The Space Between Time by Charlie Laidlaw @claidlawauthor @AccentPress #blogtour #bookreview @annecater

 

The Space Between Time written by Charlie Laidlaw, publisher Accent Press, is available NOW in ebook, audiobook, paperback and audio CD format.

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2J5LoM6

Book Blurb

There are more stars in the universe than there are grains of sand on Earth…

Emma Maria Rossini appears to be the luckiest girl in the world. She’s the daughter of a beautiful and loving mother, and her father is one of the most famous film actors of his generation. She’s also the granddaughter of a rather eccentric and obscure Italian astrophysicist.

But as her seemingly charmed life begins to unravel, and Emma experiences love and tragedy, she ultimately finds solace in her once-derided grandfather’s Theorem on the universe.

The Space Between Time is humorous and poignant and offers the metaphor that we are all connected, even to those we have loved and not quite lost.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes.

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating and promoting the launch of Charlie Laidlaw’s latest novel: The Space Between Time.

The Space Between Time is the second book I’ve read by author Charlie Laidlaw and what I’ve learned is that he writes unique, endearing stories that are quite ingenious but ultimately very relatable.

What I liked about this story was that Emma Maria Rossini, even though she was the daughter of a famous film star, had a beautiful adoring mother, her life was just like anyone else’s.  She suffered the same losses when her father went away to work, when he couldn’t be there for milestone events.  Her mother too suffered, she thought in silence but Emma noticed.

Through Emma’s childhood when her father was on the cusp of stardom Emma was at her happiest.  Once stardom encroached on their lives their home life changed and relationships between all three of them: daughter, mother, father, husband and wife took on different versions of their former self.

Tragedy was sadly soon to strike Emma’s life and from that moment on her spell in her charmed life was broken and Emma was to struggle immensely.  However, when someone from Emma’s past appears at another sad moment in her life it felt like another turning point for Emma.  Emma had to reach rock bottom before she could learn about the scars she’s accrued along the journey of life.

The Space Between Time is such a compelling read that was quirky with a humbling honesty and poignancy to it.  I found Emma to be a very endearing character and I championed her throughout the story.  The concept around the story of our lives being connected, sometimes by the minutest of links and moments, was quite profound.  Another excellent, original read from Charlie Laidlaw.

About the Author

Charlie Laidlaw was born in Paisley and is a graduate of the University of Edinburgh. He has been a national newspaper journalist and worked in defence intelligence. He now runs his own marketing consultancy in East Lothian. He is married with two grown-up children.

Website: https://www.charlielaidlawauthor.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/claidlawauthor

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

 

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Secrets of a Highland Warrior by Nicole Locke @NicoleLockeNews @MillsandBoon #bookreview #LochmoreLegacy #HistoricalRomance

 

Secrets of a Highland Warrior written by Nicole Locke, publisher Mills & Boon Historical, is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2NeZ38Q

The paperback is available from all good book retailers including Waterstones, WHSmith and amazon.  It can also be purchased direct from Mills & Boon website: https://www.millsandboon.co.uk/p58025/secrets-of-a-highland-warrior.htm

Book Blurb

The key to his past…
…lies with the enemy sharing his bed!
Part of The Lochmore Legacy: a Scottish castle through the ages! Rory Lochmore had expected to wage battle, to claim land and finally secure his standing within his clan… Instead he won a wife. A McCrieff wife. Their convenient marriage could unite the two long-feuding clans forever. But can a political alliance give way to a passion strong enough to stand the secrets of the past?

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes.

Secrets of a Highland Warrior is book four in the unique Scottish Highland historical romance series that is written by four different authors set in the same Scottish Highlands but in four different time periods.  If you’ve never read any historical romance before this series would be a good starting point with it visiting different periods of time; you can then decide which period you prefer or if like me you’ve discovered a new era and have fallen in love with new historical time zones.

I would strongly recommend reading the books in the order they were published as you can then get a sense of the storyline, the secrets, the mystery and the rugged landscape.

The books in the series are (my reviews are available by clicking the title of the book):

• His Convenient Highland Wedding by Janice Preston
• Unlaced by the Highland Duke by Lara Temple
• A Runaway Bride for the Highlander by Elisabeth Hobbes
• Secrets of a Highland Warrior by Nicole Locke

Secrets of a Highland Warrior is my first introduction to the work of Nicole Locke and her writing style drew me into a tale full of secrets, deceit, danger and love in the Scottish hills in the year of 1293.

The landscape of the highlands was strategically owned by different clans and the Chief of Clans were very protective of their land.  However, when the King had granted some of the adjoining land to the Lochmore estate it was to cause a change of events for the future for many.  As this adjoining land was currently owned by the McCleish clan and they were not to give up the land too easy.

Rory, son of the Chief of the Lochmore clan, was on his way to claim this new land.  With his best friend Paiden and a few of his clansmen, he anticipated a fight would be forthcoming.  What he didn’t anticipate was the daughter of the Tanish of the McCleish clan being part of the bargain.

