The Plot Twist - Victoria Walters

 

The Plot Twist

One new boss, one ex-boyfriend, one big dilemma…

Stevie Phillips has just landed her dream job working for a publishing company and it seems like this is page one of her new, improved life.

But her first day throws more curveballs than she thinks she can handle: there’s been a takeover and the whole publicity team has been fired. And her new boss is the last face she expected to see.

Because Noah Anderson also happens to be her ex-boyfriend.

Thrown together on a campaign for a book the rest of the staff don’t want to touch with a barge-pole, Stevie resolves to make the best of a bad situation. This is her chance to prove herself, and she’s not going to let the man who broke her heart ruin it for her.

When Noah starts hinting that there was more to their break up then him just not loving her, Stevie’s resolution starts to wobble. Getting back with your ex is never a good idea, is it? Especially not when your ex is also your boss…

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/theplottwistsocial

My Review:

A follow up to the brilliant, The Love Interest, this time we have Stevie’s story. Stevie was Liv’s friend and colleague, but it was clear she had her own story to tell so I’m so pleased Victoria Walters gave us this.

I love books about books or the book world in anyway, so this was right up my street. Stevie has landed the job of her dreams – finally but she’s nervous and keen to do well. As she walks in for her first day, she is met with staff leaving, the company being taken over and a boss that she instantly recognises – her ex. Not just any ex though, the one that broke her heart and hurt her so much.

It's awkward, uncomfortable and at times I didn’t know if this situation would work for either character but when a challenge threatens the company’s success, Stevie sticks her neck out, decides to confront old pain and do what needs to be done. Will she forgive him for the hurt he caused? Possibly but she knows she wants to make this career move a success no matter what.

A slow burn but romantic, emotive and full of passion (both for books and the opposite sex) Stevie is adamant about championing romance books, that they deserve as much recognition and attention as any other. She’s a great character, I love how cool she seems no matter what.

Noah is a puzzle at first but as the story progresses, learning more about his situation, I grew fond of him and the connection between him and Stevie.

Passions of all varieties jump off the page, it sizzles with chemistry, it shouts about the love of stories and gives all romance fans a real boost.

Brilliant!

Author Bio:

Victoria Walters is the author of both cosy crime and romantic novels, including the bestselling Glendale Hall series. She has been chosen for WHSmith Fresh Talent, shortlisted for two RNA novels and was picked as an Amazon Rising Star. Previously published by Hera, she is now writing romantic comedies for Boldwood.

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaWaltersAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vicky_Walters

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vickyjwalters/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/VictoriaWaltersNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/victoria-walters

Summer at the Santorini Bookshop - Rebecca Raisin

 

A Greek island holiday. A fake-dating pact. A chance at true love?

After losing her job as a book scout, hopeless romantic Evie needs a fresh start. So when she hears that her eccentric grandmother has just taken on a small bookshop in Santorini, Evie jumps at the chance to visit her.

But life on the island is not as idyllic as it first seems. Gran has a tempestuous relationship with her landlord and he’s threatening to take the bookshop away from her. So when Gran asks Evie to fake a romance with her landlord’s Greek God of a grandson, Georgios, to keep the family on side, she reluctantly agrees.

As the sun sets on Evie’s Greek holiday, can she save the bookshop – and fake date her way to love?

Purchase Links

US: amzn.to/40rvToW

UK: amzn.to/3u4QJOY

Aust: amzn.to/3QOc6x1

My Review:

Sunshine, books, a dreamy love interest? What more could any book lover need – Summer at the Santorini Bookshop is a brilliant way of escaping the not-so-great weather here.

Rebecca Raisin always gives us a great read, brilliant characters and excellent settings and this one couldn’t sound more idyllic. I loved the descriptions of the bookshop, the characters are funny but also relatable in many ways. The bookshop sounds like my perfect holiday destination!

Evie suddenly finds herself at a loose end when she loses her job and so is sent to keep an eye on her Gran, who is on husband number nine and a cause for concern (to Evie’s Mum and sister). Evie finds herself in quite the situation as soon as she arrives and is determined to do all it takes to support her Gran – even if that means getting close to Georgios (the landlords grandson).

