#Blogtour Between Us by Mhairi McFarlane

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour Between Us by Mhairi McFarlane.

About the Author

When Joe and Roisin join their group of friends for a weekend at a country house, it’s a triple celebration – a birthday, an engagement and the launch of Joe’s shiny new crime drama on TV. For Roisin, it’s a chance to connect with the group of friends she made a decade before, working as a bookseller. But for Joe, it’s a distraction as his writing career soars.

As the weekend unfolds, tensions are revealed between the group and Roisin’s sense of foreboding about her own relationship grows. And when the friends watch the first episode of Joe’s drama, she realises that the secrets she told him are right there on the screen. But is that all he’s used? What if the fictional hero’s infidelity also isn’t fictional after all? Follow @MhairiMcF on Twitter

About the book

Sunday Times bestselling author Mhairi McFarlane was born in Scotland in 1976 and her unnecessarily confusing name is pronounced Vah-Ree. After some efforts at journalism, she started writing novels and her first book, You Had Me At Hello, was an instant success and she’s since sold nearly 2 million copies of her books. Between Us is her ninth book and she lives in Nottingham with a man and a cat.

Review

I have to get something off my chest - I know this is marketed as romcom, and it does have romance and it does have comedy, but that's not where I would put this gem of a reading experience. The comedy element is snarky, pithy, often vicious and soul-bearing banter. The romance is a deep exploration of long-term relationships and friendships, and how those friendships evolve and devolve as we grow and change throughout the years and our experiences.

For me this absolutely is a bit of a Fleabag - it certainly has the potential to be the kind of on-screen material that will resonate with a big audience. With the slight of a hand Roisin could interact the way Joe's character does with the audience, and wouldn't it just be grand to see Joe and his fictional character play off each other. Sounds like an interesting experience, so here's keeping our fingers crossed that this story is seen for the deep introspective work it is.

It's just so much more than recognising that you deserve better, that expecting the bare minimum of love, touch and respect isn't needy or to be framed as pushy - it's a normal expectation that no one should demean you for wanting. It's hard when your truth is merely a variation of what they consider their truth to be, and yet somehow expect you to fall in to step with the abusive and deceptive nature of it all.

I enjoyed the read. The author has a way of bringing a variety of personalities to the table that coincide with groupings we as people naturally are drawn to. The way people are capable of being supportive, loving and then simultaneously destructive and self-destructive at the same time. I think the true nature of Joe was captured so well that it could have been its own version of a psychological thriller.

Highly recommend it, regardless of whether you are looking for a laugh, some romance or indeed don't mind falling into the deeper side of the emotional well that long term relationships bring to the table.

Buy Between Us at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Harper Collins Uk; pub date 11th May 2023 | Paperback Original | Ebook | Audio | £8.99. Buy at Amazon com.

#Blogtour Just Haven't Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens

It's truly a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour Just Haven't Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens. 

'New York Times bestselling author Sophie Cousens is back with her second quirky, romantic tale of love, fate and why a simple mistake could be the secret to finding true love.'

About the Author

Sophie Cousens is a writer of romantic fiction based in Jersey, where Just Haven’t Met You Yet is set. Her previous novel published by Arrow, This Time Next Year, has reached huge success in the UK, having sold 150,000 copies across all formats in just six months. This Time Next Year has also achieved huge success in the US as a New York Times bestseller and Good Morning America Book Club pick.

Sophie previously worked in TV in London for over twelve years, producing The Graham Norton Show, Big Brother and Ant and Dec. Sophie has also previously published an eBook only romantic comedy novel How To Get Ahead In Television which was shortlisted for the 2015 Romantic Novelist Association Awards. She relocated from London to Jersey and balances her writing career with working for an arts charity, taking care of her two small children and enjoying small island life. Follow @SophieCous on Twitter or on Instagram

About the book

Tell me story of how you two met… Hopeless romantic Laura has spent her career as a journalist telling other people’s unbelievable love stories. But when it comes to her own love life, it seems she keeps looking for ‘the one’ in all the wrong places.

That is until she picks up the wrong suitcase at the airport by mistake and finds inside contents that just might belong to the man of her dreams. From romantic piano sheet-music to a battered copy of her favourite book, Laura knows this is the sign she’s been waiting for.

And if her job has taught her anything, it’s that when it comes to love, you can't let opportunity pass you by. And so Laura is determined to track down the mysterious suitcase owner and her own happy ending. But fate, as always, might just have other ideas...

Review

Laura is convinced there is a perfect connection with a potential soulmate just waiting to happen to her. When she picks up the wrong suitcase at the airport and all signs point to the perfect man, then she gets slightly obsessed with finding him. 

Whilst retracing the path of her parents love story, and more or less stalking a stranger she has never even seen before, she encounters some hard truths and eye-opening revelations about herself and others.

