The Ticklemore Tavern by Liz Davies @LizDaviesAuthor @rararesources

About the Book:

Nell Chapman has always assumed that one (or the other) of her twin sons would help run her antique shop once they finished university. The boys, however, have other plans, when they announce they’re going backpacking for a year, leaving Nell feeling bereft and lonely.
Not only that, but with their father (her lying, cheating ex-husband) back on the scene and demanding half of the business, there might not be anything left for her boys to help manage when they return.
However, she hasn’t counted on the unexpected support of local landscape artist, Silas Long. And neither has she considered the possibility she might fall in love again – especially since Silas is so distant and moody, and has his own cross to bear.
Should Nell take a chance and risk her heart, or should she leave well alone? And why has Silas painted her portrait if he doesn’t feel anything for her?
A perfect romantic read for fans of Heidi Swain and Sarah Morgan

Where to Buy:

http://mybook.to/TicklemoreTreasure

About the Author:

Liz Davies writes feel-good, light-hearted stories with a hefty dose of romance, a smattering of humour, and a great deal of love.
She’s married to her best friend, has one grown-up daughter, and when she isn’t scribbling away in the notepad she carries with her everywhere (just in case inspiration strikes), you’ll find her searching for that perfect pair of shoes. She loves to cook but isn’t very good at it, and loves to eat – she’s much better at that! Liz also enjoys walking (preferably on the flat), cycling (also on the flat), and lots of sitting around in the garden on warm, sunny days.
She currently lives with her family in Wales, but would ideally love to buy a camper can and travel the world in it.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://lizdaviesauthor.wixsite.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LizDaviesAuthor1
Twitter https://twitter.com/lizdaviesauthor

My Review:

After the Ticklemore Treasure Trove which I loved, I was thrilled to learn there were more books in the series.

The beginning of the synopsis made me smile, and I knew I was in for a treat. A pub is a great focal point in a village. I was in eager anticipation as to what would unfold.

Logan and Violet seemed to have good chemistry in that sentence and I knew the novel would be fun.

His mum, however is harder to convince. What will happen when Marie falls ill? Will Logan help her or be faithful to Violet? Can he possibly do both at the same time, or will someone get hurt in the process?

Deeply moving in the hard parts yet warm and fun overall, The Ticklemore Tavern won me over as The Ticklemore Treasure Trove had before it thanks to Liz Davies’ excellent character creation and worldbuilding skills.

I love Ticklemore as a village and like the variety of characters who live there as they all have their personalities.

Thanks to Liz Davies, Lilac Tree Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

5 stars.

Escape to the Hummingbird Hotel by Daisy James @daisyjamesbooks @rararesources

About the Book:

Welcome to the Hummingbird Hotel!
When florist-to-the-stars Abbie Coleman catches a glimpse of her boyfriend through the window of Tiffany’s, she couldn’t be more excited. Keen to share her happiness, she organises a huge surprise party for all their family and friends… except things don’t quite work out as she expected, and instead of planning a flower-filled wedding, she finds herself single, and fired from a job she loves.
Desperate to escape her heartbreak, she jets off to her aunt’s quirky Hummingbird Hotel on the gorgeous island of Corfu. Little did she know that instead of spending her time lounging by the pool, drinking cocktails, and soaking up the sun, she’d be stepping into the role of the island’s newest hotelier.
The arrival of unexpected guests sends Abbie into a tailspin of panic, and she’s forced to turn to snippy, but charismatic, vineyard owner-turned-chef, Nikos Angelopoulos, for help. Why does the kitchen fill with smoke whenever she makes coffee? Why is there a naked man swimming in the pool? And why do the hotel’s toiletries turn their guests’ hair pink?
Despite all the chaos, the Hummingbird Hotel works its magic on Abbie, and she finds herself with a decision to make. Will she return home to the drizzly grey skies of London? Or will she take a leap of faith and embrace the new opportunities that little corner of paradise has to offer, and maybe, just maybe, discover a sprinkle of romance along the way?

