#WithThisKiss – Carrie Hope Fletcher (@CarrieHFletcher) @HQStories #review #magic #booktwt

If you knew how your love story ends, would you dare to begin?

From the outside, Lorelai is an ordinary young woman with a normal life. She loves reading, she works at the local cinema and she adores living with her best friend. But she carries a painful burden, something she’s kept hidden for years; whenever she kisses someone on the lips, she sees how they are going to die.

Lorelai has never known if she’s seeing what was always meant to be, or if her kiss is the thing that decides their destiny. And so, she hasn’t kissed anyone since she was eighteen.

Then she meets Grayson. Sweet, clever, funny Grayson. And for the first time in years she yearns for a man’s kiss. But she can’t…or can she? And if she does, should she try to intervene and change what she sees?

Spellbinding, magical and utterly original, With This Kiss is one love story you will never forget.

Many thanks to HQ Stories for providing me with an ARC of the book. All thoughts are written unbiasedly.

TWG’s Thoughts

The blurb has a really good question right at the top; ‘If you knew how your love story ends, would you dare to begin?’

Would YOU? In all honesty, I hadn’t really thought about it before. I mean, I didn’t really have a reason to sit down and ponder whether my life choices would be different if I knew what the repercussions were for every decision made. I guess it’s like people asking whether you would read the ending of a book if it was written about your life. But what if you could change the course of those events?

That is the scary thing with life I suppose. You have to make decisions, sometimes really BIG decisions, completely oblivious to whether they will end positively or negatively, or whether they are indeed the right decision. It wasn’t until I read ‘With This Kiss’, that those thoughts started to swirl around my head. Lorelai was afraid of finding the one, afraid that once she locked lips with them their life would flash right before her eyes (literally) and she would know exactly how their life would end. No wonder she didn’t want to start a relationship with Grayson, especially once she realised that there was more to it than harmless flirting. But as I’ve just rambled, would it be worth it to take the chance?

Even though the storyline had quite a deep storyline to it, I actually found it to be quite uplifting and touching. I’m not saying that I found it entertaining reading about how characters reached their demise, however what I am saying is that, despite all of the uncertainty, the storyline was strong enough to stand on its own two feet and give the reader food for thought, even without the main prospect of death.

I wasn’t sure at all what to think when I first started reading, in fact I thought ‘With This Kiss’ was so far away from my usual reads, that I wouldn’t like it, as though it was a bit away with the fairies. Oh how wrong was I! ‘With This Kiss’ was my kind of read big time, and it wasn’t away with the fairies in the slightest, in fact I thought it was such a well rounded, life affirming, tender read and yes, I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed it.

‘With This Kiss’ is guaranteed to give you hope in life, especially when life is one of the most uncertain things in the world.

Purchase now from Amazon

#BlogBlitz! #Review – Keep You By My Side by Callie Langridge (@clangridgewrite) @bombshellpub

Happy publication day to Callie Langridge and ‘Keep You By My Side’! I am honoured to be kicking off the blog blitz today with a review, many thanks to the publisher for the blitz invite and ARC.

Are family secrets the ties that bind or the lies that divide?

The secrets of one family live in the walls of a cottage perched high on a Dorset cliff. But secrets can only be kept for so long.

 Follow three generations of a family from war-torn London, to the permissive 60s and liberated 80s. Gertie, Rose and Abi live through joy, tragedy and heartache as they navigate complicated mother-daughter relationships and learn the importance of friends and finding love. When circumstances force them under the same roof, secrets begin to unravel and promises made in love threaten to tear them apart. 

 How far would you go to protect the people you love?

What does TWG think?

Having read and absolutely adored Callie Langridge’s debut novel, I could not wait to see what the author would bring out next. She had certainly set the bar high for herself with her debut, that’s for sure! I tried to ensure that I kept my mind open, reading the book as though I hadn’t read anything from the author before, purely because the bar was so high. I must admit that it didn’t always work though.

‘Keep You By My Side’ is gold from various viewpoints at multiple moments in time, with one character in particular telling her story during the war. It took me a little while to work out how all of the characters fit together, but when I did, I enjoyed being able to connect with the characters on a deeper level now that I was aware of their individual links in the storyline.