I must admit it made me laugh, a lot. Laura's energy, social awkwardness, bumbling mistakes, and quite frankly her naïve optimism - it all makes her a lovable character. You can't help but go along for the ride. It's as if she lives in this alternate universe where everything just falls into place eventually, no matter what kind of obstacle she encounters.

Cousens clearly has knack for storytelling and in equal measures for creating characters readers find relatable, and yet simultaneously they have an element of fantastical fictional characters. It's exactly the right combination for a feel good and often funny read.

I think this is going to be a popular read. It hits all the right spots. A bit of nostalgia, a budding romance, friendship, a dab of comedy, and the hunt for Mr Right - also known as the elusive Mr Wrong Suitcase.

Buy Just Haven't Met You Yet at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Arrow; pub date 11th November 2021 - Paperback Original £7.99. Buy at Amazon com. At Waterstones.

#Blogtour Highland Games by Evie Alexander

 It's my turn on the BlogTour Highland Games by Evie Alexander.

About the Author

Evie Alexander is the author of sexy romantic comedies with a very British sense of humour. She takes a method approach to her work, believing her capacity to repeatedly fail at life and love is what has given her such a rich supply of material for her writing.

Her interests include reading, eating, saving the world, and fantasising about people who only exist between the pages of her books. She lives in the West country with her family.

About the book

Welcome to Kinloch, and the hottest winter Scotland’s ever seen. Zoe’s always played it safe, just as her parents wanted. But when her great-uncle dies and leaves her a ramshackle cabin in the Scottish Highlands, she decides it’s time to change her life.

Upping sticks seems like a good idea in her cosy flat in London, but the reality is very different. There’s no electricity or running water, the roof leaks and there’s no front door. If that wasn’t bad enough, she’s moved up in the depths of winter and her scorching hot neighbour wants her out.

Rory’s got a fifty thousand tonne problem. If he can’t make Kinloch castle profitable, he’s out of a job. He needs a clear head, but there’s someone living in the cabin he saw as his own and she’s turned his world upside down.

Rory needs Zoe out of Scotland, and out of his life. The trouble is, she has no intention of leaving. Let the games begin…

Follow @Evie_author on Twitter, on Facebook, eviealexanderauthor on Instagram, Bookbub, Pinterest, Goodreads, Visit eviealexanderauthor.com

Review

Am I the only one that thinks the cover looks like the young lady is partaking in a bit of cheeky up the skirt/kilt viewing and enjoying it a wee bit too much?

Life Rules - Always wear clean, or in this case your best, underwear in case you get run over by a bus or mauled by a bear! My grandmother swore by that rule, although admittedly she never mentioned any bears unlike the main character, so it definitely made me laugh.

Zoe is fulfilling her uncle's last wish and doing something for herself, something not everyone is supportive off, but then that is understandable seeing as she is alone in the Scottish wilderness (is that a thing?) in a cabin. Turns out there is someone invested in seeing the back of her, but she digs her heels in.

What evolves from a risky adventure is hot romance built on mutual attraction and a budding friendship. The meeting of two people who genuinely want the best for each other - and of course the fact they are drawn to each other like magnets and find it hard to resist each other, well it helps and also means the story gets a bit hot and heavy at times.

Kudos to the author for coming up with the steamy scene index in the back. I think it's a brilliant idea and hopefully it will catch on with readers who would like enjoy certain moments over and over again.

Buy Highland Games at Amazon UK or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher ‏: ‎Emlin Press pub date 15 Oct. 2021. Buy at Amazon com.

Giveaway to Win a signed copy of Highland Games, Shortbread and more… (Open to UK Only) -Prize is a signed copy of Highland Games, Exclusive postcard and bookmark, Personalised heart & Shortbread

 a Rafflecopter giveaway *Terms and Conditions –UK 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.*

#BlogTour Pug Actually by Matt Dunn

It's a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour Pug Actually by Matt Dunn. 

'With over 400,000 copies sold in e-book, Matt Dunn's Pug Actually, is the heartwarming, hilarious, and strikingly perceptive story of the high and lows of modern relationships as seen through the eyes of a wise pug named Doug.'

About the Author

Matt Dunn is the author of numerous romantic comedy novels, including the bestselling The Ex-Boyfriend's Handbook and A Day at the Office. he's also written about life, love, and relationships for various publications including The Times, Guardian, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Company, Elle, and The Sun. Follow @mattdunnwrites on Twitter

About the book

Loyal rescue pug Doug wants his adoring owner Julie to find unconditional love and happiness - and he knows she won't find either in the arms of Luke, her married boss and lover. Julie, reluctant to end things with Luke, fears that if she chooses to be alone, she will end up like her eccentric cat-owning neighbour. It's a prospect that horrifies Doug too.