Where to Buy:

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08Z4B93HL
US – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08Z4B93HL

About the Author:

Daisy James loves writing stories with strong heroines and swift-flowing plotlines. She especially likes to create sunshine-filled settings in exotic locations – the Caribbean, Tuscany, Cornwall, Provence – so she can spend her time envisioning her characters enjoying the fabulous scenery and sampling the local food and drink.When not scribbling away in her peppermint-and-green summerhouse (garden shed), she spends her time sifting flour and sprinkling sugar and edible glitter. She loves gossiping with friends over a glass of something fizzy or indulging in a spot of afternoon tea – china plates and teacups are a must.
Daisy would love to hear from readers via her Facebook page or you can follow her on Twitter @daisyjamesbooks or on Instagram @booksdaisyjames.

My Review:

I am no stranger to Daisy James’ novels and have loved each one that I have reviewed so far. Sunshine and Secrets (The Paradise Cookery School #1) Mistletoe and Mystery Summer at Villa Limoncello A Wedding at Villa Limoncello Confetti and Confusion.

In Escape to the Hummingbird Hotel, Abbie inherits her aunt’s quirky hotel in Corfu. She is all too ready to escape London after being cheated on and wants a new start. But can she do it?

She thinks Greece will be poolside relaxation, cocktails and sun but life has other plans for her. Will she get used to Greece? How will she like working at the hotel?

Then there’s vineyard owner-turned-chef, Nikos Angelopoulos to contend with…..

Will love and happiness be hers again? Will she stay or will it be back to London?

As always, Daisy James impresses me with her attention for detail and passion for writing romances set in paradise locations. She fleshes every character out well and paints a mean picture of a nemesis.

Thanks to Daisy James and Rachel’s Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

5 stars.

Surprise Reunion for His Cinderella @HQNBooks @rararesources

About the Book:

Can one week in paradise……heal ten years of heartache?
When the elite M dating agency sends wealthy Freddie Highgrove to the Seychelles for a weeklong “date,” the last person he’s expecting to be matched with is Jasmine Walker, his first love and ex-fiancée! Ten years ago, his family’s expectations for a high-society marriage sent housekeeper’s daughter Jasmine running. Can one week in paradise bring them back together?

Where to Buy:

mybook.to/reunionwithcinderella

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.

Contact Rachael:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rachaelstewartauthor/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/rach_b52
Website – https://rachaelstewartauthor.com/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rachaelstewart3/
Giveaway to Win Prize bundle of 2 Rachael Stewart paperbacks plus assorted goodies (Open INT)
Prize Contains – – Paperback of Tempted by the Tycoon’s Proposal

Paperback of Surprise Reunion with His Cinderella
Mills & Boon Notebook
Rose Gold Pen
Cute Placemat
Lip balm
Sweets
Heart post-its
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My Review:

Freddie and Jasmine were once engaged and they thought what they had was in the past. Each has got on with life, or tried to, but they have not been lucky in love again.

“M” Dating Agency is known for sweeping potential love matches off to exotic locations. When Freddie is one of the chosen ones, the last person he ever expects to see is Jasmine.

I love Mills and Boon romances. I know there are so many by different authors. Rachael Stewart is a new author to me, and how talented she is!

I felt a book with this type of plot could have gone either way and been hot and engrossing or written in a less engaging manner since I have had different experiences with books with similar plots.

Fortunately, I was hooked by it. I immediately got inside each character and loved the way their past came out in inner thoughts. All the conversation surrounding them meeting again was natural for the circumstances and I got the feeling pretty early on that both Jasmine and Freddie were complex characters.

Freddie is Scottish but has moved to the US and I liked how we learnt so much just from a small mention of the changes to his accent. That was enough for me to understand how Jasmine felt at his moving on.

The initial meeting was so well done that I could feel the awkwardness, the not knowing if they wanted to be in the same room but having to be because of the date circumstances. The wanting to remember some things and not others. It was just so true-to-life.