Ailsa was the healer for the McCleish clan and was currently treating Hamish, Chief of the McCleish clan, who was gravely ill.  Ailsa had been trained well by her predecessor and had been privy to secrets, which at first Ailsa thought were folklore between clans but when she meets Rory and notices certain traits about him Ailsa begins to wonder whether the words she heard in secret were actually true.

When danger reaches Rory’s party a race against time to save lives is at stake and Rory has to put his trust in someone he has only just met and that they are from an opposing clan.

With age old secrets and bitter feuds between clansmen slowly revealing themselves Nicole Locke has given us an historical mystery that is soon filled with a chemistry that sparks between opposing clans folk.

I have completely fallen in love with The Lochmore Legacy series with each story unearthing new facts surrounding mysteries of long ago with a clash of clans and a clash of hearts within each instalment.  The epilogue rounds off the series beautifully which left me feeling quite emotional and bereft.  Hats off to all four authors for a great concept for a historical romance series.

About the Author

Nicole first discovered romance novels hidden in her grandmother’s closet. Convinced hidden books must be better, Nicole greedily read them. It was only natural she should start writing them (but now not so secretly).

Website: https://www.nicolelocke.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NicoleLockeNews

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

Confetti at The Little Duck Pond Café by Rosie Green @Rosie_Green1988 @rararesources #blogtour #bookreview #LittleDuckPondCafe #romcom

Confetti at the Little Duck Pond Café written and self-published by Rosie Green is available NOW in ebook format.  The ebook is also included in the kindleunlimited scheme.

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2Iqghul

Book Blurb

Wedding fever is in the air in the village of Sunnybrook. With Ellie and Zak’s Big Day on the horizon, the sun is shining brightly on the Little Duck Pond Cafe community. But when dark clouds begin to roll in from more than one direction, several close relationships look to be under threat. Will the wedding of the year actually take place at all?

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes.

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating and promoting the launch of book six in the Little Duck Pond Café series: Confetti At The Little Duck Pond Café.

Each instalment in The Little Duck Pond Café series is like visiting your best friends.  It is such a delightful series that includes stories that are light and dark, full of the highs and lows of life and love in a gorgeous village in the English countryside.  A village that has a duck pond as it’s focal point with a café adjacent to it.

I would highly recommend reading the books in the series in order to get a full sense of the setting, characters and the whole ambience of the series.  The books in the series in order are:

• Spring at The Little Duck Pond Cafe
• Summer at The Little Duck Pond Cafe
• Christmas at The Little Duck Pond Cafe
• Snowed in at The Little Duck Pond Cafe
• A Bakery at The Little Duck Pond Cafe
• Confetti at The Little Duck Pond Cafe

The prologue to this sixth instalment sets the scene to a traumatic event with Ellie waiting for news at the hospital bedside of a loved one.  We don’t know who the loved one is and are kept guessing for a good while.

This story centres around Ellie and Zac’s wedding preparations but plans do not run smoothly.  We are also introduced to a new character, Primrose, a young woman who has a sadness about her.

I’ve loved every single story in the series and really enjoy how each one continues on and we get to travel the journey of life with our much loved characters.  As always author Rosie Green injects much warmth and charm within the storyline and you feel very much involved in village life.  I hope the author continues to revisit the Little Duck Pond Café as I feel she has so much more to give to her readers.

Author Bio

Rosie Green has been scribbling stories ever since she was little. Back then they were rip-roaring adventure tales with a young heroine in perilous danger of falling off a cliff or being tied up by ‘the baddies’. Thankfully, Rosie has moved on somewhat, and now much prefers to write romantic comedies that melt your heart and make you smile, with really not much perilous danger involved at all, unless you count the heroine losing her heart in love.

​Rosie’s brand new series of novellas is centred on life in a village café. Confetti at the Little Duck Pond Cafe will be the sixth in the series

Twitter – www.twitter.com/Rosie_Green1988

Something To Live For by Richard Roper @richardroper @orionbooks @Tr4cyF3nt0n #blogtour #bookreview

 

Something To Live For written by Richard Roper, publisher Orion, is available in ebook, hardcover and audiobook format from 27th June 2019.

To pre-order/buy link (Watertstones): https://bit.ly/2FumhS9

Book Blurb

Sometimes you have to risk everything to find your something…
All Andrew wants is to be normal. He has the perfect wife and 2.4 children waiting at home for him after a long day. At least, that’s what he’s told people.
The truth is, his life isn’t exactly as people think and his little white lie is about to catch up with him.
Because in all Andrew’s efforts to fit in, he’s forgotten one important thing: how to really live. And maybe, it’s about time for him to start.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes.

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour for Richard Roper’s debut novel: Something to Live For. This book is published in the US under the title How Not to Die Alone.

Something to Live For is a unique, quirky novel that will captivate you and steal a little bit of your heart.  Andrew, our leading man, is not handsome, sexy, brave or wealthy he’s just human.  A man that has experienced so much heartache as a child and growing up that now as an adult he’s found his comfortable life and is just going through the motions.

His job with the Council is not glamorous but it’s an essential cog in the wheel of many people’s lives.  People that sadly find themselves all alone as their life draws to an end.  Andrew’s job is to find any evidence of a next of kin and investigate if the deceased has any funds to pay for their own funeral.  The job brought more cons than pros however, the author injected a lovely dark humour breaking the dread of the task at hand.

