Today I'm really happy to participate in one-day blog tour for Primrose Park by Christie Barlow. This is part 6 of her Love Heart Lane series, so if you've been following Christie's work, you're going to be thrilled with this newest addition. Primrose Park Vet Molly has always been career driven and focussed on caring for her animals, but when she meets a gorgeous Mystery Man at a conference and their connection is off the charts, well, one night off work won’t hurt anyone…except the next morning he’s vanished and all Molly knows about him is his first name. Three months later, back in Love Heart Lane, everyone loves the story of Molly's amazing one-night stand. It's so unlike her! But when Mystery Man turns up walking his dog through Primrose Park and their night together seems to mean nothing to him, Molly needs her friends and neighbours more than ever. And especially when she’s left with the most unexpected of surprises… Purchase Links UK / US My thoughts: Part of the charm of following a long-running series like Lone Heart Lane is feeling at home in the place it is set, catching up with the familiar characters andseeinga new couple find their happy-ever-after. This time it's Molly McKendrick's turn. Molly is a strong, independent woman. She is happy with her home and her vet practice. She would like to add a new kind of service, dog behaviour classes, and this is why she decided to attend a training course that would allow her to do it. She might have been feeling a bit broody recently, but Molly is a practical person, and there are various options she needs to consider. Then she meets Cam and sparks fly, the connection is cosmic. Well, a girl has to live and you live only once....In the morning Cam disappears seemingly forever from her life and all she knows about him is his first name and his job. Fast forward three months later. We are back to Heartcross and who does Molly run into if not our gorgeous dentist walking his dog in the park? Only their meeting doesn't go the way she had been expecting it to go. The writing flows so easily, you'll get immersed in the story in no time at all. There are some lovely, sweet characters, some quirky ones you are going to root for, and some baddies. If you are an animal lover, prepare to have your heart stolen by Darling. There is a fantastic sense of community that will make you want to keep coming backto Heartcross again and again. Thank you to Rachel from Rachel's Random Resources, NetGalley and One More Chapter for the review copy provided in exchange for an honest opinion. Author Bio
Christie Barlow is the number one international bestselling author of fifteen romantic comedies including the iconic Love Heart Lane Series, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and Kitty's Countryside Dream. She lives in a ramshackle cottage in a quaint village in the heart of Staffordshire with her four children and two dogs. Her writing career has come as a lovely surprise when Christie decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. Christie's dream was to become a writer and the book she wrote to prove a point went on to become a #1 international bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. When Christie isn't writing she co-presents The Book Show on Radio Northwich, enjoys playing the piano, is a keen gardener and loves to paint and upcycle furniture. Christie is an ambassador for the @ZuriProject alongside Patron of the charity, Emmerdale's Bhasker Patel. They raise money and awareness for communities in Uganda. Christie loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Social Media Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christie_barlow/?hl=en Twitter @ChristieJBarlow Facebook page Christie Barlow author Today I'm delighted to participate in the blog tour for Kathleen Maree's new book Broken Wing, which is Book 1 of The Arthur Academy duology. Just look at this gorgeous cover and tell me you are not intrigued to find out what this is all about! Book details: Broken Wing by Kathleen Mare’e (Arthur Academy, #1) Publication date: April 26th 2021 Genres: Contemporary, New Adult Synopsis: Hendrix: It’s funny the things you notice as a child. Like the way people uneasily glance away from me whenever I catch their eye. Or the way a stranger seems to smile happily at other children, but when I say hello, their smile looks more uneasy than warm... But as I approach the steel gates to the elite Arthur Academy, I can’t help but take a long-awaited breath towards my freedom. Finally, I have the chance to build the life I want. A future. Something that gives me more to live for than the daily beatings my childhood only ever knew. The girl I used to be doesn’t exist here. But even as the confidence grows about a life I now have control over, I can’t help but feel there could be something else waiting for me here. Something I’ve never faced before. And it isn’t something I could prepare for. And preparation is what got me out. It got me here. I can’t afford to lose this opportunity, because if I lose this hand, it’s more than just a loss. It's like not being able to breathe. Not being able to fly. Paxton: I grip the leather ball in my hand, feeling the weight of the year pressing down on me. If it was just football, I could deal, but with my last name – it's everything else that suffocates me. The Arthur Elite is what they call us, and we each have our roles to play. But my fathers given me the next two years to do what the hell I want without his interference, before he’ll own me and I'll become nothing but his pawn. After