Promo: Counting the Stars

 Stars in the City

These stars seem to have it all...

Valeria Joseph seems to have it all: career as actress on the soap opera, Charmed Lives, and everyone wants to be her. Her so-star, Cecily Taylor, fixes her up with a rising pop star named Dex Doyle and suddenly Valeria has a bigger spotlight on her.

Then, on the busy streets of New York City, she runs into her first love, Davis, who she never got over. Davis is a college basketball player who is dealing with high pressure stressors of his own and they find themselves supporting one another and falling back in love.

But, just like being on a daytime soap is full of drama—so is the publicity that surrounds Valeria. Throw in a pop star who's crazy about her, an award show event that trends on social media for all the wrong reasons, and tons of swoony moments. Can Valeria find true love in the big city?

Review

A lovely, sweet book about missed and second chances! Valeria has everything a girl could want, except the one that got away…

Written with a strong voice in the very popular first person, this book is a breezy, easy read with a sense of humor that keeps the pages turning. You care quickly about this cast of characters. I wanted the entire group to find happiness, including the antagonist. I would’ve loved this series in my late teens - it has all the gilded drama of Sweet Valley High without falling on too-adult themes. It’s a simple story of a second meet-cute that actually lasts.

Purchase Links 

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Stars-City-Krysten-Lindsay-Hager-ebook/dp/B0C19THWX3

Amazon CAN: https://www.amazon.ca/Stars-City-Krysten-Lindsay-Hager-ebook/dp/B0C19THWX3

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stars-City-Krysten-Lindsay-Hager-ebook/dp/B0C19THWX3

Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/Stars-City-Krysten-Lindsay-Hager-ebook/dp/B0C19THWX3

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/books/search/term/krysten+lindsay+hager

Author Bio – Krysten Lindsay Hager is a bestselling author of YA and contemporary romance. She writes romance because she loves bringing people swoony moments and hope-filled happily ever afters. She writes about falling in love, fame, fitting in, frenemies, first loves, and finding your way in the world. She loves reading, watching movies, and lipstick.

Website: https://www.krystenlindsay.com/

Facebook Page Link – https:// https://www.facebook.com/KrystenLindsayHagerAuthor

Instagram Link – https:// https://www.instagram.com/krystenlindsay/

BookBub Author Link – https:// https://www.bookbub.com/profile/krysten-lindsay-hager

Pinterest Link – https:// https://www.pinterest.com/krystenlindsay/

Review: Dressing the Countess

 

Dressing The Countess

Fans of Kristy Cambron, Stephanie Dray, and Julia Quinn will adore this Victorian romance from historical fiction dynamo, Rachel Brimble.

Seamstress Rose Watson cannot believe her good fortune when she’s plucked from obscurity to work for Lady Christina, the Countess of Bath. Despite her parents’ distrust that the position will come with conditions, Rose accepts the unexpected offer. 

 

When she arrives at the royal residence of Henlow House, a strange sense of destiny whispers through her, and Rose cannot wait for this new adventure to begin. Although, she has Henry Ward to deal with, the handsome, risk-taking and—though she is loath to admit it—exciting royal saddler and horse trainer, who both fascinates and frustrates her in equal measure. 

 

They could not be more different…with the exception of their hunger for more.

 

But as they begin to trust one another, and their bond flourishes, Rose’s connection with Henry could cause her to lose her position at Henlow House, which would destroy her. Will she be forced to choose between love and ambition? Either choice will change her life irrevocably.

A captivating escape that will touch your heart and keep you turning pages with impatient hope for Rose… 

Review

Rachel Brimble has done it again! Her romance books are well-known for being able to be timeless and timely all at once. I loved this take on Regency romance. I worried that I would miss the balls of high society but I loved watching the behind-the-scenes shots as two everyday people are called up to care for the Countess. The romantic pair prove that “wanting more” is a concept that wasn’t invented in modern times. 

Ms. Brimble painted a lovely portrait of a talented woman coming to her own in a day when women’s desires were usually subjugated to the wishes of husbands and fathers. Rose’s desire to be seen for her own talents is refreshing and scandalous. Ms. Brimble could have used that as an excuse to over-modernize the heroine and yet she keeps Rose relevant to the historical elements of the novel. I loved Rose for her fledgling attempts and the overwhelmed feelings she has as her star rises and love comes calling.

This book will please many romance readers, as Ms. Brimble’s books always do. It is more historical fiction and less romance, in my opinion, but it will bring joy to readers of both.

 

Purchase Link – 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dressing-Countess-Sweeping-Captivating-Victorian-ebook/dp/B0CW1HFHB2

https://www.amazon.com/Dressing-Countess-Sweeping-Captivating-Victorian-ebook/dp/B0CW1HFHB2

Author Bio – 

Rachel lives with her husband, two adult daughters and beloved Labrador in a small town near Bath, England. She is the author of 30 novels and has been published by Harlequin Mills & Boon, Kensington Books and others. Her latest series includes the Ladies of Carson Street trilogy and the Shop Girl series, both published with Aria Fiction. She also has several single titles with The Wild Rose Press. Her debut novel with Harpeth Road Press, Dressing The Countess, was released  in May 2024.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and the Female Entrepreneur Association and has thousands of social media followers all over the world. She is also studying for a history degree with the Open University in her spare time…

Social Media Links – 

Website: https://bit.ly/3wH7HQs

Twitter: https://bit.ly/3AQvK0A

Facebook: https://bit.ly/3i49GZ3

Instagram: https://bit.ly/3lTQZbF

 

Book Review: Maggie in the Middle

 ‘

When Maggie King turned sixty, she thought her life complete.

