I'm so excited to join Chanel Cleeton's blog tour for her Harlequin HQN release I See London! We are both members of YA-RWA, the Young Adult chapter of Romance Writers, who also support the emerging New Adult fiction category, featuring characters in early adulthood.
Chanel is here today with a Top Ten list of things to do in London! Having visited London myself, she has great suggestions. I was only there for a day and a half, so I have more to look forward to when I visit again. Don't miss the giveaway! $50 Amazon gift card and a really cute London inspired necklace.
I SEE LONDON by Chanel CleetonFebruary 3, 2014
Harlequin HQN (Digital First)
New Adult Contemporary Romance
BOOK SUMMARY:
Maggie Carpenter is ready for a change— and to leave her ordinary life in South Carolina behind. But when she accepts a scholarship to the International School in London, a university attended by the privileged offspring of diplomats and world leaders, Maggie might get more than she bargained for.
When Maggie meets Hugh, a twentysomething British guy, she finds herself living the life she always wanted. Suddenly she’s riding around the city in a Ferrari, wearing borrowed designer clothes and going to the hottest clubs. The only problem? Another guy, the one she can’t seem to keep her hands off of.
Half French, half Lebanese, and ridiculously wealthy, Samir Khouri has made it clear he doesn’t do relationships. He’s the opposite of everything Maggie thought she wanted…and he’s everything she can’t resist. Torn between her dream guy and the boy haunting her dreams, Maggie has to fight for her own happy ending. In a city like London, you never know where you stand, and everything can change in the blink of an eye.
This is a New Adult romance recommended for readers 17 and up.
When Maggie meets Hugh, a twentysomething British guy, she finds herself living the life she always wanted. Suddenly she’s riding around the city in a Ferrari, wearing borrowed designer clothes and going to the hottest clubs. The only problem? Another guy, the one she can’t seem to keep her hands off of.
Half French, half Lebanese, and ridiculously wealthy, Samir Khouri has made it clear he doesn’t do relationships. He’s the opposite of everything Maggie thought she wanted…and he’s everything she can’t resist. Torn between her dream guy and the boy haunting her dreams, Maggie has to fight for her own happy ending. In a city like London, you never know where you stand, and everything can change in the blink of an eye.
This is a New Adult romance recommended for readers 17 and up.
Top Ten Things to Do in London
By Chanel Cleeton
Living in London for four years was pretty much a dream come true for me. When I think of London, Samuel Johnson’s quote always comes to mind: “When a man is tired of London, he’s tired of life. For there is in London all that life can afford.” There’s always something to do in a city like London and adventure always feels like it’s just around the corner. Here’s a list of my favorite things to do in London (in no particular order):
1. Strolling in Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of my favorite places in London. It’s a welcome spot of green in a bustling city. On any given day you can see horses, dogs, swans, and much more! It’s like being in the country without having to escape the comforts of the city.
2. Eating at Ranoush/Maroush Lebanese Restaurant
Whenever I go to London this is always a MUST for me. Ranoush (some branches are called Maroush) is a Lebanese restaurant chain that is probably my favorite restaurant ever. They’re cheap, AMAZING, all over the city, and open late. I ate here at least twice a week for four years and have some incredible memories there. My favorites included: Tabouleh, Halloumi cheese, Baklava, Chicken Shawarma, Lamb Shawarma, Hummus, and Warak-Inab (Grape leaves).
3. Shopping on Kensington High Street
I could wander around High Street Kensington all day and probably never get bored. There’s tons of shopping, bars, and restaurants. It’s always fun, always busy, and full of amazing memories for me. Some of my favorite High Street shops include: Accessorize, H&M, Monsoon, Oasis, French Connection, Aldo, and so much more.
4. High Tea at The Cadogan Hotel
High tea is one of my favorite British traditions. It was a popular choice when I lived in London because the sandwiches, tea, and pastries were pretty much unlimited—perfect for a college student’s budget. High tea became a tradition to celebrate birthdays and engagements. The Cadogan is an elegant boutique hotel in Chelsea that’s also known for the fact that Oscar Wilde was arrested there.
5. London Nightlife
The amazing nightlife is definitely one of my favorite things about London. I spent many of my university years dancing in clubs and hanging out at fun bars. It’s a great chance to get dressed up and have an adventurous night. Some of my favorite London bars and clubs include: Aura, No 5 Cavendish Square, Trader Vic’s, Long Bar at The Sanderson Hotel, Chinawhite, Beach Blanket Babylon, and Whisky Mist at Zeta.
