Thanks for stopping by! I’m thrilled to be sharing my review for An Alliance with His Enemy Princess by Lissa Morgan today. A big thank you to the author for my lovely copy. First things first let’s take a look at the description for the book…
A royal decree
That will change their lives…
Norman Knight Rolant Guyarde has come to conquer a Welsh fort, but when he meets its mistress, he realises she was the sword-wielding ‘soldier’ he’d fought en route! Despite being enemies, he finds himself intrigued by the brave, beautiful princess Gwennan. Forced into an uneasy alliance, Rolant helps her petition the King for her parents’ release from prison. But in exchange for their freedom, the King demands a price neither Rolant nor Gwennan expects!
MY REVIEW
This was such a wonderful story and I really enjoyed spending time with Rolant and Gwennan. From their first dramatic meeting to the fiery interactions that followed. This all combined to create such an engaging plot. Then add in an enemies to lovers romance and well, I was hooked! I loved the journey I was taken on, I was whisked away to a past filled with danger and uncertainty for the characters. The historical aspect that Lissa Morgan included was perfect for me.
Both characters have a past and the kind that is impacting their future. I thought both Rolant and Gwennan had a real strength of character and it made me root for them even more. Rolant was a perfect hero and I might have even fallen for him a little myself. The pacing was spot on and my attention was kept throughout. There was also a real sense of adventure that provided a brilliant escape from everyday life. An Alliance with His Enemy Princess was a real joy to read!
Thanks for stopping by! I’m thrilled to be sharing my review for Where We Belong by Sarah Bennett as part of the blog tour today. With thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invite to join the tour. Also a thank you to the author and publisher for my copy via Netgalley. First things first let’s take a look at the description for the book…
On paper, Hope Travers has an idyllic life.
Living in a bustling farmhouse with her mum, aunt and uncles, cousin and too many dogs to count, surrounded by the breath-taking Cotswolds countryside, she knows she is privileged and protected.
But all families have secrets, and the Travers family are no exception. Their farmhouse sits in the grounds of the Juniper Meadows estate, passed down through the generations and now being made to pay its own way with a myriad of businesses and projects. When a construction crew uncover what appear to be historical ruins, the history of the Travers family is put under ever closer scrutiny as a dig gets underway.
Hope may have found a blossoming romance with local archaeologist Cameron Ferguson who is running the dig, but when things start to go wrong around the estate and family secrets begin to be revealed, Hope wonders if she’s made a big mistake in digging up the past.
What a beautiful start to a new series from Sarah Bennett!
It was so lovely getting to know Hope and Cam along with meeting a wonderful cast of supporting characters. There was drama, friendships, romance and a very interesting family dynamic. It’s often tricky introducing a range of characters into the first book of a series. It can be a balancing act of getting the story and characters to work just right and I thought Sarah Bennett did a brilliant job with this. I couldn’t help but root for these characters.
The pacing was spot on and for me everything worked from the budding romance to getting to know the characters. Along with a story that easily grabbed my attention. There was a bit of family drama threaded throughout with secrets that ended up bubbling to the surface. I thought it all played out so well and I was thoroughly invested in the characters getting a happy ever after. I especially liked how the next book was set up towards the end of this story. Let’s just say that I’m already eager to read book two!
Where We Belong had a strong story, a wonderful setting and loveable characters. A brilliant and heartwarming story from first page to last!
Author Bio
Sarah Bennett is the bestselling author of several romantic fiction trilogies including those set in Butterfly Cove and Lavender Bay. Born and raised in a military family she is happily married to her own Officer and when not reading or writing enjoys sailing the high seas.
Thanks for stopping by! I’m delighted to be sharing my review for Never Too Late by T.A. Williams as part of the Publication Day Push today. With thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources. Also a thank you to the publisher and author for my copy of the book via Netgalley. First things first let’s take a look at the description for the book…
A second chance to realise her dreams…
A classically trained pianist, Steph works as a recording engineer for a small studio when she’s offered the job of a lifetime – travel to the Italian Riviera to help world-famous band, Royalty, record their reunion album after a decades-long hiatus.
Steph could definitely do with the distraction. Her boyfriend – who also happens to be her boss – is increasingly unreliable and erratic, and she’s awaiting news from her doctor after a recent biopsy. So an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy is the perfect escape.
