Up Close and Personal by Kathryn Freeman

Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this exciting and romantic new release from Kathryn Freeman. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour, and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

British actor Zac Edwards is the latest heartthrob to hit the red carpets. Hot, talented and rich, he sends women wild…all except one.

Close protection officer Kat Parker hasn’t got time to play celebrity games.  She has one job: to protect Zac from the stalker that seems to be dogging his every move.

Zac might get her hot under her very starched collar, but Kat’s a professional – and sleeping with Zac is no way part of her remit…

My Review

Zac Edward is a British actor that has made it big in movies. He is a very talented man who also happens to be incredibly handsome too, which makes all of his fans swoon. 

Unfortunately for Zac being famous does come with some issues too. Like the fact he has a stalker watching his every move. The production company that he is currently working with are incredibly concerned about his safety and have decided to supply him with his own Close Protection officer to try and keep him safe.

Kat Parker has a history of working I the army which has set her up well for the job she now does as a Close Protection Officer. Kat takes her job very seriously and will do whatever it takes to keep people safe. 

Zak is shocked when he finds out that his security will be a woman and voices his concerns, however Kat is confident in her abilities and tells him so. 

The two of them are soon getting to know each other as they begin to spend more and more time together. There is no denying that Kat is attracted to Zak, and there is definitely an attraction from Zak too however being the professional she is, she will never step over that line, or will she?

This is an absolutely brilliant read and one I could not put down. 

The writing style flows well and the twists and turns in the book will really make you keep reading. 

The character of Kat has had a difficult past and that is stopping her from moving forward with her life, but this does give you more of an understanding of why acts the way she does. You also see why she is so protective of her family too. She does slowly start to tell Zak more about her life and that does help her come out of her shell. 

Zak has not always had the lifestyle he currently has but he keeps his past so well hidden from everyone. As he gets to know Kat he does start to lower his guard and you do see a different side to his life and it is one that will really surprise you. 

The chemistry between both Zak and Kat literally sparks from the pages, and the will they won't they will keep you in suspense right up to the end. 

This is such a fantastic book and one I savoured from beginning to end. 

Published by One More Chapter 12th June 2020

Purchase Links

Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Close-Personal-feel-good-will-they-wont-they-Collection-ebook/dp/B083W3RMW4

Amazon US - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083W3RMW4

About the Author

A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero. 

I’ve two sons and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), so any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.

Social Media

Website - http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kathrynfreeman

Twitter - https://twitter.com/KathrynFreeman1

Thank you for taking the time to visit my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

Cover Reveal - Summer at my Sisters by Emily Harvale

Today I am excited to take part in the cover reveal for the new release from Emily Harvale. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to take part. 

Book Description

Twin sisters. One scorching summer. A bucketful of secrets.

Diana’s life is perfect. Her twin sister, Josie’s – not so much. They aren’t identical twins. Perhaps the only things they have in common are agreeing their mother can be a nightmare – and their birthdays. This summer they’ll be thirty-five.
 
Diana has the perfect husband, two talented youngsters, and an adorable dog. She runs a successful business from home, a popular book club, and hosts sparkling parties for her wealthy husband. She always looks as if she’s stepped from the cover of a magazine. Her immaculate second home by the sea, for idyllic summers with her perfect family, was actually featured in one.
 
Josie has a messy, compact flat, dates, but not relationships, and she can’t even keep a houseplant alive. She moves from job to job, goes clubbing with her friends, and always looks as if she’s fallen through a hedge. She loves Diana, deeply, but each year she declines the invitation to spend the summer with her sister. Or any other family holiday. Because Josie has a secret.
 
But is Diana’s life so perfect? Or is she hiding something too? When secrets are revealed this summer, everything will change. Josie could finally have the life she’s always wanted … if she’s brave enough to take a chance. And it all begins with a phone call from their mother.

Preorder link

mybook.to/SummeratmySisters

And now here is the beautiful cover for this up coming new summer read .......

What a beautiful cover. It is so bright and colourful and fills you with sunshine. 

