#BlogTour Always Been You by Lasairiona E. McMaster

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour Always Been You by Lasairiona E. McMaster.

About the Author
Lasairiona McMaster grew up dreaming of an exciting life abroad, and, after graduating from Queens University, Belfast, that is exactly what she did - with her then-boyfriend, now husband of almost ten years. Having recently repatriated to Northern Ireland after a decade abroad spanned over two countries (seven and a half years in America and eighteen months in India), she now finds herself 'home', with itchy feet and dreams of her next expatriation.

With a penchant for both travelling, and writing, she started a blog during her first relocation to Houston, Texas and, since repatriating to Northern Ireland, has decided to do as everyone has been telling her to do for years, and finally pen a book (or two) and get published while she tries to adjust to the people and place she left ten years ago, where nothing looks the same as it did when she left.

Follow Lasairiona @QueenofFireLas on Twitter, on Facebook, on Instagram, on Goodreads, Visit lasandcolgotexan.com, Buy Always Been You

About the book
Five thousand miles from his ex, AJ is living with Lisa’s decision to call it quits and leave both him, and Alabama behind. Upon hearing that Lisa is moving forward from their engagement with a new (and handsome!) doctor-boyfriend, AJ is confused and broken at the idea of facing life without his soul mate. AJ finds himself at a cross roads, does he give up all hope of ever reconciling with Lisa and take a chance on love again with someone new? Or is his heart destined to be forever entwined with the beautiful Irish woman he met on the internet… who is now with another man?

Review
Well, AJ stills spends half of his time having conversations in his head, and no the advice isn't any better in there. At the end of Worth Fighting For he was left in shock when Lisa calls off their relationship. His betrayal and the fact he got married behind her back has become to much to put up with.

As usual this leaves AJ on the precipice of a massive meltdown and possibly a deep depression. So what now? Accept that Lisa has decided to move on from their tempestuous relationship and get on with his own life or fight for the woman he loves?

This is a romance, and is a part of series that veers into mental health on occasion and has a YA vibe.

There wasn't as much focus on men's mental health issues in this part of the series, although AJ does struggle with the rejection and the ramifications of his own actions. This time it was about AJ persevering, despite his emotional turmoil and the obstacles in his way.

The characters are young, everything they do and say is dramatic and could possibly be life-threatening or life changing. Some of them also appear to be able to flit to and fro from one continent to the other without going bankrupt or getting jet lag.

It's for readers who like their romance filled with complications, confrontations and heart-wrenching emotional choices. McMaster certainly knows how to to deliver that.

Buy Always Been You (AJ Williams #3) at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Drama Llama Publishing 9 May 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my reviews of Worth Fighting For, Bloom Where You're Planted and Game Changer by Lasairiona E. McMaster.

#BlogTour Worth Fighting For by Lasairiona E. McMaster

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour Worth Fighting For by Lasairiona E. McMaster.

About the Author
Lasairiona McMaster grew up dreaming of an exciting life abroad, and, after graduating from Queens University, Belfast, that is exactly what she did - with her then-boyfriend, now husband of almost ten years. Having recently repatriated to Northern Ireland after a decade abroad spanned over two countries (seven and a half years in America and eighteen months in India), she now finds herself 'home', with itchy feet and dreams of her next expatriation.

With a penchant for both travelling, and writing, she started a blog during her first relocation to Houston, Texas and, since repatriating to Northern Ireland, has decided to do as everyone has been telling her to do for years, and finally pen a book (or two) and get published while she tries to adjust to the people and place she left ten years ago, where nothing looks the same as it did when she left.

Follow Lasairiona @QueenofFireLas on Twitter, on Facebook, on Instagram, on Goodreads, Visit lasandcolgotexan.com, Buy Worth Fighting For

About the book
Relationships are complicated. Long distance ones, even more so. When AJ Williams met Lisa Millar online through mutual friends, he wasn’t prepared to fall in love with the woman of his dreams. In a heart-wrenching story of love attempting to transcend miles, AJ finds himself married, fighting a battle against his Bipolar Disorder and on the wrong side of the Atlantic from the woman he truly loves. Will their love conquer all? Or will the intricacies of a relationship woven across the Atlantic be too much to take and tear them apart once and for all?