Hopeful to help Julie move on - Doug looks to match-make Julie and Tom, a newly divorced V-E-T, who is perfect for her (despite his questionable occupation). There's just one problem: Julie and Tom can't stand each other.

Doug doesn't quite understand the quirks and complexities of human relationships, but he won't let that get in the way of his mission to bring Tom and Julie together. After all, being a 'rescue' works both ways...

Review 

Doug doesn't see himself as a rescue dog - in his mind he is the one in charge of his owner's happiness. If something is making her sad then it has to go, hence his dislike of her boyfriend. Doug wants him gone, and he is willing to stalk, threaten and intimidate if necessary.

It suits Doug just fine when the humans around him, get on board with his ( it's always his brilliant idea of course) suggestion to introduce Julie to the perfect man - the person she doesn't knows she is missing yet.

I have to admit this had me chuckling within the first few pages. The stand-off chapter is absolutely hilarious and so is Doug. He's like a little old man combined with an agony aunt, and all the dog traits to boot. The narration is so human-like and on point that it's easy to forget there is a four legged canine at the end of the voice.

I'm guessing I won't be the only one that hopes this isn't the last time we hear from Doug, and would love to see him on screen. Dunn writes and creates with a certain ease, that it's easy to forget you're in the middle of a fictional scenario.

Buy Pug Actually at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher ‏: ‎HQ Digital; pub date 14 Oct. 2021. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour A Summer of Second Chances by Carol Thomas

 It's my turn on the BlogTour A Summer of Second Chances by Carol Thomas.

About the Author

Carol Thomas lives on the south coast of England with her husband, four children and lively Labrador. She has been a primary school teacher for over twenty years and has a passion for reading, writing and people watching. When she is not in school, chasing after her children, or stopping her dog from eating things he shouldn’t, she can be found loitering in cafes drinking too much tea and working on her next book.  

Follow https://twitter.com/carol_thomas2 on Twitter, on Pinterest, on Facebook, on Instagram, Visit carol-thomas.co.uk/blog

About the book

Does first love deserve a second chance? Ava Flynn sometimes feels like the clothes donated to her charity shop have seen more life than her, but ‘maximum dedication for a minimal wage’ is what it takes to keep her mother’s beloved wildlife charity, All Critters Great and Small, running – especially in the village of Dapplebury, where business is certainly not booming.

But when Ava’s first love, Henry Bramlington, returns to the village, suddenly life becomes a little too eventful. Henry escaped Dapplebury many years before, but now he has the power to make or break the village he left behind – All Critters Great and Small included. Can Ava trust the boy who ran away to give both her and her charity a second chance? 

Review

The return of the boy who made Ava's heart beat just a wee bit faster seems like a token gesture from the heavens at first, until she realises he has business in mind. The kind of decision making that could put her mother's legacy at risk. Can she really keep attraction and business separated when it comes to Henry or will he use their connection to get what he wants?

Second Chance love stories are a bit of conundrum, because they are usually built on this fantasy of what would have been and has been denied. Having years or decades to pine over the apparently perfect partner one has been denied through fate or circumstance, well it gives the legend a chance to be fleshed out and sold to the people in question and to those around them.

Is the Henry we know now still the Henry who was ripped unceremoniously from Ava's grasp? I very much doubt it and the same goes for Ava. Is the attraction based solely on nostalgia and imagined missed opportunities? Or do the two of them have a genuine connection that has lasted throughout the years, despite the intervention of others. 

I guess that is very much the core of this story, which is then combined with a colourful cast of characters, a tug-of-war of emotions and quaint surroundings as a backdrop to the tale. It's the perfect escapism read.

Buy A Summer of Second Chances at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher : Choc Lit pub date 27 April 2021. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour Love and Ohana Drama by Melissa Baldwin

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour Love and Ohana Drama by Melissa Baldwin.

About the 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 nineteen 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.

Follow @mpbaldwinauthor on Twitter, on Facebook, on Instagram, on BookBub, on Amazon, on Goodreads, Visit authormelissabaldwin.com, Buy Love and Ohana Drama

About the book

Love and Ohana Drama is a romantic comedy that explores the challenges of family dynamics and reminds readers that there is always hope for a second chance. Sometimes the most challenging situations bring the most happiness . . .

Twenty-something Cora Fletcher is a book-loving public relations executive who lives with her overly Zen best friend and attention-loving cat. Newly single and focusing on her exciting career, she feels like she’s in a good place. She's even been invited on an all-expenses-paid Hawaiian vacation! The only catch—it’s a family reunion . . . and her family can be a lot to handle.