I would say that the romance element is evident throughout the entire novel, and it is also written in such a heartfelt manner so that even someone as unromantic as I, could fall under the heartwarming spell.

I’m not saying that I didn’t enjoy ‘Keep You By My Side’ because I did, but for me personally, I didn’t find it as strong as the debut. Don’t get me wrong, Langridge told Gertie’s story beautifully and I was mesmerised by her journey, I just wanted more as I know the author has the outstanding talent to achieve that. This book was a very poignant and pleasing read, I just hope that the next novel comes back as strong as the first one.

As a story told by three generations, it was remarkable to see just how their personalities differed over the years, even though a lot of their choices and decisions were quite similar. My heart went out to Abi, but for me the star of the book was Gertie. I think that was because she reminded me of one of my own family members. Her story really touched me and I am delighted that I was able to be a part of that by reading it.

Overall, ‘Keep You By My Side’ was a very heartwarming and tender read which kept me cosy from start to finish. It is a lovely, lovely read which came across well, despite having to follow in the footsteps of the authors incredible debut novel.

Buy Now!

About the author.

Callie was born and brought up in Berkshire. After a brief teenage spell in the depths of Lancashire, she moved back to London.

 Having left school at 16, she studied drama before embarking on a career in marketing. This saw her work in music marketing in the heady days of Britpop in the nineties. She unleashed her creativity in the design of window displays and marketing campaigns for the leading music retailer. More recently she has followed her passion for history, working in marketing and communications for historical and cultural organisations.

 On hitting her thirtieth birthday, she decided finally to pick up her pen and take the first of many creative writing courses. A few years later and she has had a number of short stories published and plays performed at theatres and venues across London. Her first novel A Time to Change was published in September 2017.

 Her second novel Keep You By My Side will be published in October 2018.

 Callie lives in London with her long-term partner, an ever-growing collection of antique curiosities, and more books than any person really needs. 

#BlogTour! #Review – The Christmas Cafe at Seashell Cove by Karen Clarke (@karenclarke123)

After seeing loads of pretty Christmas decorations in a shop today, I am very much in the Christmas spirit, just in time to review Karen Clarke’s newest novel. Thank you to Bookouture for the blog tour invite and the ARC. Here is my review:

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the café at Seashell Cove, where there’s hot chocolate to keep you warm – and the man of your dreams could be waiting…

Interior designer Tilly Campbell loves being carefree and single. But her latest job is redecorating the cosy local café for a Christmas party, and when her friends confess their plans for the big night – including a proposal, a declaration of love and a pregnancy announcement – Tilly starts to wonder if she might be missing out…

Transforming the café into a winter wonderland is more of a challenge than she thought, so when she bumps into gorgeous newcomer Seth, Tilly welcomes the distraction. Seth is a single father, struggling to settle his son Jack into their new cottage, and Tilly is determined to help them make their house into a home in time for Christmas.

But with the café still in chaos just days before the party it looks like it’s going to be a Christmas to remember for all the wrong reasons… With friends old and new relying on her, can Tilly save the Christmas party?

And could she finally find love waiting for her under the mistletoe?

What does TWG think?

It feels like ages since I was last in Seashell Cove! I was so excited to catch up with all of the characters and find out what they have been up to since I last ‘saw’ them. At first I didn’t recognise the place, probably because I half expected to be back with Meg as the main character. It was wonderful to see snippets of her story live on in this one though, that’s for sure.

I did find the book to be a little of a slow starter as I took a while to warm up to Tilly, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the overall vibe of the book. Once I got further into the storyline, my opinion of Tilly changed and I found myself warming to her like marshmallows to a fire. How the hell she put up with her sister, Bridget, without committing a murder is beyond me!! Romy, Bridget’s little girl, had me in hysterics! She reminded so much of my own little girl. If only we all went through life without a care in the world like children!!

Tilly is a very independent character who is so set on doing things for other people, she sometimes forgets just how much one person can hold on their shoulders. Fortunately for her, newcomer, Seth, helps her see otherwise. As for his mother though, geezzzzzz!!!!!! I don’t get why he didn’t stand up to his mother! I know that Felicity wanted to do right by her grandson, but surely she must have realised that alienating him wouldn’t be the answer?

