Blog Tour: Her Secret Vows with the Viking by Sarah Rodi*

 

''The lady is already married.

To me.'

A year ago, Viking Stefan’s clandestine marriage to Saxon maiden Ædwen was torn apart by the shocking discovery that her father murdered his family. Unable to forgive his wife for hiding the truth, Stefan left. But now word reaches him that Ædwen is about to wed again…

Forced to marry at her father’s command, Ædwen’s stunned when Stefan bursts through the church doors and announces that she’s already married—to him! As the warrior steals her away passion reignites, but can Ædwen ever trust Stefan again when he left her alone, devastated—and carrying his baby…?'

This is the story of Stefan and AEdwen, who are what I would describe as the one who got away. Except in this case Stefan left, but was the right decision in the moment. The book is told across 16 Chapters as well as an Epilogue. 

So as the story begins at a Wedding but not Stefan's, though he does make quite the entrance at this one. This couple begins their journey with quite a pile of misunderstandings and pre conceived notions between them. Let's face it neither of those bode well for future happiness or romance. 

Although as the story progresses, not only do readers get a look at this couple's shared past, but we get to watch as these two work their way through these misunderstandings. Throughout the story the point of view switches between our main characters, giving us readers a chance to figure out what they are both truly feeling and thinking.

Will seeing this view, make readers want to scream 'communicate'? That is a distinct possibility but these two need to learn their communication ways in their own time and you will be happy to know that they do figure this out before the end of the book. 

One thing I adored about the book was the ending. When I thought this couple had solved everything and could live happily ever after I was given another chapter showing me more, more that I didn't know I wanted, but more that I definitely wanted. This story was certainly one I enjoyed throughout and I adored getting glimpses of this couples future.

Now let me tell you about the Author Sarah Rodi, who has always been a hopeless romantic. Sarah grew up watching old, romantic movies that were recommended by her grandad or devouring love stories fromt he local Library. She lives in the village of Cookham in Berkshire, where she enjoys walks along the River Thames with her husband, two daughters and their dog. She has been a magazine journalist for over 20 years, but her lifelong dreams is to write romance for Mills & Boon. Sarah believes everyone deserves to find their happy ever after. You can contact Sarah via @sarahrodiedits or sarahrodiedits@gmail.com or visit her website sarahrodi.com

Overall this book was a great read, and gave the reader the ending that they wanted for this family. It gave you a glimpse into their future so you could see that this couple truly got their happy ever after. You can get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Life Update: Preparing for Kittens!

 If you follow me on Instagram you have already seen that I have just added to new adorable little Kittens to my family. They join the family of me and my bearded Dragon, Toothless. If you haven't seen my post Instagram you can find the link to it on my Contact Page.

So I thought while I am busy get used to my new routine of being mum (yes I am one of those pet parents) to my new kittens as well as my dragon, that I would put together a post of things that I did to help me prepare for these two adorable new additions. I do have to put a disclaimer in that I am not a professional and these are just my opinions. The websites I mention do provide their own list but these were just the things I did. 

So this post will be split up into Supplies I needed/ got, ways to save money when shopping, preparing your home and useful websites where I conducted research or things that I researched. One thing to note is that I am not an expert, this is my experience and not professional advice. So let's jump straight into the post. 

Supplies

So as you can imagine there is a lot of stuff that you need when you bring a tiny little kitten into your home. Here are the things that were on my list when I was preparing for my two tiny fur balls. 

1. Litter box/Tray: I did go with a simple tray to begin with for my kittens, mainly because I wanted to make it very easy for the kittens to access. Though I do plan to change this to a lidded one when they grow older. 

2. Cat Carrier: This one is self explanatory, I personally prefer getting a canvas carrier compared to the bulkier plastic one but this one is down to personal preference. 

3. Scratching Post: Again I think this one is self explanatory I mean who wants their new kitten scratching up their furniture. 

4. Grooming

5. House Cleaning: With this category I mean general cleaning products that will be used within the Kittens vicinity that is pet friendly/pet safe.

