Welcome to my blog, Kirsty’s Book Buying Addiction. It was hard to come up with a name for this blog but with a friend’s help this is it! I seem to have the problem of buying and downloading books and not a lot of time to read them. I also love discovering new and upcoming authors so please any recommendations throw them my way! 😊
The main aim of my blog is to just spread the love of reading. For me reading is my escape I love going into a different world and I need that in my life to be able to deal with my health. I’ve always been an avid reader as far as I can remember, going to the library a lot as a child especially.
Please send any review requests to me through my twitter account via DM @KirstyOughton26 😊📚
Florida show jumper Hallie Oakley was raised in the saddle. After dominating the junior leagues, she’s stepping into the spotlight as one of the sport’s most exciting new talents.
Now, with her sights set on making her mark at the highest level, Hallie must train at the most prestigious equestrian facility in the world.
Nestled in the English countryside, Golden Oaks might look like nothing more than a beautiful stables, but it has produced some of the sport’s greatest riders. . . including Hallie’s idol, Jasper Knighton.
The brooding oldest son in a show jumping dynasty, Jasper has recently inherited Golden Oaks and is determined to defend its legacy.
From the moment Jasper and Hallie meet, their attraction is instant and mutual.
But when a shocking event threatens to tear Golden Oaks apart, Jasper knows he’ll do whatever it takes to protect what matters most to him.
Because losing Golden Oaks would be devastating – but losing Hallie is something Jasper refuses to risk.
My Review
“You are my dream come true, Angel.”
I’m a mega fan of Tillie Cole! She’s great, I’ve met her and she’s a local author. I couldn’t wait to read Break Me, so I’m super grateful for an early copy.
Hallie and Sage are new riders from the US for Golden Oaks Stud in the Cotswolds, UK. The boss of Golden Oaks and Knighton Equestrian is Jasper Knighton who is Hallie’s idol and the person who inspired her to do show jumping. Someone is after Jasper and his family…
Omg that was the biggest cliffhanger I’ve ever read. Tillie! How can you do this to us!? I love how I’m so hooked and just need to know what happens next. ‘Break Me’ is my first equestrian romance and I just ate it all up.
The banter between Hallie and Jasper; not only between those two but also Sage and Jasper’s cousin Atticus. A lot of scenes were just sizzling hot 🔥
I couldn’t get enough of the gorgeous horses too. I haven’t ridden a horse since I was a teen and now I really want to do it again 🐎. Please tell me it isn’t long until the next book in this series 🥰
Please go and read ‘Break Me’ it’s a unique romance and you can just tell that Tillie knows a lot about the horse industry. I loved learning about it too. It’s full to the brim of love and friendship, with that element of suspense too ✨
Thank you so much to Penguin Michael Joseph for an early finished copy of this book 🫶🏻
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Author Bio
Tillie Cole is a Northern girl through and through. She originates from a place called Teesside on that little but awesomely sunny (okay I exaggerate) Isle called Great Britain. She was brought up surrounded by her English rose mother — a farmer’s daughter, her crazy Scottish father, a savagely sarcastic sister and a multitude of rescue animals and horses.
Being a scary blend of Scottish and English, Tillie embraces both cultures; her English heritage through her love of HP sauce and freshly made Yorkshire Puddings, and her Scottish which is mostly demonstrated by her frighteningly foul-mouthed episodes of pure rage and her much loved dirty jokes.
Having been born and raised as a Teesside Smoggie, Tillie, at age nineteen, moved forty miles north to the ‘Toon’, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, where she attended Newcastle University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts honours degree in Religious Studies. She returned two years later to complete a Post-Graduate Certificate in Teaching High School Social Studies. Tillie, regards Newcastle to be a home from home and enjoyed the Newcastle Geordie way of life for seven ‘proper mint’ and ‘lush’ years.
One summers day, after finishing reading her thousandth book on her much loved and treasured Kindle, Tillie turned to her husband and declared, “D’you know, I have a great idea for a story. I could write a book.” Several months later, after repeating the same tired line at the close of another completed story, she was scolded by her husband to shut up talking about writing a novel and “just bloody do it!” For the first time in eleven years, Tillie actually took his advice (he is still trying to get over the shock) and immediately set off on a crazy journey, delving deep into her fertile imagination.
