Lucy Mitchell's Blog, page 42

#BookReview Willow’s Wedding Vows @DebbieViggiano #Romance

Oh my goodness this book review is going to test my powers of not giving the game away! I can’t keep secrets. Did you know I have been called Lucy Loose Lips in my time? Debbie Viggiano is probably reading this and groaning

Writing a Book & Being in a Relationship – The Similarities #AmWriting

A few days ago I was reading an article about the 5 stages of relationships. This is how us romance authors like to roll in our spare time. I was supposed to be thinking about constructing fictional relationships but by the end of the article I was telling my uninterested loved ones, (who now can’t avoid my ramblings due to lockdown) about how writing a book is very similar to being in a relationship.

I’d like to say my lightbulb moment produced a thought-provoking discussion over the family dinner table that night but sadly all I got was a few grunts and a teenager muttering something under their breath.

So, here are my similarities:

The Honeymoon Phase.

This is the first stage of your new relationship. It’s complete euphoria. You’re falling in love with this new person in your life. Everything is perfect – from your first kiss to the bolts of electricity you feel when they put their arm around you. This person can’t do anything wrong, and you’re struggling to find a single flaw in them.

You are in love with your new story and your first creative outpouring. Everything is rosy and perfect. You can’t stop having sneaky writing sessions and each one leaves you breathless and tingly. You are struggling to find anything wrong with your story as your first draft is reading like a final fifth draft. The mere thought of your draft novel gets you going and there’s a spring in your step and twinkle in your eye.

The Uncertainty Stage.

The love glasses are off. You’ve found the toilet seat up one too many times, you’ve realised they recycle their jokes, they can’t make a decent cup of tea and you have opposing Netflix boxset tastes. Also you can’t forget that innocent comment they made about your uncle going for a fourth helping at the family buffet and eating up all the cold meats. Your partner, on the hand, has struggled with your watery casseroles, your car parking and your refusal to apologise for the flower pot you smashed when you reversed into their drive.

This is the phase where uncertainty sets in and you start to view your completed first draft with a critical lens. It is no longer sounding like a final fifth draft and you are starting to worry about it not reading like the amazing story in your head. Your first chapter is questionable, your heroine is a bit wooden and she doesn’t to seem to like your cast of older attractive male characters. Many have been created using your own 80’s film star fantasies.

The Comfortable Stage.

You have both got into your relationship groove. The sun is out in your relationship and those uncertainties have gone. Your relationship has some little niggles but that’s okay. This is the time for being able to recite your loved one’s preferred takeaway order, emailing them your Christmas gift list early and giggling at your matching outfit.

You have also settled into a novel writing groove. Your draft novel is blossoming despite a few little weaknesses like the miserable look on your heroine’s face. One day she will thank you for the lengths you have gone to for her. This is the time for tweeting about your draft novel with happy emojis, getting into a regular writing routine, not shouting at your laptop and feeling upbeat about your future together.

The Break Up Stage.

Not all relationships go through this stage but for those that do it can be a painful and challenging time for both parties. Even though you had strong feelings for each other there were things you couldn’t ignore; the milky cup of tea in the morning, the toilet seat issue, the conflicting boxset tastes and that comment about your much loved uncle’s buffet habits. You, on the other hand, are perfect and don’t need to change a thing.

Not all book writing relationships go through this stage but when it does it can also be upsetting and heart breaking. There were too many niggles. By the time you had finished editing your second draft there was barely anything left to work with. Even your own version of leather clad Harrison Ford couldn’t spark a reaction from your heroine. After a few angry tweets about your draft novel with a selection of devil emojis you decide you’ve done enough. The magic has gone.

The Making Up Stage.

It must be love because you can’t stay away from each other. To your surprise after a few days of silence you found yourself longing to hear one of your ex-partner’s recycled jokes, finally admitting to yourself your uncle does hog a family buffet and you are going to buy your ex-partner a new flower pot. Your other half has missed you. They are willing to eat your watery casseroles and want to know whether you want to do a karaoke duet.

