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No Way Back
When two eligible and attractive men are vying for your heart, it should be the perfect dilemma... Audrey Fox has been dumped by her unreliable fiancé Nick Byrne just days before the wedding. Heartbroken and confused, the last thing she expects when she jumps on a plane to convalesce in Cyprus is romance. But a chance meeting with handsome entrepreneur and father-of-one Daniel Taylor weaves her into a dating game she's not sure she's ready for. Audrey's life is thrown into further turmoil when she discovers on her return to London that Nick has been involved in a serious motorcycle accident that's left him in intensive care. Distraught yet determined to look to the future, Audrey must make a decision - follow her heart or listen to well-meaning advice from family and friends? Because sometimes, no matter what, it's the people that we love who can hurt us the most...
- GenresAmazon
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2017
About the author
Kelly Florentia
12 books45 followersKelly Florentia was born and bred in north London, where she continues to live with her husband Joe. HER SECRET (2018) is her third novel and the sequel to NO WAY BACK (2017).
Kelly has always enjoyed writing and was a bit of a poet when she was younger. Before penning her debut The Magic Touch (2016), she wrote short stories for women’s magazines. To Tell a Tale or Two… is a collection of her short tales. In January 2017, her keen interest in health and fitness led to the release of Smooth Operator – a collection of twenty of her favourite smoothie recipes.
As well as writing, Kelly enjoys reading, running, drinking coffee, scoffing cakes, watching TV dramas, and spending way too much time on social media.
Website: www.kellyflorentia.com
Twitter: @kellyflorentia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KellyFlorent...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyfloren...
Kelly has always enjoyed writing and was a bit of a poet when she was younger. Before penning her debut The Magic Touch (2016), she wrote short stories for women’s magazines. To Tell a Tale or Two… is a collection of her short tales. In January 2017, her keen interest in health and fitness led to the release of Smooth Operator – a collection of twenty of her favourite smoothie recipes.
As well as writing, Kelly enjoys reading, running, drinking coffee, scoffing cakes, watching TV dramas, and spending way too much time on social media.
Website: www.kellyflorentia.com
Twitter: @kellyflorentia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KellyFlorent...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyfloren...
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 59 reviews
February 13, 2018
The first thing you notice about this book is it's beautifully striking cover and excellent printing quality which is what I've come to expect from first class publishers Urbane Publications.
Once I started reading "No Way Back" by Kelly Florentia I really couldn't put it down, I was soon immersed in Audrey's story and was very intrigued as to what was going on between her and Nick.
Audrey Fox has been dumped by her boyfriend Nick days before their wedding. Heartbroken and confused, the last thing Audrey expects when in Cyprus convalescing is a romance after a chance meeting with handsome stranger Daniel Taylor. On her return to London she discovers Nick has been involved in a near fatal accident and her emotions are thrown into turmoil. Audrey must make a decision, follow her heart or her friends and family's well meaning advice. Is there a way back for her and Nick?
I found the writing addictive, pacy and although not a crime novel there was still enough intrigue and suspicion to keep you turning the pages. There were a couple of comedy moments to keep the story light and although there was a part of the story that I did remain cynical over (that was just my opinion) it didn't spoil the story, in fact it was an interesting feature to include.
The author has such a natural writing talent with a lovely imagination and I wouldn't hesitate to read more by her in the future. "No Way Back" is an interesting and entertaining grown up romance that follows the highs and lows of friendships and relationships. It's clean, fun to read and I would certainly have no qualms in recommending this nice and light contemporary romance to readers of any age.
Without doubt a well deserved 5 stars!
Once I started reading "No Way Back" by Kelly Florentia I really couldn't put it down, I was soon immersed in Audrey's story and was very intrigued as to what was going on between her and Nick.
Audrey Fox has been dumped by her boyfriend Nick days before their wedding. Heartbroken and confused, the last thing Audrey expects when in Cyprus convalescing is a romance after a chance meeting with handsome stranger Daniel Taylor. On her return to London she discovers Nick has been involved in a near fatal accident and her emotions are thrown into turmoil. Audrey must make a decision, follow her heart or her friends and family's well meaning advice. Is there a way back for her and Nick?
I found the writing addictive, pacy and although not a crime novel there was still enough intrigue and suspicion to keep you turning the pages. There were a couple of comedy moments to keep the story light and although there was a part of the story that I did remain cynical over (that was just my opinion) it didn't spoil the story, in fact it was an interesting feature to include.
The author has such a natural writing talent with a lovely imagination and I wouldn't hesitate to read more by her in the future. "No Way Back" is an interesting and entertaining grown up romance that follows the highs and lows of friendships and relationships. It's clean, fun to read and I would certainly have no qualms in recommending this nice and light contemporary romance to readers of any age.
Without doubt a well deserved 5 stars!
February 2, 2019
Audrey is left heartbroken and bewildered when Fiancé Nick calls off their wedding, mere days before. Previously he had got cold feet but they had still planned on getting married. Why has he left her devastated when he says he still loves her and no one else is involved.
Audrey is a very likeable character. I feel women will relate to her as she is a real woman that is not stick thin, she has weaknesses and makes mistakes like everyone else does. I warmed to Audrey and was hoping that she would have a happy ending.
When Audrey starts dating property developer Daniel, she finds her feelings torn between Nick and Daniel.
There are lots of twists that I didn’t see coming and life shattering secrets strewn along the way. I was totally addicted to this engaging style of writing. It was so much more than you’re average romance novel and very easy to read. It incorporates the highs and lows of friendship, and relationships, it is sometimes sad but very witty.
Excuse me as I’m desperate to start the next book in the series “Her Secret” so don’t expect to hear from me for a few hours. Hanging my do not disturb sign on the door!!
Audrey is a very likeable character. I feel women will relate to her as she is a real woman that is not stick thin, she has weaknesses and makes mistakes like everyone else does. I warmed to Audrey and was hoping that she would have a happy ending.
When Audrey starts dating property developer Daniel, she finds her feelings torn between Nick and Daniel.
There are lots of twists that I didn’t see coming and life shattering secrets strewn along the way. I was totally addicted to this engaging style of writing. It was so much more than you’re average romance novel and very easy to read. It incorporates the highs and lows of friendship, and relationships, it is sometimes sad but very witty.
Excuse me as I’m desperate to start the next book in the series “Her Secret” so don’t expect to hear from me for a few hours. Hanging my do not disturb sign on the door!!
July 25, 2018
4 'I liked it' stars
I've never read this author before and I had this in my wishlist for a while. Probably because of a review I read somewhere. The beginning was a little wobbly - took me a minute to get my bearings and then I had a little confusion about who was who (the h, 40-year old Audrey, has family and friends.) They are introduced fairly early on because Audrey's boyfriend of 8 years, 36-year old Nick, calls off their impending wedding after invitations, dress, venue, deposits, etc. Nick gives the excuse that he is not ready and wants to continue as they are for a while. Audrey tells him to leave their hotel room on the island where they will be married and honeymoon
While out with her parents, she drinks a little too much and falls into the lap of a guy, 50-year old Daniel, and loses one of her Laboutins. He returns it and in his note, he calls her Cinderella. Audrey's mom tries to push the relationship. On her way to the airport to return to the UK, Audrey finds out that Nick was in a motorcycle accident and in a coma.
As I said the very beginning was a little wobbly but I became engrossed and entertained in this story. While not a thriller/mystery, some of the plot threads kept me guessing and "what????" Just as I thought and felt a certain way, something else would happen or be explained and I would change my mind. I did not expect the cliffie in the final chapter, but it was a huge drop for me...I had no idea and immediately began searching for the next one. I believe it will be out soon and this is why this book was dropped to $0.99 and free on KU. If it had been available, I would've started it immediately. For those of you who don't know, I don't like cliffies and if a book has them, I usually collect a few of the books in the series so I can read straight through. I processed my thoughts overnight and I am giving this 4 stars. There is a little bit for almost everyone - including a close family, good and not so good friends, secrets, , etc. The plot contains a lot of twists and turns, so those looking for an easy romance may be a little disappointed.
