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#Blog Tour #Guest Post by Christina Bauer #My Inspiration for Dare (Pixieland Diaries 3) by Christina Bauer @Xpresso Book Tours

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Dare – the third instalment in Christina Bauer’s series Pixieland Diaries. I am a big fan of the series and I’m really excited for this new release and Christina’s guest post!
But first, let’s have a quick re-cap of this enchanting series:

Pixieland Diaries Series

1. Pixieland Diaries
2. Calla
3. Dare
4. Winter Prince
5. Ley Queen

Pixieland Diaries

If you don’t like pixies, don’t read this diary.

If you don’t like loud-mouthed pixies who are really cool but sometimes get told they’re immature (for no reason), then definitely stop reading.

Oh, and if you’re His Awfulness The Elf Prince ‘Dare’ Darius, then you can kiss my butt. My hatred for you burns with the fire of a thousand suns. Thanks for getting me kicked out of Pixieland and exiled to attend some rando human high school on Earth. You’re the worst, even if you have a cute smile. And nice eyes. Your hair looks okay sometimes, too. But you’re still a creep and I loathe you.

And to everyone else: if you’ve read this far, then you better finish my entire diary.

My story is supernatural, whacked-out, and overall awesome.

Calla
Big news in Pixieland! The Blue Fairy is sending our fave pixie, Calla, and her crush, Dare, on a mini-quest. Unfortunately, it’s an adventure that requires a lot of togetherness. We’re talking tons of touching, people.

Blue believes that since Calla and Dare are just friends, then this situation shouldn’t be awkward.

It’s totally awkward.

Dare
by Christina Bauer
(Pixieland Diaries #3)
Publication date: March 30th 2021
Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:
What happens when a pixie outcast seizes the throne of Faerie… while her beloved elf prince becomes a wanted criminal?

Sassy pixie Calla loves the prankster life, even if it does make her an outcast among other fae. But everything changes when Calla’s magic erases an evil blight destroying the Faerie realm. That’s when the pariah pixie becomes something unexpected: a Fae Queen.

Yet no sooner does Calla take the crown than a new and unstoppable plague appears. Things get even worse when Calla’s longtime crush, the elf Prince ‘Dare’ Darius, appears to have masterminded the outbreak before fleeing to the mountains. According to the Faerie elders, there’s only one way to end this disease…

Calla must hunt down Dare and destroy him.

Yeah. Like that will ever happen.

Instead of killing anyone, Calla vows to cure the plague while proving Dare’s innocence. And if she must pull a few mega-pranks to make it all happen? Not a problem. Even so, the path ahead is still fraught with trouble. Secret enemies scheme to manipulate the outbreak—as well as Calla’s feelings for Dare—in order to bring our favorite prankster down, once and for all.

Goodreads

Purchase Links
Amazon / B&N / IBooks / Kobo / GooglePlay

The Inspiration For My New Book, DARE
By Christina Bauer Author

As part of the launch tour for my latest book, DARE (Pixieland Diaries #3), the lovely folks at Reading Tonic have asked me to share the inspiration for the Pixieland Diaries series. Fun!

So without further ado, here goes…

A huge inspiration for this series was a book called Faeries, which is now available in a 25th anniversary edition. The original version came my way during my teenage years (I say teen years, you think secret hell.) It got my imagination going and provided a mental escape hatch in what was otherwise a crap time. The book is a clear and driving force behind wanting to explore the world of pixies in this book series.

Wondering what the big deal is about with Faeries? There’s a great guided video tour here.

But for the purposes of this post, I’ll quickly share why I love this work: the illustrations are sublime. Because of these images, I added a ton of drawings to the Pixieland series as well.

There are two artists who created this book. The first is Alan Lee, a guy who’s arguably best known for illustrating the Lord of the Rings novels. Then there’s Brian Froud, someone I consider the go-to guy for all faerie art. Both are mind-blowing in terms of their creativity and skill.