When a new colleague starts in the office Andrew’s life takes a different slant.  Peggy brings out something in Andrew he’s not felt in a long time.  He feels companionship, light, fun and hope.

Andrew is one of those endearing characters that have so much sadness about them but they are also comforted by their routines and objects.

Something to Live For is such a beautiful, poignant story with a very important message.  The story has left me feeling quite uplifted and the ethos behind the storyline will stay with me for a long time.  A fabulous debut novel that I wish the author, Richard Roper, huge success with.

About the Author

Richard Roper is an author and editor. He grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon and now lives in London. SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR (published as HOW NOT TO DIE ALONE in the US), is his first novel. It has been translated into 19 languages and TV rights have been sold to Expectation Entertainment.

Website: http://richardroperauthor.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/richardroper

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

In Alexa’s Shoes by Rochelle Alexandra #InAlexasShoes @roshellie28 @damppebbles #damppebblesblogtours #bookreview

 

In Alexa’s Shoes written by Rochelle Alexandra, publisher Author Academy Elite, is available NOW in ebook format and is due out in hardcover and paperback format on the 25th June 2019.

To buy links

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alexas-Shoes-Rochelle-Alexandra-ebook/dp/B07SVR7H36/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=B07SVR7H36&qid=1560244696&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Alexas-Shoes-Rochelle-Alexandra-ebook/dp/B07SVR7H36/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=In+Alexa%27s+Shoes&qid=1560244667&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Book Blurb
In Alexa’s Shoes – a dramatic, uplifting true story of a teenage girl overcoming great odds to survive. A historical novel that beckons the reader to follow in the footsteps of a real-life individual one step at a time. Based on the true story of the author’s grandmother.

In the autumn of 1940, thirteen-year-old Alexa’s happy life is ripped from her as she, her mother, and many of the locals are rounded up by the Nazis in Poland. Loaded into trucks, they are transported to an unknown destination. Terror and uncertainty become the new normal. Life is a continuous nightmare as she is selected by the Gestapo officer’s wife, destined to become little more than their slave.

Separated from everyone she loves Alexa relies on her Christian faith, inner strength and courage, to endure through her long nightmare. Her story takes her on a treacherous journey across war-ravaged Europe in search of her family and the life she once knew. Despite living through unimaginable hardships and life-threatening danger, Alexa feels that someone or something seems to be looking out for her. Years later, she finds out that not all was as it seemed, as hidden secrets from this dark period in history are revealed to her.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes.

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating and promoting the launch of Rochelle Alexandra’s debut novel: In Alexa’s Shoes.

Alexa was just one of the millions of casualties of war. This story is of a young girl stepping out to buy a much loved for pair of shoes when on that day her life was to change irrevocably. What we read of Alexa’s life from hereon is shocking, distressing at times but you are riveted to the story of one young girl’s plight of survival. A young girl that never lost her faith and never gave up hope.

In Alexa’s Shoes is a chilling, remarkable story that evoked many emotions within me. It’s hard to comprehend that all that happened to Alexa was real and that she was also not alone, she was one of many that had had their life wrenched away from them. Until the end of the war Alexa’s life was controlled by the Nazi rule of Hitler’s campaign.

Rochelle Alexandra is the granddaughter to Alexa and as a young girl she would sit transfixed listening to her grandmother’s (Babcia) tales. Tales that were so vivid you could picture them as clear as a movie on a big screen. In Alexa’s Shoes should be read by all and it should be immortalised as a movie.

It’s such a remarkable, shocking and almost unbelievable story but sadly conflict at any time is not to be believed until you walk in the shoes of one that is directly involved.

About the Author
Rochelle Alexandra was born in Glasgow, Scotland where she grew up, then moved to New York to live when she was eighteen. She had an early love for writing poetry, winning a National Scottish competition and later had a few poems published in the USA. She’s a talented artist and photographer with a real love for children, horse riding and travel. Her favourite jobs were in advertising, working for a newspaper, a photographer’s assistant and private chef. She ran her own freelance art business painting portraits, murals, abstracts and commissions.

She never set out to be a writer, but after hearing her Polish grandmother’s gripping true life history during WWII first hand, she made a promise to her gran that she would write her story in book form. Sadly her grandmother Alexa passed away aged 92, just two months before the novel ‘In Alexa’s Shoes’ about her life was due to be published. Little did Rochelle know that she’d love the writing process so much and now has several future novels planned.

Social Media:
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/roshellie28
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rochelle-Alexandra-Author-402257290515469/
Website: https://www.rochellealexandra.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ro_alexandra_author/

 

His Tempting Governess by Cerise DeLand @CeriseDeLand #bookexcerpt #historicalromance #RegencyRomance

His Tempting Governess (Book Two in Delightful Doings in Dudley Crescent series) written by Cerise DeLand, publisher W J Power, is available NOW in ebook format.  The ebook is also included in the kindleunlimited scheme.

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2Nbygun

Book Blurb

A bemused earl. A governess disguised. A forbidden love and a terrible wrong that must be made right!

