Rebellion of a Chalet Girl- Lorraine Wilson HARPER IMPULSE FORTNIGHT WITH GIVEAWAY!

The Blurb

Always the Chalet Girl…

Year round chalet girl Tash doesn’t do attachments—she’s learned the hard way that relationships of any kind never last. But when self-made millionaire and hit TV star Nathaniel Campbell arrives to spend a month at Chalet Repos, she’s tempted to reconsider her no-strings rule…

Tash and Nate may be from different sides of the tracks, but the connection between them is undeniable! And Tash soon realises that one hot night with Nate will never be enough. But can Nate ever think of Tash as more than a fling, especially once the truth about her past comes out?

The Chalet Girls are back! Set in the exclusive Swiss ski resort of Verbier, winter playground of the rich and famous, ‘Rebellion of a Chalet Girl’ is the latest addition to the fabulous ‘Chalet Girl’ series.

The Review

I've been a huge fan of the Chalet Girl series since the very beginning and I'd been eagerly awaiting this next instalment-it's been a long old wait!

Any excuse for a pic of Becks in his pants

It felt like revisiting an old friend to be back in Verbier amongst the glamorous guests and the troubled staff-they all have their back stories and this time it's Tash in the spotlight.  I found her struggles really telling- without giving much away it goes some way to explaining why she comes across as hardnosed and why she behaves as she does- and the steamy hot romance between her and wealthy celebrity Nate had my heart racing.  I must admit I had a bit of a thing for Nate...I imagined him as a David Beckham type, but with a less irritating accent. 

There are perhaps less in the way of humorous interludes in this book, which makes it seem that bit more grown up than others in the series.  However, that is in keeping with the plot and allowed it to have an edgier, sexier feel.  On reflection, the Chalet Girl books I've liked best have all had that strong emotional subplot.

Lorraine Wilson is brilliant at what she does- if you're a fan of romantic fiction in a luxurious, swanky location then you have to read these books.  The only problem is that I'm left wanting more-I am a big fan of novellas, but the downside is they are over so quickly!  Hopefully it won't be too long a wait for another sizzler on the slopes...

Rebellion of a Chalet Girl is out now, published by Harper Impulse.

With thanks to the publisher who provided me with a galley copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Plus, Lorraine has kindly provided some fabulous gifts for a giveaway!  Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below for the chance to win a signed paperback copy of the first book in the series, Confessions of a Chalet Girl in a fabulous bookbag made by the author herself!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chalet Girl Plays Cupid- Lorraine Wilson

The Blurb

A match made on the slopes…
After a messy break up that’s left her homeless, jobless and single, temporary chalet girl Emily needs a fresh start! So when best friend Holly asks her to help out before the start of the winter season at the exclusive Chalet Repos in Verbier, Emily jumps at the chance. What broken heart can’t be fixed by après ski cocktails?
Verbier seems like the perfect escape, until Emily meets super-sexy and darkly brooding winter athlete Jake. She’s meant to be avoiding men at all costs, but the spark between her and Jake is sizzling! As she finds herself increasingly left alone with Jake, Emily begins to wonder if Cupid has paid a visit to Chalet Repos…!

The Review

I'm a huge cheerleader for Lorraine Wilson and her Chalet Girl series, so I was really excited about the prospect of a free short story set in Verbier!

I don't want to give too much away, especially as it's only a bitesized version, but it gives a good flavour of Lorraine's writing style and the Chalet Girl books for anyone new to the series, and as freebies go it's one of the best!

It's a quick and easy read that can be read as a standalone, but for fans of the series there's more of familiar characters Holly and Scott-I must admit, that was probably the highlight for me, learning more about their relationship and their personalities. There's not the depth that there is in the other books, but then this is much shorter and full of fun.

A sweet tale for romantics everywhere!

Chalet Girl Plays Cupid is out now, published by Harper Impulse.
Download for FREE here.

Come back on Thursday 30th April for a review of Lorraine Wilson's Rebellion of a Chalet Girl and a fabulous giveaway!

And #HIFortnight is COMING!  Join in the fun...

New Chalet Girl books- guest post from author Lorraine Wilson

I'm fortunate to have the lovely Lorraine Wilson on the blog today, and VERY excited about the new Chalet Girl releases! I've really enjoyed the other books in the series (you can read my reviews of them here ) and it feels like we've been waiting a long, long time for the next instalment (s)!

 

So without further ado, I'll hand you over to Lorraine to fill you in on the Chalet Girl gossip!

 

* * * 

 

You know how it is, you wait ages for a new Chalet Girl release and then two come along at once ;-)

 

I wrote ‘Chalet Girl Plays Cupid’ specifically as a freebie giveaway. I wanted something fun to give to my readers as a thank you for all their support. The dedication reads ''For my lovely readers - thank you so much for your support, your friendship...oh, and for buying my books! Without you I'd be nothing x.’