Review
There are three main characters in this story. AJ, his internal dialogue and Lisa. Keeping the majority of his emotions hidden deep inside, which leads to a constant state of uncertainty and insecurity. Combined with his bipolar diagnosis, lack of honesty in his relationship and the stress of a long distance romance - it's a recipe for confusion and instability.

AJ fears the repercussions of being completely honest with Lisa. He doesn't want to be rejected for something society has taught him to be ashamed of. Then the pressure of trying to have a relationship, whilst both are in living two different places, it puts a strain on things.

It's a contemporary read about men with mental health issues and the way they in particular are viewed by society.There is still so much stigma attached to mental health and a general lack of understanding. It's seen as a weakness where men are concerned, whereas women have been living under the umbrella of 'hysteria and women's ailments' for many years.

After you've finished this story take a moment and read the Author's Note. Those three pages are a true testament to what McMaster wants to share with her readers. Sincere words, humbling statistics and an acknowledgement of the silent, and yet glaringly obvious tragedy happening around us. Society still hasn't quite got the grasp on understanding mental health, supporting those with mental health issues and finding sufficient funding to do so.

I would like to see greater depth, especially considering the inspiration. Deeper and darker, because that is the reality.

Buy Worth Fighting For Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Drama Llama Publishing; pub date 28 Mar. 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my reviews of  Bloom Where You're Planted and Game Changer by Lasairiona E. McMaster.

#BlogTour Game Changer by Lasairiona E. McMaster

Well hello, yesterday was my turn on the BlogTour Game Changer by Lasairiona E. McMaster, but I straight up forgot - so sorry for that!

About the Author
Lasairiona McMaster grew up dreaming of an exciting life abroad, and, after graduating from Queens University, Belfast, that is exactly what she did - with her then-boyfriend, now husband of almost ten years. Having recently repatriated to Northern Ireland after a decade abroad spanned over two countries (seven and a half years in America and eighteen months in India), she now finds herself 'home', with itchy feet and dreams of her next expatriation.

With a penchant for both travelling, and writing, she started a blog during her first relocation to Houston, Texas and, since repatriating to Northern Ireland, has decided to do as everyone has been telling her to do for years, and finally pen a book (or two) and get published while she tries to adjust to the people and place she left ten years ago, where nothing looks the same as it did when she left.

Follow Lasairiona @QueenofFireLas on Twitter, on Facebook, on Instagram, on Goodreads, Visit lasandcolgotexan.com, Buy Game Changer

About the book
AJ Williams wasn’t supposed to fall in love with a girl on the internet. But he did.

Other than living over five thousand miles away in Northern Ireland, Lisa Millar is seemingly his perfect match. AJ can’t quite believe his luck, not only is she beautiful, but she has an appreciation for both music and hockey - two of his favorite things.

Surprised by Lisa turning up unannounced in Alabama, AJ is under pressure to deal with the issue at hand. Should he risk losing her, come clean and tell her the truth? Or should he try to keep his secret under wraps?

Will true love win out? Or will AJ’s secret be too much for Lisa to bear?

Review
When Jeremy sets his friend AJ up on a double-date it's more about Jeremy wanting to get into someone's knickers, as opposed to wanting his friend to meet a great girl.

The banter between AJ and Jeremy, and of course AJ's worst enemy - his own brain and conscience, is typical locker room stuff. Misogyny is part and parcel of their relationship goals and daily interactions with the opposite gender. They aren't exactly Prince Charming candidates, but they certainly think they are.

AJ is more than surprised when he finds himself attracted to Lisa, even if it is only via chat from one continent to another. They grow closer and a spark of attraction grows into something neither of them expects. Unfortunately there are bigger barriers than oceans between them.

Let me just warn you - AJ really likes to talk to himself. He has a constant internal dialogue with himself, to the point where I am not sure he is listening because he spends all of his time having internal conversations. At times he isn't even sure whether he is saying it in his head or out loud.