If anyone knows anything about Her Secret and when it will be released or anything about it at all, please let me know - much appreciated!
I've never read this author before and I had this in my wishlist for a while. Probably because of a review I read somewhere. The beginning was a little wobbly - took me a minute to get my bearings and then I had a little confusion about who was who (the h, 40-year old Audrey, has family and friends.) They are introduced fairly early on because Audrey's boyfriend of 8 years, 36-year old Nick, calls off their impending wedding after invitations, dress, venue, deposits, etc. Nick gives the excuse that he is not ready and wants to continue as they are for a while. Audrey tells him to leave their hotel room on the island where they will be married and honeymoon
While out with her parents, she drinks a little too much and falls into the lap of a guy, 50-year old Daniel, and loses one of her Laboutins. He returns it and in his note, he calls her Cinderella. Audrey's mom tries to push the relationship. On her way to the airport to return to the UK, Audrey finds out that Nick was in a motorcycle accident and in a coma.
As I said the very beginning was a little wobbly but I became engrossed and entertained in this story. While not a thriller/mystery, some of the plot threads kept me guessing and "what????" Just as I thought and felt a certain way, something else would happen or be explained and I would change my mind. I did not expect the cliffie in the final chapter, but it was a huge drop for me...I had no idea and immediately began searching for the next one. I believe it will be out soon and this is why this book was dropped to $0.99 and free on KU. If it had been available, I would've started it immediately. For those of you who don't know, I don't like cliffies and if a book has them, I usually collect a few of the books in the series so I can read straight through. I processed my thoughts overnight and I am giving this 4 stars. There is a little bit for almost everyone - including a close family, good and not so good friends, secrets, , etc. The plot contains a lot of twists and turns, so those looking for an easy romance may be a little disappointed.
If anyone knows anything about Her Secret and when it will be released or anything about it at all, please let me know - much appreciated!
August 21, 2017
I really had no idea what to expect from No Way Back, I did read the blurb but having seen the cover too, I wasn't completely sure what this book was going to have in store for me....
...well what I found was a story that first and foremost was very readable, written in a style that I enjoyed. It's a story that starts in Cyprus after Audrey's wedding has been called off very last minute, and then continues in London, with the support of her friends and family.
It's a book that contains a fairly large number of characters who all had their own sub plots going on, and at times I found it slightly confusing as to who knew what about which incident, but on the whole all the various goings on added to the attraction of the book, and meant there was never a boring moment.
And yet by the end of the book I was completely hooked and couldn't bare to part with my kindle as the story reached its conclusion. I had been completely drawn into the lives of Audrey and her friends, and romantic dilemmas that I needed to know just how it would all turn out.
There is plenty of action during No Way Back, and quite a few secrets and surprises to capture your imagination too. I always find it make a nice change to be surprised by a book, and No Way Back certainly did that, and it makes you think about relationships in general too.
Thank you to Matthew Smith at Urbane Publications for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
November 7, 2017
Audrey Fox has got me hooked.
She is so relateable as a character I defy any girl not to be able to just love her
Suddenly dumped days before her wedding, we soon see her torn between two lovers and to be honest I didn't know which she choose, or in fact which one I would choose for her.
Kelly Florentia is an accomplished storyteller and this lovely romcom of a tale had me enchanted.
I love the characters and how the author gives them depth and I just adored Audrey.
There are a lot of facets to No Way Back, there is drama, there is despair and there is fun, Oh..and it's twisty. Kelly's inimitable writing style ensures this read is divine. I would love to see it as a film, I can imagine Keira Knightly as Audrey, add a bottle of wine and some friends and it would be a perfect girlie evening.
I can't wait for the sequel and see what happens next for Audrey. for me this book was a winner.
She is so relateable as a character I defy any girl not to be able to just love her
Suddenly dumped days before her wedding, we soon see her torn between two lovers and to be honest I didn't know which she choose, or in fact which one I would choose for her.
Kelly Florentia is an accomplished storyteller and this lovely romcom of a tale had me enchanted.
I love the characters and how the author gives them depth and I just adored Audrey.
There are a lot of facets to No Way Back, there is drama, there is despair and there is fun, Oh..and it's twisty. Kelly's inimitable writing style ensures this read is divine. I would love to see it as a film, I can imagine Keira Knightly as Audrey, add a bottle of wine and some friends and it would be a perfect girlie evening.
I can't wait for the sequel and see what happens next for Audrey. for me this book was a winner.
September 21, 2017
**RATING 4.5**
Simply put, I loved NO WAY BACK by Kelly Florentia.
Engaging and refreshingly realistic characters and a well-paced plot with plenty of drama and betrayals to keep you gripped from beginning to end are just some of the reasons why this story really worked for me. While I am not sure about the cover as it may give readers the impression that it is a crime fiction novel, which it definitely is not, as soon as you read the first page you will be sucked into this excellent narrative and all thoughts of covers will be forgotten.
Audrey's life is destroyed when the love of her life for the past eight years, Nick, ruthlessly calls off their wedding ten days before the actual event, leaving her abandoned and distraught. With her family and close friends urging her to move on and forget about him, Audrey is trying her best to put a brave face on it all but she cannot help how she feels. And when she discovers that Nick has been involved in a serious accident, she secretly visits him to let him know that she will be there to help him. That is until the night when she arrives and he already has a visitor...
Throwing herself into her work and being there for her friends and her family, Audrey hopes that her life will sort itself out soon, and when sexy Daniel shows his interest in her, Audrey is flattered. And the more time she spends with him, the better she begins to feel about her fresh start. But Daniel has his own baggage that is about to collide with Audrey...
Add in some deep dark secrets, betrayals of the highest order, and some drunken mistakes, and NO WAY BACK by Kelly Florentia is everything you need in a good book and more. Audrey has this black and white view of so many things but as the story develops and the messiness of life becomes clearer to her, Audrey starts to understand that nothing in life is straight-forward. With plenty of emotional moments, and twists and turns along the way, NO WAY BACK by Kelly Florentia really is a cracker of a story and I look forward to more from this author!!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
Simply put, I loved NO WAY BACK by Kelly Florentia.
Engaging and refreshingly realistic characters and a well-paced plot with plenty of drama and betrayals to keep you gripped from beginning to end are just some of the reasons why this story really worked for me. While I am not sure about the cover as it may give readers the impression that it is a crime fiction novel, which it definitely is not, as soon as you read the first page you will be sucked into this excellent narrative and all thoughts of covers will be forgotten.
Audrey's life is destroyed when the love of her life for the past eight years, Nick, ruthlessly calls off their wedding ten days before the actual event, leaving her abandoned and distraught. With her family and close friends urging her to move on and forget about him, Audrey is trying her best to put a brave face on it all but she cannot help how she feels. And when she discovers that Nick has been involved in a serious accident, she secretly visits him to let him know that she will be there to help him. That is until the night when she arrives and he already has a visitor...
Throwing herself into her work and being there for her friends and her family, Audrey hopes that her life will sort itself out soon, and when sexy Daniel shows his interest in her, Audrey is flattered. And the more time she spends with him, the better she begins to feel about her fresh start. But Daniel has his own baggage that is about to collide with Audrey...
Add in some deep dark secrets, betrayals of the highest order, and some drunken mistakes, and NO WAY BACK by Kelly Florentia is everything you need in a good book and more. Audrey has this black and white view of so many things but as the story develops and the messiness of life becomes clearer to her, Audrey starts to understand that nothing in life is straight-forward. With plenty of emotional moments, and twists and turns along the way, NO WAY BACK by Kelly Florentia really is a cracker of a story and I look forward to more from this author!!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
October 29, 2017
A must buy-must read. I can honestly tell you all that No Way Back, is the best book I've read in a very long time. What a talented writer Kelly Florentia is. The front cover with red high heels is absolutely gorgeous and very eye catching, there's even on every page delightfully printed, girls best friend a high heel shoe. This how much I loved reading No Way Back I'm definitely going to read the sequel to No way back.