Now she’s sixty-one, and everything has gone horribly wrong.

Husband Greg has abruptly upped and left leaving Maggie bewildered. But there’s no time to question his departure because her ancient parents are all-consuming.

Once fondly referred to as the Golden Oldies, they’re now the BOBs – Bad-Tempered Old Buggers.

Sister Freya is never available to help, and Maggie is rapidly reaching the end of her tether.

She wants her life – and husband – back.

Instead, she’s trapped in what has been coined the Sandwich Generation – supporting both children and parents – except this particular sarnie is in danger of falling apart.

Maggie needs to learn that when life is like a club sandwich, it needs the best ingredients – and that includes lashings of love and some knee-trembling romance!

Review

Maggie is mid-stream of everyone else’s denial. Her husband has decided he’s not the marrying type. Her sister has let trauma make her selfish. Her children haven’t noticed “mom” is actually a person. But all of that is nothing compared to her aging parents who think they’re being eccentric rather than slowly losing independence. As Maggie’s mother’s dementia worsens, Maggie must finally realize that she has to be the voice of reason they all need. Her husband isn’t coming back. Her sister needs to talk to someone. Those children need to realize mom has needs, too, and her parents need advanced care. The path to those revelations is very, very relatable to anyone who feels stuck in the middle of too many life transitions. 

Content rating: This book is a very safe read for anyone who might pick it up. If poor Maggie’s mom could remember to dress herself before receiving company, there wouldn’t be anything anywhere near questionable. So read without concern. This novel will pour you a nice cuppa to warm your insides.

 

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Maggie-Middle-poignant-moving-romantic-ebook/dp/B0CXQ4WQK4

https://www.amazon.com/Maggie-Middle-poignant-moving-romantic-ebook/dp/B0CXQ4WQK4

 

Author Bio – Prior to turning her attention to writing, Debbie Viggiano was, for more years than she cares to remember, a legal secretary. She lives with her Italian husband, a rescued pooch from Crete, and a very disgruntled cat. Occasionally her adult children return home bringing her much joy... apart from when they want to raid the fridge or eat her secret stash of chocolate. Tweet @DebbieViggiano or follow her on Facebook!

 

Social Media Links – 

TWITTER:   @DebbieViggiano

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/debbie.viggiano.5/

INSTAGRAM: debbieviggiano

 

Blog Tour: Love, Julie

 

A Poignant and Humorous Journey of Self-discovery, Resilience, and Redemption

Once, Julie dreamed of a life filled with love and laughter. Now, in her mid-forties, she faces a starkly different reality. She's single, lonely, and reeling from breaking her hard-earned sobriety in front of her family and friends.

Opting for self-recovery over romance, Julie dives into planning her best friend Kate’s wedding. However, sharing this task with the irritatingly cheerful best man, single dad Luke, proves to be an unexpected challenge.

As Luke’s persistent kindness chips away at her icy exterior, a friendship forms, stirring a longing she’d sworn to suppress. But with self-forgiveness as her biggest hurdle, and her past ready to sabotage her future, can Julie confront the shame and trauma that have darkened so much of her life and find the courage to love again? Or will her demons shatter both her and Luke’s hearts in the process?

Jamie Anderson, author of the hilarious and heartwarming Someone to Kiss, is back with another witty, acerbic, and relatable story. Love, Julie is a richly emotional tale of recovery, forgiveness, and romance that readers have praised for “nailing the humor and snarky nature of our generation.”

Review: oh my! What a truly delightful novel. Maybe I’ve had just the right number of complicated friends to find Julie endearing rather than irritating. She is trying *so* hard to be a better friend - and failing in ways that are all too relatable. The sarcastic and, yes, acerbic humor didn’t get as irritating as other novels who have tried this approach. The author hit that sweet spot by giving Julie enough charm to overcome any potential irritation. I found myself begging her to believe in herself and to give love a chance. I hope you do, too. 

Content review - The novel gets an R rating for swearing and a modern morality about sex and sexiness. However, it was all integrated so well into character that I found it truthful rather than forced. 

 

Purchase Links 

https://mybook.to/lovejulie

 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D135N3R8
 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D135N3R8
 https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D135N3R8
 https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D135N3R8

 

Author Bio – 

Jamie Anderson is based in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. A proud Canadian and Saskatchewanian, she wanted to set her first two novels in the place she was born and raised.

She’s been writing for as long as she can remember, and has been reading for longer than that. She lives happily with her mountain of books, her TV and her two plants.

 

You can read Jamie’s first novel Someone to Kiss here: https://mybook.to/someonetokiss

 

Social Media Links – https://linktr.ee/jamieandersonwrites

https://twitter.com/jandersonwrites