***Book Tour*** Seaside Secrets by Melissa Foster (Rinny Reviews & Giveaway)

Synopsis

IN SEASIDE SECRETS...

Tony Black is the hottest surfer on the planet. He travels the world throughout the year and spends his summers on Cape Cod with his friends, at the Seaside cottages in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. He's got his choice of women, but Amy Maples is the one he wants. Fourteen years ago she was his for an entire summer, until a devastating accident changed everything, and what they had seemed like it had never existed--at least for her.

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Amy Maples is as consistent as the day is long. She's spent summers on Cape Cod forever, she always does the right thing, and she's spent years trying to reclaim the heart of Tony Black, the only man she's ever loved. She's back for a summer of fun with her friends at Seaside, only this year she's been offered the opportunity of a lifetime thousands of miles away, and she's decided to try one last time to reconnect with Tony. But having a relationship with Tony means dealing with her past--and dealing with her past may knock her to her knees.

 (Love in Bloom, #24, Seaside Summers, #4) Goodreads

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Review

***Disclaimer*** I received an arc of this book from the author for an honest review in return.

Confession time – I have not read any books previously in the Seaside Summers series and only a couple of books by the author previously, I hope to read them all at some point.

I was worried heading into reading that I would be completely lost having missed out on everything that had happened in the previous books this was not the case for the most part. I now obviously want to read the other books to see the other character’s stories and see the build-up too this book.

This book is a bitter-sweet second chance romance, it nearly broke me into tiny crying pieces many times. It was a very emotional read for me, even heart melting moments had me howling fresh tears. It is well balanced with humorous moments to help break up the more emotional parts. I am glutton for punishment however, I adore emotional roller-coaster reads. I am surprised given the fact I have not read the other books that I did find the book so emotional, that has to be a sign of a wonderful writer in my opinion. Perhaps it is helped by the fact so much unknown (I think previously) history comes too light in the book and we find out the reason why Amy and Tony have took so long to become a lasting couple, even though they have been mad about each other for such a long time.

The author’s characterization is amazing. I cannot even explain how wonderful the characters are, some of the most well fleshed realistic characters I have had the pleasure of getting to know with a bunch of fun side characters ( Cannot wait too read the other books in the series so I know them better).  I think that a lot of people will be able to relate to Amy and Tony and their situation.

If you like second chance books, Melissa Foster’s previous books, emotional reads, I think you will love this book. I really did enjoy this book and it will probably be a reread in the future when I have read the previous books, just to revisit Amy and Tony’s story again.

My Rating - 

About the Author

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women's fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on  Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.
Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on The Women's Nest, Fostering Success, or World Lit Cafe. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

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***Tour*** Obsession in Death by J.D.Robb (Rinny Reviews)

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Publishing 12th February 2015

Hardback | £18.99 | Also available on eBook

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Book #40 in death series

Synopsis

There's a thin line between hero worship and dangerous obsession.

A crisp winter morning in New York, in a luxury apartment, the body of a woman lies stretched out on a huge bed. On the wall above, the killer has left a message in bold black ink: FOR LIEUTENANT EVE DALLAS, WITH GREAT ADMIRATION AND UNDERSTANDING.

Eve Dallas is used to unwanted attention. Famous for her high-profile cases and her marriage to billionaire businessman Roarke, she has learned to deal with intense public scrutiny and media gossip. But now Eve has become the object of a singular and deadly obsession. She has an 'admirer', who just can't stop thinking about her. Who is convinced they have a special bond. Who is planning to kill for her - again and again.

With time against her, Eve is forced to play a delicate - and dangerous - psychological dance. Because the killer is desperate for something Eve can never provide - approval. And once that becomes clear, Eve knows her own life will be at risk - along with those she cares about the most.

My Review

***Disclaimer*** I was provided a free copy of this book in return for an honest review from Little Brown Book Group.

I was dubious at first when i sat down to read this book. I was worried that i would feel that I had missed out on reading the previous books and would not be able too engage with the characters and engage with the story as much as i like to. However this was not the case the book works well as a standalone. Although at times I did feel like I would have liked too know the characters a little bit better. It did not affect my enjoyment of the book however. The author gave us enough too look back into Eve's past that we felt like we knew the characters without having read the past books.