Here’s why the Faerie illustrations are special (to me, anyway). These artists don’t just draw a cute elves. They really think through the particular world behind each creature. For instance, a beautiful elf may have clothing with lovely geometric patterns… which then match designs behind them… and all carry a subtle visual theme of swords. The resulting message is one that combines beauty and death. Perfect for the fae.
And when it comes to evil creatures? Their work is even better. Some fae have a particular texture to their flesh… or no skin at all. I’d link in a bunch of their images, but that can get me in trouble. (I’m not even kidding. I’ve gotten–and paid–hefty fines in the past.) Instead, I’ll share a few pics that I own from my upcoming book, DARE.

I’ll kick off with the antagonist.

The Usurper

What I love about this illustration is how it takes an old image–namely a mysterious figure in a dark cloak–and adds something fresh. The extra arms are often used in Eastern art to show higher power levels, and I think that idea is conveyed here as well. The sword is a great addition (and it plays right into my story, but that’s a post for another time). And the style of illustration is rough and harsh, which also tells the story of the character. This piece is created by a Russian artist who goes by the name of Warm Tail.

Lady Kae

In a lot of ways, this is a standard image of a gorgeous elf. What makes this illustration special is the cone-style hat and unusual jewelry. This lady is clearly not your average fae. And in DARE, she certainly plays a special role. This pic is an adaptation of a full-color piece by one of my favorite artists, Majorgaine.

And here’s a snapshot of me happily coddling my 25th anniversary edition. So exciting to find it on a rare books Amazon page as the original is out print. Bucket list item… done!

On a final note, if you want to find out more about DARE, you can check it out on Nook,Amazon,GooglePlay,Apple & Kobo.

AUTHOR BIO:

Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too.

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter

Blog / Facebook / Twitter -@CB_Bauer / Instagram / LinkedIn / website

Thank you to Christina for her guest post!

The Blog Tour schedule:

March 29th
–cupcakesandbookshelves >> Excerpt
–Aubrey Wynne: Timeless Love >> Excerpt
–Lisa Loves Literature >> Excerpt
–Literary Gold >> Excerpt
March 30th
–Living in a Bookworld >> Excerpt
–breen.rb >> Review
–Adventures in Writing >> Excerpt
March 31st
–Books, Tea, Healthy Me >> Guest post
–diary of a wannabe writer >> Review
–The World of Celia McMahon >> Excerpt
April 1st
–thescorpion.bibliophile >> Review
–Rockin’ Book Reviews >> Guest post
April 2nd
–Stuck In Books >> Excerpt
–Drunk On Pop >> Excerpt
–Angel’s Guilty Pleasures >> Excerpt
–The Avid Reader >> Review
—
April 5th
–My Fiction Nook >> Excerpt
–Natasha Brooks’ Favorite Books >> Interview
–The Reclusive Reader >> Review
April 6th
–Lady Hawkeye >> Excerpt
–Jazzy Book Reviews >> Interview
–Westveil Publishing >> Review
April 7th
–Candlelight Reading >> Excerpt
–Amazeballs Book Addicts >> Review
April 8th
–Sadie’s Spotlight >> Excerpt
–The Book Junkie Reads . . . >> Review
–Reading Tonic >> Guest post
April 9th
–Valerie Ullmer | Romance Author >> Excerpt
–Teatime and Books >> Excerpt
–Books A-Brewin’ >> Excerpt
–BookishKelly2020 >> Excerpt

#Book Blitz #The Text God (An Accidentally in Love Story 2) by Whitney Dineen and Melanie Summers @Xpresso Book Tours

Book & Author Details:
The Text God: Text and You Shall Receive …
by Melanie Summers & Whitney Dineen
(An Accidentally in Love Story #2)
Publication date: May 5th 2021
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Text and you shall receive…

Jen Flanders moved to New York to be an artist. This translates into walking dogs for money, practicing yoga for sanity, and hitting up her friends at a local bakery to supplement her diet. Rent is due and she’s running out of cash. After begging the universe for a sign that help is on the way, her phone pings with an incoming text. GOD: You can do it; I believe in you!

