Review: Two for Tripping by Lasairiona McMaster*

 

'Awkward. Adrift. Alone.

Fresh out of college, Will Morrison finds himself at a loss. Graduating top of his class was all well and good, but with no idea of what to do next, it’s all meaningless, and his recent mistakes have put him on tenuous ground with his best friend and sister.

His championship hockey teammates are moving on without him, he has too many choices for what to do next, and no clue what makes his heart sing… Until a one night stand with a fiery red-head turns his world upside down. Quinn’s everything he’s not: outgoing, brave and driven.

Being with her shines a light on his dark side. But following the road to redemption means more than making amends with friends and family. Can he forgive himself, and accept that he doesn’t need to know the full path to take the first step? Or will his inability to love himself mean losing her, too?'

We are back with a new book in one of my favourite series' , by someone who is fast becoming one of my favourite authors, "The Minnesota Snow Pirates"! This is the story of Will and Quinn who are also known by their couple name of 'Quill'. We first met Will in Book 3 of this series but now its time to learn his story.

The story of Will and Quinn is told over the course of 20 Chapters and an Epilogue. One thing to note before you start this book, is it is Will's redemption. This will make sense if your a long time reader of this series but if this is your first book, no worries Las makes sure you are caught up with what happened in the past.  

Throughout the story I went through a lot of different emotions and most of those emotions centred around one character. Will Morrison.  Imagine my surprise going into Will's book and starting off with wanting to throat punch him. He really irritated me at the beginning, however I knew I needed to trust not only the process but also Las. And in true Las fashion she came through because a few chapters later Will had me on the verge of tears. Don't worry though the full waterworks, snotty tissue and all didn't appear until later in the book!

Throughout the book there are many references for the readers based on TV shows and movies. As well as a lot of songs mentioned that many readers will instantly know. One reference that came towards the beginning is that of a Shadowhunter reference. From this single reference I knew I was going to love Quin. Well that and she is a book nerd like me!

I feel like all books by Lasairiona McMaster need to come with a warning and this one is no exception. I don't mean a trigger warning (though they appear) I mean a clear your day, read in one sitting warning. I mean this book had me hook line and sinker addicted after the first chapter and it wasn't just because the sexy times started in this chapter. The whole story had me eager to read and finish this book, to know Will and Quinn's story. 

Speaking of warnings there is a trigger warning at the beginning of this book, so take note and take care while reading. As I have come to expect with Las she doesn't shy away from the difficult topics and this book is no exception. Although the difficult topics are mentioned within this book, they are done in a way that someone who has never experienced it can feel empathy but it doesn't take away from the romance that is within the book. At the same time it also doesn't take away from the seriousness of why the trigger warning is in place.

Overall I don't know if I can fully convey within this review how much I adored this book. Will has a hidden heart of gold and is perfect book boyfriend material that will leave any book lover swooning. I previously announced my Love for Austin but I feel like I may have spoken too soon. As I am now a little bit in love with Will, okay a lot in love. The book has deep moments but also has moments that will leave the reader giggling. My warning if you want to try this book is have the Tissues handy. Change that tissues are needed for all Lasairiona McMaster books. You can get your copy of Quill's story HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Blog Tour: The Lost Laird from Her Past by Jeanine Englert*

 

'A second chance…

With her first love!

Lady Brenna Stewart is grateful to be saved from her burning carriage – only her rescuer is Laird Garrick MacLean, the man she once loved and lost! He seems determined to protect her from the unknown enemy pursuing her across the Scottish Highlands. But, bitterly hurt by his past betrayal, she needs answers. Why did he abandon her? And how can she now keep her heart safe now, when the connection between them is as strong as ever…?'

This is the story of Lady Brenna Steward and Laird Garrick McLean, the second book in the Falling for a Stewart series. The first book of this series is called Eloping with the Laird and is about Brenna's sister Moira. 

Brenna and Garrick's story is told over the course of 24 Chapters. Chapters that will keep readers glued to this story until they have read every last one. This book easily grabs the readers attentions and keeps it. It helps that the story is something that is easy for readers to get stuck into and fall in love with. 