Talk about roll the dice. Audrey Fox was very happy she was getting married to her fiancé Nick Bryne. But Nick is about to destroy Audrey's happiness. He calls the wedding off. Nick swears that there is no one else. Now where have we heard that old one before? Off course Nick claims he just isn't ready for marriage yet. The story is going to take a delicious stir where affairs are a constant glow to read about with the drama that unfolds to these charming, believable characters.
Talk about roll the dice. Audrey Fox was very happy she was getting married to her fiancé Nick Bryne. But Nick is about to destroy Audrey's happiness. He calls the wedding off. Nick swears that there is no one else. Now where have we heard that old one before? Off course Nick claims he just isn't ready for marriage yet. The story is going to take a delicious stir where affairs are a constant glow to read about with the drama that unfolds to these charming, believable characters.
September 20, 2017
This was one of those times when I picked up a book and dived straight in without reading the blurb first. The striking cover – which really does match the story perfectly – rather made me think it might be a thriller, but instead I found I was reading “intelligent, grown-up romance” (a quote from author Louise Douglas), and enjoying it very much. I took to Audrey straight away – in Cyprus, heartbroken and hungover on what should have been her wedding day, her hopes and plans in tatters. What follows is a really engaging story where Audrey teeters on the edge of reconciliation with ex-fiance Nick, finds a rather enticing alternative in Daniel, and uncovers layers of secrets and lies as she lives her life in her rather chaotic way, surrounded by friends and family.
Audrey really is a great character, wonderfully warm and funny, and there are others. I particularly loved her mother – beautifully described, totally real, with moments that make you cringe. The female friendships are very well drawn too – in their positives and negatives. If I have any criticism (and it’s only a minor one) there might just have been a few too many characters: sometimes a name would crop up and I couldn’t place the relationship – friend, someone’s partner, or work colleague.
The writing is excellent, very readable with perfect pace, all the story’s convoluted twists and turns handled very well – there were real surprises, people behaving badly, and this was a book I read with real involvement, hoping Audrey would take the right advice and that her decisions would be the right ones. I very much enjoyed this one – and I look forward to reading more from Kelly Florentia.
Audrey really is a great character, wonderfully warm and funny, and there are others. I particularly loved her mother – beautifully described, totally real, with moments that make you cringe. The female friendships are very well drawn too – in their positives and negatives. If I have any criticism (and it’s only a minor one) there might just have been a few too many characters: sometimes a name would crop up and I couldn’t place the relationship – friend, someone’s partner, or work colleague.
The writing is excellent, very readable with perfect pace, all the story’s convoluted twists and turns handled very well – there were real surprises, people behaving badly, and this was a book I read with real involvement, hoping Audrey would take the right advice and that her decisions would be the right ones. I very much enjoyed this one – and I look forward to reading more from Kelly Florentia.
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October 6, 2017
I don’t know what I was expecting from No Way Back but I was very, VERY pleasantly surprised by it! It was a much more “mature” romantic comedy than I had thought it would be from the blurb, coming at its reader with a bittersweet edge that will appeal to all those who have maybe become jaded by formulaic love stories and are looking for something with a little added depth.
I absolutely adored Audrey from the very first moment we meet her. She is in Cyprus with her parents (I have huge aspirations to be like Audrey’s mother-I’m even tempted to take up hot yoga now!!) and trying to come to terms with having been dumped 10 days before her wedding to her fiance Nick. A chance encounter with a rather sexy Prince Charming (the cover will also make much more sense once you read the book) may lead to her true happy ever after but arriving back in the UK, Audrey learns that Nick has had a serious accident and she decides she needs to visit him. This then leads to a plethora of shocking revelations and Audrey realises that her future may not be as clear cut as she had thought.
The twists and turns in No Way Back really kept me on my toes as the plot weaved its way around scenarios I really hadn’t been expecting! I had no idea who Audrey was going to end up with as both men seemed to be hiding secrets from her and my opinions changed back and forth constantly as to who I thought was the best man for her! And there was a huge cast of characters each with their own problems to solve, although I have to say that I wish there had been less of them at times (characters not problems!!) as occasionally I had to flick back to work out who they were and where Audrey knew them from.
But I have to say that, apart from that small niggle I absolutely loved this sophisticated romcom that kept me captivated throughout. It was refreshing to have an endearing, mature heroine who was funny and likable whilst still maintaining an air of vulnerability at times. So I was delighted to find out at the end of No Way Back that Kelly Florentia is going to be writing a sequel which hopefully means more drama from Audrey and her complex love life in the near future.
I absolutely adored Audrey from the very first moment we meet her. She is in Cyprus with her parents (I have huge aspirations to be like Audrey’s mother-I’m even tempted to take up hot yoga now!!) and trying to come to terms with having been dumped 10 days before her wedding to her fiance Nick. A chance encounter with a rather sexy Prince Charming (the cover will also make much more sense once you read the book) may lead to her true happy ever after but arriving back in the UK, Audrey learns that Nick has had a serious accident and she decides she needs to visit him. This then leads to a plethora of shocking revelations and Audrey realises that her future may not be as clear cut as she had thought.
The twists and turns in No Way Back really kept me on my toes as the plot weaved its way around scenarios I really hadn’t been expecting! I had no idea who Audrey was going to end up with as both men seemed to be hiding secrets from her and my opinions changed back and forth constantly as to who I thought was the best man for her! And there was a huge cast of characters each with their own problems to solve, although I have to say that I wish there had been less of them at times (characters not problems!!) as occasionally I had to flick back to work out who they were and where Audrey knew them from.
But I have to say that, apart from that small niggle I absolutely loved this sophisticated romcom that kept me captivated throughout. It was refreshing to have an endearing, mature heroine who was funny and likable whilst still maintaining an air of vulnerability at times. So I was delighted to find out at the end of No Way Back that Kelly Florentia is going to be writing a sequel which hopefully means more drama from Audrey and her complex love life in the near future.
May 21, 2018
This is my first book byKelly Florentia and it didn't disappoint. I finished it in less than a week which is good going for me!!
The story itself was very readable and centred around Audrey Fox who has just had her wedding called off at the last minute.
There are quite a few characters in the book which at times I struggled with but each one as their own characteristics which add to enriching the story .
This novel centres on the fact that life never really works out as you'd planned it and that life is short so we should try to find happiness when we can. The subject of betrayal, heartache and rebuilding your life is very well portrayed and living life after such events!!
This book has many twists and turns which had me hooked so I felt I didn't want it to end. I hope we hear more about Audrey Fox and how her life works out.
Thanks to Netgallery and the publishers for giving me the chance to read this great book for an honest review. Publication date 21 September 😊
The story itself was very readable and centred around Audrey Fox who has just had her wedding called off at the last minute.
There are quite a few characters in the book which at times I struggled with but each one as their own characteristics which add to enriching the story .
This novel centres on the fact that life never really works out as you'd planned it and that life is short so we should try to find happiness when we can. The subject of betrayal, heartache and rebuilding your life is very well portrayed and living life after such events!!
This book has many twists and turns which had me hooked so I felt I didn't want it to end. I hope we hear more about Audrey Fox and how her life works out.
Thanks to Netgallery and the publishers for giving me the chance to read this great book for an honest review. Publication date 21 September 😊
August 13, 2019
Audrey Fox is lost and devastated when her wedding is called off by professional photographer Nick, her fiancé of eight years. It seems he’s not ready for marriage, unable to make the final commitment and wants to carry on as they are. Audrey’s having none of it—it’s now or never. So there she is, spending what should have been her wedding day in Cyprus, with her parents at their rented villa. It was something she could never have envisaged, and to make matters worse she had the hangover from hell. Things were made even more surreal when a bombshell was dropped into the conversation during dinner.
Audrey has vague recollections of the evening that preceded the hangover—a handsome man, a lost shoe, lots of dancing and drinking…and making a fool of herself. She’s mortified when Daniel, the man who’s lap she fell into, speaks to her as she spends her last day in Cyprus on the beach, telling her he handed her lost shoe to the manager of the restaurant.