Cora vows to not let that get in the way, but even before the family has boarded the plane, the ohana drama begins. As usual, there's the sister-in-law who is bent on causing friction, the self-centered cousins, and the aunt who loves to party a bit too much. Her mother has filled the itinerary with endless activities, and she's even invited Cora’s ex-boyfriend in an attempt to get them back together. Although she feels overwhelmed, Cora gets a blast from her past that could impact her life forever. This is one welcome reunion she did not expect . . .

Will Cora make it through a week of family togetherness? And will she be able to say aloha to someone she thought was out of her life forever?

Review

Sounds like a great adventure, a dream come true even - the whole family on holiday together in Hawaii. Cora isn't exactly excited at the thought of spending her time with her closest relatives. Her mother panders to Cora's sister-in-law, despite the fact Cora doesn't like her. Indeed she appears to have inserted herself into the family as if she were one of them.

On top of that annoying fact her mother seems to think it's okay to mess with her love life, something she isn't aware of until a surprise guest turns up for the trip. Having to navigate the emotional waters of family dynamics, an ex-boyfriend and an old crush of hers - what on earth could possibly go wrong?

It's an entertaining romcom that readers will have no problem relating to. Don't we all have certain relatives we avoid and ever so helpful loved ones who think they know what's best for us. Combining the emotional dysfunction of family with a love story results in exactly the kind of read you'd expect.

Buy Love and Ohana Drama at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Buy at Amazon com.

Enter the Giveaway to Win a $20 Amazon Gift Card (Open INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*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 be 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.

#BlogTour Just a Girl by Becky Monson

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour Just a Girl by Becky Monson.

Enter the Giveaway below to Win 2 x $25 Amazon Gift Cards (Open Internationally)

About the Author

By day, Becky Monson is a mother to three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. An award-winning author, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc.), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful this time will last... but it probably won't.

Follow @bmonsonauthor on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, on Facebook, on Instagram, Visit beckymonson.com, Buy Just a Girl

About the book

What happens when the right girl and the right guy meet at the wrong time?

One thing that can be said about Quinn Pearson is that she has a knack for doing the wrong thing at the wrong time. Like, the worst time ever. Take her job for instance. One little slip of the tongue using the mother of all swear words while reporting the news, and suddenly she finds herself with over 18 million views on YouTube and her employment in jeopardy. If that wasn’t bad enough, when she meets the man of her dreams, she nearly chokes to death on a powdered sugar donut.

Thankfully for Quinn, the dashing Brit, Henry, finds her near death experience quite charming. But just when Quinn thinks her luck is going to change, she finds out her timing is all wrong again. Henry is off limits. Or is he? Maybe it’s time for Quinn to quit settling for what life hands her. Perhaps it's time for her to become more than just a girl.

Review

It's fair to say that honesty plays the biggest issue when it comes to Quinn being able to embrace what she feels for a handsome young man she meets. Se becomes her own worst enemy and is extremely talented at presenting herself in a less than favourable light.

What begins as an accidental embarrassing encounter becomes more, but it's a more that entails keeping secrets, and that never ends well for anyone does it?

I think when it comes to Quinn it's a coming-of-age story. Learning to accept yourself and your own limitations without always taking second place to the desires, wants and needs of others. It can become a part or rabbit hole people fall into, the follower and the person who always backs down. The person who always takes a second place to others.

Quinn has to learn to make her own stamp on the world, perhaps even stop being a people pleaser. That is possibly why she is drawn to someone with similar traits, although being utterly charming and hard to resist helps.

I liked the fact Monson gives her main characters, in each book, such different traits. It's gives the old romcom recipe a bit of a refresher. Combining two people who have to find a way to navigate their way through common obstacles is also what draws them closer together.

It's a romance with a YA vibe that can be read by older and younger readers. A contemporary series that will fall into multiple age brackets. Stories addressing issues that may appear minor, but ultimately can have a major impact on the development of people and their relationships.

Buy Just a Girl at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Buy at Amazon com.

Enter the Giveaway to Win 2 x $25 Amazon Gift Cards (Open Internationally)

a Rafflecopter giveaway *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.

#BlogBlitz Wedding Vows and Cornish Ribbons by Laura Briggs

 

Today it's the Blog Blitz for Wedding Vows and Cornish Ribbons by Laura Briggs.

About the Author

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, going to church, caring for her pets, gardening, and seeing the occasional movie or play.

Follow @PaperDollWrites on Twitter, on Facebook, on Goodreads, on Amazon, Visit paperdollwrites.blogspot.com,  Buy Wedding Vows and Cornish Ribbons

About the book

Event planner Julianne Rose is on the verge of making her dreams of ‘rescuing’ weddings in need of help a reality. She and business partner Kitty have finally finished transforming the dilapidated barn into a chic event space, and they even have a new client eager to use it—a quirky, charming space organization guru named Deirdre who seems capable of organizing everything but her own special day. As if that wasn’t enough, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity soon presents itself through the who’s who of their sleepy little Cornish village: the chance to step into the event planning void for a posh bride in desperate need of an emergency salvage for her wedding plans. A wedding that could establish Julianne and Kitty as two of Cornwall’s best event planners if all goes well.

