Book Review - Adventurous Proposal by Laura Barnard

Amazon UK

Title:  Adventurous Proposal

Author: Laura Barnard

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied review copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 12th November 2016

Rating: 5 Stars

After a string of bad dates, Florence Gray is so over online dating. So much so, that if she has to survive another guy standing her up she might just do something crazy ... like accept the first proposal she gets. 

So when she finds herself alone in the bar, again, Florence can hardly believe her eyes-or ears-when Hugh Humphreys swoops in and presents her with an proposal so adventurous she can't believe she's actually considering saying yes.

Because, after all, twenty five days to plan a wedding is some feat and that’s while getting to know your fiancée, their disapproving Mother and dealing with a jealous ex. Throw in the small matter of where they should live and you have Florence wondering what the hell she's gotten herself into.

Can you really countdown to a wedding like an advent calendar? Fall in love with a stranger and make them your husband? Because if she's going to make it down the aisle Christmas morning, Florence has to find out and fast.

What a whirlwind of a book, with arguably completely bonkers main characters, but at the same time, the whole story has a whole grand romantic charm to it, and had me smiling throughout. 

Well let's face it most not bharmy people don't meet in a pub, and decide later that night not only that they should get married, but to have the wedding in 25 days time on Christmas Day.  Well this is what Florence and Hugh do. They barely know each other first names, but suddenly they are thrown into frenzy of wedding preparations, dealing with an ex-girlfriend, a mother in law who doesn't approve and all manner of other things that crop up. 

Not to mention, they are having to put the whole wedding together on a minute budget, comprising their respective saving, as there has been no time to save for a wedding. There is so much amusing mayhem that follows, I wouldn't want to spoil anyone's enjoyment as to just what occurs in any detail. 

Suffice to say that I really loved both Florence and Hugh, and also all their friends. Hugh's grandmother is lovely and wow she can ice-skate. However its Hugh's mother and his ex-fiance that are the not so nice people, and seem determined to spoil the party. 

I loved the sense of fun in this story, and the pacing was spot on for a story of this nature. It was fast and furious, every chapter pretty much was another day in the countdown to Christmas and the wedding, and with it, came more tasks that needed to occur to get a wedding into place. 

Of the few books I have read so far by Laura Barnard this is definitely my favourite, it just hit all the right notes for me, and I also loved the chemistry between Flo and Hugh, which was there in spades!

Thank you so much to Laura Barnard for this copy of the book which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Guest Post - How to motivate yourself as an indie author by Laura Barnard - Blog Tour

So many people say to me that they’d love to write a book, but they just don’t have time.  No-one has the time!  When I first started writing I’d stay up sometimes until 2am before working a full time job the next day.  The key is it being your passion.  You have to ask yourself that if the money and fame side of it was taken away, would you still write?  If the answer is yes then you’ll find the time.

Don’t get me wrong, you have to be disciplined with yourself and some days I’m forcing myself to get words down, but its worth it when you see the total amount of words rising.  Even if I’m really not feeling it I’ll do some promo work or contact bloggers.

Schedule - I would suggest scheduling in a time every day, ideally the same time, so that you get into a routine of sitting down and writing.  Think of it as non-negotiable.  If a friend wants to catch a movie and you’re serious about this explain to them why you can’t go.

One Page at a Time - I’d also suggest not thinking it as writing a whole book.  The mere idea of that can be so overwhelming that it stops your mind thinking creatively.  Think of just writing down a scene that you have in your head.  Soon the characters will be talking to you while you’re trying to sleep at night, suggesting how they want things to turn out.

Rewards – I like to give myself little rewards for reaching writing targets.  Small rewards can be as simple as having a cup of tea with a biscuit, to bigger ones like a glass of prosecco.  If I push the boat out it’s a take-away – yes they are normally all food and drink based with me!  But make them whatever inspires you.

Relax – If all else fails then step away from it.  Go out with friends or watch a funny film. Sometimes taking the pressure off allows you to take inspiration from the every day.

Amazon UK – http://amzn.to/2eeLVzz

iBooks – http://apple.co/2dnAzq1

Nook – http://bit.ly/2ewJdo1

Kobo - http://bit.ly/2ewJI1r

Life for sixteen year old Savannah Franks has just been turned upside down. Her Mum’s business has failed and they’re forced to move into a maisonette in the rough end of town. 

She doesn’t want anyone to know her dire situation, not even her besties. So when the rest of the money for the school ski trip is due she can’t be seen not to attend. Everyone is going! She just needs to find a job. Add that to the list of getting a boyfriend and losing her pathetic virginity. 

But working every spare hour in a job she hates on top of school work and mounting secrets doesn’t prove easy. Soon she’s keeping so many she’s not even sure herself what’s true and what’s not. 

The only person she can lean on to tell the truth is her best friend Heath. 

Only…did he get hot recently? That won’t make things awkward between them…right?

