Guest Post - Jennifer Gilby Roberts - Choosing a Song for Your First Dance

Don't Forget the Lyrics!

Music is the food of love and no dish is more important than the tune to which a newly married couple take to the dance floor.  With so many fabulous classic and modern love songs out there, the choice is a difficult one.  And with all the millions of other wedding details to get right, it's not surprising that some couples forget one crucial thing – to actually listen to the words. You see, there are a lot of songs that are rather misleading. Some of the song is very romantic, but other parts a little less so.

For example, YouTube is full of proposals done to 'Marry You' by Bruno Mars.  Now, I adore that song.  I could listen to it all day.  And a lot of it is very romantic.  But let's examine the lyrics a little more closely.

“It's a beautiful night
We're looking for something dumb to do
Hey, baby
I think I want to marry you”

Now, leaving aside the mildly derogatory 'baby', is it just me who would prefer not to be told that marrying me is a dumb thing to do?

More worryingly, however, we have these lines:

“If we wake up and you wanna break up that's cool
No, I won't blame you
It was fun girl.”

Personally, I'd like a little more commitment from my future spouse than that.

Continuing in this vein, it seems to be worryingly common to choose a song that is actually about breaking up.  Popular examples include 'How Do I Live Without You?' by Leann Rimes and 'I Will Always Love You' by Whitney Houston.  I suppose, on the face of it, it is romantic to go on about how you couldn't bear to live without the other person, but I can't help feeling that this isn't what you want to focus on on your wedding day.  It's supposed to be a happy occasion – share some joy with your song choice!

We had a lot of music at our wedding.  Some of the songs we chose:
• 'L.O.V.E' by Nat King Cole (our first dance)
• 'Happy to be Stuck with You' by Huey Lewis and the News
• 'June Bride' from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
• '(This Will Be) An Everlasting Love' by Natalie Cole
• The theme tune from The Muppets (don't ask)
I'm very happy with our choices.  They were fun and they were joyful and they were us.  Because the greatest choice of all is one that reflects you as a couple.  One where it's obvious to everyone there – or at least the people who know you best – why you chose that particular song to start you on your journey together.

Magical Weddings

15 Enchanting Romances: 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, 14 of them new releases, 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.

Purchase Links:-  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

About Jennifer Gilby Roberts

Jennifer Gilby Roberts has a degree in physics and a postgraduate certificate in computing, so a career writing fiction was inevitable really. She was born and grew up in Surrey/Greater London, but now lives in North Yorkshire with her husband, small daughter, two middle-aged cats and a lot of dust bunnies.
Her books include The Dr Pepper Prophecies, After Wimbledon and Early Daze.

Find Jennifer at her blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +,  Goodreads, LibraryThing, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Kobo and iBooks


Thank you so much Jennifer Gilby Roberts for that very interesting, and completely true post about Wedding Song lyrics. I loved reading it. 

Book Review - Among A Thousand Stars by Jo Bartlett

Amazon UK

Title: Among A Thousand Stars

Author: Jo Bartlett

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley 

Publisher: So Vain Books

Publication Date: 17th June 2015

Rating: 4 Stars

When her mother turns up naked and proud during her first term at college, Ashleigh Hayes assumes that life can’t get any more embarrassing. Ten years later, with best friend Stevie at her side, and a successful career as a freelance photographer for monthly magazine Glitz, it looks like she might have finally got the hang of things. Only she seems to have inherited the embarrassment gene from her mother and her every encounter with new boss, Tom Rushworth, looks set to send her career spiralling backwards. Getting past their shaky start, Ashleigh and Tom embark on a relationship that was only ever meant to be a bit of fun. But when life, paparazzi and love-sick Labradors get in the way, they suddenly find themselves caught in a roller coaster ride of emotions. 

