Wednesday 28 September 2016

Rae reads... The Singalong Society for Singletons by Katey Lovell

About the book:

Monique and Issy are teachers, housemates and lovers of musicals! Their Friday night routine consists of snacks, wine and the Frozen DVD. So when Monique’s boyfriend moves to America for a year and her sister Hope moves in because of her own relationship woes, Friday nights get a new name… ‘The Singalong Society for Singletons’!

It’s a chance to get together, sing along to their favourite tracks from the best-loved West End shows, and forget the worries of work, relationships and love (or lack of it). But when Issy shares the details of their little group further afield, they get some unexpected new members who might just change their opinions on singledom for good….


Buy here

My thoughts:

First of all if you love musicals then this book is definitely for you! There were a few mentioned that I haven't seen yet. So it was interesting to learn about them from the characters point of view.

The characters were all well written and I got attached to each and every one of them. I loved the friendships that they all shared. Liam has to be my favourite, as the story progresses we get to know his character really well. First impressions aren't always true.

Before I knew it I was halfway through, my attention was well and truly captured. This story deals with some deeper issues but is also packed full of fun to balance things out. There is also a lovely heart warming feel to it. I especially enjoyed the Rocky Horror reference. I saw it at the Lyceum with my husband a few years ago and it really is worth going to see!

Overall:

The Singalong Society for Singletons has a wonderful selection of characters and a very entertaining story!

Five stars from me!

Thank you to Katey Lovell for kindly sending me a copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.

Book Blitz - The Goddess Chronicles by S.E. Babin


I am very happy to be a part of The Goddess Chronicles Book Blitz arranged by KEPR Tours.
So let's take a look at the books...

Two free books from S.E. Babin? That’s right! She’s giving away the first two books in The Goddess Chronicles! Just swing over to http://sebabin.com/goddess/ and sign up! A link to download Out of Practice Aphrodite will appear in your inbox after you confirm your subscription to S.E.’s e-newsletter. (Make sure you check your spam folder!) Then a day later, you’ll get the email with the link for Out of Sorts Aphrodite! Happy reading!!


Book Details
Title: Out of Practice Aphrodite & Out of Sorts Aphrodite
Author: S.E. Babin
Series:The Goddess Chronicles
GenreParanormal Mystery
PublisherS.E. Babin


Summary
Out of Practice Aphrodite
Abby’s major screw-up brings the wrath of Zeus upon her head. He offers her a choice—work for him or spend the rest of her days hanging out in Hades with her ex-husband. For Abby, this choice is a no-brainer, especially when Zeus says the only thing he wants her to do is make a love match. She’s the Goddess of Love. What could go wrong?
Everything.
Abby stumbles into an ex-lover, a dead demi-god and the realization that a crucial relic has been stolen right out from underneath Zeus’ nose. Eris, the Goddess of Chaos and Discord, is behind the theft and murder and the faltering powers Abby is trying to keep secret. With Zeus breathing down her neck, she’ll need to keep her wits about her as she races against the clock and Zeus’ imposed two-week time period.
Of course, this is easier said than done. Not only is she struggling with a budding attraction to a sexy lawman and feelings for long-time friend, Hermes, she’s also trying to keep everyone out of the path of a vengeful goddess while saving the Earth and Olympus from the reign of a tyrant. What’s a goddess to do when the fate of the world rests upon her fashionable shoulders?