Even though this is a Christmassy book, the festive theme isn’t overpowering for those who dislike Christmas in October. I do think that as festivities were an apparent part of the book, that there should have been more oomph with it. That said, Gwen’s antics with the Christmas pudding kept Christmas on the map.

All in all, The Christmas Cafe at Seashell Cove kept me thoroughly entertained from start to finish, with Romy being my star at the top of the Christmas tree. I really do hope we get to see more from the gang in Seashell Cove, as I can’t wait to find out what else others are hiding! A fun, light hearted and addictive read – a great follow up novel in an already fabulous series.

Buy now!

About the author.

Karen is the author of the popular BEACHSIDE and SEASHELL COVE series of romantic comedies, published by Bookouture. 

She’s also written three romcoms with a paranormal twist, all available to download

When she’s not working on her novels, Karen writes short stories for women’s magazines and has had over three hundred published globally. Some of them can be read in her short story collection ‘BEHIND CLOSED DOORS…and other Tales with a Twist’ 

Karen lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband and three grown-up children, and when she’s not writing loves reading, walking, baking and eating cake.

 

Author Social Media Links: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.clarke.5682

Twitter:     https://twitter.com/karenclarke123

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard

Website: http://writewritingwritten.blogspot.co.uk/

#BlogTour! #Review – The Little Christmas Teashop of Second Chances by Donna Ashcroft (@donnashc) @Bookouture

I am thrilled to be able to share my thoughts of Donna Ashcroft’s latest novel with you all today, as I host today’s stop on the blog tour! Huge thanks, as always, to bookouture for the blog tour invite and the ARC. Here is my review:

Snow is beginning to fall around the cosy Castle Teashop, with its toasty log fire, scrumptious mince pies and delicious hot chocolates. Romance is in the air and Lily King is hoping some winter magic will help to make her dreams come true…

Twenty-five-year-old Lily King is wondering when her life is going to start. She adores working at the much-loved Castle Teashop, surrounded by familiar faces and delicious cakes. But she’s stuck in a rut. She’s just been dumped by her boyfriend and her dream job seems to be slipping through her fingers.

When her best friend Emily Campbell needs urgent help to organise her enchanting Christmas wedding, Lily realises it’s finally her moment to shine and reach for the opportunities she’s been wishing for. Can she pull off the biggest celebration Castle Cove has ever seen or will something – or someone – make things more complicated than she imagined?

Rebellious and handsome photographer Josh Havellin-Scott has always felt like an outsider, especially next to his perfect older brother, who is about to get married. At the last minute, Josh finds himself roped into plans for the Big Day, the very last thing he wants to do, until he is meets creative and quirky Lily King…

When Lily and Josh are thrown together, it’s clear they couldn’t be more different. But they begin to realise that opposites can attract – and sometimes when you’re not looking for love, it comes and finds you when you least expect it. With some festive magic, will they manage to work together and save the day?

And could they discover a winter romance of their very own along the way?

What does TWG think?

Oh my mince pies, could this book BE anymore fabulous?!?! I really did enjoy the first book in the series, but I have to say that this festive delight is something else! I was hooked from the very beginning, intrigued about Lily’s personal past as well as what made Josh tick. Yes, Josh is one of those characters who you should instantly dislike due to his arrogant nature, however I couldn’t help but be taken under his spell almost straight away. How the holly and ivy Lily managed to be immune to his charms for a little while was beyond me!

Even though this story is full of tantalising, stomach rumbling treats and friendships to last a life time, the thing that got right under my skin in such a beautiful manner , was the cleverly incorporated ‘hidden’ theme which made me relate to Lily on such a deep level. Take it from me, we have all felt as though we aren’t good enough, and I am sure we have always ensured other people were happy before ourselves. And, I am also sure that a lot of us have put our emotions aside and done something because of someone else, ignoring our own personal feelings about the situation. Yes? Of course we have – we are human. It’s not until you sit back and think about it or, in this case, read it in black and white, that you realise you have been living your life in the way that other people would prefer you to. Before anyone says anything, I know that it is our choice as to how we live our own life, but sometimes emotions get the better of us, just like Lily’s in this book.

Lily’s situation caught me off guard, despite seeing some of myself in the character. Weirdly, it was quite emotional. I also think that a certain family member of Lily’s needs to get caught by some holly and ivy. What a bleeping bleep bleep they are!!

