One Night on the Island by Josie Silver

* * *

Spending her thirtieth birthday alone is the last thing that dating columnist Cleo wanted, but she is going on a self-coupling quasi-sabbatical--at the insistence of her boss--in the name of re-energizing herself and adding a new perspective to her column. The remote Irish island she's booked is a far cry from London, but at least it's a chance to hunker down in a luxury cabin and indulge in some quiet, solitary self-care while she figures out her next steps in her love life and her career.

Mac is also looking forward to some time to himself. With his life in Boston deteriorating in ways he can't bring himself to acknowledge, his soul searching has brought him to the same Irish island in search of his roots and some clarity. Unfortunately, a mix-up with the bookings means both solitude seekers have reserved the same one-bedroom hideaway on exactly the same dates.

Instantly at odds with each other, Cleo and Mac don't know how they're going to manage until the next weekly ferry arrives. But as the days go by, they no longer seem to mind each other's company quite as much as they thought they would...

Written with Josie Silver's signature warmth, charm and insights into the human heart, One Night on the Island explores the meaning of home, the joys of escape and how the things we think we want are never the things we really need.

* Source: NetGalley; ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

One Night on the Island sees two individuals at pivotal moments in their lives crashing into each other's orbit at a most inconvenient time. Cleo is supposed to be at Salvation Island 'self-coupling'. She's an online columnist who's turning 30 and she and her editor decided that she should go to the island to celebrate that milestone by marrying herself as a way to embrace herself as she enters into her thirties. It's so weird even to Cleo. Then of course Mack shows up to the same cottage that Cleo booked claiming that he's supposed to be there as well. He rented it from his distant cousin so he could immerse himself in his photography while he gives his estranged wife space after she asked for a divorce the year before. Neither he or Cleo are willing to budge and there's really nowhere else to go on the island. Their solution is to draw a chalk line through the house and they can each reside on their own side. Stuck on the island, they have to make do and be civil.

This was a strange kind of romance and I have to tell you, I was on the fence through most of it. I was unsettled by the initial hostility between Cleo and Mack because some of it felt so unnecessary. Cleo seemed to put on tantrums and Mack was so closed off. It just comes down to that fact that I didn't want to encounter this kind of vibe in my reading. Things between them thaw when they start to find some common ground and make peace. And yes, it's weird again how they swing from antagonists to buddy-buddy and start revealing their secrets. Mack is distraught over the breakup of his marriage and still after over a year apart can't accept that it's over. Cleo is finally embracing her single life and keeps lobbing truth bombs Mack's way about the state of his relationship. Her honesty is brutal but one thing that's a no-go zone is is two boys. He adores them and wants everything for them. While he and Cleo get cozy and attraction builds, he's still hesitant to let go of his marriage. Even if it's his wife wanting the divorce and already off with someone else. His vows are sacred to him.

There were times I felt that the book should've been two different books. What Cleo and Mack were going through independent of each other was more interesting to me than their 'thing'. I liked being in on their thoughts and self-analysis when they were off by themselves. I normally enjoy a forced proximity romance, but this didn't get its hooks in me. It just felt that the other person was conveniently there and they thought, why not? It's difficult to explain because there are profound moments between them where I understood the sentiments they shared, but as far as the romance goes, I didn't feel their heat.

I did appreciate the residents of Salvation Island. They're all such engaging characters making anyone feel at home amongst them. I liked how they'd tease Mack and Cleo about their accommodation snafu and hint at any budding romance between them. They all had their own interesting stories and I thought they were absolutely delightful.

I adored Silver's other book, One Day in December because I liked those characters and I liked what they were working through so I was hoping I'd feel the same about One Night on the Island. It's a quiet, subdued story and romance that worked in parts, but this time it wasn't for me.

~ Bel

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

* * * * *

Two best friends. Ten summer trips. One last chance to fall in love.

Poppy and Alex. Alex and Poppy. They have nothing in common. She’s a wild child; he wears khakis. She has insatiable wanderlust; he prefers to stay home with a book. And somehow, ever since a fateful car share home from college many years ago, they are the very best of friends. For most of the year they live far apart—she’s in New York City, and he’s in their small hometown—but every summer, for a decade, they have taken one glorious week of vacation together.

Until two years ago, when they ruined everything. They haven’t spoken since.

Poppy has everything she should want, but she’s stuck in a rut. When someone asks when she was last truly happy, she knows, without a doubt, it was on that ill-fated, final trip with Alex. And so, she decides to convince her best friend to take one more vacation together—lay everything on the table, make it all right. Miraculously, he agrees.

Now she has a week to fix everything. If only she can get around the one big truth that has always stood quietly in the middle of their seemingly perfect relationship. What could possibly go wrong?

