Blog Tour | But I Smile Anyway...

Fight or Flirt on the Scenic Route by Margaret Amatt #BookTour #Blog Tour @rararesources @AmattAuthor

19 Aug 2025 7 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Book Tour, Margaret Amatt, Rachel's Random Resources, review

I am excited to be on the blog tour for Margaret Amatt’s most recent release, Fight or Flirt on the Scenic Route.

The Blurb

She’s about to take him on a journey he never saw coming

After a couple of dreadful years, Elise Reid has finally found success working for a coach tour operator in Glasgow. But when she’s sent back to her hometown of Glenbriar to cover for a sick colleague, she finds herself stuck on a coach with her ex-fiancé… plus his new wife, his stroppy little sister, and his best friend – a man who’s always hated her.

Burnt out and searching for a break, eco-blogger and environmental activist Gabe Wilder decides a coach tour with his best friend would be a good way to unwind and reset. But when the tour guide shows up, Gabe can’t believe his bad luck. He and Elise have never got on, and after what she did to his best friend, he’s kept her at arm’s length, despite a simmering attraction he’s never confessed to anyone – even himself.

Unfortunately, neither Elise nor Gabe’s resistance to each other got the memo, and the more time they spend together, the more their chemistry sizzles. But between the watchful eyes of the group and the knowledge that this trip has an expiry date, giving in to temptation is a mistake waiting to happen. If they want a real chance at happiness, they must stop looking back, take a risk, and trust that sometimes, the best detours lead exactly where they’re meant to be.

My Review

Fight or Flirt on the Scenic Route by Margaret Amatt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved reading this by the poolside. There was somewhere to cool off when it got a bit steamy, lol!
Elise Reid is the FMC. She is loving her life in Glasgow, but her company requires her to make a possibly temporary move back home to Glenbriar, where there are many poor memories and soured relationships with exes and friends.
Gabe Wilder, the MMC and a semi-famous environmental podcaster, is the best friend of one of Elise’s exes. And he’s not her biggest fan.
Upon Elise’s return home, she must serve as the tour guide for a group of people, including her ex, his wife, his sister, and her boyfriend, as well as Gabe, whom she knows dislikes her.
You can feel the build-up of tension and chemistry between two people who know they shouldn’t feel anything for one another, yet can’t help their physical yearnings, which brings them to an agreement to quench their thirst for one another with a little holiday fling. But oh, my goodness, the chemistry between the two of them leaves us all wondering if they would ever manage to stop at a couple of bunk-ups!
There is a side story involving Scarlett, Elise’s ex’s sister, and a troublesome boyfriend who causes her significant pain, adding more drama to the book.
I sped through this in one day and thoroughly enjoyed it!

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/fightorflirt

About the Author

Margaret Amatt is a bestselling Scottish author, professional daydreamer, and certified chocolate addict. She’s been making up stories for as long as she can remember – some of them even made it onto paper (and, tragically, onto floppy disks that no computer can read anymore). After two decades of writing in secret, she finally unleashed her first novel on the world in 2021, kicking off a ten-book series set on the stunning Isle of Mull.

But why stop there? She’s also the creator of The Glenbriar Series, where romance, small-town drama, and a pinch of spice keep readers coming back for more. This series is still going strong, with more books planned!

Margaret has spent her whole life in Scotland’s breath-taking Highland Perthshire, despite her entire extended family coming from the Glasgow area. Her books are romantic and emotional, sweet and funny, and each one can be read as a standalone, but long-time readers know the joy of familiar faces popping up, adding to the chaos.

So, if you love relatable characters, sizzling chemistry, and plenty of banter, you’re in the right place – just don’t blame Margaret when you stay up way too late reading just one more chapter.

Social Media Links –

https://www.margaretamatt.com/subscribe

https://www.facebook.com/MargaretAmattAuthor

https://www.instagram.com/margaret_amatt_author

https://ko-fi.com/margaretamattauthor

The Last Laugh Club by Kate Galley #BookTour #Blog Tour @rararesources @KateGalley1 @BoldwoodBooks

04 Aug 2025 5 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Boldwood Books, Book Tour, Kate Galley, Rachel's Random Resources, The Last Laugh Club

Thrilled to be on the blog tour for Kate Galley’s The Last Laugh Club!