Gabriel Oliver Daly agreed to mentor a friend’s younger sister. Unbeknownst to him, after losing her phone, said sister uses her dog walker’s phone to text him about a job offer. He responds enthusiastically.

Jen can’t believe GOD is actually texting her! But who is she to question the ways of the universe? On the first day of texting, GOD gets her a job that will keep her afloat. On the second and third days he offers even more help.

Gabriel starts to think his friend’s sister might be too flighty to make it in the legal jungle of New York. Why exactly does she need a survival job? Wasn’t she supposed to be interviewing for a position as a junior lawyer? And why is she texting him random (not to mention very personal) stuff all the time?

When they finally meet, Jen realizes GOD isn’t a deity but a divinely handsome lawyer. A complete stranger has answered all her prayers. After all, God does move in mysterious ways.

Goodreads

Purchase

Amazon

AUTHOR BIO:Whitney loves to laugh, play with her kids, bake, and eat french fries — not always in that order.

Whitney is a multi-award-winning author of romcoms, non-fiction humor, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.

She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.

Gold Medal winner at the International Readers’ Favorite Awards, 2017.

Silver medal winner at the International Readers’ Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016.

Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.

Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017.

Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards, 2017

Finalist Top Shelf Indie Book Awards, 2017

Author links:

Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Instagram / Facebook

Melanie Summers also writes steamy romance as MJ Summers.

Melanie made a name for herself with her debut novel, Break in Two, a contemporary romance that cracked the Top 10 Paid on Amazon in both the UK and Canada, and the top 50 Paid in the USA. Her highly acclaimed Full Hearts Series was picked up by both Piatkus Entice (a division of Hachette UK) and HarperCollins Canada. Her first three books have been translated into Czech and Slovak by EuroMedia. Since 2013, she has written and published three novellas, and eight novels (of which seven have been published). She has sold over a quarter of a million books around the globe.

In her previous life (i.e. before having children), Melanie got her Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta, then went on to work in the soul-sucking customer service industry for a large cellular network provider that shall remain nameless (unless you write her personally – then she’ll dish). On her days off, she took courses and studied to become a Chartered Mediator. That designation landed her a job at the R.C.M.P. as the Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator for ‘K’ Division. Having had enough of mediating arguments between gun-toting police officers, she decided it was much safer to have children so she could continue her study of conflict in a weapon-free environment (and one which doesn’t require makeup and/or nylons).

Melanie resides in Edmonton with her husband, three young children, and their adorable but neurotic one-eyed dog. When she’s not writing novels, Melanie loves reading (obviously), snuggling up on the couch with her family for movie night (which would not be complete without lots of popcorn and milkshakes), and long walks in the woods near her house. She also spends a lot more time thinking about doing yoga than actually doing yoga, which is why most of her photos are taken ‘from above’. She also loves shutting down restaurants with her girlfriends. Well, not literally shutting them down, like calling the health inspector or something–more like just staying until they turn the lights off.

She is represented by Suzanne Brandreth of The Cooke Agency International.

Author links:

https://mjsummersbooks.wordpress.com/

https://twitter.com/mjsummersbooks

https://www.instagram.com/mj_summers_author/

https://www.facebook.com/MJSummersAuthorPage

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17105602.Melanie_Summers

GIVEAWAY

Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)

2x $25 Amazon gift cards

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#Book Blitz #Cherry Punch by Marvin Mason #Romance #Suspense @Xpresso Book Tours

Book & Author Details:
Cherry Punch
by Marvin Mason
Publication date: February 13th 2021
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

Synopsis:

A double cross sends a couple of friends on the adventure for their lives.

A chance run in with an old friend becomes a run for their lives when Sherry Rose and Benny Freeman have a misunderstanding with local drug dealers. Witnessing the massacre of friends of Sherry’s double crossing boyfriend leads them to be hunted down by corrupt law enforcement.

