To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

Lara Jean keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. One for every boy she's ever loved. But when her imaginary love story becomes public knowledge, her life suddenly becomes much more complicated. The inspiration for the Netflix-hosted runaway hit film, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is a classic coming-of-age high school romance: a sweet, smart, sharply funny story about the aches and pains of growing up and falling head over heels for the very first time.

So we all know the story right? The film that was made famous by Netflix, which was amazing, but please read the book because it’s absolutely fantastic. I was a bit dubious about reading the book after a few people said it wasn’t as good as the film, but believe me it was great, I thoroughly enjoyed it just as much as I enjoyed the film. It has made me want to sit down and watch the films again. I’m desperate to dive into book 2 and 3 but I’m unsure whether to read something else first and break them up. This book had me captivated all day.

Laura Jean writes love letters, it’s her way of saying goodbye when she realises she doesn’t love a boy anymore, but they aren’t sent out, but kept for herself. One day a letter she wrote to Peter Kavinsky makes it’s way into his hands, Laura Jean is mortified, he has a girlfriend Genevieve, who is awful, like something out of Mean Girls. Laura Jean runs home to realise all the letters are missing, not just Peters. Stuff happens and they come up with an idea of pretend dating, that way Peter can get back at Gen, and Laura Jean can avoid the other letter receivers.

This book is just so nice, I love how the relationship between Laura Jean and Peter develops. I love the relationship LJ has with her sisters too but most importantly with Kitty. Oh and her Dad, who was a single parent to 3 girls after the Mum died when Kitty was little. But Peter… Oh I love him so much. He stole my heart completely (as did Noah Centineo in the movie). If you like Cheesy rom-coms you will love this book,. I really hope you love it as much as I did.

Meet Me in Hawaii by Georgia Toffolo

Where an ocean of love awaits

Malie Pukui doesn’t believe in happy ever after. After a tragedy caused her to flee her family and friends in Devon she found a fresh start in Hawaii. Here, working at a surf school, she can give back to those in need and try to overcome the greatest loss in her life.

Moved around foster homes throughout his childhood, Todd Masters has worked hard to be able to offer a brighter future to young disadvantaged children. Now he has his own charitable foundation working with a surf school in Hawaii, a job he loves, but he still can’t put his past behind him.

When Malie rescues Todd from the sea a spark ignites between them, and the two wounded souls find a common ground. But amidst the surf, sunsets and sizzling kisses, can Malie let go of her past and risk something she’d locked away forever… her heart?

I received a copy of this from the publisher Mills and Boon and Netgalley in return for an honest review.

I was very excited to get an e-arc of this one as I loved Georgia’s first book Meet Me In London. Meet Me In Hawaii was just as good. It’s set where Meet Me In London ends, but carries on with Malie, who was a best friend to Victoria, the main character in the first book. 

I liked Malie, I loved her lifestyle. How nice would it be to wake up and wander down to the sea, practise your favourite thing; surfing, then spend the rest oft he day teaching this to others. The descriptions of the surroundings were so lovely, and it made me feel all warm and sunny reading this.

I think I liked Tod better than I liked the guy in the first book (Oliver), he seems sweet. He’s kind and cares about the kids he works with. I also quite liked Malie’s godfather, and could picture him perfectly. 

The story kind of reminded me of the first one, girl meets rich boy and falls in love, but what’s wrong with that! We all need a lovely easy bit of romance don’t we.

It does mention spoilers from the first book so make sure you have read that one before picking this one up. I hope because of the way it was written about another of the friends, that Georgia carries this on and writes each of the next ones about each of the other 2 friends. 

Thank you to Mills and Boon, Netgalley, and as always, the author Georgia Toffolo.