Review: Bad Mistake By JC Harroway*

'‘You want my touch?

It comes with conditions…’

The Pleasure Pact was my idea. All because I want Nick Rivers, my brooding, mouthwateringly hot bodyguard. All that control. All that restraint. Now in Milan, I have one chance with him—on his terms. He calls the shots. I deliciously surrender to every naughty, illicit moment. But Nick can't control what's happening between us…or what happens when he shows me who he really is.'

Bad Mistake is the third book in the Pleasure Pact series. I was so excited when I was asked to review this installment as I have loved this series. You can also find my reviews for Book One and Book Two on this blog or by clicking the links provided. The series follows friends Grace, Neve and Brooke, three very different ladies with one singular goal. 

This installment focuses on Grace and what she wants out of the Pleasure Pact, which just so happens to be her bodyguard Nick. Their story is told over 17 Chapters (+ Epilogue) and is completely steamy from the very first one. To say that these two main characters have chemistry is an understatement. Brooke and Nick don't just have chemistry, they have hot lustful, flirty chemistry that simmers between them waiting to erupt in their mutual pleasure. 

The sexual frustration that is built in this story is palpable and glaring obvious to the reader. Anticipation is strong and sweet in this book and very much a key theme when it comes to Brooke and Nick. Though fear not they do have their pleasure, just  be patient and watch as the sexual tension is built. 

Now this story is not all sexy times, though those times are enjoyable and delicious. The story switches point of view between the main characters and is brilliant in showing the reader exactly what is going on in their heads. Not only that there is a hint of a past the Nick is not ready to reveal at the beginning. Though intriguing the reader is let in on this past and it will add to the reasons why you will fall in love with this character. 

One thing I absolutely adored was that apart from being very sexy this story started to explore a world that is very different. So different that I have only read one other book that also touches on this world. Now I don't want to give this world away, but it is something that readers will know when they get to that part. 

Overall I absolutely adored this book, it may sound like it is full of the sexy bits that we all love but it is not. There is story to be told and the Author does a brilliant job in telling this story. This story is a great addition to the series, and I would recommend this book to everyone. Even if you haven't read the other two books, though I would have to ask why not? You can get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

 

Blog Tour: What If? By Shari Low*

'1999 - Carly Cooper is 30, single, and after coming close to saying ‘I do’ to six different men, she’s wondering if she accidentally said ‘goodbye’ to Mr Right.

So, Carly quits her job, her flat, her whole life and sets off on a quest to track down all the men she's ever loved.

But there is a problem. Her ex-boyfriends are scattered all over the world and Carly lives in an era before the Internet and Smartphones.

Her Mr Right must be out there, but can she find him?

And what if he’s moved on from the ex-girlfriend who said goodbye?'

This is the story (or you could call it a journey) of Carly, a character that is very relatable and very normal.  The reader will no doubt be able to find a character within this story, if not Carly herself, to relate to. This will make it even more gripping for the reader. Carly's  story is told over 20 Chapters (+Epilogue) and is spilt into 2 parts. One thing that is unique straight off about this story is that every chapter has a song attached to it. Now the song may not be mentioned in the chapter but its like this book has come with its very own playlist. The ideal songs to take you back to the year in question. 

Readers will find that this book is easy to get into as the chapters flick between Present Carly and Past Carly. I found that as Carly was telling me about her past relationships, that I had a favorite, one who I wanted to be picked in the end. Although my favorite of Carly's past loves was not the one picked, the ending of this story is still brilliant. 

Now let me tell you a little bit more about the Author Shari Low, she is the #1 bestselling author of over 25 novels. This includes One day in Summer, My Month Marriage and a collection of parenthood memories called Because Mummy Said So. Shari currently lives near Glasgow. 

Overall I absolutely adored this book, it is 100% relatable which means readers will have a hard time putting it down. It is very easy to read in one sitting and can easily be described as a Laugh out Loud Rom Com. This book will have its readers laughing. Readers won't want to put it down. I know I didn't, see if you can and get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

 

Blog Tour: I Don't Do Mondays! By Colette Kebell*

'How can Mia find happiness?

Lawyer Mia’s picture-perfect dream life in New York is imploding. Her job has become too stressful, she’s exhausted from carrying her friends and what’s up with her striking, wealthy fiancé?

