Chloë L. Blyth's Blog: Book(s) of the Month

Apologies for the delay this month, not that anybody noticed… this blog will end at the end of the year due to its pointlessness, but I’m not a quitter so I’m finishing off the year!

October was a great (and very rom com heavy) month of reading for me:

1. Match Me If You Can by Sandy Barker

I read an ARC via Netgalley and loved it. The set up is that Poppy is a professional matchmaker and Tristan needs to get married or lose his (massive) inheritance. You know where that’s going, but it’s a lot of fun with unexpected turns, especially where Vittora and the other matches are concerned, and the sexual tension between Tristan and Poppy is HOT!

2. The Book Proposal by KJ Micciche

I picked up this paperback for £3 at The Works because I was early for a train. It called to me because of the similarities between myself and the protagonist (a single, 30ish-year-old writer) – but that’s where the similarities end. Gracie and Colin have both had horrendous previous relationships but together they are magic (and he has no idea that she’s the one who wrote him steamy secret admirer letters in high school!)

There’s also a cat called Dorian Gray, which I think is cool.

3. Christmas in Coolsbay: A cosy friends-to-lovers romantic comedy by Belle Henderson

“Drinking champagne at one in the morning by the sea with three pensioners after rescuing a guy high on mushrooms from the top of a hill and indulging in a mind-blowing kiss with an old friend isn’t quite how I envisioned my Christmas holidays going.” – Excuse the spoiler, but if that doesn’t sell it, I don’t know what will. Another brilliant rom com with great characters.

4. We can Work it out: Two people, one opportunity by Belle Henderson & CJ Morrow

Told from both perspectives, this is a workplace romance with the love interests competing for the same job. Emily is a single mum, and Jamie lives with an ‘interesting’ friend and his ‘unusual’ pet. They’re an unlikely pair, but perfect. It’s a really fun and enjoyable read, with a lovely HEA.

FUN FACT: Belle Henderson is the daughter of CJ Morrow! This is a mother-daughter production!

My Book of the Month

Now for the tricky part, choosing a book of the month!

I think my favourite (considering I rated them all 4-5 stars) was Match Me If You Can!

I read four books in September, including a couple I rated five stars. Here we go in order of reading…

1. Snowflakes and Sparks by Sophie-Leigh Robbins
This book is full of sweet cosiness and (at least when I bought it) free on Kindle! Brilliant characters, great setting, a bookstore… what more could you ask for? This is a real feel-good book that is perfect for the festive period, or when you just want a hug.

2. The House of Dating Disasters by Angela Pearse
If you love rom coms, you need to read this! Expect: competitive Scrabble, sexy massage, two very different dogs, funny dating shenanigans, one accidental drugging, ‘in love with a man she can’t have’ trope, friendship conflict and resolution and most importantly a HEA!

3. Missing by Ruby Speechley
This one is a thriller I read via Netgalley, and it’s a highly addictive read. Ellie is confronted with accusations that she’s hiding something, spurred on by a fake police poster that implies her son is missing (when he’s right where he should be), but she has a lot more than distrusting mums on the playground to deal with… she has to face what happened to her that night she stayed at an Airbnb four years ago, and try to figure out who is messing with her now.
>>This is a new release, available now!<<

4. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Another thriller with great twists and lots of lies. Slightly let down by formatting issues on the Kindle version, but hopefully this will be resolved before release as it’s not out until January.

My book of the month

Okay, this is another toughie, I’m torn between the two I rated 5 stars (don’t forget to read my full reviews if you want to see my ratings).

I think I’m going to go with the one with the more likeable protagonist, which is…

Snowflakes and Sparks

Go check it out!

This month started out great reading-wise, then I got busy, then I got myself back into gear again and finished on four books. In order of reading:

1. The Manhattan Split: Proto – Chris Kenny
This is a cyberpunk/sci-fi thriller type novel which I absolutely loved. Make sure you read my full review of this one because it is just *chef’s kiss*

2. Death By Curiosity – Lisa Matthews
Mystery with the nosiest MC I have ever met. This police typist will do anything to find out more about the new serial killer in her village, including putting herself slap bang in the middle of the investigation and attracting not only the killer’s attention, but also a fair amount of violence and personal injury.