But an event that big doesn’t come without a catch. To persuade the posh clients to commit to them, Julianne and Kitty must first impress them with the ceremony for their current bride-to-be—a task that seemed easy, but proves complicated when stories emerge involving a history of broken engagements, cold feet, and commitment phobia on the part of Deirdre, who soon begins to exhibit possible symptoms of nervousness regarding her big day. Faced with a real case of runaway bride—and with their future reputation at stake— they must attempt to the impossible task of holding together a wedding fraying at its seams, and Julianne finds herself seemingly facing a choice between what’s best for Save the Date’s survival and what’s best for her client’s happiness, regardless of the cost.

Are Julianne’s worst fears about to be realized, with Deirdre gearing up for yet another run from the church altar? Can she persuade the posh but sympathetic bride Alexi to take a risk on Save the Date regardless of it? And will Julianne and the handsome-but-equally-busy Matt find time to smolder anything in their marriage besides leftover chicken pie? Readers will learn these answers and more in the funny and heartfelt sequel to the first full-length titular novel Return to Cornwall .

Review

This is the full-length sequel to A Wedding in Cornwall, when Julianne found the perfect career and a devastatingly handsome partner to boot. Now many years and a few kids later, with a brand new career venture we return to the life Julianne has carved out for herself in the little Cornish village.

Julianne and Kitty need to throw the kind of wedding event that makes people sit up and take notice to keep their dream kicking and alive. A bride in need of a quick emergency and yet terribly grand wedding is possibly their gateway to bigger clients. But hey It's Julianne, so if anything can go wrong it will go wrong, and that counts from food to the emotional needs of her clients.

Briggs gives readers a feel good read, escapism full of laughter, escapades, problems and memorable characters. Although it's fair to say that Matt and Julianne aren't exactly the way readers will remember them in the first book, you can still feel the fun, attraction and tension between them.

Where does Save the Date go next? Based on the ending we could be in for an interesting new story if Briggs decides to add to this series going forward.

Buy Wedding Vows and Cornish Ribbons (Return to Cornwall Book 1) at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Buy at Amazon com. 

Read my reviews of Return to Cornwall, The Cornish Secret of Summer's Promise, A Train from Penzance to Paris, and A Wedding in Cornwall by Laura Briggs.

#BookBirthdayBlitz Love Offline: Looking For Romance In Real Life by Olivia Spring

Today it's the Book Birthday Blitz for Love Offline: Looking For Romance In Real Life by Olivia Spring.

Love Offline is available to read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited. It is also available to read for FREE in Prime Reading until late November. 

About the Author

Olivia Spring is a British, London-based writer of contemporary women's fiction, sexy chick lit and romantic comedy. Her uplifting debut novel 'The Middle-Aged Virgin', which was released in July 2018, deals with being newly single in your thirties and beyond, dating, relationships, love, sex and living life to the full.

Olivia published three novels in 2019: 'Only When It's Love', 'Losing My Inhibitions' and 'Love Offline'. ‘The Middle-Aged Virgin in Italy’, the hotly anticipated sequel to ‘The Middle-Aged Virgin’ and Olivia’s fifth novel, was published in July 2020. 

When she's not writing, Olivia can be found making regular trips to Italy to indulge in pasta, pizza and gelato and of course, seeking inspiration for her next book!

Follow Olivia on Amazon, on Goodreads, Buy Love Offline

About the book

Emily’s Struggling To Find Romance Online. Will Ditching The Dating Apps Lead To True Love? 

Online dating isn’t working for introvert Emily. Although she’s comfortable swiping right at home in her PJs, the idea of going out to meet a guy in person fills her with dread. 

So when her best friend challenges her to ditch the apps, attend a load of awkward singles’ events and find love in real life, Emily wants to run for the hills. 

Then she meets Josh. He’s handsome, kind and funny, but Emily’s had her heart crushed before and knows he's hiding something… 

Is Josh too good to be true? Can Emily learn to trust again and if she does, will it lead to love or more heartache? 

Review

Emily has a choice to make - hide away from the world or accept that the world is going to move on with or without her, so she might as well make sure it is with her. Breaking up with her boyfriend was hard, but seeing him happy with someone else has taken her to a breaking point.

Her best friend decides to help get Emily out of her rut by forcing her to engage with the world outside via events for singles. A daunting thought for anyone in her position.

