Blog Tour: Reformed Dreamer by Deborah King

She’s wreaked havoc in everyone’s lives. Can she find forgiveness… even from within?
Former drug addict Melinda desperately wants to make amends for years of misguided aggression. Fresh out of rehab and in control of her type of bipolar disorder, she’s grateful to have a secure job and a safe homestead for her long road to recovery. Welcomed by a glorious cliffside sunset and her handsome rancher host, she’s surprised by their instant attraction.

Determined to excel at her work, Melinda does her utmost to display kindness and forges a healthy connection with the horses. And when her dedication warms the heart of the steeds’ drop-dead gorgeous owner, she starts to believe in the possibility of unexpected love and a new future.
Can Melinda truly conquer the demons of her past to find redemption?

Reformed Dreamer is the fourth and final book in the sweet Inspiration in Cologne women’s fiction series. If you like hard-won second chances, surprising romance, and rising above mental health hurdles, then you’ll love Deborah King’s touching story.

Purchase Links
US Kindle – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JJ8K16G/
UK Kindle - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08JJ8K16G/
UK Paperback – https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/1733588841/
US Paperback - https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1733588841/
Reformed Dreamer will be .99 c /p until 4th October. 

Review

A sweet romance about second chances through a conscious desire to be better

Melinda used to be awful, if her candid self-assessment is to be believed, but out of rehab and on meds, she's determined to get s fresh start. Working at a horse ranch, close to home but far enough from the townsfolk who judge her, seems like the perfect place to do just that. The instant attraction with her host is a distraction, right?

Darius is totally a sweetheart. His heart of gold and care for others shines through every action and he balances Melinda's stubbornness perfectly. I wish him every happiness, especially when dealing with his overbearing parents.

I really liked the female friendships in this book. After Melinda's past mistakes, these women accept her apologies and stand by her as she forges a new path towards the future. It is through these relationships that Melinda is able see her actions through a less selfish lens. Most of these women have had their happy endings already, and by living their dreams, they inspire Melinda to dream as well.

There were a few things that let this book down. Firstly, despite their attraction, there were a few hiccups in Darius and Melinda's relationship. For instance, I do wish he'd set better boundaries as her boss, however. Just because Melinda wants to work doesn't mean she is in a fit state to do so, and allowing a newbie to care for the horses unsupervised seems... unwise. For Melinda's part, I think she drugs him? For a good reason, but it read like it was without his consent? Yeah.

I was also very thrown by the description of Darius as an introvert, when the author seems to be describing social anxiety (aversion to crowds, difficulty with public speaking etc). This added to Darius's character and fuelled some meaningful interactions, but introversion isn't synonymous with social anxiety and I would be a lot more on board if the author didn't treat it as such.

Above points aside, I came to the end of the book satisfied in the character growth and believing in Darius and Melinda's relationship. Sometimes, that's all you want.

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

Author Bio 

Deborah King is a spirited woman who was inspired to pursue her dreams due to her mother’s death from early onset Alzheimer’s disease. She has the unique ability to read people and tackle life’s hardships.Deborah is an acclaimed, distinctive new voice in romantic women’s fiction. After raising two children, working with a not-for-profit wildlife rescue organization, and reading too many books to count, she retired from her personal training and weight management business to follow her dream of writing.

She is extremely grateful for having the opportunity to work with many different people sharing and teaching what inspires her, which you’ll catch glimpses of in her books.
Deborah’s lived in several diverse areas in her city as well as three years in a rural setting. She lives in Missouri with her supportive husband, two rescue cats, who believe they’re dogs, her mini fitness store, and her eclectic collection of books

Social Media Links
https://www.facebook.com/DeborahKingAuthor
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Deborah.King.Inside.Scoop/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18846301.Deborah_King
https://mobile.twitter.com/dkingnovels
https://www.pinterest.com/debbiekingstl/

Book Blitz: The Rue Stone by Janet Stock

 

The rue is a mysterious and rare being who is rarely seen, and Janna is amazed when one arrives at the inn where she works, looking for a room. The next morning, her life has changed, and she is left wondering whether she will ever see him again, but only time and the rue stone know the answer to that question.

