I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Tour Wars by Carla Luna Series: Romancing the Ruins #3
Published by Moon Manor Press on March 5, 2024
Genres: Adult Contemporary Romance
Pages: 323
Source: the author
Format: E-galley
My Rating:
Goodreads
Buy on Amazon, Buy on Barnes & Noble
Blurb:
Ten days, two rivals, and a busload of tourists. How bad could it be?
For archaeologist Emilia Flores, landing a fellowship to work at the ancient ruins of Pompeii in Italy is a dream come true. The only catch? She’ll be digging alongside her infuriating nemesis, TJ Mayer, who’s been a constant thorn in her side.
TJ isn’t about to pass up the Pompeii project. Sure, he’ll be stuck working with Emilia, but he thrives on challenging her. And he hasn’t forgotten that secret kiss they shared at an archaeology conference last winter.
Though unearthing Pompeii’s treasures might be a dream, student debt is a nightmare that never takes a vacation. So, when TJ and Emilia are offered a lucrative side job to lead a ten-day tour through Southern Italy, they grudgingly agree to tackle it together.
Forced to set aside their animosity and work as a team, they forge an unexpected camaraderie. As the sparks between them ignite, their rivalry gives way to passion, making it easy to forget their years of fierce competition. But what happens when the tour ends and the real world steps in?
Tour Wars is a rivals-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine romance featuring a nerdy cinnamon roll hero, a strong-willed Latina heroine, and plenty of hotel hijinks. It can be read as a standalone.
Purchase Links
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CP8LJM6Z
Barnes & Noble Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144431106?ean=2940179274063
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/tour-wars/id6473553658
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1487404
UBL (Books2Read): https://books2read.com/u/m06vv0
My Review
I have adored this whole series, so when the author mentioned this one was coming out I was so excited! And it definitely did not disappoint at all! It really even tied quite a bit into my own tour bus experience last summer in some ways, making me wish I could afford to do one just like they did in this story!
Both of our main characters were in the past books in the series, as well as the author brought those couples back into the story since they were friends. Just like the other two books this was a quick and easy read. It had funny banter, wonderful side characters, interesting history/science aspects, as well as another good “villain” someone to hate. And what I especially love is how the author makes sure the bad guy gets their deserved karma and we get to see it as part of a story.
While I had a bit of a feeling what might be the catalyst for the big blow up at the end, I like that it wasn’t necessarily an issue between TJ and Emilia, and it did also come about a little differently than I was predicting. I like being surprised! Visiting all the historic places even just in passing as part of the story was a lot of fun too. What was going on with Emilia was unbelievable that it could get to that point, but I also feel like that might be more how it is in other countries, especially even my own family’s ancestral country of Italy.
I also adored this cover as much as the first two, especially with the pink! I’ll have to buy this to add to my shelf when I can!
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. Her passions include baking, Broadway musicals, whimsical office supplies, and pop culture podcasts. Though she has roots in Los Angeles and Vancouver Island, she currently resides in Cedarburg, Wisconsin with her family and her feisty Siberian cat.
Social Media Links –
Website: https://www.carlalunabooks.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/casacullen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarlaLunaAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlalunacullen/
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3temHlw
BookBub Page: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/carla-luna
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“While I had a bit of a feeling what might be the catalyst for the big blow up at the end, I like that it wasn’t necessarily an issue between TJ and Emilia, and it did also come about a little differently than I was predicting. I like being surprised!” I agree 100%. Not about this book, but I love when an author does something not typical, therefore surprising me. Yea!
Yep, I love when an author can still surprise us when we’ve read so many books and know mostly how things will probably go.
The tour bus theme sounds like a fun one for a romance book! And I like it when series with a different couple in every book have the previous couples show up in future books. Nice that the catalyst at the end still managed to surprise you.
I agree, that makes the story when there are characters I recognize and enjoy spending time with.
Looks like a fun read
It was!
I love it when the bad guys get their justice due! Fun that it reminded you of your own personal bus tour experience!
While sometimes I do like seeing a bad guy have a reason and seeing them grow, in this case the villain just needed to get their due.
I’m glad you weren’t disappointed Lisa!
I really enjoy this author!