#JoJosFrenchEscape #LorraineWilson @RomanceMinx @RaRaResources @0nemorechapter_ #publicationday #blogger

Happy publication day, Lorraine Wilson! Flights may be grounded just now, but if you’re missing venturing overseas, then this little home away from home novel may just be the ticket. Many thanks to Rachel and the publisher for the tour invite and ARC.

Trapped in paradise…

For twelve months JoJo Grant has been hiding from a secret too shameful to share. And whilst her sanctuary might be the beautiful French countryside, JoJo has a horrible feeling that her peace is about to be shattered…because bursting into her life is the hottest celebrity chef around – Callum O’Connor.

Callum knows all about JoJo’s past, her time as a reality star, the scandal that has dogged her, but he isn’t sure why she’s still hiding? After spending time with Jojo, it’s obvious to him that she has nothing to be ashamed of – she just needs to be a little braver…

But as much as JoJo likes Callum, he thrives on the glare of the outside world. Can JoJo let go of her past…with Callum by her side?

What does TWG think?

Before I delve into my nitty gritty thoughts, I want to briefly touch on the message that this story conveys as it’s something incredibly important. JoJo hasn’t had an easy time of it in regards to her love life, after finding herself splattered all over social media for all and sundry to see. Literally. Thanks to her ex boyfriend, Aiden, JoJo was put into a position that nobody should ever find themselves in. The meanings of consent, trust, misuse of power, and emotional damage, are the building blocks to the message of the storyline, and as I said above, a very important message at that. Nobody has the right to refuse you when it comes to using the word ‘NO’, and nobody should ever use you in a way where the law is being questioned.

I know that what I have written above sounds very deep and serious (that’s because it is), but there is a lot of humour to go alongside that depth. Also, if you’re a fan of the old sex scene then make yourself comfortable as there is quite a few in here! Believable and hot to trot on one hand, yet on the other hand, the use of the word ‘sex’ and ‘folds’ to describe the vaginal region had me cringing big time. For me, those words poured water over the heat and turned a highly charged scene into a ‘noooo’.

That aside, I thought the dogs were absolutely brilliant – I wish I I called my rescue dog ‘Flump’! How brilliant is that name! Barney is such a dote and reminded me of my own little Barney dog. Flumps antics with the stealing were hilarious! He, alongside the other four legged friends mentioned, were the stars of the show in my eyes. 100 percent.

I flew through this novel, and I ended up really enjoying the strong friendships and companionships that were described in such moving detail. I could tell that the author really believed in those relationships and that they were written straight from the heart.

An enjoyable read with a rough around the edges storyline that showed promise.

Buy now.

#ACornishSummerHolidayattheLittleDuckPondCafe #Promo @Rosie_Green1988 @RaRaResources #blogger

I’m not going to lie, I am finding things pretty difficult right now and my reading mojo (and checking my diary) has completely gone out of the window. I do apologise for my lack of review on my stop today, but as I nearly missed my tour stop I didnt want to ACTUALLY miss it by posting nothing so here is a promo for now. However, I WILL be reading this book and a review will follow this weekend.

Ellie’s plan to turn a neighbouring barn into a venue to teach bread-making skills is under way – but when the construction work interferes with the smooth running of the cafe, she comes up with a plan that lifts the hearts of all the Little Duck Pond Café crew. They’ll close for a month and take a well-earned break in the tiny Cornish village of Pengully Sands, where Sylvia’s sister, Agatha, owns a holiday home.

With the glorious golden sands, sparkling azure sea and an ice cream parlour only yards away, it seems like the perfect location to relax and watch the surfers riding the waves (and maybe even having a go themselves).

But when they arrive, the girls find it isn’t quite the seaside idyll they were expecting. The house is less ‘holiday home’ and more ‘creepy, dilapidated haunted house’. And the ice cream parlour is sad and run down. Gracie, who runs it, is battling problems of her own, and the last thing she needs is a group of high-spirited girls arriving to disturb the peace and isolation she has so carefully cultivated for herself. And when a handsome stranger threatens her livelihood, it seems like the last straw. Can Gracie find her happy ever after – and even make friends with the Little Duck Pond Cafe girls next door?

This definitely won’t be the relaxing break the girls had planned. But that doesn’t mean it won’t turn out to be the holiday of a lifetime!

Buy now!

#AlwaysBeenYou by Lasairiona E.McMaster @QueenOfFireLas @RaRaResources #blogtour #review

Many thanks to Rachel for inviting me to take part in the tour, and for the ARC. Here is my review:

Five thousand miles from his ex, AJ is living with Lisa’s decision to call it quits and leave both him, and Alabama behind. Upon hearing that Lisa is moving forward from their engagement with a new (and handsome!) doctor-boyfriend, AJ is confused and broken at the idea of facing life without his soul mate.