It's the first in a young adult romance. A story very much driven by heightened emotions and the emotional turmoil that is felt by the young with such strength that the world always appears to be coming to an end when things don't go their way.

McMaster delivers a story full of passion, love and also one full of omissions, one that has potential for development.

Buy Game Changer at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Drama Llama Publishing; pub date 14 Mar. 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my review of Bloom Where You're Planted by Lasairiona E. McMaster.

#BlogTour Bloom Where You're Planted; Life the Expat Way by Lasairiona E. McMaster

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour Bloom Where You're Planted; Life the Expat Way by Lasairiona E. McMaster. It's a travel guide or rules for living abroad meets expat expertise.

About the Author
Lasairiona McMaster grew up dreaming of an exciting life abroad, and, after graduating from Queens University, Belfast, that is exactly what she did - with her then-boyfriend, now husband of almost ten years.

Having recently repatriated to Northern Ireland after a decade abroad spanned over two countries (seven and a half years in America and eighteen months in India), she now finds herself 'home', with itchy feet and dreams of her next expatriation. With a penchant for both travelling, and writing, she started a blog during her first relocation to Houston, Texas and, since repatriating to Northern Ireland, has decided to do as everyone has been telling her to do for years, and finally pen a book (or two) and get published while she tries to adjust to the people and place she left ten years ago, where nothing looks the same as it did when she left.

Follow Lasairiona @QueenofFireLas on Twitter, on Facebook, on Instagram, on Goodreads,
Buy Bloom Where You're Planted

About the book
Are you contemplating a move abroad?
Don’t panic!
From culture shock to capable, from language barriers to lifelong friends, and from foreign land to the familiar. Being hurled into life in a strange new place can be daunting and overwhelming, but it can also be exciting and enjoyable.

Rich with tips on how to expat like a boss, Lasairiona McMaster’s “Bloom where you are planted”, takes you on a journey from packing up her life in Northern Ireland to jumping in at the deep-end as an expat in two countries.

An experienced expat from a decade of living abroad, her honest and uncensored tales of what to expect when you’re expatriating, are as funny as they are poignant, and as practical as they are heartfelt. If you’ve lived abroad, or you’re considering the move from local to expat. If you’re looking to rediscover yourself, or simply wondering how on earth to help your children develop into adaptable, resilient, and well-rounded people, this book has something for you.

Review
I am an expat, now a repat. I spent over three decades overseas in foreign countries, so I absolutely get the sentiment of the title and this book. Bloom where you're planted is the best way to assimilate the culture, language, people and country you choose to live in. Or if you are part of a military family, as I was, you go where you are ordered to go as part of the family unit.

You get two types of expats. The first type tries to create a small version of the home country. There is a steadfast refusal to adapt to the surroundings. That often means no real effort to integrate or comprehend how your adopted country works.

The second type tries to become part of the new community, that includes learning the language not just associating with your own countrymen, and trying to eliminate the boundaries between yourself and the native inhabitants.

The truth is either way you will always remain the expat and foreigner to them, even if they appreciate the effort to fit in and respect their culture and country. In the best case scenario you make friends on both sides of the fence. You do however tend to be drawn to people who are in similar situations to yourself. Expats become magnets to other expats.

A perfect example of that are the statements and stories McMaster has included at the end of the book. Many of her friends, both online and real life, have written about their own experiences as expats and have added words of friendship and support.

Aside from the banter, the witty remarks and the attempt to put a more positive slant on what must have been some quite difficult moments, the author includes helpful tips for others embarking on similar adventures. There are some really good suggestions and advice for expats. The nitty-gritty bureaucracy you might not think of or just small things that might help to make you feel less homesick.

This is more than just the meanderings of an expat with a taste for new experiences, it's also a helpful handy guide for people who are in similar situations or planning to move overseas. It's a travel guide or rules for living abroad meets expat expertise.

Buy Bloom Where You're Planted; Life the Expat Way at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Buy at Amazon com.