In a way this is a coming-of-age story, albeit a young adult who starts to discover their own strength and confidence. Finding a way out of the mind-set of living in a world where online acceptance carries more weight for some than actual real interactions.

I think Spring makes an interesting point about the way people are consumed by the online lives, photos and storylines made specifically for viewers - for an audience. You have to acknowledge the fakery or be able to differentiate between the real and the fake. And you don't have to play happy families with your ex. You are entitled to put them far behind you in the past.

Although it is a story of hope, as a reader I couldn't help but feel sympathy for the plight of women and men having to navigate the world of meeting a partner when everything is online and takes place in a throwaway society.

Buy Love Offline at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher - Paperback: Hartley Publishing pub date 28 Oct. 2019. Buy at Amazon com. 

#BlogBlitz I Don't do Mondays! by Colette Kebell

Today it's my turn on the BlogBlitz I Don't Do Mondays by Colette Kebell.

About the Author

Colette Kebell is an author of Chick-lit/Romcom, though a relatively new one and thus far has self-published her books. Her books are light-hearted, fun and quirky and even considered by some to be inspirational.  She has also found avenues to translate both into Italian (thanks to her husband), and into French, Spanish and Portuguese via Babelcube. 

As a career, Colette spent her later years as a legal secretary. After a first attempt at writing many years ago (a book that still remains in her drawer) she resumed this passion a few years back, after being made redundant. After a few book signing events and a book talk, which almost caused her to collapse with nerves, Colette now spends her time between her home in the UK and her home in France.

Colette has two adorable dogs and spends some time, when not writing and marketing her books, cooking for herself and her husband, gardening or designing various items for their home.  Amongst her other hobbies, she has also experimented with furniture upholstery, and she might, from time to time, have a paintbrush in her hand.

She can be found on twitter @ColetteKebell though doesn’t tweet a vast amount. Follow her on Facebook, on Instagram, on Amazon, on Goodreads, Visit colettekebell.com, Buy I Don't do Mondays

About the book

How can Mia find happiness?

Lawyer Mia’s picture-perfect dream life in New York is imploding. Her job has become too stressful, she’s exhausted from carrying her friends and what’s up with her striking, wealthy fiancé?

But when life-changing decisions force her to move to Maine, where she’ll face her often critical father and hard truths about what truly matters in life, she re-discovers a passion of her youth.

What begins as a low moment in her life quickly pushes her to consider what she genuinely wants and leads her down a new path where she must embrace the future and let go of the past.

Will this move help Mia to fix her life, once and for all, and will she finally find true love?

Review 

There are quite a lot of people in this book who do not like Mondays or don't do them at all, and we're not even talking Boomtown Rats here. Sorry couldn't resist the old pop culture reference there. The majority of them are affluent people who don't even care what day it actually is. When you have plenty of money - that's the way the cookie crumbles.

Mia is dating one of them, which often seems like the odd couple are being forced to spend time together. Unbeknownst to her he isn't the man of her dreams, although it is clear to everyone else. He doesn't like her friends and the question is does he really like or love her at all?

Mia might be the main character, but the other characters seem to have equal time in the story. Possibly developing others for future stories? Either way it sometimes felt like too many cooks in the kitchen and not enough food for Mia.

Kebell writes a diverse, fast-paced and honest read. A bit like a combination between a Hallmark movie and racy romcom. At times it felt as if the story was torn between these two entities, however it was still a pleasant read.

The kind of read you pick up when you need a bit of escapism, a little laughter and also a wee bit of shaking the head when certain characters act like complete tosspots.

Buy I Don't Do Mondays at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Skittish Endeavours pub date 19 Sept. 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour My Christmas Number One by Leonie Mack

Today it's the last day on the BlogTour My Christmas Number One by Leonie Mack.

About the Author
Leonie Mack is a debut romantic novelist. Having lived in London for many years her home is now in Germany with her husband and three children. Leonie loves train travel, medieval towns, hiking and happy endings! Sign up for her newsletter here

Follow @LeonieMAuthor on Twitter, on Instagram, on Facebook, on Amazon, on Goodreads,Visit leoniemack.com, Buy My Christmas Number One

About the book
There’s nothing quite like a Christmas love story, to get you in the mood for celebrating…
Cara doesn’t do sexy and she only does ‘Happy Christmas’ under duress. She is, after all, a serious musician, and her stubborn streak is born from her struggle to recover from a serious injury.

Javi lives for escapist fun - in his music, and in his life - especially since he’s always failed at life’s more serious challenges, including marriage and fatherhood.

Javi and Cara are forced to record a Christmas single together, but neither of them have plans to spend any more time with each other than they absolutely have to. With Christmas traditions that couldn’t be more different, and outlooks on life that are worlds apart, the chemistry just shouldn’t work. But the magic of Christmas can bring even opposites together…

From the snowy beauty of London at Christmas, to the candle-lit magic of Javi’s traditional family celebrations, let Leonie Mack whisk you away on a memorable festive adventure. Perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley, Mandy Baggot and Holly Martin.