AJ finds himself at a cross roads, does he give up all hope of ever reconciling with Lisa and take a chance on love again with someone new? Or is his heart destined to be forever entwined with the beautiful Irish woman he met on the internet… who is now with another man?

What does TWG think?

If you’ve already read ‘Intimate Strangers’ and the other books in the ‘Lisa Millar’ series, then you’ll have a head start on the storyline in this book and the other two in this particular series. Why? Because ‘Always Been You’ is written from AJ’s point of view. Unlike the previous series where we were seeing things from Lisa’s point of view, the tables have now turned. I believe the correct phrase is ‘there are two sides to every story’?

Now, if you haven’t read the other series, then you have a choice whether to find out what happens from AJ’s narrative, or Lisa’s. Obviously it is definitely a good thing to see the situations from the side of the other person involved, as the emotions from that character were a lot stronger after coming from the horses mouth. There were no secondary emotions from the main character.

For me, having gone through an array of emotions reading Lisa’s side of the story, I felt a bit cheated reading this because a lot of it, if not most, I already knew. The only difference being that its written in AJ’s narrative, and that his thoughts and feelings are at the heart of the storyline this time round.

Whilst I could see the reasoning behind wanting to give AJ chance to tell his side of the story, I feel like it hasn’t done the overall storyline justice.

It was lovely to remember certain situations and characters again though. I did appreciate that as I loved the first series!

I didnt find the events as shocking or emotional as I did the first time round, however they did still stir up something within me, whatever that may be!

I love this authors work and I truly believe that she delivers emotion via her storylines as though it’s the most fragile thing ever.

Buy now.

#LibbyQuinn #Boldwoodbloggers @BoldwoodBooks @AuthorFreya @ClaireAllan @RaRaResources #Promo

So annoyed at myself for not downloading the book before it was archived. However I will buy it and review at a later date – I apologise! I am excited to be a part of the tour today though, with a promo about the book and where you can purchase it.

Libby Quinn is sick and tired of being sensible.

After years of slogging her guts out for nothing at a PR company, she finds herself redundant and about to plough every last penny of her savings into refurbishing a ramshackle shop and making her dream of owning her own bookshop become a reality.

She hopes opening ‘Once Upon A Book’ on Ivy Lane will be the perfect tribute to her beloved grandfather who instilled a love of reading and books in her from an early age.
When her love life and friendships become even more complicated – will Libby have the courage to follow her dreams? Or has she bitten off more than she can chew?

Purchase now

About the author.

Freya Kennedy lives in Derry, Northern Ireland, with her husband, two children, two cats and a mad dog called Izzy. She worked as a journalist for eighteen years before deciding to write full time. When not writing, she can be found reading, hanging out with her nieces and nephews, cleaning up after her children (a lot) and telling her dog that she loves her.

She has met Michael Buble and even kissed him. It was one of her best ever moments.

She believes in happy ever afters.

Freya Kennedy is a pen name for Claire Allan, who also writes psychological thrillers.

http://www.claireallan.com/

https://www.instagram.com/claireallan_author/

Sign up to Freya’s newsletter here:

#BarefootOnTheBeach by Katlyn Duncan (@Katlyn_Duncan) @RaRaResources #blogtour #review @HQDigitalUK

Next up is a review of ‘Barefoot On The Beach’ by Katlyn Duncan – many thanks to HQ for the ARC, and thank you to Rachel for the tour invite.

I know we all wish we could walk barefoot on the beach just now, but please do hold off a bit longer by staying at home and enjoy this read about a beach instead.

Renee Clarke is perfectly happy just the way she is…

Renee may be thrilled to be planning her sister’s wedding, but after witnessing her mother’s two failed marriages, she has always vowed that she is better off on her own.

But when Renee discovers that Luc Hardy has moved next door, her world is knocked off kilter. Luc was her whirlwind summer romance as a teen and, more importantly, her first love. Now he’s back in West Cove, looking more handsome than ever. There is no escaping the romance in the air this summer. With the wedding planning in full swing, Renee begins to believe that she might be able to put her childhood reservations about marriage aside.

Yet when her mother arrives, she stirs a torrent of emotions in Renee’s heart. She’s up to her old tricks again – boasting about her latest conquests – reaffirming Renee’s lack of faith in love.

As Renee’s happily-ever-after hangs in the balance, will Luc be able to convince her that true love can last forever?

What does TWG think?

