Book Review - Not a Fairy Tale by Romy Sommer - Harper Impulse Fortnight

Amazon UK

Title: Not a Fairy Tale

Author: Romy Sommer

Format reviewed: E-book

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 19th February 2015

Rating: 5 Stars

And the award goes to…

Not Nina Alexander that’s for sure. With her best gracious loser face firmly in place, Hollywood’s hottest starlet is hoping to end her evening of disappointment with a graceful exit stage left. Only an unexpected proposal and an awkward wardrobe malfunction mean that this is certainly going to be a night to remember… for all the wrong reasons! So what girl would resist the gorgeous Dominic Kelly coming to her rescue?! Especially when he’s whisking her out of the paparazzi’s prying eyes on the back of his motorbike – and wearing a tux to rival James Bond!

Nina soon realises that the only way to recover from such a scandal is to toughen up and snag the role of the decade in the year’s hottest YA screen adaptation. Who better to train her than her very own professional stuntman? Getting up close and personal with Dom will take Nina well out of her comfort zone – both professionally and in her closely scrutinized private life. But this A-list couple know only too well that’s it not all happy ever afters in Hollywood…

Nina Alexander, is having a bad day, she doesn't win the Oscar she was nominated for, and then when her boyfriend proposes at the after-party, she turns him down infront of everyone. Dominic Kelly, stuntman, has a thing about rescuing damsels in distress, and guides her out of the party and to safety.

Nina, asks Dominic to help train her up, so she can stand a chance at getting the one film role she desperately wants, but that the directors aren't looking at her for, since she tends to star in rom-coms. This new role needs a harder, edgier, person with a different skill set.

Dominic agrees to help, and I loved reading all about the training regime he puts Nina on, from running, to martial arts, to trapeze, to stunt driving, all sorts of things an action star needs to be convincing at.

The chemistry between Dominic and Nina was sizzling, its the most affected I have been by the sexual tension between the stars of a book for years.

There is a whole cast of characters, including the rest of Dominic's stunt team, his many sisters and Nina's sister. However the main focus of the book, was the growing story between the leading heroes. 

Not a Fairy Tale, is an enchanting sizzling, adult fairytale, that is very entertaining, and does have some hidden depths to it.

I would like to thanks Netgalley and Harper Impulse for my copy of this book, and to inform everyone that all opinions expressed in this review are my own and honest. 

Book Review - To Catch a Star by Romy Sommer - Harper Impulse Fortnight

Amazon UK

Title: To Catch a Star

Author: Romy Sommer

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 3rd September 2014

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Teresa Adler is the ultimate Ice Princess, with a heart as frozen as the winter landscape of her beloved home, Westerwald. All her life, she’s belonged to the ‘inner circle’ of wealth, privilege and position.

Christian Taylor: Heartthrob. Movie Star. Bad boy. The mischievous actor sets temperatures soaring in the picturesque baroque principality – and with a wicked glint in his eye and a chip on his shoulder he sets his sights on the one thing he’s told he can’t have. Teresa.

While Tessa holds the ultimate clue to the secret of Christian’s parentage, it is the heat of his touch that will make this Ice Princess feel more alive than she ever has before…

Another magical, gorgeously romantic modern fairy tale from Romy Sommer!

Teresa (Tessa) Adler is used to doing what is expected of her. She is engaged to Stefan, an amassador for Westerwald, but we barely see anything of him until towards the end of the book, as he's abroad working, in the run up to their wedding.

Tessa is asked by her dad, to take on the assistant job to movie star and heart throb Christian Taylor. It is believed that Christian has the missing ring from the palace and Westerwald, and it is down to Tessa to find out why he has it. 

Christian is your typical bad boy movie star. He normally moves from woman to woman, until he meets his new assistant Tessa and can't get her out of his mind.

To Catch A Star is the third book in the Westerwald trilogy, and reintroduces you to characters from the previous, and since I have read Romy Sommers books out of order, I was also pleased to see the introduction of Dominic. Dominic features heavily in Not A Fairy Tale, and I enjoyed finally reading the heavily hinted at back story in full, of both Dominic and Christian. This book can be read as a standalone too.

To Catch A Star is a romantic story, and you see Tessa's ice-princess facade fade, and Christian starts to be himself and not the public version of him. 

