Review: My Unexpected Christmas Wedding by Rachael Stewart*

 

''YOU WANT ME TO BE YOUR FAKE WIFE?'

In this How to Win a Monroe story, when my best friend Aiden Monroe proposed, all my foolish youthful dreams came true. But the guarded bachelor only wants a temporary fiancée to appease his family. Still, after my recent break-up, spending Christmas with Aiden sounds ideal. We didn’t expect our families’ enthusiasm for our engagement… Nor that we’d be hurtling towards a real Christmas wedding!'

Get ready for a festive treat with this brand new book from Rachael Stewart. This is the second book in the 'How to win a Munroe' duet and focuses on Avery's big brother Aiden and his best friend Elena. Their story is a classic friends to lovers which is told over the course of 13 Chapters plus an epilogue. 

Elena is an opera singer, while Aiden is a business man. These two have grown up together and have been best friends since childhood. What is fun, is not only have they grown up together but their parents are also friends. 

Although this story starts with Aiden trying to make people happy, he eventually realises what has been right under his nose, that (almost) everyone can see apart from him. 

This story is very easy to get stuck into and you will soon find yourselves lost to this festive read. Not only it is very centred around Christmas but it also includes the family decorating and generally getting ready for the festive season. 

Although this is very much a romance with that being its main topic, it feels like their is an underlying topic that is clear throughout. The topic of rediscovering your Christmas spirit after you have experienced loss. This is an underlying theme for me in this book, but it is written in spectacularly.

This book not only shows you more sides to Aiden (especially if you have read Avery's story) we also get to meet new characters like Terry and Elena's parents. But there is also the return of both Avery and Gabe. This is perfect for reader of the first book as you get to see a bit more to these two love birds. But don't worry if you haven't read the first book, this book will not make you feel out of the loop or like you are missing something. Though I can't guarantee you won't be rushing out to buy the first book after you finish this one!

Overall this story as a whole is the perfect festive read, that will leave you with that warm feeling and smiling from ear to ear. This book reminds me even more why Rachael has become one of my favourite authors, especially when she releases back to back books that you just fall in love with. You can get your copy HERE.

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Review: On the Line: A Hockey Romance Anthology*

 

'Lace up your skates, grab your favorite jersey, and prepare for an ice-cold collision between love and the slap shot! Get ready to be swept off your feet by lovestruck goalies, dashing defensemen, and witty women who know their way around a penalty box. The gloves are off when it comes to finding love on and off the ice!

Indulge in this delightful holiday anthology that will have you falling head over skates for these hockey-playing heartthrobs. Love and charity have never been such a winning combination!

Join twelve of your favorite hockey romance authors in this limited edition anthology.
All stories are brand new hockey romance novellas.'

The moment I heard about this Anthology I knew I had to get my hands on it and read it cover to cover. A 12 book anthology consisting of both authors I adore and new ones to discover I am in heaven! Not only that but a 12 in 1 book means 12 gorgeous Hockey Playing guys for me to fall in love with. What else could be more fun?

The first story in this book is 'Shot at Love' by Kat Mizera. It consists of 11 Chapters and tells the story of Maria and Adam. If you are a fan of Kat's then this book is related to the 'Lauderdale Knights' series, I say related but you really don't have to have read that series to enjoy this story. The refreshing thing about this story is the two main characters are one of the older generation but also the hockey connection comes from one of the kids. This book was easy to read, to the point that I read it in one sitting!

The second story in this book is called 'Holiday Hat Trick' by Jami Davenport. This story is connected to the 'Seattle Sockeyes' series. I have read one of this series but after reading this one, I can't wait to dive into the rest of the series. This story consists of 7 chapters and tells  the tale of Brogan and Teddi. This story is definitely for you if you love the holiday season and love when peoples fur babies get involved. The fur babies are adorable in this story just like their owners story.

The third story in this book is 'Poke Check' by Lasairiona McMaster and is related to her 'Cedar Rapid Racoons' series. If you follow this blog you already know I LOVE this women's writing. So to get an 8 Chapter (plus epilogue) story I was in Heaven. The story tells the tale of August and Rowan, which is a brilliant story in a small package. It is easy to read and yet somehow this women still managed to include those sexy spicy scenes that we love. 

The fourth story in this book is called 'My favourite Christmas Present' by Gina Azzi. Now I have heard of Gina in the past and have read one of her books in the past which I have enjoyed. This is the story of Piper and Hudson, which is told over 4 chapters plus an epilogue. Although this book is short its is definitely sweet. This is a festive childhood friend trope that you will adore. 