If you’re after a gentle, easy read with all the nods to romance, then this novel will be right up your street.

When I say ‘easy read’, I mean that as a complimentary phrase, just to clarify. I’m finding reading quite difficult just now and heavy novels are avoided wherever possible. I need books which aren’t too heavy, too serious, or too taxing, and I really feel that ‘Barefoot on the Beach’ ticked those boxes for me.

The only similarity between Renee and Cait is that they’re related. That’s it. They really are like chalk and cheese as Renee is more organised and sees things through, whereas Cait expects things to be done for her as and when she chooses. It’s safe to say that she comes across quite spoilt, whilst also having a really unapproachable personality – i didnt gel with her much at all.

Whilst I could see how obligated to do what her sister asked of her, I wish Renee put her foot down. Yes, she may have been a motherly figure for her growing up, but that was then. It annoyed me that whenever Cait clicked her fingers Renee would come running, putting her own happiness on the back burner.

I did enjoy reading this book. I loved the setting, the doggy antics and the sweet romance that was gently interwoven into the story, however I felt like certain situations went on for much longer than they should have. For example, the row the sisters had just kept going backwards and forwards, not really adding much content to what the author had already built up. I felt like the delivery on some things could have been a bit more punchy than it was. That is only my opinion though, and I still really enjoyed the book despite that.

During an uncertain time in our own lives, one thing we can count on is the certainty of a happily ever after; something which Katlyn Duncan delivered on greatly.

Buy now.

#GuestPost from author of #MarrowJam, Susan A.King (@SusanKing63) @rararesources #blogtour

First of two tours this evening is a guest post written by the author of ‘Marrow Jam’, Susan A.King. Before I share the post, here is a little bit more about the book:

MURDER, MYSTERY…AND MARROWS

Some people would describe Beattie Bramshaw as a pillar of the community. Many would applaud her numerous successes in the bakery competition at the annual village show. A small number might say, if pushed, that they find her a little on the bossy side. And one or two might just whisper the words ‘interfering’ and ‘busybody’ behind her back.

But no-one would have her down as a murderer.

So why is she being questioned in Dreighton police station after being found in the local allotments, at the dead of night, wielding a kitchen knife just yards away from where local lottery winner, Yvonne Richards, was found stabbed to death? And what does all of this have to do with Doug Sparrow’s prize marrows?

Marrow Jam is a comedy crime caper in the spirit of Agatha Raisin. It will have you chuckling all the way through many a cup of tea.

Buy now.

Ever wondered why someone would write a book about marrows? Now is your chance to find out as I share the guest post written by Susan A.King – enjoy!

What, you may wonder, would compel someone to a write a story about murder and marrows? I can assure you, it started innocently enough.

On leaving secretarial college, and with a slump in the job market for office clerks, I unexpectedly found myself employed as a trainee florist – a job I grew to love. A year later, and having finally landed myself a job as a secretary, I was approached by a friend of the family who suggested I join her in entering the floral competition at the local show. I did question if it was entirely fair. I mean, after all, 12 months working as an apprentice in the floristry industry surely made me over-qualified. With her assurance all would be fine, I duly completed the application form and planned my submission.

The evening before the show, having chosen a category where the arrangement could be delivered in its finished form, I arrived at the entrance to the floral marquee with a not unsubstantial amount of confidence. I made my entrance, the small masterpiece I had created on full view. The first thing to hit me when I walked inside was the scent of sphagnum moss, the second thing, and right between the eyes, was the industry occurring at the centre of the marquee. Armpit deep in florist foam, a mountain of flowers at their feet, a platoon of ladies were mid-task assembling the largest displays of floral art I had ever seen. With a snip of twig here, a trim of stem there, they worked with precision and skill to create what can only be described as perfection. I looked again (with quickly diminishing self-assurance) at my own entry, wondering if a swift exit wasn’t an entirely unsound decision, when the competition adjudicator sidled alongside. Taking me by the arm, she escorted me to the signing-in desk. “Is it your first competition?” she asked. “Yes”, I mumbled, only too aware the calibre of the creation in my arms had drawn her to this conclusion. To my utter shame, I realised that the people present not only had considerably more years experience over my own, they were possessed of an ingenuity and flair I could only dream of.

Not without a certain degree of envy, I inspected each and every submission, taking time to congratulate their creators on their interpretation of the class title and infinite talent. During this unhurried amble, it became clear that everyone present was striving for a personal best and their tireless preparation had been rewarded with the panorama of flawless entries now filling the marquee.

