Blog Tour: Josie Silver's "The Two Lives of Lydia Bird."

The Hopeless Romantics Book blog are pleased to be a part of the Blog Tour for Josie Silver's "The Two Lives of Lydia Bird." 

Amazon UK:    https://amzn.to/39AeQW2

Synopsis:

THE NEXT CAPTIVATING NOVEL FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF ONE DAY IN DECEMBER 

Two Lives. Two Loves. One Impossible Choice.

Lydia and Freddie. Freddie and Lydia. They've been together for almost a decade, and Lydia thinks their love is indestructible. 

But she's wrong. Because on her 27th birthday, Freddie dies in a car accident.

So now it's just Lydia, and all she wants to do is hide indoors and sob 'til her eyes fall out. But Lydia knows that Freddie would want her to live her life well. So, enlisting the help of his best friend and her sister Elle, she takes her first tentative steps into the world and starts to live - perhaps even to love - again.

But then something inexplicable happens, which gives her another chance at her old life with Freddie. A life where none of the tragic events of the past few months have happened. But what if there's someone in in her new life who wants her to stay?

A heart-breaking, uplifting story for fans of PS I Love You and Jojo Moyes, this gorgeously romantic novel will make you laugh, cry and remind you of what a wonderful gift it is to love and to be loved.

Review: Surj

As an author, Josie Silver can do no wrong. I loved her first novel "One day in December" and this second book "The two Lives of Lydia Bird" ... what can I say. I'm an emotional mess yet again. Josie Silver really knows how to pull you in right from the get go and she ensures she has her readers invested in the story she has to tell. Lydia, Freddie and the gang's story was just so heart felt, emotional and unputdownable and it's a story that will stay with me for a long time.

Most of us will know someone that has lost a loved one and unless you have walked in their shoes, you often think to yourself "I can't begin to imagine what they are going through." There are many stages to grief and Josie Silver gave us a very candid view of each of them from the pain and guilt, to anger and bargaining and from depression to finally acceptance and as an author she did an amazing job at not only telling her readers about this grief but she ensured that we actually felt everything her character was going through too. It was tough at times I'm not going to lie but there was also some lighter moments that help balance the story out perfectly. 

Told in a very unique way, "The Two Lives of Lydia Bird" was such a great read with a cast of supporting characters that truly helped make this book memorable story and one that I could really see being on the big screen. My one little niggle (actually you can't even call it a niggle with the story because that was brilliant), it's more that I think this story deserves a sequel. Boy what an ending!!!!

So please, Mrs Silver, can we have more????

"The Two Lives of Lydia Bird" get ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Review: Heather Morris's "Cilka's Journey (The Tattooist of Auschwitz #2)."

Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/2mJAJ1X

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2l55ttX

Synopsis: 

Cilka is just sixteen years old when she is taken to Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp, in 1942. The Commandant at Birkenau, Schwarzhuber, notices her long beautiful hair, and forces her separation from the other women prisoners. Cilka learns quickly that power, even unwillingly given, equals survival.

After liberation, Cilka is charged as a collaborator for sleeping with the enemy and sent to Siberia. But what choice did she have? And where did the lines of morality lie for Cilka, who was sent to Auschwitz when still a child?

In a Siberian prison camp, Cilka faces challenges both new and horribly familiar, including the unwanted attention of the guards. But when she makes an impression on a woman doctor, Cilka is taken under her wing. Cilka begins to tend to the ill in the camp, struggling to care for them under brutal conditions.

Cilka finds endless resources within herself as she daily confronts death and faces terror. And when she nurses a man called Alexandr, Cilka finds that despite everything that has happened to her, there is room in her heart for love.

Review: Jo

"They took my clothes. They took my youth, my identity, 

and then they took my name and gave me a number." 

“Cilka’s Journey” was without a doubt one of my most anticipated reads of this year. After meeting Cilka in “The Tattooist of Auschwitz”, just like other readers I was eager to find out what had happened to her after the of the liberation of Auschwitz. It’s important to know that this book is a work of fiction that is based on a real life. A life that Heather Morris researched so that she could gather all of the facts and work a story around them. What the author delivered from all of the information was a story that both broke my heart and left me in awe of Cilka’s strength and courage. Lale Sokolov said that Cilka was the bravest person he ever met and after reading this book I can one hundred percent agree with him.

"There is a better world out there. I've seen it. I remember it."