The fifth story in this book is called 'Christmas with Connor' by Victoria Denault. This is the story of Mac and Connor, which is told over the course of 7 Chapters. This story leaves you wanting more of this couple in the best possible way. It is easy to get stuck into and there are spicy scenes.

The sixth story in this book is called 'Deal Breaker' by Cathryn Fox, it is connected to her 'Scotia Storms' series. This story tells the tale of Rhys and Leeza, over the courses of 5 chapters. This is a heart-warming festive story at its core. Based on this story alone, I want more of this series!

The seventh story in this book is called 'Snowed' by Elise Faber. The story consists of 10 Chapters and tells the tale of Jolie and Leo. I don't have much to say about this story except that after Chapter 1 I was hooked. There was no time for writing notes on this story, I had the need to read this story as soon as humanly possible. 

The eighth story in this book is called 'Puck Shy Player' by R C Stephens. The story consists of 7 Chapters plus prologue and tells the tale of Kierran and Matt. This story is an age gap romance with the female being the elder of the two and starts off with a classic misunderstanding. Not only that this book is full of so many cute moments between these two. 

The ninth story in this book is called 'The Trade Up' by Julia Connors. This story consists of 4 chapters and tells the story of Zach and Ashleigh. This story stood out for me mainly because of the setting. The stars truly aligned for this pairing as they met when Zach was at an away game and Ashleigh was covering a shift at her Uncle's dinner. 

The tenth story in this book is called 'Always My Girl' by Jennifer Sucevic. The story consists of 10 Chapters and tells the tale of Viola and Madden. This is the classic first love second chance romance trope. These two parted ways due to hectic schedules but neither quite forgot that first love. 

The eleventh story in this book is called 'Scoring in Vegas' by Sierra Hill. This story consists of 9 Chapters and tells the story of Ballas and Karis. Now what sets this book apart from the rest is this one is actually a prequel to a brand new series called 'Viking's Hockey'. Which based on this story alone I am buying that series. Not to mention Ballis and Karis's story continues in book one!

The twelfth and final story in this anthology is called 'Merry Matchmaker' by Chloe Carr. This story consists of 12 Chapters and tells the story of Kit and Myla who are set up by Violet. This is another second chance romance where a past misunderstanding separated this pair. The question in this story is will they let the past stop their possible future. 

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this anthology and loved reading both authors I knew of and finding brand new ones to fall in love with. Whether you want to try a hockey romance for the first time or whether you see an author you already know and love. This book has something to suit everyone. You can get your copy HERE. 

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Review: Off-Limits Fling with the Heiress by Rachael Stewart*

 

'The billionaire…she shouldn’t fall for!

In this How to Win a Monroe story… I’ve always been drawn to heiress Avery Monroe, but I know how completely off-limits she is! We haven’t spoken since I rejected her kiss three years ago. Now her brother’s meddling means Avery’s spending the summer with me at my castle in Croatia. I've promised to protect her, but as I uncover Avery’s secret battles I can’t keep my true feelings hidden. Will our passion finally be unlocked?'

This is the first book in Rachael’s new duet called ‘How to win a Monroe’, all about the Monroe siblings Avery and Aidan. In this story we meet Avery and Gabe. Their story is to.d over the course of 13 chapter plus an epilogue. This is a classic brother’s best friend romance trope, which this reader happens to adore. 

The book begins at a time when Avery is dealing with a lot, however she may not be handling it in the best or healthiest way. Things change a fateful night and an encounter with her older brothers best friend. Our story then jumps in time to three years later where Avery is no longer the same person she was. 

Now we have met Avery, let's talk about Gabe. Gabe is a tycoon in his own right and working for his father. He is Aidan's best friend and has a misplaced sense of responsibility when it comes to Avery. though after their first encounter he still has that misplaced responsibility but his body doesn't think it should be taken into account. 

The majority of this book is set in the beautiful Croatia, with its dreamy scenery that’s readers will have no trouble picturing in their mind. The descriptions of not only Croatia but also of the ‘castle’ are so in depth that picturing these locations are easy.

This book will make readers dive into their feelings. From the discussions on mental health to the interactions between the main characters. You may need a tissue handy because at one point this did make me tear up a little. Not too much but a few tears escaped. 

Overall this was an enjoyable book and easy for readers to get stuck into. I loved reading Avery and Gabe's story and it makes me even more excited to read Aidan's when his is released. You can get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Review: Control by Lasairiona Lewis*

 

'Thor:

Protocol. Routine. Control.
Not anymore.
My life turned on a dime in the blink of an eye. From making pancakes for the curvy redhead I met at the club, to being the single dad of an autistic, eleven-year-old boy.
I need help.
She needs a job.
I’m usually a one-and-done kind of guy, but she draws me in, holding me hostage with her green eyes and sass.
I’m playing with fire. But maybe this time, I want to burn.