that, when college is done, I dread the life I’ll have to lead. The role I’ll be forced to play. It should be simple. Just stroll through the steel gates and be the crown they all see; but I can’t help but feel there is something lurking beneath the surface. There is something different about this year that I sense inside my dark soul. And it isn’t something I am prepared for; even when staying ahead is the one thing that ensures my next breath. Because when I lose a hand, it’s more than just a loss. It's like losing a limb. A bird breaking its' wing. And without that - I can’t fly toward freedom. And my freedom right now, is all I have to hold onto. Goodreads Purchase My thoughts: What a stunning cover this novel has! Dramatic, unique, full of passion, gritty- just perfect for this story. The beginning is quite shocking and you'll probably be asking the same question I did- how come nobody did anything, nobody tried to help this little, defenseless girl. You'll be drawn into the story straightaway and will understand why our female protagonist, Hendrix, sees Arthur Academy as the new beginning, the place where she can be free from her past. Arthur Academy is an elite school for rich, overpriveleged and bored kids who like nothing more than to play power games. From time to time a few scholarships are granted, but these students rarely last. Hendrix sees it as her ticket to a future where she will be self-sufficient and in complete control of her life. She won't give up. She might come from a different world, where people looked at her in a certain way, but here nobody knows her pain, nobody has seen her scars. Paxton Reed is one of the most popular kids in the Academy. He's rich, athletic, good-looking, girls throw themselves at his feet. Arthur Academy is his last chance to live his life relatively free, without stifling, overbearing control of his father and his family. There is a lot of drama and intense feelings in this book. It isn't clear who you can trust, who you can turn to, and everybody seems to have a secret or two in their closet. The attraction and chemistry between the protagonists is strong, but both of them have to grow and deal with their unresolved issues. The cliffhanger ending shocked me and made me desperately want to continue reading. Can't wait to get onto Book 2! AUTHOR BIO: Kathleen grew up in the south-western suburbs of Sydney, where family holidays by the beach and tormenting her two younger brothers, was how she spent her early years. But at the young age of 11, when she submitted a short story to a talented writing competition through the NSW schools program, not only did she win it, but she quickly found a love for it as well. Throughout her schooling, writing was a hobby, along with sketching and various sports. But fast forward to her adult years when she moved to Europe to follow her husbands field hockey dream, and her love for writing surged to the surface. Her debut story, Cut, was penned over two years where her hobby seemed to lead to the completion of Pennys' world. The rest of the series came the following year. Kathleen enjoys writing stories full of self-discovery, emotional journeys and of course, love. Something else she loves is hearing from her readers, so feel free to follow her blog or drop her an email. For signed copies of her novels, more information about upcoming stories, or to follow her blog, please visit her website www.kathleenmaree.weebly.com Dream often. Believe always. Author links: http://www.kathleenmaree.com/ https://www.facebook.com/kathleen.maree.author https://www.instagram.com/kathleenmaree.author/ https://twitter.com/kathleen_maree https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13919300.Kathleen_Mare_ Giveaway:
Tour-wide giveaway (INT)
Thank you to Rachel from rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to participate in the blog tour for Janey Trelawney's Year of Suprising Triumphs. Janey Trelawney’s Year of Surprising Triumphs Janey’s life becomes more disaster movie than romcom when the ruthless Becca steams in to manage Cheney House. Her job as head gardener in peril and her self-confidence in tatters, Janey must fight back. Finding an ally in Will, who’s more Clark Kent than Superman, it’s up to them to save the day while owner Clare is away having her Shirley Valentine moment. It doesn’t help that everyone is in love with the wrong people! Why can’t people love the one who loves them back? Will Cheney House survive - and will Janey ever get her When Harry Met Sally happy ending? Find out in this warm-hearted romance from the author of the best-selling Millie Vanilla’s Cupcake Café, full of Gregory Peck look-a-likes, snowdrops, cake, and a cocker spaniel called Camilla. Purchase Links UK / US My thoughts: Quirky and uplifting are the two words that describe Giorgia Hill's latest novel the best. Gardeners and galantophiles (in case you aren't familiar with the term-I wasn't!