Review: The Prince and the Player by Nora Phoenix*

‘ I’m determined to win over the one guy who hates me…but I never expected to fall for him

Being a prince may seem like a fairytale, but to me, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. That’s why I’m excited when I get permission from my uncle—the king of Norway—to go undercover as a student at an American college for a year. And I’m even more ecstatic to be selected for their football team. Soccer, I mean. The only problem? Farron, the team captain, dislikes me on sight. Determined to win him over, I start a charm offensive, but nothing works. He only hates me more.

Until the animosity comes to an explosive release…and we end up kissing each other. How did that happen when neither of us has ever been attracted to a guy before? Farron wants to let it run its course and get it out of our system, but I doubt that’ll work. I’m falling for him hard, but he has no idea who I really am. I fear that if he finds out, he’ll never speak to me again…

The Prince and the Player is the first book in the Prince Pact series and features an undercover, sunshiney prince and a grumpy, handsome soccer captain, two guys who mistake hate for attraction, a double bi-awakening, and two opposites who attract each other like magnets.’

This story consists of 30 chapters not including the Prologue and Epilogue. This is the first book in the new series and is all about Farron and Tore, though that’s note how we are first introduced to him. Tore is actually cousin to the King Of Norway and is actually called Prince Tore Von Glücksburg. This is an MM Romance that fans of Red, White and Royal Blue will fall in love with.

Readers are introduced to Tore first at a royal event where he and his friends who are fellow royals are talking about life in general. I won’t give anything away but based on how much I loved this story, I personally can’t wait to read the others stories.

This is your classic opposites attracts, grumpy/ sunshine story with all the spice and bi awakening a reader could want. Tore may have grown up in luxury but he still feels restricted due to the things he is not allowed to due to the ‘family business’ such as become a professional soccer player. Farron on the other hand grew working hard for everything, as well as helping out at home with his siblings. He plays soccer to try and become a professional and get a better life. 

From the moment these two meet, they certainly have chemistry but it’s not the good kind at the beginning because Tore is everything Farron hates. I’ll let you guys figure out who is the grumpy in this grumpy sunshine book.

This book is easy to get stuck into and well written which makes reading it a complete joy. Now as much as this reader only likes sport when it is in a book, I found that this book provided you with enough information on Soccer to help you understand what you were reading but not enough to bore you, if like me you are not a sports fans.

Now let me tell you about the Author Nora Phoenix, who is a USA Today Bestselling author of over 60 MM/gay romances. She fell in love with reading as a child and is still an incurable book addict. She first started writing as a teenager, though it did take her a while to fulfil her dream of becoming a romance author, she never stopped though. Nora writes in various sub genres of gay romance and is known for writing engrossing stories that offers an escape from reality with unique characters, plenty of heat, a captivating story and all the feels. Flawed, strong men who are a tad damaged is her catnip, and she wants to give them all their happy ever after. When Nora isn’t reading or writing, you can find her spending time with her son, travelling or gardening. She currently resides in upstate New York, though she is originally from the Netherlands. 

Overall I loved reading about Farron and Tore’s journey from Soccer squad mates to boyfriends. Though their journey was not the easiest path, it was a delight to watch it happen. I can’t wait to read about the rest of the royals in this series. This will be one I am watching out for. You can get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

Xx

Review: Resist by Lasairiona Lewis*

 

‘She thought she was securing her future.

He's turning the page on her past.

To save her legacy, she'll say 'I do.' To expose the truth, so will he.

Cora

Inheriting my late father’s publishing empire is all I’ve ever wanted, except there’s a catch—marry a husband within the year to secure my claim.

Enter Sterling Montgomery—a charming new employee offering the perfect solution: a marriage of convenience. But the more time I spend with him, the harder it is to remember this isn’t real.

Can I secure my future without losing my heart?

Sterling

Blackwell Publishing is my target. Vengeance for my mother, served ice-cold. One fake marriage proposal later, I'm in. But with every touch my plan unravels.

Cora is my temptation, my impossible choice—gorgeous with fierce mind and intoxicating vulnerability. I came to burn her world to the ground. Instead, I’m the one in flames.

But when the smoke clears, will anything be left?’

As you can probably tell from the Blurb this story is all about Cora and Sterling, and they are the third book in Lasairiona’s ‘Protocol’ series. Which if I’m honest this reader has been truly loving and this instalment was no different.  Now Cora and Sterling’s story is told over the course of 40 Chapters as well as an Epilogue.  The tropes that can be found in this book are secret identity, marriage of convenience, workplace romance, BDSM/Kink and opposites attract.