With some ups and downs, can Evie keep her Grans antics from her Mum as well as make the bookshop a success and keep Georgios onside whilst also figuring out what she actually wants to do next.

There are some really funny moments, the man with the donkey, the rescue dogs, the subtle hints about what happens to each husband.

Funny, heartwarming and entertaining. Perfect read for this summer, whether on a glorious beach or from a comfy chair!

 Author Bio:

 Rebecca Raisin writes heartwarming romance from her home in sunny Perth, Australia. Her heroines tend to be on the quirky side and her books are usually set in exotic locations so her readers can armchair travel any day of the week. The only downfall about writing about gorgeous heroes who have brains as well as brawn, is falling in love with them – just as well they’re fictional. Rebecca aims to write characters you can see yourself being friends with. People with big hearts who care about relationships and believe in true, once in a lifetime love. Her bestselling novel Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop has been optioned for film with MRC studios and Frolic Media.

Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaRaisinAuthor

www.twitter.com/jaxandwillsmum

https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaraisinwrites2/

https://signup.harpercollins.co.uk/join/signup-hq-rebeccaraisin

The Other Girlfriend - Alex Stone

 

She loves him…

Lizzie Green once loved Tom Murphy with a passion that bordered on obsession. All she wanted was his love to be returned. Then one night something terrible happened and Tom left Lizzie broken hearted. She swore she would never let him hurt her again….

She loves him not.

Now, ten years later, Tom turns up on Lizzie’s doorstep still as charming as ever. Lizzie knows he still has the power to break her heart and destroy her life again. But Lizzie can’t say no to him….

Can she?

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3vNxKa9

My Review:

An intense yet slow burn, psychological thriller that kept my attention throughout. Although I will admit I wasn’t surprised by anything it was still a fantastic read, I was intrigued to see how everything would play out.

I enjoyed learning more about the characters, especially Lizzie. Written in such a way we fully support her, sympathise with her but feel frustrated that she cannot see the blatantly obvious. She seems set to be taken in by the same person that was happy to destroy her (not that she could see that).

We are given alternating chapters between the present day and the past, which I loved as it fully explained how Lizzie had got to where she had and why, but also how the other people in her life had played a part.

Story involved some serious themes around mental health, that were touched on a lot. I think its important such issues are included in stories and I found it to tie in well with the story and why these characters would struggle, not just added for effect.

Good writing, interesting characters (your gut instinct on one will be spot on!) and a gripping story. I highly recommend.

Author Bio:

Alex Stone, originally an accountant from the West Midlands, is now a psychological suspense writer based in Dorset. This beautiful and dramatic coastline is the inspiration and setting for her novels. She was awarded the Katie Fforde Bursary in 2019 and her debut thriller The Perfect Daughter was published by  Boldwood in October 2021.

Social Media Links:  

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AlexStoneWriter

Twitter https://twitter.com/AlexStoneAuthor

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alexstoneauthor/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/AlexStoneNewsletter

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alex-stone-69a67039-4aed-4e8c-9319-9e93eba46d5b

The Italian Job - 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!

My Review:

A castle in Italy? Enemies to lovers? TICK AND TICK for me.
This is the story of Anna and Jake, neighbours who have never really seen eye to eye but now have to rely on each other to make their dreams come true. Anna is cheated on, losing both the love of her life and her job. She is told to find her “dream job” and she does just that – managing a castle in Italy. Her dream job doesn’t come easily though, there is a catch; applicants must be in a couple. Single Anna needs this job and so enlists the help of the last person she ever imagined asking for help.

On the surface Jake is a lad with a past; having spent time in prison for punching someone – he is out and now finds the community not exactly welcoming, although he had his reasons for what he did. He is loyal to those he cares about and is soon showing his true colours. He is looking for an opportunity to prove himself, and when Anna provides and opportunity he must decide if he can handle everything that is to come.

Great characters – both having their own issues and insecurities I found they balanced each other out brilliantly and had a positive effect on the other. Both characters evolved throughout the story, with a nudge or disagreement to help them on their way. There is drama, mishaps and miscommunications as well as romance and some light-hearted moments along the way.