At No.18, Baldwin Summers, the Earl of Cartwell, deals with innumerable problems. At thirty-six, he’s changed. He’s no longer simply ‘Win’, that famous hero of Waterloo, but hailed as his profligate brother’s heir. He’s pensioned off his two mistresses and become oh, so bored with gambling. Yes, too, his mother presses him to marry—but he’d rather remove his spleen with a pickle fork than wed just any young peagoose.
Suddenly, he’s had thrust upon him guardianship of his friend’s eight-year-old daughter. Though she tickles him with her wit…and her exotic pets, the child needs a firm hand. With no idea how to mold her into a socially acceptable creature, he hires a governess.
However, that woman presents his most pressing problem—and his delight. She enchants his ward. But she’s beguiling him as well. And it’s a wonder because she is so very…odd. She knows (yes, indeed) bugs, defeats him every time at chess—and dances. In his upstairs hall. Alone. For the joy of it.
He cannot ignore her. He cannot control her. Worse, he cannot quell his mad desire to kiss her.
She is a temptation and a mystery. With a problem.
Stubborn, she refuses to allow him to help.
He won at Waterloo. But can we win the woman he loves?

I’d like to wish the author Cerise DeLand a Happy Publication Week for her second instalment in the Delightful Doings in Dudley Crescent trilogy.  I have the pleasure of sharing an excerpt with you.

HIS TEMPTING GOVERNESS First Kiss excerpt, Copyright 2019, Cerise DeLand.

Win, the Earl of Cartwell, has arrived home late at night after a dinner party at which his friends introduced him to a few ladies in search of a husband. He’d rather remove his spleen with a pickle fork than wed just any young peagoose.

Tomorrow, he’d challenge his charming governess to a proper match. They’d drive to the park. They’d find a toy store to buy a new doll for Daphne. And he’d enjoy the carefree company of his new and compelling governess.
On a pivot, he made for the stairs and climbed up. But as he gained the landing, he slowed his pace. For in the hall, in the broad Rococo chair next to the old Tudor credenza sat the two objects of his new and stirring affections.
Daphne was curled into the warm embrace of Belle. And that lady, her head tilted at an odd angle, was fast asleep, her mouth open, snoring.
He bit back laughter. Even in sleep, she could bring him pleasure.
Dear lord. He was either getting senile or becoming light in the head.
That, he would decide later. For now, he slid his hands under Belle’s and gathered the child into his embrace. Daphne came, drowsy and nestling like a little bird. He strode with her into her bedroom. The linens were thrown back. She must’ve walked again. But in her bed was Pan, the little creature. And upon the carpet, lay Kringle whose only body parts to move were his eyes.
“I see you, boy. Usurped, have you been?”
The dog said nothing but the monkey babbled at him.
Frowning at the monkey, Win placed Daphne in her bed and covered her. In the dim light, he noted the spareness of the nursery. Oh, there were draperies, dull white. Curtains, drabber and older. A dresser, from the last century. A circular table of an odd height, either fit for child or adult, sat between two odd and rickety chairs.
Terrible. Unworthy of Daphne or Belle. With a vow to have the room gutted and refurnished, he left, closing the door behind him.
His more luscious charge sat, unmoving in her chair, appearing uncomfortable as hell. Worn out, was she? Well, he was becoming so too. Thinking of her, wishing to be with her when he had to smile and curry favor from other women, as he had tonight. It was tiring, unsatisfying to play this social game to find a wife.
Devil take it, I can’t find among them anyone who is refreshing.
He strode over to his sleeping, snoring governess and braced to gather her up. Always lighter than he expected, she sighed and snuggled close to him. The sensation of the wealth in his arms shot to his groin. Her unbound breasts pressed to his chest, an alluring femininity. Her derriere curved in his hands and he shifted to hook his arms behind her knees. She was all firm flesh, long limbs, fragrant rosemary and lavender. Her hair tickled his nose. Her face nestled into his frock coat and cravat.
He turned for her room and wished he didn’t have to. Wished he could carry her right into his.
And do what with her?
Everything.
Don’t be silly.
I’m not. I’m being honest.
She wiggled. Her head fell back against his upper arm.
God, she was lovely. What was such a creature doing working for a living? Why had her grandfather not provided for her?
It happened. He knew it. Heard of it often.
He swallowed back his hatred of such injustices and strode to her door. With a twist of his wrist, he opened it and walked through. The entire room held the signature fragrances of her charm. Rosemary, again. Thyme and citron. He was transported to lemon fields in Spain. Days of splendor. Nights of horror as the shells burst overhead and men cried out for their mothers.
But she was far from that. She was light and air, kindness and consideration, sadness in need of joy.
He bent to put her to her bed and found that she hadn’t turned back the counterpane. When she’d responded tonight to Daphne, Belle had not come from her room. Had she been downstairs playing chess with a phantom?
He smiled. Tomorrow you play with a real man.
She made odd little sounds as she allowed him to deposit her in her bed.
And her eyes fell open. Her lips parted. Her breath stopped.
He could not let her go.
Her hand came up, curved around his nape and in her dazed sleep, she beamed at him and drew him close.
Her lips were much too close. Her fragrance much too compelling.
And then he gave into the temptation and put his lips to hers. Her mouth was soft. Her lips were open. His own were ravenous and though he shouldn’t, he kissed her fully once and again.
She sighed his name.
Never had he heard it as a lover’s plea. And in need, he seized her mouth again.
She kissed him back. With heat and heart and the madness of a lover.
He dare not take more from her and tore his lips away. “Goodnight, ma belle. Sleep well.”
Rogue that he was, he left her. Quickly. Before he could not.

