Blog Tour: Playing the Duke’s Fiancee by Amanda McCabe

A pretend proposal 

For the unconventional heiress

When American heiress Violet Wilkins crosses paths with William, Duke of Charteris, she has extremely low expectations of the “Duke of Bore.” But when this seemingly stuffy aristocrat offers her escape from a dreadful arranged marriage, she leaps at the chance! To her surprise, the arresting Charles whisks Vi into an exhilarating make-believe romance. And as she gets to know the man behind the title, she can’t help wanting more…

Purchase Links
US - https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Dukes-Fianc%C3%A9e-Victorian-Historical-ebook/dp/B08WK59LL1
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Playing-Dukes-Fianc%C3%A9e-Victorian-Historical-ebook/dp/B08WK59LL1 

Review

Violet Wilkins can't imagine loving anyone as much as she loves photography but William, Duke of Bore Charteris is simply the most beautiful man she's ever met and she itches to capture him in frame.`She can't imagine they have anything in common but with her parents aiming to get their last daughter married off and scheming debutantes plotting to net themselves a duke, they agree to fake an engagement. As an American, she can never be the Duchess he thinks he needs, but her heart - and his - may have other ideas.

The first book in this series was a sumptous and low stakes read that piqued my interest in this sequel about Lily's sister Violet, especially with a fake relationship in the offering. This book stands alone, though Lily and her husband Aiden feature as prominent supporting characters.

One small tragedy of the First World War was that many of the respective European Heads of State were related, in contact, and still couldn't manage to resolve their differences. The reason they were all related? Queen Victoria married her children off all over Europe, and one of these weddings is the key event of this plot. Violet longs to document the wedding of Prince Albert, Duke of Edinburgh, and Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia, an event which Lily and Violet attend by dint of Lily's ducal marriage. I loved the change of setting and the descriptions are just gorgeous.

Violet's passion for photography leaps off the page and adds a layer of depth and interest to her interactions not only with William, but also the characters around them. I liked how William was supportive despite not sharing her hobby, and how Violet's photography directly influenced the plot.

There were a few plot threads that didn't tie up completely - why Violet's parents were so keen on arranging her engagement, nor what on earth is going on with their sister Rose (is it a future book?) but the overall romance is both entertaining and satisfying. For an enjoyable low-angst romance with a unique heroine and setting of both time and place, this is a good choice.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher 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. 

Amanda also writes as Laurel McKee for Grand Central Publishing, the Elizabethan Mystery Series as Amanda Carmack, and the Manor Cat Mystery Series as Eliza Casey.

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

Pause by Kylie Scott

Anna, recent car crash victim and coma patient, finds her life (and husband) have moved on without her. A little bit lost, and a lot smothered by her mom, she reaches out to the man who pulled her from the wreckage of the car crash that stole months of her life. Leif has his own scars - both physical and emotional - but together, he and Anna might just find a way to heal.

Every time I read a new book by Kylie Scott, I wonder if this is where she loses me. Where her blend of down to earth heroines and bad-boy heroes jumps the shark.

I am happy to report that this is not that book.

I absolutely love how Anna is your average Jane, with her own set of insecurities and flaws, as she learns to navigate a massive life change. Leif struggling as well, in the aftermath of the events of Repeat, as well as the car crash. Despite this, he encourages Anna to take charge of her own life and start living again. They're both hurt, but what didn't kill them brought them together.

Much of the angst in this book is situational rather than relational. Anna is still recovering from the car crash and her ex won't stay away. There's also a lovely subplot exploring her relationship with her mom that makes me want to give my own a call.

Anyone who wants a high-conflict romance might find this not to their liking, but I really enjoyed this slower-paced hospital-buddies to lovers as it explored relationships and growth after a life-changing event. It's sweet, sexy, and emotionally fulfilling.

Pause is available now in ebook and hard copy.

