Blog Tour: The Viking's Stolen Princess by Sarah Rodi

A kidnapped royal…

 Could be the Viking's undoing!

After Brand Ivarsson of Kald abducts Anne of Termarth on the eve of her wedding, the Viking’s consumed with only one thing: revenge against her loathsome betrothed. But confronted with the stunning princess, so foreign to his world, Brand’s captivated not only by her beauty, but by her spirit and her kindness. Is Anne his prisoner…or is she the one who’s captured his scarred heart?

Purchase Links
Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B096TBKQ7D
Amazon US - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B096TBKQ7D

Review

A good romance helps both leads become better people and that's exactly what happens here. Princess Anne of Termarth has led an incredibly sheltered life until Brand Ivarsson sneaks into her father's castle and kidnaps her in a plot against her betrothed. Brand is obsessed with vengeance but Anne helps him see there is more to life and in return he opens her eyes to the world outside.

Despite her neglected childhood, Anne is unwaveringly kind to the people around her - even when it threatens to get her in trouble, and it comes back to her time and time again proving that goodness really is a superpower. Brand is laser focussed on his revenge and caring for his people to the point of being a bit of a jerk to Anne at first, but it's a delight to see them open up to each other. 

There's a lot of obstacles - he was a Dane, she was a Saxon, can I make it any more obvious? But this is an enjoyable story about two very different people connecting across cultural barriers when each need it most. The resolution does feel a little bit too easy given the setting, but it does tie everything up neatly. I hope Svea also gets a happy ending soon!

Best enjoyed with a stein of beer or out on a windswept cliff for the full effect.

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

Follow Sarah Rodi on Twitter - https://twitter.com/sarahrodiedits

Blog Tour: The Knight's Convenient Alliance by Melissa Olivier (with giveaway!)

The only man who’s tempted her…Now poses as her husband! 

When an injured knight arrives on Brida O’Conaill’s doorstep, the village assumes he’s her long-lost husband. But her only previous connection to Sir Thomas Lovent was an intense shared moment at a tournament years ago. Brida maintains the pretence while she nurses him, yet once he’s back to full, virile health, she cannot reveal Thomas is not her husband—or that she’s unmarried!—when everyone is expecting them to act like husband and wife…

Purchase Links
@MillsandBoon - https://bit.ly/3txlhol
@HarlequinBooks - https://bit.ly/3jNRAvO
Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3haohBT
Amazon US- https://amzn.to/3kWAMlL

Review

For the last three years, Brida O'Connaill has been pretending to be married. When Sir Thomas Lovent arrives on her doorstep, injured and delirious, her neighbours naturally assume he's her husband, finally home. Unfortunately, Tom's attackers are on his tail and it's up to him and Brida to race to Wales to foil a plot against their king.

Brida and Tom's witty banter sparkles as it flies off the page, striking sparks between them, and their attraction is undeniable. It's no surprise that people believe Brida's ruse and helped me believe in their relationship going from irritating acquaintances to friends to lovers. They both carry heavy pasts, though I didn't really get what was up with Brida and the prophecy. Tom is a little easier to understand, even if he did get rather overprotective at times. It was nice to see them bond over shared aspects of their pain, though I feel some of this could've been explored more

The book is stuffed with plot in order to get Tom to Brida and to get them moving and then together. There's also a number of supporting characters from previous books and admit a degree of ignorance about this period of British history so I don't know which, if any, are historical figures. In any case, it's easy to sit back and let the action carry you along, as well as enjoy cameos from previous leads.

Overall, it's an entertaining romance much in the vein of the others in the series. Best enjoyed with a cup of tea where you won't be disturbed.

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

When she's not writing she loves to travel for inspiration, paint, and visit museums & art galleries.

Social Media Links
Twitter @melissaoauthor
Facebook @melissaoliverauthor
https://www.instagram.com/melissaoliverauthor/?hl=en

Giveaway to Win 3 x PB copies of The Knight's Convenient Alliance  (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.
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Blog Tour: Girl in Trouble and Girl at Christmas by Rhoda Baxter (with giveaway!)

Girl In Trouble

Olivia doesn't believe in happy families. She can't trust men to be reliable, so she’d rather manage without one. As for kids - she's never having those.

Marine biologist Walter is losing his daughter. He longs for a second chance to prove he can be a reliable dad.

When Olivia discovers she's pregnant by her douchebag ex, Walter finally sees a way to be more than just a friend-with-benefits to her.

But how can he persuade the most independent woman he's ever met to accept his help, let alone his heart?

