Fierce at Heart by Zoe York

Marriage is for suckers—Adam and Isla agreed on that when they got hitched.

Adam Kincaid has a lot to prove: as a brand-new firefighter, as the youngest of five brothers in a small town where everyone is curious about your business, and as an unexpected newlywed.

Isla Petersen knows exactly what she’s getting into: a marriage of convenience with a younger man, a soldier she once commanded when she was an army captain. And she knows what she’s getting in return: a bakery that’s all her own.

This is a standalone story about two friends who don’t believe in love, but do believe in each other. Welcome back to Pine Harbour! 

Review

Adam didn't expect to meet his former commanding officer selling cookies at a Toronto market, nor did he expect the mind-blowing one night stand or the ensuing friendship, but when he sees a chance for her to own her own bakery, he suggests a marriage of convenience based on friendship, not love. Adam doesn't even believe he can love - and Isla's still scarred from an emotionally abusive relationship.

Most romances go roughly friendship (or lust) > love > sex > marriage, but these two flip this on its head, going something like sex > friendship > marriage > love, and it was believable every step of the way. Their chemistry is never in doubt and the solid friendship sets the foundation for a successful marriage even before love sneaks in.

Adam's a great guy who is starting a new career out of the army and still seems to be the baby of this family in his brother's eyes. Despite the teasing, it is clear the brothers all love each other and they (mostly) wind back the matchmaking when he asks. His confusion over love starts very demiromantic and I'm glad his brothers are there to talk sense into him when he needs it.

Thanks to her time in the army and her awful ex-husband, Isla is terrible at asking for help, but the welcoming small town and supportive husband go a long way to helping her trust again and I loved seeing her open up. The ex-husband deserved a comeuppance but I feel like his sub-plot disappeared suddenly which was a bit disappointing. Even a sentence or two could've wrapped it up.

This is actually the second in a spinoff series from an eight book series set in the same town and it was nice that while some previous characters made an appearance (I even commented on the wealth of Minellis to my roommate and it turns out those four siblings get four books each), it didn't feel overwhelming or annoying. This book stands well on its own and its quality makes me glad of such a large back catalogue.

Overall, a very enjoyable small town marriage of convenience and when my TBR calms down I'd love to read more by the author. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

Blog Tour: Love and Ohana Drama by Melissa Baldwin

Love and Ohana Drama is a romantic comedy that explores the challenges of family dynamics and reminds readers that there is always hope for a second chance. Sometimes the most challenging situations bring the most happiness . . .

Twenty-something Cora Fletcher is a book-loving public relations executive who lives with her overly Zen best friend and attention-loving cat. Newly single and focusing on her exciting career, she feels like she’s in a good place. She's even been invited on an all-expenses-paid Hawaiian vacation! The only catch—it’s a family reunion . . . and her family can be a lot to handle.

Cora vows to not let that get in the way, but even before the family has boarded the plane, the ohana drama begins. As usual, there's the sister-in-law who is bent on causing friction, the self-centered cousins, and the aunt who loves to party a bit too much. Her mother has filled the itinerary with endless activities, and she's even invited Cora’s ex-boyfriend in an attempt to get them back together.

Although she feels overwhelmed, Cora gets a blast from her past that could impact her life forever. This is one welcome reunion she did not expect . . .

Will Cora make it through a week of family togetherness? And will she be able to say aloha to someone she thought was out of her life forever?

Puchase Links
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07YQDMSRC  
US – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YQDMSRC

Review

Cora can't stand her family. They are so stressful, she almost backs out of the Hawaii-based family reunion - and when she arrives at the airport, she finds her ex was also invited because her mom still wants him to be part of the family. Can her holiday survive the Fletcher family drama, and when an old crush resurfaces, will Cora take a chance on love?

This was a sweet and sunny trip to Honolulu full of leis and trips to the beach. Yes, it's an idealised view of Hawaii, available only to wealthy tourists, but everyone could do with a luxury escape. Trust me, it will give you a serious case of travel envy. I had a holiday booked to Hawaii last year and I'm still sad it didn't eventuate.