The question throughout the second half of the story for me was who was Tessa gong to end up with? Will her upbringing for doing what is right for Westerwald take over from what it is clear her heart is starting to feel?

I loved every second of To Catch A Star, and I felt it was a fitting finale to the Westerwald trilogy. I really hope though Romy comes back to these characters in future books. 

Book Review - Beyond Graces Rainbow by Carmel Harrington - Harper Impulse Fortnight

Amazon UK

Title: Beyond Graces Rainbow

Author: Carmel Harrington

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Review copy from Carmel

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 12th September 2013

Rating: 5 Stars

Beyond Grace’s Rainbow is the deeply emotional and poignant story of young single mother Grace Devlin.

When Grace is diagnosed with cancer her best chance of survival is to find a bone marrow transplant from a family member. Only Grace is adopted and her one previous attempt to connect with her birth mother resulted in bitter disappointment.

But with her young son, Jack, to think about, and the return of her ex Liam, Jack’s father, reminding her of feelings she’d thought she’d buried long ago, Grace refuses to give up hope just yet. With the help of her friends she bravely embarks on a journey of discovery.

This search will bring her from her home in vibrant Dublin to the unspoilt beauty of Wexford where she must unravel a web of lies and deceit that has spanned over thirty years.

When I was offered a chance to review one of Carmel Harrington's books for Harper Impulse Fortnight, I jumped at the chance. Other book bloggers had been telling me over and over to read Beyond Graces Rainbow, so I took the opportunity when it occurred. I am so glad that I listened, and that I haven't missed out on this fantastic story. 

Carmel herself, showed me the trailer for this book, which I think sums it up perfectly. There are plenty of other reviews out there already for this fabulous book, and I honestly don't know what I can add, but incase you haven't read any of them, I feel like I have to try and say something. 

This is a story about courage, love (both romantic and between friends), and is about Grace Devlin. Grace, as we met her is a single mother to 3 year old Jack (who adds a ray of sunshine to this b0ok), and is struggling to come to grips with her diagnosis of Leukaemia.  She starts to understand that her best chances of survival, comes in the form of of a bone marrow transplant, and that family would be the most likely source of a match.

Grace has to decide whether to try and contact her birth mother, as ten years previously, she rejected a chance to get to know Grace. 

Shortly after the diagnosis, Liam comes back into Graces life, he is 1 year sober, and is Jacks father. Grace has to decide if she can trust Liam. 

Grace has a wonderful group of friends. Tara and Sean who are tying for a baby. Abby the single member of the group, who is looking for love. And then there is Tom and Gerry, who provide some of the light relief moments in this intense story. 

There is a weekend Tom and Gerry spend investigating something that could help Grace, where for those few chapters it felt like I was reading a mystery novel. I love mysteries and although I wasn't completely surprised out the outcome, it does make think that if Carmel ever gets tired of writing romances that pull at the heart strings, then she should try her hand at a mystery!

Beyond Graces Rainbow will make you cry and it will make you smile. It is written in a wonderful way, and it is clear Carmel Harrington must have done loads of research to make the tough topics covered in this book, come out so well. 

The chapters focus on different members of the friendship groups, and I honestly felt that, I was there with all the characters on the incredible journey they are on, and felt something towards all of them. Occasionally there would be a moment when you get to hear Jack's thoughts on everything, and Carmel has pegged the bewilderment of a young child exactly. 

There are really no words to describe how amazing this book is. If you like tender romance, struggles against adversity, and books that make you feel (any emotiion at all), then make sure you take a proper look at Beyond Graces Rainbow. 

Book Review - Final Score by Michelle Betham - Harper Impulse Fortnight

Amazon UK

Title: Final Score

Author: Michelle Betham

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Harper Impulse 

Publication Date: 7th August 2014

Rating: 5 Stars

The third and final book in Michelle Betham’s seductively wicked bonkbuster.

Delving into the lives of those who live and work within the so-called Beautiful Game, ‘Final Score’ is a story of sex, secrets and the true cost of fame.

Footballer’s Wives meets Jackie Collins in this sizzling scorcher of a summer read!