Review

Although this is ultimately a story about Christmas and being able to enjoy it or not, it's more about people connecting on a deeper level. People who under different circumstances would never even entertain the idea of being together. Ships that notice each other as they pass in the night, and only notice the presence of the other briefly.

Cara and Javi are thrown together by forces not under their control. Music contracts determine a collaboration that makes both of them doubt whether they can work together at all. A Christmas single by two people who have completely different Christmas traditions and music styles, and where Cara is concerned it's a case of - Christmas is a no no.

And yet they still have to find away to connect their music styles, their thoughts on life and the whole concept of Christmas. What happens instead is this beautiful bond that happens with people who have a visceral reaction and connection to the sound and creation of beautiful music, and that is the unexpected beginning of a foundation they are both unaware of.

Despite the fact this is a Christmas read, it isn't necessarily a jingle bell jolly one. I found it very much one of hope, of experiencing a person who is your opposite, and in doing so being able to discover new elements of life and rediscover the emotions you have been keeping buried for so long.

Mack manages to create a fun and often witty read, which is actual quite deep at times. I think this author is particularly good at being able to make readers feel the passion, which in this case isn't the one you might think of per se, but very much being able to experience the Joie de vivre certain characters absolutely bring to the pages.

Buy My Christmas Number One at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher : Boldwood Books; pub date 10 Sept. 2020. Buy at Amazon com. Buy via Boldwood Books.

#BlogTour Accidentally in Love by Belinda Missen

Today it's a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour Accidentally in Love by Belinda Missen.

About the Author
Author and sometimes foodie, Belinda is a ridiculous romantic who met her husband after being set up by a friend two states away.

Residing in country Victoria, surrounded by books, cat-fur, and half-eaten cake, Belinda divides her days between writing rom-coms, baking, and indulging her love of comic books.

Follow @belinda_missen on Twitter, on Instagram, on Facebook, on Amazon, on Goodreads, Visit belindamissen.com, Buy Accidentally in Love

About the book
In the space of a week, Katharine Patterson has quit her job, decided to move back home, and broken up with the guy she thought was the one. No big deal. Because Katharine has a plan. She’s going to open her own art gallery, just like she’s always wanted. What she’s not going to do is worry about boyfriends.

Then she meets Kit, a handsome and talented local artist. He might be the most stubborn person Katharine has ever met. He might also make her feel like no one ever has before. And Katharine might be about to fall accidentally in love…

Review
*Claps and waves a flag in support of Katharine in the office scene*
There is nothing more condescending than being stuck in a position without the possibility of advancement, because your gender negates all of your qualifications, experience and clear ability to do a better job than your male counterparts.

The last thing she needs when her entire future has just gone up in smoke is her family trying to play matchmaker, which wouldn't be such a bad thing if their choice wasn't an arrogant, self-involved artist. The type that thinks that her own art and aspirations are pathetically immature, and he smirks at her lack of knowledge of mainstream art, especially as an supposed art expert.

I found this point quite interesting - that mainstream artists don't get a platform or an opportunity to show their art to a larger audience, because the gatekeepers of the art world keep them locked outside. The focus always seems to be on the old classics, the dead, and the over-hyped and funded artists.

Although in essence a romcom, the author has grounded the story in realism, well as much as you can when you are writing an uplifting feel good read. I think this will resonate with many readers because it's relatable. Families can be funny, they interfere, they can be eccentric and they can be annoying.
Missen captures all of that, but more importantly she captures the intent, which is predominantly a genuine love and concern.

Love isn't a television film or episode. It's complicated, messy and it isn't always a fun filled breathless experience. It hurts. It can also be an exhilarating and freeing experience when you find someone who understands you, the things you like and what makes you laugh.

Sometimes love and relationships are just around the corner waiting to be discovered, accidentally in love is exactly the right title.

Buy Accidentally in Love at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: HQ Digital; pub date 11 Sept. 2020. Buy at Amazon com.  Buy from Nook, Apple, Kindle, Mondadori, Angus & Robertson, Google, !ndigo or Kobo at books2read.

#BlogTour You May Kiss the Bridesmaid by Camilla Isley

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour You May Kiss the Bridesmaid by Camilla Isley.

About the Author

Camilla is an engineer turned writer after she quit her job to follow her husband on an adventure abroad.

She’s a cat lover, coffee addict, and shoe hoarder. Besides writing, she loves reading—duh!—cooking, watching bad TV, and going to the movies—popcorn, please. She’s a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. A keen traveler, Camilla knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and she doesn’t want to starve all those frog princes out there, but she could really live without them.