A lot of the book is inner dialogue, but I didn’t mind that as the characters are so well fleshed out. I wanted to know every little thing about them.

Jasmine is the more sensitive of the two, and I was proud of the way she pulled herself together when tears threatened. I identified with being sensitive. This to me shows she’s real.

Surprise Reunion with His Cinderella is the second book in the Billion-Dollar Matches series, and I so want to get a copy of the others. I was really looking for a gripping excapist read with characters to root for and that’s what this is.

I was wondering fom the start if Jasmine and Freddie would have a HEA (Happily Ever After) whether it be as lovers or friends and wondering about that had me racing through the book. The writing style is contagiously gripping and I loved the blind date will-they-won’t they premise.

The Seychelles is a beautiful location on my dream vacation list and that came alive in this novel too.

Whether you yourself have been lucky in love or not as I have been, Freddie, Jasmine and the Seychelles will captivate you.

I have had some disaster dates that were blind dates but I enjoyed this all the same.

Surprise Reunion with His Cinderella is a standalone novel within a romance series.

Thanks to Rachael Stewart, Harlequin Mills and Boon and Rachel’s Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for sn honest and voluntary review.

5 stars

Up All Night by Laura Silverman @LJSilverman1 @AlgonquinBooks

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Up All Night

13 Stories between Sunset and Sunrise

Edited by Laura Silverman

When everyone else goes to bed, the ones who stay up feel like they’re the only people in the world. As the hours tick by deeper into the night, the familiar drops away and the unfamiliar beckons. Adults are asleep, and a hush falls over the hum of daily life. Anything is possible.

It’s a time for romance and adventure. For prom night and ghost hunts. It’s a time for breaking up, for falling in love—for finding yourself.

Stay up all night with these thirteen short stories from bestselling and award-winning YA authors like Karen McManus, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nina LaCour, and Brandy Colbert, as they take readers deep into these rarely seen, magical hours.

Full contributor list: Brandy Colbert, Kathleen Glasgow, Maurene Goo, Tiffany D. Jackson, Amanda Joy, Nina LaCour, Karen M. McManus, Anna Meriano, Marieke Nijkamp, Laura Silverman, Kayla Whaley, Julian Winters, Francesca Zappia

My Review:

I have always wondered what happens when everyone is asleep. Up All Night has 13 stories by new-to-me authors and the subjects are varied. Romance to ghost stories and more. Whatever your taste in stories, there’s bound to be something for you here.

A really great idea for an anthology. I love anthologies as they are excellent for getting an idea of each author’s writing style.

Thanks to Laura Silverman and Algonquin Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

4 stars

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Laura Silverman

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REVIEW QUOTES

“This collection of stories, all set in the nighttime, seamlessly brings together some of the biggest names in YA fiction. The mix of genres and diverse casts allows the collection to address many issues plaguing teens . . . High-interest stories by popular authors make this a first purchase for high school libraries and teen collections.”
—SLJ

“Editor Silverman compiles an impressive collection that explores coming-of-age themes, including the thrill of teenage crushes, the whirlwind of preparing for prom, and the adjustments needed to create a blended family, while also featuring a mix of characters diverse in race, sexuality, and gender identity. … A thoughtful volume that will appeal to a broad range of readers.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Multiple genres find a home in this intriguing anthology . . . Representing multiple forms of love—between crushes, friends, pets, and siblings—this group of stories offers an inclusive range of narratives and twisty endings alongside sound lessons about love, joy, and life’s natural changes.”
—Publishers WeeklyRead more

PRODUCT DETAILS

Age range12 – 18Grade range7 – 12Categories

Teens & YA

Number of pages352Publication dateJuly 13, 2021ISBN9781643751641

Hooverville by Kayla Joy @joyfulkayla @BoldwoodBooks @rararesources

About the Book:

Annaleise Winston can never seem to fit in with the Society Girls, the strict rules that govern them, or their selfish indulgence during the Great Depression. Behind closed doors, her publicly perfect new fiance, Frank Alexander, is violent and dismissive, but without his financial security, Annaleise and her mother will be on the streets with not a penny to their name.
When Annaleise finally has enough, she runs away and accidentally becomes stranded in a Hooverville, a lawless homeless encampment in Central Park, where she must keep her identity a secret if she wants to stay alive. But a kind shoe shiner named Thomas Kelley may get in the way of everything she thought she ever wanted. As their love for each other grows, the Great Depression worsens, and Frank will pay any price to bring back his bride.