This is the trilogy that keeps on getting better and better. I have been on the verge of tears so many times during Final Score, because I just couldn't believe what was happening to Amber, Jim and Ryan. I still can't believe what I was reading, and although I sort of understand the ending, it wasn't what I was hoping for. 

The 'Striker' trilogy is completely absorbing. I have barely been able to think of anything else for the past few days while I have immersed myself in these stories. 

To enjoy this book fully, you need to read the other two first. This may be read as a standalone, but there is no way it would be as amazing if you don't know the full back-stories, complete with their emotions and thoughts.

Final Score keeps you guessing the entire time as to who Amber will ultimately be with. There has been a lot of character development and growth between the three books, including with the supplementary characters. 

This is the third season we have spent with Amber, Jim, Ryan and Ronnie. Professionally all their careers are going from strength to strength, but again is their personal and private (or not so private) lives that we are discovering in full techni-colour details.

I honestly don't think I will ever understand fully the relationship between Amber and Jim, but I won't deny their is a powerful connection between the two, that is completely obsessive. 

Absolutely amazing trilogy, full of sex, lies and intrigue. Incredibly fast paced, and utterly addictive. 

For a chance to win a copy of the first book in this fabulous trilogy 'Striker' please don't forget to enter my competition, posted yesterday. 

Book Review - Extra Time by Michelle Betham - Harper Impulse Fortnight

Amazon UK

Title: Extra Time

Author: Michelle Betham

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 10th July 2014

Rating: 5 Stars

The game continues…

The second book in Michelle Betham’s seductively wicked bonkbuster.

Delving into the lives of those who live and work within the so-called Beautiful Game, ‘Extra Time’ is a story of sex, secrets and the true cost of fame.

Footballer’s Wives meets Jackie Collins in this sizzling scorcher of a summer read!

Extra Time is the direct sequel to Striker (reviewed yesterday). It continues a few months after Striker leaves off and as a result I don't want to say much as it may spoil the plot of the first book.  I do though believe this could be read as a standalone, as there is enough of the background info in it, I am far too involved with the story at this point, to review this as anything apart from a continuation.

It looks initially as Amber is settling into her happy ever after. However things are never what they seem. Her career is going from strength to strength, and she is becoming famous in her own right. 

However she has all these sexy men in her life, and it seems like her heart, and her head can never agree on what they want. It also seems like any time she has a problem in her life, she runs and turns into the arms, and bed, or whichever of her male admirers she is nearest to at the time. 

Amber in some respects seems to come across as a bit of  sex maniac. She seems to use it to deal with every situation she finds herself in, even when she knows it could be making her crazy life, even more insane! 

All your favourite characters from Striker are back, Ryan, Jim, Gary, Debbie and Ronnie, as well as a whole host of new characters, including a new striker for a Newcastle Red Star's local rivals, who is connected to someone we know well.

There is significantly less on the pitch, or even training ground action in this second book, but we do get to hear snippets of how the club is doing. 

Extra Time, has more secrets and intrigue than ever before, and I am still finding myself reeling at some of the things that get uncovered, and I can't help but think there are even more hidden depths to these characters to be discovered in Final Score, which I can't wait to read. 

Extra Time is a raunchy read, that continues what Striker started, which is a fabulous story about the glamorous lives of footballers. 

Don't forget to enter my giveaway of Striker that was posted yesterday, and stay tuned because later today, I will be posting my review of Final Score. 

Book Review & Giveaway - Striker by Michelle Betham - Harper Impulse Fortnight

Amazon UK

Title: Striker

Author: Michelle Betham

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 5th June 2014

Rating: 5 Stars

This summer, it’s time to play dirty…

Amber Sullivan is an ambitious, beautiful and feisty Sports reporter for a local TV news programme. With an ex-professional soccer player for a father, she’s grown up in and around the world of premiership football, and boy does she know better than to get mixed up with the men who play the game. As rich and charming as they are, Amber has a strict no player rule.

One of the biggest names in football, Ryan Fisher is young, hot, and talented. He has it all – looks, fame, money; not to mention women falling at his over-insured feet and a lifestyle he’s in no hurry to give up.

At the centre of a multi-million-pound transfer deal back to his home club, Ryan’s a big scoop for a local sports journalist and Amber can’t afford to miss this career-making opportunity – even if that means having to interview the cocky sports star.

But once the tape starts rolling it’s clear Ryan’s got more than just an exclusive on his mind… and he’s used to getting exactly what he wants.

Delving into the lives of those who live and work within the so-called Beautiful Game, ‘Striker’ is a story of sex, secrets and the true cost of fame.

Footballer’s Wives meets Jackie Collins in this sizzling scorcher of a summer read!

Yesterday, Michelle  was saying that she was getting her inspiration from Footballer's Wives. I haven't watched that, but having read Striker, I was reminded of the Sky TV programme, Dream Team, that I adored, and also had characters behaving just as badly as Amber, Ryan and Jim.

With Striker, I believe Michelle Betham has done to the world of football, what Jilly Cooper has done to the world of horses. Striker is about so much more than just the beautiful game, it is about Ryan Fisher, a footballing superstar, with the world at his feet, giving in to the pressures that are associated with fame, and the expectations that come with being a Premiership footballer. 

Ryan is a complex man, loves having women falling at his feet, but has just left his London club to move back to the North East (for a hidden reason), to sign for club he is a lifelong supporter of Newcastle Red Star. The last thing he was expecting, was to start feeling things for a singular woman, Amber. 

Amber is a sports reporter for a local news TV programme, and since her father was a player and now manager, has grown up around footballers. She however has closed off her heart to love, and comes across initially as very cold hearted. Knowing footballers as well as she does, Amber refuses to get involved with any, until she interviews Ryan Fisher, and he gets under her skin.

Then there is also Jim, who is a long term friend of Amber's father Freddie, who is the new manager at Newcastle Red Star a fact that Amber wishes wasn't true. But why?

Striker features essentially a massive love triangle, where Amber can't seem to decide who she should be with. There are fabulously sexy scenes, with hot passionate encounters. Amber and Ryan's journey is far from smooth, and both are hiding big secrets. In fact there are secrets all over this book, which just adds to the intrigue. 

Amber is continually drawn to, and seems tormented by this, to Jim, and it feels like it is a greater power that is controlling her, as she seems helpless to fight some of her not necessarily wise emotions. 

In amongst all the relationships, there is some football, or at least training sessions, but as much as I love football, what was occurring off the pitch was generally far more interesting than on it! I'm almost speechless, about how addictive this story was, and how highly paced. 

This is a fabulous example of a book you want to read while relaxing on holiday, or when you just want some pure raunchy escapism. I am so delighted that I have all three books of this trilogy, as I need to know how the story continues, as I'm sure that where this book ends, can't be the end of it. 

There is so much more I could say about this book, but I suspect I will need some of the words for the next books in the series. If this even sounds remotely like a book you would love to read, then give it a go, its a bargain on the kindle at the moment, or try your luck below as I have a copy to give away. 

Giveaway to win a e-copy of Striker (Kindle Format Only)

Michelle has very kindly offered readers of Rachel's Random Reads a chance to win a copy of the spectacular 'Striker' for kindle. If you don't have a kindle, then you can use the free kindle apps available for download for Apple, PC or Android. 

Giveaway open to everyone, all options are voluntary, but please do what they ask, as I will be verifying the winner. Giveaway closes 23:59 11/5/2015. Winner will be announced on twitter and emailed, and they will need to be in contact within 7 days, or forfeit the prize, and I will re-draw for a new winner.  Good luck everyone.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Post - Michelle Betham on her inspiration for Striker - Harper Impulse Fortnight

Today on Rachel's Random Reads, I hope you will all join me in welcoming the lovely Michelle Betham, author the Striker series, who has written a lovely guest post for us.

Remember Footballers’ Wives? That show used to be my not-so-secret guilty pleasure. Pure escapism. All the glamour, glitz, scandal - I loved it! It never really was about the football though, was it? 

However, I am actually quite a big football fan, as it happens. The sport has always been a big part of my life. My dad used to play football – we’re only talking pub-team level here, though – and me and him spent a good chunk of the 80s as season ticket holders at Newcastle United, which saw me spend a fair few Saturday afternoons (and the odd mid-week evening) sporting that ever-glamorous look of two hats and a nice thick anorak, clutching a plastic cup of Bovril between my gloved hands to keep the cold at bay… yes, I paid money for that experience. 

