In Vino Veritas by Sydney Blackburn #InVinoVeritas

Oh, just a short note:

  In Vino Veritas by Sydney Blackburn

Blurb:

 Anthony Beretta inherited the family winery at the tender age of twenty-four. It’s a struggle to keep it up, but he loves it and is determined to make it work even if it kills him. That is, if a motorcyclist doesn’t kill him first. He initially judges the man, attractive as he may be, on the basis of his appearance and apparently limited vocabulary. He soon discovers he’s wrong, but by then Oscar Kennett has already judged Anthony on his appearance.

Oscar thinks Tony Beretta is uptight and snobbish, and Tony’s speech for the charity they’re working on together reinforces that, even when he finds out Tony did it just to push his buttons. His adorable curls and sexy glasses might not be enough to change his mind, but maybe there’s more to Tony than meets the eye.


All in all this book was a wonderful pageturner, romantic and sweet. Anthony and Oscar are cute together and I loved to see them fall in love and find out more about each other. Oh, and don't forget Anthony's mother, she is really great! I was a bit annoyed by their constant efforts to push each other's buttons though because I thought that it was a bit too much. Apart from that, it was a very enjoyable story with two very likeable  characters who just can't help falling in love!

★★★★

The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo (Victorian Rebels #6) by Kerrigan Byrne #TheDukeWithTheDragonTattoo

  The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrigan Byrne

Blurb:

The bravest of heroes. The brashest of rebels. The boldest of lovers. These are the men who risk their hearts and their souls—for the passionate women who dare to love them…

He is known only as The Rook. A man with no name, no past, no memories. He awakens in a mass grave, a magnificent dragon tattoo on his muscled forearm the sole clue to his mysterious origins. His only hope for survival—and salvation—lies in the deep, fiery eyes of the beautiful stranger who finds him. Who nurses him back to health. And who calms the restless demons in his soul…

A LEGENDARY LOVE

Lorelei will never forget the night she rescued the broken dark angel in the woods, a devilishly handsome man who haunts her dreams to this day. Crippled as a child, she devoted herself to healing the poor tortured man. And when he left, he took a piece of her heart with him. Now, after all these years, The Rook has returned. Like a phantom, he sweeps back into her life and avenges those who wronged her. But can she trust a man who’s been branded a rebel, a thief, and a killer? And can she trust herself to resist him when he takes her in his arms?


Wow, that book took me on a ride!
When The Rook comes to claim his woman, a long time has passed - too much time? He isn't the young man he once was and Lorelai, well, not much has changed for her otherwise but it is difficult to feel the same for someone who doesn't resemble his former self anymore. Is it?
The Rook is formed by those years that separate them, he is harsh and hard, a pirate, a killer - and he has one weakness: Lorelai. Will that be enough? And will he ever find out who he really is?

I really loved Lorelai and the way she cares for those around her and how she opens her heart to those in need. Her brother being a brute of the kind that lives in your nightmares and her father being too weak to protect her, she is used to abuse and suffering but she never gives up and she never loses hope.
The Rook and her, they belong together and I loved to see them fall (back) into love while they slowly unravel the mysteries of his past - and not just those of the past!

The story captivated me right from the start and I enjoyed every page of it. There were some minor aspects that made me go for four stars instead of five though.
Considering her age and the fact that she lived with her brute of a brother all those years, Lorelai hasn't aged. Twenty years later she is still the same and she still sounds like the young girl of fourteen that she was when Ash left her. And I must admit that I felt that the fact that The Rook is so hard and that he can't feel and ....well, all that, was stressed a bit too much. Add the fact that he and his friends who finally turn up everywhere (at least it feels like that) all got up in the world and became people of consequence in one way or another, well, that was a bit too much for me.

Despite that, I really enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait to find out, hopefully, about Veronica and her groom in the next book!

★★★★

The Duke Who Lied (The 1797 Club #8)

 

The Duke Who Lied by Jess Michaels

Blurb: 

The 8th Book in the bestselling 1797 Club series by USA Today Bestseller Jess Michaels

Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, has been keeping a secret that eats him up inside. His beloved sister was seduced and nearly ruined by a wicked man. The trauma sent her into exile and to protect her reputation, he never did anything about it. But now the ‘gentleman’ is back in Society and recently engaged to another lady.

Miss Amelia Quinton cannot believe her luck. After a whirlwind courtship, she has just become engaged and now she’s looking forward to a true love match. Only all her plans come to a screeching halt when her father announces she is now to marry the Duke of Brighthollow because he owns her father’s debts.

Amelia is horrified, for Hugh is nothing like the sweet and gentle boy she wanted to marry. Only once their vows are said, passions flare and she begins to know the man better. Little by little, both their walls come down and feelings grow. Until she finds out he lied. Will Hugh ever tell her the truth and will it even matter by the time it’s all said and done?