6. Food and Treats: Self Explanatory, though I do recommend you read the packets when it comes to treats as not all of them are suitable for young cats or kittens.

7.Litter accessories: So this section covers the actual Cat Litter, a scoop and any litter tray bags or old newspapers that you may want to use in your litter tray. 

8. Bowls 

9. Bedding

10. Toys

Ways to Save Money

So when you get a new pet, they always come with lots of expenses so its always great to save some money where you can. Here are a few ways to save money when you get your new kitten. 

1. Shop Around: Don't just go to one shop when it comes to buying supplies. Shop around both online and offline stores to see where you can grab yourself a bargain.

2. Use Old bedding instead of buying a cat bed. The reason this one works is because sometimes cats and kittens don't use the beds you provide. So instead of buying a costly cat bed that could get messy or not even used, see if you have any old bedding that you can use instead. Trust me the kittens won't know the difference.

3. Don't over do it on toys. I would say only buy a few toys for your new kitten. When you first get them you don't know what they will prefer. Are they a soft toy cat or a noisy toy cat? Do they prefer a ball or is their favourite toy going to be a ball of random paper?

4. When it comes to the scratching post, I would recommend going plan and simple. Just a simple tower is perfect, you never know whether they want the levels or if they will use them. I would keep it plan for the first one and when you repurchase you can always start adding levels. 

Preparing your home

One thing to start off this section with is that you will never be fully prepared for the kitten arrival. They will always find something to get into or something to try and eat but I hope this helps you. 

When preparing your home you are going to want to make sure you have gates for any doors for rooms that you don't want the kittens to go into. The gates will not keep them out as they settle in but it will help at the beginning. 

You also want to plug up any little gaps where you don't want the kittens getting into. For me, this was the gap either side of my cooker. When plugging these gaps, you need to beware that the kittens will test your plug and if it isn't up to standard they will squeeze themselves into that area anyway. 

Research

As when taking on anything you want to make sure that you do your research, while figuring out the best thing for you. There are a lot of websites out there that will have research on what to do before your new arrival and after they come. Some Websites I found helpful are Royal Canine, Cat's Protection. But not only that you also want to do your research when it comes to getting Pet Insurance sorted out as well as registering them with a vet. 

Thank you for reading this post and I hope you enjoyed it. Please leave me a comment if I have missed anything out of this list. Make sure you are following my Instagram for all Kitten/ Bearded Dragon Photos. I will be posting a blog in the coming weeks reflecting on my first week/month with the Kittens. Again this is not professional advice, this is just what I did. 

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Review: Unexpected Family for the Rebel Tycoon By Rachael Stewart*

 

'FROM REBEL TO MR RIGHT NEXT DOOR?

Everyone’s heard of Matteo De Luca: tycoon, footballer and international thrill-seeker. Until an injury sees him permanently benched—and bored! So bored that when his neighbour’s kid drives off another nanny Matteo volunteers to step in, adding ‘manny’ to his CV. After unexpectedly becoming her nephew’s guardian, it’s clear Porsha’s defences are high. But as Matteo gets to know the woman beneath, a startlingly intense connection emerges… Could this be his biggest adventure yet?'

This is the story of Matteo 'Lucky' De Luca and his next door neighbour Porsha Lang. Their story is told over the course 18 Chapters plus an epilogue and it is set mainly in Notting Hill in the UK but we do take a trip to Italy. 

Matteo is an ex footballer who is an adrenaline junkie and looking for his next thrill seeking adventure. However what he didn't expect was to find himself volunteering to help take care of his neighbour's kid. 

Porsha is the definition of a girl boss, with a high powered job who is trying to juggle office life with suddenly becoming a mother. Although the story on how she became a mum is not one of happy tears, she is trying her best.  The meet cute between our main characters is exactly that cute and a little funny. Though I think part of the funny aspect is because it wasn't happening to me!

This is a story that is easy to read as you watch these two characters figure out who the other is, fight the obvious attraction and help each other out. I personally loved watching these two push the other out of their comfort zone and getting them to be the best version of themselves that they can be. 