It must be love because after shelving your novel you are back at the writing desk. To your surprise after a few days of no writing you couldn’t stop thinking about your draft novel, your heroine and her taste in fictional men. You’ve finally admitted to yourself that maybe she prefers someone her own age and someone who is right for her, not you. Before you know it you’ve created a handsome character who is from her generation and she’s come out of her shell. Rejoice – you are back in the arms of your draft novel.

All relationships change and evolve.

They also all require some give and take.

Have a fabulous day.

 

 

 

 

#BookReview The First Date @ZaraStoneley #Romance #Dating

This book is a fun read and as an extra bonus it will make you reminisce about all of the first dates you might have experienced.

As I have been with my loved one since the dawn of time this book also made me think about how I’d cope in this new dating world with things like Tinder. It feels so different to the one I left which was all about eyeing up a love interest on a crowded dance floor of a cheesy nightclub and working out how you could ‘dance’ your way over to him without making it too obvious and then once in his vicinity showing him through the medium of drunken interpretive dance what a catch you are. *Sigh*

Moving on swiftly, this book by Zara Stoneley is perfect for reading in lockdown. It’s funny, lighthearted romantic comedy with some interesting characters.

Here’s the blurb:

Right place.

Right time.

Wrong guy …

After breaking up with her childhood sweetheart, clueless dater Rosie has found herself in a boyfriend-drought. So when she finally swipes right on a guy who seems interested, she can’t wait to meet up IRL.

Until she’s left standing alone. In a bar. Ghosted.

Enter Noah. Confident, funny … and a serial first dater. Offering to give Rosie a crash course in seduction, this could be just what she needs. Until her matchmaker turns out to be the best date she’s ever had – and Rosie wonders if she wants the fake dates to be the real ones after all …

A hilarious, heartwarming romantic comedy about what happens when the wrong guy turns up at the right time, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Debbie Johnson.

Here’s my review:

I did feel for Rosie at the start. After the break up of her long term relationship she’s back on the search for a soulmate and dipping her toe in the online dating world. However it’s not as simple as she thinks and there’s so many new challenges to face. I loved her list at the start about the 7 things that can go wrong on a first date after a Tinder match.

The premise was good – Rosie meeting Noah instead of the date who has stood her up and agreeing to follow Noah’s dating pointers.

There was more to both Rosie and Noah once the book got going. They had different issues and these explained a lot about their characters.

The standout has to be the banter between Rosie and Noah. Their witty dialogue is great fun.

A fun read!

If you fancy taking a further look please click here.

Zara Stoneley is the USA Today bestselling author of ‘The Wedding Date’.

She lives in a Cheshire village with her family, a lively cockapoo called Harry, and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron.

Born in a small village in the UK, Zara wanted to be a female James Herriot, a spy, or an author when she grew up. After many (many) years, and many different jobs, her dream of writing a bestseller came true. She now writes about friendship, dreams, love, and happy ever afters, and hopes that her tales make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and occasionally say ‘ahhh’.

Zara’s bestselling novels include ‘Bridesmaids’, ‘No One Cancels Christmas’, ‘The Wedding Date’, ‘The Holiday Swap’, ‘Summer with the Country Village Vet’, ‘Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage’ and the popular Tippermere series – ‘Stable Mates’, ‘Country Affairs’ and ‘Country Rivals’.

#BookReview Out of Touch by @HalehAgar & Debut Author Q&A #TuesdayBookBlog

This book, Out of Touch, by debut author, Haleh Agar, has rocketed up my own 2020 Book Favourites List. This book is so good it needs to be shouted about.

Out of Touch was published at the start of April and in light of everything that’s happening we need to shout a little louder about new books.

I wasn’t planning to do a blog post until later this week but after reading this book all I wanted to do was write a review and put it on my blog. Then some Twitter magic happened and at short notice Haleh sent me her debut author Q&A. So, I have a cracking blog post for you.

PLUS Haleh Agar has done some great YouTube vlogs on writing, submitting to agents and dealing with rejection so I will have links at the end for that too.

Here’s the blurb 

A powerful tale of betrayal and abandonment from a stunning new voice. When a brother and sister receive a letter from the father they haven’t seen in twenty years, they must confront long-buried tensions in ways that will change them for ever.

A man hit Ava with his car, a few miles from her bungalow. He brings her flowers in hospital, and offers to do her laundry. He also brings her the letter she dropped that night on the road.