I cannot wait get started on this summer adventure. 

Published 31st July 2020

About the Author

Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.
Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers' group in which many have become good friends. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at www.emilyharvale.com.
Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies - and will do anything to avoid both. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.

Social Media

https://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalewriter

https://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale

https://www.instagram.com/emilyharvale

Thank you for taking the time to visit my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed your first look at this beautiful new cover from Emily Harvale. 

The Summer of Taking Chances by Lynne Shelby

Today I am excited to take part in the Blog Tour, and share with you my review of this heart warming and uplifting read from Lynne Shelby. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour. and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

Would you take the second chance you’ve always dreamed of?

It’s been ten years since Emma Stevens last laid eyes on Jake Murray. When he left the small seaside village of South Quay to chase the limelight, Emma’s dreams left with him.

Now Emma is content living a quiet and uneventful life in South Quay. It’s far from the life she imagined, but at least her job at the local hotel has helped heal her broken heart.

But when Jake returns home for the summer to escape the spotlight, Emma’s feelings quickly come flooding back. There’s clearly a connection between them, but Jake has damaged her heart once already – will she ever be able to give him a second chance?

My Review

This is a wonderful summer read that I enjoyed from beginning to end, and did not want to put down. 

Emma is happy with her life in the quiet, seaside village of South Quay. She works as as an assistant event planner and enjoys taking part in the village players productions throughout the year too. 

Ten years ago Emma had bigger dreams of heading to drama school. These dreams all got shattered the day Jake Murray left the village, leaving her broken hearted. 

Now Jake has returned to South Quay for the summer. He is taking the summer off to get away from the spotlight for a while. Emma's feelings for Jake begin to resurface. It becomes clear that the two of them do have a connection but Emma is determined to keep it as just friends between them as she cannot risk getting her heart broken again. 

With the summer heating up in South Quay, and Emma spending more time with Jake their connection only gets stronger. Could Emma give Jake a second chance, or will the risk of heartache  be too much for Emma to take? 

I think it is going to be an interesting summer. 

This is such a wonderful read that is perfect for the summer. 

The setting of South Quay sounds like the perfect spot to relax in over the summer and a great setting for romance. 

The writing style of this is light and the story flows well keeping you absorbed as you go through the pages. 

The character of Emma was interesting to read. She obviously had her heart broken when Jake left which is why she never felt the need to move away from the security of South Quay. She has a wonderful best friend she lives with who has helped and supported her too. It is lovely to see her blossom and more confident as the book progresses. 

Jake is a superstar actor who left the amateur dramatics far behind him. As he spends more time away from the spotlight he does begin to see why his roots are what made him become such a hit. 

I really enjoyed reading the chemistry between Emma and Jake throughout the book. It really sparks from the page and will keep you guessing right up until the end. 

There is also a cast of quirky characters who all bring something to the story. They are all mainly in the cast of the players upcoming play and they all have their own ideas on life in South Quay too.

This is a brilliant summer read and one you will not be disappointed you purchased. 

Published by Headline Accent 4th June 2020

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Summer-Taking-Chances-Lynne-Shelby-ebook/dp/B0849NF6KD/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Taking-Chances-Lynne-Shelby-ebook/dp/B0849NF6KD/

About the Author

Lynne Shelby writes contemporary women’s fiction/romance. Her debut novel, French Kissing, was published when it won a national writing competition. She has worked at a variety of jobs from stable girl to child actors’ chaperone to legal administrator, but now writes full time. When not writing or reading, Lynne can usually be found at the theatre watching a musical, or exploring a foreign city – Paris, New York, Rome, Copenhagen, Seattle, Athens – writer's notebook, camera and sketchbook in hand. She lives in London with her husband, and has three adult children who live nearby.