I absolutely loved this book from reading about the yummy treats, to following the characters around as they plan nuptials, to watching Lily and Josh’s journey play out. Donna Ashcroft’s novel is such a feel good, life affirming, huggable and touching novel which will leave you wanting to plan your own nuptials to Josh. He’s definitely my sort of guy! Why are all the good ones fictional?!?! Pfft.

Honestly though, this book gave me the feels and I couldn’t have wished for anything more as Donna Ashcroft ticked every single box. In my eyes, she is now the Mrs Claus of Christmas reads.

Buy now!

About the author.

Donna Ashcroft was born in London and grew up in Buckinghamshire. She went to university in Lancashire and, among other things, worked as a copywriter, buyer, waitress, secretary and marketing manager. 

Donna wrote novels for over ten years before being published. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and was a joint winner of the Katie Fforde Bursary in 2017. 
Donna loves a happy ending and is never happier than when she’s escaping into a romance novel or movie. When she’s not reading or writing she’ll probably be found hoovering … or negotiating with her teenagers about who is doing the washing up.

Author Social Media Links: 

Website: www.donna-writes.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonnaAshcroftAuthor/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Donnashc

#BlogTour! #Promo – Take Me, I’m Yours by Lizzie Lamb (@lizzie_lamb) @rararesources

I apologise for the…49 minutes lateness, however I am excited to be promoting Lizzie Lamb’s new novel as part of my stop on the blog tour!

India Buchanan plans to set up an English-Style bed and breakfast establishment in her great-aunt’s home, MacFarlane’s Landing, Wisconsin. But she’s reckoned without opposition from Logan MacFarlane whose family once owned her aunt’s house and now want it back. MacFarlane is in no mood to be denied. His grandfather’s living on borrowed time and Logan has vowed to ensure the old man sees out his days in their former home. India’s great-aunt has other ideas and has threatened to burn the house to the ground before she lets a MacFarlane set foot in it. There’s a story here. One the family elders aren’t prepared to share. When India finds herself in Logan’s debt, her feelings towards him change. However, the past casts a long shadow and events conspire to deny them the love and happiness they both deserve. Can India and Logan’s love overcome all odds? Or is history about to repeat itself?

For the duration of the blog tour – Take Me, I’m Yours will be downloadable for 99p

Purchase now from Amazon

About the author.

After teaching her 1000th pupil and working as a deputy head teacher in a large primary school, Lizzie decided to pursue her first love: writing. She joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s New Writers’ Scheme, wrote Tall, Dark and Kilted (2012), quickly followed by Boot Camp Bride. She went on to publish Scotch on the Rocks, which achieved Best Seller status within two weeks of appearing on Amazon and her next novel, Girl in the Castle, reached #3 in the Amazon charts. Lizzie is a founder member of indie publishing group – New Romantics Press, and has co-hosted author events at Aspinall, St Pancras and Waterstones, Kensington, talking about the research which underpins her novels. Lizzie latest romance Take Me, I’m Yours is set in Wisconsin, a part of the USA which she adores. She has further Scottish-themed romances planned and has just returned from a tour of the Scottish Highlands in her caravan researching men in kilts. What’s not to like? As for the years she spent as a teacher, they haven’t quite gone to waste. She is building a reputation as a go-to speaker on indie publishing, and how to plan, write, and publish a debut novel. Lizzie lives in Leicestershire (UK) with her husband, David.

She loves to hear from readers, so do get in touch . . .

Lizzie’s Links

Amazon

Facebook

Website

Newsletter

LinkedIn

Goodreads

Pinterest

Twitter

#CoverReveal – Love in Transit by various authors! @InkslingerPR @NazareaAndrews

Today we have the cover reveal for Love in Transit, a sexy new box set from a fantastic lineup of authors! Check it out and grab your copy June 1^st!

Title: Love in Transit

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Day: June 1^st

 About Love In Transit:

You know those people that have a house full of motivational slogans? Embrace Every Moment, stamped on their coffee mugs. Always Kiss Me Goodnight painted above their perfectly made beds.

I’m not one of those people.

This morning I overslept, then slipped on a stray sock and banged my toe into the nightstand. The elevator in my building broke and I had to run down six flights of stairs. And then my local coffee shop was closed. For health code violations.

