Just Do It by Maxine Morrey~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 18th January 2024

Genre:Romance

Summary:

Lizzie Rose knows what she likes and likes what she knows.

Her role at the London Museum is more than a job, it’s her safe place and her passion. So when Lizzie is passed over for a chance in a lifetime opportunity in favour of her ex-boyfriend and fellow Egypt nerd Friedrich Klein, her heartbreak over their relationship pales into insignificance compared to her sadness at losing the project.

Best friend Colette thinks an evening of cocktails is just the medicine for a broken heart, and meeting dashing, charming, but very much ‘not her type’ Finn Bryson at the bar puts a smile on Lizzie’s face too. But Lizzie isn’t used to spending time outside of her comfortable world of academia and doesn’t believe in mixing business with pleasure. So when Finn’s job brings him to the museum, she’s determined to put an end to any notion of romance between them.

But what if Lizzie’s comfort zone isn’t that comfortable any more? Is it time for Lizzie to take the chance on love that fate keeps bringing her way - even if it means changing the habits of a lifetime?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Boldwood Books and Maxine Morrey for having me on this tour and sending me the book.
I really enjoyed this book, I know I say that a lot but I really did! I read it in about a day and that's mostly because I just didn't want to put it down and stop reading it. As a self-confessed Egypt Nerd, I have to admit that was a big part of why I picked the book, I've not read many romances with an Archaeologist as the FMC and I just loved that idea. And I did really love Lizzie, from the archaeology nerdiness to the inability to keep a desk tidy (honestly feel like I'm channelling Lizzie most days) i really connected with her and I loved how she grew throughout the book and how her outlook on life changed slowly, often in romance books that change is way too swift for me but this was done at such a good pace. Another thing done at a good pace was Lizzie and Finn's relationship, i enjoyed watching it develop and grow, heck I even enjoyed yelling at them for being utterly stupid at times, because what is a romance if the two MC's don't mess up their relationship at some point!
The characters were really well created, I loved Finn and his easygoing nature but equally, I absolutely hated Friedrich and his entire way of acting made me want to hit him because we've all met someone like him who treats us like a stepping stone so Maxine's way of writing was just so spot on.
I've completely and utterly loved reading this and I'm definitely going to head off to find some more books by Maxine because I've so enjoyed her writing style.

Krystina xx

A Blend of Magic by Kate Kenzie~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Wytch's Yard

Publication Date: 20th October 2023

Genre: Romance

Summary:

A witch cannot exist on potions and tea alone.

Hiding in the shadows, staunch singleton Willow Anderson is content running her successful business, The Enchanted Emporium. With Christmas days away, she’s eager to exchange selling bespoke tea blends and spells for extended bubble baths and binge-watching festive movies snuggled next to her Maine Coon, Vincent.

Nate never usually runs away from his problems, but drunk and disorientated, he finds himself in a small fisherman’s cottage in the Yorkshire coastal town of Whitby. After discovering his girlfriend’s affair, he is in no rush to return to the City. His wish for time alone in a Christmas-free zone comes true until an uninvited feline guest arrives.

Neither Nate nor Willow want company, especially from each other, but they have little choice when concussion means they must spend at least twenty-four hours together. Sparks fly and not just the romantic kind. When darkness from Willow’s past returns and threatens to destroy all she has worked for, pursuing a love affair is the last thing she needs.

With meddling ghosts and a teenage apprentice with her own matchmaking agenda, love and change are in the air.

But can Willow face her fears, and the past, to capture the happiness she deserves?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Wytch's Yard and Kate Kenzie for having me on this tour and sending me the book.
I've been looking forward to this book all month! I adore Whitby, it's my family's go-to coastal town, so a book set there about a witch, is an instant win! And I wasn't wrong, I've loved reading this, every description of Whitby takes me right there, I can smell the sea air and feel the cobbles under my feet and it makes me wish I could visit Willows shop there.
Willow is a brilliant main character, I loved gradually learning about her, and the shop, as we went through the books. The shop itself has got to be one of the most interesting characters in the book (sorry Willow and Nate) i loved reading about the different ghosts haunting the shop and the original owner's room, it was one of my favourite parts of the book, giving me the ability to form images of them all in my mind.
Amber did irritate at times though, she acted very selfishly with regard to social media and wanting her dad and Willow to get together, I get she is a teenager but being at the age where she's going to University I'd have expected more maturity from her. And that just shows how well the character is written, i wanted to give a fictional teenager a good telling off.
I've really enjoyed reading this and I can't wait for another book from Kate Kenzie, or for my next visit to Whitby.

