The Duke Wins a Bride by Nina Jarrett~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Babooks Publishing 

Publication Date: 11th May 2022

Genre: Historical Romance

Summary:

Her betrothed cheated on her. The duke offers to save her. Can a marriage of convenience turn into true love? In this steamy historical romance, a sheltered baron’s daughter and a celebrated duke agree on a marriage of convenience, but he has a secret that may ruin it all.

She is desperate to escape…

When Miss Annabel Ridley learns her betrothed has been unfaithful she knows she must cancel the wedding. The problem is no one else seems to agree with her, least of all her father. With her wedding day approaching, she must find a way to escape her doomed marriage. She seeks out the Duke of Halmesbury to request he intercede with her rakish betrothed to break it off before the wedding day.

He is ready to try again…

Widower Philip Markham has decided it is time to search for a new wife. He hopes to find a bold bride to avoid the mistakes of his past. Fate seems to be favoring him when he finds a delicious young woman in his study begging for his help to disengage from a despised figure from his past. He astonishes her with a proposal of his own—a marriage of convenience to suit them both. If she accepts, he resolves to never reveal the truth of his past lest it ruin their chances of possibly finding love.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Babooks Publishing and Nina Jarrett for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I instantly liked Annabel from the first page, she's a really well-written character because, from that first moment, you like and connect with her so you're really encouraging her to get out of that first betrothal, he clearly is a complete you-know-what and ill be honest I so wanted her to slap him at the very least. And the lengths she had to go to just to not have to marry someone who had no qualms about being unfaithful to her and had no shame about being caught either was mad. But I loved how determined she was and the bravery she needed to take that step, riding for a day in the hope that Philip might help her, it was a heck of a gamble to take. To be fair though I really loved Philip too, yes his motives for marrying her weren't all brilliant but he's a really lovely guy, you see throughout the book he really does try and make Annabel happy, even if sometimes he doesn't quite always hit the mark for communication, but that just adds in our crossed wires element. The crossed wires I think was brilliantly done, it came in towards the end and I liked that sudden shift where they weren't in an almost forced proximity situation which they'd spent the majority of the book in because they were in Philips country seat.
I've not read anything by Nina Jarrett before and I have to say I loved her writing style so I would definitely happily read more by her. It had a really lovely flow to it and I loved how she wove in other characters that I'm hoping we'll see in other books in this series because we see just enough about them to pique our interest in them.
I think if you're a fan of a historical romance, this should definitely make its way onto your tbr.

Krystina xx

The Heart of Winter by Shona Kinsella~Blog Tour

 Publisher: FLAME TREE PRESS

Publication Date: 16th April 2024

Genre: Fantasy/Mythology

Summary:

When Brigit is faced with a forced marriage to Aengus, god of Summer, she flees into the highlands in search of the Cailleach, the Queen of Winter. There, she hopes to learn how to live on her own terms, without the need for a man to speak for her, but can she persuade the Cailleach that she is worthy? Caught between two gods and finding an unlikely ally in the Fae witch, Nicnevin, Brigit will be tested to her limits and beyond.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Thing Book Tours, Flame Tree Press and Shona Kinsella for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
Once again my magpie tendencies came into play because I kind of went for this book mostly based on the cover, but I did also love the Celtic mythology basis of it. I love mythology and it is rare at the moment to find books that aren't using Greek mythology, which don't get me wrong I love it, but there is something about Celtic mythology that makes my heart sing. I really enjoyed that we saw the turning of the wheel of the year with this book and the balance that's needed for that to work, especially as I sat reading this with Hailstone falling in April! Spring seems to have lost its way this year a little and it made me smile to read/see the personification of those seasons and watch Brigit's understanding, especially of winter, broaden as the book progresses.
The writing style is just beautiful, it flows so well and we get the emotions coming off the pages so easily as you read them. The connection between Brigit and Cailleach is beautiful to watch grow, I thought it might progress in a different direction than where it went but I still adored the ending and how Brigit grew and matured throughout the book which spans a time frame of just over a year.
I've already got a list of friends that I think need to read this book, but they're going to have to buy their own copy because I know I want to read this again, and I'm pretty sure it's going to be soon.

Krystina xx

The Maiden of Florence by Katherine Mezzacappa ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Fairlight Books

Publication Date: 18th April 2024

Genre:Historical Fiction

Summary:

Florence, 1584. Rumours are spreading about the virility of a prince marrying into the powerful Medici family. Orphan Giulia is chosen to put an end to the gossip. In return she will keep her life - and start a new one with a dowry and her own husband. Cloistered since childhood and an innocent in a world ruled by men, Giulia reluctantly agrees, only to be drawn under the control of the Medicis' lecherous minister.