Out of Sorts Aphrodite
After the debacle with Eris, Abby has settled into her new life. She’s living in tentative peace with Artie and Keto and beginning to deal with the new powers thrust upon her after her last battle. Everything appears to be fine until Ares shows up unexpectedly one morning and appeals to Abby for help.
Someone has stolen the Sword of God, a priceless relic allowing the wielder to control the world. But that’s not all. A monstrous, ancient being has awakened sending Olympus into panic mode and Abby scrambling to figure out who’s behind it all. Once again she gets caught up in politics and danger, but this time, the stakes are higher. Her friends are keeping deadly secrets and the most obvious villain may not be so evil after all. Will Abby figure the puzzle out in time, or will this be the time the power hungry Olympian gods win?
Book Links



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Author Details
Meet the Author
S.E. Babin is an award-winning author with a passion for writing books with a paranormal twist. Whether it’s romance or mystery, she loves taking the norm and turning it into the extraordinary. Her love of reading turned into a curious exploration to see whether or not she could write her own novel. Beginning with random, terrible poetry and a slightly popular reimagining of Beowulf’s Grendel in her high school English class, Sherylspent way too much time in the library, killing any chance of her becoming a cheerleader or anything even remotely cool.
Find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SEBabin or over on Twitter @hungrybiblio. She loves to hear from readers!
Connect with the Author

 Website
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
Amazon

Tuesday 27 September 2016

Release Blitz - Giveaway, Excerpt & Review - A Kiss at Christmastide by Christina McKnight


About the book:

Title: A Kiss at Christmastide
Author: Christina McKnight
Genre: Regency Historical Romance, Christmas
Release Date: September 27, 2016
Length: 35k words
Format: Digital/Paperback

Lady Pippa Godfrey has suffered the most ruinous London Season. She escapes to her Somerset estate for a quiet Christmastide holiday with her family, away from society’s prying eyes. But before her parents can join her, a storm crashes down on Somerset to destroy any hope of Pippa’s white Christmas dream. The roads have flooded and travel is impossible, leaving her stranded and alone. But a muddied, angry and devilishly handsome lord appears at her door demanding shelter.

Lucas Hartfeld, the Earl of Maddox, has been summoned by his parents, the Marquis and Marchioness of Bowmont, to attend a holiday party in the wilds of the country, far from his London townhouse. He suspects they command his attendance for far different reasons than a simple country party. When a storm strands his carriage, he’s forced to seek shelter at the only home for miles around, a local manor called Helton House.

When Lady Pippa is reluctant to admit him, he does what he’s been raised to do—demand she provide him and his servants with shelter until the storm passes. But the beautiful woman draws his interest far more than he’s willing to admit. Can Lucas find a way out of the predicament his parents are planning?

As Lady Pippa scrutinizes another arrogant, demanding lord, she is bombarded with memories of betrayals in her past. Can she forget those difficult life lessons to claim a Christmastide kiss from a perfect stranger?

Available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

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Excerpt One:

A moment of confusion clouded her mind as the laughter dimmed and a light breeze assaulted her face—as if someone had opened a window to a gusty wind.

At her side, Pippa’s mother fanned her face. Her wrist whipped to and fro, increasing as the room went silent.

Everything froze around her but her mother’s thrashing fan.

The Duchess of Midcrest, her dear mother, who’d labored for over twenty years to rise above her merchant class upbringing, would once again be embroiled in a scandal—all because of Pippa.

“Do you wish to depart?” her mother whispered.

“I did not…” Pippa stammered. “I would never…”

“I did not believe you had, my child.” Her mother sought to soften the blow—something that society had done to the current Duchess of Midcrest a hundred times over. “However, that does not change the appearance of things, no matter what we say or do in this moment.”

Pippa lifted her chin to keep her tears from streaming down her face.

“I do not understand why,” Pippa said as she leaned in close to her mother to whisper. “Lady Natalie and I are such friends.”

“Friendship and jealously often hold hands so tightly that one cannot distinguish between the pair.”

Excerpt Two:

Pippa pushed her hair away to continue with instructing the servant to the nearest inn. “Your lord will be far more comfortable…”

The wind whipped the last of her hair from her face to reveal not the servant from before, but a tall, very tall, broad-shouldered, very broad-shouldered, man—that was all Pippa saw of him as her glance locked on his chest. He was drenched, with his shirt plastered to his enormous width. It hadn’t been the wind that had knocked the door from her hands and allowed the storm access to her home, but the man before her.

