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How To Fix A Broken Heart by @nicolamay1 #BlogTour #BookReview @Stormbooks_co @rararesources

16 Apr 2025 6 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Book Tour, How To Fix A Broken Heart, Nicola May, Rachel's Random Resources

I am thrilled to be on the Blog Tour for the lovely Nicola May today, with an extremely brilliant, sensitive book, How To Fix a Broken Heart.

The Blurb

A heart-wrenching and life-affirming story of love and loss from number one bestselling author Nicola May

Gracie Davies is at an all-time low. After a devastating loss, the last thing she needs is a colleague hinting over coffee that it’s time to lose her baby weight. Then her boyfriend betrays her, and her world totally falls apart.

Rebuilding her life from scratch – with the support of her free-spirited sister, an unorthodox therapist, and a feisty new friend – Gracie finally begins to get her mojo back. Add in a passionate fling with handsome landscaper Ed, a fairytale encounter with a Hollywood film star and the persistence of her adulterous ex, and life is anything but predictable…

Soon she finds that community, purpose, and perhaps even new love might be the perfect prescription for a broken heart.

But can a heart that’s been so utterly shattered ever trust again?

My Review

How to Fix a Broken Heart by Nicola May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

TW: Miscarriage/Loss/Grief/Rape
Oh, what an emotional read!
I’m used to slightly more lighthearted small village stories by Nicola May, but this one still had a community feel and a deeper thread.
Gracie, the FMC, is reeling from a tremendous loss and feels that she doesn’t have the support of her partner, Lewis. A betrayal from him is the last straw, and she starts from scratch in her 30s.
I don’t want to sit here and regurgitate the story, but it is a beautifully sad story with an uplifting ending.
Gracie is going through such a tough time, and it resonated with me, as I expect it will with many other women out there who have suffered a miscarriage. The grief from that can take a long time to overcome. She became a character who supported other women in a similar situation and hammered home the message that miscarriage, whether an early loss or a later one, hits hard for all.
Throughout the story, she meets several people, and one is Ed, whom she begins to date. His situation is precarious. (Again, I’m not saying anything because – SPOILERS!) But he is a person who helps build her back up again.
We also have a parallel story of Maya and her psychiatrist lover, which weaves in and out of Gracie’s with ease as hidden connections are revealed.
All in all it was a great read, and I championed Gracie from the off!

Purchase Link – geni.us/980-cr-two-am

About The Author

Nicola May is a bestselling rom-com sensation, with over a million copies sold. The author of eighteen romantic comedies, her books have been translated into fifteen languages and consistently appear in the Kindle bestseller charts. She made a remarkable achievement by reaching number one on Amazon twice as a self-published author and has been a vocal advocate for indie authors, campaigning for their own chart in The Bookseller magazine.

When she’s not writing, Nicola can be found enjoying cream teas in her favourite Devon spots, hiking in nature, or placing a bet at the races.

Social Media Links –

www.nicolamay.com

i:author_nicola

X: @nicolamay1

f: NicolaMayAuthor

Meet Me Under The Clock by Jo Lovett #BlogTour #RachelsRandomResources @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks @JoLovettWrites

15 Apr 2025 2 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Boldwood Books, Book Tour, Jo Lovett, Meet Me Under The Clock, Rachel's Random Resources

Today’s blog tour introduces Meet Me Under The Clock by Jo Lovett.

The Blurb

The BRAND NEW gorgeous, uplifting romance from Jo Lovett

Sometimes love happens when you least expect it…

When Nadia and Tom are both unceremoniously stood up by their dates under the clock at Waterloo Station, fate throws them together in the most unusual of circumstances.

What starts as a brilliant story for future dinner parties soon turns into a wonderful friendship, and both Tom and Nadia realise they’ve found the perfect partner in crime.

Tired of dating but always needing a plus one for weddings, parties, and the like, they agree to fake date each other. But as their pretend relationship starts to feel more real, Nadia and Tom begin to wonder if there’s more to their connection than convenience.

Could the relationship they’ve been faking be the one they’ve been waiting for all along?

A heartwarming fake dating rom com, perfect for fans of Beth O’Leary and Sophie Kinsella.