Purchase Links
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07YG3Z3VM
US - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YG3Z3VM

Review

This is a short fantasy romance, the story of Janna and Arval - one of the mysterious rue. The author has created a beautiful fantasy world both similar to our own and different. I especially liked the little touches that brought the world and supporting characters to life.

I do feel like the romance was overshadowed by the backstory at times. I would've liked to see more of Janna and Arval get to know each other and spend time together, rather than descriptions of Janna's family. There were quite a few side characters that could've been cut (to streamline the story) or expanded upon (what happened to Hera?!).

Overall, the Rue Stone is an enjoyable light read and I hope to see more in this world.

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

Author Bio
Having written all of my life, I decided to self-publish my writing when I turned 50. I have published four books since then. Two are collections of short stories; Dark & Fluffy; Dark & Fluffy II and 500 Words, which is flash fiction. My latest book The Rue Stone is a fantasy novella.
My passion is medieval fiction, and I am working on my first novel The Little Servant - The Wait's Son, set in the 12th century, in Lincoln, where I live.
All four books are available on Amazon.

Social Media Links
www.janetstockwriter.wordpress.com
fb Janetstockwriter
@janetstock12

Giveaway to Win 5 paperback copies of The Rue Stone (UK Only)
*Terms and Conditions –UK 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

Blog Tour: Someday in Paris by Olivia Lara

 'An epic, sweeping romance about soulmates and second chances' Holly Miller. 

'An absolutely unforgettable love story' Mandy Baggot. 

'A deeply moving, richly evocative story of love, loss and the power of hope' Miranda Dickinson. 

Finding the one is only the beginning... 

1954. Zara is fifteen the first time she meets Leon. During a power cut in a small French museum, the two spend one short hour in the dark talking about their love for art, Monet and Paris. Neither knows what the other looks like. Both know their lives will never be the same. 

1963. In Paris, Leon no longer believes he will ever find the girl he lost that night. After dreaming about him for years, Zara thinks she has already found him. When they meet at an exhibition, they don't recognise each other – yet the way they feel is so familiar... 

Over the course of twenty years, Zara and Leon are destined to fall in love again and again. But will they ever find a way to be together? 

'It's about dreams and taking chances. Missed opportunities and mistakes. Loss and sacrifice. But above all, it is about love. The kind of love that survives time, distance... even death. The kind of love I wish for you.' 

A magical new love story about star-crossed lovers, perfect for hopeless romantics and fans of One Day and The Notebook. 

Goodreads giveaway (US only!): https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/311490-someday-in-paris

Purchase Links

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Someday-Paris-magical-hopeless-romantics-ebook/dp/B07ZWFLBB7/

Kobo US: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/someday-in-paris

Apple US: https://books.apple.com/us/book/someday-in-paris/id1485748992

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/someday-in-paris-olivia-lara/1136248226?ean=9781838933142

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=Oay6DwAAQBAJ

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Someday-Paris-magical-hopeless-romantics-ebook/dp/B07ZWFLBB7/

Kobo UK: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/someday-in-paris

Apple UK: https://books.apple.com/gb/book/someday-in-paris/id1485748992

Review

A slowly unfolding epic about soulmates, missed connections, and the endurance of love

Having finished this book, I feel strangely bittersweet. It's like a rollercoaster in slow motion, watching the twists and turns that bring Zara and Leon together, only to be separated again. The agents of that separation cannot even been called villains, for as flawed as they are, their choices make sense.
It's painful and it's beautiful.

At the very end, I can confirm that love wins, but it takes an awfully long time to get there. Every possible obstacle to their love pops up, some more than once. I think the middle seemed to drag and perhaps some of the almost-meetings could've been cut. I'd also offer up a warning for a few traumatic subjects, including miscarriage and infidelity.