This was a book that I could hardly put down. I read it in only a few days as I was compelled to keep turning the pages to discover what became of Cilka’s life. Cilka was a heroine in every sense of the word. Forced to deal with even more horrendous circumstances, yet she continued to keep going and once again found a way to survive. She made the best that she could out of an unjust and awful situation. Out of all of Cilka’s story, I couldn’t get over how unfairly she was treated after everything that she had already endured in Auschwitz. I’m just glad that in the end Cilka did find her happy ending.

"It is time to live now, Cilka. Without fear, and with the miracle of love."

I am pleased to say that this story did not disappoint. A mixture of both fact and fiction made this a fascinating read. The only thing that I would have loved and wasn’t included was a picture of Cilka. It would have been lovely to have a face to the name, like I was given at the end of Lale and Gita’s story. If you have read “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” this is an absolute must.

“Cilka’s Journey” gets ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️  from me.

Blog Tour: Monica Murphy's "Fake Date (Dating #2)."

The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog are pleased to be part of the Blog Tour for Monica Murphy's "Fake Date (Dating #2)."

Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/32GqE5D

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2krE8C4

Synopsis:

Working at Bliss, Sarah Harrison deals with all sorts of—interesting clientele. Yet no one sparks her interest more than Jared Gaines, the ultra-rich, ultra-sexy businessman who frequents her shop, buying delicate little “gifts” for the women in his life.

But one day, Jared sends her a gift from Bliss. Then another—and another. So when Sarah walks into his office demanding to know why he can't stop sending her gifts, he makes her an offer she somehow can’t refuse: be his fake girlfriend for the weekend while attending his brother’s engagement party.

Next thing Sarah knows, she’s in San Francisco, pretending to be in love with Jared. Not that it’s a hardship. Once you get the man away from the office, he’s much more relaxed. Sweet. Funny. Even…thoughtful? Oh, and sexier than ever, of course.

Their pretend relationship feels very real, very quickly. Soon Sarah’s in over her head. Could what she and Jared share turn into something real? Or is it all actually…fake?

Review: Jo 

Two five star reads in a row from Monica Murphy!! I loved "Fake Date" just as much as "Save the Date". This cute and steamy romance ticked just about all my boxes. It was a book that made my heart flip and left me giddy with happiness for Jared and Sarah. 

"Right now, at this moment, with this woman- Sarah- 

I get the sense that I'm looking at my future."

I loved so many things about this story. Firstly, I loved the main couple. Jared was a little grumpy and standoffish, but I had high hopes that behind his rude persona lay a beautiful man with the ability to sweep Sarah off her feet and I wasn’t disappointed. Sarah made a super sweet heroine. I loved how she stood up to Jared and made him work hard to get the girl. I also rooted for the romance to work out because she seemed to lovely and deserved a man who was going to treat her right. I also loved the way that the couple met and the hate-to-love angst and chemistry that quickly grew between the pair. Jared and Sarah’s story started off with so much potential. Things were looking promising from the start and the more I read, the more I was excited for what was happening on the pages before me. Jared and Sarah’s relationship played out exactly as I had hoped. By the time I reached the epilogue my heart was full and I couldn’t love the story anymore than I already did. I’m now eager to read Candice’s story. Luckily I don’t have to wait too long. 

"I want to fight for you. I will always fight for you."

Fake Date gets ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️  from me.

Excerpt:

“Mr. Gaines,” I say, pasting on my best customer smile when he lifts his gaze to mine.

His dark brown eyes flash with an unfamiliar gleam and my breath catches in the back of my throat. “Back so soon, I see.”

“You know I can’t resist you, Miss Harrison.” His smile is slow. Wolfish, if that’s really a thing. I read it in a romance novel once, thought it was kind of silly, but right now, it’s working for Jared.

His entire demeanor right now reminds me of a predatory creature. His face is all hard lines—stern, straight nose, granite jaw, sharp cheekbones, steely eyes. Yet his mouth, his lips are soft. Full. Lush.

Kissable.

Shaking my head at the wayward thought, I return his smile, trying my best to remain polite. Professional.

“Is there anything in particular you’re looking for this afternoon?” I’m surprised by how steady my voice is, considering I feel like my insides are sloshing back and forth, like I’m on a boat in the middle of the ocean.

“You don’t have anything pulled aside for my appointment?” He raises a single brow, the expression on his face practically daring me to say no. Well, guess what? I’m about to say it.

“No, I didn’t pull anything aside.” I shrug when he glares at me. “You never told me the nature of your visit.”

He glances about, making sure no one is around, I’d assume. And lucky for him, there’s no one in the store currently. It’s the middle of the week, early afternoon. We normally don’t get too many customers at this time. We are the only two people in here. Even Marlo has disappeared.

“Perhaps you can show me some of your newer items,” he suggests.