In New York, Ava’s brother Michael receives the same letter. He thinks about it as he steps out of the shower into his curtainless bedroom. A naked woman stares at him from the apartment across. They both laugh and cover up with their arms.

Brother and sister cannot avoid the letter: their estranged father is dying and wants to meet. Can they forgive their father, and face each other after all these years apart? Will new unexpected friends offer the advice and comfort they need?

With sharp wit and sensitivity, Out of Touch is a deeply absorbing story about love and vulnerability, sex and power, and the unbreakable bonds of family.

Here’s my review:

I found myself totally immersed in this book. This is the story of two siblings; Ava and Michael who are estranged from each other and from their father. Ava lives in the U.K. and Michael lives in New York. A letter from their dying father makes Ava and Michael start to confront their past and their own actions. It also offers them the opportunity, if they want it, to reconnect and forgive their father.

Ava and Michael are interesting characters. No matter how hard they try to ignore the letter from their father it always seems to creep back into their thoughts. I love the way the letter kickstarts a chain of emotions for both of them and, with the help of some unexpected new friends, they both begin a journey of self discovery.

This is a story of family relationships, love, loss and betrayal. It’s so beautifully written, packed full of emotion and sprinkled with some wonderful wit. The author’s style of descriptive writing is so engaging and absorbing. I lost track of all time whilst reading this.

I’m a romance writer by trade so I was drawn to Ava’s friendship with Sam which began after a car accident. This was such an interesting way to bring characters together. The touching way Sam looked after Ava when she was on crutches warmed my heart.

I do think Haleh Agar is an author to keep an eye on. She’s writes such a good story and takes you on one hell of an emotional journey.

This book is definitely worth a read.

Click here to find out more on Amazon.

Click here to find out more on Waterstones.

Haleh’s Q&A

Firstly, please introduce your debut novel, OUT OF TOUCH. What’s it about?

Out of Touch is about a brother and sister who haven’t seen each other in over twenty years. Their father gets in touch to say that he is in trouble and now they must confront the past and each other.

What inspired you to write Out of Touch?

I love stories about families, especially siblings. We have no choice in who our family members are, which makes for intriguing relationships. I have two sisters myself, and we get along great. I’ve written about a brother and sister because I’ve always wondered about how gender socialization might affect the people we become in later adulthood, particularly in a household with a toxic male presence. The film Shame, initially inspired the idea of writing about a brother and sister.

Your novel explores the importance of touch. Ava longs to be touched, and sees that as meaning she is desired and loved. How do you think this novel will speak to readers when touch has become something loaded with danger?

I think more than ever, physical intimacy is on our minds. We are all trying to find a way to cope in this strange new reality of distancing. Ava clings to her self-help book on happiness. I think readers will resonate strongly with Ava’s longing for touch, and equally with her fear of intimacy when after her accident, she feels the vulnerability of her body.

You write movingly about illness, about bodies that don’t work as we hope they will. Was it important to you to make sickness and bodies that are different central to the book?

Absolutely. As someone who has been diagnosed with endometriosis and cardiomyopathy, I think a lot about the body. How do these labels of illness affect our identity? How do we cope emotionally when we are told that our bodies are ‘dysfunctional’? The question of how we see ourselves in relation to our bodies is central to my work.

I’d love to know a bit about your publication journey. What was it like?

Before querying agents, I had submitted fiction to magazines and journals and so had a few publications. I also entered competitions and won two. It’s not necessary to have a track record, but it can make your query letter stand out when you’re going through the slushpile.

I found the publication journey to be exciting. Every day held new possibilities. It’s important to have fun with it.

What is your favourite part of being a writer? And least favourite part?

The best part of being a writer is making no apologies for living in a dream world. Imagining, and creating a new reality is one of the most satisfying things in life. My least favorite part of being a writer used to be that feeling of isolation, but I had solved this issue by joining a co-working space. I miss my co-working buddies now, but we’re seeing each other every Thursday via Zoom where we do a quiz!

What was the moment when you first held your book like?

