Tag Archives: Romance Reads

February, the month of love!

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With February being the month of love, I am delighted that Maybe Baby is currently included in the Choc Lit / Ruby Fiction 99p Valentine’s sale.

“A truly heart-warming story of love, romance and most importantly friendship,” Maybe Baby is the perfect read for a month that includes Galentine’s Day on 13th February and Valentine’s Day on 14th February.

Galentine’s Day is a time to celebrate your gal pals, that supportive network of friends and family who you know are there for you no matter what.

Whether virtual, real, or imagined in a novel – female friendships thrive where there is an element of support, appreciation and commitment. With many influential women in my life: my amazingly supportive late mum, three older sisters, three daughters and a granddaughter, as well as close female friends and colleagues, my writing frequently includes strong female relationships; Maybe Baby is no exception.

In writing the Lisa Blake novels (The Purrfect Pet Sitter and Maybe Baby), the story of Lisa and her first love, Nathan Baker, takes centre stage. However, the exploration of the reconnection between Lisa and her once-best friend Felicity plays an important part in the novels and was a joy to write.

The interaction between the two recently reunited friends reflects their past – the shared memories, the in-jokes, and the things only best friends would know about each other. Writing their characters and the moments they share was touching, as if I was privy to their lives and bond. I hope as people read the novel, they enjoy spending time in their company, as much as I did.

While we don’t see Lisa and Felicity celebrating Galentine’s in Maybe Baby, I am sure they would celebrate it in style. What we do see, however, is Lisa attempting to give her boyfriend, Nathan, a Valentine’s Day surprise he will never forget, but you’ll have to read the novel to find out if things go to plan.

No matter how you choose to spend the month of February, I hope it is in the company of those you love and a good book! xx

The blurb:

Just when you thought you had it all worked out …

Lisa Blake is back with her first love, she’s reunited with her best friend Felicity, and even her pet sitting skills are improving – everybody knows you can’t believe all you read in the local Gazette, don’t they?

Felicity is on the cusp of achieving her perfect wife-mum-life balance; Her husband, Pete, is being wonderfully attentive, and her four children are getting older and wiser (sometimes too much wiser) by the day.

But when Lisa walks in on a half-naked woman in her boyfriend’s flat and Felicity is left reeling from a shocking discovery, it seems life is nothing but full of surprises. Can love, laughter, and learning to compromise, help them achieve their dreams?

Maybe Baby is available in audio, ebook, paperback and in large print, buying links: Amazon | Kobo | Ruby Fiction 

Maybe Baby is the second book in the Lisa Blake series. While the story follows on from The Purrfect Pet Sitter (Lisa Blake book #1), it can also be read as a standalone novel.

Discover more here: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram |  

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.

 

An interview with Christine Stovell.

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Today, I am delighted to welcome Choc Lit author Christine Stovell to my blog. Thank you for agreeing to join me Christine and for answering my questions, aimed at discovering more about you and your novella, Moonbeams in a Jar.

For those who haven’t yet encountered your wonderful, stand-alone novella, Moonbeams in a Jar, give us your elevator pitch:

Control-freak Chloe and adrenaline-junkie Ryan have fallen hard for each other, but neither is willing to compromise their lifestyle until fate intervenes in the form of their dogs, Wilma and Fred.

This was my first visit to your fictional seaside town, Little Spitmarsh, and I loved it. If Chloe wrote a postcard home, how might she describe the location?

“No wonder so few people have heard of Little Spitmarsh! It’s a really isolated seaside town divided from its neighbours by miles of salt marsh and hemmed in by the sea. I love the sense of loneliness about the landscape, but apparently the place was struggling to survive until a smart restaurant opened. There’s a story that the woman who runs the boatyard here was bitterly opposed to the guy who opened the restaurant but now they’re married! These days, Little Spitmarsh retains its salty character but also has a smattering of galleries, cool vintage shops and even an annual film festival. For me, though, the backwaters here will always be very special; in winter the raw north wind can cut you to the bone, but in summer the sky over the marshes shimmers with heat and birdsong. Most importantly, of course, it’s the place where I first met Ryan!”