- galantophiles are people who love everything to do with snowdrop flowers) are going to be delighted with the book and all the tips they'd get from it. Janey Trelawney reminded me a bit of Nina Hill. She is passionate about plants and nature, she is quirky in a lovable way, willing to wade in freezing water to save a dog's life, she dances under trees and complains about having to spend a day inside her office, she's flawed, but impossible not to like and respect. Janey goes through a lot of growth in this book,defending her job of the head gardener at Cheney House Gardening Centre, suffers from unrequited love, faces her enemy, overcomes her fears and finds real love. I really enjoyed the setting of Cheney House from the word go. This is a family oriented business with heart and soul, so when the center owner Claire hires Becca, a new manager to oversee the business in her absence, and this manager starts destroying everything Cheney House stands for, you know whose side you are on. Luckily for Janey and the staff,they have a staunch alley- Will, with his heart of gold, understanding, patience, and loyalty. The book is full of sweet and adorable characters, both main and secondary, and you will quickly get immersed into the story with its fascinating plotlines. My first book by Georgia Hill and I couldn't have chosen a better book to get an introduction to this talented author- it is sweet, romantic, and entertaining. Janey's blog posts were so beautifully-written and enticing, I just couldn't resist doing more Internet research (a perfect book for a lockdown) Recommended to anyone who enjoys gardening, quirky main characters, and a lovely happily-ever-after. Thank you to Rachel and the author for the review copy. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. Author Bio Georgia Hill writes warm-hearted and up-lifting contemporary and timeslip romances about love, the power and joy in being an eccentric oldie and finding yourself and your community. There's always a dog. It's usually a naughty spaniel of which, unfortunately, she has had much experience. Her books are firmly rooted in small seaside towns similar to the one she lives in and she loves history especially when it insists on rearing up and battering at the present. As a child she had an invisible friend called Gonky who lived on the third stair from the bottom. As an adult her invisible friends inhabit her head and refuse to leave until she commits them to paper. Readers of her books can escape into a warm bath of words and, no matter what challenges her characters face they will, ultimately, have a happy ending. Twitter @georgiawrites and at www.georgiahill.co.uk Social Media Links – Twitter @georgiawrites Website www.georgiahill.co.uk Instagram georgiahill5681 Facebook georgiahillauthor Thank you for reading the post! Have a great Monday and a wonderful week!
Thankyou to Rachel from Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to participate in the blog tour for Photographed in the Writer's Room by Michelle L.E. Price. Photographed in the Writer’s Room Former TV star Brandi Tyler's big screen debut crashed and burned amid rumors of an affair with her married co-star… Now, she wants nothing more than to quietly slink away from Hollywood. When she's offered an opportunity to get out of town and work on a project involving the photographer that launched her career, it seems like the perfect escape! Unfortunately for Brandi, her famous face makes hiding out even a huge city like Houston a little tricky. When the celebrated photographer's son offers to let her use his home for privacy, it seems like everything is falling into place. Little does she know that Michael Ames a gorgeous best selling author, and he comes with the package! As Brandi makes her way through old photographs and new scandals, Michael struggles with his next project, and they both fight the growing attraction between them. Maybe a posse of new girlfriends, some Texas-sized boozy brunches, and a little private time in the writer's room will help this leading lady find her path back onscreen. And, if she can just picture it, maybe this time she'll even find love? Purchase Links US / UK My thoughts: Photographed in the Writer's Room was a lovely romantic escape into the world of celebrities who do have their need for privacy and want to be loved and understood by their romantic partner like anybody else. If you are a fan of slow-burn, clean romances, this book is going to be right up your street! Brandy Taylor, former model /TV show star, who is a household name, is having a bit of a career crisis. Her latest movie was a flop, coupled with vicious rumours of an affair with her (married) co-star. Brandy needs to keep a low-profile for some time. To her credit, she refuses to do any interviews about her charity work, which she has been doing for years- she doesn't want them to be used to repair her public image. What she needs is peace and quiet and a change of scenery. When she finds out that Brighton Ames' family are looking for somebody to help them go through and organise personal archives of the late celebrity photographers, Brandi jumps at the chance. After all, she holds a degree in Art History and is passionate about photography. It isn't easy to stay under the radar of reporters, and Brani ends up having to stay in the house that now belongs to the photographer's son, Michael, who turns out to be a famous writer and a recluse. There's nothing I love morethan a slow-burn romance where the protagonists do get to know each other before giving in to the irrestible pull of attraction. I also enjoyed Brandi's new girlfriends with their unique personalities, people who are not trying to take an advantage of knowing Brandi, but are genuinely supportive. The super-efficient Kayla, who is a bit of a WonderWoman and Franklin, Brandi's PA, also deserve a special mention. Where would celebrities be without people quietly organising their daily routines, sorting out their lunches, gym memberships, all the while keeping an eye on any potential threats to their privacy? Overall, this was a quick and entertaining read with a good build-up and steady pace, and I'll be looking forward