As she’s returning to London, Audrey learns Nick has been in a serious motorcycle accident and is now in a coma. Her secretive visits to Nick lead to some unexpected, and very unwelcome, discoveries and situations. Meanwhile her mother is doing her best to get Audrey and Daniel together. Audrey’s future is looking more complicated than she ever thought possible.
There’s quite a lot going on in this story with a large cast of characters, all with their own stories playing out alongside Audrey’s, and with some surprising links. Audrey begins to wonder who she can trust. There are secrets, betrayals, dramas and complications.
I enjoyed the flowing, quite fast paced plot and easy reading style. It makes a refreshing change to have a more mature main character who doesn’t have the perfect body and hair that always behaves itself, whatever the weather. The characters are well crafted, giving a good insight into what makes them tick. Kelly Florentia has achieved a good balance between humour and emotional impact. Audrey has choices to make and the ending is open to interpretation…but luckily the sequel is already published. I loved the relevance of the cover, too…and that pop of red.
I chose to read and review No Way Back based on a digital copy of the book, kindly supplied by the author.
Audrey has vague recollections of the evening that preceded the hangover—a handsome man, a lost shoe, lots of dancing and drinking…and making a fool of herself. She’s mortified when Daniel, the man who’s lap she fell into, speaks to her as she spends her last day in Cyprus on the beach, telling her he handed her lost shoe to the manager of the restaurant.
As she’s returning to London, Audrey learns Nick has been in a serious motorcycle accident and is now in a coma. Her secretive visits to Nick lead to some unexpected, and very unwelcome, discoveries and situations. Meanwhile her mother is doing her best to get Audrey and Daniel together. Audrey’s future is looking more complicated than she ever thought possible.
There’s quite a lot going on in this story with a large cast of characters, all with their own stories playing out alongside Audrey’s, and with some surprising links. Audrey begins to wonder who she can trust. There are secrets, betrayals, dramas and complications.
I enjoyed the flowing, quite fast paced plot and easy reading style. It makes a refreshing change to have a more mature main character who doesn’t have the perfect body and hair that always behaves itself, whatever the weather. The characters are well crafted, giving a good insight into what makes them tick. Kelly Florentia has achieved a good balance between humour and emotional impact. Audrey has choices to make and the ending is open to interpretation…but luckily the sequel is already published. I loved the relevance of the cover, too…and that pop of red.
I chose to read and review No Way Back based on a digital copy of the book, kindly supplied by the author.
September 24, 2017
Ok this one drove me up a wall and made me dance with joy. Hated it then loved it and back again. What a ride. On one hand I agreed with Audry and then I thought she was a dumb ass. Ugh. I won't say anymore, or as to how I felt about the ending...don't want to spoil it for my buddies. Give this one a try! It was definitely different. Bravo
January 13, 2018
You wouldn’t think there would be much of a story to tell here. Audrey has 2 gorgeous bachelors vying for her affections: one is Daniel, a handsome international property dealer, owner of his own business, master of the romantic gesture and buyer of designer footwear. The other is Nick, her ex-fiance who dumped her just days before their wedding. Easy choice you’d think. However when Audrey learns that Nick has been seriously injured in a motorbike accident on the eve of what would have been their wedding day her already frazzled emotions go into overdrive and she is very confused as to how she feels about him.
Audrey is a very relatable, likeable character who I could really connect with. Her friends and family are constantly offering their advice as to whether she should try and mend her relationship with Nick or make a new start with Daniel and she really is torn between the two men and what they can offer her. Life with Daniel isn’t as clear cut as it would at first seem with his daughter and ex-wife Aliki still very much on the scene and playing a bigger part in Audrey’s life than her friends realise. As the story pans out lies and deceit start to appear from all angles and Audrey starts to wonder just who she can trust. I really wanted to dislike Nick after the way he dumped Audrey but there’s something about him that is quite addictive and I could understand why she was so unsure about letting him back into her life. Daniel however is a different character altogether and where on the surface I felt like he should make ideal husband material there were facets to his personality I couldn’t quite feel at ease with.
I managed to work out certain aspects of the storyline but other more shocking threads of the story hadn’t featured on my radar at all, and things come to a quite explosive climax in a huge argument involving many of the fairly numerous cast of characters. I found this to be an enjoyable book but I’m still not sure whether I the ending quite worked for me personally.
I cannot finish this review without mentioning the stunning cover artwork which links beautifully with the storyline. It’s not the first time Urbane publishers have sold a book to me purely with a drop dead gorgeous cover design and I’m sure it won’t be the last.
This review will be available at www.sandiesbookshelves.blogspot.co.uk
Audrey is a very relatable, likeable character who I could really connect with. Her friends and family are constantly offering their advice as to whether she should try and mend her relationship with Nick or make a new start with Daniel and she really is torn between the two men and what they can offer her. Life with Daniel isn’t as clear cut as it would at first seem with his daughter and ex-wife Aliki still very much on the scene and playing a bigger part in Audrey’s life than her friends realise. As the story pans out lies and deceit start to appear from all angles and Audrey starts to wonder just who she can trust. I really wanted to dislike Nick after the way he dumped Audrey but there’s something about him that is quite addictive and I could understand why she was so unsure about letting him back into her life. Daniel however is a different character altogether and where on the surface I felt like he should make ideal husband material there were facets to his personality I couldn’t quite feel at ease with.
I managed to work out certain aspects of the storyline but other more shocking threads of the story hadn’t featured on my radar at all, and things come to a quite explosive climax in a huge argument involving many of the fairly numerous cast of characters. I found this to be an enjoyable book but I’m still not sure whether I the ending quite worked for me personally.
I cannot finish this review without mentioning the stunning cover artwork which links beautifully with the storyline. It’s not the first time Urbane publishers have sold a book to me purely with a drop dead gorgeous cover design and I’m sure it won’t be the last.
This review will be available at www.sandiesbookshelves.blogspot.co.uk
February 11, 2018
There are some things I really like about this book and some things I am a bit unhappy about.
The ending, without revealing anything was to me a bit of a let down. It's a let's leave them to it sort of thing to me anyway. I still had questions, how would they overcome certain situations. There was a summary of other people who had interacted with the main character, Audery, and what the outcome was for their lives but a sort of this is the situation, now we leave her get her happiness. Not enough for me. As an example, at some point she feels whoever she ends up with she was going to be playing second fiddle so how could she be good with that.
I liked the writing was so British, I am based in the UK so familiar terms and language was really great.
There is a lot going on in this book, not just things going on with the main character and all these events end up linked in one way or another, which was clever, with a few shock reveals too.
I wasn't happy with Daniel's daughter and her actions at a certain point and I wasn't sure what the truth of some events were. Was Daniel lying? Who knows?
I loved the writing style, there was loads going on, I thought this was well written as it can be easy to loose the main thread of the story but that didn't happen.
I felt there was opportunity to have more books about sub characters as they had interesting things going on too.
Apparently after asking the author about the ending, she said there is a book 2 which will continue the story. I really wish authors would warn readers about the end/more books in the blurb.
The ending, without revealing anything was to me a bit of a let down. It's a let's leave them to it sort of thing to me anyway. I still had questions, how would they overcome certain situations. There was a summary of other people who had interacted with the main character, Audery, and what the outcome was for their lives but a sort of this is the situation, now we leave her get her happiness. Not enough for me. As an example, at some point she feels whoever she ends up with she was going to be playing second fiddle so how could she be good with that.
I liked the writing was so British, I am based in the UK so familiar terms and language was really great.
There is a lot going on in this book, not just things going on with the main character and all these events end up linked in one way or another, which was clever, with a few shock reveals too.
I wasn't happy with Daniel's daughter and her actions at a certain point and I wasn't sure what the truth of some events were. Was Daniel lying? Who knows?
I loved the writing style, there was loads going on, I thought this was well written as it can be easy to loose the main thread of the story but that didn't happen.