My Review

Meet Me Under the Clock by Jo Lovett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love it when a coincidental meeting sparks a bit of fake dating and plenty of confused feelings!
Five people are coincidentally under the clock at Waterloo Station when a lockdown occurs. Two are celebrating an engagement. One is reeling from finding out her husband was cheating on her. And the other two… both stood up by their prospective dates.
Nadia and Tom end up with a friendship that takes on a different guise as they both find themselves unhappy with their current situations.
Step forward the friends and their fake dating idea. Never the best idea, though!
As with any good romance, it was clear from the off to the reader, but not to the MCs, that they were going to be perfect for each other, but the journey they took to get to that end point was very entertaining. There was an obvious chemistry between Nadia and Tom, and I was willing it to finally spark from the beginning!
Plenty of laughs out loud awkward moments as well as those ‘will they? won’t they’ ones to keep you on your reading toes, and a lovely bunch of supporting characters.
I enjoyed this light-hearted story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

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

About The Author

Jo Lovett writes heart-warming, feel-good romcoms. Her latest book, We Were On a Break, published by Boldwood, will be released on 29 July 2024.

Jo lives in London with her family. She started writing romantic comedy when she realised that she was regularly begging her oldest son to let her do his English homework but she wasn’t actually that interested in haunted houses or Macbeth. When she can escape her laundry mountain, she enjoys reading, tennis and wine.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: @Jo Lovett Author

Twitter: @JoLovettWrites

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

The Hero Virus by Russell Dumper #BlogTour #RachelsRandomResources @rararesources @russ2000_uk

14 Apr 2025 9 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Book Tour, Rachel's Random Resources, Russell Dumper

Today I am introducing you to my first proper Sci-fi read!

The Blurb

The Hero Virus tells the thrilling story of Chris Taylor, who is hanging on to life by a thread. Recently widowed, his only reason to carry on is his faithful Labrador, but even that doesn’t stop his willingness to gamble with death every day. When his companion suffers a violent demise, Taylor thinks he has nothing left to live for, until he discovers he has chanced upon a precious gift… when he gets very ill.

The sickness gives him powers and, fairly soon, the authorities are swooping on to the ever-increasing list of cases. The Hero Virus might be different to other illnesses, but it’s no less dangerous. The effect it has on the world, though, is wildly different to any other virus that has come before. The unique reaction of the human body to infection means that everyone wants it. And some will do anything to get it.

How do you stop a pandemic when there are people who will kill for the virus? How do you stop people getting infected when they’re willing to die for it? How do you stop the infected when they have abilities nobody has ever seen before?

My Review

The Hero Virus by Russell Dumper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ll be the first to admit that sci-fi isn’t a genre I have ever picked up before, but never let it be said that I judge a book by its cover (genre)!
When I read the blurb, it intrigued me, and I have to say that I immediately invested in the story.
The main character, Chris Taylor, is in the throes of grief, with only his dog for comfort and company. When suddenly, his companion was cruelly taken from him, I was in bits!
But then, and this is where the sci-fi bit starts, Taylor wakes after a bout of illness with super strength unlike anything anyone has seen before.
I won’t go into all the details because you must read it all for yourself, but wow! The way the virus that Chris contracted mysteriously begins to spread and its effect on those who get it is all a bit crazy!
It’s like reading about COVID on steroids! None of us wanted that, but people were clamouring to get infected by this new Hero Virus, and no amount of cordoning off areas worked.
I know it’s fiction, and sci-fi at that, but I was picturing the rather famous places written about, and as unimaginable things happened, they were playing out in my head.
I’m glad I spread my genre wings!

Purchase Links

About The Author

The Hero Virus is the second novel from Russell Dumper, after releasing Britannia Rises to widespread acclaim last year, winning him three categories in the 2024 Bookstagram Awards, for Debut Author, Thriller and Historical Fiction. He lives in the east of England with his family and still has many more books in the pipeline. Next, he will be concentrating on The Britannia Series, more of which will be released in the near future.

Instagram handle – russ2000_uk

Dancing In The Moonlight by Lynne Shelby #BlogTour #RachelsRandomResources @rararesources @LynneShelby5

13 Apr 2025 2 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Book Review, Book Tour, Dancing In The Moonlight, Lynne Shelby, Rachel's Random Resources, Shaldo Books

I am delighted to be on the Blog tour for Lynne Shelby’s Dancing In The Moonlight!

When dancer Nell Avery auditions for Speakeasy, a new West End musical, she is shocked to discover that the choreographer is Finn Harris, a man she never expected to see again.

Ten years ago, Nell and Finn had a casual, no-strings fling. He left London to work abroad. Nell found herself pregnant.

Having made the decision to raise her child alone, Nell didn’t tell Finn that he was the father, a secret easy for her to keep while he was hundreds of miles away. But now Finn is back – and he offers Nell a role in Speakeasy’s cast.

Nell knows if she takes the job she risks Finn finding out her secret, with unimaginable consequences for the life she has made for herself and her daughter, Savannah. But Speakeasy could be Nell’s only chance of dancing on a West End stage – the dream she’s had ever since she first put on a pair of tap shoes. How can she give up her dream?

Nell accepts the role, telling herself that all she has to do is keep away from Finn . . .