Ashleigh Hayes is a freelance photographer to the stars for Glitz magazine. She works along side her best friend of 10 years Stevie, a flamboyant stylist. PR Mogul Tom Rushworth buys Glitz magazine so that he can have a media outlet that will treat his clients well.  Ashleigh and Tom get themselves off to a rocky professional relationship, when he over hears her gossiping about his fiancée. 

Ashleigh seems to get in the habit of getting into embarrassing situations whenever Tom is around, and seems to permanently have her foot stuck in her mouth when it comes to him. It soon becomes apparent there are some feelings there, however since neither of them have had great romantic role models in their lives, they aren't really sure how to proceed. 

Among A Thousand Stars starts off funny, and gets progressively more hilarious. The antics that Ashleigh, Stevie and the cast of celebrities they work with get up to make very entertaining reading.  

For all that fun there is a deeper side, and story to the book, a storyline featuring Tom's mum Isobel. Isobel is a loving, caring lady, and all she wants if for Tom to look beyond building his business and to find love.  Whereas Ashleigh's mother is a real "character", she is zany, larger than life, and has interesting ways of going about things. She was one of my favourites. 

Another of the huge cast of characters I enjoyed reading about was Zac, the singer and perennial playboy, who has had 7 fiancée's and spends large amount of time trying to persuade Ashleigh that she should get together with him.  However despite the shallow exterior, Zac has hidden depths which were enjoyable to discover. 

This was the first book that I have read by Jo Bartlett, and I was really impressed and the mix of pure chick lit light heartedness, deeper emotions and some thrilling sexual chemistry.  I had pure enjoyment when reading this book, and look forward to seeing more from this author. 

Thank you to So Vain Books and Netgalley for my review copy of this book. This was my honest review. 

Happy Publication day to Jo Bartlett. Among A Thousand Stars is out today!

Book Review - How to Bake the Perfect Apple Pie by Gina Henning - Blog Tour & Giveaway

Amazon UK

Title: How to Bake the Perfect Apple Pie (Home for the Holidays - Book 3)

Author: Gina Henning

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Carina

Publication Date: 4th June 2015

Rating: 4 Stars

A scrumptious pie. A long distance guy. 4th of July fireworks guaranteed.

Lauren Hauser has it all…nearly. With a shiny new job and sparkly new engagement ring on her finger, the only thing she’s missing is her gorgeous new fiancé by her side. Should she be worried? Jack’s kisses are as sizzling as always and, sure, long distance is hard but, she and Jack are solid, right?

Of course the stress of planning a wedding—or not—is nothing compared to the stress of baking an apple pie. Because it’s not just any apple pie that Lauren must bake for the 4th of July contest; it’s her grandmother’s famous, award-winning apple pie! Yet Lauren is determined to make this pie her own and a little apple pie should be no problem for the Hauser clan dessert queen…!

But with her new job taking up so much time, a prize pie to perfect and the growing distance between her and Jack, Lauren begins to wonder if she can really have it all… Only one things for sure, there’ll be fireworks this 4th of July!

Available Here: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Nook | Nook  GB  | Google Play | Kobo |  iBooks

I was very excited when Gina Henning submitted a review request via my blog, asking me to review or take part in her blog tour, for her latest book. Although I haven't read the previous two books in the Home for the Holidays series, I am aware of them, and Gina is the first author to make contact through my blog that I had previously heard of. So naturally I said yes. and I am honoured and flattered to have been asked to take part. Thank you

I was a bit apprehensive about reading this book, as I hadn't read the previous books in Lauren and Jack's story, but I was assured it can be read as a stand alone, and that is the first thing I can say. It definitely works as a standalone book, and I found myself willing Jack and Lauren to sort out their possible differences, and to just set the date for the wedding.

You see Lauren and Jack are engaged, but Lauren has recently been given a promotion, and they are living and working a state apart. A long distance relationship is what neither of them had in mind originally, but they are determined to make the current circumstances work out, until one of them can move to the other. 