Years later, married and with a growing family, Giulia hopes she has finally escaped the legacy of her past. But when a threat arrives from a sinister figure from her youth, she must finally take control of events - and become the author of her own story.

Based on true events, The Maiden of Florence gives a charismatic voice to a woman cast aside by history.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Fairlight Books and Katherine Mezzacappa for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I've flown through this book, it's been a beautiful one to read. Not only because the cover is absolutely gorgeous, I love the filigree pattern running down it, it perfectly fits the setting of the book. But also because of the way the author writes, I've found it despite the subject matter at times absolutely beautifully worded. We get the book from the point of view of Giulia years after all of this sexual abuse happens when she is a much older woman on the brink of menopause, She is writing as if to her mother whom she has never known and you can feel her need to get all of the trauma and distress she felt and clearly still carries off her chest in this writing. Throughout the beginning of the book, it's so distressing to read how little she understands of being loved, she knows that she's never really had that love and affection from anyone and often comments that "I knew they had no love for me" and it just made me want to hug her if I'm honest, I just wanted her to get to have a husband that will love and care for her.
I love historical fiction and I adore them even more when they are rooted in historical fact, so I loved having the historical note at the back giving me that history and a bibliography to explore (because I do love adding to my tbr!).
I have to say one of my favourite parts of the book was the little quotes at the beginning of each chapter, i loved trying to read the Italian out loud and having the translation so I knew what I was trying to say.
 I definitely want to read more historical fiction by Katherine  Mazzacappa, she has a brilliant way of doing it.

Krystina xx

Lords of Uncreation by Adrian Tchaikovsky~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Tor

Publication Date: 11th April 2024

Genre:Sci-Fi

Summary:

He's found a way to end their war, but will humanity survive to see it?

Idris Telemmier has uncovered a secret that changes everything – the Architects’ greatest weakness. A shadowy cartel scrambles to turn his discovery into a weapon against these alien destroyers of worlds. But between them and victory stands self-interest. The galaxy’s great powers would rather pursue their own agendas than stand together against this shared terror.

Human and inhuman interests wrestle to control Idris’ discovery, as the galaxy erupts into a mutually destructive and self-defeating war. The other great obstacle to striking against their alien threat is Idris himself. He knows that the Architects, despite their power, are merely tools of a higher intelligence.

Deep within unspace, where time moves differently, and reality isn’t quite what it seems, their masters are the true threat. Masters who are just becoming aware of humanity’s daring – and taking steps to exterminate this annoyance forever.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, Tor and Adrian Tchaikovsky for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
Now I wanted to be on this tour for two reasons, one I wanted to try more Sci-fi having only just found a Sci-fi writer I've enjoyed the writing of I wanted to add to that and two because Adrian Tchaikovsky is one of my friend Piper's favourite authors and so I wanted to read something by him.
I didn't realise this was book three of a trilogy and because of the size of the books I didn't have time to read the other two before starting this one but actually that wasn't needed because the author does a brilliant section at the beginning of the book called "The Story so far" and it gave me exactly what I needed to know to read this without having read the others. I hit the ground running and immediately was drawn into the story, and he cleverly added in additional background information that told things that probably were mentioned in the other books but in a way that if you had read the others it wouldn't be too repetitive. I can tell that he also writes Fantasy books because his writing has that fantasy style to it, but not so much that you don't read this as sci-fi, it's definitely that but with a fantasy edge.Im loving the story so far and im liking getting to know the crew of The Vulture God, finding out about they all fit within the society/galaxy and just generally diving into this sci-fi read.
I will admit I'm still reading this one, it's a long book that I'm enjoying taking my time over plus I do keep stopping to tell my husband about it, though he's told me to stop that so he can read it himself! I definitely want to go back and read the other two in the series and probably the rest of his back catalogue because I am thoroughly enjoying every page of this.

Krystina xx

The Dreamer's Odyssey by Jaquie Flecknoe-Brown ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Ortus Press

Publication Date: 31st March 2020

Genre: Dreams, Psychology,Therapy

Summary:

Dreams have always been important to humanity, but in modern times we have lost the ability to understand what our dreams are telling us. In The Dreamer’s Odyssey, the author provides a step-by-step guide to help the individual interpret and work through their own dreams. It can also be used by counsellors and other professionals to give them an understanding of the basis of Jung’s dream analysis. The 10 week guide has been adapted from the courses that the author, Jacquie Flecknoe-Brown, has run successfully for many years. Closely linked to the theory of C. G. Jung, each chapter includes an interpreted dream relevant to the weekly content. It also includes analysis of dream-theory, and interpretation of mythical material to illustrate theoretical points. Working with dreams and their images helps us to be more conscious of ourselves, our shadows, our opposites, and our purpose. Dreams can ease our burdens, help us problem-solve, improve our memories, and enlighten us. The dream is a natural, and living phenomenon – working to understand our dreams will have an effect on many aspects of our lives.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Literally PR, Ortus Press and Jacquie Flecknoe-Brown for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
The blurb of this book interested me, as someone who rarely remembers my dreams the ones I do always feel important and so it seemed like an interesting thing to read about, especially as I really don't know much at all about C.G Jungs dream analysis.
Now the cover is gorgeous and I really love it, it gives a dreamlike quality to the presentation of the book. And it's a really well-written book, the author writes in a way that makes everything clear to understand and to be able to apply to your dreams. I like that we have some of her patient's dreams included and how they might be interpreted, which gives you a practical way to understand what she's teaching you. What's more, I think the counsellor section at the end of each week's chapter is a really clever addition, it gives additional information that anyone can read to get a better/clearer understanding of what that week's teaching was about. The fact that it's broken down into ten weeks I think makes it a far less overwhelming book than if you were expected to take it all in at once.
Despite all of these good things the book really wasn't for me, I think I just didn't get on well with Jung's dream analysis theory, but I am glad I read it because know I know about it.

Krystina xx

Fake It Til You Make It by Laura Carter~Blog Tour

Publisher: Boldwood Books 

Publication Date: 8th April 2024

Genre:Romantic Comedy

Summary:

Can a fake date fix everything?

On a day Abbey thought would be the best of her life – her boyfriend is surely going to propose tonight, right? – it all falls apart: he tells her he’s met someone else. And then to make things worse, she loses her job.

In an act of reimagination, she splurges her wedding savings on renting an apartment in a building she’s always dreamed of living in and kits out her wardrobe to match.

But when her family invites her ex – a close family friend – plus a date(!!) to her parents’ vow renewal, Abbey realizes her façade won’t be enough. There’s nothing for it but to fake one more thing… a romance.

Review:

Firstly thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and Laura Carter for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
So I discovered Laura Carter's books last year and she quickly became an auto-buy author so there was no way I wasn't getting and loving this book when it came out.
As with all her books, I was instantly drawn into the situation Abbey was in and followed it with her til the end, mostly without coming up for air because her books are so hard to put down once you've started one. Our two MCs Abbey and Ted are just so easy to love, you really feel for their situations and you're just waiting for that moment when the Fake dating becomes real, sort of egging them for the sidelines.
Of course, we have plenty of miscommunication that ends up turning into downright lies, on both sides but you sit there tutting at them and telling them to just tell the other the truth because you've gotten so invested in their story. This is the beauty of Laura Carter's writing style, she makes you care for the characters like they are your friends and like you would for friends you just want them to have that fairytale happy ending(admittedly we know that's going to happen but still you get invested as if it might not) and equally she writes people you're going to dislike, such as Andrew.
In short, I loved this book from beginning to end and I'm probably going to reread it again before the year finishes.

Krystina xx

 

Sanctuary of the Shadows by Aurora Ascher~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Bantam

Publication Date: 28th March 2024

Genre:Fantasy Romance

Summary:

Enter the circus at your own risk . . . and discover the greatest show on earth in this explosive and darkly magical fantasy novel

For humans, the circus is a place filled with wonder and amazement. For Harrow, it's a place to hide from those who slaughtered her entire clan. Disguising her abilities as part of her act has kept her true identity safe for years.

Until he arrives.

A strange new attraction with no name, no memory of who – or even what – he is, let alone an explanation for his odd yet deadly powers. But beneath the layers of anger and isolation, one glimpse into his inky eyes reveals a soul that calls out to the loneliness in her own.

And so, she chooses him.

Harrow is drawn to the darkness, to her insatiable need to soothe the beast who threatens their very existence. But with every secret she unlocks from his past, another from hers is revealed – luring enemies who will stop at nothing to get their final revenge on Harrow. And she's afraid she's given them the perfect weapon against her because he's not what he seems.

