Blog Tour: A Shore Thing by Portia Macintosh

It's survival of the fittest!

 From the moment Cleo met Lockie, her infuriatingly charming co-casting producer on hit reality show Welcome to Singledom, he’s been getting under her skin. Their job? Casting singles for the ultimate island romance. Their problem? They can’t agree on anything.

Now, the cameras are ready to roll, and the contestants—well, most of them—are en route. But when the threat of a tropical storm delays half the cast, launch night turns into a total disaster. With no Plan B, Cleo and Lockie are forced to step in as contestants. Just for 24 hours until the real stars arrive.

Simple, right? Except tensions are sky-high and sparks are flying for all the wrong reasons! All they have to do is couple-up and get voted off - but there’s a storm coming, so leaving the island might not be so easy. Cleo’s used to pulling strings behind the scenes, not falling headfirst into the drama.

But when the cameras stop rolling, will their fake fling fade with the credits—or could it be Cleo’s most unexpected plot twist yet?

Review

Sometimes, a book really hits the spot.

I resonate a little too strongly with Cleo, who is feeling very old and very single, despite - or perhaps because of her job casting singles for a long-running reality dating show. With falling ratings, her boss brings in Lockie. He's hot, full of fresh ideas, and he pushes every one of Cleo's buttons, good and bad. One thing leads to another, and next thing you know, Cleo is on screen in a tiny bikini, pretending to fall for Lockie to keep the cameras rolling.

And then the storm hits.

My favourite part of the book was definitely their time on the island. I found it totally believable that the circumstances would turbocharge relationship building and I enjoyed the other contestants evolving from deliberate caricatures to individuals realising it's okay to put down the mask. In a story set somewhat behind the curtain, it was nice to see what happens when the cameras stop rolling. It gave me hope that Cleo and Lockie fit well together, even once the outside world forces its way back in.

I did see the third act coming and while I wouldn't call myself vindictive, I do wish for a bit more grovelling, a bit more comeuppance where comeuppance is due. Now I can't imagine I'd ever enjoy getting stranded on an island, but a love story like Cleo and Lockie's would make it all worthwhile. 

If you're looking for some delicious 'reality' show goodness, this book might be for you!

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

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

Author Bio 

Portia MacIntosh is the million copy bestselling author of over 20 romantic comedy novels. Whether it’s southern Italy or the French alps, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages. Formerly a journalist, Portia lives with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire. 

Social Media Links
Facebook: @macintoshportia
Twitter: @PortiaMacintosh
Instagram: @portiamacintoshauthor
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/PortiaMacIntoshNews

Blog Tour: The Locked Room by Holly Hepburn

Join Harriet White in 1930's London for another glorious Sherlock Holmes-inspired mystery, for fans of Nita Prose and Janice Hallett.

After a very close call on the Norfolk Fens, Harriet White is about ready to hang up her deerstalker and settle back into her normal life, working in a bank on Baker Street. Until she discovers a letter in The Times newspaper challenging Sherlock Holmes to prove his status as the world’s greatest detective, by solving an impossible mystery. The letter, signed Professor James Moriarty, advises Holmes that the crime will be committed within the following seven days. There will be no further clues – Holmes himself must deduce which crime is the correct one to investigate.

Dismissing the letter as a prank, Harry goes about her business until news breaks of the theft of valuable jewel collection from a safe in an apparently locked room in a Mayfair townhouse.

Intrigued in spite of her misgivings, Harry dons a disguise and investigates. But as she begins to unpick the puzzle, a body is found. And now, a stranger, and far more deadly mystery begins to unfold around her...

Review

Come along on a charming mystery with a plucky young heroine, nefarious villains, and just a hint of romance!

Though I haven't read the previous in this series, I enjoyed this entry as it follows Harry White - granddaughter of a baron who works as Sherlock Homes' secretary - knowing, of course, that Holmes is fictional, her role to let hopefuls know that the great detective has retired. What her bosses can't know is that every now and then, Harry solves the mystery instead. When a challenge to Holmes from his literary nemesis Moriarty is placed in the papers, Harry soon realises that her recent successes (from earlier books) have attracted the notice of shadowy figures, and someone wants to know who has been solving crimes under the name of Sherlock Holmes.