What’s that? Not the end of the world? You want me to suck it up?

Did I mention I’m wearing a wedding dress… on the subway?

It’s a Good Day for a Hot Mess. Someone embroider that on a pillow. 

Add on Goodreads!

Connect with the Authors:

Jana Aston

Ainsley Booth

Kitty French

BJ Harvey

Raine Miller

Liv Morris

Enter the Fantastic Giveaway:

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#BlogTour! #Review: The Little Clock House on the Green by @EveDevon @HarperImpulse

Welcome to the little village of Whispers Wood and one glorious summer when friendships are forged, secrets are revealed and romance delightfully bursts into bloom.

Kate Somersby has finally returned home after years of running away. She’s heard that Old Man Isaac is selling the clock house on the green and she’s determined to make him an offer – the very bricks that make up the little clock house hold precious memories for her.

Only gorgeous entrepreneur Daniel Westlake is standing in her way. Their rivalry is the talk of the village and soon rumours are spreading thicker than jam on a scone…

A charming feel good romance perfect for fans of Katie Fforde, Alex Brown and Sarah Morgan

What does TWG think?

Today is my stop on Eve Devon’s blog tour for her recently released novel; The Little Clock House on the Green, which was published on the 23rd March by HarperImpulse! I hope you enjoy my review of this truly beautiful looking novel!

How STUNNING is that book cover?! I couldn’t wait to see what treats were in store for me; I was SO excited to get stuck in. And, you know what? The entire storyline did not disappoint AT ALL. From the first chapter, The Little Clock House had some sort of magical hold over me, it was as though I had climbed up to the top of The Magic Faraway Tree into the land of written tranquillity.

In this story we have two main characters lives to follow (not stalk fyi); Daniel’s and Kate’s. Daniel found himself in Whispers Wood by chance thanks to an iffy car and driving without a map and now he’s in the village, one or two things may have caught his eye to warrant becoming a permanent fixture in the village. Then there is Kate, she’s back in the village after spending a little while (several years in fact) clearing her head from circumstances she would love to forget. However, being back in the village is a tad bittersweet and she wonders whether she has made the wrong decision by coming back.

I need to be so careful with this review as a lot of the main events in the storyline are linked with certain emotions and situations, and I need to ensure I don’t drop myself in it whilst I write. If I end up being too vague, the best option for you is to go and buy the book so that you can get the answers! I know, fab idea, right?

‘What the hell made Kate run away? What was so bad that she had to up sticks and leave?’, were two of the questions that I asked myself multiple times whilst reading a fair chunk of this book. There were a lot of raw emotions and rather vague conversations to keep me pondering Kate’s reasons for going, but I didn’t want to read between the lines and delve deeper before the storyline got there, as it was such an enchanting read. You really do need to let the storyline do the talking. Let the characters develop before your very eyes and follow the paths that they choose to walk down.

The storyline had so much going for it! Not once did I find myself at a loose end, wondering when the storyline was going to pick up again as the storyline was ALWAYS on a constant rise. There was drama between characters, drama between old lifestyles and new lifestyles, drama between old memories and new memories; how COULD I be bored when there was always something to keep me interested. Don’t get me wrong, there were a couple of times when I may have read a chapter and suddenly had ‘something in my eye’, or situations became a lot grittier than before. But that wasn’t a bad thing at all, it wasn’t all dancing around the clock house at your leisure and I really enjoyed the diversity. I ended up laughing out loud multiple times too!

There is a lot to Eve Devon’s novel that meets the eye; a treasure chest of literary beauty if you will. I adored this novel from start to finish, not only did the book flow extremely well, it really did have everything that I could ever have wanted from a book.

‘The Little Clock House on the Green’ was beautifully written, full of raw and powerful emotion and housed in-depth and charismatic characters, each with very unique personalities. Not only that it was the proud owner of poignant and thought-provoking messages that are likely to stay in your heart long after you finish reading. To say I was gutted when I came to the end of the book would be understatement of the year. I am just so thankful that this was book one and we have more to come. If the next book in the series is anything like this then we are in for an absolutely treat and I cannot wait.

Huge thanks to HarperImpulse.