The characters for the most part were well varied and likeable in their own ways. Eve is tough as nails and after falling out of love with quite a few of my favourites in this genre. i might have found a possible replacement. I certainly would like to start at the beginning and see how the characters have grown and find out more about Eve and Rourke.

The book is extremely well written, I did find myself at first struggling too get too grips with the authors writing style for the most part. However I did eventually begin to like it. The writing seemed a lot like Eve quite direct and straight to the point. The plot is well thought out and full of twists and turns leaving you guessing. Especially abot who Eve's murderous secret admirer is. One of the best points to the book for me was the little pieces from the murderer's POV, so so creepy I often had too pause myself from reading. 

Another saving grace is that the book is full of action and moves quickly. You follow every piece of the investigation, in such detail you feel like your part of the investigation team. I also liked that the book was set in the future, I do not often read books like these and the first crime one i have read like this.

An intriguing, interesting read perfect for fans of crime,mystery and thrillers. It will keep you guessing and will be surprised if you guess who the murderer is before Eve and the gang do. I didn't.

My Rating: 

About the Author 

Nora Roberts is the number one New York Times bestseller of more than 200 novels. She published her first novel using the pseudonym J.D. Robb in 1995, with the In Death series, Robb has become one of the biggest thriller writers on earth, with each new novel reaching number one on bestseller charts over the world. With over 450 million copies of her books in print, she is indisputably one of the most celebrated and popular writers in the world.

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*** Rinny Reviews *** The Unbelievable Story Of How I Met Your Mother by Preston Randall

*** Disclaimer *** - I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Daniel Zurenski feels like a total loser, but he's about to encounter a crazy array of characters who are going to change his life forever. It starts with Fred Zimmerman (and his unique pet) who scrubs pots at The Spaghetti Barn restaurant and accidentally sets off a disastrous chain of events. There's the volatile restaurant manager Paolo and his greasy head chef nephew Tony. Then there's a fanatical sports reporter named Bruce Jagerski who dreams of winning a marathon if only he didn't have such a bizarre running style. All come together during marathon race weekend in this hilarious tale which will keep you guessing right to the finish line.

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Review

Wow, this short story is fast paced and Jam packed full of crazy characters and action. From the beginning it is all go and it does not stop until the last couple pages where it all comes together. Even then your left thinking what did I just read? You left wanting too re read immediately just to double check that everything happened the way you think it did. 

The writer’s style is hard to get used too at first, as at first you feel you have been chucked into a whole bunch of crazy with no path. However once you get used to the writing style it all just simply works. We meet a varied range of characters all with their own distinct and varied personalities, throughout the book. The writer does an awesome job at packing in more action than you could ever hope for in a short story.

This story is a witty and humorous tale of fate. As we progress through a range of accidents, consequences, choices and actions through the different everyday lives of the characters, we see how just it all effects everyone. It makes you realise just how magical and funny fate can actually be. Leading us to see the bigger picture, as their stories intertwine with each other’s, mixing and coming to a nice neat tied up ending.

I have to say that some bits in the story did turn my stomach ever so slightly. I did find myself chuckling along too. However, the thing that makes the whole story even better is Rambo, the little scene where we get inside his head is absolutely priceless.

This story is a good, quick, easy, action packed chucklefest, perfect for when you have to run down 10-20 minutes you have spare or for that dreaded commute to or from somewhere.

My Rating: 

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Preston Randall was born in Philadelphia but moved to Canada at an early age and currently resides in Victoria, British Columbia. After graduating with a B.Sc. in Biology he pursued an administrative career spanning thirty years, seven of which were spent in the Caribbean. Although always interested in creative writing, it wasn't until after returning to Canada in 2007 that he published his first short story.

