Tuesday 15 August 2023

Blog Tour: Love to Hate You by Camilla Isley


Goodbye New York! Hello… Cowboy?

If Samantha’s Baker’s life were as simple as one of the movies she produces, when she – a latte-loving city girl - gets banished to the country and fights with the local hunk cowboy soon afterwards they’d fall in love. But everyone knows the movies aren’t real life! (And just FYI, Mr Cowboy, it’s not gonna happen!)

Travis Hunt knows what it’s like to miss the city. He’s given up everything to take over the family ranch and become mayor of Emerald Creek. He has responsibilities. But how does he convince a gorgeous, hot-shot executive like Samantha to swap her stilettos for cowboy boots and her Friday night cocktails for country dance competitions? Small town life just can’t compete with all the hustle and bustle of New York City.  

But what if it’s not where you are that you call home… What if it’s who you find while you’re there? 

Please note that this title was originally published as Sweet Love and Country Roads.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/lovetohateyousocial

Author Bio 

Camilla Isley is an engineer who left science behind to write bestselling contemporary rom-coms set all around the world.

Social Media Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camillaisley/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/camillaisley
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camillaisley/?hl=en
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/CamillaIsleyNews

Thursday 20 July 2023

Blog Tour: A Laird without a Past by Jeanine Englert (with giveaway!)


His past is forgotten…

Can his mysterious healer unlock his future?

When Royce wakes with no memories and suddenly blind, his situation seems dire. The only thing he remembers is being attacked by shadowy figures...but not the beautiful woman who came to his rescue. Now Iona MacKenzie’s every touch drives Royce wild. But when news of a manhunt for him reaches them, Royce must uncover his past if he has any chance of saving himself—and the woman he’s falling for…

Purchase Link - https://books2read.com/u/mvyPpX

Author Bio

Jeanine Englert’s love affair with mysteries and romance began with Nancy Drew, Murder She Wrote, and her Grandmother’s bookshelves full of romance novels. She is a VIVIAN® and Golden Heart® Finalist as well as a Silver Falchion, Maggie, and Daphne du Maurier Award Winner in historical romance and mystery. Her Scottish Highland historical and historical romantic suspense novels revolve around characters seeking self-acceptance and redemption. When she isn’t wrangling with her characters on the page, she can be found trying to convince her husband to watch her latest Masterpiece or BBC show obsession. She loves to talk about books, writing, her beloved rescue pups, as well as mysteries and romance with other readers. Visit her website at www.jeaninewrites.com

Social Media Links
FB: https://www.facebook.com/JeanineWrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeanineWrites
Website: https://www.jeaninewrites.com
Goodreads: A Laird without a Past by Jeanine Englert | Goodreads
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jeanine-englert?list=about
Instagram: https://www.instragram.com/JeanineWrites

Cozy Up with the Camerons Giveaway!
Enjoy a romantic escape to the Scottish Highlands with two signed print copies of Jeanine Englert’s latest Harlequin Historicals! Also included is a rose quartz bracelet and some amazing book swag including a pair of earrings, bookmark, and keepsake. Happy reading!
*Terms and Conditions –UK & US entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday 1 July 2023

Blog Tour: Stage Kisses on Halfpenny Lane by Clodagh Murphy

 


Two old flames. One small stage. Trouble is just waiting in the wings …  

Mimi and her sisters are still struggling to keep their beloved Halfpenny Lane Theatre afloat. 

So when Hollywood heartthrob Rocco Agnew wants a part in their upcoming production of Private Lives it promises to be a lifesaver. Rocco sets hearts racing and ticket sales soaring wherever he goes. 

The only problem: Rocco is Mimi’s ex – the one who broke her heart – and she’s slated to play  
opposite him in a role that will bring them far too close for comfort. 

They can’t turn down Rocco. Mimi doesn’t want to bow out. Will the little theatre be big enough for both of them?  

This is the second book in the Halfpenny Lane series, but it is a complete story and can be enjoyed as a standalone.  