Social Media

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LynneShelbyWriter

Twitter: @LynneB1

Instagram: lynneshelbywriter

Website: www.lynneshelby.com 

Thank you for taking the time to visit my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

Coming Home to Heritage Cove by Helen J Rolfe

Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for this heartwarming and uplifting new release from Helen J Rolfe. Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to join the tour, and for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

Welcome to Heritage Cove, the little village by the sea brimming with character, community and friendship, and the perfect place to fall in love this summer…

Melissa rushes back to Heritage Cove when Barney, the man who’s been like a father figure to her since she was a little girl, ends up in hospital. After an absence of five years, her return isn’t going to be easy, especially when she bumps into Harvey, the love of her life and the man she’s never been able to forget. 

For reasons he couldn't explain at the time, Harvey changed his mind about going with Melissa to start afresh as they'd planned, and life moved on for the both of them. But with Melissa back in the village and determined to stick around to help Barney, they can't avoid each other forever. Melissa knows she let so many people down by staying away for so long, but she and Harvey blame each other for what happened and neither of them is willing to admit to being in the wrong.

When Barney insists on cancelling the Wedding Dress Ball, the charity fundraiser he holds every year in the stunning barn on his property, Melissa and Harvey realise they’re going to have to pull together. Otherwise the man they once knew might be gone forever. And when they unearth a secret Barney has never shared with anyone, they go in search of answers to not only ensure the ball runs this summer, but to bring back the Barney they know and love. 

Back in the cove after all this time, Melissa gets to see the life she left behind and it’s time to deal with what it was that drove her away in the first place.

Beneath the summer sunshine in Heritage Cove, the sea sparkles, the heat rises and new love, reconciliations and the answers to an old love story could bring changes for everyone.

My Review

This is such a heart warming and uplifting read that I could not put down. 
After receiving an email with news that Barney, the man who became almost a father to Melissa  is in hospital, Melissa finds herself making trip that she hasn't done for over five years to Heritage Cove. 
Heritage Cove was her home for many years and going back is going to be hard for Melissa. The Cove holds so many memories for her, mostly linked to the loss of her parents, and she is also unsure of how everyone will react to her return. Especially Harvey as the two of the had a relationship and things did not end the way that either of them wanted.
With Barney needing some support home Melissa decides to stay longer in Heritage Cove to try and help him. This means her spending more time with Harvey too. He is finding it hard that Melissa has returned as it is raking up the past for him and feelings he had tried so hard to bury are returning to the surface. 
When Barney decides that the charity fundraiser her runs every year, The wedding dress Ball, will not be happening this year. The residents of the town of the town are shocked and saddened to hear of the news. That is until Melissa comes up with a plan to help bring the ball back, especially as she thinks it will help Barney get back to feeling more himself, But she is going to need help some help. With Harvey on board it looks like they will pull it off.
Will Melissa and Harvey be able to become friends after all that has happened between them both and plan the ball or will the past be too much for them both to deal with. 
This is going to a be a challenge for them both. 
This is such a wonderful book and I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. The writing style flows well and keeps you absorbed fro page to page. 
Heritage Cove sounds like a beautiful place to live. I do understand why Mellisa left though as her memories other are full of sadness for the loss of her parents. It is clear however as you read on that you realise how many people in the town did help and support her, especially Barney. This is why Melissa is also unsure of how everyone will treat her.
Harvey was interesting to get to know. He obviously still feels an attraction to Melissa and she is the one girl he never forgot.
The residents of Heritage Cove all have a part to play in this book and they all add something different to the story. 
This is a five star read from Helen J Rolfe. 

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B086YYZF27

US - https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Home-Heritage-Cove-delightfully-ebook/dp/B086YYZF27

About the Author

Helen J Rolfe writes romantic fiction and contemporary women's fiction and enjoys weaving stories about family, friendship, secrets, and community. 

Location is a big part of the adventure in Helen's books and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries where she thinks her readers might like to escape to. 

Helen J Rolfe also writes for Orion Books under the name Helen Rolfe. 

Born and raised in the UK, Helen graduated from University with a business degree and began working in I.T. This job took her over to Australia and it was there that she finally turned to what she loved and studied writing and journalism. She spent a while freelancing for women's health and fitness magazines, volunteered with the PR department of a children's hospital where she wrote articles and media releases, and eventually began writing fiction in 2011. And now, she thinks she may just have found her dream job. 