It was at the prize-giving ceremony the next day, when my friend received the award for Best in Show, that a thought crossed my mind. Everyone was smiling but, I was sure, like myself, questioning what they needed to do to find themselves on the winner’s podium. What lengths, I wondered, would someone go to in order to win the coveted trophy?

My first novel, Marrow Jam, is a story based on competition rivalry and the not-so-smooth road travelled to achieve Best in Show.

Susan A King

#WillowsWeddingVows @DebbieViggiano @rararesources #blogtour #romcom

Many thanks to RaRaResources for the tour invite and ARC of ‘Willow’s Wedding Vows’ by Debbie Viggiano – it’s a delight to be a part of the blog tour today.

Willow has been living with marriage-shy Charlie for more years than she cares to remember and is old-fashioned enough to want a wedding band and a loads-of-sex honeymoon before stretchmarks and nipple shields.

So when the once-wary Charlie surprisingly goes down on one knee, Willow doesn’t question why her boyfriend is suddenly so keen to rush her into saying “I do”.

The first clue comes as Willow is zipped into her Cinderella dress, the second as she bobs into the wedding car, and the third as the Roller swings towards its fairy-tale destination… leaving a shell-shocked Willow desperately trying to figure out what to do next.

What does TWG think?

Sorry to be so ruthless right at the very beginning, but WOW, Charlie is such a twat!!! He doesn’t half think that hes gods gift, what with his self inflated ego and all that! I could not stick the bloke! I think I spent most of the story urging Willow to dump his sorry ass!

Obviously the above will only make sense for those who have read the book already and, if you haven’t, please do! I want to know if I’m the only one who thinks hes a turd!

Willow on the other hand, well, aside from being incredibly naive, I did quite like her! I wouldn’t have put her age in her thirties though if I had to guess, she didnt fit that age bracket at all as she came across like such a young minded person.

I, despite my aversion to Charlie, was hooked by this drama filled novel. Seriously, the author kept on giving the drama until the very last second, completely pulling the rug from under my feet whilst causing my jaw to drop the floor. I was NOT expecting the bombshell at all! I didn’t even have a inkling despite it staring me straight in the face!

My only real irk about the book was how there seemed to be quite a bit of padding in and around the vital aspects of the book, which at times didn’t work well with the overall flow. I could spot the parts that were padded out a mile off, and I found it to be a little unnatural which made the storyline judder instead of seamlessly moving from one situation to another.

All in all though, ‘Willow’s Wedding Vows’ was a great read which allowed me to temporarily forget about the current situation. What I loved most was the fact that it was predominantly an easy read which meant that I was able to lose myself in the drama without having to google the definition of words and what not haha. Plus, it was pretty darn funny and wouldnt look out of place in ‘Take a Break’ magazine!

Buy now.

Anyone fancy #ChasingMoonbeamsInMerrimentBay with me and @EmilyHarvale? @RaRaResources #review

Yas!!! Another Emily Harvale book, don’t mind if I do!

Thanks, as always, to Rachel for inviting me to take part in the blog tour and for the ARC.

Cat Devon is finally with the love of her life – and she couldn’t be happier about that. But discovering the identity of her real dad and the fact she has two half-brothers was a shock. Getting to know her new family is now a priority.

Kyra Devon is only eighteen, but she’s more mature than her mum in many ways and is coping far better with everything that’s happened. Kyra knows what she wants and unlike Cat, she’s not going to let opportunities slip away.

Mary Devon has regained her daughter and her granddaughter, but she’s grieving for her mother, and also for the loss of the love she thought she’d found. Putting on a brave face may not be the best way for Mary to get over it.

When a long-lost painting called Moonbeams Kiss is discovered in a hidden cellar beneath the floorboards in Devon Villa, a story of love, loss and treachery unfolds, bringing with it repercussions for each of the Devon women.

This is Book Two in Emily Harvale’s Merriment Bay series which is interconnected to her Wyntersleap series. Each series can be read alone, but several characters appear in both series.

What does TWG think?

One thing I never thought would happen was Mary Devon going soft – and it did! Did she have a personality transplant on the quiet or something?!

To be fair on her, she has had a few not so great things happen to her of late (read the books and you’ll find out, if you havent already), and I guess negative things can mellow someone and help them to realise that their snipey behaviour needed to be directed someplace other than towards those who have been there for them. Easier said than done though.

It was such a joy to be back with Cat and her daughter Kyra this time round, where we managed to seamlessly pick up where we left off and find out where the Devon ladies stood on the whole father identity situation. I think we got a lot more than what we bargained for though as a whole new can of worms was opened in the cellar!