3. An Unholy Affair – Evie Alexander
This one’s not even out yet (I read an ARC) but you need it on your TBR list if you love sexual tension and steam! It’s book 2 in the Foxbrooke series (you may recall me raving about Love Ad Lib not long ago) but it can be read as a standalone too, and it really sets up book 3, The Upper Crush.

4. One Christmas Eve – Shari Low
This book is written in the same format as some of my other Shari Low favourites, across one day, but in three different decades. We follow the lives of Eve, her mother Helena, and her grandmother Cathy, and their love lives are anything but simple. There’s an overarching theme of true love, and the ending is beautiful.

My book of the month
Wow, this is hard! There was a moment whilst reading each of these books that I could have picked them. The Manhattan Split: Proto was probably my quickest read and also the one that surprised me the most with it being such a new genre to me. Death by Curiosity had the best MC, hands down. An Unholy Affair I just loved because it’s a brilliant storyline with heaps of steam and so far, I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Evie Alexander. Then there’s One Christmas Eve, with its adorable happy ending…

I know what you’re thinking, you’re thinking I’m not going to choose again. Well, you’re wrong. I’m going to force myself this time. But, rest assured, even though I’m picking one book now, there’s a fair chance more than one will appear in my end of year awards! (Oh yes, they’re coming back for 2023!)

My book of the month for August is…

The Manhattan Split: Proto by Chris Kenny

Go check it out!!!

It’s been a good month for reading so I’ll dive straight in and I’ll keep the descriptions as short as possible, otherwise you’d be here all day.

All of these books are 4 or 5 star reads which I highly recommend! In order of reading:

1. The Purrfect Pet Sitter by Carol Thomas
Light, fun, easy-read, clean second chance romance.

2. Lesson Plan for Murder: A Master Class Mystery by Lori Robbins
There’s a mystery to be solved when English teacher Dr Deaver is murdered…

3. Welcome to Paradise by B. Crowhurst
Multiple perspectives, multiple loves, a beautiful story.

4. Learning to Love by Anna Edwards
Enemies to lovers royal romance!

5. Learning to Rule by Anna Edwards
Book 2 brings even more drama to this royal romance, when meeting the parents means meeting the King & Queen!

6. Jinx by Jessica Huntley
An addictive thriller with a mystery to be solved. Somebody killed her ex-fiancé, but who do you believe?

7. DON'T LIE: A chilling young adult horror novel that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Perfect for fans of 80s slasher movies. by Sarah Jules
Major YA slasher movie vibes, hard to put down!

My book of the month
This is the hardest month yet!! I can’t possibly choose, especially bearing in mind the different genres. Sorry all!

Now I’m off to write, so that I can allow myself to read later… I’m hooked on another book right now, which is a new genre to me, it’s “cyberpunk” and I’m loving it!

Chloë

I’m back with five books to tell you about this month!

1. KATE (The London Elite Book 2) – Jessica Lou (ARC)

Ah Kate and Leo…
Expect lots of scandalous shenanigans and nasty vindictive behaviour set in high society, where reputation is everything… or is it?

2. Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up – Alexandra Potter (paperback)

This is Bridget Jones minus the weight checking, cigarette counting and s** record. This is Bridget Jones with a gratitude journal. Bridget Jones without the unrealistic love interests. This book is a slice of reality with a brilliant sense of humour. It’s perfect for anyone who isn’t where they thought they’d be. It’s uplifting.

3. Awaken – L.J. Sealey (signed paperback)

Top tier paranormal romance. Every character is well written, the plot well thought out, the reveals perfectly timed. Recommend for lovers of action-packed books who like their romance with a side of demonic possession…

4. Adrift – M.A. Hunter (audiobook)

Addictive and twisty thriller with plenty of suspicious characters and murder in both the past and present. If you’re looking for something a bit more gritty to read in the sun this year, this one’s for you!

5. Ruining Her (McKinley Ranch Duet Book 1) – Kylie Kent (paperback)

Sooo many trigger warnings so check those first!
I’ll give anything a go, so I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this very messed up romance. By messed up, I mean loving a serial killer, historic domestic abuse, lots of s** and violence and possessive behaviour… but oh boy was it addictive. And it’s a cliff-hanger, so I may have to continue my journey into dark romance and read book 2…

My book of the month

Awaken by L.J. Sealey. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. And find out more about Evo! ;-)

Until next time!