Helen currently lives in Hertfordshire, UK, with her husband and their children. 

Social Media

website - 
www.helenjrolfe.com

Facebook - www.facebook.com/helenjrolfewriter

Twitter - www.twitter.com/hjrolfe

Instagram - 
www.instagram.com/helen_j_rolfe/

Thank you for taking the time to visit my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

The Summer Island Swap by Samantha Tonge

Today I am pleased to share with you my review, and take part in the Blog Tour for this sunshine filled new release from Samantha Tonge. Thank you to Aria Fiction for inviting me to join the tour, and for copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

Sometimes the best holidays are the ones you least expect...

After a long and turbulent year, Sarah is dreaming of the five-star getaway her sister has booked them on. White sands, cocktails, massages, the Caribbean is calling to them. But the sisters turn up to tatty beaches, basic wooden shacks, a compost toilet and outdoor cold water showers. It turns out that at the last minute Amy decided a conservation project would be much more fun than a luxury resort. So now Sarah's battling mosquitos, trying to stomach fish soup and praying for a swift escape. Life on a desert island though isn't all doom and gloom. They're at one with nature, learning about each other and making new friends. And Sarah is distracted by the dishy, yet incredibly moody, island leader she's sure is hiding a secret.

Perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Mandy Baggot and Heidi Swain.

My Review

This is a brilliant and sunshine filled read that I loved from beginning to end. 

Sarah is excited to find out that her beloved sister Amy has booked them both a luxurious break away in the Virgin Islands. Sarah has been working long hours and is really looking forward to some five star luxury. She is already planning her wardrobe for her holiday and is dreaming of all the features that a luxury resort will have. 

Amy is keeping all of the details of the holiday a secret from Sarah so this is making Sarah even more excited. What Sarah does not know is that the original plan has changed and the resort they are heading to is nothing like the resort that Sarah has been imaging. Amy has decided to head to a conservation project instead of a luxurious resort instead. She thinks it will be more fun, and she is sure that Sarah will love it. 

Once they finally arrive on the island Sarah is sure that Amy is just joking with her and that they will shortly be heading to luxury. It soon dawns on Sarah though that Amy isn't joking and the five star resort with all of the opulent facilities will not be happening and that they will be staying in a wooden shack and working on the conservation for a month. 

Sarah is horrified at the situation but is determined not to let Amy see this so she does her best to get involved. Sarah is not happy with being bitten by the insects, getting blisters and ruining her perfectly planned holiday wardrobe but she is a hard worker and not a quitter so is doing her best to get involved. 

What also helps with this is the handsome but serious manager of the project Rick. She finds herself drawn to him. Maybe this holiday is the one she needed after all. 

Samantha Tonge has done it again. This is such a wonderful read, and one I could not put down.

The writing style of this book is delightful and the setting of the island sounds simply beautiful.

I enjoyed getting to know Sarah. She is a tough character who adores her sister Amy , and has always done her best to try and protect her. This has made Sarah work hard to provide for them both. The more you read of the book the more you understand the reasons why Sarah feels so protective of Amy, and why Sarah feels she needs to be perfect. This also gives her a reason not to let men into her life. 

Amy always had big dreams of becoming a vet, but with problems in her childhood that affected her confidence she became a veterinary  nurse instead. It is great to see her confidence grow as she spends more time caring for some of the animals on the island. 

Rick is a worrier. He has worked hard to build up the conservation project for the last few years and is determined to make it bigger and more successful, but as difficulties come up could it all be at risk. 

There is a great cast of characters within the book who are also taking part in the conservation project, and also an adorable and cheeky monkey who will really capture your heart. 

This is the perfect read to transport you to a tropical paradise full of adventure and sunny skies. 

Published by Aria on 7th May 2020

Purchase Links

Amazon - https://amzn.to/2AklZNU

Kobo - https://bit.ly/333XuPn

Google Play - https://bit.ly/2IuyI1q

About the Author

Samantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK with her husband and children. She studied German and French at university and has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris. She has travelled widely.