This is the first time I’ve read anything by this author and I don’t think it will be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, think it moved along at a good pace. I liked the characters (well the ones that we are supposed to like – there are some rotters in the mix as you can imagine).

I think this is a perfect summer, holiday read. 

Purchase Links

Link UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09RFF6X5Q

Link US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09RFF6X5Q

Author Bio:

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to write a book. It may have had something to do with my obsession with reading romance. Real life interfered and I headed off in a different direction – into the world of science, becoming a pharmacist before joining the pharmaceutical industry. I did end up writing, but it was about disease and medicines. Decades later, I’m finally doing what I always wanted to do.

With a husband who asks every Valentine's Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), all the romance in my life is in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.

Social Media Links:

Website:  http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kathrynfreeman

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/KathrynFreeman1

Giveaway to Win a PB copy of

The Italian Job by Kathryn Freeman (Open INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*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.

Bubblegum and Blazers - Isabella May

 

When Ali, Blake, Charlotte, and Grant sign contracts to star in a Back to School reality TV show, LOVE is the very last thing on their minds:

Ali flies to the UK from New Zealand, intrigued by the golden opportunity to advance her amateur social media influencer career.

Blake carpe diems the moment with both hands after a constant flurry of bad luck.

Charlotte jumps at the chance to relive her sporting glories of the past - and take a hiatus from her humdrum marriage.

And Grant is just relieved to get away from his failing second-hand music shop.

But once the advances hit their bank accounts, it soon becomes apparent that producer Jock’s Pied Piper-style offer to change their lives is distinctly lacking in sherbet fizz!

In fact, the only sweet thing about this gig for the former students and the rest of their Bubblegum and Blazers competitors, may just be the packet of candy in their pockets.

Re-enacting their past is a rollercoaster of revelations, retaliation, and unlikely romance in a gold-fish bowl of mayhem where Raphael (Agony Uncle of the school sweet shop) and his rhubarb and custards reign supreme...

Purchase Link – mybook.to/bubblegumandblazers

My Review:

What a nostalgic treat! This book took me right back to a time where reality TV was huge, I remember sun filled summers loving the 24 hour feeds to Big Brother etc and being heavily invested in the contestants lives in this television spectacle. Bubblegum and Blazers is a trip down memory lane with Isabella May’s witty, fun filled story of former school mates reuniting.

This ‘Back to School’ style TV show is a first for me, and something I could really imagine taking place. In fact, lets all watch this space and see how long it takes! A cast of characters that provide laugh out loud moments with their antics as well as shock at the revelation of long-held secrets, with drama and a fall from grace for those who truly deserve it. Long over-due consequences are dealt to certain students who expected the glory of their former school days to be repeated this time around.  

There were a lot of characters, each with their own story/background, at first it was difficult to keep track but as the story progressed, I was able to keep track; although reminiscent of Big Brother etc; I never could get fully invested until they’d ousted a few!

Must warn you though – stock up on the sweets for when you read this because your mouth will be watering for old school retro treats.

A fun read, I got through it quickly as I was swept away by the fun and shenanigans. Perfect for those who would like a trip back in time.

Author Bio:

Isabella May lives in (mostly) sunny Andalusia, Spain with her husband, daughter and son, creatively inspired by the mountains and the sea. Having grown up on Glastonbury's ley lines however, she's unable to completely shake off her spiritual inner child, and is a Law of Attraction fanatic, as well as a Pranic Healer.

After a degree in Modern Languages and European Studies at UWE, Bristol (and a year working abroad in Bordeaux and Stuttgart), Isabella bagged an extremely jammy and fascinating job in children's publishing... selling foreign rights for novelty, board, pop-up and non-fiction books all over the world; in every language from Icelandic to Korean, Bahasa Indonesian to Papiamento!

All of which has fuelled her curiosity and love of international food and travel - both feature extensively in her cross-genre novels, fused with a dollop of romcom, and a sprinkle of magical realism.

