Blog Tour: The Viscount’s Daring Miss by Lotte James

May the best Viscount or Miss…

 …win!

When her best friend and employer is injured, groom Roberta ‘Bobby’ Kingsley feels compelled to help him. She agrees to step into the saddle and compete in an endurance horse race to help secure his ancestral home. Yet the minute Bobby comes face to face with her opponent—arrogant yet infuriatingly charismatic Lawrence, Viscount Hayes—it’s clear that it won’t just be the competition that has her heart racing!

Purchase Link - https://bit.ly/3W1SOnY

Review

A thrilling endurance race is overshadowed by the riders and the sparks between them!

This was such a fun book! Bobby and Lawrence felt real people, with their own traits and flaws. It was surprising to see how quickly things started heating up, but it allowed them almost the entire race to fall for one another properly. I enjoyed how the insults turned into banter turned into more emotional and vulnerable confessions, even though the competition never let up!

Bobby faces period-appropriate sexism so it's not all cheers and banter, and the way she reacts is totally understandable even though it's not ideal. I liked that the book acknowledged and addressed this, while still giving a satisfying and realistic ending. Lawrence isn't perfect either, but it's made clear that as a man his eccentricities are tolerated by society so it takes someone slightly outside the bounds - like Bobby - to make him see the need for change.

It's interesting that the circumstances leading to the rivalry and the race - the age-old bet and the mounting debt - are never fleshed out, leaving the reader to wonder who was more in the right. Perhaps we'll be lucky and get to find out in Julian's story - because that man needs a good woman to take him in hand!

For everyone who felt like they didn't fit in, who finds happiness somewhere unexpected, or who just really likes horses - I recommend this romance!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via 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
www.lottejamesbooks.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@lottejamesbooks?lang=en
https://twitter.com/lottejamesbooks

Blog Tour: An Unexpected Guest by Hannah Ellis

A family reunion takes everyone by surprise…

Jago Treneary hasn’t been home since his father’s funeral three years ago. Now, he’s returning to the Isles of Scilly for his brother’s wedding and is intent on building bridges with his family.

When a last-minute guest arrives to stay at his mum’s house, the trip takes an unexpected turn.

Soon, he’s playing tour guide for Sylvie and rediscovering the beautiful islands he grew up on.

He never expected to feel so at home.

But with his attention on Sylvie he neglects his family.

Before long he’s faced with a choice: follow his heart and see where things lead with Sylvie, or put the work into making things right with his family.

One thing seems certain: he can’t have it all.

With his time on Scilly coming to end, he needs to make some big decisions… fast.

Purchase Link - https://geni.us/ScillyBook5

Review

Jago Treneary is the mystery Treneary brother. All of his brothers got some early bird page time but all we know about Jago is that he's been in America for the last four books and he and older brother Lowen had a somewhat fractious relationship growing up. Now it's finally time for Jago take the spotlight and it feels the most weighty because Lowen's happily ever after is coming apart at the seams.

I really felt for Jago and Sylvie. A chance meeting sets them up with someone who could be the one, only they both have family issues to resolve and it happens to be the same family, because Jago's brother Lowen is Sylvie's cousin by his birth mother. Don't worry, there's nothing squicky, but one person is uncomfortable and I'll give you no prize for guessing who. 

If it wasn't for the family drama it would be a very straightforward boy meets girl. It sometimes felt like their relationship was simplified to make sure the series was tied up well. This meant that I didn't get a good grasp of Jago and Sylvie as people, but I honestly prefer it to the alternative where a series doesn't get a good ending.

Best enjoyed as the end of the series, especially after reading Lowen's book, though it can stand okay on its own. I know this is the last book about the Treneary boys and that makes me sad, because I'd love to see them live the success they've built, which is how you know it was a lovely ending.  Once again, we're left with a heartfelt story about the importance of family and the reminder that very little is absolutely good or bad when you look at it from someone else's perspective.

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

Author Bio
Hannah 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/

Review: Stolen Sorcery & Other Misadventures by Annette Marie & Rob Jacobsen

MPD Agent Kit Morris is back and he can't catch a break. An evil Internal Affairs Agent has taken over his precinct, his partner is keeping secrets from him, and someone is killing GMs around Vancouver.

It all makes for a hell of a ride.

Once the action starts it doesn't stop and you won't be able to put the book down. There's murder, magic, and mayhem galore, with a satisfying conclusion that will still leave you wanting more.