To add to the stress, everyone is asking Lauren continually when they are setting the date, and she is being hassled by many Pinterest boards of possible wedding themes by her mum. In addition Lauren's grandmother is insisting she takes part in the 4th July Apple Pie baking contest, despite Lauren not really being a baker. She has to make her grandmothers award-winning apple pie, but is allowed to adjust certain ingredients to make it her own. 

And then there are potentially problematic co-workers that would make a regular relationship, have the possibility of tension and jealousy, but could be potentially lethal to a newly engaged couple, desperately missing each other, suffering from a long distance-relationship. 

At times I did find I wanted to bang Jack and Lauren's head's together, and tell them to just communicate more.. but then the book wouldn't have been as entertaining if things ran very smoothly. 

I found this book to be a wonderfully light hearted romantic comedy that kept me smiling. It is incredibly easy to read, and I found the pages were just passing without me realising.  My favourite scene has to be during the Apple Pie contest itself. Let's just say you will be surprised by the outcome!

I would have liked to have read the previous books, just to really feel like I know Jack and Lauren a lot better, but even so, I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series, and especially curious as to the title! 

Thank you to Gina Henning, Netgalley and Carina for my review copy of this book. This was my honest review.

Author Bio:

Gina Henning currently resides where bluebonnets line the highways in the spring, but she prefers the rock flower anemone from under the sea. Above the ocean's surface Gina likes to dance with her three boys and travel to exotic places like the grocery store with her husband. Her pooch Schatzi is a mix between German Shepherd and possibly pig. One of Gina's favorite pastimes is running. She recently completed her one-and-done marathon. At the end of the day her glass of wine is always half-full.

Website: http://www.ginahenning.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ginahenningauthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/henningland

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Book Review - Summer by the Sea by Jenny Hale

Amazon UK

Title: Summer by the Sea

Author: Jenny Hale

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookoutre

Publication Date: 12th June 2015

Rating: 4 Stars

Summer by the Sea is a beautiful, heart-warming summer read about sisters, first love and not always getting what we want – but sometimes ending up with exactly what we need. 

They say there’s always one summer that changes you.

For Faith the one summer she can’t forget is when she fell in love as a teenager – only for her sister, Casey, to steal her man. Now, at the request of her beloved ninety-year-old Grandmother, Faith has agreed to a family holiday – at their childhood beach house, where it all began. 

Faith hasn’t seen her sister in years but is finally ready to forgive and forget, enjoy the sunshine and relive happy memories. What she’s not ready for is meeting Jake Buchanan – the owner of the beach house – or the long-forgotten feelings he ignites in her. 

Can Faith overcome the hurt of the past, rekindle the close bond she had with Casey and make this summer THE ONE to remember? 

Having loved Jenny Hale's Christmas books, when I spotted an opportunity to get a review copy of her latest summery book, I couldn't resist requesting it. And I wasn't disappointed. This is a lovely summery book, that made me reminiscent of simple family holidays along the coast of America (despite never even having experienced one myself). 

Faith and her family are returning for one last summer holiday, to Outer Banks. When they were younger, they used to spend every summer in Outer Banks, until a hurricane destroyed their old cottage. Now they are returning to celebrate Nan's 90th Birthday. Faith however has been slightly estranged from her sister for the past few years, after Casey stole her man one summer.

As a result Faith needs to let the past go, and to be more comfortable within herself and her family dynamic, and she finally gets to know her niece Isabella, who is now 5. 

What she hadn't counted on was meeting Jake Buchanan, who seems to be everywhere, and who she is clearly attracted to. 

It is lovely seeing Faith reconnect with Casey and for them to try to get to the bottom of their underlying issues, and try to be supportive of each other like real sisters again. 

Faith's nan is lovely, she seems to know everything that is going on in her family, whether she is expressly told or not. She is the real matriarch of the family, and all she wants is to have one last summer holiday in Outer Banks, and get the whole family to be less fractured and back to a whole family. She has an uncanny knack of knowing what others are thinking, or what she can say to hint to others what they should be doing.  