Girl In Trouble is a standalone novel in the award nominated Smart Girls series. If you like warm, witty, women's fiction, you'll love this book. Ideal for fans of Meg Cabot or Jennifer Crusie. 

Purchase Link - https://books2read.com/u/4Doy6r

Review

Third in the Smart Girls series but perfectly standalone, this book once again goes heavier than the previous instalments. Content warnings for discussion of abortion, miscarriage, and pregnancy-related trauma, so if any of those trigger you, this book may not be for you.

Having said that, I quite enjoyed this book despite a difficult storyline and a bit that made me cry. Walter and Olivia each have a ton of baggage that isn't immediately apparent and I like how their relationship forces them to unpack their own biases. Different though they might be, by the end of the book I was convinced that they would be able to make it work.

I also loved that the book didn't demonise Walter's ex. Also, his daughter Emily is adorable. There was a great cast of supporting characters - if only Will got a further comeuppance!

Best enjoyed with a hot drink and possibly a pack of tissues. Slip your feet into some cosy boots and read about other people dealing with their problems as a direct result of falling in love!

Girl at Christmas

Tammy is normally at her happiest at Christmas, but she's been dumped by her long term partner, with no real explanation... and her Christmas looks pretty bleak.

Lawrence has just been told he has an inherited heart condition... and he's not allowed to eat too many mince pies. Not exactly a recipe for a great holiday.

With time running out for Lawrence, will he tell Tammy how he feels before it's too late?
- Plus sized hero
- British Asian heroine
- Romance in a microbiology lab
- All the Christmas feels

Girl At Christmas is a standalone novella in the award nominated Smart Girls series. If you like heartwarming, sweet romance and an unusual chubby hero, it's the perfect book for you. Buy Girl At Christmas and reclaim the holiday spirit today!

Girl At Christmas - FREE when you sign up to Rhoda Baxter’s newsletter!  https://www.subscribepage.com/q3x1y8_copy

Review

Girl at Christmas is the perfect cosy Christmas short story where two work colleagues discover they might be falling in love during what they thought would be their worst Christmas ever - Lawrence has been told to go on a diet and Tammy has just been dumped. It might be short but it is really adorable and packs the right amount of plot and angst (some but not too much) to balance out the festive sweetness. I wasn't thrilled with the medical and internalised fatshaming and use of BMI but everything else was so good. Lawrence is such a gentleman and wonder of wonders, he and Tammy actually talk to each other!

Best enjoyed with a festive cocktail and your dancing shoes because it's totally the season to be getting merry.

Disclaimer: I received these books from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

Author Bio
Rhoda Baxter writes romantic comedies about people who make her laugh. A microbiologist by training, Rhoda loves all things science geeky. She also loves cake, crochet and playing with Lego. You can find out more about her (and get a free book by signing up to her newsletter) on her website. 

Social Media Links
Websites: www.rhodabaxter.com
Twitter: @rhodabaxter
Facebook page: https://en-gb.facebook.com/RhodaBaxterAuthor/
Bookbub profile link: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rhoda-baxter

 Giveaway to Win e-copies of Girl On The Run, Girl Having A Ball, and Girl in Trouble (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.
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Blog Tour: White Wedding by Carla Luna

Take one lavish holiday wedding. Add one evil ex and his bridezilla. And toss in a smoking-hot chef from the past. It’s a recipe for disaster. 

Victoria Blackwood has spent years trying to redeem herself after falling victim to a blackmail scheme that cost her father thousands. So, when he insists she coordinate a big Christmas wedding at her family’s winery, she can’t say no. Even if the groom is her ex, and the caterer just quit

For Rafael Sanchez, a last-minute call to cater a huge society wedding is a golden opportunity. If he can prove he’s up to the challenge, his brothers might entrust him with more responsibility in the family catering business. But when he meets Victoria, he can’t believe his eyes. Five years ago, they had a passionate fling that rocked his world. Until she left him with only a fake name to remember her by

To pull off the perfect wedding, Victoria and Rafael can’t afford to get caught up in the past. But keeping things professional won’t be easy, not when the attraction between them burns hotter than Christmas in July

Purchase Links
Website: https://www.carlalunabooks.com/white-wedding
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/bwa9W9
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09FKQQ4VN
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09FKQQ4VN

Review

After a hideous mistake left Victoria Blackwood in debt to her father, she's been the perfect daughter, up to and including co-ordinating the wedding of her unfaithful ex to his bridezilla for the wedding date that was going to be hers. The last thing she needs is to find out the caterer is her smoking hot fling from the past, who saw her at her lowest and who she ghosted with a fake name. Rafael Sanchez wants to prove to his older brothers that he can be trusted with a big event, even a last-minute Christmas wedding. Victoria and Rafael both need this wedding to go off without a hitch but their chemistry is as hot as ever and it's proving impossible to resist.