Harry is a classic heroine - adventurous, headstrong, and insightful - but I also appreciated her kindness and how she didn't make stupid decisions in the name of furthering the plot. Now, she might be a little bit oblivious to romance, but even clever people have blind spots. She is surrounded by an interesting cast of characters - few enough to keep track of but not so many as to be confusing. I liked her burgeoning friendship with Beth, and do I sense a possible frisson between Beth and Harry's brother?

The mystery was clever, not immediately obvious but believably twisty. Careening from the townhouses to the underground clubs and back again, this was a great way to spend an evening and I hope Harry's adventures continue!

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

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

Author Bio

Holly Hepburn writes escapist, swoonsome fiction that sweeps her readers into idyllic locations, from her native Cornwall to the windswept beauty of Orkney. She has turned her hand to cosy crime inspired by Sherlock Holmes himself. Holly lives in leafy Hertfordshire with her adorable partner in crime, Luna the Labrador.

Social Media Links 
Instagram: @HollyH_Author
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/HollyHepburnNews

Blog Tour: A New Hope in the Highlands by Rachel Debreve

Amid betrayal and family secrets, a journey to the Scottish Highlands brings unexpected romance, healing, and a second chance at happiness.

Scarlett flees to the Scottish Highlands on her 35th birthday after discovering her husband's affair. Desperate for a fresh start, she seeks comfort with her estranged mother at the estate of the surly, yet rather attractive bachelor, Edward Cameron-Reid; a reclusive laird devoted to his family’s legacy.

As Scarlett disrupts Edward's solitary life, an inescapable chemistry sparks between them amid the estate’s last-minute preparations for his brother's wedding. However, their growing connection faces turmoil when shocking secrets and hidden motives surface, threatening not only the wedding but their blossoming romance.

Will the drama keep Scarlett and Edward apart? Can they overcome their fears and confront their true feelings for each other? Or will they discover that even after heartbreak, love has the power to offer a second chance?

A dual-narrative, spicy contemporary romance set in the Highlands of Scotland, for fans of Elliot Fletcher and Evie Alexander.

Review  

Poor Scarlett learns her comfortable marriage is already over and flees her husband and his overbearing mother to reconnect with her estranged mother in the middle of nowhere - sorry, the Scottish Highlands. Fortunately, her mum's employer (and now Scarlett's) is rather handsome and Scarlett starts to settle in and heal - until Edward's brother's last minute wedding brings chaos and a whole cast of larger than life characters to their door. Scarlett's satisfying competence (and isn't it wonderful to have a heroine get to do the thing she's good at?) and newfound independence is put to the test. 

Scarlett is vibrantly alive, full of conflict, self doubt, and a quiet ambition. I do need to warn that there is an attempted sexual assault depicted in a flashback. Though it isn't successful, there are no real repercussions, so be aware going in.  

Though the drama is delicious and the spice (once it gets started) is plentiful, the book is carried by the tumultuous relationships - familial, platonic, and romantic. Family is reconciled, and families are divided - and if you want to know more you're going to have to read it! I especially liked that both leads were a little bit older, though Edward's ex and daughter could've played more of a part, rather than his wayward brother and his enigmatic fiancée. Even by the end, you're not sure if everyone has a happy ending but they do all get what they deserve! 

It's a steamy romp through the Scottish Highlands and it's going to make you wish for a laird and a castle of your own! 

Purchase Link
https://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Hope-Highlands-Haddon-Highland-ebook/dp/B0F8W8SPK9
https://www.amazon.com/New-Hope-Highlands-Haddon-Highland-ebook/dp/B0F8W8SPK9 

Author Bio 

Rachel Debrave writes contemporary and fantasy romance with an often twisty, dark sense of humour and a taste for the emotionally charged. Expect quick-fire chemistry, emotional depth, swoon-worthy MMCs, and heroines who don’t just survive – they set the pace.