I felt there was opportunity to have more books about sub characters as they had interesting things going on too.
Apparently after asking the author about the ending, she said there is a book 2 which will continue the story. I really wish authors would warn readers about the end/more books in the blurb.
August 6, 2017
This is a contemporary women's fiction / romance set primarily in London . Audrey Fox is the main character of the story , she has recently been let down by her fiancé just before their wedding and has had her heart well and truly battered . But as one door closes another opens in the form of the gorgeous Daniel, business man and single father.
This was a really enjoyable story with lost love , fresh starts , forgiveness and more then a few shocks for the reader, also have the tissues handy ! I love a story that catches me by surprise and this did exactly that . Audrey was a great character , I was backing her all the way , she is a loyal friend and a good person who has had lots of horrible things aimed her way so I was rooting for her to the very end , I wanted to see her shine !
This was a one sit read for me and I can't recommend it highly enough ,sleep, who needs it anyway ;0) .I just had to know how it would end ,and if Audrey would get her happy ever after ! I loved it!
I received this book in exchange for a review . This book is being published by Urbane Publications on September 21st and will be available from all good bookshops then . This is the first book in a sequel .
This was a really enjoyable story with lost love , fresh starts , forgiveness and more then a few shocks for the reader, also have the tissues handy ! I love a story that catches me by surprise and this did exactly that . Audrey was a great character , I was backing her all the way , she is a loyal friend and a good person who has had lots of horrible things aimed her way so I was rooting for her to the very end , I wanted to see her shine !
This was a one sit read for me and I can't recommend it highly enough ,sleep, who needs it anyway ;0) .I just had to know how it would end ,and if Audrey would get her happy ever after ! I loved it!
I received this book in exchange for a review . This book is being published by Urbane Publications on September 21st and will be available from all good bookshops then . This is the first book in a sequel .
October 31, 2017
I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for my review. Audrey Fox has been with Nick for years, when he suddenly dumps her just days before their wedding. Crushed, Audrey rushes into the arms of Daniel Taylor, but a part of her is still confused and crushed that Nick dumped her. When Nick is involved in a serious car accident, Audrey can't help but visit him at the hospital. As secrets are revealed, Audrey learns the reasons behind the break up and finds herself in a love triangle.
I didn't realize that this was part of a series, so I was disappointed by the cliff-hanger ending. Other than that, I thought it was suspenseful and I was cheering for both of Audrey's choices! A good story and I will look to read the rest of the series.
I didn't realize that this was part of a series, so I was disappointed by the cliff-hanger ending. Other than that, I thought it was suspenseful and I was cheering for both of Audrey's choices! A good story and I will look to read the rest of the series.
September 11, 2017
Being familiar Kelly Florentia’s work such The Magic Touch and some of her short story collections from a couple of years back, I looked forward to reading No Way Back.
From the cover I imagined this story to be a tad more serious than usual – a pair of red shoes set against a black and white image not only makes it striking but intriguing too.
I do enjoy Kelly’s style of writing, it’s reader-friendly quite fast-paced where it needs to be and each character is memorable.
So, the story leaps straight into the moment where Audrey is in Cyprus with her family, recovering from a broken heart after her fiancé, Nick, decides not to go forward with the wedding. While in Cyprus she has a brief encounter with Daniel Taylor, a property developer whose lap she happens to fall into after having one too many drinks and a bit of dance. Embarrassed by this she quickly forgets believing he was just a handsome stranger she will never lay eyes on again.
Once the holiday is over, the story shifts to London. Here more characters are introduced; Audrey’s family, her close circle of friends such as Tina, Vicky and Nick’s cousin Ronan.
With Audrey’s mind constantly on Nick and what he has done to her, she slowly comes to terms with facing life without him, but at the same time carries a slither of hope that clings to her heart hoping that things can get back to how they used to be. But on her return back to England she quickly learns that Nick has been in a terrible accident.
Her reaction towards the accident proves her love for Nick is still strong. What she doesn’t see coming are the number of events that proceed this terrible accident will prove how much metal she has and who she ought to trust.
I have to say, this story did not disappoint. First of all I want to say that I warmed to Audrey, and this did not take long. She’s loyal, not one to rush into things and did all she could to guard her heart, although Dan showed no signs of danger.
After their encounter in Cyprus, Dan practically served himself up on a dish by sending her lovely gifts. She could have taken the opportunity to have her way with Dan and to get back at Nick, but instead chose not to.
Audrey’s loving nature meant that she was willing to work things out with Nick, and still remain loyal despite what he had done. However this appeared to change when she visited him in hospital following his accident and is faced with a situation she did not see coming.
The storyline flowed very well and the characters were introduced at a friendly pace. Reason why I say this is because there are many characters in this book but you wouldn’t notice which I believe is a sign of good writing. The scenes in The Flask were one of my many favourites as this reminded me of the scenes in SATC, where the girls would come together and whinge about men over cocktails. I often felt like I was the fifth friend sitting among them (just listening, not whinging, mind you) until at one point caught myself nodding and saying ‘Yeah! Too right!’ while rooting for Audrey.
When Daniel Taylor makes a second appearance it’s at the family dinner. Just like Audrey, I too fell in love with him. He seemed like the perfect match, easy, had a lot more going for him than that Nick. It was cute to watch the friendship between Audrey and Dan blossom (even with Connie’s attitude), while Nick tried all his might to win Audrey back.
The supporting characters were a great addition; Audrey’s mother (who’s far from maternal and impatient), although not one of my favourites, however I did enjoy her presence, complete opposite to the Dad who I thought had a heart of gold and had time for Audrey.
I couldn’t predict what was going to happen in this story, the countless twists made the second half much more compelling. Even down to the last line there’s a twist which now leaves me dribbling with delight for the next episode. (Cheers Kelly!).
No Way Back I would say is a romantic drama. There’s enough romance in it to tickle your feet and the right amount of drama to make your heart bump. Another great read by an author who takes you on a journey you don’t want to end.
I was offered an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. The book will be out on the 21st of September.
From the cover I imagined this story to be a tad more serious than usual – a pair of red shoes set against a black and white image not only makes it striking but intriguing too.
I do enjoy Kelly’s style of writing, it’s reader-friendly quite fast-paced where it needs to be and each character is memorable.
So, the story leaps straight into the moment where Audrey is in Cyprus with her family, recovering from a broken heart after her fiancé, Nick, decides not to go forward with the wedding. While in Cyprus she has a brief encounter with Daniel Taylor, a property developer whose lap she happens to fall into after having one too many drinks and a bit of dance. Embarrassed by this she quickly forgets believing he was just a handsome stranger she will never lay eyes on again.
Once the holiday is over, the story shifts to London. Here more characters are introduced; Audrey’s family, her close circle of friends such as Tina, Vicky and Nick’s cousin Ronan.
With Audrey’s mind constantly on Nick and what he has done to her, she slowly comes to terms with facing life without him, but at the same time carries a slither of hope that clings to her heart hoping that things can get back to how they used to be. But on her return back to England she quickly learns that Nick has been in a terrible accident.
Her reaction towards the accident proves her love for Nick is still strong. What she doesn’t see coming are the number of events that proceed this terrible accident will prove how much metal she has and who she ought to trust.
I have to say, this story did not disappoint. First of all I want to say that I warmed to Audrey, and this did not take long. She’s loyal, not one to rush into things and did all she could to guard her heart, although Dan showed no signs of danger.
After their encounter in Cyprus, Dan practically served himself up on a dish by sending her lovely gifts. She could have taken the opportunity to have her way with Dan and to get back at Nick, but instead chose not to.
Audrey’s loving nature meant that she was willing to work things out with Nick, and still remain loyal despite what he had done. However this appeared to change when she visited him in hospital following his accident and is faced with a situation she did not see coming.