But when life-changing decisions force her to move to Maine, where she’ll face her often critical father and hard truths about what truly matters in life, she re-discovers a passion of her youth.

What begins as a low moment in her life quickly pushes her to consider what she genuinely wants and leads her down a new path where she must embrace the future and let go of the past.

Will this move help Mia to fix her life, once and for all, and will she finally find true love?'

This is the story of Mia, which is told over the course of 48 Chapters. One thing that readers will love is that right from the word go, they will be intrigued and possibly confused. Don't worry the confusion goes away by the end of Chapter 2! However the intrigue that appeared at the beginning will keep the reader going until they have read every last word. Readers will find themselves totally absorbed in Mia's world and the decisions she has to make. Readers will be so absorbed they will find themselves flying through the chapters like there are 8 not 48. 

This story is well written and full of twists. Now some of these twists the readers will see coming. However there will be some twists that will catch the reader completely unaware and those are the ones the reader will love. Not only does this story look at Mia's life but also the life of her friends. It's not a quick look at her friends either, you get a chance to be in their head and see how they make their big decisions. 

Now let me tell you about the Author Colette Kebell, who is an relatively new author of Chick-Lit/ Romcom and so far has self published her books. Her books are light-hearted, quirky, fun and can be considered as inspirational. Her books have also been translated in Italian (thanks to her husband), as well as French, Spanish and Portugese via Babelcube. Career wise Colette spent her later years as a legal secretary. Her first attempt at writing was many years ago (the book still remains in her drawer), however she resumed this passion a few years back after she got made redundant. After a few book signing events and a book talk (this almost caused her to faint), Colette spends her time between her homes in the UK and in France. When she isn't writing or marketing her books, Colette can be found spending time with her two adorable dogs. She also spends her free time cooking herself and her husband, gardening or designing various items for their home. Her other hobbies include experimenting with furniture upholstery and from time to time you might find a paintbrush in her hand. Colette can be found on Twitter, even though she doesn't tweet a vast amount. 

Overall I really enjoyed this book, from the moment I got hooked I found it extremely difficult to put it down. This is my first book by this author but based on this experience it will certainly not be my last. You can get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

 

Blog Tour: Tudor Christmas Tidings By Blythe Gifford, Jenni Fletcher & Amanda McCabe*

 

'Make Merry at Court

…with three Tudor Christmas stories!

In Christmas at Court Sir John Talbot and Lady Alice’s secret betrothal must wait until Henry Tudor claims the throne. Next in Secrets of the Queen's Lady the lady-in-waiting to Anne of Cleves is unexpectedly reunited with a handsome—younger—diplomat at the palace’s festivities! And in His Mistletoe Lady Catherine seeks help from a mysterious Spaniard to free her father in time for Christmas!'

This book is, as you can probably tell from the blurb, is made up of three historical romances. They are all set in the same Tudor time and vary in length. The first one is 'Christmas at Court' by Blythe Gifford. This story literally jumps straight in to the plot and grips the readers attention almost from the first word. It is easy to get stuck into, consisting of ten chapters that will fly by, with the reader greatly invested. Now the story does jump in time but it is done in a way that the reader doesn't feel like they are missing anything.

Now let me tell you a little something about the first Author Blythe Gifford, after spending many years in public relations, advertising and marketing she started writing seriously after a corporate layoff. Ten years and one layoff later, she was an overnight success when she sold to the Harlequin Historical lone. Her books typically incorporate real historical events and characters and set in the 14th to 17th centuries. Blythe works and lives along Chicago's lakefront and The Chicago Tribune called her work 'the prefect balance between history and romance'. 

The second story in this book is called 'Secrets of the Queen's Lady' by Jenni Fletcher, this story consists of 9 Chapters. From the beginning of this book it is easy to see that the main characters have a past that the reader will want to know about. Not only that but they also have instant chemistry. This is well written as well as easy to read. One of the best things about this story is the strong female lead, who isn't out there looking for her perfect match. 

Now let me tell you a little bit about the Author Jenni Fletcher, she currently lives in Yorkshire where she writes historical romance novels. However she is originally from the north coast of Scotland. She attended Cambridge University studying English before doing a PhD on Edwardian literature and psychology at Hull. She has had 4 nominations for RoNA awards, and won for Short Romantic Fiction in 2020. Jenni spends her spare baking and of course reading. 

