Tag Archives: Rachel’s Random Resources

Review of Emma Jackson’s One Kiss Before Christmas.

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The blurb:

Could it be the start of her happy ever after?

Ashleigh could use a little Christmas magic. She’s still living in Brighton with her Nan – who could give the Grinch lessons in how to be miserable – her acting career has been reduced to playing one of Santa’s elves, and not even the prospect of a friend’s winter wedding can cheer her up…

That is until Olivier, the gorgeous French chef, reappears in her life. Or more accurately, next door.

When they were teenagers, Olivier would spend every Christmas with his mother, who just happens to be Ash’s neighbour and owner of the best chocolate shop in England.

If anyone can bring a little sparkle back to Ash’s life, it’s Olivier. All she needs is one kiss before Christmas…

Purchase links: AmazonUK | Amazon.com |

My review:

This was a sweet, second chance romance story set in Brighton (not that far from where I live), and so I greatly enjoyed recognising places mentioned and visited. The lead characters, Ashleigh and Olivier, were both likeable, as were the supporting cast. I especially liked Romesh and his matchmaking. There is a lovely sprinkling of Christmas throughout as Ash and Olivier both learn to be the people they want to be. While the middle slowed a little in terms of the will they won’t they, I really liked the ending; it provided the kind of warmth you expect from a cosy Christmas film.

About the author:

Author of the Best Selling A MISTLETOE MIRACLE and contender for the Joan Hessayon Award 2020, Emma has been a devoted bookworm and secret-story-scribbler since she was 6 years old. When she’s not running around after her two daughters and trying to complete her current work-in-progress, Emma loves to read, bake, catch up on binge-watching TV programmes with her partner and plan lots of craft projects that will inevitably end up unfinished. Her latest romantic comedy, SUMMER IN THE CITY, was released in June, with a festive romance, ONE KISS BEFORE CHRISTMAS, was released on 2nd November 2020.

Emma also writes historical and fantasy fiction as Emma S Jackson. THE DEVIL’S BRIDE was published by DarkStroke in February 2020.

Discover more about Emma Jackson via: newsletter | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Huge thanks to Emma Jackson and Orion Dash for the advance read copy and special thanks to Rachel Gilbey of Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me along to be a part of the blog tour. xx

Review of T.A. Williams’ Under A Siena Sun.

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I am delighted to share my review of T.A. Williams’ latest novel, Under A Siena Sun.

The blurb:

Lucy needed a change of scene. She didn’t expect the change of a lifetime.

Doctors Without Borders has been Lucy Young’s life for the past four years. After being rescued from a conflict zone, she’s making a change from saving lives under gunfire to practising medicine in safe, serene Siena.

Now treating wealthy patients at a private clinic, she’s never felt less comfortable. She’s used to helping those in dire need – not those in need of a nip and tuck. Her turmoil grows when she encounters injured tennis star David Lorenzo, whose smiles make Lucy forget her aversion to the rich.

She’s soon falling for the sportsman but is she losing herself in this world of excess? All she’s ever wanted was to help the underprivileged, so can her future lie in Siena at the clinic – with David?

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Canelo

My review:

After the unusually dramatic and gripping opening comes the sunny escape to Siena. I always enjoy T.A. Williams’ books and this was no exception. I was transported to beautiful Siena through the sumptuous setting. I liked all the characters, though lead character Lucy’s wrangle with her conscience made me question the depth of her commitment and feelings for David at times. I adored Boris the Labrador – it wouldn’t be a T. A. Williams read without a gorgeous dog to make you smile!

Overall, it was a lovely, escapist read, that will transport you to Siena. Great for all those who like a female lead who will stand up for her beliefs, no matter what the stakes.

