A story set in a locale so richly described in detail with characters that you are rooting for is not a book to be missed. I am ready to pack my bags and get on a plane to Corfu and I’m not a huge fan of the beach setting.

Just like Imogen, I had deep reservations and concerns about Harry’s purchase of a restaurant, sight unseen in another country. My first thought is why isn’t there some kind of power of attorney in place to ensure that these type of over the top situations don’t happen in the first place as we learn early on that Harry is suffering from a manic depressive behavior disorder. Just like Imogen, I found myself visibly cringing when, upon arrival at the restaurant, they find a dilapidated wreck needing extensive work. Lastly, just like Imogen, I began to change my opinion of this adventure once I could see the potential this restaurant has and witnessed the enthusiasm and drive in Harry to make it successful. I couldn’t do anything else but root for the guy and admire his determination to make it work and reunite his family.

I liked Panos and knew there was more beneath the stuffy shirt and tie persona he presents to the world. Once his walls began to crumble and I learned why he does what he does, a tidal wave of empathy rose up for him. His grandmother, Elpida, was a spitfire and I laughed myself silly at some of her antics and loved that she was willing to help out two English strangers get this restaurant up and running.

The only issue with this story is that it ended where it did. I would have liked a little more closure regarding Imogen and Panos. I assume they got together on a more permanent basis, but is she really going to work in her brother’s restaurant after all her dreams and ambition to work in the hotel industry? I would like to think that with Panos’ influence and contacts, she could explore that more.

My Final Verdict: I highly recommend this story to readers who like to be swept away to exotic locations to spend time with amazing characters, food and drink.

I am exactly one of those people who visit Corfu and fall in love with it - it’s impossible not to! This book is like a virtual holiday; glorious, escapist and swoony. Made me incredibly hungry (the recipes are a lush bonus, thank you) Absolutely loved it.

Really enjoyable read. Good characters and a Good story. Well worth a read. Think others will. Enjoy

Those summer nights by Mandy Baggot.
Sunshine, soft white sand and a sizzling hot millionaire – you don’t get trouble in paradise, right?

Imogen Charlton is sorted. Dead-beat husband? History. Dream job? Application sent. But then her impulsive brother, Harry, spends every last penny on a Greek restaurant in Corfu, and is determined to run it himself. It’s up to Imogen to bring him to his senses.

When sexy millionaire Panos Dimitriou offers to buy back his family taverna, Imogen wonders if all her prayers have been answered (and all her fantasies about to come true). But Harry won’t budge, and his enthusiasm is infectious.

Bright pink bougainvillea tumbling over whitewashed walls, endless blue skies, the sparkling Mediterranean; it’s hard not to fall for Corfu. And that’s not all Imogen is falling for…

As the sparks of passion fly between Imogen and Panos, is Imogen having second thoughts on selling the restaurant? And will she have to choose between love and a new dream?

This was a good read with likeable characters. I just found it slow. 3*.

This book has an interesting story, and I love anything romance related. Hope that Baggot writes more in this setting if possible!

I loved this and have since read other books by the author - i didnt and havent done a full review as it was at a time when i wasnt reviewing - it was a while ago so i feel a full review now wouldnt be accurrate. x

The scenery and food! Yum! My favourite character was Elipada. I loved her. Reminded me of my grandmother with the way she could look at you without saying a word and get her point across.

I've never been to Corfu but the descriptions of the towns, villages, and beaches brought the locations to life.

Lovely escapism summer read! Will be reading more books by Mandy Baggot soon as this was fab.

I really enjoyed the book, it has everything I love in a novel from start to finish. I can’t wait to read what the author has planned next!

Last year I read Truly Madly Greekly by Mandy, and I loved it. I read this book whilst I was on my own Greek holiday, and it really was the perfect place to read it. It may not have been Corfu, but sitting on the beach in Kos still felt like I was on that beach in Acharavi, and I couldn't help but look at the waiters in the bars and restaurants and rate them on whether I thought they looked like Panos ;)

I loved the characters in this story - Imogen was a loyal sister to Harry, I don't know how she managed to keep a cool head around her rather impulsive brother. I loved Elpida, how eager she was to help them both get the restaurant off the ground, and then of course there's Panos. What an enigma he was, cold and aloof at first, but when he started to lighten up... then things started heating up, and I don't mean in the kitchen! The chemistry between Imogen and Panos was electric, but it seemed to be leading to nowhere, with Imogen only staying for the summer, and Panos with his empire to run. I was rooting for the two of them throughout, and thankfully Elpida was there to give things a nudge too!