Cora was a delightful relateable character with her love of reading and sense of isolation from her own family. I wished her every happiness and cheered when she enforced her boundaries, though there was a moment when she texted her mom during the flight to Hawaii (illegal but also impossible) that had me rolling my eyes.

I'm such a sucker for family feels. There's a large cast, almost all of them Fletchers, but the book doesn't feel overstuffed because while each are dramatic, they fit into the overall story and don't have an extended character arc of their own. I loved how everyone who went to the reunion ended the story a little better than they were before and I liked them all a little better than I did before. Even Brynn.

This is a happy book and I think it'll make you happy too.

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

Author Bio

Melissa Baldwin is a planner-obsessed Disney fan who still watches Beverly Hills 90210 reruns and General Hospital. 

She’s a wife, mother, and journal keeper, who finally decided to write the book she talked about for years. She took her dream to the next level, and is now an award-winning, bestselling author of nineteen Romantic Comedy and Cozy Mystery novels and novellas. Melissa writes about charming, ambitious, and real women, and she considers these leading ladies to be part of her tribe.

When she isn't deep in the writing zone, this multitasking master organizer keeps busy by spending time with her family, chauffeuring her daughter, traveling, attempting yoga poses, and going on rides at Disney World.

Social Media Links
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Baldwin/e/B012M1S100?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1579551179&sr=8-1
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authormelissabaldwin/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mbaldwinauthor/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/mpbaldwinauthor
BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melissa-baldwin
Website - http://www.authormelissabaldwin.com

Giveaway to Win a $20 Amazon Gift Card (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.

How to Catch a Queen by Alyssa Cole

A few weeks ago, I was reminded that I'd bought A Princess in Theory (Reluctant Royals #1) by Alyssa Cole and like most book purchases, it languished on my to-read list for an embarrassingly long time before I picked it up.

Reader, I loved it. I went out and acquired more by Alyssa Cole, including this book. It's the first in the Runaway Royals series but follows on from the Reluctant Royals series and a few of those characters make an appearance, even as Shanti and Sanyu were introduced in earlier books.

Basically, Sanyu is the reluctant heir to the Njazan throne who feels he can never live up to his domineering father's legacy, a feeling encouraged by the actions of his chief advisor. His social anxiety and grief have rendered him functionally useless as a monarch and his country is teetering on the brink of revolt.

Shanti decided she wanted to be a queen at age 7 and spent her entire life preparing herself to be a good one. She's clever, focused, driven, perceptive, and absolutely hamstrung by Njazan misogyny. Her good ideas are ignored and her time wasted by busywork in the library. I loved Shanti, though she'd probably be difficult to be friends with in real life. I especially liked the book of quotes she kept with wisdom from her role models (mostly other queens).

However, I felt this book took a while to get off the ground and found myself frustrated with Sanyu and his inaction more than once. He definitely gets better but his character growth (and the majority of the plot) seem to take place at the end of the book. Some of those plot reveals are incredible and foreshadowed so neatly but lost their impact when so many are shoved into such a short period of time.

I definitely enjoyed this book and enjoyed Alyssa Cole's writing, but this wasn't my favourite of hers.

Blog Tour: A Remedy in Time by Jennifer Macaire (with giveaway!)

To save the future, she must turn to the past . . .

San Francisco, Year 3377. A deadly virus has taken the world by storm. Scientists are desperately working to develop a vaccine. And Robin Johnson – genius, high-functioning, and perhaps a little bit single-minded – is delighted. Because, to cure the disease, she’s given the chance to travel back in time.

But when Robin arrives at the last Ice Age hoping to stop the virus at its source, she finds more there than she bargained for. And just as her own chilly exterior is beginning to thaw, she realises it’s not only sabre-toothed tigers that are in danger of extinction . . .

Purchase Links
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Remedy-Time-favourite-timeslip-ALEXANDER-ebook/dp/B08H7X6RL9/
https://www.amazon.com/Remedy-Time-favourite-timeslip-ALEXANDER-ebook/dp/B08H7X6RL9/
https://www.headline.co.uk/titles/jennifer-macaire/a-remedy-in-time/9781786157911/

Review

In the future, time travel is a tool of academia - expensive, but not impossible. With the world threatened by a viral strain of typhus with a 100% fatality rate, self-diagnosed sociopath Robin is sent back in time to gather samples that might kickstart the hunt for a vaccine. Unfortunately, corporate greed is timeless and Robin must survive the past to save the future.

