Review & Giveaway: Fate & Fortune and Kismet & Karma by Robin Daniels



On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Fate & Fortune

(Fate & Fortune #1)
By Robin Daniels

YA Contemporary Romance, Duology
ebook, 270 Pages

September 20th 2018

Bryce has liked Paige since they were little but has never had the guts to act on his feelings. Paige is devastated over being dumped by her long-time boyfriend and can’t seem to move on. They’re stuck in a rut, until fate decides to pull them out.

Both Paige and Bryce are talked into seeing a fortune teller at the annual Summer’s End Carnival. Neither of them buys into the mysticism, until the psychic’s predictions start coming true. Now, the most bizarre things are happening and there isn’t a clear explanation. Each of them must figure out if they’re the subject of an elaborate hoax or a bigger plan forged by destiny.

*This book is part one of two. Books should be read sequentially.

Goodreads│Amazon

Kismet & Karma

(Fate & Fortune #2)
By Robin Daniels

YA Contemporary Romance, Duology
ebook, 184 Pages

October 25th 2018

Bryce and Paige belong together, but they’ll never make it happen alone. When inspiration strikes in multiple ways, a friend decides it can’t be a coincidence; it’s a call to action. With a little luck, the help of fate, and the matchmaking plan of the century, Bryce and Paige just might get their happy ending.

You heard Paige and Bryce's version of the story in Fate & Fortune. Now join Eric, Amy, Cody, Kennedy and Genie to see how things really went down.

***This book completes the series. Book one can be read as a standalone, but book two cannot. Fate & Fortune should be read first.***

Goodreads│Amazon

My Review

5 stars / It was amazing

What a fun ride! I loved this group of friends and their distinct personalities. The dynamics of their sibling relationships, friendships, and romances unfolded throughout the book and I loved getting to know them. Bryce and Paige were so likeable that I couldn't help but root for them to get together. The ways that they were given opportunities to draw closer to each other were fun and obviously contrived- and because Paige and Bryce suspected someone was behind it all and not buying into the mystical but still playing along, it made it believable. They had amazing chemistry and there is just the right balance of angst, hope, and romance.

The second book revealed exactly how Eric, Kennedy, and Genie schemed and brought their two friends together. More complicated dynamics are revealed, including a secret romance and unrequited crush. This book showed the story from several perspectives, all in first person POV, but I liked it because it really got me into the heads of the characters and helped me connect with them. I loved this creative YA duo of books and can't wait for more from the author!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed are my own)

About the Author

The most important thing to know about me is that I'm basically a sixteen-year-old trapped in an adult's body. It's why I feel such a great connection to all of my characters and why I love to write romantic comedy. The kid in me just wants to be goofy. Besides being a writer; I'm a wife, mother of five, volleyball enthusiast and home decorating guru. My list of favorites includes: reading, Christmas, pedicures, dessert, steak, Arizona winters and most importantly, Diet Coke.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram│Amazon│Newsletter

Tour Schedule

November 5th:
Launch
Heidi Reads...
Mythical Books
November 6th:
Becky on Books
Rockin' Book Reviews
Christen Krumm, Writer
November 7th:
Among the Reads
Dani Reviews Things
November 8th:
Harlie's Books
Colorimetry
November 9th:
Singing Librarian Books
Getting Your Read On
November 12th:
Katie's Clean Book Collection
Wishful Endings
November 13th:
Sarah Jane Lamb
Seasons of Humility
November 14th:
Paulette's Papers
Andi's Young Adult Books
Andi's Book Reviews
November 15th:
Mel's Shelves
Kathryn Cooper Writes
Rainy Day Reviews
November 16th:
Teatime and Books
Ghoulish Life & Reviews
A Backwards Story
Remembrancy
November 17th:
Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card

Open internationally
Ends November 21, 2018

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Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: Enchanting Nicholette by Dawn Crandall

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Enchanting Nicholette by Dawn Crandall, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Enchanting Nicholette  
Series: The Everstone Chronicles #5  
Author: Dawn Crandall  
Publisher: Whitaker House  
Release Date: October 9, 2018  
Genre: Historical Romance

In this captivating novella by Dawn Crandall, Nicholette Everstone is already a widow at the age of twenty-two: her husband was murdered on their wedding day. She has just returned to Boston after two years of mourning in Europe. Although her husband was loving, the marriage was an arranged one, and Nicholette would like to wed again–this time for love…and to someone safe.