Social Media Links:

www.isabellamayauthor.com

Twitter - @IsabellaMayBks

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IsabellaMayAuthor/

Instagram - @isabella_may_author

Every Little Breath - Keri Beevis

 

How much could one phone call change your life?

‘Only you can save her. If she dies, it is your fault.’

When radio presenter, Casey Fallon, answers a call she assumes it is a prank. But then a woman’s body is discovered, and she finds herself up against a cruel and calculating killer who wants her to find his victims before they take their last breath.

Fifteen years ago, Casey was a key witness in the trial of serial killer, Steve Noakes, and her evidence helped put him behind bars for the murders of five women.

Someone remembers what happened that summer. Someone who is desperate for revenge. Someone who won’t stop until Casey has been punished.

‘You saved a life once. Can you do it again?’

The game is just beginning…

Number one bestselling author Keri Beevis is back with a breathtaking new psychological thriller which is simply too good to miss. It's the perfect read for fans of authors like Clare Mackintosh, Cara Hunter, Paula Hawkins.

 

My Review:

This is the first book I’ve read from Keri Beevis but I’m definite tat it will not be my last. Wow, what an incredible read.

Gripped from the start, this book took me on a thrilling, twisted journey to the very last page. There were moments I was holding my breath with anticipation or fear. The plot is complex and quite dark in its descriptions in places, I think there was a good balance between the descriptive, harrowing scenes where it was grim to imagine to the rest of the book.

I liked the pace of the storyline, nothing seemed to drag on at all and I was kept on my toes. I found it so engaging I read it completely in one fantastic afternoon. Very well written, I felt a vast range of emotions from disgusted to mortified, sympathetic to scared and intrigued.

A cast of characters so different and unique; there are nice, likeable characters, worrying and troublesome characters, honest characters who support Casey throughout, and those out to cause trouble. There are some real shocks in the latter part of the book, I didn’t see them coming, well except perhaps that final twist at the end.

I won’t go into depth regarding the plot as I think the beauty in this is not knowing and the synopsis sums it up perfectly.

I hope this is the start of a series as the ending left me wanting more, please say there will be more.

Dramatic, twisted and captivating. A must read!

Purchase Links

PAPERBACK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Every-Little-Breath-Keri-Beevis/dp/1913942295
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1913942295

KINDLE
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Every-Little-Breath-psychological-thriller-ebook/dp/B092DMJPQC
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092DMJPQC

AUDIO
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Every-Little-Breath/dp/B091BHWGND
https://www.amazon.com/Every-Little-Breath/dp/B091BHTWK5

GOODREADS
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56822669-every-little-breath

 

Author Bio:

Keri Beevis is the internationally bestselling author of Dying To Tell and Deep Dark Secrets. Her new psychological thriller, Trust No One, was released November 2020.

Keri lives in Norfolk, England, with her two naughty kitties, Ellie and Lola, and a plentiful supply of red wine (her writing fuel). She loves Hitchcock movies, exploring creepy places, and gets extremely competitive in local pub quizzes. She is also a self-confessed klutz.

 

Social Media Links – www.facebook.com/allaboutbeev

www.twitter.com/keribeevis

www.instagram.com/keribeevis/

Uncork my Love - Rich Amooi

 

A sweet romantic comedy set in beautiful Napa Valley!

Ivy needs a miracle and a drink—not necessarily in that order. With a struggling winery, the only hope of keeping her dream alive is snagging a gold medal at the annual wine competition. She’s determined to win, but she can do it without the help of Ted Jacobs, aka Mr. Know-it-All.

Ted wants to catch lightning in a bottle and create the world’s greatest wine, but he’s smart enough to know he can’t do it alone. When he heads to Napa to keep his grandma from ending up in jail (don’t ask), he meets Ivy. She’s as complex and intoxicating as his award-winning cabernet, but as stubborn as the mule next door when she stomps on his offer to collaborate.

Ted knows it’s risky to mix business with pleasure, but if Ivy would only listen, they might just be the toast of the town.