Having a near death experience gives them a chance to start a romance they never knew the other wanted.

Will they survive when the bad guys close in on them and finally find the love they always wanted?

Goodreads

Purchase

Amazon

AUTHOR BIO:

“Marvin Mason has arrived as a refreshing new storyteller with this fun adventure of young people and African-American Midwest life, the seemingly quiet but oh-so interesting world that molded me but rarely shows up in the media.”
Kalisha Buckhanon, American Library Association ALEX Award-winning author of Upstate and Conception, winner of the Friends of American Writers Literature Award

Author links:

https://www.authormarvinmason.biz/

https://www.instagram.com/gcm1927/

https://www.facebook.com/Author-Marvin-Mason-114784383541379/

GIVEAWAY

Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)

$25 Amazon gift card

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#Book review #Hummingbird Salamander by Jeff VanderMeer @Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Book Description:

From the author of Annihilation, a brilliant speculative thriller of dark conspiracy, endangered species, and the possible end of all things.

Security consultant “Jane Smith” receives an envelope with a key to a storage unit that holds a taxidermied hummingbird and clues leading her to a taxidermied salamander. Silvina, the dead woman who left the note, is a reputed ecoterrorist and the daughter of an Argentine industrialist. By taking the hummingbird from the storage unit, Jane sets in motion a series of events that quickly spin beyond her control.

Soon, Jane and her family are in danger, with few allies to help her make sense of the true scope of the peril. Is the only way to safety to follow in Silvina’s footsteps? Is it too late to stop? As she desperately seeks answers about why Silvina contacted her, time is running out—for her and possibly for the world.

Hummingbird Salamander is Jeff VanderMeer at his brilliant, cinematic best, wrapping profound questions about climate change, identity, and the world we live in into a tightly plotted thriller full of unexpected twists and elaborate conspiracy.

My thoughts:

My thoughts:

This was my first book by Jeff VanderMeer. And it’s a clever, clever one, which I’m still thinking about.
You have to be in a special kind of mindset for Hummingbird Salamander- it is enigmatic, confusing, thought-provoking and complex. I didn’t find it easy to get into the story (too many run-of-the-mill, predictable thrillers recently), but the writing was so good that I just had to continue trying to wrap my mind around this mystery. It is as if the book had a special kind of rhythm, keeping me alert and paying close attention, and then dulling my senses with the foreshadowing I wasn’t ready for. Eventually, everything becomes clear and you see how well-plotted this book is. My biggest enemy were my own expectations of what the book is going to be about or rather how it is going to approach me- appeal to my emotions? logic? current events?

‘Jane Smith’ is a security systems analyst. There aren’t many women in her position and she seems to enjoy her work. The story begins with Jane receiving an envelope, left for her in her favourite bar by a mysterious customer. Inside the envelope there is a key to a storage unit and a note from a woman called Silvina. Intrigued by the note implying that Silvina is dead, Jane visits the storage unit and finds a box with a taxidermied hummingbird that belongs to a very rare, now extinct species. Jane discovers that Silvina was a very unusual person, an alleged bioterrorist. Jane takes up the challenge set by Silvina’s note, although it quickly becomes apparent that she has got herself into something very dangerous.

Jane is a unique character in many ways and I’m not talking about her striking appearance. For most of the book you are led to believe she has this strange emotional disconnect from the world she lives in – her family, her parents, her colleagues. Is it really so? She keeps dropping hints at some future events and talking to you about the change that is happening in her, but you are caught in all the smoke and mirrors of the thriller part, until the true meaning of the journey from the hummingbird to the salamander and back is revealed.

It isn’t easy to classify this book- an ecological thriller? mystery? noir? conspiracy? sci-fi? There are some very pertinent questions about our world and its future and there are some profound philosophical reflections. As you keep reading, you get more and more pieces to help you understand the protagonist and you are drawn more and more into the story. Just go along with the author’s brilliant writing. I promise you the book is one of a kind.

