Tag: rom com

52 weeks. 52 dates. 52 chances to find love.

Serena Mills should be at her wedding.

Instead, she’s eating an ice cream sundae and drinking an obscenely large glass of wine in a Harvester off the M25.

Everyone thinks she’s gone mad. She’s jilted the man everyone told her she was ‘so lucky’ to find. But Serena wants to find love. A love she deserves – not one she should just feel grateful for.

So, she escapes to the big city and sets herself a challenge: 52 weeks. 52 dates. 52 chances to find love. It should be easy, right?

Bethany Rutter is a writer, podcaster and plus-sized influencer. Her adult debut, Welcome To Your Life, came to life through conversations with her friends over drinks in London. Swapping stories of toe-curling online dates, workplace harassment, new crushes, fashion discoveries and workout classes, she wanted to write a heroine who turns her life upside-down just ahead of her thirtieth birthday and is plunged into the wonderful chaos of contemporary urban life.

In her words: ‘My heroine Serena Mills makes huge decisions. She wants things for herself, she has Big Feelings, she desires people and is desired in return. And… she’s fat. Of course, so much about her story has little or nothing to do with her body, and I hope Welcome To Your Life resonates with you, whatever your body looks like and whatever you feel towards it. This is just one story that I wanted to tell, where a fat girl gets to be the protagonist of her own story, rather than a silly footnote in someone else’s

Welcome To Your Life is dedicated to ‘anyone who’s ever held themselves back’ and encourages us all to shake off our insecurities and wholeheartedly embrace everything that life has to offer.

My thoughts: I am a massive Bethany Rutter fan, from her blogging days to her fashion on Instagram to her books and the earrings she’s currently making. I’ve followed her for ages, love What Page Are You On? podcast with Alice Slater (another super talented writer) and was thrilled to be on this blog tour.

Welcome to Your Life does not disappoint. I loved it, I loved plus size Serena, from jilting her almost husband to deciding to date 52 men, to realising she could be whichever version of herself that she wanted. I loved her friends Lola and Nicole, I loved the tour of London pubs and restaurants, which made it all feel more realistic. I could not put this down. It’s funny and honest and I related hard, despite being nothing like Serena – except fat.

I completely recognised her feelings about her body and her worries that men were either fetishising her or being creepy. But thankfully that wasn’t true and some of the men she met in her epic dating adventure were nice and sincere and up for fun.

I really enjoyed this one, I thought I probably would as I liked Bethany’s two YA books as well, but you never know! Luckily this was absolutely cracking and left me with a warm happy glow.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

Sassy and successful, Lila Barlow has done everything to live her best life. Yet even as her real estate career booms and men fall at her feet, something’s missing. Her roommates have found bliss with their new loves, but Lila can’t seem to find her Prince Charming. Perhaps a break from

men and relationships is the answer. Unfortunately, unexpected changes are around the corner when her parents give her some life-changing news and when her boss makes a surprising announcement.
In a shocking turn of events Lila’s path crosses with someone she thought was out of her life forever. The spark is still there, the only problem is he’s spoken for—by Lila’s new friend. Now Lila has to figure out how to navigate change, love, and friendship. What lessons will she learn
on her quest for happily ever after?Amazon US
Amazon UK

Giveaway to Win a $10 Amazon card (Open INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio – USA Today bestselling author 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 twenty-one 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.
Visit authormelissabaldwin.com to sign up for her newsletter.
Fans of Melissa’s books, join her Reader Tribe

Facebook Instagram Twitter Bookbub

My thoughts: book three in the series and now it’s Lila’s turn to take centre stage, with her friends Gabby and Reagan at her side. Both of the others have found love and Lila, never one for long term love, is wondering whether she might be ready for something more serious. Other changes are going on at home and work, and old flame Cal is back in the picture.

It was great to spend more time with Lila, having been a supporting character in the previous books, she’s the one that brought them altogether after all – inviting Gabby and Reagan to come and share her home and become friends.

The book also brings several other plots from the previous books to a conclusion of sorts, but it does feel like there needs to be one more to finish everything off. There was a bit of a “and then what happened?” feeling to it.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

*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.

A new beginning leads to a second-chance at romance.

Done with the frigid northern winters, Reagan Westbourne has an easy solution—move to Miami.
It makes total sense. She can even live with her sister. But after a few months of enduring her quirky sibling’s newlywed bliss, Reagan is ready to spread her wings and move out. Life with two fun roommates and a promising job completes the picture for Reagan. Almost.
When Reagan’s old college friend, Dante, opens a new restaurant in Miami, the past mixes with the present. Afterall, he’s the only man Reagan’s ever had feelings for. And it seems the attraction might just be mutual. Yet when their paths finally seem to align, old and new friends enter the picture, leaving Reagan unsure of her feelings.Could this second-chance be the
answer, or is it time to leave the memories in the past?