As she acclimates to life in Back Bay again, Nicholette meets someone she can’t help but fall for. But when she learns of the danger and sacrifices Cal Hawthorne takes on for the safety of others, will her heart be strong enough to keep her fears of “what if” at bay?

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | BAM! | Christian Book

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 MY REVIEW

5 stars / It was amazing

Fans of The Everstone Chronicles series will absolutely love this addition to the series! Cal Hawthorne and Nicholette Everstone are pleasant and charming together, but Cal has secrets and Nicholette struggles with any sort of danger that puts loved ones at risk. I enjoyed their friendship and loved the chemistry as they are instantly attracted to each other. The themes of trust and overcoming fear are well-executed and powerful. There is a good pace to the story and it felt longer and fuller than a novella with its full plot and character arc. It can be read on its own but the reader will definitely want to pick up the other books in the series to read the lovely stories of all the characters they meet!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dawn Crandall‘s debut Gilded Age Victorian romance, “The Hesitant Heiress,” was a 2015 ACFW Carol award finalist in the debut category and received the 2015 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the 2015 Write Touch Reader’s Choice Award and the 2015 Romancing the Novel Reader’s Choice Award. Her follow-up novel, “The Bound Heart,” received the 2016 Laurel Award from Clash of the Titles. Dawn earned a BA in Christian Education from Taylor University. She’s been balancing books and babies lately as her two sons were both born as the four books of her Everstone Chronicles series were being released from Whitaker House from 2014 to 2016. Dawn lives with her husband and two young sons on a hobby farm in her hometown in northeast Indiana.

 CONNECT WITH DAWN CRANDALL: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) Winner will win:

• A print copy of Enchanting Nicholette
• A library card zipper bag
• Two pairs of Jane Austen socks
• Two hand poured candles
• A historically accurate soap from Austen’s time
• A Jane Austen set of playing cards
• A set of Jane Austen notecards
• 6 magnets with Jane Austen quotes

(US Mailing Addresses Only)  

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 29, 2018 and lasts through 11:59pm November 12, 2018. Void where prohibited by law. US addresses only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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Follow along at JustRead for a full list of stops!

Review: Never Envy an Earl by Regina Scott

Book Three in the Fortune's Brides series

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

The saucy Yvette de Maupassant is used to danger. She’s spent the last 10 years spying for England in Napoleon’s court. Now that her work has been discovered, she must hide, and what better place than the remote wooded estate of the Earl of Carrolton? Her friend Miss Thorn and that delightful cat Fortune place her in a position where she can pretend to be companion to the earl’s sickly mother. Yet one look at the earl has Yvette rethinking why she wants to stay.

Gregory, Earl of Carrolton, is used to power. So why does one moment in the company of his mother and spinster sister leave him feeling powerless? And why does the look in a certain Frenchwoman’s eyes leave him weak at the knees? As danger draws closer, Gregory and Yvette must work together to protect her, his family, and the future of England, as they discover the greatest danger and delight is falling in love.

My Review

I love how individual the characters in this series are! The author does a wonderful job of giving each one a distinct personality with a range of mannerisms, strengths, and struggles. Yvette is especially unique because she is a former French spy (for the British) with a tragic history, yet she has a way of improving the situation she finds herself in. I loved her spirit and the way she stood up to Gregory's mother and sister, while still staying in their good graces. It was interesting how she had such compassion for Gregory and felt safe with him, yet is not sure about him and his true nature because of her trust issues.I liked getting to know Gregory and how he dealt with his family dynamics. It was nice to see how Yvette's influence on them all improved their own relationships with each other. A lovely Regency romance, as always!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Excerpt

Men. They must have been discussing what to do about her situation, yet they all stared at her as if she’d floated down from the ceiling dressed in chicken feathers. Mr. Villers’s mouth even hung open.

“Vite, vite,” Yvette said, coming to join them. “You must be quick. Meredith is with her ladyship, but I will be wanted shortly.”

Mr. Mayes brightened. She’d met the solicitor last month at Foulness Manor, the home of her friend Harry. Of course he would want news of Meredith—unless Yvette missed her guess, he intended to court the lady.

“Miss Thorn is still here?” he asked.