About Laura Barnard

Laura Barnard lives in Hertfordshire, UK and writes romantic comedy or 'chick lit' as its so often described. In her spare time she enjoys drinking her body weight in tea, indulging in cupcakes the size of her face and drooling over hunks like Jamie Dornan, Ryan Gosling and Leo Dicaprio.

She enjoys wearing yoga pants and reading fitness magazines while sitting on the sofa eating chocolate. She's a real fan of the power nap and of course READING!

She writes not to get rich or famous, but because she LOVES writing. Even if one person tells her they enjoyed her book it makes the midnight typing worth it!

Laura Links...

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31696744-heath-cliffs-wandering-hearts?from_search=true

Twitter: @BarnardLaura

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/laurabarnardbooks/

Check out all Laura Barnards books

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Laura-Barnard/e/B00E4WTI26/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1438801528&sr=1-1

Cover Reveal - Heath, Cliffs and Wandering Hearts by Laura Barnard

I am delighted to be able to reveal the cover for Laura Barnard's latest book, Heath, Cliffs & Wandering Hearts which sounds great.

Publishing on 17th October 2016

Life for sixteen year old Savannah Franks has just been turned upside down. Her Mum’s business has failed and they’re forced to move into a maisonette in the rough end of town. 

She doesn’t want anyone to know her dire situation, not even her besties. So when the rest of the money for the school ski trip is due she can’t be seen not to attend. Everyone is going! She just needs to find a job. Add that to the list of getting a boyfriend and losing her pathetic virginity. 

But working every spare hour in a job she hates on top of school work and mounting secrets doesn’t prove easy. Soon she’s keeping so many she’s not even sure herself what’s true and what’s not. 

The only person she can lean on to tell the truth is her best friend Heath. 

Only…did he get hot recently? That won’t make things awkward between them…right?

If you like the sound of this then keep an eye on Laura Barnard on social media and Amazon for the pre-order link when its available, and for the release. 

Laura Barnard on Amazon UK

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Release Day Blitz - Porn Money and Wannabe Mummy by Laura Barnard

Release Blitz

Porn Money and Wannabe Mummy 

Release date: 23rd March 

Hosted by Two Ordinary Girls and their Books 

What is it about turning thirty that sends rational women into a tailspin?

Suddenly going from having all the time in the world, to cringing at the ticking of her biological clock, Poppy is drowning under the strain of trying to get pregnant.

With a dad in the throes of a mid-life crisis, a crazy mother-in-law and time racing towards Lilly's wedding, will she be able to cope with it all...and give Ryan the baby they so desperately want?

Finally able to inherit her dad's porn money, Jazz can't wait to be rich! She can buy a house in Chelsea, go out partying with her old mates and start living how she deserves.

But with Ollie, Jemima and Meryl each clawing at their own little piece of her happiness, will she have to leave behind those closest to her in exchange for it?

The real question is, can Poppy and Jazz rescue their own lives before everything gets ruined, or will their own stubbornness destroy the lives they've created

About Laura Barnard

Laura Barnard lives in Hertfordshire, UK and writes romantic comedy or 'chick lit' as its so often described. In her spare time she enjoys drinking her body weight in tea, indulging in cupcakes the size of her face and drooling over hunks like Jamie Dornan, Ryan Gosling and Leo Dicaprio.

She enjoys wearing yoga pants and reading fitness magazines while sitting on the sofa eating chocolate. She's a real fan of the power nap and of course READING!

She writes not to get rich or famous, but because she LOVES writing. Even if one person tells her they enjoyed her book it makes the midnight typing worth it!

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Buy Links 

UK - http://amzn.to/22rKbVv

US - http://amzn.com/B01CO08HW6

Book Review - Sex, Snow and Mistletoe by Laura Barnard

Amazon UK

Title: Sex, Snow and Mistletoe

Author: Laura Barnard

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied review copy

Publisher: Self-published

Publication Date: 27th October 2015

Rating: 4 Stars

Melinda is already having a crappy Christmas. Forced to attend some snotty bitch's wedding is not the way to start out the holidays. But when a car crash pushes her into the path of a handsome stranger she's glad to follow his snowy, sexy and seductive path. But is he too good to be true? And will she make it to the wedding before her best friend loses her mind with worry? 
Please note this is a short story of 10k words

Sex, Snow and Mistletoe was my first introduction to Laura Barnard's writing style. I found it to be witty and fast paced, and I will definitely be reading her longer books in the future. 

The cover for Sex, Snow and Mistletoe is stunning, lovely colours combined with a title that is very apt to the story. 

There are three main features in the story, the fact its snowing, making travel harder, sex (with a gorgeous stranger), and some mistletoe. And wow the sex scene was smoking hot (just not hot enough to make the snow melt!).

I found this to be the sort of story you could read when you have a quiet short period of time to yourself, and you want something humorous and light hearted to read.  

It is an incredibly short story, around 30 pages or so, but gives an accurate snapshot of Melody's life on that day, as well as serving as a good introduction to what this author is about. 

Thanks so much to Laura Barnard for this review copy. This was my honest review.