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

Blog Tour: Thirteen Stops by Sandra Harris

There are thirteen Luas stops between Sandyford and St. Stephen's Green in Dublin and vice versa. The passengers all hunker down, folded tightly into themselves, eyes fixed on their phones, interminably scrolling, terrified of connecting with each other. Except . . . Except, who's that good-looking guy in the long dark coat who's eyeing up selfie queen Laura? Could he end up as one of her terrible choices? Hang on, isn't he the same guy who was ogling glamorous working-mum-with-a-secret Maroon before? And why is Jamie over there telling his life story to a complete stranger? What's Fauve hiding in her handbag? It must be the crown jewels or an unexploded bomb at the very least, the way she's hugging it so tightly to herself. And why does Becks from two seats down look out the window so anxiously? Is she worried that Barry could be straying? Alight here for the inside track . . . 

Purchase Links
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1781997489
US - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1781997489

Review

Love, life, and a bit of the absurd collide and intertwine on the Luas, the tram system around Dublin. Everyone has a story and we dip one by one into the lives of its passengers, from the Other Woman to a single mother with a secret, a put-upon wife to the good boyfriend with a past. Each of the thirteen chapters follows different characters as they face relationship woes and the pains of life. I particularly enjoyed Fauve's and Maroon's chapters, though Mick's chapter made me tear up and a few of the relationships had me, a confirmed romantic, hoping for a breakup! 

Each end on a cliffhanger but I liked how these were (mostly) tied up in the next chapter. I also found it fun to try and work out who would be the next point of view. There was a nice cyclicity about the whole thing, though I was definitely left with a few questions, especially the ones that were mainly composed of flashbacks. It definitely felt like a tasting portion, leaving you wanting just a little bit more.

Touching, heartbreaking, and sometimes naughty (especially the first chapter, which I wasn't expecting!), this is a clever set of vignettes from an interesting new (to me) author.

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

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY OF SANDRA HARRIS.
Sandra Harris is a Dublin-based novelist, poet, short story writer and film and book blogger. She has studied Creative Writing and Vampirology. She has published a number of e-books on the following topics: horror film reviews, multi-genre film reviews, women's fiction, erotic fiction, erotic horror fiction and erotic poetry. Several new books are currently in the pipeline. You can browse or buy any of Sandra's books by following the link below straight to her Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B015GDE5RO

 Her debut romantic fiction novel, 'THIRTEEN STOPS,' is out now from Poolbeg Books:
https://www.amazon.com/Thirteen-Stops-Sandra-Harris-ebook/dp/B089DJMH64 

The sequel, ‘THIRTEEN STOPS LATER,’ is out now from Poolbeg Books:
 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1781994234 

Social Media Links
https://www.facebook.com/SandraHarrisPureFilthPoetry
http://sandrafirstruleoffilmclubharris.wordpress.com
https://sandraharriswrites.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/SandraAuthor
https://www.writing.ie/member-authors/sandra-harris-author

A Duke in Time by Janna MacGregor

 Katherine hoped that marriage to Viscount Meriweather Vareck would bring her respectability, but one year into their unconsummated marriage, Meri is dead - and apparently married two other women in the meantime. Now Kat's reputation and textile business are in jeopardy, because the scandal would ruin everything she's worked towards. 

Christian wants nothing more to do with his no-good half-brother and his never-ending parade of scandals, but three innocent women are caught up in this one, and the more he gets to know Kat, the more he wishes he had met her before his brother.

There's a lot of things to enjoy in this book. Both Kat and Christian had difficult childhoods that shaped the people they became, including their heart for the less fortunate, and they must face their pasts and learn to open up in order to find lasting love. I especially liked how the author put believable obstacles in their path and then cleverly got past them.

As many others have noted, there was a lot of potential for cattiness and blame among Meri's wives, but instead, they form a sisterhood of sorts, and I can't wait for Constance and Blythe to find their own happy ever afters. I like how Kat stepped up to take these other women into her home and how the other two came into their own once the shock of trigamy wore off.

I was also very much entertained by Christian's increasing exasperation with his brother, even in death. This was a wonderfully entertaining romance and a great start to the series.

A Duke in Time is available now in ebook and hard copy

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

Blog Tour: Hooverville by Kayla Joy

Annaleise Winston can never seem to fit in with the Society Girls, the strict rules that govern them, or their selfish indulgence during the Great Depression. Behind closed doors, her publicly perfect new fiance, Frank Alexander, is violent and dismissive, but without his financial security, Annaleise and her mother will be on the streets with not a penny to their name. 

