Romancing the Rough Diamond by Claire London

Clare London - Romancing The Rough Diamond Cover s dnhy54jhTitle: Romancing the Rough Diamond

Series: Dreamspun Desires 90 / Romancing the… 04

Author: Claire London

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (244 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-637-0

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (27 Sept 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Trust is the most precious jewel of all.

When Mayfair jewelers Starsmith Stones wins the commission for a gay royal wedding, CEO Joel Sterling is recommended to the brilliant young designer Matt Barth—only to discover Matt’s the man with whom he shared an anonymous and passionate kiss on the celebration night.

Disenchanted with the commercial jewelry industry, Matt nowadays prefers muddy archaeological digs to designing. Openly resentful of Starsmith’s hostile takeover of his family’s firm, he is horrified at the realization he’ll be working with the man who engineered that deal—but the opportunity to create something fabulous and unique for the royal couple is too tempting to refuse.

Working as a team reignites the spark between Joel and Matt. But when betrayal from within Starsmith threatens both the project and Joel’s confidence, will they have built enough trust to keep their newfound love as precious as the royal jewels?

Purchase Link: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Romancing the Rough Diamond is the fourth book in Claire London’s Romancing The… series. It is not necessary to have read the two previous books; this is a standalone book and the couple are totally unrelated to the other. The only real link between them is being set in England/United Kingdom and these are people that are in the upper crust of society – businessmen, celebrities, social darlings, old money, that kind of thing. This series has been released as part of the Dreamspun Desires, and this book is everything that I love getting my hands books released in this house line. It’s sweet, sexy, full of big drama (sometimes bordering melodrama) and equally big personalities.

There’s a royal wedding about to take place and this one is a bit different because it will be the first same sex royal wedding. The hype is big and the competition to win the rights to be the jeweller for said royal wedding is a big deal. So much so, when CEO of Starsmith Jewellers, Joel Sterling, found out that his firm had won the commission, he locked lips with a stranger. Not thinking about that little episode further, Joel is intent on making this the most perfect pieces that his people have created. And with the importance of such a commission, everything is to be kept under lock and key to keep the project top secret. Now he needs to recruit a designer for the project, and is strongly recommended to approach designer Matt Barth. It just so happens that Matt is the man Joel kissed and the man who is the son of a company that Starsmith took over.

Matt is a complicated and stubborn man. His is brilliant, proud and passionate about his work, which is mostly doing archaeological digs on some of his family’s land. He’s a man who hasn’t done a lot of commercial designs but is a designer that is raved about in many jewellery design circles in England and Europe. Yet, with his family’s successful jewellery firm sold off, Matt doesn’t want to be involved with the man he perceives as his enemy.

Matt and Joel are so different and yet at the same time they are both so similar. It is their similarities that draw them together and their differences that make them perfect for each other. They have excellent chemistry. They are also very passionate men, which makes some of the drama about the designs and their relationship so much fun.

As a side note, because it tickled me so much. For someone who had watched so much Time Team and in a Time Team fan group on Facebook, the talk of archaeology on the family farm had me thinking of Tony and Phil et al., I had to laugh though when London also made reference to the TV show.

If you’ve liked anything from Dreamspun Desires or if you’ve enjoyed Romancing the Wrong Twin, Romancing the Ugly Duckling and Romancing the Undercover Millionaire you’ll definitely like this book. I recommend this this to those that love the opulence of upper society (i.e. me and my love of aristocratic-type romances) mixed with business and artistry. I would quite label it an enemies to lovers type of book, but for those that do like that in a book, I think this could be the book for you too.

Romancing The Rough Diamond by Clare London Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Clare London - Romancing The Rough Diamond RTBANNER-81

Hi guys! We have Clare London popping in today with the tour for her new release Romancing The Rough Diamond, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 Amazon GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~ p.s. keep an eye out for Prime’s review coming soon!

Clare London - Romancing The Rough Diamond Cover 474jh

Romancing The Rough Diamond

(Dreamspun Desires 90 / Romancing The… 04)
by

Clare London

Trust is the most precious jewel of all.

When Mayfair jewelers Starsmith Stones wins the commission for a gay royal wedding, CEO Joel Sterling is recommended to the brilliant young designer Matt Barth—only to discover Matt’s the man with whom he shared an anonymous and passionate kiss on the celebration night.