to reading more from Michelle L.E. Price in future. Thank you toRachel from Rachel's Random Resources and the author for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion. Author Bio Born in Montreal but raised in New England, author Michelle L. E. Price has been writing as long as anyone can remember. An avid reader who was on the verge of losing her mind as a mom to two small children, Michelle began writing her first book, Hidden in the Writer’s Room, as an escape… at least her characters would do exactly what she told them to do and she could always count on a happily ever after ending. She also enjoys wine, re-watching 90’s sitcoms and occasionally running, but heavily relies on writing to stay sane. Michelle is a firm believer that laughter and love are the best parts of life. Social Media Links – https://www.instagram.com/michelleleprice/ https://twitter.com/MichelleLEPrice Thankyou for reading the post! Have a wonderful weekend! Thank you to Rachel from Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to participate in the blog tour for On the Road to Love ( Love in the City#1) by Melissa Baldwin. On the Road To Love From bestselling romantic comedy author Melissa Baldwin comes the road trip of a lifetime! Successful Manhattan accountant Stacy Brown is shocked when her almost perfect life unexpectedly crumbles around her. Blindsided by her husband when he serves her with divorce papers and tossed aside by the women she considered her best friends, devastation and depression hit her hard. But when her mother sends her an old photograph of her and two childhood friends, Candace and Olivia, it fuels a desire in Stacy to find that person she once was. What starts as a chance to reconnect turns into an unforgettable road trip back to her childhood home and an encounter with a man from her past. Gavin Kingsley, son of Stacy's old piano teacher and former annoying boy next door, sparks something in Stacy that she hasn't felt in a long time…maybe never? Despite her hesitation to jump into a relationship, Stacy can't help being drawn to him as she and her girlfriends take a journey of self-discovery, laughs, tears, and hysterical moments. Can returning to her past give Stacy everything she's been searching for in her future? Purchase Links UK / US My thoughts: On the Road to Love is the first book in Melissa Baldwin's series Love in the City. Now that I've read Stacy's story, I will definitely continue with the series to find out more about her childhood friends Olivia and CJ. The book was just so lovely and optimistic, it was like a ray of sunshine. Stacy is a successful accountant in New York. She and her husband Greg have been focusing on their careers, but they also have a beautiful house and a large group of friends. Stacy is quite content with her life (why shouldn't she?), until one day, out of blue, Greg serves her with divorce papers. You'd expect this is the time when your girlfriends are going to double their efforts to spend more time with you and help you get through this tough period of life....This is not what happens... The invites are few and between and Stacy begins to wonder if these people she considered to be her friends ever cared for her. When her mum sends her an old photo, Stacy tries to re-connect with the two girls in it, hoping to re-claim her old, carefree, happy-go-lucky self. She also has a briliant idea of driving to her parents' home in Florida,and doesn't have the heart to say no, when one of the girls invites herself to join the trip. In fact, why not invite the other friend too? never mind the fact that they seem to have some big, unresolved issues. Perhaps, it is their chance to work them out. Stacy has had a tough time at the beginning of the book, but I loved the way she concentrated on the positives. She was also genuinely kind and generous. One of my friends who got married and divorced quite young told her how tough it was to navigate the post-divorce social life. So, this part sounded absolutely realistic. I really like the development Stacy's character goes through in the book. She has to re-think her life decisions and what really makes her happy. Including a new man in her life. Or rather an old friend who grew into an incredibly good-looking man with a wicked sense of humour.... This short book was light, entertaining, and so much fun. The message is really positive: there are second chances in life, both in love and friendship! I can definitely recommend this sweet and clean rom-com to anyone who loves a good self-discovery story with a HEA. Thank you to Rachel from Rachel's Random Resources and the author for the review copy provided in exchange for an honest opinion. Author Bio Melissa Baldwin is a planner-obsessed Disney fan who still watches Beverly Hills 90210 reruns and General Hospital. She’s a wife, mother, and journal keeper, who finally decided to write the book she talked about for years. She took her dream to the next level, and is now an award-winning, bestselling author of seventeen Romantic Comedy and Cozy Mystery novels and novellas. Melissa writes about charming, ambitious, and real women, and she considers these leading ladies to be part of her tribe. When she isn't deep in the writing zone, this multitasking master organizer keeps busy by spending time with her family, chauffeuring her daughter, traveling, attempting yoga poses, and going on rides at Disney World. Social Media Links Amazon / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram Giveaway to Win a $20 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.