And he was fuming mad—his nostrils flared as water dripped from his hair and he stared at her pointedly—not bothering to mask his aggressive stance.

“Were you truly going to turn away a man in need of shelter?” his voice boomed.

Pippa gasped, taking yet another step back. She glanced quickly over her shoulder, hoping the noise had awoken one of her servants, abed on the third floor of the house. But none came running to aid her.

“I knew I was venturing to the depths of hell when I agreed to come all this way from London, but are manners not taught in the wilds of Somerset?” The man ran his hands down the front of his shirt, pushing the water from his body to pool on the floor beneath him. “My servants will need space in your stables. I thank you for…” he eyed her up and down before continuing. “…your hospitality, my lady.”

He bowed before Pippa with his last words and his breath caressed her body, making her acutely aware of two things; he smelled heavily of spirits and she was attired in a sheer nightshift that did not leave much to the imagination.

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My Review:



I have been looking forward to reading a Christmas story ever since I started seeing them arrive on Netgalley. A Kiss at Christmastide was actually the first Christmas story on my list so what did I think...


The prologue showed exactly how strong a character Pippa is as she finds herself in a difficult situation. I felt sorry for Pippa and how things had gone so wrong for her in her first season. It was even worse because her so called friend was to blame. Then as the story progresses she became even more likeable and I couldn't wait to see if she would get her happy ending.

Lucas was infuriating and an annoyance for Pippa to start with and I enjoyed the interactions between them both. Even though they have a bad start they have a pretty instant connection that grows as they spend more time together. 

This story is a sweet romantic story set just before Christmas and the storyline and characters really put me in a cheerful festive mood. Even though this book is a novella the story wasn't rushed which can sometimes happen with shorter stories. The story moved at a good pace and managed to keep my interest. 

Overall:

I enjoyed this festive story and I would love to read all about Natalie and to find out more about what happened between her and Pippa.


A Kiss at Christmastide is a lovely, sweet and enjoyable romance!

Four stars from me!

Thank you to La Loma Elite Publishing, Barclay Publicity & Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion. 

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Giveaway!


Travel to Somerset, England for your Holiday Season!

Out Sept 27th – Regency Romance, A Kiss At Christmastide by Christina McKnight

Follow the blitz and enter to #win one of 5 signed copies of Christmas Ever More by Christina McKnight

Enter here


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Author Bio: 
Christina McKnight is a book lover turned writer. From a young age, her mother encouraged her to tell her own stories. She’s been writing ever since.

Christina enjoys a quiet life in Northern California with her family, her wine, and lots of coffee. Oh, and her books…don’t forget her books! Most days she can be found writing, reading, or traveling the great state of California.


You can visit her online at the following places: Website Facebook | Twitter Goodreads | Amazon

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Follow the tour and enter to #win one of 5 signed paperbacks of Christmas Ever More by Christina McKnight

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Promo Blitz - The Last Dance by Kierney Scott



About the book:


Blurb: American born Prima Ballerina Georgina Fairly made a mistake that could destroy her. Saving her career means selling her soul to the Russian government. Now a spy who uses her body to lure men and secure their secrets, Georgina is tasked with seducing Roman Zakharov, the most dangerous Oligarch in Russia.

Roman Zakharov a man with a past as ugly as his disfigured face. An assassination attempt left him horribly burned, but the scars go deeper than the frightening exterior. Jaded and cruel, Roman lets Georgina into his world but only to punish her and teach the pretty dancer that no one crosses Roman Zakharov. He will show her what it means to be used. And he will teach her to beg.


Universal Buy Link: 

https://t.co/iMV8ajGQ12




About the author: 

American born Kierney Scott, lives in Edinburgh, Scotland with her kilt wearing husband and their daughter. When she is not writing, she is reading or drinking tea or spending far too much time on social media. She is fluent in Spanish, and by that she means she knows all the words to La Bamba. She loves hearing from readers. You can contact her on Facebook or Twitter.