Tillie, ever since, has written from the heart. She combines her passion for anything camp and glittery with her love of humour and dark brooding men (most often muscled and tattooed – they’re her weakness!). She also has a serious side (believe it or not!) and loves to immerse herself in the complex study of World Religions, History and Cultural Studies and creates fantasy stories that enable her to thread serious issues and topics into her writing — yep, there’s more to this girl than profanity and sparkles!
After six years of teaching high school Social Studies and following her Professional Rugby Player husband around Europe, they have finally given up their nomadic way of life and settled in Calgary, Alberta where Tillie spends most of her days (and many a late night) lost in a writing euphoria or pursuing a dazzling career as a barrel-racing, tasselled-chap wearing, Stetson-sporting cowgirl… Ye-haw!
On the day Immy Berry finds out she’s pregnant and her life changes forever, an accidental fire in her gorgeous little sweet shop turns her dreams into ashes. But the very last person she expects to rush in and save her from the blaze is the man she’s tried to put behind her, the father of her baby, Xander Wild
Incredibly gorgeous and impossibly unattainable, Xander made Immy feel like a goddess on the nights they spent together only to go cold on her the next morning. The chemistry between them may be electric but Xander made it clear he doesn’t want anyone in his life other than his daughter, Etta. Which makes telling him she’s now pregnant with his child an almost impossible task.
With her home and business in flames and Xander her unexpected hero, Immy doesn’t dare hope that he will welcome her bombshell news. But there’s a reason Xander has kept his distance from love. And if Immy gives him the chance, maybe he’ll prove he’s worthy of her heart…
My Review
“You have me. I’m yours, always.”
I really needed to read a heartwarming story and I didn’t look any further than ‘The Chocolate Shop on Cherry Lane’
Immy finds out she’s pregnant, and her day doesn’t end there on that evening her sweet shop catches fire. Xander owns the chocolate shop right opposite Immy, he’s got reasons for pushing Immy away. But can they sort everything out in the face of tragedy?
I’ve been a fan of Holly’s books for years now and of course I love ordering them off her to be able to have them signed. I flew through this book in one weekend which is so quick for me. I just couldn’t and didn’t want to put it down.
I loved Immy and Xander, especially together. Also the way Immy welcomes Xander’s daughter with open arms. But of course it all doesn’t run smooth.
This is a heartwarming and emotional story of a single dad struggling to open his heart, and Immy is the same but for different reasons. If you love a small town community knit story then this one is definitely for you 🥰
It’s about second chances, found family and lots of beautiful moments of love and friendship to boot ❤️ Of course who doesn’t love a story about sweets and chocolate too 🍫
I can’t wait to read more and more of Holly’s books soon!
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Author Bio
Holly has been writing for 8 years. She was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance. Her short story won the Sunlounger competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology. She won the Carina Valentine’s competition at the Festival of Romance with her novel The Guestbook. She was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read, Best eBook and Innovation in Romantic Fiction at the Festival of Romance. She is the bestselling author of 26 books selling over a million books worldwide. Holly’s books have been translated into French, German, Italian, Dutch, Bulgarian, Estonian, Turkish and Russian.
Leaving behind everything she thought she knew, Grace arrives at Hazelwick Farm with her teenage daughter, Maddie, and her mother, Frances, ready to build a new life together.
Grace has dreamt of fresh air, open skies and days filled with taking care of the animals while building a family business together. But starting over isn’t as simple as she hoped.
Maddie has barely spoken to her since the divorce from her father and Grace doesn’t know how to fix what she doesn’t fully understand. Between strained silences at home, and the demands of getting the farm ready to open for business, Grace begins to wonder if she’s made a mistake.
Yet life at Hazelwick Farm has its surprises. Grace keeps crossing paths with handsome tenant, Caleb, whether she means to or not. Could this unexpected connection be the start of something she never saw coming?
My Review
When I received an email from Boldwood Books with a pre approved copy of ‘Blue Skies Ahead’ by the lovely Jessica Redland, I couldn’t wait to read it!
