Recently I've Read...A Whole Lot of Romance

I've read some fantastic romance lately!  Here are the books that have set my heart aflutter - perfect love stories for long summer nights.

 

The One with the Engagement Party - Erin Lawless

 

 

Nora and Harry have just got engaged and so of course, it's time to celebrate! With their friends by their side they can start planning for the big day, but they each have their own hurdles to overcome. Perfect summer reading which left me gagging for more. Heartwarming and humorous, The One with the Engagement Party is Erin Lawless at her best.

The Sunshine and Biscotti Club - Jenny Oliver

 

 

Jenny Oliver whisked me away to the sun with this story of a group of friends helping to set up a baking holiday resort. As ever Oliver's descriptions of the food - aroma, taste, texture - are fantastic. Each character grows as the story progresses which makes this a satisfying romantic read. The only reason I didn't give this 5* is that it took me a long time to differentiate between the characters, especially the males, which meant I was referring back to make sure I wasn't getting muddled. All in all, a delightful summer read.

The Little Bookshop on the Seine - Rebecca Raisin

 

 

I loved this book! A story of self discovery and long distance romance set in a Paris bookshop. Rebecca writes setting and description beautifully - and creates characters that are easy to relate to through common themes of friendship, love and trust. A comforting read which I quickly became engrossed in - Rebecca Raisin has come up trumps again!  

 

Give them a try - they're the perfect blend of uplifting fun and love-riddled angst.  They're all available NOW.                 

Waiting on Wednesday- A Merry Mistletoe Wedding- Judy Astley

It's been a while since I've read a Judy Astley book, but I love the look of this one!  Christmas and weddings are two of my favourite things, and combined it's enough to make my little heart whoop with joy.  I'm looking forward to reading this one closer to Christmas, but it's released on October 8th, published by Transworld.

 

The Blurb
It is almost a year since Sean and Thea met and it's been a roller-coaster ride: they're getting married on Christmas Day!

Neither Thea or Sean want a big fuss - a simple wedding, with Christmas lights and just a few sprigs of mistletoe for decoration is all they need. But before they know it, things begin to get complicated. Trying to manage a long-distance relationship in the build-up to their Christmas wedding is one thing, but as one challenge after another comes their way, the happy couple begin to wonder if they'll ever make it down the aisle . . .

With unforgettable characters, charming romance and lots of laughter, A Merry Mistletoe Wedding is a gorgeous Christmas read - perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson.

Waking up in Vegas- Romy Sommer

The Blurb

What happens in Vegas…

Waking up to the bright lights of Vegas in an unfamiliar penthouse suite, cocktail waitress Phoenix Montgomery finds she’s covered from head to foot in gold glitter and not alone – aside from the empty bottle of champagne, there’s a mystery man in the shower and a huge sparkly ring on her finger!

Stays in Vegas?

There’s no denying Max Waldburg’s demi-god sex appeal but commitment-phobic Phoenix doesn’t do relationships. Only it seems her new husband (agh!) has other ideas…he’s trying to keep that ring on her finger and his wife firmly back in his bed. The only question on her lips is – why? Or maybe, why not?

The Review

I first discovered Romy Sommer's Westerwald series during #HIFortnight when I read The Trouble with Mojitos.  At the time I didn't realise it was actually book two (is there anything more frustrating than reading a book out of sequence?!) but as it happened it didn't matter too much as the books can be enjoyed  as stand alone reads.

Waking up in Vegas shares the story of Phoenix and Max, an unlikely couple who wake up in bed together following a wild night out.  Phoenix soon realises this stranger is her new husband and she's horrified. She doesn't want commitment- least of all to someone she doesn't know! Max, however is smitten and believes he's found 'the one'.  The story revolves around the couple finding out more about each other, uncovering secrets along the way.

Phoenix is a strong-willed heroine and I really liked that about her, even though I times I wanted to shake her for trying to fight her feelings.  And Max...well, he was the perfect hero- deliciously hot, sensitive and determined to fight for the true love he's convinced he's found.

This book had me laughing, cringing and wishing for the happily ever after.  A beautifully written contemporary love story with a hint of mystery, Waking up in Vegas is perfect for dreamy romantics everywhere.  I've currently only got these books on kindle, but I desperately need to get my hands on paperback copies to sit on my shelf alongside my other favourite books.

It's fair to say the Westerwald series has stolen my heart.

Waking up in Vegas is out now, published by Harper Impulse.

I read this book as part of the #HIReadathon.  Read, love, review!