Addison:

Things I expect after a one night stand: breakfast, small talk, maybe even another O before the awkward walk of shame in last night’s clothes.
I don’t expect to open the door to his house and find a kid surrounded by all his earthly possessions.
Fired from my job, homeless, and the perpetual screw-up of my family... How can I even think about caring for someone else’s child when I’m incapable of looking after myself?'

Control is the first book is Lasairiona's brand new series based on the 'Protocol' club. We were first introduced to this club back in Austin and Mackenzie's story 'Two for Boarding'. In fact we first met both of our main characters in that book. Addison is one of Mackenzie's friends, while Thor was the barman working that night. 

Thor and Addison's story is told over the course of 30 mouth watering chapters as well as an epilogue. Oh as well as a sneaky bonus scene that is separate but more on that later. This story not only jumps straight into these two characters seeing each other again outside of the club but also goes straight into the flirting that I must say is just as delicious as those spicy scenes we all love!

Thor is a single dad who is also a Dom, he is the type of Dom that if I am honest I wouldn't mind meeting myself. Thor is a certified one night stand man who is very upfront with his partners about their expectations of the encounter and afterwards. Don't we all love an honest man who also happens to look like a god?

Addison is a women who knows what she wants though she is having a hard time at the moment. This hardship is through no fault of her own, the cards were not working in her favour. Though I like to think that it all changed. Addison is also the type of girl who lives and breathes the phrase 'mates before dates'. This is just one of the characteristics you will love about her. 

So let's talk spicy scenes, there are quite a few in this book. Now I don't how the author does it but somehow she manages to one up her spicy scenes with every book she publishes. Now I was expecting kinky spice since this series is based on a Kinky club. However I somehow am still shocked (in the best way) at the spicy scenes that were delivered. 

Throughout this book, whether the topic was kink or Thor's austistic son readers are able to tell how much research and effort that author put in to ensure that it was factually correct. I will admit when Thor's basement was being described I may have had to google the odd item mentioned. 

As mentioned there is a bonus scene that is offered up at the end of the book, if readers want more (I certainly did). This bonus scene was somehow spicy 2.0, I read it on a bus and felt so naughty doing so. I don't want to say much but I will say that. 

One thing to note with this book, as with the author's previous works there is a content warning at the beginning of this book. Please take note of this warning and don't continue if you are not comfortable with the subjects mentioned. 

Overall this book really set the bar high when it comes to this new series. I loved reading Thor and Addison's journey and if anything with the background characters of the club mentioned it makes me very excited to see whose story we are getting next. Check out this book yourself HERE.

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Review: Crashing the Net by Lasairiona McMaster*

'Edith:

In the blink of an eye, everything I’ve worked my whole life to achieve is gone, maybe forever. I’m not prepared to accept that I’ll never dance again. It’s all I’ve ever known, and I’m scared to find out who I am without it.

The only person still in my corner is my hockey playing, son-of-a-billionaire best friend, but no amount of money can help me walk again. His intentions are admirable, but I can’t risk falling for him.

What if I lose him, too?

Apollo:

Waking up after a near fatal car crash, I realized I’ve been in love with Edith for as long as I’ve known her.

Nothing matters anymore. Nothing but my beautiful, smart, funny best friend who is convinced we’re doomed to fail.

Money can solve a lot of problems, but not this one.

How can I persuade her to take a chance on me, on us, when she’s lost so much already?'

This is book 3 in the new series from Lasairiona McMaster 'The Cedar Rapid Racoons' and we are back with another of the De Le Pena siblings. This story is about Apollo who is the older (Twin) brother of Ares who we met last time. This book is pure friends to lovers and readers of this trope will adore this book. 

Apollo's leading lady for his story is the his best friend, since childhood, Edith. These two are both athletes and have a great friendship, but after a car crash they both have to readjust to a new way to live. Though Apollo is adjusting to finally catching up with his feelings, while Edith needs to adjust to the aftermath of the crash.  

This book is beyond easy to get stuck into, not only does the book really get straight into the story, it is entirely too addictive. There are clear changes of point of view not only throughout the book but within the chapters as well. This change of point of view means we really get to see how the turn of events affect both characters mentally and emotionally. This aspect alone brings a new depth to reading this book. 

Looking at the characters themselves, Apollo is the tall hockey player who has black hair and dark brown eyes, who was born to be on the ice even if his dad doesn't see his future planning out that way. Edith is the ballet dancer with long blonde hair, who also happens to be a bada**. I love her as a character and kind of wish she existed in real life so we could be friends. 