Grace needs to start over. So she buys a farm with her mother. In all of the chaos, she is having issues with her eighteen year old daughter Maddie. It’s harder than she thought starting over, that is until she meets Caleb.
I won’t go into more about the plot but I loved this story so much. I love that it’s set in Northumberland, there’s something special about reading about your home area. I’d want to visit Hazelwick Farm for sure it sounds amazing and special 🩵
I love that we get to see Grace trying to start over and I love reading about older characters.
I’ve read all of Jessica’s books so I’m always eagerly awaiting another book already!
If you want to read a book with summer vibes, second chances and starting over then this is for you 🥰 please go and discover it for yourself!
Thank you to Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Author Bio
Jessica is the multi-million copy selling author of stories that bring the sunshine after the rain – emotional but uplifting books about love, family, friendships and community. Born in Teesside to parents from County Durham and now living in North Yorkshire, she is passionate about the north and showcases some of her favourite areas in her writing.
Her Scarborough home blended with Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay inspired the creation of the fictional seaside town of Whitsborough Bay where several series and standalone books are set. The Hedgehog Hollow series and Bumblebee Barn Collection take readers to a gorgeous countryside setting on the Yorkshire Wolds. The Escape to the Lakes series is set around stunning Derwent Water in the Lake District and her brand new series, The Blue Skies Collection, is set across a farm and group of villages in north Northumberland.
Jessica loves animals. Pets appear in most books and farm animals and British wildlife provide a key focus in others. Jessica’s research has included feeding hoglets, walking alpacas and cuddling cows.
She lives with her husband, sprocker spaniel Ella and their daughter when she’s home from university. She has a serious stationery addiction with more notebooks and Legami pens than it’s possible for one author to use in a lifetime, and has a growing collection of Jellycats that have a direct relevance to her books. Any excuse!
Jessica’s past career was predominantly in HR specialising in recruitment, training and coaching, with a brief career break to set up and run a specialist teddy bear shop. She’s incredibly grateful to anyone who has bought or borrowed her books in whatever format, helping her fulfil a long-held dream of writing full-time. She still can’t believe she gets to spend every day chatting to her fictional friends and making stuff up.
Connie Llewelyn is the beating heart of the magical seaside village of Starshine Cove. She runs the local cafe, and is everybody’s friend – always on hand with a kind smile, a listening ear and a freshly-baked scone.
Since losing her beloved husband five years ago, she’s been busy raising her children, supporting her extended family and staying positive. Now, as her kids fly the nest, she finds herself wondering what her own future might look like.
When a face from the past unexpectedly arrives in Starshine, could meeting Zack again give her a second chance at love? Will Connie be brave enough to take a risk on living life for herself?
My Review
I’m super happy and excited to be back in Starshine Cove once again.
Connie runs the local cafe in Starshine Cove. She did used to be a famous chef in London until she found this magical seaside town and changed her life. She ends up seeing a face from the past, Zack. Will she end up giving love a second chance and what obstacles stand in her way?
Oh I have loved Debbie Johnson’s books for years now and I love going back to her familiar settings and characters once I start one of her series. Though they can also be read in any order which is cool.
I love Starshine Cove and would definitely want to live there, if it was real of course but Debbie makes it feel like a real and like I said magical place. The sense of community is palpable and even getting to know new characters feels familiar.
Second chance is my all time favourite romance trope and Debbie did it complete justice. The chemistry between Connie and Zack was great and I wasn’t expecting part of the story to happen so, plot twist too! 🥰
I highly recommend you read ‘Starting Over in Starshine Cove’ too ❤️☀️
Molly Bramble thought running a bookshop on a narrowboat would be a dream come true – until her biggest challenge turned out to be her new neighbour, Jack, a former city trader with a penchant for crashing boats and hearts.
When a “Blind Date with a Book” night goes awry, Molly finds herself reluctantly paired with Jack and his lack of literary knowledge. Will their rivalry over mooring fees and a missing sign lead to a sinking ship – or a love story with a plot twist?
