Just The Way You Are- Lynsey James COVER REVEAL

I'm delighted to be able to share a very special cover with you today on Books with Bunny-the cover for Just The Way You Are, the debut release from my lovely, talented friend Lynsey James!

 

I love the colour combination and the simplicity of it- truly stunning!

There's a tantalising teaser of a blurb too, just to add to your impatience...

Dear Ava,               

How do you start writing a letter to someone, six years after breaking their heart?

 

Ava is unlucky in love as well as in life. The new office bitch has landed the dating column Ava wanted, and she can't remember the last time she had a second date. It's a good thing she has best friends Max and Gwen to pick up the pieces. 

 

Deep down, Ava knows the reason why one date never turns into two - she's in love with someone else. Someone she's never even met. 

 

It all started six years ago, with a letter from a secret admirer, Mr Writer…but then they suddenly stopped and Ava was heartbroken. 

 

Now the letters have started again and Ava knows it could mean winning back the dating column at work. This time she's determined to unmask Mr Writer...and find out once and for all if he's Mr Right or Mr Very Definitely Wrong!

 

Just The Way You Are is released this summer by Carina UK.

Love, Lies and Lemon Pies- Katy Cannon

The Blurb

Love, Lies and Lemon Pies, the debut YA novel from Katy Cannon, is the perfect summer read for fans of Sarah Dessen and Louise Rennison. With a Bake Club recipe at the start of each chapter, this book perfectly captures the current appetite for all things baking!

Sixteen-year-old Lottie is on a mission to protect her biggest secret, and it’ll take every lie and every baking trick she can muster. Since her dad died, life hasn’t been the same for Lottie. When the school suggests she joins Bake Club to get her back on track, Lottie reluctantly agrees. The alternative – the school paying her mum a home visit – is not an option. But Lottie’s uncertainty about Bake Club melts away as she rekindles her love of baking and gets caught up with Mac, school rebel and another unwilling Bake Club member.

As the end-of-year Bake Off approaches, the tension rises. Can Lottie keep up the façade of her perfect life? And can her bubbling romance with Mac survive the pressure?

The Review

Having read and reviewed Katy Cannon's Secrets, Schemes and Sewing Machines last month I just had to start Love, Lies and Lemon Pies as soon as humanly possible! 

This is actually the first in the series (I never like to be conventional!) but as both books can be read and enjoyed in their own right it didn't really matter that I'd been a little bit squiffy with the order I'd read them in. 

Lottie is the central character in this one, and she's thrown into Bake Club.  Although she's reluctant at first, she can't deny it's an escape from the realities of life-home, her Mum and the accumulation of 'stuff' which is taking over their house.  Throughout the book she develops as a character, maturing and realising that sometimes in life you do need the love and support of your friends.  The teens in Bake Club are an unlikely group but become a tight unit working towards a common goal and their loyalty towards each other is heartwarming.

Of course, there's a romantic element too when Lottie falls for bad boy Mac.  He's troubled and edgy and has a reputation which everyone around school believes.  But when he's stirring a cake mix or kneeding a dough he's a different person, and Lottie sees that.  It's just a shame that the secrets they're hiding have the potential to end their relationship before it's properly begun...

I admire Katy Cannon greatly for writing contemporary teen romances which don't revolve around sex.  Instead they're built on gently moralistic foundations- the need to be honest, to believe in yourself, to take help when you need it- vital lessons to learn at any age. 

The writing itself is also top notch.  It's well paced, appropriate for the target audience and I loved the dialogue. The added bonus of some simple recipes (without hundreds of ingredients, which is my bug bear when baking) offers something different which sets this apart from other teen romances. 

These books are without doubt some of my favourites in this genre. I'm desperately hoping there are more in the pipeline! 

With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

Love, Lies and Lemon Pies is out now, published by Stripes, an imprint of Little Tiger.

Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm- Rebecca Raisin COVER REVEAL

It's time.  Time to share the beautiful cover for Rebecca Raisin's next book Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm! 

 

I love the detail of the orange and bronze maple leaves, and the teasing silhouette hints at the kind of romance I've come to expect from Rebecca's writing.  I was very fortunate to read a small section of this book in its first draft and now I'm itching to find out more.  If YOU want to know more, here's the blurb to give you a taster of what to expect...