A dedicated distance runner, Preston has a personal best of 2:35 in the marathon and completed the Boston Marathon in a respectable 2:47. He now runs for fun and fitness and only competes in the marathon vicariously through the characters in his latest story.

Preston has won awards in a number of writing competitions and is well-known for his unique brand of off-beat humour, plot twists and memorable characters. In spite of the many laugh-out-loud situations and descriptions, however, there is often a serious undertone.

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*** Rinny Reviews *** Best Kind Of Broken (Finding Fate #1) by Chelsea Fine

*** Disclaimer *** - I received a free copy from Clara at Little Brown Book Group in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

Pixie and Levi haven't spoken in nearly a year when they find themselves working―and living―at the same inn in the middle of nowhere. Once upon a time, they were childhood friends. But that was before everything went to hell. And now things are... awkward.

All they want to do is avoid each other, and their past, for as long as possible. But now that they're forced to share a bathroom, and therefore a shower, keeping their distance from one another becomes less difficult than keeping their hands off each other. Welcome to the hallway of awkward tension and sexual frustration, folks. Get comfy. It’s going to be a long summer.

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Publishing Paperback 13th January 2015

Review

When Clara came too me and offered me the choice between three books to read this cover drew my attention straight away! I do not usually like covers with just people on the cover but this cover is beautiful and perfect for the book. I was a little sceptical still as I do not read a lot of contemporary books and tend to stay away from new adult. However boy am I glad I did not pass this book up.

I read this in one sitting shushing everyone who spoke to me and ignoring everything I should not. The author's writing was moreish and beautiful to me almost elegant. The characters were just so right, even the odd ball side ones we meet along the way. I liked the difference between self doubting, anxious and self critical damaged Sarah (Pixie) and harsh, strong, smart, fun, witty protective Levi ( Leaves) who himself is broken through guilt. Their POV's were both strong enough not to have you wishing that the book was written from only just one. I loved how not only did we get an insight into each of their heads but that they were both flawed seeing things as we all do differently from the person sat next to us. Their fear, grief and guilt keeping themselves denying themselves of the one thing that could help them forgive, heal and move on. At times the constant pushing away did niggle me a bit and was tiresome but more from Pixie's side of things. However I do think in this kind of situation it was realistic.  Some of the side characters were amazing I want more Jenna who wouldn't want a friend like her lol. Out of all of the book Levi is way out in front for my fave spot every girl needs a Levi as a friend or boyfriend. 

This book had me on a emotional roller-coaster throughout. I went through all of them sadness, happiness, mild chuckles, anger and horror (Pixie's mum vile, vile and VILE). It is such a bitter sweet story at times and even though it is predictable that did not take anything away from me. I needed to hear/read their story, I needed too see it play out for them, root for them and cry with them. It' almost feels like were there alongside prying on what should be a private journey battling grief, finding themselves and each other. Learning to cope and heal is something we all have to do at one point or another, Moving on is not easy and Chelsea portrays this perfectly.

Perhaps not everyone's cup of tea but I would recommend this book too anyone who likes romance and new adult books. Perhaps even too those looking for something different or a bitter-sweet heart warming story. I am definitely going to continue this series and other books from the author. i might even try to step out of my YA comfort zone more often now :0

My Rating : I've found it so difficult too rate this book. At first my initial feeling was four but however I've found since finishing reading. Leaves and Pixie have stayed with me haunting my thoughts in a good way so I figure Four is just unfair. So five it is :)

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***Rinny Reviews*** On strike for Christmas by Sheila Roberts

*** Disclaimer *** - I received a free copy from the lovely Clara at Little, Brown Book Group in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis

At Christmas time, it seems as though a woman's work is never done. Trimming the tree, mailing the cards, schlepping to the mall, the endless wrapping - bah humbug! So this year, Joy and Laura and the rest of their knitting group decide to go on strike. If their husbands and families want a nice holiday filled with parties, decorations, and presents - well, they'll just have to do it themselves.