The storyline flowed very well and the characters were introduced at a friendly pace. Reason why I say this is because there are many characters in this book but you wouldn’t notice which I believe is a sign of good writing. The scenes in The Flask were one of my many favourites as this reminded me of the scenes in SATC, where the girls would come together and whinge about men over cocktails. I often felt like I was the fifth friend sitting among them (just listening, not whinging, mind you) until at one point caught myself nodding and saying ‘Yeah! Too right!’ while rooting for Audrey.
When Daniel Taylor makes a second appearance it’s at the family dinner. Just like Audrey, I too fell in love with him. He seemed like the perfect match, easy, had a lot more going for him than that Nick. It was cute to watch the friendship between Audrey and Dan blossom (even with Connie’s attitude), while Nick tried all his might to win Audrey back.
The supporting characters were a great addition; Audrey’s mother (who’s far from maternal and impatient), although not one of my favourites, however I did enjoy her presence, complete opposite to the Dad who I thought had a heart of gold and had time for Audrey.
I couldn’t predict what was going to happen in this story, the countless twists made the second half much more compelling. Even down to the last line there’s a twist which now leaves me dribbling with delight for the next episode. (Cheers Kelly!).
No Way Back I would say is a romantic drama. There’s enough romance in it to tickle your feet and the right amount of drama to make your heart bump. Another great read by an author who takes you on a journey you don’t want to end.
I was offered an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. The book will be out on the 21st of September.
October 17, 2017
Hmmm....I find it kind of hard to rate No Way Back. I guess the first thing I can say is that I like it. I definitely don't hate it, and the writing is superb. It's just that everything is a hot mess. There is so much going on, so many secrets, so many betrayals, at the heart of the story, and I didn't fall in love with anyone except perhaps Audrey's dad. I liked many of the characters, Audrey in particular, but sigh...such a big, fat mess!
Audrey is dumped just days before her wedding to her boyfriend of eight years. She's understandably distraught, and is now taking some time off and spending it with her parents in Cyprus. It's there she meets the man who will help her pick up the pieces. But, first she'll have to finally come to the conclusion that she needs to move on with her life. Her epiphany comes when she visits the dreaded ex, the ex she still wants back, at the hospital, where he's lying in a coma after having been in an accident after he dumped her. She stays with him for days until she comes back one night and finds another woman in his room, a very pregnant woman who claims to be Nick's girlfriend...yeah...
Audrey's home in London, where she meets Daniel again, he being the Cypriot developer her parents are working with, and the man whom she met in Cyprus one night where she drunkenly landed in his lap at the restaurant where she was dining with her parents. He was a savior of sorts when he turned in her lost Louboutin, and thinking of her as Cinderella. So when he sees Audrey again at her parents' home, he's smitten all over again and pursues her with intensity. His intensity is intoxicating to Audrey and they begin a whirlwind relationship. But, he's got secrets and when those secrets bite him in the ass, will Audrey stay strong and stand by this man she barely knows? Or will she do something stupid and get herself in trouble?
I like No Way Back. It's a bit much, all the freakin secrets and some of the unlikable characters (Nick, Audrey's mom, some of her friends and family of her friends), but above all, I enjoyed the twists and turns and the bottom line that life doesn't always end up the way you may plan. I can't say I like the vagueness of the ending, though, and am really hoping the author plans on writing a sequel to answer the questions the ending brought up. And if she does write a sequel, I really, really hope there isn't a love triangle as the ending seemed to be implying. If you like your romances with heroines who aren't in their early 20s (I do!) and twists and turns, too many secrets and betrayals around every corner, 1 click No Way Back today. Just be prepared for the vague ending, though.
I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.
Audrey is dumped just days before her wedding to her boyfriend of eight years. She's understandably distraught, and is now taking some time off and spending it with her parents in Cyprus. It's there she meets the man who will help her pick up the pieces. But, first she'll have to finally come to the conclusion that she needs to move on with her life. Her epiphany comes when she visits the dreaded ex, the ex she still wants back, at the hospital, where he's lying in a coma after having been in an accident after he dumped her. She stays with him for days until she comes back one night and finds another woman in his room, a very pregnant woman who claims to be Nick's girlfriend...yeah...
Audrey's home in London, where she meets Daniel again, he being the Cypriot developer her parents are working with, and the man whom she met in Cyprus one night where she drunkenly landed in his lap at the restaurant where she was dining with her parents. He was a savior of sorts when he turned in her lost Louboutin, and thinking of her as Cinderella. So when he sees Audrey again at her parents' home, he's smitten all over again and pursues her with intensity. His intensity is intoxicating to Audrey and they begin a whirlwind relationship. But, he's got secrets and when those secrets bite him in the ass, will Audrey stay strong and stand by this man she barely knows? Or will she do something stupid and get herself in trouble?
I like No Way Back. It's a bit much, all the freakin secrets and some of the unlikable characters (Nick, Audrey's mom, some of her friends and family of her friends), but above all, I enjoyed the twists and turns and the bottom line that life doesn't always end up the way you may plan. I can't say I like the vagueness of the ending, though, and am really hoping the author plans on writing a sequel to answer the questions the ending brought up. And if she does write a sequel, I really, really hope there isn't a love triangle as the ending seemed to be implying. If you like your romances with heroines who aren't in their early 20s (I do!) and twists and turns, too many secrets and betrayals around every corner, 1 click No Way Back today. Just be prepared for the vague ending, though.
I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.
September 18, 2017
What a tangled web our lives can be and No Way Back shows this perfectly. There are so many ups and downs in Audrey's life and I really enjoyed the journey that her character goes on. It was so easy to become wrapped up in Audrey's ever increasingly complicated life. I kept hoping that things would become that little bit clearer for her and she would find her happy ending.
There are a few twists contained in this story and they really helped to keep things interesting and I loved that I was surprised along the way too. There is a great selection of characters each with different personalities who mean different things to Audrey's character. When you really get into the story it shows that everyone has secrets and you may not know everyone as well as you think you do. Things happen that can change people sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse and you get to experience this with all of the characters while reading No Way Back.
Nick and Daniel are a great contrast and I constantly kept changing my mind about these two which goes to show how well Kelly Florentia has written them. Audrey has to adapt to recent events which is going to be difficult for anyone. Especially when you imagined your life going in one direction only for it to be drastically altered.
I have to quickly mention the cover too as it really is pretty fabulous! Packed full of surprises and really interesting characters who have their flaws and a suitcase full of emotional baggage. No Way Back manages to move quickly and fluidly keeping my attention right to the very end. I cannot wait to find out what is in store for Audrey next.
No Way Back has a brilliant amount of drama, secrets and lies!
With thanks to Kelly Florentia & Urbane Publications for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
There are a few twists contained in this story and they really helped to keep things interesting and I loved that I was surprised along the way too. There is a great selection of characters each with different personalities who mean different things to Audrey's character. When you really get into the story it shows that everyone has secrets and you may not know everyone as well as you think you do. Things happen that can change people sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse and you get to experience this with all of the characters while reading No Way Back.
Nick and Daniel are a great contrast and I constantly kept changing my mind about these two which goes to show how well Kelly Florentia has written them. Audrey has to adapt to recent events which is going to be difficult for anyone. Especially when you imagined your life going in one direction only for it to be drastically altered.
I have to quickly mention the cover too as it really is pretty fabulous! Packed full of surprises and really interesting characters who have their flaws and a suitcase full of emotional baggage. No Way Back manages to move quickly and fluidly keeping my attention right to the very end. I cannot wait to find out what is in store for Audrey next.
No Way Back has a brilliant amount of drama, secrets and lies!
With thanks to Kelly Florentia & Urbane Publications for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
September 12, 2017
I was intrigued by Audrey, not just because of her name (I went to school with an Audrey in the 1950s), but also because of the wonderful picture on the cover of the book RED SHOES!!! I have always loved red shoes so had to read the story. I wasn't disappointed either. Having read most of Kelly Florentia's previous stories I knew I was in for a great read with this one.
The ins and outs of all the characters were well written and credible, although I started to dislike some of Audrey's friends the more I read. Audrey took chances and enjoyed herself but felt guilty afterwards - why? Her friends didn't feel guilty about what they did!! I really liked the sound of Audrey's new man Daniel until he lost his temper with her and although he wasn't violent, I was worried for her. He kept on buying her designer footwear too, wish I could find a man like him ;)
I read this book from start to finish in less than 2 days as it was a story I wanted to read more about. The ending though had me so surprised - I didn't see that coming at all!!! Well done Kelly a success if ever I read one!
The ins and outs of all the characters were well written and credible, although I started to dislike some of Audrey's friends the more I read. Audrey took chances and enjoyed herself but felt guilty afterwards - why? Her friends didn't feel guilty about what they did!! I really liked the sound of Audrey's new man Daniel until he lost his temper with her and although he wasn't violent, I was worried for her. He kept on buying her designer footwear too, wish I could find a man like him ;)
I read this book from start to finish in less than 2 days as it was a story I wanted to read more about. The ending though had me so surprised - I didn't see that coming at all!!! Well done Kelly a success if ever I read one!
September 14, 2017
I must say this cover quickly grabbed my attention and then when I read the synopsis this sounded like something I would like very much. I would give this book 3.5 stars. This story follows Audrey Fox in first person as she tries to heal her broken heart after her fiancé, Nick has just called of their wedding. The book opens in Cyprus where Audrey is on vacation with her parents then continues on in London and also includes a small part in Paris. This novel features quite a few characters who all seem to have quite a few secrets and their own story going on. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending of this book and definitely plan to read the sequel.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 26, 2019
Life is complicated
This book kept me guessing right to the end. A complicated story of relationships. Although the end was predictable you had to wait to be sure.
This book kept me guessing right to the end. A complicated story of relationships. Although the end was predictable you had to wait to be sure.
January 18, 2019
OMG I absolutely loved this book, twists and turns through out the book, this is the best book I’ve read in along time
September 11, 2017
Life certainly has a lot in store for Audrey and her story had me hooked from the beginning. I liked her trusting nature, and the way she was kind and supportive to her friends. However, her normally orderly life is about to be sent into turmoil. Secrets abound within this group of friends and there are a few shocking surprises in store.
I enjoyed Ms Florentia's style of writing. It's been a while since I read a women's fiction/romance book where the emphasis was on the story itself, and not on the actual sex lives of the characters and we got much more content as a result of that. There's plenty going on to keep your interest and I was excited to see how Audrey would cope with all the twists and turns coming her way. I felt great empathy, as well as sympathy, for her and was definitely cheering her on. The other characters are a mixed bunch and not all of them are likeable. An interesting set of people, many prove to be selfish or obsessed in one way or another.
Just when I was feeling confident that I knew where the story was headed, a spanner was thrown into the works. The ambiguous ending has left me wondering whether or not there will be a sequel to this book. I hope so, as I would like to know more about what the future holds.
I enjoyed Ms Florentia's style of writing. It's been a while since I read a women's fiction/romance book where the emphasis was on the story itself, and not on the actual sex lives of the characters and we got much more content as a result of that. There's plenty going on to keep your interest and I was excited to see how Audrey would cope with all the twists and turns coming her way. I felt great empathy, as well as sympathy, for her and was definitely cheering her on. The other characters are a mixed bunch and not all of them are likeable. An interesting set of people, many prove to be selfish or obsessed in one way or another.
Just when I was feeling confident that I knew where the story was headed, a spanner was thrown into the works. The ambiguous ending has left me wondering whether or not there will be a sequel to this book. I hope so, as I would like to know more about what the future holds.
September 23, 2017
I really enjoyed this novel by Kelly Florentia. No Way Back is her second full length novel. It follows the life of Audrey Fox who is heartbroken following the break-up of her relationship mere days before their wedding. Audrey and Nick have been together for eight years and Audrey was so excited and ready for her forthcoming nuptials. However, Nick has had a fairly unreliable past and calling off the wedding just proves to Audrey how unreliable he is. Audrey flees the country and stays in Cyprus with her parents to recuperate and reflect on her future.
Audrey’s heart and mind is very unsettled and Cyprus is not proving much of a distraction especially when she literally falls in the lap of wealthy and handsome businessman Daniel Taylor. Daniel turns out to be Audrey’s very own Prince Charming but is she ready to be swooned so soon?
Back home in London reality hits her hard after learning that her ex Nick is seriously ill in hospital following a motorcycle accident. Audrey is faced with a dilemma on whether to visit Nick in hospital. Her friends are set against her visiting Nick and unbeknown to Audrey they have their reasons for this and when this reason reveals a whole lot more anguish for Audrey she is confused and heartbroken even more.
The handsome businessman Daniel is also back in London and has set his sights on winning Audrey’s heart?
Daniel Taylor is a very complicated character and Audrey’s first impressions are way off the mark. But the more Audrey lets Daniel into her life the more tangled her new relationship becomes as Daniel has many secrets and until he reveals all to Audrey she cannot clear her mind of her feelings for him.
Audrey has a lovely support group of friends and family which hold many keys to this story . The sub-characters themselves experience many trials and tribulations in their own lives. Some of these moments in her friends lives were quite emotive, dealing with serious issues and the author dealt with these concerns in a sensitive manner.
For the weeks and months following the cancellation of her wedding Audrey has experienced extreme highs and lows and her heart was in turmoil. Should she go back to her ex Nick or have the charming Daniel capture her heart?
There were many twists in this tale I didn’t see coming, one minute I was hopeful and thought ‘yes, Audrey should choose him’ and then the author throws us in a completely different direction and you are left with a right quandary.
I was pleased to learn after reading this novel that Kelly Florentia will write a sequel to No Way Back. There is so much potential for a sequel and I’m excited to see which way the author will take all the main and sub-characters. No Way Back has many tears of despair, drama, intrigue, fun, frolics and warm tender moments. Great story that has left me wanting more.
Audrey’s heart and mind is very unsettled and Cyprus is not proving much of a distraction especially when she literally falls in the lap of wealthy and handsome businessman Daniel Taylor. Daniel turns out to be Audrey’s very own Prince Charming but is she ready to be swooned so soon?
Back home in London reality hits her hard after learning that her ex Nick is seriously ill in hospital following a motorcycle accident. Audrey is faced with a dilemma on whether to visit Nick in hospital. Her friends are set against her visiting Nick and unbeknown to Audrey they have their reasons for this and when this reason reveals a whole lot more anguish for Audrey she is confused and heartbroken even more.
The handsome businessman Daniel is also back in London and has set his sights on winning Audrey’s heart?
Daniel Taylor is a very complicated character and Audrey’s first impressions are way off the mark. But the more Audrey lets Daniel into her life the more tangled her new relationship becomes as Daniel has many secrets and until he reveals all to Audrey she cannot clear her mind of her feelings for him.
Audrey has a lovely support group of friends and family which hold many keys to this story . The sub-characters themselves experience many trials and tribulations in their own lives. Some of these moments in her friends lives were quite emotive, dealing with serious issues and the author dealt with these concerns in a sensitive manner.
For the weeks and months following the cancellation of her wedding Audrey has experienced extreme highs and lows and her heart was in turmoil. Should she go back to her ex Nick or have the charming Daniel capture her heart?
There were many twists in this tale I didn’t see coming, one minute I was hopeful and thought ‘yes, Audrey should choose him’ and then the author throws us in a completely different direction and you are left with a right quandary.
I was pleased to learn after reading this novel that Kelly Florentia will write a sequel to No Way Back. There is so much potential for a sequel and I’m excited to see which way the author will take all the main and sub-characters. No Way Back has many tears of despair, drama, intrigue, fun, frolics and warm tender moments. Great story that has left me wanting more.
September 14, 2017
As soon as I saw this cover and read the blurb, I just knew that this was the book for me, and that I'd love it. Well, I was right. It's a fantastic read that got my attention from the very first page.