“I can do that.” All new arrivals are at the front of the store, so we’re in the right spot. I lead him to a table showcasing our latest bra and panty design. “Celestial is the theme for spring into summer.”

I point to the bras made of thin, sheer netting and pink silk, tiny pale pink stars stitched in a scattered pattern across the tulle fabric. They leave nothing to the imagination, and the panties are the same.

“They hide nothing.” He holds up a pair of brief-cut panties, turning them this way and that. Every time he holds underwear in those big hands of his, I melt a little inside. I don’t know why he affects me like this.

“You’re right. They don’t,” I agree, grabbing a thong and flipping it over to the thin string of lace that makes up the backside. “But they’re terribly sweet.”

“Sweet?”

I glance up to find him watching me. “Sweet yet sexy,” I counter, my cheeks going hot from the way he’s studying me so carefully.

“You like the celestial theme?”

I nod. Press my lips together so I don’t say something I regret. Like, I love this theme, or Do you want me to model the panties for you?

Yeah. That’s a bad idea.

Meet Monica:

Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is both self-published and published by Random House/Bantam and HarperCollins/Avon. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.

She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she's not writing, she's reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She's a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

Connect with Monica:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonicaMurphyauthor/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5934418.Monica_Murphy

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1YUl0Vm

Website: http://monicamurphyauthor.com

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/IW5U0y

Blog Tour: Monica Murphy's "Save the Date."

The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog are pleased to be part of the Blog Tour for Monica Murphy's "Save the Date."

Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/2DAaa55

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2Z3T4oy

Synopsis: 

Caroline Abbott loves her job—helping engaged couples pick out the perfect save the date cards and invitations for their dream wedding. Working at Noteworthy means she has to deal with the occasional bridezilla, but Caroline’s always up for the challenge.

Until one particular bridezilla walks into the stationery store who’s fiancé happens to be the boy Caroline shared her first kiss with. Alexander Wilder is all grown up now, helping run his family’s successful luxury hotel chain, and is somehow even better looking than she remembers.

When Caroline just happens to catch Alex’s fiancée half naked with another man well, of course she has to tell Alex. Of course, he breaks off his engagement.

And of course, the ex-bridezilla has gone completely bonkers.

At least Caroline has her friends to save her from crazy ex-fiancées. But she also has the sudden interest of…Alex? Caroline knows they share a connection, but is he on the rebound? Or after seeing her all these years later, does he really want something more? 

Review: Jo 

I have just finished Monica Murphy’s “Save the Date” and I am smiling so big right now. I LOVED this book so hard!! My favourite Monica Murphy book in a while. It was so swoony and romantic as well as having a few edge of the seat moments that left me on pins and a bucket load of chemistry between the two main characters. STD will definitely be one of my top reads of 2019.

"You're not wearing panties."

"Nope."

"You're a bad girl." 

I adored Caroline and Alex. Both were such easy to like characters and I had no problem becoming invested in their story. Caroline was just a normal, relatable girl, working hard and living a fun life with her best friend, Stella. I loved everything about her. She seemed so lovely and down to earth. Alex was a sexy and swoon-worthy man from Caroline’s past, brought back into her life by fate. I really liked Alex too, especially how he was with Caroline. That man gave me big heart eyes. The pair together held so much promise. They also had a heap of sexual tension. So much that it was palpable. I was so excited for the couple’s relationship to get going. I couldn’t wait to see how good they would be for each other.

"I feel like I'm about to jump off a cliff with no where to land." 

"I'll catch you. You can count on me." 

Caroline and Alex’s story had so many things that I enjoyed , but what I loved the most was that part of the story was set in Paris. Paris is my most favourite European city. It’s so beautiful and romantic and I could easily imagine Caroline and Alex in all of the famous places that they visited. Including Paris in the story gave it an extra bit of magic that I loved. I couldn’t get enough of Alex and Caroline’s story and even though the epilogue was so dreamy, I was still feeling a little bit sad when it ended. I am now excited for book two in the series and hopefully getting an opportunity to catch up with the gorgeous couple. Bring it on! 

"This is going to be the start of something good, Caroline. I can feel it." 

"Save the Date" gets ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ from me.

Excerpt:

I head straight for the pickup counter, where I see my skinny vanilla latte waiting for me, my name written on the side of the cup in Stella’s familiar scrawl. Without hesitation I grab it, inhaling deeply before I take a sip. Just a tiny sip so I can savor it. I close my eyes for a second, maybe two, and when I open them, I find a guy standing there.

Watching me.