Robin is such an interesting heroine. She's very unemotional in part due to a traumatic past that I'd perhaps have liked a bit more on. This distance stands her in good stead through the book but it's also a delight to see her open up as she admires the wonders of the past.

This was a fascinating blend of wilderness survival novel and a techno-thriller. In fact, there's a bit of everything which is making this review rather difficult to write despite being such an enjoyable book. There's Robin's somewhat uncomfortable and mysterious past, her complicated relationship with her boss's son, her friendship with a local caveman, her exploration of the past, and the time travel retrieval team with suspicious motivations. I can't categorise this book, I can only recommend it.

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

Author Bio

Jennifer Macaire lives in France with her husband, three children, & various dogs & horses. She loves chocolate, biking, & reading. She grew up in upstate New York, Samoa, and the Virgin Islands. She graduated from St. Peter and Paul high school in St. Thomas and moved to NYC where she modeled for five years for Elite. She went to France and met her husband at the polo club. All that is true. But she mostly likes to make up stories.

Social Media Links
https://twitter.com/jennifermacaire
https://www.facebook.com/TempusU

Giveaway to Win a $25 Amazon Gift Certificate (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

Blog Tour: Her Banished Knight's Redemption by Melissa Oliver

A lady’s need for protection 

A knight’s chance for redemption

 Exiled Knight William Geraint answers only to himself. Yet, a mission to find and reunite lost heiress Lady Isabel de Clancey with her family is Will’s chance to finally atone for the torment of his past. With every rushed mile, their intense attraction becomes dangerously thrilling. He swore to protect Isabel not seduce her, but their desire for each other could threaten the redemption he’s worked so hard to achieve…

Purchase Links
Mills and Boon - https://bit.ly/3opfj5I
Harlequin Books - https://bit.ly/3234EEv
Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/31LLVga
Amazon US - https://amzn.to/3kyXj6K

Review

As a child, Lady Isabel is saved from an ambush by a young Will Geraint. Traumatised, she is sent to a convent and adopted by a miller and his wife to grow up in anonymous safety. Years later, Will is hired to retrieve the lost de Clancey heiress and escort her to her now-widowed mother, but danger is around every corner, danger that wants to find Isabel for reasons entirely their own.

The strength of this book is in the relationship between Will and Isabel as they get to know each other and fall in love. The ambush is merely the pinnacle of Isabel's painful past and I am glad for the relative peace and joy she found as a simple miller's daughter. Will's history is more shadowed but no less painful and I really liked how Isabel listened to him and encouraged him to step out of the darkness and self-recrimination. Will carries a lot of anger and resentment under the guilt and I love how Isabel outlines new perspectives that might help him let go. Will and Isabel believed in each other and brought out the best in each other which helped me believe in them together.

I did find the pacing a little unsteady - this is the medieval equivalent of a road trip story but they only get on the road at 20% after Will spends far too long trying to convince Isabel to go with him without really hearing out any of her objections. Slightly pettily, I also wish we got the scene where Isabel's adopted sister is informed that she is indeed not lost nobility and the handsome knight is here for her helpful and unassuming sister.

Once we get on the road, the true bonding time begins - as does the danger, which wasn't entirely expected based on the blurb. The tension did build nicely, but there did seems to be a few continuity errors. I especially wonder at the wisdom giving a Lady a knife during a combat situation, when the last time that happened it ended with the same knife at her throat. For a smart man, I can't believe that Will would make that mistake. Twice. You think he'd learn.

However, pacing and quibbles aside, this is a fine medieval romance between two lost souls who bring out the best in each other and I enjoyed it.

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

Author Bio

Melissa Oliver is from south-west London where she writes historical romance novels. She lives with her lovely husband and daughters, who share her passion for decrepit, old castles, palaces and all things historical.