Now I don't Lasairiona does it but this book destroyed me, in the best way. I mean I had to take breaks from reading (yes this was hard to do) so I could process what was going on with this book. That and get rid of the tissues I had been using because this book got all up in my emotions. 

Not only did this book break me but at the same time it also made me laugh and giggle. I have never read a book that has made me want to take a break but also the strongest urge to continue reading until I had read the entire thing. Even with the breaks I did take I still finished this book cover to cover in less than a day. 

Now I wouldn't be writing a review of a book with the spicy scenes if those scenes were not mentioned. To be honest I love spicy scenes, the descriptions but also how different authors write them. Lasairiona has never written a spicy scene that I have not thought 'oh that is good' but somehow with this book she stepped up the spice in the spicy scenes and they were another level compared to her previous work. 

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope this review shows that. In my opinion out of all the Lasairiona books I have read ( nearly all of them) this is the best that she has ever written. This book broke me but left me wanting more.

I never thought that anyone could take the place of Lincoln Scott (First Snow pirates) as my ultimate book boyfriend, but Apollo has knocked Lincoln off of that title. You need to read this book, but don't blame me if you end up buying her entire written collection afterwards. You can get your copy when it is released on the 24th August HERE.

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

 

Blog Tour: Claimed By The Viking Chief by Sarah Rodi*

 

'She can be his lover

…but never his wife!

Forced into servitude, Wren is quietly miserable…until Jarl Knud arrives at her settlement, seeking an alliance through marriage. Despite their initial sizzling attraction Wren despises everything the Jarl represents—and he needs a high-status bride to save his people, not a servant like her. As Wren uncovers the man beneath the fierce Viking chief she’s tempted to claim one forbidden night of passion…but will it ever be enough?'

This is the story of Jarl Knud and Wren, which is told over the course of 10 Chapters plus an epilogue. From the moment readers start this story they will be drawn into the world of 9th Century Denmark and the journey of these two characters. 

The moment these characters meet is interesting especially since Jarl Knud first meets Wren when she is bathing and she has no idea who he is. This book gets straight into the story when within the first two chapters not only have the characters met but their is also a battle where they end up fighting together. 

In fact these characters spend most of the book fighting, not each other and not with swords. No these two spend a lot of time fighting their feelings. Given the circumstances it is understandable. Readers will enjoy watching this play out as while they fight their feelings they are also figuring out their feelings for one another. 

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

There is also a giveaway attached to this blog tour where you could win a signed copy of Sarah Rodi's latest historical romance, PLUS a bottle of Nordic Spirits Valhalla liqueur, A Melt In Time wax burner and Viking wax melts. To enter click HERE. But don't forget to read the terms and conditions: UK 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

Overall this is a brilliant read, which will keep the readers captive throughout the entire book. Both characters have experienced love and lost. So in this journey readers get to watch as they discover whether or not they can move past it and admit their own feelings. You can get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Blog Tour: Her Unforgettable Knight by Melisa Oliver*

 

'She never forgot him…

Can she ever forgive him?

Part of Protectors of the Crown. Marguerite never expected to see Savaric again—let alone to have to help him when she finds him outnumbered in a fight. He’s the brooding knight she fell for two years ago, until he left her unexpectedly. Now Marguerite is a hardened spy, and wary of trusting him again. But how long can she resist their connection when they must work together to protect the Crown…?'

This is the story of Savaric and Marguerite, which is told over the course of 18 Chapters plus an epilogue. This is book 3 in the 'Protectors of the Crown' series by Melissa Oliver. 

This book is all about two people reconnecting, who are very much still in love with each other. Readers get the chance to watch as their story unfolds right when these two characters meet each other again for the first time in two years!

This book will keep readers addicted from start to finish. Not only do these two meet each other again in very unique circumstances but there is also an action fight scene not long after. All of that is just chapter one!

Now don't worry this isn't a book where the girl constantly needs saving by her love interest. Oh no Marguerite can definitely hold her own in this book, and readers get to see this straight away in the afore mentioned action fight scene. One thing about this book is that Savaric is mixed race, meaning the reader gets to see his journey and how he is treated during this time period. 

Now let me tell you about the Author Melissa Oliver, who is from south-west London where she writes her historical romance novels. Melissa lives with her husband and daughters, who share her passion for decrepit, old castles, palaces and all things historical. Melissa is the Winner of The Romantic Novelist Association's Joan Hessayon Award for new writers 2020. This was for her debut novel, the first book in the Notorious Knight's series called The Rebel Heiress and the Knight. If she is not writing Melissa loves to travel, paint as well as visit Museums and Art Gallerys.

Overall this is a well written book that readers will find easy to get stuck into.You can get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

XX