I had washed my hands, after opening the delivery box, & it was a beautiful moment when I held my book. I just couldn’t get over how gorgeous it looked. W&N have done such a wonderful job in making my book into a real thing—the editing, the cover design, the font! I just kept thinking, ‘Thank you.’

What are you currently working on?

When I’m in the right headspace, I work on my second book and on the series of vlogs I’ve started about creative writing and the publishing process. In these strange times, every day is up and down. To be honest, it’s not an ideal environment for creating!

Were there alternate endings you considered?

Absolutely! I’ve written many versions of the novel. The thing about creative writing, is that you often learn through the actual process and various drafts what the characters are like, and how things will pan out. Planning is great, but I give myself the flexibility of changing elements of the story as I go along.

Do you have any tips for writers?

Yes. Be kind to yourselves. Praise yourselves whenever you write, read, or even just when you’re engaged in an activity that inspires you—all experiences are important to writing. I’ve recently started a vlog for the writing community that covers a range of topics related to creative writing and the publishing process.

You can find information about my vlog on my website halehagar.com under the heading ‘Publishing Tips’. Here’s the YouTube Link – click here

Biography/About The Author:

Haleh is a novelist, short story writer and essayist. She has been published in literary magazines and journals, including Mslexia, Viva Magazine, Fincham Press and Lamplight Magazine. Her short story, ‘Not Contagious’ was recently Highly Commended by the Costa Short Story Award. She won the Brighton Prize for a piece of flash fiction, and her narrative essay ‘On Writing Ethnic Stories’ won the London Magazine’s inaugural essay competition.You can find her on Twitter: @HalehAgar

 

People Come Into Your Life For A Reason, A Season or A Lifetime. Why I Believe The Same About Characters #Writers

I read a good blog post which talked about the following:

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty; to provide you with guidance and support; to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

This blog post made me sit back in my chair, chew the end of my already nibbled pencil and think about how the same can apply to fictional characters.

For noting: whilst writing this blog post and exploring this topic I actually made friends with one of my characters. I now understand why they came into my writing life and guess what – IT WAS NOT TO BUG THE HELL OUT OF ME as I previously thought.

I can put all the fictional characters I have created over the years into these three camps.

The Reason Character Camp

These characters have come to into my life for a reason and that is to help teach me things. Some have shown me that I need to make them real and tangible. Some have taught me that I need to give them a goal, a personality and some have shown me that I need to give them flaws as no one likes a goody two shoes. Some have turned up because they needed to show me that I was missing a trick with my story. They showed me where the trapdoor was and I opened it.

They then left my writing life because it was time for me to move on. I get this now.

The Season Character Camp

A few of my characters have come into my life for a season. They have given me a lot of joy and made me laugh. They have always showed up when I have needed to go back to loving being a writer and forget about publishing contracts, agents and future book sales. The characters from my Vampire Romance are in this camp. I loved writing their story and those evenings where I sat on my sofa and wrote my heart out because I was enjoying making my art will always be a fond memory. I will always be grateful to these characters for showing up when they did because I needed them for a season.

The Lifetime Character camp

This is a tough camp to get into. These fictional characters have taught me about persistence and resilience. They have taught me to believe in my writing and they have all guided me through some dark writing times. Even though some of these characters are now in my novel; Instructions For Falling In Love Again, they’re still with me. My character Roxy Collins is another who will never leave my head. She’s been with me since 2012 and I can’t see her leaving anytime soon.

If you are struggling with a character at the moment or you are wondering why the heck a certain character turned up in one of your stories – figure out the reason why they have come into your writing life.

On my Instagram stories two new characters have been created; the man from the Energy department and the lady from the Compliance dept who have found themselves working in the same office due to the lockdown. The lady from Compliance fancies the man from the Energy dept but he’s having none of it. One day I will confess to my husband that I’ve taken our joke marital role play onto Instagram. These characters are teaching me to smile through this lockdown. Check out the highlights so you can catch up – lol!

Have a great day x

 

#BookReview & Prize GIVEAWAY The Gin Lover’s Guide to Dating @NinaKayeAuthor

I love books which not only contain a good story but also carry some valuable life lessons.

This book surprised me. It wasn’t what I expected at all. I knew I would get a funny romance with a gin theme, but I didn’t think I would get an uplifting story of reinvention, self discovery and an inspirational character as well.