My Review

Dancing In The Moonlight by Lynne Shelby
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, what a beautiful book!
There’s just something about a story set in the dance world, and here we have a gorgeous story based in the West End with second chances all over the show!
Nell is a talented dancer and a single mother. She has the chance of a lifetime to make one of her dance dreams come true by auditioning for a part in the ensemble of a brand new West End Musical, Speakeasy.
It’s tough auditioning for a part, with most of the others being much fitter, more energetic, and younger, but Nell is determined. Until she casts her eyes on the choreographer, Finn, someone she never thought she would see again after their friendship and fling ten years ago, where she was left a little bit heartbroken and a whole lot pregnant.
I love how this story developed, with Nell’s determination to succeed and her mothering side encouraging the others around her.
Finn is a character you want to cheer for because you know they would make a great couple.
The cast of characters surrounding them is brilliantly fleshed out, including Nell’s nine-year-old daughter, Savannah, a dance enthusiast, and Florence, a young ensemble member Nell takes under her wing. Who knows—maybe a story all about Florence and her fledgling romance would be good!
I also loved the backstory of Lily Dene, who the Nightingale Playhouse in the book is named after.

About the Author

Lynne Shelby writes contemporary women’s fiction/romance. Her debut novel, ‘Meet Me In Paris,’ (originally titled French Kissing), won the Accent Press and Woman magazine Writing Competition. She has done a variety of jobs from stable girl to child actor’s chaperone to legal administrator, but now writes full time. When not writing or reading, Lynne can usually be found at the theatre or exploring a foreign city – Paris, New York, Rome, Copenhagen, Seattle, Reykjavik – writer’s notebook, camera and sketchbook in hand. She lives in London with her husband, and has three adult children who live nearby.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LynneShelbyWriter

Instagram: lynneshelbywriter

Bluesky: @lynneshelby.bsky.social

Threads: @lynneshelbywriter

Twitter: @LynneShelby5

Too Hot To Handle by Portia Macintosh #BlogTour #RachelsRandomResources @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks

11 Apr 2025 4 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blog Tour, Blogger, Blogging, Boldwood Books, Book Review, Book Tour, Portia Macintosh, Rachel's Random Resources

It is blog tour time for another book! This post is dedicated to Too Hot To Handle by Portia Macintpsh

The Blurb

The laugh out loud, sun-drenched holiday romance from MILLION COPY BESTSELLER Portia MacIntosh ✨ Tropes & Themes ✨ ✧ Wedding💗✧ Sun-drenched romance ☀️ ✧Forced proximity 🤭 ✧Sweet and spicy 🌶️✧ 😬Rivals

One bachelorette party. One stag do. One double-booked villa and only one way to decide who gets a competition.

Workaholic Molly is buzzing when her best friend tells her she’s getting married. As maid of honour Molly can’t wait for the perfect bachelorette party in Spain. What could be better than a week in a stunning villa? Sun, sea, cocktails and gossiping – and best of all, no boys allowed. But when the hens arrive they discover that they are not alone. The villa has been accidentally double booked by a group of stags who make it very clear they’re not leaving!

It’s a disaster, and no one wants to give up their place in paradise. Attempts at compromising fail instantly, so their only option is to have a winner takes all competition. Battle lines are drawn and it is girls v boys – but will the competition be too hot to handle?

As their rivalry heats up, and Molly finds herself gravitating towards stag Travis, it’s clear that he’s enjoying the attention – but Molly can’t let herself get distracted, and under no circumstances can she fall for the enemy.

My Review

Too Hot to Handle: Discover the next hilarious romantic comedy from million copy seller Portia Macintosh by Portia MacIntosh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lots of fantastic romance tropes rolled into one to make this a proper page turner of a read!
A luxury villa for two weeks in Spain, a destination wedding at a much sought after hotel, four girls (bride included) excited about a hen week, before a glam wedding… what could go wrong?
Finding that the villa was double booked. And there are four rather hunky male specimens already there, and not willing to give up their spot in paradise without a fight!
Molly, one of the ladies group, and a bridesmaid, is here after a break-up, which has left her doubting the male species. And she has a whole heap of work stress to deal with, too.
However, she keeps getting drawn to one lad, Travis, despite a girl pact that they would not get involved with any of the ‘enemies’ and concentrate their efforts on winning the villa for the second week.
This is 100% a romantic comedy with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. It also has the added spice of forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and that underlying spice throughout the trip.
I finished it in a day and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.

About the Author

Portia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 30 romantic comedy novels.

From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.

Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.

Find out more at www.portiamacintosh.com

Social Media Links –

Facebook: @macintoshportia

Twitter: @PortiaMacintosh

Instagram: @portiamacintoshauthor

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