Saturday, 1 February 2020

New Release Spotlight & Review: Getting Dirty by Rachael Stewart


Getting Dirty by Rachael Stewart

Sometimes digging up the dirt
Means getting deliciously dirty…
I always work for the good guys. My job was simple: get the dirt on Coco Lauren, a princess of a socialite who talks—and plays—dirty. But I kissed her. I tasted her. Uncovered the tantalising woman beneath the polished façade. And she undid me in every way. Now I'm the bad guy. But how do I tell Coco the truth…when coming clean means losing her?



When professional lines become blurred. 

Personal Investigator Ash Livingston's new assignment should be straightforward, but after observing socialite Coco Lauren, his quickly begins to suspect his target's troubled. Against his better judgement, he gets to know her, knowing the decision will backfire. However, how can he resist betraying his client's half-sister when she looks like a long-legged princess? 

To the outside world, Coco Lauren has it all but all isn't as it seems. Luckily for her, Ash sees through her fake persona, getting to know the person she really is. Yet, can she say the same about him? 

Sexy romance, lies and betrayal. There's plenty to keep readers invested within this entertaining novel. Ash and Coco are the star attractions, but equally fascinating secondary characters provide much interest within the narrative. 

The pacing, plot and dialogue are what draws me to read novels by Ms Stewart, who has become a co-to author for me. She writes sizzling romances between protagonists with electrifying chemistry and Coco and Ash are no exception. The dialogue's packed with emotions as the pair wrestle with their consciences as the truths are revealed. The result is a well-deserved happy-ever-after for two people meant for each other.  

Lastly, I hope we will get to read Jackson's story sometime because I'd really like to get to know more about him! 

***arc generously received courtesy of Harlequin Dare***



Rachael Stewart adores conjuring up stories for the readers of Harlequin Mills & Boon and Deep Desires Press, with tales varying from the heart-warmingly romantic to the wildly erotic.

Despite a degree in Business Studies and spending many years in the corporate world, the desire to become an author never waned and it's now her full-time pleasure, a dream come true.

A Welsh lass at heart, she now lives in Yorkshire with her husband and three children, and if she's not glued to her laptop, she's wrapped up in them or enjoying the great outdoors seeking out inspiration.

Twitter: @rach_b52

Giveaway to Win an e-copy of Getting Dirty by Rachael Stewart (Open INT)
*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.

Friday, 31 January 2020

New Release Spotlight & Review: Lilian and the Irresistible Duke


Lilian and the Irresistible Duke by Virginia Heath

A reunion in Rome…Sparks an affair to remember!
Responsible widow Lilian Fairclough is persuaded to travel to Rome for a hard-earned break and to let down her hair! She’s surprised to be reunited with passionate, cynical Italian duke, Pietro Venturi. He reawakens her sensual side and intrigues her with glimpses of pain beneath his rakish surface. Enticed into a secret and temporary affair – what will happen once she returns home?


I had no idea before reading this delightful novel that it's the fourth book of the multi-author series; Secrets of a Victorian Household. Written by a favourite author of mine, Virginia Health, we follow widow Lilian Fairclough during an unexpected Italian adventure.

Lilian keeps herself busy but has somehow lost her way since the death of her dear husband. Without a defined role and conscious of getting older she reluctant to accept an invitation to go overseas. However, with some persuasion, she travels to Rome to stay with the family of her companion. Only, the head of the household is a man she's met previously during a flirty exchange…! 

Pietro Venturi, Duca della Torizia can't believe the English woman he kissed whilst sharing a carriage with her during his last trip to England is staying as a guest in his house. With a mutual interest in art, he uses his knowledge to seduce Lilian, only he underestimates the attraction between them.

Much of the charm within this narrative is how it relates to my own memories of Rome. Ms Heath brings the city alive, describing the sights us travellers have visited or crave to see. The attention to detail is palpable as we learn about Pietro's work as an art dealer. Additionally, the heroine is a mature woman with a grown-up family. A widow, it's her children who encourage her to travel and it's a refreshing change to read about protagonists closer to my age! It's heart-warming to read about a forty-five-year-old, struggling to find a purpose who ends up falling-in-love with someone to share her life with, in a way she never thought possible.

To sum up, this is standalone with enough back-story to familiarise readers with the other notable characters whose stories have already been told in previous novels. Ultimately, it's a sexy romance full of intrigue and promise set against a stunning backdrop.


4 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Harlequin Historical***

When Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Despite that, it still takes her forever to fall asleep.

Giveaway to Win 2 x e-copies of Lilian and the Irresistible Duke (Open INT)
*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 Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.