When she’s not writing in random places, Rachel can be found wandering the Scottish countryside with her dog, Daisy, reading from her ever-growing TBR pile, or playing the piano (rarely very well!) with a touch of dramatic flair.

Website : racheldebrave.com
Insta & Threads: racheldebrave 
Facebook: racheldebraveauthor
Bluesky is: rdbauthor.bsky.social.
Substack is: substack.com/@racheldebraveauthor.com 
 

Blog Tour: The Secret Lives of the Doyenne of Didsbrook by Tessa Barrie

 The remote village of Didsbrook is thrown into turmoil after its best-known resident, the former actress turned best-selling novelist Jocelyn Robertshaw, is found dead under mysterious circumstances. 

Villagers are appalled to learn that the charismatic Jocelyn died from Hemlock poisoning. Police claim she shot and ate a quail that had ingested hemlock. A theory disputed by all who knew her well. The animal-loving Jocelyn would never kill anything, but due to the lack of forensic evidence, police rule death by misadventure. 

Jocelyn’s young protégée, Lucy Fothergill, determined to discover the truth about what happened to her mentor, discovers a hidden stash of Jocelyn’s notebooks, revealing jaw-dropping secrets from Jocelyn’s past. The impression Jocelyn gave the world that she lived a near-perfect life was an Academy Award-winning performance.

Believing the events from Jocelyn’s past may have led to her death forty-eight years later, Lucy begins to piece together the clues that lead to the truth.

The sleepy village of Didsbrook is about to wake up!

Review

Put together a beloved philanthropist, a suspicious death, and a a village full of singular personalities, and what do you get? In this case, a enjoyable romp through a happy little village that has been turned on its head and the winding path to a happy ending.

It hits a lot of the right notes: the police are perfectly infuriating, our heroine is plucky and persistent, and the secrets are bubbling under the surface. While some are more signposted than others, they are more twisted than one would expect and unravel in a most satisfying manner.

As I read, I realised that this does feel more like women's fiction framed by a murder mystery than a true cosy, but if you go in with the right expectations I suspect you will have a good time.

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

Purchase Links
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Lives-Doyenne-Didsbrook-secrets-ebook/dp/B0F9P9DM57
https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Lives-Doyenne-Didsbrook-secrets-ebook/dp/B0F9P9DM57

Author Bio
Tessa Barrie was born in Harrogate, Yorkshire, and despite her parents uprooting her at the age of three and moving her down south, she is proud of her Yorkshire heritage. 

Growing up, she recalls her family life being more Little House on the Prairie than The Waltons because her early years were fraught with drama. However, intermingled with all the emotional disruption, she remembers humour squeezing its way through the frayed feelings.

So, incorporating humour in her writing has become very important to her as she believes that, however dark a story gets, there should always be a subtle sprinkling of humour.

In June 2021, Tessa self-published her debut novel, Just Say It, a bittersweet family saga, and her second novel, The Secret Lives of the Doyenne of Didsbrook, a quirky murder mystery, is currently on pre-order and is due for release on 1st July 2025. Her third novel, The Rebuilding of Freya Michaels, will be published in 2026.

Social Media Links
https://www.facebook.com/TessaBarrieAuthor/
https://www.instagram.com/tessa_barrie/?hl=en
https://x.com/TessaBarrie
https://tessabarrie.substack.com
https://tessabarrie.com

Review: Give Me a Reason by Jayci Lee

After a run of science fiction, fantasy, and horror reading that leaned towards the dark and dystopian, a modern-day Korean retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion felt like the perfect palate cleanser.

Anne Lee broke Fredrick Nam's heart when she left America to become a K-drama actress. It's ten years later when she returns, only to find the boy she left behind is a man she can't get out of her head.

I'll be honest, the plot of Persuasion is not one I remember well. but a skim of the plot shows that this book is more faithful than I initially thought. Nonetheless, the setting update to modern-day LA and the tweaks to various characters serve to disguise the inspiration quite handily. 