The boycott soon takes on a life of its own when a reporter picks up the story and more women join in. But as Christmas Day approaches, Joy, Laura, and their husbands confront larger issues in their marriages and discover that a little holiday magic is exactly what they need to come together.

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Published December 2nd 2014 by Piatkus (first published October 30th 2007)

Review

When Clara offered me the chance to read one of Sheila Robert's three Christmas books being released today, I jumped at the chance I love Christmas reads but do not often get to fit them in around all the craziness of the season. It was tough choosing one but On strike for Christmas sounded perfect, who does not or has not ever felt like packing it in and going on strike for Christmas I know I have. (I will include the synopsis of the other two books after my review, I hope to read these through the rest of December, fingers crossed!) 

As soon as i started reading this book, I was captivated. I did not put it down except too put tea in the oven. The only thing missing was a roaring coal fire! Unfortunately our electric one doesn't quite give the feeling the same. This book is a heart warming, fun, cozy read, at times i was laughing out loud, others i was fighting tears. It is a perfect Christmas read. In fact so much it has lifted my christmas spirit so much i plan to tackle some more Christmas shopping i have put off the past week.

The book follows an array of different characters from a small town and their Christmas stories. They all are in different situations and are all so relatable. Even the poor men that get the Christmas duties dumped on them, Even if I am more like Bob when it comes to socializing I also have alot of Joy in me. You can see where both sides are coming from in all of the different characters stories. I like the fact that we are following the strike from lots of POV'S, not only are they relatable all of the characters are realistic and by the end you feel like you know all of them so well and they all grow throughout the book, learning invaluable lessons. Its rare when you just cannot pick a favourite character from a book  but this is one of those times. It is also so hard to pick a favourite moment as there is just too many situations they all find themselves in that are simply priceless. Glen LOL the stuff he gets himself into still makes me chuckle. He reminds me so much of my husband.

The book is an easy, enjoyable read full of wit and paced perfectly. It has the right mix of fun and seriousness in.  I loved the terminology the characters used and the playfulness in the author's writing. I think not only the Grinch's out there but the Yulezilla's would all enjoy and get something out of this charming festive read.

I'm so glad my husband is a big kid at Christmas and does help out or I might have just joined in the strike this year. I think that as you read not only do the characters learn and grow but for Christmas stress heads like me or those less inclined to help out their other half's learn too. Christmas does not have to be perfect or a one person job. Having a perfect Christmas would not be perfect without the people who mean the most around you. Appreciate everyone in your life and all the things they do do for you or with you. Even if you are otherwise inclined.

My Rating : 

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Sheila's other Christmas releases today

When Kiley Gray discovers an enchanting snow globe in an antique shop, she has no idea how much her life is about to change. For years, the snow globe has passed from generation to generation, somehow always landing in the hands of a person in special need of a Christmas miracle.

Kiley could use a miracle herself. This year, all she wants for Christmas is someone to love. A hopeful shake leads her on an adventure that makes a believer out of her. When Kiley shares the story of the snow globe with her best friends-two women with problems of their own-they don't believe it. But they're about to discover that at Christmastime, sometimes the impossible becomes possible and miracles really do come true.

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When a guy is in trouble, he starts making deals with his Creator . . . and Ambrose the cat is no exception. In danger of losing his ninth and final life, Ambrose makes a desperate plea to the universe. He'll do anything if he can just survive and enjoy a nice long, final life. His prayer is answered when a stranger comes along and saves him-and now it looks like he has to hold up his end of the bargain.

The stranger turns out to be a firefighter named Zach, who's in need of some serious romantic help. If Ambrose can just bring Zach together with Merilee, the nice lady who works at Pet Palace, it's bound to earn him a healthy ninth life. Unfortunately for Ambrose, his mission is a lot harder than he ever thought. Merriliee is way too shy to make the first move on a ladies man like Zach, and Zach thinks he's all wrong for a nice girl like Merrilee. Now it's going to take all of Ambrose's feline wiles-and maybe even a good old fashioned Christmas miracle-to make them both realize that what they're looking for is right in front of their eyes.

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