From the New York Times bestselling author of Beach Read, a sparkling new novel that will leave you with the warm, hazy afterglow usually reserved for the best vacations. 

Source: NetGalley; ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Poppy and Alex first met at college where her more in-you-face approach was a contrast to Alex's low key vibe. They didn't think they'd ever see each other again after that one meeting but when it turned out that they were both from the same town and that Poppy could catch a ride home with him over the holidays well, that changed things. From there sprouted a friendship that balanced the other person. As adults, they lead separate and different lives. She's in New York working for a travel blog and gets to travel all over the country and the globe, experiencing all the perks that go along with such a job. Alex is a high school teacher back in their hometown and has a steady girlfriend. Over the years, even though they live far apart, they've always committed to travelling on vacation together. It started off with small budget holidays and went from there. However, at the beginning of the novel, there's a schism between the two once close friends that's lasted for a few years. When an assignment gets handed to Poppy she uses it as an opportunity to reach out to Alex with the sincere hope of repairing the rift between them.

The story is compellingly told through two timelines - past and present - both from Poppy's perspective. The difference in the ease between the friends before and after is so painfully clear. Poppy is so eager to bring back the nostalgia and closeness they once had that she goes out of her way to be accommodating and even a little not herself on their present vacation together, the first in years. Alex is harder to read, operating in a more standoffish way only letting his guard down occasionally. It's almost unbearable to watch how much she wants this to work and get past their problem without actually addressing the problem. But things obviously do come to a head and what results is unexpected and more than what Poppy bargained for.

I absolutely enjoyed the set up, the story being told through two timelines and how it developed. Poppy is kind of a reckless character but she's so irresistibly charming. As we get to know her and Alex, you get the feeling that her recklessness is fueled by this desire to not be caught standing still. Growing up she felt like an oddball that didn't quite belong. Nothing awful happened to her but and there's something about being in the same place that makes her feel closed in, hence the love of travelling. And despite their different personalities, Alex just gets her. He's her person and she his. They just have to be brave enough to face whatever came between them.

I realized as I read this that I love stories about the changing nature of friendships - how they begin, grow, change, fall apart, are built back together. I love exploring the fragility and resilience of the people involved. Much like her debut Beach Read, Emily Henry has written a deeply engaging story that I could sink my teeth into. I genuinely cared about the outcome and Poppy's own enlightenment through the process. It's a thrill when a story flips it around on the MC because I can very much connect with that sensation when something dawns on you for the very first time and you wonder why on earth it didn't occur to you sooner. It could've spared you a lot of heartache and trouble. Poppy went in to this wanting desperately to salvage a friendship that means the world to her and came out of it salvaging herself. I'm taken with Emily Henry's way of storytelling and I definitely recommend this read!

~ Bel

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

* * * * *

An unforgettable tale of two friends on their Grand Tour of 18th-century Europe who stumble upon a magical artifact that leads them from Paris to Venice in a dangerous manhunt, fighting pirates, highwaymen, and their feelings for each other along the way.

Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men.

But as Monty embarks on his grand tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.

Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.

Witty, romantic, and intriguing at every turn, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is a sumptuous romp that explores the undeniably fine lines between friendship and love.

Source: advance e-galley provided in exchange for an honest review


I'd seen several people commenting about The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue. There was something infectious about their enthusiasm for it that made me want to be in on it, too. 

Folks, I started laughing right away. Monty, who's a rake through and through has two things I love in any hero: dry humour and quick wit. He's been kicked out of school because he was caught messing around with another boy in an unbecoming way. Since he's always getting into trouble you deduce rather quickly that he's kind of a hot mess. But a hot mess that you can't help but love and he knows it. All he has to do is employ his looks, charm and those freaking dimples to worm his way out of (or into) a situation. Unfortunately, that charm doesn't work on his stern father who has found him to be so utterly exasperating and embarrassing. He arranges for him to go on a tour of Europe hoping that it will instill some culture and responsibility in him before he fully immerses himself in the family business upon his return home. Joining him on this journey is his best friend and as it turns out, unrequited love, Percy. They've known each other since they were kids and are thick as thieves, except that Percy's the level-headed one while Monty constantly needs to be reigned in. It's a friendship that has provided both of them the stability they need. Going on tour together is their bittersweet last hurrah before becoming serious adults. It's also important to Monty to have these final few months with Percy before they go their separate ways. 