Summer by the Sea is a lovely summery read, about a family summer holiday, memories of many summers gone by, and a story of romance and forgiveness.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookoutre for this review copy. This was my honest review.  

Book Review - The Dandelion Years by Erica James

Amazon UK

Title: The Dandelion Years

Author: Erica James

Format reviewed: Hardback

Source: Competition Win

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 18th June 2015

Rating: 4.5 Stars

'Someone had made a perfect job of creating a place in which to hide a notebook . . . there was no address, only a date: September 1943 . . .'

Ashcombe was the most beautiful house Saskia had ever seen as a little girl. A rambling cottage on the edge of a Suffolk village, it provided a perfect sanctuary to hide from the tragedy which shattered her childhood.

Now an adult, Saskia is still living at Ashcombe and as a book restorer devotes her days tending to broken and battered books, daydreaming about the people who had once turned their pages. When she discovers a hidden notebook - and realises someone has gone to a great deal of trouble to hide a story of their own - Saskia finds herself drawn into a heart-rending tale of wartime love.

When Saskia was a little girl, her mother and both grandma's were killed in a car accident. To help them through the grief, her father, Ralph and both Gradfather's Harvey and Oliver decided to live together, at Ashcombe in Suffolk. 

Twenty years on, Saskia is still living with the three main men in her life, and has trouble forming relationships with other people. She works as a book restorer, which allows her to work by herself, and she has a real love of  books. 

In amongst a stack of books she needed to value for Ralph's business she comes across a notebook hidden in a bible. The notebook is entitled The Dandelion Years, and tells of a World War Two love story. 

Saskia while reading the notebook, manages to meet someone that knew the person who had written it, and a tentative friendship grows between them both. 

I'm not  particularly a history fan, but yet I was drawn into and gripped by the story being told by this notebook, about love during the second World War. It features a part of the war that I really knew nothing about, what went on at Bletchley Park,  and is tender, emotional and charming. I was finding these sections were what I was reading the book for. 

The contemporary parts of the book, is also a lovely story, as Saskia's family decide they may have been holding her back over the years, and try to force some changes into life at Aschombe. Oliver and Harvey a fabulous pair of gentleman, who clearly care about each other, as well as Ralph and Saskia, but its the interactions between that both that were hilarious. 

The two main stories in this book, have similarities between them, so you can see the present in some respects mirroring the past (without the World War). The Dandelion Years is a fascinating and wonderful book, that is one of the best books that Erica James has written. 

The Dandelion Years is out now in Hardback and Ebook, and will be published on Thursday in paperback. 

Book Review - Put a Spell on You by Karen Clarke

Amazon UK

Title:  Put a Spell on You

Author: Karen Clarke

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Corsair

Publication Date:  4th June 2015

Rating: 5 Stars

On the eve of her 27th birthday, Josie Goodwin is feeling harassed. Her boyfriend Will has become a donkey-loving hippy and her best friend Lara has baby-brain. She desperately needs to find the perfect location for a film shoot, or her career may implode. Her eccentric grandma has always said that Josie will inherit a book of spells on her birthday, but since she doesn't believe in magic, nothing will improve; or will it?

It is very rare for a book to keep me smiling from start to finish, without fail, but Put a Spell on You did exactly that.  From the cover, with its hint of magic, to the amusing story, this a fabulous way to spend a lazy day reading. 

Josie's life is a bit all over the place before her 27th birthday. Her boyfriend Will, a former ad executive, has become a donkey loving hippy, her best friend is more focused on her baby and Josie needs to find the perfect location for a film shoot or risk losing her job. 

When Josie turns 27 she has always been told by her grandma that she will inherit a book of spells. Josie has spent her life humouring her gran, up until she turns 27, and discovers she is a witch with the power to perform 9 spells in 9 days, and then the power leaves her. 