When Annaleise finally has enough, she runs away and accidentally becomes stranded in a Hooverville, a lawless homeless encampment in Central Park, where she must keep her identity a secret if she wants to stay alive. But a kind shoe shiner named Thomas Kelley may get in the way of everything she thought she ever wanted. As their love for each other grows, the Great Depression worsens, and Frank will pay any price to bring back his bride.

Purchase Links
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hooverville-Kayla-Joy-ebook/dp/B08XS9XY4N/
US - https://www.amazon.com/Hooverville-Kayla-Joy-ebook/dp/B08XS9XY4N/ 

Review

In the midst of the Great Depression, as the homeless gather in encampments nicknamed Hoovervilles, Annaleise Winston runs away from her abusive fiancé. Hiding in a Hooverville in Central Park, She grows to love the people there, especially one Thomas Kelley, but her small slice of happiness is precarious, especially with her fiancé on her tail.

Whoa. This is not a typical historical romance, y'all. The people of the Hooverville grow to accept Annie in a way she never experienced in Society, but their poverty isn't inspirational, it's institutional, and this book doesn't shy away from the class prejudice and hopelessness of their situations. Annie is soon forced to face her privilege, even if her naiveté sticks around a little longer. Once the blinders are off, she quickly resolves to help her new friends. I admired her tenacity even when she was impractical, and by the end of the book she's grown so much and has really earned her happy ending. 

Poor Thomas deserves everything. He tries so hard, even when it's misplaced, and he has such a good heart. In fact, all of the named inhabitants of the Hooverville are painted as realistic people who have fallen on hard times with no net to help them back up. It's infuriating to know that this is a real and documented period of history, and worrying to see some attitudes reflected today.

This isn't a fluffy and sweet story. It's a beautiful and bittersweet romance dealing with hard issues. It's not for the faint-hearted, but it is a reminder that love can be a light to see us through the difficult times.

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

Author Bio
Kayla Joy is an author and artist living in the Pacific Northwest with her family and her many animals. At 20, she has already self published two books: Morbid Tales from Behind the Mirror (available on Amazon now) and Hooverville. You can follow her journey at kaylajoybooks.com.

Social Media Links 
Website: kaylajoybooks.com
Instagram: @joyfulkayla
Facebook: Kayla Joy Author | Facebook

Publication Day Push: The Marquess Next Door by Virginia Heath (with international giveaway!)

A dashing new neighbour… 

Temptation on her doorstep!

 To avoid an unwanted suitor at a ball, Hope Brookes asks another gentleman to rescue her. He obliges – with a surprisingly passionate kiss! Revealed as her sinfully handsome new neighbour, Lucius, Marquess of Thundersley, they forge a friendship over their balconies. It’s refreshing that Lucius is more interested in her writer dreams than her looks, so why can’t she stop thinking about that kiss?

Purchase Link - https://books2read.com/talkofbeaumonde2

Review

Hope Brookes is thoroughly tired of men who see her hourglass figure and red hair as nothing more than an invitation. When hiding from one annoyingly persistent suitor, she meets Luke Duff, recent marquess who is hiding from his brother's widow. Sparks fly, right until a misunderstanding ends with Luke in the nearby fountain. Hope is determined to forget the encounter ever happened - right until he happens to move in next door!

While I enjoyed the first in this series about three talented sisters who set the scandal sheets ablaze, I think this one is even better! Hope and Luke have incredible chemistry from the very start, so it's no surprise that tongues start wagging! Their banter is witty and eloquent, and it is clear that Luke's attracted to Hope not just for her body but also her mind.

Hope's struggle to be taken seriously as a writer, both by misogynistic publishers and her well-meaning but differently-talented family, still resonates today. Likewise, Luke's overwhelm at his sudden elevation in status is eminently relatable. His mother's secret battle with mental illness is also treated with compassion and dignity. He's definitely flawed - Luke jumps to conclusions and has serious foot-in-mouth syndrome - but he realises his mistakes and apologises at the first opportunity.

This is a fabulous read that I couldn't put down (except to share a particularly lovely turn of phrase with my patient flatmates!) and I can't wait until Charity gets her turn in the spotlight!

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

Author Bio
When Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Despite that, it still takes her forever to fall asleep.

Social Media Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virginiaheathauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VirginiaHeath_

Giveaway to Win 2 x e-copies of The Marquess Next Door (Open INT)
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