Melissa is the WINNER of The Romantic Novelist Association’s Joan Hessayon Award for new writers 2020 for her debut, The Rebel Heiress and the Knight -  Book 1 Notorious Knights.

Social Media Links
Twitter - @melissaoauthor
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/melissaoliverauthor/

Blog Blitz: Trust Me by Candace Hutton (with giveaway!)

Brooke Anderson never pictured herself as a divorcee at twenty-eight. But when she mentions getting a post-nup to her husband Garrett after one deliciously sex-filled year, he promptly serves her with divorce papers. Admittedly, she could’ve told him about how her father left her and her mother homeless when she was young, and how she’s never been wired to trust anyone. Especially those closest to her. Now, all she wants to do is avoid anywhere he might be so she won’t have to face him again.
 
But she’s not the only one who can’t seem to trust.
 
Garrett Call grew up with parents who married for money and wants no part of a life that puts material possessions above love. He reinvented himself in college, complete with a new last name so he couldn’t be tied to his family’s lucrative business. He never even told Brooke the truth. Admittedly, he could’ve handled the issue of a post-nup better with his ex-wife. Maybe he didn’t count on how much he was going to miss having her in his life.
 
When their best friends’ wedding forces the exes to see each other again, a dangerous man from Garrett’s world threatens Brooke’s life. And they realize the only way to save themselves is to finally learn to trust each other.

Purchase Links
US - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QCXKLG9
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08QCXKLG9 

Review

Trust Me is the story of a tragic lack of communication and serious trust issues. Both Garrett and Brooke have good reasons for their attitudes towards money - but neither are willing to share those reasons with their spouse, leading to two people who love each other getting a quick divorce.

Quick being the operative word. I was left a little confused by the timeline of this book because it seems that they went 10 days from fight to divorce finalisation which seems unnecessarily hasty. Of course, the timeline is shortened by the upcoming wedding of their friends and their trust issues are put to the test when danger looms. Honestly such a lot happened, this could definitely have been a longer book. A little more page space could've reduced the awkward beginning infodumps as well.

Overall I enjoyed this book and found it a short and sexy read but it did feel a little rushed.

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

Author Bio

Candace Hutton was born and raised on books. She spent a great deal of her teenage years in libraries and bookstores and still tries to sneak off to them as often as possible. Some of her other favorite things are coffee, puppies, and the smell of rain. You can connect with her on Twitter @authorcandace 

Giveaway to Win a $30 Amazon Gift Card (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

Calculated Risks by Seanan McGuire

Y'all. I made a mistake.

I've been really good at going to bed recently. I'd hit the sack between ten and eleven o'clock, maybe closer to midnight if I'm going a bit late. But for this book? I started reading and didn't get off the couch until I was done, somewhere after two am.

As a quick note, Calculated Risks is not a good place to start this series. The best place to start would be at the beginning with Discount Armageddon, or perhaps with one of the many short stories on Seanan's website. Calculated Risks picks up directly where Imaginary Numbers left off, stranded in an alien dimension by semi-sentient math.

Trust me, it makes sense in context.

Sarah is a delight to read because she's so aware that's she's different - non-human, raised as a Price - and circumstances have her viewing her own family from the outside. They're as weird and scary as you would expect from a paranoid set of cryptozoologists. We get more understanding of Sarah and her species, and we get to explore a whole new world. Seanan manages to weave together the familiar and the fantastical into a cohesive if sometime confusing whole, and I loved it.

This book had me riveted to the very end and immediately after finishing I wanted to go back and read it again, so this makes this an easy five stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

By Mistake by Sigal Ehrlich

A digital chance encounter that springs an online friendship that slowly crosses the borders of the digital realm into real life, bringing along the bazillion-dollar question, what do you do when you meet The One at the most impossibly wrong time?

There’s so much going on in Anna’s life. Teaching countless hours at the studio and nurturing the three major relationships of her life – her group of tight-knit friends, all while attempting to not screw up this whole adulthood thing leaves very little time to waste on yet another dating app. At this point, a relationship is off the menu. Being “self-partnered” is more than enough.