Josie is your typical chick-lit heroine, in that she is a bit ditzy and doesn't seem to focus on things that well. It is due to that lack of concentration and lack of focus, that leads to the interesting and unexpected events that occur when she casts her spells. 

I've always been a fan of magic, but I have generally prefer the stage show variety, than the belief that there may be white witches living among us. However I am fascinated by the idea that they could exist, and as was reading this, I couldn't help but wonder what I would wish for, if I suddenly had magical powers. Have a feeling I may be thinking that for a while yet!

There is within the book a good amount of scepticism from Josie's friends and family, about whether magic really exists, or whether what happens is really a set of coincidences that could be explained away.  In some respects the title "worst witch" could describe the outcomes, in others fate could be an explanation. 

 I will admit after some of the spells were cast, Josie and me as a reader were confused as to the outcomes. I stayed confused for a while, but it was a good confusion, and lead to many more humorous moments. 

Whatever you believe, this is definitely an entertaining and hilariously written story. It's not overly long either, so if you don't have too much time to read, this is still manageable. Equally I barely put it down during the afternoon I spent reading it, so it is definitely a book that will hold your interest. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group for this review copy. This was my honest review. 

Book Review - Somewhere Only We Know by Erin Lawless

Amazon UK

Title: Somewhere Only We Know

Author: Erin Lawless

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 11th June 2015

Rating: 5 Stars

Boy meets girl…

Alex Bradley can't help but feel that life is rather passing him by. And not just life – promotions, invitations, romance; the girl he loves only has eyes for his flatmate and his 9-5 job as the Immigration department skivvy is slowly numbing his soul. Until he meets Nadia.

Girl meets boy…

Nadia Osipova is running out of time. With no money, no lawyer and a totally fictitious boyfriend, she’s got one last summer and one last appeal before the British government deport her back home.

Girl gets deported?

It's going to be a bumpy ride, one she's dragging her new friend Alex along for. As Nadia races through a list of all her favourite London adventures, for what may be the last time, Alex can’t help but start to see the city, and his life, through Nadia’s eyes.

From hazy summer days on the Common and heady nights in Soho’s basement bars, to twilight walks along the Southbank, will Alex realise what he’s got before it’s too late?

I really wasn't too sure what to expect from this book. I know a lot of people enjoyed Erin's first book, but I haven't read it yet, and then I saw the word immigration in the blurb. I was very worried this would be some sort of highly political book potentially with an asylum seeker (and not really my sort of read). I could not have been more wrong. 

This is actually a wonderful story about friendship. It just so happens that Alex, works in the immigration department, and remembered reading Nadia Osipova's letter, while applying for long term stay in the UK. 

And then at a pub quiz that his flatmate and flatmate's girlfriend dragged Alex along to, he meets Nadia in person. Suddenly he is faced with a real person and not just a piece of paper. And what a real person Nadia is. 

The whole book focuses around Nadia, who is Russian and been living in the UK since her early teens, having been sent to boarding school there. She is hoping against all hopes not to be deported, and the book takes us up right through to the appeal against the original decision. 

While awaiting her court date she gets to know Alex as a friend, and since Alex doesn't really do much apart from hate his job, and play video games, she insists he comes with her, as she fills in her bucket list of things she want's to do around London, or wants to do a final time, in case she has to say goodbye to her home. 

Alex is currently suffering from unrequited love of his flatmate, Rory's girlfriend Lila. Alex although cynical about Nadia's plan at first, soon starts to enjoy himself and find another side to his personality.

Somewhere Only We Know takes you to a London that isn't often seen, to a more hidden side of London, and as a North Londoner myself, the less often visited south of the river side of the capital. From some of the more obvious touristy things to do, to things completely off the beaten path, you discover parts of London, along with Nadia and Alex. 

SOWK alternates between Nadia and Alex's view points, and with that you get to know a lot about their friendships and flatmates. I loved seeing the friendship grow from both perspectives.