Rogue Wave
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GIVEAWAY!
My thoughts:
If you are a fan of Isabel Jolie's distinctive writing style and have been following her West Side series, you are going to be happy to find out she has a new series. Rogue Wave is the first book in the Haven Island series and is a heartfelt, emotional, opposites-attract romance. Tate returns to Haven Island after more than ten years of absence. He is haunted by his past and his family issues, but cannot put them to rest until he confronts them and how and why they changed him so much. Luna is a twenty-two year old student of marine biology, who, like Tate, is in love with the sea and everything to do with this amazing habitat. There is an instant attraction, but there's also a considerable age gap between our protagonists, which explains Tate's reluctance to take a chance on a romantic relationship with Luna. On surface, Tate and Luna are complete opposites: she is an optimistic, happy person, who wants to live her life to the fullest, while Tate is a classic broody hero, who might have been burned once or twice by his past experiences. The attraction is really strong and they become friends and much more, until Tate decides to break up wiith Luna and stay away from her to protect her from his past and unresolved present, he still needs to deal with. I liked the setting o fa small island and really enjoyed the whole mystery/ suspense feel of the story. Not to say that I didn't enjoy the romance between the two protagonists who in my opinion were just perfect for each other, and, of course, their Happily-Ever-after (in case you were wondering). I'd recommend it to all the fans of Isabel Jolie or anyone looking for a new romance series with a few relevant to the world we are living in, serious issues. Thankyou to Giselle from Xpresso Book Tours, the publisher and the author for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
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Ifyou would like to find out what other bloggers thought of Rogue Wave, you can find the ful blog tour schedule here.
#Blog Tour #Moonlight Over Muddleford Cove by Kim Nash #Rom-com @KimTheBookworm @rararesources9/4/2021
Today I'm absolutely delighted to participate in the blog tour for Moonlight Over Muddleford Cove, a sweet and heartwarming romance from Kim Nash! Moonlight Over Muddleford Cove When thirty-four-year-old Nellie Wagstaff loses her job and discovers her fiancé is a cheating scumbag in a single day, she feels like the world has come crashing down. And that’s before the solicitor’s letter, along with a request to visit a place she hasn’t thought about for a very long time. Heartbroken, Nellie escapes to the beautiful seaside town of Muddleford in Dorset, where she discovers she’s inherited more than she ever bargained for. Nellie never knew why her mother stopped talking to her sister, but now childhood memories of Muddleford come flooding back: long hot summers, the sea glistening beyond the sandy cove... and a stolen kiss with a boy called Jack. Jack, now a devilishly handsome vet, has the local pet owners swooning over him, and as Nellie and he become close once more, and she gets used to gossiping with the locals and sipping wine at her beach hut with sand between her toes, she’s sure she can feel sparks flying once more. But just as she thinks she might be able to open her heart again, her newest frenemy, the glamourous Natalia, tells her a secret about Jack that changes everything. Nellie will never know why her mother and aunt parted ways. She’ll sell the house, forget about Jack, and get back to real life. Because there’s nothing for her in Muddleford... is there? An utterly uplifting and completely hilarious summer read about learning to trust yourself and of finding love and friendship in the least expected places for fans of Jessica Redland, Heidi Swain and Holly Martin. Purchase Links UK / US My thoughts: This was such a lovely heartwarming read! The story begins with our protagonist Nellie having one of those days when everything goes wrong. Her shoe heel gets broken, the bosses hint at possible job cuts and she accidentally leaves her shopping bags on the bus. Can't get worse, right? wrong! Because this is the day when Nellie's fiance tells her he doesn't love her anymore and promptly moves out, leaving her to sort out all wedding cancellations. This is also the day when Nellie gets a letter from a solicitor firm based in Muddleford Cove, Dorset. Jobless, suddenly single, and in a desperate need to find a more