A serious relationship has been crossed off Liam Brody’s list of goals, at least for the foreseeable future. Completing his residency and becoming a trauma surgeon is his only priority. Casual relationships, his friends, and books are the only things he’s willing to lose his precious free time to.

When an accidental email starts a deep online connection, both Liam and Anna dive in with zero concern . . . because there’s really no harm in getting close to someone who you’ll never meet in real life, right?

Wrong.

When a turn of events brings their “safe” virtual connection to an unexpected face-to-face, Anna and Liam learn their online chemistry pales in comparison to the real deal. A realization that brings along the bazillion-dollar question – what do you do when you meet The One at the most impossibly wrong time?

*by Mist@ke is book 1 in a standalone series with connected characters, but independent storylines.

Review

Neither Anna nor Liam have time for a relationship. He's busy doing his residency, she's on the verge of owning her own fitness studio. A mistyped email address leads to an unexpected connection but Liam's life plan doesn't include a serious girlfriend for at least another few years. Maybe it's better they stay as friends.

It was fun watching Anna and Liam banter their way from penpals to friends to lovers. The slow progression let them build upon all the little conversations and connections until they made a believable couple.

I really liked Liam and could understand where he's coming from even though his insistence on following his well-defined plan nearly derails them completely. His reservations came from a place of wanting the best for Anna and stemmed from a catastrophic failed relationship (though I don't think he should take the blame for his ex's depression but that's another conversation). Apart from his reluctance to commit he sounds practically perfect (and he gets bonus points for his honesty regarding the no-commitment boundary).

Anna was more difficult to like because her emphasis on healthy living sometimes felt like I was being preached at by a well-meaning but misguided and judgy influencer. For instance, she cleans yoga mats with cleansing essential oils and refers to canned cheese as poison in a canister. Most frustratingly, her idea of bare minimum makeup is mascara and blush which is two products more than the actual minimum. However, I did love her friendship group as the supported and challenged each other through trials, tribulations, and drunk fishing (sounds fun but possibly a very poor idea in practice).

The book could do with a little extra editing particularly in terms of continuity. The most egregious error comes early on, when Liam and Anna bond over a Tolkien quote. Supposedly. There was no discernible Tolkien quote in that email. I'm willing to be wrong and hope this would be fixed in an update.

Overall, I found this a charming and funny novel with an engaging premise with a few hitches in the execution.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

Blog Tour: The Lake House by Christie Barlow

There’s a newcomer to the village of Heartcross and she’s never been more in need of a friend.  Ella is ready to start afresh ––and that could mean there’s love on the horizon in the form of the gorgeous Roman, the local water taxi driver. Every day Roman is there to ferry Ella to the restaurant on the other side of the lake and every night he makes sure she gets home safe. But Roman has secrets of his own…
Can the Love Heart Lane community offer Ella a chance of a new life? Or will the ghosts of her past catch up with her?

Purchase Links
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B086115DK9/
US - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086115DK9/ 

Review

Ella has had a horrific few months after her fiancé absconds with her inheritance leaving her with a broken heart and credit card debt for miles. When her friend Callie invites her to Heartcross, it's a much-needed fresh start and a chance to put her life back together. Fortunately for Ella, it can only get better from here.

Sometimes, you need a happy book. A book where things go right, not wrong. A book free from secondhand embarrassment or third-act dark moments full of moping and miscommunication. 

This is that book.

Despite being fifth in a series that I haven't followed, it was easy to dive into Heartcross. It was a delight to sit back and watch Ella regain her confidence as she makes new friends and settles into a new village. Does it require a suspension of disbelief? A little, but it's refreshing to read about wrongs being righted and finding success after failure without the fear of the rug being pulled out from under you.

If you're wanting a light and fluffy read, perhaps as an antidote to the world outside of books, this may be just the novel you've been waiting for.