As Molly and Jack navigate the choppy waters of romance, sabotage, and the occasional dog rescue, will their blossoming romance prove that sometimes the best stories are the ones we never see coming?
My Review
“…I’m excited to see what our next chapter will bring.”
This was my first read by Emily Kerr! It was the title and the brightly coloured cover that caught my instant attention. I just had to add this to my physical TBR.
Molly Bramble runs a bookshop on a narrowboat at the Oxford Canal. She needs ways to boost business so what better way than putting on an event called ‘Blind Date with a Book’ Molly’s aim is to match books to people and hope that people also find their person. She matches with Jack, her new grumpy neighbour…
I won’t go into more of the plot because I want people to discover what happens themselves. I really enjoyed the stories main plot and there were some other things going on too. Emily also added the element of mystery and drama but I think I guessed some of it. Which didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story as a whole.
I loved Molly and her special bond with her dog. Also her relationship with her nana too. I mean, who doesn’t love a story about books! It made me want to run a bookshop on a boat too.
I was definitely hooked especially with the mystery element too. I can’t wait to read more of Emily Kerr’s books soon 🥰 This has a great element of community, friendship, love and family.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Author Bio
Emily Kerr has been scribbling stories on bits of paper ever since she learnt how to write. She studied Classics at the University of Oxford and loved her time living there so much that it inspired her to write her Dreaming Spires series, the first book of which is Blind Date with a Book.
As well as writing feel-good romances she works as a journalist and is based in Yorkshire.
She can generally be found with her nose in a book, or hunched up over her laptop typing away, though she has been known to venture outside every so often to take part in various running-based activities.
Her book ‘Take A Chance On Greece’ won the Jane Wenham-Jones Award for Romantic Comedy at the Romantic Novel Awards 2023.
Emily loves to hear from readers. You can find her on Instagram @EmilyKerrWrites.
Every morning, she spots him – tall, unreadable, always with a novel in hand…often the same one she is reading.
Soon, their commute becomes a silent exchange of titles, a game only they seem to be playing. But how long can a love story stay between the lines before someone dares to take it off the page…
My Review
I was super happy to receive an early proof copy of ‘Ask Me What I’m Reading’ what a catchy perfect title!
Sophie gets the same train to work every morning, she attracts the attention from Max. He notices that Sophie likes books so he starts reading what she’s reading to get her attention.
Well this was a cute and heartwarming read but it’s more than meets the eye. There were other themes to the story that had me totally rooting for both Sophie and Max. The chemistry between the characters was beautiful.
This was definitely a slow burn with quite a bit of miscommunication which isn’t my fave but Eleanor wrote this whole story wonderfully so it didn’t bother me too much ♥️
Also who doesn’t love a book about books! 📚
I have another of Eleanor’s books on my TBR so I can’t wait to read it soon, I know I’ll enjoy that one too 🥰
Thank you to One More Chapter for an advanced copy of this book.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
Author Bio
Eleanor Goymer is the author of The Plot Twist and The Fallback. Her upcoming novel Ask Me What I’m Reading is being published in July 2026. Born and raised in the UK, Eleanor now lives in the USA. Find her on instagram @eleanorgoymerwrites
Flora Douglas has spent thirty years running from Applemore – the remote Scottish village where she spent most of her childhood in foster care, always feeling like the odd one out. Now a bestselling novelist with writer’s block, two grown children and an ex-husband who still can’t work the boiler, she’s built a carefully curated life that hides every trace of that lonely, bookish little girl. Until one night, fuelled by desperation, Flora finds herself doing the unthinkable – booking a six-month let in her childhood home. The Harbour House isn’t home anymore. It’s been gutted and renovated by wealthy Londoners, stripped of every memory, which should make going back easier. Except the village hasn’t forgotten her – and neither has Tor Wilson, the boy whose careless teasing became the final straw that sent her running. Now, with her creative life in crisis and his son about to leave for art school they’re both facing the terrifying question – who are you when all your roles fall away? As Flora reluctantly teaches a creativity workshop and Tor builds a space for lonely men to connect, they begin to discover that the stories we tell ourselves about our past might be the very things that are keeping us stuck – and that sometimes the only way forward is to stop running from yourself.
