Walking on Sunshine by Heidi Swain ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK

Publication Date: 23rd April 2026

Genre: Romance

Summary:

A Summer in Suffolk could be just what she needs…

When Tilly heads to the river in Willowell, Suffolk, to scatter her dad’s ashes, she’s in need of some rest and relaxation. Life has been tough lately, and she wants a new start.

Constance has lived in Fernside forever. She owns the beautiful Willowell Woods – but she can’t manage them alone, and they’re now up for sale.

Her nephew, James, has always loved Willowell Woods – and he doesn’t want anyone taking them over. So when Tilly asks to buy them, with an exciting idea for the land, sparks begin to fly… the problem is, they’re already falling in love.

Can Tilly and James find a way to turn sparks into fireworks? And will Constance finally realise that letting in the new doesn’t have to mean getting rid of the old…?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, Simon and Schuster and Heidi Swain for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I adore Heidi Swains writing and i haven't read a book of hers yet that i haven't loved from the first page, Walking on Sunshine is no exception. I genuinely loved Tilly from the first page, she felt like that friend you've known for years it was that easy to just sit in on her story. And it was a beautifully written story, i enjoyed how it was paced out, nothing felt too rushed it all seemed to flow seamlessly. Oh and the characters we got to know were all gorgeous, and i don't just mean in how they were described (we had a lot of good looking people in this story) ,but in their personalities. I loved watching their different dynamics with Tilly and how those friendships grew and created a mini community within the wider community.Its one of the things i really enjoy about Heidi Swains books, her ability to create these beautiful communities of people that makes you wish you could visit that place and met those wonderful people. Whilst the romance between Tilly and James is there running through this book (and is was brilliant to cheer on) the relationship that was focused on the most, and which was beautiful to read, was the friendship between Tilly and Constance. It was a really lovely friendship that turned into family and maybe im a sucker for that but im all for celebrating friends that are more like family.
I could go heaping praise on this book but really i think you should give it a read and get lost in Willowell yourselves.

Krystina xx

A Murder of Furies by Eleanor Kuhns~book blog tour

 Publisher: Independently published

Publication Date: 31st January 2026

Genre: Historical

Summary:

Bronze Age Crete, 1450 B.C.E. When Tinos, the High Priestess's consort, asks Martis to searching for his missing daughter, Martis becomes involved in the dangerous politics between Crete and Egypt. A young Egyptian prince is courting Hele, the High Priestess's daughter, despite her persistent refusals. And despite the lobbying by Hele's brother, Khoranos, who seeks the Cretan throne with Egypt's help.

Then the High Priestess is found murdered. Martis discovers plans to kidnap Hele and she has to be spirited away to safety. Egyptian soldiers occupy Knossos and Khoranos installs his ally as the High Priestess.

Can Martis rescue the High Priestess's daughters and identify the murderer before Khoranos, with Egypt's help, takes the throne? Martis must embark on several dangerous quests to succeed.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Partners In Crime and Eleanor Kuhns for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I loved the last book in this series and thankfully this one has the same brilliant writing style that absolutely draws you in.
Ive loved following Martis through this book, shes a fabulous MC and she has this brilliant way of seeing the world she lives in and the people in. I enjoyed watching her unravel things and follow threads as she unwinds the mystery shes stumbled into. I also really enjoyed finding out more about the other characters that she interacts with, and building on the knowledge that ive gathered from the last book. I defiantly need to go back and read book one, not because i need any information from it but because id like to see where Martis started in this journey.
Eleanor Kuhns writing style is really beautiful to read, i found myself unable to put this book down (even to make notes on it) because i was so drawn into it and invested in what was happening next. She makes it so easy to picture the landscape of Ancient Crete with her descriptions.
If you enjoy a historical mystery then this series is one you need to pick up.

Krystina xx

Back For Good by Jay Jacobs ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: The Book Guild Ltd

Publication Date: 28th July 2025

Genre: Fiction 

Summary:

Sasha Denning doesn’t ask for anything—ever. Feeling unappreciated and stuck in a crumbling marriage with her husband, Mark, she’s suddenly given a dramatic escape: a near-death experience. Returning to life with a mission to help others, Sasha is thrust into a series of challenges that range from comical to heart-wrenching.

Zinnia, her determined but rule-bound trainee spirit guide, wants to help Sasha mend her life and marriage. But with The Spirit Guidance Rule Book restricting her every move, Zinnia faces her own struggles to prove she’s ready to qualify. When disaster looms, Zinnia must decide what matters most—her mission, her career, or Sasha and Mark’s future.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Zooloos Book Tours, The Book Guild and Jay Jacobs for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
Ive been very confused by this book. Its writing style is really good, it flows well and i liked the use of different fonts to differentiate between Zinnia and Sasha talking. But i got to 196 pages into the book and i still wasnt sure if i liked it, which i know sounds strange to be so far into a book and not know if i like it.I think my problem is that this book has alot going on and it almost feels like too much, we not only have Zinnia and Sasha as out main two voices but we've also had at least half a dozen others being given a chapter at least from their point of view and it feels much like Sashas life, Busy. 
Ive really enjoyed Jay Jacobs writing style though i think she has a really good way with writing people that you can connect with, anyone with children thats trying to keep a house running can easily see themselves in Sasha, even to the point of getting annoyed with their husband over not helping even though youve not asked them to. Their all very relatable characters who i have enjoyed getting to know, i just think theres a little too much happening to Sasha all at once. Its a well written book and ive found it very easy to read, if a slight bit chaotic for my mind.

Krystina xx

Catherine by Essie Fox ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Orenda Books

Publication Date: 12th Febuary 2026

Genre: Gothic Fiction

Summary:

With a nature as wild as the moors she loves to roam, Catherine Earnshaw grows up alongside Heathcliff, a foundling her father rescued from the streets of Liverpool. Their fierce, untamed bond deepens as they grow – until Mr Earnshaw’s death leaves Hindley, Catherine’s brutal brother, in control and Heathcliff reduced to servitude.

Desperate to protect him, Catherine turns to Edgar Linton, the handsome heir to Thrushcross Grange. She believes his wealth might free Heathcliff from cruelty – but her choice is fatally misunderstood, and their lives spiral into a storm of passion, jealousy and revenge.

Now, eighteen years later, Catherine rises from her grave to tell her story – and seek redemption.

Review:
Firstly thank you to random Things Book Tours, Orenda and Essie Fox for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
Ok so confession time, i have never read Wuthering Heights. I tried once and i was not in the right headspace for it and reverted back to one of my favourite comfort reads instead. But i think that reading this without the knowledge of what occurs in Wuthering Heights is a good thing, hear me out. So i was completely invested in Cathy's story, pulled along from the first pages and because i had no idea exactly how the story went just vague bits from seeing film trailers here and there i had to keep reading because i wanted to know what happened next and how we got to that opening scene. Which, without spoiling anything, is kind of the end of her story really, so my lack of prior knowledge drove me to not put the book down and keep reading. 
At times i have to say i really didnt like Cathy, some of the things she does whilst to her they are coming from a good place are quite cruel. I do understand that this is set in a  time period where her attitude isnt uncommon and in fact is the common attitude but it doesnt make her actions excusable. But it does make Essie Fox's writing very clever because it has to be hard to write without adding that modern spin to a classic story.
I really enjoyed everything about this book, the way that Essie Fox writes is lovely and i found it so easy to just keep reading. I even loved the chapter headers, the use of roman numerals and a gothic looking framing was just so perfect for this book.
Im now going to go back and read Wuthering Heights just to see how the story compares and see if the bits i enjoyed the most from this retelling are still my favourites bits in the classic.

Krystina xx

Your Twin Flame Journey by Theresa Cheung ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Godsfield Press

Publication Date: 5th Febuary 2026

Genre: New Age

Summary:

Every relationship has lessons to teach you, but none more so than the Twin Flame relationship. Meeting your Twin Flame is the most powerful soul encounter you can ever experience. Often marked with an irresistible familiarity and heart-breaking intensity, your Twin Flame serves as a mirror to both the best and the most unlikeable and unhealed parts of you. The Twin Flame relationship has an ancient, multi-cultural history behind it, and is accompanied by many immortal expressions across art and culture. But unfortunately, it is also often very misunderstood.

From debunking the myths around Twin Flames to offering practical advice for navigating these passionate connections, Your Twin Flame Journey is a comprehensive guide to intimate relationships from a psychological and spiritual perspective.

With Theresa's expert guidance, you will learn how to heal your broken heart and make empowering decisions for yourself, as Theresa knows best of all: you cannot find your Twin Flame until you spiritually awaken to the power of self-love first.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, Godsfield Press and Theresa Cheung for having me on this blog tour and sending me a copy of the book.

Ok so first off i am still reading this book, and thats not because im finding it hard to read but because im taking the time to fully throw myself into the exercises and new practises (like the reconnecting with your heart) that Theresa Cheung is asking you to do. Whilst yes i am on this tour to review this book and normally i would have finished it cover to cover by now, this book doesn't feel like one that should be rushed.
Now i have always held the belief that we have can have multiple soul mates and that those connections don't have to be romantic ones, that platonic ones can be just as strong and meaningful. And this book has added to my thoughts on this and added in the whole concept of Twin Flame connections, which is not something i knew much about other than having heard the term in passing. I have to say ive loved what ive read so far and i especially like that we've started off by explaining what a Twin Flame is and how it differs from Soul Mates. I like that Theresa has gone into this expecting us to either not fully understand the term or have preconceived ideas of what it means that might not be necessarily correct and begins by giving us that firm footing of knowledge to build upon with the rest of the book.
Ive found her writing style to not only easy to read and digest but, most importantly, not to be condescending which can occasionally happen with some new age/spiritual books. She come across as very knowledgeable and happy to share that knowledge freely with everyone and not gatekeep. As i said im still finishing this book and i know im going to finish it and ill come away with having gained something from it. This book has come along at the right point in time for me because its message about the power of self love is one i defiantly have needed to hear and one i have struggled with greatly so far this year (and last year if im honest) and this book is forcing me to stop and listen to my heart.
No matter if you're searching for your Twin Flame or you perhaps just need to let in the ability to love yourself a little more, i think that its worth you picking up this book and spending the time over it.

Krystina xx

Escape to the Northern Lights by Carrie Walker ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 6th November 2025

Genre: Romance

Summary:

High-powered lawyer Sara thought she had life figured out - until her whirlwind marriage ends in divorce, her dream promotion slips away and a burnout diagnosis forces her to take a break.

Desperate for a reset, she books a four-week spa retreat in Norway, imagining a luxurious escape. Instead, she finds herself in the rugged wilderness of Firefly Forest, knee-deep in reindeer droppings and stuck with an annoyingly bohemian - and ridiculously attractive - outdoorsman, Henrik.

What starts as a nightmare turns into a journey of self-discovery as Sara swaps designer heels for bare feet, legal briefs for tree-hugging, and fleeting flings for something far deeper...

Review:

Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Aria and Carrie Walker for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I love a romance set in Scandinavia, partly because they have amazing landscapes and when authors write them well you can almost step into the setting and partly because who doesn't want a tall rugged Viking as a love interest. And in this book we got both, and both were brilliantly written by Carrie Walker which made me fall in love with both Bergen and Henrik. The descriptions of the retreat have just made me want to go a retreat like it,i genuinely cant think of a better way to spend a month than as Sara did, in a beautiful Nordic landscape with no wifi so i can just read! Aside from that this has been a really lovely read, i fell in love with Henrik from the first time we were introduced to him (admittedly i have a soft spot for Vikings) and watching him and Sara's interactions brought a smile to my face. Sara is a very relatable MC, i think everyone struggles with running close to burn out these days, our jobs expect so much in the amount of hours we work and a lot of people cant keep that balance. I love that not only did Sara manage to find herself under all that stress but in the process she found that work life balance that we all crave I could barely put this book down and sped through it because i found our MC's easy to engage with and the writing style just flowed beautifully. This has been a fantastic addition to my run up to Christmas reads and i may even be adding into my December rereads because it just made me smile so much.

I'm defiantly going to get some more books by Carrie Walker, I've so enjoyed her writing style and i cant wait to read more of it.

Krystina xx

A Vampire is NOT a Pet by Lexi Rees ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Outset Publishing Ltd

Publication Date: 25th September 2025

Genre: Children's Fiction

Summary:

Yasmin REALLY wants a pet. A cat, a dog—she’d even settle for a snake. After all, there’s hardly anything Yasmin is afraid of… unless you count ghosts, zombies, monsters, and maybe custard. But Velma wasn’t the pet Yasmin expected. For starters, there are the fangs. And, well… she’s a vampire.

From classroom chaos and dental disasters to a blood bank heist (don’t ask), the world’s worst cow impressions (really don’t ask), and a Halloween party wild enough to wake the dead, Yasmin and Velma are about to have the time of their (after)lives.

As the mayhem piles up, Yasmin starts to wonder… could a vampire be the most fang-tastic pet ever?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Outset Publishing and Lexi Rees for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I thought this would be a perfect book for my mini book dragon and i to read during spooky season, just enough spooky to be fun and i was right. We actually read most of this on a train journey, my mini book dragon loved what we read on the way there so much that they begged for me to read more on the way home and were honestly quite miffed when we reached our stop and hadn't finished. Honestly they were annoyed when we finished it too, they'd wanted more so i hope we'll be getting more from Yasmin and Velma soon!
I loved it too, i thought Lexi Rees writing style was fun and really engaging it really quickly gave you a picture of the characters so you could see them in your mind as you were reading. I also thought it was really clever that each chapter was like a mini story and we didn't have this massive book that took us through the year day by day. Each chapter added to our main story but was also nicely rounded off so its good for a young child who's still at the beginning of their reading journey to read in one go. As a parent i really enjoying reading with my mini book dragon, it was fun, it had points that made us both giggle and it meant we sat together and did a hobby we both enjoy which took us away from and screen and into our imaginations. Now im going to let my Mini Book Dragon take over with their review because they really wanted to add in their thoughts.

It was good and vampires are not a pet! and also i think vampires shouldn't be a pet. And maybe this book will be staying at home. Thank you Lexi Rees for writing this book i liked it and i think my mum likes it too. 10/10 hearts for this book.

Krystina xx

The Pumpkin Pact by Charlie dean ~Blog Tour

Publisher: Independently published

Publication Date: 1st September 2023

Genre: Romance

Summary:

Welcome to The Pumpkin Patch at Pickle Grove.

Andi is worried that her relationship with Drew has become dull and boring. They never do anything exciting these days, in or out of the bedroom. So when a swoon-worthy stranger appears she is instantly swept off her feet.

When they unexpectedly meet again, they realise they have more in common than they thought possible so draw up a pact to spice up their lives! The plan they conjure up while working together at The Pumpkin Patch, to make their partners jealous, brings them closer than ever.

Andi plucks up the courage to finish with Drew but there are no signs of Andrew doing the same and she thinks she’s lost him forever.

With meddling exes, misunderstandings and miscommunication getting in the way, can The Pumpkin Pact bring them back together?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources and Charlie Dean for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.

Now my favourite season is Autumn and i love having a selection of cute autumnal romances to dive into in between my horror reads, and this was the perfect starter to my autumn reading this year. Those opening two paragraphs just made me smile, they drew me into our setting perfectly and i was gone. I stepped into Andi's life and i stayed there until the very last sentence, which was admittedly only a few hours but they flew as i read thankfully undisturbed.
Now as much as i enjoyed and loved our two MC's Andi and Andrew they were pushed to one side for Pumpkin, he stole the show for me and i really want another dog now, though you can guarantee i wont get a Pumpkin! He is fantastically written dog and i loved him.

I also loved the whole setting of this book, the family shop and pumpkin patch, it just screamed out pumpkin spice to me and it was a perfect backdrop for this. As i was meant to i disliked Drew and Carla from the moment they stepped on the page for us, i practically cheered when Andi told him where to go and threw some home truths at him, i suspect we've all had that ex and wish we could have done something similar to them.
I found Charlie Deans's writing style so very easy to read, and it pulled me into the story so well. Her slow build up between Andi and Andrew was spot on and i loved every second of it. I cant wait to get some more of her books onto my tbr, in fact I've already spied a Christmas one that i know ill be reading in a few months!
This definitely needs to be added to your autumn reading stack if you're a romance lover!

Krystina xx

 

A Billionaire for Christmas by Jo Lyons ~Blog Tour

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date:  27th August 2025

Genre: Romance

Summary:

When talented chef Molly's best friend and business partner, Ava, passes away, she leaves Molly their beloved restaurant – and a wild, impossible bucket list to complete. But thanks to a legal mix-up, Molly's inheritance is at risk unless she ticks off every outrageous item before the Christmas Eve deadline: just twelve days away.

Determined to honour Ava's wishes and desperate to save her dream, Molly searches for a billionaire willing to share Champagne with her in a hot tub – one of the more extravagant challenges on the bucket list. She's in a luxurious ski resort in the French Alps so it might just be doable. But then she meets Levi. A devastatingly handsome billionaire, yes, but infuriatingly resistant to getting involved!

As the snow falls and sparks fly, Molly is entangled in a series of increasingly embarrassing escapades. With time running out, can she pull off the impossible – and maybe even find love along the way?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Boldwood Books and Jo Lyons for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
So anyone that knows me knows i could happily read a Christmas book anytime of the year,so kicking off September with one seemed the perfect start to the month. And i really did enjoy this one, I found Jo Lyons writing style really lovely to read, it flowed so well and i found myself invested in the characters very quickly. There were multiple moments where i was cringing even as i chuckled at what was occurring to make me cringe in the first place and i have to say i loved that about it. Molly is one of those characters where your cheering for her to get what shes aiming for whilst you watch her do so between the fingers of the hand over your eyes, you could see some of the mishaps coming but that kind of made the run up more fun.
I really enjoyed watching how she handled each member of Levi's family, she had a different approach for each one and i think that just made me like her even more, she took the time to get to know them a little and find the best way to handle them. Now Levi i could happily have slapped a time or two with his attitude and how dismissive he was towards Molly at times, I may have, out loud, told her to slap him at one point (in my defence its really well written and at was 2am at that point). I read this in one sitting and stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it and it was worth the lack of sleep and i know ill be reading it again as we get closer to the festive season.

Krystina xx

 

Love or your money back by Suzy K Quinn~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Book Club Ltd

Publication Date:  1st July 2025

Genre: Romance

Summary:

Kat is 34, single and running out of time – she wants to get married before she turns 35, but her fiancé just ditched her for a 21-year-old life coach.

Freddy is a ruthless marketing guru who thinks love is just transactional. He’ll use his marketing genius to make Kat the most sought-after woman in London, if she lets him buy out her struggling company.

With her 35th birthday looming and her love life a disaster, Kat agrees to become Project Marriage. Can a rebrand king sell happily ever after? Or is love something even the best marketer can't package and promote?

Review:
So something a little different today. I haven't read this book (yet!) but my spot on todays tour is for content and the Lovely Rachel from Rachels Random Resources has given me an extract to share with you all. Having read this extract i most defiantly am adding this on to my digital tbr pile, Chris has already annoyed the hell out of me and i need to know if Kat manages to move on from him. I cant wait to pick this one up, take a read below and let me know if you plan on joining me.

The Wedding Humiliation

Kat attends her ex-boyfriend’s wedding, only to experience the ultimate humiliation when he makes a wedding speech.

 

‘Greetings, wedding guests.’ Chris’s theatrical voice booms across the clearing. ‘I want to kick off this celebration by apologising to my former fiancée, Kat. Sorry about falling madly in love with Minola here!’

Gentle laughter drifts around the clearing as if this is a perfectly acceptable joke.

My heart clenches.

‘Kat, where are you?’ Chris looks around. ‘Ah! There.’

Cool humiliation works its way around my stomach, as everyone turns in my direction. I try to hold myself with quiet dignity, but that isn’t possible because I’m halfway through swigging a Prosecco bottle.

‘Here’s to Kat.’ Chris raises his tumbler. ‘There’s no friend like an old friend.’

The word ‘old’ feels like a punch in the face.

‘Thanks, Chris.’ I raise my bottle. ‘Here’s to your wedding.’

‘And here’s to your wedding, Kat.’ Chris gives me a lopsided smile. ‘It’s one of your life goals, isn’t it? Married before you the age of 35?’ He turns to the crowd. ‘Kat told me that the first night we met!’

Minola’s friends and family roar with laughter.

‘I also told you I would start a publishing company and buy a house in Bloomsbury,’ I shout back. ‘Both of which I did –’

‘Wait, there’s more!’ Chris roars, clearly pleased with the audience’s reaction. ‘Kat also told me she wanted two children, and that marriage was to make sure I wouldn’t run away and leave her as a single mother. Still on the first night we met!’

Helpless laughter.

‘But you’re right about marriage, Kat.’ Chris turns serious and grabs Minola’s hand. ‘It’s a great thing to do. And even if you don’t manage your life goal, kitty cat, I’m glad you’re here to celebrate with us.’

My knuckles turn white around the Prosecco bottle. ‘I might still get married this year, Chris. You never know.’

‘Wow, Kat.’ Chris shakes his head. ‘Drunk already. I like your style.’

‘I’m not drunk.’ I lean to place the Prosecco bottle on an upright log, but my left leg chooses that moment to throw itself out and …

Ooof!

I fall, Prosecco bottle rolling, spilling and fizzing on the woodland floor.

White-grey sky drifts above me, and I feel twigs, pebbles and dried leaves under various sore body parts.

Ouch.

‘She’s not drunk, everyone!’ Chris’s voice soars over me, accompanied by shrieks of laughter. Then Freddy’s concerned face comes into view. He grabs my hand with the certainty and force of a blood pressure cuff and pulls me to my feet.

‘What was that all about, darling?’ he asks. ‘You’re not drunk. You only had three swigs of Prosecco.’

I redden. ‘Well, if you must know, it’s true what Aunty Sylvia was saying earlier. About me having a degenerative disease. I have a touch of MS. And stop calling me darling.’

‘A what?’

‘A touch of MS. Multiple sclerosis. Just a little brush of it. Nothing to worry about. Sometimes it makes my legs unsteady.’

‘Can you get a touch of MS?’ Freddy asks. ‘I thought it was a pretty serious condition?’

‘Every person’s MS is as different as a snowflake,’ I say. ‘Mine is relapsing, remitting. It comes and goes. It’s worse when I’m stressed. Or overwhelmed. Or tired.’

‘I bet you’re all of those things today,’ says Freddy. ‘Do you want me to find you somewhere to sit? I can move a log –’

‘As much as I’d love to see you showing off how strong you are,’ I say, ‘I’m okay. I just need to stand where no one can see me and eat some yellow food from the buffet.’

‘You know Chris is an idiot, right?’

‘Yes.’ I sigh. ‘I know. But he’s also funny and exciting and romantic and –.’

‘And you still love him.’

‘For a megalomaniac, you’re surprisingly perceptive.’

‘You and I aren’t so different, Kat. Tough on the outside, soft in the middle.’

‘I’m nothing like you. And for what it’s worth, I know that me and Chris are over. I have told my brain, in no uncertain terms, to move on. I just wish my heart would catch up.’

‘How did you end up with that man, anyway?’

‘Chris was my first love. We’ve been together, on and off, since I was eighteen. We got together just after my mother died.’

‘Ah.’ Freddy clicks his fingers. ‘That makes sense. He got in while you were vulnerable. Sorry, darling. Bad luck.’

‘You don’t need to be sorry.’ I don’t have the energy to rebuke Freddy for saying ‘darling’ again. He clearly has a compulsion. Like tourettes. ‘Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get on with something.’

‘Get on with what?’

‘The final piece of closure. I need to offer the happy couple my congratulations.’

Summer Escapes on the Scottish Isle by Lilac Mills~Blog Tour

 

Publisher: Canelo Romance

Publication Date: 17th July 2025

Genre: Romance

Summary:

Will she give everything up for love?

Freya Sinclair has it all. An exciting life in London, a successful career as a ceramicist and a handsome boyfriend. But when she receives a call that her father is in hospital, she drops everything to support his recovery in Skye.

On the island, Freya finds new inspiration – Coorie Castle’s craft centre is firing her creativity and she’s glad to be back with her dad again. Being so close to her schoolgirl crush, Mackenzie Burns, is an added bonus. The two share an instant connection and Freya misses London less and less.

But Freya has a boyfriend at home and now a dazzling job offer in New York. She must figure out what she truly wants, before anyone gets hurt.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Canelo Romance and Lilac Mills for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.

Now I've read some of Lilac Mills books before and I've always enjoyed her writing style so i knew that id enjoy this book and id be able to get lost in the story very easily.

I have to say i loved Freya from the off, she was so easy to like and relate to. I feel we all get to a point where we're carrying on but we're not completely sure if the path we're on is where we still want to be. It was so true to life that it takes a big life upheaval to make you truly look at things and make a change. 

 Now obviously the whole growing romance between Freya and Mack is the main relationship that we follow in this book and i loved doing just that but honestly i loved the relationship between Freya and her Dad more. I adored seeing that caring relationship between the two of them and the way that it had to change and almost have that complete role reversal for a while which is never easy but is something that always happens suddenly, we never like to think of our parents aging but they do and i think Lilac Mills wrote it beautifully here.
Having said it made smile so much to see how Mack just slipped into their family so easily and without a conscious effort to do so, it was one of the many parts of this book that gave me that warm fuzzy feeling that a good romance does. Im hoping that as this series continues we get little glimpses of Freya and Mack and how life is for them because i loved them as a couple and honestly id happily read more of them if it was written.
This is defiantly a good summer romance to take you away if your not going anywhere this summer and it will make you want to visit the Scottish Isles to find your own creative inspiration because the descriptions of the scenery is so vivid that you want to climb up with Freya to view the loch or walk along its shore and enjoy the sounds of nature.
Im defiantly heading back there soon, probably with a cuppa curled up listening to the birds sing.

Krystina xx

Love Forever Lindisfarne by Kimberley Adams ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Shy Bairns Publishing

Publication Date: 22nd June 2025

Genre: Romance

Summary:

When a stranger appears in the middle of a very important celebration, no one can foresee the island connections that will later come to light. Kittiwake Penaluna is drawn to the island at a sad time in her life; she’s broken, but it doesn’t take long for the islanders to rally round and take her under their wing.

Ellie and Zen are busier than they’ve ever been, jumping from task to task with little time for themselves. Will they ever find a moment together away from all the drama that constantly follows them around the island?

The forthcoming arrival of nine new mini animals puts even more pressure on the islanders, but Bert is resolute, and it’s all hands to the pump to prepare for their arrival. The Mini-Fest fundraiser gets off to a great start, until a despised face from the past appears and throws everything into chaos.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random resources, Shy Bairns Publishing and Kimberly Adams for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I couldn't pass by being on the tour for this book, I've absolutely adored the first two in the series and i knew this one would bring me back to those characters I've loved following. It was so easy to slip back to Lindisfarne with Kimberley Adams wonderful writing style, she describes Lindisfarne so well that you could close your eyes and step onto the island. As always after reading her books i have the urge to go and visit Lindisfarne again, its a beautiful island and the local landmarks she highlights in her story just give me a list for where to go on holiday. Her writing makes it so easy to loose time, I read this in one sitting and i have no regrets about ignoring the world for a few hours to do so. 
I loved that we got to catch up of Ellie and Zen's life, along with the rest of the Islanders that we've grown to love over the last two books and normally Ethel is my favourite character. I love her forthright sassy nature but i have to say she was topped in this book, i have a new favourite! I absolutely loved Barry! and i so hope we get to see lots more from him he was just so lovable that every time he was on the page i wanted to give him a hug.
You know i like to keep my reviews spoiler free so i wont say much other than there were a few times in this book where i thought we were going in one direction ( that i loved the idea of) and then it'd twist just slightly and we'd end up somewhere different with an outcome that i loved even more than the one id thought of. I know its a tad cryptic but trust me you don't want me spoiling these lovely moments. If you love a sweet romance you need to pick up this book (and the rest of the series) and devour it over your summer holiday this year.

Krystina xx

The Death & Life of Lucy Westenra by Rosie Fiore~Blog Tour

 

Publisher:  Independently published

Publication Date: ‎ 2nd May 2025

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Summary:

What desperate steps will Lucy Westenra take to save her own life?

Hillingham in Hampstead, once the home of the well-to-do Westenra family, now divided into apartments. When teacher Kate Balcombe sets about renovating her flat in the attic, she finds an unsent letter, written 130 years before by Lucy, the nineteen-year-old daughter of the house.