About the Author (Copyright © 2010-2018 Cerise DeLand)

Cerise DeLand loves to write about dashing heroes and the sassy women they adore. Whether she’s penning historical romances or contemporaries, she’s praised for her poetic elegance and accuracy of detail.
An award-winning author of more than 60 novels, she’s been published since 1990 by Pocket Books, St. Martin’s Press, Kensington and independent presses. Her books have been monthly selections of the Doubleday Book Club, Rhapsody Book Club and the Mystery Guild. Plus she’s won countless 4, 4.5 and 5 star rave reviews from Romantic Times, Affair de Coeur, Publishers Weekly and more.
To research, she’ll dive into the oldest texts and dustiest library shelves. She’ll also travel abroad, trusty notebook and pen in hand, to visit the chateaux and country homes she loves to people with her own imaginary characters.
And at home every day? She loves to cook, hates to dust, lives to travel and go to Jazz class once a week!

Website: http://cerisedeland.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/CeriseDeLand

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

Oceanic Dreams 8 book mini series @hollykerrauthor @LH_Writes @tkrimms @McmanusKirsty @HollyTierney @DelanceyStewart @MoniqueMcDonell @SophieLRobbins #romcom #miniseries #OceanicDreams

 

The Oceanic Dreams series is the perfect line-up of novellas for this summer’s reading.  It’s a set of 8 novellas written as stand-alone stories by 8 best-selling authors.  The stories take place on a cruise ship, so add the books to your e-reader and set sail with The Oceanic Dreams …

Book One

I Saw Him Standing There by Holly Kerr (@hollykerrauthor)

Release Date:  20 May 2019

To buy link: https://amzn.to/31FsUL4

Book Blurb

Small-time con artist Siggy needs to get out of town fast. When she’s offered tickets on the legendary Oceanic Aphrodite, Siggy jumps at the chance to get away. A week on a luxury cruise ship, with a suitcase full of clothes and all expenses paid? Yes, please! The only catch is that she has to pretend to be someone else.
No problem. Siggy has no intention of getting close enough anyone to discover her secrets.
But this is the Oceanic Aphrodite and love is in the air. When Siggy sees assistant cruise director Will taking tickets, Cupid’s arrow hits the target. Luckily, Will’s too busy smiling at her to check out her fake passport because he’ll toss Siggy off the ship if he finds out about the scam.
Onboard, dolphins and cameras and runaway ferrets bring Siggy and Will together. The more time they spend together, the more Siggy wants to tell him the truth.

Legend has it that true love will be found aboard the Oceanic Aphrodite but will that be true for stowaway Siggy?

Book Two

Time of my Life by Laura Heffernan @LH_Writes

Release Date:  3 June 2019

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2WOR9HD

Book Blurb

Legend says everyone who boards the Oceanic Aphrodite finds love. Janey’s on the ship to teach pole fitness, not for romance. Then she meets Frank. He’s everything Janey isn’t–refined, classy, rich–but his good looks and charm make him undeniably appealing. Unfortunately, he’s also a passenger.

When Janey’s partner can’t perform in the end-of-cruise talent show, Frank offers to fill in. He’s never done pole, but she’s got time to teach him. As they grow closer, Janey finds herself hoping the legend is real–but if she gives in to temptation, she could be out of a job.

Janey’s never felt this way before, but passengers are off limits.  It’s only one dirty dance … What could go wrong?

Book Three

Circle in the Sand by Tracy Krimmer (@tkrimms)

Release Date:  17 June 2019

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2ZscweJ

Book Blurb

Living by these words didn’t put librarian Isla Hunter any closer to the life she imagined at thirty. With her birthday in only a few days, she can’t wait to sail away on a week in the sun with her friends Asher and Charlotte. It may be just what she needs.

When an attractive woman takes a liking to Asher, Isla’s heart feels threatened in an unfamiliar way. She’s used to Asher flipping through women like a playbook without a second thought, but this time it’s different. As she tries to sort out her emotions, she struggles with Asher’s connection with this woman. Is it time for Isla to finally break the rules or will that only lead her into hot water?

Isla has always lived by the rules but boarding the Oceanic Aprodite may change that.

Book Four

I Thought It Was You by Kirsty McManus (@McmanusKirsty)

Release Date:  1 July 2019

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2Fib1Z8

Book Blurb

When Liv Turner takes a cruise to get away from a bad break-up, all she wants to do is hide from the world for a while—and maybe hang out with her brother, who works in the ship’s casino. But soon after boarding, three things happen in quick succession:

1. Liv meets Wells, a gorgeous charity worker on his way to Cozumel.
2. She discovers that her ex has completely drained her bank account.
3. TV celebrity Jamila Castro begs Liv to take on the role of her rehab nurse to stop a vengeful ex co-star from ruining her career.