The third story in this book is called 'His Mistletoe Lady' by Amanda McCabe and consists of 13 Chapters. This story is all about Lady Catherine and the mysterious Spaniard. This story will grip the readers attention from the start, as it is very interesting. What makes it interesting is that there seems to be more going on than what is on the surface. Readers will find this book easy to read and will find themselves flying through the chapters in no time. The character interactions are on point and somehow the Author has made the interactions between the main characters brilliant even before they have spoken to each other. 

Now let me tell you about the Author Amanda McCabe, who wrote her first romance at the tender age of sixteen, it was a vast historical epic starring all her friends as characters. It was written in secret during her algebra class; her parents wondered why math was not her strongest subject. She may have never used algebra since but her books have been nominated for many awards including the RTA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National readers Choice Award and the Holt Medallion. She currently lives in Santa Fe with a Poodle, a cat, her wonderful husband and far too many books and royal memorabilia collections. When she is not reading or writing, you can find Amanda taking dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs and watching the Food Network (even though she doesn't cook). Amanda also writes for Grand Central Publishing as Laurel McKee, the Elizabethan Mystery series as Amanda Carmack and the Manor Cat Mystery Series as Eliza Casey.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, each story was unique but at the same time they were all set in the same era. These were all new authors for me to discover and I really enjoyed finding out their style of writing. I will definitely be on the look out for some more works by these three ladies. You can get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

Xx

Blog Tour: Four Letter Feelings By Lasairona E. McMaster*

 

'Jeremy Lewis has just returned from a year in Europe, ready to start college in Alabama and pursue his dream career in the National Hockey League. Other than boring school work, he’s eager to play hockey, hang out with his new teammates and maybe even rekindle an old flame when Chelsea Davis unexpectedly reappears in his life.

Life is looking pretty darn peachy.

But when his world is turned upside down by a tragic loss, merely surviving each day feels like an achievement. How can he get through college and keep his budding career on track when all he wants to do is drink and squander his parent’s fortune? Can he convince Chelsea he’s a changed man when he seems so intent on his own destruction?'

This is the story of Jeremy and Chelsea, and what a story it is. This book has a very good start and is immediately both interesting and intriguing to the reader. It has 30 chapters which soon fly by once the reader is fully engrossed in this story. This books also happens to be the first one in the ' Jeremy Lewis' series.  The character interactions are absolutely brilliant, and very interesting to see Jeremy interact with Chelsea and his family. 

If you are a hockey lover, you will enjoy this book as there are a lot of hockey references. Though this section isn't too much to make non hockey fans not want to read the book. This book is completely gripping and readers will not want to put it down. I know this reader read the book in the space of a day. 

One of the most unique things about this book are the topics that come up. The author is not afraid to get into the topics that can be difficult to talk about. These topics include mental health, the worlds expectations when it comes to mental health, sexuality and the stages of grief. Between all these subjects, this book had this reader blubbering like a baby and I am talking big, fat ugly tears. The main reason you may find your self crying are the topics mentioned and because as you get further engrossed in this story the more your emotions will be involved. 

Now let me tell you a little bit about the Author Lasairiona McMaster, she writes sassy, classy and badassy women with strong, yet vulnerable men. She openly deals with mental health issues and challenges the readers expectations. She often explores tough-to-handle topics and 'taboos' and books with a whole lotta heart. She can either be found baking sweet treats in her kitchen while singing at the top of her lungs, or enjoying a gin and lemonade by the Irish Sea. When she is 'home' in Texas she can be found at Chuys eating her body weight in chips and queso, washing it down with a margarite swirl, that's if she isn't eating freshly popped popcorn while buying things she doesn't need in Target. 

Overall this is an absolutely brilliant book. Even though it had this reader crying, it doesn't dampen the fact that I still want to get the rest of the series as well investigate the Authors other works. This book will leave you feeling like it is a need rather than a want when it comes to the others in the series. You can get your copy HERE.

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Blog Tour: Coming Back To You By Lily Hayden*

 

'Some loves last for just a short time, but ours lasted a lifetime.