I think this one is going to stay with me for a while.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley; all opinions are my own.

What other readers are saying about Someday in Paris: 

'I absolutely adored this book and stayed up late at night to finish it!! I couldn't put it down. This was a truly epic love story' Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

'Magical, all-encompassing and timeless; an unforgettable romance' NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

'Without question 5.0 Exquisite Stars!! There are not enough magical adjectives to describe the beauty of this story!! Someday in Paris moved me beyond words and to quite a few tears' Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

'Some books leave you a print in your heart which make them difficult to forget ... Emotive, sweet and unforgettable ... The most beautiful book I've read in a while!' NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

'This is a book for hopeless romantics, for those who dare to dream, and for those who believe in true love everlasting ... I could not put it down' Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

'This book left me speechless. I haven't read such an amazing story in a long time' Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

'I absolutely loved this book ... The story kept me hanging on and reading late into the night' Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Author Bio – OLIVIA LARA was born and raised in Bucharest in a family of booklovers and storytellers. Since university she has worked as a journalist and marketer in Romania, France and the United States. She is currently a marketing executive in San Francisco and lives in the Bay Area with her husband, young daughter and four cats. Someday in Paris is her first novel.

Social Media Links –

Twitter @olilara_writes,

Facebook http://facebook.com/olivialaraauthor

Instagram @olivialara.writes

Author website: olivia-lara.com

Blog Tour: My Travels With a Dead Man by Steve Searls

Jane Takako Wolfsheim learns she can alter time and space after meeting a charismatic stranger named Jorge Luis Borges.

Inextricably she falls for Borges. Soon, however Borges’ lies and emotional abuse, and nightmares about a demonic figure, “the man in black,” nearly drive Jane mad. After her parents are murdered, Jane flees with Borges. Both the ghost of haiku master, Basho, and the Daibutsu of Kamakura, a statue of Buddha that appears in her dreams, offer her cryptic advice. Unable to trust anyone, Jane must find the strength to save herself, her unborn child, and possibly the future of humanity.

Purchase Links
http://www.stevesearls.com/?page_id=33
https://www.blackrosewriting.com/scififantasy/mytravelswithadeadman
https://www.amazon.com/Travels-Dead-Man-Steve-Searls-ebook/dp/B089MWWBHZ
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Travels-Dead-Man-Steve-Searls-ebook/dp/B089MWWBHZ 

Review

A complex read about truth, lies, and choices

What did I just read? I'd call it a time-travel thriller with romantic and paranormal elements, but that doesn't cover the whole of it. It's a fascinating, confusing, dizzying read through the eyes of an unreliable narrator who has no idea what's going on. From a seizure in the park to post-apocalyptic Japan, Jane spends most of the book stumbling after the truth before stepping up to grasp the reins of her life at last. This story - her story - revolves around Jorge Luis Borges, and we never get a sense of who Jane really is, only what she can do. 

Quick warning for sexual content including assault, but if you're looking for something truly different, perhaps a bit of a mind-screw, give this book a go.

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

Author Bio 

Steve Searls retired from the practice of law in 2002 due to a rare chronic autoimmune disorder (Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Cell Associated Periodic Syndrome). He began writing poetry in 2001 and, using the pseudonym, Tara Birch, was the featured poet of Tryst Poetry Journal’s Premiere Issue. He’s also published numerous poems as Tara Birch in print and online, including the poetry chapbook, Carrots and Bleu Cheese Dip, in 2004.  Steve was also active as a blogger posting under the name, Steven D, at Daily Kos (2005-2017), Booman Tribune (2005-2017) and caucus99percent (2016–present). Steve’s published essays on Medium include “Clara’s Miracle,” about his wife’s cancer and resulting traumatic brain injury from chemotherapy, and “My Rape Story.” Raised in Colorado, he now lives with his adult son in Western NY.  My Travels With a Dead Man is his first novel.

Social Media Links
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SteveSearlsAuthor
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/StevenDBT
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/steve_searls/