Purchase Link - https://books2read.com/u/mK6PlB 

Review

Sweet and funny, this second chance romance was a fun read. It’s second in a series about three sisters who own a rundown theatre in Dublin. They are putting on a play and an unexpected choice of leading man is great publicity for the show but personally troubling for the leading lady. Mimi never got over her first love Rocco when he moved to LA in search of fame and fortune. Now he’s back and looking like he regrets losing her just as much.

I really liked Mimi - she was self-aware enough to know when she wasn’t being fair, but flawed enough to make some poor decisions anyway. I did get impatient with her Sam storyline but it made me like him more as a character (which is good because I suspect he’s going to lead the next book). Rocco was a bit more of an enigma but sharp-eyed Mimi noticed enough to let us know what he’s thinking even if she can’t put the votes together. 

The rehearsal process and attendant cast shenanigans were a nice look behind the curtain and introduced some interesting characters who I’d like to see more of. 

Overall the book was light and funny, so if you like second chances of live theatre, give it a go!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author via Rachel’s Random Resources; all opinions dress my own. 

Author Bio

Clodagh (rhymes with Yoda) is an Irish author of funny, feel-good romantic comedies. She lives in Dublin and writes in a cabin in the garden. Her latest release is the second book in a series of  
standalones set in the world of theatre. For more information about her books or to sign up to her newsletter, visit her website at http://clodaghmurphy.com/

Social Media Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clodaghmurphyauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClodaghMMurphy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clodaghmurphybooks/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/clodagh-murphy
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/clodagh

Tuesday 13 June 2023

The Love Theorem by Camilla Isley


Are a rocket scientist and one of Hollywood’s brightest stars a match made in heaven or is it a catastrophe headed for a crash landing?

Lana loves four things: science, her cats, her friends, and her books. She’s on her way to earning her professorship when she finds out her long-term boyfriend has been sleeping with her best friend! That discovery has her hiding in the broom closet at a posh hotel. 

Only, it turns out broom closets are the place to be these days.  

Christian Slade, America’s sexiest man alive (as voted by fans), in a desperate attempt to escape the paparazzi finds himself in a broom closet with one sobbing occupant. Unable to leave a damsel in distress, he offers help, only to realise she has no idea who he is! It’s like he’s been given a gift. A smart, beautiful woman, who isn’t after him for fame and fortune . . . 

Soon Christian is buying a Tesla to impress his scientist with his eco credentials and taking her on dates where no one will recognise him.  

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/thelovetheoremsocial

Review

The Love Theorem is a cute, funny romance about the scientist next door and the guy on the screen. Though they're not perfect - Lana is stubborn and her cheating ex has made her paranoid, Christian means well but stardom means he sometimes loses touch with reality - I thoroughly enjoyed these two falling in love and finding a balance that works for them.

I would've loved to see more of the background characters, and I'm glad to see some of them are getting their own books. I'm interested in seeing how Summer and Winter (Lana's childhood best friends) shake out going forward, given Summer kickstarted the plot by having an affair with Lana's boyfriend. Most of all, I'd like to see Penny (Christian's assistant) get a happy ending because she is hands down the most sensible person in this book.

It's a bit cheesy and full of wish fulfillment but reading this book made me happy. Also, Lana's passion for women in STEM is simply awesome. If you want a feel good Cinderella-style rom-com that swings between the wilds of academia and Hollywood luxury, please give this book a go!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

Author Bio 

Camilla Isley is an engineer who left science behind to write bestselling contemporary rom-coms set all around the world. She lives in Italy and her first title for Boldwood, The Love Theorem, a Hollywood-meets-STEM romance, will be published in June 2023. 

Social Media Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camilla.isley.10
Twitter: https://twitter.com/camillaisley
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camillaisley/
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/CamillaIsleyNews
Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/camilla-isley

Tuesday 30 May 2023

Blog tour: A Laird for the Highland Lady by Catherine Tinley (including international giveaway!)