With Liv broke, and a twenty-thousand dollar incentive to help Jamila out, she reluctantly agrees to a week of pretending to be Nina from Louisiana. The only catch? She isn’t allowed to talk to Wells again. But that becomes difficult when he keeps showing up all over the ship and proving himself to be the perfect guy.

To make matters more complicated, Liv’s brother had booked her trip through a singles group, where it is a requirement to participate in their activities—as herself.

Will Liv be able to avoid having her cover blown, and stop Jamila from being exposed in the media? And will she be able to put Wells out of her mind?

Anything can happen on the Oceanic Aphrodite, but smooth sailing isn’t always one of them.

Pretend to be a rehab nurse on a Caribbean cruise in exchange for twenty-thousand dollars?  Easy, right?  Apparently not!

Book Five

I Will Follow Him by Holly Tierney-Bedford (@HollyTierney)

Release Date:  15 July 2019

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2InqLfo

Book Blurb

When private detective Francie is hired to spy on a groom-to-be as he and his bachelor party set sail for the Caribbean, she thinks she’s landed herself a week of paid vacation. Between lounging in the sun and sipping margaritas, she just needs to–best case scenario–report back that he’s on the up and up, or–the unfortunate, more likely scenario–snap a few photos of her target in compromising positions, buy a box of sympathy chocolates for her client, and then collect her pay along with a nice golden suntan.

Blame it on the island breezes or the alcohol, but within hours of setting sail, Francie’s leisurely vacation gets complicated when she starts making careless mistakes. Like accidentally becoming friends with the groom and falling for his best man.

Can she get herself and her mission back on track, or has she blown her cover and possibly even her career?

A bachelor party on a cruise ship. What could go wrong?

Book Six

Take A Chance on Me by Delancey Stewart (@DelanceyStewart)

Release Date:  29 July 2019

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2MVHfzq

Book Blurb

Selena Spark has a plan for her life. It’s a new plan, one she devised after her previous plans—the ones she made with her college boyfriend and supposed future husband and business partner fell through—but it’s a good plan.

Step One: Put eyes on the resort Oceanic has built with her company on Grand Cayman, and determine if it is up to her company’s high standards.

Step Two: If it is, score the management position at that resort.

Step Three: Move to Grand Cayman for her dream job and live happily ever after in paradise.

But you know what they say about plans.

And when her sister is left at the altar just before the cruise sails and needs consoling, Selena decides to bring her along. But when Lincoln Addis turns out to be the activities director aboard the Aphrodite, and when he is assigned to oversee her Oceanic experience and confesses that he’s also in the running for the resort management gig? And when she realizes she still loves him, and he’s never stopped loving her?

Selena may have to make some new plans.

He left without explanation six years ago.  Does he deserve a second chance?

Book Seven

Shut Up and Dance With Me by Monique McDonell (@MoniqueMcDonell)

Release Date:  12 August 2019

To buy link:   https://amzn.to/2Wyxgif

Book Blurb

As they set sail for madness and mayhem aboard Oceanic Aphrodite as Sandy and Danny stand up as witnesses to their friends second marriage. The maid of honor and best man can only agree on two things – this wedding is a bad idea and they can’t stand each other. A week on a cruise ship is a long time and hard though they try to avoid each other, the universe has other ideas.

All aboard for a fun opposites-attract romance for lovers of cocktails, second chances and happily ever afters.

Book Eight

The Best of You by Sophie-Leigh Robbins (@SophieLRobbins)

Release Date:  26 August 2019

To buy link: https://amzn.to/2RkGgaP

Book Blurb

Desperate to get away from her cheating ex, travel vlogger Holly books a last-minute cruise to the Caribbean, even though the only available packages left are part of a singles cruise. Of course, Holly has no intention of participating in any dating activities. The further away she can stay from love, the better.

Then she runs into Noah, who is equally appalled by the idea of dating anyone after being dumped on his wedding day. They immediately bond over their failed love lives and it doesn’t take long for them to become friends.

When Noah witnesses another passenger hitting on Holly and refusing to take no for an answer, he volunteers to be her fake boyfriend. But as time passes by, they start to realize they are getting more than what they bargained for.

Will Holly accept what’s right in front of her or will she keep running from her dreams?

They may be faking their relationship, but they can’t fake the sparks that fly when they’re together.

What a great sounding series of books to escape with.  I’m looking forward to reading all of the stories.  To find out more about the series please visit the following links:

Website: https://oceanicdreamsbooks.com/

Trailer: https://oceanicdreamsbooks.com/series-trailer/

 

The Dinner in the Sky by Anne John-Ligali @AnneJohnLigali @BooksNAuthorsUK @rararesources #blogtour #bookreview #romcom #FriendshipsOnlineBookseries

 

The Dinner in the Sky (Friendships Online book 3) written by Anne John-Ligali, publisher Books and Authors Publishing UK, is available NOW in ebook format.  The ebook is also included in the kindleunlimited scheme.