This book is a wild ride. The characters are incredible, either charming and loveable (the Sanchezes) or those you love to hate (Victoria's father, her ex, and the bride). Both Victoria and Rafael are working so hard to leave behind the mistakes of the past, even when the people around them refuse to acknowledge this. And yet, with everything riding on this wedding and the clock ticking down, they decide to risk it all. The tension (and I'm not just talking sexual) ratchets up until it's almost unbearable and all you can do is sit back and enjoy the ride until its satisfying conclusion.

While this is the third in a trilogy with cameos from previous leads, there are no spoilers and you could jump in easily. I just wish there was am epilogue to see how Victoria and Rafael enjoy their forever.

Best enjoyed with a glass of wine because Blackwood Cellars will leave you thirsty!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher 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 Victoria, B.C., 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 Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/CarlaLunaAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlalunacullen/
BookBub Page: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/carla-luna

The Murder Before Christmas by Michele Pariza Wacek

Charlie Kingsley makes tea. She's not a detective and she certainly isn't interested in investigating a murder. However, when her customer Courtney is accused of poisoning her husband, Charlie finds herself roped into proving Courtney's innocence. Of course, with everyone hiding something and the police focussed on Courtney, Charlie will have to have a cuppa with everyone in town to steep out the truth.

This is a festive cosy mystery with a plucky lead and a small cast of characters. It is first in a spin-off series based around Charlie, but worked perfectly well as a standalone.

I loved that Charlie's profession assisted in the investigation without feeling squeezed in or pasted on.The murderer wasn't obvious, especially at the start, but made perfect sense as the secrets came out. It did feel like Charlie driving between a lot of conversations without much tension, but as far as cosy mysteries go, this was an enjoyable and well-written read, and I'd be interested in catching up with these characters again.

Best enjoyed with your own cup of tea!

The Murder Before Christmas is available now

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via The Indie Pen PR; all opinions are my own.

The Rhythm Method by Kylie Scott

Seven years ago, Evelyn Thomas married David Ferris during a drunken night in Vegas. They've had their ups and downs, seen their friends get married and are perfectly happy being the last childfree couple in Stage Dive, when an unexpected pregnancy throws them both for a loop. Can what started in Vegas survive a change this big?

While this novella necessarily contains spoilers for the rest of the Stage Dive series (and I loved seeing how the rest of the band is doing), the only book you need to read first is Lick - where Ev and David first meet, so you know why you're rooting for them. I'll be honest, this book puts them through the wringer! Neither of them are prepared for this baby and I liked how this was handled bluntly and honestly. Parenthood isn't easy and things don't magically get better through the power of wuv. It takes hard work and compromise, and I like how this wasn't glossed over.

This was a great snapshot back into the Stage Dive world, with cameos from all your favourites. If you know the series, you'll love this, and if you don't, read them first then come and enjoy this.

The Rhythm Method is available now in ebook and hard copy.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Social Butterfly PR; all opinions are my own.

Blog Tour: Girl on the Run and Girl having a Ball by Rhoda Baxter (with international giveaway!)

Girl On The Run

 After a humiliating split from her celebrity ex, Jane is hiding from the spotlight. She’s moved city, moved jobs and changed her hair. She wants to disappear and finish her training as a patent attorney.
Marshall has worked hard for years and nomination to the partnership is tantalisingly close. He must avoid scandal at any cost.

When they meet, their attraction is impossible to ignore. Neither wants a fuss, but with the paparazzi following Jane and an office trouble maker determined to sabotage their relationship, they can’t escape unscathed.

Girl on the Run is the first in a series of standalone contemporary romances. Ideal for fans of Mhairi McFarlane or Sue Moorcroft.

Purchase Link - www.books2read.com/u/mlKGaZ 

Only 99p until 20th November

Review

In a refreshing twist on the rockstar romance, the rockstar is the ex and the heroine gets the grovel! This was a light and enjoyable romance about two normal people navigating the trials of everyday life while falling in love at the most inconvenient time. Marshall is a bit of a stickler with his younger sister but he is hard-working and has such a good heart. It's no surprise that the office is in love with him! I really admire Jane's tenacity at starting afresh and her determination, even after having her world upended. I did find her a little naive and overly trusting, you'd think she'd be better at picking out insincerity.