 

The Blurb

 

Clay’s inheritance of Maple Syrup Farm came at the perfect time. Leaving city life behind he headed for maple-tree surrounded Ashford, Connecticut. Getting the farm in working order again might be back breaking work – but it seems to be the only way for Clay to finally forget about the girl who once broke his heart… Lucy’s had enough of rules and the stress of planning her life down to the very last detail. Looking for an adventure she stumbles upon Maple Syrup Farm and its gorgeously gruff owner. This could be the perfect place to hide out…! But the tranquillity and warmth of Maple Syrup Farm is enough to heal even the most battered of hearts. There are very few problems in life that can’t be cheered up by maple syrup! The new standalone novel from bestselling author of the Gingerbread Cafe trilogy and The Bookshop on the Corner, Rebecca Raisin.



 

Luckily it's not long until release day of April 1st... get your pre-order in now!

 

 

 

New Year at the Ritz- Nikki Moore

The Blurb

The second short story in the fun & flirty #LoveLondon series from exciting new chick lit author Nikki Moore!

New Year, New Love… or Old Love, New Start?

Everyone keeps telling Frankie Taylor that a new year is a time for new beginnings. She's not so sure. Single for six months, she's been more than happy on her own, thanks very much!

At least, that's what she thinks until she receives a note on New Year’s Eve inviting her to follow the clues, and her heart, across Knightsbridge.

But who's behind the romantic adventure? Old flame Christian who she loved for years and was always there for her, or new admirer and work colleague Zack, who has the habit of turning up in all sorts of unexpected places?

There's only one way she's going to find out…

The Review

I've got to start by saying this series was made for me.  I absolutely adore London, romance and quick reads, so I must be right up there as Nikki Moore's target market.  I read the first book in the series (although the link is the London setting- the stories themselves are stand alone) Skating at Somerset House last month and couldn't wait to read New Year at the Ritz.  I'd pressed 'buy now' on the Kindle as soon as I'd finished book one.

This time we meet Frankie.  She's had a tough time since her Mum died what with the break down of her long term relationship and the impact of an accident on her life.  Add to that that she lives above a stinking kebab shop and it's fair to say she feels pretty down on her luck.

All that changes when she's sent a New Year's Eve note from a secret admirer.  Frankie is baffled by the attention, but most of all she's intrigued.  Could it be her wealthy ex Christian trying to win her back?  Or the lovely, kindhearted Zack who's been there for her in her darkest time?

I loved the idea of a romantic trail of clues leading to a glamorous start to the new year, and it made for a quirky romantic novella. Frankie is the epitome of a woman who is stronger than she thinks and I found her easy to relate to throughout (although it's fair to say no man has ever treated me to the level of pampering she gets in the run up to meeting her date!). 

The fireworks over London as Big Ben strikes midnight is a big part of NYE for many people, and these final scenes where the romance frantically unfurled were satisfying in the extreme.  Although I'm left wanting so much more- please let there be an update on all the characters at some point!  I need to know if they got their 'happily ever after's'!

Whilst I enjoyed the first in the series more, New Year at the Ritz has the potential to sweep you off your feet and whisk you away to an opulent, indulgent place.

Go on, spoil yourself.  Because Nikki Moore is going to be big, and when she is, you can say 'I read her when...'

New Year at the Ritz is out now, published by Harper Impulse, an imprint of Harper Collins publishers.

No One Wants to Be Miss Havisham - Brigid Coady COVER REVEAL

So here it is- the exclusive cover reveal for Brigid Coady's novel No One Wants to Be Miss Havisham! 

 

Isn't it super pretty?!

 

After loving Brigid's Kiss stories (you can read my reviews here ) I'm delighted that there's finally a full length novel on the way, due for release on June 11th- just in time for some summer reading.

I''ll pass you over to Brigid, who is obviously thrilled to be able to share news of her 'baby' with all the lovely readers out there. 

"I'm so excited to be revealing the cover of my first full length novel, 'No One Wants to Be Miss Havisham' here with Bunny Lovell. Thank you!