What she doesn’t expect is an instant connection with Rob, the son of Royalty’s lead singer. With her career – and her heart – at a crossroads, what path will Steph follow?
Never Too Late was such a heartwarming and romantic story. I loved all the descriptions of the Italian setting and the gorgeous food. It definitely left me dreaming of Italy. Although there was a lovely realistic touch to the story that made me feel connected with the story and the characters.
Steph was an engaging character and I couldn’t help but root for her. There is trouble in her romantic life and a health scare that brings another level of worry. The offer of work in Italy couldn’t have come at a better time for her. It’s safe to say that T.A. Williams whisked me off to Italy with Steph in a story filled with sweet and charming moments.
The minor characters in Never Too Late were also a wonderful addition to this book. They brought a combination of drama, friendship and support to Steph. The romance was a kind of slow burn and it felt realistic in the way it was portrayed. I was hoping there would be a happy ever after for this pair. I do think the combination of deeper issues contrasted well with the more lighthearted moments. I especially liked the addition of a musical theme running throughout.
Never Too Late really was a delightful escape from every day life!
Author Bio
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 nine 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 escapist romance is something I still find hard to explain. My early books were thrillers and historical novels and I now also write cozy crime, but my first love is romance. 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, even if travel to them is currently difficult.
Thanks for stopping by! I’m thrilled to be taking part in the blog tour for The Lonely Lake Killings by Wes Markin and sharing my review today. With thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invite to join the tour. Also thank you to the author and publisher for my copy via Netgalley. First things first let’s take a look at the description for the book…
The Lonely Lake Killings
A lonely recluse. A missing girl and a community in fear.
When the body of a young local girl is found next to an isolated lake, the main suspect is the old recluse who has lived next to the lake for many years – especially when the young girl’s purse is found on the old man’s doorstep.
But DCI Emma Gardner and her partner DI Paul Riddick aren’t so sure. Why would the old hermit leave such an obvious clue? And who would want to set the old man up?
As they dig deeper into the murder they discover a community in fear, determined to keep hold of long buried secrets. And Riddick is convinced that his own dark past is somehow linked to this crime, too.
Gardner fears that she may never get the answers she needs, until a break leads her down a path she’d rather not face. One that runs directly to her own front door…
The Lonely Lake Killings is the second book in The Yorkshire Murders series and I couldn’t wait to catch up with Emma and Paul again. I do think this book can work as a standalone but to get a better feel for the brilliant and engaging dynamic between DCI Emma Gardner and DI Paul Riddick. I would definitely recommend picking up book one.
I always love to play detective although I have to admit I’m not necessarily the best at it. It’s fun to try though! So this case was a little tricky, there were a few suspects to choose from and a couple of red herrings dotted throughout too. I really enjoyed trying to figure it all out though. It was like getting started on a great puzzle. Gathering and placing the pieces together. Then waiting for that final piece to slot into place, revealing the full picture. There were moments of tension, danger and twists along the way. This all combined to create a story that had me hooked from the very beginning.
The Lonely Lake Killings not only had an intriguing case at its heart but Emma and Paul really do make this story all the more engaging and enjoyable. They aren’t perfect, they definitely have their flaws but you know what, it works. I’m a big fan of this series and I’m already looking forward to book three!
Author Bio
Wes Markin is the bestselling author of the DCI Yorke crime novels, set in Salisbury. His new series for Boldwood stars the pragmatic detective DCI Emma Gardner who will be tackling the criminals of North Yorkshire. Wes lives in Harrogate and the first book in the series The Yorkshire Murders will be published in November 2022.
Thanks for stopping by! I’m sharing my review for Black Lake Manor by Guy Morpuss today. I couldn’t resist borrowing this book from my library and I’m so glad I did. It is a brilliant, twisty kind of read. I loved it. First things first before we get to my review let’s take a look at the description for the book…
A LOCKED ROOM. A BRUTAL MURDER. AND A KILLER WHO CAN UNWIND TIME…
In the former mining town of Black Lake, there is an old story about a shipwreck with only one survivor. His descendants have a unique ability: once in their lives – and only once – they can unwind the events of the previous six hours.