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Uncork-My-Love-Rich-Amooi-ebook/dp/B08WRGDY48

US  - https://www.amazon.com/Uncork-My-Love-Rich-Amooi-ebook/dp/B08WRGDY48

My Review:

A first from this author for me and a lovely, enjoyable read. Lots of fun and laugh out loud moments littered throughout, really a book to lift your spirits!

I expected a run of the mill, standard, rom com – nothing wrong with that at all - and I got it but much more too. I wasn’t expecting everything that happened, so delightfully surprised.

A gorgeous setting and some really interesting characters within this story –  especially Loretta who stole the show for me. Ivy is a great main character too; the banter between her and Ted is amusing and their spark is instant. A book where you can cheer on all characters, which is always nice. 

Uncork my Love is an easy going romance, feel-good fiction that will indulge those looking for a stress free few hours. 

Author Bio:

Rich Amooi is a Taleflick Discovery Winner, Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Recipient, Holt Medallion Finalist, and the Amazon Bestselling author of 16 romantic comedies, including It's Not PMS, It's You, Dying to Meet You, There's Something About a Cowboy, and Madam Love, Actually.

A former radio personality and wedding DJ, Rich now writes romantic comedies full-time in San Diego, California, and is happily married to a kiss monster imported from Spain. Rich believes in public displays of affection, silliness, infinite possibilities, donuts, gratitude, laughter, and happily ever after.

Social Media Links:

Author website: www.richamooi.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.richamooi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richamooi.author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RichAmooi

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/richamooi

Giveaway to Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card (Open INT)

*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.

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Opposites Attract - Camilla Isley

First law of magnetism: opposite poles attract.

Single mom Vivian has been burned by love once before, and her job as a divorce lawyer has presented enough evidence to convince her there are no good men left in New York City.

The worst offender is her new neighbour: Dr. Lucas Keller, a couple’s therapist whose piercing blue eyes and flawless dark hair are just as annoying as his bad temper.

But when Luke starts poaching Vivian’s clients by saving their marriages, she makes it her mission to force him out of the building to save her practice. But it’s Luke who gives her the perfect opportunity when he proposes an unexpected bet.

With their offices at stake, Vivian and Luke play the field of love in a fierce battle of wits that quickly turns hot and personal, especially when Vivian’s daughter gets involved. Now, taking down Luke has become more than business for Vivian. It’s become a pleasure—and soon, Vivian and Luke will realize how pointless it is to fight the laws of attraction.

My Review:

Another brilliant book from Camilla. Each one of hers I pick up I enjoy, this is another romantic, fun filled, action packed book.

We meet Vivian and Lucas who from the moment they meet just do not see eye to eye, they go out of their way to wind each other up or gain the upper hand. So, when an opportunity comes that may rid one from the other, they jump on board. Both signing up to a well-known dating agency, who will meet someone suitable first?

Cue a multitude of hilarious dates, it’s every single person’s nightmare repeatedly but this is Camilla Isley at her comedic best – I was laughing out loud at these!

I love when we have a story told from the two characters viewpoints, I think you really get to know them. I warmed to Lucas from the start but it took me a while before I liked Vivian or really understood her.

I enjoyed the chemistry between the characters, the ease at which they teased and pushed the other’s buttons. Although there are so quirky, fun lighthearted moments, it does touch on some serious and sensitive issues which are very well done.

A fun, easy read that will entertain for a good few hours. Camilla Isley is an author that never disappoints. 

Purchase Links

Opposites Attract is available for Free!

https://smarturl.it/OppositesAttract143

https://books2read.com/u/mdnvYl

Author Bio: 
Camilla is an engineer turned writer after she quit her job to follow her husband on an adventure abroad.

She’s a cat lover, coffee addict, and shoe hoarder. Besides writing, she loves reading—duh!—cooking, watching bad TV, and going to the movies—popcorn, please. She’s a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. A keen traveler, Camilla knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and she doesn’t want to starve all those frog princes out there, but she could really live without them.

Social Media Links@

Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/camilla-isley

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14135080.Camilla_Isley

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/camillaisley

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/camillaisley/

Twitter https://twitter.com/camillaisley

Giveaway to Win 3 x e-copies of the Beach Reads box set (Open Internationally)

*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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway