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The Year of What If by Phaedra Patrick #Review

  I am delighted to join in the celebrations for the latest novel by Phaedra Patrick , The Year of What If. You can read my review of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper   here and The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy  here Can the future be rewritten? On the verge of her second marriage, Carla Carter knows she’s finally found the one. She and her fiancé, Tom, met through Logical Love, a dating agency she founded for the pragmatically minded, and she’s confident that, together, they will dispel an old family curse claiming Carter women are unlucky in love. But Carla’s highly superstitious family insists she visit a fortune teller before her big day, and the tarot cards reveal that a different man holds the key to Carla’s happiness – someone she met while travelling during a gap year, twenty-one years ago. This startling information spurs Carla to trace and revisit the ex-boyfriends she met during that time before she walks down the aisle. From Barcelona to Am...

Field Rules by Carla Luna #Review #RomancingTheRuins

 I am thrilled to be taking part in the celebrations for Carla Luna's latest Romancing the Ruins novel, Field Rules. It was published on June 20th by Moon Manor Press.

What happens in the field, stays in the field. Or does it?

After the disastrous way her first archaeological dig ended, graduate student Olivia Sanchez abandoned her dreams of working in the field. Now, thanks to a last-minute teaching opportunity in Cyprus, she’ll get another chance to explore ancient history firsthand. This time, failure isn’t an option.

But digging up the past takes on a whole new meaning when she’s forced to team up with her ex, shovel bum Rick Langston.

For years, Rick has proven his archaeological skills all over the Mediterranean. But with no graduate degree—and a habit of attracting trouble—his reputation could use a little rehab. All he has to do is play by the rules while he’s in Cyprus and he’ll secure a coveted recommendation for his next job. Until Olivia resurfaces like a cursed relic from the past.

Given that their last fling nearly led to their academic ruin, Olivia and Rick can’t afford to repeat their past mistakes. But as they work together under the scorching Mediterranean sun, the heat between them proves impossible to ignore.

My Thoughts

This is a fun holiday read and takes you off to Cyprus, to the sunshine and the antiquity.  The chemistry between Olivia and Rick is obvious from the start and I enjoyed finding out just what their shared history was all about. The setting is delightful and there are plenty of lively characters among the students at the archaeological dig to add some humour and a sense of friendship for Olivia. 

 

Of course, not everyone has Olivia's best interests at heart, as you discover. I also enjoyed what I perceived to be the 'archaeology   politics' with battle lines drawn between those who prided themselves on being out and out members of the digs and others who preferred to stay in the library and work out the past through academic research. Then of course, there was an element of looking down one's nose at those who don't have further degrees, as Rick found out. Olivia develops as a character as the story evolves and you do feel that she does quite a bit of growing up. Taking a risk and stepping out of her comfort zone seems to suit her.

In short: a fun, holiday read 

About the Author


Carla Luna writes contemporary romance with a dollop of humor and a pinch of spice. A former archaeologist, she still dreams of traveling to far-off places and channels that wanderlust into the settings of her stories. When she’s not writing, she works in a spice emporium where she gets paid to discuss food and share her favorite recipes. Her passions include Broadway musicals, baking, whimsical office supplies, and pop culture podcasts. Though she has roots in Los Angeles and Vancouver Island, she currently resides in Wisconsin with her family and her feisty Siberian cat.

 

You can follow Carla here: Website |  Twitter  |  Bookbub

                                          |  Facebook Author page  |   Instagram

Book links: Amazon UK  | books2read.com.  |  Barnes & Noble 

                 |  Amazon US  |  Apple  

Thanks to Carla Luna and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 

Follow the rest of the tour!



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