And he’s not just any guy. He’s cute. Wait, no. Not cute. He’s…hot. Dark hair. Blue eyes. Wearing a suit that fits him perfectly. I know just from looking at the fabric that it’s custom. Expensive.

He’s smiling at me. And I’m scowling at him in return because the caffeine hasn’t quite hit my bloodstream yet, so I’m not on top of my game.

“You looked like you were having a moment.” His voice is deep. Rich. His face…vaguely familiar?

I stand a little straighter. Take another sip of my coffee as I contemplate the man in front of me, because for some reason I still can’t come up with anything to say.

Listen, I always have something to say. But this guy. This gorgeous, well-dressed maybe-stranger, is leaving me a little…

Dumbstruck?

Huh.

“That moment you were just having. With your coffee,” he continues, gesturing at the cup I’m clutching in both of my hands, like it’s my baby. Which this morning—every morning—it is.

“She loves coffee,” Stella says from behind me.

Glancing over my shoulder, I give her a look, one that says shush.

“I can see that.” The amusement in his voice is obvious. He thinks it’s funny. The sacred moment I was having with my latte made him smile.

I wouldn’t mind coming up with other ways to make him smile.

Whoa. Where did that thought come from?

“What I want to know is, how did you get such special treatment?”

I blink at him like I’m an uncomprehending idiot. “Excuse me?”

“Well, I’ve been here for the last fifteen minutes. First, standing in line.” He gestures at the line of customers that trails out the door. “And now, waiting for my order.”

Guilt fills me. Just a tiny bit. Sweet Dreams Café is the most popular bakery and coffee shop in Carmel-by-the-Sea. All the tourists love it. All the locals love it too. It’s been in Stella’s family for generations.

“Yet you skip past the line, walk straight in here and grab your ready-made drink within a few seconds of your arrival. Do you have a Fast Pass?” A brow lifts, and I’m hit with a quiver. Like Cupid just drew back his bow and shot that arrow right in my heart.

Or perhaps that arrow struck me in, ahem, other places.

Who knew a brow lift could be so sexy?

Meet Monica:

Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is both self-published and published by Random House/Bantam and Harper Collins/Avon. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.

She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she's not writing, she's reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She's a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

Connect with Monica:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonicaMurphyauthor/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5934418.Monica_Murphy

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1YUl0Vm

Website: http://monicamurphyauthor.com

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/IW5U0y

Review: Abby Jimenez's "The Friend Zone."

Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/2WCyutU

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2MJJV36

Synopsis: 

Kristen Petersen doesn't do drama, will fight to the death for her friends, and has no room in her life for guys who just don't get her. She's also keeping a big secret: facing a medically necessary procedure that will make it impossible for her to have children.

Planning her best friend's wedding is bittersweet for Kristen—especially when she meets the best man, Josh Copeland. He's funny, sexy, never offended by her mile-wide streak of sarcasm, and always one chicken enchilada ahead of her hangry. Even her dog, Stuntman Mike, adores him. The only catch: Josh wants a big family someday. Kristen knows he'd be better off with someone else, but as their attraction grows, it's harder and harder to keep him at arm's length.

The Friend Zone will have you laughing one moment and grabbing for tissues the next as it tackles the realities of infertility and loss with wit, heart, and a lot of sass. 

Review: Jo 

What a gem of a book this was. "The Friend Zone" really was packed with so many things that I love in a good romance novel. It made me smile, giggle, swoon, broke my heart a little bit, and also made me shed a few tears. I’m so glad that I gave this debut author a chance and I cannot wait to read more of her books in the future. 

"He put his face into my neck and held me so tightly I couldn't breathe. 

But I didn't want to breathe. I wanted to be his prisoner. 

I wanted to never escape." 

This story was all about Josh and Kristen. I loved Kristin...most of the time. She was funny and feisty, strong and independent. I enjoyed getting to know her and her little dog, Stuntman Mike. My heart went out to her many times for the situation she was in, but I also became a little bit frustrated with her actions towards Josh, who I just felt sorry for. Josh was so lovely. Everything about him was perfection. Who wouldn’t want a hot, sexy firefighter, who was also extremely dreamy and always treated Kristen with so much love? 

"I want you no matter what. I want you first before anything else.

 I have no chance of happiness if I can't have you." 

I loved Abby's style of writing and appreciated that the chapters were written from both POV’s. It made me happy and hopeful to discover what Josh and Kristen were truly feeling about each other. I was also pleasantly surprised to find the issues that involved Kristen were written so accurately and sensitively. I have had friends that have had to deal with similar conditions and it was good to read about true, real life scenarios that were written so well. 

"I'll orbit around you and be your universe, because you've always been my sun."

