Blog Tour: Let's Not Be Friends by Phoebe MacLeod

Perfect for fans of Jo Watson, Mhairi McFarlane and Portia MacIntosh.

City girl Sophie has married the prince (or landed gentry - close enough), moved to his pile (which is more accurate a description than she’d anticipated) and is set to live happily ever after - until she finds the other half of her perfect life in the stables with the stable girl, and they’re definitely not grooming the horses.

Shocked and appalled, Sophie’s no happier to learn that she’s supposed to 'just get on with it'. After all, according to her mother-in-law, she got the title . . . they even overlooked her family’s ‘new money’ status.

What a lovely family she’s married into! But what’s a girl to do when she’s still in love? Make it work or leg it as fast as she can? Either way, the mother-in-law will not be coming to tea!

What readers are saying about Phoebe MacLeod:

'A perfect love story'

'Humorous, light and romantic!'

'I absolutely loved it. Heart-warming, just perfect!'

 'I loved every minute reading this book, light hearted and fun, finished in a day!'

'I smiled so much'

'What a wonderful book'

'Fantastic'

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

Review

Less of a romance and more of the best revenge being living well, this is a charming book about Sophie putting her life back together after she catches her devoted husband banging the stable girl and his mother admits they only accepted her as a daughter in law for her inheritance. While a HFN is part of her happy ending, it's not the central theme of the plot.

It can be hard to empathise with Sophie due to her privileged upbringing and indulgent parents, but she's genuinely kind and hard working, and at least somewhat aware of her privilege. I also love that she enjoys and is good at her job, and it's central to her reclaiming her life instead of a slog. 

I adored the scenes where she got to tell her ex off; they were super satisfying and more numerous than you'd think. The book also focuses on Sophie's many female friendships and generally women are only portrayed in a negative light when they set themselves up in competition to other women. 

This is a satisfying post-divorce romp with tons of female friendships, low angst, and a heap of fun. 

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

Author Bio 

Phoebe MacLeod is the author of several popular laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. She mainly sets her books in her home county of Kent and her first new title for Boldwood will be published in November 2022. They will also be republishing her existing titles from August this year.

Social Media Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhoebeMacleodAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/macleod_phoebe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoebemacleod21/
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/PhoebeMacLeodNews
Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/phoebe-macleod

Blog Tour: The Gentleman of Holly Street by Lotte James

Will this Christmas…

Change their lives again?

When self-made gentleman Freddie Walton rescued penniless Philomena Nichols at Christmas eight years ago, he never imagined that he would build his empire with her. Yet whilst they have created a life together as friends, Freddie can’t let their special connection become more than that. Not when his dangerous past continues to haunt him… But what happens when Freddie’s feelings for Philomena also refuse to stay hidden?

Purchase Link - https://bit.ly/3oZINsz

Review

The Gentleman of Holly Street is a heartwarming romance that does away with trite sentiment and insists that the true spirit is not just love, it's kindness with no strings attached. This book makes me want to - if not change the world, then improve my little corner of it. It's most certainly idealistic, but when else will hope by rewarded with success and true love, if not at Christmas?

Freddie and Mena are two wonderful characters who spend far too much of the book mutually pining over each other, kept apart by reasons both valid and less so. I always have sympathy for women in this situation in historicals, as there's generally a power imbalance that may make the consequences of rejection far more dire. Given the situation, I think the author does a good job of putting Freddie and Mena on an equal footing not just inside their relationship but outside of it.

I also loved Lady Mary. She was the clear voice of reason that everyone needed and I'd love to read more about her.

For a cosy Christmas romance with some slow burning angst and a dose of hope, pick this one up.

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

Author Bio
Lotte James trained as an actor and theatre director, but spent most of her life working day jobs crunching numbers whilst dreaming up stories of love and adventure. She’s thrilled to finally be writing those stories, and when she's not scribbling on tiny pieces of paper, she can usually be found wandering the countryside for inspiration, or nestling with coffee and a book.

Social Media Links
Twitter https://twitter.com/lottejamesbooks
Website www.lottejamesbooks.com
 

Blog Tour: The Summer Escape by Hannah Ellis

Single-mother Beth desperately needs a break.

Grieving the loss of her mother, she sets off to the Isles of Scilly with her five-year-old daughter, Ellie.