Stable Mates- Zara Stoneley

The Blurb

'A great treat for readers who love their books jam-packed with sexy men and horses.' Bestselling author Fiona Walker

Welcome to tranquil Tippermere, an idyllic village nestled deep in the Cheshire countryside. Home to lords and ladies, horsemen and farmers, and plenty of secrets and scandals…

Leaving a scumbag ex behind her, Lottie Brinkley has hotfooted it out of Spain and back home to the country in serious need of some flirtatious fun to soothe her aching heart.

Luckily for her she’s spoilt for choice with not one but three eligible bachelors offering a steamy romp in the hay! But faced with the attentions of roguish eventer Rory Steel, the smiling Irish eyes of hunky farrier Mick O’Neal, and mysterious newcomer Tom Strachan, how can she possibly choose?

When billionaire landowner Marcus James drops dead unexpectedly, his WAGish wife Amanda threatens to sell the heart of the village and sets her sights on Tom! It seems things are heating up for little Tippermere… both in and out of the saddle.

‘Fans of Fiona Walker will love this book’ – ThatThingSheReads

The Review

When I first started reading this I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it.  That's nothing to do with Zara Stoneley's writing, which was entertaining from the off.  It's more that I'm not in the least bit interested in horses.  I can appreciate their beauty, but I've never been a rider.  When the other girls at school were begging for ponies, I begged for books. And I was slightly concerned that Stable Mates would have too strong a focus on riding for me to be able to enjoy it.

However, I needn't have worried. Although there are plenty of horsey scenes, you don't need equestrian knowledge to follow the plot, which focuses around life in the fictional village of Tippermere.  The large cast of characters are caricatures of country life- the old-money landowners, the wannabe WAGs, the 'outsider' who everyone has their suspicions about...and they're all a bit randy.  It's like Emmerdale, but with more money.

For the first half of the book I was a bit confused about everyone's role.  Reading it on kindle didn't help, because there was a character list at the front which I could have flicked back to if I had it in paperback format.  Plus everyone seemed to have a nickname as well as their given name, which took a bit of remembering!  However, once I stopped being hung up on who everyone was and just let myself become immersed in the mayhem, I enjoyed it much more.

I also felt the plot really developed as the book went on.  At first it seemed to be out and out sex, but then there's the rumours about why model Tom has suddenly appeared in the village and it had me wanting to know more.  There was also more romance as the story wore on which always wins me over.  The final scenes of the book were my favourite, there were revelations, celebrations and titillation!  I'd love to see this as a TV series, there's plenty of humour and drama that would lend itself to being adapted for television.

I can absolutely see why this has drawn comparisons to Jilly Cooper and Fiona Walker. Stable Mates is a fun romp for anyone who enjoys their fiction with a side order of quickies in the haybales!

Stable Mates is out now, published by Harper Impulse.

I read this book as part of the #HIReadathon 2015.  To find out more, follow the hashtag.

Writing a reading for My Best Friend's Wedding

This weekend was the wedding of my oldest friend to her partner of 10.5 years.  Emotional enough, without being asked to not just read, but also write a reading!

I blogged about it on my author blog here.

With my best friend Jen on her wedding day.
 

Raine English sharing an excerpt from Second Chance Bride, part of the Magical Weddings collection

Today's guest is Raine English, here to talk about Second Chance Bride, her new release which is published today as part of the Magical Weddings collection.

Happy publication day to Raine and all the authors involved in this release!

*

Thanks for inviting me here today to talk about my new release, SECOND CHANCE BRIDE. I love summer weddings, so it’s no coincidence that the heroine in my new book is planning one. However, fate steps in when a telepathic rescue dog convinces her she’s marrying the wrong man and leads her to Mr. Right.

Here’s a short excerpt from SECOND CHANCE BRIDE:

Kya walked him to the door. After he left, she went back into the kitchen and took her dinner out of the refrigerator. She’d begun to eat the rest of it when Lucky, who was sitting at her feet, scratched at her leg with his paw.

I can’t believe you’re going to marry that jerk.

She dropped her fork, and it hit the plate with a clatter. “What’s wrong with me? Am I losing my mind?”

There’s nothing wrong with you, except that you’re marrying the wrong guy.

She stared into the dog’s deep brown eyes. “Then why do I think you’re talking to me?”

Because I am.

“But that’s not possible. Maybe I put too much wasabi in my soy sauce, and I’m hallucinating.”

You know that’s not it. We really are having a conversation. Okay, my part might only be in your head, but it’s still real.