My Review
I was so excited to see yet another book come out in the Applemore series by Rachael Lucas.
Flora hasn’t been back to Applemore in years. But when the house she lived in for a while with her foster mother is available to stay in she takes that as a sign it might help her writers block. But going back means facing some difficult memories too.
What another brilliant story to add to this beautiful series. Being set in the Scottish Highlands I just want to go there asap! I loved that Florie is a successful author, though sometimes she doesn’t believe that herself.
I was engrossed in her connection with Tor, it was a very slow burn but I was totally there for it ❤️
I also loved that Flora is an older character and I don’t read many books with older characters, just loved that. Applemore sounds like a place I’d want to be a part of 🥰
‘The Harbour House’ is full of friendship, heartwarming moments with a slow burn. I can’t wait to read more books by Rachael and I recommend you read it too and her other books, especially in this series ✨
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
Author Bio
Rachael Lucas is the author of heartwarming, feel-good women’s fiction set in small towns full of characters who feel like friends. She writes about friendship, family, and women in later life discovering happiness – and every story has a sprinkling of sweet romance.
Rachael writes her books at the kitchen table – all four of her children are grown up now, but with some of them still living in the family house and everyone coming and going, there’s always something going on. The whole family of six are working together to renovate an old farmhouse in the middle of France, so summers are spent surrounded by sunflowers and pretty Limousin cows!
Six summers to fall in love. One moment to fall apart. A weekend to get it right.
They say you can never go home again, and for Persephone Fraser that has felt too true for the last decade, ever since she made the biggest mistake of her life. Instead of glittering summers on the lakeshore of her childhood, she spends them in a stylish apartment in the city, going out with friends, and keeping everyone a safe distance from her heart.
Until the day she gets a call that sends her racing back to Barry’s Bay and into the orbit of Sam Florek – the man she never thought she’d have to live without.
For six summers, through hazy afternoons on the water and warm summer nights working in his family restaurant and curling up together with books, Percy and Sam had been inseparable. And slowly that friendship turned into something breathtakingly more, before it fell spectacularly apart.
When Percy returns to the lake, their connection is as undeniable as it had always been. Percy must confront the decisions she’s made and the years she’s spent punishing herself for them, in order to determine, once and for all, whether their love might be bigger than the biggest mistakes of their past.
My Review
It’s taken me a while to discover Carley Fortune’s books and how I’m literally kicking myself for waiting to read ‘Every Summer After’ I did want to read it before the tv series arrived too!
Persperone, otherwise known as Percy gets a call to head back to Barry’s Bay after so many years away. But she had her reasons for leaving and not going back. She’s faced with her first love Sam. This book is told through what they are going through now and how they met and spent five summers together.
Omg I’m feeling so emotional after finishing ‘Every Summer After’ I binged it basically and I’m not often able to sit and read solidly for so long! It was utter perfection. I loved Percy and Sam, together and as individuals. Their story is powerful and we slowly find out what went wrong.
Seriously go and grab a copy and read it asap, you will not regret it. Yes I know the tv show is an adaptation and there are a lot of differences but that’s why you need to read the book. In this case, the book was better! Though I’ve still enjoyed the tv show too ♥️
I love the setting! What I wouldn’t give to be able to have a house like that. It’s full of heartbreaking moments and love but this story shattered me and put me back together again 🥰
I really can’t wait to read more of Carley Fortune’s books in the near future and so happy to already have them all! ✨
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Author Bio
Carley Fortune is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of EVERY SUMMER AFTER, ONE GOLDEN SUMMER, MEET ME AT THE LAKE, and THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT. Her fifth novel, OUR PERFECT STORM, is out May 5, 2026. Her books have sold more than four million copies, have been translated into 30 languages, and adapted for television.
Pippa Bell never expected to flee her own wedding — or to end up stranded on Puffin Island at the beautifully ramshackle Clockmaker’s Cottage, the perfect place to get away from it all for the summer.
Her stay gets off to a rocky start when she discovers she’s sharing with her old university nemesis, Theo Blake. But, faced with a ferocious summer storm and trapped inside the tiny house, they end up working together to discover long-buried secrets about the cottage’s original owners.