Right from the beginning you find out that Garrick has some demons, that he is trying to deal with. While Brenna blames herself for the situation they find themselves in. Throughout this book readers get to slowly uncover the demons that lay beneath the surface as well as the events that caused Garrick to abandon Brenna. 

Now let me tell you about the Author Jeanine Englert, whose love affair with mysteries and romance began with Nancy Drew, Murder She Wrote and her grandmother's bookshelves full of romance novels. Jeanine is a VIVIAN and Golden Heart Finalist as well as a Silver Falchion, Maggie, and Daphne du Maurier Award winner in historical romance and mystery. Her Scottish Highland Historical and historical romance suspense novels revolve around characters seeking self acceptance and redemption. When Jeanine isn't wrangling her characters, she can be found trying to convince her husband to watch her latest Masterpiece or BBC show obsession. She loves to talk about books, writing, her beloved rescue pup as well as mysteries and romance with other readers. Visit her website at www.jeaninewrites.com

 

Overall this book is jammed packed with romance, a will they won't they aspect as well as a slight mystery. I haven't read the first book in the series but after reading this one, I will be now. You can get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma 

XX

Blog Tour: Solving Shelly by Grayson Avery*

 

'Shelly Larson is in a man drought so dry it makes The Grapes of Wrath look like a Hampton's pool party. With most of her besties (The Sweet Water Circle) in good relationship standing, The Circle spins to Shelly with a long-overdue intervention. It's time for her to find her forever man. Or at least a guy without a foot fetish who doesn't text pictures of himself in his tighty whities.

Shelly wants no part of the dating scene, but no matter what she tries, The Circle is ahead of her, so eventually she relents to the torturous trio of speed dating, online dating apps, and blind dates. Will she find a diamond in the rough or will it just be rough?

Meanwhile, the only Circle member still looking for love, Donna, is back from L.A., divorced and crashing with Shelly. When Donna's new man makes a play for Shelly, it sets off shockwaves that could fracture The Sweet Water Circle's thirty-year friendship, just as Taylor's wedding to billionaire Ben Bach brings the crew from Sweet Water to Ibiza and Paris, not once, but twice. Will Shelly risk her friendships for a chance at forever love that could end up in heartbreak? Find out in the series finale of The Sweet Water Circle!'

This is the 5th and Final book in Grayson's Sweet Circle Story. This story focuses on Sweet Circle member Shelly, although Sweet Circle member Donna is also a very important secondary character. This is very much Shelly's story, which is told over the course of 36 Chapters as well as an Epilogue. 

If you are a long time sweet circle reader you will love the update you get in this book on all the other Sweet Circle woman and their relationships. However don't worry if this is your first Sweet Circle story because these can be read as Standalone novels. You are given enough information to get through the book without feeling like you are missing anything. Though you may end up reading the rest of the series after you finish this one. 

From the moment I started this book I became addicted. The moment the readers are in it, they will be absorbed. It is full of moments that will make readers go from crying to laughing out loud. It is full of moments that readers will love. There are also some drama aspects that readers will adore. 

Now let me tell you about the Author, Grayson Avery who wrote The Sweet Water Circle Series. A romantic comedy series that focuses on childhood friends in their 30s and 40s as the help each other navigate the stormy waters of dating, marriage, divorce and a whole lot of inappropriate, naughty and downright hysterical situations.

Whether this is the first book you have read in this series or have read the entire series you will love this one. It will leave you laughing out loud and enjoying every second. As much as I am sad that this is the final book in the season, I can't wait to see what this author brings out next  You can get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Blog Tour: Scotsman In The Stacks by Alana Oxford*

 

'Paige wants two things: to land a full time librarian job and find the man of her dreams. On the cusp of thirty, she finds herself suddenly single and working part-time in a Michigan library. A handsome patron with a delicious accent appears at the reference desk, inadvertently sparking an idea that might help her land the promotion she so desperately needs. But that's not the only thing he sparks.