She shook her head as if that would make the voice she was hearing go away. “This is crazy. Just crazy, and it can’t really be happening.”

I’ll prove it to you. Ask me a question.

SECOND CHANCE BRIDE is part of the MAGICAL WEDDINGS box set on sale now for a limited time for only $0.99/£0.99.

 

 

15 Romances by USA Today and National Bestselling Authors

--All stand-alone stories (no cliffhangers)
--Includes 14 New Releases written expressly for this set!
--Limited time (get your copy now)
--Over 97% off retail for the individual books once they become available separately!

Whether real or only in the hearts of the bride and groom, the magic of weddings is undeniable. And irresistible! As these 15 enchanting happily-ever-afters by bestselling and award-winning authors prove.

From sweet to spicy, the romances bundled into this set cross time and unite hearts, cast spells of laughter, battle wedding jitters and fight back tears, while weaving love's hopeful magic throughout 1400 pages.

Her Wedding Wager by Leigh Michaels, National bestselling and Award-winning author. Unless Celia can marry a titled gentleman before Lady Stone's house party ends, she'll end up in an arranged marriage with her distant cousin Simon. It's Simon who's wagered she can't win the most important bet of her life, so why is he the only one who can hold her attention?

The Last Wedding at Drayhome (Breens Mist Witches) by Aileen Harkwood, author of paranormal and fantasy romance. Never underestimate the power of a witch and warlock in love who have nothing left to lose.

The Dress by Eve Devon. Two couples, 400 years apart. From a masquerade ball in Venice 1615 to a wedding in England 2015, can a dress laced with magic weave its spell through the fabric of time?

Second Chance Bride by Raine English, USA Today bestselling and Award-winning author. She thinks she's marrying the man of her dreams, until a telepathic rescue dog leads her to someone else... Will this bride-to-be say "I do" to the wrong man?

Two Hearts Surrendered by Tamara Ferguson, Bestselling and Award-winning author. After years of fighting their feelings, Kelly and Luke share a night of passion at her sister's wedding.  But will one night of enchantment be strong enough magic for Luke to surrender his heart to the woman he loves - once this military hero returns home as a disheartened wounded warrior?

Something Borrowed, Something Blue by Lynda Haviland. She has a wedding to crash--until love gets in the way!

Heart of the Secret (Witches of Lane County) by Jody A. Kessler, Bestselling and Award-winning author of new adult paranormal romance. A 500 year-old curse, a witch who will do anything to marry her one true love, and the heart of a secret that will either divide them or bring them together...forever.

The Jealous Love of a Scoundrel by Jane Lark, National bestselling author of Regency historical and new adult romance. How do you fight a calling that comes from your soul?

A Wedding Across the Winds of Time by Bess McBride, National bestselling author of time travel romance. Darius and Molly found each other Across the Winds of Time. Now, it's time for their wedding!

Kiss This by L.L. Muir, National bestselling and Award-winning author. You never expect the florist to catch the bouquet...

Caution is a Virtue by Jennifer Gilby Roberts, author of Regency romance and women's fiction. How much is too much to risk for love?

Loving Lindy by Jan Romes. In order to become the bank's new Vice President, Gunther Justin has to be "settled." With Lindy McPherson posing as his fiancé everything is set to go off without a hitch--until real feelings get in the way.

With this Kiss by Heather Thurmeier. Can a simple kiss under the Bridge of Sighs wield enough magic to reunite former lovers, or will what happens in Vegas simply stay in Vegas?

Real Magic by Elsa Winckler. She's the bridesmaid, he's a best man. Will the magical evening stay just that or will it turn out to be real after all?

The Wedding Guests (A Tassamara Short Story) by Sarah Wynde. When unexpected guests attend Akira and Zane's wedding, lives will change forever. But for better or for worse?

MAGICAL WEDDINGS: 15 ENGAGING ROMANCES is available at these retailers:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1GEDBPe
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1ewV9SE
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1dyBCRp
B&N: http://bit.ly/1dAAdtJ
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1SrS6us
iTunes: http://apple.co/1RcL2Ai
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/1emycBp

 

Author Bio: USA Today bestselling author RAINE ENGLISH writes sweet small-town contemporary romance, along with steamier paranormal and Gothic romantic suspense. She’s a Daphne du Maurier Award winner and a Golden Heart finalist. She lives in New England with her family and her French bulldog, Bailey.

You can find Raine English at www.RaineEnglish.com

http://www.facebook.com/RaineEnglish

https://twitter.com/RaineEnglish.com