I found Somewhere Only We Know to be a fantastic story, and a book that kept me guessing right until the end. There were a few obvious possible endings, and the outcome was one I hadn't seen coming. Always like a surprise somewhere in a story. 

Although this book is published by Harper Impulse, a publisher that keen blog follower may have noticed I love, this book isn't really a romance like you often get. Yes there is some romance but what blew me away was the deepening emotional connection between Alex and Nadia. 

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Harper Impulse. This was my honest review. 

Guest Post - Eve Devon's inspiration behind The Dress, featured in Magical Weddings

‘Fashions fade, style is eternal.’ –Yves Saint Laurent

Hello everyone, and thank you Rachel, for inviting me to talk about the inspiration behind my latest book ‘The Dress’, which is one of the novellas included in the Magical Weddings box-set.

When you write romance, half the fun is writing about metaphorical magic and its Happy Ever Afters. With the theme of Magical Weddings I got double the fun by venturing into the world of real magic too, to see what it could bring to my story.

Maybe it was ‘magic’ at work, or maybe it was Google knowing how much I love internet window-shopping(!), but one moment I was researching wedding traditions and folklore…the next I’d clicked on an entry about fashion in wedding dresses.

There amongst the glossy photographs of fairy-tale gowns in familiar fashionable silhouettes was a photograph of Grace Kelly in her wedding gown. The gown, designed by one of the costume designer’s at MGM film studios, had the most exquisite lace bodice and veil. You can find out more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_dress_of_Grace_Kelly

I was so struck by the timelessness of the gown and the romance of the lace that I started jotting down everything I could find about lace-making. My research journey took me to 17th century Venice, and exceptionally skilled lacemakers producing beautifully intricate and detailed work. 

And that was all it took—a photograph of Grace Kelly’s wedding gown and an article on the history of lace in romantic Venice, for me to start wondering what would go into creating a wedding dress that remained timeless through fashion forever? Probably a mixture of adventure, love, and a touch of magic, I thought ;)

The Dress 

Venice, 1615 and instead of the man her father wants her to marry, lacemaker Caterina dreams of Matheo. But when she dabbles with magical lace, she falls foul of the ruling family, altering not only her destiny, but Matheo’s too, and now imprisoned, Caterina must design a way to entwine their fates again. 

England, 2015 and when Cait bumps into Matthew, back from his travels for their friends’ wedding, the spark between them flares instantly. But is it another case of the right place at the wrong time for this bridesmaid and best man, or can a dress from Cait’s lace exhibition at the Museum of Fashion weave its magic through the fabric of time, and unite their destinies, too?

Magical Weddings

15 Enchanting Romances: 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, 14 of them new releases, 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.

Purchase Links:-  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

About Me:

Growing up in locations like Botswana and Venezuela gave me quite the taste for adventure and my love for romances began when my mother shoved one into my hands in a desperate attempt to keep me quiet during TV coverage of the Wimbledon tennis finals!

When I wasn’t consuming books by the bucket-load, I could be found pretending to be a damsel in distress or running around solving mysteries and writing down my adventures. As a teenager, I wrote countless episodes of TV detective dramas so the hero and heroine would end up together every week. As an adult, I worked in a library to conveniently continue consuming books by the bucket-load, until realising I was destined to write contemporary romance and romantic suspense myself. 

I live in leafy Surrey in the UK, a book-devouring, slightly melodramatic, romance-writing sassy heroine with my very own sexy hero husband!

You can find out more about me here: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Thank you so much Eve, for taking the time to share your inspiration with us, and Magical Weddings sounds like a great bundle of stories. At the time of writing this, 99p for 15 stories is fantastic value for money, and well worth a look. 

Book Review - Misbehaving in Miami by Aimee Duffy

Amazon UK

Title: Misbehaving in Miami (Summer Flings, Book 2)

Author: Aimee Duffy

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 11th August 2014

Rating: 4 Stars

Part 2 of Summer Flings - a fun, flirty and laugh out loud rom com series of short stories.

