Thursday 21 May 2015

Book review: Truly, Madly, Greekly by Mandy Baggot


"Sun, sea and a sexy stranger - a whole lot of fun just got a lot more complicated.
Capable, confident and career-driven, Ellen had her dream job and a marriage proposal from boyfriend Ross. Life was good, her future set. Until it wasn’t and everything fell apart… 
Whisked off to the beautiful island of Corfu to plan her sister Lacey’s big, fat, Greek wedding, Ellen is hoping some time out will help clear her head and heal her heart. But letting go of her past is not going to be easy. 
With Lacey in full on Bridezilla mode, Ellen is soon distracted from her own problems. And when the all-inclusive treats on offer at hotel Blue Vue include one gorgeous, brooding Adonis – Yan – Ellen finds him difficult to resist. 
But Ellen isn’t looking for love or lust, or anything involving too much ouzo…or is she? 
Fans of Lucy Diamond, Miranda Dickinson and Lindsey Kelk will want to escape to Corfu with Mandy Baggot this summer." 

My review: 


Truly, Madly, Greekly is a delicious, summery read! If you're going on holiday soon and are seeeking that perfect 'beach read' then look no further - you've found it right here! 

Straight away I was immersed into the sunny, relaxing climates of Corfu. Mandy's ability to describe a location is brilliant - I really felt like I was there. It made me crave for a holiday - cocktails, the pool, handsome workers... agh! I want to go to Hotel Blue Vue now! 

The story skips between the viewpoint of the two main characters, Ellen and Yan. Ellen is a work-a-holic accountant struggling to take a break and enjoy what Corfu has to offer, instead worrying about the office. It turns out, she isn't just worrying about the office itself though, she's harbouring a big secret. One that she hopes no-one will discover while she's gone.... mysterious, huh?! 

Then onto Yan. Oh Yan. How do I put into words what a delight he is?! Handsome, romantic but yet flawed, Yan is wonderful, swoon-worthy character and I enjoyed his journey throughout the story. He is a Bulgarian who has come over to Corfu to escape his rough past and hopefully, get a chance to succeed and do what he wants in life. I loved finding out all about him and his dreams. 

During the story we also meet Ellen's younger sister, Lacey. The point of the trip is to check out the hotel Blue Vue for Lacey's potential wedding venue, except things don't quite go according to plan. Lacey is a spoilt, selfish girl who had me wanting to scream at my book. At 23 she is younger than Ellen and so her selfish ways are put down to immaturity. But at 24 myself, I can say that it isn't the age - it's just her personality. She is a crucial and interesting element to Truly, Madly, Greekly and one that provoked a reaction from me (frustration!) Poor Ellen has an awful lot to put up with. 

Mandy is known for her romance writing and this book doesn't fail to deliver. Much like the blurb says it is 'sizzling summer reading' - and not because of the hot climate of Corfu! The tension between Ellen and Yan is noticeable from the off-set and as you follow them on their journey together it becomes even more electrifying. 

I really enjoyed Truly, Madly, Greekly - it is certainly a summer must read. So grab an apricot cooler, sit somewhere warm and sunny and devour this romantic, sunny read! 



About the author: 
Mandy Baggot is an award-winning romantic fiction author, writing hot heroes and emotional reads. She is represented by Kate Nash of The Kate Nash Literary Agency.

In 2012 she won the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK's Festival of Romance and has since scooped Top Ten Reads/Book of the Year places from a number of UK book bloggers.

Traditionally published by US publisher Sapphire Star, Harper Collins' digital first romance imprint, Harper Impulse, and most recently, digital fiction specialists, Bookouture, a great story is never far from her fingertips!

A contributor to writing blogs and short story anthologies, Mandy is also a regular speaker at literary festivals, events and women's networking groups.

Mandy loves mashed potato, white wine, country music, World's Strongest Man, travel and handbags. She has appeared on ITV1's Who Dares Sings and auditioned for The X-Factor.

Mandy is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Society of Authors and lives near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK with her husband, two daughters and cats, Kravitz and Springsteen.

LINKS 

1 comment:

  1. Great review, Laura! I've heard so many great things about this book and having just finished Game of Scones and LOVING it, someone recommended this to me. Love a exotic, summery setting! xo

    ReplyDelete