Chloë

P.S. Don’t forget you can read my full reviews for each of these books by visiting my profile or each book’s page, and if you would like to know what I’m up to as an author (as opposed to as a reader) you can sign up for my monthly newsletter by visiting https://chloeblythauthor.com/newsletter

Sorry!

I will be skipping this month’s blog for personal reasons and also because I have only finished one book so far this month. (Although, I am expecting to finish another one within the next few days).

I’ll do my best to give you a super list of recommendations next month to make up for this absolute fail.

Thanks for understanding.

Chloë

P.S., I am currently awaiting an Amazon delivery of two paperbacks, which is an absolute treat for me as I usually read on Kindle. I’ll tell you all about them next month!

Finally, a successful reading month (my most read books in a month this year!)

In order of reading…

1. Aforetime – Lina Ravenhill

A really lovely, action-packed fantasy adventure for teens/young adults. It’s clean and refreshing, and the world-building is wonderful. I lost myself in this fairy tale world and did not want to stop reading! This book is pure escapism. Highly recommend!

FUN FACT: I connected with the author after reading this book and later received an ARC of the sequel which is out on 4 May – my brief review of that is at the bottom of this list!

2. Sun, Sand and Second Chances – Aspen Hadley

Clean second-chance romance that is a shorter length but still manages to cram in all the feels. Perfect for an easy read when you don’t want to think too hard, but fancy something sweet. It’s a beautiful HEA.

3. There Goes the Groom – Esther Hatch

Silly historical romance built on miscommunication and misunderstanding. A really fun read that I recommend to all who enjoy a bit of Jane Austen or Bridgerton.

4. Not How I Saw That Going – Jenessa Fayeth

This is one of those books where you fall for the characters so hard you are personally hurt when someone tries to tear them apart. For a rom com, this is a gripping book! It’s also sweet and funny, and Crew is simply adorable. It’s a real feel-good romance.

5. Kiss and Kill: A Higgins and Stander Novel (No. 1) – Irene Hill

Fast-paced serial killer/crime novel with short chapters which make it hard to put down.

6. When Love Heals: A Novel (Fresh Start Series: Book 2) – S.J. Greene

This is a ‘book 2’ but it also works as a standalone. It tells the story of Jessica and Avery from their time at school together to Jessica’s marriage breakdown, to Avery’s passion against animal cruelty and even Jessica’s daughter’s condition. Every sensitive element was dealt with beautifully. We can all learn from this book to choose our own happiness, to love ourselves, and to love those who make us happy.

7. One Moment in Time – Shari Low (ARC)

This is another Shari classic. Vivid characters, heart-breaking moments as well as new love, lessons learnt, forgiveness granted, and an overarching feeling of hope. Available from 2 May.

8. Aforetime: Cursed City – Lina Ravenhill (ARC)

This sequel is another great fantasy adventure which had me worrying about the characters both in terms of their love for one another as well as for their lives in general. Much of the story is based in a city of vampires, where humans are slaves and witches are killed. Hadeon and Anna are truly challenged in this novel, which is a little darker than the previous book. Available 4 May.


My Book of the Month

The more books I read, the harder this is to choose! In fact, I don’t think I can this month, I started picking out a top three, then I added more, and I can’t narrow it down. I’m trying to push myself into picking one, trying to think which one is still on my mind the most, but I can’t narrow it down to just one, or even two! So, I’m sorry. There’s no book of the month this time, they’re all books of the month!!

See you next time!

Chloë

P.S. Don’t forget you can read my full reviews for each of these books by visiting my profile or each book’s page, and if you would like to know what I’m up to as an author (as opposed to as a reader) you can sign up for my monthly newsletter by visiting https://chloeblythauthor.com/newsletter

Due to preparations for my next release, I almost had to finish this month on only two books read, which would have been the least books I’ve read in a month in YEARS (because reading one’s own book over and over doesn’t count). Luckily, I finished my third book this morning, so it’s okay, I have three beauties to tell you about.

Each of these books is independently published, either by the author completely on her own, or as part of a very small press (essentially a group of authors helping each other, but under one name).