May i just say what a brilliant incorporation of history – I loved finding out a bit more about Cat’s ancestry and an unsolved disappearance! It was a tad gripping i must say, although i totally wished that someone a little bit more disheveled was at the forefront of it all instead of Francis. I’m sure that hes nice and everything, but he made me feel a little uneasy. He was more forward than a false start at a race!!

As always, I was in my element reading an Emily Harvale novel, what with the perfectly placed humour alongside very colourful characters. What’s not to like? I am so eager to find out what happens next!

A fab story to put a much needed smile on your face!

Buy now.

Just this second finished #TheGinLoversGuideToDating by @NinaKayeAuthor @OrionBooks – LOVE!!!! @RaRaResources #blogtour

I have literally just finished reading this book, so I am hoping you’ll forgive me for my few minutes delay in posting this review for my tour stop!

(Huge thanks to Rachel and Orion for the tour invite and review copy)

When Liv’s high-flying career goes off the rails, she finds herself working at a glitzy new gin bar to pay the bills. She’s never let romance distract her, but with one very hot colleague, a mysterious online follower who might just be her soulmate, and a lot of cocktails, her dating life is about to be shaken up…

But is Liv looking for a sparkling flirtation, or something a little stronger?

Sometimes you have to face up to your past, seize your future, and mix your own recipe for happy ever after…

What does TWG think?

One hundred….no, one THOUSAND percent YES!!!! Omg this book!!!!

Okay, ignore Liv’s snobbish attitude (we all have one) at times, and try to put her emotional indecisiveness down to previous turmoil, and you should agree with me that Nina Kaye has written an absolute stonker of a book!

This is a modern day dating manual with a twist – the twist being that it isnt actually a manual, more of a story where you get told what NOT to do in a relationship. Its also a story that ends up teaching you a few important things, like how to rebuild your confidence, how to find your worth, how to make new gin recipes to help you forget your past endeavours. You know, the vital thing every woman should know.

Dylan is such a good friend to Liv, it annoyed me how much she took that for granted! I found Reyes’ spin on the English language absolutely brilliant. Who on earth came up with our lingo anyway! Such good fun!

I finished reading this novel with a massive smile on my face and a fizzy tummy (no, I didnt drink all the gin). I had had a feeling as to who GrahamLeeton was, but I kept doubting myself due to how obvious it was! My stomach fizzed in anticipation because I felt the energy, I felt the connection between them. Gosh, it was so real!

I was in my absolute element reading Nina Kaye’s novel. This author speaks my language with her dry sense of humour, and her characterization is second to none – I was so impressed by how put together the entire storyline was. For me, ‘The Gin Lover’s Guide to Dating’ is the ideal antidote for the current climate as it has definitely put the smile back on my face for the time being. I honestly feel like this is a priceless gem waiting to be discovered – I loved it.

Buy now.

#Spotlight #TheGiftOfCockleberryBay #NicolaMay @RaRaResources @NicolaMay1

I hope you’re all keeping well! If anyone finds my reading mojo, could you send it back to me first class please? Just like many others, I have been unable to immerse myself in books recently, so my blog tours coming up, including this one, will most likely be spotlight posts. I didn’t want to not post as I know authors are relying on exposure right now!

Nicola May is an author whose name I constantly see on social media and, judging by the reviews of her books, I can see why that is! I dislike struggling with my reading, but rest assured as soon as the mojo is back, I will be reviewing this fab sounding book!

From the author of the #1 BESTSELLING The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay

All our favourite characters from Cockleberry Bay are back, including Hot, Rosa Smith’s adorable dachshund, and his new-born puppies.

Now successfully running the Cockleberry Café and wishing to start a family herself, Rosa feels the time is right to let her inherited corner shop go. However, her benefactor left one important legal proviso: that the shop cannot be sold, only passed on to somebody who really deserves it.

Rosa is torn. How can she make such a huge decision? And will it be the right one? Once the news gets out, untrustworthy strangers appear in the Bay, their motives uncertain. With the revelation of more secrets from Rosa’s family heritage, a new series of unpredictable and life-changing events begins to unfold.

The Gift of Cockleberry Bay concludes this phenomenally successful series in typically brisk and bolshy style, and will delight Rosa’s many thousands of fans.

About the Author

Nicola May is a rom-com superstar. She is the author of ten romantic comedies, all of which have appeared in the Kindle bestseller charts. Two of them won awards at the Festival of Romance, and another was named ebook of the week in The Sun. The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay became the best-selling Kindle book in the UK, across all genres, in January 2019. Nicola lives near Ascot racecourse with her black-and-white rescue cat, Stan.

Purchase book 3 in the series HERE