So, I’m a football fan, but I’m also an author. And I had always wanted to write a novel set against the backdrop of professional football, but in my eyes basing a romance novel around the sport was probably always going to be a risky thing to do. I mean, sometimes all you have to do is mention the word to some women (football, that is, not romance) and their eyes glaze over. But when I decided to write the ‘Striker’ series of books, I knew exactly the kind of books I wanted them to be. Blending my love of Jackie Collins and her own wonderful brand of escapism with the glitz, glamour and scandalous drama that Footballers’ Wives used to throw up week after week when it was on the air, I wanted these books to be fun, sexy and HOT! I even jokingly labelled them “Fifty Shades of Football” at one point, because the kind of action in there isn’t really anything you’re going to see on Match of the Day. It’s more about the sex than the soccer, let’s put it that way. The world of football is just the backdrop.

But I also wanted to create characters that were believable because, for some reason, the world of the professional footballer, and the people who share their lives, has always fascinated me. So to be told in a review, by someone who works within the world of football, that I have the character of fictional footballer Ryan Fisher just right, that was good to hear. Because Ryan really is your stereotypical footballer – a bad boy with attitude; a player in every sense of the word. He’s hot, handsome, talented, with a slightly over-inflated ego. But after reading a book called ‘I am the Secret Footballer’ – written by a top-flight player, and a book that lifted the lid on his life within the world of football – I realised that nothing I made Ryan do would be far fetched. That book was invaluable research for me, not to mention a real eye-opener as far as what life as a footballer can be like. It certainly isn’t all glamour, believe me.

But for me, writing these books was a labour of love. I even got to look around a real-life football stadium as part of my research. Sunderland AFC were kind enough to give me a little tour of the Stadium of Light, including the dressing rooms – which were all devoid of footballers, unfortunately, although I have been in a dressing room that was full of them, once, at Everton’s ground, Goodison Park, back in the 1980s. I can still remember talking to Gary Lineker when he was wearing nothing but a towel… anyway, where was I? Oh yes. My personal tour of Sunderland’s stadium. I also got to go into the manager’s office, have a look around the Players’ and Press Lounges, go pitch side, and thanks to that visit I got more information than I could ever possibly have gathered just through Googling alone. I got the feel of a real-life football club; I got to hear how things worked and just what goes on during match days, which turned out to be an invaluable insight when it came to writing the ‘Striker’ books. 

So, just what are the ‘Striker’ books all about, then? Well, let’s see… hot footballers, sexy sports reporters, a manager that makes Jose Mourinho look dull and boring… mix all of that with a bit of glamour, a fair dose of scandal, sprinkle it with some pretty racy scenes, and you’ve got ‘Striker’. Inspired by my love of football, and a show that epitomised glamorous, escapist TV. So, are you ready to meet Ryan Fisher? Because now, it’s time to play – dirty…

About Michelle Betham

Michelle Betham is an ex-media technician turned author of hot, edgy, gritty romance, usually involving rock stars, sports stars, and bikers. But not usually all in the same book. Yet. She is both self-published and published through HarperImpulse, a division of HarperCollins Publishers.

Addicted to binge-watching TV dramas she struggles to think of a life before Netflix, loves rock music, tattoos, spicy food, and Keanu Reeves - a crush that's lasted over twenty years, and one she blames entirely on 'Point Break'...

Her dream is to ride a Harley. And visit Las Vegas... And be able to eat any amount of chocolate without putting on weight...

She lives in County Durham, north-east England, with her husband and West Highland Terrier, where she can be found most days drinking tea and making up stories.

Website - michellebetham.co.uk
Facebook Author Page - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMichelleBetham
Twitter - @michellebetham
Blog - http://michellebethamwriter.blogspot.co.uk/
Amazon Page where you can purchase all of Michelle's books

Thank you so much Michelle for an interesting insight into the Striker series. Come back tomorrow for review of Striker and a giveaway, and then on Wednesday I will be posting reviews for Extra Time and Final Score. Make sure you check them all out.

Book Review - The Trouble with Mojitos by Romy Sommer - Harper Impulse Fortnight

Amazon UK

Title: The Trouble with Mojitos

Author: Romy Sommer

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 17th October 2013

Rating: 5 Stars

Let the fairytale come alive…

Turquoise blue waters. Sandy white beaches. Mojitos…

Film location scout Kenzie Cole has found herself in paradise. And working in the Caribbean for a week is just what she needs to escape the long line of exes in her closet.