Disenchanted with the commercial jewelry industry, Matt nowadays prefers muddy archaeological digs to designing. Openly resentful of Starsmith’s hostile takeover of his family’s firm, he is horrified at the realization he’ll be working with the man who engineered that deal—but the opportunity to create something fabulous and unique for the royal couple is too tempting to refuse.

Working as a team reignites the spark between Joel and Matt. But when betrayal from within Starsmith threatens both the project and Joel’s confidence, will they have built enough trust to keep their newfound love as precious as the royal jewels?

.•.•.**❣️ Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Romancing The Rough Diamond by Clare London Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

Romancing The Rough Diamond by Clare London Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Clare London - Romancing The Rough Diamond RBBANNER-83

Hi guys! We have Clare London popping in today with her new release Romancing The Rough Diamond, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 Amazon GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~

Clare London - Romancing The Rough Diamond Cover 474jh

Romancing The Rough Diamond

(Dreamspun Desires 90 / Romancing The… 04)
by

Clare London

Trust is the most precious jewel of all.

When Mayfair jewelers Starsmith Stones wins the commission for a gay royal wedding, CEO Joel Sterling is recommended to the brilliant young designer Matt Barth—only to discover Matt’s the man with whom he shared an anonymous and passionate kiss on the celebration night.

Disenchanted with the commercial jewelry industry, Matt nowadays prefers muddy archaeological digs to designing. Openly resentful of Starsmith’s hostile takeover of his family’s firm, he is horrified at the realization he’ll be working with the man who engineered that deal—but the opportunity to create something fabulous and unique for the royal couple is too tempting to refuse.

Working as a team reignites the spark between Joel and Matt. But when betrayal from within Starsmith threatens both the project and Joel’s confidence, will they have built enough trust to keep their newfound love as precious as the royal jewels?

.•.•.**❣️ Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Romancing The Rough Diamond by Clare London Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

Romancing the Undercover Millionaire by Clare London ~ Audio Review

Clare London - Romancing the Undercover Millionaire Audio Cover 324984ygTitle: Romancing the Undercover Millionaire

Series: Romancing the… 03 / Dreamspun Desires 71

Author: Clare London

Narrator: Seb Yarick

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 7 hrs, 9 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (14th February 2019)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Can poverty and privilege find a loving compromise?

Alexandre Bonfils, a rich and spoiled second son, is tired of being ignored and decides to help when the family’s exclusive wine business is in trouble. Going undercover in the warehouse, he loves the adventure – and the chance to be close to the sassy and sexy manager, Tate Somer-ton.

Tate is hardworking and financially struggling, bringing up his siblings on his own. A suspected saboteur at work is his latest challenge, but now he also has a clueless, though very attractive, new intern. There’s an immediate spark between the ill-matched couple, until a shocking acci-dent cuts short Alex’s amateur sleuthing.

While recovering in the generous care of Tate and his family, will Alex realize what belonging really means? Passion and pride come together to fight for the company they’re both committed to preserving, but can a personal bond remain when the dust settles?

Purchase Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK 

Review: Romancing the Undercover Millionaire is the third book in Clare London’s Romancing The… series. I really like Clare London’s writing and this book, in fact the series, has not been an exception. All the books in the series are standalone, with no linking characters, so there’s no need to worry if you’ve not read the previous books. This series is really just sweet romances between men of completely different walks of life. This book is for the people that love the sweet romances, where Prince Charming comes in and saves the day.

The narration by Seb Yarick is quite good too, although the accents didn’t seem right throughout the book being that none of these are my native accents after a while it didn’t bother me at all. Instead the strength in his tone used for the millionaire in the book, Alexandre Bonfils, is perfect. Alex is something of an entitled guy who learns about what it’s like to be a person without the privilege and trappings that comes with absurd wealth. He also nails a great, soft spoken tone for the other MC, Tate.

With Alex being a millionaire, the ne’er do well son of the head of major international company, Tate really is his exact opposite, he’s the son of a factory worker who has become the warehouse manager for the Bonfils’ company. For Alex, after a show down with his father, Alex decides (with a bit of help) to show his family that he isn’t useless. But to do that he goes undercover in the company warehouse to track down some suspicious “accidents” that keep happening as the company approaches the release of a new wine that could win them one of the most prestigious awards in Europe. This is how he meets Tate, the warehouse manager. Tate has a few niggling feelings about Alex (who is definitely not going by the name Bonfils and has now dyed his blonde hair black). As they get to know each other, the suspicious activity begins to increase. Tate rejects his concerns over Alex when Alex is injured. When Tate insists on inviting Alex to stay with his family, the two men become closer and suddenly for Alex everything becomes more and more complicated when feelings become involved. However, all that Alex wants to do is figure what the hell is going on and who is trying to sabotage his family’s company.