By the end of it I actually found myself toasting Nina Kaye and her character Liv.

During these strange times some of us are trying to reinvent ourselves and are battling through inner turmoil. WE NEED FUNNY MOTIVATIONAL BOOKS LIKE THIS! Books like this one are beacons of light for us readers!

When life gives you lemons… add a splash of gin

Two parts sparkling comedy. One dose of romantic tension. Mix well with a second chance, a splash of mystery, and garnish with a twist of fate…

When Liv’s high-flying career goes off the rails, she finds herself working at a glitzy new gin bar to pay the bills. Yes, she’s got a knack for reading the customers, she’s finally got time to have some fun, and she might have just found some real friends – but it’s just until she gets her life back on track, right?

But between humiliating encounters with her old workmates, one very hot bartender, and a lot of soul searching to do, Liv’s life is even more muddled than a Blackberry Bramble…

Can Liv face up to her past, seize her future, and mix her own recipe for happiness?

A hilarious, feel-good romantic comedy for fans of Mhairi McFarlane and Sophie Ranald

 Here’s my review:

If you have ever had to reinvent yourself after your life has imploded then you will warm to the character of Liv. She loved her flash job in the corporate world but when that is suddenly taken away from her in a cruel restructure she soon finds herself inner turmoil. Fair play to Nina Kaye who writes a realistic character who goes through many different stages; denial, anger, sadness and finally acceptance. In some books characters do get up on their feet a little too quick but not Liv. At times it is heartbreaking especially when all those job rejections are coming in and she has bills to pay. I think Liv is a great character who goes through hell but with the help of her friends manages to get back on her feet.

I loved her friendships with old friend Dylan and new friend Reyes. Dylan tells Liv a few home truths like any good friend would. Let’s just say this – we could all do with a Dylan in our lives when life goes on the slide. Reyes is like a breath of fresh air for Liv and at times I wanted to hug her.

On the romance front Nina keeps us on our toes and I wasn’t sure who was going win Liv’s heart. I won’t give the game away and say whether my romantic dreams came true.

The gin theme is cleverly weaved in throughout and as I am a gin lover I warmed to this a lot.

My favourite part of this book is chapter 15 because Liv takes her first brave step forward and she does it while chanting, ‘the only true barrier is myself’ – this chapter gave me tingles! I was so proud of Liv and I was right behind her.

Nina Kaye – thank you for inspiring me

If you fancy checking this book out please click here.

Prize giveaway 

To celebrate this blog tour for The Gin Lover’s Guide to Dating, there seemed no better way than to give away some gin-related goodies!

Nina has teamed up with specialist gin producer, Tiger Gin, to offer one lucky winner: a copy of her debut novel (Kindle Edition), a bottle of multi-Gold award winning Tiger Gin, and one copy of The Little Cocktail Box.

To enter, all you need to do is retweet and comment (just once!) on Nina’s pinned tweet on her Twitter page (@NinaKayeAuthor), telling her which blog tour post you have read.

BlondeWriteMore readers this is where you mention MY BLOG

#BookReview & Prize GIVEAWAY The Gin Lover’s Guide to Dating @NinaKayeAuthor

I love books which not only contain a good story but also carry some valuable life lessons.

This book surprised me. It wasn’t what I expected at all. I knew I would get a funny romance with a gin theme, but I didn’t think I would get an uplifting story of reinvention, self discovery and an inspirational character as well.

By the end of it I actually found myself toasting Nina Kaye and her character Liv.

During these strange times some of us are trying to reinvent ourselves and are battling through inner turmoil. WE NEED FUNNY MOTIVATIONAL BOOKS LIKE THIS! Books like this one are beacons of light for us readers!

When life gives you lemons… add a splash of gin

Two parts sparkling comedy. One dose of romantic tension. Mix well with a second chance, a splash of mystery, and garnish with a twist of fate…

When Liv’s high-flying career goes off the rails, she finds herself working at a glitzy new gin bar to pay the bills. Yes, she’s got a knack for reading the customers, she’s finally got time to have some fun, and she might have just found some real friends – but it’s just until she gets her life back on track, right?

But between humiliating encounters with her old workmates, one very hot bartender, and a lot of soul searching to do, Liv’s life is even more muddled than a Blackberry Bramble…

Can Liv face up to her past, seize her future, and mix her own recipe for happiness?

A hilarious, feel-good romantic comedy for fans of Mhairi McFarlane and Sophie Ranald

 Here’s my review:

If you have ever had to reinvent yourself after your life has imploded then you will warm to the character of Liv. She loved her flash job in the corporate world but when that is suddenly taken away from her in a cruel restructure she soon finds herself inner turmoil. Fair play to Nina Kaye who writes a realistic character who goes through many different stages; denial, anger, sadness and finally acceptance. In some books characters do get up on their feet a little too quick but not Liv. At times it is heartbreaking especially when all those job rejections are coming in and she has bills to pay. I think Liv is a great character who goes through hell but with the help of her friends manages to get back on her feet.

I loved her friendships with old friend Dylan and new friend Reyes. Dylan tells Liv a few home truths like any good friend would. Let’s just say this – we could all do with a Dylan in our lives when life goes on the slide. Reyes is like a breath of fresh air for Liv and at times I wanted to hug her.

On the romance front Nina keeps us on our toes and I wasn’t sure who was going win Liv’s heart. I won’t give the game away and say whether my romantic dreams came true.

The gin theme is cleverly weaved in throughout and as I am a gin lover I warmed to this a lot.

My favourite part of this book is chapter 15 because Liv takes her first brave step forward and she does it while chanting, ‘the only true barrier is myself’ – this chapter gave me tingles! I was so proud of Liv and I was right behind her.

Nina Kaye – thank you for inspiring me

If you fancy checking this book out please click here.

Prize giveaway 

To celebrate this blog tour for The Gin Lover’s Guide to Dating, there seemed no better way than to give away some gin-related goodies!

Nina has teamed up with specialist gin producer, Tiger Gin, to offer one lucky winner: a copy of her debut novel (Kindle Edition), a bottle of multi-Gold award winning Tiger Gin, and one copy of The Little Cocktail Box.

To enter, all you need to do is retweet and comment (just once!) on Nina’s pinned tweet on her Twitter page (@NinaKayeAuthor), telling her which blog tour post you have read.

BlondeWriteMore readers this is where you mention MY BLOG

#BookReview & Prize GIVEAWAY The Gin Lover’s Guide to Dating @NinaKayeAuthor

I love books which not only contain a good story but also carry some valuable life lessons.

This book surprised me. It wasn’t what I expected at all. I knew I would get a funny romance with a gin theme, but I didn’t think I would get an uplifting story of reinvention, self discovery and an inspirational character as well.

By the end of it I actually found myself toasting Nina Kaye and her character Liv.

During these strange times some of us are trying to reinvent ourselves and are battling through inner turmoil. WE NEED FUNNY MOTIVATIONAL BOOKS LIKE THIS! Books like this one are beacons of light for us readers!

When life gives you lemons… add a splash of gin

Two parts sparkling comedy. One dose of romantic tension. Mix well with a second chance, a splash of mystery, and garnish with a twist of fate…

When Liv’s high-flying career goes off the rails, she finds herself working at a glitzy new gin bar to pay the bills. Yes, she’s got a knack for reading the customers, she’s finally got time to have some fun, and she might have just found some real friends – but it’s just until she gets her life back on track, right?

But between humiliating encounters with her old workmates, one very hot bartender, and a lot of soul searching to do, Liv’s life is even more muddled than a Blackberry Bramble…

Can Liv face up to her past, seize her future, and mix her own recipe for happiness?

A hilarious, feel-good romantic comedy for fans of Mhairi McFarlane and Sophie Ranald

 Here’s my review:

If you have ever had to reinvent yourself after your life has imploded then you will warm to the character of Liv. She loved her flash job in the corporate world but when that is suddenly taken away from her in a cruel restructure she soon finds herself inner turmoil. Fair play to Nina Kaye who writes a realistic character who goes through many different stages; denial, anger, sadness and finally acceptance. In some books characters do get up on their feet a little too quick but not Liv. At times it is heartbreaking especially when all those job rejections are coming in and she has bills to pay. I think Liv is a great character who goes through hell but with the help of her friends manages to get back on her feet.

I loved her friendships with old friend Dylan and new friend Reyes. Dylan tells Liv a few home truths like any good friend would. Let’s just say this – we could all do with a Dylan in our lives when life goes on the slide. Reyes is like a breath of fresh air for Liv and at times I wanted to hug her.

On the romance front Nina keeps us on our toes and I wasn’t sure who was going win Liv’s heart. I won’t give the game away and say whether my romantic dreams came true.

The gin theme is cleverly weaved in throughout and as I am a gin lover I warmed to this a lot.

My favourite part of this book is chapter 15 because Liv takes her first brave step forward and she does it while chanting, ‘the only true barrier is myself’ – this chapter gave me tingles! I was so proud of Liv and I was right behind her.

Nina Kaye – thank you for inspiring me

If you fancy checking this book out please click here.

Prize giveaway 

To celebrate this blog tour for The Gin Lover’s Guide to Dating, there seemed no better way than to give away some gin-related goodies!

Nina has teamed up with specialist gin producer, Tiger Gin, to offer one lucky winner: a copy of her debut novel (Kindle Edition), a bottle of multi-Gold award winning Tiger Gin, and one copy of The Little Cocktail Box.

To enter, all you need to do is retweet and comment (just once!) on Nina’s pinned tweet on her Twitter page (@NinaKayeAuthor), telling her which blog tour post you have read.

BlondeWriteMore readers this is where you mention MY BLOG

#BookReview & Prize GIVEAWAY The Gin Lover’s Guide to Dating @NinaKayeAuthor

I love books which not only contain a good story but also carry some valuable life lessons.

This book surprised me. It wasn’t what I expected at all. I knew I would get a funny romance with a gin theme, but I didn’t think I would get an uplifting story of reinvention, self discovery and an inspirational character as well.

By the end of it I actually found myself toasting Nina Kaye and her character Liv.

During these strange times some of us are trying to reinvent ourselves and are battling through inner turmoil. WE NEED FUNNY MOTIVATIONAL BOOKS LIKE THIS! Books like this one are beacons of light for us readers!

When life gives you lemons… add a splash of gin

Two parts sparkling comedy. One dose of romantic tension. Mix well with a second chance, a splash of mystery, and garnish with a twist of fate…

When Liv’s high-flying career goes off the rails, she finds herself working at a glitzy new gin bar to pay the bills. Yes, she’s got a knack for reading the customers, she’s finally got time to have some fun, and she might have just found some real friends – but it’s just until she gets her life back on track, right?

But between humiliating encounters with her old workmates, one very hot bartender, and a lot of soul searching to do, Liv’s life is even more muddled than a Blackberry Bramble…

Can Liv face up to her past, seize her future, and mix her own recipe for happiness?

A hilarious, feel-good romantic comedy for fans of Mhairi McFarlane and Sophie Ranald

 Here’s my review:

If you have ever had to reinvent yourself after your life has imploded then you will warm to the character of Liv. She loved her flash job in the corporate world but when that is suddenly taken away from her in a cruel restructure she soon finds herself inner turmoil. Fair play to Nina Kaye who writes a realistic character who goes through many different stages; denial, anger, sadness and finally acceptance. In some books characters do get up on their feet a little too quick but not Liv. At times it is heartbreaking especially when all those job rejections are coming in and she has bills to pay. I think Liv is a great character who goes through hell but with the help of her friends manages to get back on her feet.

I loved her friendships with old friend Dylan and new friend Reyes. Dylan tells Liv a few home truths like any good friend would. Let’s just say this – we could all do with a Dylan in our lives when life goes on the slide. Reyes is like a breath of fresh air for Liv and at times I wanted to hug her.

On the romance front Nina keeps us on our toes and I wasn’t sure who was going win Liv’s heart. I won’t give the game away and say whether my romantic dreams came true.

The gin theme is cleverly weaved in throughout and as I am a gin lover I warmed to this a lot.

My favourite part of this book is chapter 15 because Liv takes her first brave step forward and she does it while chanting, ‘the only true barrier is myself’ – this chapter gave me tingles! I was so proud of Liv and I was right behind her.

Nina Kaye – thank you for inspiring me

If you fancy checking this book out please click here.

Prize giveaway 

To celebrate this blog tour for The Gin Lover’s Guide to Dating, there seemed no better way than to give away some gin-related goodies!

Nina has teamed up with specialist gin producer, Tiger Gin, to offer one lucky winner: a copy of her debut novel (Kindle Edition), a bottle of multi-Gold award winning Tiger Gin, and one copy of The Little Cocktail Box.

To enter, all you need to do is retweet and comment (just once!) on Nina’s pinned tweet on her Twitter page (@NinaKayeAuthor), telling her which blog tour post you have read.

BlondeWriteMore readers this is where you mention MY BLOG

#BookReview & Prize GIVEAWAY The Gin Lover’s Guide to Dating @NinaKayeAuthor

I love books which not only contain a good story but also carry some valuable life lessons.

This book surprised me. It wasn’t what I expected at all. I knew I would get a funny romance with a gin theme, but I didn’t think I would get an uplifting story of reinvention, self discovery and an inspirational character as well.

By the end of it I actually found myself toasting Nina Kaye and her character Liv.

During these strange times some of us are trying to reinvent ourselves and are battling through inner turmoil. WE NEED FUNNY MOTIVATIONAL BOOKS LIKE THIS! Books like this one are beacons of light for us readers!

When life gives you lemons… add a splash of gin

Two parts sparkling comedy. One dose of romantic tension. Mix well with a second chance, a splash of mystery, and garnish with a twist of fate…

When Liv’s high-flying career goes off the rails, she finds herself working at a glitzy new gin bar to pay the bills. Yes, she’s got a knack for reading the customers, she’s finally got time to have some fun, and she might have just found some real friends – but it’s just until she gets her life back on track, right?

But between humiliating encounters with her old workmates, one very hot bartender, and a lot of soul searching to do, Liv’s life is even more muddled than a Blackberry Bramble…

Can Liv face up to her past, seize her future, and mix her own recipe for happiness?

A hilarious, feel-good romantic comedy for fans of Mhairi McFarlane and Sophie Ranald

 Here’s my review:

If you have ever had to reinvent yourself after your life has imploded then you will warm to the character of Liv. She loved her flash job in the corporate world but when that is suddenly taken away from her in a cruel restructure she soon finds herself inner turmoil. Fair play to Nina Kaye who writes a realistic character who goes through many different stages; denial, anger, sadness and finally acceptance. In some books characters do get up on their feet a little too quick but not Liv. At times it is heartbreaking especially when all those job rejections are coming in and she has bills to pay. I think Liv is a great character who goes through hell but with the help of her friends manages to get back on her feet.

I loved her friendships with old friend Dylan and new friend Reyes. Dylan tells Liv a few home truths like any good friend would. Let’s just say this – we could all do with a Dylan in our lives when life goes on the slide. Reyes is like a breath of fresh air for Liv and at times I wanted to hug her.

On the romance front Nina keeps us on our toes and I wasn’t sure who was going win Liv’s heart. I won’t give the game away and say whether my romantic dreams came true.

The gin theme is cleverly weaved in throughout and as I am a gin lover I warmed to this a lot.

My favourite part of this book is chapter 15 because Liv takes her first brave step forward and she does it while chanting, ‘the only true barrier is myself’ – this chapter gave me tingles! I was so proud of Liv and I was right behind her.

Nina Kaye – thank you for inspiring me

If you fancy checking this book out please click here.

Prize giveaway 

To celebrate this blog tour for The Gin Lover’s Guide to Dating, there seemed no better way than to give away some gin-related goodies!

Nina has teamed up with specialist gin producer, Tiger Gin, to offer one lucky winner: a copy of her debut novel (Kindle Edition), a bottle of multi-Gold award winning Tiger Gin, and one copy of The Little Cocktail Box.

To enter, all you need to do is retweet and comment (just once!) on Nina’s pinned tweet on her Twitter page (@NinaKayeAuthor), telling her which blog tour post you have read.

BlondeWriteMore readers this is where you mention MY BLOG