But maybe it's time they finally learn neither is she…

Review:
Firstly thank you to RandomThings Book Tours, Bantam and Aurora Ascher for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
Ok, so I have to start off with something I haven't mentioned for a while, which is surprising considering I'm a magpie, how stunning this cover is! It is so beautiful and eye-catching, even just seeing the spine on my shelf is beautiful. So if you are one of those readers who listens and then gets the shelf trophy, you are going to want this one.
Now unusually for me I've actually read some reviews about this book before finishing it, and I think I'm one of the odd ones because I got drawn in from the first chapter and I was suitably hooked by the time I was 50 pages in, whereas it seems other found the first half difficult to get into I loved it. I enjoyed flipping between Raith and Harrow's points of view, especially once their paths merged it was really good to see them from each other's point of view.
I'll admit I want more when it comes to the backstory of the Queens and their fighting/wars, i definitely think we need a prequel to this series at some point because that sounds like a really interesting aspect of the world-building to delve into.
I'm usually more of a pure fantasy kind of girl, romantasy is a new genre for me but it is one I'm defiantly enjoying exploring and I really can't wait for the next book in this series, I've enjoyed Aurora Aschers writing style so much its flowed easily and it kept me emersed in the world she's created so well. I'm not sure what else I can say without spoiling it for you all, and you know I don't like spoiling books! But I'm hoping we don't have to wait too long for book two to come out.

Krystina xx

The Grand Illusion by Syd Moore~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Magpie

Publication Date: 4th April 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

Summary:

Step forward Daphne Devine - you are about to change the course of the war 

‘A breathtaking historical thriller.’ Erin Kelly, author of The Skeleton Key

June 1940. As World War Two rages, Daphne Devine remains in London, performing each night as assistant to stage magician Jonty Trevelyan, aka the Grand Mystique.

Then the secret service call.

For, aware of Hitler’s belief in the occult, the war office has set up a hidden cohort to exploit this quirk in the enemy’s chain of command.

Daphne and Jonty find themselves far from the glitz and glamour of the theatre, deep inside the lower levels of Wormwood Scrubs prison. Here, they join secret ranks of occultists, surrealists, and other eccentrics co-opted to the war effort. There is one goal: to avert invasion on British shores.

Soon Daphne realises she must risk everything if there is any chance of saving her country

Review:
Firstly thank you to RandomThings Book Tours, Magpie and Syd Moore for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
Now normally when I see that a book is set during World War Two I avoid it, it's a period that I'm generally not a fan of reading about because of family history and it always brings forward strong emotions, But this blurb was too good and I stepped out of my comfort zone for it. And boy am I glad I did. Syd Moore's writing instantly draws you into the story, from the War Memos, propaganda and various typed sections that break up parts of the book from Daphne's point of view to hearing what she and Jonty get drawn into you are engulfed into that world. From the first chapter where you can feel the tension coming off the pages to the mild exasperation from Daphne when she is in the Section W meeting room for the first time, every emotion that Syd Moore writes comes off the page at you and brings you into that moment with the character.
I was completely hooked from pretty much the first page, but definitely after that first chapter, I sat reading and lost the day to it happily and I honestly can't wait to see what happens with the rest of this series. At least I'm crossing my fingers that this is the beginning of a series because I've really enjoyed stepping into this wartime world and it caused me to see what else Syd Moore has written so now I have a pile of her books to read through, Essex witches series here I come!

Krystina xx

The Romanov Brides by Clare McHugh~Blog Tour

 Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks

Publication Date: 28th March 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

Summary:

They were granddaughters of Queen Victoria and two of the most beautiful princesses in Europe. Princesses Alix and Ella were destined to wed well and wisely. But while their grandmother wants to join them to the English and German royal families, the sisters fall in love with Russia—and the Romanovs.

Defying the Queen’s dire warnings, Ella weds the tsar’s brother, Grand Duke Serge. Cultivated, aloof, and proud, Serge places his young wife on a pedestal for all to admire. Behind palace gates, Ella struggles to secure private happiness.

Alix, whisked away to Russia for Ella’s wedding, meets and captivates Nicky—heir apparent to the Russian throne. While loving him deeply, Alix hears a call of conscience, urging her to walk away.