Though the last thing she expects is to be picked up at the resort bar by a disgraced former Prince!

Luckily for Kenzie, exile is suiting the man formerly known as Prince Fredrik very well. And it’s not long before his rugged, pirate charm is proving hard to resist.

But Rik’s been spending his time in paradise exorcising demons of his own and he has danger written all over him. If Kenzie was sensible she’d run a mile instead of lose herself to her lust – although, they do say that sometimes you have to get lost before you can be found….

Absolutely loved the setting of this book. A remote Caribbean archipelago, with one of the islands surround by an ancient folk story based on reality. It was reading the folk story in the prologue that caught my interest immediately.  Add in, exotic beaches, a man that looks like a pirate, and some mojitos, and you have a lethal combination for a brilliant book. 

Kenzie is a location scout for a film company, and is out in Caribbean looking for the perfect location for a new film, She needs beautiful bays and lagoons, forests and ruins, and room to put a pirate ship. However the locals on the island aren't being particularly helpful or friendly, and so we meet her drowning her sorrows at the bar.

Also at the bar that night is Rik. He was mentioned during Waking Up in Vegas, so if you have read that, you will be aware of his real background. Otherwise, you will learn as the book goes on, that there is a lot more to Rik, than the reasonably well off beach bum than meets the eye. 

Rik is gorgeous, has bad boy pirate-esque looks to him, and offers to help Kenzie with her location scouting, by getting her an audience with the mayor. With Rik's help they get permission to take a boat to look at the "cursed" island of Tortuga.  It isn't long before human nature and a sizzling connection make themselves known. 

The Trouble with Mojitos, shows us how you can find your hearts desire, even if you have had multiple setbacks, and that there is always a plan B to life. Both fabulously upbeat messages to get from a book. 

This is a warm hearted, feel good romance, that if you are reading Romy Sommer's books in order, that leaves you wanting to know what happens next. Fabulous second book in the Westerwald trilogy. 

For more reviews of Romy Sommer books please come back next weekend, when I will be reviewing To Catch A Star and Not A Fairy Tale

Book Review - Waking up in Vegas by Romy Sommer - Harper Impulse Fortnight

Amazon UK

Title: Waking up in Vegas

Author: Romy Sommer

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 9th May 2013

Rating: 5 Stars

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?

Cocktail waitress, Phoenix, wakes up one morning with no recollection of where she is, or the last 36 hours. And she isn't alone, there is man, and she has a ring on her finger. Turns out they got married the night before, in Vegas, and she can't remember who he is and all she wants is a divorce.

However the man, Max, has other ideas. He, despite the short time he's know Phoenix, is in love with her, and his family has a grand tradition of never getting a divorce.  He appears to be wealthy vintner, at a vineyard in Napa, but he has another life too. 

Will Phoenix and Max come to an agreement, or will Phoenix get her way and get divorced? Regardless you know you are in for an enjoyable time finding out.

I loved how Max was continually trying his hardest to get his wife to fall in love with him, and that he really didn't mind showing off his wealth as a way to entice her, until her memory of their wedding day returned. 

The plot of Waking up in Vegas may seem a bit unlikely, however the book is designed to be a fairy tale for adults and it does that very well. It is a very romantic story, and I fell a bit in love with Max while reading this. 

There is a surprising amount of depth to this book, touching on topics such was family responsibilities and fear of commitment. There are a few steamy scenes, and the story really appealed to me. 

Please come back tomorrow, for a review of the second Westerwald book - The Trouble with Mojitos. And in case you missed it, Romy Sommer wrote about the setting of Westerwald on Thursday and can be seen here

Book Review - Trouble in Tinsel Town by Aimee Duffy (Summer Flings, Book 1) - Harper Impulse Fortnight

Amazon UK

Title: Trouble in Tinsel Town

Author: Aimee Duffy

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 7th August 2014

Rating: 4 Stars

Part 1 of Summer Flings - a fun, flirty and laugh out loud rom com series of short stories.