Where to Buy:

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hooverville-Kayla-Joy-ebook/dp/B08XS9XY4N/
US – https://www.amazon.com/Hooverville-Kayla-Joy-ebook/dp/B08XS9XY4N/

About the Author:

Kayla Joy is an author and artist living in the Pacific Northwest with her family and her many animals. At 20, she has already self published two books: Morbid Tales from Behind the Mirror (available on Amazon now) and Hooverville. You can follow her journey at kaylajoybooks.com.

Contact Kayla:

Website: kaylajoybooks.com

Instagram: @joyfulkayla

Facebook: Kayla Joy Author | Facebook

My Review:

***Contains a depiction of domestic violence***

Annaleise Winston is happily married, or so she thinks, to her husband Frank. When he turns abusive, she has to do something. She flees with her mother to a homeless camp in Central Park.

I was proud of her for taking that risk to find somewhere new. There, she meets Thomas. Will he be different?

The Great Depression is the historical period for this novel. I was really interested in it as soon as I got the blog tour invite because I love stories of women who fight against the odds.

The unusual title also made me curious to review the book.

Hooverville is a novel about how relationships can turn into what we don’t expect (either for better or worse) and it’s about fighting and survival against all odds.

I was rooting for Annaleise, and felt so glad she had her mother. Frank, Annaleise’s abusive husband, may have wealth, but she’s in danger with him. I was waiting for her to leave and the tension building up to that is good.

The atmosphere throughout the book is very well portrayed.

Hooverville is a novel about hope, taking risks and new beginnings too.

Sad and nerve-wracking in some parts and heartwarming in others, I really enjoyed Hooverville.

Thanks to Kayla Joy and Rachel’s Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for an honest and vountary review.

5 stars

Book Birthday: Disarming the Wildest Warrior by Helen Louise Cox @rararesources

About the Book:

1725, Williamsburg.
No more English tea parties with her father’s medical colleagues for Gilda Griffiths. She left those behind for the open Virginia plains and plans to leave the East Coast too before a violent figure from her past catches up with her. When Williamsburg bully, Emmett Lawson assaults an elderly Shawnee chief however Gilda feels compelled to use her medical background to nurse him, despite the vocal protests of his embittered yet devastatingly handsome son.
Blue Sky knows his destiny is written in blood. If his father dies it will fall to him to keep the Shawnee people alive and safe from the cruelty of the white settlers who slaughtered his mother. Nothing can distract him from his duty until Gilda hustles her way into his life. How can this woman penetrate the armour he spent so long constructing with a single glance? And why is he tortured by thoughts of making her his?
While Gilda and Blue Sky grapple with their forbidden attraction, the dark threat Gilda fears most moves ever closer across the Atlantic. Can Gilda and Blue Sky put their pasts behind them and ride together towards a future neither of them believed could be theirs?

10% of all profits from this book will be donated to the Native American Heritage Association on an annual basis.