Their fateful decisions to marry will lead to tragic consequences for not only themselves and their families, but for millions in Russia and around the globe.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, William Morrow Paperbacks and Clare McHugh for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I've really enjoyed diving into this book, my knowledge of the Romanovs is sparse. I knew that Tsar Nicky's wife was a granddaughter of Queen Victoria but I didn't realise one of her sisters had also married into the family, so from the off this book held my attention. It's clear from reading it that the author has definitely done their research because they have brought to life the time period, especially the extravagance and opulence of the Russian court, it felt like you could step off the page and back in time. I enjoyed getting to know the princesses, especially as I really knew little about them. I know that Queen Victoria had family among all the major European royal families, that she's connected to them through her children and grandchildren but past knowing her children's names and Tsarina Alexandra the rest are a mystery to me, or were until I read this. It's really made me want to do more reading about the family, it's hooked the history nerd in me. Clare McHugh's writing style is fantastic, she draws you into the world she puts on the page and makes you feel like you are there watching this unfold, I especially loved the Afterword she included I liked knowing what happened to Ella and Victoria, as we already know what happened to poor Alexandra.
I definitely plan to pick up Clare's other book, her level of research already tells me that that one will be brilliant too.

Krystina xx

Captian Vlad and The Mary Rose by Kate and Sam Cunningham~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Reading Riddle

Publication Date: 29th March 2024

Genre:Childrens History

Summary:

Join Captain Vlad the flea, and Master Roxton the rat, as they set sail on the Mary Rose.

This is the latest adventure in the best selling Flea in History series, and is filled with detailed factual information about life on a Tudor ship.

Vlad and his crew of scurvy rats are aboard Henry VIII’s favourite ship, the Mary Rose. They are sailing to Portsmouth to stop a French invasion, but are expecting an easy journey. That is until they discover the presence of Hatch the dog and Captain Carew’s hawk. Will they find a way to escape the danger?

The book ends with an information page about the history and a flash forward to the discovery and recovery of the Mary Rose, with her vast treasury of artefacts.

All Vlad flea books are packed full of history in the illustrations and within the story, and are a perfect way to learn whilst having fun.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, Reading Riddle and Kate and Sam Cunningham for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I love being able to share books with my avid listener of stories( they can't read yet) and book-loving child, and they love it when they get a new book to add to their collection. I happen to love it even more when the book we get to add teaches them about history, but that's probably because I'm a history nerd and I'd love it if they became one too lol
We really loved reading this book, we've read it a fair few times since we got it, and every time it gets my little one asking questions about the images on the page or the story I'm reading them and I love that it gets them engaged in that way. It's a lovely mix of history and getting that information across to the reader but with the added fun of it being a tale told by Captian Vlad Flea I think that mix makes the history really be taken in by children. It's always a winning way to get that information that we get told in schools in, let's face a way that can be quite dull, in a fun way that makes history come alive that little bit more. 
It's a winning book in my eyes and it ended with a request from my little one to go visit the Mary Rose Museum, so they can see "the big boat" and whats more we went ahead and bought another book in the series so we can learn more from Captian Vlad!

Krystina xx

The Missing Maid by Holly Hepburn~Blog Tour

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 27th March 2024

Genre: Cosy Crime

Summary:

London, 1932.

When Harriet White rebuffs the advances of her boss at the Baker Street Building Society, she finds herself demoted to a new position… a very unusual position. Deep in the postal department beneath the bank, she is tasked with working her way through a mountain of correspondence addressed to Baker Street’s most famous resident: Mr Sherlock Holmes.

Seemingly undeterred by the fact that Sherlock Holmes doesn’t exist, letter after letter arrives, beseeching him to help solve mysteries, and Harry diligently replies to each writer with the same response: Mr Holmes has retired from detective work and now lives in Sussex, keeping bees.

Until one entreaty catches her eye. It’s from a village around five miles from Harry’s family estate, about a young woman who went to London to work as a domestic, then disappeared soon afterwards in strange circumstances. Intrigued, Harry decides, just this once, to take matters into her own hands.

And so, the case of the missing maid is opened…

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and Holly Hepburn for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
Now I've read some books by Holly Hepburn before and loved them but this was a new kind of book from her so while I knew the writing would be brilliant I was interested to see how she would do going from romance to cosy crime. And the answer to that is brilliantly. I can't believe this is her first cosy crime book she got the pacing spot on we had little points of worry for Harry's safety, brilliant Sherlock Holmes-inspired detective work from her and just a tiny hint of romance which I'm hoping we get more of in the next book.
I really loved Harry from the first point she stepped onto the page, She is such a strong-minded female character and you can't help but cheer her on when she stands up to creeps like her boss or shrugs off society's norms for a woman of her station to go do detective work and help someone of a lower station. She is an absolutely brilliantly written character and I'm so glad there are more books planned in this series because I'm really excited to see what she gets up to next and what the next intriguing letter for Mr.Holmes holds.
As I said Holly Hepburn's writing style is fantastic and love reading books by her because it's so easy to immerse yourself in them because of how she writes. I am so looking forward to book two and I hope it's hitting the shelves soon.

Krystina xx