The Blurb

Three former friends. One last request. The journey of a lifetime!

In life, Norman George – passionate knitter, excellent friend and secret youtube sensation – liked nothing better than a good laugh. And, it seems, he gets the last laugh even in death, because at his funeral, he invites his three closest friends to scatter his ashes in a place close to his heart, the Shetland Islands. The only issue is, while Bridget, Gloria and Derek might have loved Norman, they can’t stand each other.

So it’s with trepidation that the eclectic trio set off in their minivan on the ferry to Lerwick, each harbouring their own reason for wanting to grant Norman this last request. But as storm clouds roll in over the Shetland Islands, all of them are about to discover that some secrets are best shared, and that even after death, good friendship can change everything…

My Review

The Last Laugh Club by Kate Galley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another caper of the older generation, thanks to Kate Galley, whose books I have come to enjoy because they give hope that life doesn’t enter a stagnant period after a certain age.
This time, we are on a journey with three old work colleagues: Bridget, Gloria, and Derek. They are brought together by the sad demise of another ex-colleague, Norman, who tasks them with a simple request. To scatter his ashes at the northernmost point of the UK, which is the arse end of nowhere!
They were never the best of friends, these three, so the idea of having to spend more than a few hours together is a bit of a chore, but the trip is not without incident, and there is a bit of soul-searching along the way!
Bridget’s character is battling with memory loss, which causes its own issues. Gloria can’t quite shake off the persona of the ex-boss of these other people, and Derek is just desperately trying to ensure his friend’s last wishes are upheld, along with a bit of unrequited love to add to the mix.
I loved the story from start to finish, and the little twists of mystery and secrets that are uncovered made this a real page-turner!

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/LastLaughClub

About The Author

Kate Galley is the author of uplifting golden years fiction, including The Second Chance Holiday Club. She lives with her family in Buckinghamshire and works part time as a mobile hairdresser.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: @KateGalleyAuthor

Twitter: @KateGalley1

Instagram: @kategalley1

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/KateGalleyNews

Bookbub profile: @kategalley1

The Marriage Monitoring Aunties by Ola Awonubi #BookTour #Blog Tour @createandwrite @rararesources @0neMoreChapter_ Plus a #Giveaway

21 Jul 2025 8 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Ola Awonubi, Rachel's Random Resources, review

I’ve been online friends with Ola for a good few years, and it is my genuine pleasure to showcase her latest book, The Marriage Monitoring Aunties Association, as a part of the blog tour.

The Blurb

Friendships – fantastic. Family – getting better. Career – promotion on the cards.

Romance – *seriously delayed*

Sade Sodipo is ready to meet ‘the one’ and finally fulfil the Nigerian Dream. So far God hasn’t performed that little miracle quite yet, but it’ll happen this year for sure. Especially if her mother, two best friends, younger sister and all those in the unofficial Marriage Monitoring Aunties Association have anything to say about it.

She might love her job, have great friends and even own her own home, but according to the meddling aunties, this is why she’s still single at 50.

What if her prayers for the perfect man have got lost? Or maybe Sade’s happy-ever-after is right on time…

My Review

The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association by Ola Awonubi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love stories steeped in cultures that are fighting to keep themselves heard while in another country, so this UK-based story with a Nigerian cast of characters was right up my street!
Sade Sodipo is a successful career woman with her own house, unmarried, and, shock, horror, fifty years of age! This is a sticking point for her mother, the various aunties of the church, and pretty much anyone in her Nigerian circle.
The story is based on Sade’s own ingrained religious and cultural beliefs, which include saving herself for ‘The One’ and true love leading to marriage and children. However, with her age against her and her health not cooperating, this is looking increasingly unlikely.
Is it a romance? Well, yes, romance 100% plays a part in this story, as Sade meets someone, but it is more about her accepting herself, as she is, and realising that maybe she needs to think a bit more about the expectations she (and the community) has put upon herself.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins, One More Chapter, for an ARC.

Purchase Links

About The Author

Ola Awonubi is an award-winning author, creative writing tutor, and speaker, known for her compelling storytelling that bridges cultures and histories. Born in London to Nigerian parents, she spent part of her childhood in Nigeria before returning to the UK, where she pursued her passion for writing.

At the age of 40, Ola rekindled her dream of becoming a writer and earned an MA in Creative Writing from the University of East London. Her talent quickly gained recognition—her short story The Pink House won first prize in the National Words of Colour competition (2008), and The Go-Slow Journey secured first prize in the fiction category of Queen Mary Wasafiri’s New Writing Prize (2009). She was also honored with the Best Author CA Award (2019).

Ola has authored eight books, including Love’s Persuasion, Love Me Unconditionally, and the anthology Naija Love Stories. Her historical fiction novel, A Nurse’s Tale, published by One More Chapter Books (HarperCollins) in July 2023, became a bestseller in Canada, earning a spot on The Globe and Mail’s historical fiction chart. It was also recognized by the Brown Girl Collective as a favorite historical fiction book of 2024.

Her upcoming romantic comedy, The Marriage Monitoring Aunties’ Association, is set for release in Summer 2025, as part of a two-book deal. She is also working on a Jane Austen adaptation set in Lagos, currently under consideration by publishers and agents.

Beyond her writing, Ola is a creative writing tutor and speaker, sharing her expertise at prestigious events such as the Black British Book Festival, Meet-Cute Romance Festival, and London Festival of Writing. She will also be speaking at The London Writers Festival, Jericho Writers Conference, inspiring aspiring authors with her insights on storytelling, publishing, and book marketing.

Ola’s work has been featured in Afreada, Brittle Paper, Story Time, Woven Tale Press, and NaijaStories.com, with over 15 short stories published across various literary platforms.

Through her Substack newsletter, “The Resilient Writer,” she provides actionable writing guidance, digital resources, and industry insights, helping fellow creatives refine their craft and build their author brands.

Social Media Links –

Giveaway to Win a Paperback copy of The Marriage Monitoring Aunties Association (Open to UK only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494619/?

The Village Cafe in the Loire by Gillian Harvey #BookTour #Blog Tour @rararesources @Gillplusfive @BoldwoodBooks

18 Jul 2025 3 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Book Tour, Gillian Harvey, Rachel's Random Resources, The Village Cafe In The Loire

I am always excited to have my friend, Gillian Harvey, on the blog to celebrate another of her wonderful books! This time we have The Village Cafe in the Loire!

The Blurb

High-flyer Becky Thorne cannot believe what she’s being told. She doesn’t need to be signed off for burnout! Life has been a bit chaotic lately, that’s all. As if dealing with her enviable job and permanent meddling from her mother aren’t enough, she’s also inherited a café in the Loire from an estranged great-aunt, complete with sitting tenant who refuses to budge.

But nobody stands in Becky’s way! Ignoring her best friend Amber’s advice, she decides to storm over to France and sort the tenant out. Then she can finally get the café sold and jump back on the career ladder.

What she doesn’t count on is the tenant being Pascale, who is six feet of tall, dark, handsome and extremely grumpy about her plans for change. Not to mention the village and the secrets it holds about her past.

Becky’s path to success is all planned out. But the Loire has a magic she might not be able to resist…

My Review

The Village Cafe in the Loire by Gillian Harvey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sometimes I think Gillian Harvey is going to turn me into a Francophile, with all the gorgeous French setting books she writes, and this is one of those that makes me want to jump on the Eurostar, begin drinking coffee, and don a beret!
Becky is the protagonist, a thirty-something career woman who is on the brink of brilliant success; however, an inheritance looks set to derail all her plans.
She finds herself signed off from work, and ends up in a small village in the Loire, at the behest of her late great aunt, with a cafe for which she has no training, other than drinking coffee, and to pop the cherry on top, there is a lodger who it seems is resistant to leaving the building, even though all she wants to do is sell it.
Of course, that hunky, troublesome lodger named Pascale gives her another thing to think about.
Becky has few friends, Amber being her best friend, and her mother is there to guide her in life. But she sometimes cannot see beyond her own problems, often ignoring the SOS signs from those around her.
The storyline is one of self-discovery, and we see Becky begin to question all she has thought about her future before, and also to begin to look beyond herself, considering others, with a little romance along the way.
There is, of course, a little twist in the tale, too, to keep readers on their toes!

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/VillageCafeintheLoire

About the Author

Gillian Harvey is an author and freelance writer who lives in Norfolk. Her novels, including the bestselling A Year at the French Farmhouse and The Riviera House Swap, are often set in France, where she lived for 14 years.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: @GillianHarveyAuthor

Twitter: @GillPlusFive

Instagram: @GillPlusFive

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/GillianHarveyNews

Bookbub profile: @gillplusfive

Another Lucky Number by Nina Kaye @NinaKayeAuthor #BookReview

10 Jul 2025 2 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Another Lucky Number, Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Book Tour, Nina Kaye, review

I am thrilled to be able to review another wonderful story by the fantastic Nina Kaye, a continuation of her last self-published book, Lucky Number. This time we are treated to Another Lucky Number.

The Blurb

A dream opportunity, but will it be lost in paradise?

Lottery winner Emma is off to The Bahamas with friends Cat and Amber. She plans to relax on the pristine white beaches before returning home to find a new career and continue her fledging romance with new love interest, James. That is until sexy Sebastien, who puts the ‘hot’ into ‘hotelier’, offers Emma the career opportunity of a lifetime at his chain of resorts. But there’s a catch: the interview has to take place in three days, while she’s there on holiday.

Emma needs some proper downtime, but an opportunity like this is too good to pass up. Afraid that she’s punching above her weight, she enlists the help of her friends to get her interview ready, while still making the most of her tropical surroundings. But after a series of gaffs, a crisis of confidence, and with James unexpectedly turning up, Emma’s dream job looks like it’s about to swim out of her reach.

Can Emma rise to the challenge and come out successful? And will her budding relationship with James survive the experience?

My Review

Another Lucky Number: Sun, sea and a surprising turn of events – the most entertaining sun lounger read of the year! by Nina Kaye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Lucky Number and was excited to receive the second instalment in the series, Another Lucky Number, which allowed us to continue the story of Emma as she adjusts to her life after a significant lottery win.
Emma is on a high-end luxury holiday with her friends, Cat and Amber, having handed in her notice at her job and with the possibility of a fledgling romance starting back home.
So much can happen in the few days ahead that could have a tremendous impact on Emma’s life from now on.
I loved her character arc. She went from a woman who found it hard to stand up for herself to, with a lot of support from those around her, a stronger one who had a clearer idea about where her life was going.
Emma has a cast of characters around her that make the story even more interesting. Amber is like that reality check friend with a heart, somewhere! And Emma’s best friend, Cat, is like the Ying to Amber’s Yang, offering grounding and emotional support where needed.
Then there is the ‘sexy hotelier! Sebastien and the wholesome James who vie for Emma’s attention.
Some choice hotel guests add an extra layer of tension to the story, but ultimately, it’s a feel-good tale and a perfect beach read.
And the location! The Bahamas is on my bucket list, and now I want to go more!
Although this is part of a series, I think it could work well as a standalone.

About the Author

Nina Kaye is a contemporary romance author who writes warm, witty and uplifting reads with a deeper edge. She lives in Edinburgh with her husband and much-adored side-kick, James. In addition to writing, Nina enjoys swimming, gin and karaoke (preferably all enjoyed together in a sunny, seaside destination). Nina has previously published The Gin Lover’s Guide to Dating and has also been a contender for the RNA Joan Hessayson Award.