Apart from the events of ten years ago and a shared inability to spit it out, both Anne and Fredrick seem almost too good to be true - a self-sacrificing K-drama star and a respected firefighting captain. Their chemistry is sparking from the first page and I couldn't wait for them to fall into each other's arms. 

I personally found the Korean-American update really effective in explaining some of the dynamics between characters and I enjoyed Anne's journey out of self-denial, but I do wish this got a bit more of a conclusion and perhaps something more satisfying around her more selfish family members. I also loved the delicious pining in this book as both Anne and Fredrick realise that beneath the hurt, regret, and anger, love remains - but the tension seemed to melt away partway through in favour of a persistent misunderstanding that just got frustrating and seemed to be resolved in-story by a deus ex.

I couldn't put this book down and was rooting for the happy ending, but I can't help but wish for a little more out of the ending. 

If Austen retellings or second chance romances are your jam, I think you'll enjoy this as much as I did.

Give Me a Reason is available now in ebook or hard copy

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

Review: Wildflowers by Kylie Scott

Once again, Kylie Scott - first known to me as author of the excellent Stage Dive rock star romances - has spun the genre wheel of fortune and somehow I'm reading a post-apocalyptic romance. And I'm digging it. This is fluffy cracky wish fulfillment that I ate up with a spoon and it all starts when Astrid is kidnapped by her hot neighbour Dean.

Hear me out.

Dean has word of another pandemic, only this one is far more infectious and a lot more deadly. Thanks to his enforced isolation, him and Astrid survive and set out to build a new life from the ruins of the old. Yes, the premise is traumatic and has shades of dubcon, but there's something intoxicating about a man who risks everything for you specifically, and the chance to start the world anew in a tight knit community based on mutual aid.

Some people might find this story triggering, some might quibble with the romance - but for some, this is going to hit the spot as a cathartic and surprisingly lighthearted take on the end of the world as we know it.

If this sounds like your catnip, Wildflowers is available in now

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

Review: Text Appeal by Kylie Scott

Update: check out the gorgeous new cover!

Text Appeal is classic Kylie Scott. Riley is new to town, but she's barely settled in when hew new phone number puts her right in the path of its old owner. Connor has had enough of his on-again, off-again ex and she's coming back for their high school reunion, so he enlists Riley in a scheme to convince the town that the relationship is through, by claiming he's fallen madly in love with Riley. Of course, feelings ensue, as parents choose sides and what seems like the entire town get hilariously invested.

Somewhat surprisingly for a book with an ex-girlfriend, Ava manages to become my favourite character. It becomes obvious their relationship was toxic not from lack of love, but from two people who want vastly different things - and part of me wants the story where they manage to work through that. This is not that story but Ava manages to charm me just the same. In fact, this entire book is full of people I would want to hang out with, especially Connor's sneaky grandma!

Overall, this was an enjoyable, low stakes romance, with attractive and likeable leads. If you've enjoyed Kylie's recent books, this will feel like a warm hug.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Valentine PR & Literary Management; all opinions are my own.

Review: Take Back Magic by Casey Blair

Take Back Magic is the first in a new urban fantasy trilogy about magic, demons, and how far people go for power. In structure, it is a typical first book, but the characters grip you quickly and haul you along for the action-packed ride.

I'll be honest, at first glance this sounded like a working title - but Casey Blair is fast becoming an author I trust to give me a good time, with a fantasy novel steeped in fascinating worldbuilding and intriguing characters.

We start in a world very much like our own - one that could well be our own, for the vast majority of the population have no idea that magic exists because it is siphoned out of our world "for our own good" by magi of another realm and the few students they plucked from our world. Sierra was one of them, one who studied longer and worked harder for the chance to stay, and yet was abandoned back in our world at the ripe old age of seventeen.

This has left her a trifle bitter.

I adore Sierra. She is incredibly skilled and focussed on her goal, knows magecraft and strategy inside out, and while she'd be stressful to know in real life, she makes a fascinating point of view character. Her love interest is a perfect match for her while maintaining an air of mystery, and their blossoming partnership and mutual fascination is a delight.