6. Seeing a Musical
I love going to musicals in London. The theater scene is amazing and you can often get good deals on tickets in Leicester Square. Some of my favorite musicals include: Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, and We Will Rock You.
7. Going to Harrods
Harrods is an experience. I was lucky to live within walking distance to the amazing store and spent a ton of time there. The fashion is AMAZING. My friends and I would go and try on dresses and jewelry, our own version of dress-up. The food is also incredible. The Harrods Food Hall is basically an entire floor of almost every food you can think of. A personal favorite of mine was always going to Krispy Kreme at Harrods. We would sit on the steps outside and eat donuts. It’s such a fun memory.
8. Art at the National Gallery and the V&A Museum
The National Gallery and the Victoria & Albert Museum are my two favorite museums in London. The collections in both are amazing. I love wandering through them. It’s an inexpensive and fun experience.
9. Going to Buckingham Palace
I love Buckingham Palace. During the summer months you can tour the palace when the Queen isn’t in residence. There’s something about standing in front of Buckingham Palace that really makes the experience of being in London so special. It’s a must-see!
10. Going to the Palace of Westminster
Like my heroine, Maggie, I love politics. There was something so special about being at the Houses of Parliament. I took a class on British politics in university and I was fortunate enough to spend time in the Houses of Parliament. It was such a cool experience and really made me feel like I was in the heart of British power and politics.
BOOK BUY LINKS:
AUTHOR BIO:
Originally a Florida girl, at seventeen Chanel moved to London to attend an international university. In the four years that followed, she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, learned how to dance, travelled through Europe, and made lifelong friendships. Chanel fell in love with London and planned to stay there forever. But fate intervened on a Caribbean cruise, when an American fighter pilot with smooth dance moves, swept her off her feet.
Now, a happily ever after later, Chanel is living her next adventure in South Korea. An avid reader and hopeless romantic, she is happiest curled up with a book. She has a weakness for handbags, puppy cuddles, and her fighter pilot husband. Chanel writes New Adult contemporary romances and Young Adult thrillers. Her New Adult debut, I SEE LONDON, will be released by Harlequin (HQN) on February 3, 2014, followed by a sequel, LONDON FALLING, later in the year.
Originally a Florida girl, at seventeen Chanel moved to London to attend an international university. In the four years that followed, she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, learned how to dance, travelled through Europe, and made lifelong friendships. Chanel fell in love with London and planned to stay there forever. But fate intervened on a Caribbean cruise, when an American fighter pilot with smooth dance moves, swept her off her feet.
Now, a happily ever after later, Chanel is living her next adventure in South Korea. An avid reader and hopeless romantic, she is happiest curled up with a book. She has a weakness for handbags, puppy cuddles, and her fighter pilot husband. Chanel writes New Adult contemporary romances and Young Adult thrillers. Her New Adult debut, I SEE LONDON, will be released by Harlequin (HQN) on February 3, 2014, followed by a sequel, LONDON FALLING, later in the year.
AUTHOR LINKS: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads
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Posts
Thanks for hosting me today, Stephanie :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! I'm looking forward to reading your book.
DeleteI've been to London, but it was a long time ago. As I recall, it was a really nice place.
ReplyDeletewww.modernworld4.blogspot.com
I have never been oversees, but London is definitely on my list when I do visit. Westminster and Buckingham Palace would be highlights for me as well! Thanks for the giveaway and congrats on the publication of your novel!
ReplyDeleteWhen I visited, we got into London just in time for the changing of the guard at Buckingham. One of the best things we did was a bike tour through the royal parks. It was such a good deal; several hours of a guided tour with up-close access to so many sites. I found it through Trip Advisor :)
DeleteCongrats on the novel! I've not been to London. Top of my travel list would be a Mediterranean cruise. ;)
ReplyDeleteMy friend went to Greece and every single picture she took looked like a postcard.
DeleteSounds complicated and fun :)
ReplyDeleteThe London tips I will use when I visit. Thanks! :)
I was in London for a couple of weeks, pre-family, just touring museums and old buildings. I'd love to go back with my husband and daughter, and see it from a child's point of view!
ReplyDeletemsmaryjenkins@gmail.com