Overall this is a great summer read, whether you are lounging on a beach, in your garden or like me on your sofa. Rachael is one of my favourite authors and this book just reminds me why she keeps that title. You can get your copy HERE. 

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

You can get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Blog Tour: Thank You Next by Kathryn Freeman*

 

'In this game of hearts, the stakes have never been higher…

Molly Harris is used to being left. Parents, boyfriends – she’s the queen of rejection. Her latest boyfriend, gym-fanatic Duncan, dumps her to go on reality dating show The One which sets up hot singletons to date for four weeks before meeting at the altar to say, ‘I do’.

But Duncan was the one who picked Molly up and put her back together the last time her heart got broken, so, determined not to let ‘The One’ get away, she follows Duncan onto the show. If she can prove that they’re meant to be, she might just get the happily ever after of her dreams…

But on the first day of filming, another reminder of her painful history walks into Happily Ever After Towers: Ben Knight, her it’s-not-you-it’s-me heartbreaker. The one she loved before Duncan.

In four weeks’ time, who will she meet at the altar? Duncan, the first person who ever made her feel loved, or Ben, the first person who made her feel?'

If you have read my blog before you know how much I love Kathryn Freeman and her RomCom Collection, so what was a girl to do when she got the chance to review Book 9! This is the story of Molly and her choice between Ben and Duncan. Duncan is the gym fanatic ex who dumper her before staring on a Reality dating show. Ben is the 'one with the cliche break up line' who happens to also be on the show. 

The story follows Molly as she appears on the dating show and has to decide who she is going to meet at the Altar at the end. To begin with this story leaves the reader questioning. Why did Ben and Molly breakup and can they be together again? Did Duncan truly love Molly even though they broke up? Though do not fear fellow readers, all these questions get answered. 

Throughout the story, one thing is very clear which is the sizzling chemistry that appears when Ben and Molly meet again. Not only do these two have great chemistry which adds that steaminess to the story but they also provide most of the giggles when it comes to the story. 

This is a fake dating romcom with steaminess to keep readers happy as the devour this story chapter by chapter. Word by word until they devour the entire story. Personally I found this book very easy to get into and easy to follow along and read. I loved all the character interactions and adored watching Molly's journey through the dating show and seeing who she decided to pick. Though I won't lie, I did have a favourite. 

Now let's talk about the Author Kathryn Freeman, who for as long as she can remember has always wanted to write a book. It may have something to do with her obsession with reading romance. However real life interfered and she headed off in a different direction - into the world of Science, becoming a pharmacist before joining the pharmaceutical industry. She did end up writing but it was about disease and medicine. Decades later, she is finally doing what she always wanted to do. Kathryn has a husband who asks every Valentine's Day whether he has to buy a card ( the answer is yes), so all the romance in her life is in her head. Then again, his unstinting support of her career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.

Overall I fell in love with these characters and this story. I enjoyed reading the book and wish that this book/ entire series could be made into a film. This is the type of feel good book that you will enjoy reading. You can get your copy HERE.

There is also a giveaway attached to this tour, you can enter the giveaway HERE. Don't forget to read the Terms & Conditions though: Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Review: Dropping the Mitts by Lasairiona McMaster*

 

'Love can blur even the fiercest of rivalries.

Penelope

When I kiss a guy dressed as Pacman at a party, it feels like fate. But fate must have a twisted sense of humor—because falling for the son of the man who ruined my family was never part of the plan.

Tate Myers, star hockey player and my sworn enemy, ignites a hate in me that’s hotter than any slapshot. Yet the heart wants what it wants—even if it means crossing every line I’ve drawn.

Tate

Getting snubbed by a chick dressed as Taco Belle at a party sucked almost as much as taking a slapshot to the face. My jaw and my world shatter, but the tall, curvy goddess next door keeps me afloat with her pranks.

I have no idea why she hates me, but right now, I hate myself, too. This is my second chance at making her fall for me, and I’m determined to win her over.