There are a number of supporting characters with promising arcs and I hope they show up again in following books, especially as Low Earth reacts to the events of this book. It's not exactly a cliffhanger, but I'm definitely left wanting to read more!

Overall, this was an enjoyable start to what looks like a promising trilogy. The author has promised all three will be released this year and I look forward to reading how this story plays out (and watching Grand Magus Evram get his comeuppance).

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

Review: Can't Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan

This is a surprisingly emotional fake relationship romance that also deals with themes of grief, family, and the weight of expectations.

Lexi's life took a turn for the dramatic a few years ago and she feels like she's barely holding it together as she scrambles to take care of a grieving mom, an aging house, an almost there degree, all while juggling two jobs. She is full of grit and determination, but her self esteem is at an all time low, and at the ripe old age of 25 she feels like life has passed her by.

If that sounds a little ridiculous to you, you're not alone, but push through and you remember how overwhelming it all felt to be mid twenties when it looked like everyone else has their life together. Once you slip back into that mindset, this book comes together like a comfortable old friend.

We have a handsome hero, his pushy parents, his meddling siblings, and supportive friends on both sides. We have lies and half truths and the (somewhat) slowly dawning realisation that this fake relationship doesn't feel that fake. We have a heroine who rescues herself and the man who gives her the push to do so. (We also have a bit of insta love, some loose plot ends, one glaring continuity error, and a boatload of sage wisdom just when Lexi needs it most)

If you enjoy fake relationships with just a little more emotional heft, I think you'll like this book. I know I did!

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

Blog Tour: Stage Kisses on Halfpenny Lane by Clodagh Murphy

 

Two old flames. One small stage. Trouble is just waiting in the wings …  

Mimi and her sisters are still struggling to keep their beloved Halfpenny Lane Theatre afloat. 

So when Hollywood heartthrob Rocco Agnew wants a part in their upcoming production of Private Lives it promises to be a lifesaver. Rocco sets hearts racing and ticket sales soaring wherever he goes. 

The only problem: Rocco is Mimi’s ex – the one who broke her heart – and she’s slated to play  
opposite him in a role that will bring them far too close for comfort. 

They can’t turn down Rocco. Mimi doesn’t want to bow out. Will the little theatre be big enough for both of them?  

This is the second book in the Halfpenny Lane series, but it is a complete story and can be enjoyed as a standalone.  

Purchase Link - https://books2read.com/u/mK6PlB 

Review

Sweet and funny, this second chance romance was a fun read. It’s second in a series about three sisters who own a rundown theatre in Dublin. They are putting on a play and an unexpected choice of leading man is great publicity for the show but personally troubling for the leading lady. Mimi never got over her first love Rocco when he moved to LA in search of fame and fortune. Now he’s back and looking like he regrets losing her just as much.

I really liked Mimi - she was self-aware enough to know when she wasn’t being fair, but flawed enough to make some poor decisions anyway. I did get impatient with her Sam storyline but it made me like him more as a character (which is good because I suspect he’s going to lead the next book). Rocco was a bit more of an enigma but sharp-eyed Mimi noticed enough to let us know what he’s thinking even if she can’t put the votes together. 

The rehearsal process and attendant cast shenanigans were a nice look behind the curtain and introduced some interesting characters who I’d like to see more of. 

Overall the book was light and funny, so if you like second chances of live theatre, give it a go!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author via Rachel’s Random Resources; all opinions dress my own. 

Author Bio –

Clodagh (rhymes with Yoda) is an Irish author of funny, feel-good romantic comedies. She lives in Dublin and writes in a cabin in the garden. Her latest release is the second book in a series of  
standalones set in the world of theatre. For more information about her books or to sign up to her newsletter, visit her website at http://clodaghmurphy.com/. 

Social Media Links –
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clodaghmurphyauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClodaghMMurphy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clodaghmurphybooks/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/clodagh-murphy
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/clodagh

Blog Tour: One Moment in Time by Shari Low

Sometimes the best surprises reveal the most shocking secrets.

