna. They are each so very different that they belong together, just because opposites attract.

 

Ticket to Paradise by Joann Lee


A short story

Jessa Dawson is the manager of a prestigious five star hotel in Roanoke, Virginia. For Jessa, it’s been all work and no play for as long as she can remember. She hasn’t seemed to miss what she hasn’t had in her life, love. However, her career is suddenly becoming jaded and less satisfying lately. Could it be that Jessa is ready to look beyond work?

Beautiful, retired model, Holly Reynolds, is out going and adventurous. Holly is a seasoned traveler, but she still has one fear, she’s petrified of confined spaces. When Holly has to fly she does it in a haze of alcohol.

Jessa and Holly meet on a flight to Las Vegas. Jessa is immediately irritated with Holly’s non stop chatter. But this is Holly’s way of trying to prevent a full blown panic attack. Once Jessa understands this, the sparks begin to ignite between the two women.

Jessa is lost and drowning in Holly’s charm. Holly feels exactly the same. From this moment on, their lives are never going to be the same again.

A lovely little steaming, red hot and erotic whirlwind romance. Never mind what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Not in this book it doesn’t. All is revealed.

The story is well written, the characters are multidimensional and easy to get to know.

If you are looking for a bit of fun and escapism from real life, this short story will be sure to hit the spot.

Because of Her by KE Payne


Seventeen year old Tabitha Morton, (Tabby) is devastated. Her family have moved down to London from the northeast of England. Tabby feels like her life is on a downward spiral having left her girlfriend, Amy, in the northeast after declaring her undying love. How could her life not suck? After all, two years is a long time to be together, just to be torn apart.

To top everything and put the icing on the cake, Tabby’s parents have enrolled her in the very posh Queen Victoria Independent School for Girls. They are hoping this will put Tabby back on track with her studies and make a lady of her.

Tabby is not impressed and sets out to thwart and hamper her parents at every turn. She detests her school, causes disruptions and her relationship with her parents drops to an all time low.

The day Tabby meets Eden Palmer, she begins to have second thoughts about school and her move to London. Is it so bad after all?

When Tabby’s girlfriend, Amy, visits one weekend, their reunion is a disaster. Amy has some news which may not go down too well with Tabby. In light of Amy’s revelation, Tabby knows she has choices to make. She needs to find a new path to follow.

Eden is hiding a secret and battling some personal issues. But, she introduces some new possibilities and directions for them both.

Tabby slowly begins to allow the changes to alter her way of thinking and begins to turn her life around. All these changes are because of her.

Although this is a young adult book, don’t let that stop you from buying it and enjoying it. I was hooked in from the first page right the way through to the last page. KE Payne has a wonderful way with words and her stories are well written and emotionally charged. She really seems to get into the teenage mind. Although I’m well past my teens, I could still identify with the feelings Tabby and Eden were experiencing. In fact, I couldn’t put this book down once I’d started it and read well into the night to finish it.

Both Tabby and Eden are well developed, multi-faceted characters, and are backed up by a wealth of secondary characters to interact and progress the story forward at a nice steady pace. Some are friends, some are insufferable and not nice to know, but they are all essential to the story.

There is a lot crammed into this book and KE Payne has managed to get the point across that it is okay to be gay. We follow Tabby who knows what she is, what she wants and who she wants, to the indecisive Eden, who, although deep down, she suspects she may be a lesbian, is confused and wants to have her cake and eat it too.

Homophobia, teen angst, teen romance, coming out, keeping secrets, is all dealt with in a sympathetic and understanding way against a back drop of an upper crust school and parents at the end of their tethers with their teenage daughters. Hard for any parent, let alone when you find out your daughter is a lesbian. KE Payne has really shown us what is was like for two very different sets of parents and how they each reacted and handled the situation.

I’m looking forward to reading more from this up and coming author soon.