“For the time being,” the earl told him. Then he stepped forward to take Yvette’s hand in his. Such a large hand. Hers disappeared inside it, yet she felt perfectly comfortable.

“Miss de Maupassant,” he said, “Mr. Mayes and Mr. Villers came to let us know they have identified the man pursuing you. You must be brave. It is your cousin.”

The room dimmed. She must have swayed on her feet, for his hand slipped around her waist as if to hold her upright. She clung to his hand, to his warmth. She could not let her fear rule her.

“I should have known Claude would be involved,” she made herself say. “I am only surprised he crossed the Channel himself. Where is he now?”

“We’re not sure,” Mr. Mayes admitted. “One of our best men, Lord Trevithan, nearly caught him in London, but he managed to escape.”

He would, even from the dashing Lord Trevithan, who’d recruited her for a spy. Her cousin was a survivor. So many wrongs could be laid at his door, yet he always escaped capture, like a cockroach scuttling away from the light.

“You’re safe here,” the earl said in his deep voice, hand still holding hers. “He has no idea where you are.”

Yvette shook her head. “He had no idea where I was. Why do you think he allowed you to see him in London? He wanted you to know he was in England. You hurried to tell me, and he will hurry to follow you.”

Mr. Villers straightened, and Mr. Mayes’ handsome face tightened.

“You’re right,” the solicitor said. “We were fools. Carrolton, there’s nothing for it now. We’ll have to find another place for Miss de Maupassant.”

The earl stiffened, but once more the room seemed to darken. Leave Carrolton Park? She had only been here a few days, but she felt as if ribbons bound her to the place.

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Check out the other books in the Fortune's Brides series . . .

Book One

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

After spending the last ten years following her late husband on campaign, the irrepressible Jane Kimball finds herself badly in need of a position to support herself. Marriage holds no appeal; she’s not likely to find a husband like her Jimmy again. But when Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency offers her a post with the Duke of Wey, Jane feels drawn to help the lonely widower with his three daughters. He may seem a bit aloof, but Miss Thorn’s cat Fortune approved of him. Why should Jane doubt a duke?

Alaric, Duke of Wey, commands his staff, his tenants, and the halls of Parliament, managing vast holdings in England and across the seas. Why is it he cannot manage his own daughters? As an old danger rears its head, he comes to rely on Jane’s practical nature, her outspoken ways to navigate the waters of fatherhood. And when necessity dictates he take a wife, thoughts turn to an unlikely governess who might make the perfect bride.

Book Two

Read my 4 star review here

Synopsis

After caring for a crotchety countess, Patience Ramsey wants a more purposeful position. So, when Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency offers her the post of assistant to amateur apothecary Augusta Orwell, Patience jumps at the chance. Then her new employer introduces her at an Easter house party as the bride-to-be of her nephew Sir Harold Orwell. Miss Thorn’s cat Fortune may approve of Sir Harry, but Patience has no interest in borrowing the handsome baronet. She’s had her heart trampled on by false promises before.

Sir Harry has enough on his hands trying to restore the family name while spying for the English against the French. But the pretty Patience could cover for him when he must ply his trade during the house party, so he convinces her to agree to the charade. As Harry’s work brings danger closer, he begins to realize Patience embodies everything he could want in a wife. Can he convince her to overlook the scandals surrounding him and exchange their false engagement for a true love?

Book Four

Releasing November 2018!

Synopsis

Lydia Villers is determined to leave behind her life as a social butterfly and do what she's always dreamed of doing--pursue a career in science. A shame the only scientist willing to assist her is the one man she had once hoped to wed. Frederick, Viscount Worthington, Worth to his friends, has been betrayed once too often. How can he believe Lydia's intentions are true? With the help of Miss Thorn and her beloved cat Fortune, a determined young lady and a jaded lord might just discover that only together do they make the perfect chemistry.

Review: Just a Name by Becky Monson

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

If there’s one thing Holly Murphy loves, it’s a solid plan. She has her entire life figured out—or so she thinks. But when life pulls the rug out from under her, she’s left to deal with a canceled wedding—hers, to be precise. And the promotion she’s worked toward for years is now in jeopardy because the team she supervises doesn’t like her management style.

