The Two of Us by Andy Jones

Title:  The Two of Us
Author: Andy Jones
ISBN: 9781471142444
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publish Date: February 2015

Synopsis:
Falling in love is the easy part. What matters most is what happens next...


Fisher and Ivy have been an item for a whole nineteen days. And they just know they are meant to be together. The fact that they know little else about each other is a minor detail. Over the course of twelve months, in which their lives will change forever, Fisher and Ivy discover that falling in love is one thing, but staying there is an entirely different story.

My Thoughts

The Two of Us is the story of a whirlwind romance and and the struggles of keeping a relationship together. The story is told through the eyes of Fisher giving this book a unique feel.
For the most part it is a light and fluffy read, although, like every relationship there are times when Fisher and Ivy's journey will pull at your heartstrings.
The characters are real and well written, making them easy to care about and drawing the reader into the story.
The Two of Us is a beautifully told story of love, friendship, loss and new beginnings that will stay with you long after the pages are closed.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster Australia and Netgalley for the ARC.

Someone Like You by Victoria Purman

Title: Someone Like You
Author: Victoria Purman
ISBN: 9781743567739
Publisher: Harlequin Mira
Published: February 2014

Synopsis:

When Lizzie Blake knocks on the door of Dan McSwaine’s beach house at Middle Point, she barely recognises the man who answers. Whatever happened to the guy who swaggered into her home town with a grin and left with her heart in his back pocket? Lizzie wonders if he’ll ever be that man again — and if she should risk everything she’s built her life on to help him.


Dan can’t normally bear to be more than ten minutes from a hip bar, an imported beer and a group of hot women. So what is he doing holed up in a falling down beach shack at Middle Point? All he knows is that he’s made some crazy decisions since the night a truck slammed into his car and almost killed him. The first one was to think that buying a crumbling piece of coastal real estate was a good idea. The second crazy decision was to try to hide away from the world when a woman like Lizzie Blake is determined to drag him right back into it…

My Thoughts:

I am going to start off this review by saying I have not read the first book in this series, 'Nobody But Him' but I found that this book reads fine as a stand alone, and while it may have helped to have some more back story I do not feel as though I was missing any major plot points.
Someone Like You is romance set on the South Australian coast, and Purman captures coastal Australia wonderfully. The beautiful beaches and the laid back lifestyle of Middle Point set the perfect scene for Lizzie and Dan's romance.
Dan and Lizzie are attracted to each other from the very beginning but they are both damaged and not sure if they are ready for a relationship, this creates a high amount of tension and the result is a wonderfully realistic and sometimes strained relationship between them.
I really enjoyed this book, it was a great relaxing summer read.

Review copy thanks to Harlequin Australia.

The January Wish by Juliet Madison

Title: The January Wish
Author: Juliet Madison
ISBN: 9780857991119
Publisher: Escape Publishing
Publish Date:  January 2014

Synopsis:

When Dr Sylvia Greene makes an impromptu wish at the Tarrin’s Bay Wishing Festival, it's the most out of character action she can think of. Hers is not a life of wishes. Hers is a controlled life of order, plans and preparation…of science and research and diagnosis and treatment. But her past has been weighing on her mind, and decisions made long ago have far-reaching consequences.

A week later, the daughter she secretly gave up for adoption at sixteen arrives in Sylvia's small coastal town with secrets that can't be shared. Between feelings of guilt, gossip, and a growing attraction to an emotionally unavailable colleague, Sylvia's well-ordered life is soon thrown into chaos. She is no longer alone, and for the first time she feels as if her world is open to possibilities.


They say be careful what you wish for, but, for Sylvia, the unexpected consequences may be just what the doctor ordered.

My Thoughts:

The January Wish is the story of Sylvia Greene and how, with the help of one little wish, her life is changed forever. Dr Sylvia Greene prides herself on her well organised life, full of science and routine, but all that changes when she makes a wish at the Tarrin's Bay Wishing Festival. Before long she is faced with the daughter she gave up for adoption and a new, very attractive work colleague.
The January Wish starts off slowly but really picks up the pace towards the end of the book where it hits an emotional high point that leaves a lasting impression. The characters are easy to relate to and each has their own issues to deal with creating a web of subplots.
I really enjoyed The January Wish despite it's slow start, it was definitely worth reading. Perfect for a nice light read.

Thanks to Harlequin Australia, Escape Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

Hooked by Liz Fichera

Title:  Hooked
Author:  Liz Fichera
ISBN:  9781743562451
Publisher:  Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: February 2013

Synopsis:

When Native American Fredericka ‘Fred’ Oday is invited to become the only girl on the school’s golf team, she can’t say no. This is an opportunity to shine, win a scholarship and go to university, something no one in her family has done.
But Fred’s presence on the team isn’t exactly welcome — especially not to rich golden boy Ryan Berenger, whose best friend was kicked off the team to make a spot for Fred.
But there’s no denying that things are happening between the girl with the killer swing and the boy with the killer smile...

My Thoughts:

I thought I would have a hard time getting into this book, I am definitely not sports minded and this seemed like a very sports orientated book, but I was pleasantly surprised. Even though this book has a sports theme it is the deeper themes that shine, and the handy glossary at the back help with the unfamiliar golfing terms used throughout the story.
In one respect Hooked is a classic 'follow your dreams' story, but on the other hand it also tackles some bigger issues such as racism, bullying and the socio-economic division that is sadly a big factor of our everyday lives.
I loved the characters of Fred and Ryan, it was enjoyable to watch them develop and grow as the story progressed. In their efforts to find themselves and decide what they really want they make some annoying and stupid mistakes that I am sure most readers will be able to relate to. These details really capture the essence of growing up.
Overall Hooked is a fun and enjoyable contemporary romance. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Thanks to Harlequin Australia for the ARC.