To buy link:  UK – https://amzn.to/2ZmrCCu

US – https://amzn.to/2KRE2hH

Book Trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-qRJaZdgjs

Book Blurb
After a shocking confrontation with an unexpected encounter, Constance tries to piece her life back together and is on a mission to finally move on.

The thought of having her friends near is comforting as they take time out of their busy online lives and meet up at their favourite place, A Cupful of Dreams Café. Everyone seems happy enough until cracks begin to show and all is not as good as it seems. Constance tries desperately to keep positive as there’s so much to look forward to: shopping for posh frocks, dinner at The Shard and a movie premiere.

As things start to look rosy, a few odd tweets begin to pop up from nowhere. At first, they seem innocent, but as the weeks go by and premier night draws near, not only do the tweets increase but they become more obnoxious.

By the time Constance and her chums arrive on the red carpet, she’s determined to work out who the troll could be and to keep them from spoiling her evening. However as Constance soon learns, the troll wants to destroy far more than that!

Breathtaking views of London.

Posh frocks and Paparazzi

But there’s definitely trouble in the air …

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes.

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour for Anne John-Ligali’s latest instalment in the Friendships Online series: The Dinner in the Sky.  Firstly, I’d like to apologise to the author, Anne John-Ligali, and also to the tour organiser Rachel for posting my review a day late.

The Dinner in the Sky is my first introduction to the works of author Anne John-Ligali.  The Dinner in the Sky is Book 3 in the Friendships Online book series and I feel a little sad that I’ve come to the series at the final instalment as what I’ve learned from reading The Dinner in the Sky is that the author knows how to create a fun-packed story full of a myriad of characters. I would highly recommend reading the books in the series in order as you can then have a more fulfilled reading experience.  The books in the series are:

• The Big Event
• The Weekend Spa Break
• The Dinner in the Sky

The Dinner in the Sky gears up to an exciting movie premiere, a new book cover launch and Constance’s love life is as eventful as one of the storylines in one of her bestselling novels.

As I hadn’t read any of the other books in the series it did take me a little time to get to know the characters but by the end of the story I felt so wrapped up in the storyline that what happened prior to this instalment didn’t worry me as my heart and mind was in the here and now.

I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of Constance’s sons condition and how the author sensitively wrote a storyline about a single mum coping with the challenges of bringing up a child with autism.  There was still plenty of fun mixed in with this storyline and the sub-characters played a great part in the story blending a lot of humour and energy within.

The storyline feels very current with the inclusion of WhatsApp messages, Instagram stories etc making the whole story feel more alive.  A great finale to what must have been a fab trilogy.

About the Author
Anne John-Ligali is a writer and found of Books and Authors UK, a website that features author interviews, cover reveals, blog posts, features and reviews. She loves all things books, going to book events and meeting other book worms. She has written her first series and is currently writing her first novel.
When Anne is not writing she is likely to be playing with her kids, going for walks in the park, watching Netflix or thinking up more stories. Originally from Peterborough, Anne now lives in London. After moving to London she studies graphic design at the University of Arts and held a number of IT jobs in the city. Anne continues to write romantic comedies, women’s fiction, and has the desire to write a non-fiction book and a few children’s books.

Author Social Media Links –
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anne_johnligali/
Author Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AnneJohnLigali
Author FB: https://www.facebook.com/annejohnligali/
http://www.annejohnligali.com
Anne’s Book Blog Links – Books and Authors UK
Books and Authors UK: http://www.booksandauthors.co.uk
Books and Authors UK Twitter: https://twitter.com/BooksNAuthorsUK
Books and Authors UK Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Books-and-Authors-UK-674729805905507/

 

Summer at the Kindness Café by Victoria Walters @Vicky_Walters @TeamBATC @annecater #blogtour #bookreview #SummerAtTheKindnessCafe #feelgoodfiction

 

Summer at the Kindness Café written by Victoria Walters, publisher Simon & Schuster UK, is available NOW in ebook and audiobook format and is due to be released in paperback format on 13th June 2019.

To buy/pre-order link: https://amzn.to/2WfIpVO

Book Blurb

Welcome to Brew, a cafe where kindness is almost as important as coffee… almost!

Abbie has fled London and the humiliation of not being able to make rent after being made redundant. Her sister, Louise, unlucky in love, has thrown herself into her career at the local hospital. And Eszter, who has travelled from Hungary with her daughter Zoe, is hoping to fulfil her husband’s dying wish: to reunite his family.

This summer, three very different women are inspired by the random acts of kindness written up on the Kindness Board at Brew, and decide to make a pact to be kinder to others and to themselves.

Can a little bit of kindness really change your life? Eszter, Abbie and Louise are about to find out!

**Summer at the Kindness Cafe was previously published as a four-part serial titled Random Acts of Kindness. This is the complete story in one package.**

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes.

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating and promoting the paperback launch of Victoria Walter’s latest novel: Summer at the Kindness Café.