Thank you to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux forthe ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

#Book Blitz #Murder at the Met by E.W.Cooper @Xpresso Book Tours

Book & Author Details:
Murder at the Met
by E.W. Cooper
(Penelope Harris Mysteries #2)
Publication date: April 8th 2021
Genres: Adult, Historical, Mystery
Synopsis:

November 1928, New York City. No one can keep a secret like high society – especially when that secret is murder.

There are two things Penelope Harris would rather do than get involved with another murder—sing opera and flirt with Thom Lund. When two tickets ensure Penelope and Thom get some precious time together at the Metropolitan opera, neither believes another murder will interrupt their romantic evening.

Fate has a different plan. Before the night is over a failed manufacturing tycoon is found dead at the bottom of a staircase, his poisoned and dying daughter nearby. Is it an accident? Suicide? Or murder? When a fellow soprano pleads for help, Penelope just can’t help her inquisitive nature.

As Penelope pulls back the cover on a diabolical crime, Lund rushes to complete the investigation of a suicide on the Gold Coast of Long Island. What they find will uncover the sordid underbelly of high society and put Penelope on the wrong side of her own gun.

Goodreads

Amazon

AUTHOR BIO:

Author of the Penelope Harris Mysteries, E.W. Cooper was ecstatic to learn her debut in the series, The Jade Tiger, was the 2020 Booklife Prize Finalist in Mystery/Thriller. A lifelong fan of classic mysteries and Grand Opera, Ms. Cooper is hard at work on the second book in the Penelope Harris Mystery series, Murder at the Met (April 2021). She lives quietly with her partner, children, three dogs, and one cat in a very noisy house in South Texas.

To learn more about Penelope Harris Mysteries (and the author) go to www.ewcooper.com and snoop around.

website / facebook / twitter / instagram / goodreads

GIVEAWAY

Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)

$25 Amazon gift card + ebook copy of Murder at the Met

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#Blog Blitz #A Gentleman’s Promise by Penny Hampson @rararesources @Penny Hampson

Are you a fan of Regency Historical Mysteries? Penny Hampson’s new novel A Gentleman’s Promise has it all – unexpected twists, historical detail, and enchanting romance.

A Gentleman’s Promise

A docile wife is what he wants. A husband is the last thing she needs. Can a quest for a killer teach them that they are both wrong?

Emma Smythe and her brother arrive at Easterby Hall to discover that a handsome stranger has laid claim to their ancestral home and the family title. Have her relatives been murdered, and is her brother next? Determined to find the answers, she has no option but to trust the gentleman who insists that he will help. But danger appears in many guises, and for a woman intent on remaining single, her intriguing protector may prove the biggest threat of all.

The attempts on Richard Lacey’s life begin when he inherits a title and a rundown estate. A coincidence? He’s not so sure. Problems multiply with the unexpected arrival of Jamie and Emma Smythe. Long thought dead, they too are potential targets. Richard thinks he wants a docile, obedient wife, but will the task of keeping headstrong Emma safe from danger change his mind?

Embroiled in a sinister mystery, can Richard and Emma work together to catch a killer? And will this dangerous quest teach them that what they both wish to avoid is exactly what they need?

Filled with intrigue, unexpected twists, and faultless period detail, this slow-burn romance is a must-read for lovers of classic Regency fiction.

Purchase Link – mybook.to/Gentlemans-Promise

Author Bio
Penny Hampson writes mysteries, and because she has a passion for history, you’ll find her stories also reflect that. A Gentleman’s Promise, a traditional Regency romance, was Penny’s debut novel, which was shortly followed by more in the same genre. Penny also enjoys writing contemporary mysteries with a hint of the paranormal, because where do ghosts come from but the past?
Penny lives with her family in Oxfordshire, and when she is not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, swimming, and the odd gin and tonic (not all at the same time).