I was a chapter in when I declared my undying love for this book. Monty won my heart immediately and Percy is so sweet and patient that he deserves a medal. The action takes place almost instantly because Monty can't help but get himself in hot water. This latest debacle though brings tension between him and Percy. Lee effectively shows us Monty's anguish over his love for Percy and him not wanting to ruin what he has with his best friend. I also like how she gradually has Monty opening up about the ugly bits in his life, particularly his hostile relationship with his father which deepens your perspective of him. His character arc and development from one of self-indulgence to maturity is my favourite aspect of this story. Close to that are the various "almost" moments between him and Percy which are written so well, giving you the sense of deep longing, lust and affection. Little things like him touching his ring finger to Percy's lips are so tender and secretive - I felt myself blush at that brief moment of contact. There's also a spectacular scene that takes place at the opera. I mean it, it's a beautiful, hold-your-breath scene! A lovely surprise that comes to light is his sister, Felicity who is forced to accompany them on their tour. Always underestimated or ignored by her family, she's the one who keeps things real. 

Sometimes the characters behaved so convincingly that I forgot that they're just teenagers.Yet they prove their mettle. Lee throws them into various situations from scandalous to perilous, and also introduces other themes relevant to this time period like prejudice, slavery, higher education and sexism, all of which play significant roles in their exploits. It's history come alive as she takes us on a jaunt through 18th century Europe, through the eyes of three different individuals whose personal stories colour their world views. 

I think I've made it clear that I can gush about GGVV all day. There's so much more I want to discuss but that would mean spoilery and I don't want to do that. Just know that an adventure awaits and you don't want to miss it! And you guys, Lee is working on a companion spin-off, The Ladies Guide to Petticoats and Piracy. I'm ridiculously over the moon about this news!

~ Bel

Lessons In Pure Life Blog Tour by Audrey O'Connor

Freshly minted grad Emilia Noble arrives in Costa Rica to teach English in the tropical community of Pacifica. Its carefree, pura vida lifestyle is a welcome contrast to her dark and wintry origins. Tossing caution aside like an old winter coat, she plunges headfirst into an exotic cocktail of sensory pleasure.

Diego is a local whose surfer body and cool detachment make Lia buzz with a long-lost thrill. Fascinated by her new environment, she can’t help but wonder about the moody inner workings of the boy with triceps like Wolverine and a grimace to match.

Diego seems to have no problem ignoring Lia, though. Caught up in his family’s conflicted attitude toward foreigners, he notices her only when it’s convenient. But as Lia thrives in her new surroundings, Diego might just find reason enough to defy his embattled, insular father. When north and south are mixed together, the results are intoxicating.

I decided to adopt a personal theme this year by incorporating books set in different countries into my reading schedule. May be it’s the nasty Midwest winter-blues that have me longing for escape but seeing that this story is set in Costa Rica, a country I know nothing of, I thought I couldn’t have asked for a better distraction. I mean, if I can't travel abroad I may as well read about them, right?

O’Connor has done us all a huge favour by describing Lia’s new surroundings in rich detail. Upon her arrival, Lia’s immediatelt exposed to the vibrant colour and sounds of South America that are in contrast to her native Canada.  She’s a little out of her comfort zone at first but soon enough adjusts to the rhythm of her new home. She adopts the local attitude of “pure vida” meaning pure life. It’s not only the standard local greeting but also a way of life there. Time doesn’t hold the same constraints as it does in the western world. In this tropical paradise far removed from home, she’s able to breathe and learns to let go of her past mistakes and the pain of a failed relationship.

Diego is an intriguing character who's not exceptionally friendly towards Lia upon their first introduction. Go figure that she ends up having to work with him indirectly because he’s the brother of her boss who hired her to teach English. Despite his cold attitude towards her, his hot bod and confidence do a number on her. He’s a distraction who sets off all sorts of ridiculous inner monologue inside her head. I for one was highly amused by all her awkward thoughts and moments in front of him. I liked that even though she’s trying to attain a level of independence from relationships, she’s still aware of Diego and his affect on her.

Eventually even the stoic Diego can’t keep resisting his attraction to Lia. When he starts to open up to her she begins to understand the complicated man before her. But if Lia has learned anything from her own experiences, it’s that at some point you need to take a stand for yourself and declare what makes you happy. It's scary to allow yourself to be that vulnerable but Lia's learned this the hard way.

Lessons In Pure Life isn’t just a romance. It’s about exploration and how Lia reinvented herself after her own personal misfortune to discover her own beauty. She evolves easily from being the tourist upon her arrival to living as the locals, savoring every moment. Everything she has gone through has brought her to this moment. Lessons In Pure Life is also a love note to Costa Rica's gorgeous scenery and rich history. It worked on me as I've now added Costa Rica to my destination bucket list because I too, would love to experience that "pura vida"!

~ Bel

  

   

     

   

If you haven't already, check out this excerpt and also enter the giveaway here!