Romancing The Undercover Millionaire by Clare London Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Clare London - Romancing The Undercover Millionaire RTBannerCL

Hi guys! We have Clare London popping in today with the tour for her new release Romancing The Undercover Millionaire, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~ p.s. keep an eye out for our review coming soon!

Romancing The Undercover Millionaire

(Dreamspun Desires 71 / Romancing The… 03)
by

Clare London

Can poverty and privilege find a loving compromise?

Alexandre Bonfils, a rich and spoiled second son, is tired of being ignored and decides to help when the family’s exclusive wine business is in trouble. Going undercover in the warehouse, he loves the adventure—and the chance to be close to the sassy and sexy manager, Tate Somerton.

Tate is hardworking and financially struggling, bringing up his siblings on his own. A suspected saboteur at work is his latest challenge, but now he also has a clueless, though very attractive, new intern. There’s an immediate spark between the ill-matched couple, until a shocking accident cuts short Alex’s amateur sleuthing.

While recovering in the generous care of Tate and his family, will Alex realize what belonging really means? Passion and pride come together to fight for the company they’re both committed to preserving, but can a personal bond remain when the dust settles?

.•.•.**❣️ Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Romancing The Undercover Millionaire by Clare London Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

Romancing The Undercover Millionaire by Clare London Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Clare London - Romancing The Undercover Millionaire RBBannerCL

Hi guys! We have Clare London popping in today with her new release Romancing The Undercover Millionaire, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Romancing The Undercover Millionaire

(Dreamspun Desires 71 / Romancing The… 03)
by

Clare London

Can poverty and privilege find a loving compromise?

Alexandre Bonfils, a rich and spoiled second son, is tired of being ignored and decides to help when the family’s exclusive wine business is in trouble. Going undercover in the warehouse, he loves the adventure—and the chance to be close to the sassy and sexy manager, Tate Somerton.

Tate is hardworking and financially struggling, bringing up his siblings on his own. A suspected saboteur at work is his latest challenge, but now he also has a clueless, though very attractive, new intern. There’s an immediate spark between the ill-matched couple, until a shocking accident cuts short Alex’s amateur sleuthing.

While recovering in the generous care of Tate and his family, will Alex realize what belonging really means? Passion and pride come together to fight for the company they’re both committed to preserving, but can a personal bond remain when the dust settles?

.•.•.**❣️ Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

Continue reading “Romancing The Undercover Millionaire by Clare London Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

Romancing The Ugly Duckling by Clare London ~ Audiobook

Title: Romancing the Ugly Duckling

Series:  Dreamspun Desires 36 / Romancing The… Book 2

Author: Clare London

Narrator:  Joel Leslie

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 7 hrs, 15 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (19th June 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Is this the makeover of a lifetime?

Ambitious fashionista Perry Goodwood lands the project of his dreams – track down a celebrity family’s missing brother in the Scottish Highlands and bring him back to London for a TV reality show. But first he must transform the rugged loner into a glamorous sophisticate.

Greg Ventura has no use for high fashion. He lives on the isolated island of North Uist to escape the reminder that he’s nowhere near as handsome as his gorgeous brothers and to avoid the painful childhood memories of being bullied.

Greg wants nothing to do with city life, and Perry’s never been outside London. When Perry is stranded on North Uist, this conflict seems insurmountable. But Greg is captivated by the vivacious Perry, and Perry by both the island and his host. However, Perry’s one heartfelt wish remains: that ugly duckling Greg fulfill his potential as a swan.

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: There is a lot for me to love with this book. Firstly, I love the author – I love the sweet English romances by Clare London. I suppose to sum up her writing in a word would be “enchanting”. I loved the first book in this series and that is absolutely true of the second book. Secondly, I love reading about someone meeting their true love and finally seeing themselves in the beautiful light that their love interest sees them. I find that truly uplifting, to see self esteem grow over the course of a book, because hey, I can be sappy. And thirdly, the audio book to me was the sheer enjoyment of listening to Joel Leslie, I’m pretty sure for the first time, and loving every moment of the hustle and bustle of England and the calm solitude of the Scottish Highlands (and yes, I am an Outlander fan and have been for a decade, I blame that!).

