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

Sun Ascendant by C.F. Dunn ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Resolute Books

Publication Date: 20th May 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

Summary:

In Wheel of Fortune, single-minded and determined Isobel Fenton was resolved that nothing would separate her from her beloved manor of Beaumancote; but as unseen witness to a summary execution, she was propelled into a world of personal feud and national politics as the houses of York and Lancaster threaten to tear the country apart.

In Sun Ascendant , now unwilling mistress of the formidable Earl, Isobel despairs of ever being free to follow her own heart. But events take a sinister turn, and as the Earl of Warwick and King Edward IV vie for power, Isobel must face her own battle for survival as the King, Richard of Gloucester, Robert Langton and the Earl must fight for theirs. Trapped and alone, Isobel is at the mercy of malign forces. What is the bitter Countess prepared to do to be rid of her rival, and - divided by love and loyalty - how will Isobel contend with the decaying relationship of the two brothers who seek her love?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Literally PR, Resolute Books and C.F.Dun for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
So again I have to start off by complimenting C.F Dunn on her research and obvious extensive knowledge of this period, you easily step into the Cousin's War period because she's made it quite an immersive experience reading this book. The way she includes small details that make a difference when reading a historical novel is brilliant and I truly enjoy her writing style. That said I'm still not sure I like our MC Isobel, I spent the first book gradually warming to her because I wasn't a fan when I started the book, and in that last scene of Wheel of Fortune I was rooting for her to use that dagger so when she didn't I kind of cooled off to her a little bit. She very much was at the mercy of the Earl, who I spent both books disliking right to the very end, which is accurate for the period a young heiress would be at the mercy and whims of someone like the Earl and her agency is none existent so when she seemingly took that step to free herself I was rooting for her. For her to not go through with it and then be stuck with a man convinced her loves her whilst not taking her wishes into account felt like a step further back from where she was. I do admire the strength she has though, the birth she went through was especially difficult and she came out the other side with more of a backbone I felt because she was now fighting for more than just herself and it feels like that's what she needed to be able to stand up to the Earl to some degree.
Now I didn't like the Earl at all but I really loved his brother, Robert, he has to be my favourite character in this series and I couldn't tell you why but I just really loved the character that C.F Dunn created. The only problem I have with the book is how it ended, it kind of felt like it was building up to a reconciliation that then didn't happen. I felt like we had this build up and it fell flat at the end so I'm really hoping there's a book three coming soon.

Krystina xx

The Virtue Season by L.M Nathan ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Date: 4th July 2024

Genre: Dystopian fiction

Summary:

The world didn't end all at once but drip by drip...

Manon Pawlak has just turned eighteen, a debutant at the start of the Virtue Season: a process that will result in a match with a suitable genetic mate. Her best friend, Agatha, has been decommissioned, forbidden to partake in the season and unite with the boy who has had her heart since they were children.

When Manon's mother wades out into the waters of Penn Vale with stones sewn into the lining of her coat, Manon's genetic purity is called into question and she's forced to rely on the fisherman's son, Wick, to keep her secret. But as they dance, the truth about their world starts to unravel, and Manon finds herself at the centre of it all. And the council is watching.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, Scholastic and L.M Nathan for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
Gotta start off by saying that the cover of this is really pretty, it definitely set off my magpie tendencies and looks gorgeous on my shelf. And the blurb really drew me in, no that's a lie it wasn't the whole blurb I was hooked by that first line "The world didn't end all at once but drip by drip" It completely made me need to read this to find out how.
So I really loved the writing style of this, it kind of reads like it's a YA book even though I don't think it is, but that makes sense as the Main characters in it are all 18, and all the adults are really just supporting characters. You know me I love a dual POV book and I really enjoyed getting everything from two contrasting points of view, Manon who's going through everything as a Debutant and Agatha who's been decommissioned and gets a very limited view of proceedings. The only thing about this book is the ending doesn't feel finished, it feels like you've got to the end of a binge-worthy TV series with a massive cliffhanger leaving you eager for series 2. I feel like this is book one in a series and we've laid the groundwork for more from both Manon and Agatha as the fight to change things carries on, a fight which as we leave them in book one feels like an uphill struggle.

I definitely feel like it has strong elements of The Handmaid's Tale in a really good way. It's a dystopian fiction that I've really enjoyed I kept wanting to keep reading it and seeing what happened next, and if it is part of a series I will definitely be reading the rest to see where it takes us.

Krystina xx

Dying to Bake by Helen Golden~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Drew Bradley Press

Publication Date: 15th March 2024

Genre:crime/Thriller/cosy mystery

Summary:

Bake Off Wars is back! Get your aprons on and let the sleuthing begin!

BREAKING NEWS Vera Bolt, Queen of Bakes, dies unexpectedly aged 66

In a shocking announcement this afternoon, Vera Bolt’s agent confirmed that the Bake Off Wars judge and national treasure died yesterday. Ms Bolt was in the process of filming the next series of the hugely popular television show at Francis Court, the home of the King’s sister and her family. It’s believed that the renowned pastry chef was stabbed in the heart, and the main suspect is rumoured new royal girlfriend, Summer York.

What am I supposed to do? Lady Beatrice has promised DCI Richard Fitzwilliam that she won’t get involved in the investigation into Vera Bolt’s death. But when her brother’s new love interest, Summer York, becomes the top suspect for Vera’s murder, Fred begs Bea to find out who the real killer is. In a race against time, can Bea navigate a labyrinth of secrets and lies, evade danger, and safeguard her friendship with Fitzwilliam?

The answer may determine not only Summer’s innocence but also the fate of Bea’s and Fitzwilliam’s burgeoning feelings for each other.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Drew Bradley Press and Helen Golden for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I knew I was going to love this book because I absolutely adored the last book in the series A Cocktail to Die For, so much so that the rest of the series is currently waiting to be read on my kindle! Helen Golden's writing style is brilliant and I immediately got drawn straight into Lady Bea's world and was swept away with her and Perry's discussion's, I really enjoy their friendship its one that just makes you smile as you read it. They both just come across as people you wish you actually knew because they'd be the best for having a brilliant time, no matter what the plans were they'd make them better kind of people and I think Helen Golden is just brilliant at writing characters that are so easy to connect to.
I saw the Simon twist way before it was revealed, I kind of guessed it at the first mention of someone looking for him but I didn't mind that. I liked it when it was finally revealed and I didn't guess the other twist in the book half as quickly (I think I got there at the same time as Bea) so I genuinely didn't mind that I saw Simons. The undercurrent of Rich and Bea was frustrating to read, the whole time I was yelling at them to get together, abit like Perry I was willing them to give it a go because they would clearly make each other happy.
I'm so hooked on this series now that I finished this one and went straight to find out when the next one was out, frustratingly I have to wait til December for book 10, but I know it'll be worth the wait.

Krystina xx

Exodus by Steve Catto~Blog Tour

 

Publisher: Steve Catto Books

Publication Date: 12th February 2024

Genre:Dystopian/ Science Ficiton 

Summary:

“You can’t live on a dream, but you can die without one.” - Alakzander Balagoun The Balagoun brothers’ ten-year plan for taking the citizens of New London to a new life on Mars following the apocalypse is about to become a reality with the approaching launch of the first test flight, but equipment, supplies and energy are going missing, conspiracy theories are rife, and it seems as if not everyone wants to leave the Earth anyway. To take their places as leaders of the new civilisation, their granddaughters Freya and Reihna must put aside their divided loyalties to the family and keep a restless city supporting a questionable dream. If the information that the local news reporter Hanna Finnegan discovers proves to be true, that dream might just turn out to be a nightmare…

Review:
Firstly thank you to Love Books Tours and Steve Catto for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
Now I've only just started to get into Science fiction books after finally finding my gateway into the genre (I had a lot of bad luck before) so this one really caught my eye because it was mixing Dystopian future with science fiction and I really liked the idea of that. The blurb drew me and I was really excited to get stuck into this beginning of a series.
I found Steve Catto's writing style really easy to read and quite immersive, i flew through the first 98 pages completely in that setting that he'd brilliantly set up for us. But at about page 99, the book took a right-hand turn that I completely wasn't expecting and whilst that was an interesting turn to take it completely threw me out of immersion. After that, I couldn't get that immersion back, and I felt like the story went in a different direction than what the blurb promised. I almost felt like this second half of the book could have been a completely different book because it felt like two different ideas for a series( both of which I'd have happily read separately). And there were a few characters in the book that sort of felt like they hadn't been fleshed out properly, and almost like they were thrown in as an afterthought because they were needed to move the story along a little.
All in all whilst the back end of this book wasn't really my cup of tea I very much enjoyed how it began and I think I'd like to see what Steve Catto publishes after this series.