After three decades of marriage, Brenda Jones has decided to leave her husband, just as soon as they both return from a mystery trip with their daughter Zara. But she has no idea that Zara is flying them to Las Vegas to renew their vows.

Zara Jones has recreated almost every detail of her parent’s original wedding - now her only challenge is tracking down the two friends who were pictured with her mum and dad back in 1993.

Aiden Gregg is dealing with his own relationship woes when he receives an unexpected message from a complete stranger. WIth the help of Facebook, Zara has tracked him down and is asking if his parents are the other couple in the old photo? And if so, could he bring them to Vegas for a surprise reunion?

What Zara and Aiden don’t know is that thirty years ago, One Moment In Time changed everything.

Will rewinding the clock right the wrongs of the past?

Or are they all counting down to a rendezvous with disaster?

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

Review

Shari Low has a lovely gift for telling several overlapping stories, making you fall in love with multiple characters as their lives intersect in unexpected ways. The intersection of the four narrators - Brenda, her daughter Zara, Eileen, and her son Aiden - are only unexpected to some of them, because Zara, her sister Millie, and Aiden are conspiring to reunite their respective parents in Vegas.

With little hints from Brenda and Eileen's narration, the celebration of a lifetime is like a train wreck in slow motion, with every encounter sending dreams of happily ever after closer to the edge. From Aiden scheming to get his divorced parents both to Vegas, to the explosive reunion of the older generation, you simply have to keep reading to find out if Brenda and Colin make it to renew their vows, or if this last surprise is the straw that breaks Brenda's ever-patient back. And after so much build up, I would've enjoyed more on-page denouement of everyone in the aftermath.

I don't want to spoil the story because the twists make it fun, but there are happy endings and maybe a few more chances for the author to work her magic on loose ends.

Perfect for an escape from reality but don't start when you have somewhere else to be!

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

Author Bio 

Shari Low is the #1 bestselling author of over 30 novels, including My One Month Marriage and One Summer Sunrise and a collection of parenthood memories called Because Mummy Said So. She lives near Glasgow.

Social Media Link
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sharilowbooks
Twitter https://twitter.com/sharilow
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sharilowbooks/
Newsletter Sign Up https://bit.ly/ShariLownews
Bookbub profile https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shari-low

Blog Tour: A Notable Omission by Isabella Muir

A 1970s debate on equality is overshadowed by a deadly secret...

Spring 1970. Sussex University is hosting a debate about equality for women. But when one of the debating group goes missing, attention turns away from social injustice to something more sinister.

It seems every one of the group has something to hide, and when a second tragedy occurs, two of the delegates – amateur sleuth Janie Juke, and reporter Libby Frobisher - are prepared to make themselves unpopular to flush out the truth. Who is lying and why?

Alongside the police investigation, Janie and Libby are determined to prise answers from the tight-lipped group, as they find themselves in a race against time to stop another victim being targeted.

In A Notable Omission we meet Janie at the start of a new decade. When we left Janie at the end of The Invisible Case she was enjoying her new found skills and success as an amateur sleuth. Here we meet her a few months later, stealing a few days away from being a wife and mother, attending a local conference on women's liberation to do some soul-searching...

Purchase Link
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Notable-Omission-Janie-Juke-mystery-ebook/dp/B0BQCLRYS6
US - https://www.amazon.com/Notable-Omission-Janie-Juke-mystery-ebook/dp/B0BQCLRYS6

Review

A fascinating little mystery with a likeable protagonist. 

Janie Jukes is a librarian, a mother, and a part time sleuth. She credits her love of Agatha Christie for any of her success, though it seems that this case is solved through solid police work, intuition, and being a good listener. With lots of little clues dropped, I guessed at the solution before the big reveal, but the story was no less for it.

It's an enjoyable read set in the 1970's, bringing second wave feminism to the forefront as Janie and her friends Libby attend a conference on Women's Rights. There are a heap of little references that signal the time period but even more telling are the attitudes! While it took me a little while to warm to reporter Libby (as a librarian, Janie caught my heart easily) I'm genuinely interested to see how things play out next for these two after their brush with Women's Lib.