Summer at the Kindness Café is centred around three young women who have felt heartbreak and loss in their own way.  Abbie, Louise and Eszter have come to escape, make amends, recoup in a little fictional town called Littlewood.  As in most towns there is a welcoming café and Brew has a little special something about it, apart from the generosity of the owners it has a sort of novelty that draws visitors in and reminds them of the good in people all around them.

A bond soon starts developing within the three women and they share the ethos of the kindness and hospitality stemmed from the cafe and this is spreading to all that they touch.  Littlewood becomes an haven for the women as they each moved to the town for different reasons.  After a little while Abbie, Louise and Eszter soon become settled with their new lives.  New friendships for the women are being made bringing much hope for the future but life has a way of throwing stumbling blocks in their paths.  Will all the good that the women have built in the little town soon be a forgotten memory?

Summer at the Kindness Café is a gorgeous, heart-warming tale that is quite inspirational.  Kindness doesn’t cost anything.  There is a definite cosy, feel-good feel to this novel and it is the perfect summer holiday read.

I have worked in an Infant and Secondary School and I can totally see the concept of the spreading and paying back of kindness working with children.  Kindness is not age related and has no barriers, the inspiration from Victoria Walters novel could prove a very useful tool in schools building morale, ownership of actions and a sense of togetherness.

About the Author

Victoria Walters was discovered in a short story competition run by Simon & Schuster’s The Hot Bed. Her first novel, The Second Love of my Life was published by Headline, and she returns to the fold with Summer at the Kindness Cafe, her second novel.

Website: https://victoria-writes.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Vicky_Walters

Those Who Are Loved by Victoria Hislop @VicHislop @headlinepg @annecater #blogtour #bookreview #HistFic

 

Those Who Are Loved written by Victoria Hislop, publisher Headline Review, is available NOW in ebook, audiobook and hardcover format.  The hardcover is available to purchase from all good book retailers including Waterstones, WHSmith, Foyles and amazon.

To buy link (Waterstones): https://bit.ly/2QIzpr7

Book Blurb

Athens 1941. After decades of political uncertainty, Greece is polarised between Right- and Left-wing views when the Germans invade.
Fifteen-year-old Themis comes from a family divided by these political differences. The Nazi occupation deepens the fault-lines between those she loves just as it reduces Greece to destitution. She watches friends die in the ensuing famine and is moved to commit acts of resistance.
In the civil war that follows the end of the occupation, Themis joins the Communist army, where she experiences the extremes of love and hatred and the paradoxes presented by a war in which Greek fights Greek.
Eventually imprisoned on the infamous islands of exile, Makronisos and then Trikeri, Themis encounters another prisoner whose life will entwine with her own in ways neither can foresee. And finds she must weigh her principles against her desire to escape and live.
As she looks back on her life, Themis realises how tightly the personal and political can become entangled. While some wounds heal, others deepen.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes.

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating and promoting the launch of Victoria Hislop’s latest novel: Those Who Are Loved.  This is my first introduction to Victoria Hislop’s work and it was a privilege and pleasure to experience her writing for the first time.

Victoria Hislop has written a frank, honest story about one young woman’s life growing up in Greece during a time of civil unrest which also coincided with the WWII conflict.  Themis was a young girl when life in her beloved Athens became very surreal, what the Greeks knew and loved of their heritage and culture was to be shattered as a political uprising was brewing.  With four siblings in one small apartment, all with differing views of their own caused much family friction.  To keep harmony at home Themis was to start clandestine apartments to honour and upheld her own beliefs.  However, danger was soon brought to their homeland and survival was to become a desperate game.

Themis had to make a difficult decision regarding her involvement with her political beliefs and whatever step she would take next would be the catalyst for her future.

Victoria Hislop’s writing was very authentic and she wasn’t afraid to reveal the true, barbaric nature of the civil atrocities.  I wasn’t aware of this momentous historical event in Greece’s past and it was quite shocking at times to read.  The author has brought to life the history of a country filled with so much unrest.  Those Who Are Loved is also a poignant family saga depicting life and how conflict divided the loyalties of not just one household but many across the country.  I was equally fascinated and appalled by what the Greeks had to endure.  A story of bravery filled with a strong sense of belief, courage and optimism.

About the Author

Inspired by a visit to Spinalonga, the abandoned Greek leprosy colony, Victoria Hislop wrote The Island in 2005. It became an international bestseller and a 26-part Greek TV series. She was named Newcomer of the Year at the British Book Awards and is now an ambassador for Lepra. The Island has sold over 1.2million copies in the UK and more than 5 million worldwide.

Her affection for the Mediterranean then took her to Spain, which inspired her second bestseller The Return, and she returned to Greece to tell the turbulent tale of Thessaloniki in The Thread, shortlisted for a British Book Award and confirming her reputation as an inspirational storyteller. It was followed by her much-admired Greece-set short story collection, The Last Dance and Other Stories. The Sunrise, a Sunday Times Number One bestseller about the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, was published to widespread acclaim in 2014. Victoria’s most recent book, Cartes Postales from Greece was a Sunday Times Number One bestseller and one of the Top Ten biggest selling paperbacks of 2017. Her novels have sold 10 million copies worldwide.

Website: http://www.victoriahislop.com

Twitter: @VicHislop

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