Their holiday cottage is utterly charming, but it’s meeting Trystan – the owner of the cottage – that makes Beth’s stay so perfect.

When their holiday fling starts to feel like something more, she knows she’s in trouble. Her life is in Plymouth, while he lives in London. Besides, Trystan has already admitted he’s not ready for a family.

Is he prepared to take a leap of faith for Beth and Ellie? And with the odds stacked against them, can they find a way to make their relationship last beyond the lazy days of summer?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/ScillyBook3

Review

This sweet romance might be my favourite in the series so far. It has the tight-knit Treneary family we know and love, the gorgeous Isles of Scilly once again giving me travel envy, and a precocious plot moppet named Ellie. Ellie's relationship with Trystan's mum is adorable.

Tissue warning: there is discussion around dementia and the sudden death of a parent. The book starts light but it's not afraid to delve into the emotional stuff and I'm not ashamed to admit I got choked up when Beth and Trystan really got talking. It's leavened with humour, but it's heavy subject matter that can hit quite close to home. I liked that it was realistic and not perfectly clear-cut or cured by the end of the book - though Trystan has some family loose ends that I hope get tied up soon!

I liked both Beth and Trystan - two normal people carrying their own share of hurts, not looking for love but finding it anyway - and making it work through sensible communication and a gentle dose of matchmaking. They're that realistic type of couple who make you believe love is possible.

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

Author Bio
Hannah Ellis spent many years working in childcare before deciding she'd like to write books. When she's not busy writing she likes to read, drink tea and eat chocolate. She also enjoys yoga and jogging.

Social Media Links
FB: https://www.facebook.com/authorhannahellis
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BooksEllis
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/authorhannahellis/ 

Blog Tour: A Secret Escape to Sunshine Island

Welcome to the sunshine island - where the beaches are golden, the lifestyle is perfect and anything is possible.

Popstar Matteo Stanford is eager to escape to the sunshine island to catch up with his old friend Alex and secretly film his latest music video. But within moments of landing, the location for the shoot is leaked to the press, and his island escape and video might be over before they start.

Not to be defeated, Alex’s girlfriend Piper recruits her two best friends Casey and Tara, who run the Smoke and Mirrors stall at the The Cabbage Patch market. It doesn’t take Casey more than a moment to realise the perfect setting for Matteo’s video is Gorey castle, but securing the venue means Casey is soon planning a secret wedding, finding an actress and becoming a set designer!

It’s chaos and crazed fans, peppered with the sweetest moments she's ever experienced. But could a popstar really fall for island girl Casey Norman?

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3T19qeg

Review

This is a charming story about the power of community, not to mention a tempting travel advert for Jersey! There's something wholesome about watching a group of people come together to make dreams come true -its positivity is what we need these days and there were so many wonderful characters from around the island, it was hard to keep track. (I hope we see more of Dilys!)

The romance here is a little more understated, but it's not hard to see why Matteo would fall for Casey, because she's pretty awesome. As for Casey, she's living the dream of a rockstar romance - if the dream also involves a very stressful weekend of last-minute event management. I can't help but wonder how their fledgling relationship will survive outside the sunny bubble of Jersey and would love a follow-up short story (or even an epilogue!)

Need a break? Don't think too hard about the logistics, just sit back and enjoy this light and uplifting romance.

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

Author Bio
Georgina Troy writes bestselling uplifting romantic escapes and sets her novels on the island of Jersey, where she was born and has lived for most of her life. She has done a twelve-book deal with Boldwood, including backlist titles, and the first book in her Sunshine Island series was published in May 2022.

Social Media Links 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeorginaTroyAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GeorginaTroy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajerseywriter/
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/GeorginaTroyNews
Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/georgina-troy

Review: Chance by Allie York

Chance is a story of two halves: the first is the story of how author and dog trainer Jovie falls in love with sexy English accountant Ewan, and the second is a suspensful read as Jovie is terrorised by a stalker just as she's finally learning to trust again. For those disturbed or triggered by stalking, this book may not be for you.

