Blog Tour: Spin the Bottle by Isabella May

CELESTE thought she had long forgotten the sweet, citrusy kiss she shared with TRAVIS during a game of spin the bottle. Splitting her time between her accounts office in super Instagrammable Notting Hill, and her tiny apartment in quirky Exmouth Market, modern-day life is simply too busy for men. Besides, whenever she tries to find The One, it always ends in disaster. From Tinder tragedies to trampolining tribulations, Celeste is starting to think that she's cursed.

But then Travis begins to pop up wherever she goes, and Celeste knows with stomach-sinking clarity that fate has finally caught up with them. Inspired by the idea of fake dating, Celeste is convinced the only way out of this mess is to call the curse's bluff. But will Travis agree to it? And how can she manage not to fall in love?

Pour yourself a lemonade and escape with this gorgeous will-they-won't-they rom-com set between London and Gibraltar!

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

Review

Celeste is cursed. Every quirky date she plans goes hilariously, hopelessly wrong. Her so-called best friend Mel thinks she's being over dramatic but Celeste can't let go of a teenage kiss and an old lady's prophecy, especially when the subject of both keeps popping up at every turn. Travis thinks she's crazy when she suggests fake dating to break the curse, but how long will it stay fake?

There's something sugary sweet and sometimes spicy about this book. Disastrous dates aside, Celeste is living a charmed life, right until Travis stumbled back into it. While initial meetings are not promising, there is a ton of UST just simmering under the surface. It makes me wonder if Celeste and Travis would've gotten together faster without the curse hanging over their heads.

Nevertheless, the banter is witty, the romance is lively and light, and there's just a hint of the supernatural. For a fan of fake dating, unique date ideas, and lemons, this book will tickle your fancy.

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

Author Bio
Isabella May lives in (mostly) sunny Andalusia, Spain with her husband, daughter and son, creatively inspired by the mountains and the sea. She grew up in Somerset on Glastonbury's ley lines and loves to feature her quirky English hometown in her stories.
After a degree in Modern Languages and European Studies at UWE, Bristol (and a year working abroad in Bordeaux and Stuttgart), Isabella bagged an extremely jammy and fascinating job in children's publishing... selling foreign rights for novelty, board, pop-up and non-fiction books all over the world; in every language from Icelandic to Korean, Bahasa Indonesian to Papiamento!
All of which has fuelled her curiosity and love of international food and travel - both feature extensively in her romcoms.
Isabella is also a Level 4 Pranic Healer and a stillbirth mum.

Social Media Links
www.isabellamayauthor.com
Twitter - @IsabellaMayBks
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IsabellaMayAuthor/
Instagram - @isabella_may_author

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: 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.