Follow @camillaisley on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, on Facebook, on BookBub, on Instagram, on Pinterest, Visit camillaisley.org Buy You May Kiss the Bridesmaid

About the book
Archibald Hill is handsome, single, and he’s going to his best friend’s wedding ready to make a conquest or two. After all, everyone knows weddings are the perfect setting to get lucky.

Summer Knowles used to have a life—friends, family, a sister who’d do anything for her—until she blew it all away with a terrible mistake. Now, attending her twin’s wedding as the party’s undesirable number one seems like more than she can handle. So, when a tall stranger with smoldering ice-blue eyes offers her a therapy of seven nights of no-strings-attached fun, she might even ignore that he has a beard and accept.

Problem is, Summer has never been good at keeping sex and feelings separated…

Review

Summer isn't exactly looking forward to her sister's wedding. Her past has made her a social pariah and to be fair she has a lot going on in her private life anyway. She has sworn off men for good, maybe for a while at least. Until she meets the best man that is, then all bets are off when it comes to having a good time.

Archie thinks the groom is the luckiest guy in the world to be marrying the girl of his dreams. He is even a tad jealous, so a little distraction during the wedding week is exactly the right thing to keep him occupied.

The casual hook-up between Archie and Summer turns into something a little more when their secret trysts are discovered. Then fun becomes more serious and the thought of an adult relationship with the responsibilities that come with it drives a wedge between the two of them.

I kind of felt sorry for Summer. Everyone makes mistakes - should they be able to redeem themselves or get a second chance. Does it depend on the crime or the mistake? Does Summer deserve to be treated like a pariah, despite the fact the person she hurt the most has moved on and also forgiven her.

It's a delightful romcom, an amusing and yet sweet story at times. This series reminds me of work by Sarah Morgan. Fun-filled romance with moments of breathless passion, complicated emotions and people who are made for each other.

Buy You May Kiss the Bridesmaid at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Pink Bloom Press; pub date 23 July 2020. Buy at Amazon com. At Apple books. Barnes&Noble. At Kobo. Google Play.

Read my review of To the Stars and Back by Camilla Isley.

#BlogTour Katie's Cornish Kitchen by Rosie Chambers

Today it's a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour Katie's Cornish Kitchen by Rosie Chambers.

About the Author
Rosie Chambers loves writing uplifting, feel-good stories set in sun-filled locations around the world. Her stories are filled with fun, friendship and foodie treats, which Rosie hopes will bring a smile to her readers’ faces. She’s always on the market for quirky stationery and is never happier than with a pen in one hand and a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit in the other.

Follow @RosieCbooks on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, Buy Katie's Cornish Kitchen

About the book
Kindness, community and cake are all on the menu at Katie’s Cornish Kitchen.

After the heartbreak of being jilted by her fiancé, Katie Campbell has been mending her broken heart in Bali. She has local restaurant owner and new friend Agatha to thank for providing a listening ear in her moment of need. When Katie confides she’s worried about going back to what’s left of her life in London, Agatha has just the opportunity for Katie – to manage her old café in the beautiful, picturesque village of Perrinby in Cornwall.

Although reopening the café and making it profitable won’t be easy, Katie is determined to make the most of her fresh start. She quickly makes new friends in florist Jay, waitress Talia and handsome neighbour Oscar, and focuses on making the café a welcoming place for the community – from hosting floristry workshops to pizza-making nights and even the local knit-and-natter group. But, with the café under threat from the local property developers circulating just as she’s starting to grow closer to Oscar and finally feeling at home, can Katie find the recipe to make her Cornish Kitchen a success?

Review
Katie is still recovering from being dropped by her husband-to-be. She was lucky to meet someone who gave her enough distractions to not go off the deep end and now that person has handed her the keys to a new chance in life.

The opportunity to reinvent herself without the burden of a catastrophic career and an ex-partner who has different priorities - the kind that have nothing to do with her. So it's off to Cornwall to try and run a cafe. A dusty neglected one that happens to be considered prime real estate by the local property developer, a smarmy tosser with a lot of determination.

The only thing about books that connect emotions with food, especially warm and fluffy ones, is that a read like this will probably have you either snacking throughout or hungry for something just as delectable. Chambers uses the food and recipes as a medium between the characters, their pain and ultimately their path to healing.

It's a lovely feel good story with romance at the core, but more importantly it is about being able to trust again and to feel as if you belong to someone, something and somewhere. At the same time it is also about comprehending that it is fine to be alone in the midst of many, because there will be someone to be pick you up when you fall down. Chambers gives her readers humour, hope and a heartwarming read.

Buy Katie's Cornish Kitchen at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: HQ Digital; pub date 6 July 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my review of A Year of Chasing Love by Rosie Chambers.