I enjoyed Chloe’s trip to Hong Kong and recently read that you visited with your hubby. For those planning to go what three romantic musts, would you recommend?

Yes, you’re right – it was a fabulous holiday of a lifetime to a city of dramatic contrasts. Anyone who reads Moonbeams in a Jar might spot one or two of my favourite romantic musts, but it won’t spoil the story to tell you that I absolutely loved crossing Victoria harbour on the Star ferries, especially under a full moon. Seeing the city in the glow of first light from our hotel room was rather wonderful as was soaring through the sky in a crystal cable car. Like Chloe, I also had my fortune told… but I’m still waiting for fame, wealth and the shedloads of sales for my books I was promised. I suspect the fortune teller might have been pulling my leg just a little.

Where did the inspiration come from for your swoon-worthy leading man, Ryan Green?

I honestly don’t know! I can say, hand-on-heart, that I never set out to ‘create’ a leading-man and I only meet them when my heroines do. I was delighted to meet Ryan as he happens to be rather lush, lucky Chloe!

I have a soft spot for dogs, real and fictional. Wilma, the dachshund, and Fred, the basset hound, were both great contributors to the action. Were they based on furry friends in your life?

Wilma and Wurst, a dachsie who makes a guest appearance in my novella, Only True in Fairy Tales, both share character traits with Zorba (pictured above) a miniature dachshund who was the great dog love of my life. He was a renowned hunter and destroyer of footwear and was the only living creature to stick his nose in Dad’s slippers and survive. It broke my heart when we lost him.

What a great picture, Zorba looks a fabulous character and I completely understand the heartbreak of your loss.

Finally, five for fun:

  1. Sweet or savoury? Dark chocolate – I’m an addict!
  2. TV or radio? Spotify; I love a good Spotify-fest
  3. Paperback or e-reader? E-reader – I know that causes people a sharp intake of breath, but I’m a fast reader and I like having lots of books at hand to choose from.
  4. Posh frock or joggers? Skinny jeans and running leggings (not at the same time!).
  5. Sun or Snow? Sunshine all the way.

My review:

Moonbeams in a Jar is a lovely story, with likeable lead characters, great settings, and dogs (always a plus)!

I hadn’t read Christine Stovell’s previous Little Spitmarsh stories, but it didn’t matter, I soon felt right at home in the seaside town. I was drawn to the characters, especially the rather lovely Ryan who has plenty of swoon appeal.

I particularly enjoyed the trip to Hong Kong, not just because it was delightfully romantic but also because it was an unexpected location. I read many romance novels and haven’t been transported to this setting before. It was a real treat as the author brought the city to life and wowed me with its charms.

As a novella, this was the ideal length for reading en route to my holiday and made my time away start with a smile. A fab little holiday read!

Publisher: Choc Lit
Genre: Contemporary romance, novella

Links to buy the book Amazon UK | Amazon.Com | Kobo | 

About the author:

Winning a tin of chocolate in a national essay competition at primary school inspired to Christine Stovell to become a writer. Setting off, with her husband, from a sleepy seaside resort on the east coast in a vintage wooden boat to sail halfway round Britain provided the inspiration for her ‘Little Spitmarsh’ series of novels, but never cured her seasickness although she continues to sail.

As well as writing long and short contemporary romantic fiction and poetry, Christine has written features for various magazines and is a regular contributor to The English Home magazine.

Christine lives on the beautiful west Wales coast where long-distance running helps her plan her plots. Half marathons, she thinks, especially when the going gets tough, are like novels; both begin with small steps.

You can discover more about Christine and her writing here: Blog | Twitter | Facebook |

Thank you for taking part in my Q&A and for the great read, Christine. My reviews are added to Amazon UK and Goodreads. xx

 

Review of Lorraine Wilson’s Poppy’s Place in the Sun

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The blurb:

Sometimes you need to lose yourself to find your way home…

With only her trusty dogs Peanut, Treacle and Pickwick by her side, Poppy Kirkbride could be forgiven for having doubts about her move to a quiet village in rural France. But as the sun shines down on her ramshackle new home, Poppy knows she’s made the right decision. A lick of paint, and some TLC and her rustic farmhouse will be the perfect holiday retreat – Poppy’s dream come true.