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

Author Bio

Christie Barlow is the author of ten bestselling romantic comedies including A Home at Honeysuckle Farm, Love Heart Lane and Clover Cottage. She lives in a ramshackle cottage in a quaint village in the heart of Staffordshire with her four children and two dogs. Her writing career has come as a lovely surprise when Christie decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. Christie’s dream was to become a writer and the book she wrote to prove a point went on to become a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. When Christie isn’t writing she enjoys playing the piano, is a keen gardener and loves to paint and upcycle furniture. Christie is an ambassador for the @ZuriProject alongside Patron of the charity, Emmerdale’s Bhasker Patel. They raise money and awareness for communities in Uganda.
Christie loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Social Media Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christie_barlow/
Twitter @ChristieJBarlow
Facebook page Christie Barlow author
 

Blog Tour: His Unlikely Duchess by Amanda McCabe

Money can buy her marriage

But will it lead to love?

Miss Lily Wilkins hopes her American money will compensate for her lack of etiquette, as she needs a prestigious marriage to save her sisters’ prospects. Raised to believe wealth was her greatest attribute, she’s stunned when her unconventional ways catch the eye of the notorious Duke of Lennox. He’s far from the safe, sensible match she’d planned on—but Lily might just discover he’s the one she needs!

Purchase Links
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unlikely-Duchess-Historical-Dollar-Duchesses-ebook/dp/B08Q7MS4H4/
US - https://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-Duchess-Dollar-Duchesses-Book-ebook/dp/B089YTPXSW/

Review

Lily Wilkins knows that when the proper English debutantes look at her, they laugh behind their fans at the daughter of 'Old King Coal'. She's rich, untitled, and utterly unsuited to join their ranks. Aiden, the new Duke of Lennox, never expected to be responsible for the crumbling manor and rising costs of the Lennox estate. He's utterly unprepared to be a Duke and even less prepared to be a husband, but when circumstances put Lily and Aiden together, they might just find they are exactly what the other needs!

In fact, they are definitely what the other needs. She is an heiress with a matchmaking mama, he's a penniless duke with a spendthrift mama. They like each other from the get-go, so I'm not entirely sure why it takes them so long to get together! There's a lot of introspection that doesn't really go anywhere as Lily has no idea what she wants and Aiden doesn't think he'd be a good husband for Lily but never goes into detail.

The period and setting, especially the dresses, are sumptous, and the side characters, particularly Lily's sisters, are awesome. If you're looking for a slow burn romance with minimal conflict, this may well suit you. I found it a little too slow for my tastes and it bugged me when characters called the Duke 'Duke' as if it was his first name or in any way appropriate but I'm sure other people would not mind that at all.

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

Author Bio 

Amanda wrote her first romance at the age of sixteen--a vast historical epic starring all her friends as the characters, written secretly during algebra class (and her parents wondered why math was not her strongest subject...)

She's never since used algebra, but her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion.  She lives in Santa Fe with a Poodle, a cat, a wonderful husband, and a very and far too many books and royal memorabilia collections.

When not writing or reading, she loves taking dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network--even though she doesn't cook.

Social Media Links
http://ammandamccabe.com
https://www.facebook.com/amandamccabebooks/
https://www.instagram.com/amandamccabeauthor/
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/amandamccabe/_saved/
https://twitter.com/AmandaMcCabe01

Blog Tour: One Summer in Monte Carlo by Jennifer Bohnet

Monte Carlo means different things to different people; a billionaires playground, overflowing with glitz and glamour but also where dangerous secrets hide.

For Nanette Weston, and her then fiancé, F1 racing driver Zac Ewart, their dream life came to an abrupt halt 3 years ago following a car accident which Zac walked away from, but left Nanette being airlifted back to the UK, never to return and never to see her fiancé again.

Monte Carlo was a place she wanted to forget, not revisit. But when her friend and employer, Vanessa asks Nanette to look after her children in the Principality for a few months, Nanette knew she had no choice but to return.

As the F1 circus once again comes to town, with Zac in pole position, mistakes of the past, leave legacies for the future...

This book was previously published as Follow Your Star by Jennifer Bohnet.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3cqDnQh

Review

Three years ago, Nanette lived in the Principality of Monaco, loving her life and engaged to a rising star of Formula One. After a devastating car crash destroyed Nanette's relationship, her reputation, and her memories of the night in question, an obligation to a friend has her returning to Monaco for the summer. As the crowds (and her ex) gather for the Monaco Grand Prix, it seems everyone has secrets. Maybe Nanette should've stayed in England...