I really can’t recommend this book enough. If you are looking for a book that will give you all the feels, pick this one up. It was an absolute delight to read.

“The Friends Zone” gets ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ from me.

Blog Tour: C.D. Reiss's "Pretty Scars."

The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog are pleased to be part of the Blog Tour for C.D. Reiss's "Pretty Scars."

Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/2WsZAs8

Amazon UK:  https://amzn.to/31ga4JZ

Synopsis: 

In Carrie Drazen’s diamond-studded world, beauty is everything: a blessing, a commodity, and a curse. Her beauty got her past the velvet ropes and into high society, but it ripped her away from the man she loved and chained her to an unbearable life.

Then, in a single night, a song played by a mysterious and secretive musician carries her back to a past ripe with possibilities, when love could open any door.

Who is this anonymous performer?

How can a man she’s never met tell such a precise story of a boy she loved?

She needs to know. But sometimes masks exist for a reason, and this unveiling could scar them both.

Review: Jo

It had been far too long since I had last read a CD Reiss book, and as soon as I started reading this book, I was reminded of why I have always loved this authors work so much. “Pretty Scars” was full of all of the ingredients that I have come to expect from Christine. Amazing writing, an engaging plot, breathtaking twists and a captivating romance made this book one hell of a fantastic read.

"I'll be there, however long it takes. As long as you choose me,

 I'll be there loving you, Carrie, just loving you."

In this standalone novel, I met Carrie Drazen. As soon as I started reading Carrie’s story, I couldn’t remember ever hearing about this Drazen sister before, so I was intrigued to find out more. Carrie’s tale took me back in time and as the story unfolded, I realised why I didn’t know anything about her. I also uncovered more about the Drazen family and it’s dark secrets of the past. Carrie’s story was one that had me on the edge of my seat on more than one occasion. There was so much going on. As well as Carrie, I also met Gabriel. Carrie's first true love. The pairs romance was beautiful and passionate but it was also dangerous and full of risk. 

"We kissed as if we were making that music, 

notes weaving together in a pattern predicted by science and art. 

Yet we were doomed by history. "

I have had such good luck with my reads just lately, and this was no exception. I loved being back in the Drazen world and I loved getting to know all about Carrie’s story. CD Reiss has yet again delivered a novel that easily gets my first ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ of the month from me.

Excerpt: 

After four years at USC, I knew how to survive. I went to the University Village mall, where Earl the security guard liked to hear me play.

I needed to practice anyway.

“Play that Stravinsky thing, would you?” I’d educated Earl in the ways of classical composers and he turned out to have a great ear. He always had a request.

“You got it.”

“Gonna miss your playing after you graduate,” he said as I set up my case. 

“I’ll miss the acoustics in here.”

“Where you going?” he asked.

“New York.” I drew the bow across the strings and made an adjustment.

“Big Apple. You got a job there?”

“Not yet. But that’s where the opportunities are.”

He shook his head not as a negation, but with a rueful look back at youth. 

When I started playing the piece Earl liked, I wasn’t looking to fall in love. I wasn’t looking to get tied down. I hadn’t fallen in love since Babette, and that was fine. Making a name for myself as a musician would take up all my time.

The acoustics in the front hall of University Village were outstanding. My eyes were closed as I played, listening for off tones and missed notes. I was in perfect flow. My fingers acted before my mind could correct, so my ears made adjustments. The conversations, the clattering food trays, the dim Muzak in the speakers were miles away.

There was no reason for me to open my eyes, but I did, and that changed everything.

She changed everything.

Standing with her friend, red hair covering her face as she rooted around her bag, she looked up just as I saw her, as if my gaze had called out.

USC is full of the children of actors, models, and athletes. My friend Danny said you couldn’t swing a dead cat without hitting something fuckable.

But she wasn’t fuckable. 

Not exactly.

She was more.

Calling her beautiful illustrated the inadequacy of language. She was a melody. A perfect symphony. The final crescendo in a masterpiece written by a genius. Taking my eyes off her would be impossible. All the air in the room bent in her direction and emanated from her as if she owned it.

And still, my fingers did their job, filling the room with music that had been written for her before she was born.

She was impossible. Eternal. Divine.

Nothing like her should exist anywhere but Olympus.

With a little smile, she dropped a bill in my case and walked out with her friend, getting momentarily lost in the afternoon sun.

I stopped playing to watch her go.

“You got a day’s worth out of her,” Earl said from behind his podium.

“Yeah,” I said, assuming he was talking about her looks.

“You gonna get greedy and keep playing?”

“Huh?”