You don't need to have read the other Guild Codex series to enjoy this book - you don't even need to have read Kit's previous books, but you would be missing out on a whole lot of fun. Kit is talented, loyal, and hilarious, getting himself (and his partner Lienna)  into trouble and out of it with wisecracks and movie references, though he'd insist none of it is his fault. The worldbuilding is fantastic, though I'd recommend reading at least his other books to get the full effect. I liked seeing some familiar faces, however I appreciated that they weren't allowed to take over.

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

Blog Tour: Love On the Run by Suzie Tullett

With her ex and her kids away, a woman takes up running and meets a new man - but can they make it to the finish line?

Ten years after their divorce, this is the first time Hannah's ex-husband has had the kids for more than a weekend. Her calendar is gloriously blank, ready to be filled with some self-care time.

That is, until Hannah's BFFs push her to join a charity race for which she'll need to start training - after all, she's not doing anything else.

And her mum nags her to have Aunt Dorothy over for a visit.

So much for me-time...

However, Hannah's not in tip-top shape, and running is a challenge to say the least. Maybe Gabe, the nice-looking personal trainer, can help with that? The more Hannah struggles, the more determined she becomes. But then Hannah is tripped up when she finds out Gabe has a shocking secret. Does this mean he'll be out of the running for a place in her heart?

Purchase Links
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Run-heart-warming-romantic-comedy-ebook/dp/B0BV72T48S/
US - https://www.amazon.com/Love-Run-heart-warming-romantic-comedy-ebook/dp/B0BV72T48S/

Review

Let's be real, to me a 'fun run' sounds like a contradiction - and yet, this book about a single mum in training for a charity 5k has me considering the merits of digging out my running shoes.

Then again, Hannah has a handsome personal trainer, two supportive best friends who have problems of their own but won't let her get away with hiding, teenage twins who have to learn to not take her for granted, and an absolute gem of an Aunt Dorothy. Aunt Dorothy is hands down my favourite character but I loved how everyone got their moment in the spotlight and a bit of character growth. Yes, it's about running, but even more, it's about Hannah remembering her own worth and reclaiming an identity beyond that of 'single mother'. I'm sure many people will resonate with Hannah's realisation that she's not who she thought she'd be - but her story isn't over yet.

This book gave me all the endorphins without any of the exercise, and I call that a win.

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

Author Bio

Suzie Tullett is an author of contemporary humorous fiction and romantic comedy. She has a Masters Degree in Television & Radio Scriptwriting and worked as a scriptwriter before becoming a full-time novelist. When she's not busy creating her own literary masterpieces, she usually has her head in someone else's.
Suzie lives in a little Irish cottage by the sea, along with her husband and two Greek rescue dogs.

Social Media Links
Suzie Tullett (Author) | Facebook
https://twitter.com/SuzieTullett
https://www.instagram.com/suzie_tullett/

Review: Backpacking Through Bedlam by Seanan McGuire

The twelfth book in the InCrypid series has us follow Grandma Alice Price-Healy and her long-long, now-found husband Thomas, as they readjust to being married. It's been a very long time coming for readers and for characters, but it's well worth the wait. They have had fifty years of trauma and separation, and they need some time to fit their edges back together, but the world doesn't stop and neither do their problems. From those outstanding at the end of book eleven Spelunking Through Hell to threads from granddaughter Verity's adventures in book one Discount Armageddon, everything is coming together. It's extremely satisfying.

As I was reading, I was acutely aware of the intricate way the Incrypid universe fits together. The events of multiple previous books and five generations of short stories (many free on the author's website or available on Patreon) play into this story, these characters, and their interactions. To make things more complicated, time moves oddly when interdimensional travel is involved so not everything is as we - or Alice - left it. It takes a brilliant mind to fit these stories into such a cohesive whole and I love how this continuity grows and builds upon itself more and more. It's definitely best having read the rest of canon.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved seeing characters love and laugh and consider what it means to be family and care for one another - and themselves. If you like light urban fantasy, families who adore knives, and recognition that not all people are human - don't pick up this book. Pick up the first one, and when you've blitzed through them all, come and yell with me about how amazing this series is.

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

Review: End of Story by Kylie Scott

 

New York Times bestselling sensation Kylie Scott's sexy, smart and unconventional opposites-attract love story looks at what happens when fate refuses to give up on what's meant to be...

