New Publication Review: Nobody Puts Romcoms In The Corner by Kathryn Freeman

The perfect pick me up romcom for fans of Beth O’Leary, Sophie Kinsella and Sophie Ranald!
Sally is a classic romantic and Harry is a classic cynic, but when a drunken bet leads the new flatmates to (badly) recreate ‘the lift’ from Dirty Dancing, and the video goes viral (#EpicRomcomReenactmentFailure), they both realise there’s potential financial benefit in blundering their way through the romcom lexicon for their suddenly vast social media following.

Now, as Harry and Sally bring major romcom moments to new life – including recreating that classic diner scene – their faking it turns to making…out and suddenly they’re living a real life romcom of their own! But like all the greatest love stories, the road to happily ever after is paved with unexpected challenges for this hero and heroine…

AMAZON US          AMAZON UK

For lovers of Romantic Comedy films, "Nobody Puts Romcoms in the Corner" is the perfect book. Sally, the heroine, and her friends are also huge fans of romcoms and frequently reference them. Sally, a coffee shop owner, needs a room-mate to help pay her bills, and Harry, who is dealing with an ex-girlfriend who refuses to leave his house, needs a place to stay. When they meet, Harry thinks Sally is a little strange, but he agrees to live with her on a short-term basis.

The book is filled with humorous romantic comedy scene re-enactments, as well as a grumpy man who doesn't believe in love living with a woman who wants the whole package of love, marriage, and family. The story is entertaining and full of hilarious dialogue and heat. However, it is not all light and fluffy as there are some heavy moments.

The author develops Sally's character well, and we learn that she has had to grow up quickly after her parents passed away. Her friends are always there for her, but her sister is a bit of a spoiled brat. Sally believes in love and romantic relationships, which is why she loves romcoms so much. Harry, on the other hand, has never experienced true love and frustrates Sally and the reader in equal measures!

As the story progresses, Sally convinces Harry to re-enact more romcom scenes in hopes of earning some cash, and they become closer. However, there is tension between them because Harry told Sally he didn't believe in love, and Sally wants the whole #swept off her feet” package. When things turn for the worst, Sally walks away, and their relationship becomes more complicated.

Overall, a laugh aloud, engaging, sexy novel between two fun protagonists with combustible chemistry.

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher One More Chapter via NetGalley***

New Publication Spotlight & Review: The Beach Reads Book Club by Kathryn Freeman

The Beach Reads Book Club by Kathryn Freeman

Welcome to the Beach Reads Book Club…where love is just a page away…

When Lottie Watt is unceremoniously booted out of her uptight book club for not following the rules, she decides to throw the rulebook out the window and start her own club – one where conversation, gin and cake take precedent over actually having read the book!

The Beach Reads Book Club soon finds a home for its meetings at Books by the Bay, a charming bookshop and café owned by gorgeous, brooding Matthew Steele, and as the book club picks heat up, so too does the attraction between Matt and Lottie.

If there’s anything Lottie has learned from the romances she’s been reading, it’s that the greatest loves are the ones hardest earned.

A love letter to chicklit, romance, romcoms, whatever you want to call them!

This novel is a surprise! I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked it up, but it quickly got under my skin and is now a summer favourite.

Charlotte "Lottie" Watt loves reading but the book club she attends isn't reading books she enjoys, so on a whim, she decides to set up her own club. With the backing of a couple of other ladies, she asks the new owner of the local bookshop, if they can hold their meetings after hours. With the venue sorted, a book agreed, what more do you need to do at a meeting apart from chat?

Matt Steele, owner of Books by the Bay doesn't know what hit him when he agrees to let Lottie and her book club use his shop for their monthly meetings. He and his family are new to the town, so he sees it as a way of getting to know more locals. However, the ladies become much more to him and his family than to a group of people who enjoy books!

You'll laugh out loud and inwardly cringe at the antics… and incidents during the book club meetings. Readers can also join in, as each month they discuss well known familiar novels. The group is small but has likeable and relatable personalities. As they get to know each other meaningful friendships are forged whilst reading sexy novels and drinking gin!

While Lottie is a whirlwind of a woman, with her bubbly personality, Matt is quiet and brooding. Underneath is a passionate man trying to rebuild his life after his divorce and the death of his mother. Together, they make a fascinating couple who compliment each other.

One of the joys of this story is the diverse age span between the book club members. On the younger end, is Amy, Matt's sister who is struggling to settle into her new surroundings, whilst on the senior end, is Audrey, who is a force to reckon with…a wild-card but ultimately is an octogenarian given a new lease of life to socialise with like-minded people. However, Lottie is the woman who makes it all possible with her unselfish and compassionate desire to help people struggling with issues in their lives.

Overall, The Beach Reads Book Club is a quick and fabulous read for either a day at the beach or a cosy corner in the garden along with a cheeky, sparkling glassful of some naughty and nice!

***arc generously received courtesy of One More Chapter via NetGalley*** 

UK AMAZON              US AMAZON 

A former pharmacist, I'm now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it's the reaction to a sexy hero. 

With a husband who asks every Valentine's Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.

Website:  http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/KathrynFreeman1

A Spotlight and Book Review for Mr Right Across The Street by Kathryn Freeman

Mr Right Across The Street by Kathryn Freeman

Mia Abbott’s move to Manchester was supposed to give her time and space from all the disastrous romantic choices she’s made in her past. But then the hot guy who lives opposite – the one who works out every day at exactly 10 a.m., not that Mia has noticed thank-you-very-much – starts leaving notes in his window…for her.

Bar owner Luke Doyle has his own issues to deal with but as he shows Mia the sites of her new city he also shows her what real romance looks like for the first time. And when he cooks up a signature cocktail in her honour, she realises that the man behind the bar is even more enticing than any of his creations. And once she’s had a taste she knows it will never be enough!

Amazon UK               Amazon US

A refreshingly fun and humorous novel!

Mia Abbott moves to Manchester to put some space between herself and her ex. A fresh start in a new city is what she needs to focus on her career. However, she's distracted daily at 10 a.m. by a shirtless Mr Hot Guy Opposite when she's supposed to be working. Only, it reminds her that she doesn't know anyone in the city, an aspect of her life she needs to change.

Luke Doyle is now the proud owner of The Bar Beneath after taking over the reins of the place he had called work for the last ten years. With his new role as an employer, his focus is all work and no play, meaning there's less time to socialise. That's until a woman walks into his bar, like a breath of fresh air…

There's lots of banter and moments to make you smile as Mia and Luke get to know each other. With numerous obstacles to navigate, their dates are original and imaginative.

I've read a couple of Ms Freeman's other novels and this one is my favourite so far. The plot-line is adorable yet, Mia and Luke's journey to a happy ending is more than just a meet-cute story. Both have emotional baggage; Luke more than Mia. So, when they finally get-together, it's a satisfying finale for two people made for each other.

If you enjoy romances with protagonists with sizzling chemistry, sit back and prepare to be entertained.

***review copy bought and paid for by myself***

A former pharmacist, I'm now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it's the reaction to a sexy hero. 

With a husband who asks every Valentine's Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.

Website:  http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/KathrynFreeman1

New Book Release Spotlight: Strictly Come Dating by Kathryn Freeman

Strictly Come Dating by Kathryn Freeman

Saturday nights are strictly for dancing… 

As the glitter ball shimmers and sequins flash, forty-year-old Maggie remembers the pull of the dancefloor.  But now, as a newly divorced mum of two, Maggie’s certain her dancing days are over.  Or are they…?

Encouraged by her friends, Maggie dusts off her silver stilettoes and enrols for dancing classes, all she needs now is the perfect partner.

Enter Seb.  Young, carefree and hot as hell, Seb is definitely a perfect 10!  Even though everything about him is outrageously inappropriate! But as Seb sweeps her across the dancefloor every week, Maggie begins to see a new side to him; kind, caring, funny, strong. 

And Maggie realises that he’s the only one she’d like to foxtrot with…perhaps even forever

Amazon US          Amazon UK

A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero.

I’ve two sons and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), so any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.

Website:  http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/KathrynFreeman1

New Release Spotlight & Review: The New Guy by Kathryn Freeman

The New Guy by Kathryn Freeman

Sam Huxton doesn’t do one-night stands, especially not with men she’s just met! But the hot guy at the bar was hard to resist and their one night together is one she’ll never forget.

But one night is all they share – no names, no numbers, just some much needed fun…

Until the same guy walks into Sam’s life the next day as her new employee.  Sam never mixes business with pleasure and makes it clear an office fling with Ryan is off-limits.  But after-hours…one thing can lead to another. Can Sam trust her heart and her business with the new guy?

Amazon UK          Amazon US

A rom-com with a one-night stand and new employee! It's my introduction to a new for me author too. 

Sam Huxton has a shock when she returns to her office and meets the new guy, Ryan Black. Employed on her behalf by a trusted employee and friend, his job is to fix a problem within a new phone app they're developing at her company Privacy Solutions. Therefore it's a shock for everyone when they realise Sam had a one-night stand during her time away and it was with the new guy! It's awkward, but they agree to keep their distance from each other. That's until they can't bear to be apart.

What lacked for me is Sam's ability to come across as a convincing CEO at Privacy Solutions. I can understand her wanting to build a company with an enticing working environment, but the fact she's too close and friendly with all the staff took away the edge she should have had when making tough decisions. I liked Ryan Black because he's an underdog, looking to improve his current situation. He's flawed, but has good intentions… if only he could keep his temper under control. As a pair, the protagonists are mismatched but somehow manage to meander their way out of tricky situations. There's plenty to humorous dialogue and sizzling chemistry but not enough to convince me they are the real deal.

The highlights are the exchanges between Ryan and Lucas Baker. They're two very different men but find a common link to forge a friendship built on trust and respect. You'd not ordinarily expect to find this pair within the same company so it's admirable they look past their differences and focus on what's important.

The story finishes with a happy ending for Sam and Ryan although, if this couple lived in the real world, I don't feel confident their relationship would last a lifetime.

Overall, it's a soundly written novel full of details and paced to keep a reader invested within the narrative. The story didn't hit the spot for me, however, I enjoyed Ms Freeman's writing style and will definitely pick up and read another of her novels.

***arc generously received courtesy of One More Chapter via NetGalley***

A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero.

With a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.

Website:  http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/KathrynFreeman1

Spotlight: Oh Crumbs by Kathryn Freeman

Oh Crumbs by Kathryn Freeman

Sometimes life just takes the biscuit …
Abby Spencer knows she can come across as an airhead – she talks too much and is a bit of a klutz – but there’s more to her than that. Though she sacrificed her career to help raise her sisters, a job interview at biscuit company Crumbs could finally be her chance to shine. That’s until she hurries in late wearing a shirt covered in rusk crumbs, courtesy of her baby nephew, and trips over her handbag. 

Managing director Douglas Faulkner isn’t sure what to make of Abby Spencer with her Bambi eyes, tousled hair and ability to say more in the half-hour interview than he manages in a day. All he knows is she’s a breath of fresh air and could bring a new lease of life to the stale corporate world of Crumbs. To his life too, if he’d let her. 

But Doug’s harbouring a secret. He’s not the man she thinks he is. 

Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crumbs-Choc-Lit-Kathryn-Freeman-ebook/dp/B07BYDG51M

Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/Crumbs-Choc-Lit-Kathryn-Freeman-ebook/dp/B07BYDG51M

A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero.

With two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.

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Giveaway – Win a paperback copy of Too Damn Nice by Kathryn Freeman (Open Internationally)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide 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 I reserve 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 I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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