Links:

Monday 26 September 2016

Rae reads... Christmas at the Cornish Cafe (The Penwith Trilogy - 2) by Phillipa Ashley

About the book:

The festive, feel-good follow-up to Summer at the Cornish Cafe.

Christmas will be slightly less turbulent than summer, won’t it? Demi certainly hopes so.
She and Cal are keeping their fledgling relationship under wraps for now. But then Kit Bannen, a hunky, blond – and somewhat mysterious – writer arrives at Kilhallon Resort, and not everyone is charmed. Cal is sure that Kit is hiding something. But is he the only one guarding a secret?

Demi is busy baking festive treats for the newly opened Demelza’s cafe, but when Cal’s ex Isla arrives to shoot scenes for her new drama, Demi can’t help but worry that things aren’t quite over between them. Kit flirts with both women, fuelling Cal’s suspicions that Kit has hidden motives for staying on at Kilhallon. Then Cal has to go to London, leaving Demi and Kit to decorate the cafe for Christmas . . . all by themselves.

A storm is brewing in more ways than one. As surprises unfold and truths are uncovered, can Demi and Cal finally open up to each other about their feelings?

Buy here

My thoughts:

Since reading Summer at the Cornish Cafe I was eager to read the next in the series. So I was very happy to receive a proof copy through the post.

So what did I think...

I love that the characters are complex and interesting. Demi is a likeable and resilient character and Cal is perfect as the brooding love interest. I liked the fact that this book explores the past trauma that Cal experienced. It really gives both his character and the story extra depth. Every character adds a little something to this story and I especially liked the addition of Kit it made things all the more interesting.

I was looking forward to returning to Kilhallon and to revisit the people who live there. Kilhallon is described beautifully, Phillipa Ashley has brought to life a gorgeous place and well written characters. The down to earth writing style will appeal to most people and it really is an easy going and heart warming story.

The descriptions of food at the cafe had me pretty much permanently hungry. I especially liked the sound of the mince pie cookies. Which goes to prove how delicious they sound as I'm not the biggest fan of mince pies. I wish I could visit Demelza's for real!


Overall:


This story has a beautiful setting and some pretty great characters. My attention was caught from the first couple of chapters and it was like meeting up with old friends. I couldn't stop reading but at the same time I didn't want the book to end!

Christmas at the Cornish Cafe is a truly delightful festive treat!

Five stars from me!

Thank you to Avon for my copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.

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Sunday 25 September 2016

Rae reads... Plum Pudding Bride by Anne Garboczi Evans

About the book:
Patience Callahan is twenty-five and fast becoming an old maid. But she s spent most of her life dreaming over romantic European literature and wants a dashing d Artagnan, not a bookish Bob Cratchit. 

Alas, the Colorado town of Gilman is chock-full of Cratchit s without a d Artagnan in sight. Peter Foote, the general store owner, has been in love with Patience for seven years. But every time he s on the verge of proposing, she cuts him off; he can only imagine on purpose. This time though, dadburn it, he s going to go through with it. Ring in hand, he s moments from touching knee to floor, when Patience pulls out a list of mail-order bride advertisements and declares her intention to marry a backwoods stranger, on Christmas Day. 

Peter has two weeks to change her mind.

Buy from 

My thoughts:

I'm really enjoying reading the Christmas stories that are available at the moment. I thought this festive novella looked perfect for the Christmas season.

So what did I think...

I thought the premise was fun and I liked that the book was mainly from Peter's perspective. I instantly liked Peter but it took me a little bit longer to take to Patience. She was strong willed but a bit misguided. Her sister Kitty was a good addition to the story she was a fun and likeable character. However by the end I was hoping for a happy ending for Peter and Patience. 

This book was sweet with a little bit of danger thrown in. The length was just right and even though it's a novella the story didn't feel rushed. 

Overall:

If you are looking for an easy, light hearted and romantic story then Plum Pudding Bride is perfect!

Four stars from me!

Thank you to Anne Garboczi Evans who kindly sent me a copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.