Buy the book: Amazon | Kobo

About the author:

T.A. Williams says, “I’m a man. And a pretty old man as well. I did languages at university a long time ago and then lived and worked in France and Switzerland before going to Italy for seven years as a teacher of English. My Italian wife and I then came back to the UK with our little daughter (now long-since grown up) where I ran a big English language school for many years. We now live in a sleepy little village in Devonshire. I’ve been writing almost all my life but it was only seven years ago that I finally managed to find a publisher who liked my work enough to offer me my first contract.

“The fact that I am now writing romantic comedy is something I still find hard to explain. My early books were thrillers and historical novels. Maybe it’s because there are so many horrible things happening in the world today that I feel I need to do my best to provide something to cheer my readers up. My books provide escapism to some gorgeous locations and, as a writer, I obviously have to go there in person and check them out first. I love my job…”

Discover more about T.A. Williams and his work here: Twitter | Website | Facebook

Thank you to T.A. Williams, for another great read – including a Labrador, of course! Thank you, also to Rachel of Rachel’s Random Resources, and Canelo for the advance copy of Under a Siena Sun.

This review is posted on NetGalley, Amazon UK and Goodreads. xx

Review of Rachael Stewart’s Losing Control.

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Today, I am delighted to share my review for Rachael Stewart’s Losing Control!

The Blurb:

She watched him walk away…

…and now he’s back to claim her!

A family feud forced me to walk away from the woman of my dreams, Alexa—but I didn’t expect her to betray me by falling into my brother’s arms. Now, after a tragic accident, I’ve returned home to find Alexa leading the family business…and the chemistry between us is hotter than ever. The sparks reignite our electrifying connection, but can we learn to trust each other again?

Genre: EroticRomance
Published by: Mills & Boon Dare

My review:

It’s always great to indulge in a hot new read from Rachael Stewart, and I do like a second chance romance story! Losing Control ticked both of these boxes.

A little darker than previous books I’ve read by this author, Losing Control takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. With loss, love and moving forward as its central themes, you can’t help but feel for the characters and all that they have been through. That’s not to say there aren’t lighter moments too, and, of course, as it’s a Rachael Stewart novel, there are plenty of well written steamy scenes also.

I liked Cain and Alexa’s backstory and learning about their happier past. I also liked Cain’s mum, who was always there, attempting to keep her family together despite her own losses. The HEA was, of course, expected but nonetheless sweet, it felt well deserved in balance with the turmoil of the past and certainly left me with a big smile.

Click to buy the book: Amazon UK | Amazon US

Giveaway to Win an e-copy of Losing Control by Rachael Stewart (Open INT)

*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 I reserve 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 I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

ENTER here.

About the author:

Rachael Stewart adores conjuring up stories for the readers of Harlequin Mills & Boon and Deep Desires Press, with tales varying from the heartwarmingly romantic to the wildly erotic.

She’s been writing since she could put pen to paper as the stacks of scrawled on A4 sheets in her loft will attest to, and the lovingly bound short stories that her father would run off at work and proudly share out with his colleagues. Thinking it was a pipe dream to be published one day, she pursued a sensible career in business but she was really play-acting, achieving the appropriate degree and spending many years in the corporate world where she never truly belonged. Always happiest when she was sat at her laptop in the quiet hours tapping out a story or two. And so here she is, a published author, her full-time pleasure, a dream come true.

A Welsh lass at heart, she now lives in Yorkshire with her husband and three children, and if she’s not glued to her laptop, she’s wrapped up in them or enjoying the great outdoors seeking out inspiration.

Discover more about Rachael Stewart via her website | Twitter | Facebook

Many thanks to Rachael Stewart for the great read, and thanks to Rachel Gilbey of Rachel’s Random Resources and Mills & Boon Dare, for the advanced read copy.

My reviews are added to Amazon UK and Goodreads. x

Review of Lorraine Wilson’s, JoJo’s French Escape.

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Today, I am delighted to join the blog tour for JoJo’s French Escape by Lorraine Wilson.