There are a ton of little references peppered throughout that make it clear that both Jovie and the author are bookworms, specifically of romance, which I adored! I might not agree with all the opinions expressed and some may age better than others, but it helped me connect with the character. Jovie is indeed 100% correct when she says the library is Beauty and the Beast is the dream. I also loved that her job as a dog trainer / groomer was so prominent, especially as it brought them together in the first place!

I liked that both the leads were flawed enough to make them real without making them unlikeable - Jovie is cynical and stubborn, whereas Ewan struggles (and mostly succeeds) to keep a lid on his overprotective and possessive tendencies. Their chemistry together is undeniable and is enough for them to both let down their walls.

The ending did feel rushed - there was a bit of a timejump and I would've enjoyed a bit more closure around Jovie's career - but overall it was a good read, perfect for fans of steamy contemporary romance.

Chance (previously published as All & Nothing) is available now

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

Blog Tour: Chaos at Carnegie Hall by Kelly Oliver

Agatha Christie meets Downton Abbey in the Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane Mystery series opener.

Can Fiona catch a killer and find a decent cup of tea before her mustache wax melts?

1917. New York.

Notorious spy, Fredrick Fredricks, has invited Fiona to Carnegie Hall to hear a famous soprano. It’s an opportunity the War Office can’t turn down. Fiona and Clifford are soon on their way, but not before Fiona is saddled with chaperon duties for Captain Hall’s niece. Is Fiona a spy or a glorified babysitter?
From the minute Fiona meets the soprano aboard the RMS Adriatic it’s treble on the high C’s. Fiona sees something—or someone—thrown overboard, and then she overhears a chemist plotting in German with one of her own countrymen!

And the trouble doesn’t stop when they disembark. Soon Fiona is doing time with a group of suffragettes and investigating America’s most impressive inventor Thomas Edison.

When her number one suspect turns up dead at the opera and Fredrick Fredricks is caught red-handed, it looks like it’s finally curtains for the notorious spy. But all the evidence points to his innocence. Will Fiona change her tune and clear her nemesis’ name? Or will she do her duty? And just what is she going to do with the pesky Kitty Lane? Not to mention swoon-worthy Archie Somersby . . .

If Fiona’s going to come out on top, she’s going to have to make the most difficult decision of her life: the choice between her head and her heart.

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

Review

 Despite being billed as the first in the series, it feels like we come into this series with plots already in progress. Plucky Fiona Figg is constantly belittled by her male coworkers at the war office but is nonetheless sent to follow a potential German spy to America. Armed with a suitcase of disguises and pressed into service as chaparone to a bright young woman, she finds herself caught up with historical figures and embroiled in a murder. 

I loved this take on the historical period as we explore how the rest of the world fared. World War One rages in Europe and sits behind everyone's motives, but America is far from the front lines and life continues on. I wouldn't want to visit the time but it's certainly fascinating! The (period appropriate) misogyny Fiona faces make me grit my teeth. Fiona isn't always the most perceptive - despite her photographic memory - so there are plenty of red herrings and it did seem that everyone got very distracted. Although the mystery ended up solved, it didn't seem to matter as much as setting up the series. However, I'm not sure I care enough about the characters to read what they do next.

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

Author Bio
Kelly Oliver is the award-winning, bestselling author of three mysteries series: The Jessica James Mysteries, The Pet Detective Mysteries, and the historical cozies The Fiona Figg Mysteries, set in WW1. She is also the Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University and lives in Nashville, Tennessee. She is bringing new titles in the Fiona Figg series to Boldwood, the first of which, Chaos in Carnegie Hall, will be published in November 2022.

Social Media Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellyoliverauthor  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kellyoliverbook  
Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kelly-oliver

Blog Tour: It Could Happen by Melissa Baldwin

I don't like change. That's fine, because I, Tori Hayes, am quite content with my single status and fulfilling sales career. I'll make an exception and step out of my comfort zone to be a part of my college bestie's wedding party. Anything for a friend, you know?

But this—this is not what I thought it would be. Suddenly, I'm thrown into drama that only a Southern belle bride and her friends can stir up. The secrets, the lies, the deception—it's more than I can take. Not to mention that groomsman Tyler, who seems to know exactly how to push my buttons.

I don't like my buttons pushed. Or maybe I do.

Dashing groomsmen aside, why do I keep finding myself in the middle of all this madness? I want to support Caroline and give her the perfect day, but things are getting messy and fast. Is there going to be a happy ending amid all this chaos?

It could happen …

USA Today bestselling author Melissa Baldwin presents a brand new romantic comedy about friendship and finding love when you least expect it.

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

Review

I had so much fun reading this book! It's full of drama and shenanigans in the best way, because you know everything is going to be alright in the end. In a nice twist, the bride (and her mom) are the opposite of bridezillas, but her wedding party has tension from the get-go. The friend group seem like a powder keg and this wedding is the spark ready to blow up in their faces.

Tori is such a fun POV character - her outsider status gives her a unique perspective on the others in the group and she and Tyler have the best banter, even if she takes a startlingly long time to realise it's flirting. She is also facing upheaval at work and the chats with her work bestie provide a nice counterpoint to the slowly-imploding wedding party. I loved how she stood up for herself both personally and professionally!

Grab some popcorn and dig in, because this is the wedding of the century if they can get everyone down the aisle!

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

Author Bio

USA Today bestselling author 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 twenty-five 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
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormelissabaldwin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbaldwinauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpbaldwinauthor
Website: http://www.authormelissabaldwin.com/  
Reader Tribe: https://www.facebook.com/groups/573095816362090/ 

Giveaway to Win a $10 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.
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Review: Kiss You Back by Mel Walker

Kennedy Myers was the queen of Spring Hills High School: beauty pageant champ, head cheerleader, and the most popular girl in school. She only made one mistake—she said yes to the wrong boy.

Elijah Stevenson was the resident nerd at Spring Hills High. Convention said he should have never been friends with someone like Kennedy Myers. He hid in the shadows and avoided the spotlight, where she thrived. Not wanting to risk their friendship, Elijah watched as she ran off with the boy he knew wouldn't love her the way he did.

The Spring Hills Ten-Year High School reunion gives them both an opportunity to revisit the point in their life that they both hold with regret. Will the reunion allow them a second chance or will it be just another missed connection?

Review

What a gorgeous, sweet, and angsty book! Kennedy and Elijah are super cute together - it's clear they've always had a strong connection when it's just been the two of them. Their little in jokes and ease of communication make them such a good couple with a lot of history, and I loved them together.

Unfortunately, when the rest of the world is around, Elijah's insecurities return and Kennedy finds herself falling back into the role everyone expects of her. Being forced to confront their feelings (and each other) is exactly what they need. Thankfully, there's a whole lot of supporting characters and situations there to push them together! While Elijah's sister Jada is the real MVP, there's this moment of Kennedy and her cheer friends that stands out as it reminds us that the 'popular airhead cheerleaders' were also hardworking girls with their own lives and ambitions.

I have mixed feelings about school reunions but none about this book. It's such a good time!

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

Kiss You Back is available now

Blog Tour: Just What I Needed by Kylie Scott

Can she woo the man of her dreams?

Just What I Needed, an all-new swoony and romantic novella in the Stage Dive series from New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott is out now!

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kylie Scott comes a new story in her Stage Dive series…

When the Stage Dive crew decides to help, they do it in a big way.

Nanny and housekeeper Jude has been going through a dry patch. Getting ready to dip her toes back into the dating pool is a little nerve racking. And the offers of assistance from her boss, David Ferris, and his band are not helping. Right up until music producer Dean Jennings arrives to work on the band's latest album.

But Dean is more than a little wary of dating anyone with anything to do with the Stage Dive crew after losing Lena to lead singer Jimmy Ferris all those years ago. Can Jude a) Convince the crew to stay out of her business and b) Woo the man of her dreams?

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Review

If it seems like everyone in the Stage Dive world are getting paired up, it's mostly due to the inveterate matchmakers who have decided that married bliss suits them so well, everyone else should get a shot as well! And fair enough, too. 

This is a short and sexy novella about nanny Jude falling in love with music producer Dean. There's not much more to it, and there doesn't need to be. For Stage Dive fans, there's plenty of moments with your favourites, who feel like old friends you can't wait to visit. For those new to the series, this is a great taste. High heat, low angst, and a good time to be had by all!

Download your copy today exclusively on Amazon!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zml2jf
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/justwhatineeded

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3zJ3380

Keep reading for a look inside Just What I Needed!