You may know Lucy from Bram Stoker’s Dracula... a pretty, flirtatious girl with three ardent suitors, she is Mina Harker’s best friend. When Lucy falls mysteriously ill and dies, Van Helsing identifies her as a victim of the vampire.

But what if the monsters who hunt Lucy are much closer to home?

As Kate begins to investigate Lucy’s story, she meets James Harker, Mina’s great-great grandson, and together they uncover a long-hidden story of deception and murder.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachel's Random Resources and Rosie Fiore for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.

So I'm a big fan of Dracula and as soon as I saw Lucy's name in the title of this book I knew I wanted to read it. Lucy in Dracula is always seen as a really giddy and often silly "Little Girl" despite being 18/19 and she's just cast to one side as a Victim of Dracula, a point to move the story forward and drive Mina towards him. And I really liked the idea of her being so much more than that. In this we get to see Lucy as more than just a silly girl that's a victim, she's a very intellectual woman that takes far more pride in her mind than how she looks which makes her very modern in a sense. She becomes a more relatable character to a modern audience and you get far more invested in her story and what happened to her than you do in Dracula.
I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that we went between the different time periods and that the way Kate finds out more about Lucy is though national census, it makes her more than just a character from Dracula which I adored. I found the switches between timelines very easy, I wasn't ever jolted by the switch so I kept engrossed in the story throughout. Rosie Fiore has a very easy going writing style, it never made me feel like I was working to get the next stage of the story, I found pages and time slipping away from me with ease.

I absolutely loved being able to get to know this version of Lucy Westenra, she's a far more dynamic and honestly likeable version of the original character. I don't think it matters if you've read Dracula or not to be able to dive in and enjoy this book, I enjoyed having the knowledge of who the characters were when reading but the connections are made clear enough that I don't think its a requirement. But if you do love Dracula I think you will thoroughly enjoy this and it should be added to that tbr!

Krystina xx

The Cardinal by Alison Weir ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Headline Review

Publication Date: 22nd May 2025

Genre: Historical Fiction

Summary:

AN EXTRAORDINARY RISE TO POWER. A TRAGIC FALL FROM GRACE.

It begins with young Tom Wolsey, the bright and brilliant son of a Suffolk tradesman, sent to study at Oxford at just eleven years old.

It ends with a disgraced cardinal, cast from the King's side and estranged from the woman he loves.

The years in between tell the story of a scholar and a lover, a father and a priest. From the court of Henry VIII, Tom builds a powerful empire of church and state. At home in London, away from prying eyes, he finds joy in a secret second life.

But when King Henry, his cherished friend, demands the ultimate sacrifice, what will Wolsey choose?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, Headline Review and Alison Weir for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.

Well first off I have to say the cover of the book is beautiful! I mean Alison Weirs books are always beautiful but we normally have the portrait of the subject on the cover and I really like that we don't have Thomas Wolsey on this one, I think the crossed keys sum him up very well. I always adore Alison Weirs books, she has such and evocative way of writing that it just draws you immediately into Tudor England and emerses you into the story.  Its safe to say that i knew this would be a glowing review before i even picked the book up!

Thomas Wolsey is a fascinating historical figure, his rise from the lower ranks of society to the highest position bar the King is one of the best know from the Tudor court and I'm not surprised that he was who Alison Weir chose to write about, this being only the second of her books about a male figure from Henry VIII's court. She's made stepping into his shoes and story so easy and I've been able to look at his story from a more sympathetic view than I have before. Often he's cast in a very negative light as a power hungry and money grabbing man that manipulated Henry for his own benefit (at least in most on screen representations of him) and little is shown about his care for his mistress and children, whereas in this we get to see that side of him. Yes he is a man who wants power and social standing along with the wealth that comes with it but he is not that one dimensional character, there are many fascinating sides to him. I loved that we got to see his struggles over not being able to acknowledge his children and his internal struggles with his need and want to be in a position where he is respected, has power and prestige and his want to be able to call his mistress his wife and have his children with him. Its a side to him that I have enjoyed discovering because generally his mistress is used to portray him as a bad priest when looking at his downfall. This book has made me want to get a few biographies about him out and immerse myself in finding more about someone I've never looked deeper at when reading about the Tudor period.
If you love the Tudor period I defiantly think this book should be on your to buy list.

Krystina xx