The girls are off to a beach house to catch some rays - and if they play their cards right - super hot guys!

With drinking games in the name of Gucci, a surprise visit from a very pissed off Zack and hunks galore, Miami is turning into their best stop yet. Not to mention Ciara finally comes up with a way to have her cake and eat it too!

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

This is the second book in the Summer Flings series, you can see my review for the first part here. 

Well the girls have moved on from Tinsel Town, and are now in Miami. There are some fantastic descriptions of Miami, that took me right back to my trips there last year. Having been on holiday to Miami, I think was partly what made me really want to read this part, and I wasn't disappointed. 

Elle and Gem are up for some more casual encounters with the male kind, and it seems like that and drinking to excess are their only motives for this trip round the world.  They are entertaining but so far fairly shallow characters that provide great entertainment. 

Ciara on the other hand is clearly going to be the star of the series, I feel we are getting far more of her background so far, and the chemistry between her and Zach is undeniable. 

I loved the scenes between Zach and Ciara, with a special mention to a section featuring ice-cream, where I was really feeling like I was Ciara, reading it.. 

With lots of booze, sun and muscle men on offer Miami is an entertaining short story, and a lovely second part in the overall Summer Flings series. 

I have always enjoyed Paris as a city, so will be interested what the girls get up to in Book 3, Point Us to Paris. 

Cover Reveal - Return to Bluebell Hill by Rebecca Pugh

I am delighted that Rebecca has asked me to be part of her cover reveal for her debut book. I have been following her excitement about becoming a published author for a few months now on Twitter, so it is with great pleasure that I can reveal this incredibly pretty cover...

As sweet and satisfying as strawberries and cream! This British summertime, get out in the garden with Rebecca Pugh’s sparkling debut novel.

Home is where the heart is…

Jessica McAdams has never belonged anywhere; never truly felt at home. Of course, what did she expect from parents who never made her feel welcome in her own house? Leaving her life in London to return home to the charming country village of Bluebell Hill is harder than she thought. Especially as she never considered she’d be returning under such heart wrenching circumstances…

Clearing out the stunning and imposing Bluebell House after her parents’ death is difficult for Jessica—they never had the best relationship and now it’s too late. Yet spending time in the house that was never a home, having afternoon tea with dear old friend Esme—and sharing hot, sizzling kisses with delectable gardener Rueben!—opens Jessica’s eyes to the potential of Bluebell House… Could this big old, beautiful manor really be her forever home? Is Bluebell Hill where her heart is, has always been?

Jessica soon dares to dream of her very own home with delicious Rueben by her side. But when a deep, dark secret of Bluebell House is unearthed, Jessica’s world is turned upside down…

Will Jessica ever find where her heart truly lies?

An emotional tale of self-discovery, taking chances and romance! Rebecca’s unique British voice feels like coming home again and again.

Links

Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon US

Author Bio

Rebecca Pugh grew up in the green county of Shropshire, with a mind full of fairy-tales and happy endings. Enchanted by true love and Disney Princesses, she decided that no matter what life threw her way, she’d continue to see the world through a child’s eyes. Through the pages of countless books, her adoration of reading blossomed, and it didn’t take long for her to fall under the spell of hundreds of authors’ words. 

Now, Rebecca’s own story has taken a fairy-tale like turn, and at 22, her dream has come true. With her faithful companions: Bonnie the dog, her partner, and her gigantic family by her side, Rebecca is ready to share her stories with readers who enjoy falling in love and losing themselves within beautiful, fictional worlds.

Rebecca Pugh is the author of women’s fiction and romance, her all-time favourite genres. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a good swoon?

Her debut novel, Return to Bluebell Hill, is due to be published June 18th 2015 by Carina UK. 

Thank you so much Rebecca Pugh for letting me be a part of your cover reveal. I have the book on pre-order already and I am very much looking forward to sitting back, relaxing and reading it.