Krystina xx

The Perfect Christmas Village by Bella Osborne~Blog Tour

 

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 20th October 2023

Genre: Holiday Romance

Summary:

Tis the season.... for a Christmas cynic to have his frozen heart melted by festive magic.

When Christmas-hating Sam moves to Holly Cross, he thinks he's found the perfect home, until he discovers that, each year, Holly Cross transforms into the most Christmassy village in the whole country...

Blythe is just one sale away from being Real Estate Agent of the Month, so she twists the truth to sell a home to city boy Sam, who is looking for the perfect house in the perfect location. Little does he know he's just bought a cottage in the middle of the most Christmassy village in the country. And if there's one thing Sam loathes, it's Christmas.

Sam's arrival puts Holly Cross's chance to win the title of Britain's Most Perfect Christmas Village now in jeopardy, and the villagers are soon up in arms. Meanwhile, Sam is in his own personal hell surrounded by fairy lights and everyone is looking to Blythe to fix things.

But as the festive season looms, maybe there's more than just Christmas in Holly Cross for Sam to fall in love with...

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, Aria and Bella Osbourne for having me on this tour and sending me the book.
I'm getting in my Christmas reading groove now! I loved this one. I know I say that about a lot of Christmas-themed books but what can I say I love Christmas!
And this is one of my favourite tropes to read enemies to lovers, though I don't think I'd go so far as to call them enemies. I think Sam and Blythe just got off on the wrong foot, which combined with a heck of a lot of misunderstandings is how they make their way through the book gradually getting to know each other better.
I really liked Blythe, and I felt for her every time she got insecure, and felt like she had to prove herself I really cheered for her when she finally stood up for herself with her dad, I had this huge grin on my face because I was so pleased for her! I actually really loved Sam, his grinchyness reminded me a little of my husband who is not as keen on Christmas as I am, but he's not Sam's level of Grinch lol But it did just endear him to me that little bit more.
Vicky and Owen's story just popping in every so often was really nice to read, and I liked how the question of Eden's parentage was resolved, it made me like Owen more because I did find him quite annoying at times.
In short, this is definitely one of those books that would make it into my Christmas reading stack every year, it's just a warm hug in a book!

Krystina xx

The Highland Lodge Getaway by Julie Shackman~Blog Tour

 

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 26th October 2023

Genre:Romantic comedy

Summary:

Fall in love with the Christmas romance of the year, full of love and second chances!

Lottie Grant loves the festive season so much that she works at the incredibly successful Christmas shop, Christmas Crackers, in her pretty Scottish home town of Craig Brae. But when the shop is sold, her world is turned upside down, leaving her wondering what she will do next.

Just as she’s about to give up hope on finding a new dream job, an offer comes that she can’t refuse, managing a set of luxury wooden cabins… and opening just in time for Christmas!

As she gets to work decorating the cabins, and hanging lights on the fir trees, Lottie can’t believe her luck. That is until the arrival of Blake Dempster, a moody but handsome hiking expert, who threatens to bring down her festive joy. But never one to shy away from a challenge, Lottie is determined to change Blake’s mind about all things festive.

And as the snow falls and the fairy lights sparkle, will work-obsessed Lottie and frozen-hearted Blake make their Christmas wishes come true?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Once More Chapter and Julie Shackman for having me on this tour and for sending me the book.
I mean what more could you want as the nights get colder and we edge closer to Christmas than a cosy festive read. I loved Lottie Grant from the moment she stepped onto the page, her enthusiasm for Christmas and personality just made her so easy to like. I loved how her and mother's grief over her father was handled/written, it's clearly a big part of their story and was woven like a little undercurrent through the main story.
I do love an enemies-to-lovers troupe, and I like how Blake and Lottie's relationship/friendship changed gradually it wasn't a few chapters and suddenly they were in a relationship, it took time for them to even get along. I so felt for Lottie when she was there trying to protect her heart after her rubbish last boyfriend(I mean who hates Christmas!) and being so unsure about risking her heart again, I was there with her mum cheering her along to take the risk.
I have to say I wish we had a shop like Christmas Crackers near me, i love the idea of a Christmas shop all year round, though I suspect my bank balance wouldn't! And the descriptions of the cabins had me looking up cabin holidays and daydreaming of booking one, and wishing I could just go to Craig Brae.
It's been another fantastic addition to my early Christmas reading and I can definitely see myself rereading it again.

Krystina xx

Dont Stop Believing by Freya Kennedy~Blog Tour

 

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 11th October 2023

Genre:Romantic Comedy

Summary:

It’s time to return to Ivy Lane, where hopes and dreams can become happy-ever-afters...

Erin Donohue would describe herself as happy. Well, maybe not exactly happy… but not unhappy either.

For the most part she loves her job as Head Chef at The Ivy Inn, working alongside bestfriend, Jo and making a home with boyfriend Aaron. Things are going just fine. Or so she thinks...

After a tough shift, Erin returns home to be greeted by silence. There is no trace of Aaron or his belongings. In that split second her whole life and world are turned upside down. It seems Aaron has exited the building and her life.

After a small pity party, Erin pulls herself together and starts to re-evaluate her life. Her friends seem to be chasing their dreams while she’s been left single and wondering what on earth her next move will be. But then fate throws her a sign.

Can she find the courage to build the life she always dreamed of but believed was out of her reach?

And can her bravery inspire other residents of Ivy Lane to take a chance on finding their own happy ending?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and Freya Kennedy for having me on this tour and sending me the book.
Now I haven't quite finished this one but I'm loving every page so far. I got a little thrown by the first chapter ending and us going back six months but I soon caught back up again. Boy is Arron a selfish A****** I can't believe the way he treated Erin! But I do love her way of reacting to it and the fact that her friends are so supportive, it seems to be a theme in the books I'm reading at the moment brilliantly supportive friends. I've gotten angry on Erin's behalf multiple times so far because of Arron, I think he's definitely the worst bit of everyone's ex-boyfriends bundled together, brilliant character creation from the author there! But then again all the main cast of this book so far are really well formed, you can definitely read them and see people you know in them.
I'm so invested in what's happening to Erin and if she'll manage to get her dream sorted, that I keep breaking off from writing this to read a bit more.
I've really enjoyed the writing style, I haven't read anything by Freya Kennedy before but I can see myself picking some more of her books up in the future.

Krystina xx

Love Lindisfarne by Kimberley Adams~Blog Tour

 

Publisher: Shy Bairns Publishing

Publication Date: 1st August 2023

Genre: Holiday Romance

Summary:

LOVE LINDISFARNE…Take a Christmas trip to magical Northumberland and find love amongst the stars in this feel-good novel, which will transport you to iconic Holy Island where dreams really can come true!

Dumped at the office Christmas party, Ellie is about to vent her spleen on social media when a photo of a cute little dog advertising a charity catches her eye. Her world suddenly changes dramatically when she is offered a month’s stay in Northumberland to help look after rescue animals.

Ellie isn’t too sure where Northumberland is, but accepts, eager to start a new life away from London. Her destination is Lindisfarne, and her arrival on the small island in the North Sea is terrifying, fearing for her life on the causeway as the tide comes crashing in.

Ellie finds herself living in a hilltop castle, and far from the cats and dogs she expected she would be looking after, she is faced with all kinds of furry and feathery animals - and she doesn’t have a clue about any of them!

Welcomed to island life by the warm-hearted residents, she quickly embraces living in this special place, and from the moment she spots the mesmerising Zen with the gorgeous coffee bean eyes, her plans to stay single and mingle begin to fade fast.

Thanks to a severe storm, Lindisfarne is cut off from the mainland, and the islanders work together to salvage the planned Christmas events. Ellie is kept so busy that she hasn’t much time to think about her future when her time on the island ends.

Will the universe give Ellie its blessing? Will she find her happy ever after on the enchanting island of Lindisfarne? If it’s in the stars, then it’s in the stars…

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Shy Bairns Publishing and Kimberley Adams for having me on this tour and sending me the book.
Standard me I have to start with the cover( to be fair I haven't been a book cover magpie for a while) and it's so damn cute! I love the little illustrations, they just make you smile.
Now I know it seems early to be reading a Christmas book, but it just sounded so good I couldn't help myself and sometimes we need a little bit of Christmas magic no matter the time of year. Oh, poor Ellie, I so wanted to give her a hug in those first few chapters, her ex was a complete A*******! And I don't know how she picked herself up so quickly to go to the fundraiser, I know I wouldn't if it had been me. But I loved how her friends rallied around and supported her through it all, everyone needs a group of friends like those! It was lovely to watch Ellie make her way through the heartache and out the other side of it, and who doesn't love Lindisfarne! It was nice to be able to read about somewhere I know too, While I love stepping into a world an author creates it's sometimes nice to read a place you recognise.
It definitely gives me all the cosy Christmas read vibes, which is exactly how I like my Christmas reads and i can see myself rereading this nearer to the festive season. I'm hoping we get some more books from Kimberley Adams soon!

Krystina xx 

Just A Fika by Beck Erixson~Blog Tour

 

Publisher: Aegir Haven

Publication Date: 3rd October 2023

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Summary:

Family.

They're always meddling in your love life...

Even after they're dead.

Brooklynite-and genealogist-Ingrid Ekstrom accepts a surprise request from her typically estranged family: to become the live-in caretaker of their shared historic house in the sleepy Jersey Shore town of Aegir Haven. A fun-loving cousin is quick to introduce Ingrid to the local handyman and bluegrass musician. As he fixes up the place, Ingrid digs into the house's past and learns about the family she barely knows.

And then Mormor-her long-dead grandmother-shows up, acting as though not being in the spirit realm is perfectly normal.

Ingrid's always yearned for stronger family connections, and it's nice having Mormor around. Mormor tries to set her up with a young real estate attorney who's closer to her more thunderous, god-like personal standards than the musician with keen senses Ingrid is falling for. As lore and legends mingle with real life, she's torn. Mormor's fantastical family sagas can't actually be true, right?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Aegir Haven and Beck Erixson for having me on this tour and for sending me a copy of the book.
This book was just what I needed after a busy family-filled weekend. It picked me up and gave me a brilliant lift. I really loved the writing style and the pace, I think it's just what the story needed. Ingrid is a little standoffish and I guess some people might find her character hard to connect to but I really loved her from the off. I get her need to connect to family she knows little of and wanting to deep dive into that history and soak it all in. Having said that I think my favourite character might be Mormor... I just loved her attitude to the Medium, I've not laughed out loud like that for a while and it feels like she's making me laugh at almost every turn.
There are so many interesting characters in this book, and aside from one or two I've loved getting to know them all. I feel like we could have more books set in Aegir, and I'd love to read them if we did because I've enjoyed visiting this little coastal town.
If you love a little cosy romance with a few ghosts thrown in this will definitely be your cup of tea. And I recommend reading it with a spot of Fika too.

Krystina xx

The Highlander's Unexpected Bride by Nicole Locke~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Mills & Boon

Publication Date: 28th September 2023

Genre: Historical Romance

Summary:

Is the wife the Highlander seeks

…already by his side?

Back from battle, Hamilton of Clan Graham makes a bet with his brother: to find a wife by summer’s end! The Scottish warrior enlists his childhood friend Beileag to help him woo the perfect woman. But, like he has, Beileag has changed whilst he’s been away―and she intrigues him as never before… His focus should be on winning a bride. So why is Beileag all he can think about?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Mills & Boon and Nicole Locke for having me on this tour and sending me the book.
Now if you've been following my blog for a while you'll know I love romance, and historical romances are one of my favourite kinds to read. I love stepping back in time and watching a romance unfold somewhere so different to now, you often get really romantic gestures that you'd never see now and I love that escapism.
Now whilst I have read many a Mills &Boon romance in my time I've not read one by Nicole Locke before and I really loved her style of writing, I'm definitely going to check out more from her for my next romance hit!
I loved the Friends to Lovers journey that we watched Hamilton and Beileag go on and the background romance of Cameron and Anna was just so lovely to get glimpses of in between our main romance, I know I'll be heading off to read their story next.
I really felt for poor Beileag every time her mother sniped at her and essentially chipped away at her confidence in herself, I don't know how her mother thought that being cruel would help her leave and find happiness, how do you find love when you keep getting told you height makes you unwanted! But I loved how Hamilton brought her out of her shell and they had that back-and-forth banter with each other.
In short, I loved reading this, I sat and devoured it in one sitting and I'm pretty sure ill head back to it again when i need another dose of historical romance.

Krystina xx

Anyone but the Boss by Sara.L.Hudson~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 18th September 2023

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Summary:

Thomas Moore, heir to the glamorous New York department store Moore’s, has everything. Everything but a sense of humor. Probably why he's so often compared to his philandering crook of a father.

Alice Truman, recently promoted from the sales floor, is determined to prove her worth. Even if that means smiling in the face of the arrogant and too-sexy-for-his-own-good Thomas Moore, who seems to think her unfit for her new position.

Avoidance works wonders until Alice's best friend plans an Elvis-themed destination wedding with Thomas’ brother—a concept the modern Mr. Darcy loathes.

Throw in a hairless cat, a calamitous bachelorette party and some questionable cocktails, and things become… complicated. And when things get complicated, anyone but the boss would be better.

Review:

Firstly thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and Sara. L. Hudson for having me on this tour and sending me the book.
I loved reading this book. The interactions between Alice and Thomas were brilliant from their first kind of argumentative ones to the more easy banter that eventually emerged. The hen party shenanigans were fantastic, I was in fits of giggles at them at almost every page! I loved Chase, he was just so fun, complete and utter mischief personified at times and I loved anytime he stepped in to cause mayhem.
And the sexual tension between Alice and Thomas, you could cut it with a knife, it was brilliantly written. With romance you know they get together in the end but it was written really well so you still had that will they won't they feeling. I adored the fact that Thomas' whole family were in on his apology for Alice, it was so sweet and the apology itself was amazing! I loved how he showed her that he loved her by taking a small thing that she said and creating this massive display of his love for all to see.
It was exactly what I love in a romance, it felt like a bit of a hug in a book. ill definitely be going back to read more by Sara.

Krystina xx

Bus Rhymes and Playtime by Sue Wickstead~Blog Tour

Publisher: JayJayBooks

Publication Date: 7th July 2023

Genre:Childrens 

Summary:

Poetry and Rhymes to sing with a bus theme.

Have you got your ticket ready?

Where shall we go today?

Why not jump on board the bus – come along to sing and play.

So take your seat as off we go.

What could happen along the way?

Review:

Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, JayJayBooks and Sue Wickstead for having me on this tour and sending me the book.
 I read this to my little one and it took an age because they kept interrupting to sing all the songs in the book because they learnt them at school, which I think is a brilliant recommendation for the book! It's not a very long book but it's definitely full of fun, my little one loved it and I think it works well as part of a daytime activity when you are home with little ones. I made the mistake of reading it at bedtime and my small one ended up all hyped up from singing, don't recommend it for bedtime if you want them to sleep it's too fun for bedtime lol.
The illustrations are very cute and fit so well with the songs and rhymes, the little tickets dotted about were brilliant, my little one liked pointing them out and seeing how many they could find.
Whilst my little one loved this book I'm actually going to pass it on to their preschool because I think it'll be brilliant for the age range of children that go to it and they do so much singing that this is perfect for them.
It's a brilliant little book, I definitely recommend it if you have young children.

Krystina xx

The Bridesmaid's Brother by Olivia Lockhart~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Independently published

Publication Date: 27th July 2023

Genre:Romantic Comedy

Summary:

For Penny Archer, dating after forty has proved to be less ‘silver foxes and romantic dinners’, and more ‘last chance bargain bin’. She’s met every liar and cheater in the dating pool, and after one heartbreak too many, she is officially sworn off men.

A strong, single mum, she doesn’t need a partner, and besides, the family planner is crammed with work commitments, school meetings, puppy classes, chores for her ageing parents and, of course, her beloved book club. Although a cuddle now and then wouldn’t go amiss…

Penny jumps at the chance to let her hair down at a friend’s wedding, blissfully unaware that she’s about to crash into a stranger’s life in the most mortifying manner.

Can something that begins in disaster ever end in happiness, or is it all too good to be true?

Will Penny ever turn the pages of her own book towards that happy ever after?

One wedding…

One bouquet toss…

The chance to change her story…

Review:
Firstly thank you Rachels Random Resources and Olivia Lockhart for having me on this tour and for sending me the book.
I loved it so much, read it in one sitting its that kind of romance that you can just step into. I loved Penny as an MC, she was just so relatable that it's easy to see yourself in her, the insecurities when you start new relationships and about yourself were just spot on. And Ryan was so damn sweet, I loved watching him grow in his relationship with Penny and damn it if my heart didn't break for him when was opening up about his grief.
I thought the cute little flirty messages between them were adorable and I liked the author using it later in the book for them to say things we all know are difficult to say face to face. It was a slow-burn relationship, I know they moved quicker in some areas, but I liked that they took the relationship as a whole at a slower pace it suited their personal circumstances well and it meant we got to know them better as they both opened up about their pasts.

For 90% of this book, I had a smile on my face and loved watching them together but that last 10% was heart-wrenching I could have cried for poor Penny and what happened to her. I think the way the author portrayed Penny's reaction was brilliant, the way she felt about herself and its negative impact on her was fantastically done and I genuinely could have cried at it.
I will definitely be looking out for more books by Olivia Lockhart.

Krystina xx

Two to Tango by Laura Carter~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 11th September 2023

Genre: Romantic Fiction

Summary:

The secret to Brooks’s success as a Manhattan gym owner? Being motivated to disprove everyone who ever doubted him. So he’s not about to let a perky newcomer like Izzy tarnish his reputation. Even if watching her lead a salsa class on his premises gets his own heartbeat raised…

His beautiful British rival

Every time influencer Izzy slams Brooks in her fitness blog, her book sales soar. But when their escalating media feud forces them to be up-close-and-personal for two weeks, she realizes there’s much more to Brooks than that lean and muscled body.

And a competition that’s got their hearts racing…

Soon Izzy and Brooks are finding all kinds of creative ways to work up a sweat. A passionate workout is easy, but can their rivalry give way to a lasting partnership?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Boldwood Books and Laura Carter for having me on this tour and sending me the book.
I do love a good romance and the enemies-to-lovers troupe is always a fun one to get stuck into. I laughed out loud so many times reading this one, their banter was brilliant. Both Izzy and Brooks had points where they weren't very likeable but a lot of that was perception and often once we'd seen both perspectives we suddenly realised that they weren't so bad. I got so into reading it that I actually finished it in an evening, it was such an easy read that I flew through it enjoying every page. I enjoyed it so much that I've gone back and got book one and I really regret not signing up for the tour of book three! But I  guess ill just have to buy it when it comes out.
The group of friends Brooks has and then Izzy gains were brilliant, I loved the banter and ribbings that Brooks often got and how welcoming of Izzy they were. I really hope we get to see more of them in future books.
I did spend a lot of time telling Izzy off about her healthy weight loss ideas, I'm most definitely on Brooks' side with that one!
As I said I loved reading this book and gaining a new series to read and I will definitely be recommending it to anyone thats a romance fan.

Krystina xx

Way Points:My Scottish Journey by Sam Heughan~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Octopus Books

Publication Date: 22nd June 2023

Genre: Biography

Summary:

Waypoints is a memoir with a difference! I wanted to tell the stories and share the experiences that have shaped me, but to do that I needed to challenge myself and spend some time in my own company, away from the distractions of everyday life. And for me there's no better place to reflect than in the wild Scottish Highlands.'

In this journey of self-discovery, Sam Heughan sets out along the West Highland Way to explore his heritage and reflect on the personal waypoints that define him. The result is a love letter to the wild Scottish landscape that means so much to Sam, and a charming, funny, wise and searching insight to the world through his eyes.

The walk itself is the backdrop for this narrative, which tells the story of Sam's life while exploring his outlook, values and interests. Sam is a figure of fascinating contrasts, a Hollywood star with deep roots in rural Scotland, he's both outgoing and content in his own company. He has strong connections with his fans while recognising the fragility and value of anonymity, and in My Peak Challenge he has created a network that brings people together as they chase individual goals. In his new book, while charting a path through a stunning wilderness, Sam maps out the moments that shaped his views on dreams and ambition, family, friendships, love and life.

Waypoints is a deeply personal journey that reveals as much to Sam about himself as it does to his readers.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, San Heughan and Radar for having me on this tour and sending me the book.
I haven't to admit when I got the book I knew nothing much about Sam other than he was in Outlander(which I don't watch, sorry Sam!) but the blurb sounded fantastic and I wanted to read about the West Highland Way, which I didn't even know about.
I love that it started with a quote from Lord of The Rings, It is my favourite fantasy book and that quote just started me off in a brilliant frame of mind and that stayed throughout the book. I've enjoyed the way it's been written, It kind of feels like you sat having a cuppa with Sam as he's telling you this brilliant yarn about his adventure along the WHW, it's a really easy writing style to connect with.
And the way it's laid out, sections of the WHW split between bits of Sam's childhood and how he got into acting flowed really well and I enjoyed getting to know him a bit through it, as I said when I picked this book up what I knew about him was minimal so it made it a very interesting read.
Now I'm not much of a hiker but the descriptions of everything that he encountered along the walk, the beautiful views and sights, I mean Scotland is stunning that I already knew but his descriptions made even me feel tempted to give it a try. It's very unlikely I will, so instead I've enjoyed it through Sam's writing.
This is a book I'm definitely going to recommend to a few people, I know they'll love it, and I'm hoping Sam has a few more books like this in him.

Krystina xx

Gods Galore by Rupert Stanbury~Blog Tour

 

Publisher: Matador

Publication Date: 19th October. 2021

Genre: Humorous Fiction

Summary:

The Olympian Gods have made it to the 21st century AD. We may not have heard much about them in the last two thousand years, but they’re still controlling what we humans are up to – or at least they think they are.

The reality is that the Gods are like us – they’ve got problems!

Zeus is still Top God on Mount Olympus, but he’s got issues with many of the younger gods. His brothers, Hades and Poseidon, have issues with themselves – they’re getting too set in their ways ruling the Underworld and the Seas; they probably need a job change.

But help is at hand from an unexpected source – we humans.

It’s surprising what a dose of good common sense can do for even the most powerful of the gods, especially when it comes from a couple of teenagers!

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, Matador and Rupert Stanbury for having me on the tour and sending me the book.
Now if you remember not that long ago I reviewed The Four Horsemen, the second book in this series, and I may have ever so slightly gone on about how much I loved it. Well, prepare for more of the same because this is another amazing book.
The cover is again that slight Pratchett cartoon style which really suits the writing style, as I said last time it's very much reminiscent of the late great Terry Pratchett. Fantastically clever with very witty things thrown in that you take a minute to register. One of those made me stop and think for a moment, we had the very brilliant Vesta being shown around the torturing department by Mr Atilla ( yes the Hun) and in Vlad's area they come across two men being impaled called Harold and William and I stopped for a moment before carrying on to see if I could figure out which historical figures they were before I found out by reading. And I loved that I did that throughout the book and I lost count of the amount of times these little things made me laugh out loud, I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book.
And for once I actually found myself tabbing a book so I could remember things I wanted to tell you all in the review(I've never understood tabbing a book before now) because we start with a list of Principal Characters and the detail added into their little one-line explanation is fantastic. Some of my favourites are Homer-Once a writer, now head librarian ( ok so not so much detail there but it made me really giggle) and Mr Wong- Works in the kitchens, having once run a Chinese restaurant in Alderley Edge, England.
Once again I loved reading this book, and I'm off to go re-read The Four Horsemen now because I do so love this series and I'm eagerly awaiting the next book, with the hopes that we have many more to come.
Btw if you think you know who Harold and William were, comment and let me know!

Krystina xx

The Prosecco Pact by Kiltie Jackson~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Neilsen

Publication Date: 5th July 2023

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Summary:

Three Women, Three Promises, One Pact!

Lydia Beaumont married the boy of her dreams but he has since become the man of her nightmares.

She needs to find a new life.

Grace Mitchell has dedicated her life to her career, losing friends along the way to her ambition.

She needs to get a life.

Debbie Stanford has been engaged for a year but is no closer to setting her wedding date.

She just wants to become a wife.

On a cold, blustery January night, they each promise to change their lives and seal the deal over their glasses of Prosecco.

However, the best made pacts of mice and women have been known to go awry…

Review:
Firstly Thank you to ZooLoos Book Tours, Neilsen and Kiltie Jackson for having me on this tour and for sending me a copy of the book.
I've really enjoyed reading this book, after reading horror and crime for the past few weeks this was the perfect lift I needed. I really enjoyed getting to know the three ladies Lydia, Debbie and Grace, I loved their friendship and their weekly get-together. 
It's a really well-written book and I just had to keep reading, i absolutely hated Dave and Davie( that's how well they were written to be gits) and I'm so glad Lydia did away with them.
Watching the ladies follow through with their Pact and how it completely change their lives was brilliant to see.
I defiantly want to read more by Kiltie Jackson, I've enjoyed her writing style and they way shes created characters is just fabulous.

Krystina xx

The Wedding Dress Repair Shop by Trisha Ashley~ Blog Tour

Publisher: Bantam

Publication Date: 22nd June 2023

Genre:Romance

Summary:

Can her heart be mended too?

After losing her fiancé and her dream job in the same week, Garland Fairford's life is turned upside down.

Having recently met a long-lost relative - Honey Fairford - through her work as a historical costumier, Garland is intrigued when Honey reveals she is opening a Wedding Dress museum in Lancashire. With nothing to lose, Garland accepts the offer of a job there.

What she doesn't expect is to come face-to-face with a ghost from her past - her old friend, Thom, who mysteriously disappeared years ago.

As Garland begins reading the stories behind each of the beautiful wedding dresses, and sets about repairing both them and her relationship with Thom, could this finally be the chance for her own happy-ever-after?

Review:

 Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, Trisha Ashley and Bantam for sending me a beautiful proof copy of the book to review.
Now I have to start by saying that I don't think I've ever found a Trisha Ashley book that I haven't loved and has ever left my bookshelf, they even have their own shelf. So I may be a little biased in reviewing this, but you know I'm honest so if for some reason I hadn't loved it id have said that.
I really took to Garland from the first moment she appeared on the page, she has such a fascinating-sounding job and I just loved her as a character, that said Marco on the other hand was a complete arse and (as you are meant to) i disliked him from the off. He was far too up himself and self-centred for someone like Garland. Now Honey was brilliant, just the right side of eccentric I absolutely loved her and boy do I wish I knew someone like her because she sounds like a barrel of laughs to be around. I mean Trisha Ashley is fantastic at writing characters that you can instantly connect with in one way or another and this latest offering is no exception, aside from the three I mentioned we have a plethora of brilliant characters on two and four legs to follow the antics of. And we're in a reasonably familiar setting with mentions of places and people from other books (The Christmas Cracker Factory for one, if you haven't read A Christmas Cracker I highly recommend you do!), so as your reading, if you've read other Trisha Ashley books you're instantly reminded of those places and stories from before, which I loved but I do now need to go back and read some of those books again.
The idea of the Wedding dress museum is brilliant, but I am nosey and id love to go around and read all those funny/sad/happy stories connected with the dresses, so part of me wishes someone will take up the idea and make it a reality so I can be that nosey!
I don't want to spoil the ending for anyone so I won't talk about it, but I desperately want to talk about it(I kind of felt something like that had to have happened but id hoped I was wrong!) so if you've read this book feel free to DM me on Instagram to chat about it!
I adored this book as you can probably tell, and even though I got a beautiful proof I may just have to also buy it so I can see all the recipes that I'm sure will be at the end.

Krystina xx