Poppy is welcomed by her fellow villagers, except for brooding local vet Leo Dubois, who makes it clear Poppy isn’t welcome in his village – or his life! Leo might be gorgeous, but Poppy won’t be told what to do by an arrogant Frenchman – no matter how kind and gentle he is to her dogs!

Determined to stay, Poppy tries to understand the enigmatic Frenchman better. But as the two get closer, Poppy sees another side to Leo – a man with heartbreak of his own. Falling in love with Leo is easy, but can he ever return Poppy’s love? And what would this mean for her dream life and place in the sun?

Published by: Harper Impulse
Genre: Romantic Comedy

My review:

Beautiful countryside to escape to, and a cute cast of four-legged sidekicks. I enjoyed the Chalet Girl series and so was excited to read Lorraine Wilson’s latest novel. With not a hint of snow in sight, the setting was idyllic. The beautiful French countryside provided the ideal backdrop for Poppy to start to build her new life; something she tackles with admirable determination, despite the adventure not starting out as she planned. Her dogs were cute, good listeners and perfect companions.

When a moody, handsome neighbour appears, who then turns out to be a vet (and to own a dog too), you know romance is going to follow. The plot builds steadily, and while the friendship between Poppy and Leo is slow at times, the reasons are revealed with a backstory that adds depth to Leo’s character.

I liked the cast of supporting characters and the way most enriched Poppy’s new life.

Lorraine Wilson always writes steamy scenes well, and while this book is slower paced than some of her previous novels, if you are a fan, you won’t be disappointed 😉

Click here to buy the book.

About the author:

Lorraine Wilson writes flirty, feel-good fiction for Harper Impulse – a Harper Collins 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 Lorraine online via Facebook and Twitter.

Thank you for the fun read Lorraine,  my reviews are added to Amazon UK and Goodreads. x

Review of Sarah Morgan’s Summer Kisses

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Summer Kisses by Sarah Morgan

The Blurb:

This summer the sun has gone to everyone’s heads…

Flora and Jenna should be working busy shifts but something more fun has come up! Two new arrivals have blown into Glenmore and life at the hospital could get tricky. So it’s time to set some rules.

Flora’s summer is simple: Avoid kissing Conner MacNeil. (He may be gorgeous, back in town and single… but he snogged everyone except you at school, remember?!)

Jenna’s summer ‘Why I shouldn’t fall in love with Dr Ryan McKinley’ list is a little more complex…

I’ve been divorced less than a year?
I’m ordinary and he is a sex god?
I have my daughter to think of?
He might break my heart…

It’s so difficult to be good with temptation on the doorstep. But rules are rules. Summer is sunshine. And, just maybe, a wish is a kiss that might just come true!

Includes: The Rebel Doctor’s Bride and Dare She Date the Dreamy Doc?

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Mills & Boon

My review:

Light, easy reading with likeable characters. I always enjoy Sarah Morgan’s books and while I must admit I hadn’t realised this was two stories in one book before I read it, I enjoyed the brief bit of escapism each offered. Both set on the island of Glenmore and each based on doctors working at the same practice, the stories occur a couple of years apart. The island of Glenmore reminded me of other lovely Sarah Morgan settings where she introduces you to an idyllic community inhabited by people who all know each others’ business and readily rally around looking out for each other. With this one, however, there were a few more dramas and casualties so that the lovely doctors of Glenmore could come into their own. And why not being as they did it so very well. Each made a wonderful hero offering plenty of swoon appeal and the perfect match for their female counterparts. The stories were different enough to make each interesting and the second included a Labrador which is always a plus for me! Two lovely Sarah Morgan reads with the all-important happy ever after moments – ideal for a holiday read.

Click to buy the book.

About the author:

 

USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes hot, happy contemporary romance. Her trademark humour and sensuality have gained her fans across the globe and two RITA® Awards from the Romance Writers of America. Sarah lives near London with her family.

Discover more about Sarah Morgan here: website | Twitter