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

Author Bio

Isabella is never happier than when she is immersing herself in the sights, sounds and experiences of family life in southern England in past decades – specifically those years from the Second World War through to the early 1970s. Researching all aspects of life back then has formed the perfect launch pad for her works of fiction. It was during two happy years working on and completing her MA in Professional Writing when Isabella rekindled her love of writing fiction and since then she has gone on to publish seven novels, six novellas and two short story collections.

This latest novel, A Notable Omission, is the fourth book in her successful Sussex Crime Mystery series, featuring young librarian and amateur sleuth, Janie Juke. The early books in the series are set in the late 1960s in the fictional seaside town of Tamarisk Bay, where we meet Janie, who looks after the mobile library. She is an avid lover of Agatha Christie stories – in particular Hercule Poirot. Janie uses all she has learned from the Queen of Crime to help solve crimes and mysteries. This latest novel in the series is set along the south coast in Brighton in early 1970, a time when young people were finding their voice and using it to rail against social injustice.

As well as four novels, there are six novellas in the series, set during the Second World War, exploring some of the back story to the Tamarisk Bay characters.

Isabella’s love of Italy shines through all her work and, as she is half-Italian, she has enjoyed bringing all her crime novels to an Italian audience with Italian translations, which are very well received.
Isabella has also written a second series of Sussex Crimes, set in the sixties, featuring retired Italian detective, Giuseppe Bianchi, who is escaping from tragedy in Rome, only to arrive in the quiet seaside town of Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, to come face-to-face with it once more.
Isabella’s standalone novel, The Forgotten Children, deals with the emotive subject of the child migrants who were sent to Australia – again focusing on family life in the 1960s, when the child migrant policy was still in force.

Find out more about Isabella and her books by visiting her website at: www.isabellamuir.com

Social Media Links
https://isabellamuir.com/
https://www.facebook.com/IsabellaMuirAuthor
https://twitter.com/SussexMysteries

Blog Tour: Conveniently Wed to the Laird by Jeanine Englert (with UK/US giveaway!)

The laird’s bridal bid…

Is love too high a price to pay?

When new laird, Ewan Stewart, comes across a wife for sale at a market, he outbids everyone to rescue her. He never intended for Catriona to become his bride, but a convenient marriage could secure his clan’s future and her freedom. They agree that their arrangement must stay free of love, yet Catriona’s bravery and fire intrigue him. Can Ewan resist falling for his wife—the one rule he must not break?

Purchase Link - https://books2read.com/u/m2eyak

Review 

From an extremely inauspicious start to something infinitely more precious, this is sweet book about letting go of the past when a better future lies ahead. It's a great addition to the series and introduces an intriguing new cast of potential leads.

For Laird Ewan Stewart, his insecurity around filling his father's shoes and infidelity of a past love have left him scared to ever love again. Every time he even thinks about love, he lashes out or clams up. I loved that Catriona set strong boundaries in response to his hot-and-cold behaviour and stood up for herself after a painful life of loss and past abuse. Her reclamation of herself is a delight.

I would've liked a little more development and resolution to Ewan's development as Laird and Catriona's search for purpose. Catriona's insight looks like it could rub off on Ewan as she stands beside him and it would be great to see that play out on the page. I really enjoyed the blindfold scene and the intimacy it created between them. Also, Emogene needed a comeuppance.

The romance was sweet and satisfyingly fuelled by character development, with well-woven appearances from previous leads. I hope this isn't the last we see of these characters and their clans!

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

Author Bio
Jeanine Englert’s love affair with mysteries and romance began with Nancy Drew, Murder She Wrote, and her Grandmother’s bookshelves full of romance novels. She is a VIVIAN® and Golden Heart® Finalist as well as a Silver Falchion, Maggie, and Daphne du Maurier Award Winner in historical romance and mystery. Her Scottish Highland historical and historical romantic suspense novels revolve around characters seeking self-acceptance and redemption. When she isn’t wrangling with her characters on the page, she can be found trying to convince her husband to watch her latest Masterpiece or BBC show obsession. She loves to talk about books, writing, her beloved rescue pups, as well as mysteries and romance with other readers. Visit her website at www.jeaninewrites.com.