James is in town from Glasgow, Scotland, on a summer artist residency. Luckily, the trip got him away from the pressure he feels to take over his uncle's river tour business. He only wanted to clear his head and make his art in peace, but he wasn't counting on finding an attractive librarian to fill his days.

With only eight weeks before James goes home to Scotland, Paige knows she should protect her heart. After all, she already wasted years with her commitment phobe ex. But the more she gets to know James, the less she can stick to her plan to just be friends. Is she just wasting her time again, or can they bridge the ocean between them to find a happily ever after of their own?'

This is the story of Paige and James, two people who come from opposite sides of the World. One from Glasgow with a really sexy Scottish accent and the other from Michigan. There story is told over the course of 31 Chapters. 

One thing that needs to noted is how easy this books is to get into. Not only does the first chapter draw the reader in and make them want to know what happens, but the story itself keeps the reader enjoying the book and not knowing how many chapters they have actually read. 

All the characters in this book are the kind that are easy for the reader to fall in love with. Not only that but Paige and James themselves are brilliant. Paige being a librarian/ book lover means that readers can easily identify with her as a character. Whereas James is an artist who is doing something that he really loves. 

Now let me tell you about the Author Alana Oxford, she is a Michigan author of romcoms, sweet romance and humorous women's fiction. Alana's aim is for her stories to bring sunshine and smiles to her readers. Alana enjoys improv comedy, moody music everything book related and has an ongoing love affair with the United Kingdom.

Whether you love an uplifting romcom or a sexy Scottish accent this is a book you need to read. You can get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Blog Tour: It's A Widow Thing by Karen Booth*

 

'He’s on the fast-track to serious, and she’s hitting the brakes.

When cosmetics entrepreneur Sabrina Kelly waited until she was thirty-eight to marry, she never thought she’d be widowed by forty. Now, two years later, she’s ready for a dip in the dating pool. And Michael, the merciless flirt who lives down the hall, seems like a fun way to get wet. He has “player” written all over him, but Sabrina’s not looking for a love connection. Her heart can’t take more than a fling.

Wall Street mogul Michael Wright has ignored his mom’s pressure to marry for years. But it’s not until he has a health scare that he finally takes stock of his life. If he’s going to settle down, only one woman comes to mind… his gorgeous, whip-smart neighbour, Sabrina. Their chemistry is off the charts. The banter? So. Hot. But while he’s working overtime to woo her, she’s holding back. Can two people running at different speeds get to happily-ever-after together?'

This is book 3 in the 'Never too Late', now although this is technically part of a series it is also a stand alone book. Enough information is provided that you don't feel like you have missed anything but at the same time, it might leave you hungry wanting to read the other books in the series. 

This book is all about Sabrina and Michael, their story is told over the course of 22 Chapters and an Epilogue. Now although that doesn't sound like a long book, it sure is packed with enough content and sizzling attraction to keep the reader interested. 

As you can tell from the blurb Sabrina is a widow who is questioning the word 'ready' and what it means in her life. Michael on the other hand is harbouring some lustful feelings for Sabrina. Right from the beginning of this book, the banter between these main characters is funny and sexy. 

Thorough out the book the point of view switches back and forth (by chapter) between Michael and Sabrina. This is brilliant as it means that readers get to see just how each interaction is making them both feel. Whether the interaction was good or suspenseful. 

As Sabrina is a widow there are aspects of this book that take serious turn. However the Author has done it in a way that still keeps it light but doesn't diminish what is being spoke about. 

The descriptors through out this book really make it easy for the reader to picture the scenery as well as the characters. In particular the way Sabrina describes Michael at the beginning of the book really lets the reader picture every sexy inch of him. 

Now let me tell you about the Author Karen Booth, who is a midwestern girl transplanted into the South. She was raised on 80s music and repeated readings of 'Forever' by Judy Blume. A writer of contemporary romance and women's fiction, which almost always about the dreamy guy you never thought you would get. The stories are full of breathless kisses, tearjerker moments, family dynamics and more than a few things she is glad her grandmother never read.