Can love conquer a bitter rivalry born on frozen ground, or will family feuds tear them apart?'

We are back with Book 5 in the Cedar Rapid Racoons series and this time we are meeting Tate and Penelope. Now we have met Penelope in the past but it is time to find out her story. Which seems to have started before the others. As with the other books in this series, this can be read as a standalone but I would recommend the series. 

Now Tate and Penelope's story consists of 45 Chapters as well as an epilogue. This story starts straight at the beginning of Penelope and Tate at the point where they first met, on a fateful Halloween night. 

Now Tate is a hockey loving Jock who actually falls first in this enemies to loves tale. Though Tate may not be aware at first why these two fall into the category 'Enemies to Lovers'. 

Penelope on the other hand is sassy and brilliant. Lasairiona always writes a strong female character but she has outdone herself with Penelope. There is just something about Penelope that stands out to me, not sure what but I love everything about Penelope. Not only will you love Penelope but you will also love her cousin Karlya who is also brilliant, full of aggressive love. I love this girl as a character and keeping my fingers crossed that she will get her own story. 

In all the interactions between Tate and Penelope they have lots of banter and pranking between them. If you love playing a good prank, then take notes of the ones in this book because they are brilliant! All these interactions just make readers fall more in love with this duo. 

Now I do have to warn you to take note of the Trigger Warning page and have some tissues handy when it comes to this book. Tate suffers more than a College Hockey player should, and I predict you will shed some tears at his experience, but he is strong and spoiler alert he does get through it. 

Now one thing I absolutely loved as a fellow Swiftie, is all the Taylor Swift references throughout the book. Not only are there mentions of songs and albums but there is one scene involving the songs 'You Belong with me' and 'Our Song' that I loved and wish I was a fly on the fictional wall for. I also love the fact that Tate is a fellow swiftie.

Overall I fell in love with this book and read it in less than a day. Not only do I love the Enemies to Lovers trope that is very much present within this book, but I also love all the banter that shows up and stays for the duration of the book. I feel like with every book Lasairiona writes I always claim that I find a new book boyfriend in the male main character. However this time, I feel like I found my new favourite book couple! Click HEREHERE to get your hands on a copy of this book. 

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Review: My Brother's Team Mates by Lasairiona Mc Master & Melissa Ivers*

 

'What do you get when you cross a curvy seamstress with three hot hockey players? A pucking disaster.

My escape plan seemed foolproof - retreat to my brother's empty apartment after catching my ex with another man. But I stumble into an unexpected complication: his hockey player roommates...and I'm stark naked.

Despite my mortifying entrance, and against my better judgment, they’re willing to let me stay but with a few rules:

1. No funny business.

2. No telling the team captain - aka my brother - Harrison.

3. It's temporary until I can find somewhere else to live.

At first, the boundaries hold. But simmering tension and close quarters makes resisting temptation harder with each passing day. The simmering tension threatens to combust, blurring the lines we swore not to cross.

But how can we go back after crossing that line? And what happens when my brother inevitably finds out?'

So this book is collab between one of my Favourite authors Lasairiona McMaster and an author who is new to me Melissa Ivers. This is a Why Choose, roommates to lovers book. Which consists of 46 chapters and trust me when I say spice is included. 

First let's meet our main characters, for this book we have 3 hot hockey players of Jace, Roman and Mateo. These three are roommates and all play under their Captain Harrison. Whose sister Charlotte happens to be our Curvy main female character.

Now this book starts with Charlotte in a bit of a puddle, since she has just caught her 'boyfriend' cheating on her. So what else can she do when her brother is out of town for a hockey match then crash at  his place. Due to a schedule mishap (on charlotte's part) and a suitcase left in the wrong room, Harrison's roommates get quite the surprise.  What is a girl to do when she is naked in front of three hot hockey players. Well ask to keep quiet to room with them a while. What were you guys thinking she would do??