This is a lovely story about forgiveness and redemption, but also about setting boundaries and learning to let go and move on. It is not, despite the blurb, a second chance romance. It's women's fiction with a thriller undercurrent and romantic elements. There's also a secondary plotline following Nanette's friend Jessica through the Amazon which provided an interesting contrast to the glitz of Monaco, and we also get comedic glimpses of Nanette's sister Patsy as she deals with an overbearing MIL back in England.

The three stories weave in and out of each other in an absorbing escapist read. There's an awful lot going on (and quite a few characters to keep track of) but it's quite enjoyable to sit back and go with the flow. My one quibble was around logistics, in particular a funeral that only had nine attendees, which made no sense given the context. At all.

Overall, it's a lovely read set against the beautiful backdrop of Monte Carlo - and can't we all do with a little escape right now?

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

Author Bio

Jennifer Bohnet is the bestselling author of over 14 women's fiction titles, including Villa of Sun and Secrets and A Riviera Retreat. She is originally from the West Country but now lives in the wilds of rural Brittany, France.

Social Media Links
http://www.jenniferbohnet.com/
http://facebook.com/Jennifer-Bohnet-170217789709356
http://twitter.com/jenniewriter
http://instagram.com/jenniebohnet
Newsletter sign up link: http://bit.ly/JenniferBohnetNewsletter
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jennifer-bohnet

The Heiress's Pregnancy Surprise by Donna Alward

A VIP assignment…
an unexpected consequence!

Ex-SAS officer Jacob Wolfe’s latest job, as aristocrat Charlotte Pemberton’s bodyguard, is pushing him to his limits. Never one to step over the line, he’s determined to ignore their intense connection. Until a single dance leads to a forbidden kiss… and Jacob is tempted to break all his rules. But their resulting night together has an unexpected consequence…

Purchase Link

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Heiresss-Pregnancy-Surprise-Mills-Empire-ebook/dp/B08DFRT9SJ

US - https://www.amazon.com/Heiresss-Pregnancy-Surprise-Mills-Empire-ebook/dp/B08DFRT9SJ

Review 

Charlotte Pemberton does not want a bodyguard on her first outing representing the family business alone, but her mother insists, and so she is stuck with Jacob Wolfe. Jacob would rather be on holiday than babysit a spoiled heiress, but as he gets to know Charlotte, he quickly realises she is more than he gave her credit for.

This is a story in two parts - the first, a classic girl-meets-bodyguard, and the second - well, take a look at the title. Surprise!

I liked how this book handled consent - both around alcohol and power dynamics, though Jacob does point out he's technically not her employee, he's her mother's. What I really loved, however, was that Charlotte was extremely competent and Jacob is openly impressed by her despite knowing nothing about the fashion industry.

It's light and lovely and has just the right amount of angst and self-reflection. I have no hesitation in giving this five stars.

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

Author Bio 

While bestselling author Donna Alward was busy studying Austen, Eliot and Shakespeare, she was also losing herself in the breathtaking stories created by romance novelists like LaVyrle Spencer and Judith McNaught.  Several years after completing her degree she decided to write a romance of her own and it was true love! Five years and ten manuscripts later she sold her first book and launched a new career. While her heartwarming stories of love, hope, and homecoming have been translated into several languages, hit bestseller lists and won awards, her very favorite thing is when she hears from happy readers.

Donna lives on Canada’s east coast. When she’s not writing she enjoys reading (of course!), knitting, gardening, cooking…and is a Masterpiece Theater addict.  You can visit her on the web at www.DonnaAlward.com and join her mailing list at www.DonnaAlward.com/newsletter .

Social Media Links
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DonnaAlwardAuthor
Twitter: @DonnaAlward
IG: donnaalward

Dangerous Masquerade by Peta Lee Rose

Orphaned at 16. Married at 17. Widowed at 18. Destitute—or dead—at 19?

To avoid either fate Ria St. James has to thwart her deceased husband’s nephew who intends to marry or murder her—either will do! She must also contend with well-meaning matchmakers and evade the determined pursuit of the Earl of Arden. Though she yearns to succumb to his advances she can’t risk his discovering what she has had to do to foil the nephew. If she fails, she could lose her heart, her life, or both.