No Way Back focuses upon the likeable and energetic character of Audrey Fox. Her life has not turned out as she planned it, and at the beginning of the book we learn that her fiancé, Nick, had ended their engagement only days before the wedding. In an attempt to heal her wounds, Audrey joins her mother and father in Cyprus for a short break. This opening sets the scene beautifully. We learn of Audrey's relationship with her parents, while enjoying the beautiful descriptions of Cypriot life.
The action then switches to London, where Audrey lives in a flat, and we follow her as she begins to get her life back on track. We meet lots of Audrey's friends, and although there are a lot of faces and names to remember, the author writes with such skill, that all are memorable and all are important.
This novel is predominantly about finding happiness, about being happy with life and living life. Audrey's preconceptions of how she had hoped her life to be were abruptly shattered when her relationship ended. But what this novel's core is all about, is that life never quite works out as you planned it. Audrey is most certainly a force to be reckoned with, and the novel works so well because of her. She is a likeable character, and although she makes mistakes, we want her to be happy. I desperately felt her pain at the loss of her relationship, but jumped for joy when she met Daniel, the man who enters her life in the most unexpected of ways. I liked Daniel and everything he stood for, but like Audrey, he too had his faults.
This is a very well written novel, packed with interesting characters, a complex and winding storyline which makes the book a very enjoyable read. There are so many surprises in this novel, and many made me gasp out loud. And as for the ending, well, I now can't wait to read book two in the series and find out what Audrey Fox gets up to next.
No Way Back is published on September 21st by Urbane Publications.
With thanks to the publisher who sent me a paperback copy for review purposes.
No Way Back focuses upon the likeable and energetic character of Audrey Fox. Her life has not turned out as she planned it, and at the beginning of the book we learn that her fiancé, Nick, had ended their engagement only days before the wedding. In an attempt to heal her wounds, Audrey joins her mother and father in Cyprus for a short break. This opening sets the scene beautifully. We learn of Audrey's relationship with her parents, while enjoying the beautiful descriptions of Cypriot life.
The action then switches to London, where Audrey lives in a flat, and we follow her as she begins to get her life back on track. We meet lots of Audrey's friends, and although there are a lot of faces and names to remember, the author writes with such skill, that all are memorable and all are important.
This novel is predominantly about finding happiness, about being happy with life and living life. Audrey's preconceptions of how she had hoped her life to be were abruptly shattered when her relationship ended. But what this novel's core is all about, is that life never quite works out as you planned it. Audrey is most certainly a force to be reckoned with, and the novel works so well because of her. She is a likeable character, and although she makes mistakes, we want her to be happy. I desperately felt her pain at the loss of her relationship, but jumped for joy when she met Daniel, the man who enters her life in the most unexpected of ways. I liked Daniel and everything he stood for, but like Audrey, he too had his faults.
This is a very well written novel, packed with interesting characters, a complex and winding storyline which makes the book a very enjoyable read. There are so many surprises in this novel, and many made me gasp out loud. And as for the ending, well, I now can't wait to read book two in the series and find out what Audrey Fox gets up to next.
No Way Back is published on September 21st by Urbane Publications.
With thanks to the publisher who sent me a paperback copy for review purposes.
December 11, 2017
No Way Back is the second novel by Kelly Florentia, and follows Audrey Fox as she has to deal with two men in her life plus the problems of friends and family. This is a brilliant book, I couldn't put it down one I started it, I was hooked from the first page. This plot is fast paced with quite a few twists and turns in the lives of Audrey and her friends and family. There are laughs along the way but Kelly also touches on more difficult topics of post natal depression, infertility, and cancer. Kelly writes with such an ease, the plot flows seamlessly which makes this book a joy to read.
What makes this book so readable is the normality of the characters and the situations. Audrey is the kind of person you want to be friends with; she is in her forties, as her mother likes to remind her frequently, single again, and even though she has her own problems she also has time for her friends when that are in need. I loved the fact that she wasn't this attractive, slim perfect woman as in so many books; Audrey's hair frizzes, she has put on weight so some of her clothes don't fit and frequently seems to look frazzled. She is a girl after my own heart with her love of designer shoes, and a new love interest who buys the for her. There is a brilliant cast of supporting characters; George her brother and Vicky his tired and harrased wife, Tina a flirt, Louise her closest friend and her nineteen year old daughter Jess; all of whom had their own problems, and were very down to earth. By the end of the book these people felt like my friends.
No Way Back is a book I loved, it has romance, humour, secrets, lies and designer shoes. It is a brilliant read, with engaging characters and a plot line that will grip you from the first word to the last. After finishing the book I was straight on Messenger to Kelly asking about the sequel which will be published in May 2018. She sent me a teaser and it sounds brilliant, but she wouldn't tell me anything even though I tried to press her; it is very frustrating. I think Kelly Florentia is an author to look out for in the future.
What makes this book so readable is the normality of the characters and the situations. Audrey is the kind of person you want to be friends with; she is in her forties, as her mother likes to remind her frequently, single again, and even though she has her own problems she also has time for her friends when that are in need. I loved the fact that she wasn't this attractive, slim perfect woman as in so many books; Audrey's hair frizzes, she has put on weight so some of her clothes don't fit and frequently seems to look frazzled. She is a girl after my own heart with her love of designer shoes, and a new love interest who buys the for her. There is a brilliant cast of supporting characters; George her brother and Vicky his tired and harrased wife, Tina a flirt, Louise her closest friend and her nineteen year old daughter Jess; all of whom had their own problems, and were very down to earth. By the end of the book these people felt like my friends.
No Way Back is a book I loved, it has romance, humour, secrets, lies and designer shoes. It is a brilliant read, with engaging characters and a plot line that will grip you from the first word to the last. After finishing the book I was straight on Messenger to Kelly asking about the sequel which will be published in May 2018. She sent me a teaser and it sounds brilliant, but she wouldn't tell me anything even though I tried to press her; it is very frustrating. I think Kelly Florentia is an author to look out for in the future.
September 23, 2017
No Way Back is a refreshingly mature romance novel. It does not have a cheesy undertone. It’s realistic and with the right amount of accompanying humour, the book works perfectly. You will love the cover with it’s black and white photograph and pop of red colour embossing on the high-heeled shoes. The pages have a shoe detailed design which I enjoyed. It’s quite a long read for a romance novel at 329 pages. But there are lot’s of characters and storylines throughout the book and it's well written and never a struggle to read.
The premise of the book is Audrey being jilted by her fiance of 8 years Nick, just days before their wedding. Then a few weeks later Nick is in a coma after a terrible wreck and Audrey goes to see him and tries to imagine if she could ever forgive him and start again. But a few bumps happen along the way.
I love the modern day references in the book they make a real personal connection with the reader. I liked Audrey a lot she’s not your Bridget Jones type but she’s not some snobby biatch either. I think eight years to be engaged was slightly nuts, 2-3 years maybe would have been a bit more realistic.
I enjoyed Audrey's mum and dad. They reminded me of Emily and Richard Gilmore from the television series The Gilmore Girls. Audrey’s “friends” on the other hand are a varied bunch. I will let you decide which you like or not…..
I would recommend the book to everyone who is looking for a different kind of romance novel. One with a realistic grasp, believable characters and a great writing style by Kelly Florentia.
The premise of the book is Audrey being jilted by her fiance of 8 years Nick, just days before their wedding. Then a few weeks later Nick is in a coma after a terrible wreck and Audrey goes to see him and tries to imagine if she could ever forgive him and start again. But a few bumps happen along the way.
I love the modern day references in the book they make a real personal connection with the reader. I liked Audrey a lot she’s not your Bridget Jones type but she’s not some snobby biatch either. I think eight years to be engaged was slightly nuts, 2-3 years maybe would have been a bit more realistic.
I enjoyed Audrey's mum and dad. They reminded me of Emily and Richard Gilmore from the television series The Gilmore Girls. Audrey’s “friends” on the other hand are a varied bunch. I will let you decide which you like or not…..
I would recommend the book to everyone who is looking for a different kind of romance novel. One with a realistic grasp, believable characters and a great writing style by Kelly Florentia.
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