Overall this book was easy to get stuck into and enjoy. The banter between the main characters is friendly but also flirty. This makes some excellent chemistry for these two characters to navigate through. You can get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Blog Tour: The Viking She Would Have Married by Lucy Morris*

 

'In close quarters…

With the Viking she’d loved and lost

With her family fallen on hard times, Valda’s forced to join the crew on Halfdan Ulfsson’s merchant ship as he sets sail on the treacherous silk route. But this handsome jarl’s son is the man she’d planned to wed until his bitter betrayal. Knowing she can never trust him, she must focus on saving her sisters…and not the intense connection that still burns between them!'

This is the first story in the new mini series called ‘The Shieldmaiden Sisters’. This is the story of Valda and her story of her lost lover. Velda’s story is told over the course of 24 Chapters and a Prologue. 

The prologue is brilliant at doing it’s job. By giving the reader enough information to make them intrigued to continue reading the story. It also really sets the rest of the story up.

As readers get into this story they will soon find themselves enveloped in the story. This story is really easy together stuck into, to the point that readers can easily lose track of just how long they are reading. For example I read from chapter 2 to chapter 13 in one sitting, I was easily absorbed into this story.

Throughout this story you get to meet a lot of characters for readers to fall in love with. First you have Velda and her sisters Brynhild and Helga. You also get to meet their mother. As the story continues you meet Halfdan, Tostig and Erik. All characters that readers will love.

Now let me tell you about the Author Lucy Morris, who has always been obsessed with myths and legends. Her books blend sweeping romances with vivid world building to whisk you away to another time and place filled with adventure. You can expect passion, drama and Vibrant characters. Lucy lives in Essex, UK with her husband, two young children and two cats. Lucy has a massive sweet tooth and loves gin, bubbly and Irn-Bru. She is a member of UK Romantic Novelists' Association, she was delighted a two-book deal with Harlequin after submitting her story to Warriors Wanted submission blitz for Viking, Medieval and Highlander romances. Writing for Harlequin Historical is a dream come true for her and she hopes you enjoy her books!

Overall this is a brilliant start to this new mini series. This reader can’t wait to read Brynhild’s story which is book 2. I can’t wait to see where Brynhild’s and Helga’s story takes them. You can get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Blog Tour: The Italian Job by Kathryn Freeman*

 

'Dream job. Dream house. Fake fiancé.

A year in a gorgeous Italian castle…

When Anna Roberts’ life implodes, an online search leads her to an ad for the ultimate dream job – management of a gorgeous castle on the shores of Lake Como, accommodation included. The only catch? Anna can’t do it alone…

…With the last man on earth she’d choose!

The castle owners will only accept a couple as caretakers, which means Anna needs a man on her arm at the interview. Enter her neighbour, Jake Tucker. Though Anna and Jake have never seen eye-to-eye, Jake’s had a rough few years and an escape to Italy sounds ideal. Yet, when they get the job and jet off, Anna and Jake face an unexpected challenge. Pretending to be a couple is difficult … but pretending the tension simmering between them doesn’t exist is quickly proving impossible!'

This is the story of Anna and Jake, two people who do not get on. Their story is told over the course of 36 Chapters and an Epilogue. This story is very easy to get into and with a beginning that will intrigue readers and make them want to dive into this story. 

One aspect of this story that I loved was the job. It really is the dream job. Being in gorgeous Italy and living in a castle. If this job exists sign me up! 

Anna is a chef who is very organised and loves a good to do list. Whereas Jake doesn't like to be told what to do but who also enjoys his freedom. His past makes him enjoy his freedom even more. 

As this story progresses the reader gets to witness these enemies become lovers. Though this road is not smooth at all but readers will get to watch as their walls come down and lust makes an appearance. 

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 thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is not my first by this author and it certainly won't be my last. Her books are easy to read rom coms that draw readers in with new book boyfriends and some dreamy locations. You can get your copy HERE

There is also a Giveaway attached to this Blog Tour where you could win a Paperback copy of 'The Italian Job'. You can enter the Giveaway HERE. Don't forget to read the Terms and Conditions: 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