As the storm rages outside and the cottage works its magic, Pippa discovers that sometimes the best shelter is found in the most unexpected arms…
My Review
“Time matters more when you’re with the right person”
I love going back to Puffin Island! This is the sixth instalment but they can be read as standalones too.
Pippa heads to Puffin Island after fleeing her own wedding. She takes a chance to go to the clockmaker’s convention on the island and wins a stay at Clockmaker’s Cottage, but she’s sharing it with her university nemesis! What unfolds next is a lot of mystery…
I was totally sucked into this story, especially when there’s a mystery going on! I just didn’t know how it was going to pan out. I loved Pippa, the way she goes for what she wants instead of what’s expected of her is amazing and brave, and Theo he sounds like a great guy too.
I didn’t read this one too fast because I didn’t want it to end. Christie creates these worlds that are full of amazing characters and communities that you just want and need to be a part of 💖
I’d go to Puffin Island in a heartbeat. The chemistry between Theo and Pippa is off the charts from the off. I also loved going back to familiar characters which is like visiting old friends. This one is full of drama, mystery, community and most of all love 🥰
I see there’s going to be another book added to the Puffin Island series and I already can’t wait to pick it up. So in the meantime, I recommend you go and grab ‘The Clockmaker’s Cottage’ for yourself and the previous books in this wonderful series too!
Christie Barlow is one of my favourite authors I’ll just read absolutely anything she writes ✨
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Author Bio
Christie Barlow is the number one international bestselling author of twenty seven romantic comedies including the iconic Love Heart Lane Series, A Postcard from Puffin Island and The Story Shop. She lives in a ramshackle cottage in a quaint village in the heart of Staffordshire with her two dogs.
Her writing career has come as a lovely surprise when Christie decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. Christie’s dream was to become a writer and the book she wrote to prove a point went on to become a #1 international bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.
When Christie isn’t writing she enjoys playing the piano, is a keen gardener and loves to paint and upcycle furniture.
It was all part of the game plan – so why are their hearts offside?
Kansas Harris – Sas for short – has the potential to be the best agent at her father’s sports agency, and she’s figured out exactly how she’s going to prove that: by giving disgraced football star Colton Quinn an image overhaul.
Colton may have got himself in hot water during the off-season, but only he knows the real story behind what happened. Regardless, he needs to pick up his game or risk getting left off the active roster – or worse.
Leaving behind all she knows in New York, Sas arrives in Texas with a surefire plan to save Colton’s career as quickly as possible. But when she gets to know the real Colton, that may be easier said than done.
She says she’s staying in the south strictly as his agent but Colton knows how to read a play and he’s about to call her bluff.
My Review
“I love her in this moment, and I think I always will.”
I don’t know why I waited so long to read ‘A Rookie Mistake’ it’s got a cowboy and he’s an American football player too. So sports romance and cowboy romance combined… yes please!!
Colton has made some mistakes before the season began. It’s up to Sas to help him and his reputation as she works for her father’s sports agency. She has something to prove and helps Colton, he’s done things wrong but it was for a good reason…
It’s my first read by Laura and it won’t be my last. I’ve never read a combined sports and cowboy romance but I loved it. I don’t know the ins and outs of American football but I enjoyed learning bits.
Laura has created a fire of a couple in Sas and Colton. Their chemistry and connection was clear from the beginning, but of course to Sas it’s a forbidden romance ❤️🔥 the spice for me was just about the right amount.
I will definitely be reading more of Laura’s books in the near future. I’ve just gotten the second book to this series so I’m excited to read that one too 😊 this is the reason I love discovering new authors. Laura is now one of my auto buy authors 🥰
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
Author Bio
Amazon top 10 and internationally bestselling author of romcoms and sports romance, translated into multiple languages. Exploring relationships and getting under the skin of her characters is Laura’s passion. She takes inspiration from everything she loves from sports to law, from music and books to on screen romances, and from her own friends and family (shhhhhh, don’t tell them!). Laura lives in Jersey and loves nothing more than being active outdoors.
Kirsty's Book Buying Addiction 