Thinking that Holly is too tightly wound and needs a break from everything, her boss demands she take a vacation. But how can she take a vacation when her promotion is on the line? Trying to help out, her best friend, Quinn, suggests she still go on her honeymoon and conduct a nationwide search to find a man with the same name as her ex-fiancé to use his plane ticket. Leaving Holly to wonder if she’s the only sane person left on the planet.

Yet when her boss gets wind of the idea and loves it, Holly finds herself in a corner she can’t get out of. And when handsome Nate Jones from Newport Beach gets picked to go with her, she wonders if this whole thing won’t be so bad after all.

Can Holly learn to let go? Or will this crazy adventure send her running right back to her safety net?

My Review

What a fun book! Holly is flawed in ways I can't quite understand, not being a workaholic myself ;) The author did a great job of getting me in her head and even though I thought she was more than a little crazy for not wanting to take time off from her frustrating work situation to travel *to Europe*, I liked when she started to listen to her friends and stretched outside her comfort zone. She learned some invaluable life lessons and I enjoyed seeing her progress on her journey. There's a great balance of humor, angst, and romance. My favorite parts were with her ex-fiancee's best friend who obviously has an unrequited thing for her that she is oblivious to. I loved how patient he is with her and has to start from scratch to build a new friendship with her. Such great romantic tension! Perfect for fans of contemporary romance of the chick-lit-with-depth variety :)

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review & Giveaway: A Christmas Courting by Jennifer Moore, Chalon Linton, Jen Geigle Johnson, Heidi Kimball

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

This holiday season fall in love, with heartwarming tales of Christmases past in A Christmas Courting, an enchanting collection of Regency romances.
 
Love and Joy Come to You by Jennifer Moore
Lord Covington has planned a quiet holiday with his grieving mother but finds his plans rudely disrupted when lovely Cassie Weatherby and her young siblings are invited for Christmas. Despite his reservations, however, he begins to recognize in Cassie a kindred spirit.
 
A Christmas Courting by Chalon Linton
When obligations keep her in London, Keturah Hensley sadly anticipates missing the festivity of Christmas at her family's country home and the company of her best friend, Christopher Shepherd. When she learns that Christopher will be joining her family in London for Christmas, she is delighted--but her elation is short-lived. Christopher is coming to Town to court the woman of his dreams, and Keturah fears she may have lost the chance to win his love.
 
Mistletoe Memories by Jen Geigle Johnson
From childhood, Patrick, Duke of Montrose, knew he'd found his perfect match in Lady Alice Tarrington. When he's sent on a grand tour, Patrick is confident he'll marry his sweetheart upon his return. But when he receives word that Alice is to marry another, will he be too late to claim her heart?
 
Second-Chance Christmas by Heidi Kimball
Francie and Gerard have been friends since childhood, but their friendship ended when she declined his heartfelt proposal of marriage. However, when her interactions with Gerard's holiday houseguests provoke in Francie unexpected jealousy, she realizes she must fight for Gerard's affections or risk losing him forever.

My Review

This is a lovely collection of holiday Regency novellas! It definitely put me in the holiday spirit, and it was fascinating to learn some of the traditions of the era for celebrating Christmas. There's something special and even magical about the Christmas season and I think it enhances the connections and emotions of the characters. The romance in each story is sweet and even though the couples had various obstacles to overcome (some with excessive angst), the happy endings left me with a smile on my face. I'm a fan of Jennifer Moore and Chalon Linton, and was excited to read two new-to-me authors. I'm looking forward to reading more of their other books.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Follow the Book Tour . . .

Oct. 22 

My Book a Day | Brightly Street | Rockin' Book Reviews | Bonnie Gets a Say | Kindle and Me

Oct. 23  
Wishful Endings, | Lovebugs and Postcards | Empower Moms | The Things I Love Most

Oct. 24  
Bookworm Lisa | LDS Writer Mom | Life is What It's Called | Fire and Ice Reads

Oct. 25  
Singing Librarian Books | Katie's Clean Book Collection | LDS and Lovin' It | Getting Your Read On

Oct. 26  
Why Not? Because I Said So | Literary Time Out | Heidi Reads... | Books Are Sanity | Bloggin' 'Bout Books

Oct. 29

I am a Reader

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Review: Breaking Jess by H.B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

What do a crooked detective, an upstanding psychiatrist, and a teenager who can’t remember killing her parents all have in common? Nine years of lies.

My Review

There are so many layers to this compelling and suspenseful story! Jess is now a young adult, having spent the past years since the murders in a metal institution. Her brother gets her a new psychiatrist, which puts into motion the uncovering of secrets and memories of the past. The sense of anxiety and danger is at the surface as the real killer makes moves to prevent Jess from revealing what her mind is finally ready to face. It was fascinating to read the story from the first person perspectives of both Jess and Dr. Mayer. The pace was steady in the beginning, but built momentum as the climax approached through several twists and turns. What stood out to me was that the book didn't end there with a typical wrap-up. I loved that we got to see Jess's recovery and development after such a traumatic life experience and how Dr. Mayer was involved after his professional duties were over. Highly recommend to fans of suspense or thrillers!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

More thrillers & suspense novels by H.B. Moore:

Poetic Justice
Finding Sheba
Lost King
Slave Queen
The Killing Curse

Review: Last Kiss by Ranee S. Clark

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

Gwen Malone is back in her hometown of Clay, Wyoming, saving money while she figures out what to do next with her life and her dream of having her own online magazine. Then her ex, Cale Parrish shows up, working for her dad, of all things. Things are awkward, of course, since he broke off their engagement just a month before the wedding.
 
But Cale has known for a long time that he made a mistake five years ago, when he allowed the pressure to marry her right after his mission eclipse his true feelings for her. He can’t let Gwen slip away from him again.
 
Cale's thoughtful gestures and reminders of their once-perfect relationship begin to convince Gwen they should take a chance on them again—until a no-holds-barred kiss reminds her exactly how much she has to lose. Cale may be ready to jump right back in where they left off, but can Gwen trust him again so easily?

My Review

This is a sweet second chance romance in small town Wyoming. It focused on Gwen's indecision over her first love's return to town and attempts to rekindle their relationship. She's in limbo since she's stalled in her career and that sense of uncertainty is prevalent throughout the story. The plot wasn't exciting or compelling and I would have liked more depth and character development. Cale and Gwen were nice together, or at least Gwen's memories of how they used to be. Most of their present day interactions involved awkwardness and avoidance. I didn't feel invested in them, and was surprised at the jumps they made in the end after five years of zero contact. Perhaps if Cale and Gwen's previous time together had been more detailed, I would have felt there was more of a foundation to build on.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: Wedding Belles: A Novel in Four Parts by Melanie Jacobson, Jenny Proctor, Becca Wilhite, Brittany Larsen

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

* The e-book is only $3.99, such a great deal for four great stories! *

Synopsis

Harper is an event planner with dreams of taking over the Charleston wedding scene . . . until she meets the biggest Bridezilla of her career. She needs the job, but the only way to keep it is to hire a temperamental chef with big dreams of his own.

Janie is a classical cellist booked to play a posh Charleston wedding. She’s excited to have the lucrative gig until the groom’s brother, Emmett, shows up and asks her to help him play a song he wrote for the happy couple. The only trouble? Emmett is her unrequited high school crush.

Lily has been Dahlia's best friend, partner-in-crime, and now her maid of honor . . . until suddenly there's no wedding, and she's left to clean up Dahlia's biggest mess of all. She's been friends with Deacon, the jilted groom, for just as long, and it's up to her rescue him after Hurricane Dahlia blows through.

Sutton is a photographer running from her past. Only the pleas from her best friend to photograph her wedding could bring Sutton back to Charleston. Her plan is to get in and get out before her ex knows she and their daughter are in town. At least it’s the plan until she meets Max, who turns out to be the safe place she didn’t know she was looking for.

Can each of these couples trust their growing chemistry, or are they on the verge of new disasters?

My Review

Oh my, what a great collection of stories! I try not to use this word too much, but it really is swoony! Each couple had a bit of a journey to take to finally come together, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride for each. I loved how the four stories weave together in subtle ways, connected through the big Charleston wedding, but also stand so well on their own. I also thought the choice to have the timeline start before the wedding and finish after was smart and it kept me interested and engaged to have the majority of each story occur at a different point in time with some overlap. I seriously can't decide which one was my favorite, I loved them all equally. The personalities and circumstances of each couple are distinct and unique, but something they all share is fabulous romantic tension and amazing kissing scenes! Highly recommend to fans of sweet contemporary romance!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)