Without further ado, in order of reading:

1. Loath to Love (The Love Duet, Book 1) – Sarah Michelle Lynch

This is a well-written romantic suspense novel that I recommend reading when you have time to take it in and really absorb the ambience. It moves at a slower, deeper pace than I’m used to, but when it gets sexy, it gets sexy – so be prepared for that!

FUN FACT: Sarah is also the organiser of Authors at the Armouries which is a big multi-genre author event happening in Leeds on 3rd June 2023.

2. You Grow Girl – Belle Henderson

This is a rom com with character growth and a great sense of humour. It’s a fun easy-read, perfect for holidays by the pool (or any time you need to escape and smile!) Also, if you’re going through a break-up, this book will turn that frown upside down. Learn from Lottie!

FUN FACT: This is the third book I have read by Belle, and I have loved every single one of them.

3. A Thin Witchline Between Love & Hate (Bellerose Witchline Book 1) – T.L. Brown

This is book 1 in a dark fantasy series which follows on from the author’s lighter Door to Door trilogy which I read last year. It’s like the trilogy’s older sister: darker and sexier. Familiar characters are back, with added depth, and the plot continues to be intricate and well thought-out. The ending has left me wanting more.

SAD FACT: When I read the first of the ‘Door to Door’ trilogy, I was pet-sitting for my mum shortly after her cat had passed away and so the only pet left was our chocolate lab. He was also getting old and passed away not long after my visit, so my time reading with him in the conservatory (squeezed together on a small sofa because he wanted to snuggle) are some of the last memories I have with him. Reading this book took me back to that memory. It’s funny how books can do that, isn’t it?

*wipes eyes*

Back to business,
My ‘Book of the Month’

My favourite book this month was You Grow Girl because it was a light, easy-read with plenty of humour and was simply a pleasure to read. I needed that this month! The others were still great, just a little heavier/darker.

Check back next month when I will hopefully have read more than three books!

Author-life update:

Unity (The Dangers of Dreaming: Book 3) releases on 14 April 2023, so don’t forget to pre-order your copy if you’ve read the series so far. You can also mark it as ‘want to read’ here on Goodreads!

If you want to keep up with what I’m up to as an author, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter: https://chloeblythauthor.com/newsletter - sent on 10th of each month. I have lots of juicy news coming in the April edition!

February was such a busy month for me (in the real world) so I didn’t finish many books, but I did visit Scotland!

FUN FACT: Each of the books below have a Scottish connection!

In order of reading:

1. Suffering the Scot (Brotherhood of the Black Tartan Book 1) – Nichole Van Suffering the Scot
A delectable Scottish historical romance.

Here are some extracts from my review:
“It reads sort of like Pride and Prejudice, but better.”
“the language in this book is fit for the time period, but written in a way that is easier for a modern reader to understand and appreciate. I adored the way the Scottish accent is written, too.”
“The relationship between Jane and Andrew is TO DIE FOR!”
“[…] passion pleats and kilt swish!”
“more than just romance and (un)suitable marriages and earldoms, there is also a mystery to be solved…”

2. Rock Paper Scissors – Alice Feeney Rock Paper Scissors

A couple go to Scotland to save their marriage… kind of. This is a decent psychological thriller with some good twists to keep you guessing.

3. One Summer Sunrise – Shari Low One Summer Sunrise

My second Shari Low book in as many months. I think it’s safe to say I’m a fan! (And I even bought it on paperback, which is rare for me – I was in Scotland, and I wanted a book I could hold rather than my Kindle. I was craving paper!)

This book has another good mix of characters with difficult decisions to be made, in Shari’s signature one day formula which I absolutely love. Oh what a day!

My ‘Book of the Month’

This month, picking a favourite was easy. This is the book that made me smile, that I didn’t want to finish, that I enjoyed every minute of and couldn’t stop talking about:

Suffering the Scot

Check back with me next month when I will hopefully have finished reading more books (although, I will also be releasing ARC copies of my latest book in March so I’m sure you can imagine how busy I am right now!)

If you want to know more about what I’m up to as an author, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter: https://chloeblythauthor.com/newsletter - sent on 10th of each month.