When Susie Bowen inherits a charming fixer-upper from her aunt, she's excited to start living her best HGTV life. But when she opens the door to find that her contractor is none other than her ex's best friend, Lars—the same man who witnessed their humiliating public breakup six months ago—she isn't exactly eager to have anyone around whose alliance is with the enemy. But beggars can't be choosers, and the sooner the repairs are done, the sooner she can get back to embracing singledom.

Things go from awkward to unbelievable when Lars discovers a divorce certificate hidden in a wall and dated ten years in the future—with both their names on it. It couldn't possibly be real...could it? As Susie and Lars work to unravel the document's origins, the impossibility of a spark between them suddenly doesn't seem so far-fetched. But would a relationship between them be doomed before it's even begun?

  Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Audible, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo!

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3B6I4fC

Apple Books: https://bit.ly/3Q8LwMT

Nook: https://bit.ly/3vztIAZ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/3VBybhn

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3jGWZHx

Audible: http://bit.ly/3jPwAI0

Narrated by: Andi Arndt

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3VRWqbJ

Review

They weren't quite friends. They were hardly enemies, either. But seeing Susie and Lars make it from whatever-they-were to lovers is charming and entertaining. Even as they annoy each other, they share food and desperately try to avoid mention of Lars' best friend who is also Suzie's awful ex as they puzzle out the mystery of a future-dated divorce certificate found in Suzie's wall.

Susie is delightfully practical with enough flaws to make her believable and relatable. Lars might have terrible taste in friends, but he has an awful lot going for him otherwise. Their supporting cast, led by Susie's bestie Cleo and Lars' brother Tore, add just the right level of flavour.

Smoking hot chemistry and witty banter aside, the little character moments are what makes this book shine and Kylie Scott does them so well! From working through grief and having heart to hearts about cheating to solidarity against a grasping sibling and converting Lars into a Romance reader, they make every page an enjoyable ride.

For a great contemporary romance with just a touch of the paranormal, I definitely recommend this book!

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

 

Meet Kylie

Kylie is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-selling, Audie Award winning author. She has sold over 2,000,000 books and was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year four times by the Australian Romance Reader's Association. Her books have been translated into fifteen different languages and she is based in Queensland, Australia.

 

Connect with Kylie

Website: www.kyliescott.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6476625.Kylie_Scott

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyliescottwriter

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/599197093487040

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkyliescott/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KylieScottbooks

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorkyliescott

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kylie-scott

Verve: https://ververomance.com/app/KylieScott

 

Blog Tour: Finding Refuge in Bellbird Bay by Maggie Christensen

Thirty-five years ago, tragedy forced Bev Cooper to cut short her university studies and seek refuge in her hometown of Bellbird Bay. Today, as the owner of the thriving Pandanus Garden Centre and Café, Bev has moved beyond the past and is happy in her solitary existence.

Following the tragic death of his son’s wife, Iain Grant takes early retirement and moves with his devastated son and granddaughter to the peaceful coastal town of Bellbird Bay hoping it will provide the change of scene they all desperately need.

When Iain’s son accepts a position at Bev’s garden centre, the pair find themselves drawn into each other’s lives. But as they begin to enjoy an unexpected attraction, issues from the past threaten to derail their growing relationship.

Will the healing atmosphere of Bellbird Bay work its magic and provide a second chance in life, or will Bev find it too difficult to put the past behind her and enjoy her own happy ever after?

A heartwarming tale of family, friends, and how a second chance at love can happen when you least expect it.

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

Review

Feeling tired? Sad? Weighed down? This book is a soothing later-in-life romance set in a charming little coastal town. Yes, it's fifth in the series and chock-full of side characters who have already found their happily ever after, but the focus doesn't waver from Bev and Iain, along with their close family.

It's refreshing to read about two older leads who have led very different lives with griefs and joys of their own. Bev is happy in her solitary life, though the past carries pain that is brought to the surface just before Iain comes to town with his bereaved son and granddaughter. As Bev takes steps to expand her business and open her heart, Iain and his family begin to settle in a new life and put down roots.

It's touching, heartwarming, and a much needed moment of calm.

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

Author Bio
After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations, and historical fiction set in her native Scotland. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.
From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call to ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!

Social Media Links
https://www.facebook.com/maggiechristensenauthor
https://twitter.com/MaggieChriste33
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8120020.Maggie_Christensen
https://www.instagram.com/maggiechriste33/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-christensen
https://maggiechristensenauthor.com/