Happy publication day, Lorraine Wilson! Flights may be grounded just now, but if you’re missing venturing overseas, then this little home away from home novel may just be the ticket. Many thanks to Rachel and the publisher for the tour invite and ARC.
Trapped in paradise…
For twelve months JoJo Grant has been hiding from a secret too shameful to share. And whilst her sanctuary might be the beautiful French countryside, JoJo has a horrible feeling that her peace is about to be shattered…because bursting into her life is the hottest celebrity chef around – Callum O’Connor.
Callum knows all about JoJo’s past, her time as a reality star, the scandal that has dogged her, but he isn’t sure why she’s still hiding? After spending time with Jojo, it’s obvious to him that she has nothing to be ashamed of – she just needs to be a little braver…
But as much as JoJo likes Callum, he thrives on the glare of the outside world. Can JoJo let go of her past…with Callum by her side?
What does TWG think?
Before I delve into my nitty gritty thoughts, I want to briefly touch on the message that this story conveys as it’s something incredibly important. JoJo hasn’t had an easy time of it in regards to her love life, after finding herself splattered all over social media for all and sundry to see. Literally. Thanks to her ex boyfriend, Aiden, JoJo was put into a position that nobody should ever find themselves in. The meanings of consent, trust, misuse of power, and emotional damage, are the building blocks to the message of the storyline, and as I said above, a very important message at that. Nobody has the right to refuse you when it comes to using the word ‘NO’, and nobody should ever use you in a way where the law is being questioned.
I know that what I have written above sounds very deep and serious (that’s because it is), but there is a lot of humour to go alongside that depth. Also, if you’re a fan of the old sex scene then make yourself comfortable as there is quite a few in here! Believable and hot to trot on one hand, yet on the other hand, the use of the word ‘sex’ and ‘folds’ to describe the vaginal region had me cringing big time. For me, those words poured water over the heat and turned a highly charged scene into a ‘noooo’.
That aside, I thought the dogs were absolutely brilliant – I wish I I called my rescue dog ‘Flump’! How brilliant is that name! Barney is such a dote and reminded me of my own little Barney dog. Flumps antics with the stealing were hilarious! He, alongside the other four legged friends mentioned, were the stars of the show in my eyes. 100 percent.
I flew through this novel, and I ended up really enjoying the strong friendships and companionships that were described in such moving detail. I could tell that the author really believed in those relationships and that they were written straight from the heart.
An enjoyable read with a rough around the edges storyline that showed promise.
The Writing Garnet 