Now whether you like all these tropes or only a couple, I would suggest giving this book a go. I was addicted to this story and these characters from the moment I opened it up. At to be completely honest with you guys I was entering a bit of a reading slump but this book reminded me exactly why I love to read. 

Let’s take a look at the characters, first up is our female lead Cora, now she is a boss b**** and knows exactly what she wants. She is a strong female character who goes after what she wants. Cora is a Dominate and I loved to see this. I know books will describe their female characters as strong leads but I feel like Lasairiona broke the mould with Cora. When I tell you she is exactly the kind of character I will always think of when people say they want a boss a** b****. 

Sterling is very much the opposite from Cora, hence the opposites attract trope. Although he is the man of his family, you do not often see that side in his everyday life. He is sensitive and not afraid to own his feelings. In the BDSM world he is a switch, which means he can be either a dominant or subordinate. I will admit I haven’t read a lot of books that have that feature in their male lead. Which means this book is refreshing and makes me love this story even more. 

Now the plot for the story itself will have readers routing for both sides. As I said previously Starling is the man of his family and in this book he wants to right an injustice that was done to his mum. Cora on the other hand is trying to come back from grief of her last remaining family member. As readers watch this story unfold, and secrets become uncovered they will find themselves not knowing whose side to be on but also just hoping that this pair can figure things out to find their Happy Ever After. 

Now I can’t write this review without mentioning that this book does have a trigger warning page. Please I beg all readers to take note of what is written here and do not read the book if it will affect you in a negative way. The author does write with sensitivity about the mentioned subjects but please be careful. 

Overall I fell in love with not only this story but also Cora and Sterling. I am always stunned and appreciative whenever Lasairiona releases a new book and somehow out does herself every time. This book is certainly no exception in my eyes. You can tell the research is there in the topics mentioned but also the well developed characters. 

One thing I will always mention with this series and others that Lasairiona writes is that we also get an update on our past couples, possible future couples. All of which I love seeing and hearing about. Though do not let that stop you if you haven’t touched this series yet. Just be prepared that if this is the first book you read, it probably won’t be your last. 

You can get your copy of this book HERE

Until Next Time

Emma 

Xx

Blog Tour: Her Warrior's Surprise Return by Ella Matthews*

 

'A surprise reunion

With the warrior from her past…

Part of Brothers and Rivals. It’s been years since Ruaidhri abandoned Sorcha, and she’s no longer the woman she once was. Now leader of the Suibhne clan, she must unite her people against invading forces. When rumours of Ruaidhri’s return to Ireland prove true, she’s unsettled at seeing him again. He offers to help her, but his past betrayal still burns—even if desire is as strong as ever. Should Sorcha trust her head…or her heart?'

This is the second chance romance of Ruaidhri and Sorcha. Their story is told over the course of 19 Chapters plus an epilogue. Their story is full of misunderstandings,fighting and learning how to trust someone who you believe has betrayed you. 

Sorcha is a strong female lead, who is also leader of her Clan. She has not been dealt with the best set of cards in the last 8 or so years but she has worked hard to become a strong woman who her clan can depend on. Ruaidhri is a mercenary who has spent the last 8 years following the money but also always trying to the do the right thing. 

From the moment these two meet again there is hostility and two sides to the end of the same story. As the story moves on readers get to watch as these two discover the separate tales they have been told. The reader also gets to watch as Sorcha and Ruaidhri try to figure out the events of the past and what it means for the future. Not only that but whether or not these two strong characters could have a future together. 

Now let me tell you about the author Ella Matthews, who write sweeping historical novels that hold a dash of danger, steamy scenes and lots of romantic heart. She mainly writes of Mills and Boon/ Harlequin however there are some self published novels in the works. So watch out for those. Ella writes in the beautiful South Wales, where if you go for a walk you are bound to trip over the remains of a castle. She lives with her husband who is technical enough to set up her website, but struggles with how to use the washing machine. She also lives with her two children and a very timid rescue Guinea pig. When Ella is not writing, you can find her working with teenagers on their literacy skills (he’s discovered thirteen year olds love nothing more than discussing commas!) Ella loves hearing from her readers and you can get in touch with her at ella@ella-matthews.com

Overall I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read Roberts story when it is out. You can get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

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