The blurb:

Trapped in paradise…

For twelve months JoJo Grant has been hiding from a secret too shameful to share.  And whilst her sanctuary might be the beautiful French countryside, JoJo has a horrible feeling that her peace is about to be shattered…because bursting into her life is the hottest celebrity chef around – Callum O’Connor.

Callum knows all about JoJo’s past, her time as a reality star, the scandal that has dogged her, but he isn’t sure why she’s still hiding?  After spending time with Jojo, it’s obvious to him that she has nothing to be ashamed of – she just needs to be a little braver…
But as much as JoJo likes Callum, he thrives on the glare of the outside world.  Can JoJo let go of her past…with Callum by her side?

My review:

I enjoyed Jojo’s story and her journey back to regaining her self-confidence. While there are darker moments, based on her past experiences, the author balances these well. As the plot unfolds, friendship, puppies and positivity become the key focus of the story. And then there is the very lovely Callum O’Connor, who, as a celebrity chef with plenty of swoon appeal, causes more than what’s cooking to sizzle in the kitchen. As you’d expect from Lorraine Wilson, there is plenty of heat and spice in this book, making for a fab read and ideal escapism.

Click to buy: Amazon UK |

This book is the second in the Place in the sun series, see my review of book #1, Poppy’s Place in the Sun here.

About the author:

Lorraine Wilson writes flirty, feel-good fiction for One More Chapter, a HarperCollins imprint – and is unashamedly fond of happy endings. She loves hearing from readers and feels incredibly grateful to be doing the job she always dreamt of.

She splits her time between the South of France and Cambridgeshire and is usually either writing or reading while being sat on, walked over or barked at by one of her growing band of rescue dogs.

You can find out more about Lorraine and her work, via Facebook | Twitter

This review was added to NetGalley, Amazon UK and Goodreads. Thank you, to Lorraine Wilson for the fab read, and also to Rachel of Rachel’s Random Resources, and One More Chapter for the advance copy of JoJo’s French Escape.

 

Review of Freya Kennedy’s The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn.

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The Blurb:

Libby Quinn is sick and tired of being sensible.

After years of slogging her guts out for nothing at a PR company, she finds herself redundant and about to plough every last penny of her savings into refurbishing a ramshackle shop and making her dream of owning her own bookshop become a reality.

She hopes opening ‘Once Upon A Book’ on Ivy Lane will be the perfect tribute to her beloved grandfather who instilled a love of reading and books in her from an early age.

When her love life and friendships become even more complicated – will Libby have the courage to follow her dreams? Or has she bitten off more than she can chew?

My review:

There’s lots to like about this lovely story. It was an uplifting, enjoyable read. The depth of Libby’s feelings for her grandad Ernie is evident in the affection with which she recalls her memories of him and her desire to realise his dreams. The characters were all likeable, and the community setting made it a cuddle of a book. The male lead, Noah, is well portrayed and I could feel the growing affection between him and Libby. I frequently smiled as I read, and even shed a tear. Overall, it’s a fab read.

Buy the book here.

About the author:

Freya Kennedy is the pen name of Derry based author Claire Allan – who is perhaps best known for her psychological thrillers!

However, before turning a life of crime, Claire wrote women’s fiction for Irish publisher Poolbeg Press, her reinvention as Freya Kennedy will see her bring some love, laughter and heart-warming happiness to readers.

A true Derry girl, Freya Kennedy has lived all her life in the north of Ireland. She worked for 18 years as a journalist and has been writing full time since 2016.
She is a huge fan of all kinds of books, from Marian Keyes (she cried the first time she met Marian), to Rowan Coleman, to Jane Fallon, to Jojo Moyes.
She also enjoys a good murder!

She continues to live in Derry with her husband, her two children, two cats and the best dog in the world.

Discover more about Freya Kennedy via: Facebook | Twitter | website

This review was added to NetGalley, Amazon UK and Goodreads. Thank you, to Freya Kennedy for the fab read, and also to Rachel of Rachel’s Random Resources, and Boldwood Books for the advance copy of The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn.