The Launch Date by Annabelle Slator ~ Blog Tour

 Publisher: Penguin

Publication Date: 13th February 2025

Genre: Romance

Summary:

To get her dream job, she’ll have to date her worst nightmare . . .

Grace Hastings is in a rut. Her career is stagnating, her boss is a leech, and she feels like a fraud working for Fate, a dating app whose ethos she no longer believes in. And don’t even get her started on the state of her love life.

So when the company’s CEO offers her an opportunity for a big promotion and the chance to work on the launch of a dating app that she actually cares about, Grace can’t believe her luck.

That is, until she discovers that she must test drive a series of ‘first dates’ with her competition for the job: notorious socialite playboy and Grace’s biggest work rival, Eric Bancroft.

But Grace refuses to give up her dream job because of a man. And besides, how romantic can a handful of fake dates with your biggest rival really be?

There’s absolutely no way it’s an office romance waiting to happen.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Zoo Loos Book Tours, Penguin and Annabelle Slator for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
So I absolutely adored this book! It was the perfect read for valentines week and I devoured it. I think I read the first 19 chapters in one sitting because I was so engrossed and drawn into the story I just didn't want to put it down. I loved the banter between Eric and Grace and how we watched their relationship unfold and grow. And I have to say I really liked the we had the flashbacks of a sort showing us bits of their friendship and bits of Graces relationship with William. But by god was William a complete arse, I did an out loud "you go girl" at Grace with that last interaction with him, he defiantly deserved that! 
I really enjoyed the writing style of Annabelle Slator, it was easy flowing that I found stepping into the story a dream. Nothing broke my emersion (aside from family members interrupting me) and I felt like a fly on the wall watching Grace but I loved it and I really cant wait to read more by her. Its defiantly a strong debut, the tension between Grace and Eric was rolling off the pages and even though, because it a romance, you know where its going it just had you gunning for them the whole time.
If romance is your thing, this is a book you need to pick up.

Krystina xx

The Little Island Flower Stall by Tilly Tennant ~ Book Tour

 Publisher:  Bookouture

Publication Date: 27th January 2025

Genre: Romance

Summary:

Escape to a colourful little flower stall on the island of Jersey with its sweeping golden beaches. The perfect place for Bella to discover that a heartbreaking family secret might just help her find a new beginning...

When Bella’s heart is broken by her cheating husband, she packs a bag and escapes to Jersey, to help her beloved great-aunt Celestine run her seaside flower stall.

With the sun on her cheeks, watching white-haired Celestine in her elegant patterned trouser suit, beam at customers, and arrange flowers in vases, Bella realises that life is too short to feel sad. And when handsome, brooding Rory arrives at the periwinkle-blue, sand-dusted flower stall, and their eyes meet, she can only describe what passes between them as electricity.

Emboldened by Celestine’s lust for life, Bella decides to get to know Rory, with his unforgettable aquamarine eyes, better and as the two of them walk together under vast blue skies, Rory opens up to Bella and tells her of the family secret that has brought him to the island.

Bella wonders if Celestine might be able to help Rory with his quest. But when she talks to Celestine about Rory’s family her eyes cloud over, and she shuts Bella out. And when Bella tries to track Rory down, days later, she discovers that Rory’s past isn’t the only place where there are secrets. Is her hope of an island romance with a handsome, enigmatic man simply too good to be true? Can this beautiful island still bring her the bright new beginning that she so desperately needs?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Bookouture and Tilly Tennant for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I have to start off saying that I absolutely love the cover of this book, it perfectly fits the feel of the book and makes you get into the summer romance vibe (perfect for the never ending January blues).

I've not read a book by Tilly Tennant before and I have to say I loved her writing style, I found the book really easy to slip into and found connecting with the characters almost instantaneous. I think that Celestine is my favourite if I'm honest, Bella is a fantastic main character and she drives the story along so well but its Celestine that i wanted to know more about. Id love it of we had a book of her during her wartime years, i feel there was more hidden about her character that id love to dive into.
I did feel that the romance aspect between Rory and Bella seemed a little quick for my liking, considering Bella was still technically married and she barely had anytime after shed left her husband to process but i did like her and Rory as a couple. The only thing i didn't like about this book was its ending. I didn't feel like  it ended properly, i wanted so much more from it, I'm hoping its ended the way it has because we're getting a follow on book. I was so invested in Bella's story that the abrupt nature of the ending kicked me out of emersion quite viciously and left me feeling a little put out.
Having said that i did enjoy the book, i think the characters are all well thought out, even the ones that are barely on the page for a paragraph or two are fully formed so we can easily picture them as they get mentioned again. And the writing style is thoroughly enjoyable, i will defiantly be picking up books by Tilly Tennant again.

Krystina xx

Pimlico People by Rupert Stanbury ~Blog Tour

 

Publisher: Independently published

Publication Date: 28th October 2024

Genre: Humorous Fiction

Summary:

ALL THE AUTHOR’S ROYALTIES WILL BE GIVEN TO SUPPORT CHARITIES FOR THE HOMELESS

Pimlico People is the third book in the Gods Galore series about the Olympian Gods in the 21st Century AD.

The Goddesses Artemis and Hebe are staying in Central London to obtain a better understanding of the lives of ‘normal’ people.

To their surprise, they soon encounter a plot to blow up a foreign embassy. Add to that a sophisticated operation involving the theft of valuable paintings from a major art gallery, and the two goddesses begin to question what a ‘normal’ life is all about.

Meanwhile, in the Underworld Cerberus encounters another dog who, amazingly, only has one head! How will they get on?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours and Rupert Stanbury for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
Ok so if you've read my blog before it will come as no surprise that I loved this book. I've enjoyed each of the visits to see what mischief Cerberus is causing down in the underworld or what on earth Zeus and the other gods are up to on mount Olympus now, and this book was no different.
Its full of Rupert Stanbury's brilliantly clever writing that has a Pratchett style to it, weaving in more famous faces from history with his brilliantly crafted characters that help make this such an easy to read book. I've had so many laugh out loud moments whilst reading this, I think I've managed to cause my husband to die in his computer game so often from bursting out with laughter from this book but I couldn't help myself. I especially loved that we got more interactions between Hebe and Sergeant MacGobo, I loved the way they bounced against each other in the last book so it made me smile to read more of it. 
But I still think my favourite place to see into is the Underworld, I love all the historical figures we get to meet and finding out the jobs they have in the underworld, its so cleverly done and I adore that we mostly find it all out through Cerberus who is such a loveable oddity. Don't get me wrong I've loved following Artemis and Hebe in this book but I am so glad we still visited the Underworld as well.
If your a Terry Pratchett fan, do yourself a favour and grab this series because you will love I promise you. Now I need to go see if I can commandeer my copies of Gods Galore and Four Horsemen back from my mum so I can do a full reread!

Krystina xx

Stuck in Paradise with you by Laura Crater ~Blog Tour

 Publisher:  Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 15th October 2024

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Summary:

It’s hard to stay professional when you’re stuck on a tiny island… with your ex

Carrie Briggs is on the cusp of a career breakthrough. About to be made partner at her accountancy firm, she’s been given one more hoop to jump through before it can be made official.

And she could think of worse clients to work with – because world-renowned billionaire Joe Hettich is flying her out to his private island in the Caribbean.

But her hopes of career highs (and relaxing in the gorgeous sun in her spare time, of course!) are dashed when she meets the CFO of Joe’s company: Luke Chalmers, the man who broke her heart seven years ago when he chose his ex over her.

With a storm brewing in paradise – both in her heart and literally, on the island – she’s going to have to put her big girl pants on and get through this, before all those feelings have a chance to resurface…

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Boldwood Books and Laura Carter for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I loved this book. I mean I haven't read a book by Laura Carter that I haven't loved in all fairness so I kinda already knew that I was more than likely going to love this one too. As always the author's writing style is fantastic, it's able to draw you into the story so easily that you'll probably, like me, not want to put it down and easily finish it in a day. I really loved our two MC's Luke and Carrie they really lept off the page for me and I found myself getting so invested in them clearing up the misunderstanding that happened at the end of the relationship the first time and being able to start again, they were so clearly right for each other! Laura Carter has this brilliant ability to create such fantastic side characters that capture you, even if they don't appear in the book too often, like Callum. I loved Calllum and his friendship with Carrie, he was there for her no questions asked no matter the time and he's the kind of friend we all hope to have in our lives.
I really enjoyed the forced proximity aspect of this second-chance romance, I mean who wouldn't want to be on such a beautiful island! And I liked the added bit of peril that was added in order to make the characters realise what they had in front of them and what they could lose if they didn't take a chance.
Generally, I just loved this book and I can't wait to get my hands on Laura Carter's next book, whatever and whoever it's about.

Krystina xx

A Scandal in Mayfair by Katharine Schellman~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Publication Date: 20 Aug. 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

Summary:

Fans of Bridgerton will delight in this Regency-era mystery featuring an intrepid sleuth, plenty of intrigue, and a touch of romance. London, 1817. The London Season is beginning once more, and Lily Adler's return to her home on Half Moon Street feels different this year. No longer a recent widow, she has a life and friends waiting for her. Lily also has new responsibilities in the form of her protegee Amelia, the sister of her longtime friend Jack Hartley, who is escaping her own brush with scandal and murder. It doesn't take long for Lily's growing reputation as a lady of quality who can discreetly find what is missing or solve what is puzzling to bring a desperate young woman to her doorstep. But helping her means unraveling a tangled web of family secrets. Soon, a missing will, a dead body and the threat of blackmail leave Lily facing danger every way she turns. The glittering society of Mayfair conceals many secrets, and the back alleys of London hide even more. Lily Adler will need to find the connection between them quickly if she wants to stop a killer before it's too late.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Partners in Crime Book Tours, Crooked Lane Books and Katharine Schellman for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I was instantly hooked when I started reading this, I was so drawn to Lily from the first moment she stepped onto the page and I wanted to get to know her more. I really regret not having read the other books in this series first, not because I needed them to read this because it works really well as a standalone but because I wished I'd seen the progression of the growing relationship between Lilly and Jack. I loved watching them come to terms with their feelings and realising how the other felt, it was really well done over the course of the book. Sometimes it's done too quickly so I really enjoyed the pace it happened at.
Lily isn't the only fantastic female character in this book, it's filled with really strong brilliantly crafted women who each are vital to the book in their own way. I really think I'd happily read a book solely about any of them, they each have so much to explore individually I think.
I really loved the writing style of this book, i really can't wait to read more books by this author. She has a really great way of pacing her books so you just keep wanting to turn the page and find out where you're being led to next.
I can't wait for, hopefully, the next book in this series and meanwhile I'll go back and read the others to keep myself occupied.

Krystina xx

A Scottish Highland Hideaway by Julie Shackman ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 15th August 2024

Genre: Romance

Summary:

For Bailey McArthur, her family and job mean everything. She runs her own floristry shop and loves spending time in nature in the pretty town of Heather Moore, whilst desperately trying to forget about being jilted on her wedding day.

When journalist Zach Stern arrives in town asking questions about a famous actor, Bailey decides to throw him off the trail of the superstar hiding out in the Scottish Highlands.

But despite Bailey’s efforts to thwart Zach's investigation she finds herself falling for him. It’s just a shame she can’t be honest with him. But then, Bailey might not be the only one with a secret to hide…

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, One More Chapter and Julie Shackman for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
OK so I discovered Julie's books last year with a brilliant Christmas book that I absolutely devoured and so when this one came up I knew I had to read it. I really love her writing style it makes for such an easy book to read because I practically step into the places she created like I'm watching the interaction in Bailey's shop or gossiping with her employees, I love that it feels that way. It's a really well-done enemies-to-lovers trope, much like Bailey I started off distrusting and disliking Zach and he really had to work to earn that trust so that by the end I was yelling at Bailey to go find him and have her happy ending because they clearly are meant to be.
But I have to say my absolute favourite interactions in the whole book were Bailey and Ezra. They were so similar and their experiences with the media were almost mirror image to some degree and I loved how caring Bailey was towards him because she knew what he was going through in that regard and she wanted to protect him. Their friendship was by far my favourite relationship in the book(yes I know it's meant to be the romance but you read it and tell me you didn't love them!).
Everything about this book gave me the autumnal vibes and I am so ready to embrace that, this book gave me the cosy feeling I needed and I will definitely be rereading it soon. Julie Shackman is an auto-buy author for me and I plan to head into her back catalogue asap for more trips to Scotland.

Krystina xx

Before You Say I Do by Sharon Ibbotson ~Blog Tour

 Publisher: Choc Lit

Publication Date: 31st July 2024

Genre: Romance

Summary:

What if you were planning the wedding of the year . . . for the man you were meant to marry?

Wedding planner Ari Lightowler doesn’t believe in happily-ever-after.

Her job is to create the perfect magical wedding for demanding brides. And certainly not focus on her own heartache.

When Ari is invited to plan the upcoming ‘society wedding of the year’ in New York she arrives at the sprawling estate to meet the happy couple.

The only problem? The groom is Tom Somerset, her long-lost love . . . And father of her child.

Eight years ago Ari met Tom at Reykjavik airport. After a whirlwind romance, Tom was called home to New York. He promised to return for Ari.

He never came back.

And she never got to tell him she was expecting his child.

Now Ari must deal with the whims of a society bridezilla who cares more about her wedding than her groom. And the unresolved tensions with Tom.

Because Tom did go back for Ari.

The only question now is who will say I do?

Review:
Firstly thank you at Hygge Book Tours, Choc Lit and Sharon Ibbotson for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
Now I'm 50/50 on the second chance romance troupe, depending on the reason for the split in the first place and I have to say in this one Tom came out badly for me. Yes, he did go back for her, way too late in my opinion and after not giving her a way to contact him, which let's face it would have helped him know about his child sooner. But Ari didn't come off great to me either, she spent way too long (8 years!) telling herself he was going to come find her instead of moving on with her life with her child properly, she sort of hung onto it so long it was becoming sad. I found myself frustrated with both of them for a lot of the modern-day scenes but I absolutely loved the flashbacks from their time together before he left, which convinced me that they just fitted so well together. I so loved that Tom bought all of her paintings though, it was so sweet and the fact that he wanted them all to have a connection to her I loved, even though it was a mire of his own making. And I have to say the star of the book for me was Luis, i absolutely adored that man, and I would happily claim him as a friend he was just so fabulous. He made the book for me, he just lit up any of the scenes he was in and his relationship with Renie was gorgeous, he was definitely more of a father figure than an uncle and the "one year later" made me sad that he and Sebastian who pretty much helped raise Reine for the first 8 years of her life were pushed aside for Tom. I get it he's her dad but those two deserved more in my opinion.
I enjoyed reading the book the style meant it was easy to get sucked in and just read the whole thing in one sitting, which I did, and id happily read more by Sharon Ibbotson.

Krystina xx