More than two hundred years later, part-time police constable Ella Manning is attending a party at Black Lake Manor, the cliff-top mansion belonging to the local billionaire. When a raging storm sweeps in from the Pacific, she and several other guests find themselves trapped.
And when their host is discovered brutally murdered in his study the next morning, the door locked from the inside, they turn to her to solve the crime.
Pushing her detective skills to the limit, against the odds Ella is sure she has identified the killer… but then someone undoes time. With no memory of what she discovered before, her investigation begins again, with very different results. Which of her suspects is guilty? And is there something even more sinister she is yet to uncover?
Can she solve the mystery before time runs out… again?
MY REVIEW
I’m not quite sure where to start with my review of this book. I decided to go with a shorter review because I didn’t want to inadvertently write any spoilers in. Here goes…
Black Lake Manor was mind bending but in a very, very good way. I loved the different timelines even if I wasn’t quite sure what direction the plot would take next. The locked room aspect was cleverly done and I had so many theories flying around in my head.
This story is twisty, unique and is filled with vivid descriptions. Let’s just say you need to go into this book with as little information as possible. I promise you it will make everything all the more entertaining.
Black Lake Manor was a captivating story with compelling characters. It really was a completely refreshing read. I could not put it down!
Thanks for stopping by! I’m delighted to be sharing my review for The Marriage Season by Jane Dunn as part of the blog tour today. With thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invite to join the tour. Also thank you to the author and publisher for my copy. First things first let’s take a look at the description for the book…
‘It’s not a fair world I’m afraid. Beauty or fortune carries the day. You have the beauty and I the fortune, so there’s every chance we’ll succeed’
In Regency England, marriage is everything. For young widow Sybella Lovatt, the time has come to find a suitable husband for her sister and ward Lucie. Male suitors are scarce near their Wiltshire estate, so the sisters resolve to head to London in time for The Season to begin.
Once ensconced at the Mayfair home of Lady Godley, Lucie’s godmother, the whirl of balls, parties and promenades can begin. But the job of finding a husband is fraught with rules and tradition. Jostling for attention are the two lords – the charming and irresistible Freddie Lynwood and the preternaturally handsome Valentine Ravenell, their enigmatic neighbour from Shotten Hall, Mr Brabazon, and the dangerous libertine Lord Rockliffe, with whom the brooding Brabazon is locked in deadly rivalry.
Against the backdrop of glamorous Regency England, Sybellamust settle Lucie’s future, protect her own reputation, and resist the disreputable rakes determined to seduce the beautiful widow. As the Season ends, will the sisters have found the rarest of things – a suitable marriage with a love story to match?
The Marriage Season was a refreshing read. It had a gentle and lighthearted way about it and I really enjoyed getting to know both Sybella and Lucie. Along with a wonderful cast of minor characters. They all brought something to the story whether it was a little bit of drama, sweet friendships and of course wonderful romantic moments. A special mention though has to go to little James, he made me smile and stole every scene he was in.
The author gave me an inviting and well written story. It’s safe to say I felt as if I had been transported to Regency England. The story had a lovely amount of detail. The kind that made me think it would translate well into a period drama whether that be on film or the small screen. The romantic entanglements were sweet and at times heartfelt. I couldn’t help but root for these characters. I felt as if I got to know them and was hoping that they would achieve their happy ever afters.
The Marriage Season was an engaging, charming and heartwarming tale!
Author Bio
Jane Dunn is an historian and biographer and the author of seven acclaimed biographies, including Daphne du Maurier and her Sisters and the Sunday Times and NYT bestseller, Elizabeth & Mary: Cousins, Rivals, Queens. She comes to Boldwood with her first fiction outing – a trilogy of novels set in the Regency period, the first of which is to be published in January 2023. She lives in Berkshire with her husband, the linguist Nicholas Ostler.