Buy your own copy of Eve Devon’s novel now, from Amazon UK

There are more stops on the blog tour! Make sure you follow all of the other bloggers on the picture below:

#BlogTour! #Review of The Beachside Sweet Shop by Karen Clarke (@karenclarke123) @bookouture

Chocolate fudge, butterscotch and raspberry bonbons… treat yourself to some sugary treats, a big slice of friendship and a sprinkling of romance at The Beachside Sweet Shop.

When Marnie Appleton inherited a sweet shop from her grandfather she was determined to do his legacy proud. The shop has been a much-loved feature of the little seaside town of Shipley for years, but now Marnie needs to bring it up to date, and she’s recruited gorgeous new assistant Josh to help. 

Marnie gets busy redecorating the shop and choosing delicious new sweets to stock, but things are never that simple: new neighbour Isobel, a fame-hungry blogger, is on a crusade against sugar, and she’ll go to any lengths to secure bad publicity for Marnie’s shop. 

Marnie fights back with homemade sugar-free treats, but with her best friend Beth heavily pregnant, her grandmother Celia recovering from an operation, and her very recently ex-boyfriend Alex returning to Shipley with a new love, Marnie has a lot on her plate. 

And then there’s Josh, with whom Marnie is struggling to keep her relationship strictly professional…Will both the sweet shop and love flourish? 

A deliciously heartwarming read about family, friends and handmade coconut ice. Perfect for fans of Cressida McLaughlin, Debbie Johnson, and Tilly Tennant.

What does TWG think?

Ahhh do you remember the good ol’ days, usually a Saturday, when you were given pocket-money from your parents and there was only ONE place that was guaranteed your ‘hard earned’ change? Every Saturday, my mum used to give my brother and I anything from 50p-£1 to spend on sweets, and we always went to the same place; Churchills. The sort of sweet shop where, in the mid-nineties, 50p would get you a heck load of sherbet pips! As soon as I saw the title of Karen Clarke’s novel, it brought back so many childhood memories which were all centred around that one particular sweet shop. It didn’t even matter whether you dabbled in the sugary treats every so often, or whether you inhaled them as though they were the last sweets on Earth (every.single.week), you just had to visit your local sweet shop.

Marnie Appleton is under a lot of pressure (pressure which she has put on herself no less), as she tries to keep her grandfather’s memory alive by keeping his bricked ‘baby’, aka his heart and soul open; The Beachside Sweet Shop. After Marnie’s grandfather passed away, most of the family seemed more willing to eat the liquorice and bon-bons themselves, rather than serve the residents of Shipley those treats. Marnie didn’t want to let her late grandfather down and was determined to keep the shop going in a way she knew that he would approve of. However, the best laid plans don’t always go the way you want them to.

As I mentioned near the beginning of this review, Karen Clarke’s tantalizing novel brought back so many memories for me, it was lovely to be able to reminisce about things with people you don’t even know; the characters. I felt as though Marnie had bitten off more than she could chew and part of me wondered whether her heart was truly IN the sweet shop, or that she wasn’t taking it over because people expected her to. Karen’s descriptions of the shop’s interior, the sweets and even smaller things like the paper bags that they were put in, was beautifully written. She didn’t rush over the items in the shop, she took her time in letting the reader know everything about the sweet shop as if she was describing it to one of her good friends. I warmed to the storyline even more so because of that.

Even though Karen Clarke’s novel seems to be centred around one thing in particular, there is a lot more to the storyline that meets the eye. At first I thought I was going to get an insane sugar rush from the book and its contents, but what I actually got was a clever, in depth storyline which contained a lot of depth and giggles. The Beachside Sweet Shop really is an enjoyable place to visit, and, thanks to Karen Clarke, the storyline tickled my taste buds in more ways than one. It wasn’t just school children and sweeties, it was more about who had your back….whilst eating sweets. Make sense?

The Beachside Sweet Shop is a really enjoyable, fun and sweet read, full of good friendships, lost memories, good intentions and finding the right recipe to move forward. For me, some of the characters weren’t as memorable as I would have liked them to be, it didn’t stop me from having fun with this book.

The Beachside Sweet Shop really is the ideal read for just letting go and distracting yourself from the outside word.

Thank you Bookouture.

Buy from Amazon UK
Buy from Amazon US

Huge thank you to Bookouture for asking me to be involved in the blog tour for The Beachside Sweet Shop by Karen Clarke! We have now come to the end of the tour, so I really hope you haven’t stuffed your faces with too much sugar. If you haven’t, here are all of the blogs which were involved in this tour (in case you wish to dabble)!

About the author

 

After giving up her job as a library assistant, Karen now writes full-time. She’s had over 300 stories published in women’s magazines in the UK and abroad, and has written three paranormal romantic comedies, published by Little, Brown/Corsair. When she’s not writing she reads avidly, walks dogs at her local rescue centre, and is eagerly awaiting the next season of The Walking Dead. She lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband and three grown-up children.

Website

https://www.facebook.com/karen.clarke.5682

https://twitter.com/karenclarke123

#BookReview – Love Connection by Camilla Isley (@camillaisley) #RNA #RomCom #firstcomeslove

Have you ever wondered what might have been?
Gemma’s at the airport, staring at two plane tickets to two different cities. Two different weddings. Two different futures. She’s at a crossroads.
Be maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding or crash her ex’s?
Gemma’s decision, unknown to her, hinges on a delayed flight and a chance meeting. Now her life is about to go down two parallel tracks—will Gemma fly toward a life with her first love or a future with a man she’s not even met yet?

In concurrent storylines, Gemma lives out the consequences of each journey. Different stories unravel with unpredictable outcomes for Gemma and her loved ones. As the alternative realities run their course, humor and romance intertwine raising questions about fate and chance. Will these parallel universes converge? Is true love meant to be? Is everyone destined to have a soul mate? Or are one’s cards just a choice away from reshuffling?

Love Connection is a romantic comedy about one woman, life’s infinite possibilities, and the destiny that lies beyond two different choices. First Comes Love is a series of interconnected romantic novels. However, each book in the series can be read as a standalone novel.

What does TWG think?

I am rather ashamed at the length of time it has taken me to get round to reviewing this novel! Camilla Isley is the type of author who manages to find a way to connect with her readers, pretty much straight away. As a fan of her previous novels, I crossed my fingers and prayed to Cookie Monster (what?!) that this novel wouldn’t disappoint.

Two big decisions; Gemma’s chance at happiness or her best friend’s? Two uncertain outcomes, but one giant leap of faith. Or is it? Gemma has a huge decision to make. A decision which is either going to make or break her AND her friendships, but which one is the right way to go? Unfortunately for Gemma, she won’t know until she chooses. But, luckily for us, we get to see her live out both scenarios. However, if you think it’s going to a plain sailing, predictable ‘love connection’, then you’re wrong. ‘Tinder’ has nothing on Camilla Isley and her infamous ‘Love Connection’, trust me.

As soon as the book begins, we are graced with Gemma’s presence and THAT decision. Er, my sofa made pals with my backside, seeing as I wasn’t going to move until I knew everything (aka The End). In real life we actually have to make a decision and stick with the one, we don’t have the luxury of being able to dabble like that. It would save so much hassle if we could though, especially with relationships….and choosing a pair of shoes. Two of THE biggest decisions, obviously.

Just when I thought this book could not get any better, I think I peed a little in excitement when I saw Ally Mcbeal & Grey’s Anatomy mentioned! It was as though the book was made for me, I LOVE those sitcoms! I thought that was such a fab touch as a lot of females will relate to those sitcoms, especially when it comes to relationships.

The storyline flowed absolutely brilliantly, even with the cringey ‘oh she didn’t!’, moments! Camilla’s trademark humour is back with a bang in ‘Love Connection’, generously sharing her fantastic, dry humour with her characters. Gemma is the ballsy character who everyone will wish for as a best friend; she’s loyal, generous and extremely kick ass, definitely my favourite character.

You just cannot fault Camilla Isley’s memorable writing skills, nor her relaxed (yet relatable) way of keeping the reader entertained the entire way through. Despite that, she has even managed to add a hint of seriousness to the storyline as she highlights the importance of making decisions that are right for YOU, and nobody else. Under all of the humour and sass, there is a message which needs to be listened to; you just need to find it and believe it. Be true.

Yet another brilliant, fun, sassy novel from rom com writer, Camilla Isley. A joy to read from the first page, to the last page; apart from when it said ‘The End’. Now THAT I didn’t like!

Thank you Camilla!

Buy ‘Love Connection’ now from Amazon UK
Buy ‘Love Connection’ from Amazon US

#BlogTour! #BookReview of Revenge by Nigel May (@Nigel_May) @bookouture

If you keep dangerous secrets you’ll pay the ultimate price…

In the South of France, playground of the rich and famous, world renowned chef Dexter Franklin is organising a night to remember. As he opens the doors to his exclusive restaurant for the first time, he’s handpicked a list of guests, as hot and dazzling as the St Tropez sun itself:

Mew Stanton: Fashionable, beautiful and a notorious TV chef, Dexter’s ex-girlfriend has all the ingredients for success. As her books fly off the shelves, a secret from her past is about to surface with explosive consequences. 

Holly Lydon: Ex girlband star who has fallen on hard times. Forced to make ends meet she’s having to sleep her way to the top. Now she’s making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Rosita Velázquez: Brazilian actress extraordinaire and girlfriend of Dexter’s brother, Leland. When she’s in town everybody needs to know about it, but this is one show-stopping entrance she’ll live to regret.

Three women have a past with Dexter and a grudge to bear against him. As fireworks ignite in the jet set capital of Europe, there’s murder on the menu. Who will be served their just desserts?

The sun is setting in the South of France. Pour yourself a glass of champagne and sit back for a read of revenge, regrets and shocking revelations that will have you hooked to the very last page.

What does TWG think?

Delighted to be one of the blogs that Nigel May is stopping at today, for the blog tour of his latest release; Revenge, which was published by Bookouture on 10th February 2017.

VA-VA-VOOOOOM! -fans self-, how the hell do you cool yourself down after THIS?! I am rather embarrassed; I need to admit something…awful. Before I read ‘Revenge’, I hadn’t read any other books by Nigel May before. Yes, that’s right, I popped my ‘Nigel May’ cherry with this novel. Sniff, will you forgive me? Although, what a belter of a book to pop your author cherry with! A first time guaranteed to hold no regret (yes, I am still talking about the book…maybe).

Seriously though (cough), WHAT A BOOK! ‘Revenge’ had my attention from the very beginning with its sassy, flirty yet edgy storyline, sowing seeds for enough drama to rival Paris Hilton & Nicole Ritchie’s friendship. Dexter Franklin, a man who most females know very well (inside of the bedroom that is), and has females falling over their feet to get to him OUTSIDE of the bedroom. Apparently he’s a looker but I can’t really see it myself..

The thing is, hunky Dexter has got himself into a bit of bother with three females and the score needs to be levelled out; where better to do it than in the South of France. Revenge is sweet…apparently.

The storyline flicks between several characters lives and it actually wasn’t as confusing as it sounds. Sometimes it takes me a while to get comfortable with a multi character switching storyline, but this time I didn’t. Each characters story flowed brilliantly into the next character’s life, without any trouble at all.

What surprised me and caught me off guard, was how the storyline seemed to contain snippets of various genres. One moment I was playing detective like Scott and Bailey, the next moment I was being a fly on the wall to several, highly charged sexual antics, and the next I was on the edge of my seat thinking ‘what the hell did I miss along the way?!’. Wait, no, I didn’t think that, I actually said it out loud as I was reading!

‘Revenge’ has everything you should ever want under one ‘roof’; suspense, raciness, romance, shock factor; the book has it all. I’m not going to lie, it got a tad hot hot hot, whilst I was reading the novel! Who wouldn’t be hot after reading THAT?! I adored everything about Nigel May’s ‘Revenge’, especially how the storyline gave you variety without diverting from the original situation. Incredibly clever.

A flirty, fun and toe curling novel which kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Full of gritty moments, shocking moments and extremely PHWOAR moments; ‘Revenge’ is a ‘dish’ which needs to be served up hot, and now.
Absolutely fantastic book! Thanks to this one, my Nigel May book collection is about to get a whole lot bigger!

Thank you Bookouture!

To buy: Amazon UK // Amazon US

About the author.

Nigel May is a true all-rounder in the media world, working as a TV presenter, author, journalist and craft personality. He has written two glam-fiction books, Trinity and Addicted, as well as featuring in Sunlounger – a chart-topping anthology of short stories.

Author contact: Website // Facebook // Twitter