If you're looking for a beach read this summer, then I totally recommend this!

Greece was never on my want to visit list before, but it sure is now. What is there in Greece according to Mandy Baggot: gorgeous men, beautiful Greek Villages on the water, hilarious Greek grandmas, delicious Greek food and wine, local markets, relaxing days on sandy beaches and love.

Imogen works in a little restaurant in London but has big dreams or working for a large hotel chain. Her brother Harry is dealing with depression and bi-polar disorder. He is recently separated from his wife, but tries to spend time with his two children. When Harry tells Imogen he has purchased a restaurant in Corfu, Greece he is sure that it will bring his family back together. Imogen is horrified when she flies to Greece with Harry to find a rundown, disaster of a restaurant that he has purchased. She doesn't have the vision that he has-but his dreams soon win her round so that she can see the potential and help him to find happiness through success. She has never seen him happier than in Corfu and she will do whatever it takes to help Harry with his restaurant and his attempt to win his family back.

The characters in this book are wonderful. They are like a huge family that do whatever is necessary to help one another. I loved the grandma, Elpida and how she helped everyone with her energetic personna and her love for her community and family. Her friend Cooky was just that, a little kooky. The two Greek men, Panos and Risto, are cousins who could not be more different. Risto is just like his grandmother, warm, welcoming and helpful. Panos, the evil developer, changes his stripes from the beginning to the end of the story. Of course love has a lot to do with that.

I do not want to give anymore of the story away, but suffice it to say that dreams can come true in Greece. With a little ouzo or some Greek wine, a bozouki player and great food you never know what can happen. I am definitely going to check out more books by Mandy Baggot.

Surprisingly this was the first novel I’ve read by Mandy Baggot (I have quite a few novels purchased and waiting on my iPad) and I must say I’m sorry I waited this long! (I recently shared a review of her Christmas novel but I read this one toward the end of last year and forgot to review it!) Her writing is entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable. I enjoyed her story of Imogen and Panos and all of the lovely characters involved in their story. I enjoyed watching Harry follow his new dream to open a restaurant in Greece and all of the fun and chaos that ensued from the moment they get there. From the gorgeous man that wants to tear down the beachfront and redevelop, to the wonderful old woman that sold them the restaurant, to the local animals that appear, this story was entertaining the whole way through.

One of the main themes of the story was that family and loved ones are the most important things in life. Life is not about things, but about family and love. Dreams and people can change, and often times for the better. It is more important to listen to your heart than to work towards a misunderstood goal. It is more important to work hard and live your life than to work to prove yourself worthy.

Reading this novel made my mouth water and put me in the mood for Greek food! It made me want to book a flight and holiday on the shores of Greece.

I love Mandy Baggot's writing (my previous reviews can be found on Me, My Books and I) so I was really looking forward to getting round to this book. Did it live up to my high expectations though?

Of course it did!

The warm characters, that I have come to associate with Mandy's books, quickly pulled me into the storyline and made me keen to find out more about them. For some reason Harry was a favourite of mine, his enthusiasm made me giggle and I loved where his heart was, even when his head was running away with him. Genuine is a word that springs to mind when I think of Harry.

At this point I was looking forward to the first meeting of the two sides and had lots of questions swirling around in my head. Would they clash? Would they hit it off? Would there be some sort of foul play?

I became thoroughly caught up in the events happening before me, often I'd think the storyline was heading one way but then it would unexpectedly switch directions. It certainly kept me on my toes.

The sexual tension was palpable and exciting, just the heated kind of atmosphere I'm looking for in a romantic book.

This was a warm read that left me dreaming of beautiful beaches and delicious Greek food. Another winner from Mandy Baggot!