Greg Ventura is the guy who left the hustle and bustle of the city to live in an island in the Scottish Highlands. He comes from a family and famous, ridiculously good looking and ridiculously talented brothers. He’s the Ugly Duckling. He doesn’t think that he is as good looking as his brothers – mostly because his brothers instilled this thought into his mind. But now his brothers are calling on him again. They need him to be part of a reality TV show and look like a happy family.

That’s how Greg meets Perry (Peregrine) Goodwood. Perry is an ambitious about his career as a designer/fashionista. It’s hard to explain his career except that he is the guy that does the fashion makeovers. He’s been hired by Greg’s brothers to find Greg, make him over and get him to London to his family. The problem is that Perry gets more than he bargained for when he discovers the gentle, carefree soul that is Grey Ventura – very much unlike his brothers. On top of all that, he needs to be in London because he needs his job desperately, as mistakes from his past threaten to keep him in debt for longer than he can handle.

I love the story and the whirlwind Scottish romance. It is as simple as that. It appeals to that side of me that loves everything about British dramas and the Scottish Highlands (even with all his rain and cold).

Romancing the Wrong Twin by Clare London ~ Audiobook

Clare London - Romancing the Wrong Twin Cover AudioTitle: Romancing the Wrong Twin

Series:  Dreamspun Desires 21 / Romancing the… 01

Author: Clare London

Narrator: Rusty Topsfield

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 6 hrs 21 mins

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (3 Jan 2017)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: How tangled can a romantic web get?

When gruff mountaineer Dominic Hartington-George seeks sponsorship for his latest expedition, his London PA insists on a more media-friendly profile – like dating celebrity supermodel Zeb Z.

Zeb can’t make the date, so he asks his identical twin, Aidan, to stand in for just one evening. Aidan, a struggling playwright, shuns the limelight to the extent people don’t even know Zeb has a sibling, but he reluctantly agrees.

When the deception has to continue beyond the first date, Aidan fights to keep up the pretense. Dominic likes his sassy, intelligent companion, and Aidan starts falling for the forthright explorer. But how long can Aidan’s conscience cope as confusion abounds? Will coming clean as “the other twin” destroy the trust they’ve built?

Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Romancing the Wrong Twin is exactly what the title and the blurb says and I have to admit, it is a magnificent guilty pleasure and fantastic addition to Dreamspun Desires series. Being that it is part of the Dreamspun Desires series, you need to expect some level of insta-love, totally hot sexual tension and hot sex between the two MCs, as well as some over the top drama. Yet despite all the drama, the characters actually are relatable, particularly Aidan.

The story is quite self explanatory from the title. Someone is clearly dating someone pretending to be his twin. I know it sounds silly and that was why I wanted this book! Aidan is “the wrong twin” and he is taking the place of his famous brother Zeb (stage name). Zeb is a model and as part of his contract, is often contracted to be seen with other celebrities in order to get seen by the paparazzi. But Zeb can’t make his latest job – to be seen at a film premiere with famous mountaineer Dominic Hartington-George. Dominic has zero person skills but unlike his brother, Aidan is totally attracted to Dominic. The problem is Aidan is continuing to pretend to be his brother and the farce just snowballs from the word go.

Look, Dominic can really be a massive arse and most of the book is drama caused by his ego or by his mouth. In contrast Aidan is all sweet, lovable and very down to earth. I really grew to loved Aidan and his gruff beau. A totally fun and satisfying read. The two are perfect buffers for each other and their chemistry is wonderful – especially when listening to the wonderful voice of Rusty Topsfield, which is just perfect for this type of book.

Romancing the Ugly Duckling by Clare London Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Clare London - Romancing the Ugly Duckling RTBanner

Hi peeps, we have Clare London visiting today with the tour for her new release Romancing the Ugly Duckling, we have a great new excerpt, a brilliant $10 Amazon GC giveaway and Prime’s review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~ 

Clare London - Romancing the Ugly Duckling Cover

Romancing the Ugly Duckling

(Dreamspun Desires 36 / Romancing the… 02)
by

Clare London

Is this the makeover of a lifetime?

Ambitious fashionista Perry Goodwood lands the project of his dreams—track down a celebrity family’s missing brother in the Scottish Highlands and bring him back to London for a TV reality show. But first he must transform the rugged loner into a glamorous sophisticate.

Greg Ventura has no use for high fashion. He lives on the isolated island of North Uist to escape the reminder that he’s nowhere near as handsome as his gorgeous brothers and avoid the painful childhood memories of being bullied.