Where to Buy:

US – https://www.amazon.com/Disarming-Wildest-Warrior-historical-romance-ebook/dp/B087ZR3WDM

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Disarming-Wildest-Warrior-historical-romance-ebook/dp/B087ZR3WDM

Universal Link – https://books2read.com/u/4DgdzP

About the Author:

Helen Cox is a Yorkshire-born novelist and poet. After completing her MA in creative writing at the University of York St. John Helen wrote for a range of publications, edited her own independent film magazine for five years and penned three non-fiction books. Her first two novels were published by HarperCollins in 2016. She currently lives by the sea in Sunderland where she writes poetry, romance novellas, and The Kitt Hartley series alongside hosting The Poetrygram podcast.
http://helencoxbooks.com

Contact Helen:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Helen-Cox-Author-1626798034237466/
Twitter- https://twitter.com/Helenography
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/helenography/
Readers wishing to sample my writing for free can also receive a free ebook copy of my steamy pirate novella Surrendering to the Gentleman Pirate by signing up to my mailing list here: https://www.subscribepage.com/helencoxbookclub

My Review:

Disarming the Wildest Warrior is a gripping, powerful steamy romance between Blue Sky and Gilda Griffiths who learned medicine from her father who was also a doctor.

I was curious about these characters and what would happen. The world-building is excellent and I was pulled right into the book and enjoyed every minute of it.

Thanks to Helen Louise Cox and Rachel’s Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

5 stars.

The Orange Grove by Rosanna Ley @QuercusBooks @RosannaLey #OrangeGrove @MillsReid11

Praise for The Orange Grove and Rasanna Ley

24th June 2021 | Quercus | Paperback Original | £7.99

‘The perfect holiday companion’
Heat

‘A gorgeous, mouth-watering dream of a holiday read’ Red

‘The ultimate feel-good read’
Candis

‘A wonderfully relaxing sun lounger read’
Sunday Express

‘Sun-soaked escapism’
Best

‘Unabashedly romantic’
Saga

‘4 of the best escapist delights’– Woman & Home

‘Evocative prose adds to the novels charm. You can almost smell the lemons on the tree in the hotel grounds’– My Weekly

‘This is the perfect read to get you into the warmer weather’– Magic Radio

‘Sun-soaked escapism’ – Best

‘Beautiful, evocative writing’ – The Sun

About the Book:

A mouth-watering holiday romance, perfect for longer nights. Set in sunny Seville, The Orange Grove is the wonderfully evocative new novel from the bestselling author of The Lemon Tree Hotel.
An unforgettable story of past love and family secrets, set in sunny Seville
Holly loves making marmalade. Now she has a chance to leave her stressful city job and pursue her dream – of returning to the Dorset landscape of her childhood to open Bitter Orange, a shop celebrating the fruit that first inspired her.

Holly’s mother Ella has always loved Seville. So why is she reluctant to go back there with Holly to source products for the shop? What is she frightened of – and does it have anything to do with the old Spanish recipe for Seville orange and almond cake that Ella keeps hidden from her family?

In Seville, where she was once forced to make the hardest decision of her life, Ella must finally face up to the past, while Holly meets someone who poses a threat to all her plans. Seville is a city full of sunshine and oranges. But it can also be bittersweet. Will love survive the secrets of the orange grove?

About the Author:

Rosanna Ley works as a creative tutor and has written many articles and stories for national magazines. Her writing holidays and retreats take place in stunning locations in Spain and Italy. When she is not travelling, Rosanna lives in West Dorset by the sea.

My Review:

After having loved Rosanna’s previous novels, Bay of Secrets, Return to Mandalay and The Villa, I was happy and in need of feel-good escapism when I found the Orange Grove on NetGalley.

Holly lives in Dorset and wants to set up a shop, Bitter Orange. The name is so appropriate since she loves making marmalade.

Many people know that Seville oranges are great for marmalade. Holly knows what that means…that a trip to get the “real thing” will be needed.

Her mother loves Seville, but events and secrets are keeping her from going back…

I adore fiction novels set in Spain, and this latest one by Rosanna Ley is no exception. The sunny setting and the oranges as well as the culture and way of life are so vivid.

I was immediately transported to Seville and found myself wanting to travel there.

This is wonderfully relaxing and has an amazing pace and attention to detail, just like the other ebook and audiobook novels of Rosanna’s I own. I definitely need to get more books by her.