This book has had a long gestation, the first chapter was written back in 2008 as an entry for the Elizabeth Goudge trophy at the RNA Conference. In time it became a novella called 'Bah Humbug!" and then a short novel called 'Wedding Spirits' which HarperImpulse bought last summer. Since then it has had a bit of an overhaul. It's doubled in size and has a new name!

The cover is amazing and the only thing that could make it better would be pink glitter (something that comes up a lot in the book). I can't wait until June when it will be out in the wild."

And if all that wasn't enough of a tease, I'm also able to share the blurb with you all- eek!

What the Dickens is going on?

Edie Dickens is a shark of a divorce lawyer.  She doesn't believe in love and she scoffs at happily ever afters, however she's agreed to be maid of honour for her oldest friend, Mel in two weeks and she still has the hen do to endure.  But she has even more to endure when she's visited by Jessica Marley's ghost and finds out she must change her ways or end up being damned to an eternity watching other people's happiness.  Edie is visited by the Ghosts of Weddings Past, Present and Future every Friday night until the day of the wedding.  Can she learn from her mistakes in time?  And did the ghosts send hunky new lawyer, Jack Twist, to distract her?

Appetite well and truly whetted? You can interact with Brigid (do it! She's hilarious!) on twitter @beecee and via her facebook page.  You can also find out more about her work on the Harper Impulse website.
http://www.harperimpulseromance.com/authors/brigid-coady

Roll on June!

Hero- Samantha Young BLOG TOUR

I am delighted that Books with Bunny is one of today's stops on the blog tour for Samantha Young's stunning new release Hero!

 

 

 

The Blurb

 

Author Samantha Young

Alexa Holland's father was her hero-until her shocking discovery. Ever since, Alexa has worked to turn her life in a different direction and forge her own identity outside of his terrible secrets. But when she meets a man who's as damaged by her father's mistakes as she is, Alexa must help him.

 

Caine Carraway wants nothing to do with Alexa's efforts at redemption, but it's not so easy to push her away. Determined to make her hate him, he brings her to the edge of her patience and waits for her to walk away. But his actions only draw them together and, despite the odds, they begin an intense and all-consuming affair.

Only Caine knows he can never be the white knight that Alexa has always longed for, and when they're on the precipice of danger, he finds he'll do anything to protect either one of them from being hurt again . . .

 

The Review

I started to hear a lot about Samantha Young last year when bloggers were raving about her on twitter, and as a result of that I vowed to get my hands on her Dublin Street books.  However, as it happened I was invited to be part of the Hero blog tour before I got chance to read them so this is my very first time reading a Samantha Young book!

 

And it had me from the off. 

 

As soon as Alexa and Caine's paths cross there is a sizzle in the air and tension fizzing off the pages-this is hot stuff!  I absolutely loved their stubborn natures and how every interaction was a battle of wills, and that their relationship had to be kept a secret made it all the more attractive.  And there's a reason why businessmen are so often at the heart of erotic romances- suits are undeniably sexy!!!

 

Alexa has a feisty personality but it is apparent that deep down she longs for approval and affection. As the story develops and more is revealed about her family history, the reader will discover why it's no wonder she wants stability and honesty.  Her relationship with her Grandfather was quite the emotional read.

 

And Caine.  Caine, Caine, Caine.  There were times when I really warmed to him, especially when there were hints towards his soft and generous nature, but there's enough jealousy and power in there for those of you who love a bad boy too- he really is the hero who's got the lot!  Anyone who's best friend's with the Grandma-figure who lives in the same block has to be a sweetheart deep down and that was where Caine won me over.

 

There's family drama, long kept secrets and explicit sex scenes throughout the book and I rampaged through this romp in two sittings, putty in Ms Young's authorly (which isn't a word, but so should be) hands.

 

If you enjoyed Sylvia Day's Crossfire series or Christina Lauren's Beautiful books then Hero could be right up your street.

 

With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

 

Hero by Samantha Young is published by Piatkus in paperback and eBook. You can find of all Samantha Young’s titles on the Kobo website here .

 

And the tour continues.  Drop by these blogs to see what THEY thought of Hero...

 

 

 

 

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