The Earl of Arden enjoys the life of a rake and has a particular liking for widows as they understand the rules of engagement. But his seduction of Ria St. James does not go to plan when he becomes captivated by the innocent widow. Then he realizes she has a secret and is in danger. She needs to reveal it so he can protect her. If he fails, he could lose her forever.

Dangerous Masquerade, the first book in the Regency Masquerade series, is a historical romance flavored with suspense, humor and a pinch of paranormal.

Review

Ria and her elderly relatives are in danger of being evicted from their own home if her husband's nephew can prove her marriage of convenience was never consummated (and thus is not legally binding). Ria needs to get rid of her pesky virginity, and fast. Aided by the ghost of her late husband, she sets out to seduce her childhood crush at a masquerade ball.

And that's just the first chapter.

Not only is the nephew tenacious and possibly murderous in his efforts to gain 'his' inheritance, her estate manager is rebelling, and her crush wants to start an affair - even while searching for his mysterious seductress.

This wasn't a bad book but I found it a little hard to follow, especially at the start. There were a lot of characters that popped in and out and some inconsistencies that left me a little unsatisfied. I did like the Aunts and Cousins with their blatant matchmaking. I was also very struck by some of the lovely introspection once everything was out in open. Overall it was a bit of a mixed bag.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
 

Editing Your Novel's Structure by Bethany A Tucker

Before it’s time to check for commas and iron out passive voice, fiction writers need to know that their story is strong. Are your beta readers not finishing? Do they have multiple, conflicting complaints? When you ask them questions about how they experience your story, do they give lukewarm responses? Or have you not even asked anyone to read your story, wondering if it’s ready?

If any of the above is true, you may need to refine the structure of your story. What is structure you ask? Structure is what holds a story together. Does the character arc entrance the reader? Is the world building comprehensive and believable? These questions and more have to be answered by all of us as we turn our drafts into books.

In this concise handbook, complete with checklists for each section, let a veteran writer walk you through the process of self-assessing your novel, from characters to pacing with lots of compassion and a dash of humor. In easy to follow directions and using adaptable strategies, she shows you how to check yourself for plot holes, settle timeline confusion, and snap character arcs into place.

Use this handbook for quick help and quick self-editing checklists on:

- Characters and Character Arcs.
- Plot.
- Backstory
.
- Point of View.
- A detailed explanation of nearly free self-editing tools and how to apply them to your book to find your own structural problems.
- Beginnings and Ends.
- Editing for sensitive and specialized subject matter.
- Helpful tips on choosing beta readers, when to seek an editor, and a sample questionnaire to give to your first readers. 


Grab your copy of Edit Your Novel’s Structure today! Now is the time to finish that draft and get your story out into the world. 

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Editing-Your-Novels-Structure-Checklists-ebook/dp/B08PSP82ZQ

US - https://www.amazon.com/Editing-Your-Novels-Structure-Checklists-ebook/dp/B08PSP82ZQ

Review

The author describes this book as the guide to editing she wishes she’d had when she started and I have to agree. In a collection of short chapters, she sets out what story aspects to edit (setting, characters, pacing etc) and provides a handy list of thought provoking questions for each. Matter of fact and easy to read, I can easily see this being a useful book to dip into for guidance. It’s no substitute for the hard work of editing but certainly provides a clear guide of how to do it.

If you have written a novel but can’t work out what to do with it, this may be the book for you.

Author Bio

Bethany Tucker is an author and editor located near Seattle, U.S.A. Story has always been a part of her life. With over twenty years of writing and teaching experience, she’s more than ready to take your hand and pull back the curtain on writing craft and mindset. Last year she edited over a million words for aspiring authors. Her YA fantasy series Adelaide is published wide under the pen name Mustang Rabbit and her dark epic fantasy is releasing in 2021 under Ciara Darren. You can find more about her services for authors at TheArtandScienceofWords.com. 

Social Media Links –   theartandscienceofwords.com, mustangrabbit.com