When not writing she passes her days cycling, baking and drinking coffee. Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women's magazines. 

She is represented by the Darley Anderson literary agency. In 2013, she landed a publishing deal for romantic comedy fiction with HQDigital at HarperCollins and in 2014, her bestselling debut, Doubting Abbey, was shortlisted for the Festival of Romantic Fiction best Ebook award. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2018 Forgive Me Not, heralded a new direction into darker women's fiction with publisher Canelo. In 2019 she was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association romantic comedy award.

Social Media

Samantha 

Website - http://samanthatonge.co.uk/

Twitter - www.twitter.com/@SamTongeWriter

Facebook - www.facebook.com/SamanthaTongeAuthor

Aria

Website -  www.ariafiction.com

Twitter - www.twitter.com/@aria_fiction

Facebook - www.facebook.com/ariafiction

Instagram - www.instagram.com/ariafiction

Thank you for taking the time to visit my Blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review. 

The Staycation by Michele Gorman

Today I am sharing with you my review of this fantastic, hilarious and heartwarming new release from Michele Gorman. Thank you to the Orion Publishing group for my copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

Book Description

Two families. One cancelled flight. And a last minute house swap...

Things get desperate for strangers Harriet and Sophie when they become stranded with their families in Heathrow's Terminal 5. Each woman has her own reason for really really really needing the family holiday they've anticipated for months. But Iceland's volcano has other plans for them. When their flights are cancelled, the families swap houses and discover that sometimes the best things in life happen close to home.

This ash cloud has a silver lining, even if no one can quite see it yet.

For fans of Sarah Morgan and Sue Moorcroft.

My Review

Harriet and her family are sat at Heathrow Airport waiting to board their plane taking them to Rome. This is a holiday that is much needed by the family and Harriet is hoping to reconnect with her husband too. 

Things are not going to plan however as the flight is currently delayed. 

Sophie and her family are due to board the same flight and head away too. Sophie is looking forward for the chance to relax for a week and take her husband away for a much needed break. 

Sophie and Harriet begin to chat as they find themselves sat alongside each other awaiting news on their flight. 

They all soon find out that due to a Volcanic eruption in Iceland there is a huge ash cloud and all flights in Europe have been grounded. 

Both Harriet and Sophie are devastated by the news as this means no holidays for either of them. 

That is until Harriet has the idea of the families doing a house swap instead. They will spend two weeks in each others houses.

Both of the families agree so they head off to their new homes. 

What follows is the adventures both families have in each others homes, and as Harriet and Sophie get to know each other more they also begin to learn more about themselves. 

Could this become more than the break away they all needed?

This is such a brilliant, hilarious and uplifting read and one I could not put down.

The characters of Harriet and Sophie are both very different and under normal circumstances would never normally have become friends.

 It is when the two of them begin to chat on the phone that they realise just how much they might have in common and how much they could help each other out. 

Harriet is a strong character that is used to being the one to control her family and organise them all just the way she thinks they should be. This is not always what is best for her family though.

Sophie is not such a strong person and relies heavily on her husband. As you get to know Sophie you realise however that things might not what they seem. 

The writing style of this book flows well and really keeps you absorbed page after page. 

The experiences both Harriet and Sophie have are very different too and at times will really have you laughing out loud. There are also some times where you realise just how difficult the lives of Sophie and Harriet can be. 

There is a great cast of supporting characters within the book who also have an impact on both of their lives and become part of each others lives. 

This is a brilliant read and one you will not be disappointed you purchased. 

  

Published by Trapeze on 1st June 2020

Purchase Link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Staycation-Michele-Gorman-ebook/dp/B07XJ9FN2M/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=The+staycation&qid=1591281912&sr=8-1

About the Author

Michele is a USA Today bestselling author and has sold more than 450,000 copies globally across all formats, with seven novels published by Penguin Random House and HarperCollins. She was born in the US and now makes London home, writing comedies under her own name and cosy rom-coms as Lilly Bartlett.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my review.