Speaking of insincerity, I found it really interesting how the events at Jane and Marsh's workplace reflect recent events in law firms locally. It made it realistic but not necessarily the most satisfying. I did like the rest of the staff, especially Jim, whose advice to Marsh and communications with his own wife Louise carried much of the humour.

It's worth noting that this is a semi-epistolary novel, with lots of plot-relevant communication occuring via email or text. This is quite a useful way to give readers context while maintaining the POVs, but takes a while to get used to.

Overall, I enjoyed this read and would recommend it to fans of contemporary romance who prefer it more sweet than steamy and more funny than angsty (though it does have it moments of both of the latters!). Best enjoyed on your day off so you can feel smug at all these characters stressing about work.

Girl Having A Ball

Twenty two year old Stevie needs to prove to everyone that she’s a grown up. So she throws herself into her dream of becoming an event planner by agreeing to organise a fundraising ball in Oxford. Add a rambling house, a committee that can’t agree and budget that’s far too small, Stevie thinks things can’t get worse. Until her childhood crush, her big brother’s old housemate, turns up.

Tom is working hard to be the success his mother wants him to be. When he realises that the ball his mum and her friends are organising will be run by his friend’s baby sister ‘poor, needy Stevie’, he steps in to avoid disaster. But Stevie is no longer a teenager, she’s a disturbingly attractive young woman … and she’s not about to let anyone get in her way.

Shortlisted for the 2017 Romantic Comedy Award from the Romantic Novelists’ Association, Girl Having a Ball is the second standalone novel in Rhoda Baxter’s Smart Girls series. Ideal for fans of Mhairi McFarlane and Sue Moorcroft.

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

Review 

Less funny but more compelling than the first book in the series, I enjoyed the character arcs both Stevie and Tom experienced - Stevie in standing on her own two feet, and Tom learning that a successful career isn't all it's cracked up to be. I especially liked Stevie having to deal with teenagers and realising how awful she must have been at the same age.

Despite the short time frame, I believed in their relationship due to their history and a lot of quality time during ball preparations. I love that it showed Stevie's creative abilities and everyone working together to get the job done - Tom's niece Alice provides a nice foil to the youth everyone sees in Stevie and she says some truths that the adults are too polite to mention. There's a few plot threads that felt a little glossed over as Stevie and Marsh's sibling relationship took over the B plot, but I liked how the story overall ended up at a satisfying and logical conclusion.

Best enjoyed in your favourite dancing shoes, come and spend some time behind the scenes of the hottest party in Oxford!

Disclaimer: I received these books from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

Author Bio 

Rhoda Baxter writes romantic comedies about people who make her laugh. A microbiologist by training, Rhoda loves all things science geeky. She also loves cake, crochet and playing with Lego. You can find out more about her (and get a free book by signing up to her newsletter) on her website. 

Social Media Links
Websites: www.rhodabaxter.com
Twitter: @rhodabaxter
Facebook page: https://en-gb.facebook.com/RhodaBaxterAuthor/
Bookbub profile link: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rhoda-baxter

Giveaway to Win e-copies of Girl On The Run, Girl Having A Ball, and Girl in Trouble (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.
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A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman

With her family on the edge of bankruptcy, Maddie Montgomery's only chance to escape an arranged marriage lies with the Davies family. The two families have feuded for centuries and if they miss sending a representative to their annual meeting, then by royal decree the Montgomerys can claim the contested land. Annoyingly, Gryff Davies shows up - irritatingly handsome and a thorn in Maddie's side since childhood. When they stumble across a smuggling operation, Maddie realises she has a chance to save her family - and find her own happily ever after.

Told in alternating POV, this is an enjoyable enemies-to-lovers with more than a pinch of danger. I especially enjoyed Maddie's chapters as we get to know her family - her father, lost now that the Davies patriach is no longer around to annoy; her cousin Harriet, also targeted by the Davies boys growing up; and her maiden aunts who absolutely steal every scene they're in and aren't nearly as prudish as Maddie assumes. Maddie herself is an awesome heroine who would rather be on an archaeological dig than dealing with Gryff.

Gryff is a little bit more of a lone wolf with his family out of the picture for most of the book, though we see plenty of his brothers in flashbacks. He's your typical rake, rusticating at home while temporarily banished from London for duelling. What did annoy me was the youthful pranks on Maddie and Harriet were actually cruel and not once does Gryff apologise for them. At one point he gives a half-hearted "I did it because I liked you". For an enemies-to-lovers to stick the landing, I need some sort of grovel or proper closure.

It's a solid, steamy romance with plenty of tension - romantic and narrative - but it loses ground for glossing over pranks that were just plain mean.

A Reckless Match is available now in ebook or hard copy.

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