From the moment that Emma met Ryan, she knew he was the one for her, but he leaves her heartbroken when he betrays her and disappears from her life, only to return and shatter her heart for a second time.

We were never meant to be, we just happened against the odds.

It feels like fate when life throws them back together as adults, but Emma has moved on now and she can’t throw everything away for the man who left her heartbroken twice.

Emma is living a charmed life with a beautiful family and her art career beginning to take off, but she can’t help feeling like her heart is pulling her back to her first love.

I keep on coming back to you.

One chance encounter with Ryan, so unexpected that it feels like it was written in the stars, throws them back together and she can’t deny the connection between them is stronger than ever. Emma learns that Ryan has been keeping a secret from her, and she has to decide whether to turn away from him forever or keep fighting for their love against all odds.'

This is the story of Emma and Ryan, which is told over 36 Chapters and what a story it is. This is the kind of story that all romance readers will love! One thing you will sure to love is that you get to see this love story unfold from the very beginning and I mean the day they met beginning. You see the love story unfold as well as the different ups and downs the couple goes through. 

Not only do you see this love story unfold and change throughout the years, but you also get to see the other relationships Emma and Ryan have change like their friendships. You get to see which friendships are there at the beginning and still there at the end. How there relationship with their family members change as well. What's brilliant about this is that you can really see how the author has developed the characters especially as it is made clear when the story jumps through the years. 

Let me tell you about the Author Lily Hayden who writes chick lit with a kick! Modern day women may want modern day heroines but Lily's characters want sizzling romance, rewarding careers and equal partnerships. However like all of us they face many challenges and it isn't always easy. Lily is a mother to four children and has a degree in Business which she got in her home town in South Wales. She has enjoyed a successful career in Financial Services before fulfilling her lifelong ambition to write books. Her debut novel Butterflies, was released in 2018 and is a heartwarming alternative to the traditional boy-meets-girl story. She reaches readers all over the world and is the author of five books including a Young Adult Dystiopian novel Project Terra under the alias SJ Wood (because who doesn't love a bit of action and defeating bad guys every now and again). Make sure you follow Lily on her Socials for the latest releases, promotions and the occasional photos of her dogs. 

Overall I simply adored this book from start to finish. I went from Chapter 1 to Chapter 36 in one day as I simply could not put it down. Even when I did manage to pry the kindle from my hands, my mind was completely dominated by thoughts about this book. It is beyond addictive to the point that you will not notice the chapter numbers. The reader will sit there thinking they have finished 1 chapter when in fact they have devoured a lot more. I will certainly be looking out for more books by this Author. You can get your copy HERE.

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Blog Tour: The Rue Stone By Janet Stock*

 

'The rue is a mysterious and rare being who is rarely seen, and Janna is amazed when one arrives at the inn where she works, looking for a room. The next morning, her life has changed, and she is left wondering whether she will ever see him again, but only time and the rue stone know the answer to that question.'

The Rue Stone is a fantasy Novella and is made up of 26 Chapters. Now I will admit I have not read a fantasy book in a very long time, seem to be picking more Romances. However this story reminded me why I loved the fantasy genre. It was chock full of brilliant descriptions and amazing characters. 

A brilliant thing about this book is there is a strong female character whose first priority isn't to be married, which is refreshing. This story was short or at least it felt like it but it was sweet. In the sense that I adored every last word that Janet wrote. 

Now let me tall you about the Author Janet Stock, she has written all of her life and decided to self-publish when she turned 50. She has published four books since then. Two of those books are short story collections called Dark & Fluffy, Dark & Fluffy 2 and 500 Words, which is flash fiction. Her latest book is The Rue Stone which is a fantasy novella. Janet's passion is medieval fiction, and she is currently working on her first novel The Little Servant - The Wait's Son. Which is set in 12th century, in Lincoln, where she lives. All of her books are available on Amazon. 

Overall I adored this book, it is so addicting and intriguing that I ended up finishing the book in one sitting. This is a truly great read which will leave you wanting more from the Author. With descriptions that are easy to visualise and perfect for anyone who loves fantasy or wants to take a break from their normal genre. You can get your copy HERE.

There is also a giveaway attached to this Tour, where you can be in with the chance to win 5 paperback copies of The Rue Stone. You can enter the giveaway HERE. 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.

Until Next Time

Emma

XX