Armed with a degree from Oxford that she doesn't have a clue what to do with, Ciara Bree convinces her two best friends, Elle and Gem to spend their first summer of freedom backpacking across the globe. Now it's time to shop, sunbathe, think about boys for a change, and party hard...

First stop: LA!

The girls hit Tinseltown for a few days of shopping, star spotting, and even a movie premiere!
But their plan to sneak into an exclusive celeb party in West Hollywood backfires. Elle's gorgeous older cousin, Zack, is called to the rescue and despite knowing she should stay away, Ciara just can't seem to resist him.

The ideal summer treat for those relaxing days soaking up the sun!

This is an incredibly short story, but it is the first one in a series of 7 Summer Flings, which combined would be a more regular length book.

This first part is a fabulous introduction to the characters Elle, Gem and Ciara. The girls all meet at university and are best friends. Now having finished their final year at Oxford, they are spending their summer travelling, and their first stop is LA. 

This is an entertaining story, and made me really want to spend a few days in sun drenched LA. The scenes at the celeb party are very funny, and there is definitely some chemistry between Ciara and Elle's cousin. 

Aimee Duffy has managed to pack a lot of story into an very short space. You definitely get a feel for the three girls distinctive personalities and a hint that you are in for a complete treat with this series.  

I will be looking forward to reading the next step of their trip in Miami. 

I feel that the Summer Flings series will be perfect for when you are wanting a quick escape to somewhere exotic, with a splash of laughter and a touch of romance!

Guest Post - Romy Sommer on Westerwald - Harper Impulse Fortnight

It gives me great pleasure to welcome Romy Sommer onto the blog today. She is the author of what I can only describe as adult fairy tales, that are simply enchanting.

Westerwald

Once upon a time, in a kingdom far, far away, there lived a princess. Okay, so it wasn’t a kingdom, just a little Archduchy, and she was a cocktail waitress, not a princess, but every fairy tale has to start somewhere.

My fairy tales all start in the magical Archduchy of Westerwald. In the 21st century it’s a tiny little (fictional) nation squashed between Germany and France, and don’t be embarrassed if you’ve never heard of it. Most people haven’t. In fact, if you don’t zoom right in on Google Earth, you might miss it completely.

But back in the middle ages, when Europe was just a patchwork of warring rival kingdoms, Westerwald was a force to be reckoned with. The Archdukes controlled the Wester River, which meant they also controlled European trade. At the height of their power and wealth, they established their base in the southern part of the kingdom, building a magnificent castle on a hilltop overlooking the river, surrounding by vineyards and forests ideal for hunting. (Readers of my first HarperImpulse novel, Waking up in Vegas, will recognise this setting as the town of Waldburg.)

But we all know that in fairy tales pride comes before a fall. By the end of the seventeenth century, Archduke Willem believed he could do whatever he wanted. He kept his royal bride a virtual prisoner and set his low-born mistress beside him on the throne. (Shades of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn). The imprisoned princess managed to sneak just one letter out to her nephew, who lived in a neighbouring kingdom. With the support of his king, the nephew gathered an army and rode to her rescue. The result was a civil war that ended with Willem’s death, and with the princess’ nephew, Anton, crowned as the new Archduke.

After her husband’s death, the princess never married again. But she lived to see the new Baroque town her nephew built in the north of the country, and in its glorious palace she helped to raise the next generation of princes and princesses. That same palace at Neustadt (literally New City) features in The Trouble with Mojitos and To Catch a Star.

Archduke Anton’s descendants still rule over Westerwald today. They’d be the first to tell you that this is the 21st century, and they’re no fairy tale princes. They’re just ordinary men searching for their own happy ever afters. But we all know, that’s exactly how every fairy tale begins…

Not A Fairy Tale by Romy Sommer

And the award goes to…

Not Nina Alexander that’s for sure.
With her best gracious loser face firmly in place, Hollywood’s hottest starlet is hoping to end her evening of disappointment with a graceful exit stage left. Only an unexpected proposal and an awkward wardrobe malfunction mean that this is certainly going to be a night to remember… for all the wrong reasons! So what girl would resist the gorgeous Dominic Kelly coming to her rescue?!  Especially when he’s whisking her out of the paparazzi’s prying eyes on the back of his motorbike – and wearing a tux to rival James Bond!