I smile. I have a lot to smile about. He likes me. We’re doing this. How exciting.

He leans forward. “Can I kiss you, Jude?” he whispers.

I feel those words in every part of me. “Yeah.” I lick my lips. “You can.”

As pretty as he was at a distance, he’s even more handsome close up. All of the shadows and lines of his face. It blows my mind how Lena left him for another. What a fool. Though I am kind of deeply grateful that she did. His lips are divine. No other word will do. And the thought of him pressing them against mine is making my stomach do a weird flip-flop thing. His lips are neither thin nor plump, but somewhere in between and perfect. I stare at them as he comes closer until he’s pressing his mouth softly against mine.

A sweet kiss, as if he’s testing his welcome. The man needn’t have bothered. I balance on the balls of my feet and join our lips once more, kissing him more insistently. I mean, we might as well figure out here and now if we have no chemistry. If he has no expertise. Because I kissed this male model once who was a tongue-wrangling disaster. Just a whole lot of wet-faced yuck. Sad, but true. It’s not like I have kissed anyone in ages. Maybe I’ve forgotten how it all works. Perhaps I’ll be the disaster.

Dean’s hands grip my hips, and his tongue slips into my mouth and oh, yeah. Very nice. A lack of chemistry is obviously not going to be a problem between us. He kisses me deep and wet in a way that goes straight to my head. My fingers slide over the smooth warm skin of his shoulders before holding on tight. He is so solid and strong. One of his hands is now cupping the back of my head, holding me to him. As if I had any intention of leaving. Heck no. We kiss until my lips are numb and swollen and my mind is far away. Nothing else matters but this moment.

He leans his forehead against mine, and we both take a moment to catch our breath. As first kisses go, it was stellar. My empty stomach, however, shows no cool and rumbles loudly. Talk about keeping it real.

About Kylie Scott

Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today, best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year in 2013, 2014 & 2018 by the Australian Romance Witer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long-time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia, with her two children and husband, she reads, writes, and never dithers around on the internet.

Connect with Kylie

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XujcZh
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2GngiQq
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Website: https://kyliescott.com/

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Blog Tour: A Perfect Cornish Sunset by Kelly Tink

With Jo's future changed forever, it's time to embrace a new chapter in her life. One which will take her away from her Cornish home and the ex-boyfriend who's living the life which should have been theirs.

But crossing paths with local surfer Ben before she leaves wasn't part of the plan. Seven years ago Ben's world was turned upside down, but could Jo be the one to make it right for him? When hidden truths threaten, Jo will have to fight for love and the life she's really meant to live. 

Purchase Links
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Perfect-Cornish-Sunset-emotional-uplifting-ebook/dp/B0BHSZFMGZ/
US - https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Cornish-Sunset-emotional-uplifting-ebook/dp/B0BHSZFMGZ/

Review

It's been quite a while since I read Kelly Tink's debut novel and I'd forgotten what to expect. What I got in this book was a gentle romance with hidden emotional depths, a story about motherhood and second chances. Without giving too much away, the light-hearted vignettes about a nurse falling for a widowed surf instructor and his adorable daughter take a turn for the serious. It's heartfelt and carries the ring of truth in way that might hit too close to home for some.

Nonetheless, I found myself absorbed in the little moments of building relationships and leaning on old friends. I appreciated Jo's journey from aimless dissatisfaction to contentment, even if it was a rocky road to get there.

Give yourself time to enjoy this story - it's worth the read.

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

Author Bio
Kelly Tink is a cancer nurse, writer and hopeless romantic, living in Cambridgeshire. She enjoys exploring fun outdoor places with her husband and two sons, especially if it involves eating ice cream by the sea. She’s an avid reader, loves a good film or TV series and drinks lots of tea.

A Perfect Cornish Sunset is Kelly’s second novel. Her debut novel, Meet Me in the Treehouse is available on Amazon. It would mean the world to Kelly if you would consider taking a few moments to write a review. These reviews let new readers know what you thought of the books. Thank you.

Social Media Links
Twitter: @kelly_tink
Instagram: Kelly.tink
Facebook page @Kelly.tink3000

Publication Day Push: Never Rescue a Rogue by Virginia Heath (with international giveaway!)

Why on earth would she want to kiss him when he vexed her so?

Diana Merriwell and Giles Sinclair only tolerate one another for the sake of their nearest and dearest. Everyone believes that they are meant to be together, but Diana and Giles know that it is animosity, not attraction, that fuels their barbed exchanges. Anyway, Diana loves her freedom too much to give it up for marriage, and Giles is happily wedded to his bachelor lifestyle.

After Giles’ curmudgeonly father, the Duke of Harpenden, unexpectedly turns up his toes, it’s only a matter of time before the circumstances of his only son’s birth are revealed. With the threat of blackmail hanging over him, Giles must uncover the truth, or he and all those who depend on him will be ruined.

As Giles and Diana dive into his family’s past, the attraction that they insisted wasn’t there proves impossible to ignore. It seems that the future of the Sinclair estate isn’t the only thing on the line… 

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

Review

I might have missed the first book in this series but I felt perfectly poised to jump in to this rollicking ride of a tale. Diana and Giles might despise having their mutual irritation used as matchmaking fuel, but even from the start it is clear they enjoy one another's company, even if it is only to trade insults.

While the mystery of Giles' parentage twists and turns for quite a while, it is rather entertaining and stuffed full of banter and a slow-dawning attraction between two good-hearted people. They've both come out of troubled childhoods with high walls and shiny façades, so it takes them a while to realise how well they fit together.

I could've done without Giles being stubbornly overbearing in the name of Diana's safety - would've loved him to have shown he trusted her judgement - but that is a small quibble in an enjoyable read. There's plenty of characters, presumably from the first book, and their love and loyalty to each other is truly heartwarming, even as the likely next couple are reveals and the final moments of the book descend into unrelated but satisfying chaos.

It's a classic tale of rogues, journalism, and enemies to lovers. Gosh, Virginia Heath can really tell a story!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this via NetGalley and 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. Twenty-five books and three Romantic Novel of the Year Award nominations later, and it still takes her forever to fall asleep.

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

Giveaway to Win 2 x e-copies of Never Rescue A Rogue (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 Blitz: The Girl of Lost Petals and Possibilities by Laura Briggs (with international giveaway!)

On holiday in Egypt with Sidney and Dean, young writer Maisie is—in her mind—on top of the world. Her long-labored manuscript is finally going to be published, she and Sidney are deeply in love, and the future looks bright on every level.

In one moment, however, it all changes. Tragedy leads to overwhelming loss that Maisie can't even begin to process. As the world itself turns upside down, there's no solace for Maisie from the growing sense that her wonderful future is finished. 

No dream about to come true. No certainties of new chances in life.

No Sidney.

Even if the first two did not break her, the last one is determined to. It's up to Maisie to find her strength and determination to find a new future, even if—unthinkably—it may be nothing like the one she dreamed of.

Purchase Link - http://mybook.to/girloflostpetals

Review

"There are no new beginnings in a story without endings."

Maisie Clark reached her happy ending at the end of A Little Hotel in Cornwell. However, life doesn't quite end that neatly and Maisie must learn to cope when her dreams seem to go up in smoke and the entire world turns upside down.

This isn't a romance, it's a comfort book about keeping going in the most unlikely and bleak of circumstances. Even so, there are moments of community and hope. The vicar's housekeeper continues to bake inedible treats. The hotel staff rally around Maisie and around each other. Maisie's kindness and perseverance continue when it seems easier to give up. It doesn't exactly have a happy ending - that would almost defeat the point - but it does have a serene one, with hope for the future and a full five-book series to get there.

I was initially wary when I found out that the 'first book in a new series' was a sequel series, but while there are references to and many characters from previous books, I found it easy to jump in. If you're looking for something sweet but maybe a little sad, something that reflects the tumultous times we live in, give this book a go.

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

Author Bio
Laura Briggs is the author of several feel-good romance reads, including the Top 100 Amazon UK seller 'A Wedding in Cornwall'. She has a fondness for vintage style dresses (especially ones with polka dots), and reads everything from Jane Austen to modern day mysteries. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, caring for her pets, gardening, and seeing the occasional movie or play.

Social Media Links
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1JjeMoI
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1ME9ivJ

Giveaway – Win an e-copy of The Girl of Lost Petals and Possibilities (Open Internationally).
*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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