affordable house, Nellie finds out that her Aunt Lil has passed away and she is the sole beneficiary of her aunt's estate. Nellie will have to make quite a few big decisions, but now she has more options to consider and some unexpected responsibilities. Her childhood crush Jack is still there, as gorgeous as ever, despite having a very grown-up job of a partner in the local vet practice. Jack and Nellie reconnect, while she is trying to get her head around all the changes in her life. And it isn't just the old memories, the proverbial spark is definitely there. It's just that Jack isn't exactly free.... The characters in this book are so real and so relatable. Nellie is a lovely girl, kind and loyal, and it was great to see how she faces her past, deals with ups and downs of her present and ultimately finds her happiness in this beautiful little town on the sea. Jack was absolutely swoonworthy. My favourite secondary character (apart from Norm, sweet and adorable Norm) is Nellie's bestie Shavini. Their banter was so entertaining! The book was very easy to read and I got really immersed in the story. Kim Nash has a wonderful writing style that makes you feel like you are chatting to one of your friends, happy and relaxed in the knowledge that they love and understand you and your life. This was a perfect escape from the troubles of our daily life and we all need gentle and uplifting stories, now more than ever. Looking forward to Kim's next book! Thank you to Rachel from Rachel's Random Resources and the author for the gifted review copy. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. Author Bio Kim Nash is an author of uplifting, funny, heartwarming, feel-good, romantic fiction. Her latest book, Sunshine and Second Chances, was shortlisted for the 2020 Amazon Kindle Storyteller Award. She lives in Staffordshire with son Ollie and English Setter Roni, is Head of Publicity for Bookouture and is a book blogger at www.kimthebookworm.co.uk. Kim won the Romantic Novelists Association's Media Star of the Year in 2016, which she still can't quite believe. She is now quite delighted to be a member of the RNA. When she's not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog, reading, standing on the sidelines of a football pitch cheering on Ollie and binge watching box sets on the TV. She's also quite partial to a spa day and a gin and tonic (not at the same time!) Kim also runs a book club in Cannock, Staffs. Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases. Your e-mail will not be shared with anyone else and you will only contacted about Kim's books. https://www.kimthebookworm.co.uk/ Amazing Grace was her debut novel with Hera Books and came out in April 2019. Escape to Giddywell Grange is Kim's second novel and was published by Hera Books in September 2019. Sunshine and Second Chances is Kim's third novel and was published in June 2020. Moonlight over Muddleford Cove, Kim’s fourth novel is available to pre-order now and will be published on 30th March 2021. You can read Kim's Blog here: www.kimthebookworm.co.uk Social Media Links – Twitter: (@KimTheBookworm) https://twitter.com/KimTheBookworm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimTheBookWorm/ Instagram: @Kim_the_bookworm Thank you for reading the post! Have a fabulous Friday! If you would like to find out what other bloggers thought of Moonlight Over Muddleford Cove, here is the full blog tour schedule: The Mix-Up
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo -- EXCERPT: “Why did you keep working here?” My head snaps up, my confused gaze colliding with Ryder’s. “What?” His expression is inscrutable, but it’s…intense. Whatever is going on behind his blue eyes must be a doozy. “If you thought you had slept with your boss, why didn’t you just quit?” “You really want to talk about this now?” While sober? I do confrontation best with some liquid courage. He says nothing. Just watches me and waits. I toss my pen onto the table. “Because if you didn’t remember it happening, then I could pretend like it never did, too. Clean slate.” When his tongue slowly drags over his lower lip, I can’t tell if he likes that answer or not. I roll my eyes with a huff. “Plus, not to add to your already inflated ego, this is the best market and ad firm in the area, despite your abhorrent people skills. It was a dream job for me.” He taps his finger against the gleaming wood of the table. Tap, tap, tap. “You made it clear right from the start that you weren’t my biggest fan. Can I now assume that was because you were angry that I, from your perspective, didn’t remember us having sex?” I have no answer. What the hell am I supposed to say to that? I’m afraid the truth will make me sound like a naïve girl who became obsessed with a guy after only one night. FYI, I didn’t. Tap, tap, tap of his finger. “But being angry implies that you wanted me to remember.” A muscle pops in his jaw. “It was that good for you?” ‘Kay, now I’m rattled. Because now I know that I never slept with Ryder Colson. My long-time annoyance with him is unfounded, yet it feels as strong as ever and I don’t know what to do about it. “We’re not talking about this,” I state firmly. “Why not?” Seriously? “Because now I know it wasn’t you. Which means that none of this is your business. We”—I gesture between us—“never slept together.” Your brother and I did was the unspoken part of that sentence. He hears it. And his nostrils flare. “You’re right,” he admits gruffly. “It wasn’t me. Because if it had been me, I wouldn’t have forgotten a single detail. Like Myles obviously did.” My face goes slack. Did he just—? Did I hear him say—? Ryder just took us into another realm. Another dimension. For the first time ever, he turned a sexual corner with me. One I thought we both silently agreed to never even approach, let alone maneuver around. But he went there. He put it out there. “Are you saying I’m not worth remembering?” His face darkens, hardens. “Fuck, no. I’m saying anyone who doesn’t remember a night with you didn’t deserve to have you in the first place.” I just stare… …mouth agape… …and stare some more… …and drool a little… I shake my head. Like a dog. What the frig is happening right now? Is Ryder saying that he wants a night with me? Or is this just some male chauvinist thing where he has to assert himself as the most virile man in the village because he senses another encroaching on his territory? He does realize I’m not his territory, though, right? I’m not his anything. Except employee. “I’d say it’s for me to decide whether or not someone deserves me,” I eventually say, my voice oddly hoarse. Tap, tap, tap. “You never answered my question.” I know which one he’s talking about, but I still ask. “What question?” Tap, tap, tap. “Was it good for you?” I cross my arms over my chest, assessing him. Okay, fine. He wants to go there? Let’s do this. “We’re talking about your brother here. You really want to know?” Tap…tap…tap. “He may not remember it, but you clearly do. It couldn’t have been the worst you’ve ever had.” “What if I said it was the best?” His face reflects a range of emotions in a matter of seconds that confuses the crap out of me. At first, his eyes crinkle in the corners, as if he’s pleased. Then they narrow to slits as banked fury emanates from them. “Then I’d say that’s because I haven’t had you.” My jaw unhinges like a snake’s. He slowly nods, his eyes burning holes through me. “Yeah, duchess. I said that.”
GIVEAWAY! Bossy Grump
-- EXCERPT: When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is check my email. I’m expecting Miss One Glass to send back some whiny message about how unfair it was for me to bury her under an avalanche of projects. There’s nothing like that, but a slideshow of the final bid in its current form attached to a blank email with the subject line Done. Damn her. It’s incredible how she maintains her scathing sass with a single word. At the office, Nick stands in front of Miss Holly’s desk, sipping his sugar rush mocha and leering over her. Probably trying to look down her shirt. Careful, you idiot. This girl knows Illinois employment law by heart. She’ll have your balls stapled to your jacket. Muttering silently, I stop on the way to my office and my eyes meet hers. “I take it my coffee’s waiting on my desk?” She looks up and glares a second too long, those green eyes glittering like a jungle cat’s. “Nope.” “No?” I spit back. “Shocking espresso shortage. The Bean Bar only had enough left for a mocha and one double shot, and Mrs. Beatrice Nightingale Brandt takes seniority. If I’d waited for them to resupply, I’d have missed your oh-so-important deadline. Mrs. Brandt told me to let you know you could see her if you had a problem with it, though.” She flashes me a murderously triumphant “gotcha” grin. “The Bean Bar does not run out of espresso,” I snarl through clenched teeth. The coffee shop has its shit together better than anything else in this city—the whole reason we love it and treat ourselves to Chicago’s finest dressed-up caffeine overload a few times every week. “Sorry. We’re one cuppa joe short, but I figured the project was more important, so…” Holly just smiles and shrugs like a schoolgirl who’s gotten away with cherry-bombing a high school toilet. The motion sends my eyes lashing down her face to the low cut of her blouse. For a tortured second, I’m no better than my idiot brother, my eyes glued to a pair of ample tits I’d like to boss around with my tongue, my teeth, my-- Damn her to the moon. With nothing else to say, I turn around and nearly slam into Nick. “Whoa, where’s the fire?” He greets me with his usual lopsided grin. “Nowhere, apparently.” I level a glare on him. “Shouldn’t you be in your office working?” He holds a hand up. “Bro, if you’re jonesing that bad for coffee, I can run down to the bar downstairs and get you an espresso. My treat.” “That won’t be necessary.” I need to move it before my humiliation is complete, so I push past him, go to my office, and slam the door shut. Then I remember, I’ve only seen one completed project this morning. Where’s the other? I open the frosted glass door and stick my head out. “Where’s the Winthrope comp catalog?” Miss Holly looks up, twirling her blond hair like spun gold. “I’m working on it now! I can send you what I have. The final should be ready before lunch.” She points to her computer. My eyes narrow and I fold my arms. “It was due at eight a.m.” Nick watches us for a minute and huffs loudly. “Yo, Ward, give her a break. It’s still her first week.” “No excuse to miss deadlines. She has the credentials and work ethic, when she applies them,” I say. “Aw, c’mon, the last girl took at least a solid week to make those catalogs,” Nick fires back. “There’s so much crap in them—” Miss Holly jumps in. “Most of it I’ve been able to copy and paste, which is why I’m done with the North American hotels for comparison. Since Mr. Winthrope is coming by for a check-in this week, I thought the slideshow was more important. I’ll be done with the catalog today, like I said.” Nick’s eyes trace from Paige—Miss Holly—to me.
GIVEAWAY! Cherry Punch
-- EXCERPT: It was the first time I saw her at ‘The Fred’ in that two-piece. Her body had just developed overnight. She’d gone from wearing a onesie bathing suit with tree trunks for thighs, hanging below her to the most stunning woman this side of Dominique Chinn with tree husks for thighs and a treasure chest flowing out the top and sides of her bikini looking like she had two floatation devices. She wore a powder blue swim cap that looked like a JiffyPop popcorn tin ready to explode with popcorn. The lifeguard on duty at the deep end was a customer. I had come to let him know Ray and I were open for business and the Cherry Punch strain wouldn’t last long. He hopped out his chair, asking me to hold down the fort. He’d be right back as he dashed into the men’s locker room where Ray was waiting for him. It wasn’t more than ten seconds after he disappeared that Sherry burst out the water like a mermaid onto dry land. The strap for her cap must’ve loosened as it floated deep into the waters as she stepped onto the concrete. Her curly hair glistened in the rays of the sun from whatever moisturizer she was using. “Your cap,” I pointed out as I stretched my fingers to waters behind her. Water cascaded around her as the most glorious figure emerged from the pool. Her arms had the tone of a gymnast, she was ripped from her wingspan to her calves. I knew she spent a lot of time in the water, but damn. Her face had a glow as the sun tried to crack through her darkness while water beads rolled to the ground. “Can you get it for me, please?” she asked sweetly as her fingers rushed to her bushy hair. I stepped back away from the life guard stand as fear instantly consumed me overtaking the shame I felt as I didn’t dare admit I didn’t know how to swim. My eyes darted back and forth for someone to retrieve the plastic cap before it floated any further and sank below. “Please, Benny, get it for me?” she pleaded and I was stunned. She knew my name. Like Charlie Brown’s little red head girl, she knew my name. I took a step forward, bracing myself, telling myself it wouldn’t be that bad. I could make it out into the waters and maybe turn back. Or at least toss Sherry her cap and signal for her help after she secured the cap in place on her head. Sheesh, how long would that take? I hesitated. “Really?” I heard from behind as Ray in a pair of red and white Speedos ran past me. A back splash of water rained upon me as he dove into the water saving the day and securing another satisfied customer.
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