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

Taken to the Hills by S J Richards~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Apple Loft Press 

Publication Date: 12th September 2023

Genre:Crime/Thriller

Summary:

Abductions and murder are not what ex-DCI Luke Sackville expected when he left the police after tragedy struck his family.

Luke’s return to the workplace was meant to be a soft landing but when a woman vanishes after being accused of taking bribes, he is assigned a disparate team and tasked with tracking her down.

Their search becomes more urgent when her disappearance is linked to the death of a second woman. When a third goes missing the hunt becomes a race against time. Luke’s return to work presents him with the most challenging case of his career as the murder victims mount.

Murder and intrigue are peppered with humour in this fast-paced crime thriller set in and around the beautiful city of Bath in the southwest of England.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Love Books Tours, Apple Loft Press and S J Richards for having me on this tour and sending me the book.
Another debut thriller that made it onto my reading list for this year has blown me away! I was hooked on needing to know what was happening from the first page and didn't put the book down til id found out, which meant I read this in a day! Let's start off in true me style by talking about the cover, it gives the perfect slightly creepy thriller vibes and, having had a quick peak at books two and three they have the same brilliant look to them, I already know they are going to look fab on my shelf(but shhh I'm a book buy ban so tell no one lol)
Chapter 1 had me hooked but then didn't make sense til later in the book and I loved that suddenly it just clicked into place, and that happened at various different spots throughout the book. I took the red herrings offered and ran with them thinking that I knew who the killer was but I did not see the actual killer coming at all, and looking back we had hints but they were tiny little sprinkles of a hint and I took the red herring instead!
I absolutely loved Luke's team, like he said on paper they make no sense but they work so well together it's fantastic and I can't wait for more cases for them to work on, I think they will just gel even more as time goes on and we'll get some fantastic workplace banter coming into play.
I'm now eagerly awaiting books 2 and 3 to see if I'm right and how they handle whatever gets thrown at them.

Krystina xx

The Rituals by Rebecca Roberts~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Honno Welsh Women's Press

Publication Date: 28th September 2023

Genre: Literary Fiction 

Summary:

Gwawr, secular celebrant, single and in her thirties, knows all too well how life can change in an instant. Well practiced at keeping her composure, she keeps on smiling, even though her own life is falling apart behind the scenes. A victim of online sabotage, an unknown perpetrator is trying to destroy Gwawr and her business. Prone to unwise relationships, we follow her as she becomes hopelessly embroiled with an attractive client, thwarts the advances of another, and tries to survive as her business dries up and her money runs out. All while finding a way to acknowledge her own, very private, grief.

This is a tale of friendship, love, unbearable loss and how we overcome the dark depths to find the light again. We all carry secrets and sometimes only solidarity and the trust of another will unlock them.

A heartfelt novel exploring what it means to be human when we are at our most vulnerable.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, Honno Welsh Women's Press and Rebecca Roberts for having me on this tour and sending me the book.
So I thought this would be an interesting book when I picked it up but would never have thought it would be quite as emotional as it turned out to be. And I don't mean as in the subject matter, because that was quite clear from the blurb as the main character is a Celebrant so it births deaths and weddings essentially and they always bring out strong emotions. What I mean is I didn't expect to become quite so emotional reading it as I did, there were points where I was in floods of tears and had to stop reading for a bit I was so overcome with emotion. You go through Gwawr's highs and lows and it's so beautifully written that it takes you through those emotions with her so strongly.
I read it over the space of two days and if I'm honest it only took that long because of the strong emotions it drew from me which caused me to have to take breaks and step away from the book for a few moments. I could happily devour this in one sitting and I'm so very glad that it was translated from Welsh into English, though I loved reading the bits of Welsh spattered throughout the book and attempting to say them out loud (by that I mean butchering the pronunciation because I definitely don't have a skill for it). I will definitely look for more by Rebecca Roberts in the future and books published by Honno Welsh Women's Press.

Krystina xx

Charlotte's Snowman by Lainey Dee~Blog Tour

 Publisher: KABooks

Publication Date: 23rd September 2021

Genre:Childrens Fiction

Summary:

Children love building snowmen. When they add a nose, eyes, and mouth to their snowman, they get a magical feeling that their snowman has his own personality.

And… sometimes snowmen do come alive!

Charlotte wakes up and sees that it’s snowing… it’s snowing and it’s snowing. She runs outside to build a snowman. She fixes a carrot for the snowman’s nose, a stick for his mouth, and two stones for his eyes.

But the snowman has many demands, so Charlotte has to part with her gloves, scarf and hat; so her snowman wouldn’t feel cold. But the sun comes up all of a sudden, and Charlotte cannot find her snowman anymore. She is sad. Then, she learns that her snowman hasn’t disappeared completely, but is hiding in the ground, waiting to emerge next winter.

Review:

Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, KABooks and Lainey Dee for having me on this tour and sending me the book.
I've said it before but I'll say it again I do love when I can share the books I get to review with my little one, and my little one loves to build snowmen and is always upset when they go so this was a really useful one to have. Its written in a way that children can easily follow and think easily read when their just starting to read bigger books by themselves.
My little one spent time asking questions about the snowman and why they melted and about them coming back next year and even stated "When it snows I'll build one and then when they melt they can come back next time it snows!" which was really good because last year we had tears when the snowman family melted.
Its full of very sweet but simple illustrations and I quite liked them, their cute and i don't think I needed anything more to get the point of the story across. My little one defiantly enjoyed the illustrations, they liked the book so much I had to read it twice in one sitting!
Id defiantly say this is a really lovely little book to get for stockings or Christmas eve boxes this Christmas, I already know mine will be wanting it on the Christmas reading list.

Krystina xx

Daughter of the Fens by Elena Collins~Blog Tour

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 2nd October 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction

Summary:

AD 61

Brittania is in the hands of the Romans but when the conquering army betray the dead King Prasutagus by defiling his daughters, his Queen, Boudicca, is determined to regain her land.

Iceni slave Brea remembers little of the time before the Romans, and has grown used to their louche and indulgent customs. She diligently goes about her duties looking after the artless Aurelia, wife-to-be of the handsome war hero Marcellus, but her longing for freedom and her desire to find her lost father, are never far from her mind.

Present Day

When Hanna returns to Norfolk from years working abroad, the strange dreams of her adolescence return: indistinct figures in tunics, mighty soldiers in armour, gladiators, temples, an Iceni warrior woman leading her people. Gradually Hanna’s dreams begin to slip into the present as visions in the famous mists rolling across the fens, and as shocks of recognition when a new face moves to her childhood home.

As Hanna realises that she has a connection with a tragedy that occurred many years before, so Brea has to understand that her fate is bound up with her Roman master. And as the drumbeat of rebellion gets ever closer Brea must make the fatal choice between love and loyalty while Hanna has to find a way to make peace with the past.

Review:

 Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Elena Collins and Boldwood Books for having me on this tour and sending me the book.
So far I haven't met one of Elena's books that I haven't loved and this one was no different. I love how she flips from modern day back into the past so easily and there's no clunky feel to it.
I really enjoyed the small glimpses of Brea's life that we each time and that it gradually gives us this fuller picture of her and her life and how it changes.I loved stepping back to that time period, Roman britian is a rich time for Elena to have picked and I'm really pleased she picked the Iceni tribe, it's one of those names that instantly gives you an image in your head when you hear the name.
I could barely put the book down it just kept me hooked the whole time, Elena's brilliant descriptions made me feel like I was stepping into the story and time period, I pretty much read it in a day(housework can wait right?) and I think that's been the case for all of Elena's books I've read.
Hanna's story was interesting and enjoyed seeing how her life flowed and how being connected to Brea kind of helped her find her path in life, it was really good to see her find her passion at the end of the book.
I always knew that I'd love this book and Elena Collins is always an auto-buy author for me so I'm now eagerly looking forward to her next book and where in time it will take me!

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

Just Like Mother by Anne Heltzel~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Verve Books

Publication Date: 26th September 2023

Genre: Horror

Summary:

For the past two decades, Maeve has worked hard to build a normal life in New York City, where she keeps everything - and everyone - at a safe distance. When Andrea suddenly reappears, Maeve regains the only true friend she's ever had. Soon she's spending more time at Andrea's remote Catskills estate than in her own cramped apartment. Maeve doesn't even mind that her cousin's wealthy work friends clearly disapprove of her single lifestyle. After all, Andrea has made her fortune in the fertility industry - baby fever comes with the territory. What worries Maeve is that the more she immerses herself in Andrea's world, the more her long-buried memories flood to the surface. But confronting the terrors of her childhood may be the only way for Maeve to transcend the nightmare still to come...

Review:
Firstly thank you to Verve Books and Anne Heltzel for having me on this tour and sending me the book.
The cover for this book is suitably creepy to fit with its horror tag, but personally, i didn't feel like it was a horror read. Don't get me wrong this is most definitely a well-written book and Anne Heltzel's use of language is brilliant throughout but I didn't get the horror vibe. I found it an easy-to-read book, I whizzed through it but i also clocked what was going to happen by chapter 4 and honestly, I kept reading to see how right I was. I missed any of the twists that normally come with a thriller. Now it could be that I'm unintentionally comparing it to another thriller with a motherhood cult at its centre that had me second-guessing myself at all turns and had such a twist that I exclaimed out loud at it and therefore Just Like Mother comes out lacking in comparison. 
I enjoyed the character development though and Maeve's piecing it all together, and I quite liked the flashbacks to their childhood. It was interesting to see their dynamic as children and how, despite the gap they had of not knowing each other, they easily fell back into that dynamic.
Despite not getting the horror vibe from this book I would happily read something by Anne Heltzel again, she has a really good writing style that I found easy to read.

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

The Queen of The Poor by Alan Gold~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Romaunce Books 

Publication Date: 10th August 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction

Summary:

Angela Burdett-Coutts was a wealthy woman who used her money, class and prestige to make a tangible difference for those less fortunate. She would become one of the most outspoken and dedicated philanthropists of her day.

Coutts the bank was founded in 1692 but really took off when Thomas Coutts took over at the beginning of the 19th Century. He made a fortune, and left it to his second wife, 40 years younger and an actress. When she died, she left it all to Thomas' granddaughter, Angela Burdett-Coutts.

Suddenly, Angela became the second wealthiest woman in England after Queen Victoria. She had to hire bodyguards to keep fortune hunters away. But because of her wealth and also because her father was a radical politician, she moved in the most interesting circles of Victorian society, where she met and has numerous affairs with famous people, like the chemist Michael Faraday and many others including Charles Dickens and the Duke of Wellington.

She caused something of a scandal with her radical lifestyle, but because of her wealth, and the fact that she spends most of her money on charity, opening schools for impoverished children, helping Dickens with the housing for the poor, housing prostitutes and getting them off the streets she's almost beyond criticism.... until, at the age of 66, she caused absolute shock and outrage, because she chose to marry her 29-year-old secretary called William Lehman Ashmead Bartlett.

Whilst this in itself does not appear particularly shocking, as he was, like her father, a Member of Parliament, the astonishing age gap left society aghast. Whilst she was sixty-seven, he was just twenty-nine years old.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Love Books Tours, Romaunce Books and Alan Gold for having me on this tour and sending me the book.
I was very excited when I got on this tour because I've loved all the books by Alan Gold that I've read so far but this is the first one of his where I had no idea who the woman that it's about is. I'd never heard of Angela Burdett-Coutts until I was on this tour and got hold of his book and I have to say she's a fascinating woman. I had no idea that she had a hand in founding the NSPCC, and all these different charities she helped either set up or fund, she sounds like an amazingly forward-thinking woman for her time. I think I may have to do more reading about her after having devoured this book in a couple of hours.

It is an eloquently written book, and was very easy to dive into, losing myself into the pages and not looking up until id finished. I enjoyed the various relationships throughout it, her Brother Dudley was an odious man constantly trying to trick her into giving away or losing her inheritance all because of his overinflated sense of entitlement, it was so well written that I got angry on her behalf at his actions.

Her friendships were lovely to read, Hannah attempting to support her and steer her in the direction that she knew Angela wanted to go in and Dickens in helping her to direct her philanthropy to the correct places. Wellington was an odd one he definitely cared and was trying to look out for her wellbeing but may have ultimately caused her emotional hurt in his heavy-handedness.
As someone who loves history and enjoys reading about it, I can't recommend Alan Gold's books enough, if you're a historical fiction fan you need to add his books to your TBR.

Krystina xx