Jace, Mateo and Roman are best friends and roommates who have a history of not being shy in the bedroom. They all immediately fall head over heels in lust with Charlotte but due to the brotherly relationship with Harrison, none of them want to ruin. Though Jace may be hiding more than just lust from Charlotte and his roomies. 

So some of the other tropes that you will find in this book are forced proximity, BI awakening and alpha/possessive hero. Now I happen to be a fan of all these tropes. The only trope that I was on the fence about was the Why Choose. This particular trope has never been one I wanted to explore, but I am so glad I read this book because in this case I loved every second of it. Now I am not saying that I will be picking up more Why Choose romances but my mind has been opened to the trope. 

When it comes to spice in this book, I will admit you did have to wait until the chapters were in double digits. However it was well worth the wait. The spice was brilliant and everything you would want from this romance. These authors managed to write some realistic spice scenes but without the acrobatic feast it could have been. Oh and even though they make you wait for the spice, when you get to the spice, there are no holds barred. 

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am so glad I gave it a go. Once I was into this book, I did not want to put it down. It is a well written book that I encourage you to check out. I can say for certain another Why Choose romance may be in my future. You can get your copy HERE.

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Review: Obey by Lasairiona Lewis*

 

'Jagger

I don't mess with vanilla girls.
Especially not ones as innocent as Talia. But when a snowstorm traps us at Club Protocol, I break my own rules.
It's supposed to be simple revenge against my college rival. But her eager innocence stirs my dominant nature, and I can't resist inviting her into my world of kink and ecstasy. The way she blossoms under my command stirs up feelings I'm not used to, and revenge is a distant memory.

Talia
I used to be an eternal optimist.
Now I'm stuck in a BDSM club with the world’s biggest grumpasaurus. Snow is piling up outside, and all I've got are fresh wounds from a breakup with my cheating high school sweetheart, and a sexy bucket list I'd planned on checking off with him.
When Jagger offers to show me the ropes, I’m wary. But we aren't going anywhere fast, and I'm intrigued by his promises of pleasure and pain. If I give in, could it be the start of something beautiful? Or will it destroy my optimism forever?'

Welcome back to Lasairiona's Protocol series, in book one we met Thor and Addison today we our meeting one of Protocol's House Doms Jagger and the fiesty Talia. Talia and Jagger's story is told over the course of 30 Chapters and comes with a page long list of Content Warnings. Now I must admit I usually shy away from books with long content warnings but I read through this list and all I could feel was the need to read this book grow. 

Now this pairing are not each others biggest fans at the beginning of this book. In fact Jagger actually wants to throw Talia out of a plane, bye bye spontaneous meet cute on a plane. However thanks to a snowstorm and one car, that is not the last we see of this couple. Soon they are in the classic stranded in a snowstorm, and what luck would have it, they stranded at Protocol. 

Now if you are sat there thinking this is where it gets spicy, I am sorry to say you are wrong. This is a slow burn romance, where although we get sprinklings of spice. This pair takes a while to warm up to each other in more ways than one. However once warmed up the spice does show up and it gives the reader exactly what they want. 

One thing I love about Lasairiona's books are that there are always familiar faces hiding around the corner ready to step and say hi again. In particular for this book we see Austin and Kenzie, Thor and Addison, as well as Slade and Paige. Now although we do see these characters again in this story, it does not mean that you won't know what's going on if this is the first Lasairiona book you are reading. However from past experience but it probably won't be your last. 

Throughout this book we get to watch as Talia comes into her own, not only as an independent women but also in the world of Kink. With how things are explained and the way Talia's feelings are described it is clear to see that research has been done. And I for one thank the author for the diligence and the great well rounded book this created. 

Now I will admit that slow burn romances are not my favourite and as such this book did take me a while to get into. However the moment this book grabbed my attention I was hooked and loving every second.  

Overall I love this author and she is one of my favourites. However leaving that aside this is still a brilliant book that readers will love. Whether this is your first book by this author or are a seasoned reader like me you will sure to fall in love with Talia and Jagger's story. You can get your copy HERE.

Until Next Time

Emma

xx