Social Media Links

For more on Penny’s writing, visit her blog: https://pennyhampson.co.uk/blog/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/penny_hampson
Facebook Author Page: www.facebook.com/pennyhampsonauthor

Thank you for reading the post!

Have a great Tuesday!

#Blog Tour #Book Review of Corfu Capers by Joy Skye @rararesources

Thank you to Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to participate in this sun-soaked romantic escape to the marvellous Corfu island in Joy Skye’s romcom (with the emphasis on com) Corfu Capers!

Corfu Capers

Five people, three secrets, one planned proposal. What could possibly go wrong?
A holiday in a luxury villa on Corfu sounds like the answer to all their prayers but it will change their lives forever. A week in paradise might not be long enough…

Purchase Links

UK – US

My thoughts:

This story was so enjoyable! Full of colours, smells, sounds of a gorgeous tourist destination that for the blissful three hours that it took me to devour this fun book, I felt so happy and relaxed I haven’t felt in a long time. Joy Skye has a wicked sense of humour and the book is really well-written, so if you are a fan of cyber-travelling (or have been forced to become one by recent lockdowns), grab the book and enjoy your mini-break!

The book blurb is deliberately short on details apart from the fact that at the heart of the plot there is a marriage proposal, planned to a T by a future mother-in-law Kate. The bride to be, Linda, has no idea or rather has a different idea of what this trip might mean for her future relationship with kind, selfless, mommy’s boy Scotty. There are also Linda’s best friend Charlotte who is crushing on Scotty’s dashing friend Marc. And there is Peter, their consierge who loves his job of making sure the holiday is indeed one of a kind.

The character mix was brilliant and whatever you think of them at the beginning, you will probably change your idea! They are a bit exaggerated to leave you in no doubt as to what archetypal features they represent and you are there for this modern comedy of manners. To my surprise, I found myself relating to all of them at different moments- even Charlotte with her shrieks of happiness when she sees that the airline has found and delivered her suitcase.

The book is so well-plotted that even the marvel of modern day organisation Kate couldn’t have done a better job! Everything is foreshadowed and open at the same time to allow for the unpredictability of true love, which does move in mysterious ways. If you are ready to fall in love or ready to commit to the love of your life, nothing is going to stop you…and as you will find out more than one of the characters is. Or is it something about the place that reminds you that life is short and you have to make sure you live it to the fullest?

A lovely romantic escape from an author who is based on Corfu herself and clearly knows how to sell you on the beauty of the island. I’ll be looking forward to Joy Skye’s second novel!

Author Bio

Joy lives on the seductive island of Corfu with her four dogs and an embarrassing number of cats.
Her many years working in the tourist industry on this sunny isle and her love of all things literary inspired her first novel Corfu Capers which recently hit the #1 spot in Parenting and Family humour much to her delight.
She loves to cook, dance and drink wine, usually at the same time, and is currently working on book number two, due to be released later this year.
She also loves to travel, absolutely anywhere, and is looking forward to jumping on a plane!

Social Media Links –
Twitter: @JoySkye4
Instagram: joys.kye
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B08S386CV1

Thank you for reading the post! Have a wonderful Monday!

If oyu would like to find out what other bloggers thought of Joy Skye’s book, here is the full blog tour schedule:

#Book Blitz # When a Cowboy Loves a Woman by Jennie Marts @Xpresso Book Tours

Book & Author Details:
When a Cowboy Loves a Woman
by Jennie Marts
(Creedence Horse Rescue #2)
Published by: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication date: March 30th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

They both know the pain of loss and how to protect their hearts…but fate has a way of stepping in…

When a kitchen fire forces young widow Elle Brooks to move in with her friend Bryn and her motley collection of rescue animals, she doesn’t foresee ending up in the muscled arms of handsome cowboy and veterinarian Brody Tate. But she can’t deny the feelings that being close to Brody are stirring in her. Spending time with the hunky cowboy and his adorable young daughter as they rehabilitate rescued horses reminds Elle of all she lost in a car crash years ago.