Ohhhh, I loved this book! I mean, I loved the other books in this series as well and every time I finish one of them, it feels as if this one is the best - till I read the next or one of the other ones again.
My heart went out to Hugh and Amelia, when both of them,  for different reasons, had to let go of their dreams of love and a loving family - only to find that sometimes love finds you unexpectedly.

Revisiting old friends and meeting new ones, I followed Amelia and Hugh's story from their rocky beginnings to their ...well, tumultuous but nonetheless happy ending.
Hugh and Amelia are both characters that I really liked. Both of them have been hurt in the past and it's not easy for them to trust considering the circumstances but never ever do they let their insecurities win and destroy what they have. Even when Amelia realizes the depth of the deception, all those lies....she is hurt, she is devastated but she is still willing to go on and make things right and even better.
And when things get really rough? Those two are so amazing and strong and courageous, you can't but love them!

Another beautiful and captivating book in a wonderful series!

★★★★★

 

 

 

 

Fundstücke or a traveler's findings...

*

***

*****

When my daughter dragged me to Primark's at Plymouth, 

I simply couldn't resist when I found these bags there :

Oh, and for someone like me, there was something else that I loved:

All those lovely teas!

*****
***
*

And then there was....Astley Book Farm in Bedford....

...and of course, when I read that according to their website, 

Astley Book Farm & Coffee Shop

 

 is the largest second-hand bookshop in the Midlands, 

we had to to make a pit stop there on our way back down to the South and the ferry.

 Parents beware though, 

a sign at the door to this booklover's heaven, 

threatens with the distribution of a cup of espresso and a free puppy to unattended kids.

You can spend a couple of hours here, browsing the shelves or sitting in the cozy little cafe.
The shop is open every day from 10am to 5pm. Even though I found it more difficult to navigate the shelves and to find things than at the Bookbarn, it is nice to browse at leisure and to spend some time there. We had a lot of fun and found a couple of nice books.





This is where you can find all the science fiction and fantasy books...


...and American and Biritish history are not far either.
The whole place is charming and really nice. I really enjoyed
my time there - and my family as well. We ran out of space after that stop though....

I must admit that the wonderful secondhand bookshops are one of the things that I enjoy most when traveling around Great Britain. Especially two years ago when I went to 

Haye-on-Wye and to Wigtown, two of the three book towns in Great Britain, I was blown away by the number and the quality of the secondhand bookshops. Of course there are also many secondhand bookshops in my part of the world as well but usually, at least those that I know, they are more chaotic and less cozy - and of course, the books are not in English, at least not many of them.

These are the books that I bought on this trip....

Should I mention that I wasn't alone and that there were three other booklovers around....?

Another wonderful trip is over and I'm back home - and I even found a place for all my new (book) friends!

Summer Break is over or... #bookshops #OurCarIsTooSmall

...the bookshops along the way!

I couldn't go to Wales without visiting

Haye-on-Wye

again, could I? 

 

Haye-on-Wye with its numerous second hand book shops, is one of the world's most famous book towns.

We went there two years ago but had to stop once again on our way to Wales this year. Once again it was amazing!

I love those unique book shops that invite the unsuspecting (and the eager) reader to browse and to forget time and space...

 There were small shops like these - and not just book shops but also a number of other small shops worth looking at.

Of course there is also Richard Booth's book store with its rows and rows of books  ...

 And just when I thought that I had seen them all, opposite of the book shop with the telling name "Murder & Mayhem", I found another little bookshop with an amazing interior!

Of course I had to know more about it and the owner told me that it had been part of the interior of a church till he bought it and had it installed in his shop.

It was sooo beautiful!

Another look at Haye-onWye ;-)

The way back to our camping site...isn't it beautiful!

The booty....

***

 Oh, I think it's only in Great Britain that you'd find a sign like that in a public restroom, right? ;-)

 

Tossed Into Love (Fluke My Life #3) by Aurora Rose Reynolds #TossedIntoLove

   

Tossed Into Love by Aurora Rose Reynolds

Blurb: 

Can the best of enemies become the hottest of lovers? New York Times bestselling author Aurora Rose Reynolds proves that opposites can be compatible—and twice as combustible…
Libby Reed is over it. Or that’s what she tells herself. She’s lusted after one of New York’s bravest for years, but firefighter Antonio Moretti has doused her interest for the last time. As much as she wants the arrogant jerk (in a bad, bad way), they can’t even be in the same room without setting each other off…which might be a problem now that she’s volunteered to help out in his family’s restaurant.

Antonio’s been burned before. Now he knows better than to trust a pretty face and follow another pair of long, beautiful legs into heartbreak. But while Libby might rub him the wrong way, he can’t deny the heat between them. And it only burns hotter when she steps up in his time of need. The closer they get, the more he realizes he may have misjudged her. Then again, he doesn’t know the secret Libby’s keeping that could send their relationship up in flames before it’s even begun.


I was waiting rather impatiently for this next (and last) book in the Fluke My Life series, because I really really loved the stories about Fawn and Levi and, of course, Mac and Wesley. Waiting for the last book in a series is also a bit scary if you really loved the other books because if that last book turns out less than stellar, it somehow mars the beauty of the rest of the books.

The moment I started to read, any worries concerning that were forgotten. I didn't stop reading till I turned the last page. I loved every single page of it...okay, apart from those pages. I mean, those pages that I kept turning faster and faster while fearing the inevitable that was about to happen and...yes. Those pages.
Libby and Antonio were cute together, at least, once he pulled his lovely head out of his (equally) lovely behind. While still being her very own person, she reminds me a lot of Fawn in some ways and well, I think, Antonio will fit right in with the other guys.
Her mom...oh my...one might think that she relaxes a bit now that her two other girls are settled but - nope. No chance there and with her teaming up with Antonio's mother and Miss Ina - yup, things are becoming...interesting.
I laughed and giggled and I was mortified and swooned - and I really really loved this book!

★★★★★

Release Day Blitz ***HOT SEAL Target (HOT SEAL Team #6) by Lynn Raye Harris***Release Day Blitz

New Release

 HOT SEAL Target by Lynn Raye Harris

Blurb:

Navy SEAL Adam “Blade” Garrison’s assignment to infiltrate a tech billionaire’s criminal operations just got complicated. His cover: bodyguard for the man’s wife. His problem: Blade knows Quinn Halliday far too well. A sophisticated version of the chubby, shy girl Blade once knew, Quinn brings out all his protective instincts—as well as a few carnal ones that surprise him.

Quinn’s pride in having improved herself has turned bitter. She’s trapped in a relationship with a brutal man who views her as nothing more than a possession. Blade’s unexpected arrival makes her hope for more than a barren existence in a gilded prison. Until tragedy strikes, and Quinn realizes she’s next on the hit list.

Blade will do anything to shield Quinn from danger and keep her safe. But as they draw closer, an enemy works to flush them out. If he succeeds, he’ll put an end to Blade and Quinn’s budding happiness.

Unless Blade and his SEAL Team strike first…

**Stand Alone, No Cliffhangers, No Cheating, Happily Ever After Guaranteed!**

Another captivating pageturner in the Hot Seals series by Lynn Raye Harris. I really enioyed this story about Blade and Quinn and the action around it. It was sweet, sexy and filled with lots of action from the first page to the last! 

I loved to see Blade help Quinn, the girl he knew in High School when he defended her against some bullies. He makes her see her own worth again and helps her see that it is not about her weight but about what she feels and how she feels. 

Having dealt with my own share of weight problems, imagined or not, I felt with Quinn and loved Blade for being there for her when she is caught in a marriage with someone who is not only a criminal but also someone who tears other peoples down.Another bully in town....

I loved the love story and the action that went along with it. This book was once again a wonderful and thrilling read that made me look forward to the next installment in this amazing series!

★★★★

Crochet Animal Rugs: Over 20 Crochet Patterns for Fun Floor Mats and Matching Accessories by Ira Rott

      

  

Crochet Animal Rugs by Ira Rott

Blurb: 

Crochet decor your kids 
will be begging for! Bring their bedroom decor to life with this 
collection of seven sensational animal rug designs, by popular crochet 
designer Ira Rott. You will love making these unique and quirky designs 
that kids will simply adore. Choose from an amazing elephant, a sweet 
giraffe, a cuddly cat, a cheeky monkey, a sneaky crab, a friendly 
dinosaur and a snuggly bear, each with a coordinating pillow and 
accessory to crochet to continue the theme. With accessories ranging 
from security blankets to stool covers, bed book tidies, placemats and 
toy bags, this collection features over 20 animal-themed designs to 
crochet.
  

This book was a wonderful surprise! My daughter is the one who loves to 
crochet and right after having read the book, she asked me to go online 
and look up the author. Turns out that the author has a website where I 
found the next patterns to fall in love with.... 

This book has quite a number of patters for really cute and loveable looking rugs and 
pillows and bags and...other things inside. The explanations and 
instructions are well done and easy to follow. 
Apart from the patterns themselves, there are also very helpful general explanations 
and instructions on how to crochet and different sewing and crochet 
techniques involved. 

All those projects are really cute and will brighten a child's room and I am very positive 

that the kids will love them as much as I do. Those rugs and the pillows and other things that go 
along with them are sweet and charming and also not too difficult to make.
      

 ★★★★★

Bookbarn international re-visited...

... or how to get out of it and still have space left in the car?

                                                          
                                                                Re-visiting the Bookbarn and its rows and rows of tempting (and cheap) books.

All books in these rows cost just a pound and there are many more rows to browse...If you still don't find anything or are looking for something special, there is still the computer where you can find the other books. And if you are looking for the really old (and unfortunately also expensive) ones - there's a room for that as well where you find Darwin books and it's collection of beautiful old books.

The damage..... 

 

*sigh*