A sparkling, witty Regency set in the Scottish Highlands

Becoming a laird

 …worthy of the Highland lady?

After an unexpected encounter with Eilidh MacDonald, Max Wood thinks this shockingly beautiful woman is unlike anyone he’s ever met! Working to restore the Scottish estate long neglected by his family, Max is achieving more than he thought possible. As a carefree second son, he’s never considered marriage—until now… But is shaking off his decadent persona enough to win the flame-haired lady who’s captured his heart?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/LairdHLady

Review

A sweet romance and a belated coming of age   - I really enjoyed this book! It ties in with the previous book in the series but stands well alone, though you likely will be seeking the others as Catherine Tinley's writing is delightful. 

Poor Max does not come across as a hedonistic layabout, but a lifetime has convinced him that he is useless. This is his coming of age as he seeks to shed his ennui and do something useful with his life. I especially liked that he grew because it was the right thing to do, not merely to win Eilidh over. Having said that, he is easy to like and I can understand why Eilidh falls for him. I would've liked Eilidh to have a bit more of an arc but that is a minor point.

It's a feel good Scottish Regency romance that doesn't shy away from the lasting damage caused by the English - but reminds you that it's not what your ancestors did but what you do now that matters.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

Author Bio

Catherine Tinley is an award winning author of historical romance. She writes witty, heartwarming Regency romance for Harlequin Mills & Boon. Her first book, Waltzing with the Earl, won the Rita® Award for Best Historical Romance 2018, while Rags-to-Riches Wife won the RoNA Award for Best Historical Romance 2021 as well as the HOLT Medallion, and A Waltz with the Outspoken Governess has won the RoNA Award for Best Historical Romance 2022.
She has loved reading and writing since childhood, and has a particular fondness for love, romance, and happy endings. After a career encompassing speech & language therapy, Sure Start, maternity campaigning and being President of a charity, she now manages a maternity hospital. She lives in Ireland with her husband, children, cats, and dog and can be reached at catherinetinley.com, on facebook, twitter, and instagram. Full links are here.

Social Media Links Catherine Tinley social media 

Giveaway to Win a Signed copy of A Laird For The Highland Lady (Open INT)
*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday 27 May 2023

Blog Tour: Troy Story by Carla Luna


The friendship that launched a thousand adventures is about to embark on the greatest one of all…

 Ever since Stuart Carlson and Dusty Danforth met as kids on a dig in Egypt, they’ve been best friends, supporting each other through heartaches, triumphs, and countless archaeological expeditions. So when Stuart gets hired to help run the American excavations at Troy, he asks Dusty to join him as the site illustrator.

For Dusty, the Troy project isn’t just another adventure. It’s the chance to tell Stuart how she really feels. After years of pining for him, she’s ready for more than friendship. 

But soon after they arrive at the site in Turkey, they’re caught up in a feud with a group of German archaeologists. While both teams are eager to make a major find, Stuart’s boss is so determined to beat his rivals that he’s willing to break a few rules. Or laws.

As Stuart and Dusty work together to keep the dig on track, they give in to the passion that’s been simmering under the surface. But will their romance survive when their boss’s scheme puts the entire project in jeopardy? 

Purchase Links
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BWGKBFNT
B & N Nook Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/troy-story-carla-luna/1143099586
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id6445787375
UBL (Books2Read): https://books2read.com/u/bMN2k8

Review

Carla Luna continues to impress with another wonderfully  written romance with a bit of spice and minimal angst. Her knowledge of archaeology shines as she reminds us of the most cutthroat of battlefields: academia. From the hallowed halls of learning to a dig site in Turkey, the quest for recognition seems more trouble than it’s worth!

Dusty Danforth can’t settle on a thesis topic or keep a lid on her temper, and she is still trying to get out from the shadow of her intimidatingly successful mother. I might sign at her choices when she flies off the handle (even though I completely understand why) but she always has a good heart and definitely keeps things interesting!