Thanks for stopping by! I’m thrilled to be sharing my review for Beguiling her Enemy Warrior by Lucy Morris as part of the blog tour today. With thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invite to join the tour and to the author for my copy. First things first let’s take a look at the description for the book…
Kidnapped by the warrior
Tempted by the man…
Captured by the infamous Lord Rhys, a Welsh prince intent on revenge against her family, Viking healer, Helga, must keep her wits about her if she’s to be freed. Easier said than done when she desires him rather than fears him! Helga senses there’s good inside Rhys and feels compelled to reach his heart. First she must make him see there’s more to her than just his enemy…
What a gorgeous story and such a fitting conclusion to this wonderful series! Each book in the Shieldmaiden Series has been a joy to read and Beguiling her Enemy Warrior was no exception. I was eager to see how everything would turn out for Helga. I have to admit I was a little unsure of Rhys after some of the events in book two. However I thought Lucy Morris did a wonderful job of slowly but surely revealing the hidden depths to Rhys. Helga also surprised as I got to know her, all of this made her so very likeable. They were so well suited but there were plenty of obstacles in front of them. I couldn’t help but hope for a happy ever after for them.
The pacing of the story was just right. There was drama, danger and a slow burn romance that was chemistry filled with added sizzle! This book has a brilliant sense of adventure and a certain level of danger. In fact all three books have had this in abundance. I thought the characters developed and grew in different ways. Helga may not have necessarily been outwardly/physically as strong as her sisters but she had a warmth and inner strength that shined through. I loved how Rhys fought against any attraction but couldn’t help but be affected by Helga. My opinion of Rhys definitely changed and before long he became an endearing, swoon worthy hero!
Beguiling her Enemy Warrior was a gorgeous, romantic adventure from first page to last. I loved it!
Author Bio
Lucy Morris has always been obsessed with myths and legends. Her books blend sweeping romance with vivid worldbuilding to whisk you away to another time and place filled with adventure. Expect passion, drama, and vibrant characters.
Lucy lives in Essex, UK, with her husband, two children, and two cats. She has a massively sweet tooth and loves Terry’s chocolate oranges and Irn-Bru. In her spare time, she likes to explore castles with her family, or drink bubbly with her friends.
Thanks for stopping by! I’m delighted to be taking part in the blog tour for Berlin Calling by Lilo Moore and sharing my review today. With thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invite to join the tour and to the author for my copy. First things first let’s take a look at the description for the book…
The song contest is hotting up, on and off the stage!
Rose writes twee pop, smiles a lot, and believes in magic and rainbows. When the cheesy love song she wrote is chosen for the European Song Contest, her luck seems to be turning around – especially when a chance encounter leads to the hottest one-night stand of her life. It’s almost too bad she’ll never see him again.
But then Rose discovers it wasn’t a chance encounter. The hot German DJ with the sexy deep voice is her rival for song contest glory. Grumpy Emil is incredibly talented and the song he spins with his sister could be a winner, even if he doesn’t appreciate the playful spirit of the contest. As the continent falls in love with Rose and Emil’s competitive banter on social media, they must hide their history from the press or risk losing credibility – and a future songwriting career.
With an anonymous gossip out to ridicule the colourful contestants and a plot to undermine European public broadcasting bubbling under the shiny surface, Rose must be strong in the face of criticism and stand up for everything the contest means to her. If this Canadian girl can save the contest, maybe she can believe that her feelings for Emil are the real deal.
Berlin Calling was such a fun read from start to finish. It was romantic, sizzling and full of joy!
I really enjoyed getting to know both Emil and Rose. The supporting characters all played their parts perfectly and really brought something to the story. From friendships to drama and everything in between. I have to admit, Rose wasn’t exactly perfect but I liked that it gave her a more realistic edge. Yes, she made mistakes but don’t we all?! I loved the tension between Emil and Rose. It was at times sweet then at others steamy. This combination worked really well for me. Let’s just say that Emil was pretty easy to fall for too!
The story was lively and the pacing was pretty good too. The plot kept my interest throughout and I felt as if I was right there with the characters. There was a fun aspect to the story but also some important themes dotted throughout. I thought it combined really well and gave me an overall engaging experience. All that’s left to say is that Berlin Calling made me smile throughout with brilliant characters, fun music and a sizzling romance!
Author Bio
Lilo Moore is the steamy romantic comedy pen name of travel romance author Leonie Mack. She lives among vineyards in Germany, creating fictional worlds and counting down to her next trip.