 

The one part of being published that took me by surprise was how rewarding it would be to connect with readers - online via Facebook and Twitter and by email. When you’re having a bad day a reader telling you how much they’re looking forward to reading your next book can be just the spur you need to keep you writing. There is nothing more satisfying than someone enjoying a story I’ve created.

 

Hope you enjoy the freebie. Chalet Girl Plays Cupid is FREE everywhere. Publication date is 5th March 2015 Get your copy here- hyperurl.co/3opy8z

 

If that wets your appetite there is another Chalet Girl release this month - 'Rebellion of a Chalet Girl’, publication date 26th March 2015, get your copy here- hyperurl.co/gz7je4

 

To celebrate having two releases this month I’m running a special competition. Enter for a chance to win a Lorraine Wilson Design Shoulder Bag made with novelty magazine cover fabric, a Chalet Girl book bag complete with signed copies of all 4 Chalet Girl Paperbacks!

 

Enter here - http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6aa9629d12/ 

 

Chalet Girl Plays Cupid

A match made on the slopes…

After a messy break up that’s left her homeless, jobless and single, temporary chalet girl Emily needs a fresh start! So when best friend Holly asks her to help out before the start of the winter season at the exclusive Chalet Repos in Verbier, Emily jumps at the chance. What broken heart can’t be fixed by après ski cocktails? 

 

Verbier seems like the perfect escape, until Emily meets super-sexy and darkly brooding winter athlete Jake. She’s meant to be avoiding men at all costs, but the spark between her and Jake is sizzling! As she finds herself increasingly left alone with Jake, Emily begins to wonder if Cupid has paid a visit to Chalet Repos…!

 

Rebellion of a Chalet Girl

Always the Chalet Girl…

 

 Year round chalet girl Tash doesn’t do attachments—she’s learned the hard way that relationships of any kind never last. But when self-made millionaire and hit TV star Nathaniel Campbell arrives to spend a month at Chalet Repos, she’s tempted to reconsider her no-strings rule… 

 

Tash and Nate may be from different sides of the tracks, but the connection between them is undeniable! And Tash soon realises that one hot night with Nate will never be enough. But can Nate ever think of Tash as more than a fling, especially once the truth about her past comes out?

 

The Chalet Girls are back! Set in the exclusive Swiss ski resort of Verbier, winter playground of the rich and famous, ‘Rebellion of a Chalet Girl’ is the latest addition to the fabulous ‘Chalet Girl’ series.

 

Find out more about the Chalet Girl Series:

www.harperimpulseromance.com/authors/lorraine-wilson

www.facebook.com/LorraineWilsonWriter 

 

 

Writing a Series- a guestpost from author Lorraine Wilson

 

Having never written a series before I had no idea how secondary characters would come to life and start demanding their own stories. I've also had readers contact me and ask when I'm going to write about certain characters and also what happened next to some of the main characters already featured. A series gives such scope for really developing story threads and I've found it far more rewarding than writing any stand alone stories.

In 'Secret Crush of a Chalet Girl' (publication date 20th February) I finally get to tell Sophie's story. Sophie has been in the series from the start but the more I wrote her, the more I wanted to know more about her.

 

Over Christmas and New Year I was in Switzerland and researched the places I use for a Valentine treasure hunt, featured in the story. Discovering Verbier has a ski dating event on Valentine's Day was a gift, giving me a great feature for the story. Writing the story was fun but also quite emotional. The result is possibly the most romantic story I've written so far and I hope you'll enjoy it.

 

Next I get to write Tash's story. Tash is probably the character I get asked about most and I have a feeling writing her story is going to be challenging but a whole lot of fun!

Buy 'Secret Crush of a Chalet Girl' (publication date 20th February, publisher Harper Impulse, division of Harper Collins):

http://smarturl.it/secretcrush 

Keep up to date with news of the Chalet Girl series:

www.harperimpulseromance.com/authors/lorraine-wilson

www.facebook.com/LorraineWilsonWriter

Secret Crush of a Chalet Girl- Lorraine Wilson

 

Secret Crush of a Chalet Girl is the latest instalment in Lorraine Wilson's glamorous ski resort romance series.  I've really enjoyed all Lorraine's previous novellas and was thrilled to be able to get a sneaky advance peek at her latest offering!  What an honour!

This time it is Sophie's turn to have a brush with romance.  When she is left a trail of clues to lead her to a secret admirer she has high hopes that it may be her crush...could he possibly be trying to woo her?  Or are some of our dreams never destined to come true? 

Verbier never fails to excite and delight, a perfect escapist setting full of romance for anyone who needs their heart warming up.  I never really wanted to go skiing before, but after reading these books I am itching to go!

Lorraine Wilson creates fabulous, believable characters, and I feel this is one of her major strengths as a writer.  I could empathise with Sophie, especially some of her self doubt and lack of confidence, and I'm sure many other readers will be able to see some of themselves in her. 

Secret Crush of a Chalet Girl is humorous, romantic, touching and heartfelt, and in true Lorraine Wilson style manages to touch on some difficult issues which adds an edgy, darker feel to her romances.  However, if you are looking for the traditional hearts, flowers and steamy scenes you won't be disappointed- there is plenty of that too!  The setting is glorious, the dates glamorous- all in all it is an opportunity to see how the other half live!

I feel this is Lorraine Wilson's best novella yet, it has pretty much everything I look for in a book!

Secret Crush of a Chalet Girl is available in ebook format from 27th February 2014, published by Harper Impulse. Available to pre-order now here.

9/10

With thanks to Lorraine for giving me the opportunity to read this book before release in return for my honest opinion.  I am honoured to be able to consider you a friend.


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Revenge of a Chalet Girl- Lorraine Wilson *Review and author guest post*

Blurb

All she wants for Christmas is…revenge.

When chalet girl Amy Wright finds her ex’s name on Chalet Repos’ guest list she sees her chance to get back at him – Josh Carter, the guy who broke her heart. Getting revenge without losing her job will be tricky but luckily the other chalet girls are on hand to offer their support. Pretty soon she’s in too deep and realises she doesn’t want to hurt him anymore. She wants him back.

There’s just one teeny complication…

Review

Revenge of a Chalet Girl is the third instalment of Lorraine Wilson's wintery romance novellas set in glorious Verbier.  They could be read as stand alone books, but I'd definitely recommend reading them in order to get the full impact and learn the chalet girls' backstories.  The first in the series is Confessions of a Chalet Girl (read my review here ), followed by Secrets of a Chalet Girl (you can find my review here ). 

Revenge of a Chalet Girl didn't disappoint.  I always enjoy stories about what happens when exes meet up, and Josh and Amy's story was no exception- the tension was intense!  The ski resort as a setting is full of romance- snow, hot tubs, smouldering fires-everything you would expect from a wintery romance.

Lorraine Wilson also touched me with her description of depression, something I have been struggling with myself.  She managed to put into words the extreme fear, loneliness and overwhelming apathy that can eat you alive.  Anyone who says that authors of romance can't deal with difficult issues should read this- it is one of the most realistic portrayals of the illness I have come across in fiction.

However, it isn't all doom and gloom.  Revenge of a Chalet Girl is full of girly humour and has one character (I won't give away who, but if you read it'll be obvious!) who I loved to hate.  Honestly, one of my favourite book baddies of the year!

It did take me a bit longer to get into than the previous Chalet Girl books, but then I was immersed, hook, line and sinker.  An escapist, wintery novella to devour in one go.

Revenge of a Chalet Girl is released tomorrow, published by Harper Impulse.

8/10

With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy of this book.

Lorraine Wilson very kindly agreed to write a short piece about why Revenge of a Chalet Girl is the book she is most proud of writing...

 

Being asked to pick your favourite book as an author feels a little like being asked to pick a favourite child. But I have to say my Christmas release, 'Revenge of a Chalet Girl' is my favourite so far. Partly because it was such fun to write - at no point did I curse it, feel the urge to hit delete or feel stuck - but also because I included the Christmas markets at Montreux, Switzerland, in the story. I love the festive markets on the lakeshore of Lac Leman and while the market in Salzburg, Austria is more impressive (even curing my other half of his Scrooge-like tendencies!) the Montreux markets are special for me. The lakeshore at Montreux with its views of Evian and the French Alps is one of my favourite places in the world at any time of the year.
 

 

 

But at Christmas the decorations are gorgeous, the food scrumptious, the gifts to buy entirely unique and lots of the handbags I've made and sold have been created from Indian fabric purchased at one of the stalls. Chateau Chillon even holds its own medieval Christmas market and you can take the cog railway up the mountain past snow-laden fir trees to see Père Noël - http://www.montreuxnoel.com/en-site-1-christmas-market.html

 

 

 

I will be there again this year (for which I blame my editor ;-) If you can't make it for real why not go along with my heroine Amy?

How long does it take to write a book?

As someone who is currently attempting to write their first novel, I can't stop thinking about how long this process might take.  The blank page is scary!  I asked some inspirational authors how long it took them to write their first book.  The variations between answers may surprise you...

Cally Taylor- It took me just under 4 months to write the first draft then another 6 months or so to edit it.

Lorraine Wilson- about 3 months for the first chalet girl novella, a lot longer for a full length because I had a brain injury mid book!

Lucy Dillon- Er, about five months? It is the re-writing, re-writing and editing that take the extra time!

Rowan Coleman- About nine months, delivered just before my first child!

Sara Sheridan- 14 weeks.

Kat French- Undertaking Love took about eight months I think.

Miranda Dickinson- I was writing it for fun over seven years and then when it was signed by Avon I spent another eight months editing it.

Rebecca Raisin- 2 months to write and about six months to rewrite!

Louise Douglas- The first took about six months working in the evenings.  It was the quickest!

Mandy Baggot- About a year.

Let's just say that these responses have really encouraged me and I am realising that it really is a 'how long is a piece of string?' type question!

Secrets of a Chalet Girl- Lorraine Wilson

After the success of Confessions of a Chalet Girl (read my thoughts on it here) , Lorraine Wilson has come back with another short book about love on the slopes.

This time we find Flora in Verbier alongside the wealthy playboys. From the start of the novella I wanted to know more about her, she seemed to be quietly confident and on a journey of self discovery.  Flora has been betrayed before, but surely Verbier is the perfect place to meet an eligible batchelor?

Enter Zac, devilishly good looking and fully aware of his charms, Flora is immediately attracted to him.  When her friends dare her to approach him, she plucks up the courage to take the plunge and the story begins...

Handsome Zac set my heart aflutter and there is definitely something about the winter landscape, log cabins and roaring fires that appeals to my romantic side.  Although he comes across as a bit cock-sure I still found myself drawn to him and he makes a great love interest for Flora.  This one is definitely raunchier than the previous Chalet Girl book, and whilst not veering right over into erotica there are definitely elements of this book that will appeal to fans of that genre too.

I also loved how the friendship between the girls was portrayed, they seem like so much fun and I wished I had a group of friends who looked out for each other the way they do.  Although I'm not convinced I could keep up with their partying!

For pure escapism and raunchy romance, Secrets of a Chalet Girl is a great wintery read-grab a hot chocolate and warm croissant and cosy up with it under a duvet. Now I'm off to dream about my latest book crush...

Secrets of a Chalet Girl is out now, published by Harper Impulse.

8/10

With thanks to Harper Impulse for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Lorraine Wilson cover reveal!

You may remember that I really enjoyed Lorraine Wilson's Confessions of a Chalet Girl and was happy to hear there would be more steamy romance in freezing climes coming in the autumn.  You can read my review of Confessions here.

I can't wait to get my hand on a copy of Secrets of a Chalet Girl and there isn't long to go until the release on October 24th!  In fact, I've heard through the grapevine that it can be pre-ordered already.  Take a sneaky peek at the cover...

Lorraine promises more there are more adventures (both of the heart and on the slopes) in Secrets of a Chalet Girl and that there will also be a third book at Christmas.   Great news for all the romanceaholics out there.

Confessions of a Chalet Girl- Lorraine Wilson

Confessions of a Chalet Girl is a steamy, romantic chicklit novella.  I had heard positive things about it from the chicklit communities online and was keen to give it a try.  I loved the idea of a book set in the ski resort of Verbier, the chalet girls juxtaposed against the rich playboys, days on the slopes and nights in the hot tubs.

The chalet girl in question is Holly, reserved and slightly reluctant by nature.  Holly is challenged immediately when her initiation ceremony involves removing her bra so it can hang from the rafters of the local bar.  She is approached by attractive, flirtatious Scott and is immediately intrigued.  However, it soon transpires that Scott is her boss-can Holly resist his charm and attention?  Does she even want to?  And why has fellow chalet girl Magda got it in for her?

Confessions of a Chalet Girl is a fun read that chicklit fans will enjoy.  There are also some quite steamy scenes in there for those hooked by erotic novels.  I enjoyed Confessions of a Chalet Girl, reading it in two sittings.  Holly was a character that many readers will be able to relate to-she seems 'normal', with a balance of neuroses and a sense of fun.  Scott is the troubled yet attractive boss, powerful and confident but with hidden depths.  Magda-well, she is instantly dislikeable, which must prove that she is a well constructed character.  Catty and spiteful, I wanted to reach into my kindle and slap her!  And I'm not a violent woman... 

The main downside for me was that the book flew by.  I would have loved to hear more about the relationships between the chalet girls, perhaps learning a bit more about some of the minor characters and their exploits on the slopes.  However, author Lorraine Wilson has said that there will be more Chalet Girl books, which is bound to please the chicklit readers giving Confessions of a Chalet Girl  positive reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. 

8/10

Confessions of a Chalet Girl is a novella published by Harper Impulse, a Harper Collins imprint specifically focussing on romance in a digital format.  It is Lorraine Wilson's debut book.