Poor sweet Stuart is doing his best but when caught between a shady dig director and his burgeoning academic career, he isn’t sure where to turn, making him very relatable. Being together honestly causes Dusty and Stuart to make worse choices until they learn how to make each other better.

The background characters were great - I liked that all of the on page women were different and it worked for them, and that the petty rivalries and jealousy were on the whole worked out so the girls really banded together. I’m especially glad to see that Emilia and TJ are in line for the next book!

If you love archaeology, romances with a setting outside the usual, or characters with jobs that matter to them, please pick up this book!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

Author Bio

Carla Luna writes contemporary romance with a dollop of humor and a pinch of spice. A former archaeologist, she still dreams of traveling to far-off places and channels that wanderlust into the settings of her stories.  When she’s not writing, she works in a spice emporium where she gets paid to discuss food and share her favorite recipes. Her passions include Broadway musicals, baking, whimsical office supplies, and pop culture podcasts. Though she has roots in Los Angeles and Vancouver Island, she currently resides in Wisconsin with her family and her feisty Siberian cat.

Social Media Links
Website:  https://www.carlalunabooks.com/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/casacullen
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/CarlaLunaAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlalunacullen/
BookBub Page: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/carla-luna

Sunday 21 May 2023

Blog Tour: Spin the Bottle by Isabella May


CELESTE thought she had long forgotten the sweet, citrusy kiss she shared with TRAVIS during a game of spin the bottle. Splitting her time between her accounts office in super Instagrammable Notting Hill, and her tiny apartment in quirky Exmouth Market, modern-day life is simply too busy for men. Besides, whenever she tries to find The One, it always ends in disaster. From Tinder tragedies to trampolining tribulations, Celeste is starting to think that she's cursed.

But then Travis begins to pop up wherever she goes, and Celeste knows with stomach-sinking clarity that fate has finally caught up with them. Inspired by the idea of fake dating, Celeste is convinced the only way out of this mess is to call the curse's bluff. But will Travis agree to it? And how can she manage not to fall in love?

Pour yourself a lemonade and escape with this gorgeous will-they-won't-they rom-com set between London and Gibraltar!

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/spinthebottle

Review

Celeste is cursed. Every quirky date she plans goes hilariously, hopelessly wrong. Her so-called best friend Mel thinks she's being over dramatic but Celeste can't let go of a teenage kiss and an old lady's prophecy, especially when the subject of both keeps popping up at every turn. Travis thinks she's crazy when she suggests fake dating to break the curse, but how long will it stay fake?

There's something sugary sweet and sometimes spicy about this book. Disastrous dates aside, Celeste is living a charmed life, right until Travis stumbled back into it. While initial meetings are not promising, there is a ton of UST just simmering under the surface. It makes me wonder if Celeste and Travis would've gotten together faster without the curse hanging over their heads.

Nevertheless, the banter is witty, the romance is lively and light, and there's just a hint of the supernatural. For a fan of fake dating, unique date ideas, and lemons, this book will tickle your fancy.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own  

Author Bio
Isabella May lives in (mostly) sunny Andalusia, Spain with her husband, daughter and son, creatively inspired by the mountains and the sea. She grew up in Somerset on Glastonbury's ley lines and loves to feature her quirky English hometown in her stories.
After a degree in Modern Languages and European Studies at UWE, Bristol (and a year working abroad in Bordeaux and Stuttgart), Isabella bagged an extremely jammy and fascinating job in children's publishing... selling foreign rights for novelty, board, pop-up and non-fiction books all over the world; in every language from Icelandic to Korean, Bahasa Indonesian to Papiamento!
All of which has fuelled her curiosity and love of international food and travel - both feature extensively in her romcoms.
Isabella is also a Level 4 Pranic Healer and a stillbirth mum.

Social Media Links
www.isabellamayauthor.com
Twitter - @IsabellaMayBks
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IsabellaMayAuthor/
Instagram - @isabella_may_author