Nina soon realizes that the only way to recover from such a scandal is to toughen up and snag the role of the decade in the year’s hottest YA screen adaptation. Who better to train her than her very own professional stuntman? Getting up close and personal with Dom will take Nina well out of her comfort zone – both professionally and in her closely scrutinized private life.  But this A-list couple know only too well that’s it not all happy ever afters in Hollywood…

Not a Fairy Tale is published by Harper Impulse, a division of Harper Collins, and is available from the following online retailers: Amazon Smart URL | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | eBooks by Sainsburys | All Romance eBooks

About Romy Sommer 

I’ve always written stories for myself, but didn’t even think of being an author until I realised that being over thirty and living in a fantasy world was a little odd. Writing those same stories for other people makes it a lot more acceptable!


By day I dress in cargo pants and boots for my not-so-glamorous job of making movies but at night I come home to my two little Princesses, in Johannesburg, South Africa, where I live, and I get to write Happy Ever Afters. Since I believe every girl is a princess, and every princess deserves a happy ending, what could be more perfect?


Thank you very much Romy, for that insight into Westerwald. Stay tuned to Rachel's Random Reads over the weekend, when I will be bringing you my reviews for the first two books in the Westerwald trilogy - Waking Up in Vegas and The Trouble with Mojitos.

Book Review - A Diva in Manhattan by Aubrie Dionne - Harper Impulse Fortnight

Amazon UK

Title: A Diva in Manhattan

Author: Aubrie Dionne

Format reviewed: E-book

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 20th November 2014

Rating: 4 Stars

A Date with the Diva

Fresh off a successful Italian tour, soprano soloist Alaina Amaldi returns to America on cloud nine. The Metropolitan Opera has invited her to guest star in their performance of Mozart’s Magic Flute, and she’s singing at the top of her game. But, to act the part of the sweet, young Pamina in love, she has to be likeable; something that has never come easily to her. On a quest to soften her diva-like image, she volunteers at an arts school for underprivileged children. Too bad the kids call her the opera witch…

Brett Robinson has moved to Manhattan to start afresh. Used to living on his own as a logger, he finds a job with a construction company repairing the sidewalk in front of the Metropolitan Opera House. What he didn’t count on was for one of those hoity-toity divas to strut straight past him and into his heart!

However, Brett knows that a guy like him doesn't have a chance with a woman like Alaina. That is until an older woman asks him to attend a fundraiser, posing as her Wall Street stockbroker son. Before he knows it, Brett’s drinking cocktails with the gorgeous diva! Trouble is, she thinks he’s quite a few billion dollars richer. Is she as shallow as everyone claims, or will she still love what she sees when the tux comes off?. 

We meet Alaina Amaldi as she is auditioning to star in the opera The Magic Flute at New York's Metropolitan Opera. She is a diva with a reputation. The Met only agree to let her star, if she massively changes her public images, by attending charity functions, as well as volunteering to teach music at an arts school for underprivileged children. 

Alaina, although having no experience with children, desperately wants the part, so agrees, and that night has to attend a charity gala, with auction.

Brett is a former logger, now working for a construction company near the Met. He spots Alaina walking past, but knows he would never stand a chance with someone like her. However, he then gets asked by Mrs De Barr, if he could impersonate her son, to attend a charity gala, and be auctioned off. He isn't comfortable with the lie, but agrees as the charity is one that is close to his heart. 

Alaina, and her arch rival Bianca are both at the gala and both try to outbid each other for the date with Brett (posing as Lance). Alaina wins, and both of their lives change. 

I loved the scenes where Alaina  was teaching in the school. To make opera accessible to a group of children, and to see her character soften over the course of the lessons was very touching, especially when she takes a special interest in a couple of them. During the lessons, the reader gets some information too about the stories of a few operas, which was interesting. 

Due to the big lie Brett is having to tell, the courtship doesn't exactly run smoothly, but then when does true love ever run smoothly? He seemed like good looking, warm hearted man, who was trying to the best for varying people, for good reasons. 

The rivalry between Alaina and Bianca was amusing, and I loved Bianca's attempts at sabotage. 

Overall I found A Diva in Manhattan to be an entertaining romance, with two characters I warmed too, and I was sad that it ended so fast.