He pointed at my case with its dotting of loose change and a single, rolled up bill. I picked up the cash. Benjamin Franklin stared at me with a sly smile.

That couldn’t be right. Even if it was, I couldn’t take it. Not from another student. Not from anyone who wasn’t Bill Gates.

Looking out the glass doors, I saw her and her friend make their way to the crosswalk and wait for the light.

“You okay?” Earl asked with a knowing smile. “Or did that pretty thing shake you?”

“I’m shaken,” I said, grabbing the pen off his clipboard. I scrawled my number on the bill and handed back the pen. “Save my spot.”

“Will do.”

I dropped my violin in the case and snapped it shut, losing a spray of pennies and dimes, grabbed my bag and case, and ran after her.

About CD Reiss

CD Reiss is a New York Times bestseller. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets.

Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.

She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping that cord of wood.

If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine. 

Connect with CD Reiss

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2iwpkPQ

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cd-reiss

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CDReiss.writer/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cdreisswriter

Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdreiss/

Website: www.cdreiss.com

Stay up to date with Christine by joining her mailing list: https://cdreiss.com/cd-reiss-mailing-list-signup/

Sign here for new release and sale alerts: https://cdreiss.com/NewReleaseSaleAlerts

Review: Helen Hoang's "The Bride Test (The Kiss Quotient #2)."

Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/2JsfOtO

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2JaV9uK

Synopsis: 

Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, he feels irritation when people move his things or contentment when ledgers balance down to the penny, but not big, important emotions—like grief. And love. He thinks he’s defective. His family knows better—that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly avoids relationships, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride.

As a mixed-race girl living in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, Esme Tran has always felt out of place. When the opportunity arises to come to America and meet a potential husband, she can’t turn it down, thinking this could be the break her family needs. Seducing Khai, however, doesn’t go as planned. Esme’s lessons in love seem to be working…but only on herself. She’s hopelessly smitten with a man who’s convinced he can never return her affection.

With Esme’s time in the United States dwindling, Khai is forced to understand he’s been wrong all along. And there’s more than one way to love.

Review: Jo 

This book truly made my heart sing. It was the most sweetest romance that I’ve read in a while. Such a beautiful story and my favourite so far from Helen Hoang. I know that I’m going to get a major book hangover now that I’ve turned the final pages of this wonderful novel.

“Show me how to make it good for you, too,” 

he said as he looked at her directly, no trace of shame on his face.

 “Because I need you to feel the way I do right now.”

"The Bride Test" follows the story of Esme, a Vietnamese girl desperate to find a better life for both herself and her family. Given an opportunity she couldn’t refuse, she flew to America to grab the chance of a new life, which is where she met Khai. The tale that then unfolded was one that was so gorgeous that I easily fell in love with everything about it. From the sweet slow burn to the brilliant character development and the cute romance that slowly developed between Esme and Khai, it was absolute perfection. I just had a huge smile on my face and a happy feeling in my heart throughout the majority of this book. Esme and Khai were so adorable together and as I reached the final chapters, I felt giddy with love for the couple and how things had played out for them.

"My heart works in a different way, but it’s yours. You’re my one.”

I really can’t recommend this book enough. If you haven’t yet snapped this one up, get clicking. If you love a good romance, you would be crazy not to read this novel. I can’t wait for book number three from Helen Hoang which releases next year. 

"...he drew her close and kissed her like the first time.

Lips to lips, hearts melting together, no distance between them, 

not even an arm’s length."

The Bride Test gets ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ from me.

Review: Katy Evans "Million Dollar Devil (Million Dollar #1)."

Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/2EEdRHA

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2M9tJYJ

Synopsis: 

Heir apparent to her father’s company, Lizzy Banks needs a man. The perfect man. But when the rich “fundbabies” she usually rubs shoulders with prove impossible to hire, she takes a chance on a raw beast of a man salvaged from the wreckage of a bar brawl.

James Rowan earns a modest income as a YouTube daredevil, but he can’t refuse Lizzy’s million dollar deal. As she polishes his rough edges, creating a sophisticated gentleman fit for the highest circles of society, not only does she bring out the perfect man—it’s like she’s making the man of her dreams. How can she resist?

Though Lizzy loves seeing James in his clothes—and out of them—he isn’t the kind of man you bring home to Daddy. Her father’s disapproval and the pressure of the campaign have her eyeing the straight and narrow, but Lizzy’s finding it awfully hard to resist the devil on her shoulder…

Review: Jo 

I loved "Million Dollar Devil",  quickly becoming lost in the delicious romance about falling in love with every single part of a person and not having to change. Lizzy and James’s story was one that I adored from start to finish. Katy Evens has delivered another novel that has completely consumed me. 

"Elizabeth. Out there you're the boss. In here. I make the rules."

I loved the premise of this story. It reminded me a little of the film "My Fair Lady." Just the other way around and a lot more modern. It also reminded me a lot of the song "Uptown Girl" by Billie Joel. Lizzy and James’s romance started out as a job offer. Lizzy the rich girl, keen to impress her successful Father by hiring rough and tough James as the new model for the family fashion business. The only problem is that James needed an epic makeover. 

"Maybe I don't belong in her world. But...I think she'd fit like a fucking glove into mine.

 Would she do that. Would she give it all up for me?"

The story that then began to unfold completely intrigued me and had me hooked. It was an angsty slow burn of the addictive variety. I loved watching the change in Lizzy and James's relationship. From the first moment they met, there was a huge amount of sizzling chemistry between the pair. The romance that played out had me all kinds of giddy. Even though they were complete opposites, Lizzy and James were so good together, and I enjoyed discovering the real James that lay underneath his armour. He truly was the perfect man for Lizzy.

"....nothing has ever felt as right as when I gaze into his eyes, 

seeing every bit of my future." 

With brilliant writing, an amazing plot, characters that were easy to become invested in, and a scorching hot romance, I wholeheartedly recommend this standalone novel. It gets ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ from me.

Blog Tour: Emma Scott's "A Five Minute Life."

The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog are pleased to be part of the Blog Tour for Emma Scott's "A Five Minute Life."

Amazon.com:  https://amzn.to/2VtmKZQ

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2Jl4lx3

Synopsis:

Remember us...when I can't.

Thea Hughes has five minutes to live.

A car accident stole her parents and left her with the second-worst documented case of amnesia in the world. She now has only minutes of experiences, of consciousness, of life…before her memory is wiped clean. The once effervescent artist with a promising future is reduced to scribbling with pens and paper, living an empty, quiet life, three hundred seconds at a time.

Jim Whelan is on autopilot.

A foster kid shuffled around the system since birth, he’s lived his entire life without knowing love…and it’s taken its toll—until he learned to fight back, carry his armor, and keep his head down.

Working as an orderly in the Blue Ridge Sanitarium, deep in Virginia countryside, Jim looked up…and found Thea.

When Thea has the chance to break free of her five-minute prison with a risky, experimental surgery, it could lead them both to an epic love they never thought possible… or one that could require the ultimate sacrifice.

Review: Jo

The queen of emotional reads strikes again.. Emma Scott has had me in tears, millions and millions of tears that I never thought would end. It’s been a long while since I have cried so hard over a book. I know it’s only May, but this book amazed me so much that I doubt very much that I will read anything more powerful this year. “A Five Minute Life” is my most favourite book of this year so far.

"She swayed like a willow tree, slender and delicate, 

while I was the oak rooted in front of her. 

Between her and the world, protecting her as best as I could."

I’m not going to say anything about this story. It is truly a masterpiece of romance that needs to be read without any spoilers or knowledge of what’s to come from Jimmy and Thea’s beautiful romance. All I will say is that it was a love story that held me spellbound and captive as it stole my heart and stole my breath. It wowed me with every page and left my emotions a big scattered mess. How can something be so beautiful, yet so heartbreaking at the same time?

"The past was done, and the future wasn't created yet. 

All we had is now. And I was going to live it."

Exquisitely written with a story that is sure to never leave me, Jimmy and Thea’s romance might just be my favourite from Emma Scott. If you are going to buy one book this week, this should be it. It’s an absolute must read. Now I need a while for my heart to recover before I pick up another book.

"I love you,"

"I love you too. Jimmy with the kind eyes."

“A Five Minute Life” deserves a billion hearts. I wish I could change the rules and give it more than the ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I can give it.

Excerpt:

“Marc Antony,” I said and nodded at her drawing. “Part of your Egyptian studies?”

Thea leaned her cheek on her folded hands like she was warming herself before a fire. “Marc Antony is part of the romance. A love story with Cleopatra. He went to war for her. Died for her. When they told her he was dead, she put her hand in a basket with an asp. Can you imagine? Loving someone so much that the thought of life without them is too unbearable?”

“No,” I said. “I can’t.”

Her gaze dropped to my hand on the table and her fingers reached to trace the scars on my knuckles. 

These tell a story, don’t they?” She traced one of the fine lines. “You put your hand in with the snakes, too.”

I nodded slowly, savoring the feel of her warm skin on mine. “So the bullies would leave me alone.”

“And did they?”

“Eventually.”

“I’m glad.” She put her hand in mine completely, her fingers wrapping around and holding tight. “I’m being too… something. Personal. Delia would throw a fit, but I feel like…”

“Like what, Thea?”

“Like I have to hold on to this moment, you know? Or you… I don’t even know you and yet I don’t want to stop talking to you.” Her hand squeezed mine. “I don’t care if you have a stutter, but please keep talking to me, Jimmy. Okay?”

My mouth went dry at the nameless desperation in her eyes.

Jesus, does she know she’s trapped? She can’t. Impossible…

“I won’t,” I said. “I’ll talk to you every day. I promise.”

Thea breathed a small sigh of relief and released my hand. “Thank you, Jimmy. That makes me feel better.”

With a final smile—a parting smile, I realized—she took up her pen and then froze.

She’s resetting.

Confusion passed over her features. She looked up at me, flinching a little to see a big man in close proximity. I instantly leaned back to give her space.

“How long has it been?” she asked.

“Two years,” I said, my voice hardly more than a whisper. “But the doctors are working on your case.”

“Yes, they are.” She smiled hesitantly and found my nametag. “I’m Thea Hughes.”

Seven. Seven times now.

“Jim Whelan,” I said.

She offered her hand. Again. I took it robotically, enduring her one-pump shake. Again. Her fingers didn’t linger in mine but released immediately, the way you do with a stranger. Again. 

“Nice to meet you, Jim Whelan.”

Fuck. I can’t do this.

I rose to my feet. “I have to get to work.”

Her face fell. “Oh. Bummer. Will I see you again?”

I could promise her I would, but she wouldn’t remember. There was no promise. I could tell her the sky was falling or my name was Abraham Lincoln and she wouldn’t know the damn difference. It’d vanish, like every other word we’d ever spoken to each other. I vanished every time her reset hit and was recreated over again in Thea’s eyes. I could be whatever I wanted; whomever I wanted. And yet she was the one woman I might’ve had a chance to be myself with. 

The terrible irony of it was like copper in my mouth. 

“Sure, Miss Hughes,” I said. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

About Emma:

Emma Scott is a bestselling author of emotional, character-driven romances in which art and love intertwine to heal, and in which love always wins. If you enjoy emotionally-charged stories that rip your heart out and put it back together again, with diverse characters and kind-hearted heroes, you will enjoy her novels. 

Connect with Emma:

Stay up to date with Emma by joining her mailing list: http://bit.ly/2nTGLf6

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2fqUULx

Author page: https://www.facebook.com/EmmaScottwri...

Reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/90674...

Review: Shana Gray's "The Nashville Bet (Girls Weekend Away #3)."

Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/2PR38hh

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2J5ohUr

Synopsis: 

The romantic...

When her boss offers her free tickets to the CMA Fest, Ava Trent jumps at the chance for a weekend in Nashville with her best girlfriends. Great music and new opportunities to look for Mr Right? What more could a former country girl ask for? Well, maybe not to literally fall at the feet of the hottest guy she's ever seen.

And the superstar singer...

After becoming an overnight success, fame doesn’t rest easy on Chase Hudson’s shoulders. It's hard to tell who's interested in him and who's interested in the star. So when he and Ava collide, and she has no idea who he is, he's immediately intrigued. Something about Ava calls to him – even though he’s convinced she’s a city-type who couldn’t handle his Nashville life.

Are about to get their country on.

What starts as a light-hearted bet to test one another, becomes something much deeper as Ava and Chase can’t stay away from one another. But with so many differences between their lives, will they win the relationship they've been dreaming of? Or lose each other?

Review: Jo 

I loved, loved, loved this book. Ava and Chase’s story was so romantic it made my heart soar. “The Nashville Bet” was my favourite from this series so far. I couldn’t recommend it enough.

"How can it be possible that you are here in my bed? 

I've imagined you, sung about you...

all these years and never figured I'd find you."

After realising that this was Ava’s turn for a story, I couldn’t wait to dive in. I loved Ava in the previous books and wanted nothing more than for the hopeless romantic to finally find the special guy that she had been waiting for. As a romance loving girl myself, I could easily relate to Ava’s wish to find her own happy ever after. I was so excited for her when she met the dreamy Chase. I had high hopes for the pairs relationship and I wasn’t disappointed. Chase was just so lovely and quickly fell head over heels in love with Ava. The romance that unfolded was one that made my heart flip over and over again.

"Loving Ava all night long was what he was born to do.

 But not just for one night...every night."

Chase and Ava’s story was a heart-melting, drama free romance. I adored everything about it. The Nashville Bets gets a much deserved ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ from me.