Amazon US
Amazon UK

Giveaway to Win a $10 Amazon card (Open INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio – USA Today bestselling author 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 twenty-one 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.
Visit authormelissabaldwin.com to sign up for her newsletter.
Fans of Melissa’s books, join her Reader Tribe

Facebook Instagram Twitter Bookbub

My thoughts: this second book in the Thankful series is Reagan’s story – a love story, also about friendship and sisterhood. After following her sister from Chicago to Miami, she’s living the dream with a great job and fab roommates. Her college pal Dante has opened a great new restaurant nearby and they’ve been hanging out when he’s not busy. But when her best friend from back home, Bethany, comes to visit, things go a bit sideways.

Luckily Reagan has friends to back her, Gabby and Lila have her as does scary sister Kennedy, I wouldn’t mess with her. Plus her work colleague Jeremy keeps her in doughnuts and flirty banter, but is there more to it?

This second installment sees the gang deal with what it is to be a friend. Lila is putting aside her dislike of Gabby’s boyfriend and they both support Reagan when her friendship with Bethany turns toxic. Your real friends are always there for you.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

*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.

Fans of the Golden Girls will love this modern, romantic comedy twist! Please note, this novella was originally part of the Love in the City box set.

When your life crumbles around you, it’s hard to find something to be thankful for. Nevertheless, Gabby Marshall is determined to start anew in sunny Miami. New city, new job, and two new interesting roommates bring lots of new opportunities for a fresh start.
As well as some challenges and surprises.
Gabby’s putting her heart and soul into her new career, without the distraction of love getting in the way. Yet she keeps crossing paths with the gorgeous and welcoming Theo Jorgenson.
Maybe Gabby could make one little exception and allow Theo in … except her new roommate and Theo are sworn enemies.
Life in Miami could be promising … or it could fall apart. Again.

Amazon US Amazon UK

Giveaway to Win a $10 Amazon card (Open INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

USA Today bestselling author 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 twenty-one 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.
Visit authormelissabaldwin.com to sign up for her newsletter.
Fans of Melissa’s books, join her Reader Tribe

Facebook Instagram Twitter Bookbub

My thoughts: this was a fun novella about starting over somewhere new. Gabby has moved from Orlando to Miami, leaving her broken heart behind she hopes. With a new job, new roommates and a handsome neighbour to keep her busy, she’s hoping to forget her ex-fiance and former best friend, who betrayed her. Her new pals are keen to explore the city, try new things and have fun, and so is Gabby.

Light hearted and entertaining this is the first book of three about Gabby and her roommates, and it introduces us to them and their lives in sunny Miami. I liked all of them, fun, smart women who want to get the most out of their lives. Come back next Monday for book two!

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

*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.

Two lonely people.
One note in the window.
And what happens when they reach out…

Lachlan Wallace is stuck at home after a car accident stalled his army career. With months of physiotherapy still to endure and only his rescue dog and cat for company, he’s taken to gazing out of the window, watching the world spin on without him. And then he notices a vase of flowers on the windowsill of the apartment opposite his. Drawn to their hope and colour, he decides to reach out and sticks a message in his window…

Bethan Gwynne is a stranger in a new town. Bringing up her son Noah by herself, she is slowly rebuilding her life, but loneliness is one obstacle she has yet to overcome. She’s intrigued by a glimpse of her neighbour in the apartment across from hers – and then, one evening, she sees a message in his window just for her:

WHAT ARE THOSE FLOWERS CALLED?

And so begins a love story of two people reaching out, daring to trust a stranger…

My thoughts: this was a really sweet, gentle love story. Lachlan is recovering from a terrible accident that might just end his military career and Bethan has moved in opposite. She lives with her son Noah and works in a garden centre.

As their relationship develops from notes in the window to chatting through the hedge and they start to fall in love both have to deal with the things in their lives they’ve been trying to avoid.

I loved Bethan and her determination to make a better life for herself and Noah, trying to revive the flagging fortunes of the independent garden centre she works at and slowly allowing herself to open up. Lachlan was also a really sweet, sad character, with his lovely pets, Bert and Ernie, and his struggle to recover and move on from a horrific injury.

The ending was lovely, sweet and perfect, with so much hope for the future.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

When Hope loses her husband, she fears her happiest days are behind her. With her only connection to London broken, she moves home to York to be near her family and to begin to build a new life.  
 
Taking a job at the antique shop she has always admired, she finds herself crossing paths with two very different men. Will, who has recently become the guardian to his niece after the tragic death of her parents. And Ciaran, who she enlists to help solve the mystery of an Egyptian antique. Two men who represent two different happy endings.
 
But can she trust herself to choose the right man? And will that bring her everything she really needs?

My thoughts:

This was lovely, I cried, I laughed and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Hope’s story. I want a sequel! I want to know what happens next with Hope and Will and how Brodie grows up and the kittens and the wonderful shop that brought them together.

Originally published as a 4 part ebook, this is a sweet, charming story about grief and love and moving on. Hope has moved to York, closer to her family, following her husband’s early death, and applies to work at a wonderful antiques shop – The Ever After Emporium. There she meets Will and Brodie and discovers a mystery. Unravelling it introduces her to more new friends and a wonderful romantic love story from the 1930s.

She begins to live again, finally feeling happy and content. She starts to date, takes up belly dancing and develops new skills at her work, but it’s the friendships that take centre stage, and could lead to more. The characters are so well written and the book feels infused with joy and love. Something Holly Hepburn is very good at doing.
 

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.