Greg wants nothing to do with city life, and Perry’s never been outside London. When Perry is stranded on North Uist, this conflict seems insurmountable. But Greg is captivated by the vivacious Perry, and Perry by both the island and his host. However, Perry’s one heartfelt wish remains: that ugly duckling Greg fulfill his potential as a swan.

Dreamspinner Press ebook  | Dreamspinner Press paperback | Amazon

Continue reading “Romancing the Ugly Duckling by Clare London Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”

Romancing the Ugly Duckling by Clare London

Clare London - Romancing the Ugly Duckling CoverTitle: Romancing the Ugly Duckling

Series: Dreamspun Desires 36 / Romancing The… 02

Author: Clare London

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (260 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (15 June 2017)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Is this the makeover of a lifetime?

Ambitious fashionista Perry Goodwood lands the project of his dreams—track down a celebrity family’s missing brother in the Scottish Highlands and bring him back to London for a TV reality show. But first he must transform the rugged loner into a glamorous sophisticate.

Greg Ventura has no use for high fashion. He lives on the isolated island of North Uist to escape the reminder that he’s nowhere near as handsome as his gorgeous brothers and avoid the painful childhood memories of being bullied.

Greg wants nothing to do with city life, and Perry’s never been outside London. When Perry is stranded on North Uist, this conflict seems insurmountable. But Greg is captivated by the vivacious Perry, and Perry by both the island and his host. However, Perry’s one heartfelt wish remains: that ugly duckling Greg fulfill his potential as a swan.

ISBN: 978-1-63533-387-9

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/romancing-the-ugly-duckling-by-clare-london-8498-b

Reviewer:  Prime

Review: This is a totally sweet story. For me I was looking forward to this one because I particularly enjoy to read Clare London’s book. Her writing style speaks to me and makes the time fly as I consume the offering on my computer screen. The other thing is that I can never resist a book based in the UK – and nothing says romance like the guy running away from the big city, and romance on a Scottish Island.

Greg Ventura is the guy who left the hustle and bustle of the city to live in an island in the Scottish Highlands. Seriously, Outlander Obsessenachs will probably want to read this one for that alone, and I admit that is probably another part of why I was looking for to this. He comes from a family and famous, ridiculously good looking and ridiculously talented brothers. He’s the Ugly Duckling. He doesn’t think that he is as good looking as his brothers – mostly because his brothers instilled this thought into his mind. But now his brothers are calling on him again. They need him to be part of a reality TV show and look like a happy family.

That’s how Greg meets Perry (Peregrine) Goodwood. Perry is a ambitious about his career as a designer/fashionista. It’s hard to explain his career except that he is the guy that does the fashion makeovers. He’s been hired by Greg’s brothers to find Greg, make him over and get him to London to his family. The problem is that Perry gets more than he bargained for when he discovers the gentle, carefree soul that is Grey Ventura – very much unlike his brothers. On top of all that, he needs to be in London because he needs his job desperately, as mistakes from his past threaten to keep him in debt for longer than he can handle.

I love the story and the whirlwind Scottish romance. It is as simple as that. It appeals to that side of me that loves everything about British dramas and the Scottish Highlands (even with all his rain and cold).

Romancing the Ugly Duckling by Clare London Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Clare London - Romancing the Ugly Duckling RB Banner

Hi peeps, we have Clare London visiting today with her new release Romancing the Ugly Duckling, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~ 

Clare London - Romancing the Ugly Duckling Cover

Romancing the Ugly Duckling

(Dreamspun Desires 36 / Romancing the… 02)
by

Clare London

Is this the makeover of a lifetime?

Ambitious fashionista Perry Goodwood lands the project of his dreams—track down a celebrity family’s missing brother in the Scottish Highlands and bring him back to London for a TV reality show. But first he must transform the rugged loner into a glamorous sophisticate.

Greg Ventura has no use for high fashion. He lives on the isolated island of North Uist to escape the reminder that he’s nowhere near as handsome as his gorgeous brothers and avoid the painful childhood memories of being bullied.

Greg wants nothing to do with city life, and Perry’s never been outside London. When Perry is stranded on North Uist, this conflict seems insurmountable. But Greg is captivated by the vivacious Perry, and Perry by both the island and his host. However, Perry’s one heartfelt wish remains: that ugly duckling Greg fulfill his potential as a swan.

Continue reading “Romancing the Ugly Duckling by Clare London Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!”