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Goodreads: Conveniently Wed to the Laird by Jeanine Englert | Goodreads
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Giveaway to Win a Highlander Trio Prize Pack (Open to UK/ US Only)
Settle in to enjoy the complete Falling for a Stewart Trilogy along with some Scottish themed jewelry and book swag! Good luck and thank you for participating in the giveaway!
*Terms and Conditions –UK & US 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: Vanessa Jared's Got a Man by LaQuette

Vanessa Jared took her emotionally abusive ex to the cleaners and never looked back. Sure, her self-confidence is in tatters, but she has two fellow divorcees who have her back. Her quiet life is interrupted when Michael Park turns up on her doorstep. His little sister is engaged to Vanessa's ex and Michael needs Vanessa's help to expose him before the wedding.

I loved that the leads were a little older and are racially diverse. I definitely disliked Michael's overprotective streak as Vanessa was still recovering from being under her ex's thumb, but what (perhaps irrationally) annoyed me was the coincidences around Michael being sheriff of the same small town where Vanessa's friends grew up, actually they went to high school together and ran in similar circles, actually he has two friends who have always struck sparks off her two friends... It felt contrived and distracted from what was actually quite a cute story about two closed off people opening up to each other.

Overall this was a sexy and fun read that mostly hit the spot. It's a great debut and I think the author has far to go!

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

Blog Tour: He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not by Aimee Brown

Dax Hartley has made flowers his entire life, just like his late father did.

When his dad's old florist’s shop is up for sale, he has to have it. Only problem is, he'd need to sell a kidney to afford it. The reality show Battle of the Blossoms is the perfect opportunity to win the money he needs, but when his childhood crush blows back into his life, distractions risk taking his eyes off the prize. He needs his head and heart to start working together to ensure he doesn't miss the opportunity of a lifetime.

Hollyn Matthews has made some colossal mistakes in life.

When she's dumped just as she's expecting an engagement ring, she knows she's put her heart into the wrong man. Hoping for a second chance at being a grown-up, she moves home to stay with her brother and his best friend Dax, a boy whose memory faded as she ran away from her past. Facing the hurt she left behind means facing some home truths about herself, but there’s one boy who has always loved her, if only she’d take the time to notice him.

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

Review

When reality show meets childhood crush, you get a slow burn friends to lovers that is entertaining to the end. I loved the unusual reality show (no dating shows here!) perfectly matched Dax's passion and talent - and that he was never put down for being a florist. It was the perfect setting for pining (Dax) and love realisations (Hollyn).

Even though the majority of the book has a very condensed timeline, Dax and Hollyn felt not just believable but inevitable thanks to their long history - childhood neighbours and Hollyn being Dax's best friend's sister. The great friends around both of them was a highlight, though I still don't exactly understand what happened to Victoria.

I do wish there had been some acknowledgement that Hollyn hadn't been selfish in losing touch with friends and family, she'd been in an unhealthy and borderline abusive relationship. It might be mean, but I'd have enjoyed a bit more on-page comeuppance for her awful ex. Meanwhile, Dax's FWB Sydney was kinda cool and I'd like to see more of her.

Overall, this was a great read with a swoonworthy hero and a sweetheart heroine, peppered with pop culture references. Best enjoyed with a bit of tv in the background and maybe some popcorn, this book will have you wishing for someone to send you flowers.

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

Author Bio

Aimee Brown is the bestselling romantic comedy author of several books including The Lucky Dress. She’s an Oregon native, now living in a tiny town in cold Montana and sets her books in Portland. Previously published by Aria, her new series for Boldwood is full of love and laughter and real-life issues. The first book will be published in January 2023.

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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
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Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/phoebe-macleod

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 
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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: 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
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Website: https://kyliescott.com/

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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_
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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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