As a widower himself, Brody is devoted to being a good dad for his spirited daughter. He hasn’t let romance even enter his head. But now he’s met Elle. Spending time with her is shaking up the calm he’s worked so hard to achieve, and he can’t seem to get this woman off his mind.

Elle and Brody have both lost people they loved, but their mutual attraction and growing feelings are too strong to ignore. The hope of a future together is a beautiful possibility, but can these two wounded souls take a chance on each other and find the courage to love again?

Goodreads

Purchase

Amazon /B&N / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

AUTHOR BIO:

Jennie Marts is the USA TODAY Best-selling author of award-winning books filled with love, laughter, and always a happily ever after. Readers call her books “laugh out loud” funny and the “perfect mix of romance, humor, and steam.” Fic Central claimed one of her books was “the most fun I’ve had reading in years.”
She is living her own happily ever after in the mountains of Colorado with her husband, two dogs, and a parakeet that loves to tweet to the oldies. She’s addicted to Diet Coke, adores Cheetos, and believes you can’t have too many books, shoes, or friends.

Her books include the contemporary western romance Hearts of Montana series, the romantic comedy/ cozy mysteries of The Page Turners series, the hunky hockey-playing men in the Bannister family in the Bannister Brothers Books, and the small-town romantic comedies in the Lovestruck series of Cotton Creek Romances.

Jennie loves to hear from readers. Follow her on Facebook at Jennie Marts Books, or Twitter at @JennieMarts. Visit her at www.jenniemarts.com and sign up for her newsletter to keep up with the latest news and releases.

Author links:

https://jenniemarts.com/

https://jenniemarts.com/newsletter/

https://www.facebook.com/JennieMartsBooks/

https://www.instagram.com/jenniemartswriter/

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jennie-marts

https://nl.pinterest.com/tjmarts/_saved/

https://twitter.com/JennieMarts

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6876233.Jennie_Marts

GIVEAWAY

Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)

$20 Amazon gift card

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#Blog Tour #Half the World Away by Rebecca Banks @rararesources

Thankyou to Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to participate in the blog tour for Half the World Away, a debut romance novel by Rebecca Banks!

Half the World Away

Divorced and keeping a heart-breaking secret, Abbie Potter is sleep-walking through her life as a publicist at a London football club. She seems to spend more time covering their scandals than celebrating their wins, and has had enough. Though she’s already prepared for a fresh start, some shocking news pushes her to take an opportunity even further from home – in Salt Lake City.

The first morning of her new life, Abbie bumps into Kyle Miller. He’s persistent, and Abbie’s more than intrigued by him. Everything else seems to fit into place too: she has a fulfilling job, is on a journey of self-rediscovery, and has revived her love of music thanks to a new-found friendship.
She can’t risk losing what she’s built for herself, but how can she stop it from slipping through her fingers without shattering the façade she hides behind?

Purchase Links
UK / US

My thoughts:

You can always tell when the authors put in their own life experience and passion into their books- the stories are more vivid, more real and full of interesting detail and this is the case with Half the World Away.
Abbie Potter has been working as a PR manager for a London football club for a few years. She is extremely professional and you can tell she loves the beautiful game, but recently she’s been feeling disappointed and upset about some of the things related to her work. Abbie’s loyal friend Violet is right, what Abbie needs is to put behind her past and start a new life. When quite unexpectedly she is offered a one year contract promoting a soccer club in Utah, Abbie decides to accept the very generous offer and give herself a fresh start.
Salt Lake City is lovely, she has a beautiful flat and an exciting job and a few new friends. Abbie’s biggest worry about moving to the States was that she would lose touch with her besties: Violet, her former flatmate Polly, her little sister Lily and, of course, her parents. But then a gorgeous ex-football player Kyle comes into her life and makes her realise she will never lose the people she cares so much about, because they love her and want to see her happy. Despite her newly found happiness and carefree facade, Abbie carries some serious emotional baggage which, together with some malintentioned people, risks to destroy everything she has been working for, if she doesn’t deal with it.

One of the biggest themes in this book is friendships, in particular, female friendships. Every girl needs a friend who will give her The Talk when she is stuck in a bleak, propectless job, or doesn’t know how to forgive herself for something in her past. I absolutely adored Abbie’s mum’s story about giving out mugs of hot tea to sisters in need.
Communication, communication, communication… is the basis of any kind of relationship. Easier said than done, right? We all make assumptions or jump to conclusions, falling onto our deeply-held self-beliefs or, as the case may be, our fears. The story is about Abbie and her journey of self-discovery, so the focus is very much on her rather than Kyle and their relationship, but I did feel this aspect could have been explored more. I also wish Abbie’s closure conversation with the ‘malintentioned character’ had a bit more depth…and forgiveness.

If you are a fan of British chicklit and stories about new beginnings, you are going to be entertained by this debut novel and will probably find yourself googling Liverpool (Abbie is a Scouse) and Salt Lake City. I’ll be looking forward to reading more from Rebecca Banks in future!

Author Bio

Rebecca Banks owns a boutique public relations agency specialising in sports and entertainment, and has 20 years of experience in PR and events.

She is also a freelance journalist. For over a decade she has written features from celebrity interviews and human profile pieces to motoring and travel reviews. Half the World Away is her debut novel.

Check out her website: www.rebecca-banks.com

Social Media Links –
Instagram: @rebecca_banks
Twitter: @rebeccabanks

Thank you for reading the post! Happy Easter to everyone who celebrates it on this day!

If you would like to find out what other bloggers thought of Rebecca’s book, here is the full blog tour schedule:

#Book Blitz #Bossy Grump by Nicole Snow @Xpresso Book Tours

Book & Author Details:
Bossy Grump
by Nicole Snow
Publication date: March 30th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow returns with a screaming funny romance where two office enemies fake love until they’re all out of make-believe.

You know that awkward moment when your lava-hot boss says “marry me?”
Not for love. Not for real. Not without a mammoth payoff. Of course, this fortune comes with a ginormous snag—Ward Brandt.

Call me bananas. I must be short of a full bushel rejecting Chicago’s finest billionaire.
Who knew he was my boss when he crashed my worst date ever? Oh, but he found out.
He swore I wasn’t fit for Brandt Ideas, chewed me up, and spat me back out. I vowed I’d prove him wrong—and sabotage a metric ton of his coffee.

Then tragedy strikes, upending his limitless ego. Guess who needs an image makeover to shore up the family business. Big fat hell no. King Snarlypants has a peanut-sized heart and a chip on his shoulder bigger than a redwood.

Even if I agreed, my shields are up. No magnetic kisses. Zero butterflies. Nix the blushing when everyone gushes over what a “perfect couple” we’d be. Then again…it’s just ninety days and mama needs a windfall.
What’s one little white wedding lie with a bossy grump built like a god?

Full-length enemies-to-lovers romance loaded with banter, drama, and so much slow-burn heat you’ll want that Happily Ever After shaken over ice. A storm cloud of a man stuffed into a suit strikes a deal with the girl whose smart mouth drives him to the ultimate madness called love.

AUTHOR BIO:

Nicole Snow is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. She found her love of writing by hashing out love scenes on lunch breaks and plotting her great escape from boardrooms. Her work roared onto the indie romance scene in 2014 with her Grizzlies MC series.

Since then Snow aims for the very best in growly, heart-of-gold alpha heroes, unbelievable suspense, and swoon storms aplenty. With over a million books sold, she lives for the joy of making two people fight with every bit of their soul for a Happily Ever After.

Current fan favorites include her Enguard Protectors series, accidental love novels, plus long beloved MC romance thrillers like the Grizzlies and Deadly Pistols.

Goodreads / Website / Twitter

Instagram / Facebook / Bookbub

GIVEAWAY

Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)

$10 Amazon gift card + signed copy of Bossy Grump
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