Thanks to Rosanna Ley and Quercus Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars

Redemption on Rivers Ranch by Kathy Douglass @kathydouglass7

Redemption on Rivers Ranch by Kathy Douglass is available on May 25.

About the Book:

The return of his childhood friend

leads to the fresh start he never expected

Horse rancher Carson Rivers has his own emotional demons. There’s no place in his life for a divorced single mom pulling at his heartstrings. But when Gabriella Tucker and her adorable children move next door—the place of her favorite childhood memories—Carson’s tempted to help the heart-guarded beauty make more adult memories. Maybe Gabriella and her kids are the healing balm he’s been yearning for…

Add Redemption on Rivers Ranch to your Goodreads!

Where to Buy

Harlequin.com: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335404916_redemption-on-rivers-ranch.html
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Redemption-Rivers-Ranch-Sweet-Sweethearts-ebook/dp/B08NYTVFJV/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=redemption+on+rivers+ranch+kathy+douglass&qid=1621015317&sr=8-1
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/redemption-on-rivers-ranch-kathy-douglass/1138339719?ean=9781335404916&st=AFF&2sid=HarperCollins%20Publishers%20LLC_7651142_NA&sourceId=AFFHarperCollins%20Publishers%20LLC
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/se/book/redemption-on-rivers-ranch/id1541463364
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kathy_Douglass_Redemption_on_Rivers_Ranch?id=-awKEAAAQBAJ
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/redemption-on-rivers-ranch

About the Author:

Kathy Douglass came by her love of reading naturally – both of her parents were readers. She would finish one book and pick up another. Then she attended law school and traded romances for legal opinions.

After the birth of her two children, her love of reading turned into a love of writing. Kathy now spends her days writing the small town contemporary novels she enjoys reading.

Kathy loves to hear from her readers and can be found on Facebook.

Contact Kathy:

Website: https://kathydouglassbooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathydouglassauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kathydouglass7
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kathy-douglass
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4729473.Kathy_Douglass

My Review:

Gabriela is off to spend the summer at her aunt’s horse ranch. Carson taught horse riding and they both have difficult pasts to get over. Gabriela is back at the ranch after 15 years and a divorce.

She now has two kids, Sophia and Justin, who are very cute.

Carson’s relationship with Raven ended and he still has memories of the summers when Gabriela went to the ranch often.

Is the spark between Carson and Gabriela still there?

I have now reviewed three books by Kathy Douglass and I love them all. I would like to catch up on the rest of the series.

Kathy Douglass’ writing is atmospheric, romantic and detailed. She goes well into the depths of each character’s emotions and thoughts and has a great eye for detail.

Redemption of River’s Ranch is slow burn but brilliantly crafted and a gripping sweet romance.

Another excellent book by Kathy Douglass. Highly rated if you are after a quick yet powerful book. I have now reviewed books 7 (The Single Mom’s Second Chance) 8 (A Soldier under her Tree).

Thanks to Kathy Douglass for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

4 stars

Excerpt:

Discovering the truth about his father had been a shock, one Carson had only begun to get over. He couldn’t believe the father he’d idolized as a child, the father who’d held Carson in front of him on a horse as a toddler and who’d taught Carson everything he knew about ranching, had taken another man’s life. It was impossible to reconcile the two sides of his father. Losing Raven had been another staggering blow, knocking him off his center.
Before all of this came to light, Carson had been a successful horse trainer. He’d worked with previously abused animals as well as teaching horses to accept the saddle. He’d branched out and begun giving riding lessons to local kids. He’d enjoyed it as much as they had and business had begun to take off. But then a whisper campaign had started. Rather than wait for his students to back out, he’d closed the school. Besides, dealing with the fallout from his father’s actions and running the family’s cattle ranch had left him little time for anything else.
Luckily a forensic audit revealed that the business operations were 100 percent legal and aboveboard, so Carson had been able to keep running it with a clear conscience. Which was good, considering the ranch employed over two dozen people, many of whom supported families.
Lately he’d been toying with the idea of restarting his riding school, but something held him back. Would people really trust him to teach their kids? His reputation had been impeccable before, but being the son of a killer scuffed up the shine. At least to hear some people tell it.
Did he need the pain and aggravation? He had plenty to keep him busy.
He passed his neighbor’s house and automatically glanced at it. He’d promised Mrs. Johnson that he’d keep an eye on it when she moved to Willow Creek. She’d been considering putting it on the market but hadn’t made up her mind yet. She said she liked knowing the house was there in case she got tired of her new lifestyle. It wasn’t a problem for him. Mowing her lawn was easy enough and oddly soothing. She only had a handful of acres and he had a riding mower, so it didn’t take much time.
He slowed. Lights were blazing in the house. No one was supposed to be there.
Carson considered calling the sheriff but decided against it. Only the world’s worst criminal would turn on every light in the house and hope nobody noticed. He’d assess the situation and go from there.
Pulling into the driveway, he noticed an SUV with out-of-state license plates. He peered inside. Empty. Mrs. Johnson had given him a key to the house, so he headed up onto the porch, opened the door and stepped inside.
Apparently whoever was inside had made themselves at home. They’d uncovered the furniture and dropped suitcases and backpacks by the stairs leading to the upstairs bedrooms. Loud music was blaring from the back of the house. Someone was singing a popular song at the top of her lungs. The fact that she was nowhere in the vicinity of the right key didn’t stop her from singing with gusto. Her attempt to hit a high note pierced his ears and propelled him forward if only to save his hearing.

A child laughed.
What in the world was going on here?
Mrs. Johnson would have told him if she’d sold or rented the house. She hadn’t mentioned it when they’d spoken a couple of weeks ago. And the gossips of Sweet Briar would have said something. He might not hang out in town any longer, but his employees did. One of them would have told him if they’d heard anything about his closest neighbor.
The woman laughed and the sound struck a chord inside Carson. Something about the sound stirred a distant memory inside him, awakening a long-forgotten feeling. He silenced the echo, focusing on the matter at hand.
The intruders were so wrapped up in each other that they hadn’t noticed him yet. He twisted the knob on Mrs. Johnson’s ancient radio, silencing the music, and then cleared his throat.

Blue Hawaiian (Blackwood Cellars #1) by Carla Luna @casacullen@rararesources

About the Book:

The first rule of serving as the maid of honor at your perfect sister’s destination wedding?
No mistakes. The second rule? No drama.
For Jess Chavez, a week in Maui is hardly a dream vacation—not when her sister expects her to be the perfect maid of honor. Not only does Jess have to fake perfection, but she can’t let anyone know she’s unemployed and barely scraping by. Above all, she needs to steer clear of Connor Blackwood, the sexy groomsman who broke her heart five years ago.
A family wedding offers Connor the ideal opportunity to convince everyone he’s no longer an irresponsible playboy. If they see he’s changed, they might support his decision to leave the family winery and strike out on his own. With so much at stake, the last thing he needs is an alluring distraction like Jess.

When Jess and Connor end up together, exploring the island’s lush, tropical beauty, the sparks between them become impossible to ignore. Throwing caution to the wind, they decide to make their own rules.

Five days of passion. No strings. No tears. No promises.

What could possibly go wrong?

Where to Buy:

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blue-Hawaiian-Blackwood-Cellars-Book-ebook/dp/B092KH7LB2/
US – https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Hawaiian-Blackwood-Cellars-Book-ebook/dp/B092KH7LB2/

About the Author:

Carla Luna writes contemporary romance with a dollop of humor and a pinch of spice. A former archaeologist, she still dreams of traveling to far-off places and channels that wanderlust into the settings of her stories. When she’s not writing, she works in a spice emporium where she gets paid to discuss food and share her favorite recipes. Her passions include Broadway musicals, baking, whimsical office supplies, and pop culture podcasts. Though she has roots in Los Angeles and Victoria, B.C., she currently resides in Wisconsin with her family and her spoiled Siberian cat.

Contact Carla:

Website: http://www.carlalunabooks.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/casacullen
FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/CarlaLunaAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlalunacullen/

My Review:

Jessica Chavez, aka Jess, is invited to her sister0s destination wedding in Maui. She does not think she’ll see Connor Blackwood, her love from the past, but when she does, things get interesting.

I liked Jess and Connor a lot. I didn’t like Jess’s sister much, but the conflicts added a richness to an already gorgeous novel.

The setting was a paradise location that is so richly described I could really imagine the palm trees, sun and cocktails. Maui is a place I have never been to, but I have been to Barbados, and this novel had me thinking back fondly to my time there.

I am glad this is a first in series and I am eager to review the rest of the series as it becomes available.

Pack your bags, jet off to Maui (virtually) and escape current world events with this novel that i did not want to end.

Carla Luna has a gripping writing style that perfectly captures the atmosphere and well-fleshed out characters. Add this to your summer to-read list now. I also think it will be a great feel-good pick-me-up any time of year if a summery novel is what you need.

Thanks to Carla Luna, Moon Manor Press and Rachel’s Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

4 stars

The Love Island Bookshop by Kate Frost @katefrostauthor @rararesources

About the Book:

A dream job, two handsome men, one destructive act. Will Freya’s opportunity of a lifetime end in tears?
When Freya leaves her publishing job in London to be a barefoot bookseller in the Maldives, it’s the push she needs to move on from her sadness and reignite her passion for life.
While resort owner Zander is charming, it’s handsome dive instructor Aaron who befriends her when she needs it most. But all is not what it seems and there’s trouble brewing in paradise.
Taking a chance on happiness is harder than she imagined. Can Freya let go of her heartache and allow herself to fall in love again?

Where to Buy:

http://getbook.at/theloveislandbookshop

About the Author:

Kate Frost is the author of best-selling romantic escape novels (The Baobab Beach Retreat, A Starlit Summer, The Greek Heart and The Amsterdam Affair), character-driven women’s fiction (The Butterfly Storm series and Beneath the Apple Blossom), and Time Shifters, a time travel adventure trilogy for children. She has a MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University, where she also taught lifewriting to creative writing undergraduates.
Kate lives in Bristol with her husband, young son, and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Frodo. As well as writing novels, she’s also the Director of Storytale Festival, a new city-wide children’s book festival that she co-founded in Bristol in 2019 with the ethos of making books accessible to all and encouraging children and teens to read, write and be creative. Kate feels incredibly lucky to spend her days writing and being immersed in books.

Contact Kate:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katefrostauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katefrostauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katefrostauthor
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhcSLhVZrTwDq9OteyFmHA
Website: http://kate-frost.co.uk/

My Review:

I have purposefully been searching for feel-good escapist novels and I was immediately drawn to the title of The Love Island Bookshop. All the words elicit things that make me feel good: love, travel and a bookshop.

Freya works in London and is feeling overwhelmed by work and life.

The Maldives is a dream location for many people, and one that I would love to go to.

Freya arrives in the island paradise determined to start afresh in life and love.

Books are a comfort and passion of hers. Selling them in Paradise may provide an income for her, but what about matters of the heart?

She meets two hunks: Zander, the resort owner and Aaron, a dive instructor. Who will be the perfect match? Will any of them be?

I was cheering Freya on in her exploits and loved the banter and suspense over who she may end up with. The island was stunning and the visuals were so strong that I could imagine myself there. The plot is incredibly immersive.

The Love Island Bookshop is a heady mix of sun, sea books and love and had me hooked from the first page to the last.

Thanks to Kate Frost and Rachel’s Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

The Love Island Bookshop is my first novel by Kate Frost, and it certainly will not be my last! I am keen to catch up with the rest of the A Romantic Escape series as this is the fifth book and I know I am coming into the series late.

That said, this novel is completely absorbing.

5 sparkling summer stars