Welcome to my first Goodreads blog post!

Each month, I will provide you with a brief review of the books I have read during that month; I will pick a favourite (if possible) and I will provide you with any fun facts/news I have gleaned about the authors mentioned.

So, without further ado, and in order of reading:

1. One Day With You – Shari Low One Day With You

This was an emotional and suspenseful novel which I was lucky enough to get to read before general release. Similar to One Last Day of Summer (which I also LOVED), this book has multiple perspectives and interwoven plots covering the timespan of a day. The characters are well fleshed out, and they are what drives this novel. There wasn’t a storyline I wasn’t invested in.

If you like women’s fiction that is absorbing and hard to put down, this one’s for you.

2. The Wilderness Retreat – Jennifer Moore The Wilderness Retreat

This is another book I got to read before general release, and it’s not out until April. It’s a solid psychological thriller and I enjoyed the suspense, the setting (the lodge is in the middle of “Dead Man’s Forest”) and the dramatic conclusion. What an absolute nightmare!

I recommend this for fans of psychological thrillers and horror movies.

3. Blue Hawaiian – Carla Luna Blue Hawaiian

Cute, second-chance romance with great characters, a perfect destination wedding setting, and a finely tuned plot. There’s family drama, secrets, travel disasters and all sorts in this novel, not to mention the steaming hot romance between Jess and Connor. Note: there are sexy scenes, but it’s not a smutty book.

It’s a really fun and adorable read, I would recommend it for your next beach holiday.

This book is FREE on Kindle, so if you’re interested, download it now!

4. That One Night – Becca Baldwin That One Night

I found this one tricky to review because there were some things I absolutely loved about it, and others that annoyed me or let it down. However, it’s a quick and cheap read, so it’s worth a shot if you’re lured in by the opening hook like I was:

Ariel arrives at her old friend’s wedding only to find out that the groom is the man she fell in love at first sight with two years ago, in Rome.

The plot is brilliant, and I recommend it as an easy read.

5. A Season To Kill – Nic Winter A Season to Kill

I found this book purely thanks to the Bookstagram community helping me out with some Scottish book recs, and I am so grateful! Not only is this an amazing and unputdownable book, but the author is really lovely too!

This is a gripping murder mystery filled with believable characters who all seem to be hiding something, and it moves at a fast pace. It really gets those sleuthing juices flowing!

EXCITING NEWS: Nic is working on the sequel “A Deadly Shade of Winter” – I can’t wait!

6. Ailey of Skye – Wendy Hewlett Ailey of Skye

This book, whoa! It’s deep, the backstory is dark, and the character growth is incredible. Ailey is a recovering addict who has never known love, she’s been on the streets since she was thirteen – forced to do all sorts just to survive – and now she’s got a family on the Isle of Skye. But she’s still in danger. The author teaches us that Ailey can’t escape her past, and her family can’t change what she’s been through, but, like all addicts, with the right amount of determination and support, recovery is possible. It won’t be easy (at all), but you really can turn your life around.

The ending of this novel brought happy tears to my eyes.

FUN FACT: Wendy used to work as an Addiction Counsellor.

EXCITING NEWS: Wendy is working on “Fiona the Brave” with Fiona and Brodie as the main characters – I can already tell it will be brilliant because I love them already, and we’ve already had a little insight into what makes Fiona so “brave.”

7. The Highland Fling – Meghan Quinn The Highland Fling

My final book of the month was another Scottish themed book rec. This was a pretty standard rom com, predictable and amusing, with two romances and a lot of baked goods (do not read whilst hungry!)

I recommend it as an easy read, probably best for those in their early 20s.

Favourites

It’s very, very hard to pick a favourite, especially when I keep chopping and changing genres so they’re hard to compare. When I pause and look back at the month, the ones that are still playing in my mind are: One Day With You and Ailey of Skye – two very different books with characters that linger. I know I will be reading more from these authors (as well as the others because, let’s face it, I’m a readaholic!)

See you next month!

P.S. Don’t forget you can read my full reviews for each of these books by visiting my profile or each book’s page, and if you would like to know what I’m up to as an author (as opposed to as a reader) you can sign up for my monthly newsletter by visiting https://chloeblythauthor.com/newsletter