Thanks for stopping by! I’m delighted to be taking part in the blog tour for Blinded Me With Science by Tara September and sharing my review today. With thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invite to join the tour and to the author for my copy. First things first let’s take a look at the description for the book…
Opposites attract like a magnet to steel, or in this case, Emerson to Steel
Emerson Powers has been so focused on obtaining her science degree that she’s neglected the more social aspects of college life. With the new start of her junior year, she’s determined to fix that with a real hands-on lesson in biology. The assignment is simple enough—teach the rock star’s son how to be good, while he shows her how to be very bad. Two objectives, one outcome … will the lesson be love or heartbreak?
Steel is no longer the bad boy Emerson knew from prep school, and he’s set to prove it by helping Emerson complete her secret list of desired college experiences. And if he can convince her that they are meant to be together along the way, even better!
While teaming up on experiments, both in and out of the classroom, Emerson discovers a new side to Steel. Leaving her to question everything she thought she knew. Still, is it enough to forgive the past or just mere chemistry?
Blinded Me With Science was such a quick and fun read! It was great to meet Emerson and Steel especially seeing their connection grow. Along with plenty of sizzling and chemistry filled moments. I loved that the characters had a past. I thought it helped to create a more rounded feel to the novella. On occasion with a novella being short the connection might not feel as complete. However I thought Tara September did a great job with this pair.
The enemies to lovers trope worked well in this story. As I turned the last page I really enjoyed my time spent with Emerson and Steel. I’m also now eager to pick up and read more books in this series! Although don’t worry this book works well as a standalone. Blinded Me With Science easily entertained with a great dual POV, a sizzling romance and a fun opposites attract vibe!
Author Bio
Fueled by an IV of green tea and Prosecco, Tara September is a multi-award-winning contemporary romance author of bestselling sassy & steamy love stories filled with banter. Based in Southwest Florida, Tara holds a master’s degree in journalism from New York University, a B.A. from Wheaton College in Massachusetts, as well as attended college courses at Queen’s College in London, U.K. She is also the proud mom to identical twin 10-year-old boys and three cats.
Thanks for stopping by! I’m thrilled to be sharing my review for Conveniently Wed to the Laird by Jeanine Englert as part of the blog tour today. With thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invite to join the tour and to the author for my copy. First things first let’s take a look at the description for the book…
The laird’s bridal bid…
Is love too high a price to pay?
When new laird, Ewan Stewart, comes across a wife for sale at a market, he outbids everyone to rescue her. He never intended for Catriona to become his bride, but a convenient marriage could secure his clan’s future and her freedom. They agree that their arrangement must stay free of love, yet Catriona’s bravery and fire intrigue him. Can Ewan resist falling for his wife—the one rule he must not break?
This is was such a wonderful book! I loved the connection between Ewan and Catriona. Their first meeting was definitely unusual but it was a great way for the story to start. I couldn’t help but become invested in these characters. I would say that the romance was more of a slow burn but it was written in such a lovely way. Both characters had been hurt in the past so it made sense for a more tentative approach. I thought Jeanine Englert did a brilliant job of bringing warmth and a realistic edge to her characters.
The pacing of the book was great and it was very easy to become caught up in Ewan and Catriona’s story. I was hoping that everything would turn out okay for them, even with trouble in the clan and past hurts putting obstacles in their way. There was also a slight hint of mystery regarding one character. This is subtly threaded through and made me even more invested in this story. I definitely enjoyed this addition to the plot. Conveniently Wed to the Laird is part of a series but please don’t worry it easily works as a standalone. Although I do recommend starting with book one in the Falling for a Stewart series. They really are a great set of books!
From first page to last, Conveniently Wed to the Laird was a joy to read. The pages were filled with a wonderful romance and heartfelt moments. I loved it!
Author Bio
Jeanine Englert’s love affair with mysteries and romance began with Nancy Drew, Murder She Wrote, and her Grandmother’s bookshelves full of romance novels. She is a VIVIAN® and Golden Heart® Finalist as well as a Silver Falchion, Maggie, and Daphne du Maurier Award Winner in historical romance and mystery. Her Scottish Highland historical and historical romantic suspense novels revolve around characters seeking self-acceptance and redemption. When she isn’t wrangling with her characters on the page, she can be found trying to convince her husband to watch her latest Masterpiece or BBC show obsession. She loves to talk about books, writing, her beloved rescue pups, as well as mysteries and romance with other readers. Visit her website at www.jeaninewrites.com.
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